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Vista will not support Blu-ray or HD DVD playback out-of-the-box or on most PCs
For all the noise Microsoft made about Vista supporting HD DVD you'd think we'd be able to play those studio-released, HD DVD titles right out of the box right? Not so childrens, at least not in Australia according to c|net. See, Mark O'Shea, a Microsoft OEM systems engineer (not exactly an executive level position, mind you) sez that version 11 of the Windows Media Player shipping with Vista will not support playback for commercial Blu-ray or HD DVD films. By this, we assume he means that WMP11 won't include the ability to decrypt AACS encoded titles. For that you'll have to use third party software like PowerDVD from Cyberlink or Intervideo's WinDVD BD, neither of which is currently available for retail but may (or may not) ship with your BD or HD DVD drive. Then it'll all work, right? Maybe, but if your media rig is pumping video over DVI or HDMI then you'd better be sure your graphics card, driver, and display all support HDCP (not just HDCP ready) if you expect to decrypt that High Definition digital signal. All assuming your CPU or GPU has the muscle to decode the HD compression codecs to begin with. Heads' spinning yet? Sure, so go ahead, lie down for a bit, we'll understand why you put off your next-gen optical PC drive purchase while the DRM gets a bit, say, more consumer friendly. Update: Oh my. Microsoft just announced that they won't support high definition playback on 32-bit versions of Vista, at all! In other words, unless you've recently upgraded to a Core 2 Duo or similar 64-bit processor, you won't be using that new Blu-ray or HD DVD drive to playback studio films when you upgrade to Vista. If that's your gig then you'd best get saving for a whole new rig, son, cause your old digs won't cut it.[Thanks, ash]Read -- no 32-bit supportRead -- WMP11
Intel targeting home media users with Bearlake G+ chipset
It's a little short on exact details, but Intel has released some details of the roadmap of their chipsets and motherboard designs. The line of interest to us at HD Beat is the Bearlake G+, which contains some built-in capabilities for HDTV decoding and display. It contains designs for an integrated video chipset on the motherboard, and should support hardware encryption and decoding of VC-1 and MPEG-4 AVC, as well as Intel's High Definition Audio. So if you get a computer with this chipset on the motherboard, rather than having to buy an nVidia, ATI, or other third-party card to get hardware video playback decoding for your HDTV, you can pick up one of the Media Series from Intel, plug in your DVI or HDMI cable -- with HDCP, of course -- and play back your HD DVD or Blu-ray media. The G+ series should be out in 2007.
MSI announces world's first "HDMI certified" graphics card
To be honest, we weren't really aware of the existence of such certification, or that it was lacking in most graphics cards, but MSI is parading around their new shiny gold star they just received from the HDMI Authorized Testing Center (ATC) in regards to their new NVIDIA-based NX7600GT Diamond Plus. They're claiming to have received the first such certification for an HDMI graphics card, which means their card matches certain standards for compatibility and stability that will allow it to play nice with all the other HDMI kids. Apparently HDCP is in full effect here as well, so there shouldn't be any problems with that end of standard support. MSI's card also offers some D.O.T. II overclocking performance along with all that compatibility, but we're not sure on price or availability of the new card.
First Blu-ray PC drive won't play Blu-ray movies -- We know
Sony's first Blu-ray drive was officially unveiled a few days ago and to the surprise of many, it will not allow Blu-ray movie playback. But this isn't new. We have known this for a while as there are two things standing in the way. One, there has to be a software to allow for playback and two, your graphics card must decrypted the HDCP signal. Cyberlink is working hard on the first part and their software has been certified to playback both Blu-ray and HD DVDs but it hasn't been released yet. The only AACS-supported playback application is the OEM version of Intervideo WinDVD that's bundled with Sony's Blu-ray equipped VAIO notebook. ATI and NVIDIA both have graphics cards in the works that allow for HDCP processing but again, they are not released yet. Once both of these prereq's are met, then this drive will allow for playback, but till then, it is only going to record.
Okoro Media Systems now shipping Core 2 Duo based systems
Trailing only slightly behind the onslaught of Core 2 Duo machines we've seen recently, Okoro Media Systems is following suit by offering Intel's latest processors in their home theater computers. Okoro has shown it likes to keep pace in the HTPC race, and by tossing the Core 2 Duo in three of their PCs, it hopes to take advantage of the extra speed and efficiency the chips offer. The OMS-TH540 will sport the Intel 1.8GHz E6300, while the OMS-TH550 gets the 2.13GHz E6400, and still holding tight to its "fastest HTPC available" claim, the OMS-GX300 rocks the Intel Core 2 Extreme 2.93GHz X6800. While it doesn't look like they've removed any fans, the company states that the Core 2 Duo was chosen because of its efficient nature, allowing the creation of "high performance, ultra-quiet, and low power" entertainment systems. This new trio runs "up to 40 percent faster and quieter" than the previous generation of Okoros, and these fresh releases also rock "DTS Connect" technology, which provides 7.1 "HD audio," HDCP compliant video playback, and ATSC recording capabilities. The revamped lineup -- Core 2 Duo and all -- is available immediately, but with prices starting at $2,095 and reaching way past our credit limit, the bleeding-edge technology comes at a painful premium.
MSI's NX7600GT Diamond Plus brings NVIDIA & HDMI to retail
For future-proofing PC builders looking ahead to HDCP, you now have an NVIDIA-based graphics option for your HDMI-compatible Media Center box. While Sapphire was the first to release an ATI AMD ATI-based HDMI graphics card, the MSI NX7600GT Diamond Plus brings its copy protected digital audio/video output to the masses, unlike previous NVIDIA HDMI cards which were only available in Sony OEM boxes. Beyond the 560Mhz 7600GT GPU and 256MB of GDDR3 RAM this card utilizes an Silicon Image SiI 1930 HDCP PanelLink Transmitter for both encryption and audio mixing, with support for 7.1 audio sources. If for some reason you don't want your A and your V in one cable, there are DVI-I and S/PDIF outputs available, but why? 1080p output, PureVideo HD support and a pricetage between $200 and $250 make this an ideal card if you're looking to build your own Blu-ray or HD DVD player, shipping later this month.
Acer's HD DVD-equipped Aspire 9800 laptop released
Sure, LG's got a 15-inch laptop for HD DVD lovers, and Toshiba has a 17-inch model sporting one of those sweet HD optical drives, but if you want this tech in a 20-inch notebook, then Acer's Aspire 9800 is the only way to go. Just released today, the 9800 has a lot more going for it than just that high definition drive, including a Centrino Duo chipset, nVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 graphics, and a 1,680 x 1,050 CrystalBrite display. You're also getting up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 240GB worth of HDD storage (or 120GB in a RAID 1 configuration), a hybrid analog / DVB-T TV tuner, and for piping those HD DVD movies out to your big screen, an HDCP-enabled HDMI output. All in all, a pretty attractive set of features -- but really, you should expect nothing less from a $2,800 machine.[Via laptoping]
Samsung's CX223BW 22-inch LCD widescreen with HDCP
If you're in the market for a new desktop display and future-proofing is a must, look no further. With HDCP-compatible DVI input this 22-inch widescreen should play your digital-output only flagged discs of the future at its maximum resolution of 1680x1050 with a 5ms refresh time. No word on price, possibility of a US release or contrast ratio of the CX223BW but we figure why do things halfway? Grab a Westinghouse LVM-47w1 47-inch LCD, sit a couple feet back and really get down to business.[Via Engadget]
Samsung's new 22-inch widescreen LCD
So we're not sure if this is the same Vista-focused product that the company was supposedly working on with Microsoft, but Samsung has just revealed a new 22-inch widescreen LCD known as the CX223B/W that should go nicely with the upcoming OS. Available in black or silver, this monitor features a pretty decent 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, 5-millisecond response time, and most importantly for HD fans, an HDCP-enabled DVI port (though HDMI seems to be missing). The lack of info on other important specs such as contrast or brightness makes us think that the display is not scheduled for an impending release, a notion that's only further supported by the lack of any pricing details. If you can't wait for the CX223BW to start shipping in the US, there's always that LCM-22w2 from Westinghouse to keep you occupied for the time being, and both Dell and LG are expected to drop new 22-inch models in the near future as well.
Nvidia going HDCP compliant with a 7900-series graphics card
This went under the radar 'till TG Daily picked it up. Nvidia is prepping a version of their 7900 graphics card to be HDCP compliant and should be out sometime in July or August. The cards will be based on the 7900 GTX and GT flavors but will include everyones favorite content protection on the card. They do have plans to include HDCP in entry-level to mid-range level cards in the near future as well. There isn't any word on price yet but lets hope that it isn't any near their current HDCP card, the 7950 GX2. There are many times in consumer electronics it simply is not worth waiting till the next version is out - this one is.[via TG Daily]
30% failure rate for BSkyB set-top HDTV boxes?
We've got some experience with glitchy HDTV/DVR set top boxes, but it looks like things are even worse over on the other side of the pond. With almost all their HD customers only recently buying sets for the world cup, many are using the digital connections and experiencing a lot of problems like picture and sound dropouts. Specifically cited is the implementation of HDCP, as many have been able to get around the problems by switching to analog connectors.Of course this doesn't do much for customers expecting a sharper picture out of their digital hookup or maybe have spent a lot of money on a digital cable they can't use, but SkyHD and even some TV manufacturers may have to update their software for this to be fixed.Glitch ridden high-def rollouts are becoming all too common, particularly for the "lucky" few who were able to get their service installed prior to the World Cup, but this may explain why some service providers are so unwilling to even enable the HDMI or DVI outputs on their boxes. If it doesn't work, there is a resulting shifting of blame between the provider and TV manufacturer while the customer's problem continues. Same problem with rolling out CableCard, neither side wants to take responsibility for making it work if there's a problem.
I-O Data updates AVeL LinkPlayer with HDMI
It seems that a new networked DVD player cum media extender pops up nearly every day around here -- just recently, we saw models from Omisys and NeoDigits -- and now I-O Data has released yet another model called the AVeL LinkPlayer AV-LS300DW. Also available without WiFi as the AV-LS300D (but what fun is that?), the 300DW is a follow up to the AVLP2/DVDG that the company released almost two years ago, supporting the same MPEG-1/2, DivX, XviD, WMV9, MP3, AAC, WMA, and Ogg files as its predecessor. What makes the new model different is an HDCP-capable HDMI output, which brings in the possibility of streaming HD content as well as upconverting your DVDs to 720p or 1080i. You can pick up the wired version for $294 or the wireless model for around $30 more -- if you live in Japan, that is.[Via Akihabara News]
Ask HD Beat: DVD upconverting over component?
HD Beat reader Mark writes in with a common question:"I really have no idea who else to ask about this: Given that most of the new HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players will be at least theoretically capable of outputting an HD signal over component cables, it seems odd to me that all the upconverting DVD players only offer the upconversion over HDMI. Are there any that offer upconverting over component? Hell, maybe they all do, and I'm just misreading the specs... but if so, I blame the specs."If you can get high definition formats to output at 1080i or 720p via analog connectors, why not existing DVDs? One word: DRM.
Vista Premium logo requirements: no hybrid HDDs after all?
Ken Fisher over at Ars Technica has done us all a good turn and pored over the latest version of the mind-numbingly boring Windows Vista Logo Program Device Requirements documentation, summing up the key features that consumers can expect to see from machines sporting the Vista Premium logo. Effective immediately, PCs wishing to display the coveted sticker must rock only USB 2.0 ports, at least one digital output for all add-in video adapters, 100Mb Ethernet and/or WiFi (which must be of the 802.11g flavor), and HD audio quality that passes some kind of "high-fidelity audio experience test," with other requirements concerning Serial ATA drives, HDCP compliance, HD playback, and support for bootable USB drives going into effect on June 1, 2007. Also noteworthy in Fisher's analysis is his claim that hybrid hard drives will not in fact be necessary for laptops to flash the Premium logo, as previously reported by TG Daily based on a conversation with Microsoft at TechEd. Instead, Fisher argues that the so-called "Storage Requirement 0005" in question is only a list of technical standards that need to be met by hybrid HDDs should manufacturers choose to include them in their devices, which makes sense after considering how unlikely it is that Redmond would force such a new and unproven technology down people's throats.Read- Vista Premium logo requirements [Via Slashdot]Read- Hybrid HDDs not required after all
Gateway releases 19-inch FPD1975W widescreen LCD
If you're looking to the ditch the CRT for a more space-friendly LCD, but don't want to throw down $600 for Gateway's FPD2185W, the company has a new option for you that knocks only 2-inches but a full $300 off of its well-received 21-inch model. HDBeat points out, though, that you lose more than just desktop real estate with the 19-inch widescreen FPD1975W (pictured, not actual size), as Gateway has dropped both the Faroudja DCDi image processor as well as the 2185's composite inputs. You still get a decent set of specs here, with the 1,440 x 900 resolution and HDCP-capable DVI inputs ensuring that HD fans are well covered, while the 8-millisecond response time and 700:1 contrast ratio should probably serve to attract more than a few gamers. This model is available immediately from Gateway online, although if you don't mind spending a few more bucks, you should probably take a look at Dell's 2007WFP before making your purchase.[Via HDBeat]
Gateway's FPD1975W 19-inch widescreen LCD with HDCP
We loved Gateway's 21-inch LCD, the FPD2185W, so much we made it one of our most wanted Christmas gifts last year. It is an excellent monitor, with processing and to get plenty of HD on your desk with ease, plus HDCP so it's future proof for your Blu-ray or HD DVD equipped PC of the future. The only downside is the $599 price tag. Luckily now Gateway is rolling out a 19-inch version, however while it drops $300 in price, it also loses more than just two inches off of its big brother.The FPD1975W loses the Faroudja DCDi image processing and composite inputs, but it does have DVI-D with HDCP, 8ms refresh rate, 700:1 contrast ratio and 1440x900 screen resolution. It still has the autosensing rotation display switcher so you can view things in "longscreen". If you plan on doing quite a bit of your high-def viewing on the desktop and/or plan on getting a tuner card for your PC, this could be the monitor for you. It's available now on Gateway's website for $299.
Sharp's 8 new HD-ready Aquos LCD TVs
The only thing better than TV is eight TVs. Eight luscious, mind-numbing AQUOS TVs from Sharp so you'll never have to rage against the dying light again. Each of these "HD-ready" sets feature Sharp's Avanced Super (duper) View Black TFT LCD panel, a 1200:1 contrast ratio, 1366 x 768 resolution, 176-degree viewing angle, and 6-millisecond response. The Eco-Labelled LC-32GA9E and LC-37GA9E (32 and 37-inch widescreen analog models) and the LC-32GD9E and LC-37GD9E (32-inch and 37-inch widescreen digital models) are designed with picture enhancements promising smoother playback from HDTV sources. The LC-32GD8E and LC-37GD8E are widescreen 32 and 37-inch models with integrated DVB-T tuners for a taste of the Freeview, while the LC-32GA8E and LC-37GA8E come packin' analog tuners. Each of the eight features HDMI (HDCP), a couple of big fat SCARTS, AV/S-Video In, Audio out, PC, and headphone connections with the GA9/GD9 series pulling down two HDMIs. No prices available yet, but these will hit for retail in the UK at the end of June.[Via Tech Digest]
Download-and-Burn movies getting closer
Download-and-Burn might just become the new mantra of the MPAA yet. Recently, the studios dropped their asinine controversial demands to retrofit set-top DVD players and DVD-ROM drives with expensive watermark detection technology. Instead, the demand is now limited to new devices with enhanced features such as the ability to burn downloaded movies or support managed copy; not to your run-of-the mill living room DVD player. Under the proposal, these so-called "enhanced devices" would also have to incorporate HDCP on all digital outputs as well as CGMS-A on analog outs in an effort to curb piracy. Something to keep in mind with your next TV purchase, eh? Sure, the watermark technology must still be chosen along with a new method for CSS authentication. But this clears the way for an overall download-and-burn agreement for standard-definition DVDs (not Blu-ray or HD DVD folks) which would allow the likes of Walmart, Target, and Best Buy to implement their download kiosks and enable the good peeps at Netflix to finally stream their flix into our homes for that sweet, sweet burn. [Via Digital Media Thoughts]
Acer releases 22-, 24-, and 26-inch LCDs
We're not sure how business savvy it is for a company to announce in a press release that two of the 16:10 LCDs it's just unveiled -- in the same release -- will be made obsolete by key spec bumps in just a few months, but that didn't stop Acer from revealing that both the new 22-inch AL2216W and 26-inch AL2616W will be replaced by HDCP-capable versions during the fourth quarter. Reason being, the current iterations of these models -- both members of the company's Value Line -- lack the necessary digital inputs to support the HD copy protection standard, although that's not the case with the the third display released today, the DVI-sporting, 24-inch AL2434WR. Like the AL2616W, the 24-incher -- part of the Office Line -- features a 1,920 x 1,200 WUXGA display, 6-millisecond gray-to-gray response time, and a 1000:1 contrast ratio, while the AL2216W is slightly quicker (5 milliseconds) than both, but offers less pixels (1,680 x 1,050) and a lower contrast ratio (700:1). As of this writing, pricing has not been revealed for any of these new units, but if you're interested in the Value lineup, we're thinking that maybe you should just save your pennies anyway and hold out for HDCP.[Via BIOS]
NVIDIA introduces PureVideo HD
NVIDIA is jumping on the HDTV bandwagon with PureVideo HD. They have prepared a great one-stop-shop for high definition playback on a PC with their next-gen graphics cards. Their new technology combines high-def movie decode acceleration, HDCP support and an integrated HD movie player. All you need to do is add a HDCP compliant display with a HD DVD/Blu-ray optical drive and you are off to the races. NVIDIA's chip would do the majority of the high-def processing which will in turn relieve the main CPU of the task. Sony, Toshiba and Acer have adopted these GeForce GPUs in their first PCs to playback Blu-ray and HD DVD movies. MSI and ASUS will have video cards this summer with PureVideo HD support. No word on price yet though.
