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Asus launches its own wireless HDMI over UWB offerings
Looks like CES 2007 is the place to be for wireless HDMI, as now we've seen offerings from AMIMON, Philips, and Tzero showcasing the ability to stream beautiful 1080p HD sans wires, and now Asus is joining the fold. Apparently basing its self-branded product line on technologies from Tzero and Analog Devices, the admittedly vague press release simply informs us that the company will be fighting tooth and nail in the wireless HDMI over UWB arena, and notes that we'll be seeing "accessory devices and embedded designs that dramatically simplify connections between home audio and video electronic components." Per usual, Asus' box will accept component, composite, S-Video, and HDMI (HDCP-compliant) signals, and the video is then compressed using Analog Devices' ADV202 JPEG2000 video codec, where it's then combined with audio, packetized and encrypted, and transmitted via the Tzero MAC and PHY chip. So until we can mosey on over to see some of this stuff in action, we'll just have to take Asus' word for it, as the company withheld information regarding model numbers, prices, and release dates for the time being.
ViewSonic kicks out HDMI-equipped 24- and 28-inch LCD monitors
Looks like we've got two more "Vista Premium certified" monitors on our hands, and these two are from none other than ViewSonic. The 24-inch VX2435wm and 28-inch VX2835wm both sport 1,920 x 1,200 native resolutions, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 5-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angle, "smart color engine," and a bevy of inputs including VGA, DVI, composite, S-Video, and even component. Additionally, both units can be wall-mounted and even tout HDMI ports that are HDCP-compliant, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with those DRM-laden files you try to play on it. The VX2435wm will start shipping next month for $699, while the larger sibling won't land until April for $879, but they could be worth the wait if you're planning on passing copy-protected films over HDMI.
Sharp offers up a trio of projectors, including a 1080p behemoth
You didn't think that the 108-inch LCD TV was the only big-ticket item Sharp was going to announce today, did you? It's got a trio of projectors to show off as well, the XV-Z3100, DT-510, and the XV-Z20000 1080p models. The XV-Z3100, a nice little portable unit, does 720p at a resolution of 1280 x 780 and has a 6,500:1 contrast ratio, with 1,000 lumens of brightness. Its sibling, the Sharp DT-510 also projects at 720p widescreen, and boasts a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, also at 1,000 lumens. Both of those models will be released in February, for $2,700 and $2,500 respectively. However, the pair of 'em pale in comparison to the XV-Z20000 (pictured), a full HD 1080p HDCP-compliant projector that shines at 1920 x 1080 with a contrast ratio of 12,000:1 and a brightness of 1,000 lumens. It will also upconvert standard resolution signals and is decked out with two HDMI ports. In other words, if you've got $12,000 burning a hole in your pocket right now, Sharp would like to talk to you pronto. Check the next page for some pics of the first two models.
DisplayPort to support HDCP, too
Analogix Semiconductor just announced its first receiver chip for the DisplayPort interconnect. Yeah, DisplayPort, the latest video interconnect standard which looks to replace HDMI, DVI, and even analog VGA connectors currently found in monitors, TVs, laptops and other portable consumer electronics. What's more, it's fully supported and even, preferred by the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA) as a low power, low pin count, license-free video interconnect standard. The ANX9811 chip is now available to manufactures for sampling and, when paired with the company's existing ANX9801 transmitter, supports a full 10.8 Gbits/second data rate and WQXGA (2560×1600) resolution over a 15-meter cable. Fine. But the real news here is that the chips will support the DisplayPort 1.1 spec which was proposed in November and should be finalized by VESA in early 2007. The modified spec brings support for DisplayPorts own copy protection technology and now, finally, HDCP. It's not that we're big fans of HDCP or anything, but if we have to be saddled with wire-line encryption, let's choose one and be done with it, eh? Expect to hear more about DisplayPort at CES where Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung will be laying out the interconnect's roadmap in an fractured industry love-fest. Still, like any good standard, you'll have choices: Intel's also pushing their UDI (Unified Display Interface) interconnect to replace both DVI and HDMI in PCs. If we're lucky, Adam Smith will grab whole lot by the throat to shake out a unified standard before the decade is up.
HP's 30-inch LP3065 LCD monitor gets reviewed
Although the average consumer isn't likely to be in dire need of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels on their monitor, the competition is still very alive in the expansive LCD market, and while Dell, Quixun, Samsung, and Apple all have highly-regarded units of their own, it's about time HP's LP3065 hit the test bench itself. Touted as "late, but great," HP's rendition of the 30-inch monitor managed to top the 3007WFP in "brightness, contrast ratio, and color uniformity tests," though it was noted that results were still below expectations. ExtremeTech found the screen "easy on the eyes" and very tweakable using NVIDIA's control panel via their GeForce 8800 GTX; furthermore, Photoshop editing, DVD viewing, and handling basic, mundane office tasks all provided "results that were nothing short of spectacular." Overall, the LP3065 provided a "wider color gamut," a trio of HDCP-compliant dual-link DVI ports, and "gorgeous image quality," which may or may not be worth the extra $400 over Dell's basic 30-incher to you -- and while it received an "8 out of 10" rating as well as a coveted "Approved" label, you're still better off throwing down this type of coinage on twin 24-inchers if screen real estate is your number one priority.
Radiient offers up 4-port HDMI switch / hub
While we've taught you how to craft your own component video switch (not to mention your own cables), there will (probably) come a time in your 1080p-needing life where that sole HDMI port on the rear of your television just won't cut it. Enter Radiient's HDMI Switch Select-4, a 4-port HDMI hub that doesn't deviate too far from the other alternatives already out there, but cuts out the audio ports altogether while adding in an RS-232 control port. Also, this device features a bevy of colorful LEDs, sure to enthrall some users who want to control things with the lights out while enraging others who like things pitch black when catching a flick. Nevertheless, the Select-4 supports HDCP, DVI (via adapters), and all your standard HD resolutions right up to 1080p. Notably, this sucker doesn't seem to support the recently-unveiled 1.3 spec, which means you'll miss out on some of the extra niceties on that shiny PlayStation 3. Still, Radiiant apparently feels its HDMI switcher is worth its weight in gold, as this bad boy will run you a whopping ¥69,300 ($592). Update: These things have a $299 US asking price (at least as of right now). Thanks Jacobim.[Via Akihabara News]
Dell's 22-inch E228WFP widescreen LCD loosed in Japan
Dell has been offering their version of the 22-inch, 1680x1050 LCD monitor in Australia for some time now. As of tomorrow it hits the shores of Japan with the same 300cd/m2 brightness, 800:1 contrast, 160-degree viewing angle, 5-ms typical response, and DVI jack in tow. Analog RGB? Yeah, that too old schooler. Priced at a very Westinghoused, tax-included price of ¥66,150 (about $563). However, unlike the Westinghouse, Dell's monitor brings HDCP to the game for viewing HD content in Vista. Still waiting on word for a US drop. [Via Impress]Read -- E228WFP (Australia) Read -- E228WFP (Japan)
Sanyo's weatherproof LCD TV: the 42-inch 42LM4WPN
Sanyo's been on an LCD run of late, busting out a 7.1-inch 1080p edition, only to now take things outside with its weatherproof 42-inch LCD TV. The 42LM4WPN sports the IP56 weather resistance approval, and also sports an anti-reflective, tamper-resistant glass to show off those sparkling HD signals even when pummeled with streams of water. The set boasts a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 800:1 contrast ratio, 178-degree viewing angle, 8-millisecond response time, and a lightweight aluminum frame to boot. On the rear, you'll find inputs for VGA, HDMI (HDCP-compliant), RGBHV (BNC), component, composite, audio out, and even an RS-232 serial port. The display also plays nice with Sanyo's PJ-NET organizer, which allows the display to be used as a network monitor, "using your internet browser to monitor and control" its properties without any additional software. While there's no set release date or pricetag associated with this rugged beauty just yet, we're hoping Sanyo opens up the flood gates around CES.
Okoro Media Systems busts out a pair of Blu-ray media PCs
While Sony and AMEX Digital have already busted out Blu-ray-equipped media PCs, it looks like Okoro Media Systems is finally making the leap, too. Just a few months after stuffing Core 2 Duo chips in its machines, the company has now unveiled the OMS-BX100 and OMS-BX300 HTPCs, which both sport Blu-ray drives and HDPC-compliant 1080p outputs. The thinner, sleeker BX100 packs an Intel T7200 Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, front panel LCD, optional 7-inch touchscreen, 500GB SATA hard drive, ATI X1600 PRO 256MB PCI-e graphics card, built-in TV tuner, and the usual complement of ports including 4-pin FireWire, audio in / out, USB 2.0, and just about every video output imaginable. The larger, more feature-packed BX300 houses an Intel 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo E6600 processor, 2GB of memory, a terabyte of internal storage, NVIDIA GeForce 7600 256MB PCI-e graphics set, dual OTA tuners, and touts the same port selection as its smaller sibling. Both units come with your choice of operating system and HTPC software, and while both boxes are available now, the low-profile BX100 starts at $2,995, and the beefed-up BX300 will set you back $3,495 (or much, much more).[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Iiyama's ProLite 19-inch widescreen LCD monitor: affordable specs
There's always room in our jaded hearts for another low-cost, 19-inch widescreen LCD especially when it can deliver on specs. The Iiyama ProLite E1901WS/B features a panel resolution of 1440x900 (WXGA+) and throws down a 5-ms response, 850:1 contrast, 300cd/m2 brightness, and a D-Sub15 input for getting old school RGB or 2x HDCP-enabled DVI inputs to keep HD videos dancin' in Vista. Available in white or black with a super-thin bezel for going multi-paneled. At just ¥35,800 (about $304) maybe you don't have to wait for Dell.[Via Impress]
BenQ FP241W unveils its 24-incher, includes HDMI
BenQ's just launched a solid-looking 24-incher that comes with HDMI in and a 6ms response time, taking the cake from its 22- and 19-inch recent releases. The new FP241W (previously released in Asia this past summer) also includes HDCP support, displays at 1920 x 1200 WUXGA, packs a 1000:1 contrast ratio, takes D-Sub, DVI-D, S-Video, composite, and yes, component. The sultry screen will slide to the streets for $1100 later this month.
ASUS joins the 22-inch madness with the MW221U
If you haven't noticed by now, there's an intense 22-inch meme circulating, and it looks like ASUS has now caught the Vista-ready fever. Their new MW221U display has already been floating around a few online stores, but now it looks like it's getting official, along with a whole new lineup of displays. The MW221U does the 16:10 widescreen thing, with a 1680 x 1050 resolution, and the rest of its specs aren't too bad neither, like a 2ms response time, HDCP-compatible DVI port, 700:1 contrast ratio and 300 nits of brightness. There's also a 20-inch version, the MW201U, which sports identical specs. As for the rest, the VW191 and VW192 are bot 16:10 19-inchers, with 1440 x 900 resolutions and 5ms response times, while the MB19 and MB17SE go for a standard aspect ratio, manage 1280 x 1024 SXGA action, and boast of 2ms and 5ms response times respectively. Not too shabby of the lineup, and the HDCP in the widescreens is quite welcome, we just wish we knew what was so magical about 22 freakin' inches.[Via Akihabara]
ViewSonic Cine5000 projects at a 255-inch diagonal
As much as we love a good projector that can display our favorite TiVo'ed media in HD, most don't really handle stuff designed to be watched on a 768-pixel tall desktop dimension all that well -- you know, because we really need to be able to watch YouTube on a 255-inch diagonal, right? Well, thank goodness, because ViewSonic has come out with its latest, the Cine5000, which fires up at a 15:9 resolution (1280 x 768), displaying XGA or WXGA without scaling or compressing. Beyond that, the Cine5000 comes with HDMI (HDCP-compliant), component, composite and S-Video ports, offers a 2,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,000 lumens of brightness. It'll hit the streets later this month for $2,000, but while you're waiting go check out the snap of all the ports on the next page.[Via AboutProjectors]
NVIDIA answers questions about PureVideo HD, Blu-ray & HD DVD playback on PC
Amidst the rumors and quickly reversed statements, there has been very little clear information about what media PC owners can expect in terms of Blu-ray and HD DVD playback. HardOCP sat down with NVIDIA exec Scott Vouri recently with ten questions on what will and won't work when plugging in that Blu-ray or HD DVD drive. Just like the Xbox 360's HD DVD player, that analog VGA connector will support any resolution you choose -- or that your hardware can run without chugging -- as long as the ICT digital-only flag is not enabled (which it has not been for any content released so far). For digital video connections, with or without ICT, AACS makes HDCP a must. Older DVI monitors without content protection will get nothing but a blank screen when playing protected content (read: any commercial Blu-ray or HD DVD disc released). All that high tech digital circuitry doesn't mean problem-free though as they experienced issues trying to hook up to a Pioneer plasma via HDMI (they're not the only ones), but no problems on an older CRT monitor connected via VGA.[Thanks, Tyler]
Sony's BWU-100A Blu-ray drives get new software
CNET Australia reports that PCs now have a solution to that pesky problem of, you know, not having any software that can actually play Blu-ray discs on Sony's newest drive. Sony has just released a downloadable update to its bundled PowerDVD app so that its BWU-100A Blu-ray drives will work, allowing for out-of-the-box playback of commercial discs -- of course, that assumes you have an HDCP-compliant graphics card as well. In related news, CyberLink, the maker of PowerDVD, released a similar update for LG's Blu-ray drives as well.[Via EngadgetHD]
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]
Playstation 3: HDMI cable not included
In a bit of PS3 news that sprouted legs this weekend, the U.S. Playstation website has confirmed that Sony's upcoming console will not include an HDMI cable in the box. Naturally this sparked a firestorm of controversy over what even the $600-variant would be able to do and by how much this increases the price. Of course most of our readers know that you can easily find HDMI cables on the net for as little as $5-$10 plus shipping, that will transmit the encrypted digital signals to your television without a problem. As evidenced by the reactionary postings across the net, many gamers don't, much less casual shoppers who might want to buy the PS3 as a gift this holiday season who have only seen the heavily marked up $50-$100 HDMI cables prominently displayed at most big box electronics retailers. Even if money isn't an issue (and if you're buying a PS3 either it isn't or we're you're living on ramen to afford one), most don't know if they need it. If you own a 1080p TV that accepts a 1080p input, then yes, it's the only way you'll get movies at that resolution although some would argue whether that is necessary. Despite Phil Harrison's "1080p is the only true definition of HD" statement, Sony knows that only a small number of HDTV owners have that setup and opted to save a few bucks by leaving the cable out. Analog 1080p for gaming is certainly possible but not many TVs support that either. While the lack of the cable probably isn't that big of a deal, if Sony is going to advertise the "Full HD" capabilities of their machine you'd think they would make sure you can use it that way right out of the box, instead many buyers will be confused and possibly gouged by retailers selling expensive accessories.[Via Joystiq]
LG's got Blu-ray fever: coughs-up media, player, desktop, and regurgitates writer
LG's been all over the place in the next gen optical disc battles. Today they bring the Blu-ray love in a big way with the introduction of BD media and three consumer level devices: The XPION x600 series PCs, the GBW-H10N Blu-ray burner we've seen before, and a mysterious living room player lacking any deets at all. LG tidied up the GBW-H10N branding by slapping on the "Super Multi Blue" moniker and dropping 'em in their new XPION X600 series desktops. LG, who apparently missed the design memo from Redmond, chose to dress the desktop in drab, and feature Intel's 64-bit, 3.4GHz dual-core Pentium D945 proc, a 320GB disk, 1GB DDR2 memory and nVIDIA's HDCP-enabled GeForce 7900GT graphics cards with 256MB of onboard memory. So yeah, no matter what those media player ISVs decide, these boxes will pump full 1080p HD vid off commercial BDs. Look out for the Super Multi Blue drive and X600 series PCs to drop first in Korea, Germany and France with their Blu-ray media and player scheduled for release sometime before the end of the year. [Via Akihabara News]
Plextor announces PX-B900A Blu-ray PC drive, Blu-ray movie playback included
Plextor has officially announced their first Blu-ray drive, the PX-B900A, including 2x reading and recording speeds for BD-R and -RE discs, 8MB buffer, and compatibility with the assorted DVD and CD formats. The price is set at $999.99, which may seem a bit high compared to Sony's recently announced $750 Blu-ray PC drive, until you consider that unlike the BWU-100A Plextor plans to bundle this with Intervideo's WinDVD BD Blu-ray movie playback software. Other software included is Ulead's VideoStudio10 Plus for Blu-ray authoring, BD DiscRecorder for direct camcorder-to-Blu-ray recording and others for DVD playback and standard file management capabilities. No word on if HDCP support will be required to get Blu-ray playback at all, but we should know for sure in October when it is released. [Via Engadget]
Will 32-bit Windows Vista play HD DVD and Blu-ray? Maybe
That exploding sound you heard earlier was your CPU being declared obsolete as news that Windows Vista not only would ship without native support for Blu-ray or HD DVD, but also not ever allow playback of commercial discs on 32-bit versions of the operating systems shot across the internet like a rocket . The reason cited by the Microsoft rep was the need for only "signed drivers" to ensure content protection. Two Microsoft insiders we're familiar with who have knowledge of HD DVD and Windows Vista, have now said that is incorrect. Chris Lanier and Amir M. have both posted this evening that this is untrue, and that the operating system will not stop your computer from playing back any high definition content. Amir stated on AVS Forum "no content owner had requested that we block HD content playback on Vista (32 bit or otherwise)", hopefully leaving the door open for the majority of PC owners. Despite their statements, no one from Microsoft has definitively stated that you will be able to play back protected discs (ICT or no ICT) on your PC, only that it is instead up to software vendors like Cyberlink and Intervideo. Restricting playback on PCs to such a small audience could be a severe blow to both of the HD formats, as early adopters are often people who also like to use the discs on their PCs for storage and playback, not to mention HTPCs. Sony has already said we won't get any playback without an HDCP-compatible graphics card, we'll soon see how much hardware the BD and HD DVD camps expect us to replace.Read - Clarifying Windows Vista Support of Protected HD Content in 32-bit Systems - Windows Vista Team BlogRead - Vista Will Support HD DVD Playback on 32-Bit Machines - Chris LanierRead - Amir M on AVS ForumRead - Vista to support HD DVD, Blu-ray after all? - CNETRead - We were wrong about HD playback in Vista: Microsoft - APC
