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Runco stays in the plasma game with 3D-ready Vistage flat panels
We understand, you can't just put a $50k 3Dimension series projector in every room, so Runco's continuing to develop its plasma HDTV offerings with the new Vistage series. Available in 63-, 58- or 50-inch sizes, the 1.7-inch think panels also include the company's latest scaler, the DHD-LS. Unlike that projector we just mentioned, these do 3D with the addition of active shutter glasses and an IR emitter, courtesy of an add-on pack shipping early next year. We got a quick glance at the screens which promise contrast and black levels "previously unachieved in the industry" and while they did look amazing, you may not be able to decide if cashing out for between $6,000 and $10,000 for one of these screens is worthwhile -- until you find out you can outfit the back of the panel with decorations including your college logo of choice.
DVDO iScan Duo to get an update to pass 3D signal
This is the kind of support we wish all hardware manufacturers provided -- Anchor Bay will release an update for its video processor and HDMI switch in the third quarter which, among other things, enables said device to pass 3D signals. We know we're not alone when we say that we really wish more consumer electronics manufacturers would release such an update to their HDMI 1.3 devices -- Blu-ray's full 1080p 3D actually requires less bandwidth than 1080p60. No, of course most companies would rather add the feature to new hardware so we'll be compelled to replace a perfectly capable audio video receiver.
Atlona's AT-LINE-PRO3 video scaler goes to 11
Bringing things in line with last year's AT-LINE-EX 10-input video scaler, Atlona Technologies has one-upped itself with the 11-input AT-LINE-PRO3. Really more of an update to the measly five inputs on the AT-LINE-PRO2, the new model brings the "PRO" series more in line with the "EX" one. The back of the unit is encrusted with inputs: 2 composite, 2 component, 1 VGA, 1 DVI-I, 4 HDMI and even a lonely S-Video, each of which can be scaled up to 1080p and sent to the pair of mirrored HDMI outputs. Definitely a piece of gear with a more commercial kind of appeal, but it's always better to have more inputs than you need as opposed to fewer, right? Ships this month for $699.
Gefen's AV Scaler Pro with Amplifier is pretty much what the name says
In case you were worried that some AV hookup problem was going to go unresolved, Gefen has added yet another offering to its lineup with the Audio Video Scaler Pro with Amplifier (not to be confused with the company's TV Scaler Pro). This rack-mountable, black and blue little wonderbox will fill in switching, upscaling, transcoding and you guessed it, audio amplification. All you need to do is supply the video source in HDMI (two inputs), DVI, VGA, component, composite or s-video formats and corresponding audio (S/PDIF and optical for the HDMI, analog stereo for the others) and you'll be able to send a single HDMI signal with embedded audio down the line; or you can break out the two channels of 20-Watts audio right at the box's rear panel and hook up some speakers. If you've been looking for a way to get videogaming into the conference room, check the press release after the break.
AV Toolbox delivers HDMI switch, scaler and signal splitter
AV Toolbox may not be the first name that comes to mind when lookin' some new HDMI equipment, but the outfit has just rolled out a trifecta of reasonably priced, no-nonsense gear that may be just the fit for your switching, scaling and / or splitting needs. First up is the AVT-6041 HDMI Version 1.3 Routing Switcher, which enables easy switching between four HDMI sources, with or without HDCP protection. The AVT-6071 Multi-format Routing Switcher takes in a variety of analog sources (or HDMI sources) and upconverts 'em to HDMI standards (or thereabout). Finally, the AVT-6114 HDMI Version 1.3 Signal Splitter can distribute up to four HDMI / PC signals to four other displays, and it supports resolutions all the way up to UXGA. All three can be had right now for $129, $349 and $239 in order of mention.
Anchor Bay's DVDO EDGE takes anything to 1080p for $799
If you'll recall, Anchor Bay's heralded DVDO iScan did a fairly decent job at upscaling content to high-def levels. Unfortunately, it put a crater in your wallet about $3,149 deep. Now, however, the outfit is hitting back with an all new alternative that checks in well below four digits; the DVDO EDGE upconverts all video formats as high as 1080p and relies on the same Video Reference Seres technologies to do so. Additionally, it doubles as a robust A / V hub, sporting six HDMI 1.3 inputs, two HDMI 1.3 outputs and a whole slew of analog ports. Hit the read link [PDF] for all the nitty-gritty details, and get ready to spice up your old Hi8 tapes next month for just $799.
Atlona unveils 10-input AT-LINE-EX 1080p video scaler
Looking for a video scaler? No, we mean a real video scaler? Enter Atlona Technologies' AT-LINE-EX, a 10-input scaler that's compatible with any input resolution including PC, SDTV, and HDTV. Essentially, it enables users to connect practically any device -- be a legacy unit or otherwise -- and have that content upscaled to 1080p via the integrated Analog Devices scaling chip. Granted, we're not so certain you'd even want that 1983 Independence Day bash blown up to 1,920 x 1,080, but at least the option is there, right? Expect it to begin shipping on August 28th for $429.
Gefen TV Scaler Pro: Realta HQV 1080p upconversion for $699
How can Gefen improve its GefenTV line of equipment? Adding Silicon Optix's Realta HQV processor and pricing it at $699 would appear to be a good start. Originally shown at CES, the Home Theater Scaler Pro takes any source via its dual HDMI 1.3, component, S-video or composite inputs and upscales to 1080p with the same video processing usually reserved for high end equipment like Denon and Marantz's Blu-ray players. True 1080i-to-1080p deinterlacing and per pixel detail enhancement mean your SD sources will look as good as possible -- and not depend on your 1080p HDTV's scaling ability or possible lack thereof -- whenever this box hits shelves.
Gefen's CES lineup: switchers, PVRs, scalers, cables and more
We've seen Gefen get all riled up and unleash a barrage of new kit all at once, and sure enough, the outfit is doing just that once more. For starters, we've got the TV Switcher, which enables consumers to connect and access four HDMI sources from a single HDTV. Next up is the TV Splitter, which allows users to channel a single HDMI source to four displays -- and yeah, both of the aforementioned units play nice with HDMI v1.3a. Moving right along, we've got a pair of updates to the PVR lineup; the HD PVR records in MPEG4 and can store material on the 80GB HDD or an SD card, while the SD PVR records content onto USB storage devices. Over on the sound side, the Gefen TV Audio Processor takes a single HDMI source and delivers it to a display and an external audio receiver; furthermore, it reportedly "decodes the HDMI signal to provide an audio signal along with six discrete RCA connectors." Lastly, the firm is doling out v1.3 / Simplay HD-certified HDMI cables in 6-, 10- and 15-foot lengths, but unfortunately, it didn't bother handing out price tags for any of the goods here.
Scaler intros Teleglass T4-N video glasses
It looks like Scaler has found a bit of room for improvement in its Teleglass T4 video-playin' shades, with the company now offering a new "limited edition" T4-N model. These ones boast a 640 x 480 resolution and, like before, promise to give the effect of watching a 45-inch display from six feet away. As you can see, the shades have also been given a few cosmetic refinements, although we're guessing it'll still take a certain sort of fearless individual to rock these in public. Those that think they can pull it off will have to act fast, however, as only 500 of shades are being made available for the time being, with them setting you back ¥134,400 (or roughly $1,150) apiece.[Via Pink Tentacle]
Anchor Bay's DVDO iScan VP50Pro announced
Most folks rely on their receiver to do all the juggling required to funnel their video inputs out to a display. But if your receiver has run out of connections, doesn't support all the latest formats you need, or just mangles the video signal, Anchor Bay wants to show you their DVDO iScan VP50Pro. It's the first scaler in the world to get THX certification and be HDMI 1.3 compliant. It's also the first DVDO product to have all of their VRS (Video Reference Series) technologies in one tidy box. VRS is an umbrella over a slew stuff that goes into making a high quality, up to 1080p image out of whatever video signal is fed into the unit. You know; things like deinterlacing, scaling, framerate conversion, chroma upsampling, lip sync, detail and edge enhancement, and noise reduction. Inputs include two composite, two S-Video, three component, and four HDMI. Turn that sow's ear into a silk purse for $3149.
Gefen HD Mate Scaler and switch
The world of scalers changes as fast as HD itself, as technology improves, the prices come down and new needs are met. Gefen's new HD Mate Scaler is just what many have asked for, but doesn't quite cover all the bases. The most obvious thing missing is HDMI, but Gefen has other products for that, the HD Mate is for component and DVI users. It features 2 component inputs, 1 DVI input and 1 DVI output, all switchable via an on-screen display and IR remote. The DVI out is HDCP compliant and 1080p, analog as well as toslink inputs are accepted and transcoded accordingly, as well as audio delay settings for those who can't stand when the lips don't match up. The great thing about any stand alone scalers is that they aren't held back by the same CSS limitations as built in scalers and can allowing you to watch your DVDs at 1080p and anything else you got to throw at it. This might be the perfect scaler for those Xbox 360 and PS3 owners with a 1080p TV.[Via MacMinute]
Microsoft shows off Ana, says no HD DVD in Xbox 360... ever
Microsoft recently had the guys from Ars Technica over to show how the Xbox 360 compares to the PlayStation 3 on one of Sony's own 1080p Bravias, and of course didn't find much difference except in cases where scaling came into play. They looked at the 360's hardware scaler, Ana, which means while it may lack the advanced digital A/V output of the PS3, it will allow every HDTV owner to play games in HD resolutions over component or VGA. Also of note was their response to questions about possibly putting an HD DVD drive in the console, the answer was a firm no, and even referred to the company's own format of choice as a potential "next Betamax". The lack of HDMI may be resolved soon, but with the high def war still very much in flux don't look for Microsoft to put all of its eggs in the HD DVD basket just yet.
Zephyr's HDMI port and new HANA scaler: up close and personal
Alright, so you've had due time to squabble over Microsoft's reasoning for apparently readying an Xbox 360 v2 -- supposedly prepared with a 65-nanometer CPU, 120GB hard drive, and an 1080p-pumpin' HDMI port -- and now XboxScene has dug up photos of what appears to be a prototype board sporting the coveted new HDMI port as well as a new "HANA" scaler. The materials on the PCB certainly seem to match up with what we saw yesterday, and moreover, the direct comparison shot between the current model's (presumably analog only) "ANA" scaler and the forthcoming version's "HANA" model adds a bit more consistency to the whole story. Indeed, if the current machine's scaler can't even output digital 1080p signals, it certainly helps to explain the missing HDMI cable that one would've thought went hand-in-hand with all this HD DVD hoopla Microsoft has got itself into. So be sure and hit the read link for a few more high-res shots, and click on through for the YouTube proof -- oh yes, there's a video.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
PS3 doesn't do 1080i?
That's what IGN has discovered in testing several PlayStation 3 games. Despite 1080p being "the true definition of HD", most of the titles available are rendered internally at 1280 x 720 and scaled up accordingly... or at least that's what should happen. On many older CRT HDTVs that only support 1080i input and not 720p, instead of scaling to the appropriate HD resolution, the PS3 goes back down to the positively Wii-like EDTV standard of 480p. The problem is confirmed to exist in Resistance: Fall of Man, Tiger Woods 07, Need for Speed Carbon and NHL 2K7 so far, but no word from Sony if this can or will be fixed in a downloadable update. The Xbox 360 scales to 1080i without a problem -- although 1080p results may vary -- if you're not reading this from your place in line already be sure to check your HDTV's manual for supported input resolutions before grabbing a lawn chair (and bulletproof vest).[Thanks, Michael J.]
Gefen Home Theater Scaler converts standard-def to high-def
At first glance, the Gefen Home Theater Scaler looks like just another cheap Mac mini knock-off, but it's so much more than that. Assuming that it works as advertised, the HTS will upconvert your standard-definition video to high-definition, all the way up to 1080p. That means you won't have to buy a new upscaling DVD player to use with your hot HDTV. Furthermore, it also works as a video switcher between a pair of component sources and two HDMI sources, which is pretty sweet as well. The Scaler will set you back four Benjamins and is available now from the company's website.[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Oppo's new HDMI-equipped upscaling DVD player - DV-970HD
Oppo, maker of everyones favorite DVD upscaler, has just announced another model - the DV-970HD. This time around the player features HDMI output rather then the DVI. Oh man, it just doesn't end there ether. This player is loaded with goodies like 4-in-1 media card readers and USB input, PAL/NTSC support, 5.1 analog audio output, and optical/digital coax outputs. It supports DivX, DVD-Audio, SACD, and Xvid. This slim little player even has the ability to utilize the digital path of DIM but keep the resolution at a 480i in order to feed an external scaler. Man, there is just to much to talk about with this player. Oh and did we mention it was only $149 and included a HDMI cable?[thanks for the tip Kevin]
Let It Wave introduces Super-Resolution Bandelet upconversion technology
Yeah sure thats a mouthful, but if it is nearly as good at converting SD sources to HDTV resolutions as they claim, you'll memorize it pretty soon. They claim their bandlet (or bandelet depending which page of the site you read) technology allows them to upconvert SD sources to HDTV resolutions with no flickering or artifacting whatsoever. We won't try to decipher the mathematic reasons they give as to why this is possible, but you can check out their tech page for yourself.Their press release includes an endorsement by the namesake of the Faroudja DCDi upconverter, now all we need to do is see some products and maybe watching standard definition won't hurt so bad anymore.
HDBeat Review: Helios HVD2085
DVD up-scalers are all the rage these days. They cost all the way from $100 to more than your HDTV does. But what are they?DVD up-scalers take a standard 480i signal and can present it to the TV in a variety of resolutions. Generally you would want to give the HDTV its native resolution. i.e. most plasmas are 720p so that is what you should set the DVD player for. Most digital TVs can only display one resolution and have scalers built-in, but sometimes they are not that great. These DVD players are designed to help, or replace, those internal scalers which will theoreticaly make a better picture. Will they make the DVDs high-def: no; will your DVDs look better: most will. Neodigits was kind enough to send us their lastest up-scaling DVD player the HVD2085. This thing is loaded. Up-scaling all the way to 1080p via HDMI and component, 5.1 digital and analog outputs, VGA, and "Smart Play." (more info in the full review). Click on for the full review.
DVD up-scalers hit 100 bones with Samsungs DVD-HD860
Do you remember when DVD players were $499? No skip that, VCRs that were $799! We sure do but the most recent video device to drop is DVD up-scalers. Just two years ago there was a Samsung for $299 but it sure was cool. They have now reached a milestone though: the $100 mark. Samsung has been producing these players from the beginning and they were the first to hit this mark. The DVD-HD860 may not have a lot of bells and whistles but it does scale the DVD up to 720p or 1080i via HDMI. It is small and cheap, but doesn't comes with a HDMI cable. So big box shoppers note: it maybe cheaper to buy the big brother, DVD-HD960, as it comes with both a HDMI and a DVI cable then it is to buy a HDMI cable in large retail stores. Plus, you will get a better DVD player.
