DVB-T
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ASUS intros DVB-T My Cinema-PE6300 PCIe TV tuner
You're going to have to sit this one out, Americans -- unless you own a vacation cottage in Europe, that is. ASUS' latest PCIe TV tuner is aimed squarely at those in DVB-T territories, as the My Cinema-PE6300 hybrid card tunes both digital (DVB-T, obviously) and analog (PAL / NTSC) signals. There's also a hardware MPEG2 encoder to take some of the strain away from your CPU, not to mention an IR sensor input and FM radio tuner. In typical ASUS fashion, it's not even trying to dish out a price or release date, so our best advice is to simply keep an eye out if this is the card for you.
BBC forges ahead with DVB-T2 Freeview HD trial
Although Freeview has been destined for HD for quite some time, it has been far too long since we've heard about any progress. Thankfully, the Beeb is attempting to change all that, and it's moving forward with DVB-T2 tests. Reportedly, said standard is an advanced version of DVB-T -- the protocol currently used in the UK for digital terrestrial transmissions -- that provides an increase in efficiency and more bandwidth for more content. If all goes to plan, at least three high-def channels (one of which will be BBC) will be carried via DVB-T2 by the close of 2009, but it seems that ITV, Channel 4 and Five will have to cast lots for the remaining two openings.[Via Digital Spy]
aigo delivers USB TV tuners for Chinese, European markets
We heard that Legend Silicon and Intel were teaming up to push HDTV dongles in China, and push they have. aigo has just announced that it has used technology from the former to build USB TV tuners for catching OTA HD signals on laptops, PCs or any other manner of devices capable of watching video. In China, it's estimated that many of the devices will be used to watch the upcoming Olympics in Beijing in glorious high-definition, while DVB-T users in Europe will have yet another choice for snagging HD on-the-run. Reportedly, the tuners will demand around $100 a pop, but there's no word on where or when they'll show up.
Sony introduces BRAVIA V4500 LCD HDTVs in Europe
Look out world, er, Europe, as Sony is debuting a new trio of LCD HDTVs in your neck of the woods. The BRAVIA V4500 line consists of a 26-, 32- and 37-inch model, each of which posses a WXGA (1,360 x 768) panel and the company's own BRAVIA ENGINE 2 technology. You'll also find a 33,000:1 contrast ratio on the smaller two, and the whole lot packs 178-degree viewing angles, BRAVIA Sync and a built-in HD tuner for snagging DVB-T / DVB-C signals where available. There's also the Picture Frame Mode for turning your set into a digital art canvas (USB port included for image viewing), and the three HDMI inputs ensure that your PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and hacked up Atari Jaguar won't be fighting for sockets. Unfortunately, mum's the word on a price / release date. %Gallery-22140%
Vodafone Germany launching two DVB-T sets next month
Germany's been one of the European countries protesting the hardest against the EU's selection of DVB-H as the union's mobile TV standard of choice -- and for good reason, seeing how it already had a nice little chunk of cash sunk into T-DMB. We're not sure if this is Germany's version of passive-aggressive civil disobedience or if this is just how they plan on rolling for the time being, but Vodafone Germany is actually looking at rolling out a pair of phones next month that simply pull down plain ol' DVB-T signals -- the kind generally destined for home televisions, not pockets. This obviously gives the service a far larger footprint and content profile right off the bat, but the tradeoff is that DVB-T was never designed for the small screen and suffers from a greater power draw than either DVB-H or T-DMB. Anyhoo, the phones in question are the Windows Mobile-powered g-Smart t600 from Gigabyte alongside LG's HB620T clamshell. Both are expected to go out the door for about €100 ($159) on contract, apparently, which is just as well seeing how the t600 lacked 3G data last time we checked in on it. Who'd really trade fast data for television that's going to drain your battery faster than you can say "David Hasselhoff," anyway?[Via the::unwired]
Sony reveals healthy helping of new HDD / DVD recorders
We'll go ahead and nix some lingering excitement in the room: Sony's latest line of Hard Disk Drive DVD Recorders are aimed squarely at Europe. Now that we're clear on that, let us introduce to you the HX and HXD lines, which each posses four units that top out at 500GB. The RDR-HX680, HX780, HX980 and HX1080 all come ready to fetch analog broadcasts, while the RDR-HXD790, HXD890, HXD990 and HXD1090 also include a DVB-T digital tuner. The HDX crew can even be ordered with a CI slot, and the whole posse includes an HDMI port (1080p upscaling included), X-Pict Story, USB connectors, BRAVIA Sync and a dedicated SD HDD Handycam connection. Take a look in the read link for the full chart of specifications. [Warning: PDF read link][Via T3] %Gallery-21372%
Samsung set to release YP-PB2 PMP in Korea
Samsung's done pretty well for itself with its YP-P2 PMP, and it now looks to be set to bust out yet another upgrade to the player, although you likely won't be seeing this one outside of Korea. Helping to keep it close to Samsung's home base is the addition of not only a DAB radio tuner but, apparently, a DVB-T mobile TV tuner as well. Other than those two notable additions, however, the device appears to be unchanged from its previous incarnation, with it boasting the same 3-inch WQVGA display, built-in Bluetooth, black or white color options, and 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB capacity as before (no word on a 16GB model). There's also no word on a price or release date, but you can pretty safely expect to pay a tidy premium over the tuner-less models.
Tranquil readying Windows Home Server-based M one media mecca
Tranquil PC, home to Manchester's own media server gurus, is reportedly gearing up to tempt your wallet once more with the M one. Said media server will look quite similar to the A3, and will boast 2TB of internal storage space, four DVB-T digital terrestrial tuners and an Ethernet jack. Regrettably, that's all the details that have been deemed worthy of being loosed thus far -- aside from the fact that it'll rely on Windows Home Server, of course -- but keep an eye on the read link for more tidbits throughout the weekend.
Leadtek intros WinFast DTV200 HU portable TV tuner
For those sitting under skies blanketed by DVB-T TV signals, here's yet another option for pulling 'em in on your laptop and / or PC. Leadtek's WinFast DTV200 HU hybrid TV box features a "palm-sized" design and handles FM radio, analog TV signals, and high-definition terrestrial DVB-T. Aside from connecting to your machine via USB 2.0, it also draws its power from the same source, and you'll find WinFast PVR2 software bundled in to handle direct burning, scheduled recordings, etc. Unfortunately, the device's price has yet to be divulged, but it's said to be available right now for folks in DVB-T areas.
DVB-H to become European mobile video standard
The European mobile phone community was rocked by the news today that DVB-H (or Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) is set to become the new standard for mobile TV across the Union. The technology -- a superset of DVB-T -- has been spearheaded by Nokia, and this move is meant to help widen the system's audience. Though the move has been opposed by some EU states, such as Germany and Britain, the standard is being pushed through. "DVB-H will be published by the Commission in the list of official EU standards," said an EU executive, adding that, "As a result, all EU Member States will have to support and encourage the use of DVB-H for the launch of mobile TV services, thus avoiding market fragmentation and allowing economies of scale and accordingly affordable services and devices." So much for our fledgling standard, DVB-X (the X is for extreme).
Yung Fu Technology intros handle-equipped PMP
While you'd be hard pressed to distinguish many of the PMPs coming out of China these days from one another, the same cannot be said for Yung Fu Technology's latest piece of gear, which goes all Speak & Spell on us with a integrated handle to help ease its 2-pound weight load. Contributing to that weight is the unit's sizable 7-inch screen, as well as its integrated DVB-T mobile TV tuner and a built-in speaker although, curiously, there's no indication as to what storage options you can expect. Also, as with most of these, there's no word on pricing or availability, but those looking to pick them up by the truckload (and slap their name on 'em, perhaps) can contact the manufacturer for more information.[Via PMP Today]
HDHomeRun to bring DVB to Media Center
The HDHomeRun is our favorite networked HD tuner -- never mind the fact it's the only one. Having a tuner on the network instead of in the HTPC has a few advantages including the ability to use a smaller PC case, to use as many tuners as you want, and not having to run coax cables to the PC. But what might be the biggest advantage is, that it can add tuners that would otherwise be unavailable -- like QAM on Windows Media Center Edition. Now it seems the team at SiliconDust is working on a version for the rest of the world and will enable DVB-T and unencrypted DVB-C for various DVR packages on the PC including Microsoft's Media Center Edition.
VDO Dayton announces PN 4000, PN 6000 DVB-T-equipped GPS units
VDO Dayton took advantage of the recent IAA International Motor Show to show off its two latest GPS devices, both of which boast DVB-T capabilities for some added in-car entertainment / distraction. From the looks of it, the new PN 4000 and PN 6000 models are identical in every respect except for screen size, with the former boasting a 4.3-inch widescreen display and the latter packing a slightly larger 5.3-inch screen. Otherwise, you can expect both to handle all the usual PMP duties in addition to the aforementioned DVB-T feature, with an SD card slot provided for storage, and real-time traffic info available with an optional TMC receiver. No word on pricing or availability just yet, although we wouldn't expect to see them outside of Europe.[Via NaviGadget]
NT220 PMP does DVB-T, upgrades easily
Nothing too special here, just another no-name portable media player that happens to do DVB-T TV. Taiwan based Newtrend Electronics is the manufacturer of this NT220 7-inch LCD, 480x234 pixel display toting player with slots for CF, SD, MMC, MS, xD, and SMC cards -- just in case this wasn't enough of a hint, it doesn't come with any built-in storage. No pricing or availability as yet, unfortunately.[Via PMPToday]
Sharp cranks out new XL2E and X20E AQUOS HDTVs
Not wanting to be outdone by all those other guys loosing LCDs at IFA, Sharp has stepped up and unveiled two new lineups of AQUOS sets in Berlin. The XL2E series, which includes models 42-, 46-, and 52-inches in size, will all offer up 100Hz technology, be Full HD ready, and will even support 24p. Moreover, the trio will tout a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, a built-in DVB-T tuner (and an analog one, too), VGA input, integrated speakers, and three HDMI connectors to boot. As for the X20E series, you'll find 32-, 37-, 42-, 46-, and 52-inch flavors, all of which support 1080p24, feature three HDCP-compliant HDMI ports, and "a slot for CI cards to receive pay TV." The new AQUOS members are slated to land in Europe sometime before the year's end, but pricing details look to still be up in the air.[Via Pocket-Lint]
Hands-on with the Philips PVD1075 portable DVB-T player
If you're in Europe or Asia (or anywhere that has DVB broadcasts, for that matter), and in the market for a portable DVB-T solution, we suppose you could do a lot worse than the Philips PVD1075; a sleek, skinny package which does a whole bunch of media playing. At a glance, the little guy doesn't seem like too much of a heavy hitter, and honestly, the screen didn't blow us away, but if this fits your lifestyle (and we're not sure what that lifestyle is), then perhaps you should take a much, much closer look -- like in our gallery, for instance.%Gallery-6714%
Philips' new PVD1075 10.2-inch portable DVB-T player
OK, it's not quite a jumbo-tron, but 10.2-inches is seriously infringing on laptop screen territory -- and that's really not a bad thing. Philips' new PVD1075 DVB-T TV sports all the screen you really need (until the bigger ones come out next year), along with an external antenna and analog tuner. There's a seven-day Electronic Program Guide for picking your shows wisely, and you can play files off of SD cards if it strikes your fancy, though Philips isn't forthcoming on codec support. Unfortunately, the 2.5 hours of battery life is hardly enough for that marathon session you were planning of badly dubbed American TV -- we know how you Europeans do. No word on price or availability, so we're going to guess "soon" and "free."
Philips unveils DVB-T-equipped 19- / 32-inch FlatTV LCDs
Philips certainly has been on a tear of late, and apparently, the company's LCD releases are still flowing in from IFA. The latest duo to hit the scene are the ivory-colored 19-inch 19PFL5602D and 32-inch 32PFL7602D FlatTVs, both of which feature an integrated DVB-T tuner and dual HDMI inputs. The larger of the two includes Pixel Plus 2 HD technology and Digital Natural Motion to tackle those judders, while the smaller sibling doesn't look to lose much outside of screen real estate. Sadly, mum's the word on price and availability, but all signs are pointing to a European-only release.
More details on Sony's new PlayTV
The info is flying fast today as Sony's launches a multi-tiered attack on the entertainment community. Luckily, we've got some additional info on the just announced PlayTV TV tuner / DVR for the PS3, and we'd like to share it. The unit will apparently be coming to Europe "early in 2008" with other territories to follow (PAL only for now). The new box will feature two 1080p tuners, which utilize the European Digital Video Broadcasting system (DVB-T) -- which should dash any US hopes for the time being. The system will allow you to store recorded broadcasts on your PS3 drive, and also transcode and transfer the saved files to your PSP. Additionally, you'll be able to use the PSP's "Remote Play" feature to program and watch your PlayTV away from home. Sony reps also make the bold pronouncement that the PlayTV architecture will "never be out of date" due to automatic network updates from the company. We're gutted that the US gets no love from Sony on this one, but it's a good time to be a European PlayStation 3 fan, that's for sure.
Metz unveils 100Hz Linus 32 LCDs, includes hybrid tuners and HDD
Amidst the onslaught of releases surrounding IFA comes one from Metz, which is introducing a pair of feature-laden LCD HDTVs for the European market. The 32 HDTV 100 and Linus 32 HDTV 100 R both tout 100Hz technology, integrated "double-hybrid tuners" for cable and aerial (DVB-C / DVB-T) reception, Dynamic Motion Compensation to nix the jaggies, and two "externally accessible input slots for CA modules with smart cards that open up the possibility of being able to receive various pay-TV channels." Moreover, the "R" model comes equipped with a 160GB hard drive, which enables users to store up to 200-hours of SD content, 30-hours of HD programming, or any combination of the two sans a traditional DVR. You'll also find a trio of HDMI ports, DVI, and even a USB interface for loading up photo slideshows. Mum's the word on pricing at the moment, but both of these sets should be hitting the streets next month.[Via Messe-Berlin]
