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TV One HD coming to several TWC / Comcast markets
There doesn't appear to be a set time line in place, but TV One is expected to launch an HD simulcast of its SD network soon on several Comcast / Time Warner Cable systems. The channel, which is a self-proclaimed "entertainment television network for African Americans," will first hit TWC's NYC region and Comcast systems in Boston, Chicago, Portland, OR and Seattle. We're told that more regions should find the HD iteration of the channel beginning in early January 2009, and at least initially, some 20% of the content will be shot and aired in high-def; if all goes well, that figure should rise to 40% by 2010.
TV One intros 1T-DA-500 line of DVI distribution amplifiers
Aw, TV One -- always there looking out for our switching / distributing needs. Today, we're being formally introduced to the 1T-DA-500 series of DVI-D distribution amplifiers, which consists of three professional units that "distribute two and four DVI-D signals from a single input." The 1T-DA-552 offers up a pair of DVI outputs, the 1T-DA-554 provides four DVI outputs and the 1T-DA-564 includes four DVI outputs in addition to four analog stereo and four S/PDIF coaxial audio outputs. The whole trio is compliant with HDMI 1.3 and HDCP, and Deep Color / lossless audio codecs are also supported. As for resolutions, you'll have no issues piping through 1,920 x 1,200 PC signals and HDTV resolutions up to 1080p, but it may be tough coughing up £165 ($328), £210 ($418) and £230 ($458) in order to take one home.
TV One intros analog / digital video format converters
We have all ideas that these converters from TV One will likely be used by professionals exclusively, but if you've found yourself in a pickle that requires a digital-to-analog (or vice-versa) converter, here's your solution. The 1T-FC-524 converts analog RGBHV or Component YPbPr inputs to DVI signals, while the 1T-FC-425 converts DVI to RGBHV or Component YPbPr. Additionally, the output resolution is the same as the input, and TV resolutions from 480i up to 1080p are supported (along with PC resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200). Both units are selling now for £119 ($235) apiece.
TVOne busts out two new HDMI switchers, four distribution amplifiers
TVOne is fleshing out its HDMI equipment lineup with the addition of two new HDMI 1.3 switchers and four HDMI 1.3 distribution amplifiers. The new half dozen are being aimed at the "demanding professional market," which means that these pieces will feature front panel status indicators for input signal / HDCP presence. As for the switchers, the 1T-SX-632 ($145) flips back and forth between two inputs, while the 1T-SX-634 ($195) switches up to four inputs. The distribution amps beam out anywhere between two and four signals depending on model, and are set to range in price from $245 to $695. Check out the whole gang in the read link.
TV One planning HD channel for Q4 2008
Add another channel to the dial, TV One has announced plans for a simulcast station in the fourth quarter. The channel targeted towards African American adults counts 43 million subscribers, and according to prez Johnathan Rodgers, has always planned for HD but wanted to wait to "make sure our primary channel was well received and on firm footing." No word on which programming will be native HD on the new station or who will carry it, but having beaten BET to the HD punch, it will be interesting to see how this network fills the time. Hopefully we'll get a chance to see Daybreak in its entirety in high definition.
NZ's Freeview launch date set: April 2
Kiwis, clear your calendars, OTA HDTV hits April 2. Freeview HD won't need very much of the April window earlier given for its launch, with TVOne, TV2 and TV3 all broadcasting in HD covering an estimated 75-percent of New Zealand homes, with set-top boxes expected on sale the same day. The big media event doesn't take place until the 14th, but why wait?
TVOne intros 1T-MX-3344 component Matrix Routing Switcher
Hot on the heels of its 1T-DA-631 HDMI Extender comes the rack-mountable 1T-MX-3344 component Matrix Routing Switcher from TVOne. Granted, component uses are slowly fading, but for those still relying on the ole green / red / blue, this here device provides four inputs and four outputs with stereo audio jacks accompanying them all. As you'd expect, it enables any of the four inputs to be "routed to a single output, multiple outputs or all outputs," and resolutions from 480i to 1080p are supported. Users can control the action via the front panel buttons, an IR remote or the RS-232 interface, but it'll cost you a stiff $595 for the privilege.
TVOne offers up 1T-DA-631 HDMI Extender
Nothing too fancy here -- just a vanilla HDMI Extender with one true claim to fame. The TVOne 1T-DA-631, as you'd expect, "restores the HDMI v1.3 signal at the end of long cable runs just prior to the input to the display." This particular iteration, however, is the "first of its kind" to include DDC Correction "ensuring the HDMI signal stays true to the original form." Additionally, it features a maximum distance of 40 meters from the source and up to 5 meters from the output to the display. You'll also find HDCP compliance built-in along with a locking power adapter, and if this looks to be just the thing you've been needing, you can snag one now for a shade under a Benjamin.[Via Widescreen Review]
