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PlayStation 3 can scale after all
The PlayStation 3's hardware scaling capabilities (or lack thereof) have been a serious point of contention since word first got out of the console's potential shortcoming, which left owners of HDTVs of a certain resolution unable to use their sets to their fullest potential with the console in its current state and unsure they'd ever be able to do so. Well, it looks like Sony may have a few tricks up its sleeve, with Beyond3D reporting that the company's latest software development kit includes measures that game makers can take in order to implement "hardware accelerated horizontal scaling" in their titles, ensuring that they'll always look their best, even on 1080i sets. What's not so clear is what this means for all the current games that pump out less-than-desirable results when hooked up to the aforementioned HDTVs, with patches seemingly one option but no official word given on that possibility. Although you can bet that this won't be the last word we hear on the subject.[Via Joystiq]
MCE intros Blu-ray burner for Mac Pro, Power Mac G5
Japan's Logitec may have been the first to lay claim to a Mac-compatible Blu-ray burner, but it looks like MCE Technologies gets the bragging rights for the first Mac-friendly internal burner, which also has the added benefit of actually being available 'round these parts. As with the Logitec, MCE's Mac Pro and Power Mac G5-compatible drive will give you 2x reading and writing speeds on Blu-ray discs, as well as the usual less-than-speedy burning times for CDs and DVDs. The key to the Mac compatibility is, of course, Roxio's Toast 8 Titanium software, which first declared its Mac Blu-ray support last summer but so far hasn't been able to put it to much use. While you'll have to crack open your case, you will be somewhat rewarded for your effort, with drive setting you back considerably less than Logitec's external offering, available now direct from MCE for $699.[Thanks, Dave]
Control your Xbox 360 with DirecTV remote
You already know that Sony's PlayStation 3 can be dictated via IR, and even your iPod can be manhandled by an umbrella, but the latest discovery in controlling gizmos in unorthodox ways involves Microsoft's Xbox 360 and your universal DirecTV remote. Thanks to a little bit of trickery, you can save yourself the hassle (and expenditure) of buying an Xbox 360 remote by just using the one you've already received with your DirecTV service, and thankfully, the steps to completion are far from difficult. Simply switch the remote to AV1 and hold down the mute / select buttons until AV1 blinks twice. Then, key in 991, followed by 2, and finally tag the Power button; once you've worked off a few calories doing all this, just cycle Up a few dozen times until your console powers up, and once it does, just mash Select to complete the (essentially painless) process. If you're still holding tight to your doubts, be sure to hit the links below for a bit more proof, and click on through for a live action video showing the two (very) distant relatives playing nice together.[Via Xbox360Fanboy]
Bang & Olufsen intros BeoLab 9 loudspeakers
Per usual, Bang & Olufsen is out crafting home theater components that only a select few can afford, yet just about everyone can appreciate. The BeoLab 9 loudspeakers are no different, as they sport a unique conically-shaped cabinet that house the five-inch mid-range and ten-inch bass drivers, and the tweeter gets perched atop the unit ready to spread those highs "in an arc of 180 degrees." These towers also feature the firm's Acoustic Lens Technology, which supposedly "guarantees uniform sound characteristics in front of the speaker, letting the listener hear constant timbre even when moving around or sitting in different places." While we're not too confident on blasting these guys without a subwoofer somewhere in the loop, they do manage to tout the company's "Adaptive Bass Linearisation technology" to prevent distortion, and can reportedly reach down to 30Hz all by their lonesome. Of course, for the presumably lofty price these things will demand, you also get a paint job of your choice, as the towers come in red, blue, dark grey, and black. No word on when these should grace showroom floors, nor how many arms / legs you'll need to liquidate before even thinking about 'em, but the BeoLab 9 should be impressing deep-pocketed listeners real soon. Click on through for another look.[Via Acquire]
OrigenAE cranks out sexy 1080p LCD-equipped HTPC chassis
HTPC enclosures with front-mounted LCD screens certainly aren't new, with firms such as VoodooPC and Okoro Media Systems (just to name a couple) have been pumpin' them out for quite some time, but OrigenAE's take on the LCD-equipped chassis involves quite a bit more distinction than the other ho hum attempts. The S21T is practically one-piece aluminum (black or silver) case that just oozes sleekness, and would probably become the instant standout in any AV rack. Gracing the front is a recessed 12.1-inch motorized LCD that touts an (admittedly tough on the eyes) 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, and just might beat out the actual TV sets this beast will end up connected to. Regardless, the enclosure also features a host of internal fans, matching optical drive bezel, removable motherboard tray, support for 10 internal hard drives, and a bevy of ports including USB 2.0, FireWire, audio in / out, and multi-card flash reader. Of course, it doesn't really matter how sensational the innards of this thing are, just click on through for a few more snapshots and see how great it looks completely empty.[Via MissingRemote]
Samsung launches HL-S5686C iDCR DLP TV, TWC goes OCAP
Although last year's lovefest with OCAP was short lived after CES concluded, it seems that we're actually seeing the fruits of Samsung, Time Warner, and Advance/Newhouse Communications' labor towards getting OCAP in the home. Today Samsung unveiled its OpenCable-compliant HL-S5686C iDCR DLP HDTV alongside Time Warner's shiny new SMT-H3050 HD set-top box (for folks without the aforementioned set), and the group announced that "interactive digital cable services are now live" in TWC's New York City systems. Furthermore, the cable provider stated that it would soon embark on the expansion pathway, blazing trails to get the goods to Milwaukee, WI and other cities covered by Advance/Newhouse's Bright House Networks cable systems. The new cable services include TWC's OCAP Digital Navigator as well as its in-house-developed interactive program guide, and should be available to interested customers right now in the selected area(s). Moreover, Time Warner is opening up the wonders of OCAP for all to discover as a part of its "Home to the Future" exhibit, which is a four-story interactive installation within the firm's center in NYC's Columbus Circle. So if you're eager to give this OCAP thing a whirl, the newfangled display will be open to the public starting today, and will continue to be for three weeks.
Team Xtender announces component to VGA adapter box
Its multi-console-connecting component cable has yet to make it out of "preview mode," but the folks at Team Xtender already seem to have another component-centered video game accessory in the bag, now showing off their XCM Multi-cable V2 PC Monitor Adapter. As that mouthful of a name suggests, the little black box will take the component end of the included multi-headed component cable (or presumably any other component cable) and convert it into a VGA signal by the time it reaches the monitor plugged into the other end of the box. Team Xtender has also been thoughtful enough to include a second port and a handy switch for those that still want use their monitor for computing duties. As with their component cable, however, they haven't spilled any details on pricing or availability just yet, although they are happy to sign up anyone willing to sell 'em. [Thanks, WunSick]
Blackmagic intros DeckLink HD Studio: "world's first" HDMI / analog capture card
Although Blackmagic already tossed out a budget-friendly way to capture direct from HDMI sources via PCI-Express, now the firm is hittin' the high-end by offering up the DeckLink HD Studio to handle both newfangled HDMI-capable decks as well as component / analog renditions. Thanks to the HDMI input / outputs and the multifaceted breakout D-sub cable, users can connect a variety of inputs new and old into a single card, and it also touts the ability to "instantly switch between high definition and standard definition video connections," giving you one less reason to ditch those analog decks you just can't stand to part with. The card supports HDMI (up to 1080i), component, and 14-bit analog video, and of course, plays nice with both Macs and PCs. Those looking to get serious about capturing, but aren't quite ready to go purely HD just yet, can pick up the DeckLink HD Studio for $995 and juggle both worlds.[Via MacNN]
Meridian MV-D1 iPod dock outputs 1080p content to your HDTV
You know what they say, if Apple won't provide a way, blaze your own trail anyway. Granted, the vernacular might be a bit off, but apparently Meridian gets the gist of it, as it showcased the MV-D1 iPod video dock at CES as a means of getting a "real HD video experience" out of that yet-to-be-widescreened 5.5G rendition. The primarily glossy red device casually holds your iPod video, and provides a Source, Format, and Connect button to go along with the volume keys, and houses Marvell's 88DE2710 digital video format converter to handle the upscaling. Reportedly, the dock can take any stored SD / HD media and output it via HDMI, cleaning up the noise and artifacts in the process. Moreover, the unit can be powered by either USB or your average AC plug, and even includes digital audio out for a (somewhat) "true" high definition experience. While pricing and availability information wasn't readily available, we're sure Meridian won't keep us iPod-toting HD freaks waiting for too much longer. Click on through for a closeup.
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
Apple TV; an HD perspective
Streaming video devices are without a doubt here to stay, but who will win on this new front still remains to be seen. At least in our hearts it's gotta be HD or we pass. The latest Apple announcements finally give us details about the HD capabilities of Apple TV. The good news is that it supports multiple resolutions via HDMI or Component including 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz. The bad news is the supported video fomats are somewhat limited, while there is 720p HD support there are very few other variations. Supported CODECs include H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps, 320 by 240, 30 fps, 1280 by 720, 24 fps and finally MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps. We can only assume that it converts all of these formats to what your TV can display. No word yet on DD5.1 support, but we have a man on the scene who's looking for answers to this as well as a few other questions.
Flat panel friendly OTA antenna - ANT188
File this one away in "If I would have thought of this, I wouldn't be working for the man anymore." Seriously. Hanging flat panels and antennas generally don't get along that well, but RCA as a nice and easy solution. Simply hang the little piece of plastic off the front of the flat panel and a pair of rabbit ears is going to stick out of the back. No word on the performance but we are going to step out on a limb here and say this isn't going to work as well as your Winegard roof-top, but it is going to work a tad better then the current pair of rabbit ears duct taped to the back of your flat panel. The ANT188 is going to carry a price of $14.99 when it hits shelves sometime in April. Note: the other half of the press picture includes flat cables and a wall mount - nothing new.
Monster flat screen PowerMount
Say what you will about their cables but this is a sweet innovation in flat screen mounts. Monster as Incorporated their Clean Power surge protectors into a flat screen mount. So this way your flat screen is protected against surges, spikes and ground loop hums while it is hanging on the wall without anything extra. The two power plugs are located at the bottom of the mount, with coax grounding receptacles at the top so installation should be a breeze. We really don't see this as a cable management venture as the six foot power cable that comes with flat screens is going to have to go someplace within the small confines of the mount and we don't see the arm holding all of it. Someone really liked it though as it was an honoree for the 2007 Innovations in the Video Accessories Category at this years CES. The mount is available now with a MSRP sticker of $249.99. More pics after the jump.
NDS partners with VBox to deliver HD pay-TV content to PCs
If you're the type who digs HD, but would rather catch it on one of your two (or more) HD-capable displays connected to your computer, NDS has struck a deal with VBox to bring HD pay-TV content to your PC -- without the need for potentially costly upgrades. The agreement allows PC users to receive "broadcast content on VBox's Cat's Eye PC-TV receiver," which would store / playback footage like any typical DVR, while NDS' VideoGuard PC would provide the obligatory DRM kick to keep content owners pacified. VBox's Cat's Eye Premium is a newly unveiled receiver designed to deliver content optimized for IP distribution, which essentially provides "digital set-top box functionality in a PC environment" by interfacing with the computer's USB port or PCI slot. Content is received in the same way as typical TV owners, but is channeled into your PC via USB / PCI instead of component of HDMI, and it's strapped down by NDS' USB encryption key which is required for the whole rig to operate correctly; in addition, VBox also offers routers and gateways in case you're interested in slinging that content to various machines via Ethernet. Neither NDS nor VBox made mention of just how much this snazzy sounding setup would run PC users, but hopefully we'll be seeing the deal yield some forward progress soon after CES concludes.
Vidanti chooses Intellon to offer HD IPTV via Powerline
Vidanti is hoping to shake things up in the HD IPTV game by offering up a product line devoted to networking your HD streaming home devices without laying down for fancy new cabling and a weekend's worth of installation charges. The company has chosen to base its forthcoming lineup on Intellon's INT6000 HomePlug AV, which utilizes the power lines already ran throughout your home to distribute HD audio / video. Intellon claims that its technology beneath the hood will allow Vidanti's product line to realize 200Mbps, but we all know that transferring bits and bytes through the power lines hasn't exactly lived up to expectations. Nevertheless, Vidanti is now hoping to "offer service providers an HD IP set-top box (pictured) whose power and connectivity to the broadband gateway are both supplied through a standard power cord," and if all goes as planned, it should be listed under its future BBTV4000 lineup of goods.
Optoma announces trio of DLP projectors
Joining ViewSonic, Microvision, and Sharp, it looks like Optoma has a trio of its own projectors to lust over at CES, and they're all sporting that trendy DLP sticker as well. Up first is the 1080-capable HD81-LV, which pretty much stomps its predecessor in the specs department by offering up 2,500 ANSI lumens, 12,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI. If you're really feeling like emptying that piggy bank, you can add on the $3,999 BX-AL133 Cinemascope lens, which converts Hollywood movies into their native 2.35:1 aspect ratio for ultra-widescreen viewing. Coming down from the stratosphere, we run into the MovieTime DV11, which handily replaces the DV10 by keeping the integrated DVD player, featuring two five-watt stereo speakers, 1,300 ANSI lumens, 800 x 600 resolution, 2,500:1 contrast ratio, and a more reasonable $999 pricetag. Closing out the trifecta is the TX773, which was admittedly crafted more so for the office than your home theater room, and offers up 3,500 ANSI lumens, a 1,024 x 768 resolution, and DVI / VGA inputs; of course, you'd better be landing a rather large deal with it, or else the $2,499 pricetag might not really be justified. Nevertheless, all three of Optoma's latest should be shipping soon, and regardless of your motive, one of 'em ought to fit the bill. Click on through for a few more snapshots.
Samsung and Cox get friendly over OCAP
It was exactly a year ago today that cable companies were getting all warm and fuzzy with OCAP, saying they were meant to be together and couldn't do without one another. Of course, once CES 2006 ended, so did all that lovey-dovey talk. Once again a cable provider is going out of its way to show support for the OpenCable Application Platform, as Cox Communications has signed a hardly-binding letter of intent "to accelerate the development of interactive digital cable services leveraging OCAP on Samsung HDTVs, set-top boxes and digital video recorders." Of course, we heard this same line at last year's Samsung press conference, but hey, we're willing to give it one more chance. No particulars were given in regard to any certain HDTV, STB, or DVR that would be coming down the pike, nor how quickly this stuff would get accomplished, but until we hear something substantial regarding progress after CES, we're not holding our collective breath on this one.
Ultrawideband and coax distribution announced from PulseLink
PulseLink has introduced a solution for combining 1394 (aka FireWire), coaxial ethernet, and Ultra wideband connections and distributing high-definition video throughout the whole home. It combines the wired technologies from the HANA and DLNA specifications, as well as UWB wireless tech for the "last mile" to compatible devices. As the connection between devices can be up to Gigabit speeds, PulseLink claims to be able to stream four 1080p HD signals at the same time, with wireless HDMI connections at the endpoints. The company's chipset will be available to manufacturers this quarter.
Let It Wave showcases bandlet upconverting for 100Hz / 120Hz HDTVs
It's no secret that blowing up snapshots with a low-res master just doesn't yield pretty results, but Let It Wave is trying to convince us all that its "Super-Resolution Bandlet Technology for HDTV Up-Conversion and Frame Rate Conversion" can do just that for SD content that yearns to mimic HD. The company will be demonstrating said technology here at CES, showcasing its miracle-working algorithm "on flat-panel applications," primarily 100Hz / 120Hz LCD and plasma displays. Its spatio-temporal geometric bandlet reportedly "restores details hidden in the original SD material and produces no flicker and no jaggy artifacts," and it even claims to do so without introducing blur. With all these 120Hz TVs being under the spotlight here in Vegas, we sure hope these folks can get this stuff out on the shelves rather quickly, and while it doesn't make mention of a hard release date just yet, hopefully we'll catch a glimpse ourselves and see if it's just snake oil.
