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Intel prepping hardware Blu-ray / HD DVD support for Santa Rosa
Intel's Santa Rosa mobile platform will get a high definition upgrade in the second half of this year when it integrates dedicated hardware decoding from Broadcom to support HD DVD and Blu-ray playback. The extra processing power will let notebooks keep running their Windows Vista Aero experience -- which currently takes a major hit -- while playing high-def discs without relying on more expensive GPUs from NVIDIA or ATI. We know Toshiba is going all HD DVD in its laptops later this year, and we won't be surprised to see more manufacturers throwing in blue laser options across the line. The manufacturer told Ars Technica that future upgrades to the Santa Rosa chipset should include driver updates later this year, and DirectX10 support in 2008.
AUO shows off its 65-inch 120Hz 1080p HDTV
AU Optotronics will be showing off Taiwan's first 65-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD, scheduled for release in the third quarter of this year, at Display Taiwan 2007 next week. Sharp has already displayed this technology and size in its Aquos line, but now that AUO has the capability of building 60-inch+ panels on its 6G production line, we can expect even more competition in the market for these massive HDTVs. Besides the 120Hz technology to reduce blurring, AUO's baby brings 4ms response time, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 10-bit color processing with 92% of the NTSC color gamut, in 42-, 46- and 65-inch sizes.
Super Hi-Vision creeps towards reality with latest breakthrough
Because 1080p and even Quad HD just aren't high-def enough, Japanese broadcaster NHK has announced new breakthoughs in it's Super Hi-Vision (formerly Ultra High Definition Video) technology. They've been showing it off periodically for the last several years, but the latest step towards living rooms is a single image sensor that for TV cameras that is capable of full SHV (7,680 x 4,320) resolution. Previous prototypes were limited to half that resolution, but now they're focusing on shrinking the equipment necessary to encode/decode the uncompressed 24Gbps SHV stream to 124Mbps from its current to fit in broadcaster headends and UHDTVs near you. While those pixels are nothing to sneeze at, we're still trying to figure out where to get speakers for the planned 22.2 channel audio.
Vizio barreling into Wal-marts everywhere
Relative newcomer Vizio has certainly done a bang-up job at taking the television market by storm, throwing down a sub-$1000 plasma and the first sub-$2000 1080p LCD, upsetting Sony with its pricing schemes, and making good impressions just about everywhere. Now the number-four flat-panel seller is truly heading for the mass market, with an announcement that Wal-mart will sell four new models of Vizio LCDs. The 720p sets include at least one HDMI input and integrated ATSC/QAM tuners. The VW26L, VW32L, VW37L, and VW42L panels will range from 26 to 42 inches, with the smallest starting at $448. Considering the retail giant's reach and inertia, it's going to be a tough year for competitors on the low-end of the flat-panel market. We feel for you: now pick us up some chips and paper towels with that 42-incher, will ya?
Sony constructs two sets of whole-house HD video distribution products
If you're inclined to go big and multi-room with audio and video, Sony has unveiled some distribution products for you at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, with two sets of high-definition video distribution products -- one for new construction, and one using existing Cat5 cabling. The NHS-3040 rack system is for new homes, and combines various Sony products for a whole-house distribution network: a home theater, XM Radio tuner, Blu-ray player, 400-disc DVD changer, and 80GB music storage and management server, along with support for 13 different audio/video zones. The NHS-2040 model drops you down to six zones, while the NHS-1040 removes the changer as well. For existing wiring, Sony offers up the CAV-CVS12ES HD switching system, which uses a single Cat5e per zone to route your video into up to 12 zones, and supports eight 1080p-capable component inputs. The system supports IR and RS-232 control, and pairs up with Sony's CAV-M1000 line of audio distro systems. As long as you're wiring up your house anyway, why not throw in Sony's WS-ADP4 doorbell intercom adapter with electronic door release, so you don't have to bother the butler to open the door for you while you're both in the third-floor bedroom watching Desperate Housewives in HD.Read - Sony NHS series distro systemRead - Sony CAV-CVS12ES Cat5e systemRead - WS-ADP4 doorbell intercom
Toshiba rolls out automotive HD DVD player, improved LCD panel
Toshiba has shown off some auto-related products at the Automotive Engineering Expo 2007, including a mobile HD DVD player and a fresh take on touch panels. The high-definition in-dash player is under co-development with Alpine, and is planned for a 2008 release. The LCD is an improvement on traditional touchscreen technology, with no film coating -- which traditionally reduces contrast ratio and brightness -- to handle the user input, instead bundling optical sensors alongside each pixel. These sensors can then detect the shadow of a press during the day, and the reflection of the backlight at night. Toshiba also plans to upgrade that tech to use infrared instead of day/night sensors. Who cares if you can't see the difference between 1080 and 720 on a 7-inch screen, we just want our mobile touchscreen HD now!
JVC Victor announces three new 120Hz 1080p LCDs
JVC is adding to the Victor line of LCDs with three new models, all of which include Clear Motion Drive 120Hz technology for the Full HD 1080p displays, and 10-bit panels for increased color reproduction capability. The LH805 series will also sport two HDMI 1.3 ports, JVC's 32-bit Genessa image processing chipset, and DLNA compatibility for home networking. The 47-inch LT-47LH805 will be available in late June, and the 42-inch and 37-inch LT42LH805 and LT-37LH805 will drop in early August, for an estimated price range of €2,140 to 2,840 ($2,800 to 3,800 US). Continue on for more pics of the panels.[Via Akihabara News]
Moser Baer develops 8x-capable Blu-ray Disc media
Indian manufacturing giant Moser Baer today announced development of 8x-capable Blu-ray Disc media, which would allow for a 2-hour movie to be recorded in under 15 minutes. This speed corresponds to around 3.3GB a minute, or 55MB a second, assuming a full dual-layer disc. Competing format HD DVD is working on 2x and 4x burning, although both camps are still held back by expensive hardware and media. Now all we need is 8x burner hardware to get started backing up all those Vista CableCARD recordings.[Thanks, Jagannath]
Fujitsu still going large with a pair of 55- and 63-inch plasmas
Fujitsu is still keeping it big, with revisions to its Plasmavision line of 55-inch and 63-inch plasma sets. The P55XHA51WSb and P63XHA51WSb have added a second HDMI input since last year's models, and boosted the contrast up to 3000:1, while keeping the remaining specs the same as before. On the bright side, prices have been lowered to £4,495 ($8,885 US) and £6,495 ($12,839 US), so if you're not turned off by the 720p resolution or the higher-than-normal pricing, grab these up.
HDTV Listings for May 18, 2007
What we're watching: We've got an NBA doubleheader on ESPN, with the Cavs and Spurs both trying to close out a series while the Nets and Suns fight to play another game. We'll check those out after Lord of War on Showtime.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
LG's GGW-H10N HD DVD / Blu-ray combo drive previewed
We can't deny feeling a little rush of excitement when we first learned that LG would be releasing an optical drive that could handle both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs -- like many fence-sitters, we see these combo units as an end run around the format war -- so obviously we were quite stoked to read ExtremeTech's initial thoughts on one of these devices (provided by HP in what was likely an upcoming Media Center). Bearing in mind that neither the review unit nor the drivers were finalized versions, it sounds like the GGW-H10N does indeed live up to its promise of reading nearly every disc format available as well as burning and Lightscribing Blu-ray media, DVDs, and CDs; however, Blu-ray write speeds were well below the claimed 2x in testing, and the lack of HD DVD-R/RW read support could prove to be a rather frequent annoyance unless it's rectified through a firmware update (or HD DVD pulls a Betamax). Bottom line: if you just can't wait any longer to jump into the game, this LG drive will give you most of the capabilities you're looking for -- but with a likely pricetag of $1,000 and more full-featured models probably right down the road, it would seem to pay off if you can just keep on waitin'...
NuVision ships Deep Black 1080p LCDs
Arizona manufacturer NuVision has begun shipping a pair of 1080p LCDs -- the 42-inch 42LCM1 and 47-inch 47LCM1 -- intended for custom installers and specialty retailers. The sets include those extra features and electronics that cater to high-end audiences, including NiDO image optimization and color processing, Crestron-certified RS-232 control with IR pass through for home automation, and 6ms response times. The 42LCM1 is available for $3,199, and the 47LCM1 can be had for $4,199 -- small prices to pay to "buy American."
HDTV Listings for April 29, 2007
What we're watching: With no Planet Earth, Discovery HD Theater is featuring Panic in the Ring of Fire once again tonight, but for slightly different looks of fear, we'll be watching the Mavericks at the Warriors later on TNT. The #1 seed is coming into Game 4 down 2-1 and facing a must-win game to have a good chance of advancing to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
HDTV Listings for April 28, 2007
What we're watching: The NBA Playoffs continue, but we'll check out either The Hills Have Eyes on HBO or Cars on Starz-HD tonight.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
IGS's Rapsody N35 media player
IGS of Japan has released a hard drive-based media player that supports up to 1TB internal drives, and plays back various high-definition video and audio formats. Similar to the MediaGate line, the Rapsody N35 supports DivX and XviD, MPEG-1,2, and 4, and WMV HD at up to 1080 lines of resolution over DVI, component, or S-video outputs. The Rapsody also plays back OGG, MP3, and WMA audio over its digital coax and optical connectors. With the 10/100-speed Ethernet jack and included NDAS software, you can connect to remote computers on your network, and the local USB port allows for connecting devices directly. The N35 is available for 28,000 ¥, or $235 US.
HDTV Listings for April 24, 2007
What we're watching: Dwyane Wade and Shaq try to even up their series with the Bulls before Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash go head to head tonight in NBA Playoffs action on TNT.Our traditional high-def listings continue below
HDTV Listings for April 21, 2007
What we're watching: It's a big Saturday night, with the start of the NBA Playoffs, a NASCAR Nextel Cup Race from Phoenix, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift on HBO and Thank You For Smoking on Cinemax, but we'll stick with a new Saturday Night Live featuring Scarlett Johansson.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
HDTV Listings for April 20, 2007
What we're watching: You can be my wingman anytime. Tonight, we're skipping Yankees vs. Red Sox on ESPN-HD for Top Gun on HDNet Movies.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Sony explains lack of 'HD' mode in PAL God of War II
The non-PAL folk discovered last week that God of War II was hiding an "HD" version of the game. This was Sony stretching the truth just a bit because even they said, "This is NOT 720p. Its actually 480p with FULL SIZE buffers, in other words 640*448 resolution." Well, this didn't stop the Europeans from getting a bit upset that they weren't getting the same "HD" code, despite their televisions already running in a higher version than this supposed "HD" with a whopping 576i -- um, that's more HD than the non-PAL GoW II "HD" already -- what's the problem, what's going on?This situation needed a glorious explanation by Sony Europe, which basically boiled down to them saying, "It should also be noted that when playing the game on a PS3 via a component of HDMI lead, it runs in true 576p and not just an upscaled version of 576i. The Enhanced Definition (ED) output is forced from the PS2 graphics chip which is why a lot of PS2 games -- not just GoW II -- will look a lot better. By contrast, if you boot up the US GoW II on an NTSC PS3 and switch Progressive Scan mode on, there will be no difference as the emulator is pushing the 480p mode regardless. What this basically means is that the PAL PS3 is giving the best PS2 visuals you will be able to get anywhere!"So, in conclusion, the European God of War II is already more HD than the non-PAL "HD." Hey, wait, we should be the ones pissed! Somebody get Sony on the phone -- we demand more HD from our "HD." We want 576p!
FCS2 page hints at pending QuickTime 7.1.6 update
Many of Apple's media apps rely on QuickTime in one way or another, so it probably comes as no surprise that a Final Cut Studio 2 announcement means we'll see at least a slight QT update to bring everything up to speed. Sure enough, eagle-eyed TUAW readers have caught QuickTime 7.1.6 listed on the System Requirements page for FCS2. Though a minor upgrade that is probably filled with compatibility updates, it is also likely to include that fancy new Apple ProRes 422 codec (who names this stuff?) which supposedly offers uncompressed HD quality footage with SD file sizes. That's a pretty tall claim to fill, but we'll have to wait for the reports to roll in on whether Apple delivers on the promise.Regardless, it's a pretty obvious bet that QuickTime 7.1.6 will soon be coming to a Software Update near you.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
