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Latest
HDTV Listings for February 12, 2007
What we're watching: Two hours of 24 pretty much ensures a rise in a Jack Bauer kill count that, quite frankly, has been disappointingly low as of late. Still, the 131st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is coming on Universal HD and we wouldn't miss that for the world. Decisions, decisions.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Sony sez: The format war is over, really
We already heard the Blu-ray Disc Association's opinion on the status of the format war and now we can look forward to Sony's marketing campaign pounding a single point home: The format war is over, Blu-ray has won, it's safe to get behind one high definition format. Forgetting for a moment that Universal Studios has not switched to supporting Blu-ray and the current availability of a dual-format player, the company is buoyed by the growing installed base of its PlayStation 3 console and a rising tide of Blu-ray disc sales. VideoBusiness reports HD DVD sales remain steady, and among standalone players still holds a slight lead in numbers. Still, there are a lot of buyers unwilling to buy into either camp and risk ending up with the equivalent of a Beta tape player. Is the format war over yet? Not really, but if Sony manages to convince consumers that it is then it becomes -- they hope -- a self fulfilling prophecy.
NBA's 2007 All-Star Game in HDTV... and 3D
If you can't afford a courtside seat at this weekend's NBA All-Star Game festivities, the league is testing a new way to "change the way we see the game" -- sans the chance of rubbing elbows with various celebrities. Guests in Las Vegas, will go to the Mandalay Bay hotel instead of the Thomas and Mack Center where the game is being played, and don special glasses to view view a 3D high definition version of TNT's broadcast of Saturday and Sunday night's activities. Five 3D camera systems have been installed around the arena by Pace, and according to the NBA's VP of operations and technology, the HDTV widescreen broadcast will allow them to avoid many cuts and camera movements, hopefully minimizing any shaky cam effect some complained about during the special SkyCam broadcast last year. If you can't make it to Vegas to check things out, you can still see this technology at work this season, as a similar broadcast during the NBA Finals is already planned. No word on plans for a "belligerent drunk" simulator, so either way we still have a long way to go towards simulating the real game experience in a theater and someday in the future, at home.Read - Variety Read - Broadcasting & Cable
CBS reveals its preparations for Super Bowl XLI HD broadcast
CBS isn't resting on its reputation for quality HDTV broadcasts during the regular NFL season, as this Broadcasting & Cable article reveals its plans for Super Bowl XLI. Hopefully the person who counted all 47 HD cameras they plan to use during the game isn't the same person who thinks the matchup is between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints (as mentioned in the article), but no matter who is playing one thing you won't be seeing during the game is CBS' old Eye Vision 360 degree replay technology. With a cost over $2 million for an SD system, it's been shelved in favor of three ultra-high-frame-rate cameras for slow motion replays of big plays, or just for big Prince fans tuning into the halftime show. Surprisingly, all of this is still a smaller undertaking than the channel's coverage of the NCAA tournament, but here's hoping everything works out to provide a crisp 1080i picture (and 5.1 surround sound) for all.[Via AVS Forum]
Westinghouse and the blinking PS3: HDCP gone awry?
Some PlayStation 3 users who play on Westinghouse 1080p screens might have noticed a blinking problem when loading up their games, wherein no sound comes up and the screen's imagery blinks off and on. Popular Mechanics has been following the story and trying to deduce the culprit of this problem.The blinking phenomenon stems from High-Bandwidth Digital Copy Protection, or HDCP, a form of DRM for signals that run through HDMI cables. Initially, Westinghouse VP of Marketing Rey Roque explained that the issue was firmware within some of their television sets but has now retracted that assertion, placing the blinking blame on the PlayStation 3 itself. Roque notes, "Westinghouse products are fully compliant with the HDMI and HDCP specs." Westinghouse and Sony reportedly met yesterday to discuss the issue, but Popular Mechanics went ahead and offered a quick-and-dirty fix to the problem: simply unplug HDMI cable, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. Video of the phenomenon and its quick fix is embedded after the break.[Via /.]
NVIDIA vs. ATI for HD movie playback
Whether playing HD DVD and Blu-ray discs from a drive, or files obtained or stored via other means, you'll need plenty of horsepower to keep the HD flowing smoothly. Hardware Zone took a look at NVIDIA and ATI's competing platforms for hardware acceleration of h.264 and VC-1 decoding on PCs. They tested a few 1080i h.264-encoded movies from Japan and found neither solution was able reduce CPU load by more than 20-30% on their Core 2 Duo equipped test machine, with similar reductions on less CPU-intensive VC-1 discs. Overall they like the NVIDIA's PureVideo GeForce 7600 GT over the comparably priced ATI Radeon X1650 XT with Avivo, but check out the head to head for all the numbers before deciding which videocard goes in your next Media PC.[Via MPEG4.net]
Ban this man from your Super Bowl party
Now that we know who will be playing in this year's Super Bowl, we can plan the party and which friends are coming by to watch the big game. Here's a hint though: Don't invite this guy or anyone who reads his column. There's always going to be someone who claims they can't see the difference between SD and HDTV, no matter how many times you check the settings and use the proper connections to make sure every line of high def and channel of audio is present and accounted for. Why any one of your "friends" would take this columnists advice and deny the obvious truth that not only does HDTV make for a better viewing experience, but owning one also makes you an inherently better person than they, is unknown, but be on the lookout.[Via Fark]
CBS plans first HD DVD release: Star Trek TOS
CBS has created a new division within itself, CBS Home Entertainment, specifically to focus on DVD releases. First up are plans to dive headfirst into the Blu-ray / HD DVD marketplace by releasing the newly-remastered-in-HD Star Trek series in the fourth quarter of this year on a DVD/HD DVD combo disc. No word on a Blu-ray release date, however like Paramount Pictures we can expect them to be nuetral in the format war. CBS Home Entertainment plans to roll out 85-90 releases this year, including content from Showtime. It's certainly interesting to see HD DVD releases planned already for the fourth quarter, especially since Blu-ray already won, but that notwithstanding, we'll see if Trekkies take to the combo disc trojan horse, opting for HD DVD players later to check out each episode in resolutions fit for their HDTVs. [Via High Def Digest]
DVR Xbox 360 possible, IPTV the catalyst
Speaking with Major Nelson, Microsoft group product manager Aaron Greenberg speculated that a version of Xbox 360 specialized for IPTV and DVR activity was certainly possible. Greenberg admitted that "[Microsoft] did not build [Xbox 360] to be a high-definition DVR," suggesting an IPTV upgrade (i.e. larger hard drive) and IPTV-specific console "configuration" were both possible solutions to the inherent dilemma. Greenberg did note that a larger hard drive would only be necessary for DVR functionality -- IPTV could function with or without a hard drive.While this is hardly confirmation that a new version of Xbox 360 is inbound, Greenberg's statements may indicate that Microsoft is closing in on a strategy for 360 v2; one that won't upset early adopters (at least, not as much). Marketing v2 as an IPTV/DVR device (PSX, anyone?) might be enough of a diversion to excuse the original Xbox 360's lack of substantial hard drive space and HDMI output. If that is to be the case, it will be imperative that all of the v2 components are available for the original console, including a free IPTV software installation (with purchase of contract, of course).
Monster's Einstein Home Control System walkthrough
After meeting up with B. Gates here at CES again our next goal was outfitting the official Engadget offices like his famously automated home. To that end, we checked in with Monster Cable and its Einstein Home Control System, previously sighted at CEDIA, in more fleshed out form. This completely customizable setup, based on what Monster claims is a totally open API that should allow other manufacturers to easily create compatible devices, promises to deliver whatever media you desire to any room in the house. Pictured above is the Nucleus, the all in one DVD player, VOIP phone and remotely accessed control center of the Einstein system. Pricing depends on what components are installed, but should come in under other similar setups, Check out the galleries for a closer look at the rest of the components. Monster's Einstein Control Center Walkthrough
HANA adds Cablevision & 17 other new members, demos connectivity
We've been following the High Definition Audio Video Network Alliance for over a year now and at this year's CES the group is announcing it has added 18 new companies, most notably Cablevision joining as a board member. The promise of easily connected HD devices from companies like JVC, Mitsubishi and Samsung is enticing but the fact is that none of those companies announced plans for the technology in their new product lineups. CE Pro sat in on a reception last night and did see connectivity demonstrations on various devices, including a HANA-enabled Samsung HDTV. Progress takes time so for now check out a list of HANA's 17 other new members after the break and dream of a day when your HDTV, AV system, set-top box, DVR and PMPs can join hands as sisters and brothers throughout the house with no new wiring or extensive setup necessary.Read - Cablevision Joins High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance (HANA) BoardRead - HANA Scores with Multiple Vendors Showing Interoperability over 1394
Warner officially announces Total Hi Def hybrid disc
Warner Home Video's press conference concerning the Total Hi Def disc that has HD DVD and Blu-ray all on one disc is currently ongoing, and it has stated that the discs are able to contain dual layers of both HD DVD and Blu-ray on one disc. The first Total Hi Def releases will hit in the second half of this year, but no specific titles have yet been announced. At the conference, Warner used a copy of Superman to show off how it worked in an HD DVD player, Blu-ray player, and the recently announced LG Super Multi player that plays either. Finally, Warner claims it will not cost "materially" more than a regular disc. At the conference, already an exec from Best Buy has come out in support of the format, but whether or not other studios would ever pick up on Total Hi Def releases is still unknown, although Warner claims they would not have to pay any licensing fees to Warner for using it. For more information, check out our live coverage of the Warner Home Video press event.
HP's hd100 external HD DVD drive now on sale
HP's hd100 HD DVD external USB drive is finally shipping and listed on sale at several retailers. Announced last fall, it was scheduled to ship in 2006 but didn't quite make it. We checked with HP when taking a look at a few other proucts (like it's evil twin, the bd135 Blu-ray burner also pictured above) and found out it is now shipping, a quick search on Froogle shows it can be bought for $449. What does $240 more than the price of an Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on that also works on the PC buy you? A drive capable of 2.4x HD DVD / 5x DVD / 14x CD read speeds, USB 2.0 cable, power cord, assorted manuals and support software and a copy of Cyberlink's PowerDVD HD DVD edition. Unfortunately, at a price that buys two Microsoft-subsidized Xbox 360 drives and leaves $40 left over to put towards playback software and an HD upgrade we're not in that much of a hurry to add-to-cart, but for an officially supported HD DVD solution on the PC, this is about it.
JVC's prototype 120Hz and LED-backlit LCDs
JVC already announced its new lineup of LCDs, planning 120Hz refresh rate HDTVs and had a lot of announcements about its Everio camcorders during the press conference earlier today. We also took a look around JVCs exhibit off of the show floor and took a look at early versions of HDTVs that should be hitting shelves sometime soon. The 120Hz refresh drive LCD (pictured above) was running a simulated demo of its ability to reduce motion blurring, and is expected to hit this year. The LED-backlit LCD/ 120Hz Clear Motion Drive we saw previously at CEBIT had colors that looked great but unfortunately is still without any prediction of when it will be ready to ship but you can take another look at it after the break.
LG's hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD standalone drive coming soon
Not to be outdone with just a combination set-top Blu-ray/HD DVD player, LG has also announced the GGW-H10N combo standalone drive for computers. The drive -- which presumably incorporates the same Broadcom integrated chipset as the BH100 -- can read both blue-laser formats, but only writes to Blu-ray or standard DVDs and CDs. According to the LG press event from Sunday, the PC drive will support all iHD functionality for HD DVD titles, whereas the set-top box will not due to hardware limitations. The SATA drive is set to be released before the end of January for $1200.[Thanks, Khattab]
Bigger & biggest HDTVs: Sharp's 108 vs. Samsung's 102
It's hard to decide. We're seeing so many great HDTVs every day like these two giants -- and some not so giant -- but still, which one of these screens would we rather take home? On the left we've got Samsung's old school 102-inch plasma, on the right Sharp's new 108-inch 1080p Aquos LCD. Some people could be content with a mere 102-inch or even 103-inch screen and prefer plasma to LCD, but with 120Hz motion and other advancements coming off of Sharp's 8th-generation manufacturing line its impossible to say no to the new size king in town. Check out the gallery for a couple more pictures of both. Bigger and biggest HDTVs: Sharp's 108 vs. Samsung's 102
Sony's 82-inch 1080p Bravia LCD prototype
Because CES really is nothing without some enormous prototype displays hanging on the wall and we have a Pokemon Snap-style desire to catch each one in its habitat.. This one is Sony's recently announced 82-inch Bravia. While it's only a prototype for now, we wouldn't be surprised to see HDTVs this size and bigger become available later next year when Sony and Samsung have an 8G plant like their competitors over at Sharp. As far as we're concerned, this 120Hz refresh LED-backlit x.v.Color compatible screen can't hit shelves soon enough. Sony's 82-inch 1080p Bravia LCD prototype
Pioneer's BDC-202 "combo" 5x Blu-ray drive
At Pioneer's CES press conference it announced both its new plasma display technology and a new half height Blu-ray drive for PCs. Titled the BDC-202 combination Blu-ray disc drive it unfortunately isn't quite the "combo" drive we might have expected. No HD DVD compatibility is in store from Pioneer but this drive is still special, able to read BD-ROM, BD-R and BD-RE discs at 5x, dual layer recordable Blu-ray discs at 2x while also service as a DVD/CD read/write drive. As long as Blu-ray is your format of choice this is the type of drive that is most likely to end up in the PC of someone who wants to watch Blu-ray movies on their PC, but doesn't need to be able to author them or back up large files. Also, by forgoing Blu-ray burning capability it should (hopefully) be significantly cheaper than current Blu-ray burners (pictured) on the market. No price yet, but the drive should be available in the second quarter of this year.
Sony's 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio 27-inch OLED HDTV
Some people need bigger and better LCDs, but we're just fine with the 27-inch prototype Sony mentioned during its press conference yesterday. With a contrast ratio of greater than 1,000,000:1 (not a misprint) to go with its 1080p resolution, and >100% NTSC color reproduction, we'll take this Organic LED great looks in a small package any day. We promised to hunt it down on the show floor and so we did, finding it hiding amongst a rookery of 11-inch displays. Take a look at the gallery for a few more shots of this HDTV and hope it hits shelves someday. Sony's OLED prototype 1080p HDTV
Sony Pictures reveals first quarter Blu-ray release schedule
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has revealed its first quarter Blu-ray lineup, and the studio is putting the new Bond front and center right away. A Blu-ray player was featured in the movie as a result of the close ties so we're not very surprised, but new Bond Daniel Craig is actually hitting Blu-ray twice in one day. The studio is releasing another film of his, the previously delayed Layer Cake, the same day. Both are on dual-layer 50GB discs and feature uncompressed soundtracks, which make up a large part of SPHE's early 2007 lineup, while Casino Royale is encoded in MPEG-4 AVC. Also of note is Resident Evil: Apocalypse, the second Blu-ray movie featuring Blu-Wizard technology to custom select special features that can then play during the movie. Hopefully this combination of high profile movie and 50GB disc works out better than on the universally panned transfer of Talladega Nights. Check the press release for complete special features details or after the break for a list of movies and release dates.
