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Onkyo's top of the line receivers get a HDMI 1.4a makeover this fall
Say hello to the high end of Onkyo's receiver line, now refreshed with the newest tech already featured in its lower end and midrange receivers earlier this year. Beyond the eight 3D-capable HDMI 1.4a inputs, DLNA 1.5 (Windows 7 Compatible) and streaming support that we've come to expect from any 2010 home theater equipment, the TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 receivers include THX Certification, 9.2 channel audio, two HDMI outputs, HQV Reon VX video processing and powered audio output for up to three different rooms. Still, the best information from the press release (after the break) is that the upgraded components haven't increased prices from last year -- the TX-NR3008 has an MSRP of $2,099 while the TX-NR5008 will add on upgraded transformers, capacitors and extra USB for $2,699 when both ship this August. %Gallery-96614%
HQV benchmark disk gets upgraded to 2.0
In the digital world of video one of the most important aspects of any HDTV is the video processor. And so the folks over at HQV have provided benchmark Blu-ray Discs that could make just about any proud new HDTV owner cry when they discovered that their new TV doesn't really get the job done right. Following the same trend, HQV has updated its disc to 2.0 and now it can expose HD chipsets of their inability to properly reduce compression artifacts, scale video or process color. Unlike the first version of the disc, this one also includes some calibration patterns so you no longer have to buy another disc for basic HDTV configurations. The new disc can be had for $25 via the company's website.
Mitsubishi's new 1080p midrange PJ contender is the HC6800
Mitsubishi is back with a spec bump to last year's well-received midrange HC6500 1080p projector with the HC6800. This model slots in below the king GT-styled HC7000 but increases its contrast ratio specs to 20,000:1 and does its big brother one better with a higher 1,300 lumens, apparently aimed at living rooms rather than the darker, more controlled home theater environment. Video processing is once again handled by the capable HQV Reon-VX chipset, this one is due in Japan September 15 for ¥250,000 ($2,647,) we don't expect to wait long for a U.S. date & MSRP.[Via AV Watch]
Onkyo brings TX-SR876 / TX-NR906 THX Ultra2 Plus receivers to the States
Onkyo has already introduced the top-end TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 receivers over in the UK, but for USers awaiting word of their stateside release, let us do the honors. Both of the 7.1-channel THX Ultra2 Plus AVRs are now shipping in America, and as for specifications, you're looking at 140- / 145-watts per channel (respectively), audio decoding courtesy of three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips, internal decoding for "every major sound format in use today," and HQV Reon-VX video upscaling to 1080p. The pain? $1,799 and $2,299 in order of mention.
Samsung BD-P2500 Blu-ray player packs familiar specs, price
Samsung's upcoming BD-P2500 Blu-ray player promises BD-Live support out of the box when it ships in October, with its IFA announcement revealing identical specs and price ($499) to the Best Buy-exclusive BD-P2550 already on sale. Of course, with HQV video processing and a wealth of audio support including 7.1 analog output and PCM or bitstream audio for Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, TrueHD or dts soundtracks, and DTS-HD HR (after a firmware update) and DTS-HD MA bitstream support, that's not an entirely bad thing. Samsung, Panasonic, it's taken you this many generations to get a satisfactory spec sheet, now what about the price?
Best Buy unveils the Samsung BD-P2550
We've heard for some time that Samsung planned to have two Blu-ray players in its lineup, but it's been well over a year since there's even been a peep about the BD-P2400, now out of nowhere the BD-P2550 shows up at Best Buy stores all over the country for the premium price of $499. According to Best Buy's website, the new model has many of the missing features from Sammy's latest BD-P1500, like 7.1 analog outputs and the sought after Silicon Optix HQV video processing. What does appear to be missing though, is the elusive BD-Live, but with the included network connection and USB port, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to imagine that either Best Buy failed to mention it, or it's coming in a firmware update. Although $500 Blu-ray players aren't for everyone, it's good to see Blu-ray manufacturers offering multiple models for those in need of premium features.[Via Format War Central]
Ask Engadget HD: Which AV receiver has the best upscaling chip?
It's that time of week again, and considering that AVRs have remained strangely absent from our Ask Engadget HD series, Vinesy's question couldn't have arrived at a more opportune time: "I'm considering the Sony STR-DA5300ES, Denon AVR-3808CI, and the Onkyo TX-NR905, and while I'd bet the Onkyo wins in sound quality, I do favor Sony's user interface. I'm open to suggestions outside of those three, but I'm particularly interested in the quality of the upconverting chip. Is the Reon-HQV or the Faroudja DCDi better? Will they both take the 1080i HDMI signal from my FiOS set-top-box and give me 1080p? Help me legion of nerds. Fanboys: attack me with knowledge and then make fun of me like you do best." Well, you heard the man! For you receiver freaks out there, here's your shot at bestowing knowledge upon the newbies in the field. But be gentle, will ya?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
VIZIO intros XVT Series of 1080p LCDs / plasmas
Well, what have we here? A trio of newcomers from "North America's fastest growing brand of flat-panel HDTVs," that's what. Kicking things off in the all new XVT Series is the 42-inch SV420XVT and 47-inch SV47XVT LCD HDTVs, both of which feature 1080p panels, VIZIO's Smooth Motion technology (120Hz), a 6,500:1 contrast ratio and the usual complement of ports including four HDMI 1.3 sockets. Next up we've got the 50-inch VP505XVT, a 1080p plasma with Silicon Optix's famed REON HQV processing engine. Furthermore, this one packs an integrated digital TV tuner (with ClearQAM support), a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and SRS Labs' TruSurround XT audio processing technology. The new trio is all set to ship next month for $1,499.99, $1,899.99 and $1,699.99, and of course, you'll find 'em perched at Circuit City, Sears and your favorite Club retailer. [Warning: PDF read link] %Gallery-26080%
NEC introduces NP905 and NP901W network projectors
With InfoComm just around the bend, NEC is making sure its two newest projectors don't get (too) lost in the shuffle. Up first is the NP905, which offers up 3,000 lumens, an XGA (1,024 x 768) native resolution, 500:1 contrast ratio, built-in speaker and HDMI 1.3 socket. The 2,000 lumen NP901W comes in with a WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio and most of the same specs as its sibling. Both units include Windows Network Projector functionality within Windows Vista (wired or wireless access), a geometric correction tool and the highly-regarded Silicon Optix HQV processor. Catch 'em this July for $1,999.99 and $1,299.99, respectively.[Via AboutProjectors] %Gallery-25408%
NEC intros network-ready VT800 projector
NEC's got yet another new projector rolling in for under a grand ($899, to be exact), and it's going by the name VT800. Beyond the stark white finish, you'll find a native XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, an Ethernet port for remote management / control, built-in closed caption decoding, a USB port, an HDCP-compliant HDMI input, 2,700 lumens, 500:1 contrast ratio and a lamp good for around 3,000 hours. Furthermore, the unit boasts a five-watt internal speaker, PIP / ESS functionality, wall color correction presets and 3D Reform, which "squares the image by adjusting horizontally, vertically or diagonally when the projector cannot be placed parallel or perpendicular to the screen." It's all yours this April. [Via AboutProjectors]
Gefen TV Scaler Pro: Realta HQV 1080p upconversion for $699
How can Gefen improve its GefenTV line of equipment? Adding Silicon Optix's Realta HQV processor and pricing it at $699 would appear to be a good start. Originally shown at CES, the Home Theater Scaler Pro takes any source via its dual HDMI 1.3, component, S-video or composite inputs and upscales to 1080p with the same video processing usually reserved for high end equipment like Denon and Marantz's Blu-ray players. True 1080i-to-1080p deinterlacing and per pixel detail enhancement mean your SD sources will look as good as possible -- and not depend on your 1080p HDTV's scaling ability or possible lack thereof -- whenever this box hits shelves.
Vizio cranks out new plasma lineup
Vizio's on quite the rampage today as CES gets going, and it's kicking things off with a new line of plasmas. The new VP series includes the 32-inch VP322 ($689), 42-inch VP422 ($999) / VP423 ($999), 50-inch VP503 ($1,399) / VP504F ($1,699) and the flagship 60-inch VP605F ($2,899). The latter two are Vizio's pride and joy of this bunch, as they both sport Silicon Optix HQV processing, 1080p resolution, an integrated ATSC / Clear-QAM tuner, 30,000:1 contrast ratio and four HDMI 1.3 inputs. The firm is also throwing out a pair of new "all-in-one" solutions (the VP500 / VP501) which include 50-inch sets along with 5.1 surround sound systems. For more details on the whole lot, be sure and give the read link some attention.
Skype and Logitech introduce 30fps VGA High Quality Video
Skype users, rejoice: eBay's VoIP giant has just given video calling a major kick in the pants by teaming up with Logitech to create a platform capable of displaying your ugly mug in full VGA glory at 30fps without the inelegant hack. With the release of version 3.6 for Windows (sorry Mac users, but you have your Leopards to play with), Skype now supports High Quality Video when employing one of three Logitech webcams already on the market -- the QuickCams Pro 9000, Pro for Notebooks, and Orbit AF -- along with a dual core-powered machine. Of course, performance is highly dependent on your internet connection as well; the HQV spec calls for a minimum of 384kbps, and both parties will probably require more than that if they want to avoid throttled frame rates. Updated software (v. 11.5) already being rolled out will teach supported QuickCams their new trick, bringing with it the all the facial imperfections and embarrassing quirks that are likely to remind us why video calling has never really caught on in the first place.
Gateway intros 30-inch XHD3000 quad HD LCD display
Following in the footsteps of so many others that have come before it, Gateway is finally introducing a 30-inch display of its own, and it's tooting its own horn all the while. Notably, the firm claims that its XHD3000 is the "world's first Quad-HD display" -- which we're sure more than a few outfits would dispute -- and the 2,560 x 1,600 resolution mimics that found on monitors offered up by Apple, Dell, Samsung and HP. The screen does utilize the Silicon Optix Realta HQV video processor, and it also offers up a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness, a six-millisecond refresh rate and 178-degree viewing angles. Moreover, buyers will find a plethora of ports on the rear including HDMI, VGA, DVI, two component inputs, composite, S-Video, six USB 2.0 sockets and a variety of audio connections. It's up for grabs right now for $1,699.
Integra unveils first HD DVD player: the $1099 DHS-8.8
Just before the wheels of CEDIA really get rolling here in Denver, it looks as though we'll have one more contestant in the standalone HD DVD player market: Integra. The firm has announced its first HD DVD player, dubbed the DHS-8.8, and judging by the specs, it's no slacker. This unit touts HDMI 1.3a compatibility, obligatory support for all the lossless audio formats, 1080p24 playback, onboard Reon VX HQV video processing, DVD upscaling to 720p / 1080i / 1080p, and component outputs to boot. Furthermore, you'll find "Wolfson and Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs for conversion of audio sources for analog output," and the built-in Ethernet port allows buyers to take advantage of any web-based extras that they may encounter. Notably, this bad boy rings up a full Benjamin higher than the couple of hybrid players we heard about yesterday, and is slated to hit the market in Q4 for $1,099.[Thanks, Ryan]
Mitsubishi brings 1080p HC6000 projector to America for $4k
Sanyo's Z2000 isn't the only 1080p projector ringing up below $4k, and now Mitsubishi has revealed that its swank new PJ will be headed stateside soon. The HC6000, of course, touts a beautiful 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, a 13,000:1 contrast ratio, twin HDMI sockets, 1,000 ANSI lumens, Reon-VX's HQV video processor, 3LCD technology, and a bulb that promises up to 5,000 hours of lamp-life. Mitsu claims that interested buyers can snap one up from US retailers in October for somewhere under $4,000, and it should make itself known tomorrow on the CEDIA floor.
Denon's first Blu-ray player stuns with features and $2k pricetag
Denon has announced its first real Blu-ray player, with an appropriate assortment of never-before-seen features and price tag to match. The DVD-3800BDCI will launch this fall as the first high definition player to include Silicon Optix's 10-bit Realta HQV video processor, recently seen in Syntax-Brillian's $10k LCD and the big brother to the Toshiba HD-XA2's Reon. The first Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player we've seen, it supports separate picture-in-picture audio and video streams. Unfortunately, $1,999 isn't enough to provide an Ethernet port, so any online content will need to be downloaded on a PC and sneakernetted to the player via SD card. Finally, internal decoding for all Blu-ray surround sound formats is included, and it's the first player with an HDMI 1.3a output, providing enough bandwidth to pass sound natively to a receiver for decoding. Announced but unfortunately unpriced for $1,199 is the DVD-2500BTCI Blu-ray Transport, dropping the advanced audio and video processing for those with their own receivers and scalers. Coming from a company that sells a $3,800 DVD player, the price isn't too surprising, but we hope there are cheaper (& network-enabled) new Blu-ray options forthcoming.Read - TWICERead - Beyond3DRead - CraveRead - Press Release
Syntax-Brillian goes big with 65-inch 1080p Olevia 665i LCD
Syntax-Brillian is showing off its first HDTV above 50-inches in the U.S. at Infocomm this week, the 65-inch, 1080p Olevia 665i. This LCD is aimed at the pro AV and high end home theater market, and is the first "large area display" to include the Silicon Optix Realta HQV scaler. That, along with Olevia's Big Picture technology to reduce overscan should ensure you get every pixel expected from HD and non-HD sources. Also included for the $9,999 MSRP are two sets each of HDMI and component inputs, RS232 control, removable speakers, and optional wall mount. No word on what, if any, tuners are a part of the package, but we're sure the FCC will be taking a look before this HDTV goes on sale in October.
Silicon Optix releases HQV test discs for Blu-ray & HD DVD
Silicon Optix has finally released their HQV test disc for HD DVD and Blu-ray players -- the one that showed how much resolution many HDTVs aren't displaying -- to consumers. Unlike the Digital Video Essentials HD DVD released earlier this year, calibration is not what this tool is designed for, it's mastered in 1080i/60 to test the deinterlacing capabilities of your setup, and reveal if picture quality is being lost by the player, scaler or display during upconversion to 1080p. Five tests for HD Noise Reduction, video and film resolution loss, and "jaggies" let you know if your equipment is actually making the low-res content you view worse. Thanks to the included testing scorecard, even an HD novice will soon be obsessing over waving flag animations on AVS Forum with the best of them.Update: And if the $20 price tag is a bit rich for your blood (you know, after shelling out for the 1080p HDTV, Blu-ray or HD DVD player and assorted cabling), take $5 off thanks to the guys at AVS Forum.
Samsung unveils the first second generation Blu-ray player: BD-P1200
Samsung launched the first Blu-ray player, the BD-P1000, last year and is first into the breach again with its second generation player, the BD-P1200. Featuring HDMI 1.3 (with CEC to control other devices, just like some of LG's new HDTVs), and DTS audio support the player will launch in March with a price of only $799, compared to the $999 launch price of the previous version. Samsung also confirmed the unit will feature an HQV processor for clear images, but no word on if it is the same process used in Toshiba's HD-XA2, or if 1080p24 will be an available option at launch. Check our live coverage of the press conference for more information.
