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DVD player sales sinking, no one surprised
Earlier this year, we saw reports that hinted at "flat" DVD sales for the remainder of 2007, so it follows logic to hear that standalone DVD players are seeing a similar fate. Reportedly, around 80-percent of US consumers have a DVD player somewhere in their domicile, which reinforces the fact that the market is pretty well saturated. Furthermore, sales of the aforementioned units have "declined 15-percent for the 12 months ending September 2007," and that's coming off of a 24-percent slide the year before. As for DVD recorders, things aren't look too much brighter; sales of these gizmos were also down 15-percent during the year ending September 2007, which is quite a change from the 50-percent uptick it saw during the same window last year. Still, none of this should come as a surprise to anyone remotely paying attention, as the age of HD films has officially arrived -- even though we've yet to choose a single format to lead us down glory road. Nevertheless, we still foresee quite a few people picking up incredibly inexpensive DVD players as gifts this holiday season, but we highly doubt you'll need to throw down on anyone in aisle five this year to get your hands on one.[Image courtesy of NY Times]
24 Hours of Leopard: Improved DVD player
Feature: The DVD Player is almost all new, with video improvements, an Autozoom feature, and a new interface.How it works: Strangely, this big update has gone relatively unnoticed. But it will be noticed as soon as you put a DVD in-- the app has a whole new fullscreen interface, including a time slider, and what Apple is calling an "Image Bar" (those are artist's renditions, so hopefully it'll look a lot better than that), which will let you access your chapters while watching the movie. There's an AutoZoom feature to deal with letterboxing, and it will "float" above your other applications, making it easier to watch movies while you're supposed to be working. Finally, videophiles will be happy to know that Apple is promising better video quality with "Adaptive Video Analyzation technology." Sounds good to us.Who will use it: Anyone who likes movies is the obvious answer here, but I'm going to go a little more subtle-- anyone who likes movies and working on their Mac. So, you know, Roger Ebert. And the folks at Pixar.
LG unveils HT972TR HTIB, favors Chocolate
If you thought LG had milked the Chocolate for all it was worth, you've got another thing comin'. That thing would be the HT972TR HTIB, which includes five satellite speakers, a 225-watt subwoofer, 1,000 total watts of amplification and a DVD player that handles 1080p upscaling as well as DivX. Moreover, the system boasts HDMI, DTS support, an AM / FM tuner and a USB port for loading up portable media. Not a lot of details beyond that just yet, but do yourself a favor and check out two more delicious shots waiting after the jump. [Via Electronista, images courtesy of Le Journal du Geek]
Pioneer's DV-800AV DVD player upscales to 1080p, plays SACD
Nah, Pioneer's DV-800AV won't play back HD DVDs or Blu-ray discs, but it should make those vanilla DVDs look an awful lot better. This fairly high-end device sports HDMI / component outputs and optical / coaxial digital audio ports, and it plays nice with a plethora of file types including WMV, DivX, JPEG, MPEG-4, AAC and WMA. For those still clinging to the fledgling music format, there's even support for SACD, and the Burr Brown 24-bit / 192kHz PCM1796 DAC should impress, too. The unit is all set to launch late next month for ¥70,000 ($611).
Toshiba to replace recalled AC adapters on portable DVD players
If you're the proud owner of an SD-P1600 or SD-P1610 portable DVD player, and you've yet to experience any sort of unusual issues, listen up. According to Toshiba, four cases of overheating have been recorded in Japan, and although no injuries have occurred, the firm is suggesting that you yank the AC adapter and swap it for a new one. Reportedly, the outfit sold around 328,000 of the units during its manufacturing run from February 2005 to January 2006, so if you've got one of 'em (and still use it), be sure and take advantage of the free replacement.
Panasonic unveils upscaling SC-PTX5 home cinema system
Regrettably, Panasonic's SC-PTX5 won't play either high-definition disc format, but for those still basking in the glory of plain ole DVD, it's not a half bad setup. The system consists of an upscaling DVD player that takes your DVDs to 1080p over HDMI as well as a 2.1 sound system with 140-watts of total power. The DVD player also plays nice with WMA, MP3, JPEG, MPEG4, and DivX files, touts a built-in DTS decoder and VIERA Link, and boasts a slew of ports including component, optical digital audio in / out, optional iPod connectivity, and a USB socket to boot. Per usual, there's no official deets on pricing, availability, or whether we Americans will ever see this package make its way to our side of the drink, but word on the street has it at €649.99 ($888).[Via Pocket-Lint]
Daewoo's portable DVD and iPod dock rocks DivX on 8-inch LCD
Daewoo is set to show their new DPC-8099PD-I portable DVD and iPod player at IFA on Friday. Should you care? Well, you might if you're in the market for a portable DVD player with full iPod integration and 8-inch LCD. You know, if Philips' gear just won't cut it. Specs include integrated stereo speakers and headphone jack; DVD/VCD/CD and CD-R/RW media support; MP3, JPG and DivX formats; and USB and multi-format memory card reader for slotting in additional media. No pricing or release information but we'll be sure to give her a spin while taking in the show later this week.
The Helios H2000: your $99 upscaling multiformat DVD player
Those familiar with the Helios name probably haven't forgotten the uber-cheap H4000 that landed late last year, but the firm has outdone itself once again by slipping under that oh-so-magical $100 price point with the H2000. This slim multiformat player can not only upscale your standard DVDs to 1080i, but MPEG2/4, DivX, and even XviD files can also be upconverted for your viewing pleasure via component, HDMI, or VGA. Moreover, this device also outputs unprocessed 480i / 576i signals via the HDMI port if you're sending it to an external video scaler, and while we're sure you may be willing to give your first second born for all these niceties, Helios Labs will only be asking for $99 when it arrives next month.
Epson's high-end HTIB: the Ensemble Home Cinema System
Home cinema newbies can collectively rejoice, as even Epson has stepped up to the plate and is offering a high-end HTIB of its own. The Ensemble Home Cinema System provides "everything" (even patience?) you need to turn your den into a theater worth being proud of, and includes your choice of a 1080p or 720p Epson projector, 100-inch motorized screen, a 5.1 Atlantic Technology surround system, ten-inch subwoofer with built-in amplifier, AV controller with twin HDMI inputs and an upconverting DVD player, and a pre-programmed universal remote that takes the fun frustration out of establishing a one-button setup. Interestingly, Epson claims that the entire installation can be completed in a mere four hours, so if you're inches away from tearing your hair (or walls) out, simmer down and hand over your $4,999 (720p) to $6,999 (1080p) to handle HT the easy way.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Sony's eight-inch DVP-FX850 portable DVD player
Sony's been known to toss out some fairly glitzy portable DVD players in the past, and it's keeping the tradition alive by cranking out the relatively sexy DVP-FX850. The clamshell player sports a "high-resolution" eight-inch widescreen LCD and 180-degree swivel, claims up to six hours of battery life, and plays nice with just about every flavor of DVD (yes, that includes the eight-centimeter variety) you can think of. Moreover, users will be happy to see DivX support tacked on, an AV input / output, twin headphone jacks, digital audio output, a 12-bit / 108MHz DAC, and a worldwide power supply. Notably, Sony also tossed in a USB port for loading up music and photos whilst on the go, and even includes a slim wireless remote for handling the controls from afar. Look for this kid-pleasing gizmo to land sometime next month (and hopefully in America).
Beyonwiz DP-S1 dual-tuner HD DVR handles media center duties
If you're itching for a new DVR, and wouldn't mind losing your current DVD player and media streamer in the process, Beyonwiz's DP-S1 should be just the thing for you -- if you reside Down Under, that is. Aimed squarely at the Australian market, this dual-tuner HD DVR packs a sleek, black and silver chassis, 200GB hard drive, an integrated DVD player that purportedly upconverts, and a built-in media center that "streams video, music, and photos over Ethernet or WiFi from your home computer network, external HDDs, or the internet." Marketed as an end-all home entertainment solution, this conglomerate even boasts a well featured front panel with USB 2.0 connectors and a three-in-one flash card reader that plays nice with SD, MMC, and CF. Best of all, this multi-faceted device is available right now in the land of Oz, but it will run you a stiff A$1,599 ($1,318).
Clarion MAX9700DT all-in-one does in-car NAV, 1Seg, and MiniDisc
Oh how we wish it were all just a horrific dream, but somehow, the engineers behind Clarion's flashy new MAX9700DT in-car navigation unit still felt it necessary to include support for a format that just refuses to die. Granted, the system is loaded to the hilt with features and supported formats, but we have a hard time believing that even the Japanese really still find MiniDisc and ATRAC all that attractive. Nevertheless, the unit also boasts a seven-inch touchscreen display, built-in 1Seg TV tuner, DVD player, a 40GB hard drive, iPod compatibility, 50-watt x 4 amplifier, AM / FM radio, and support for a whole host of audio formats including WMA and MP3. Getting around shouldn't be too difficult given the expansive screen and "3D maps," and just in case that 40GB of internal storage isn't quite enough, you can cram an SD card or Memory Stick into it for a bit more space. As nice as all this sounds, few from crowds other than the elite will be pondering a purchase, as ¥341,250 ($2,868) isn't exactly bargain basement (or even "good deal") territory.[Via NaviGadget]
Baby Grand Master piano packs full-blown sound system
We've seen overkill in just about every venue imaginable, but just in case owning a pearly white Baby Grand wasn't superfluous enough, Gardner Post has made sure that its rendition is undoubtedly over the top. This beauty forgoes the typical keys for a swank AV system, as users will be graced with dual Pioneer DVJ-X1 DVD Players, a trio of Marshal LCD monitors, and an Edirol V-4 video mixer -- and that's just the video front. As far as audio is concerning, you'll find an Allen and Heath Xone 92 audio mixer, dual 15-inch subwoofers, an 18-incher to handle the low-lows, a 12-inch subwoofer strictly for bragging rights, three Bullet tweeters, and an AB 1,100-watt amplifier to provide the juice. Furthermore, these bad boys can be customized to the hilt for those willing to pay the price, as deep-pocketed customers can add hydraulic legs and lid, neon accents, personalized paint jobs, and fog / laser adornments. Unsurprisingly, you'll have to contact the manufacturer and maintain a serious line of credit before you'll get a price range on this thing, but if you've got to ask, you know it's out of reach. Click on for a few more shots.[Via The Raw Feed]
Aftermarket sun visor boasts display, DVD / TV / MP3 playback
Anyone who lives in a moderately large city or has seen just about any episode of Cribs is probably familiar with the LCD-infused sun visor, but the Sun Visor Theater ups the ante on the usual rendition by including the multimedia playback utilities right alongside the LCD. This aftermarket visor is sure to look completely awkward installed all by its lonesome on just the passenger's side, but packs a seven-inch widescreen display, built-in DVD / CD /MP3 player, TV tuner, and even includes an SD slot and USB port for additional expansion options. Moreover, you'll get integrated controls and a wireless remote, and while we're not sure if this thing includes a built-in speaker, we do spot a couple of headphone jacks just in case. So if you're looking for an admittedly tacky way to add a bit of in-car entertainment before your next long haul, and aren't swayed by the fact that a one-year warranty costs an additional $45, the Sun Visor Theater is available now for $299.95.[Via TRFJ]
LG's BH100 HD DVD / Blu-ray player officially hits stores
After the world's first HD DVD / Blu-ray hybrid player has been talked about forever, showcased at CES, rumored around a bit more, received a price tag, hit a potential production snag, shown up in stores anyway, withstood a review, and smiled real pretty for the camera, what else is there to do? Ah, yes, we must make things official. Nearly three weeks after LG's BH100 went on sale in a variety of big box retailers, the player is just now becoming an item that's "officially on sale," and should be taking over the DVD player section of your nearest Best Buy, Circuit City, and CompUSA locations. No, it's not receiving any kind of price cut just yet, and it still doesn't rock the official HD DVD seal of approval, but now you can pick up a two-in-one player of your very own with LG's belated acknowledgement.
Zox announces skinnable DVD player
While there's no shortage of custom skins for game consoles and other front-and-center gadgets, skins for the humble DVD player are still a relatively rare breed (DIY efforts notwithstanding), which makes Zox Japan's latest compact DVD player here slightly more notable than it would have been otherwise. In addition to spinning DVDs and CDs (DVD-R and CD-R/RW included), it'll let you slide in one of three different snazzy looking covers to add a splash color to your home entertainment setup (such as it is). If that's not enough, you'll also apparently be able to download additional skins from the company's website in PDF form or, of course, whip up your own custom job pretty easily. Look for this one to be available in Japan later this month for 7,000 Yen (about $58). [Warning: PDF link][Via Far East Gizmos]
LG LFD-790 DVD player + wireless speakers
LG must really dig the looks of that Chocolate phone, because they just announced a new DVD player + wireless speaker system which takes a bite out of its style (what with the piano black finish and the touch sensitive controls and all that). The new LFD-790 probably won't be finding its way into your home theater rig, but if you're the kind of person who needs their stereo system to match their cellphone, well, you know what to do.
UNIT2 from iRiver mixes DVD player with DMB and WiFi
iRiver's parent company Reigncom has released a photo and some sparse details of a WiFi-enabled DMB that apparently does a lot more than just connect to the internet and show digital TV. According to Akihabara News, the UNIT2 also features a DVD player, Portable Media Player capabilities (which implies that some solid state / hard drive storage is part of the deal), and IPTV and VoIP support thanks to the aforementioned integrated WiFi. The device itself appears to be rather large -- each of the stereo speakers has the same surface area as the display -- so we're assuming that this is a non-portable device for now. As the details are sparse, and iRiver and Reigncom's inhospitable Korean sites aren't helping, we're unsure about how exactly all these features will work together, although we'd suggest that the remote control with integrated display is the control system. Despite the fact that iRiver is showing off this and 11 other devices at CES next week, we really wouldn't be surprised if this feature-packed WiFi TV is a Korea-only exclusive. Such is life.
I-O Data launches wired, Viiv-certified AVeL LinkPlayer2
We're not exactly sure who'd spring for a completely wired version of a media streamer these days, especially with all the wireless renditions already out there, but I-O Data is officially launching its AVeL LinkPlayer2 for Intel Viiv anyway. Designed to stream audio and video over a wired Ethernet connection from your PC to your TV, this device supports HD streaming (1080i / 720p), WMV9HD, MPEG2-TS, and DivX HD, but recommends a Viiv-certified HTPC to be the sender of the data. Aside from the lack of WiFi, it also strangely lacks an HDMI port (and subsequently, HDCP support) and includes a component output instead, but you can connect external hard drives via USB 2.0 and stream files stored locally across your TV set as well as view standard DVDs via the built-in DVD player. Nevertheless, this admittedly less-than-attractive device can be snapped up later on this month for $279, but do take note of the "Viiv sticker" requirement that's supposed to be found on your connected PC (and try not to chuckle).[Via DailyTech]
Philips PET830 and PET1030 media players
Philips has some new unannounced media players to take on the go: the PET830 and PET1030. The PET830 (above) is a tablet-style DVD player with an 8.5-inch display and a Zero Bright Dot warrantee (i.e. no dead pixels), as well as having the ability to play MPEG-4 and DivX video, and MP3 and WMA audio files from its CD. So far as we can tell the PET1030 (pictured after the break) is about the same, but with a 10.2-inch swiveling display, and USB 2.0 as well as a memory card slot. Watch out for these real soon.
