Cedia2008
Latest
Hands-on with LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deck
When we waltzed over to have a gander at LG's recently priced BD300, one of the reps on hand wasn't so keen on letting us take close-ups. Not one to just roll over and accept a command, we casually walked over to the other BD300 kiosk, flashed the Engadget gang sign to the much kinder rep, and continued on to snap a few shots of the new box. The unit set up was fully functional and able to stream Netflix movies, and it even detected the network connection before playing in order to deliver the best quality without introducing skips and stutters. Feel free to get all up in your monitor when checking out the gallery over at Engadget HD, we won't hassle ya. One love.
Hands-on: Sony shows off prototype 400-disc Blu-ray Mega Changer
Once again, Sony's booth was front and center upon entering the CEDIA floor, and while most everything there was as advertised, this one particular unit stuck out. Yeah, maybe it just caught out eye because it's around the size of a small refrigerator, but upon speaking with a company representative, we learned that it's actually a 400-disc Blu-ray Mega Changer. The unit on hand was simply there for demonstrative purposes, but Sony intends to launch the BD-Live-capable, RS-232 port-packin' beast in early 2009. There's no word on whether it will ever interface with HTPCs, but we wouldn't count on it. Head on over to Engadget HD for a closer look.
Niveus Movie Library 1.5 offers high-res cover art, wider catalog support
Four short months after going gold, Niveus' Movie Library has reached the monumental v1.5 platform. Okay, so maybe it's not that huge of a deal, but it's still notable for those out there with the coin to spend on a Niveus Media Center. The new version of the movie management application includes disc-in-drive support, a 10' interface for backing up movies to the Niveus Media Server and expanded metadata with high-resolution cover art (yes, including Blu-ray). Just to reiterate, the software supports "all possible movie formats" including DVDs, Blu-ray Disc, recorded TV movies, WMV, VideoGiants, Amazon Unbox, etc. Best of all, v1.5 is available to download right now in the Niveus Software Labs. Full press release is after the jump.
Niveus reveals upgraded Rainier, Denali and Pro Series media servers
If you were curious as to which manufacturer would begin utilizing those fancy Core i7 chips first, we highly doubt Niveus Media came to mind. Granted, it isn't first to the punch per se, but Intel's latest will help power some of the 2009 line of media servers. The passively cooled Rainier, Denali Limited Edition (rear pictured after the break) and the rack-mountable Pro Series have all been upgraded with niceties like HDMI 1.3 and Seagate's Pipeline HD hard drives. You'll also find the G45 Express chipset, SSDs and support for eight CableCARDs scattered about, though pricing won't be disclosed until we get closer to the Q4 release date. More specifications are listed after the jump.
Niveus says "never enough," adds support for eight CableCARDs / ten Extenders
At least year's CEDIA, EI's quad-CableCARD 754 LifeMedia server was all the rage. Between then and now, Cannon PC has jumped out to offer a system with six CableCARDs. Now, Niveus Media is showing 'em all up by announcing support for up to eight CableCARDs and ten Media Center Extenders. The functionality will soon be available on the forthcoming Pro Series n9 powerhouse, which will utilize Intel's Core i7 processor. The sum of eight is reached by pairing the n9 with four Niveus Digital Cable Receivers and an external, dual CableCARD tuner device, giving users the ability to view and record eight SD / HD programs at once. Oh, and you can also stream those eight signals along with all other HD content to eleven zones. Don't kid yourself -- you know the next US President is so getting this for the White House. Full press release after the break.
Niveus Storage Server - Cargo Edition: 16TB, Windows Home Server-based
Earlier this year, Niveus Media unveiled its 2TB and 4TB Storage Servers. Today, those are looking mighty anemic. Here at CEDIA, the outfit has just taken the wraps off of its Niveus Storage Server - Cargo Edition, which gets powered by Windows Home Server and features up to 16TB of space. Designed to be the "ultimate add-on" for Niveus Movie Library, this bugger should hold even the most robust HD movie collection -- at least for awhile. The unit itself is housed in a 3U, rack-mountable chassis and provides scalability for users to expand storage from 4TB right on up to 16TB. Pricing remains a mystery right now, though it will be available in Q4. Full release is after the break (but you already knew that, didn't you?). %Gallery-31157%
JVC ships 4k x 2k DLA-SH4K 10-megapixel HD projector
Well, took 'em long enough! Just about a year after JVC initially demonstrated the 4k x 2k DLA-SH4K projector, the firm has finally got up the courage to begin shipments. The beastly device is based on the company's proprietary 1.27-inch 10 megapixel D-ILA technology and provides a brain-melting native 4,096 x 2,400 resolution. Packed within is a 825-Xenon lamp that generates light output of 3,500 ANSI lumens (and likely murders your energy bill). 'Round back, you'll find four DVI-D (dual-link) terminals, an RS-232C port, USB connections and an Ethernet jack for making adjustments via a web browser. We are told it's available immediately, though we aren't told the price; chances are we couldn't fit that many zeros into this space, anyway. Full release is waiting beyond the break.
Epson claims 1080p PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 is first under $2k, is badly mistaken
Look, we aren't kvetching about yet another 1080p projector for under two grand, but Epson's getting a tad carried away by claiming that its PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 is the first 1080p PJ under $2k. Sanyo's $1,995 PLV-Z700 notwithstanding, this 3LCD beamer is still a pretty good value, offering up a 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, 18,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and Epson's exclusive Dynamic Iris system, which allows light to be controlled precisely on a frame-by-frame basis. Additionally, the E-TORL lamp delivers 1,800 lumens to light up even a mildly lit room, and the 22dB operation should keep most folks sufficiently pleased with noise output. As for ports, you'll find two HDMI 1.3a sockets, an S-Video / composite jack and a VGA connector. Check it this November for $1,999.
Epson churns out 1080p PowerLite Pro Cinema 7100 and 7500 UB projectors
The HD projector flood gates have officially opened here at CEDIA, and next down the waterfall is Epson. The company is introducing the PowerLite Pro Cinema 7100 (shown after the break) and 7500 UB (pictured above) today, both of which boast a full 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution using the latest-generation 3LCD chips. As for the former, it features an 18,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio while the latter comes up with 75,000:1. Hit the read link for lots, lots more details on the pair, but here's the low-down on pricing / availability. The Pro Cinema 7100 ships in November for just under $3,000; the Pro Cinema 7500 UB lands just before Christmas for around $4,500.
JVC launches four new Full HD projectors at CEDIA
With Sony and Panasonic dishing out new 1080p projectors here at CEDIA, we knew JVC wouldn't be long in following suit. Matter of fact, it's launching not one, not three, not five, but four new beamers here in the Mile High City. All four models boast the company's proprietary 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA technology, and the DLA-HD750 (pictured) and DLA-RS20 (30,000:1 contrast ratios) are also THX-certified. Those two are joined by the less spectacular (and less costly) DLA-HD350 and DLA-RS10, which offer up 15,000:1 / 17,000:1 contrast ratios, respectively. Additionally, you'll find an HQV Reon-VX video processor, 2x motorized zoom lens, external 12-volt trigger and HDMI 1.3 sockets across the board. You can check out pricing / availability along with the full press release after the break.
Pioneer goes crazy with 16 new speaker models, KURO brand push
Lookee here, our first sight at what Pioneer's bringing to CEDIA. For the audio crowd, it's unveiling a mind-boggling 16 new speaker models including four floorstanding subwoofers. The new line of "dynamic architectural loudspeakers (pictured after the jump) come in three different performance levels – Elite EX Series, Pioneer CST and plain ole Pioneer. As you can likely imagine, we don't have the luxury of space here to cover the sweet sixteen, but everything is laid out nicely in the link below. In somewhat related news, the outfit has also announced a new KURO brand campaign that "embodies transformation." We'll spare you the marketing hoopla, but there's a nice link down there should you want to dive in.Read - 16 new speaker modelsRead - New KURO campaign
Cambridge Audio intros DacMagic upsampling digital-to-analog converter
You've got to love the Brits, don't you? According to Cambridge Audio, this is a "digital to analogue converter," which we can't help but read aloud with a charming accent. At any rate, the same company who just announced its plans to enter the Blu-ray realm is also looking out for its primary crowd: the audiophiles. The October-bound DacMagic upsampling DAC is billed as a relatively affordable way to upgrade any PC, network music device, gaming console, etc. to "truly high-end sound quality." The £199.95 ($353) device boasts a variety of connections including S/PDIF, Toslink and USB along with "Adapted Time Filtering (ATF) upsampling technology developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland which converts 16-24 bit audio data to 24 bit/192kHz." For more technical goop, jump on past the break. %Gallery-31150%
Cambridge Audio dips on in, announces 640BD Blu-ray player for 2009
Sherwood isn't the only little-known company bringing the Blu to CEDIA -- now we've got a boutique manufacturer joining the crowd. Announced today in Denver, Cambridge Audio has revealed that it too will be producing a BD deck in early 2009. The 640BD will be designed to complement the Azur range of AV receivers, and it will boast full HDMI 1.3 output (including bitstream output of all the latest Dolby / DTS tracks), a full set of analog video outputs, Ethernet, S/PDIF, Toslink and a set of separate, dedicated 7.1 / stereo analog outputs. Unfortunately, that's all the details the company has prepared for this year's Expo, but we'll certainly be hearing more as CES time draws near. Per usual, the full release is after the break.
Panasonic introduces SA-BX500 AV receiver
Panasonic is using this week's CEDIA show to debut its new AV receiver, the SA-BX500, and even though we doubt the nameplate will get much attention from the audiophile crowd, this unit does have a bit of audio-geekery with its bi-amplification/bi-wiring feature. Other stuff that will appeal to a wider audience includes 7x130-Watt amplification, HDMI connectivity (3 inputs, 1 output) that's ready for your 1080p content, HDMI-CEC in VIERA Link form, support for Dobly TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, and the ability to simulate 7.1-channels of surround in 5.1-channel systems, so you can hear what you're not missing. Available in October for $799, but you can grab a peek at the front and back right now. %Gallery-31128%
Toshiba's Super Resolution-infused REGZA HDTVs get US prices / release dates
Toshiba got official with its new RV / XV REGZA families last week at IFA, but now Tosh is debuting 'em along with a smattering of other lines at CEDIA. The main news here is the US pricing and availability, but if you care to get neck-deep in marketing hoopla, we'd be happy to oblige. The company is trumpeting its Super Resolution Technology (now available in the REGZA RV535 and XV545), which purportedly uses a "proprietary processing system" to "improve image sharpness, brightness and color, [thereby] enhancing standard movies, TV shows, camcorder movies and most video games to near HD quality." For details on how much he AV500, RV525, AV502, RV535 and XV545 sets will cost here in America, head on past the break.[Image courtesy of TWICE]
TiVo HD XL DVR: 150 hours of HD recording, $599.99, available now
Aw, snap. Not even 24 hours after we learned that a new DirecTV HD TiVo was on the way, in flies word from Denver that a new standalone TiVo is hitting even sooner -- like, today. The TiVo HD XL will become the flagship unit in TiVo's line by offering up 150 hours of high-def recording space, THX certification, a Series3 premium backlit remote and a bundled HDMI cable. As with the TiVo HD, this one boasts dual tuners for recording two HD programs simultaneously and a pretty similar design, but unlike the TiVo HD, this one will set you back a full $599.99. Those unaffected by the price tag can order one today from TiVo's website, and we're told to expect the box at various other retailers "as early as next week." Full press release after the break.
IOGEAR's USB to VGA transmitter gets USB-IF approval, October release
Just in time for CEDIA, IOGEAR's Wireless USB to VGA Kit has received passing marks from the USB Implementer's Forum, so you can rest assured that the $230 kit will play nicely with any other USB gear you have now or may get in the future. You can expect to see the wireless duo on shelves in October, so Windows XP and Vista users with a free USB port can cut the cord, clean up the rat's nest of cabling and start beaming 720p signals around the living room or conference room -- just mind the 30-foot limit. Full release after the break.
LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deck ships next month for $399.95
We hate to say we called it, but our complete in-the-dark guess of just under four C-notes was right on the money. LG has just announced that it's BD300 Network Blu-ray player (and Netflix streamer) will begin shipping to national retailers (Best Buy, Circuit City, Bass Pro Shops, etc.) next month (as in, a month later than initially anticipated) for $399.95. Not the cheapest BonusView-enabled deck in the mix, but given the Netflix functionality tossed in on the side, we can still see quite a few folks joining the BD camp with this one. Matter of fact, we'll just go ahead and ask -- is this your ticket into the Blu?
Sony busts out VAIO JS, LV and RT all-in-one desktops, includes Blu-ray
We were already warned that Sony was gearing up to push the Blu-ray / HD recording abilities of its VAIO machines, and here's all the proof you need that it plans on keeping its word. Here at CEDIA, the outfit has unveiled a trio of new all-in-one desktop PCs -- not quite ready for an HTPC label, but definitely catering to the hordes of high-def junkies out there. The VAIO JS, LV and RT desktop models all boast at least an optional integrated BD optical drive, and surprisingly, each model is incredibly distinct. For instance, the budget-minded JS boasts a 20.1-inch XBRITE-ECO LCD alongside an integrated webcam and microphone for $1,000, while the LV includes a 24-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) screen, optional BD writer and built-in DVR functionality with up to 1TB of storage; furthermore, it offers an HDMI input for connecting your set-top-box or PS3. The $3,300 (and up) RT comes with a 25.5-inch Full HD LCD aimed at video editors, and there's also integrated digital TV tuners, HDMI in / out, up to 8GB of RAM and one of Intel's Core 2 Quad CPUs. The trifecta should arrive in mid-October for those interested, and there's one more luscious angle after the break.
World's first "no lamp replacement, liquid-cooled" 1080p projector lands at CEDIA
If your friends ever cracked a single joke on you for having a liquid-cooled gaming rig, watch real close and see if they don't end up swooning over this one. Taiwanese OEM / ODM supplier Chilin Technology has introduced the planet's first "lamp-free 1080p projector with liquid cooling" at this year's CEDIA Expo. The firm has partnered with Luminus Devices (for its PhlatLight LED) and Texas Instruments (for its 1080p DMD tech) in order to produce the device, which will boast 600 ANSI lumens, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 128% NTSC color gamut and a lamp good for around 50,000 hours (or, in Chillin's view, forever). As for a release date, we know it'll be demonstrated here in Denver, but there's no word on how quickly it'll begin shipping out to customers.
