SyncTV demoing proof-of-concept device for 1080p playback of downloads

We know, these things are seriously starting to run together at this point, but apparently SyncTV is all set to demonstrate a "proof-of-concept device that will play downloads, including 1080p HD video content on a television set at this year's CES show." Additionally, it seems that the product could eventually be integrated into TVs, in-car video setups, portable media players, etc. Of course, whether or not such a system -- HD-capable or not -- will take off remains to be seen, but hopefully we'll be able to snag a closer look here in Vegas.

[LesbianHam @ Jan 7th 2008 12:09PM]

I don't get it :/
My computer plays 1080p content that I download.. ?

[Ishimaru @ Jan 7th 2008 12:11PM]

Hmmm, Lupin the 3rd is #1 according to them. Interesting ;)

[Jason M @ Jan 7th 2008 12:19PM]

The problem with most of these devices is that the HD content is heavily compressed. It may look fine on a 20" monitor but when you play them on a larger screen they show significant compression artifacts, especially with fast motion, and look horrible overall. That's the reason downloads won't replace HD-DVD/Blu-Ray for a long time.

[pcmike @ Jan 7th 2008 12:33PM]

Why do you say that? On Comcast cable you can download a full 1:1 Blu-Ray/HDDVD rip of any movie in about half a day (or less) and it wouldn't be compressed at all! What's to say they won't offer something like this? It's going to be the future..

[Galley @ Jan 7th 2008 12:40PM]

A Blu-ray Disc with a high bitrate can be 40-50GB. Just imagine how badly compressed these downloads will be to get them to a manageable size of 2-5GB. I'll stick with BD.

[Jason M @ Jan 7th 2008 1:32PM]

pcmike - Comcast is also cutting off users who download more than 100GB/month. Doesn't sound like an ideal solution to me. Just search for it on google and you'll see tons of people this is happening to.

[pcmike @ Jan 7th 2008 1:15PM]

What makes you guys think they won't offer the entire disc (the whole 40-50G)? You're only looking at about a day of downloading on Comast....

[Rick @ Jan 7th 2008 8:16PM]

HD-DVDs were around 20gigs. 50g for just the movie (no extras), I'm not sure about that (could be wrong tho). Most important to me, however, is what happens to the downloaded file? WIll it vaporize in 2 days? Will it stay permanently on my HD? Digital downloads are the future in my mind, but will only take off if/when the downloads are not rentalware. I'll pay $20-$30 for an uncompressed HD movie that I can download and keep locally. It takes Netflix and BB a day to deliver a movie anyways, I don't mind taking a day to download a movie either.