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VUDU first on-demand service to sell HD and HDX movies
VUDU made some pretty big waves with its Blu-ray-rivaling HDX downloadable format, and now it's pushing the envelope once again by becoming the first on-demand service to actually sell (as in, for keeps... on your box, anyway) HD and HDX movies. Starting today, all VUDU owners can browse a growing library of for-sale high-definition flicks, and it should be noted that both HD and HDX titles will sport the same price tags (between $13.99 and $23.99). Initially, only around 50 films will be available, all of which are from top independent studios. Magnolia Picture's Man on Wire, which just so happened to take home an Oscar this year, is in that group of 50 along with FirstLook Studios' Transsiberian and War, Inc.. Better still, VUDU intends to make future releases available for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release, and we can only hope that major studios get with the program and follow suit. Full release is after the break.
HP's HDX18 desktop replacement reviewed: rocks those socks right off
It's takes a -- how do you say? -- special type of person to get all jazzed about an 18-inch laptop, but given that there's a solid chance you're one of those folks, we figured it prudent to pass along PC World's review of HP's beastly HDX18. Obviously designed with multimedia in mind and to possibly take the place of your desktop, this sucker performed satisfactorily in all the basic, everyday tasks as well as those media playing duties. It's not meant for hardcore gamers, but you probably already knew that. Amazingly, the included battery lasted nearly three hours before petering out, which is pretty astounding for an 8.9-pound energy destroyer. At the end of the day, critics found enough to love to slap down a 90 out of 100 rating, noting that anyone crazy enough to want a "laptop" this big (save for FPS freaks) would likely find lots to love. In more ways than one.
VUDU offering select HD / HDX titles for $4.99 purchase on Black Friday
Trust us, we too have been looking for a good reason to simply stay put this Black Friday rather than venturing out in an attempt to save $8.43 and contract at least six airborne diseases. Finally, we've found our reason. VUDU has announced on its forums that this Friday, it will sell (read: not just a 24-hour rental) four HDX titles, six HD flicks and a slew of SD movies for $4.99 each. We imagine the motive here is twofold: for starters, it'll generate buzz and probably lead to a few impulse buys; secondly, it could be a litmus test to the real popularity of its minty fresh HDX format. Hit the read link for the admittedly short list, and feel free to register in order to beg for a larger selection prior to Friday.[Thanks, Rob]
VUDU now home to 1,100 HD titles: "largest HD library in existence"
We realized that VUDU was on some sort of mission with its ferocious adding of high-def titles last month, and now we know what the company was up to. Indeed, it was adding around 150 HD titles per week in October in order to pump out this glowing release. As of today, there are over 1,100 HD titles available to VUDU users for instant, on-demand viewing, or as VUDU would say, "the largest library of HD content in existence." Thankfully, the company isn't planning to just rest on its laurels, as it's fully expecting to maintain its "leadership" position with continued HD rollouts in the near future. Funny how we were all questioning VUDU's viability just a few months back, huh?
A new HD tide is rising at VUDU
It's no secret that we're hard on VUDU around here. It isn't that we don't like the service, it's just that our expectations are so high. One of our biggest complaints has been the relatively limited selection of HD movies, but apparently that has changed recently. We follow a weekly post that lists the new HD movies on the various download services and had become very accustomed to the Apple TV adding more movies than any other. That was until a few weeks ago. Starting on the week of October 3rd, VUDU started to outpace the Apple TV, and this week released an astonishing 153 new HD offerings in one week. This is almost three times as many movies in one week as VUDU has ever added before, and way more than the 37 movies added to Apple TV's HD movie lineup or the 20 movies added to Blu-ray -- no, TV shows weren't counted. As of today, Vudu offers 553 HD movies, which is still less than the number of Blu-ray titles available (around 1000) or the Apple TV at 684. So at this rate, both Vudu and the Apple TV are on track to surpass Blu-ray's title count. But unfortunately, neither seem to be getting many of the new releases in HD day-and-date with DVD -- like Iron Man and Indiana Jones, which are due on Vudu in mid November. Now if only VUDU addressed the rest of our concerns, like the 24 hour window, the HDMI requirement, no lossless audio, and the $300 box that only does one thing.
VUDU's custom installer network balloons to 1,000
The rumor mill was really churning back in August about VUDU's potential demise, but the company has really been firing on all cylinders ever since. First came the introduction of the Blu-ray-rivaling HDX format, and now comes word that the company has 1,000 custom installers in its ever expanding network of allies. In just seven months of shipping the VUDU XL, over 1,000 professional home installation companies have signed on to distribute the movie set-top-box, though it didn't bother sharing how many units those very vendors had sold. At any rate, it ought to be pretty easy to find someone locally to get one of these in your home, but there's always the DIY option if you're skilled with tools and gifted with time.
HP's gargantuan 18-inch HDX 18t laptop now available
Don't hold out on us -- we know good and well you've been eying HP's bigger than big HDX 18 ever since it got real last month. For those unable to resist the urge to find out what life's like with an 18-inch entertainment notebook gracing their lap (and likely the lap of the guy one cube over), you can order this sucker up right now. Yep, the HDX 18t Premium series gets going at $1,549.99, but it won't take too many configuration tweaks to push that figure well over the $2k mark. Have fun![Via Laptoping]
VUDU goes live with 1080p HDX rentals, doesn't charge extra for 'em
We had a hunch that VUDU was readying Blu-ray quality rentals, and sure enough, the company has just got official with its HDX format. Essentially, HDX is a new tier of video quality for the on-demand rental service. VUDU will be delivering the content in 1080p24 via its patent pending TruFilm compression technology, which is reportedly "unrivaled" in the home content delivery biz. In our talks with the outfit, it clearly spent some serious time mastering the delivery process here, but all this quality comes at a cost. Not monetary, mind you -- the actual HDX rental fees will be the same as current HD rentals -- but we're talking time. On most broadband connections, you'll be waiting three to four hours before the experience begins, though the ability to order an HDX film online (while you're at work, for instance) helps alleviate that pain somewhat. Also of note, HDX flicks will only be available for rental initially, though hopes are that a purchase option will show up in due time. 50 HDX films are on tap today -- dig in and see what you think. Full release is after the break.
HP intros HDX16 / HDX18 entertainment notebooks
Whoa, boy -- HP just went loony on us tonight, and in the midst of everything else, we found a new pair of HDX notebooks. Kicking things off is the X16, which boasts a woefully under-pixelated 16-inch 1,366 x 768 resolution display, a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 CPU, NVIDIA's 512MB GeForce 9600 GT, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB 5,400RPM hard drive, dual-layer SuperMulti optical drive and built-in WiFi / Bluetooth. As for the beastly X18, you'll find a lot of the same kit internally, but the 18-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display is one we can really salivate over; additionally, this one ups the ante with twin 250GB HDDs and a Blu-ray reader. Each unit includes the essentials: an Ethernet port, multicard reader, integrated Altec Lansing speakers, ExpressCard slot, four USB 2.0 sockets, audio in / out, HDMI / VGA and a 4-pin FireWire connector. Both units should ship later this month starting at $1,249 and $1549, respectively. %Gallery-31955%
Naim offers up HDD-based HDX network audio player
Naim Audio, a name synonymous with high-end, has recently launched its very own hard drive-based music server, and on paper, it's a fairly mesmerizing piece of kit. The HDX packs a pair of 400GB hard drives (one primary and a back-up) and claims to be a "fully integrated CD ripping and data storage system." Aside from giving users a way to catalog their gargantuan CD collection in digital form, it'll also play tracks back in the finest of detail. Packed within is a Burr-Brown PCM1791A DAC, 24 bit/192kHz internal architecture, ultra-low jitter re-clocking circuits and a built-in touch panel, too. Best of all, any tunes stored on network / USB drives can also be played through the device, and it can send up to six different streams of music simultaneously over a home network. The rub? At £4,500 ($8,772), you're probably better off hiring Daft Punk to just play at your house.[Via CNET, thanks Andrew]
HP's Penryn-stuffed Pavilion HDX-9000 gets reviewed
Dubbed "the best-looking 20-inch laptop on the market" by PC Mag, HP's monolithic HDX-9000 was recently hoisted onto the test bench and put through a number of paces to see if it really was worth the fortunes it demands. The stunning 1080p display and LED-backlit keyboard were both highly praised, and while one wouldn't expect a 15-pound rig to excel in the battery life department, it did manage to stay alive for 2.5 hours on a full charge. Unfortunately, the crew was a bit disappointed by the Penryn's performance, but to be fair, it did play back Blu-ray Discs beautifully and handled most everything that was thrown at it with ease. But hey, it's not like we can't understand the lofty expectations given the extraordinarily high price tag. Overall, the newest HDX-9000 didn't seem to blow any minds, but if money ain't a thang, you aren't likely to find a brick more lovable than this.Read - PC Mag review (3.5 out of 5 glistening stars)Read - CNET review (8.2 out of 10 golden hoops)
HP's revamped Pavilion HDX monster now on sale
You've read about it, you've heard about it and you've even seen its ghost sneaking out from your closet at night, but now you can finally buy this beast of a machine with its all new hardware. The Pavilion HDX -- which stretches the very definition of a laptop -- is available right now at HP's website, complete with an optional (but really required, you know?) 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, 20.1-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) display, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS and optional HD DVD / Blu-ray drives. Sure, you can claim one as your own for "just" $1,999.99, but HP's "recommended configuration" puts you at $3,645.97. You gotta pay to play, right?[Thanks Vance and Andrew]
Polycom intros HDX 7000 HD video conferencing solutions
Although Polycom just got around to shipping its HDX 4000 / 8000 HD video conferencing systems last month, you won't catch this firm resting on its laurels -- oh no. Instead, it's pushing out an entirely new series in its HD video portfolio, the HDX 7000. This one, which caters to small and medium-sized conference rooms, features 22kHz StereoSurround for "natural voice clarity," Lost Packet Recovery (LPR) technology, 720p video support, a 16:9 EagleEye HD camera and the ability to adjust bandwidth for content. You'll also find an RS-232 control port along with DVI, USB 2.0 and a number of audio inputs and outputs. Supposedly, to-be owners can expect the HDX 7002 to land in March for $9,499, while the HDX 7001 (SD version) lures in the bargain hunters at $7,999.
HP intros Pavilion tx2000 tablet, revamps monolithic HDX
Survived the barrage of new HP desktops? We certainly hope so, as now the firm is hitting us up with a bit of news on the laptop front. Up to bat first is the 12.1-inch tx2000 convertible tablet (pictured), which presumably takes over for the tx1000 and comes bundled with the outfit's QuickPlay software, a webcam and an integrated microphone (beyond that, it's wait-and-see). As for the oh-so-intimidating Pavilion HDX, it will soon be available with a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS graphics set, an optional Core 2 Extreme processor, Blu-ray / HD DVD support and a 20.1-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) XHD Ultra Brightview display. Additionally, the workhorse will boast four Altec Lansing speakers and a built-in "subwoofer," an eSATA port, hybrid analog / digital TV tuner, room for two HDDs and a media remote to boot. As for pricing and availability, expect the tx2000 to start shipping as CES commences for $1,299 and up, while the newly pimped HDX will ship later this month and start at $1,999.Update: Check out an incredibly boring demo video of the tx2000 after the break.
Polycom ships HDX 4000 / 8000 HD video conferencing systems
Remember that snazzy HD video conferencing system that Polycom introduced back in July? That very system is finally shipping alongside its beefed up sibling, the HDX 8000. Each of the "video collaboration solutions" enables users to see distanced colleagues in high-definition, and both flavors come with HDX Version 2.0 software that features Lost Packet Recovery (LPR) technology. Apparently, the 4000 series is geared towards executive desktops, offices and small meeting areas, while the 8000 lineup fits best in conference rooms, class rooms and large meeting areas. Nothing like blowing a little (if you consider $9,999 to $13,999 to be "little") of that extra revenue on jazzing up the office, right?
HP Pavilion HDX entertainment laptop now available
It's been a few months since it was first announced, but those itching to get their hands on HP's mammoth Pavilion HDX laptop need wait no longer, as the entertainment-focused monstrosity is now finally available to order. In case you missed it, this back-breaking system boasts a 20.1-inch display along with what HP seems keen to call "15.5 lb. of portable performance." That includes your choice of Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Extreme processors, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics, up to 4GB of RAM, and a range of hard drive and optical drive options, among other premium features. Just be sure you know what you're getting into, as the cost of entry for this one is a hefty $2,750.[Thanks, Kevin]Update: HP doesn't seem to be be playing it up much, but it turns out the HDX comes with SlingPlayer pre-installed, making it the first model to do so. What's more, HP's also worked a SlingPlayer client into their QuickPlay multimedia app, which'll let you access it without booting into the OS. Click on through for a couple of pics.
Polycom's HDX 4000 HD video conferencing system
We weren't exactly enthralled with Polycom's other all-in-one video conferencing machine, but a lot can change in three years. The newly revamped iteration, dubbed the HDX 4000, claims to be the "first executive desktop video system with HD voice, video, and content sharing." Designed to play nice with most standards-based, IP video conferencing systems, this unit sports a 20-inch widescreen display, built-in HD camera with pan-tilt-zoom capability, dual HDX microphones, speakers and subwoofer, an HDX video conferencing codec, and a stand with an integrated keypad that "allows users to dial or answer video calls just like a telephone." Depending on bandwidth, this system enables you to watch and send 720p content at 30fps (or 480p if you snag the HDX 4001), and while you aren't likely to justify this purchase for your home, $7,999 isn't a whole lot to ask when sprucing up the corporate boardroom.[Image courtesy of TechFest]
Engadget at Digital Experience New York
Digital Experience is a bi-annual press event wherein dozens of your favorite tech companies corral hundreds of your favorite tech journalists, fill them up with free food and booze, and attempt to squeeze a little more coverage out of already-announced products. The theme for this year's New York show -- held last night at the Metropolitan Pavilion -- was British Invasion, and while we certainly appreciated the Beatles cover band, darts competitions, and of course the Bass- and Boddingtons-serving HP Notebook Pub (pictured above, although we still prefer the Sun beer server), the choice to offer traditional English cuisine was, quite frankly, not that well thought out. Nonetheless, we braved numerous flying darts and sketchy-looking meat pies to photograph a few devices we thought you'd enjoy; click on to check out the highlights...
HP's Pavilion HDX notebook monstrosity reviewed
With a starting configuration at around $3,000, and specced out versions nearing on $5k, the HP Pavilion HDX isn't a laptop for everybody. In fact, it's hardly a laptop, more of a "portable notebook computer." Sure, there's about an hour and a half of battery life, and the 20.1-inch monster actually weighs in 3 pounds lighter than Dell's 18.3 pound XPS M2010, but this thing was never really destined for your lap. That said, Laptop Mag found plenty to love about the unit, which features conveniences like a numeric keypad and a removable remote embedded into the deck portion, along with an impressive movie-friendly 1680 x 1050 screen, which will be supplemented by a 1920 x 1200 screen down the road, can be adjusted forward and backward, and hosts a high quality webcam. HP has built in analog and HD tuners, and plans to offer an over-the-air HD antenna soon. Outputs include HDMI and eSATA, and with a new Intel T7700 processor, 4GB of RAM, an ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB graphics card and a 400GB hard drive powering this thing, you should be able to handle most multimedia and gaming tasks with ease. Intel's new 802.11n WiFi tested well, as did gaming performance. The screen is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, and Laptop had some trouble with the touch sensitive media controls in its pre-production unit (which HP promises to fix), but overall there isn't much fault found in this thing -- as long as you can get over that whole 20.1-inch laptop which costs your life savings part.
HP's HDX Pavilion 20-inch gaming notebook from more angles
Remember that 20-inch HP HDX Pavilion laptop from yesterday? Well, more shots of the massive gaming laptop have turned up from different angles to give us a better idea of how this top-end laptop looks. This new angle puts the HDX closer in style to the traditional laptop form factor than its main "inspiration," the Dell XPS M2010. Still, the sheer size of the screen coupled with the remote means that this is a laptop with one helluva identity crisis: is it best to think of it as a portable home entertainment system, or a maxed out machine for those with very wide laps? A capable gaming machine it may be, but we have a feeling this won't be the only area where it draws interest. Hopefully, as the unveiling of Santa Rosa nears, HP will grace us with an official press release and we'll be able to get a better idea of the HDX's currently unconfirmed specs.
