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NEC's spring all-in-one PC lineup melds TV with Twitter
Like all-in-one PCs, TV and Twitter? NEC's new desktop PCs might just hit the spot -- if you live in Japan, that is. The company just launched its spring 2013 lineup of Valuestar systems which will be available in two display sizes on February 7th. Valuestar W computers pack a 23-inch screen and Core i7 processor with the 3D-capable VW970/LS costing ¥235,000 ($2,550) and the 2D-only VW770/LS listing for ¥215,000 ($2,330). The Valuestar N series boast a 21.5-inch display and come in three versions: VN770/LS with Core i7 for ¥195,000 ($2,110), VN570/LS with Core i3 for ¥160,000 ($1.740) and the ¥125,000 ($1,360) Celeron 1000M-equipped VN370/LS. While there are no details on RAM or storage options, all PCs run Windows 8 with Office 2013, and feature TV tuners, Blu-Ray drives (DVD on the VN370/LS), DLNA support, Yamaha sound systems, built-in video tutorials and access to music.jp's service. The 23-inch models provide instant-on TV functionality with three TV tuners (two for recording, one for viewing) while 21.5-inch units include dual TV tuners. NEC offers several ways to control the computer's TV functionality: via standard remote control, using gestures (except VN370/LS), with a custom smartphone / tablet app and even from Twitter, Yes, you can now DM your Valuestar system (even when it's turned off) and tell it to record TV -- what could possibly go wrong? It can also monitor Twitter for mentions of your favorite TV show(s) and overlay a popularity meter right on the screen -- welcome to the future.
Vudu brings disc-to-digital UltraViolet conversions home to beta users
As promised, Vudu has taken the trip to Wally World out of the process used to watch your discs via UltraViolet streaming apps and sites -- the legit way. Just like the in-store process, DVDs or Blu-rays can be leveraged to buy digital versions of the movie anywhere UltraViolet movies are available. Going from a DVD to an standard definition copy will run you $2, while upgrading to HD is $5 -- Blu-ray to HD is also $2 -- which is the exact same pricing as the in-store offering. Those who want to convert a few titles, and are lucky enough to get invited to the beta, can download the Windows-only application to a computer that has the required optical disc drive. Mac support is promised soon, but with the limited number of Macs with Blu-ray drives, we'd suspect that version will only work with DVDs.
Review: Blu-ray player software for Mac
It's been a while since Steve Jobs declared Blu-ray a "bag of hurt", and in the years since Apple has been uninterested in the Blu-ray disc format. Maybe they don't want to pay the license fees, maybe they'd rather sell you movies from iTunes, who knows, but Blu-ray hardware from Apple isn't likely. If you must play Blu-ray discs on your Mac, however, there are plenty of internal (for Mac Pro) and external Blu-ray drives that work just fine. Prices start at around US$50. The OS supports data Blu-ray discs, and you can burn them with commercial utilities like Toast. Despite Apple's dislike of Blu-ray, I find it a nice archival medium for photos -- 50 GB blanks are under $5, and are readily available in computer stores and online. A while back I looked at software for playing back Blu-ray movies, and reviewed the MacGo app. It worked pretty well, and movies looked great on my Apple Monitor. Since then that app has been updated several times, and one of our readers suggested I survey the field again. So here we go. MacGo performs better with each update. The US $59.95 software (discounted to $39.95 until Feb 3) is a solid application. I'm not seeing dropped frames, and the player can also play ISO files. Of course regular DVD discs are supported, as well as Blu-ray discs. I also took a look at the Aurora Blu-ray player software. It's also on sale for $39.99, down $10 from its usual retail price. That's not all that was similar. Beyond the welcome screens, the Aurora player and the MacGo player appear to be largely identical. Even the preference windows are exactly alike. I asked someone from Aurora about the similarity, and they were a bit evasive. I suspect the 2 players have a common code base. The app works fine, no dropped frames, and it was a pleasure to use. I also looked at the iDeer Blu-ray app. Wouldn't you know, they are having a sale too, but the app is $49.95 for a 'limited' time. I fired it up, and guess what? It looks just like Aurora and MacGo. My 4th stop was software called DVDfab. It's $59.99 but I couldn't compare it to the other 3. I downloaded the trial and it came up with a series of error codes after the splash screen loaded. All these apps have free trials, you can see if they work on your hardware. I tried them on both a newish Mac Pro and also a 2006 MacBook Pro with some success. If you want to watch Blu-ray movies on your Macs, I found 3 viable solutions (although they seem pretty much the same software) but they do work well, and they support multi-channel audio if you have the hardware to use it, and of course 1080p video. In the end, if you don't want to pay and you're willing to set it up to work, there's a way to use VLC to ready Blu-ray as well. All the apps require an internet connection to grab the decryption keys, which may be a limitation for some users. At this point, since the software apps are so similar, price matters and MacGo and Aurora have the best prices with the sales on. %Gallery-177655%
Jurassic Park 3D Blu-ray comes home April 23rd after its one-week theatrical return
We've known since last year that Jurassic Park would make its return to theaters in 3D this April, but now Universal has also dropped the details about its Blu-ray 3D release, as well as the 2D release of all the flicks individually in March. Just to fill in the timeline: first Jurassic Park 1, 2 and 3 will hit Blu-ray/DVD individually (following the triple pack that shipped in 2011) on March 26th, then Jurassic Park in 3D arrives April 5th in regular and IMAX theaters (no, the now-dated CGI has not been redone, you can get a peek in the trailer embedded after the break) followed finally by the Blu-ray 3D April 26th. While news that the flick is back on the big screen is exciting, we can't help but think there's a few missed opportunities here like the previously mentioned CGI, and lack of any extras detailing the conversion process on the disc. Still, some had complaints about the picture quality of the previous release and it's possible that remastering done in the name of 3D could see a better version this time around for all viewers. Either way, after Titanic, I, Robot and even Top Gun seeing 3D re-release it appears this is definitely a trend. The individual movies are priced at $24.49 on Amazon, and the 3D combo pack is $34.99.
Top Gun Blu-ray 3D details revealed, comes home February 19th after IMAX 3D run
After being delayed, Top Gun 3D will be released by Paramount in 2013. Prior to his passing late last year, director Tony Scott personally oversaw the remastering and conversion of the 80's classic performed by Legend3D. According to the press release, the process of remapping and adjusting the depth of elements in the movie brings additional clarity to its aerial dogfights in both the long shots and cockpit closeups. This comes after the 3D rerelease of Titanic last year, and ahead of the theatrical return of a converted version of Jurassic Park this summer. Before the Blu-ray 3D version hits stores February 19th it's due for a six day IMAX run, although if you're only into it for the 2D (and Tom Cruise, of course) a remastered version is included as well. Check after the break for a trailer and the press release with all of the specs, it's currently available for pre-order from Amazon for $19.96.
Netflix confirms 14 new Arrested Development episodes, the Bluth family returns to screens this May
If you asked Netflix, it'd probably agree there's more money to be had from the Bluth Family's banana stand -- after all, it did buy the exclusive rights to it. After months of waiting and anticipation, the company has confirmed that the fourth season of Arrested Development will arrive in May. This run of the revived sitcom will consist of 14 episodes in total, all of which will only be streamable from the house of Hastings servers. All we can hope for in the meantime is that, Maeby maybe, just maybe, a certain Gob Bluth will finally get his act together.
Sony's new Blu-ray player and HTIB hands-on
A Ultra HD stole the stage at the Sony CES 2013 press event, but sharing the stage and vying for attention were a number of audio and home theater devices. In addition to a number of One Touch audio devices that aim to make it easier than ever to listen to music around your house, Sony's latest Blu-ray player, the BDP-S5100. The all-in-one Blu-ray player home theater system (pictured above) also sports the One Touch audio feature, but don't try to stack anything on top of this web shaped box. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Sony to launch 4K digital distribution network this summer, 'mastered in 4K' Blu-ray discs
Now that Sony is bringing 4K TVs to more mainstream sizes with the launch of 55- and 65-inch models later this year, it's also expanding the availability of content. When it launched its $25,000 84-inch Ultra HD LCD last year it loaned owners a hard drive solution that came preloaded with movies, but now buyers will be able to download native 4K movies as well. According to CEO Kaz Hirai "4K is not the future...it's now" and Sony is doing it's best to make that happen. Also arriving on shelves are a series of "mastered in 4K" Blu-ray discs, which it promises are sourced in 1080p from their original 4K masters in high bitrate to look their best when upscaled back to 4K. The first movies up for the treatment are The Amazing Spider-Man, The Karate Kid, Taxi Driver and The Other Guys. If you've been wondering where high res content will come from then check the press release after the break, we'll get more details when they're available.
Panasonic has four new Blu-ray players and a few new media streamers
Modern Blu-ray players also make full-featured media streamers so in addition to Panasonic's four new Blu-ray players for 2013, there are two new boxes with Viera Connect (Netflix, HuluPlus, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube) sans optical disc drives. The 2D DMP-BD79 Blu-ray player is the only one in the lineup without built-in WiFi, while the high-end DMP-BDP330 is the only new Blu-ray model with 4K up-scaling, a web browser and two HDMI outputs. Like the 330, the DMP-BDP230 also does 2D-3D conversion and features Display Mirroring with select Andriod phones and tablets as well as featuring Miracast -- the DMP-MST60 and DMP-MS10 media streamers also do mirroring and Miracast. The entire lineup will be available in February, but there's no mention in the following press releases of the price. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Samsung introduces its CES audio hardware, claims a world first
Samsung's just unveiled its raft of audio products at CES and they're headlined by what the firm claims is a world's first: a sound bar to pack a built-in vacuum tube and Bluetooth for connecting to tubes of another kind (read: TVs). A portable wireless Bluetooth speaker (labeled the DA-F60), pumps out tunes with the apt-X audio codec and leverages NFC to connect to devices. Home theater buffs were also given a nod with a 7.1 channel surround sound system intended to be used with the firm's line of 2013 televisions. As for internals, the system relies on a Gallium Nitride amplifier for enhanced sound quality. If you're jonesin' for a new way to watch Blu-Rays to go along with the fresh audio hardware, Sammy's also unveiled a "premium" Blu-Ray player which upscales content to 4K. Head past the break for the press release and full set of glamour shots. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Disney announces Wreck-It Ralph will arrive for download before DVD, Blu-ray
Following the lead of other studios like Fox with its Digital HD push, Disney has announced its first movie that customers will be able to buy on download and streaming services weeks before the disc is released. Wreck-It Ralph is a worldwide hit, bringing in $277 million and counting at the box office, but the first time you'll be able to snag it (legally) for home viewing in the US is February 12th in HD and 3D on supported services. The four disc Blu-ray 3D combo set is priced at $39.99 and will ship nearly a month later on March 5th, along with the 2-disc Blu-ray ($31.99), DVD and standard def video on-demand versions. Disney hasn't tipped its hat about any digital efforts itself to replace the Online streaming site it shut down in November, but clearly it's preparing for a multi-format future -- we'll see if we hear any more interesting details during CES in the coming week.
LG's 2013 AV lineup puts NFC into Blu-ray player, 9.1-channel home theater
LG is in the midst of a whirlwind tour of its 2013 CES introductions, and the next stop is its AV catalog. The running theme this year is NFC: both the BH9430PW 9.1-channel home theater and the BP730 Blu-ray player include the short-range wireless format to simplify mirroring content from your Optimus G (and, most likely, other NFC phones). The surround system also packs an iPod dock and a Private Audio Mode that funnels sound to a nearby smartphone when a quiet house is paramount. Beyond these two devices, LG promises the Bluetooth-equipped, 310W NB4530A sound bar, a ND8630 speaker dock with both Android and iOS support (including AirPlay and Bluetooth) and an NP6630 portable speaker that stuffs AirPlay, Bluetooth and NFC into its frame. We'll know more at CES next month, but those who want LG's overview can see it for themselves after the break.
Star Trek: TNG Season 3 Blu-ray trailer appears, PADD iOS app gets an update
If you're a Star Trek: The Next Generation fan who bypassed seasons one and two waiting for the pivotal third season to arrive on Blu-ray, you can finally get a taste of the experience in high definition. While you're enjoying memories of the Borg, season-ending cliffhangers and all the other highlights of season three with this new trailer, you can also check out an updated version of the PADD app that's out on iPhone and iPad. Originally launched in 2011 to bring home a database of Star Trek info in true TNG form, version 2.0 brings an additional 170 entries, Siri-powered voice search, messages from Starfleet, a smaller size and the ability to live update content in the future. Check after the break for the trailer and beyond the source link for the apps (still $4.99 on iPad / $1.99 on iPhone.)
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Blu-ray set is back on, ships April 2nd
Just in case you were wondering whatever happened to that delayed-by-lawsuit 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled Blu-ray set that captured a full series of the Disney / Marvel movies, Amazon is notifying pre-orderers (previously mollified with free The Avengers discs) of the new release date: April 2nd. While the original suitcase has been scrapped due to a licensing dispute with its designer, a recent post on Marvel's blog revealed the set will still come in a not-exactly-S.H.I.E.L.D. briefcase complete with glowing Tesseract inside. The movies, bonus content, art cases and all are still intact, however with the delay have come a few extras. Buyers can expect an early preview of Iron Man 3 and the Phase Two series of flicks, as well as prop replicas and never-before-seen extras from the earlier films. The bad news? The price appears to have gone up, flashing a $219 MSRP and currently selling for $197 on Amazon. While you're thinking that over, check after the break for a clip from Thor that didn't make the theatrical cut. [Thanks, Jason]
Game of Thrones Season Two Blu-ray set arrives February 19th
While waiting for season three of Game of Thrones to start airing March 31st, fans of HBO's series will be able to snag the second season on Blu-ray February 19th. Even if you've already seen it (whether on TV, via a borrowed HBO login or...other sources) there should be some new elements with Blu-ray exclusive "HBO Select" features including an interactive "War of the 5 Kings" guide to keep track of who is doing what / where / when, animated histories, in-episode guides with more information on characters (like the iPad companion app did) as they appear and "dragon egg" surprises. Check the press release after the break for a full account of features, or hit Amazon to preorder the 7-disc set (w/ digital copies) for $55.99.
If you're a home theater fan, you will want this iPad app
Home Theater Magazine has released Home Theater Top Picks for iPad, which has capsule coverage and pricing of audio and video equipment that's been reviewed favorably in the magazine. The app is divided into categories such as flat-panel displays, processors & amps, furniture and more. If you spot something you'd like to learn more about, there is a link to take you to the magazine's full review. Home Theater Magazine is one of the top publications in the A/V field, and the reviews it produces are detailed and really helpful if you're in the market to upgrade your equipment. Even though the app is free, which is great, I have a few nits to pick. The app only works in portrait mode. I really get tired of apps that do this, because so many people have iPad stands or cases that are designed for landscape use. How you view the app should be up to you, not the content producer. Also, while the app has a nice search function, the keyboard appears on screen upside down! I have a screen grab of this in the gallery. If you turn your iPad over to get the keyboard right, the displayed page is upside down. How this part of the app ever made it through even rudimentary quality control is a mystery. Another issue is that when you click on a link to read a full review, you are taken to Safari and you are tossed out of the app. There should be a basic browser built in. The content in the app is great, and if you are seriously into home theater, this app is for you. I hope the bugs and annoyances will get cleaned up quickly to make this worthwhile app less frustrating and easier to use. %Gallery-171203%
Star Trek: Enterprise Blu-ray release next year tipped as fans pick box art
As Star Trek franchises go Enterprise may not be TOS or TNG, but it was the first one to be broadcast in HD way back in 2003. The Digital Bits points out that StarTrek.com is letting fans pick box art for Season One and Two sets that will see a release next year, and notes rumors all four seasons could ship before 2014. Since HDTV broadcasts didn't start until the third season this should be an extra treat for devoted followers, however the juiciest rumor listed is the possibility of an X-Files Blu-ray set next year from Fox -- stay tuned.
Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome is coming home any way you want, YouTube's up first
Arguably the best science fiction series in some time, Battlestar Galactica aired its last season almost three years ago with a few spinoffs since. The latest spinoff movie is the prequel Blood & Chrome which tell the story of young William Adama and his trials on the Galactica during the first Cylon war. The 97 minute feature film will be initially available online as 10 episodes via Machinima Prime between November 9th and February. Then it will premiere on the Syfy channel and finally become available on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and digital download on February 19th, 2013. We'll be interested to see how this unorthodox release window works out for Universal Studios Home Entertainment, in the meantime more details are available in the full release, along with a trailer after the break.
Star Trek: TNG S2 Blu-ray detailed ahead of December 4th release
The step-by-step restoration and high-def re-release of Star Trek: The Next Generation continues, and next month Season Two will arrive on Blu-ray. We already got a peek at its trailer during Comic-Con and heard about some of the special features that were on the way but now we have the full list. If you're not waiting 'til Season 3 hits the streets, you can enjoy more than two hours of new special features including a documentary on the making of season two. There's also a couple different cuts of The Measure of a Man episode, including HD extras you haven't seen before, and a 1988 Reading Rainbow segment featuring our good friend Levar Burton. Check the press release and the trailer after the break for all the details, you can snag the season two set on Amazon for $115 or so.
Schiller says not to expect Blu-ray from Apple
In Time's interview with Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller, he addresses the long-standing question of whether or not Apple will ever jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon. It seems that barring any unforeseen circumstances, you'll likely never see a Blu-ray option from Apple on any machine. "Blu-ray has come with issues unrelated to the actual quality of the movie that make [it] a complex and not-great technology," Schiller explains. "So for a whole plethora of reasons, it makes a lot of sense to get rid of optical discs in desktops and notebooks." Of course, with the new, ultra-slim iMac and Retina-equipped MacBooks completely abandoning optical drives, it's clear that the company isn't really a fan of discs in any form. You still have the option of using a third party external Blu-ray drive and software, should you desire, but you'll likely never actually see it as an option from Apple when building your own Mac online.
