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Sony's Blu-ray MegaChanger hits the streets next month with new ES standalone
When we first got our hands-on the 400 disc MegaChanger pictured above we'd hoped it would be out a little earlier; but never the less the wait is almost over as Sony officially announced plans to release the BDP-CX7000ES in August, for the hard to swallow price of $1,900 -- about $400 less than rumored. The good news is that it does just about everything we can think of, like handle any Blu-ray Disc, DVD or CD with ease, and of course works with the latest codecs delivered via bitstream or LPCM. Now if you just have to have a Blu-ray changer, but wish it was half the price, you can wait a few more months for the BDP-CX960 for $800. You will however have to be willing to forgo things like RS-232 and IR-in, as well as the ES badge. Also shipping in August with the ES MegaChanger is the BDP-S1000ES. This standalone Blu-ray player is at the top of line and for $700 you get just about every feature and spec Blu-ray has to offer, as well as built-in WiFi and a DLNA client. The full details of all three are in the release after the jump.
3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off
The new HDMI 1.4 spec adds a host of new features (and, most likely, a lot of new ways to get scammed on cable purchases) but for those excitedly anticipating Audio Return Channel, HDMI Ethernet Channel and 3D over HDMI should know Silicon Image has announced its first line of chips supporting them. Destined for HDTVs, receivers, Blu-ray players and the like, the new port processor and transmitter have the extremely specific sample delivery date of "second half of 2009" so while we certainly don't expect to see any actual hardware until well into next year, keep an ear to the ground if you're considering an upgrade before then.
NEC delivers new super resolution upconverting chip for 1080p HDTVs
Apparently already in a position to improve on its previous efforts, NEC has developed the µPD9280GM chip designed to expand low res images to 1920x1080 resolution with less blurring. Bettering the old uPD9245GJ by running at 150Mhz instead of the previous 108Mhz clock speed and expanding color quality from 24-bit to 30-bit "Deep Color," it also promises to do its super-resolution magic based on just one frame of image data instead of needing multiple frames and additional external memory. This chip will be going into mass production in July so regardless of how super-resolution compares to a true HD source, a wider (and cheaper) range of devices should be able to offer high quality image processing soon.
Panasonic's latest 103-inch 1080p plasma: step aside oil barons, this one's headed home
Hard to believe but Panasonic just introduced its third generation 103-inch plasma just in time for IFA. Model TH-103PZ800 adds a few more HDMI (4x 1080/24p) jacks with Deep Color and x.v.Color support, a smattering of tuners, a 10,000:1 contrast, and VIERA Link compatibility to ease the connectivity of all your like-minded, Panny gear. In fact, this set looks primed for home-use, not just the businesses and trust-funders targeted by Panny's previous monster sets. Ready for order on August 26th (shipping in September for Japan) for ¥5.6 million or a bit more than $50k -- a steep, $20k price drop since February. But at 7-feet wide and nearly 6-feet tall you'll be paying a bit extra for professional installation to keep this 756-pound (343-kg) beast off your toes and out of your milkshake.[Via Impress]
10 of the worst scams, lies, and ripoffs surrounding HDTVs
The consumers electronics industry is full of scams, lies, and ripoffs; but this list from our friend Gary Merson is particularly interesting to HD fans. We got a kick out of every one of 'em, but really enjoyed hearing our own sentiments echoed about things like Deep Color, x.v Color, HDMI and fake HD channels. At the same time we're surprised to see that 120hz and CableCARD enabled TVs didn't make the list. So do yourself a favor if you're shopping for new HD gear or an HD provider, and click on the read link to avoid these scams.
Knoll's 1080p HDP460 projector packs DarkChip4
Though not quite as awe-inspiring as Meridian's all new MF10, Knoll's April-bound HDP460 is a far cry from being a slouch. This 1080p DLP projector boasts the oh-so-coveted TI DarkChip4 along with a 5,000:1 contrast ratio, Pixelworks DNX 10-bit video processor, 1,600 ANSI lumens, HDMI 1.3, ISF day / night presets and built-in scaling support for 2:35:1. Unfortunately, Knoll's being a little stingy in the imagery department, but those who can just imagine this beamer sitting pretty in their den / home theater can phone up the company in order to get a presumably large dose of sticker shock.[Via AboutProjectors]
Sony launches four high-end Blu-ray recorders
It may be raining on AT&T's parade today but the sun is out and blasting Japan with plenty of Blu-ray. Four new Sony Bravia recorders in fact, capable of burning 50GB dual-layer, BD-R/RE discs with an additional disk packing between 250GB and 500GB of storage depending upon model selected. The ¥200,000 (about $1,755) top-end BDZ-X90 model brings 2x digital and 2x analog tuners, gold-plated HDMI 1080p capable of 60fps or 24fps output in DeepColor, and a DLNA-based "Sony Room Link" server function for streaming your media around the house. All use MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 encoding with support for lossless TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and hi-definition bitstream output. Hell, they even include support for attached AVCHD camcorders. Damn. On sale in Japan November 8th. [Via Impress]
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]
Sony's ES receiver lineup handles multizone HD streaming, iPods
Those in the market for a receiver that can handle the latest and greatest ought to look Sony's way, as the firm's revamped ES lineup not only plays nice with your iPod, but it's the first from Sony that can distribute high definition content to a second room. The STR-DA5300ES, STR-DA4300ES, and STR-DA3300ES 7.1-channel devices all offer seamless (albeit optional) iPod integration, and the onboard Digital Media Port allows users to add other accessories such as a WiFi client for streaming digital music, a Bluetooth receiver, or a Network Walkman docking station. You'll also find 1080/60p and 24p support, 1080p upconverting, Sirius / XM compatibility, and a variety of internal amplifier ratings depending on model. All three of Sony's latest AV components will be available before October, and while the low(er)-end DA3300ES will check in at a cool grand, the DA4300ES will demand $1,300 while the DA5300ES runs $1,700.[Via Electronista]%Gallery-5193%
Integra's DTR-5.8 receiver does HDMI 1.3a, XM / Sirius
If you've been scouting a leading-edge AV receiver with just about every amenity out there (including HDMI 1.3a), Integra's latest offering is likely to fit the bill. The DTR-5.8 sports a standard black enclosure, twin HDMI 1.3a inputs (and one output), built-in decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus lossless, and a Faroudja DCDi chip for de-interlacing 480i signals. Home automaters will adore the range of control options, including a bi-directional RS-232 port, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. This two-zone, 7.1-channel unit even boasts a 90-watt-per-channel amplifier and XM / Sirius compatibility, but you're looking at a stiff $800 if these luxuries just can't be done without. Click on for a shot of the rear.
Marantz releases VP-11S1H 1080p projector with HDMI 1.3, also offers upgrade
Marantz has released a new version of its VP-11S1H 1080p DLP projector, one which adds some HDMI 1.3 goodness with 12-bit Deep Color -- and the best part is that the price point is even the same as the older model. At this point, all the people who bought the previous 1,890,000 Yen ($15,700 US) device should be weeping at the thought of having their high-end projector become last year's has-been, but Marantz has done the right thing and offered an upgrade! For 5% of the purchase price (105,000 Yen or $872 US) you can send the projector back for minor surgery to upgrade the HDMI to version 1.3. Check with your local dealer or contact Marantz for more deets on where to send the check and the projector, and then let us know where to send the flowers and get-well cards.
Toshiba begins shipping HD-A20 HD DVD player
As promised, Toshiba is shipping the HD-A20 to retailers with a MSRP of $499, but can probably be found online for even less. The HD-A20 fits right in the middle of Toshiba's trio of HD DVD players, which make up all of the stand alone HD DVD players available. The extra benjamin over the HD-A2 gets you HDMI 1.3 and 1080p output, but it lacks a few video enhancements like deep color support and additional connections like RS-232 when compared with its bigger brother, the HD-XA2. If this is any indication of what we can expect from second generation HD DVD players, Toshiba is on its way to producing some of the best next-gen physical media movie players anywhere -- at least until Blu-ray finally gets BD-J live done in October.
Xbox 360 Elite uses HDMI 1.2; no support for Dolby TrueHD
For audiophiles, this may hurt. For everyone else, this may induce yawning.The Xbox 360 Elite will ship with HDMI version 1.2, as opposed to the latest version 1.3. What do you lose with such a monstrous degradation? HDMI 1.3 adds support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams; this can be accomplished in HDMI 1.2 if the player can decode these streams into uncompressed audio, but unfortunately neither the Xbox 360 nor HD DVD add-on support it. (For reference, the PlayStation 3 was the first device to use HDMI 1.3.)Other differences include audio / lip sync technology, a greater transfer speed -- which would matter if you were outputting above 1080p, but that is currently the maximum resolution -- and Deep Color, which again will be more distinguishable in future resolutions.For now, the only major disparity will be the audio. Does this affect anyone's decision to purchase the Elite?[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Sony displays prototype "Sapphire" second-gen Blu-ray players
Unfortunately they were only given a passing mention during Sony's CES press conference earlier, but a quick look at the fact sheet revealed a few additional details about these two second generation Blu-ray players with launch and price TBA. Named Sapphire 1 and 2, we don't know what makes them different from each other, but the only features listed are 1080p24 output, and support for x.v.Color, Sony's term for the xvYCC expanded color space. Of course, we're most interested in seeing if they can load a Blu-ray movie as fast as the PlayStation 3, but that remains to be seen. Impress Watch got a look at the two players, but it will likely be a while before we find out more about what the followups to Sony's BDP-S1 will be capable of.[Via Impress]
Toshiba updates Regza LCD lineup: 120hz, Deep Color and xvYCC
Toshiba is keeping up in the CES LCD features arms race, announcing several new 720p and 1080p HDTVs. Toshiba has four new 720p LCDs in 26-, 32-, 37- and 42-inch sizes, all shipping in the March/April timeframe. All include Toshiba's PixelPure3G 14-bit internal video processing with 16 times the colors of previous 8-bit systems, enhanced MPEG noise reduction technology and Dynalight dynamic backlighting that the company claims can create dynamic contrast of up to five times the panel's standard contrast ratio. Digital ATSC/QAM tuners, 3 HDMI inputs each and black cabinets complete the line. Two more LCDVD sets in 26- and 32-inch sizes add an internal DVD 720p upconverting DVD player. Toshiba has also added a new 52-inch 1080p display to its HL167 line, including ColorBurst (up to 90% of the NTSC color gamut and CE-Link (HDMI-CEC) control features. Finally, it has updated its Cinema Series in 42-, 46-, 52- and 57-inch models. All include ClearFrame 120Hz anti-motion blur technology, THINC Ethernet port and HDMI 1.3 connectors with Deep Color and xvYCC support. The 1080p Regzas are due in June or July, with the exception of the updated 42-inch, which should come a month earlier.
HDMI 1.3 on deck for 2007
Unless you've got a PlayStation 3, we can probably peg the number of HDMI 1.3-equipped devices in your home right now at exactly zero. However, if you've been waiting for Deep Color displays and receivers that support all next generation audio codecs like DTS-HD Master, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus there are plenty of devices on their way in 2007. According to EETimes online, Sony and Mitsubishi will be debuting new TVs (like Mitsu's Laser rear projecting HDTV) that take advantage of the wider color gamut afforded by HDMI 1.3. Besides xvYCC, 32-bit Deep Color support will increase color accuracy on upcoming TVs. Denon might not be ready to jump into the HD DVD / Blu-ray battle, but it's got several 1080p and HDMI 1.3-compatible receivers on the way including advanced audio and video processing capabilities. We should see one more HDMI 1.3 device this year when Toshiba releases the HD-XA2 HD DVD player, but the real treats will be waiting at CES 2007.[Thanks, Brian]Read - HDMI 1.3: Better DTV images, sound in 2007Read - Denon's HDMI 1.3 Receivers "scheduled for mid-year introduction"Read - Why today's best HDTVs aren't worth buying
PS3 price cut by 20%, now includes HDMI 1.3
Looks like all the bellyaching over the price of Sony's PlayStation 3 has done some good. Sony exec Ken Kutaragi just sent jaws to the floor over at Tokyo Game Show with an announced price cut of the 20GB PS3 base unit from ¥62,790 to ¥49,980 in Japan. Closer to home, we'd be looking at a move from about $538 to $428 (looking at current exchange rates) representing a drop of some 20% when the PS3 hits later this year, or uh, early next if the cut applies across the board. Not exactly cheap when looking at the Wii or Xbox 360, but that Cell processor, Blu-ray Disc player, and HDMI 1.3 output supporting Deep Color will certainly draw a premium. Yeah, you read that correctly, Ken announced HDMI support too, making the 20GB PS3 one fine Hi-Def movie machine on the cheap. Hoozah! Update: Price reduction confirmed for Japan only. Waiting on rest-of-world price cuts, if any.[Thanks, Kherlen and everyone who sent this in]
Xbox 360 getting an HDMI port soon?
That is the latest rumor from Xbox-Scene, who were also sent the requisite fuzzy picture of what is purported to be an Xbox 360 motherboard with HDMI-out equipped. No word from the anonymous source if this is actually coming soon (or ever), if it could be part of the HD DVD-equipped Xbox 360 that isn't planned, or just a mockup of some kind. We also don't know if this would be a deep color 1080p capable HDMI 1.3 output or...well really anything at all just yet but it makes for an interesting picture. Do you need a digital output on your next-gen console or are you proudly analog forever?[Via Engadget]
PlayStation 3 first to support HDMI 1.3
The seven HDMI founder companies have released the specifications of the latest high-definition standard, HDMI 1.3. In addition, Sony has announced that PlayStation 3 will be the first hardware to feature HDMI 1.3, which offers a variety of advantages to the properly equipped.The new standard more than doubles HDMI's bandwidth, adds Deep Color support, and includes new audio formats. For those of you who cashed in on a high-def display too soon, don't fret, products using HDMI 1.3 will be backwards compatible with older HDMI devices.
