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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 'Dementors' and 'Golfing with Ron' Blu-ray extras
If you can't wait until April 15th, check out these two clips Warner has posted on YouTube from the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Blu-ray. The first is a Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture breakdown of the Dementors and how they've changed in the movies embedded above, while after the break actor Rupert Grint a.k.a Ron Weasley as he takes in a round of golf and reflects on the movie franchise coming to an end later this year.
Yamaha brings Netflix, Blockbuster and YouTube access to BD-A1000 'universal Blu-ray player'
Calling this thing a "universal Blu-ray player" seems a bit disingenuous (at least compared to models that have used that moniker in the past), but there's no question that Yamaha's latest does a good bit more than simply play back your newest Blu-ray Disc. The BD-A1000 offers 1080p playback via HDMI, component outputs, coaxial / Toslink digital audio ports, an RS-232C control socket and an Ethernet port, but unlike many BD decks, you'll also find a pair of USB ports (one on the front, one on the rear). Moreover, this guy can tune into Netflix, Blockbuster and YouTube without any fancy software hacks, and as expected, it'll handle BD-Live and BonusView content as well. Too bad that $699.95 MSRP is bound to scare just about everyone away. %Gallery-106371%
Clips from Kick-Ass Blu-ray show off exclusive special features
Kick-Ass comes to Blu-ray next week, and it seems Lionsgate has been dropping clips of the special features all over the web in preparation for its release. Not surprisingly for a studio with a rep for pushing the technological limits, it has plenty of Blu-ray exclusives planned, including "Ass Kicking Bonus View Mode" to draw together commentary, background footage and graphics along with the movie, and the "A New Kind of Superhero: The Making of Kick-Ass" documentary. Check out the most recent clip from MovieWeb embedded after the break, along with a few others TheHDRoom has found floating around the net, and check out the movie when it's released August 3.
Panasonic in-dash HD nav system & Blu-ray player ready to ship, are you ready for the price?
Don't think you can sell the kids short anymore, keeping the Blu-ray copy at home and taking DVD rips on the road, now that Panasonic is ready to deliver its in-dash Blu-ray player and 7-inch HD screen packing nav unit in September. We got a good peek at these back in April and the specs haven't changed, with the Profile 1.1 Bonus View compatible CY-BB1000D taking care of Blu-ray duties and featuring the same UniPhier guts as the company's line of living room Blu-ray players. The CN-HX3000D is a WXGA 1280x720p 7-inch LED backlit widescreen display ready to play back media via standard HDMI, iPod connector, SD card or its digital TV tuner, powered by Windows Automotive with navigation duties assisted by Google Maps and Yahoo! Japan. The CY-BB1000D is ¥99,750 ($1,057) and the CN-HX3000D is ¥365,400 ($3,872), and both arrive September 10 in Japan. We'll let you decide if around 5 grand is a good price for the in car HD experience (might want to look at custom mounting a DMP-B15, $800 and you can take it with you.)Read - CYBB1000DRead - CN-HX3000D
300: The Complete Experience double dips on Blu-ray July 21
It appears Warner has finally gotten around to this double dip, with the (re)release of 300: The Complete Experience. For fans (who will probably be in stores at launch July 21 picking up Zack Snyder's Watchmen: Director's Cut) there should be plenty to make up for the extras left out last time around. Besides the formerly HD DVD-only blue screen picture-in-picture video track, there's three new Blu-ray exclusive PiP features: Creating a Legend, Bringing the legend to Life and The History Behind the Myth. No word on price, but the three disc set will include a digital copy DVD, BD-Live My Community Screening and My WB Commentary support, all the old extras included with previous releases, a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack and 50 page collectible booklet. That enough to get you to buy again?
Denon outs 2009 line of Blu-ray players, AV receivers and headphones
Ready for loads of succulent new audio / video equipment that you can likely only afford in your wildest dreams? Fantastic. Today in NYC, Denon has decided to introduce a whole fleet of new kit, so we'll get right down to the nitty gritty. Oh, and we're on hand at the premiere, so expect some hands-on shots shortly. DBP-2010CI ($699; shipping in July) - Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player, onboard Ethernet, BD-Live / BonusView support, DivX HD playback, support for AVCHD, Anchor Bay Technologies VRS processing, upconversion and IP scaling to 1080p/24, RS-232c support, HDMI / component / composite video outputs DBP-1610CI ($499; shipping in July) - Same as above sans Anchor Bay chip and RS-232c Nine new AV receivers, priced from $379 at the low-end to $1,999 at the high; shipping between May and July 2009 ASD-51W ($299.99) and ASD-51N ($249.99) network-enabled iPod docks, both shipping in August. Both items also allow for Rhapsody streaming, Internet Radio streaming and Napster support. AH-NC600 ($199), AH-C710 ($149) and AH-C360 ($49) in-ear headphones, all of which will ship by July Full press releases and details for each are posted just past the break, and yes, it's overwhelming.
Sin City Recut, Extended and Unrated Blu-ray special features previewed
A highly stylized flick like Sin City is sure to look great in high definition, so you're probably already planning to grab when it the Recut, Extended and Unrated version hits Blu-ray this week. For those who can't wait or are on the fence, MovieWeb has this quick snippet (embedded after the break) of Cine-Explore Bonus View special footage from the home version that shows off how the special effects were done while the movie plays on in the background. Other than that, the disc packs a couple commentary tracks, a 5.1 audio track including audience reaction (apparently so you can pretend you're at one of those movie theaters you no longer go to) and an interactive comic book.
Pioneer prices latest trio of Blu-ray players
When Pioneer introduced its BDP-120, BDP-320 and Elite BDP-23FD Blu-ray players at CES, we had a vague idea of how much they'd cost. Now, we're being clued in on actual MSRPs. Potentially most impressive is the BDP-120, which will offer up BD-Live functionality and a Pioneer logo for just under $300. The mid-range unit includes 1GB of inbuilt memory and will cost $400 or less, while the top-end player will demand $599. Kudos on keeping these priced below the stratosphere, Pioneer.Update: Pioneer pinged us with updated pricing, now reflected in the text.
Pioneer intros BDP-120 / BDP-320 / Elite BDP-23FD Blu-ray players
Pioneer has put a few new BD-related products of late in other regions of the world, but America has been longing for a fresh line of Blu-ray decks from the outfit for months. At long last, we're being treated to a shiny new Profile 2.0 trio: the BDP-120, BDP-320 and the RS-232C-packin' Elite BDP-23FD (pictured above). From the top, the 120 features HDMI 1.3a, Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD bitstreaming, 1080p24 output, BD-Live with no internal memory (1GB flash drive is included), TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and an Ethernet jack. The 320 steps it up with 48-bit Deep Color support, three noise reduction circuits, KURO Link, 7.1-channel analog audio outs, 1GB of internal memory and a "jitter free audio transmission for CD playback." The Elite deck adds an aluminum front panel, RS-232C control port and little else. The trifecta is expected to hit in April for undetermined prices, though you can find the ultraslim DV-420 upscaling DVD player in June for just $90. The finer details are just past the break.
ezGear gets in the Blu-ray game with the BluCobra Blu-ray Disc Player
If you were hoping that another no-name company would release a $400 Blu-ray player, then today is your lucky day as ezGear is very proud to share the details of its BluCobra Blu-ray Disc Player. The BluCobra -- love the name btw -- features 7.1 analog outputs, SACD, TrueHD, DTS-HD HR&MA and the cutting edge profile 1.1, otherwise known as Bonus View. Luckily Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic can rest easy until at least March when this beast is scheduled hits the streets. Oh, and just a little prediction, no way the BluCobra will sell for its MSRP.
Sharp's 249 BD-HP21H Blu-ray player ships to UK
It's a few days past October and all, but Sharp has still managed to get its BonusView-enabled BD-HP21H Blu-ray player out in the UK. Reportedly selling for around £249 ($383), the Profile 1.1 deck is probably a touch overpriced given the current state of BD across the globe, but then again, we've also heard reports that finding low-cost players across the pond isn't proving simple. At any rate, the unit does tout 1080p24 and a pretty slick design, and it's guaranteed to put a smile on the face of anyone who unwraps it. That's worth, what, at least a few quid?[Via Register Hardware]
Sherwood delivers its BDP-5003 Blu-ray deck
Who knew that the trials and tribulations of Sherwood's BDP-5003 Blu-ray player could mirror the drama of the movies it plays? First shown off at CEDIA, then delayed and most recently threatened with the axe, but now Sherwood has brought its $300, Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player to the market, just in time for the holidays. Sure, it's probably a competent enough player, but we just don't see the value proposition of this next to entry-level models from other brands. Perhaps last-minute shoppers looking to jump on the Blu-ray wagon this holiday will grab one when Netflix-enabled (a little more money), Profile 2.0 (a few more features), or better-known brands (a tad more comfy) disappear from retailer shelves; but if that's the plan, maybe giving this model the axe would have been a better approach.
JVC's HTIB NX-BD3 gets reviewed, passes muster
Even after the street adjustment to £500 ($782), JVC's recently-announced NX-BD3 may not be the cheapest Blu-ray HTIB, but the crew at TrustedReviews found a lot to like with the package. The 2.1-channel starter system -- there are taps for four speakers even though you only get a L/R pair in the box -- has good aesthetics, solid video performance that holds its own next to the Pioneer BDP-LX71, and audio that keeps up with the visuals. Pity that Dolby True HD and DTS-HD MA didn't make the cut, though. Ah well, hopefully this deck's claim as the first dedicated Blu-ray deck with DLNA 1.5 support will ease the sting as you pull content from across your abode through the deck's ethernet jack. All in all, it's a better use of that port than BD-Live features, we say.
Pioneer's LX01BD Blu-ray home cinema system now available in Europe
Remember that ultra-sleek Pioneer LX01BD HTIB system that was introduced back in June? No? Well, for those in Europe, today's a great day to get caught up. The system, which bundles a Profile 1.1 BonusView Blu-ray player with a 5.1-channel amplifier and an equal amount of speakers, is finally available for sale in Europe. The player boasts two-in / one-out HDMI connections, Deep Color support, 1080p playback and internal DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD processing. If only the reported £2,000 ($3,154) price tag was easier to digest, we might actually be excited.[Via ElectricPig]%Gallery-36382%
Sherwood BDP-5003 Blu-ray player delayed until November
All those eagerly awaiting the Sherwood's lower end Blu-ray offering, the BDP-5003, must readjust their October launch expectations by one month. Unfortunately, at $299, a pretty standard Bonus View equipped player doesn't really scream "value" to us -- unless compared to similar high price marques like the Integra DBS-6.9, but with a LG BD300 for only $50 more and the Panasonic DMP-BD35 at the same price, it's hard to justify. The 5.1-analog packing big brother BDP-6003 failed to impress at CEDIA, but if 1080p24, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA output via HDMI have you interested, punch the read link (warning: PDF) and let us know if we missed anything.
Panasonic's Profile 2.0 DMP-BD35 Blu-ray player priced at $299
Ah, now this is more like it. Just a day after we realized that Panasonic's DivX-lovin' DMP-BD55 would be hitting the streets at $399, in comes confirmation that its little brother -- the DMP-BD35 -- will be offered for a full Benjamin less. Yep, that means you're looking at a UniPhier-equipped Profile 2.0 Blu-ray deck that's launching at under $300. We're still not told how soon it'll be in stock, but $299.95 for a BD-Live-capable standalone player is something worth paying attention to. Now, how's about we dip down even lower for Black Friday?[Via Big Picture Big Sound]
Marantz intros $799 Profile 1.1 BD7003 Blu-ray player
We fully understand that Marantz buyers are going to pay a premium for that Marantz logo, but this just screams absurd. Joining the company's $2,000 BD8002 is the "budget-minded" BD7003, a Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player with an equally stupefying $799 price tag. Oh sure, it's got HDMI 1.3a, 1080p upscaling for standard DVDs and support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, but we're still unclear on what makes this thing worth nearly eight bills. If you've got it all figured out, however, you can dive right in this November.
Poll: Are you sold on Blu-ray Profile 2.0?
It's a little strange, really. Profile 2.0, which is currently the most up-to-date Profile in the world of Blu-ray, launched months ago. Even still, deck manufacturers insist on pumping out middle-of-the-road players stuck at Profile 1.1. We know, a lot of that has to do with keeping costs to a minimum, but is there really more to it? Are consumers at large really not into interactive content? Is web connectivity not as amazing as backers would have you believe? Do you, in particular, care if your Blu-ray player supports Profile 2.0 / BD-Live? Let us know just what you think in comments below, and tell us if your opinion would change should a $99 Profile 2.0 player hit the market. %Poll-20007%
Memorex intros $269 MVBD-2510 Blu-ray player
Right, so we're pretty stoked about having one more option in the sub-$300 Blu-ray deck club, but the lack of Profile 2.0 (which is only the latest, most up-to-date Profile, you know) is a real bummer. That aside, the BonusView-enabled MVBD-2510 doesn't seem like a half bad attempt from Memorex. It features audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD High Resolution along with Master Audio bitstream output. You'll also find 5.1 analog audio outputs, a white LED display and a few brushed metal accents to jazz it up externally. Look for it this November beside a whole host of new Memorex cleaning supplies.
I Am Legend Ultimate Collectors Edition Blu-ray double-dips December 9
Ready for even more double dipping? Warner is returning December 9 with the I Am Legend Ultimate collectors Edition in a 2-disc Blu-ray set with a $59.99 MSRP. Exclusive on Blu-ray are picture-in-picture Focus Points that let you watch the making of during the movie on a Bonus View-capable player. As pictured above, the box packs in a 44-page sketch book, art cards and more. That's quite a spread for one movie (and yes, the alternate ending is included in this release also), enough to make you go back for more?
