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AVerMedia intros AVerTV Hybrid USB analog / digital HD tuner
AVerMedia's no stranger to taking brave new steps in the TV tuning arena, and this time around its delving into high-definition with the AVerTV Hybrid Ultra USB. This USB-based breakout tuner handles both analog (NTSC) and digital (ATSC) HD OTA broadcasts, is compatible with Windows XP, XP Media Center Edition 2005, and Windows Vista Premium, and touts its very own MPEG-2 hardware encoding solution to boot. Additionally, the device is bundled with an MCE-compatible remote to control the action from afar, and it also enables the obligatory PVR action whilst supporting resolutions up to 1080i and both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Furthermore, users can expect to pull in FM radio transmissions when not tuning into televised programming, and while we've certainly seen more compact ways to deliver a USB 2.0 tuner before, AVerMedia's latest is available nevertheless for $129.99.
Long-distance TV broadcasts hit 80 year anniversary
We've already seen broadcast radio cross the century mark, and while 80-year anniversaries aren't exactly the most memorable under normal circumstances, television is certainly not in a normal predicament. Four score ago, the Indianapolis Star reported that "television, a scientific dream ever since the telephone was perfected, has at last been realized," as an image made its way some 200 miles from Washington, D.C. to Whippany, New Jersey, and then 22 miles by wireless to New York City. 80 years later, OTA broadcasts as we know them are at a turning point, as ATSC signals look to take over for the existing analog flavor, and companies are already chomping at the bit to get in while the getting is good. Furthermore, television as a whole has hastily garnered a newfangled medium in just the past few years, as the internet connected generation can now look to their browser to catch up on recent programming. The not-so-subtle revolutions that have occurred in the world of TV have happened at a breakneck pace, and considering all the luxuries we're starting to enjoy, we doubt things will slow down anytime soon. So here's to 80 years of keeping us pudgy, obliterating our motivation to socialize, and giving mega-corps a means to an end, and if you're interested in just how much has changed in just eight decades of the 'tube, be sure and hit the read link for a comprehensive report.
LG readies $60 digital TV converters for 2008 release
You won't find a bunch of happier folks than us when bringing up the (slowly) forthcoming analog-to-digital cutover, but we aren't looking forward to picking up one of these newfangled converter boxes for the grandparent who refuses to swap out that cabinet-based CRT they've had for decades. It shouldn't come as any surprise that these things won't be handed out for free, and since the vast majority of analog TV owners are certainly looking to remedy the imminent issue a full year or so in advance (ahem), we've already got manufacturers lining up to hit the market early. Following in the footsteps of RCA's DTA800, LG is reportedly readying a digital converter of its own for a 2008 release, and while it didn't divulge many specifics, it did note that the selling price would hover around $60 -- or $20 if you manage to snag one of those $40 government issued coupons.
Are there any analog TVs left at the store?
Wow that was fast, we didn't think it would happen that fast, but we stopped by a big box retailer to find that they didn't have any analog TVs on the shelves. In fact they only had three CRT TVs under 20-inches and they all included ATSC tuners. Did the manufacturers really just stop making these things before the deadline or did the store just not expect the old sets to sell through so fast and failed to order ATSC equipped replacements? We're pretty sure this isn't the end of CRT TVs as LCD models under 20 inches are still pretty pricey. Either way there is no doubt that we are moving in the right direction; towards the end of analog TV.
The beginning of the end for analog TV
Certain days in history are remembered generations later: July 4th, 1776; February 3rd, 1959; May 20th, 1993. Well you can add March 1st, 2007 to that list, because that is the day future gadgetheads will look back upon as the beginning of the end for analog TV. Couch potatoes have been enjoying over-the-air analog broadcasts since 1946 -- whiling away the hours with Jack Benny, Roy Rogers, and Howdy Doody -- and will continue doing so until February 17th, 2009 (717 days, 11 hours, 13 minutes, and 49 seconds from the time of this writing, according to a handy countdown timer on the new DTV Transition site). So while you'll be able to catch analog CSI for a few more years, it's going to be harder and harder to find a new set that actually supports the NTSC standard: that's where March 1st comes in. As of yesterday, federal law mandates that all 13-inch-and-above TVs sold in the US must sport a fancy new ATSC digital tuner -- although according to the Washington Post, many retailers haven't exactly been quick to ensure compliance. Just go into any of the big box stores and see if they're all stocked up on new sets; chances are most of the employees haven't even heard about this changeover, or even possess the knowledge to direct you to the proper equipment. Still, nothing's gonna stop the analog signals from going dark in February 2009, so despite the slow start, we're pretty confident that most stores / websites will get their game together eventually. And if not, there's always the small chance that analog will make a comeback -- hey, you never know.[Thanks Steve M.]
Video: disc-swap trick in action
Remember when we talked about tricking your Wii into accepting GC discs that were not in your region? Well, we would've loved to have demonstrated the trick for you in video form, but we didn't have any import GameCube games to try the trick with. Turns out YouTube user Skywanwan did, as he demonstrates the trick working in his video. We've embedded it past the post break so you can see how it is exactly done.How long until Nintendo corrects this in a system update?[via Siliconera]
SYNDiCATE's Wii Region Free Patcher for NTSC to PAL
Unfortunately there's one console among the current gen that still needs fretting about that other kind of region "protection", but the Wii separates PAL and NTSC consumers regionally no more. Well, kind of. SYNDiCATE supposedly has a Wii patcher that plays NTSC titles on PAL Wii units, which is just great for all those PAL-rocking countries that have Wiis, as well as those not yet fit to suffer from Wii shortages because Nintendo hasn't even launched there yet. As always, download and install at your own risk. While we'd be very interested to hear of your results when trying out the patch, we certainly won't be any more than a shoulder to cry on should you brick your unit.[Via Digg, PAL / NTSC map via Wikipedia]
Compro U2700 hybrid HDTV tuner gets Vista certified
Yeah, we can already see that the onslaught of "Vista certified" devices will not be a pretty sight, but until Microsoft's newest OS becomes the norm, we guess that coveted sticker is you're only assurance that the gizmo you just purchased will actually work when you get home. Compro's latest HDTV tuner goes above and beyond the typical USB stick variety, as it bulks up a bit in size but also packs a bit more punch than similar alternatives. The U2700 hybrid DVB-T tuner connects to your PC via USB 2.0 and grabs free OTA HDTV transmissions as well as SD broadcasts, provides all the time-shifting / recording / scheduling capabilities we've come to expect, and boasts the unusual ability to "watch up to five digital 1080i streams simultaneously," although four of those must be pre-recorded. Of course, you'll need at least 3GHz of horsepower under the hood to create your own quilt of TV shows, and we doubt this feature is incredibly useful, but it's interesting nonetheless. Furthermore, you'll find an IR remote along with the ComproDTV 3 / Ulead software which allows you to time up recordings, capture still frames, handle straight-to-disc burning, and essentially turn your PC into a portable PVR. Unfortunately, there's no word just yet on pricing or availability, but we'll bet they try to beat everyone else to the punch and have this sitting as close as possible to those spiffy Vista boxes real soon.[Via EverythingUSB]
Microtek enters LCD HDTV market with duo of 1080p sets
Hot on the heels of Microtek unveiling four new plasmas to feast our eyes upon, the firm has taken the wraps off two new 42-inch LCD HDTVs, which marks its first offerings in the LCD TV realm. Both sets tout that oh-so-coveted (or not) 1080p "Full HD" resolution, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, and a 176-degree viewing angle as well. Additionally, the firm claims that each set is calibrated at the factory to set the "optimum brightness, contrast, sharpness, color saturation, and color balance for a typical home viewing environment," but we're sure you videophiles out there could always find something just a bit off kilter. Nevertheless, both displays also feature ATSC / NTSC tuners, component / S-Video / composite inputs, VGA in, and HDMI for that silkly smooth 1,920 x 1,080 imagery. Likely to make an appearance at next week's CES, the pair of TVs should be available anytime now, and while the silver-clad L42CX2A will run you $1,899, the all-black Cineon CL42HA demands an extra Benjamin just for the "superior" color motif.
Norcent readies new plasmas / LCD HDTV for CES
While it seems we really only hear from Norcent when CES is approaching, the California-based outfit is kicking it up a notch this year as well, as it plans to showcase a duo of new plasmas and a flagship LCD HDTV as well. Both PDPs will feature integrated ATSC / NTSC tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite, VGA, 160-degree viewing angle, SRS-enhanced stereo speakers, and a "3D digital comb filter" for color processing. Additionally, the 50-inch PT-5045HD plasma will sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000 cd/m2, and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, while the 42-inch PT-4246HD gets stuck with a 1,024 x 768 resolution and 8,000:1 contrast ratio, but picks up a Clear-QAM tuner and a 1,200 cd/m2 brightness rating. Over on the LCD side, the 37-inch VION LT-3790 one ups the LT-3725 we saw just recently by touting a larger panel, 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree viewing angle, built-in ATSC / NTSC (Clear-QAM) tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite inputs, VGA, and the same SRS-enabled speakers as on the plasmas. For those interested in picking one up, the PT-4246HD is on the streets right now for a very reasonable $1,199.99, while the 50-inch flavor will land next month for $1,899.99, and the $1,199.99 VION LCD will hit stores sometime Q2 2007.Read - Norcent's 42- and 50-inch Plasma displaysRead - Norcent's 37-inch VION LCD HDTV
Rotel unveils pricey 1080p upcoverting RDV-1093 DVD player
For the person who just has to have everything, or is willing to spend more money to stick with DVD than cave in and buy two separate high definition players (or not), Rotel has announced the forthcoming RVD-1093 upscaling DVD player. The high-end boutique has cranked out yet another snazzy looking standalone flagship device, which touts 1080p upcoverting, a built-in scaler, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite outputs, and silkly smooth progressive scan playback. Additionally, the device plays nice with recordable discs, SVCDs, JPEGs, MP3 / WMA CDs, and even the lost-but-not-forgotten DVD-Audio format. To somewhat justify the lofty pricetag, the company points to its "switching power supply" which reportedly touts "an advanced pulse circuit and individually regulated supply stages to generate optimal voltages," and also boasts about the wideband DA converters, "Adaptive Geometrical Chroma Mapping," optical / coaxial digital audio outs, NTSC / PAL-compatibility, RS-232 interface, and discrete IR commands. We're still not entirely convinced this player is worth the $1,499 asking price, especially considering the forthcoming price drops in the Blu-ray arena, but those still interested can pick one up sometime this quarter.
Microtek unveils four new HD plasmas
While Microtek may not be the first name that comes to mind when you're thinking about plasma displays, the firm has four new PDP monitors ready to hit the market, all with decent specs and (fairly) reasonable pricing. Handling the low-end is the 42-inch MHP1-HDI, which sports a WXGA resolution, 1,300 cd/m2 brightness, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, built-in ATSC / NTSC hybrid tuner, HDMI, dual 10-watt stereo speakers, silver casing, and the company's own "Digital Color Transient Improvement (CTI) edge smoothing technology." The 50-inch version, dubbed P50TX1A, offers up just 1,000 cd/m2 brightness and an 8,000:1 contrast ratio, but otherwise remains identical to its slightly smaller sibling. For those who just insist on buying a set encased in black, the 42-inch Cineon CP42HA and 50-inch CP50HA just so happen to rock the exact same specifications as their silver-clad brethren, but will cost you a good bit more (sound familiar?) for the caliginous luxury. Microtek claims all four units are available now, and if you can manage to locate one, it'll run you $1,499 for the MHP1-HDI (and $100 more for the CP42HA), or $1,999 for the P50TX1A (add $200 for the CP50HA).Read - Microtek's MHP1-HDI and P50TX1A displaysRead - Microtek's Cineon CP42HA and CP50HA displays
HP's 30-inch LP3065 LCD monitor gets reviewed
Although the average consumer isn't likely to be in dire need of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels on their monitor, the competition is still very alive in the expansive LCD market, and while Dell, Quixun, Samsung, and Apple all have highly-regarded units of their own, it's about time HP's LP3065 hit the test bench itself. Touted as "late, but great," HP's rendition of the 30-inch monitor managed to top the 3007WFP in "brightness, contrast ratio, and color uniformity tests," though it was noted that results were still below expectations. ExtremeTech found the screen "easy on the eyes" and very tweakable using NVIDIA's control panel via their GeForce 8800 GTX; furthermore, Photoshop editing, DVD viewing, and handling basic, mundane office tasks all provided "results that were nothing short of spectacular." Overall, the LP3065 provided a "wider color gamut," a trio of HDCP-compliant dual-link DVI ports, and "gorgeous image quality," which may or may not be worth the extra $400 over Dell's basic 30-incher to you -- and while it received an "8 out of 10" rating as well as a coveted "Approved" label, you're still better off throwing down this type of coinage on twin 24-inchers if screen real estate is your number one priority.
Mustek to introduce its own LCD HDTV lineup at CES
With CES fast approaching, we're sure to see tons of last minute additions as firm's look to showcase their gadgetry to the world, and now Mustek is doing just that. More commonly known for its ho hum cameras, digiframes, and PMPs, the company has just announced that it will start selling its own self-branded lineup of LCD HDTVs, and if everything goes as planned, will have demo units on display in just a few weeks. Aiming for the same value-conscious crowd that Vizio seems to have wrapped around its finger, the 42-inch LTV-4210, 32-inch LTV3210, and 27-inch LTV2710 should each hit well below more prestigious brands in terms of pricing. The low- and mid-range models each sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1200:1 contrast ratio, 6.5-millisecond response time, and "built-in surround sound speakers." The flagship 42-inch flavor boasts full 1080p support, HDMI, integrated NTSC / ATSC tuners, dual 10-watt speakers, a 176-degree viewing angle, 550 cd/m2 brightness, and then borrows the other specs from the less-featured siblings. Of course, the actual quality (and pricing) of the panels is still yet to be seen, but thankfully, that sneak peek should come sooner rather than later.[Via I4U]
Eurovision successfully transmits US HD feed to Europeans
As if there wasn't enough variations of HD feeds, and the fact that NTSC and PAL just can't seem to get along, the last thing the blokes across the pond want (or need) is another complication when it comes to catching American sports on their HD sets. Thankfully, Eurovision is not only sparing everyone the trouble, it has reportedly claimed a victory in the typically messy conversion game. The global network operator has apparently transmitted HDTV coverage of NHL and NBA games shot in America to Europe, all without down-converting to NTSC in the process. The content originated in 1080i/60, and was rebroadcasted in the UK-friendly 1080i/50 format, all while keeping users on both ends thoroughly pleased. Eurovision's head of production and services, Tony Naets, proclaimed that Europeans who witnessed the converted coverage "were delighted with the results, which included the ingest of the original coverage through the resources of Eurovision Americas in Washington, the conversion from the original broadcast format to 1080i/50, and the transport of the converted signal via our dedicated transatlantic fiber to the European uplink." While quite a mouthful, we think we dig what he's saying, and as soon as Europe sends a few of its own HD soccer football feeds our way, we'll be grinning from ear to ear as well.
Envive debuts HD DVD or Blu-ray-equipped HTPC
Envive has been listening to all the buzz about the lack of a Mac Mini home theater model and decided that they would make one themselves. The E-Center Micro X boosts the small footprint found in the Mini along with a Core 2 Duo chip paired with a 80GB, DVD-RW drive, DVI connectivity (don't know what card however), and built-in IR receiver. This little guy is available now at a cost of $1k, but it's the Micro X's big brother that brought a smile to our faces. The E-Center Pro sheds the small design and grows to the standard A/V receiver size to house all the extra goodies this $2500 model ships with. The Pro model is equipped with dual ATSC and NTSC tuners when paired with MCE 2005 or quadruple tuners under Envive's proprietary OS that will allow for multi-station recording to the standard 500GB drive. Envive gives owners the option of adding up to five more hard drives however, plus the Blu-ray and HD DVD drive options could make this for one sweet HTPC. If a true HD media center is your thing, you have a few months to save up your pennies as the Pro model is expected to ship sometime later this year. Now we are just wondering how much more a totally tricked out version is goin' to cost...(shot of the Micro-X after the jump)Read: E-Center Micro XRead: E-Center Pro
Hauppauge's WinTV-HVR-950 hybrid ATSC / NTSC TV tuner for PCs
Looks like Hauppauge quietly went and released a hybrid NTSC and ATSC TV tuner for PCs. And don't it look to be from the same OEM'er Elgato's been kicking around with? The WinTV-HVR-950 hybrid TV stick supports up to 1080i ATSC digital or analog NTSC TV broadcasts when slotted into your USB 2.0 port and ships with Hauppauge's WinTV-Scheduler and the WinTV2000 application to watch and schedule TV recordings to MPEG-2. No word on pricing or availability but we have a sneakin' suspicion it'll cost ya about a Benjamin.Update: Damn we're good; the word direct from Hauppauge is that this little dongle will set you back exactly $100.[Thanks, Carlos]
First-party Wii games will be region-free [update 2]
After tactfully cornering Nintendo's VP of Marketing at their NYC event, Joel Johnson from Wired News was able to extract a rather valuable tidbit of information that will likely please gamers all across the world. Perrin Kaplan casually confirmed that all first-party Wii games will be free of draconian region locks, thus allowing them to run on a Wii system purchased from Japan, Europe, America and everything in-between. The same doesn't hold true for third-party games yet, but one can only hope they follow the glorious example and do away with an annoying system that has long since been dropped in handheld platforms. If you can surmount the language barrier, feel free to gleefully bring Nintendo's next turnbased roommate adventure Pokemon dating card RPG to America, even if they won't.[Via Game|Life][Update 1: Gamesindustry.biz reports that Nintendo UK says the Wii is region-locked. This is contrary to Perrin Kaplan's statements, though her exact comments may have been misinterpreted to begin with. It's possible that Kaplan implied first-party games would specifically be region-free -- which is not the same thing as saying the console is region-free. After all, one can play region-free DVDs on a region-locked DVD player. Not that the Wii can play DVDs anymore...][Update 2: It was too good to be true.]
El Gato's EyeTV Hybrid digital/analog tuner for Macs
You know you need it: that squishy soft gaze that comes with the kind of numb only a TV can deliver at the end of a hard day. El Gato knows this too, and delivers yet another fix to Mac owners in the form of the EyeTV Hybrid. As the name implies, this USB 2.0 stick delivers both hi-definition capable digital ATSC and traditional analog NTSC tuners to record (in MPEG-2 if your Mac has the muscle), edit, and pause live TV when combined with El Gato's bundled EyeTV 2 software. What's more, the kit works with the Apple Remote and includes a break-out cable for connecting composite and S-Video sources like your gaming rig -- for "zero latency" play on your Mac's display -- or that dusty VCR to convert the ol' VHS collection into digital media. Inputs that owners of Apple's stellar, but otherwise inflexible, 30-inch displays will certainly appreciate. Available now for $150 or €150 for our DVB-T signal lovin' brethren. [Thanks, Doug]
A couple of mini-USB ATSC tuners - Artec T14A & FujuPlus FD-USB728
These little tiny ATSC slipped right under our radar. These are the first USB thumb-drive size ATSC tuners we have ever seen; we have peeped tons of DVB-T ones with jealous eyes till now. The first one is by Artec (T14A) and has just an ATSC tuner and antenna port on the unit. They even include an adapter so you can plug a real antenna into it rather then that thin piece of aluminum they call an antenna. The second one is by FujuPlus (FD-USB728); they add a NTSC and QAM tuner to the mix. The first one is going for $89 bucks and the second for $99. Nice. We did dig up a AVS Forum thread that deals with the Artec if you want more info.We have been waiting for these little tuners for a while...now if they could only work with OS X.Read:Artec T14A FujuPlus (FD-USB728)
