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HD vinyl is a promise, not a product
Günter Loibl thinks vinyl needs an update. Two years ago he filed a patent for a new way to make records, using lasers (rather than a traditional cutting lathe) to pack the grooves tighter and add 30 percent more usable space. Thanks to the laser, it's actually better for the environment too. The promise is records with longer playing times, more dynamic range and extra amplitude. Supposedly you can even enjoy the benefits of "HD vinyl" albums on the turntable and needle you already own. On paper, this all seems like a win-win. But there's a problem: This isn't the first time someone promised an upgraded listening experience, and music collectors tend to be a skeptical bunch. Vinyl lovers have less to complain about lately too, thanks to advances in pressing technology that make new records sound pristine, free from the format's pops and crackles. You won't be able to buy an album on HD vinyl until next year, at least, and once you can, it's going to cost quite a bit more than a traditional album. Loibl's company, Rebeat Innovations, doesn't have any test pressings for proof and won't until at least this August. Still, Loibl wants you to trust him. "Be a little patient and let me convince you," he said.
Oppo officially announces BDP-93 Blu-ray player, shows off full specs
It hasn't been long since Oppo's well-received BDP-83 made its debut, but now it's gone, and the company has fleshed out details on the successor to the throne, the BDP-93. say hello to another universal player, now updated with Blu-ray 3D and streaming access to Netflix and Blockbuster over WiFi N. There's two HDMI 1.4a outputs in case your receiver isn't 3D passthrough ready, an eSATA port for playback from hard drives and two USB ports. Retail price? $499. If this is the player you've been waiting for you're probably already on the list, but if not click the source link for a full list of specs on Oppo's site and to register for notification when it goes on sale "soon." [Thanks, Mike]
OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray players shipping to invited customers
Haven't nabbed one of OPPO's well put together BDP-83 Blu-ray players yet? Those who signed up early and got on the invitation list should be getting their hands on one very soon for $499 with an expected ship date of May 4. Everyone else? Read through our first impressions again (high build quality, fast loads, great audio decoding and easy to use menus) and wait for a wider release.[Thanks, Dhomas]
Teac unveils luxurious UX-1Pi universal DVD player
Teac most certainly doesn't shy away from cranking out the finer things in life, and the company's Esoteric UX-1Pi is further proof of its dedication to high-end. This elegently designed machine dons a simplistic black and silver motif, and internally, packs a 14-bit DAC, LSI ABT1018 scaler, HDMI v1.3 connector, 1080p upscaling, i.LINK FireWire, component / S-Video outputs, surround sound pre-outs, XLR front outputs, and optical / coaxial digital audio. The device handles DVD video, DVD-Audio, SACD, and your collection of toasted gems as well, and while Teac was nice enough to throw in a wireless remote, you'll still be paying ¥1,470,000 ($12,129) for this beauty when it lands this month. Click through for a shot of the port assortment.[Via Impress]
Cary Audio Design intros DVD 8 upscaling universal player
If you're still a fence sitter in the HD DVD / Blu-ray war, and you just can't part with that sweet sounding 5.1 audio collection, home theater boutique Cary Audio Design has a new universal player that should fit the bill quite nicely while the high definition blows are being thrown. The DVD 8, debuting at CEDIA, plays nice with DVD, SACD, and DVD Audio, and sports the oh-so-touted 720p / 1080i upscaling thanks to its component / HDMI (with HDCP, no less) outputs. The device features an impressive 24-bit Cirrus Logic 4360 DAC, as well as digital and analog 5.1 outputs to meet multi-channel expectations, and apparently supports both NTSC and PAL playback. If you're looking to consolidate that home theater setup while waiting for the ever elusive HD DVD / Blu-ray combo unit, the DVD 8 will begin shipping later this month for a currently undisclosed (but presumably costly) amount.[Via Talk About: CEDIA]
