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Verizon's FiOS moving into Bowie, Maryland
Yet again most of the counties high-def lovers are 'bout to get jealous when we tell them that Verizon's fiber-optic TV service has moved into another community. The town of Bowie, Maryland just brook a bottle of bubbly on the side of Verizon's FiOS service as it launched this last week. This is of course the same service that brings your TV and Internet service to your home via fiber optics instead of copper. That whole area seems to be laden with FiOS as the surrounding cities already have the service. So far Verizon is striking fear into the pocketbooks of cable company's in parts of Virginia, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas. We don't think we are the only ones that are hoping for this service in our neighborhood soon. Unfortunately, it takes time to work deals with local municipalities to grant them the appropriate contracts. Then they have to run all those lines and dig up everyones front yard, but what's a little grass seed compared to the amount of bandwidth you receive in return.
Sony quits plasma market for reals
Yeah, Sony's been threatening to do it for years, and haven't been putting out plasmas in the US since 2005, but Sony finally is getting serious about quitting the low-profit (for them, at least) world of plasma -- and it would appear they've finally done it. Sony has been seeing a sharp decline in shipments, from 300,000 in 2004 to 100,000 in 2005, and profits have been slim due to the lack of their own plasma display factory; they plan to increase LCD shipments to pick up the slack, and hope to increase their shipment ratio of 40-inch plus LCDs by 50% before year's end. They've also contracted construction on an eighth-generation LCD plant, which should start production in fall 2007, and handle 50,000 glass substrates a month. Sony hopes to boost LCD sales 33% in 2007 to a whopping eight million units, and if it means bigger displays and lower prices we sure won't be complaining.[Via HD Beat]
Why haven't morning talk shows gone high-def yet?
Why have we yet to see any high-volume morning talk shows go high-def. It's not that we want to watch these shows but if a plasma really is more desired then a diamond, don't you think your wife/girlfriend would want to watch something she enjoys on your valentines gift. Live, The Martha Stewart Show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show all seem like prime candidates for the high-def medium. They don't require many HD cams, all the sets are specular, and they garner huge followings. It would seem that shows like this would reach that un-touched women market. These three shows all take place in their own dedicated studio that features five to six different camera angles, max. All the backgrounds would be HD friendly plus, the sets being extra-wide already and these shows get such a large and dedicated audience. Plus, high-def will prove once and for all who colors their hair more -- Regis or Kelly.
Ask HDBeat: Who else is going to make a HD DVD player?
This happens to be a very common question around here. Who else is going to make a HD DVD player? The only HD DVD player available right now happens to be from Toshiba; well, there is a RCA branded player but it is really just a re-badge from the Toshiba. The HD DVD team isn't a very big one and besides Toshiba as their star player, the only other consumer electronics makers on the roster is Sanyo and NEC. We did peep Sanyo's first HD DVD player at this years CES, but the HD-S100 is nowhere to be seen even though it was suppose to launch earlier this year. The HD DVD bandwagon has an uphill battle to face once Blu-ray gets their ball rolling, they have so many CE manufacturers behind 'em, the market is going to be bombarded with Blu-ray players. Toshiba will have to stand-up and prevail in a big way before any of those Blu-ray team members cross over to the HD DVD camp.
Disney's Cars DVD dated, no Blu-ray release in sight?
It only took one line from VideoBusiness' note about the DVD details of Pixar's latest hit film Cars to dampen our spirits. The Blu-ray supporting Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment (Disney) didn't mention any plans for a high-def release of the movie yet. The DVD isn't hitting until November 7, well after Disney's first Blu-ray releases featuring Paul Walker in Eight Below on September 19, but we are looking forward to other summer movies getting day-and-date releases, why not one from the friendly budget HDTV calibrators at Pixar?The end of the year and the launch of the Playstation 3 is far enough away however that we still hold out hope for plenty of Blu-ray content to become available, and maybe with codec and dual-layer issues straightened out as well. We're looking forward to some great 1080p CG this winter, and we don't mean from Killzone.[Corrected Cars release date]
Cyberlink Blu-ray and HD DVD software certified
While it's not the multiformat combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player some continue to hope for, Cyberlink has shown that they can please both sides by announcing their PowerDVD software has been certified for playback of HD DVD & Blu-ray discs on the same day their PowerProducer software has been certified for Blu-ray Disc Authoring. Even though PowerProducer doesn't carry the $50k cachet of Sony's Blu-Print authoring solution, what we'd really like to know is if they've disabled the print screen function that has plagued the producers of WinDVD.
Firefly reruns going high-def on UHD
Thanks to series creator Joss Whedon's insistence in shooting on film and in widescreen cult favorite Firefly has made an excellent candidate for the HD treatment and it is finally going to get it. The entire short-lived series, originally shown on Fox, will begin airing in 1080i September 24th on Universal HD. The movie adaptation Serenity was one of the first HD DVDs available, now we just want to know how long until we get a boxed HD DVD release?After this addition you may want to re-evaluate your most wanted network, we can see Universal HD moving up a few lists right now. This show brings it just a little closer to that HD Sci-Fi network so many people would like to see.[Thanks, Edgar]
Universal HD DVD price drop already in effect?
That's the way it seems, at least on some movies. While the price drop is not supposed to take effect until the 8th, over the last week sharp-eyed buyers have seen prices drop on such titles as Pitch Black & Serenity from $23.95 on Amazon to $19.95, and also reports of Best Buy prices going down to $22.99. A quick look around shows many Warner and Universal titles also listing with lowered prices at this time, although some movies like Jarhead and The Rundown (both from Universal) still reflect the higher $23.95 price. Meanwhile, the newer Paramount releases like Tomb Raider & Sleepy Hollow are all set at $29.99 from both retailers at this time.All those titles sliding down in price while more new release movies join the Blu-ray lineup may skew that average just a bit.Read - BB HD DVD Prices going down - AVS ForumRead - HD DVD price drop at Amazon? - AVS Forum
HDBeat's first Skypecast two weeks from today on August 17
Oh this is your chance. If you missed our last calling for a guest host or want to climb up on a soapbox to yell, we have a solution for you. The HDBeat team is going to host our first Skypecast two weeks from today on August 17 at 8 p.m. EST. We are going to give you an opportunity to voice your stance on that weeks Podcast. This will give you the chance to finally express your love and affection about the great job we do. Or on the other side of the coin, point out all those mistakes we made in that weeks Podcast -- we simply love that. I am looking for constructive criticism only and welcome you to direct all the negative comments towards HDBeat's resident Blu-ray fanboy, Ben Drawbaugh.In case you are not familiar with Skypecasting, think of a radio show where you as a listener can call in and voice your opinion. All you need is Skype, a high-speed connection, and an opinion about that week's Podcast. Ben and I, along with the rest of the HDBeat team, will be hosting the show and we are inviting all of you to join us as it ought to be a great time. So, once again, show up here on August 17 at 8pm EST.See ya in two weeks!Matt and Ben
Evergreen's low-cost component/optical remote hub
Evergreen has a tendency to produce low-cost products and you know what, we don't mind. These items might not look like anything fancy but they tend to get the job done for the right price. Their latest jaunt into this market comes in the form of a component video/optical hub that can function via a remote. The unit would allow you to plug three component devices into the hub and then run one cable to your display. That is if your display happens not to be 1080p; not that there is many devices that output 1080p over component, but if you happen to have one, be warned that this hub will not pass that signal. Evergreen understands us and made it switch via a remote. Do yourself a favor though and program the IR signal into the learning remote that you have. The hub is retailing for 9,980 Yen ($86) and is available right now.
Why does Discovery HD Canada get all the cool shows?
Our friends to the north may live in America Jr. but they are getting some great exclusive HD programming. Our friends at Digital Home Canada have posted several new shows coming to Discovery HD Canada this month as a part of their partnership with Japanese broadcaster NHK. The series is titled A Day in the Life of Japan and will include 6 Canadian-exclusive episodes that take looks at everything from earthquake-preparedness to the famed Akihabara district.We still haven't managed to find out what happened to that HD footage of the aftermath of the Yogyakarta earthquake that never aired here, meanwhile the U.S. Discovery HD page continues to trumpet new episodes of Sunrise Earth as though they are doing us a favor. Take a look at the programs planned for August 13th and see what you're missing. Invasion of the Giant Jellyfish Science Zero: Daily Planet Coolest Hideouts in Tokyo Sumo Struggles Bracing for the Big One Akihabara Geeks What do we have to do for these shows to get played in the U.S.? As much as we love seeing Blue Realm every day, there's got to be more to high-def life.
HDTV Listings for August 3, 2006
What we're watching: Not much new for your HDTV tonight. If re-runs aren't a problem there is always Grey's Anatomy on ABC, and a Lucky Louie mini-marathon on HBO if you missed an episode at some point. Michigan, home to 50% of the HD Beat team, is profiled on Discoveries...America tonight while Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow hits Showtime. Dirty Harry also checks in with The Dead Pool on HD Net.Our traditional high definition listings continue below.
Sony releases Blu-Print Blu-ray authoring software
If you're interested in making Blu-ray discs like the big boys, Sony's own Blu-Print software is now available for the low, low price of $50,000 per license (there's also a 30-day free trial available if you really need a test-run first). Unfortunately they didn't note which codecs are available yet, but you can use the software to add all the BD-J interactive features and popup menus you could ever want. The software is Windows-only, and we're sure if spending $750 to $1000 or more on the necessary burner makes sense to you that this package is well within your price range.[Via DV Guru]
AEON's specced-out 32-incher on a budget
The new ZG-0032LD from AEON has a Samsung LCD panel, 32-inches of screen, and a whole lot else to love. The 1,366 x 768 LCD is rated at 450 nits of brightness, has a 1200:1 contrast ratio, and manages a speedy 8ms of response time. On top of that, there are dual HDMI ports, two S-Video connectors, and a trio of composite jacks. This is all well and good, but AEON really sweetens the deal with the 129,800 Yen ($1,131 USD) pricetag. Sure, the looks could be spicier, and Samsung is always going to put their best panels inside their own displays, but for the HDTV buyer on a budget, AEON seems to have a winner.[Via HD Beat]
If you could have one HD station, what would it be?
Yesterday's INHD2 topic got us thinking. There are tons of HD stations out there, well, maybe not tons, but at least a lot of 'em. The only issue is that if you don't have the right provider, then you might not be able to get it. Dish Network has the most stations but they don't even have everything. Dish is missing the INHD stations for one. Doesn't it just make you so angry that you are paying an arm and leg for their service but yet, you are still not getting the programming you want. .So we are wonder what provider you have and what is the number one high-def station you want and they don't have?
Lux Entertainment's new outdoor, waterproof MCE LCD
So you have a media center PC and a pool that you like to entertain from, eh? Tell ya what. We'll show you a self-standing, waterproof LCD TV that will look so cool by your pool if you let us come over and take a dip? Deal? Check out the newest outdoor LCD by Lux Entertainment. They have integrated a 26-inch Sharp LCD HDTV into a rugged cabinet complete with a wireless MCE. All you need is an outlet for power and your media center with its built-in TV tuner will do the rest. They understand that most people are not going to want to move this massive cabinet around so they have made it to survive in the great outdoors. The screen is covered in a glare-free, reflection-free glass that museums employ with the thought that it will probably be a sunny day when you are by the pool. Even though the cabinet is made out of "armor-like shell form highest quality stainless steel," we still think it would be a good idea to haul it in during those heavy storms. Plus, can you image how hot this thing must be when it sits and cooks in the sun all day? (you think your MacBook gets hot) It looks like a great setup, but for $5,800 dollars, we are wondering if it is worth it. So about our little deal. Is 4:00pm good for you?[Via CEPro]
Sharp cutting LCD prices up to 23%
Sharp is hitting the LCD market hard. First with all those new LCDs introduced yesterday in Japan and then today announcing a large price drop for the US models. HDTV Almanac has made it nice and easy for everyone by showing the old to new price and then they took it a step farther by showing how big of a drop it really is. The biggest price drop happened at the 37- and 32-inch sizes. The 37-inch LC-37D40U received a 23.3% drop and 32-inch LC-32SH20U a 22.2% drop making 'em $2,299 down from $2,999 and $1,399 from $1,799 respectively. These price drops are more then likely to help clear out these models before new ones come in. To be honest though, the newer models were not that much better and you might be able to pick up a quality LCD for a great price. That is, if you don't want[via HDTV Almanac]
AEON's 32-inch LCD -- made by Samsung
Oh, how we love peering over the Pacific to see what type of HDTVs they have over there. One of the newest is an in-house branded TV for the electronics retail behemoth AEON. The LCD may appear to be just another APEX but this one is at least made by Samsung so it should be a bit higher quality. If one is to look at specs and deem the quality based on 'em, then this LCD would be up on the food chain especially if you consider the 129,800 Yen ($1,131) price. This is what we are talking about: 1,366 x 768 resolution, 450cd/m2 brightness, a contrast ratio of 1,200:1, and a viewing angle of 178 degrees. Not bad, eh? But check out these inputs too: 2 HDMI, 2 S-Vid, 3 composite, RGB, mini-stereo input, subwoofer out, and even a headphone jack. We aren't saying this is the best LCD on the market but for the low price and manufacturer, it's not too bad. We just wonder how good the built-in scaler is.[via Impress]
Sony to halt plasma TV production
Most people haven't used the words 'Sony' or 'plasma' in the same sentence unless the word 'doesn't' was in there too over the last year. They stopped shipping plasmas to the US market during the first quarter of 2005, but now it looks like they are going to stop shipping 'em entirely. Their global output has dropped dramatically over the last few years anyways, as they have been focusing mainly on LCDs (Bravia) and rear-projection (SXRD). Last years number of 100,000 shipped units was down 67% from the previous years number of 300,000. You can only imagine that this years number was even lower. Maybe if they would have made their own PDP manufacturer facility it would be a different story, but they had to buy other companies panels which resulted in a lower margin for profit. We'll tell you though, that when Sony had plasmas, they were nice.Anyone have a Sony plasma? You like it?
Enjoying OTA HDTV broadcasts? Not if you live by an airport
In a report that may get more frequent as we move towards all-digital broadcasting, Nashua Telegraph writer Joe Konopka complains about aircraft knocking out his HDTV signal momentarily every night. Sure it was annoying after the nearby airport was built and sound pollution and radio interference affected his ability to get a good night's sleep or listen to the radio. But now that he's purchased a high definition television with a built in OTA tuner, losing picture during a tense moment of 24 is the simply unacceptable. Unfortunately, now that the airport is built he doesn't have much ability to change things and laments not joining forces with an environmentalist friend to get plans changed while the airport was still being built.Ouch. Any HD Beat readers dealt with a similar issue and have suggestions? (Other than switching to cable or satellite.)
