Engadget

Managed Copy hits Blu-ray Discs December 4th, but you still can't use it

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:34:00 EST

The egg had to come before the chicken right? Well either way, one of 'em came first and in the case of the latest Blu-ray feature, Managed Copy enabled Blu-ray Discs will come before the hardware. Less than five months since AACS was finalized and the details of Managed Copy were revealed and so far we've only seen one demo and not a single product announcement. This doesn't surprise us, but AACS-LA is apparently surprised because although all Blu-ray Discs sold after December 4th have no choice but to allow at least one copy to be made, the requirement to label the packaging as such has been postponed until Spring of next year. We'd expect at least a few products that support Managed Copy to be announced at CES and although we highly doubt any stand-alone Blu-ray players will sport this feature anytime soon, we do have our hopes on PC software and expect a few movie jukebox devices like Kaleidescape -- that we won't be able to afford -- will be announced at the big show in Vegas.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Managed Copy hits Blu-ray Discs December 4th, but you still can't use it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon

Darren Murph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

And you thought HDTVs were made for watching TV. VUDU has today slung its (admittedly paltry) library of applications over to its television partners, making both Picasa and Flickr access possible through LG and Mitsubishi sets with integrated VUDU software. Of course, all of this was already available to those relying on one of VUDU's dedicated set-top boxes, but it's always nice to have everything wrapped up neatly within the display itself. In related news, Pandora streaming is also available on VUDU-infused Mitsubishi panels, though for whatever reason, LG has "requested that only free TV and games be available on their devices." All bummers aside, the company has asserted that even more internet apps will be released to VUDU customers in the coming months, so make sure hold 'em to their word.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Software

VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG roadmap predicts 'OLED panels will cost less than LCD panels in 2016'

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:31:00 EST

Speaking at the FPD show in Japan, Won Kim, VP of LG Display's OLED sales and marketing group laid bare its OLED plans for the future. Pretty significant as LG is one of only two players currently manufacturing production OLED TVs; though unlike Sony, LG has yet to ship anything -- that bit of consumer magic begins in November. So here's the deal: LG will release 20-inch and larger OLED panels in 2010, 30-inch and larger in 2011, and 40-inch and larger OLED panels in 2012. While 40-inch OLEDs will still be "fairly expensive" in 2012, Kim predicts that "OLED panels will cost less than LCD panels in 2016." We'd love to believe that but it sounds overly aggressive to us considering the enormous investment panel manufacturers have made in LCDs (they'll be milking profits just as long as they can) and new push towards 3D televisions. Besides, LG's been all over the map with its OLED dates so let's not go carving anything in low-temperature polycrystal silicon just yet.

[Via OLED-Display.net]

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

LG roadmap predicts 'OLED panels will cost less than LCD panels in 2016' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow

Richard Lawler — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST

Looks like Apple's "hobby" is finally getting the iTunes Extra & LP features it was initially denied, as the Apple TV 3.0 software has just released, featuring a brand new main menu (above) plus Genius Mixes and internet radio access. It took a reboot and a few tries for units around here to start seeing the new software was available, so feel free to give that "check for updates" button a workout, 'til then the official PR is after the break describing what your box is missing.

Continue reading Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Apple TV 3.0 software update is out, with iTunes Extras, LP & Genius in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Darren Murph — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST

VIZIO sure ends up in a whole lot of legal battles, but one way or another, it always seems to find its way out in the long run. Such is the case once again today, as the current LCD TV king has apparently said all the right things to Sony. If you'll recall, Sony (along with a slew of others) filed suit against Vizio awhile back over patent licensing concerns, but now it seems the two have reached a mutual agreement to use each other's technologies without bickering over who owns what. The release on the matter states that Sony "has become a licensee under VIZIO's patent portfolio," and that "VIZIO now is a licensee under Sony's color television patent portfolio." Who knows how much under-the-table cash and shaky promises had to be passed along in order to make everyone happy, but hey, a problem solved is a problem solved.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Update: Sony's response to all of this is after the break, courtesy of a company spokesperson who pinged us directly.

Continue reading Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details of 3D cable demo at Cable-Tec emerge

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:08:00 EST

Our friend Mari at the official Motorola Blog just got back from checking out the 3D demo at Cable-Tec and was able to dig up a few extra details in addition to sharing her impressions. Overall she said the circular polarized and active shutter demos both "looked good" but each was driven by a different set-top-box so it was hard to do a fair a to b comparison. This also makes us continue to wonder how compatible these two 3D display technologies are -- we suspect they are compatible and that this was just to prove that both IPTV and QAM worked as delivery methods. The most interesting tidbit is the fact that, thanks to new Multiview Video Encoding techniques, the 3D stream only requires about 30 percent more throughput than the same image in 2D. This isn't as much as Panasonic is claiming the new 3D Blu-ray spec will require, which is estimated at 50 precent. One other thing we're left wondering is what the frame rate of the demo was, but earlier this week CableLabs did confirme that the demo is 1080p and that the SCTE has already added 1080p at 60 fps to its encoding standards. We assume the frame rate had to be at least 30 fps per eye though, because otherwise the flicker would probably be noticeably annoying.

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Details of 3D cable demo at Cable-Tec emerge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIZIO brings the LED party to 19- and 23-inch models

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:50:00 EST

Unless you've been under a rock for a hot minute, then you know that LED backlit LCD HDTVs have been all the rage, though so far no one has brought those benefits to the smaller TVs. Well today VIZIO added a 19-inch and a 23-inch model to its LED lineup. Only the 23-inch is 1080p, but both have very thin profiles and the improved contrast and color you'd expect. The interesting twist is that both models will work as a picture frame, which someone (as in, literally one person in some random corner of the globe) might appreciate. The 19-inch model retails for $349, and the 23-inch will set you back another $50, but there's no word on when you can expect these to show up on a store shelf near you. More pictures and the full release after the jump.

Continue reading VIZIO brings the LED party to 19- and 23-inch models

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

VIZIO brings the LED party to 19- and 23-inch models originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 40-inch LCD is world's thinnest at 3.9-mm, attracts magic pencils

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:22:00 EST

What measures 3.9-mm thin by 40 inches? If you answered the standard Korean product waif you'd be close. This time, however, we're talking about Samsung's LED backlit LCD featuring a 120Hz refresh and 5,000:1 reported contrast. Yup, that makes it the world's thinnest -- easily besting cross-town rival LG's 5.9-mm thick LCDs -- even if you can't buy it as a complete television package... yet.

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

Samsung's 40-inch LCD is world's thinnest at 3.9-mm, attracts magic pencils originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fully-functional iPhone 3GS costume is expensive, bulky, and better than your Halloween idea

Ross Miller — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:22:00 EST

What could possibly convince you that strapping a 42-inch LCD TV to your body is a great idea? We don't know, but somewhere between concept and the $2,000 total expenditures -- with "no regrets," mind you -- Reko Rivera and John Savio, with the help of John Matthews, outfitted themselves with the displays used to project images from their iPhone 3GS. Unfortunately, the large screens themselves aren't touch screens, but we probably can't be that picky. Their reward? First prizes at costume parties and minor internet celebrity, which we're happy to oblige. Video after the break.

[Via TUAW]

Continue reading Fully-functional iPhone 3GS costume is expensive, bulky, and better than your Halloween idea

Filed under: Cellphones, HDTV, Portable Video

Fully-functional iPhone 3GS costume is expensive, bulky, and better than your Halloween idea originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walmart to rival Best Buy's Geek Squad with own in-home install crew

Darren Murph — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST

We've never truly been at ease with that Geek Squad crowd. Something about "the people" they hang with and "the places" they hang at just worries us, so we're pretty thrilled to see another mega-corp stepping in to take the place of the now-deceased Circuit City FireDog crew. Starting sometime before the holiday season, Wally World will be partnering with N.E.W. Customer Service Companies in order to offer in-home installation to customers buying anything from a wireless router to a HTIB. The service plans will be sold on prepaid cards ranging from $99 to $399 in value, and each install includes a "preliminary consultation and a tutorial after installation is completed." Granted, it may be a bit tough to get the dude looking to spend $5 on a new plasma to spring for such a service, but hey, it's not like competition is a bad thing.

[Via Hot Hardware]

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Wireless, Networking

Walmart to rival Best Buy's Geek Squad with own in-home install crew originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360'

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:49:00 EST

A recent Gizmodo sit down with Steve Ballmer led with a headline exclaiming a Blu-ray add-on for Xbox was coming. See, when Ballmer was asked about making the Xbox a home theater companion of choice and where Blu-ray might fit in, the Windows 7 wild man said, "Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there -- you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories." He then added that on-demand is the future of movies, not physical media. Now our bud Major Nelson, Director of Programming for Xbox Live, has stepped up to lay the conflation to rest. The Major says that Ballmer was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC and reiterated Microsoft's focus of bringing instant-on 1080p streaming movies to the Xbox 360. So... that should end speculation of Blu-ray on Xbox right? Not if history serves, nope.

Filed under: Gaming, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's 1-inch thick Z1 plasma reviewed: playing with perfection

Darren Murph — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST

The plasma may be a dying breed, but the ones that are left are undoubtedly some of the best the world has ever seen. Take Panasonic's 54-inch TC-P54Z1 for example, which wowed audiences (us included) when it was first unveiled way back at CES. The HD Guru recently had an opportunity to take this very screen into his abode for review, and after a labor-intensive (around "one hour") setup process, the gazing was officially on. Panny's engineers were able to slim the set down to an inch by requiring that a dedicated (wireless) set-top-box be used for tuning OTA channels and managing connections, and the result was nothing less than elegant. If you're wondering what north of five large really buys in an HDTV these days, wonder no more -- the set was deemed darn near perfect, with "outstanding" color, contrast and deep black levels. Potentially best of all, there were no motion artifacts to speak of, and anyone with a 120Hz / 240Hz set can testify to just how annoying those things are. Hit the read link for a detailed unboxing, setup and review, but don't even bother if you're looking for someone to talk you out of what you're about to do.

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

Panasonic's 1-inch thick Z1 plasma reviewed: playing with perfection originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players

Richard Lawler — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:26:00 EST

Though they've been floating around retail channels for a few weeks, Best Buy and Netflix have finally made official a partnership bringing streaming to the latest Insignia Blu-ray players. The NS-BRDVD3 runs $179, while the NS-WBRDVD edition tosses in WiFi for $20 more, while they won't stream out of the box, a firmware update just made available should add all that Watch Instantly goodness. These two keep the (we'll be nice and call it plain) styling of earlier models, and likely live up to the family reputation of "basic Blu-ray playback at a bargain" reported on the second generation of players. Of course, the BD-P1600 offers more features and a nicer reputation at about the same price, but Reward Zone members may want to think twice, with AVS Forum posters mentioning the NS-BRDVD3 can be had for just $99.99 through the 24th. Decisions, decisions.

Read - Best Buy and Netflix Announce Partnership to Instantly Stream Movies Over the Internet Via Latest Models of Insignia Blu-ray Disc Players
Read - Save $50 On Select INSIGNIA(R) Connected Blu-ray Disc[TM] Players with Netflix [Via AVS Forum]

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 Dashboard Update... updates: Preview program reopened, Sky TV due Oct. 27

Richard Lawler — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST

Just as it did earlier this year, Microsoft has opened the preview program to let the most hardcore of Xbox 360 owners poke around the updated dashboard -- presumably with access to all the 1080p instant-on streaming, Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm add-ons we've been expecting -- ahead of its official release in order to shake out any remaining bugs. While worldwide console owners should scrape together console IDs, make & model of your TV, router and more in hopes of receiving an invite next week, a little more concrete news is in order for the UK, with the console launch of Sky TV nailed down for October 27. You'll have to wait until then to find out exact pricing and channel line up availability, 'til then it's a matter of finding out who on your friends list is most suited for the inevitable football viewing party.

[Via Joystiq & NeoGAF]

Read - Xbox Live update Preview Program
Read - Xbox.com - Set a date for Sky Player!

Filed under: Gaming, HDTV

Xbox 360 Dashboard Update... updates: Preview program reopened, Sky TV due Oct. 27 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere

Richard Lawler — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:42:00 EST

Just as promised, the (still SD only) Blockbuster OnDemand service is now available on a slew of Samsung hardware via firmware update, while the Internet@TV lineup (LCD and Plasma HDTVs Series 650 and above and LED HDTVs Series 7000) has a brand new toy with the Amazon VOD Yahoo! widget (which does support HD.) Both services offer a slew of rental and/or purchase options for the digital delivery fanatic, though we still hunger for the audio and quality of VUDU plus the all you can eat goodness of Netflix Watch Instantly, of the millions of TVs out there, there's surely someone willing to sift through those menus for the ease of viewing Ghosts of Girlfriends Past without resorting to cable VOD -- or getting up from the couch. The "convenience" goes both ways, since they'll also be able to pick up compatible Samsung blu-ray players at Blockbuster stores, right next to the TiVo section -- check for exact model #s supported in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Samsung rolls out Amazon, Blockbuster video store access across HDTVs, HTIBs and Blu-ray players everywhere originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung showing off 55 inches of 240Hz 3D LCD glory

Vladislav Savov — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:49:00 EST

Look, we know this 3D thing is as likely to sink as it is to swim right now, but we have to hand it to Samsung -- it's pursuing the idea with some pretty hefty ambition. A 55-inch 1080p panel with a true 240Hz refresh rate is a decent base on which to build your paradigm-shifting new offering. Using a set of "shutter" glasses, which rapidly alternate between blocking out the left and right eye, the set is capable of delivering the full 240Hz quality, debatable as its benefits may be. Of course, the value or otherwise of a TV like this is going to be found only by experiencing its output in person, so if you're somewhere near Seoul this week, head on down to the IMID 2009 conference to get an eyeful of an early model.

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Samsung showing off 55 inches of 240Hz 3D LCD glory originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable

Richard Lawler — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EST

We've given HD DVD's bastard child China Blue HD its due for a good start in its native land, but now that U.K. Importer GBAX has made a few units available it's time for English language buyers to at least consider this Blu-ray alternative. Of course, with a £259.99 ($413.22 U.S.) pricetag for this plain TCL player, AV and HD cables, plus 14 CBHD movies (The Aviator, Blood Diamond, The Invasion, The Island, Flood, Poseidon & 8 Chinese-only flicks) to get you started the barrier to entry is high, but as shown in the unboxing / preview video -- embedded after the break, watch for ninjas -- the experience is very familiar. As Format War Central points out, the 220/240Hz power cord makes things complicated for the U.S. and other places outside Europe, but hardcore HD DVD holdouts are used to a world filled with only Warner and Universal movies already, so why not give the other blue laser flavor a try?

[Via Format War Central]

Continue reading China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony TRIMASTER quad-HD LCD multiplies the resolution, and the price, of any home HDTV

Richard Lawler — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST

Can't wait until December for Toshiba's CELL REGZA LCD? Sony is bringing its own 56-inch 3,840x2160 quad-HD display to market November 1 in Japan. Priced at 6,825,000 ($76,583) including taxes this is clearly for pros only, hence the TRIMASTER name referring to the three elements combined within -- exact color, accurate picture and reliability -- thanks to a RGB LED backlit panel built with incredible picture reproduction and exact calibration (with included software via a connected PC) in mind. While it's cheaper than JVC's $175k 4K projector, unless you're mastering the next Pixar flick, viewing high res satellite imagery or can't live without four HD feeds on one screen even the most well heeled amongst may be better served scouring bargain bins for a used Westinghouse D56QX1 for now.

[Via AV Watch]

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

Sony TRIMASTER quad-HD LCD multiplies the resolution, and the price, of any home HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony takes Uncharted 2 on tour, with 4K digital projection to make you forever loathe your home setup

Paul Miller — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST

Looking for a quick and easy way to become completely dissatisfied with your own PS3 rig? Maybe you could try tracking down Sony at one of its "sneak peak" stops, where attendees will be able to play through some of the upcoming, already-lauded Uncharted 2 on a movie screen powered by a Sony 4K digital cinema projector. Unfortunately, only four locations have been named, and two of them are in California, so not quite everybody is going to get a chance to spoil themselves for this generation of video games forever.

Filed under: Gaming, HDTV

Sony takes Uncharted 2 on tour, with 4K digital projection to make you forever loathe your home setup originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GE shows off 1TB holographic discs but Wolf Blitzer remains skeptical

Richard Lawler — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:04:00 EST

We're confused as to how technology that was supposed to be available in 2006 can still be featured at an Emerging Tech conference in 2009, but so it is for General Electric's attempt at holographic storage. Predicting drives for archival purposes in two or three years with consumer products around two years after that, manager Peter Lorraine claims Blu-ray has "two to four years of life to go" and expects licensees to clean up with speedy 3ms access time, 1TB+ storing (up from a mere 200GB), backwards compatible hardware. The latter portion, plus other breakthroughs in cost and reliability are listed as reasons to believe the market will catch HVD anytime soon, but right now it's about as likely returning to a matching 2006-era MySpace page or believing Wolf was staring at anything other than a mark on the floor on Election Night.

[Via Physorg]

Filed under: HDTV, Storage

GE shows off 1TB holographic discs but Wolf Blitzer remains skeptical originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox dreaming of a future where Blu-ray movies load faster, are judged by the content of their character(s)

Richard Lawler — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:23:00 EST

At least someone is (seemingly) listening to our Blu-ray gripes. /Film hit a Fox hosted press summit and heard exactly the things we've been waiting to hear: a future where "advanced" Blu-ray players can do what DVD players have done for years: automatically resume play where we left off on all players, dramatically reduced load times and a live demo of the IMDB Live Lookup feature available on the Wolverine release. The company has nabbed a researcher from Panasonic, Joe McCrossan, who is heading up the efforts to improve viewer's experience and tossing around long promised buzzwords like iPhone connectivity and Digital Copy along with the previously mentioned features under development -- if he succeeds on making them reality we'll rename an Engadget editor Joe in his honor, and it might not even be the one already named Joe.

[Thanks, chevelleman]

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Fox dreaming of a future where Blu-ray movies load faster, are judged by the content of their character(s) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs

Richard Lawler — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:12:00 EST

Coming straight out of a brand new 10G production facility in Sakai, Sharp's line of LX HDTVs (in 60-, 52-, 46- and 40-inch sizes) are all sporting the latest in LCD technology with UV²A panels and LED backlighting. Unfortunately, like Sony, these new screens abandon the higher quality RGB LED technology of the pricey XS1 series for cheaper white LEDs. Still, with a price of around $5,000 for a 52-inch compared to the $12,000 sticker shock of the XS1, it's easy to see why the switch was made. Other improvements include a light sensor for auto-calibration, a six speaker (5 speakers on the 40-inch) integrated 2.1 channel sound system with "Duo Bass" subwoofer and the usual assortment of VOD and AQUOS network support in store for Japanese buyers this November. While already available on a few U.S. models expect the new tech to spread across Sharp's U.S. lineup shortly, not to mention Sony and anyone other parties interested in a piece of the company's suddenly expanded manufacturing muscle.

[Via AV Watch & Akihabara News]

Filed under: HDTV

Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okoro delivers mini Media PCs with a full size price tag

Richard Lawler — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:43:00 EST

Continuing its streak of questionably high priced media PCs Okoro has announced the new OMS-Q100 and OMS-Q200 Quantum mini Digital Entertainment Systems. Combining an Intel Atom processor and NVIDIA ION in the OMS-Q200 and Mobile Core 2 Duo in the OMS-Q200 with 4GB of RAM with 320GB of hard drive space, 7.1 audio outputs, OTA & QAM recording capability (plus optional digital cable tuner) these tiny, quiet boxes could find a welcoming home theater somewhere, though the starting price of $1,295 may make for a difficult fit. You probably don't need our help to put together something equivalent or better for less than that, but feel welcome to it.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

Okoro delivers mini Media PCs with a full size price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD reviews VUDU on the LG BD390 Blu-ray player

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:07:00 EST

With the update that'll bring VUDU to owners of the LG BD390 Blu-ray player on schedule for next week, the crew over at Engadget HD managed to get an early look. As you might expect, those HD snobs at EHD are hard to please, so that combined with the comparison to Blu-ray and Netflix's Watch Now, makes for an interesting read that you'll just have to click on through for. The bottom line though is that new features on existing hardware is always appreciated and if you've been waiting to pull the trigger on a Blu-ray player, this might just be the feature that'll make your finger twitch.

Continue reading Engadget HD reviews VUDU on the LG BD390 Blu-ray player

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Engadget HD reviews VUDU on the LG BD390 Blu-ray player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD reviews what's new in Windows Media Center after CEDIA

Richard Lawler — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Yet another CEDIA has come and gone, and while some of our greatest hopes for Media Center came true (CableCard is no longer OEM only, Switched Digital Video support for the tuning adapter is coming) several more did not (Zune HD integration and any new CableCard announcements from ATI.) Peep the recap post on Engadget HD for the full rundown on what did and didn't happen in Media Center news from Atlanta, and what Microsoft's next plans for Windows Media Center could (& should) be.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Engadget HD reviews what's new in Windows Media Center after CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy bringing value priced all-in-one 32-inch LCD & Blu-ray HDTV to stores "soon"

Richard Lawler — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:09:00 EST

It's not that surprising to learn Best Buy will be among those delivering a 1080p LCD with Blu-ray disc player packed in under its Insignia store brand, as we've been expecting rebadged units from overseas to hit the value market for some time. Marked "coming soon" at $599, it's easily a few hundred less than a comparable model from Sharp, but buyers will have to live without some of the newer line items like 120Hz motion processing and a contrast ratio higher than 20,000:1. Though we don't expect a lot in terms of load times, audio support or other features (no specs on the Blu-ray player noted) we're sure a bedroom or dorm room somewhere will find a spot for the NS-LBD32X. Your move, Wal-mart.

[Thanks, Zach]

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Best Buy bringing value priced all-in-one 32-inch LCD & Blu-ray HDTV to stores "soon" originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Point Grey puts USB 3.0 into a webcam, along with other telltale signs of over engineering

Paul Miller — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:58:00 EST

We kid, we kid. We're sure it was totally necessary to put SuperSpeed USB 3.0 into this new desktop video camera to push uncompressed 1080p, 60 fps video to a computer. According to Point Grey, that unbridled bandwidth allows the camera to offload compression duties to the computer and allows for spiffy applications like face recognition and a general level of uncompressedness. At the heart of this camera is a 3 megapixel Sony IMX036 CMOS sensor, but we'll have to wait until IDF next week to get the lowdown on the rest of this camera's crazy ways -- and sure-to-be-crazy price.

[Via TG Daily]

Filed under: HDTV

Point Grey puts USB 3.0 into a webcam, along with other telltale signs of over engineering originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Popcorn Hour C-200 media streamer makes its way into the wild

Steven Kim — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:47:00 EST

It looks like Popcorn Hour's C-200 media streamer is making its way into end-users' hands, so prepare yourself for a flurry of reviews. Our friend Brent over at GeekTonic should be jumping into the fray soon, and has kicked things off with a preview. Yeah, the C-200 is bigger than its sibling A-100, but it brings so much to the table that we'd say Popcorn Hour has packed in just as much -- if not more -- goodness per cubic inch. With space available for a hard and/or Blu-ray drive, wired and wireless networking, and USB ports to round out the input connectivity, the C-200 then adds a smorgasbord of codec support just to make sure your bits will survive the translation back into entertainment. With the "it plays anything" kind of capability the C-200 is promising, we've got a feeling that a positive review or two might be the only thing standing between us and a $300 dent in our credit cards.

[Via ZatzNotFunny]

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

The Popcorn Hour C-200 media streamer makes its way into the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDI concocts 100-inch laser-based 3D HDTV, calls rivaling technology child's play

Darren Murph — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:48:00 EST

Look, we've seen an awful lot of HDTVs in our day -- one lap around the average CEDIA show floor makes your local Best Buy look awfully small -- and to this day we've yet to put our peepers on a more stunning set than Mitsubishi's LaserVue HDTV. Sure, it's fat, ugly and expensive, but the image is otherworldly. Before Mitsu can even take the logical next step, a California startup has arisen to introduce what it calls the world's first laser-based 3D HDTV. We're talking 1080p 3D like you've never seen before, with CTO Edmund Sandberg noting that this production is smoother than RealD, Dolby, film and pretty much every other 3D solution. The secret here is in the speed; this set is so fast that the image "no longer needs to flash from one eye to the other," and no flashing should equate to no headaches. Too bad there's no planned release date, but we're still cautiously optimistic for a sneak peek (in addition to the video past the break) at CES 2010.

[Via OLED-Display]

Continue reading HDI concocts 100-inch laser-based 3D HDTV, calls rivaling technology child's play

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

HDI concocts 100-inch laser-based 3D HDTV, calls rivaling technology child's play originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blockbuster plans to part with 960 retail stores by end of 2010

Ross Miller — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:32:00 EST

Seriously, Blockbuster can't seem to get a break. In a recent SEC filing, the company identified 18 percent of its retail outlets it deemed unprofitable and announced plans to close up to 960 stores by the end of 2010. That's divided into up to 685 by the end of this year and the remaining 275 the year after, but the filing continues to say that up to 1,560 locations, or 22 percent of its total retail coverage, could end up falling the wayside. Another slide indicates how the company sees itself going forward, with an expansion of kiosks and its Total Access subscriber base, and putting OnDemand in "nearly every connected device." Of course, if this brings Blockbuster back to profitability as it expects to be, then more power to it, but it's clear that the one-time king is fighting wars on a number of sides and has a long way to go if it intends to stay afloat, much less reclaim its crown.

[Via CNET]

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Blockbuster plans to part with 960 retail stores by end of 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet App platform demoed at CEDIA

Richard Lawler — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:09:00 EST

With VIZIO's first LED local dimming backlit HDTV just days away from debut and its first Connected TV nearing production, we were able to lay eyes and hands on the television and its funky QWERTY Bluetooth / IR combo remote. Check the pics and videos (including looks at VIZIO's smaller LED sets ready to hit shelves this fall) for a look at our walkthrough; in the demos at least, the VIZIO Internet Apps platform was speedy and easy to use, however our experience with widgets so far has given us more than enough reason to wait for a full retail rollout before making any final decisions. One tidbit for those not ready to invest a whole new TV? The next iteration of VIZIO's Blu-ray player should pack not only integrated Wi-Fi, but also the full VIA / widget experience.

Continue reading VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet App platform demoed at CEDIA

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

VIZIO Connected TV & VIZIO Internet App platform demoed at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony network Blu-ray player spied at CEDIA

Richard Lawler — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST

Why wait 'til October to get a peek at Sony's BRAVIA Internet features come to Blu-ray on the BDP-N460? Check them out right now in the following gallery, we got a good look at the future on the CEDIA show floor, though whether Sony delivering all new hardware or everyone else's strategy of upgrading existing players for Netflix, Amazon and other forms of streaming is the path to follow remains to be seen. The BDP-N460 should hit for about $250 starting next month.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Sony network Blu-ray player spied at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Blu-ray laser from Sharp burns triple, quad layer discs but can't cut red tape (yet)

Richard Lawler — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:04:00 EST

Sharp stepped up at the 70th Autumn Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics to promote its new 500mW Blu-ray laser that is reportedly production ready and waiting to churn out triple and quad layer (100GB) discs at 8x speed. The only thing holding it back from release now is the lack of an official spec from the BDA. Geeking out over details of the aluminum oxynitride film that enabled this breakthrough (pictured above) continues beyond the read link.

[Via Blu-ray.com]

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

New Blu-ray laser from Sharp burns triple, quad layer discs but can't cut red tape (yet) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Full HD 3D experience eyes-on

Richard Lawler — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:13:00 EST

It's been less than a year since we first entered Panasonic's demo trailer, the main difference at CEDIA this year was the addition of a trailer for James Cameron's Avatar. We were lucky enough to get an early look at the footage shown, while it shared much with the trailer released a few weeks ago, you haven't seen the Terminator and Titanic director's latest effort unless you've seen it in 3D. Check after the break for the rest of our thoughts on the 3D demo, and what the future has to hold for this display tech in the home.

Continue reading Panasonic Full HD 3D experience eyes-on

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Panasonic Full HD 3D experience eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pioneer shoots for the moon with its Entertainment Tap concept

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST

What do you get when you take every single source of audio and video content, including Blu-ray with Managed Copy, online streaming content and everything else you can think of (except Hulu), and then combine it with control and remote viewing capabilities? You guessed it, the Entertainment Tap. We understand that Pioneer is shooting for the stars with this one, but it most definitely falls under the category of it sounds too good to be true. Of course Pioneer is just trying to throw everything against the wall to see what sticks, which is great, but the anticipated release of 2010 seems ambitions considering everything included in the demo. We could go on and on listing the media sources and control devices, but Pioneer wasn't exactly giving us any negative responses. Lets just say the new ET concept is a do it all media server as well as a client client that plays nice with everything. For example, the ET can connect to a HR22 DirecTV HD DVR via USB and using the data from the DVR, it'll build its own version of the interface. Of course the whole video part is hard to integrate, so the ET simply instructs the TV to switch inputs at the right time to give you a seamless experience. At this point none of these features are finalized so don't be bashful with your ideas in the comments, because who knows, Pioneer might actually include them.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Pioneer shoots for the moon with its Entertainment Tap concept originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG LH-series wireless HDTVs now available Stateside

Nilay Patel — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:12:00 EST

Seems like slim wireless HDTVs are the CEDIA special, and LG's joining in the fun by announcing official US availability of the wireless LH-series, first launched at CES. No surprises here apart from price, they're exactly as they were when they popped into the FCC: the high-end $4,799 55-inch 55LHX has a local-dimming LED backlight, an 80,000:1 contrast ratio with 240Hz motion ~~ruining~~ enhancement and is less than an inch thick, while the LH85 line offers both $2,399 47-inch and $3,199 55-inch models. Check out our demo from CES for some hands-on with the ASW1000 Media Box, which is where the wireless HD action goes down.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

LG LH-series wireless HDTVs now available Stateside originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC brings 46-inch GD-463D10 3D LCD HDTV to America: shipping now for $9,200

Darren Murph — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:40:00 EST

Jumpin' Jehosaphat! We know exchange rates have been sort of crazy of late, but we can say with a good deal of certainty that the in-home 3D revolution isn't going anywhere with MSRPs like this. After introducing the 46-inch GD-463D10 3D LCD HDTV in various overseas markets, JVC is announcing here at CEDIA that its flagship 3D panel is now available on US soil for a solid chunk of change. The 1080p display touts a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, three HDMI sockets, 178-degree viewing angles, a depth of 1.5-inches and two incredibly awesome sets of 3D goggles. If you're not concerned that actual 3D content is all but nonexistent for home users, you can snag this now for $9,153 (and not a penny more).

Gallery: JVC's 1080p GD-463D10 3D LCD HDTV to America

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

JVC brings 46-inch GD-463D10 3D LCD HDTV to America: shipping now for $9,200 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC's ultraslim 32-inch LT-32WX50 HDTV landing in November for $3,000

Darren Murph — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:23:00 EST

Hey, remember that ultra skinny, LED-backlit HDTV that JVC showed off at CEDIA UK earlier this year? The seven millimeter-thin LT-32WX50? Yeah, that very panel is making a second debut here in Atlanta, but it has somehow managed to slim down to 6.4 millimeters (at its thinnest point) and get a November ship date in the US. Weighing just 12.5 pounds, the 32-inch set packs a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, edged-light LED backlight system, a super wide color gamut (100 percent of sRGB and 90 percent of Adobe RGB), a 1080p native resolution, two HDMI sockets, VGA input and an RS-232c control port. The pain? Just under $3,000, or in other words, a small fortune.

Gallery: JVC's ultraslim 32-inch LT-32WX50 HDTV

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

JVC's ultraslim 32-inch LT-32WX50 HDTV landing in November for $3,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dish Network Media Center tuner hands-on

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST

We have good and bad news after visiting the Dish Network booth first thing in the morning. We're happy to say that Dish was proudly displaying a Dish Tuner for Media Center 7 at its booth. The bad news however is that it was just a "proof of concept." Which means no matter how hard we tried, no one would tell us anything about price or availability. The other thing up in the air was if the actual implementation would be based on VIP211K HD STBs like the demo, or if instead there would be a dedicated tuner. The last unknown was around VOD or PPV, which we know was recently being tested, but still no word if it'll make the final version. The other bad, but not unexpected news, is the fact that like the first generation CableCARD tuner for Media Center, all the content is copy protected. As for how it works, looks good, but the channel changing was slower than our CableCARD tuner enabled Media Center. We did grab a video, but you'll have to wait until we can get it uploaded.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Dish Network Media Center tuner hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Niveus steps up Media Centers with SSD, RAID and white gloves

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:16:00 EST

Today is officially the first day of CEDIA Expo 2009 and now that Microsoft has announced its Media Center news, it's the partner's turn. Up first is Nevius which is of course releasing new Media Center PCs with Windows 7, so of course the new looser DRM and other features are included. Niveus is stepping up the hardware though too by adding RAID and SSD drives to the Pro Series, and also a new Windows Home Server requirement for its full system restoration capabilities. The other new offering is the aptly named White Glove service, which basically means the services to integrators is getting an upgrade. Prices are promised before the official launch on October 22nd, but based on the existing offering, we'd bet we still won't be able to afford it.

Continue reading Niveus steps up Media Centers with SSD, RAID and white gloves

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

Niveus steps up Media Centers with SSD, RAID and white gloves originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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