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Sony PlayStation v1.8 hands-on
So naturally the first thing we did this morning was to boot up our PlayStation 3 and download the v1.8 firmware update, which among other things enables DLNA media streaming support and 1080p video upscaling, even on DVDs. The media streaming is what we've all been waiting for though -- that's the biggest leg up the 360 has in terms of media, so we dove straight in there, testing our Vista media PC's ability to stream to the PS3. Unfortunately, the results were less than impressive -- but we really can't totally fault Sony on it. Yes, they could have released some fricking documentation with v1.8, but Windows media sharing and DLNA support in Vista is already pretty half-baked, and although it was possible to play (and even copy) music back on the PS3 no problem, we had nothing but issues with video streaming. Read on and check out the gallery.%Gallery-3422%
PS3 1.80 firmware is out and streaming your media
The PS3 1.8 firmware is out and making its way global in Sony's typical rolling release cycle: APAC, Europe, then the Americas. We'll be testing it ourselves later but we thought you'd like to peep the first screen shots of DLNA-enabled media sharing in the PS3's XMB interface. In this case, Hardcoreware turned on media sharing within Vista (Home Premium or Ultimate, we presume) and voila, their updated PS3 detected and played music, pictures, and video stored on their networked PC -- just like their Xbox 360. Of course, this should work on any DLNA-supported PC (yes, Macs too) or media device including PSPs when the firmware update is released next month. A nice shot in the arm for the Digital Living Network Alliance and good news for PS3 owners everywhere. Hit the read link for more pictures.
Sony's 1.80 PS3 firmware enables 1080p upscaling for games and movies
Hot on the heels of an 80GB Korean-bound (and US, too?) PlayStation 3 comes news that Sony is planning on seriously upping the abilities of the PS3 with a forthcoming firmware update. Compared to minor changes that have occurred in the past, this one looks to be fairly substantial, so we'll cut to the chase and give you the skinny. First off, firmware v1.80 will enable "upscaling of PlayStation / PlayStation 2 games and DVD movies up to a full 1080p when viewed on a compatible HDTV set." Of course, that "up to" bit frightens us a bit, but we'll take any progress we can get. Moving on, PSP users will enjoy Remote Play on their PSP across the internet, which will allow them to "access their PS3 anywhere in the world where a broadband internet connection is available." Additionally, owners can now view multimedia stored on a DLNA-enabled media center PC "seamlessly," and there will even be an option to print images stored on the console's HDD or inserted media to a "selection of Epson printers." The tough news, however, is that this attractive update won't be available until May 24th, so go dig up that original Twisted Metal disc in the meantime so you're ready to rock when the time comes.[Via PS3Fanboy]
Firmware 1.80 to include 1080p upscaling for games and movies
Sony has officially unveiled plans for PS3 firmware 1.80. This update looks to be the most significant yet. Here's a breakdown of what to expect: Full 1080p upscaling for DVDs, PS2 and PS1 games. With upscaling, there's no need to throw away your old DVDs and PlayStation 2 games. The content will be converted to resolutions as high as 1080p, and will breathe new visual life into your old discs. DVD movies can only be upconverted using an HDMI connection. PSP Remote Play via internet. Although this feature was supposedly included in a previous update, many were unable to have it properly run. This hopefully corrected feature will allow PSP users to watch and listen to content stored on the PS3 from any wi-fi connection in the world. PSP firmware 3.50 will be required. DLNA media center connectivity. Media content stored on DLNA-enabled PCs and laptops can be shared and viewed on PS3 systems. Print photos with Epson printers. Images stored on the PS3 hard drive can be printed using compatible printers. Transfer PS1/2 save files from PS3 using Memory Card Adaptor. Previously, users could only transfer save files to the PS3. Now, gamers will be able to transfer data to and from the PS3. This update hits European PS3s on May 24th. A worldwide release should arrive on or near that date.[Update: SCEA has contacted us with confirmation that the update will also hit American PS3s on May 24th as well. See past the break to see pictures of the newest firmware update in action.]
QNAP TS-100 NAS handles BitTorrent downloads, media server duties
Although QNAP was indeed one of the forerunners in getting PC-less downloads into the NAS arena, it's been a tick since the firm pumped out anything new, but those looking for a multifaceted drive have found their match. The TS-100 supports SATA drives up to 750GB is extendable to 1.5TB by an eSATA and USB 2.0 port, operates as a UPnP media server, iTunes music server, remotely accessible hard drive, and "non-stop" BitTorrent / P2P client that can keep those downloads runnin' so long as it's being fed an internet connection. Furthermore, the device sports a trendy white / silver finish, a fanless design, comes pre-loaded with the company's QGet download management software. No word just yet on price nor availability, but we're guessing it'll hit around the $300 mark when it lands.
Gateway, LaCie and Medion join the Windows Home Server party
In addition to touting Vista sales, Mr. Gates also provided an update on their Windows Home Server (WHS) platform during his WinHEC 2007 keynote. While he didn't offer any updates to the ambiguous "later this year" release date, he did mention that Gateway, LaCie and Medion will join HP to delivery their own hardware products based on WHS. Specifically, the DLNA-compliant Medion Home Server will offer up to 2TB of storage and should ship before the year is up. Oh, and in case you're responsible for the corporate IT budget and staff allocation, you'll be interested to know that Gates and co. are on track with Windows Server 2008 -- formerly known as Windows Server "Longhorn" -- release for the second half of 2007.
Planex intros Jack in the Box iTunes/DLNA media server
Looks like Planex is joining Princeton, Buffalo, and others in talking up the iTunes/DLNA capabilities of its NAS media servers, tossing in some added branding for good measure with its new Jack in the Box unit. Like Princeton's offering, Planex's will require you to supply your own hard drive, although it takes things one step further with room for two 3.5-inch SATA drives (up to 750GB each), with support for RAID 0 or 1 configurations. Like some of Planex's other NAS servers, this one also promises to play nice with BitTorrent, with its own client taking some of the load off your PC. Rounding things out, you'll also get a built-in SD/MMC card slot, which you can use to offload data at the touch of a button. Look for this one to hit Japan later this month for ¥39,800, or about $334.[Via Impress]
Sony's new J5000, J3000 series BRAVIA's & matching stand unveiled for Japan
Sony's got its latest network-enabled LCDs lined up for release in Japan. These are similar to the V- and S- series BRAVIA's coming to the U.S. soon, with the J5000 series adding a 40-inch model to go along with the 32-inch LCD, both featuring 120Hz MotionFlow technology to reduce blurring, 24p input and 10-bit color. Of the lower-end J3000 series, only the 40-inch model has 10 bit color, with a 1,600:1 contrast ratio while the 32-, 26- and 20-inch versions still retain DLNA network support and XMB menus to go along with their 1366x768 screens. All include HDMI control technology, which pairs well with the just-announced RHT-G800 combination television stand/amplifier/5.1 channel speaker. It's a standard digital amplifier, compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM and other formats, through its two HDMI inputs, one HDMI out and included speakers. For 110,000 yen ($931 U.S.) it does more than just hold your TV and look pretty, the stand launches in Japan May 25th at the same time as the J5000 series HDTVs, while all of the J3000 screens should be available April 25th.Read - Sony J3000 & J5000 series release [Via AV Watch]Read - Sony RHT-G800 rack
Sony's Cybershot G1 is finally official
Ah, there you are sweet, sweet Cybershot G1. No surprises here, just like we saw in those leaked catalog images weeks ago, the G1 brings a range of novelties like 802.11b/g WiFi, 2GB of on-board storage, biggie 3.5-inch LCD, DLNA compliance, and slideshows with music. Hell, we hear it'll even take pictures and record MPEG-4 video in VGA quality courtesy of the 6 megapixel sensor. With FCC approval out of the way earlier today, the cam is certain to hit on schedule in April for a $600 MSRP. Too bad the LCD isn't touch-sensitive like a couple of Sony's other Cybershot cams. We'll try to get hands on with it later in the day from the PMA show in Vegas baby, Las Vegas. Stay tuned.Read -- FCCRead -- G1
Engadget Exclusive: Sony's 2007 Cybershot lineup
That's right, we've got 'em -- catalog shots for Sony's 2007 Cybershot line-up of digital cameras. Go ahead, check the new T20HDPR, T100, T20, H9, H7, G1 (pictured), W200, and W90 Cybershots -- you won't be sorry. All the new cams bring Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization and HD output to the show in addition to a hot mix of features spread out across the line; these include such notables as 802.11b/g WiFi with DLNA support, 2GB on-board memory for music playback, a 3-inch tilt-screen LCD, 3.5-inch (yes, 3.5-inch!) LCD, a couple of 15x optical zooms, face-detection technology, and BIONZ image processing -- good to know. Judging by the pics, we can expect a formal, pre-PMA show announcement from Sony on 27 February. Check the gallery below for all the details.%Gallery-1709%[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
ZyXEL's NSA-220 NAS serves up the media to your DMA-1000
So you've got a DMA-1000 digital media adapter, but where do find room for all those videos and musics you want to stream to it? You buy a fairly generic DLNA NAS, that's what you do. Not to harsh on ZyXEL, DLNA so happens to be the open networking standard of choice for pushing media around the home, and it's been making its way into a good majority of consumer NAS devices lately. ZyXEL's new NSA-220 device has room for dual SATA drives, up to a total of 1.5TB of storage, and can handle RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD drive configurations. No drives come with the device. Most interesting are the dual USB ports, which let you add storage to the device, and which can also be configured to backup data off of a thumbdrive. No word yet on price, but you should be able to pick this thing sometime in Q1 '07.[Via Crave]
Ultrawideband and coax distribution announced from PulseLink
PulseLink has introduced a solution for combining 1394 (aka FireWire), coaxial ethernet, and Ultra wideband connections and distributing high-definition video throughout the whole home. It combines the wired technologies from the HANA and DLNA specifications, as well as UWB wireless tech for the "last mile" to compatible devices. As the connection between devices can be up to Gigabit speeds, PulseLink claims to be able to stream four 1080p HD signals at the same time, with wireless HDMI connections at the endpoints. The company's chipset will be available to manufacturers this quarter.
Princeton's iTunes/DLNA NAS media server: bring your own disk
As the iPod continues its portable media juggernaut unabated (for now), we're starting to see more and more devices touting an iTunes server feature in their specs. Now Princeton joins the party with their PEC-NAV NAS server. Unlike Buffalo's LinkStation NAS with iTunes, Princeton's offering comes diskless, so you can throw any ol' 3.5-inch Parallel ATA disk into the chassis to serve your media down its 10/100Mbps Ethernet pipe. Sorry, no support for DRM'd files purchased from the iTunes store, this iTunes media server only streams MP3, M4A, MP4 audio formats stored on its disk back to your PC or Mac. It also features a couple of USB 2.0 ports to increase disk capacity and for attaching a remote printer (Windows only). And just in case you haven't yet bitten on Apple's iPod ecosystem, Princeton bundles support for DLNA media streaming and even includes DigiOn's (likely the device's OEM) DiXiM client software in the kit. On sale in Japan starting mid-January for about ¥18,800 or $161. [Via Impress]
Acer's AT3705 becomes first LCD TV to receive Viiv certification
While we're still firm believers that nobody is exactly certain what all this Viiv fuss is about, Acer has been labeled the first producer of a Viiv-certified LCD TV, which "tests for compatibility of networked media devices with Intel Viiv technology-based PCs while sharing content over a home network." The 37-inch, HD-ready AT3705 is marketed as "the first LCD TV that integrates digital TV with media gateway functionality," and reportedly plays back content such as recorded digital TV broadcasts and "protected media" purchased at content service providers thanks to its support for DTCP-IP (Digital Transmission Content Protection over IP). Essentially, the set allows seamless playback of protected content stored on Viiv-enabled HTPCs, presumably providing one more headache when trying to watch last week's OTA HD broadcast of The Office. Regardless, we're sure the content guardians are lovin' it, and Acer will gladly take any sort of praise it can get, but we're not so sure this (yet-to-be-priced) set is as spectacular (or useful) as the firm would lead you to believe.[Via CEPro]
I-O Data's Giga LANDISK: the eco-friendly 750GB gigabit NAS
If that 500GB LaCie gigabit NAS didn't do it for you then try on the new RoHS-compliant (read: environmentally friendly) Giga LANDISK from IO-Data now with up to 750GB of SATA disk. That's right, another network attached storage device with room to grow off additional 1x eSATA or 2x USB 2.0 disks. Lickity quick eSATA disks allow for mirroring your precious data while an additional USB port allows you to attach a remote printer or host USB devices like digital cameras for PC-less data transfer. They've also furthered that Toshiba alliance with the ability to record HD television when connected over gigabit Ethernet to Toshiba's REGZA Z2000 series of Televisions and yeah, it plays nice with DLNA streaming devices like IO-Data's own AVel LinkPlayer. Prices start at ¥33,285 (about $285) for 160GB of disk on up to ¥92,400 (about $790) for that biggie 750GB spinner when they ship in late November. With competition on the rise and prices in free-fall, isn't it about time to move your data to the LAN? Mama always said it was good to share.
Sony's BDZ-V7 and BDZ-V9 Blu-ray and hard drive recorders
Blue laser shortage or not, Sony's hoping to avoid the delay bug with its first Blu-ray disc recorders, just announced at CEATEC 2006 for early December release in Japan. Both models will record two TV programs at once via their two digital and one analog tuners. Backing up video to Blu-ray discs is limited to 25GB -- no 50GB BD-R/BD-RE writing or reading here -- but it will play cartridges from the old Blu-ray recorders, as well as the new AVCHD discs. With the right NTT cellphone you can schedule recordings from anywhere, but at home owners will enjoy the slick PSP-style XMB crossbar menu like other Sony products. The high-end BDZ-V9 is the only choice if you must have 1080p output, DLNA streaming to connected PCs or compatible displays and video conversion to MPEG-4 to transfer directly to a PSP. All the connections you'd expect are a go, including HDMI out, plus i.Link and USB inputs to hook up digicams and make as many sentimental James Blunt-soundtracked slideshows as you can with the included x-Pict Story HD software. The BDZ-V9 will set buyers back a cool ¥300,000 ($2,543 US) or so on December 8th, with the value-priced BDZ-V7 only expected to go for ¥250,000 ($2,119 US) when it hits on December 19th. They may not have the 4x Blu-ray recording of Panasonic's lineup or the soul-crushing bulk of Toshiba's 1TB RD-A1, but with a simple menu system and joystick based remote control Japanese gamers who didn't get one of the 100,000 launch PS3s will still bring Blu-ray to their living room this year.[Via Impress]
Pioneer @ CEDIA - New PureVision Elite plasmas on display
Pioneer is showing three new Elite PureVision plasma HDTVs during CEDIA 2006, the 42-inch PRO-940HD, 50-inch PRO-1140HD and 60-inch PRO-1540HD models may not bring the 1080p of the PRO-FHD1 but they have a bevy of new features to make up for it. Their color filtering, color zone mapping and improved phosphor technology are all part of the package to help color and image quality, as well as the crystal emissive layer for better contrast. These plasmas are also the first to include Pioneer's Home Media Gallery support, with built-in Ethernet and USB ports to allow home users to stream music, videos and pictures directly from a DLNA compliant PC or other device in HD quality. They include Microsoft PlaysForSure DRM support, as well as the MPEG-1, WMV9 and MPEG-2 codecs. CableCard slot and NTSC/ATSC tuners are onboard, plus dual HDMI (1080p/24hz) inputs, two component inputs, PC input and RS-232C support. The 42-inch PRO-940HD has integrated bottom speakers while the 50- and 60-inch TVs feature detachable side speakers. The 42-inch is 1024x768 resolution with an MSRP of $4,000, while the PRO-1140HD (pictured above) and PRO-1540HD both have 1365x768 resolutions and are priced at $5,500 and $8,000 respectively. All are now available and shipping.
Toshiba updates Z2000, H2000 & C2000 REGZA LCD lineup
Toshiba just unleashed a volley of new LCDs at the Japanese crowd today, including an updated lineup of 1080p Z2000 sets that are sure to make their little LCD brothers green with envy; highlights here include 1,920 x 1,080 resolutions and an extensive array of inputs, most notably three HDMI, two IEEE 1394 and three Ethernet jacks. The 47-incher in the Z2000 series is going to be available come late October for ¥600,000 ($5,187) while the smaller 42-, 37- and lower resolution 32-inch (1,366 x 768) sets are going to be available in the middle of September for a more modest ¥500,000 ($4,132), ¥420,000 ($3,631), and ¥300,000 ($2,593), respectively. Not everyone is going to be willing to drop the fat cash on the Z2000 line, though, so Toshiba is trying to hit the lower price brackets with the 1,366 x 768-outfitted H2000 and C2000 series. These two lineups are nearly identical, except the H2000s have a built-in 300GB HDD and an Internet powered EPG that probably won't do you any good here in the States, anyway; but if that is your type of thing, expect to pick up this line in late October, too, with the 42-incher starting at ¥450,000 ($3,890), the 37-incher going for ¥370,000 ($3,198), and the 32-incher sporting a ¥300,000 ($2,593) pricetag. The C2000 lineup is basically composed of your run-of-the-mill Best Buy-type displays, with just one HDMI port each, but rather affordable prices: ¥180,000 ($1,547) for the 23-incher, ¥200,000 ($1,719) for the 26-incher, ¥320,000 ($2,751) for the 37-incher, and lastly, ¥400,000 ($3,458) for the 42-inch model. Besides those 1080p LCDs, the highlight of this release event had to be the new I-O Data/Toshiba DLNA certified RAID-5 media servers that utilize those Ethernet ports on the back of the Z2000 line to not only stream media but also record remotely with just the push of a button. The one terabyte server is going to retail for ¥111,615 ($959) come late September, while the two terabyte flavor will hit shelves simultaneously with a heftier ¥221,445 ($1904 USD) sticker. Keep reading for more pics of the new sets, as well as some hot server pr0n...Read: Z2000, H2000 & C2000 LCDs [Via Impress]Read: Media Server [Via Impress]
ASUS WL-700gE media server and BitTorrent client, whodathunk?
While it may not be as litigiously bold as that Dutch LamaBox peer-to-peer server, we're sure that ASUS' WL-700gE will catch the eye of the MPAA and RIAA all the same. Seemingly, the WL-700gE is just another digital media server packing 802.11b/g WiFi, a 3.5-inch 160GB internal disk drive, 4 x wired Ethernet ports, 3 x USB 2.0 jacks, a built-in firewall, and plenty of on-board apps to serve-up data via Web browser, FTP, Samba, and UPnP/DLNA. It'll even share USB tethered webcams, speakers, and printers across your net. But did you know that buried in the product details (which might explain how we missed the product announcement earlier this year) is support for computer-less BitTorrenting directly over the box's WAN port? That little nugget not only frees-up your in-home bandwidth but allows you to put your computer to sleep as that sweet, sweet media rolls in overnight. So go ahead, pick up the roughly $250 box as priced on-line, slap on a few 750GB drives and put down a retainer for a good trial lawyer, you know, just in case you get carried away.[Via dailywireless]
1394 is -- still -- coming to home theater
Things have been a bit quiet on the 1394 front since the HANA announcement, but they want us to know things are still progressing. This article from EETimes goes into the issues faced by the connector and why it hasn't taken off yet. We all want all of our devices to be able to talk to each other and share their content but so far that hasn't materialized. Helping get the ball rolling are planned 1394b support in a Vista service pack and the ability to send 1394 signals over ethernet or coax. Still, many CE manufacturers seem to be backing ethernet and the DLNA as a way of connecting devices, and this stalemate is even more complex than Blu-ray/HD DVD. As it is, most of us have cable or satellite boxes equipped with FireWire, ethernet and USB ports that are mostly unsupported, unless you like to tinker. Is the (easily) connected home 6 months or 6 years away?
