HDTV BASICS , UPDATES, NEWS AND DEALS!

NO MORE EASYHDTV!

2007-05-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

That's it guys. It's been a fun ride. I started this blog because I had so much information in my head, and a lot of friends came to me for information on HDTV's. I wanted to get it all out of my head and into a hard format, and this has been accomplished, although given more time, there are still some areas I would polish up.

I gave the full time thing a go, and it was fun. A lot of work, research and writing. Unfortunately, despite a reasonable amount of subscribers and traffic, it isn't quite enough to take on full time. At the end of the day, the numbers don't add up and I need to get back on the gravy train.

Thanks to everyone for their support, especially the visitors from San Diego who have been a part of the Blog since day one. If there is enough demand, I wouldn't be against revisiting things, but for now, people just come, get what they need and bounce with no participation, comments or acknowledment. This doesn't translate well for a sites long term success, and doesn't much warrant the 6-14hrs a day needed to maintain the site. I will leave the blog up for reference as there is a lot of useful information for newcomers to the technology, and search engines have a lot of my pages indexed already. So for now, thank you all very much and farewell.

Samsung LNT4665F, 46" 1080P LCD, HUGE PRICE DROP!

2007-05-23T10:02:00.001-07:00

This TV was originally $3699 when it came out two months ago. Now there is a huge price drop on it at Amazon. After a few days Amazon prices tend to raise back up, so if you're in the market for one, now would be a good time. Definitely one of the top LCD's on the market.

Samsung LNT4665F 46" 1080p LCD HDTV

80GB PS3 On Its Way.....

2007-05-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

....to Korea. On June 15th the 80GB PS3 will be available as well as 15 new games. These include RIDGE RACER 7," “Virtua Fighter 5,” and “Armored Core 4.” The cost will be 518,000 Korean Won. It has not been confirmed whether 1) this will replace the 60GB version or 2) If there are plans to bring this version to any other part of the Globe. Speculating for a minute, in light of the Xbox Elite, it would seem practical from a business stand point to replace the 60GB with an 80GB, piss off a lot of current owners, and then release a 200GB version to manage future HD content. The 20GB version has already been discontinued and this may just be a continued sign of the times. Good thing Sony include directions on how to upgrade the hard drive yourself. It seems like the best solution for current owners is to go the DIY route. Watch this space for additional updates.

Source: Sony Japan Press Release

The latest Transformers Trailer in HD

2007-05-20T01:14:00.000-07:00

I grew up with this stuff, so I'm interested to see how the movie turns out. These days the editors cutting some of the trailers do an amazing job, and then the actual film ends up being very average. Trailers today also tend to reveal a lot of the plot. With Spiderman 3, I felt all the best bits were revealed on TV spots and as a result there was a lot less punch when actually watching the movie. From the looks of this trailer, the special effects look amazing and there are some great touches from the original series. Enjoy at your own risk: LINK

Playstation 3 Update, Exactly 6 Months After Release.

2007-05-18T08:39:00.001-07:00

It is exactly 6 months after the US release of the PlayStation 3, and Sony have just released their end of 1st Quarter, 2007 financial report. According to their figures, as of the end of March, PS3 shipments reached 5.5 million units worldwide, while PS3 title production shipments were 13.2 million units. Of those 5 Millions shipped, an average of reported sales figures show around 4.5 million sold. So given the date, I thought it would be an apt opportunity to revisit how the platform is doing.

There has been an online trend recently of commingling figures to support ones opinion. For example we've seen announcements of, "Our_Console is now the fastest selling console in UK History," with a cut off point that makes these figures possible. Really, you can misconstrue sales figures and dates to say anything you want. After analysing the sales info, you simply do a comparison with the competitor, pick an angle and then do a press release. As consumers, what we end up seeing as a result of all the corporate marketing, are press releases such as, "Our_Console sold the most units in history for a Saturday, ever." You get the point. In it's simplest form, it's corporate playground fighting. What's worse is the irresponsible journalism from multiple sites that have been using these releases as fuel to generate traffic and buzz which results in inaccurate conclusions. As soon as a popular site posts something like this, pandemonium hits the forums which are then loaded with quotes, links and arguments about the post.

Here, I simply deliver the news and try my very best to remain objective. In a similar way someone always manages to twist my words to make my posts appear bias. The reality of it is, I own all platforms and really don't care who wins the console or HD format war. I just want to see a return on my investment. I paid $600 for a PS3 and around $700 for my Xbox with all the necessary accessories. I want to see results and content.

In all honesty, 6 months after the release of the PS3, there are only three things I really use It for.

Blu Ray Player for an excellent High Definition movie experience.
Resistance: Fall of Man (great game, no slow down,
Motorstorm

Yellow Dog Linux: ( UPDATE: While I was asleep, Terrasoft have actually released an update to include Wifi Support). YDL functions well, and once there is sincere support for it, I would seriously consider using it as an addition to my home network. Another big downside to this version of Linux and the PS3 OS itself, is that it doesn't support the NTFS file format so all my external hard drives are useless with it. If your hard drive has the FAT32 file system, the PS3 and YDL will recognise the drive, however you will be limited to a 2TB partition size and a 4GB file size. This puts a potential limit on high definition content.

Multimedia Content: Transferring movie clips, pictures and music, couldn't be easier. The barrage of photo viewers is also a nice added touch. The XMB aesthetically looks great and the presentation of your content is well done. The Xbox 360 and PS3 are definitely fighting to be the hub of your multimedia content. While the PS3's XMB has a mature looks, Xbox dashboard still seems designed to fall in the 12-21 age group.

Online Content: Despite its look, Xbox Live Shines, and is completely loaded with things to do. However during the 360's first year, there really was a lack of content. PlayStation Network definitely falls into this category. The look of PlayStation Network is also very primitive but hopefully this design is a "placeholder" for what's to come. As far as actual online game play, the PS3 doesn't even flutter an eyelid when there are 40 people online at the same time. Where it does have problems is with it's spotty Blue tooth headset support. This still hasn't been addressed since day one.

Games: One of the primary reasons for buying the system is the games, and there aren't many worth buying at the moment. Given a choice between platforms, I've always bought the 360 version due to the fact that I know the voice support will work. There is not enough difference between the PS3 and 360 version of a multi platform game to warrant one over the other. The voice support however is a given on the 360. If you visit the PlayStation Website, "Spiderman 3" and "Rainbow Six" are the highlighted games. Not very inspiring, but today's "SCEA's gamers day" gave proof that without a doubt, there is a lot in the works. Let's not forget, the shelf life of the PS3 is between 8-10 years. The main concern Sony should have, would be to make sure they deliver promptly.

Firmware Update: The system has seen a lof of improvements since release, but there are still some annoying issues that need to be addressed. But giving credit where it's due, SCEA has done a great job so far, and hopefully all the oustanding issues will see resolutions in future updates.

The future: Now the exciting part. All the above are just observations of what's happening NOW. The PS3 is owed at least another 6 months before we should really expect to see some definitive changes and developments. By the end of the year there will be PS Home and we will also be on the eve of several top titles games, some which have managed to remain exclusive and others which have become multi-platform. Development costs for video games have soared into the millions, which marks a severe change in the industry. Expect to see less and less "exclusives" as time goes on. To get a return on their investments, development companies really have little choice other than to appeal to as many consumers as possible. Remaining exclusive makes it a lot more difficult to recover the millions spent on production. Konami for example must have either 1) A great relationship with Sony or 2)Huge faith in the PlayStation 3 platform or 3) A bit of both. But it's not just the initial sales that count, over time, the PlayStation 3 has room to grow exponentially and this expected growth in user base can "encourage" development companies to remain loyal.

The bottom line is that historically, Sony are slow to deliver content. On its own two feet, the PlayStation 3 is doing great. There is little content, and it can be frustrating for the hardcore gamer who logs in every day checking for new things to do. But the future is very bright for this box of wonders, and the addition of a near perfect Blu Ray player simply gives adopters to high definition gaming more content and functionality for a marginal increase in price. Despite the Blu Ray format being released almost a year after HD DVD, it is a fact that it has steadily surpassed its competitor in movie sales and still has solid, exclusive, industry support.

More on the Figures: I've seen comparisons on sales figures based on the PS2, original Xbox and many more. The comparisons are interesting to note, but not extremely relevant. When the PlayStation 2 came out, it didn't have all the direct competition that the PS3 has now. But more importantly, the world was a very different place 7 years ago. The Internet has flourished and consumers are a lot more educated and know how to use multiple resources to educate themselves. A lot of sources are questionable, but that's another issue. Perhaps one of the pitfalls of this change is how attached consumers are to brands and products. The "wars" created today such as, "Xbox 360 vs PlayStation 3" or "DLP vs SXRD" has taken such a huge turn for the worse that forums are loaded with misconstrued information and opinions to the point that it's hard to find a place where you can just get the facts. My point? There are too many variables to compare how the PS2 did on its' 2000 launch vs how the PS3 is doing now in 2007. In addition, measuring up the PS3 against the Xbox 360 creates much room for speculation as they were released a year apart and the 360 didn't have to contend with the influx of not only gamers, but also the non gamers who were flocking to pick up a Wii for party entertainment. So you see, you can speculate and mix and match figures to prove a point, but their relevance is limited.

In retrospect however, here are some actual relevant facts to consider. If you put Google to use, you will see how much negative press the PS2 received upon release. It was branded as a failure, there was little content for a whole year, it was deemed as too expensive, analysts swore that it would follow the route of the Sega Saturn, and it's inclusion of a DVD drive was seen as an unnecessary expenses to consumers. Sound familiar?

(Please leave your comments, I would love to hear what you think. This article has already had several hundred hits and not one comment as I forgot to enable comments!!)

Amazon 1080p HDTV Sale going on NOW!!

Sony Announces Upcoming Releases at Gamers Day 2007

2007-05-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Playstation 3

Ratchet & Clank(R)Future: Tools of Destruction(TM), SCEA
Uncharted: Drakes Fortune(TM), SCEA
Heavenly Sword(TM), SCEA
SingStar(TM), SCEA
SOCOM: Confrontation, SCEA
LAIR, SCEA
Folklore(TM), SCEA
NBA '08, SCEA
MLB 07 The Show(TM), SCEA
THE EYE OF JUDGMENT(TM), SCEA
Home, SCEA
LittleBigPlanet(TM), SCEA
Elder Scrolls(R)4: Oblivion, Bethesda Softworks
The BIGS, 2K Sports
Hellboy, Konami
Devil May Cry(R)IV, Capcom
Stranglehold(TM), Midway
Spider-Man 3, Activision, Inc.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma(R), Tecmo
TimeShift(TM), Sierra Entertainment
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas, Ubisoft Entertainment
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter(TM) 2, Ubisoft Entertainment
Surf's Up(TM), Ubisoft Entertainment
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Electronic Arts
Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End, Disney Interactive
SEGA Rally(R) Revo, SEGA
Dynasty Warriors(R):GUNDAM(R), NAMCO BANDAI Games
Conan(R), THQ
Ratatouille, THQ
The Darkness, 2KGames
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, 2KGames

PLAYSTATION Network

PAIN, SCEA
Calling All Cars(TM), SCEA
Warkhawk(TM), SCEA
High Velocity Bowling, SCEA
High Stakes on the Vegas Strip: Poker Edition, SOE

PSP

SOCOM US Navy SEALs: Tactical Strike, SCEA
Syphon Filter(R): Logan's Shadow, SCEA
God of War(R): Chains of Olympus, SCEA
Jeanne D'Arc, SCEA
NBA '08, SCEA
Pursuit Force(TM): Extreme Justice, SCEA
Parappa the Rapper(TM), SCEA
MLB 07 The Show(TM), SCEA
Crazy Taxi(TM): Fare Wars, SEGA
Crush(TM), SEGA
Castlevania(R)The Dracula X Chronicles(TM), Konami
Silent Hill Origins, Konami
Monster Hunter Freedom 2, Capcom
SWAT(R)Target Liberty(TM), Sierra Vivendi
Hot Brain(TM), Midway Home Entertainment
Final Fantasy, Square Enix
Dungeons and Dragons(R) Tactics, Atari
Star Wars Battlefront(R): Renegade Squadron(TM), LucasArts
NARUTO(TM): Ultimate Ninja Heroes(TM), NAMCO BANDAI Games
Dead Head Fred, D3 Publisher of America
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient(TM), D3 Publisher of America
PlayStation 2
Buzz! Mega Quiz, SCEA
Buzz Jr. Jungle Party, SCEA
Hot Shots Tennis(R), SCEA
Manhunt 2, RockStar Games

Current Playstation deals

New Class of Pioneer Elite A/V Receivers are Cornerstone of Distinguished Home Theater Design

2007-05-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Compatibility with HDMI 1.3a Ensures Effortless Connectivity to 1080p Audio and Video Components:

Fulfilling the complete high resolution home entertainment experience, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduces four new A/V receivers that deliver high definition audio and video like never before. The Pioneer® Elite® VSX-90TXV, VSX-91TXH, VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH A/V receivers are essential hubs of home theater with superior HDMI connectivity for a host of digital devices. The top three models offer HDMI 1.3a support to handle increased picture and sound demands of new high definition televisions and optical disc players. High resolution powerhouses, the top three models seamlessly pass 1080p 24Hz picture with sophisticated decoding of advanced audio formats Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS-HD™ Master Audio. The VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH are two of the industry’s first receivers to feature Neural-THX® Surround™ decoding for faithful reproduction of multi-channel surround sound for movies, music and gaming in the home theater environment.
“Pioneer continually answers the call from audio video enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in rich home theater design. Our new line of Elite A/V receivers with HDMI 1.3a connectivity allows consumers to enjoy the benefits of the new technologies being used on music and movie discs,” said Dave Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “We’re bringing the true essence of high definition emotion to the audience.”

To ensure dynamic sound of all connected devices, Pioneer employs industry-leading digital sound processing capabilities including its Advanced MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) room tuning technology. All four receivers provide personalized music entertainment options via new compatibility with Sirius® Satellite Radio as well as direct inputs to an iPod® and XM Connect & Play™ antenna.

High Definition Like Never Before:
Setting the benchmark for high definition connectivity, the new Pioneer Elite A/V receivers unify current and future home theater components with enhanced audio video scaling and processing to ensure optimum performance. The VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH provide definitive home theater functionality with HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) technology for complete management of multiple CEC-enabled components with the Pioneer PDP’s remote control.

Video Processing:
The new generation of HDMI, version 1.3a, has more than double the bandwidth capacity of its predecessors for extremely high speed transfer of uncompressed high definition video and audio resolutions. Designed for emerging 1080p flat panel television and the Blu-ray® Disc optical format, Pioneer Elite A/V receivers with HDMI 1.3a deliver the true excitement of high definition entertainment.

The Elite VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH A/V receivers are specifically engineered for the 1080p world with a Faroudja® video scaler chip that ensures full 1080p 24Hz performance among high resolution products. The VSX-91TXH features an interlace-to-progressive (I/P) signal converter up to 480p.

Audio Processing:
Leveraging its audio expertise, Pioneer incorporates superb internal decoding of advanced audio codecs that bring high definition full circle. The top three receiver models deliver lossless DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus multi-channel audio. The new formats deliver stellar sound quality using premium Dolby TrueHD lossless audio and DTS-HD Master Audio. These receiver models also include Dolby Digital Plus, a highly flexible audio technology that delivers outstanding high-definition sound and up to 7.1 channels of surround sound for a richer, more involving entertainment experience.

The VSX-92 and VSX-94 offer the newest generation of THX technology, Neural-THX Surround, allows home audiences to experience rich surround sound the way an audio engineer envisioned an original cinematic, music or gaming soundtrack would perform. The technology allows for broadcast content to be transmitted in 2-channel stereo format, and when played back through a connected device the new receivers are capable of decoding that content back in to 7.1 multi-channel audio, immersing listeners in brilliant high resolution sound in their living room. All four receivers are THX Select2 Certified, incorporating THX product design and performance specifications that ensure a superior level of audio quality and product usability.

Superb Audio Delivery:
All four receivers utilize Pioneer Advanced MCACC room-tuning feature to upgrade sound quality in any room configuration. The MCACC microphone requires quick one-touch activation to optimize the acoustics in a room by making subtle adjustments to a room’s speakers, neutralizing the sound field of the listening area and meticulous fine-tuning for exceptional sonic performance. Utilizing Phase Control technology, the new receivers can eliminate signal distortion sometimes caused by low frequency sound sources audio arrives at the listening position in sync ensuring accurate audio reproduction.

A Variety in EntertainmentPioneer continues to provide the most robust entertainment connectivity:

Satellite Radio: All four A/V receivers deliver both SIRIUS and XM Satellite Radio crystal clear, digital programming with dual connectivity to both a SiriusConnect™ SC-H1 tune and XM Connect & Play™ antenna (both sold separately; monthly subscription needed).
Simple control and management of both satellite radio devices is done with the receivers’ remote control and full on-screen display capability. HD fans can enjoy select XM music channels in 5.1 surround sound via XM HD Surround broadcasts powered by Neural Audio®.
iPod Audio & Photo: For a truly personal experience, the receivers allow direct access and control to personalized music and video files from an iPod® via the optional Pioneer IDK-80 universal iPod docking station. Owners can navigate playlists with the remote control and on-screen display.
Home Media Gallery Audio: The Elite VSX-94TXH provides audio streaming capability of downloaded music from a computer hard drive or Internet radio as well as portable USB devices for home networking. Artist and song information can be viewed with on-screen display capability and controlled with the system’s remote.

Full Custom Installation ReadyAll four of the Pioneer Elite A/V receivers are custom-installation as a result of the following features:

Multi-room, multi-source capabilities allowing a single receiver to serve as the entertainment centerpiece of multiple rooms
XM and Sirius Satellite Radio programming for secondary zone RS232 port for PC and control connectivity (VSX-91TXH, VSX-92TXH, VSX-94TXH) LCD preset/learning remote with preset multi-operation control
Synchronized high end home theater design with glossy black cosmetics

The VSX-90TXV and VSX-91TXH will be available June 2007 for the suggested prices of $650 and $1000, respectively. The VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH will begin shipping August 2007 for the suggested prices of $1300 and $1600, respectively.

Pioneer Elite Blu-ray Disc Player Fulfills Promise of the HD Disc Format with Unbeatable Picture Quality

2007-05-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. offers the pinnacle of home theater to entertainment junkies with the introduction of its next generation Blu-ray Disc® player, the Elite® BDP-94HD. The well-rounded player offers playback of the newest high resolution audio formats, home networking capabilities and is easily integrated into even the most complicated home theaters. However, it shines most in its ability to deliver stunning image quality of Blu-ray Disc titles.

“The decision to purchase a Blu-ray Disc player is generally made because a consumer recognizes the benefits of the HD quality. This new player is a prime example of our dedication to exceptional quality, creating sights and sounds that leave an emotional impression for movie enthusiasts,” said Chris Walker, senior manager of marketing and product planning at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “A significant aspect to a quality home theater is convenience and this unit is designed to deliver high performance with minimal user effort for a premier entertainment experience.”

The BDP-94HD arrives at specialty retailers this month, and will be bundled with two Blu-ray Disc film titles giving consumers the opportunity to enjoy these feature films in premium Dolby® TrueHD lossless advanced audio. The BDP-94HD has a suggested price of $1000. Home Theater Integration Pioneer designed the BDP-94HD for seamless home theater integration via HDMI® Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) technology. The new feature allows users to synchronize the Blu-ray Disc player with multiple CEC-enabled home theater products to manage an entire system with a single remote control. The newly designed graphical user interface enables simple navigation with easy to read icons.

Home Media GalleryThe BDP-94HD offers an enhanced version of Pioneer’s exclusive Home Media Gallery home networking feature. With faster navigation, consumers can stream video and music content as well as view photo slideshows directly from their computer in high definition. With IP networking and a new user interface, Pioneer makes it extremely easy for users to access and load protected content and even download new digital media files straight from their computer for immediate viewing through the player on a large flat screen television. It is compliant with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Windows PC’s using Windows Media Connect, and Microsoft’s playsforsure™ DRM technology.

Movie Theater Playback PerformancePioneer ensures smooth universal product compatibility with state-of-the-art HDMI connectivity to rapidly transfer pure digital video and audio data between source and display resulting in uncompromised imagery of Blu-ray Disc and standard definition DVD. It offers superb audio performance with internal decoding of premium Dolby TrueHD lossless audio technology for high-definition content and Dolby® Digital Plus, a highly flexible audio technology that delivers outstanding high-definition sound and up to 7.1 channels of surround sound for a richer, more involving entertainment experience.

Source: Pioneer Press Release

Note that the Pioneer BDP-LX70 is the Japanese version of this model.

Pirates Of The Caribbean Blu Ray Disc Details released.

2007-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Buena Vista have released the special features information for the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean Blu Ray discs. For the first time, we can see that the discs come LOADED with special features and takes advantage of the extra storage capacity afforded by the Blu Ray format.

* PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

DISC 1 (50GB)
Feature Film Presentation
Feature Audio Commentary with Johnny Depp and Director Gore Verbinski
Feature Audio Commentary with Producer Jerry Bruckhemier and Actors Keira Knightley and Jack Davenport
Feature Audio Commentary with Screenwriters Stuart Beattie, Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio and Jay Wolpert
Scoundrels of the Sea: Piecing Together the Treasured Past of Pirates
Hosted Guide by Jolly Roger character (Disc 1 only)

DISC 2 (25GB)
An Epic at Sea: The Making of Pirates The Actors, Locations, Production Design, Ships of the Caribbean, Make-up & Wardrobe, The Art of Sword Fighting, Special Effects and The Premiere
Diary of a Ship
Diary of a Pirate
Jerry Bruckhemier: A Producer' s Diary
Fly ON the Set Feature Town Attack, Tortuga, Blacksmith Shop, The Cave and Jack's Hanging
Blooper Reel
Below Deck: An Interactive History of Pirates
Moonlight Serenade: Scene Progression
Deleted and Alternate Scenes
Walt Disney' s Wonderful World of Color
Image Gallery
Easter EggsShip-to-Ship Animatic, Japanese Television Commercial, Keith Richards' comments ON Johnny Depp and Pirates and Pirates Cave Construction Timelapse
Lost Disc FeaturesBecoming Captain Jack, Becoming Barbossa and Thar She Blows! The Monkey's Name Is Jack, Pirates Around The World, Spirit Of The Ride, Dead Men Tell No Tales, The History Of The Attraction and Sneak Attack Animatic

* PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN' S CHEST

DISC 1 (50GB)
Feature Film Presentation
Feature Audio Commentary with Screenwriters Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio
Liar' s Dice Game
Hosted Guide by Jolly Roger character (Disc 1 only)

DISC 2 (25GB)
Charting the Return (Pre-production documentary)
According To Plan: The Harrowing and True Story of Dead Man' s Chest
Captain Jack: From Head to Toe
Mastering the Blade: Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley and Jack Davenport
Meet Davy Jones: Anatomy of a Legend
Creating the Kraken
Dead Men Tell No Tales: Re-Imagineering the Attraction
Fly ON the Set: The Bone Cage
Jerry Bruckheimer: A Producer' s Photo Diary
Pirates ON Main Street: The Dead Man' s Chest Premiere
Easter Eggs
Pirates ON Location
Inside Dead Man' s Chest
Pirates From Around the World (Theatrical Trailers)
Stills from the Set

Link to Dead Man's Chest on Sale here
Link to Curse of the Black Pearl on Sale here

Xbox 360 HD DVD Firmware Upgrade

2007-05-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Due to problems with the drive not playing certain titles, including "Children of Men" and the calibration tool from "Digital Video Essentials" Microsoft have released a firmware update to address the issue. Also, due to the drives inability to support the Dolby TrueHD audio format, the update will also convert (according to the Japanese source) the TrueHD stream to 1.5 Mbps DTS.

Source: AVWatch

SED UPDATE: Nano-Proprietary, Inc. Announces Verdict in Canon Litigation

2007-05-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Nano-Proprietary, Inc. (OTC BB: NNPP), today announced that the jury has reached a verdict in its litigation against Canon, Inc. In its verdict, the jury decided that Nano-Proprietary was due no additional damages beyond those already received, which includes the right to keep the $5.5 million that it originally received and termination of the original license agreement.

“While we are disappointed by the jury’s verdict, we need to keep in mind that we already had the most important victory in the case when the Court validated our termination of Canon’s license as a result of their material breach of the contract, said Tom Bijou, Chief Executive officer of Nano-Proprietary, Inc. “We were also pleased that during the trial, Canon confirmed its plans to move forward with its SED TV and continue to believe that the advent of field emission display televisions will be a signal event for Nano-Proprietary. We made a significant gesture to Canon during the course of the trial that we hope will provide a framework of cooperation and negotiation for the future. Nothing about today’s verdict changes the fact that we have significant intellectual property that we believe will have to be licensed by anybody, including Canon, that wishes to sell televisions based on electron emissions in the broad geographical areas of the world where our IP is in effect. The vast majority of our revenue forecast for 2007 has little to do with televisions. Our growth in the materials and sensor business continues to be one of the drivers of our future.”

Souce: Nano-Proprietary Press Release

This doesn't spell the end of SED, but what it does mean is that use of the technology owned by Nano-Proprietary will have to enter renegotiations before the product sees the light of day. From the statement above, it seems that despite the suit, Canon are eager to push forward.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEXT GENERATION $599 BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER

2007-05-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Adding dts-HD High Resolution and Dolby True HD and Bundling of Hit Movies Highlight DMP-BD10A's Features

SECAUCUS, NJ (May 15, 2007) Panasonic, one of the industry leaders behind the development of Blu-ray Disc technology and the market leader in Plasma televison, today announced the availability of the DMP-BD10A, Panasonics next generation Blu-ray Disc player, at a SRP of $599.95. The DMP-BD10A features an audio upgrade package that brings high end surround audio to the viewing experience via the inclusion of 7.1 channel surround, Dolby® True HD and dts-HD High Resolution Audio decoding technology. The DMP-BD10A also incorporates Panasonic's proprietary EZ-SyncTM system for integrated one-touch operation of Panasonic home-theater components. Panasonic's DMP-BD10A further distinguishes itself with the bundling of five mega hit Blu-ray discs. Included with each DMP-BD10A are -from Disney Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl and Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man's Chest, Transporter and Fantastic 4 from Fox and Crash from Lionsgate.

Panasonic is deeply committed to the success of Blu-ray, commented Gene Kelsey, Vice President, Entertainment Group, Panasonic. High definition entertainment is a truly unique experience and nothing powers the HD experience like Blu-ray. With that in mind, we feel strongly about providing the ultimate high definition entertainment to the consumer and are thrilled to offer five Blu-ray mega hits with the purchase of the BD10A.

From our format development activities and advanced Blu-ray authoring at Panasonic Hollywood Lab to our Blu-ray player, Panasonic has been instrumental in the development of Blu-ray from the start and I feel we are in the forefront of one of the most significant technological advances in home entertainment since the arrival of the DVD a decade ago. For the ultimate 1080p high definition experience, the consumer can pair the DMP-BD10A with one of Panasonic's 2007 line of award-winning plasmas.

In addition to playing pre-recorded Blu-ray movie discs, the DMP-BD10A plays conventional standard-definition DVDs (with automatic 1080p up-conversion via HDMI) and conventional CDs. Other key features of the DMP-BD10A include proprietary P4HD technology for performing IP conversion at the pixel level for ultra-fine details, a 297MHz 14bit Video D/A Converter with 4X oversampling, video noise shaping that improves signal-to-noise ratios by shifting noise to an unused band, and theoretical support for nearly 4400 billion colors. The DMP-BD10A also incorporates Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital and dts decoding, and BD-J (Java application) interactive capability. The compatibility between the DMP-BD10A and the High Definition camcorder (HDC-DX1), via the AVCHD (H.264) codec, is a prime example of Panasonic's dedication to the high definition digital lifestyle.

With the continuing flow of hit movie titles on Blu-ray, combined with aggressive pricing and the increasing awareness of consumers about the unique entertainment experience provided by high definition, the future looks very bright for Blu-ray, added Kelsey.

Source: Panasonic Press Release

Pioneer Launches New Flat Panel Televisions with Game-Changing Technology for Serious Entertainment Junkies

2007-05-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

With ten years experience delivering flat panel televisions to the U.S. market, Pioneer continually develops display technology that creates an emotional impact for those who experience its unrivaled picture quality. That’s why the company’s new flat panel televisions, launched this week, allow viewers to see, hear and feel an emotional experience like never before. The game-changing technology creates significantly deeper black levels, which ultimately lead to richer colors, sharper details and unrivaled performance. The eight new models, ranging in size from 42-inches to 60-inches diagonal, will be available beginning next month.

Pioneer’s engineering team originally selected plasma technology because its self-emissive nature creates the deepest blacks. Since black is the starting point for all colors, the deeper and more accurate the blacks, the more vivid and lifelike the colors become The newest Pioneer technology is led with black level reproduction that is 80 percent darker than the previous generation. This is achieved through a series of proprietary technologies harmonized to work together.

Oscar winning cinematographer Dion Beebe (“Memoirs of a Geisha”, nominated for “Chicago”) spoke recently about the importance of black and light and color in the work that he does. “Where light becomes interesting to me is not just in blacks and whites but the shades between light and dark and the subtle tones and textures within shadows,” Beebe said. “In terms of what I do as a cinematographer, it’s the ultimate tool in terms of creating a situation and imposing a look on a situation. The interplay of light, darkness and color captures everything, without a word being said.”

Pioneer’s goal in creating its newest flat panel displays was to capture the images created by artists like Beebe and ensure they are reproduced in a form as close to the original as possible. As a result of these efforts, Pioneer flat panel displays evoke emotion from viewers unlike any other television.

- Colors Like Never Before. As the foundation for all color, the ability to create deep black results in the richest, most three-dimensional colors. The deep blacks and vivid colors are the result of Pioneer’s newly developed cell structure, crystal emissive layer and newly designed filter.

- Performance Like Never Before. Pioneer’s engineering goal was to create errorless and noiseless video signal processing for a heightened emotional experience. This was achieved through the company’s new video processing and an “Optimum” mode that automatically processes images based on the signal and room conditions. Optimum mode can detect the difference between a news program, cartoon, sporting event, music video or other content based on the signal. It also detects the room lighting condition. Using internal intelligence, it adjusts the parameters that are used to process the image, optimizing it for the viewer.

- Sound Like Never Before. As a leader in audio technology for nearly 70 years, Pioneer placed significant emphasis on speaker technology to enhance the high definition experience. Without clear vocals, cymbals crashing and guitar picking, a music video would not make the viewer feel as if he/she were at the concert. Likewise, the lack of crystal clear sound effects minimizes the emotional impact of action films and video games. Pioneer is the first company to put an emphasis on the audio quality of its video products.

These new flat panel televisions developed as part of Pioneer’s Project KURO bring game-changing performance to consumers who demand only the best. With this introduction, Pioneer breaks away from the commoditization model, placing focus on its premium position in the market. The company will maintain its focus on quality, performance and design.

“In the art world, a plain white canvas represents a blank slate waiting for an artist to create. In the world of television, a black screen is a similarly blank canvas ready for content to be displayed. Pioneer engineers reached a monumental achievement by creating black levels that are 80 percent deeper than previously possible – defining the ultimate “blank canvas” ready for high definition movies, television and sporting events,” said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing and product planning for the Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Pioneer’s newest, most advanced line of flat panel televisions includes the following:

Pioneer PDP-4280HD, 42 inch XGA, June, $2,700

Pioneer PDP-5080HD , 50 inch XGA , June , $3,500

Pioneer PDP-5010FD, 50 inch, 1080p, September, $5,000

Pioneer PDP-6010FD, 60 inch, 1080p, September, $6,500

Elite PRO-950HD, 42 inch XGA, July, $3,200

Elite PRO-1150HD, 50 inch XGA, July, $4,500

Elite PRO-110FD, 50 inch 1080p, September, $6,000

Elite PRO-150FD, 60 inch, 1080p, September, $7,500

Source: Pioneer Press Release

Star Wars Saga Coming to Blu Ray?

2007-05-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

We already know that FOX is exclusive to Blu Ray, and that George Lucas is bound to FOX to distribute his movies. However, it's not that simple. He does have some say in the matter. There hasn't been an official announcement but this might be a indication of what's to come:

Episode 1-3 Blu Ray
Episode 4-5 Blu Ray

I've sent a letter to Amazon for confirmation on this to ensure it's not a mistake. I'll follow up here with their reply shortly.

LG Electronics Unveils World's First High-Definition TV Refrigerator

2007-05-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Digital Refrigerator of Tomorrow Delivers Design, Advanced Functionality,Entertainment and Practicality

LAS VEGAS, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its award-winning Weather & Info TV Refrigerator, LG Electronics makes kitchens more innovative and entertaining with the introduction of the first-of-its-kind digital high-definition television (HDTV) Refrigerator. The new premium model is highlighted along with LG's full refrigerator line at the 2007 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, May 8-10 (Booth C3713).

The stylish new LG HDTV Refrigerator is a unique side-by-side model that incorporates LG's powerful fifth-generation ATSC-QAM-NTSC digital television tuner that delivers crisp digital broadcast and unscrambled cable images to the refrigerator's 15-inch high-definition LCD television screen. "As an appliance industry leader in digital convergence, LG Electronics is constantly seeking out ways in which we can create innovative, stylish and functional products," said John Herrington, president of LG Electronics USA, Digital Appliances. "LG is taking this innovation one step further with the introduction of our HDTV Refrigerator by incorporating additional features that further enhance the user experience, from LG's
industry-leading digital TV tuner to the Weather & Info Center for weather forecasts, uploadable photo album and recipe bank."

In addition to a remote-controlled, cable-ready, high-definition LCD screen and FM radio on the right door, the unit features a DVD connection on top of the unit for hours of kitchen entertainment. The left door of the sleek side-by-side unit also includes a four-inch Weather & Info Center LCD display located above the ice and water dispenser complete with an advanced digital control display and special features. Families can prepare and enjoy dinner without missing their favorite news and entertainment shows, as well as take advantage of advanced features. Unique options offered to consumers seeking premium, technologically-advanced appliances for their homes include:

-- Weather forecasts: The LG unit delivers personalized weather forecasts based on a consumer's geographic area, along with the forecast for four surrounding cities, via a wireless pager network;
-- Recipe bank: From chilled gazpacho soup to tiramisu, the refrigerator's built-in recipe bank can help turn anyone into a chef with 100 pre-loaded recipes from the Culinary Institute of America; food categories include appetizers, soups, salads, meat/poultry, seafood, vegetarian, side dishes and dessert;
-- Digital photo album: Users can upload their personal photo album via a USB port in the dispenser area and select a slide show mode to display favorite pictures; and
-- Organization tools: Easily keep up with important items with these helpful functions including date/time clock, calendar with anniversary alarm and more

A child lock function, room temperature display, digital user manual,
product controls and information are also part of the complete package. The LG HDTV Refrigerator also incorporates LG's new SpacePlus(TM) Ice System, which makes ice directly on the door, as opposed to on the top of the freezer section. This helps to free up valuable storage capacity within the freezer, while still delivering the convenience of an in-door ice dispenser. For added convenience, the icemaker also features a custom cube option and a removable bin to make serving a breeze. The next generation refrigerator also boasts other convenient features
including:

-- IcePlus(TM) system: Makes ice faster, delivering added convenience;
-- Digital temperature sensor controls;
-- OptiFresh(TM) crisper: Keeps produce fresher, longer;
-- SmoothTouch(TM) external controls with backlighting;
-- BioShield(TM) anti-bacterial gasket: Prevents mold and mildew from forming on the door seal;
-- CustomCube(TM) Ice Maker: Automatic ice maker provides a choice of three cube sizes;
-- Grab n' Go(TM) door basket, wine rack, tilting door bins, glass and sliding shelves; and
-- Built-in look with hidden hinges and contoured door design.

The LG HDTV Refrigerator, model LSC27990TT, will be available in the second quarter of 2007 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3,999. Photos from LG Website

Source: PRNewswire

Samsung Blu-ray Disc Player Becomes First High-Definition DVD Player to Pass Simplay HD(TM) Testing

2007-05-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

Samsung Products Earn Simplay HD Logo for Easily Recognizable Sign of Interoperability.

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplay Labs, LLC, the leading provider of testing technologies, programs and interoperability design standards for the high-definition (HD) consumer electronics industry, today announced that Samsung's BD-P1200 Blu-ray Disc(TM) Player is the first high-definition DVD player to pass the Simplay HD(TM) Testing Program.

The Simplay HD Testing Program helps consumers identify HD components, such as HDTVs and next-generation DVD players, that will work together to provide a consistent "plug and play" user experience and maximize users' access to premium HD content. Samsung's BD-P1200 DVD player, a second-generation Blu-ray player with High-Definition Multimedia Interface(TM) (HDMI(TM)) version 1.3 functionality, underwent Simplay Labs' stringent testing for performance, robustness, and interoperability.

Without proper testing, HD products may not interoperate because there are many variables in implementing HD interface functions. Since compatibility is crucial for a rewarding consumer experience, Simplay Labs requires interface testing as well as real-world compatibility testing. Based on real-life usage situations that consumers encounter with HD equipment, Simplay Labs' interoperability testing involves plugging devices into a suite of other HD devices available on the market. This suite of tests offers a thorough verification not found with other testing services.

"We are committed to giving consumers an unsurpassed user experience," said Byungjun Chun, senior manager of Sales & Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "To help us achieve that, we use Simplay HD testing to provide assurance of compatibility." As with other products that have passed Simplay verification, the BD-P1200 will bear the Simplay HD logo. Two other Samsung products that have already passed testing and received the Simplay HD logo are the Samsung R155 DVD recorder and the Samsung LN-T3253H, a sleek 32" LCD HDTV. "We are thrilled to see Samsung join the growing number of quality-conscious manufacturers that value our testing program and are taking steps to ensure that their products meet Simplay HD approval," said Joseph Lias, president of Simplay Labs, LLC. "The Simplay HD logo will give consumers the peace of mind that their CE products will work together, and should mean fewer returns for Samsung and retailers of Samsung products." Samsung, which also has several other high-definition consumer electronic products undergoing Simplay verification, is now one of more than two dozen manufacturers participating in the Simplay HD Testing Program.

Some other member companies include Bose Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., JVC Corp., LG Electronics, Microsoft Corp., Pioneer Corp. and Yamaha Corporation.

BD-P1200

Source: PRNewswire

JVC Develops a 110-inch Rear Projection TV.

2007-05-06T09:05:00.001-07:00

Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) has developed a 110-inch rear projection TV. This size accomplishment, makes it the largest of its kind. The screen measures 243.5 x 137 cm and uses JVC's proprietary reflective liquid crystal panel "D-ILA" with a full 1080p resolution. By comparison, Sony's SXRD rear projection technology goes upto 70" with its' KDS-R70XBR2. There is no official announcement of a consumer model, but with the demand for big screens and the success of the larger HDTV's, it could be on its way.

Source: Techon Japan

New Pioneer Blu-Ray Disc Computer Drive Delivers High Definition Film Playback to PC Fans.

2007-05-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

Demonstrating its continued commitment to high definition optical disc technology, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announces the BDC-2202, a robust Blu-ray Disc computer drive, which will be available to consumers beginning next month for a suggested price of $299. When installed in a properly configured PC, the Pioneer Blu-ray Disc combination drive allows users to playback new high definition Blu-ray Disc film titles as well as read and write digital content to DVD and CD, fulfilling their storage and entertainment needs.

The drive can read BD-ROM/BD-R/BD-RE at up to 5X and can read BD-ROM (DL) and BD-R/-RE (DL) at up to 2X speed. It comes bundled with media software that ensures compatibility with commercially released Blu-ray Disc movies. It also allows users to create personal DVD movies and digital photo slideshows, securely backup personal data and media files to DVD or CD, and create and burn favorite music to CD. The software also offers a Direct-to-Disc feature allowing aspiring filmmakers to capture movies directly from the camcorder to DVD without the inconvenience of using vital hard drive space.

“With the BDC-2202, computer savvy consumers are now privy to what was previously only available to professional users. In addition to maintaining the same benefits of current optical disc drives, the included software means users can now enjoy their favorite Blu-ray Disc movies as well as their own personal disc creations,” said Andy Parsons, senior vice president at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

With copious amounts of storage capacity, Blu-ray Disc can hold high definition video and audio content along with advanced interactive features and extensive bonus materials on a single disc. With the BDC-2202, Blu-ray Disc fans and audio video enthusiasts have the capability to view recently released movies directly on a computer for times when they are not in a home theater environment. According to Home Media Magazine, Blu-ray Disc film titles have accounted for more than half of the 2.4 million HD discs sold.

Pioneer has been an innovator of optical disc technology since it brought LaserDisc, the precursor to DVD, to market in 1980. Pioneer went on to introduce the first DVD writer for computer use in 1997, the first DVD recorder as a VCR replacement in 1999, the first DVD/CD writer for home computer users in 2001 and the first Blu-ray Disc writer in 2006. Pioneer Corporation is one of the Blu-ray Disc Founders.

Pioneer’s Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group develops high definition home theater equipment for discerning entertainment junkies. Its flat panel televisions, Blu-ray Disc players, A/V receivers and speakers bring a new level of emotion to the HD experience. The company brands include Pioneer® and Elite®. When purchased from an authorized retailer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Elite products. More details can be located at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

Source: Pioneer Electronics Press Release.

Sony Computer Entertainment Creates New Licensing Department

2007-05-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sony Computer Entertainment America Expands Its Business Development Team, Announces New Licensing Department Videogame and Legal Veteran to Direct Licensing for PlayStation(R) Brand.

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Inc. today announced it is expanding its business development organization by forming an intellectual property (IP) licensing team designed to increase awareness of the company's brands and characters and to expand collaborations with new and existing business partners. As part of this expansion, the company has appointed Shelly Gayner to director of Licensing within Business Development, effective immediately. In this newly created position, Gayner will report to Phil Rosenberg, senior vice president of Sales and Business Development As part of her role, Gayner will manage SCEA's licensing team, which isresponsible for licensing the PlayStation(R) brand, including first-party game characters, for merchandise and entertainment products. She will also oversee the licensing of peripherals and accessories for PlayStation platforms including PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.

"Shelly has the perfect blend of legal expertise and videogame industry knowledge which will help us grow the PlayStation business by introducing our valued brands to a wider audience," said Phil Rosenberg, senior vice president of Business -- Development and Sales, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We now have a dedicated team to help us capture licensing and revenue opportunities, which is important to our business and long-term growth." Gayner brings more than fourteen years of industry experience to this role, with the most recent years being at SCEA. Previously, she was director of Legal and Business Affairs, where she negotiated a wide-range of intellectual property related agreements, including content, merchandise, software and end-user licenses. She also worked on the company's property licenses, which include MLB, NHL, the Gran Turismo(TM) series, Downhill Domination(R) and Tourist Trophy The Real Riding Simulator(TM). Prior to joining SCEA, Gayner held the position of corporate trademark counsel at Sun Microsystems Inc. and was corporate counsel for Sega of America.

Source: PRNewswire

Comcast Tops Satellite in HD Picture Quality Survey

2007-05-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Satellite's Own Customers Say Comcast Has a Better HD Picture in Side-by-Side Tests

The results of a new survey show that when it comes to high-definition (HD) picture quality, Comcast is the clear winner - even among customers of the two leading national satellite TV services. In side-by-side comparisons, two-thirds of satellite customers expressing a preference between Comcast and DirecTV and between Comcast and Dish Network said Comcast delivered a better HD image. More than 65% of customers ranked Comcast higher than DirecTV, and almost 70% chose Comcast over Dish Network.

Among customers of both satellite and cable, Comcast was selected as providing a better HD picture than DirecTV by 60% of respondents with a preference. Comcast was selected as providing a better HD picture than Dish Network by 66% of respondents indicating a preference. "This survey shows that consumers agree with what we've known for years: Comcast has the best HD picture," said Dave Watson, Executive Vice President, Operations, for Comcast Cable. "Whether it's feeling like you're in the front row at your favorite sporting event or concert, or watching a movie the way a director intended it to be seen, the quality of the picture is as crucial as offering the most choices, and we're the source for the best HD and home entertainment experience." Comcast is the leader in bringing customers HD entertainment, with about 200 HD viewing options at any time, including an industry-leading 100 hours of HD movies and shows as part of its signature ON DEMAND service, making HD programs available anytime a customer wants to watch them. This year, Comcast will be doubling the amount of HD ON DEMAND programming available. To date, Comcast customers have watched more than seven million HD ON DEMAND programs.

The company was one of the first video providers to offer HD service, beginning in 2001. Its high-definition lineup now includes affiliates of all major broadcast networks; comprehensive sports coverage with ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD, as well as regional sports networks across the country; premium HD networks including Starz, HBO, Cinemax and Showtime; and the most popular HD cable networks, including Discovery, Universal HD, Mojo, MHD and TNT. Methodology and Results Frank N. Magid Associates, a leading research consulting organization, conducted the survey; Accenture, a management and technology consulting company, oversaw the technical aspects of the test; and Loeb & Loeb, a national law firm, provided legal guidance on the survey process. Participants were asked if they felt there was a difference in quality between the HD television pictures displayed on three identical, unlabeled television sets (one set displaying a picture from Comcast, one from DirecTV and one from Dish Network).

Among satellite customers in the survey, 65.60% of those who expressed a preference between Comcast and DirectTV chose Comcast, and 69.92% who expressed a preference between Comcast and Dish Network chose Comcast. Among all participants in the survey, 60.3% of those who expressed a preference between Comcast and DirectTV chose Comcast, and 65.6% of those who expressed a preference between Comcast and Dish Network chose Comcast. The survey has a 5%-7% margin of error.

Source: PRNewswire

Free Spiderman 3 Blu Ray Preview Disc at Best Buy

2007-05-02T00:24:00.000-07:00

They should have done this weeks ago. Playstation Network should have gotten the trailers months ago. Instead, for some reason, Sony issue the Spiderman 3 content on the very eve of the movie's May 4th release. But i'm getting off topic. Sony are distributing free Spiderman 3 Blu Ray preview discs as of NOW. It contains trailers and clips and just requires you to walk in and pick one up. The movie should get a pre-xmas 2007 release, and will no doubt join Casino Royal and the Pirates of The Caribbean saga in marketing the format.

Universal Offers Replacement Discs for Faulty HD DVD Titles

2007-05-02T00:07:00.001-07:00

Children of Men was one of the HD DVD titles that had the widespread problem of no playback. For some un-announced reason, the discs would not play in various HD DVD players including the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive. Thankfully, Universal have stepped up and offered replacement discs to anyone that has this problem on any of their movies. If you experienced this issue, send an email directly to USHE.ConsumerRelations@worldmarkinc.com.

Starz Unveils Plans to Launch Three New HD Movie Channels

2007-05-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

Hi-Def Versions of Starz Comedy, Starz Edge, Starz Kids & Family Will Complement Existing Starz HD Channel and On Demand HD Services President/COO Myers Says Plans Reaffirm Starz Position as Leader in Premium Television

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz Entertainment President and Chief Operating Officer Bill Myers today announced plans to launch three additional high definition (HD) channels, bringing to four the total number of HD channels offered by the premium television company.

The three new channels offered in HD will be East Coast feeds of Starz Comedy, Starz Edge, and Starz Kids & Family. They will complement the existing Starz HD channel, which is available in East and West Coast feeds,(as well as the Starz On Demand HD and Encore On Demand HD services). The new channels are expected to launch by the end of this Summer.

"Starz has always been a leader in terms of offering our customers more ways to enjoy our great movies," Myers said. "We pioneered in digital transmission, multiplex, on demand and online. We will now be able to offer the largest package of HD movie channels of any widely distributed programming service, and the only one featuring first-run hit movies."

Myers noted that while the number of HD television sets sold every year has been growing, only half of HDTV owners use their sets to watch cable and satellite programming. Instead, he pointed out, they use their sets for other purposes, such as watching DVDs and broadcast channels. However, HD set owners that do subscribe to cable and satellite programming are among multichannel video's most valued customers in terms of ARPU (average revenue per unit). Research shows that there is significant demand for HD content from the premium networks -- even more so than for sports programming. Our new channels meet the needs of the marketplace with
movies, the top genre consumers are interested in for HD.*

"Working with our affiliates," Myers said, "we will make a major effort to convince HD set owners that their televisions are good for more than just watching DVDs. With our great lineup of HD movies, On Demand HD services, and now with four HD channels, Starz is well positioned to spearhead those efforts."

Myers said that additional HD channels will roll out in the coming years as more programming becomes available from the studios in the HD format. "The three new HD channels together with Starz HD will present a robust lineup of HD content to satisfy our HD customers. They will be able to see such great films as Cars, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby in full HD."

Starz Entertainment is the exclusive subscription television and broadband provider of first-run films from leading Hollywood studios including Walt Disney Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Overture Films, Revolution Studios, Miramax Films, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Pixar, TriStar, Screen Gems, Sony Classics and Warren Miller Films. Select first-run theatrical films from The Weinstein Company, IFC and Yari Film Group are also available for subscription television and
broadband exclusively on Starz Entertainment services. A vast collection of classic and favorite titles are provided by a wide array of other Hollywood studios.

As one of the largest content aggregators in Hollywood, Starz Entertainment has access to thousands of theatrical films that it makes available on the Starz services and Vongo including Cars, Silent Hill, Sin City, The Wild, Hitch, The Shaggy Dog, and Click. Movies coming later in 2007 to Vongo subscribers includes, The Da Vinci Code, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and The Illusionist.

Source: PRNewswire

PANASONIC AG-HPX500 2/3” SHOULDER MOUNT P2 HD CAMCORDER BEGINS DELIVERIES IN MAY

2007-05-01T00:03:00.001-07:00

* Affordable 2/3” HD Quality with Flexible Interchangeable Lens System *

Panasonic introduced today the AG-HPX500, a new shoulder-mounted P2 HD camcorder that teams the full production-quality of 2/3” 3-CCDs, DVCPRO HD, 4:2:2 sampling and independent frame encoding with the versatility of interchangeable lenses and the creativity of variable frame rates.

Offering the highly popular features of the incredibly successful AG-HVX200 P2 HD hand-held camcorder but with many new enhancements, the 8.2-pound AG-HPX500 features progressive 2/3” 3-CCDs that provide a larger light receiving area resulting in increased resolution and sensitivity, superb low-light performance and wide dynamic range. The camcorder features a high-performance digital signal processor (DSP) with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing that handles HD/SD format conversion simultaneously – ensuring spectacular images in all video formats for applications ranging from news acquisition, independent filmmaking, corporate video, sports and much more.

“The full 2/3” production quality AG-HPX500 sets a new value benchmark and will quickly distinguish itself as the workhorse camera for the vast range of professional applications,” said Robert Harris, Vice President, Marketing, Panasonic Broadcast. “The camcorder’s P2 HD solid-state reliability, IT system flexibility and workflow speed, combined with the DVCPRO HD quality, is unparalleled in the pro video industry.”

The AG-HPX500 records in 32 high definition and standard definition formats, including 1080i and 720p in production-proven, 100 Mbps DVCPRO HD. The AG-HPX500 records on removable P2 solid-state memory cards in 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p; in 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p; and in DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV.

The Ultra Reliability and Fast IT Workflow of P2 HD

Offering solid-state reliability with no moving parts like tape or disc-based systems and a faster IT workflow, the AG-HPX500 has four P2 card slots and can record up to 64 minutes in DVCPRO HD,128 minutes in DVCPRO 50 and 256 minutes in DVCPRO on four 16GB P2 cards. The camera also supports Native Mode recording in 720p that can significantly increase record times. Other key operational benefits provided by P2 HD technology includes instant recording startup, clip thumbnail view for immediate access to video content on all cards, and a host of recording modes including continuous, card selector, hot swapping, loop, pre-record (three seconds in HD and seven seconds in SD), one-shot and interval.

The camera also features an SD memory card slot for saving or loading scene files and user settings.

For basic P2 HD recording, clip previewing and simple editing, the AG-HPX500 can be connected easily to a laptop via the USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394 interface. For higher performance in the field, the AG-HPX500 can be combined with the AJ-HPM100 P2 Mobile for flexible, jog-dial control previews, playlist editing and writing, as well as for streaming HD/SDI/Analog/IEEE 1394 output. The camera’s HD-SDI output also allows for line recording or copying using a variety of HD/SD digital VTRs. Because the AG-HPX500 uses the same high-quality, full-frame DVCPRO codec, it integrates seamlessly with DVCPRO VTR systems and cameras like the VariCam for integrated P2 HD and tape production.

The Creative Flexibility of Variable Frame Rates

Drawing on capabilities originally developed for the VariCam, the AG-HPX500 features variable frame rates for undercranking and overcranking to create fast- or slow-motion effects. In 720p, users can set frame rates in 24p, 30p or 25p in any of 11 steps between 12fps and 60fps (or 50fps). In addition, with the camera’s advanced 1080/480 24pA mode, users have the option of using 2:3:3:2 pull down, which allows most nonlinear editing systems to extract 24 frames on ingest.

The camcorder is equipped with eight gamma modes to address a wide range of shooting situations, including Cine-like Gamma to create film-like recordings. Key interfaces include IEEE 1394, USB 2.0, HD/SD-SDI, analog component and four audio XLR inputs. Its four 48-kHz/16-bit digital audio channels are independently controllable. The camera is also equipped with a variety of shooting assist functions and presets.

The AG-HPX500 provides a Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) function that allows the camera to automatically compensate the registration error that is caused mainly by lens chromatic aberration, and minimize the circumjacent blur. Lenses that work with the HPX500’s CAC function include Canon KJ10ex4.5B IRSD PS12, KJ16ex7.7B IRSD PS12, KJ16ex7.7B KRSD PS12 and KJ21ex7.6B IRSD PS12; and Fujinon XA17x7.6BERM-M58B and XA17x7.6BRM-M58B.

The AG-HPX500 will be available in May 2007 at a suggested list price of $14,000 including a 5-year limited warranty program. A variety of camera packages will be offered.

About P2 HD

P2 HD products offer solid-state high definition recording without the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 HD products provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs, longer useful product life, and immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize, ingest or create proxy video files) and metadata. P2 HD provides the reliability of solid-state production; the immediate connectivity to existing IT infrastructures; the speed, ease of use and portability of P2 cards; and interoperability with leading NLE systems.

Source: Panasonic Press Release

HD Movie Releases For This and Next Couple Week

2007-04-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

In Stores this Week
May 01, 2007

Alpha Dog (HD DVD and Standard DVD Combo)
Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition) [Blu-ray]
Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition) [HD DVD]
Happily N'Ever After [Blu-Ray]
The Hitcher (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) (2007)

Upcoming High-Def Disc Releases
May 08, 2007

Battle of the Bulge [Blu-ray]
Battle of the Bulge [HD DVD]
Catch and Release [Blu-ray]
Dirty Dancing - 20th Anniversary [Blu-Ray]
Donnie Brasco (Extended Cut) [Blu-ray]
Revenge (Unrated) [Blu-ray]

May 15, 2007
The Fountain [Blu-ray]
The Fountain (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) [HD DVD]
The Road Warrior [Blu-ray]
The Road Warrior [HD DVD]
Stomp the Yard [Blu-ray]

SONY 4096 X 2160, SXRD, Digital Cinema Projectors Released

2007-04-28T01:25:00.001-07:00

It's been a long day. But I had to take the time to post this. Sony has just released their new 4096 x 2160 pixel Ultra HD cinema projectors. That's a total of 8,850,000 pixels. Compare that to 2,070,000 pixels of 1080p. Yes, that's almost 4 times as much resolution!

If you want to learn more about Ultra HD, you can read this. The projector comprises a 2000:1 contrast and 14 foot Lambert brightness (47,964 cd/m2). The SRX-R220 model covers a 20 meter screen (65.6 feet) with its 4.2W xenon lamp while the R110 has two healthy options of either 17 meters with a 3.0W lamp or 14 meters with a 2.0W lamp.

But before you plug your PS3 into it (via DVI), you'll need to set up the LMT-100 media processor to power everything. The LMT 100 includes the processing power, a screen management system, RAID storage and an uninterruptible power supply, to keep things running smooth. The Projector goes on sale around May 2007, so expect to see the high end cinemas flaunting these in the near future. But before you rule it out, you can actually purchase it for the home too....you'll just need around $120,000....give or take a few thou!

Panasonic Praises Onkyo's Decision to Use EZ Sync(TM) System Control in High-End Audio/Video Receivers as a Win for Consumers

2007-04-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

Panasonic congratulated Onkyo Corporation and its Onkyo USA subsidiary for their decision to use the Panasonic-developed EZ Sync(TM) feature in their Onkyo brand audio/video receivers. EZ Sync(TM) simplifies the connection of audio and video devices in a home entertainment system and enables control with a single remote control.

"We are pleased to see EZ Sync being adopted by a well-respected home entertainment brand like Onkyo," said Hideaki Harada, President of Panasonic Display Company. "This is an excellent added benefit for consumers who have purchased EZ Sync-compatible Onkyo audio and video receivers. They can now link them with EZ Sync-compatible Panasonic Plasma TVs, Blu-ray Disc Players or DVD recorders to enable even greater home theater ease of use and convenience. We expect that the EZ Sync feature will continue to grow in popularity this year both in Japan and overseas." Introduced in 2006, the EZ Sync(TM) feature is a two-way communication protocol based on the HDMI standard.

Source: Press Release

Sony Unveils The World's Smallest AVCHD High-Definition Camcorder

2007-04-27T00:24:00.001-07:00

Sony's new Handycam HDR-CX7 high-definition camcorder is the world's smallest and lightest AVCHD high-definition camcorder. Three New Camcorders Record Full HD 1080 Video on Memory Stick Media, Hard Disk Drives.

SAN DIEGO, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony is bolstering its lead in the high-definition camcorder arena with the introduction of AVCHD(TM) technology- based models. The new Handycam HDR-CX7 model is the world's smallest and lightest AVCHD high-definition camcorder. It can record nearly three hours of full HD 1080 video on an 8-GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) media card (LP mode). Weighing just 15 ounces with the supplied battery, it provides ultra-portability as well as a virtually crash-proof recording system, instant archiving to Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) media (sold separately), and effortless connection to a PC via USB for editing and back-up.

The new HDR-SR7 AVCHD high-definition camcorder can record more than 22 hours of full HD 1080 video on its built-in 60GB hard disk drive, while the HDR-SR5 model's 40GB hard drive can hold more than 15 hours of footage (LP modes). In addition to long recording times, these two models offer compactness and Sony's HDD Smart Protection(TM) system to safeguard against data loss as well as easy connection to PCs via USB. "Camcorder users are quickly embracing non-linear camcorder formats, such as hard disk drive and flash media, because they make it easy for anyone to view and access footage quickly," said Linda Vuolo, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. "Our models offer the added advantages of superior high-definition picture quality. With the widest range of consumer high-def models, we can satisfy the needs of virtually everyone."

Advanced Browse and Search Functions The new camcorders debut enhanced functions for easy browsing and searching on their high-resolution, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus(TM) screens. You can swiftly find scenes via the new film roll button to view footage as a film roll index, which displays multiple scenes as thumbnails within a single movie file. Sony also integrated new face index technology so you can also access specific scenes by familiar faces. For more advanced searching on a compatible PC, you can use the camcorders' bundled Picture Motion Browser(TM) software to access the highlight index. It incorporates a search engine for voices and colors as well as faces so you can quickly get to the scenes you want to watch. Picture Quality Like No Other The new models incorporate Sony's ClearVid(TM) CMOS sensor technology for stunning detail and clarity. Combined with the Enhanced Imaging Processor(TM) technology, these models deliver the advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity with low noise, and virtually smear-free pictures.

The HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 models utilize Sony's 3-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and 6-megapixel digital still photos. They are also equipped with Super SteadyShot(R) optical image stabilization to produce smooth video results, as well as virtually blur-free photos. The HDR-SR5 model integrates a 2-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and produces a 4-megapixel photo. Additionally, all models benefit from Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Sonnar(R) T* optics for increased contrast and true-to-life color saturation. With Sony's x.v.Color(TM) technology, based on the new international xvYCC color standard, the new camcorders reproduce a much wider data range of colors than the conventional sRGB standard. When connected to a compatible HDTV via the camcorders' HDMI(TM) outputs, home videos sparkle with vivid, natural- looking results.

The new models support the AVCHD camcorder recording format based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby(R) digital audio. In addition to high-quality video, they provide an exceptional audio experience with built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording.

These new high-definition camcorders allow for quick data transfer from the camcorder to a compatible PC for editing, back-up and playback. Although bundled with software for simple editing, these camcorders are also compatible with the new Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition 7.0e software update, as well as Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition software for more advanced editors that will be available in July. The models' supplied Handycam Stations include a One Touch Disc Burn button for easy DVD creation using a PC and the bundled software.

These stations now feature HD component output for instant connection to a compatible HDTV set when the camcorders are cradled. High-definition content recorded on standard DVDs can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc(TM) devices, PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and standard DVD drives on compatible PCs with the models' bundled software. The next-generation Sony DVDirect(R) recorder will also be compatible with these camcorders for HD video transfer to standard, 5- 1/4-inch DVDs. The HDR-CX7 unit's Memory Stick PRO Duo or Memory Stick PRO HG(TM) media cards, featuring high data transfer rates, can also be played back directly on compatible PCs and PS3 by system software update scheduled in summer 2007.

The HDR-SR5, HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 camcorders will ship in June for about $1,100, $1,200 and $1,400, respectively, with an array of optional accessories.

(Mouse Over for pics and Current Sale Price)

Sony HDR-SR5 AVCHD 4MP 40GB ON SALE!

Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD 6.1MP ON SALE!

Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD 6MP 60GB On SALE!

Source: PRNewswire

PLAYSTATION 3 Users Significantly Contribute to the Folding@home Program

2007-04-27T00:23:00.001-07:00

PLAYSTATION(R)3 Users Significantly Contribute to the Folding@home(TM) Program, Making It One of the Most Powerful Distributed Computing Networks in the World

TOKYO and FOSTER CITY, Calif., April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that great progress has been made in the one month since PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment systems became part of Stanford University's Folding@home(TM) program, a distributed computing project aimed at understanding protein folding, misfolding and related diseases. Since the program launched in March, participation by the PS3 user community has been phenomenal, providing Folding@home with immense computing power that is helping to fast forward its research. Furthermore, thanks to PS3's powerful Cell Broadband Engine(TM) (Cell/B.E.), the Folding@home program has become one of the most powerful distributed computing networks in the world and is quickly approaching a level of computing power that is of historical proportions.

Exhibiting its continued commitment to the program, SCE also announced that it is providing a Folding@home application update that will further enhance the user experience. The updated software features an improvement in folding calculation speeds, increased visibility of user location (*1)on the globe and the ability for users to create longer donor or team names.

"The PS3 turnout has been amazing, greatly exceeding our expectations and allowing us to push our work dramatically forward," said Vijay Pande, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University and Folding@home program lead. "Thanks to PS3, we have performed simulations in the first few weeks that would normally take us more than a year to calculate. We are now gearing up for new simulations that will continue our current studies of Alzheimer's and other diseases."

Some of the key accomplishments made since the Folding@home program launched on PS3 include:

More than 250,000 unique PS3 users have registered to the program in just one month

PS3 users are delivering nearly 400 teraflops, achieving a total computing power of over 700 teraflops at a single moment. This is more than double the computing capacity of the network before PS3 joined the program (*2)

The "halo-effect" of PS3 has been evident as the number of active PCs has increased by 20 percent in the last month.

"We continue to be thrilled with the ongoing contributions of the PS3 user community in helping the Folding@home program study the causes of many different diseases that afflict our society," said Masayuki Chatani, Corporate Executive and CTO Computer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "As we move forward, we are issuing a call to action for all PS3 owners around the world to download the Folding@home application and help this cause. These PS3 fans can also be part of history as the Folding@home distributed computing program inches closer to achieving a petaflop -- a measure of computing power that has never before been reached."

PS3 users can download the updated version of the application (v1.1) by restarting the Folding@home application. New Folding@home users can join the program by simply clicking on the Folding@home icon within the Network menu of the XMB(TM)(XrossMediaBar) or can optionally set the application to run automatically whenever the PS3 is idle (*3).

Starting with Folding@home, SCE will continue to support distributed computing projects in a wide variety of academic fields such as medical and social sciences and environmental studies through the use of PS3 and hopes to contribute to the advancement of science.

(*1) User location by IP address.
(*2) Based on Stanford University's Folding@home internal data, collected at the end of April.
(*3) To run the application automatically in idle state, PS3 must be connected to the network with both the main power switch and power button turned on. Option setting must also be changed as this automatic feature is off at default.

Source: PRNewswire

Onkyo Delivers High-Quality Home Theater Packages for Simple and Affordable Upgrade to Any TV

2007-04-26T00:24:00.001-07:00

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (4/24/07) -- Onkyo has begun shipping two high-value 5.1-channel home theater systems that deliver premium surround sound performance in value-priced packages that are remarkably simple to set up and operate. These high-quality receiver/speaker systems combine the commanding sonic performance characteristic of Onkyo separate components with the simplicity of an all-in-one system. Both the HT-SR600 and the HT-SR700 include a powerful subwoofer, a complete set of tonally matched two-way satellite speakers, and a high power multichannel A/V receiver with component video switching and complete surround processing.

For connectivity, the HT-SR600 and HT-SR700 A/V receivers each feature three component video inputs and one output that are fully capable of switching 1080i/720p high definition video sources without picture degradation. Additionally, there are also three A/V inputs and two outputs with both component and S-Video connections, as well as three optical and one coaxial digital audio input to accommodate a wide variety of source components. Color-coded 5.1 multi-channel analog inputs are also included, making the receivers compatible with the latest Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD formats found on HD-DVD and Blu-Ray sources.

Onkyo's HT-SR700 and HT-SR600 each feature five newly designed satellite speakers and a powerful subwoofer for deep bass reproduction. The front L/R and horizontal center channel speakers each feature a pair of 3-1/4 inch cone woofers and a high quality 3/4-inch ceramic tweeter. For a coherent and timbre-matched surround field, the included surround speakers each use the same drivers as the front speakers, but employ only a single woofer.

Each system includes downfiring subwoofer with a 10-inch cone driver. In the HT-SR600 the subwoofer is driven by a sixth amplifier channel in the receiver, while the HT-SR700' subwoofer is an active model with its own internal 230-watt amplifier module. All crossover points in each system can be set to any of eight possible settings for ideal integration with the environment and listener preferences.

The Onkyo HT-SR600 and HT-SR700 home theater systems each include a full-function RI (Remote Interactive) remote control and 30-preset AM/FM tuner. Each system is completely compatible with the company's RI iPod docks, making it as simple as possible to play music and video from a portable iPod through the home theater system.

The Onkyo HT-SR600 and HT-SR700 are each currently shipping in both black and silver finishes at suggested retail prices of $349 and $499 each, respectively.

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Onkyo HT-SR700 Home theater audio system with 5 speakers and powered subwoofer Silver On Sale

Source: GSPR

Onkyo Home Theater Package Delivers Up-to-Date Features and Outstanding Performance in Simple Package

2007-04-26T00:23:00.001-07:00

Includes HDMI Pass-Through, 7.1-channel processing, 110 watts per channel, XM and Sirius satellite radio ready, and Audyssey 2EQ/HTiB calibration

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (4/24/07) -- Onkyo has introduced the HT-SR800, a 7.1-channel home entertainment receiver and speaker package that supports the latest in high definition entertainment. Giving consumers a simple and high quality audio complement to the latest HD displays and source technology, the HT-SR800 features a complete satellite/subwoofer speaker package and a powerful AV receiver that includes HDMI pass-through switching, processing and amplification for multichannel audio formats, and compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio subscription services.

"As high definition sources and displays finally make their way into the mass market, the need for simple, yet high quality audio systems is greater today than ever before," comments Onkyo Marketing Manager Paul Wasek. "HD-DVD and Blu-Ray not only deliver the highest video quality ever available at home, they also carry the promise of matching audio reproduction as well. The HT-SR800 home theater package makes that promise a reality, giving consumers a simple, high-quality solution for high definition audio with as powerful switching and control features to make a complete theater systems easy to set up, operate, and enjoy."

The centerpiece of the Onkyo HT-SR800 is a powerful A/V receiver, which combines seven channels of amplification, 7.1-channel processing for analog and digital multichannel audio, and a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs including high-bandwidth HDMI pass-through switching that is capable of transmitting 1080p video and Deep-Color™ data through two inputs and one output. Each of the receiver's amplification channels is capable of delivering 110 watts of power into eight ohms, and features Onkyo's exclusive WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) for linear output with even the most demanding HD-DVD and Blu-Ray audio tracks.

The receiver features processing for Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and even Dolby ProLogic IIx for generating 7.1-channel surround sound from two or 5.1-channel sources. A 7.1-channel analog audio input is included for support of the latest high definition lossless multichannel audio formats featured on many HD-DVD and Blu-Ray discs. In addition to the two HDMI inputs, there are three HD-capable component video inputs, three composite and three S-video inputs for older sources, and two each optical and coaxial digital audio inputs.

The HT-SR800 receiver is also compatible with both XM and SIRIUS satellite radio tuners, allowing subscribers of either network to enjoy programming in their theater room and external zones. For XM subscribers with an optional XM mini-tuner and home dock, it also includes Neural Surround decoding, for reproduction of Neural-encoded XM broadcasts in discrete 5.1-channel surround sound. Sirius satellite radio is equally accessible through the use of an optional SIRIUSConnect home tuner kit. The receiver also features a high quality terrestrial AM/FM radio tuner and features 40 presets for AM, FM, XM, or SIRIUS stations.

The HT-SR800 speaker system includes seven tonally matched full-range loudspeakers and a powerful 230-Watt active subwoofer. The front left and right speakers each have a pair of 5-inch OMF (Onkyo Microfiber) cone woofers flanking a 1-inch balanced dome tweeter, while the center channel features the same arrangement in a horizontal configuration for mounting above or below a display. The four surround speakers each employ a single 3-1/4-inch cone woofer, and the same tweeters as the front channels for ideal timbre matching. All of the speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent interference with video displays. The 230-watt powered subwoofer features a 10-inch cone in a ported enclosure, and is capable of linear bass reproduction to 25 Hz for an immersing sound experience.

Setup of the HT-SR800 is remarkably simple, thanks to the included Audyssey 2EQ/HTiB automatic speaker calibration. Developed by Audyssey in collaboration with Onkyo, the HT-SR800 is the first product to include this new technology, specifically designed for home theater package systems. The system works by combining speaker calibration with room correction to deliver optimally tuned sound from an affordable home theater package. First, the system is pre-calibrated to optimize integration of the speakers and receiver. Then, the receiver performs a sophisticated process of in-room calibration to eliminate distortion and ideally match the system performance to the listening environment, ensuring that music and movies sound as they were intended in any room.

The Onkyo HT-SR800 home entertainment receiver/speaker package is lso designed to take full advantage of the company's RI (Remote Interactive) iPod dock/charger models. It is currently available in both black and silver finishes at a suggested retail price of $599.

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Onkyo HT-SR800 7.1 Component Home Theater System On Sale

Source: GSPR

Onkyo Announces New Features to be Available on 2007 High-End THX Certified A/V Receivers

2007-04-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

New features include HDMI 1.3a, Reon-HQV™ HD video scaling, HD radio, Ethernet and USB connections, Neural-THX Surround™

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (4/24/07) -- Onkyo has announced four new THX Certified receiver models to be introduced beginning this spring, incorporating a range of high-end features and core performance improvements designed to deliver the highest levels of performance available. These new THX Certified Onkyo A/V receivers will feature HDMI 1.3a compatibility, including internal decoding for DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. Each will also feature a sophisticated set of internal video processing capabilities, with two of the models boasting the first inclusion of Reon-VX HQV processing in an A/V receiver. Three of the new models, the TX-SR805, the TX-SR875, and the TX-NR905, each feature THX Ultra2 certification, while the TX-SR705 is THX Select2 Certified.

From early design concepts to product rollout, THX and Onkyo worked together to ensure every detail of the receivers were mapped to the THX performance standards. And THX engineers spent countless hours testing and analyzing the receivers for sound quality, usability and interoperability. Each certified receiver includes a number of proprietary THX technologies, designed to compensate for the acoustical errors that occur when movies, music and games are translated from the professional studio to the home environment.

All four receivers are both XM and Sirius satellite radio ready, and will feature a comprehensive range of audio and video connections, including HDMI 1.3a switching for three (TX-SR705 and TX-SR805) or four (TX-SR875 and TX-NR905) HDMI sources. The TX-NR905 will also feature a second HDMI output for even greater flexibility. Each receiver is capable of accommodating single-cable pure-digital audio and video transfer from HDMI sources, including 1080p and Deep-Color™ capability. Additionally, each model will include the company's RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol. This feature allows future integration of many system control functions between compatible components via the HDMI connection, and will also feature compatibility with Toshiba's CE-Link™ enabled 2007 Regza LCD TV line and Panasonic's EZ-Sync™ TV line, as well as similar protocols from other manufacturers to be announced later in the year.

Two of the new models, the Onkyo TX-SR875 and TX-NR905, will be the first A/V receiver models to include Silicon Optix's acclaimed Reon-VX HQV™ video processing. This sophisticated IC chip-based technology provides the receivers with current state-of-the-art video scaling and deinterlacing capabilities, including upscaling of all video sources to 1080p for output over the HDMI connection. Additionally, all video sources will also be upconverted to HD output via the units' component video outputs to accommodate video displays lacking an HDMI input.

The TX-SR805, TX-SR875 and TX-NR905 receivers will all feature a new dual push-pull amplifier configuration, coupled with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit and top-of-the-line Burr-Brown DACs for outstanding efficiency and high current with very low distortion. Two of the receivers' seven channels can also be reconfigured for bi-amplification with compatible speaker systems. On the TX-SR875 and TX-NR905, these two channels can also be reconfigured for bridged operation with the front L/R channels for high power output.

Onkyo's new receivers will be the first models available to feature Neural-THX Surround™ decoding for broadcasts and gaming. This new surround sound technology allows for broadcast content to be transmitted in a two-channel format, and later decoded for up to 7.1 discrete audio channels, as well as enabling 7.1-channel audio support for many modern video gaming consoles.
For simplified setup, all of these models incorporate Audyssey Multi-EQ room acoustics correction, the most powerful built-in solution available for countering room distortion in dedicated home theaters. This technology uses an included microphone to detect and configure speakers in the room, and then adjusts each channel's level, delay, and crossover settings to best suit the room's acoustics. By incorporating measurements at up to eight points in the listening room, Audyssey Multi-EQ provides both frequency response and time domain corrections throughout the entire listening area, rather than just at a single position.

Additional features on the TX-NR905 include a high-current power supply with a massive toroidal transformer, built-in HD radio reception and a powerful set of networking capabilities for integrated home media systems. The receiver will include an Ethernet port for support of Internet radio and streaming multimedia, as well as additional control and multimedia functions to be announced later in theyear. There is also an included USB port to allow for the addition of USB-based portable audio players, and for the use of USB-based memory devices.

The Onkyo TX-SR805 will be shipping in May at a suggested retail price of $1099. The TX-SR875 will be available in June at a suggested retail price of $1699. The THX Select2 Certified TX-SR705 will be available in July at a suggested retail price of $899. The TX-NR905 will be available in August at a suggested retail price of $2099.

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Source: GSPR

Xbox HD DVD Drive for $72

2007-04-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

A couple websites are claiming that Sam's club are selling the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive on the cheap for $72. This deal has been proven, but it's not yet widespread nationwide. The drive is being discontinued at Sam's Club so a few stores do have this clearance pricing. I called 5 local to me and all still had them for $181. Their website is also showing $181. As the clearance date edges closer, the deal may become more standardized, but if you're in the market to get one, it's worth calling around or perhaps holding off for a little while. Whether the format fails or not, $72 is hard to pass up!

Picture Source: Gizmodo

TX-SR605 From Onkyo, The First AV Receiver with HDMI v1.3a Processing, and HD Lossless Audio Decoding

2007-04-25T00:11:00.001-07:00

Onkyo Loads its Most Popular Home Theater Receiver, the Onkyo TX-SR605 with Advanced Features for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, and HDMI Video Upconversion.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (4/24/07) -- Onkyo has introduced the TX-SR605 A/V receiver, adding processing for the latest lossless multichannel audio formats, comprehensive video upconversion to HDMI, and compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio programming to the impressive features of the TX-SR604 it replaces. The new model also features Onkyo's new HDMI-based system control capability, 7 x 90 watts of power, enhanced compatibility with the company's optional iPod control docks, and a flexible suite of multi-source/multi-zone capabilities.

The TX-SR605’s two HDMI v1.3a inputs provide the most advanced interface for transporting both uncompressed high definition (HD) video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i and 1080p. It is among the first receivers available to include decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master multichannel audio formats from Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players.

The TX-SR605 is Onkyo's first A/V receiver to include the company's RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol. This feature allows for automatic integration of many system control functions between compatible components via the HDMI connection. Common functions include one-button system on/standby control, volume control punch-through from display remote control to the A/V receiver, and a 'direct change' function to automatically select the correct receiver input and begin playback for RIHD source components.

In addition to its two HDMI inputs, the Onkyo TX-SR605 includes three component video, five S-Video, and five composite video inputs to accommodate other sources. There is upconversion of all composite and S-video inputs to both HDMI and HD-quality component video to eliminate the need for multiple redundant video connections to modern video displays. For displays that are not compatible with 480i video, the receiver also provides Faroudja DCDi de-interlacing circuitry to convert 480i signals to progressive scan. There are a total of five digital audio inputs, as well as five A/V and two audio-only analog inputs. Front panel A/V inputs, including optical digital jack, allow easy connection of A/V or audio devices such as a camcorder or portable mp3 player.

The TX-SR605 includes the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration feature that provides remarkable improvements in performance by calibrating the home theater system to its acoustical environment. With this system, the included calibration microphone is used to analyze the system's acoustical output at two unique positions in the listening area. By taking readings in two different positions in the theater room, with the included microphone in the listening position, the receiver sends test signals to each speaker in turn, then uses the input from the microphone to adjust channel level and time delay settings for each speaker.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 makes it easier than ever to bring Satellite radio into the living room, featuring compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio programming. The addition of an optional tuner system for either network enables consumers to subscribe to and receive hundreds of channels of commercial-free music, news, talk, and entertainment programming. The receiver even includes onboard Neural Surround processing for reception of multichannel XM HD surround programming. Finally, there is also a high quality terrestrial radio tuner, and the TX-SR605 features 40 presets for AM, FM, XM, or Sirius stations.

Onkyo has also designed the receiver to take complete advantage of the company's optional Remote Interactive iPod dock/charger units. With the iPod placed in the dock, it becomes a source component for not only audio playback, but also for photography stored in iPod photo units. Basic iPod controls such as play, pause, stop, skip, and random / repeat functions can all be operated via the TX-SR605's preprogrammed learning remote control.

The TX-SR605 amplification modules benefit from Onkyo's exclusive WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry, delivering 90 watts per channels into 8 ohm loads. There are sturdy five-way binding posts for all seven full-range channels, and the rear surround channels can also be employed to provide a second set of Front L/R channels for speaker bi-amplification.

The TX-SR605 also features Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 capability, which can be used to power stereo speakers in a second room while listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone thanks to a dedicated set of zone 2 L/R speaker terminals. The receiver is capable of processing separate multichannel and stereo sources simultaneously for the main and second zone, or processing a single source for both. There is also a zone 2 pre-out that can be used in conjunction with a dedicated zone amplifier or receiver.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 will ship in May in both black and silver finishes, at a suggested retail price of $599.

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Onkyo TX-SR605 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver On Sale

Source: GSPR

Onkyo TX-SR575 is Company's First A/V Receiver Ready for Both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio

2007-04-25T00:09:00.001-07:00

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (4/24/07) -- Onkyo is now shipping the TX-SR575, a full-featured, versatile, and high value audio/video receiver that is the company's first to include compatibility with both XM and SIRIUS satellite radio broadcasts. The 7.1-channel receiver boasts 75 watts per channel, HDMI pass-through and HD component video switching, and sophisticated Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration technology.

The TX-SR575 is compatible with both XM and SIRIUS satellite radio tuners, allowing subscribers of either network to enjoy programming in their theater room and external zones. For XM subscribers with an optional XM mini-tuner and home dock, the TX-SR575 also includes Neural Surround decoding for reproduction of Neural-encoded XM broadcasts in discrete 5.1-channel surround sound. Sirius satellite radio is equally accessible through the use of an optional SIRIUSConnect home tuner kit. The receiver also features a high quality terrestrial AM/FM radio tuner and features 40 presets for AM, FM, XM, or SIRIUS stations.

The TX-SR575 receiver has a broad array of audio and video connections, including HDMI pass-through switching with the ability to transmit 1080p video and Deep-Color™ data through 2 inputs and 1 output, as well as three component video inputs for 1080i and 720p sources. It also features component video upconversion for composite and S-Video sources, dramatically reducing the need for multiple redundant connections to modern video displays. Additional connectivity includes four assignable digital audio inputs, three A/V inputs and two outputs, and a full set of color-coded 7.1-channel multichannel analog audio inputs, making it ready for the new generation of Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD sources, such as HD-DVD and Blu-Ray video players.

The TX-SR575's Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration feature uses an included calibration microphone to analyze the system's acoustical output at two unique positions in the listening area. The receiver sends test signals to each speaker in turn, then uses the inputs from the microphone to adjust channel level and time delay settings for each speaker. By taking readings in two different positions in the theater room, the receiver can be calibrated to the speakers and environment, delivering optimal response throughout the room rather than just at the 'sweet spot' directly in front of the screen.

For sharp and accurate audio reproduction, the TX-SR575 employs 32-bit DSP processing and 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters on all channels. It includes 7.1-channel surround processing for Dolby Digital EX, Dolby ProLogic IIX, DTS-ES, DTS-96/24, and DTS Neo:6. The receiver also includes a user-selectable eight-setting subwoofer crossover adjustment for ideal integration of any subwoofer/satellite speaker system.

Onkyo has also designed the TX-SR575 to take complete advantage of the company's RI (Remote Interactive) iPod dock/charger models. The receiver includes a preprogrammed RI-compatible remote control, and is currently available in either black or silver finishes at a suggested retail price of $479.

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Onkyo TX-SR575 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver on Sale

Source: GSPR

Entry Level Onkyo Receiver Gets 1080p HDMI Switching

2007-04-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (04/24/07) -- Onkyo has begun shipping the TX-SR505 audio/video receiver, improving upon the company's popular TX-SR504 by adding 1080p-compatible HDMI pass-through switching capability and Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration and room correction. The receiver boasts a substantial array of high-end features for home theater, including 7x75 watts of power, extensive 7.1-channel processing modes, A/V lip-sync adjustment, subwoofer crossover adjustment, and connections for a full complement of A/V and stereo source components.

Onkyo's TX-SR505 is well suited for use with high-definition displays and source components, including new 1080p Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players, Xbox and Playstation 3 gaming consoles, and HD set-top boxes for cable and satellite television. The receiver includes HDMI pass-through switching, which has the ability to transmit 1080p video and Deep-Color™ data through 2 inputs and 1 output, as well as three component video inputs for 1080i and 720p sources. There are also four composite and three S-video inputs to accommodate additional A/V sources, and a front panel A/V input for convenient connection of video cameras and other portable devices.

The TX-SR505 includes color-coded 7.1-channel multi-channel inputs, making it ready for the new generation of Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD source devices, such as HD-DVD and Blu-Ray video players. It has four assignable digital audio inputs with two coaxial and two optical connectors, RCA line-level connections for a CD player and audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamplifier output.

The TX-SR505 features a full array of processing for home theater, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and even DTS 96/24. With DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx, the receiver is capable of automatically deriving full 7.1-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source. The receiver features high quality linear PCM 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converters and a sophisticated 32-bit DSP engine for ideal reproduction of soundtracks and multichannel audio.

The Onkyo TX-SR505 includes seven internal power amplifier channels with high-current, low-impedance discrete output devices, to deliver a continuous power output of 75 Watts per channel into 8-Ohm loads. Onkyo's exclusive WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) gives the power stage a linear frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz to ensure it’s up to the challenge of the most demanding audio sources. There are dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all main channels with color-coding for simplified wiring, as well as front channel "B" terminals to enable the receiver to drive a stereo pair in a second zone.

The dot-matrix fluorescent front panel display and Audyssey 2EQ room correction make setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast, including variable speaker configuration and distance settings for simple optimization of any speaker arrangement. With the new adjustable crossover on the subwoofer pre-out channel, the LFE channel signal can be cutoff at 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150 or 200 Hz, for seamless integration of any satellite and subwoofer combination.

Onkyo has also designed the TX-SR505 to take complete advantage of the company's RI (Remote Interactive) iPod dock/charger models. It includes a full-function pre-programmed RI-compatible remote control, and is available in either black or silver finishes. It is now shipping at a suggested retail price of $379.

Large Front Image

Large Back Image

Onkyo TX-SR505 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver On Sale

Source: GSPR

Blu Ray The First HD Format To Pass 1 Million in Sales.

2007-04-24T00:06:00.001-07:00

Support remains firm from the exclusive Studio support and despite being released almost a year after the HD DVD format, it has become the first of the two HD formats to reach 1 Million in sales. According to Home Media Research, Blu-ray Disc sales also accounted for 70 percent of the high-definition movies sold during the first quarter of 2007.

In addition, Blu-ray Disc titles accounted for eight of the top ten selling high definition titles in the first quarter of this year while in 2006, 18 of the top 20 selling DVD’s were released by studios that are publishing their movies on Blu-ray Disc.

The release of the PS3 has no doubt fueled sales. I remember when the PS3 was first released in the US, there was much fabricated speculation that PS3 owners were not interested in HD movies. These figures puts that to rest. Amazon are already taking pre-orders for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean series, so expect these figures to take another leap when it's released on May 22nd.

Source: Rheuters

IOGEAR Simplifies Home Entertainment Connections With World's First True Automatic HDMI Switch

2007-04-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

The newer HDTV's have 3 HDMI connections, but if you're stuck with a slightly older one that only has one, here is a solution for you. I've seen switches selling online for $300+ which is a complete rip off, so this one is reasonably priced, and at least give you a solution if you don't have enough HDMI ports built into your tv. The bonus of this device is that it automatically senses which device is sending a signal and switches to that source without you having to select it. Read on.....

IRVINE, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Digital home enthusiasts no longer have to use a remote to alternate between multiple High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) devices with the world's first true automatic HDMI switch. IOGEAR's new HDMI 2x1 Automatic Switch (HDAS) is the only product on the market that senses which HDMI product is currently in use, with IOGEAR's patented HDAS technology, and instantly locks and transfers the appropriate audio and video content to the connected HD display. It also eliminates the hassle of having to plug and unplug HDMI cables between home entertainment equipment in order to connect to an HDTV that does not have enough input ports.

According to In-Stat, HDMI-enabled device shipments will grow 78 percent per year through 2010(1). As the technology becomes increasingly incorporated into common consumer electronics products such as set top boxes, DVD players, gaming consoles like PLAYSTATION(R)3, and even computers, end users may run into the issue of having too many HDMI-enabled
pieces of hardware and not enough inputs on their televisions. Because of this, they may not be able to experience the high-definition video and audio that their digital devices can provide. IOGEAR's new HDMI 2x1 Automatic Switch provides two input ports that transfer fully-uncompressed digital video and audio to an HDMI display through a single output. "The majority of new home entertainment products support HDMI, however, most televisions do not have enough input ports to connect to all of them at once," said Miranda Su, vice president of sales and marketing at IOGEAR, Inc. "Our new HDMI 2x1 Automatic Switch eliminates frustrations associated with having to continuously plug and unplug devices. Additionally, it is the only true automatic switch available that intuitively detects which source is active and delivers the audio and video content completely in sync with almost no latency."

The product is High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)(TM) compliant and supports 1080p resolution. LEDs on the front panel display the HDMI device that is currently in use. It is priced at $169.95 (MSRP) and is available immediately from all major catalog resellers, online
resellers and selected retail outlets, and comes with IOGEAR's standard three-year warranty.

IOGear GHDMIAS2 HDMI Automatic Switch on sale at Amazon

Verizon FiOS TV Adds Three National High-Definition Channels

2007-04-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

HGTV, Food Network and LMN Join the Fios HD Channel Lineup

NEW YORK, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon, which already offers an abundance of high-definition programming, is adding more, as HGTV HD, Food Network HD and LMN HD (Lifetime Movie Network) join the FiOS TV national channel lineup. Verizon provides FiOS TV over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network, straight to customers' homes.
"By adding HGTV HD, Food Network HD and LMN HD to our FiOS TV lineup, we're enriching the customer experience for our HD customers, who now can enjoy their favorite shows on these channels in brilliant HD and digital surround sound," said Terry Denson, Verizon vice president - FiOS TV content and programming. "With these high-definition networks, Verizon continues to deliver the breadth of content that consumers want in a way that best fits their lifestyles."

The three channels will be available in all FiOS TV markets by the end of this week, bringing the total number of HD channels to at least 27 in most markets, depending on the number of local channels that broadcast in HD. FiOS TV subscribers with an HD-capable TV and an HD set-top box will receive the three new channels at no additional cost. HGTV and Food Network are America's leading networks in home, food and lifestyle programming. HGTV HD and Food Network HD air some of the same popular shows that appear on the standard definition networks including "Cash in the Attic," "Decorating Cents," "Barefoot Contessa" and "Everyday Italian." LMN, the second highest-rated women's network on basic cable behind sibling Lifetime Television, offers nearly 200 different movie titles each month, including exclusive film and cable premieres. John Baird, executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for Scripps Networks, parent company of HGTV and Food Network, said, "FiOS TV is growing in popularity just as our high definition networks are, making this agreement a winning partnership for viewers." Louise Henry Bryson, president, distribution and affiliate business development, Lifetime Networks, said, "We're delighted to partner with FiOS TV for this HD offering, which will provide our customers with LMN's high-quality entertainment in Verizon's high-quality picture."

Verizon FiOS TV offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, more than 400 total channels, 8,600 video-on-demand titles and more. It is currently available in parts of California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

CBS and KCAL 9 News Now Broadcasting in HD!

2007-04-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

CBS News is now being broadcasted in HD. Also If you live in the Southern California area, the affiliate station KCAL 9 is also now getting the HD treatment. There's no going back now, that 4:3 format you're used to seeing on CBS and KCAL will now switch to a 1080i 16:9 format for their respective news broadcasts.

Laser TV, No Plasma or LCD Killer.

2007-04-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

At CES 2007, there was an introduction into the much talked about "Laser TV" technology. The marketing theme that has been implanted into the media claimed that it would be a "Plasma Killer." There has been a lot of confusion over the technology which prompted me to write this post. So here is an update on the scoop to clear everything up.

Australian company Arasor International is partnering with California based Novalux Inc to develop the technology. Arasor produces the optoelectronic chip, while Novalux develop the laser projection device. The technology itself is planned for use in future iterations of both front and rear projection hdtv's. This means that the technology can be used in DLP, front projectors and other versions of rear projection tv's. Instead of using a lamp and color wheel like DLP, it uses lasers to produce the picture. Companies that have shown interest in Laser TV include Mitsubishi and Sony who both already have prototype models up and running.

Some of the claims are, that it will have 3 times as many colors as plasma and that it will cost less to produce than both LCD and plasma. Well the first thing I have to address is that they didn't account for HDMI 1.3. and increased color depth in upcoming 2007 model hdtv's. Secondly, the developers of Laser TV have to make up for all the research and development costs of this new technology, so don't buy into that too much. The budget prices may eventually become possible if the technology first sees a few successful years in the retail stores.

When have you ever seen a plasma look as shown above right? This demo attempts to show how Laser TV has 3 times more colors than a plasma. The plasma has clearly been setup to display a poor representation of its capabilites, while the Laser TV has been optimised and calibrated to its maximum potential. All marketing and demo material i've seen from Arasor has taken a similar approach. It's not promising when the competition has to be toned down to appear not as good.

Based on the Sony Laser TV I saw at CES 2007, I see Laser TV as a "possible" alternative to current rear projection technologies such as DLP or Sony's own SXRD. But Plasma beater? With all the changes and improving standards coming out in 2007/2008 LCD and Plasmas, I don't think so. Rear projection technologies as a whole are a great way to get a reasonably priced hdtv. But when measured up against LCD or Plasma, you gain low cost and large size, but lose quality. Still, it will be interesting to watch Laser TV develop and see how the manufacturers will channel their future marketing claims. As it stands right now, the Australian developer are making too big of a claim for their boots and are already stooping fairly low with their marketing presentations.

Frame Rates Expained

2007-04-19T17:50:00.001-07:00

Frame Rate:

The movies you watch are shot on cameras that record to either tape or film reel. These tapes or reels don't record any motion at all. In fact, what you are seeing is a series of still images put together and played back at various speeds to give the effect of the motion that was recorded.

Remember when you were younger, you'd get a Post-it pad and draw an little animated cartoon on it by changing the drawing on each page a little. When you flicked through the whole sequence of Post-its, you would have a simple animation. That's exactly how those cameras record things. Now lets say that you had exactly 60 Post-its, and you flicked through them in exactly one second. You would have 60 frames per second. The measurement use is simply "Frames per second" or "hertz." There are several things we need to consider in order to comprehend the importance of a "frame rate" on your TV.

The Frame rate the movie was filmed at, and the ability of the camera used during filming to process the frame rate well and accurately.
The ability of your DVD, Blu Ray or HD DVD player to "match" the frame rate of each specific movie source you watch.
The ability of your TV to display those various frame rates.

The images on a Film Reel are transfered to Video so that it can be broadcasted on TV, watched on a computer, authored to an HD DVD or Blu Ray disc etc. This process is called Telecine. Because film and video are so different, it's useful to know the various different frame rates, what they're used for, and how these differences affect the picture.

[Below left is actual film reel used from the movie "The Sixth Sense." Notice how there are very few differences between each frame. That's because 24 of those frames make up one second of playback and in that scene, he's actually being fairly still.]

24p frame rate is a progressive format. Most movies today are shot at this frame rate. It gives that classic "cinema" or "movie theatre" feel. 35mm movie cameras are now predominantly used in filming, and by nature they use 24fps for their standard exposure (the opening and closing of the lens, which results in recording movement).

25p is a video format which runs twenty-five progressive frames per second. This frame rate is derived from the PAL European television standard of 50i (interlaced). While 25p captures only half the motion that normal 50i PAL registers, it typically yields a higher image quality during fast motion scenes. Films broadcasted in Europe need to be converted from the NTSC 24fps to 25fps.

30p, or 30-frames progressive, produces video at 30 frames per second. Its progressive (non interlaced) nature attempts to recreate the film camera's cinematic like feel and eliminates artifacts that may be apparent in interlaced video with fast motion.

60i is what has been used for decades for over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasts, home camcorders, and DVD's. 60i is really 30 Frames per second using the interlaced method, as at any one moment there is only ever 30 frames on screen. So really it is at 30fps or 29.97 to be exact.(They use 50i in Europe and Australia which equates to 25 frames per second, then the other 25 are filled in a split second later)

With regards to broadcasting, the World has been been using the following analog standards. These are all set to change due to the digital revolution.

NTSC (National Television System Committee), developed and used in the United States: 525-lines of resolution at 29.97fps
PAL (Phase Alternating Line): Used in most of Europe 625 lines at 25 fps
SECAM (SÉquentiel Couleur Á Mémoire, French for "sequential colour with memory"): Used in France, China, Russia, Belgium and other communist states that rejected the US standard during the Cold War. 625 lines at 25 fps

In the United States, that change is coming quickly due to the mandatory FCC regulation. The NTSC standard which has been running for over 60 years, will be replaced by the ATSC standard which is either "1080i at 30 fps" or "720p at 60fps." You'll find that broadcasters have a choice. ABC and FOX for example are using 720p while CBS and NBC use 1080i.

But there are some problems that are still inherent from these new standards. Let's say that you're watching a movie that was shot on Film at 24fps and transfer to the Blu Ray video format at 24fps. You're using a PS3 as a Blu Ray player. We encounter a problem. The PS3 outputs at 60fps, and does not currently support 24fps, although their is a rumored update that will soon allow this. So your TV and PS3 will use a variety of techniques to fill in the gaps. The Blu Ray disc outputs at 24fps, the PS3 accepts that signal and converts it to 60fps, and outputs the converted frame rate to your HDTV.

The problem with this is that 60, is not a multiple of 24. If the PS3 outputted at 48 or 72 fps, it wouldn't be a problem as they are multiples of 24 and thus makes it easier to fill in the additional frames. 24fps converted to 48fps for example would have 24 frames added to retain the feel of the original film. This is achieved through a process called "3:2 pulldown" where the hardware is "adding information" to make up for the discrepancies. But because we originally had an uneven number of frames, the result is possible "noise" and "irregularities" during playback. How well your hardware manages this is a measure of the products video processing attributes. Using our example, the PS3 does an outstanding job at this.

Going back to the broadcasted ATSC HD signals, we have the same problem. The TV stations will telecine the movie to their preferred resolution and frame rate and then they and the and Cable/Satellite companies will broadcast it to everyone. There is already the issue of compression. This is a technique used to shrink the HD signal, into more manageable data for transmission, while trying to retain picture and audio quality. There is also the issue that if the broadcast is 1080i and you have a 1080p signal, your TV will send that signal through a process called "Deinterlacing," or "Line Doubling" which again mean adding information which isn't really there. Depending on your equipment at home and those issued by the satellite/cable companies, the frame rate and interlaced/progressive differences will produce varied results.

A lof of the issues discussed here can be fixed by manufacturers allowing for the support of 24fps in their hardware. Often they can issue firmware upgrades on CD or via download which will add this type of functionality. The difference in frame rates between your source (BD or HD-DVD) and hardware can produce less than perfect results, while in other instances, the difference are not noticeable. The good news is that manufacturers are paying more attention to features of this kind, but all in all, it's another thing to look out for when making your purchase.

HDTV Ghosting

2007-04-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

Pictures speak a thousand words. Especially when it comes to explaining technology issues. The purpose of this article is to elaborate on the problems that HDTV's have, and why the various display types are imperfect. By understanding the imperfections, you'll be able to decide where you'd prefer to compromise on you purchase, and also understand the newer technologies that attempt to improve these imperfections. Marketing jargon really confuses things a lot, but really, these are things that you've probably already experienced, but not not paid too much attention to:

Ghosting:
This is an issue we are used to with our non HDTV's. The analog video signal is produced by RF (radio frequency) and the audio would be produced by FM (frequency modulation, yes the same as the radio). Two separate sources. This is why sometimes, the audio would be perfect, while the picture would be as shown below. Ghosting would occur 1) If you had a bad connection , 2) Interference from other devices near your TV, 3) Nearby objects such as buildings, blocking or reflecting the broadcast signal, so that only part of the signal gets to the TV.

With HDTV's we don't have this specific problem. If any of the above symptoms occur, we will simply see a blank screen. With HD digital signals, its a matter of "yes" you get the signal, or "no" you don't get anything. There's no in between. However, what we do sometimes get is the "impression" of a previous frame in the background that hasn't gone away. The picture has changed, but the faint image of what was previously onscreen a split second ago is still there. The important difference, is that this is more down to the video processing in the TV and the display technology itself rather than the signal. Ghosting of this nature on an HDTV, disappears after a few seconds and is more of an annoyance than anything. Ghosting is NOT however, the trails left by an image, that is called motion blur. I see a lot of inaccurate references to this all over the Internet.

HDTV Clouding or Mura

2007-04-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

Clouding (aka "mura") on an LCD HDTV:

The issue of clouding is easy to understand, but more difficult to explain why it occurs and what causes it. By looking at the picture below left, you can see the back light that is present in LCD's. The picture on the right shows the TV in the forefront that has an even back light, while the one in the background has "cloud" patches caused by an uneven back light. The reason why this issue is specific to LCD's is because it is the only display that uses a back light to produce the picture. It's important not to confuse this with the back lights that some Plasmas have. The Plasma back light is an aesthetic feature which shines a light towards the wall behind the display to luminate the outside area of the plasma. What causes the clouding or Mura (a Japanese word for uneven uniformity), is down to the back light, various issues with the LCD matrix, and human error on the assembly line.

HDTV Pixelization

2007-04-19T17:47:00.001-07:00

Pixelization:

There are two types of pixelization. The creative type that is purposely used to obscure license plates and peoples faces on TV shows to hide ones identity, and the type that is a signal problem. From above, we know that digital signals either come through or they don't. Well when you see pixelization as shown below, the signal is at the point where it has come through entirely but there is a delay in processing the information. In other words, the signal and video processing of your equipment can't keep up with one another. If the problem persists, eventually you'll see a black screen, until everything catches up again. Satellite TV and cable subscribers experience this in adverse weather conditions when the wind or rain is interfering with the signal and it can't get through entirely. First it will pixelize, then black out all together. Pixelization of this type also occurs in video games, and also in home movie formats for the same reason. Maybe the scene that you were watching at the time had a lot going on, which requires more information than normal to be processed. When the hardware can't keep up, you will get these symptoms. But its' important to note that it's not always the hardware's fault. If the movie studio, broadcast company or video game company didn't use the correct methods of development, then that too can contribute as to WHY the pixelisation is occurring.

HDTV Flickering

2007-04-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

Flicker:

The best way to explain flickering is to see an example of it. Before we go further, I must say that if you are someone that has photosensitive epilepsy, do not click this link, and if you're not sure, get consult your doctor and make sure someone is with you before you do. Links:

What this represents is the "refresh rate" of the TV. I've covered this in another section, but as it's important, I'll go over it again. The refresh rate of a TV is the number of times the picture is "refreshed" per second. It is measured in "Hertz (hz)." If you see a 60hz refresh rate, then that means the picture is shown 60 times per second to produce the moving images on screen. Here's the problem. The human eye requires on average, at least 70hz to avoid any stress. Anything below this can make the eye tired as what you're watching on screen, isn't fast enough, and the eye becomes fatigued as it is being strained.

Newer HDTV's are coming out with 120hz refresh rates. Some people claim that this is redundant as the human eye won't notice the difference over 70hz. I personally don't believe this is true as going back to my very first few articles, everyone has different perception and eyesight acuteness. For example, 100hz TVs have been the norm for quite some time in Europe while we have been stuck with 60hz here in the US. I fully notice the difference between 60, 70, and 100hz. I believe 120hz is a warm welcome and eradicates many other issues which I'll be going over in an upcoming article.

Firmware 1.70 for PS3 now available

2007-04-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

1.70 firmware is now available for download. Here are the added features:

You can now download Playstation format software from the Playstation store, and play it on the PS3 system.
You can use saved data for Playstation format software on the PSP.
The vibration function of accessories that are for use with Playstation and Playstation 2 format software.

3D Ultra(TM) Minigolf Adventures Swings onto Xbox LIVE(R) Arcade and PC Online

2007-04-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, sinks a hole-in-one with 3D Ultra(TM) Minigolf Adventures, now available for download on Xbox LIVE(R) Arcade for the Xbox 360(TM)
video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC portals. Developed by the creators of the award-winning Assault Heroes(R), 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures allows players to putt their way through 36 fun-filled holes of crazy minigolf action.

The game features three imaginative courses for competitors of all ages including a Classic Carnival full of sweet treats and wild rides; the Old West featuring crafty creatures and immense desert canyons; and an out-of-this-world Outer Space experience. 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures is filled with a bounty of fantastic obstacles to navigate, secret shortcuts to uncover and game-changing power-ups to obtain. Minigolfers can also get creative with a customizable course creator that allows players to build and share their own courses by mixing and matching combinations of tees, straights, corners, cups, junctions and ramps. Four distinctive animated characters add to the fun and can be used in multiplayer mode to play against friends and family in the living room or online via Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360.

"3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures provides players with a fresh and entertaining take on a family-favorite activity with truly new-gen production values," said Ed Zobrist, president of Sierra Online. "Not only can gamers take on three original environments full of surprises with every putt, but they can customize and create new courses to play on their own or to challenge their friends." 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 800 Microsoft points. Gamers can earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points. A downloadable Windows PC version of the game is available at favorite online games destinations with a suggested price of $19.99. The title is rated "E" for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

Source: Press Release PRNewswire

HD DVD Video Essentials Calibration Disc now on sale!

2007-04-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

After reading the "Why HDTV Calibration is Important" post, you'll know why calibration is essential to getting the most out of your HD picture. If spending $200 for professional calibration seems a little too much then you know have an alternative. A couple months ago, I announced that the do it yourself calibration disc was coming to HD DVD. Well today is that day. It is now available via Amazon. And for some reason, is already on sale. Check it out here:

Digital Video Essentials - HD DVD (2007)

HD DVD First to Reach 100K CE Players Sold in the U.S.

2007-04-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking the first anniversary of HD DVD hardware and movies sold to consumers, the North American HD DVD Promotional Group announced today that sales of dedicated HD DVD consumer electronics players reached more than 100K units sold in the United States, ahead of any other high definition format. This figure does not include sales of HD DVD PC drives or the Xbox 360 HD DVD player, which are also
selling strongly. As consumers see lower prices for high definition players, the manufacturing efficiencies of HD DVD are keeping the format one step ahead. As the first to bring CE player prices down below the $400 mark, Toshiba is hearing encouraging news from retailers.

"Toshiba remains committed to drive sales with strategic pricing and marketing to complement the rapid market adoption of HDTVs," said Jodi Sally, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products. "Retailers are showing a significant increase in sales volume this month so far. On Amazon.com, our HD DVD players continue to rank among the top ten best sellers of all DVD players, which says a lot about how consumers relate to price." Quality, price and great viewing and listening experiences are recognized benefits of the HD DVD format. With mandatory features such as a network connection, picture-in-picture, persistent storage, and decode support for Dolby True HD, every player can take advantage of new interactive and audio features as they are introduced. That means a quantum leap for the consumer experience with minimal investment in new audio equipment and the ability to update any player on the market as needed.Consumers can also enjoy combo discs that include a DVD version as well as an HD version on a single disc for playback on a variety of machines. These are all exclusive features of the HD DVD format. With titles like The Complete Matrix Trilogy coming in May from Warner Home Video, and more than 70 new titles expected to be released before the end of July, HD DVD owners will have more than 300 titles worldwide to choose from this summer, with more to come in the fall and holiday seasons.

Toshiba HD-A20 HD DVD Player on sale at Amazon now!

Source: PRNewswire

Samsung's LED Backlight Introduced for new LCD Monitors and Upcoming HDTV's

2007-04-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd of Korea announced that their new 24" monitors will include an LED backlight to allow for more realistic colors. LCD monitors currently have a 72% saturation of the NTSC standard. This means that color reproduction is not "accurate" or as "realistic" as they could be. Samsung's new LCD monitors will be using a color saturation level of 111% of the NTSC standard.

The displays will be available by the end of the second quarter of 2007. 24" is now recognised as the monitor size that most accurately displays a 1080 resolution and the smallest size most compatible with the upcoming Windows Vista operating system. The displays will also include Samsungs "Super Patterned-ITO Vertical Alignment (S-PVA)" technology that provides for the widest viewing angle possible, WUXGA resolution (1,920 x 1,200), and over a 1000:1 contrast ratio.

The LED backlight technology replaces the current mercury based backlight in LCD's. Mercury contributes to poor black levels as the mercury "emits" light even when the color black is being displayed. This turns the color black, into a greyish tone and also effects all the other colors in the color pallete, rendering them as "inaccurate." Inaccurate colors and poor black levels have also been a problem with Samsungs HDTV LCD's, so introducing the LED backlight system to the larger HDTV models will lead to a significant improvement. I caught a look at Samsung's upcoming line of lcd hdtv's with LED backlight during CES 2007, and can say that it is a huge improvement over their current line. No release dates has been give for these as yet.

Sony Promises OLED By End of 2007

2007-04-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Katsumi Ihara, Sony's Executive Deputy President and President of TV and Video Business Group, annouced that the first commerically available OLED displays will be available by the end of 2007. After their debut at CES 2007, Sony claim that the level of interest in the technology has encouraged them to push development of this new technology into production earlier than originally anticipated. 1,000,000: 1contrast ratio sounds great, but given that this will be the first generation of the technology, it may be worth waiting until second or third generation products before switching from current HD techologies. LCD's and plasmas for example are in their 12th generation and already have at least a 15 year history of production.

Picture Source: techon nikkeibp japan

Microsoft Officially Retires Windows XP in 2008!

2007-04-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Windows XP made it's debut towards the end of 2001. At first, people were hesitant to switch over from Windows 2000, and those running Windows ME were more than happy to find a fix for their charade of nonstop problems. That was six years ago. Since then, around 85% of home computers run Windows XP around the globe. Yesterday it was officially announced that Microsoft will retire the XP operating system in 2008. In addition, from 31st January 2008, large PC makers, such as Dell, HP and Toshiba, will no longer be able to buy licences directly from Microsoft for pre-installation on newly sold machines. They can however, obtain these licenses from third party vendors up until 2009.

The majority of users around the globe aren't yet ready to upgrade to the new Windows Vista operating system, and approximately only 10% of current Windows based users have shown any immediate interest in the new product. The recent press for the first round of bugs is a huge deterent, while businesses usually wait until service pack 1 is released before migrating over.

Most importantly though, support will remain for Windows XP as Microsoft realises that the current user base are not ready or willing to upgrade, and that XP still has a fairly long shelf life left. Obviously this also has an inpact on the HD world, because most of our tools, interactivity, and downloadable content are made available to us, and rely upon, software from the home PC.

Sony Playstation 20GB version DISCONTINUED!

2007-04-13T00:13:00.001-07:00

Dave Karakker, SCEA's senior director of communications, made the official announcement on Gamepro today. It's official. The 60GB version was outselling the 20GB by a 10:1 ratio. Only having one SKU number will simplify things a little for retailers, but now the gap was widened between the price of the XBOX 360 and PS3.

The comparable Xbox 360 would be the Elite version that is released later this month, and has a retail price of $479 versus the $599 of the PS3. I say comparable, but the Elite still has no built in HD-DVD or wireless capabilities and is still running HDMI version 1.2. It does however, sport a 120GB hard drive drive. (It seems that 1080P and HDMI "WERE" necessary. Pun because Microsoft had made a comment to the contrary when the PS3 specs were first being announced)!

A look at Toshiba's 13 new REGZA LCD models for 2007

2007-04-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

REGZA 720p - HL67 & LV67 Series
Toshiba's REGZA line includes six 720p models ranging from 26" diagonally measured to the new 42" diagonally measured. These televisions include new advanced Toshiba technologies such as PixelPure3G and DynaLight. The new Toshiba PixelPure3G advanced 14-bit internal digital video processing offers 4,096 levels of gradation for 16 times the gradation levels of standard 8-bit systems, and now creates cleaner more natural images by incorporating new enhanced MPEG noise reduction technology. Unlike standard LCD panels, the new CineSpeed™ panels incorporate DynaLight dynamic backlight control. This system works with PixelPure to monitor the brightness of the incoming video signal, and then adjust the backlight intensity to maximize contrast. This system creates a dynamic contrast that is up to 5X that of the original panel contrast, significantly improving black levels for deep images in virtually any viewing environment.

For 2007, REGZA 720p models truly stand out with beautiful high-gloss black cabinetry, currently uncommon in this category. Plus, the entire 2007 REGZA line also includes ATSC/QAM digital tuning, SRS WOW™ sound, a PC input, and three HDMI™ inputs for simple and complete all-digital connectivity. Toshiba will also offer two REGZA LCDVD™ models in 26" diagonally measured and 32" diagonally measured sizes. These models offer all of the advanced technologies of the REGZA 720p TV models, plus a built-in DVD player with internal upconversion to 720p for HD display.

REGZA 1080p Full HD - HL167 Series
Toshiba continues to expand its 1080p offering and is adding a 52" diagonally measured LCD model to its REGZA 1080p Full HD line-up, which already includes 42" and 47" diagonally measured models. 2007 REGZA 1080p Full HD models all accept 1080p input signals and include enhancements such as ColorBurst, and CE-Link (HDMI - CEC). While a standard LCD TV may only reproduce 72% of the NTSC color gamut, ColorBurst is a wide color gamut LCD that can reproduce 90%+ for 25% more color. REGZA 1080p Full HD models now provide both enhanced resolution and increased color depth for richer colors and more realistic images. CE-Link allows two-way control between the TV and applicable source devices, such as HD DVD, through the HDMI cable. The user can use the TV remote to control the source devices, or the source devices to control the TV, allowing simplified operation. Because no IR is needed, the source devices can be placed in a cabinet or closet, which is perfect for flat panel TV applications. To ensure flexible remote connectivity of non CE-Link source devices, Full HD models also include an IR Pass-Through jack.

2007 REGZA 1080p Full HD models feature new step-up high-gloss black cabinetry that further differentiates the 720p and 1080p Full HD series. These models also include Toshiba's Native Mode, which provides clean 1080p pixel-for-pixel display without any overscanning.

Cinema Series® REGZA 1080p Full HD - LX177 Series
In addition to the many enhancements made throughout the new REGZA line, Toshiba is proud to offer four new Cinema Series REGZA 1080p Full HD models in 42", 46", and new 52" and 57" diagonally measured screen sizes - 57" is the largest flat panel TV Toshiba has offered yet. In addition to the features and benefits of all the new REGZA models mentioned above, 2007 Cinema Series REGZA models also feature new ClearFrame 120 Hz anti-blur technology. This advanced technology doubles the frame rate from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second using Motion Vector Frame Interpolation, virtually eliminating motion blur without adding flicker or reducing image brightness. This makes Cinema Series REGZA the perfect choice for fast action movies and sports. The Cinema Series REGZA HDMI connections also include Deep Color and XVycc technology for further enhanced color space.

Cinema Series REGZA 1080p Full HD models also feature a new and innovative premium cabinet design with new SoundStrip2 technology. This technology utilizes an acoustic chamber within the set to develop rich bass, natural voices and crisp highs, all with a further reduced cabinet height enhancing the overall Cinema Series design. In addition, Cinema Series REGZA models target high-end home theater applications with connectivity such as an IR input and a THINC™ RJ-45 connection, plus Virtual Dolby® sound and a new 6-Item A/V illuminated universal remote.

(Mouse over for pictures and links with model specific information)

REGZA
Toshiba REGZA 26HL67 26" LCD HDTV (March/April 2007)
Toshiba REGZA 32HL67 32" LCD HDTV (March/April 2007)
Toshiba REGZA 37HL67 37" LCD HDTV (March/April 2007)
Toshiba REGZA 42HL67 42" LCD HDTV(March/April 2007)

REGZA LCDVD
Toshiba REGZA 26LV67 26" LCD with DVD Player(March/April 2007)
Toshiba REGZA 32LV67 32" LCD with DVD Player(March/April 2007)

REGZA 1080p Full HD
Toshiba REGZA 42HL167 42" 1080p LCD HDTV(March/April 2007)
Toshiba REGZA 47HL167 47" 1080p LCD HDTV(June/July 2007)
Toshiba REGZA 52HL167 52" 1080p LCD HDTV(June/July 2007)

Cinema Series REGZA 1080p Full HD
Toshiba 42LX196 42" Cinema Series 1080p LCD(June/July 2007)
46LX177 (June/July 2007)
52LX177 (June/July 2007)
57LX177 (June/July 2007)

Source: Toshiba USA Press Release

Toshiba's HD-A20 HD DVD Player Hits Retailers' Shelves

2007-04-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

WAYNE, N.J., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") announced today that its newest HD DVD player, the HD-A20, is now shipping to U.S. retailers. Priced at $499.99 (MSRP), the HD-A20 adds to Toshiba's second generation of HD DVD players and makes 1080p resolution available at an attractive price point. The Player: With 1080p output capability, Toshiba's HD-A20 joins the existing Toshiba HD DVD line-up which includes the entry level HD-A2 and the top of the line, HD-XA2. This expanded line of products offers enhanced functionalities of the HD DVD format and is proof of Toshiba's commitment to the smooth transition to the next stage in high definition entertainment. Through an HDMI(TM) interface, DVD content can be upconverted to near HD picture quality. The HD-A2, HD-A20 and HD-XA2 are all backward compatible, so users can continue to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software.

Interactivity: All of Toshiba's HD DVD players feature interactive capabilities and an Ethernet port to support networking, to provide users with the potential to download great content like streaming audio commentary, new audio languages and new HD trailers when a network-enabled HD DVD disc is played. HD DVD Titles: Movie lovers take note - to complement growing HD DVD player sales, more than 70 new HD DVD titles are scheduled to be released between now and July 2007. With more than 900,000 HD DVD discs sold to date, according to published Nielsen data, the momentum for HD DVD continues to grow. Not stopping there, Toshiba wants to show consumer appreciation through its recently announced software promotion. Running through July 31, 2007, consumers who purchase any Toshiba HD DVD player can now get five HD DVD titles for free, from a selection of 15, via a mail-in offer.

Amazon have it on sale here: Toshiba HD-A20 HD DVD Player

Source: PRNewswire

Display 2007, Tokyo Japan, April 11th-13th

2007-04-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

This event is going on now in Japan. Think of it as a CES for HDTV's. All the big players will be there and once the press releases have been issued, I'll put some pics up. Highlights will be Organic electroluminescent (EL) displays, FED (see yesterdays post)and who knows what else.

Organic electroluminescent (EL) display has boasted a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio so we'll see how these performs. I got a look at the Sony OLED's at CES 2007 which have similar claims, and was not that impressed. All I saw was a high contrast and a very average overall picture. Obviously, these were not production models, so for now, I'll reserve judgment. Here is the link to the event. More info as its released: Display 2007

'Halo 3' Multiplayer Beta Hits Xbox LIVE Worldwide on May 16

2007-04-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios offer gamers exclusive first experience of one of 2007's most anticipated entertainment releases.

REDMOND, Wash., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the multiplayer beta of "Halo(R) 3" will debut to audiences worldwide via Xbox LIVE(R) on May 16 at 5 a.m. PDT and run through June 6 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Coming exclusively to the Xbox 360(TM) console this fall, "Halo 3" is the highly anticipated third chapter in the groundbreaking "Halo" trilogy from legendary developers Bungie. "Halo 3" lets gamers experience Master Chief's greatest battle as he launches an epic mission to stop the Covenant, destroy the impending Flood threat and ultimately save mankind.

Made possible through Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox LIVE gaming and entertainment network, which provides a robust online service for more than 6 million gamers worldwide, the multiplayer beta for "Halo 3" will give anxious Xbox 360 gamers their first opportunity to get their hands on the new levels, weapons, vehicles and game types, as well as a chance to provide valuable data that Bungie will use in continued development. Starting May 16, gamers who secured their admission to the multiplayer beta either through the "Rule of Three" promotion or by purchasing a specially marked copy of "Crackdown(TM)" for Xbox 360 will be able to don their Spartan armor, download the beta on Xbox LIVE, and jump online using their Xbox LIVE Gold account* to battle other gamers from around the world. When gamers gather online to play the multiplayer beta via Xbox LIVE in May, they will be treated to three richly detailed, action-oriented maps: Snowbound, High Ground and Valhalla, which represent a mixture of large-and medium-scale combat environments and are brand-new to "Halo 3."

Each map will test gamers' mettle as they are placed behind the controls of new "Halo 3" vehicles such as the agile Mongoose all-terrain vehicle, and armed with deadly weapons such as the new and improved Assault Rifle, the ferocious Brute Spiker, the devastating Spartan Laser and the treacherous new Spike Grenades. This is just a taste of what gamers will experience later this fall when "Halo 3" goes on sale. 'Halo: Combat Evolved' and 'Halo 2' changed the face of console gaming forever," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. "Gamers from around the world have logged more than 800 million hours on Xbox LIVE playing 'Halo 2,' and years after its launch it remains the No. 1 title on our Xbox LIVE network. Bringing an early look at the multiplayer elements of 'Halo 3' to our passionate fan base is tremendously exciting for us."

Gamers worldwide who did not participate in the "Rule of Three" promotion but are interested in joining the multiplayer beta of "Halo 3" can still participate through the purchase of the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 title "Crackdown," which was launched in February. "Crackdown" sets players loose in a free-form, persistent city for action-packed crime fighting that requires a bigger, faster and stronger hero that evolves as a more efficient weapon through continued gameplay. Each copy of "Crackdown" has been specially marked with a "Halo 3" beta sticker prior to the beta period, and starting May 16 the game will act as a key for gamers to download and participate in the "Halo 3" multiplayer beta.

In addition, gamers who can't wait for the multiplayer beta this May can get an even earlier look at "Halo 3" with a new, behind-the-scenes video feature available at http://www.bungie.net/ and in high definition over Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Starting today, viewers can go behind the scenes at Bungie Studios to learn about the people, technology and process that are making "Halo 3" an unforgettable multiplayer experience, and to get a taste of what to expect from the upcoming "Halo 3" multiplayer beta. The latest multiplayer video documentary, titled "Is Quisnam Protero Damno!," will offer a glimpse at how "Halo 3" multiplayer maps are being designed, built and architected, and how these amazing spaces are converted into fun places in which to play. Gamers can also catch the first-ever glimpse of brand-new "Halo 3" multiplayer levels in their early stages of evolution and construction.

Source: PRNewswire

FIRST LOOK AT FIELD EMISSION DISPLAY (FED) HD TECHNOLOGY!

2007-04-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

LCD's and Plasma's have had their commercial run for over a decade now. Compare that to CRT's, which have been in mass production since 1922, have a long history of performance, and had just as much time to evolve. Despite huge advancments, neither of the newer technologies have quite been able to match the top of the line CRT's picture quality. Both LCD and Plasma have their own unique and common problems which prevent them from being perfect. Ghosting, smearing, blurring, dead pixels, burn-in, black levels, color depth....the list goes on. Admittedly, these issues have been improved in newer models, but for now, they are still there.

For a few years now, rumors have surrounded two future technologies that had promised to bring the image quality of high end HD CRT's to the shape of a large flat panel. The top of the line CRT's still hold the award for best picture quality. But they have two major problems. The largest size is 34" in the widescreen (16:9) format, and they measure and weigh a ton! SED was the first technology to make this promise, but because of the patent dispute between Canon and Nano-Proprietary Inc, SED technology has gone back under the table. FED or Field Emission Display technology was the second (It's important to note that, SED technology is a simplified, and cheaper to produce variant of FED technology, and was originally scheduled to make its debut first).

Field Emission Display technology was adopted by Sony in early 2004, and has since been in research and development. Not much has been seen or heard, until now. Finally for the first time, we get to lay our eyes on the FED prototypes.

It's difficult to really get a sense of the picture quality here, but the similarity between CRT's and FED is apparent here as the photos pic up the scan lines on the monitors.

The technical specification are obviously subject to change, but the prototype's that were shown here had the following specs:

19.2" screen , 1280×960 resolution, and a 30" screen with a 1920x 1280 resolution. Features include 400cd/m2 brightness, a pixel pitch (dot pitch) of 0.306mm, 15V low power consumption, and a commendable 20,000: 1 contrast ratio. A big one, is the fact that these screens introduce 1:1 pixel mapping which means that every pixel of resolution displayed on screen has it's own physical place on the panel. With CRT's being analog in nature, geometry is a problem because some of the edges of the screen would be cut off, this makes HD CRT's a bad choice for computer monitors as it would require severe tweaking and adjusting to get the picture to "fit" the screen correctly. With an LCD for example, everything fits a lot better as they are digital and pixel based.

The picture above shows an FED display paired against a CRT studio broadcast monitor, but again, we can't tell too much from the picture. Sony hopes to start mass production by 2009 and is aiming to start with 50-60" screens, 100,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 1080p resolution and eventually, an affordable price range. They may also be marketed under Sony's Trinitron branding, as after all, in their most basic form, these are essentially flat panel CRT's.

Looking at the diagram above, you get a basic sense of how the technology works. With traditional CRT's, there is one big electron gun which fires outwards and passes through the phosphor layers to create the image. With FED, there is an electron gun for EACH pixel. The little yellow cones in the diagram above demonstrates this.

The technology is very promising, and if it delivers up to its claim, it WILL be the premiere choice against Plasma and LCD. But as with most marketing promises, we'll just have to wait and see how things measure up. We've still got a good couple years to go before we start seeing production models, so in the meantime it's time to start bargain hunting as Plasma and LCD prices are going down!!!

Picture Source: Impress Watch Corporation, Japan

Will you buy an HD movie, even if you already own the DVD version?

2007-04-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

I still have some VHS tapes lying around. But I no longer own a VCR player. I think when the last one broke a couple year ago, I didn't really see the need to replace it. If I take the time to total up all the money I've spent on home video over the past 20 something years, i'm sure it would amount to a small fortune. I've owned several versions of my favorite movies too. First there was the original release of the movie, then the special edition, then in the 90's they came out with "Digitally Remastered," and now the boxset craze. I think that makes 4 copies total. Shameful really! I'm guilty of buying into marketing several times over.

I know of a few people that went crazy once they figured out how to rip and burn DVD's. Film's that they'd never watch again, but they still owned a copy of it. Then there's the impulse buys at the local electronic stores. You go in for one thing, and you walk out with three or four reduced sale price DVD's. Two were bought intentionally, and the last one caught your eye in the checkout line. One DVD for $9 doesn't sound bad at all. But "times 3" =$27, which might at least make you do a double take.

When the HD formats first came out, I was watching every and any HD title I could get my hands on. I knew that "House of Flying Daggers" was rated as one of the worst Blu Ray titles available, but I still watched it. The reviews were right, I think the DVD had a better transfer. Once I'd gotten over this excitement phase, I became a little more grounded. But enter a new problem that we didn't have before. Some movies look so amazing that you just have to watch it. I watched "Happy Feet" on Blu Ray over the weekend. The story was quite good, and overall fairly entertaining, with some funny moments. BUT the picture quality was incredible! I can honestly say that it's the best animation I've ever seen! A film like this may warrant a place in my collection, just because it LOOKS amazing. There's a long list of titles that fall in this category. Films I have NO interest in, but found myself renting from Blockbuster online, just because they were available. Thankfully, I've since caught myself, and returned to normal.

The difference between DVD and HD is immense. But I still hear some people say that they're content with DVD and have no intention of investing in HD, or even that they simply don't see the difference! In their defense, I've seen some DVD's of late that had such a good transfer, it could have been classed as a bad HD flick. But for most of those comments, I put it down to either an astigmatism or not having a trained eye in any sense of the phrase (joke, by the way). Even if you have low end HD equipment, the difference in picture quality changes the entire experience. I will say though, that the one thing I AM still guilty of, is waiting for the HD-DVD or Blu-Ray version of a movie to come out, and ignoring the DVD release. But as far as buying the same movies over again that I already own on DVD, I've learnt my lesson from the previous formats. I won't be buying up HD movies unless I honestly see myself watching it over and over again. I'd expect that in 10 years time when Ultra-HD becomes a standard, I will own a fairly small, but triumphantly commendable HD collection.....Yeah right, who am I kidding? Have you seen the picture quality on Harry Potter?............

SONY BDP-S1E, FIRST STAND ALONE BLU RAY PLAYER SET FOR EUROPE

2007-04-07T01:07:00.000-07:00

Responding to a rapidly growing market demand throughout Europe, Sony has announced the latest addition to a Blu-ray Disc family including High Definition gaming, editing and now, the ultimate home theatre experience. The BDP-S1E represents one of the company’s most powerful and intelligent consumer equipment models ever developed: the player sets new standards in High Definition audiovisual playback of movies. The superbly stylish BDP-S1E integrates seamlessly within Sony’s ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre concept to produce one of the most stunning and engaging entertainment experiences ever developed. Film lovers will relish 24p True Cinema incorporated into this Blu-ray Disc player. Cine cameras actually film at 24 frames per second, but televisions operate at a higher frame rate, so conversion has traditionally been necessary. The result is a 4% discrepancy from the original – the film on TV actually runs 4% faster than the original, and the soundtrack rises by 4% in pitch. When the BDP-S1E is connected to a TV with 24p capabilities such as the ‘BRAVIA’ D3000 series, the original 24 frames per second are displayed just as the camera first recorded them. You see – and hear – exactly what you should, exactly as the director intended.

The BDP-S1E, Sony has positioned it as the ultimate cinema experience and with over 250 movies available on Blu-ray Disc in Europe*, customers can be confident that they tastes are catered for. Whether it’s the action of Bond in Casino Royale, the intrigue of the Da Vinci Code or the romantic fun of Hitch, film fans can trust Blu-ray Disc to offer them much more choice with seven of the eight major Hollywood studios offering this format.
The BDP-S1E player provides full 1920 x 1080p (progressive) High Definition video for Blu-ray Disc titles. So don’t worry about that impressive home movie collection you’re so proud of… When playing your existing DVD library on the BDP-S1E, a 1080p video upscaling facility takes your old movies out of the DVD-Video domain and represents them with a new lustre and character that is closer to HD resolution.

Just as Blu-ray Disc is revolutionising the home entertainment market, this new player sets a fresh aspirational benchmark in the European market,” comment Hiro Shinohara - Director Home Video Europe at Sony Europe. “It has the punching power of a super heavyweight, the looks of a super model and truly simple and intuitive operation for the serious AV enthusiasts. Such is our confidence in the Blu-ray format, we plan to announce a larger family of products in the coming months. Watch this space!”

Intuitive design behind the slimline aluminium and genuine glass finished exterior lies a level of intelligent operation seldom seen in the consumer equipment market. Developed as an integral part of the Sony ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre concept, synchronisation of the BDP-S1E player alongside Sony ‘BRAVIA’ TVs, HiFi systems and receivers is as simple as pressing one button and the ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync function does away with the need for confusing navigation of multiple hardware controls. Within minutes of taking the player from its box, it will lie at the heart of a HD home theatre system while complementing the interior design around it. This extraordinary attention to design detail is reflected by the choice of genuine materials like the specially coated glass front and the elegant aluminium body. The glass front shimmers in deep blue, which disappears once the light in the home theatre is turned down, leaving the audience’s attention to the picture it creates.

Recognising the importance of the audio component within the HD world, the BDP-S1E provides up to 8 channels of uncompressed linear PCM digital audio output via HDMI as well as Dolby Digital Plus. Highest audio performance is assured through separate audio circuitary, the use of finely tuned high-performance audio components, a rigid beam chassis construction, drive brackets and off-centre insulator feet.

The adoption of “x.v.Colour” (Sony’s implementation of the xvYCC video signal standard) is another illustration of the company’s determination to raise the bar in European HD home entertainment. Consumers can now enjoy up to approximately twice the colour of sRGB when playing back discs recorded with AVC-HD camcorders.

The player supports a diversity of high quality video codecs, including MPEG2, MPEG4-AVC and VC1. HDMI interfaces ensure the broadest level of device interoperability, whilst for owners of HDTVs without HDMI, an analogue component output for 1080i (interlace) is included as a standard feature. The player supports BD-ROM, AVC-HD, CD and DVD playback from DVD/DVD±R/±RW encoded discs as well as MP3 audio files and JPEG images stored on DVD±R/±RW discs.

The BDP-S1E will be available throughout Europe from summer 2007.

Source: Sony-Europe Press Release

DVI AND VGA REPLACED BY DISPLAYPORT 1.1 FROM VESA

2007-04-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

It really is hard to stay current with High Definition, and technology in general. No matter how long you wait to buy the newer, more advanced models; something better comes out a few months later. Always! Guaranteed! I think this next piece of news is going to be somewhat frustrating for a lot of people. Just when you thought you were "current" with 1080p and HDMI, we learn that over the next couple years DVI and VGA (the two types of cables you use to connector to your computer monitor) will be phased out and replaced by a new standard connector called Displayport version 1.1 (no doubt will change in version as time goes on). The standard comes from the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), who every major manufacturer and many small ones are a member of. What's the relevance? Well VESA's approval of this new standard means that every company from A-Z will likely be adopting this standard in the near future.

Two years ago, dvi was the primary HD connector of choice. One of my early hdtvs, the Sony KF-42WE610 had a DVI port, and it was "future proof." At the time, that is! No more than two years later, just after PC's and hdtv's standardized dvi, HDMI has replaced it in the home theatre environment. High Definition has come a long way in defining itself, but its not done yet. The good news is that unlike two years ago, it is now safe to buy. Purchasing an hdvt that doesn't have a Displayport 1.1 won't really be an issue for a while and quite honestly, unless hooking your PC up to your tv is an absolute must, it may not be that necessary in the future. I would speculate this will be more of a deal for PC users in the future than it will be for home theatre enthusiasts, as HDMI is now solidly grounded and vested in HD components.

It will also take the next two years to phase this standard into products and to slowly phase DVI and VGA out. The 2007 Q3 models of hdtv's will introduce new features such as HDMI 1.3, deep color, and higher response times/refresh rates. By 2009, who knows where we'll be? If manufacturers dare replace HDMI with Displayport 1.1, then all your home theatre components will need an overhaul. However, I highly doubt this will be the case. If anything, I would see Displayport being the connector of choice for PC's, and perhaps being an additional connector at the back of your hdtv as an option to interface with the PC/laptop. But without further ado, I'll finish with the rundown on Displayport 1.1:

DisplayPort 1.1 gives manufacturers of LCD panels, monitors, graphics cards, PC chipsets, projectors, peripherals, components, and consumer electronics a next generation digital interface that is designed to replace LVDS, DVI, and eventually VGA. It provides the ability to connect to both internal and external displays with a common digital interface. This common interface capability means that DisplayPort can carry pixels directly from any display source to any LCD panel, simplifying the design complexity that is present today. As presented at CES 2007, a DisplayPort Interoperability Guideline is nearing completion that recommends best practices for providing DVI and HDMI connectivity via the DisplayPort connector and simple cable adapters.

DisplayPort 1.1 adds support for High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) version 1.3. HDCP support enables viewing of protected content from Blu-ray and HD-DVD optical media over DisplayPort 1.1 connections (the movie studio's are loving this!). In addition, it also offers DisplayPort Content Protection (DPCP) which was developed by Phillips and includes support for 128-bit AES encryption.

DisplayPort 1.1 provides for low voltage and low power operation, and enables improved interoperability and reduced EMI through its unique embedded clock architecture. Significant advantages over DVI and VGA include a small USB-sized connector with available latching, two-way display connectivity, optional audio support, higher performance than dual link DVI at 10.8 Gigabits per second, supports WQXGA (2560×1600) resolution, and a unique micro-packet architecture that enables new display features.

Available throughout the industry as a free to use, open and extensible standard (unlike HDMI which requires royalties), DisplayPort is expected to accelerate adoption of secure digital outputs on PCs, enable higher levels of display performance, and introduce high volume digital displays that are simpler, thinner, and easier to use than VGA.

DISCOVERY PLANET EARTH ON DVD, BLU-RAY and HD-DVD

2007-04-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

The "Planet Earth" series was actually a British BBC production. Over here in the US, Discovery channel just began airing the series. The BBC site limits content and viewing to UK users only, so if you haven't heard of it yet, the Discovery site is the place to start. If you're lucky enough to have Discovery HD, which is common to both satellite and cable HD packages, you'll be able to witness this breathtaking series in high definition. It's show's like this that make HD a necessity, and reminds us why we were so captivated with the format from the beginning. The BBC always dishes out class content and in actuality, a lot of what ends up on Discovery and National Geographic are actually BBC productions. But getting back on track, the BBC crew have outdone themselves on this one, and I'm grateful to Discovery channel for bringing the experience to us.

The great news is that the series is now available on DVD, Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, but with the slightly out-of-place voiceover from Sigourney Weaver in the US broadcast, replaced with the original narration from Sir David Attenborough. If you don't yet own a Blu Ray or HD-DVD player, and are limited to the DVD version, I'd have to say that this is one of those instances where it truly will be two completely different experiences. If you don't have an HDTV yet, now is a great time to take a look at the HDTV BLOWOUT SALE going on over at Amazon.

The series will ship April 24th 2007, but Amazon are taking pre-orders now. Here are the direct links to the products, but even if you have no intention of buying it to own, click the link just to watch the astounding video clip, then imagine it in 1080P on your big screen.

Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [DVD]

Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [HD DVD]

Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [Blu-ray]

AT&T OFFERING FREE HD TO NEW DISH NETWORK AND DIRECTV CUSTOMERS!

2007-04-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

AT&T Launches 'Free Access to HD Programming for a Year' to Further Differentiate Its U-verse and Satellite Video Offerings From Cable. Free Access to High-Definition Programming Delivered to Video Services Customers.

SAN ANTONIO, April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- High definition TV programming is fast becoming the nation's new must-have entertainment enhancement, and qualifying AT&T video customers can now enjoy it free for a year.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today announced an offer for access to a market-leading lineup of HD programming at no cost for 12 months to qualifying new video customers within AT&T's traditional 22-state service area. New subscribers to AT&T U-verse(SM) TV service, where it is available, or to DIRECTV(R) Service, and AT&T DISH Network(TM) service (which is offered through Echostar) who mail in the required redemption forms, are eligible. "With great values and access to such a robust lineup of HD content, it's no surprise that consumers are turning to AT&T for their entertainment services," said Rick Welday, chief marketing officer, AT&T Consumer Marketing. "Free access to HD programming for a year gives consumers yet another reason to select AT&T over the competition." Through its U-verse TV service and relationships with DIRECTV and Echostar, AT&T is offering access to a leading suite of HD programming, a technology that with capable equipment can deliver rich and realistic video and near movie theater-quality sound. AT&T U-verse TV receivers and DVR are HD-enabled. AT&T offers more than 25 channels of HD programming through its AT&T U-verse TV service (where available) and up to 31 HD channels through AT&T satellite video broadcast services, DIRECTV Service and AT&T DISH Network service. These HD lineups include premium movies, sports, news, home and gardening, food, family programming, classic films and pay-per-view channels.

The free access to HD programming offer, which is a value of up to $240, is one of the first consumer promotions to be featured across the AT&T 22- state footprint and is part of AT&T's efforts to deliver consumer benefits following the AT&T-BellSouth merger in December 2006. The AT&T satellite video broadcast entertainment offer through AT&T DISH Network is available now through May 31, 2007; through DIRECTV, the offer is available through June 26, 2007; and the AT&T U-verse TV offer is available now through June 30, 2007. This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss .

Free HD with AT&T U-verse: HD 12 Months Free Offer: Subscription to an AT&T U-verse standard definition programming package required. HD channel availability varies based on package/additional channels ordered. After promotional period, then-current HD Technology Fee applies.

Free HD with AT&T DISH Network: Available in Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Texas, Nebraska, Nevada, and California - Valid for new customers who subscribe to qualifying standard-definition (SD) programming (including America's Top 100 or higher) and DishHD programming from 4/1/07 to 5/31/07. Customers will receive two $10 credits ($100 Savings Promotion and $100 HD Bonus Promotion) for 10 consecutive months after mail-in redemption and a $20 credit in each of the remaining two consecutive months. Customer will forfeit any remaining credits in the case of a downgrade from qualifying (SD) programming or service disconnection prior to 10 months of $10 credits. May not be combined with 12 mo. Free AT&T DISH Network promotion. Other charges, restrictions, and terms and conditions apply.

DIRECTV FREE HD ACCESS FEE OFFER: For the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee - Valid for New Triple Choice customers subscribing to a qualifying DIRECTV programming package ($49.99/mo. or above) and HD Access fee ($9.99/mo.) from 4/1/07 to 6/26/07. Customer will receive $10 bill credit for 12 consecutive months after mail-in redemption. HD content will vary by package subscription. HD equipment required and available separately. Customer must maintain qualifying programming subscriptions to remain eligible. May not be combined with any other bill credit promotions. Other charges, restrictions, and terms and conditions
apply.

Source:PRNewswire

Guitar Hero II for the Xbox 360 Shreds to Retail Shelves in HD

2007-04-04T01:10:00.000-07:00

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Activision, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that Guitar Hero II(TM) for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft is now available on retail shelves nationwide.

Guitar Hero II for the Xbox 360 features an expanded track list of over 70 axe-smashing hits -- including 10 tracks exclusive to the Xbox 360 --along with deafening rock venues, HD remodeled characters and guitars, a variety of addictive gameplay modes, and a bevy of achievement points to unlock. Also exclusive to the Xbox 360 is the ability for competitive rockthusiasts to view how their legendary performances rank on the online leaderboards. Guitar Heroes looking for even more can download exclusive gamer themes, picture packs and fresh new songs on Xbox Live Marketplace(R).

"With an expanded set list, blazing hot HD graphics, and a tenacious new X-Plorer(TM) guitar controller, Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 will allow fans to truly feel and live out their ultimate inner-rockstar fantasy," said Dusty Welch, head of publishing at RedOctane. "In addition, offering exclusive downloadable content and the added Xbox Live components such as competitive online leaderboards and tons of unlockable achievement points will help extend the gameplay experience for our hardcore Guitar Heroes to blow out more speakers and rock like never before."

Source: PRNewswire

Second Wave of 2007 Sony HDTV's: The KDL-D3000 Series.

2007-04-03T02:36:00.000-07:00

Closer To Perfection: The ‘BRAVIA’ D3000-Series. One-touch control over your whole Home Theatre setup with ’BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync Motionflow +100Hz doubles frame rate for super-smooth, ultra-realistic TV 24p True Cinema recreates films exactly as they were meant to be seen – and heard Experience living colour with 10-bit panel technology.

The Sony ‘BRAVIA’ D3000-Series LCD TV combines a new level of user-friendly convenience with advanced image technologies. Thanks to these innovations Home Theatre has never been easier to enjoy, and everything from films on Blu-ray Disc™ to High Definition TV is enhanced. Anyone who wants a Home Theatre setup is likely to appreciate ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync, which is the D3000-Series’ way of making life simpler. By connecting compatible devices via HDMI™ connections and enabling ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync, you have one-touch control over the entire system, and far fewer buttons to press to get started. Instead of having to turn on the BD/DVD player, the audio amplifier and the TV, then select the appropriate video and audio inputs and turn the TV sound down, all you need to do is press Play on the remote control of the ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync enabled BD/DVD player. Everything else is handled automatically, so you just sit back and enjoy the show. The process works in reverse when you are done – simply turn off the TV and the BD/DVD player and the amplifier automatically power down as well.

Film lovers will also relish 24p True Cinema incorporated into the ‘BRAVIA’ D3000-Series. Cine cameras actually film at 24 frames per second, but televisions operate at a higher frame rate, so conversion has traditionally been necessary. The result is a 4% discrepancy from the original – the film on TV actually runs 4% faster than the original, and the soundtrack rises by 4% in pitch. When the D3000-Series is connected to a movie source such as Sony’s Blu-ray Disc™ player, the original 24 frames per second are displayed just as the camera first recorded them. You see – and hear – exactly what you should. The next step towards a visibly superior picture occurs as the D3000-Series actually boosts the refresh rate from the standard 50Hz to 100Hz using Motionflow +100Hz technology. This Sony-developed algorithm creates and adds extra frames based on the originals, causing the eye to perceive motion as far smoother and more realistic than in the unenhanced source. Motionflow +100Hz works with both sources using film-based contents and standard TV and DVD, imparting smoothness to everything you see. The D3000-Series also offers hugely enhanced colour reproduction. The standard 8-bit panels normally used for LCD TVs are capable of only 256 steps of gradation between colours, but the 10-bit panel used by the D3000-Series offers 1024 shades of gradation. This breathes life into everything from skin tones to sunsets, and once again ensures that what you see is as close to the original as possible.

To ensure cinematic-style sound to match the quality of the picture the D3000-Series uses S-Force Front Surround technology to create an enveloping surround sound effect from just the two TV’s own speakers, to sound as if you were surrounded by many speakers. S-Force Front Surround technology was developed exclusively by Sony. “Visually, the ‘BRAVIA’ D3000-Series is all about using powerful technologies to achieve subtle but crucial improvements,” says Andreas Ditter - Director TV Operations Europe. “This is the key to its strength. We’ve all seen several TVs side by side in the showroom and quickly picked out one as the best, but not necessarily because the others were bad. We just notice the small differences and instinctively home in on the one set that is most lifelike, most convincing. Very probably it will be a D3000-Series.”

Source: Sony Europe, Press release from Sony Media Experience in Rhodes

Sony Release The ‘BRAVIA’ KDL-S3000-Series for 2007

2007-04-03T02:23:00.000-07:00

Centre Stage In The Digital Living Room:The ‘BRAVIA’ S3000-Series. One-touch control over your whole Home Theatre setup with ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync. Outstanding picture quality with LIVE COLOUR CREATION & BRAVIA ENGINE Three HDMI™ connectors for extra flexibility

The ‘BRAVIA’ S3000-Series LCD TV delivers more than just the superior picture and quality you would expect from a Sony. It features ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync, a new way of controlling Home Theatre setups using HDMI™ connections to send control signals between the various units that make up the system. ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync cuts out the complexity so you can concentrate on enjoying the movie.

So when you want to get started, a single push of the Play button on the remote control of the ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync enabled BD/DVD player automatically takes care of everything. The audio equipment is switched on, the TV switched on, the correct inputs selected and the Blu-ray Disc™ or DVD player starts to play. When you press the Theatre button on the TV’s remote control, TV sound turns off and the picture settings configure automatically to an optimal movie watching mode, developed in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment to faithfully reproduce movies as they were intended by their creators. All while you settle back in your favourite chair. And when you’re done, one final press of a button turns everything off.

Of course the picture you get matches up to the sophistication and convenience of the ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync master switch. First the signal is processed and precision-enhanced by the BRAVIA ENGINE at the heart of the S3000-Series, then it bursts into life on a screen capable of an exceptional range of colours.

What you see is richer and more lifelike because the specially developed Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) backlight and exactly matched filters in the screen create more colours than normal LCD TVs can display. This is the secret behind Sony LIVE COLOUR CREATION.

Wherever you are seated in the room you will be able to appreciate the vibrant picture to the full thanks to the screen’s exceptionally wide viewing angle of 178 degrees. Everything will sound great too because the audio is opened up to fill the room by Virtual Dolby Surround signal processing. The spatialisation effects are finessed by BBE ViVA™ technology, which ensures that the virtual central channel – usually the dialogue – remains perfectly clear and audible. At the same time, the bass is enhanced and the top end sharpened up for a powerful, realistic sound.

The ‘BRAVIA’ S3000-Series is HD-Ready, with a hybrid analogue/digital (DVB-T) tuner and features three HDMI™ connectors as well as two SCART sockets. The HDMI™ connectors provide trouble-free one-cable links to High Definition equipment from Blu-ray™ Disc players and HD Broadcast receivers to PlayStation™ 3.

“As people increasingly adopt Home Theatre as the norm the amount of button-pressing involved is rising exponentially,” says Andreas Ditter - Director TV Operations Europe. “The S3000-Series is both a quality LCD TV in its own right and a new approach which puts the TV back at centre stage. We know that people appreciate simplicity every bit as much as high technology, especially in the home. Put the two together, and you have a winner.” The S3000 will first be available in screensizes of 40 and 32 inch, with the the line-up to be extended in autumn 2007, then covering screensizes from 20 to 46 inch.

Source: Sony Europe, Press release from Sony Media Experience in Rhodes

Sony releases new Bravia Home Theatre Projectors

2007-04-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sony's New Front Projectors Bring Movie Theater Experience Home

Sony Electronics today unveiled two new front home theater projectors that bring the movie-going experience home at prices beginning at about $1,000. The new BRAVIA 3LCD VPL-AW15 and VPL-AW10 projectors feature 1280 x 720 progressive resolution, which is ideal for large screen home entertainment applications like enjoying HD movies, gaming and sports. "The popularity of high-definition programming and gaming is driving the adoption of big-screen home theater applications," said Philip Abram, vice president of television marketing for Sony Electronics. "Our new projector line will bring that experience home for a broader range of consumers." Both new models feature a 165-watt Ultra High Pressure Lamp that produces 1,100 lumens for a life-like, vivid picture. Each one is equipped with a short focal-length lens with 1.6 times zoom and features low fan noise of 20dB (in low lamp mode), providing flexible installation options in many home settings.

The VPL-AW10 model features Sony's Advance Iris for contrast ratio of up to 6,000:1 when "auto" iris mode is selected. The VPL-AW15 unit features the step-up Advanced Iris 2 technology, which also works with the High Contrast Plate device producing deep, accurate blacks and a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 12,000:1 when "auto" iris mode is selected. The Advanced Iris 2 also features a variable setting allowing for user optimization. Additionally, the VPL-AW15 model has greater installation flexibility with lens shift, which helps adjust the picture both vertically and horizontally expanding projector placement options. Key to this feature is Sony's All Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens. The lens allows for flexible throw distances, making installation easier in less than ideal conditions like small rooms. Users can also optimize the AW15's model's color palette with Sony's Real Color Processing function. Color hues can be adjusted to match specific tastes.

Both projectors feature a HDMI input supporting 1080/24p, which is downscaled to native 720p and displayed at a native multiple of 24 for realistic cinema style motion reproduction. Other inputs include a RS-232C connection for custom control applications and a host of others including component, composite and S-video. The VPL-AW15 projector also includes an HD15 input for analog PC. The new VPL-AW15 and VPL-AW10 front projectors are expected to ship in June for about $1,300 and $1,000, respectively. They will be available at Sony Style stores, online at http://www.sonystyle.com/ and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Source: PrNewswire PRESS RELEASE

CASINO ROYALE, THE FIRST HD TITLE TO EVER SELL OVER 100,000 COPIES!

2007-04-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

The post title pretty much sums everything up in one sentence. But this is an important milestone for high definition as a standard. No HD title on either the Blu Ray or HD-DVD format has sold this many copies until now. In addition this was the first HD title to Break into Amazon.com's top ten dvd seller list. 100,000 copies were sold in under 2 weeks. In a press release from Sony, they stated that in 1998 when the dvd format first came out, it took them almost 11 months to ship 100,000 copies of "Air Force One!" No doubt Playstation 3 has helped blu ray sales. Even though HD-DVD had almost a years head start over the Blu Ray format, it has been surpassed by 3:1 in sales volumes according to amazon.com. If you haven't picked up your copy of "Casino Royale" yet, here are links to the DVD and Blu Ray versions on amazon:

Casino Royale (Widescreen Two-Disc DVD Special Edition)

Casino Royale [Blu-ray]

MICROSOFT EXPANDS XBOX LIVE'S HD MOVIE AND TV CONTENT!

2007-03-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Xbox LIVE Movie and TV Roster Grows as Multiple New Partners Bring Premium Content to the Online Games and Entertainment Network A&E Network, ADV Films, National Geographic and TotalVid.com sign on to hit service; Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to offer new high-definition content.

REDMOND, Wash., March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Xbox 360(TM) just keeps getting more entertaining. Microsoft Corp. today announced that TV series and movies from A&E Network, ADV Films, National Geographic and TotalVid.com will add to the more than 1,500 hours of downloadable entertainment content already available on Xbox LIVE(R) in the U.S.

Further capitalizing on the success it has seen with Xbox LIVE, one of the leading distributors of high-definition gaming and entertainment content in the living room, Paramount Pictures, for the first time on Xbox LIVE, will offer its feature films for download in high definition.

Available titles will include "Braveheart," "Team America: World Police," "World Trade Center" and "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut." Also, for the first time, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will be releasing its direct-to-video movies exclusively in high definition on Xbox LIVE simultaneous with their availability on DVD, starting with "Sublime" and later "Babylon 5: The Lost Tales." "With more than 300 games expected by year's end, an Xbox LIVE community of more than 6 million people and a growing catalogue of premium content from some of the biggest names in entertainment today, Xbox 360 is an incredible value," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "Adding partners and content like this helps reinforce the console's position as the center of connected entertainment in the living room."

Downloads on Xbox LIVE have grown in double-digits, month-over-month, with a 400 percent increase since the service began offering TV shows and movies late last year. Xbox LIVE members have also enjoyed free entertainment content, which has been wildly successful. Comedy Central recently offered the first-ever high definition episode of the No. 1 show on its network, "South Park." "Good Times With Weapons," available for a limited time on Xbox LIVE, has been downloaded more than 380,000 times to date. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment offered promotional clips from the blockbuster hit movie "300" that have been downloaded more than 477,000 times. While existing partners continue to increase the amount of content they offer, the list of total partners also continues to grow.

The new partners announced today will bring an array of content to Xbox LIVE Marketplace. From a reality show about a bounty hunter named Dog or an action-heavy, retro-styled mecha series to a TV show about extreme biking in the mountains or a program detailing a war in the desert, there is something for everyone. Examples of television shows and feature films that will be coming to Xbox LIVE include these:

-- A&E Network. "Dog the Bounty Hunter," "King of Cars," "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "Driving Force" and "Criss Angel Mindfreak"

-- ADV Films. Top offerings from the No. 1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation ("anime") outside Japan

-- National Geographic. The television series "Is It Real?" and "Taboo" as well as programs such as "21 Days to Baghdad" and "Air Force One"

-- TotalVid.com. A broad action-sports offering including extreme skiing and snowboarding, skateboarding, motocross, surfing and mountain bikini

Source: PRNEWSWIRE

Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder & Others, Team Up With 103" Plasmas for Live Art Gallery

2007-03-30T00:11:00.001-07:00

Panasonic HD Plasma Displays Bring Theater Icon ROBERT WILSON's Groundbreaking 'VOOM PORTRAITS' to Life in Top International Galleries

103-Inch (World's Largest) Plasmas Showcase High Definition Video Portraits in Exhibition Featuring Celebrities Including Brad Pitt, Isabella Rossellini and Mikhail Baryshnikov

SECAUCUS, N.J., March 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VOOM PORTRAITS by ROBERT WILSON, a series of more than 30 high definition video portraits created by one of the most influential contemporary innovators in theater, art and design, recently began a world tour that will bring Wilson's creations to leading museums, galleries and public art spaces. For their critically- acclaimed launch at New York's renowned Phillips de Pury and Paula Cooper galleries, the HD portraits were "hung" on over 50 Panasonic professional high definition plasma displays. For the tour's second leg, now at the prestigious Ace Gallery Los Angeles through April 21, 2007, three 103" Panasonic high definition plasmas -- the largest available plasma displays in the world -- were added to the mix, lending new drama to the exhibition.

The high definition portraits, which run in infinite loops and feature individual soundtracks, capture celebrity subjects such as Brad Pitt, Winona Ryder, Johnny Depp, Monaco's HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Robert Downey, Jr., Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Huppert, Isabella Rossellini, Steve Buscemi, Alan Cumming and Willam Dafoe. Subjects also include ordinary people, including an auto mechanic, and animals such as a snow owl, a black panther, a frog, and a porcupine. The three 103" plasmas are being used for the portraits of Pitt, legendary French actress Jeanne Moreau, and a tight close-up on the face of a Briard dog.

VOOM PORTRAITS by ROBERT WILSON is an ongoing project commissioned and produced by VOOM HD Networks. With 15 nationally-distributed channels in the U.S., and a growing number across the globe, VOOM is the world's largest producer of original HD programming in the arts, sports, music, animation, news, fashion and more. As part of the company's mission to explore the full potential of the new HD medium, VOOM invited Robert Wilson in 2004, to become an Artist in Residence. In addition to the tour, the portraits will be broadcast on VOOM's visual-arts channel, GALLERY HD, in fall 2007, along with a "making-of" documentary on Art In Progress, one of the channel's signature series.

Working with the Wilson team to mount the show, VOOM HD Networks purchased 32 1080p TH-65PF9UK 65" and 22 TH-42PH9UK 42" high definition Panasonic plasma displays to support VOOM PORTRAITS by ROBERT WILSON. According to Al Irizarry, Director of Production Services for VOOM's parent company Rainbow Media, "Plasma was always our only choice, and we chose Panasonic plasmas because our research showed they have the best image in the business -- a photorealistic picture with excellent black levels." Says Robert Wilson, "I'm thrilled with the result. I have been working with video since the 1960s, but with Panasonic's high definition plasma displays, I am finally finding the saturation, vivid colors and images that I have imagined all along. These plasma displays match my vision -- they are just the right medium for this project." He continues, "Beyond the technology, the design of the display is elegant and simple, and provides a perfectly proportioned frame to the image. I am very grateful for the help and support that Panasonic has given to this project, especially in providing their beautiful 103" Plasmas, which bring amazing new power to the portraits."

Source: PRNewswire, VOOM NETWORKS

Panasonics 2007 Plasma Lineup

2007-03-30T00:10:00.001-07:00

One of the leaders in Plasma HDTV, Panasonic are sticking to their guns with several new models for 2007. At CES 2007 in Las Vegas, there wasn't another display type in site at Panasonics booth. For the first time EVER, they will be putting the first 42" 1080P plasma out on the market, so withouth further ado, here are some official models and figures released. Accompanied are some atrocious, badly framed pics I took of the Panasonic booth at CES. Please don't ask me what I was doing, as I couldn't tell you. Note that the first set of numbers in the model number are attributed to the displays size. Reviews will follow over the next few weeks:

TH-58PZ750U Limited Distribution: 1920x1080p resolution, Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, H.264 (movie playback) on SD, Studio Reference Mode, Pro Setting Mode, 3 HDMI inputs, EZ-Sync, Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating, Gallery Player Release: June 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $5499.95

TH-50PZ750U Limited Distribution: 1920x1080p resolution, Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, H.264 (movie playback) on SD, Studio Reference Mode, Pro Setting Mode, 3 HDMI inputs EZ-Sync, Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating, Gallery Player
Release: June 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $3999.95

TH-58PZ700U 1920x1080p resolution, Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, SD Memory Card slot, 2 HDMI inputs EZ-Sync, Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating, Gallery Player
Release: April 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $4799.95

TH-50PZ700U 1920x1080p resolution, Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, SD Memory Card slot, HDMI inputs EZ-Sync, New Cosmetic, Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating, Gallery Player
Release: April 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $3499.95

TH-50PX77U 1366 x 768 resolution, side firing speakers, SD Memory Card slot, 2 HDMI inputs, EZ-Sync, Anti-Glare coating, Gallery Player
Release: April 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $2799.95

TH-42PZ700 1920x1080p resolution, Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, SD Memory Card slot, HDMI inputs EZ-Sync, New Cosmetic, Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating, Gallery Player Release: June 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $2499.95

TH-42PX77U 1024 x 768 resolution, side firing speakers, SD Memory Card slot, 2 HDMI inputs EZ-Sync, Anti-Glare coating, Gallery Player
Release: April 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $1799.95

TH-50PX75U 1366 x 768 resolution, SD Memory Card slot, 2 HDMI inputs EZ-Sync, Gallery Player
Release: March 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $2499.95

TH-42PX75U 1024 x 768 resolution, SD Memory Card slot, 2 HDMI inputs EZ-Sync, Gallery Player
Release: March 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $1599.95

2006 Models now available: TH-65PX600U 1920x1080p resolution, Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, CableCARD slot,
SD Memory Card slot, HDMI inputs with HDAVI-Control, TV-Guide Available
Price: $9,999.95

TH-103PZ600U 1920x1080p resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio; 5,000:1 contrast ratio; effective display area of 89.3" x 50.2" Available
Price: $69,999.95

SONY's XBR LCD SERIES GETS AN UPGRADE

2007-03-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

It was only going to be a matter of time, but the best LCD, and
one of the best flat panels out on the market just got an upgrade. According to a Japanese press release from Sony, the current XBR or "X" series as it's known in Europe and Japan will be receiving some nice addons. The first two big ones are "2" HDMI 1.3 ports, and x.v.Color spacing. Don't know what that is? Read this first. The PS3 was the first and still is one of the few HD devices to feature HDMI 1.3. By pairing it with this new tv, you'll have the best combo possible for picture quality. The use of Billions of colors as opposed to 17Million with regular HDMI will help eliminate picture performance issues such as color-banding, and overall allow for a much more realistic picture. Ever watched an HD source where the peoples faces look like clay? Part of this is due to not having a big enough color-pallette to reproduce a realistic picture. The x.v.Color portion is the standard that allows for the larger color spacing and bigger color range. HDMI version 1.3 is the newer connector/cable that will deliver and support the x.v color spacing standard.

Before I go any further, I have to say that I can't read japanese, however I do have an uncanny talent of being able to interpret pictures. So based on what I can see from the impressions on the Japanese manual, the set will also have the "Sony Motion Flow" feature that addresses a faster response time (for some reason now being marketed on other newer LCD's as a "120 hz Refresh Rate" even when LCD's don't have refresh rates) which will allow for a smoother picture when the camera is panning around.

Sony's proprietary"Internet Video Link HD" connector will also be available which they plan to use for sending upscaled HD internet content from your home network, directly to the TV. The goal is to not need a computer to view popular internet content. Sony have a partnership with AOL, Yahoo, and Grouper Networks, formed specifically for this and possibly also future "Playstation Home" content.

The “X2500 series” as it's called, will be available as follows and starts shipping in Japan from April 25th: 40" “KDL-40X2550”will retail for 420,000 Yen, the 46" “KDL-46X2550” approximately 490,000 Yen, and the 52" "KDL-52X2550” for approximately 720,000 Yen. How this will translate into European and US prices remains to be seen. If I can speculate for a minute, the trend with Sony has been to replace the current models with upgraded technology for the same and sometimes even slightly cheaper prices. I'll give you an update when this monster hits our shores.

I personally saw the 70" version of this model at CES 2007 and can honestly say that I haven't seen a better picture to date on any display type. The 70" version carried all these features and also features Sony's "Advanced Contrast Enhancer" technology to make the best of its 7000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. I would expect that these newer XBR models are basically the smaller iterations of the 70" bohemoth.

But If you can't wait, now would be a great time to take advantage of the current model which has seen an $1,800 price reduction on Amazon since it came out in September 2006:

Sony KDL-40XBR2 40" Bravia XBR 1080p LCD HDTV

Sony KDL-46XBR2 46" Bravia XBR 1080p LCD HDTV

Sony KDL-52XBR2 52" Bravia XBR 1080p LCD HDTV

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV TRAILER DEBUT AT 3PM PST

2007-03-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Have your trigger fingers ready, because at 3pm PST today, Rockstar Games will debut the trailer to the new Grand Theft Auto Game. Grand Theft Auto IV will debut on both the Playstation and for the first time, the Xbox 360 platform. The game is reputed to be set in London, so we'll see how the validity of the picture to the left pans out. It will also be the first time the game was developed in high definition, so it will be optimised for 16:9 screens and look a LOT prettier than last time round. No doubt, Rockstars server are going to be bombarded so don't be surprised if the page won't load. Here is direct link to the trailer.

Update: Looks like a lot of sources and rumors were wrong. Enjoy:

THIS AND NEXT WEEKS HD RELEASES

2007-03-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Here are this and next weeks HD releases on both formats. Titles have been linked directly to the Amazon page for you to take advantage of their current sale prices:

March 27, 2007
Children of Men (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD)
Happy Feet [Blu-ray]
Happy Feet (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) [HD DVD]
March of the Penguins [Blu-ray]
March of the Penguins [HD DVD]
National Geographic - Relentless Enemies [Blu-ray]
National Geographic - Relentless Enemies [HD DVD]
The Pursuit of Happyness [Blu-ray]
Warriors of Heaven & Earth [Blu-ray]

April 03, 2007
G.I. Jane [Blu-ray]
The Good Shepherd [HD DVD]
Identity [Blu-ray]
King Arthur - Extended Director's Cut [Blu-ray]
Volver [Blu-ray]

April 09, 2007
Dragon's Lair (Blu-ray)

PLAYSTATION BREAKS RECORD RELEASE SALES IN THE UK

2007-03-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

As the third and last of the new consoles is released in Europe, there was a lot of internet chatter claiming that the Playstation 3 was not received well in Europe. Microsoft played pranks outside PS3 launch sites, while xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii fans insisted that nobody was interested. But the figures are in. According to official figures released from Chart Track, off the 1 Million systems shipped to the EU, 600,000 units have been sold.

Keeping the comparisons within the UK, the Xbox 360 sold 71,000 upon release, while the Wii sold 105,000. Both companies had limited availability of the console upon release, and every shipment thereafter were snapped up instantly. By contrast, Sonys approach is that they didn't want to have the shortage issue as with the US release. Because of these two facts, it's difficult to draw any real conclusions as to the overall pace of how the PS3 will stack up against the other two systems. It is also far too early to look at figures other than the ones provided at release. But because of it's availabile stock, the PS3 has smashed the UK records for a consoles release.

Time will tell how things turn out. If PS3's keep flying off the shelves at this rate it will push the Blu Ray format even further into the numero uno spot and in the long run may end up pushing HD-DVD out. The Nintendo Wii is dominating in sales at the moment, but whether this is due to the cute/novelty/fad factor, remains to be seen. It's scarce availability even months after it's release indicate that it may not be going the route of the Gamecube, which quickly ended up in the bargain bin for $99 after the excitement of a new Mario and Zelda game had worn off.

Xbox 360 has some very exciting titles coming out and has built up full momentum for 2007. With Halo 3 looming, both Nintendo and Sony may be faced with a huge spike in 360 sales towards the end of this year. But just so that readers don't go jumping on these figures to claim victory, as they've been doing, lets remain objective. Hopefully, the Wii's lack of high defintion and novely factor don't wear off and they are able to keep their audience involved with innovative gameplay. Sony, on the other hand, have their work cut out for them to make up for the delays. The cost of game development is pushing exclusitivity out the window so it's slowly forcing the 3 companies to really "bring it". But based on the latest press releases such as "Home," "Folding @ Home" and now the UK sales figures, it seems that they are on the ball.

No doubt this article will spike a xbox vs PS3 vs Wii debate amongst the kids, as the trend is to read between the lines to make any sentence mean what they want it too. But here, we don't really care who wins. We just want to enjoy ALL the consoles and PC games, and other aspects they each have to offer. More importantly, we want to enjoy the journey and developments are they are revealed, and are only really concerned with the final outcome from an investment standpoint.

Today's deal: Amazon HDTV 1080p Blowout sale: up to $1,800 off original sales price

Cablevision Adds Two Unique and Popular Networks to it's High Defintion Line Up

2007-03-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

If Cablevision is your cable provider, there is some great news for you:

Discovery HD Theater And National Geographic Channel HD Bring Travel, Nature, Wildlife And Culture From Across The Globe To iO(R) Digital Cable Customers, With The Superior Picture And Sound Of High-Definition.

BETHPAGE, N.Y., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) today announced the addition of Discovery HD Theater and National Geographic HD to the growing list of high-definition channels available to digital cable customers across the company's entire service area, at no additional cost. Discovery HD Theater is available on channel 727 and iO customers will find National Geographic Channel HD on channel 726. Cablevision now offers 23 high-definition programming services including local broadcast stations, the most local sports in HD and a wide variety of entertainment genres. Unlike other providers, Cablevision does not charge an equipment or programming premium for HD programming. "We are pleased to add these unique, high-quality networks to our robust array of high-definition programming, and we plan to build on these additions with a significant expansion of HD channels in the coming months," said Theresa Chillianis, Cablevision's vice president of video product management. "Our high-capacity fiber network gives Cablevision the ability to continually exceed our customers' expectations and deliver additional value through our products, including the best HD programming with no additional fees or charges. We are confident our customers will enjoy Discovery HD Theater and National Geographic HD, in addition to the high-definition programming we already provide, and the new HD channels we plan to offer."

"Having made considerable investments in HD over many years, Discovery offers a vast collection of content to support our distributors' HD business-building efforts and bring viewers the best in HD picture quality and sound," said Clint Stinchcomb, executive vice president and general manager, Discovery Emerging Networks Group. "The launch with Cablevision comes at a particularly opportune time as we premiere Planet Earth, one of our most ambitious HD events ever. We're very pleased that this groundbreaking series will be one of the first programs our new Cablevision viewers will see." "National Geographic is synonymous with spectacular imagery, whether emanating from the bottom of the sea, the most remote rainforest, or the most fascinating cultures anywhere on the planet." said Laureen Ong, President, National Geographic Channel. "NGC HD amplifies the immersive visual experience that continues to draw more viewers to the network every day. We're pleased to join the leading lineup of HD networks that Cablevision is offering its customers." Discovery HD Theater was the first 24-hour high-definition network to broadcast its content in brilliant 1080i and 5.1 digital Surround Sound. A standalone HD network from the Discovery Channel, Discovery HD Theater features high-definition programming in virtually all categories of entertainment from Discovery's family of networks, including wildlife, nature, travel, science, history, geography and more. Discovery HD Theater is committed to bringing viewers top-tier, original HD event programs such as Discovery Atlas HD and Planet Earth, as well as captivating series including Sunrise Earth, Destination HD, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and Risk Takers. National Geographic Channel HD, a simulcast of the six-year-old National Geographic Channel, is the #1 most requested HD channel over the past two years according to Beta Brand Research and showcases such programs as Galapagos, a three-hour special that is the first in-depth, full access film made in over 20 years about the islands and their wondrous array of wildlife.

Favorite original series include Naked Science, MegaStructures, Seconds From Disaster, and Explorer- all presented in stunning HD picture quality and sound. For iO customers with high-definition television sets, Cablevision offers HD-capable converter boxes at no additional cost over the standard box rental fee. In addition to High-definition feeds of premium movie networks are available to all customers who subscribe to the standard-definition version of the networks. High-definition video on demand movie titles are available anytime for $4.95 each, which includes full control over the viewing experience with the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind. With nearly 2.5 million iO customers, more than 78 percent of Cablevision's cable customers are iO digital cable customers, the highest digital penetration in the nation. iO offers customers access to more than 240 channels, including 50 premium movie channels, 45 channels of commercial- free digital music, more than 1,400 titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, 23 high-definition programming services and groundbreaking interactive television applications including News 12 Interactive, and subscription games packages.

SOURCE: PRNEWSWIRE

FIRST BLU RAY TITLE RELEASED WITH BLU RAY JAVA ENVIRONMENT

2007-03-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dragon's Lair Coming to Blu-ray Disc* in True 1080p HD . Fully interactive on Sony PlayStation 3* and Blu-ray* Movie Players

GORMLEY, Ontario, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- High Definition gaming has arrived! Dragon's Lair continues to revolutionize the video-game industry by becoming the first game title ever to be released for the Blu-ray* Disc High Definition format using BD-J. An instant hit in its 1983 arcade debut, Dragon's Lair has now been digitally restored and enhanced with an all-new 5.1 surround sound mix. The video has been transferred directly from the original film and cleaned
frame by frame by Digital Leisure and authoring studio Infinite HD, creating a truly vibrant image. In addition, Dragon's Lair is the first release to be authored in the Blu-ray Java environment, or BD-J, an advanced format that allows users to enjoy a fully arcade-authentic
experience. "I've seen the newly restored footage and it just looks amazing" says Don Bluth, original creator of Dragon's Lair. "It looks even better than I can remember. The visuals, the 5.1 surround sound audio, all I can say is 'Wow!' Now a whole new generation can enjoy Dragon's Lair all over again."

All the special features on the disc are in full 1080p HD, including brand-new interviews with creators Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Rick Dyer, and even a full-length visual commentary of the game. Digital Leisure plans to follow up Dragon's Lair Blu-ray with the release of Space Ace and Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp in the Blu-ray format. Dragon's Lair Blu-ray will be available April 9th at software and movie retailers as well as online at http://www.digitalleisure.com. Digital Leisure is a leading publisher of interactive video-based
titles. The company remasters video-intensive titles that benefit from the superior video and audio quality of DVD and the newest High Definition formats.

SOURCE: PRNEWSWIRE.

NBC NIGHTLY NEWS IN HD TONIGHT

2007-03-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Starting tonight, the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams will be shown in High Definition. Field footage will still be shot in standard definition much as ABC has been doing with their local news programming. Dateline and MSNBC are set to follow in it's footsteps in 2008 although no announcements or dates have been given.

This news may seem very trivial, but as our world turns, these events seems to pass us by without too much attention, then it eventually becomes the norm. In 5 years time, most mainstream programming will be in HD. So now's a good time to acknowledge the changes, as later on, we will reflect and remember the old days when the news was broadcasted in standard definition.

HD VMD TO TAKE ON BLU RAY AND HD DVD?

2007-03-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

Just as consumers are becoming aquainted with Blu Ray and HD DVD, and enthusiasts are taking sides, another format comes striding along. The format is called HD VMD and stands for "High Definition, Versatile Multilayer Disc." As with the other formats, you need a HD VMD player which like HD DVD is based of current DVD technology. The company behind it is NME inc (New medium Enterprises), and hope to take Sony and Toshiba head-on. The press release below goes into detail about the format, but as far as support, it seems that Bollywood Indian movie studios seem to be the primary supporters. I won't speculate, but I think we all know how we feel about a third HD movie format. Check it out for yourself:

LONDON, March 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New Medium Enterprises, Inc.
(NME), (OTC Bulletin Board: NMEN) bringing affordable HD home entertainment across the globe, has secured a partnership deal with AP and Eagle Entertainment, two of India's leading content distributors. The deal will enable consumers to be entertained in style with an HD VMD bundle box set to include a unique HD player plus 10 top selling movie titles at a competitive price of $349 to be available from June 2007. At the forefront of HD technology, NME has developed Versatile Multilayer Disc (HD VMD), a proprietary format and technology, which allows true HD content playback using multilayered discs and drives which are fully backward compatible with existing CD and DVD formats. HD VMD is the only HD disc that uses today's DVD infrastructure and its added advantage is that consumers can use their existing DVD film collection and enter into the HD VMD market at their own pace. In this sense, HD VMD is a natural extension of DVD, utilizing the remarkable potential of the DVD industrial
infrastructure.

Highly acclaimed films such as Boys, starring Anabe Vaa, Indian, starring Kamal Hashan, Jeans, starring Aishwira Rai and Hanuman and Water are part of the content portfolio between these two companies. "This is a timely and exciting partnership, considering we are launching our products in Mumbai in the summer of this year. The Indian community already demonstrated that they are gadget and technology savvy and we anticipate large interest in our products in terms of our competitive retail price and unique technology," comments Uti Thakkar, Head of the Asian Division. A combination of 494 films were released last year produced from the Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam and Kannada regions making the South Indian film industry a worthy and ready market to receive HD VMD products.

About HD VMD. What you should know about HD VMD.
HD VMD (Versatile Multilayer Disc) is NME's proprietary High Definition disc format based upon established red laser technology enabling seamless and cost effective manufacturing solutions for High Definition products. NME's patented 2P process succeeded in solving the phenomenon which has limited DVD's to two layers. Thus, multilayering is now possible with HD VMD solution capable of storage capacity of 20 GB (i.e. 4 layers of 5 GB each). HD VMD has also proven to achieve 24, 30, 40 and 48 GB capacity with the 2P process method. Furthermore, HD VMD is a true HD 1080p format and is compatible with all HD-compatible screens and supports every existing disks format including; CD, DVD (DVD5 & DVD9).

HD VMD format is currently being adopted by content providers and distributors in 12 regions worldwide, including Brazil, Central Europe, China, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Scandinavia, Middle East, Russia and the United States. HD VMD is considered as a serious challenger, as it allows access to High Definition at a lower cost than Blu-ray and HD-DVD drives and discs available today on the market. HD VMD prices are very close to DVD current pricing.

DISCOVERY PLANET EARTH IN HD TODAY

2007-03-25T03:48:00.001-07:00

Don't forget, if you have Discovery HD, tonight 8pm e/p Planet Earth debuts in High Definition. Imagine this compressed video in pristine High Definition:

APPLE TV REVIEW

2007-03-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

Apple TV, is the companys attempt to expand even more services to its vast number of Apple iTune users, and to encourage those that dont use it, to get on the ball. Ultimately it is a wireless device that streams content from your PC or Mac directly to your HDTV using the new "N" wireless standard which means you can be further away and it can stream more information at any one time than with a "B" or "G" network(what most people have now). Yes, it's the same thing as just hooking up your computer or laptop to your hdtv, but its optimised specifically for this use. If you've ever tried to use your hdtv as a computer monitor, you'll know that there's usually a bit of tweaking involved to get things to look right. However, Apple takes this one step further by offering TV shows, trailers and Movies available for download. Of course you still have the regular iPod functions such as podcasts, photos, and music all streamed with an interactive interface to your HDTV. Cool idea, but it's already been done. Xbox live and Windows Media center are currently it's main competitors and offers this same type of functionality. Content and interface are the only major differences. This fall, Sony will release Playstation Home which eventually plans to offer the same genre of content through the Playstation 3 XMB interface. Apple have a demo which a great visual explanation of how things work. Check it out here.

One thing I didn't like about the iPod's infiltration into society is how Apple left early adopters out in the dust, by rapidly changing their design and functions on newer models. Apple constantly does this and I've learned my lesson after being burnt three times on various Apple products over the years. Also you were, and still are limited, to ONLY using Apple iTunes to interface with the device, and similarly, can only playback files that Apple want you to. This lack of freedom and attempt to lock me in was a huge deterent. This isn't really a problem if you're familiar with how to hack the Apple gadgets, but the vast majority of users aren't in tune with the hacking world. Perhaps the worst problem for HDTV enthusiasts is that the quality of the video available for download is not offered in high defintion. The iTunes store doesn't offer programming in any of the HD formats such as 720p or 1080p, so what you get is less than DVD looking quality on your expensive HDTV. It may be sooner rather than later before Apple address this, but given the price that you pay for this iPod "Home Theatre Edition" it is a bit too little for too much.

SONY GIVE 46" HDTV TO FIRST 100 PEOPLE AT UK PS3 LAUNCH

2007-03-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

Friday 23rd March 2007 symbolizes the launch date of the Playstation 3 in Europe. But for the first 100 people in Line at the Virgin Megastore on Oxford street, London, it will be a day they won't forget. Not only did people waiting recieve free Coke and coffee, but as a publicity stunt, Sony dished out 46" HDTV's to the first 100 people in line. And all bases really were covered, as Sony also covered the cab fare to get those 100 people home with a huge smile on their face.

Sony stated that this was their way of giving back to gamers for being patient despite the consistent delays. It comes at a good time for European gamers as there are more titles on the market than at the US release, and the novelty of "Folding at Home," and "Home" around the corner gives for a much better pacing than it did here in the US.

The Ps3 has been the subject of many statistical lashes of recent, but most of it stems from the 12-26ish year old crowd who are owners of other consoles such as the xbox 360. At this site, we are really not concerned with childish rants, we deliver facts and deliberate possible outcomes based on them. Almost everything you read today about the PS3 is the same old tiresome story that really is just speculation and favoritsm. Renowed sites like CNN really arent helping either, by adding fuel to the fire with their own fortune telling predictions about how the PS3 is failing. As an owner of both platforms, I've enjoyed both, and spend more time on the Xbox solely because it's been out for a whole year longer and has more content and a lot of the bugs worked out. But believe me, there were "a few" issues when it first came out. Overheating, static download screen, lack of online content, no real next gen games for almost a year, paying for an xbox live account only to have constant online sessions crash when things got too busy, and the worst being the need to spend another $150 to make it wireless and get a Live account. "HDMI" and "1080p" were also hailed as "unnecessary and irrelevant" by Microsoft. I could go on, but you get the point.

A lot has been said about the PS3's cost, so let me remind you how much you spent on your iPod? But people forget, that the PS3 wasn't designed as just another video game console. Sony didn't spend millions on R&D developing a new processor architecture and Blu Ray just so you can have a better looking first-person shooter. A lot of remarks you'll hear today is that Blu Ray shouldn't be forced down people's throats. From the beginning the PS3 was a multimedia device and I think that has been forgotten. My PS3 provides for an amazing high-definition movie experience, runs linux, stores my photo albums, even aids in finding a cure for cancer, and also stores footage from my HD camera because Sony included a suitably sized hard drive. I've even seen people going as far as to say that high-definition is unnecessary! Like it or not, it's the way things are headed, and if you live in the US, you'll be hit first as you don't have a choice; the FCC demand that you get in the digital game. Not being able to see the difference between SD and HD is one thing, but slating a device for having it is another.

This article is a stance to defend Sony for all the "bashing" that I'm seeing on the front page of every news site on a daily basis. I understand that if you can't afford both platforms (I say both because clearly the Nintendo Wii is aimed at another demographic; my nephew already owns mine!) you have to make a choice. But the trend amongst the immature lately has been to hunt down any detrimental, figures, statements, or news they can, in an attempt to denounce the other side. The PS3 barely came out, while the Xbox 360 is already in its second year. Stop jumping on bandwagon news to make wild claims! When the PS3 has had it's chance to get out of the starting blocks, i'm sure there will be a lot worth waiting for. The power of the PS3 hasn't even been witnessed yet, but scientists around the world recognise what it can do and hence we have the Folding at Home program. Playstation Home looks to revolutionise the online experience with unlimited potential. We know of the top titles on their way, but there is also a LOT we do not know that is currently in the works. Another tireless angle on this issue is the loss of exclusive titles. But lets face it, video game development has become so expensive, that for a developer to make a profit on a game, they need to sell over a million copies for it to be worth their while. After spending millions on game development, they want their first quarter earnings after release to reflect similar figures in sales. By branching off onto both platforms, this makes that aspiration a little bit easier and quicker, which is all shareholders want to see.

But stay clear headed, because a firm that has the greatest selling console of all time, and been a key player and leader in the development of video, film, tv broadcasting, home theatre and high defintion, doesn't invest millions on a product without a clear vision and plan.

The final word is that both systems have a lot to offer, you're seeing more premiere content on the xbox now as it's been out longer. I'm only willing to revisit this issue in a years time, when Sony has been given adequate time to build up momentum. If you're a true gamer, get both systems. If you still live at home with Mummy and Daddy, then make a choice, but when you do, don't bash an entire corporation to make yourself feel better about your purchase. Until then, EasyHdtv will only deliver the facts on both systems and enjoy what both have to offer.

In the meantime seeing as the kids hang on the every word of statements being released, here is one for you to consider: The PS3 is selling faster than the xbox 360 did since its respective release date. Ciao.

NEXT

MATRIX TRILOGY HD-DVD, CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER BLU-RAY + OTHER UPCOMING HD RELEASES

2007-03-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Matrix Trilogy makes it to HD-DVD in the form of two boxsets. Release date is set for May 22nd. The first box set "The Complete Matrix Trilogy" will feature all three movies plus a bonus "The Matrix Revisited" disc. All movies will be given the HD-DVD (IME) exclusive interactive content treatment. The second boxset, "The Ultimate Matrix Collection," will feature the same as above but also include an additional 35 hrs worth of bonus material! Warner Bros plans a Blu Ray release later this year when the "BD-Java environment" feature is ready for distribution.

The martial arts epic, Curse of the Golden Flower will be available on Blu Ray on May 29th. This movie will be displayed in 1080p using mpeg 2 compression and 5.1, uncompresses surround sound.

"Freedom Writers" or "Super Cliche 3" as I like to call it, will be available on May 22nd on both formats. Hilary Swank stars as the teacher that takes on the troubled kids from the hood.

Here are the other upcoming HD releases courtesy of High defintion Digest:

Available now,
March 20, 2007:
Big Fish (Blu-ray)
Chicken Little (Blu-ray)
Eragon (Blu-ray)
Finding Neverland (Blu-ray)
Rocky Balboa (Blu-ray)

March 27, 2007
Children of Men (HD DVD)
Happy Feet (Blu-ray)
Happy Feet (HD DVD)
Incubus: Alive at Red Rocks (Blu-ray)
March of the Penguins (Blu-ray)
March of the Penguins (HD DVD)
National Geographic: Relentless Enemies (Blu-ray)
National Geographic: Relentless Enemies (HD DVD)
The Pursuit of Happyness (Blu-ray)

April 03, 2007
G.I. Jane (Blu-ray)
The Good Shepherd (HD DVD)
Identity (Blu-ray)
King Arthur Director's Cut (Blu-ray)
Me, Myself & Irene (Blu-ray)
Volver (Blu-ray)
Warriors of Heaven and Earth (Blu-ray)

If you haven't bought your HDTV, Blu Ray or HD-DVD player yet and have been holding off all this time, you should check out Amazon's blowout HDTV sale going on right, prices are down to cost! Learn more here.

Seattle Mariners Games Now Available in Super Clear High Definition Format on FSN HD

2007-03-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

All of FSN's Mariners home telecasts and six road games to be shown on Channel 664, making it the largest package of Mariners games in HD ever available to Comcast customers.

SEATTLE, March 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) and FSN Northwest today announced that all of FSN's Seattle Mariners home telecasts and six road games will be available to Comcast customers in super clear high definition format (HDTV), beginning with the Mariners home opener April 2nd against the Oakland Athletics.

HDTV technology provides video and audio that is clearer, sharper and more vibrant than previous video transmission systems. The service is available for customers with an HDTV-capable television set utilizing an HD-enabled digital cable set-top box provided by Comcast. "Our customers tell us that nothing beats watching a Mariners game in person, but they say watching their favorite team in high definition from the comfort of their living room comes pretty close; and, at least with high-definition, they don't have to pay for parking," said Tom Pierce, VP of Marketing and Sales for Comcast.

FSN is the leading provider of sports programming and production in the Northwest, providing viewers a minimum of 120 live events per year in high-definition featuring the Seattle Sonics, Seattle Mariners, Portland Trail Blazers and NCAA football and basketball.
"FSN is continuously looking for ways to enhance the local sports fans' viewing experience on our network and presenting such a significant package of Mariners games on FSN HD is certainly a tremendous example of that effort," said Mark Shuken, FSN Northwest Vice President and General Manager. "We are fortunate to work with progressive teams such as the
Mariners and are proud to partner with them to meet the evolving needs of our fans."

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE PRNEWSWIRE

Amazon HDTV Blowout Sale!

2007-03-20T19:31:00.001-07:00

One of the important undertones of this site, is to make sure that consumers are educated about what they're buying and don't get ripped off or conned by marketing slurs. In vain of this, I can honestly say that this deal is a scorcher, I've picked up the 46" LN-S4695D for my bedroom as it was too good to pass up. Here's to hoping the order goes through and that they haven't run out of stock!

Amazon is having an HDTV blowout, several HDTV's have been slashed by over $800. One particular series, the Samsung LN-S4095D 40" 1080p LCD and the LN-S4695D 46" 1080p LCD have been slashed to near resellers listed cost prices. There are many other HDTV's on sale but the one's with the huge discounts will be in limited supply. If you've been holding off on an HDTV, now might be a good time to buy, just before the new models start rolling in. Check it out here. To make the deal even sweeter, they've thrown in FREE SHIPPING!

Regarding the other deals, pay attention to the specs. Some TV's are 720p others are 1080p. Use the information on this site for technical explanations, and feel free to post questions on any particular models you're considering buying.

If you're ONLY interested in 1080p TV's click here

WHAT COMES AFTER 1080P?

2007-03-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

So you bought your 1080p hdtv and kick back knowing that you have a high resolution display. Well you're right, you do. We won't be seeing broadcast or media content over 1080i or 1080p anytime soon. But the facts remain that high end monitors have been able to display past this resolutions for some time now. Resolutions of 2048×1536 are not uncommon amongst 19" or 21" CRT computer monitors. But what about beyond that?

Sony have this $43,000 broadcast monitor which they use when they're actually shooting and editing the movies we watch. In film production and post-production, they can't rely on other display types for perfect replication of film and digital sources. Outside of film production, Apple's 30-inch Cinema HD display ($1,999) can display a resolution of 2560 x 1600. IBM have the T221 monitor 22.2" monitor that can display a 3840x2400 resolution (yours for around $7999). Because of their size, we can hardly use them in our home theatre, but really, what's all this about then? The standard is called QXGA, or Quad/Quantum eXtended Graphics Array. Most displays that carry these types of resolutions are CRT based. But as CRT's don't have native resolutions, these resolutions are the "optimal" settings for these displays. A small handful of LCD's have emerged that are edging into these resolutions, apples 30" is one of them. But most of the pro's and cons of LCD's still stand, even at this price point. To better understand this high resolution standard, check out this table using 1080p as a comparison:

1080p<><><>1920x1080<><>16:9<>2.07M
Standard<><>Resolution<><>Ratio<>Pixels
QXGA <><><>2048×1536<><4:3<> 3.1M
WQXGA<><><2560×1600<>16:10<>4.1M
QSXGA <><><2560×2048>>>5:4<>>5.2M
WQSXGA<><>3200×2048<>25:16<>6.6M
QUXGA <><><3200×2400<><4:3<>7.7M
WQUXGA <><>3840×2400<>16:10<9.2m

Those aspect ratio's are correct by the way. But I'm not finished here. There's more. In Japan, they already have the "Ultra High Definition Video" standard with a resolution of 7,680 × 4,320. Truly off the charts! Two hours of footage needs approximately 25 Terabytes of data! By comparison, 2 hours of 1920x1080p (1080P) footage takes up 15-50 Gigabytes depending on the compression used (1000GB= 1TB). For this very reason, UHD is so far away that by the time it comes out, drywall, brick and plaster in your house, will have been replaced by reinforced 200" flat panels. The diagram above shows various resolutions measured against UHD. Also, resolutions above 1080p are not supported by movie companies for commercial distribution. You won't see content in these resolutions for quite some time. By the time we do, you'll already be in the mindset that 1080p looks old school!

PLAYSTATION 3 THE CURE FOR CANCER?

2007-03-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of media attention concerning Dr. Frank Muellers' PS3 cluster for performing scientific research. For less than $5,000, he built a cluster of 8 PS3's and made himself a do-it-yourself supercomputer. Now more news has developed on a collaboration between Sony and Stanford University that has taken Dr. Franks idea to the next level. They're harnessing the processing power for PS3's all over the globe to study protein folding and misfolding in the human body. This can lead them to better understand and aid in finding a cure for diseases such as Cancer, Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.

It is estimated that a cluster of 10,000 PS3's could make the most powerful supercomputer on the planet. This setup could dethrone the current #1 Supercomputer, the IBM BlueGene/L. The project is called Folding @ Home, and will be accessed directly from the PS3 XMB interface. This is truly remarkable and a testament to the consoles diversity. The unveiling of PS3 Home last week really showed the potential for PS3 to change gaming as we know it. Take a look at this Folding @ Home clip courtesy of medialink.com: LINK

HD DVD GAINS MOMENTUM ACROSS EUROPE IN 2007

2007-03-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

This news comes hot on the tails of the PS3 release in Europe next week (March 23rd). Remember, this is just a press release aimed at mustering up support. The same pattern was apparent in the US last year. HD DVD had a head start, and Blu Ray overtook (and is currently leading in sales) as soon as the PS3 was released. The PS3 was Sony's trojan horse if you will, as sales of the console, has infiltrated over 2million blu ray players into home across the globe to-date. My point? In the same was as we should disregard Sony's declaration of being the "format winner." No conclusions or wild claims shoud be made as a result of this press release:

HD DVD Gains Momentum Across Europe
Hollywood and European Studios Show Broad Support with Nearly 600 Titles Expected in 2007; European Promotional Group Formed HANNOVER, Germany, March 15 /PRNewswire/

At a press event today at the CeBIT tradeshow in Hannover, Germany, the companies of the HD DVD Promotion Group recapped a strong year for the high definition format and
provided an overview of what customers across the region can expect in 2007. Adding to the global promotion structure for HD DVD, a new entity was also announced, the European HD DVD Promotional Group, Ltd., to bolster marketing efforts for the format as HD DVD gains momentum across Europe.

By the end of Q1 2007, more than 100 titles will be available throughout Europe. More than one-third of these titles come from European studios and none of them are currently available on any other high-definition format. The overwhelming majority of the discs are replicated locally. With more than 21 studios and distributors, 14 authoring studios and eight replicators producing HD DVD content and discs throughout the region, the number of titles is expected to increase rapidly throughout the year with an estimated 600 titles expected worldwide by
December 2007."

Our goal is to achieve global penetration of the HD DVD format, so a lot of work has gone into making sure that authoring houses and replicators across Europe were given the training and expertise they need to get up and running quickly allowing a wealth of European content to hit the market right from the beginning," said Yoshihide Fujii, Chairman of the HD DVD Promotion Group and President and CEO of Toshiba's Digital Media Network Company. "This will be a key differentiator for HD DVD in Europe for the foreseeable future.

Combine that with a solid line-up of US titles and affordable hardware and consumers have a lot of options to create a home theater experience that is unparalleled." Examples of the wide range of content originating in Europe include "Stalingrad (Enemy at the Gate)," "2 brothers," "Les Choristes," "La Grande Vadrouille," "L'Armee des Ombres," "Le Cercle Rouge," "Das Parfum," "Graf Montenegro," and "La Tigre e la Neve." Hollywood studios also made a strong commitment to the market and announcing the release of several great US titles including "Babel," "Casino," "Charley and The Chocolate Factory," "Dreamgirls," "Happy Feet," "The Holiday," "The Matrix Trilogy," "Ray," and "World Trade Center."

All of these titles will feature multiple language tracks allowing seamless viewing in a variety of countries. Studios also announced expansion into a greater number of European countries and are committed to announcing HD DVD titles on the same day and date as DVDs wherever possible. Toshiba announced a new HD DVD player for the European market, the HD- EP10. This mid-range model, which features 1080p output, was designed to meet the increasing consumer demand for 1080p HDTVs. The new player, priced at 699 Euros, rounds out Toshiba's product line-up, and will be available in May 2007. Attendees of the press event saw a live demo of HD DVD's new advanced interactive features, working on both multiple PC platforms and consumer electronics based players -- effectively showing the wide breadth of support for these features.

HD DVD titles with advanced interactivity will take advantage of HD DVD's mandatory specifications for network connectivity, secondary video decoders and persistent storage. Titles using player memory as well as the secondary video encoder for picture-in-picture were shipping throughout 2006, and titles using network connectivity are expected to be available in 2007. Using Microsoft's HDi interactive technology, the live demo showed how to download HD trailers and other content from the Internet, synchronized storyboard playback seamlessly switching between full screen mode and story board and subtitle download.

To date, HD DVD is the only format delivering titles using true picture-in-picture. Increasing momentum in the global market HD DVD's superior capabilities and long-term potential continue to win significant acceptance in the global market. In 2006, HD DVD won a clear edge in the PC market. According to Techno Systems Research (TSR), a major Japanese market research company, 60 percent of the high definition optical disk drives for PC applications produced worldwide were HD DVD. In slim HD DVD drives for portable PCs, the advantage increased to 70 percent.

Among the more innovative of the world's first class manufacturers that have recently added to the breadth of the HD DVD family are Samsung, Lite-On, Alco, Jiangkui/ED Digital, Meridian, Onkyo, and Shinco. About HD DVD HD DVD is the next generation, post-DVD standard for high capacity, high definition optical discs, approved by the DVD Forum. The DVD Forum
develops and defines DVD formats. Its membership of 220 companies brings together leaders in movies and entertainment, computing, consumer electronics and software. HD DVD is fast becoming the primary visual medium for the age of high-definition TV.

Source: PRNEWSWIRE.

WHAT IS HDCP?

2007-03-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

You may heard the term Digital Rights Management or DRM recently. Well HDCP is a form of DRM. In an attempt to prevent users of high definition equipment from copying or displaying copied content, Intel came up with HDCP: HIGH BANDWIDTH DIGITAL CONTENT PROTECTION. HDCP is backed by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and so all new digital content from the movie studios is likely to include this protection. In its simplist form, the two hdcp devices, lets say the hdtv and the blu ray player, are trying to communicate. The blu ray player says to the tv that it wants to send some HD content to it, and lets it know that its secured with hdcp. The tv confirms that it is ALSO secured with hdcp. Both devices exchange a set of security keys until they're both happy. The result, you get HD content on screen.

If you're using blu ray, hd dvd, a satellite receiver, or any other DIGITAL source and viewing the content on an hdtv, both devices have to be "HDCP compliant." If only one device is compliant, you'll have issues, or maybe no picture at all. The older hdtv's are not hdcp compliant, and takes us back to the issue of early adopters being left in the dust. Again, this compliance issue only pertain to digital devices, so you have to be using a digital cable. Anyway, lets get to the scenarios so we can understand this better:

hdtv IS HDCP compliant, blu ray/hd-dvd player/satellite receiver using a digital cable IS NOT HDCP" compliant: The picture will be limited to standard defintion of 540p with hdcp compliant material.
hdtv IS HDCP compliant, blu ray/hd-dvd player/satellite receiver using an analog cable IS NOT HDCP" compliant: The picture will be limited to standard defintion of 540p with hdcp compliant material.

hdtv IS NOT HDCP compliant, but the source(player/receiver) IS: Blank Screen.
Using an analog and NOT a DVI or HDMI digital cable: The picture will be limited to standard defintion of 540p with hdcp compliant material.

This constaining of HD resolution to 540p is done by an "Image Constraint Token" or ICT. This is currently left to the discretion of the movie studios on what they do with each movie they release. They have agreed not to "flag" any blu ray or hd dvd movies in the near future with ICT because the studios acknowledge that it would leave a lot of current high definition consumers with either standard defintion resolutions or blank screens.

I should point out that everything is still in the process of being standardized. This is the reason why not all devices and displays you buy today have HDCP. But it is becoming increasingly more prevalent, and inevitably looks like if you're home theatre devices don't have it, you could be left behind. The xbox 360 for example, currently outputs a 1080i signal for its games and HD-DVD movies using an analog component cable. If the movie studios decided to implement HDCP in all their content and made it a complete standard, then future HD-DVD movies on the Xbox 360 would be limited to a 540p resolution!

The bottom line is, HDCP requires all your devices to be "HDCP compliant" and to use a digital cable such as DVI or HDMI to guarantee absolute compatibility. At the moment, we're still in a transition phase where manufacturers, the FCC and the MPAA are "accomodating" consumers. If they pull this plug on us now, satellite companies for example will lose 80% of their subscribers, as most use analog component cables to get a 1080i signal to their hdtv. So in place of this, they're lying low. But as time goes on, things could change drastically!

FCC COMPLIANCE FOR HDTV

2007-03-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you watch tv and live in the united states then this is need to know information. February 17, 2009 is the date to remember. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission), is the division of the government that regulates what gets broadcasted on the TV, Radio, Wire, Satellite and Cable. The power of FCC compliance is such that they can turn round to a huge network such as FOX and simply say "NO." FCC approval stipulates that all TV stations must be broadcasting a "DIGITAL" signal by February 17th 2009. I stress DIGITAL and not high definition, although some stations will be broadcasting in HD. After this date, current analog broadcasts will cease and these frequencies will be used for other government or public services. This mandate, affects everyone, so it makes the importance of the information on this site even more relevant.

So what do you do. Well, you have two options. You can buy one of the digital convertor boxes that will be available this year. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will be offering upto two $40 coupons per household that solely relies on an antenna and over-the-air signals for their TV sources. There is only a limited amount of funding for this program, so if you know of someone who could really benefit from this program, please forward this information to them.

The second option, is to upgrade your current set to a high definition tv. If you've already done this, then you should be fine. The reason for the upgrade is that the new hdtv's have an ATSC tuner built into them. This replace the ntsc tuner that older tv's have. Just like the older tv's, you can't physically see the tuner in the back of the tv, all you'll see is a co-axial input. The ntsc tuner will allow you to pick up digital and HD signals over the air, by plugging an antenna into the back of your tv, or by subscribing to other digital/HD sources such as cable or satellite who will provide any additional equipment you will need.

Here is some more useful information taken directly from the FCC website:

"Digital Television (DTV) is a new broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with movie-quality picture and sound. It can also offer multiple programming choices and interactive capabilities. "

Why Are TV Broadcasters Switching to DTV?
DTV broadcast technology is more flexible and efficient than today’s more widespread broadcast technology, which is called “analog.” For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog programming signal, a broadcaster will be able to provide a sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" digital programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams using the digital spectrum is called "multicasting." The number of programs a station can send using the digital spectrum depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream. DTV can provide picture resolution, interactive video, and data services that easily surpass the capabilities of “analog” technology. Converting to DTV also will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as public and safety services (police and fire departments, emergency rescue), and advanced wireless services.

What is High Definition TV (HDTV)?
HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format. A current analog TV picture can provide resolution of up to 480 horizontal lines. An HDTV picture can provide resolution of up to 1080 lines, providing improved picture detail.
Aspect ratio is a comparison of screen width to screen height. Analog TV has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 inches wide for every 3 inches high. Widescreen HDTV format has an aspect ratio of 16 by 9. HDTV programs include Dolby digital surround sound, similar to the sound used in movie theaters and on DVDs.

When Will the DTV Transition Be Complete?
TV stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses.

How Do I Get DTV?
Receiving DTV signals over the air requires an antenna and a receiver that can decode the digital signals. In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog TV signals (VHF and UHF) will work for DTV reception. Cable subscribers may need new DTV equipment to view DTV programming in digital format. You should ask your cable provider what you will need and when. Cable subscribers may buy a “Digital Cable Ready” (DCR) or “Plug-and-Play” television that plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a separate set-top box. In order to receive scrambled programming and premium one-way services, cable subscribers with a DCR TV will need to obtain a CableCARD from their cable company.
Alternatively, cable subscribers may lease a separate set-top box from their cable provider or buy one at a retail outlet. Satellite subscribers may need new DTV equipment to receive and view high definition digital programming. You should ask your satellite company what you will need and when. A list of the operating DTV stations is available at http://www.dtv.gov/. Satellite TV providers and most cable television systems are currently offering DTV programming. Subscribers should check with their service provider to see what programming is available in their area.

Will I Need a New TV if I Have an Analog TV?
When full-power broadcast stations stop analog service, you still will be able to use your analog TV with a set-top converter box. Converter boxes for analog TVs receiving over-the-air broadcasts will be available in retail stores at that time. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on your analog TV. If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, contact your provider about whether you will need a converter box for your analog TV. Digital Receiver Availability and FCC Tuner Requirements. Remember, even with a set-top converter box, your current analog TV will not display the full picture quality of DTV. To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set or a separate DTV receiver and a digital display monitor. The FCC requires that many new television receivers sold in the U.S. today include the capability to receive digital TV signals. By March 2007, all TVs (and other devices that are designed to receive broadcast television signals) are required to have digital tuners built in.

What Do DTV Sets Look Like and What Will They Cost?
Most DTV sets have wider screens than current analog TVs. The wider screens allow for wider images that are similar to those you see in a movie theater. DTV sets come in a range of sizes.
As with most new consumer electronics technologies, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction a few years ago. Prices are expected to continue to fall over time and will vary depending on screen size, display technology, and other features.

What Is the Difference Between Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors?
An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in digital receiver and decoder. If you have an Integrated DTV and live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you only need an antenna (preferably an outdoor antenna) to receive over-the-air DTV broadcast programming. Integrated TVs also can receive and display current analog signals.
In contrast, a digital monitor is not capable of receiving and tuning DTV programming without additional equipment. A DTV set-top box must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display broadcast over-the-air DTV programming. Also, if you are a cable or satellite subscriber, you may need a new set-top box to receive digital broadcast content. Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top box is compatible and has the proper connectors to interface with the DTV monitor that you are purchasing. Many monitors have a built-in analog receiver and can display analog TV programming. They also can display video from DVD players and VCRs through their connectors.

Will Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors Display HDTV?
Integrated DTV sets and digital monitors do not necessarily display programming in full HDTV format. Some integrated sets and monitors will display DTV in lower-resolution “enhanced definition” or "standard definition” format. So although sets may be marketed with labels or descriptions that imply HDTV resolution, check with your retailer before purchasing if you want HDTV quality.

Why Can’t We Have Both DTV and the TV System We Now Have?
Broadcast and wireless services depend on the use of the airwaves. DTV technology is much more efficient than the current analog technology and will allow the broadcast of more program content using less broadcast spectrum. Transitioning to digital broadcasting will free up resources for public safety and other new and innovative services for American consumers.