Akihabara News reported on three new LCD HDTV sets from Samsung over the weekend known as the “Bordeaux” lineup. The three new sets will be available in Japan and include a 23 inch, a 32 inch, and a 40 inch LCD panel. All of the LCDs have:

• 1366 x 768 resolution
• 8ms response time
• 8000:1 response time
• 550 cd/m2 brightness
• Samsung’s Digital Natural Image Engine
• HDMI

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Technorati Tags: Samsung, Bordeaux, LCD TV

Two more high definition camcorders will soon be available in the consumer market. Panasonic announced that they will be introducing two new HD camcorders in September - one of which is the smallest palm sized 3CCD full HD camcorder yet. The new models are the HDC-SD5 and the HDC-SX5, both of which feature:

• Utilizes the AVCHD format to record full HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution
• Come with Panasonic’s original 3CCD camera system
• Comes with Panasonic’s new Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) system to minimize hand shake

As mentioned above, the Panasonic HDC-SD5 is supposedly the world’s smallest palm style 3CCD full HD camcorder. Features of the HDC-SD5 include:

• USB Host function for improved data storage and playback ease
• Supports SDHC/SD memory cards
• Support for optional DVD burner (model VW-BN1)
• MSRP of $999.95 and available in September

Meanwhile, the Panasonic HDC-SX5 features:

• Records full HD motion images on both SDHC/SD memory cards and DVD discs
• Records up to 180 minutes of video on an 8GB SDHC card and 60 minutes on a 3 inch DVD-R dual layer disc
• Able to copy recorded video from an SDHC/SD memory card to a 3 inch DVD disc internally with the touch of a single button without connecting to a PC
• Video can also be recorded on a DVD disc in SD format
• MSRP of $899.95 and due in Septemeber

Perhaps what’s most impressive about these two new HD camcorders is the MSRP. With prices in the $900 to $1000 range, expect these camcorders to be priced below that during the holiday season with sales and promotions kicking in.

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Technorati Tags: Panasonic, HDC-SD5, HDC-SX5, HD

CNET has the inside scoop on Denon’s new 2007 lineup of A/V receivers. It’s an extensive new lineup - covering low end models all the way up to the a new high end flagship receiver. Let’s start with the new low end receivers with the AVR-1508, AVR-1708 and the AVR-1908.

The AVR-1508 features:

• Two HDMI 1.3a ports (video only)
• Price: $350 and due in September

The AVR-1708 features:

• Two HDMI 1.3a ports (video only)
• Feature Audyssey auto setup
• Upconversion to the component video output
• Price: $500 and due in September

The AVR-1908 features:

• True HDMI switching with video and audio support
• Feature Audyssey auto setup
• Upconversion to the component video output
• Price: $600 and due in September

Denon AVR-2308CI

• Supports HDMI upconversion (to 1080p via Faroudja scaling)
• Dual zone, dual source support - send separate audio sources to separate sources
• Basic second zone remote
• Price: $840 and due in August

Denon AVR-2808CI

• Similar to the AVR-2080CI but adds three zone, three source support
• Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• Preamp outputs
• Two component video outputs
• Add one additional video input, optical digital audio input, and optical digital audio output
• Price: $1250 and due in late July/early August

Denon AVR-3808CI

• Features Denon’s new graphical user interface
• Integrated digital media playback into the GUI showing album art and track information
• Ethernet port - allows users to log into the receiver and make adjustments remotely
• USB port
• Works with iTunes (requires TwonkyMedia which costs $40 dollars to download)
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Price: $1600 and due in July

Denon AVR-4308CI

• 140 watts x 7 channels
• HD Radio and XM ready tuning
• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio
• DDSC-HD digital Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuitry
• HDMI 1.3a ports with Deep Color and xvYCC support
• Pure Direct mode and Advanced AL24 processing multi channel
• Denon LINK III enabling high speed, high-grade digital signal transmission
• Adds 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi support
• Adds second zone component video output
• Four HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs
• Dedicated iPod port for optional ASD-1R D-dock
• Comes with dual remotes
• Price: $2500 and is now available

Denon AVR-5308CI

• Flagship model for Denon
• HQV Realta processor
• HDMI to HDMI scaling
• Six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs
• Price: $5200 and due in December

Technorati Tags: Denon, 2007 receivers, A/V receivers

(republished from Krunker.com)

Fans of the high end Sony ES line of receivers will be happy to hear that they have introduced three new models to the ES line. The new receivers are the STR-DRA5300ES, the STR-DA4300ES, and the STR-DA3300ES. These new models are fully compatible with the latest audio formats such as Dolby Digital +, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio, and dts HD Master Audio. The high end 5300ES comes with a whopping six HDMI inputs!

Common features found on all three new ES models include:

• Digital Media Port which allows integration of other accessories
• Support for iPod integration via iPod audio dock (TDM-iP1) and the digital media port
• Support for PC WiFi client for streaming digital music (TDM-NC1) to the receiver via the digital media port
• Support for the new Sony Bluetooth receiver to connect to various Bluetooth enabled devices
• Support for the Sony audio docking station (TDM-NW1) which is compatible with select Sony Network Walkman products
• Comes with the Cortez Advanced controller featuring Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology - upscales all video sources to 1080p via HDMI
• Supports 1080/60p and 24p video formats
• Supports BRAVIA Theatre Sync technology
• Digital Cinema auto calibration with stereo microphone
• Portable Audio Enhancer
• Sirius and XM Connect-and-Play ready

The STR-DA5300ES features:

• 120 watt amp (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz frequency response,, 0.09 percent THD)
• Accepts eight channel linear PCM
• First receiver to distribute high definition content to a second room (zone)
• Picture in picture for monitoring multi-zone output or an external video source
• Six “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (one output) that support Deep Color and x.v.Color technology
• Available in Sept for $1700

The STR-DA4300ES features:

• 100 watt amp (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20kHz frequency response, 0.09 percent THD)
• Accepts eight channel linear PCM
• Three “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs and one output - supports Deep Color and x.v.Color
• Available in October for $1300

The STR-DA3300ES features:

• 100 watt amp (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20kHz frequency response, 0.09 percent THD)
• Accepts eight channel linear PC
• Three “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (one output) that support x.v.Color technology
• Available in August for $1000

If I had the money, I’d consider the high end STR-DA5300ES model - if only because I could use those six HDMI inputs.

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Technorati Tags: Sony, Receivers, STR-DRA5300ES, STR-DA4300ES, STR-DA3300ES

If you’re wondering where things stand between Blu-ray and HD DVD currently, check out this comparison chart published by News.com whcih shows background information, and some early sales figures for the two competing formats. The numbers are interesting and of course somewhat misleading right now as Blu-ray is integrated into the Sony PS3 console. What is evident is the role the game consoles are playing in helping users choose a high def format. HD DVD has the slight edge when it comes to standalone players sold but Blu-ray has the edge in content availability of course and in backing.

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The Blu-ray retail camp just got a bit stronger as Sony has announced that Target plans to only carry Blu-ray players at least through the holiday season. Target will also expand its current inventory of Blu-ray discs to offer more selection to customers. According to Sony, the retail move will occur in October with Target selling the new Sony BDP-S300 player which sells for under $500 dollars.

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Technorati Tags: Target, Blu-ray

Those of you considering getting the Plextor Mini Digital HDTV Receiver might want to read the review published by LaptopMag. The Mini Digital HDTV Receiver (model PX-HDTV500U) connects to your PC’s available USB port and allows you to tune into over-the-air HDTV signals. Features include:

• Supports US DTV ATSC protocol
• Free Air-to-Air Digital Terrestrial TV and Audio Program Playing
• Automatic Channel Scanning
• Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
• Supports 4:3 and 16:9 ratios
• Measures 71.2 x 13.8 x 28.1 mm and weighs 19.8 grams

At $99 dollars, the Plextor HDTV tuner looks like a good deal but here’s the verdict from LaptopMag:

The Plextor Mini Digital HDTV Receiver delivers high-def goodness on the cheap, but you’d be better served with the $150 Hauppauge WinTV-PVR USB2. It costs more, but you get better software in more portable package.

Hmm you might want to check out the Pinnacle Systems HDTV tuners which are also available for USB 2.0.

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Technorati Tags: Plextor Mini Digital HDTV Receiver, PX-HDTV500U

Steve Tobak has published an interesting blog posting over at News.com entitled “HD Radio - what’s the holdup?”. He briefly talks about the background of HD Radio, how it came about, where it’s gone over the years, and what’s holding it up today. Definitely an interesting read if you’re curious to know more about HD Radio and how it all came about.

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Online high definition video streaming is finally here as ABC has launched a beta of their HD streaming player. The player, which is powered by Movie Networks, allows you to watch several ABC shows at a high definition resolution of 1280 x 720. You can check out the service now by going to this page and clicking on “Launch the Player”. You’ll need to install the ABC HD player and then select the HD streaming link to see the ABC shows available in HD.

The ABC HD player does have some minimum requirements that you’ll need to worry about. You’ll need a fast Internet connection (2 Mbps or more) and of course a pretty fast computer. A dual core processor with a 128MB graphics card and a large display is highly recommended by ABC.

Current shows available in HD include Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, and Ugly Betty. I took a quick look at Ugly Betty in HD and I must say the quality is quite good for online streaming content. It takes a few seconds for the entire video stream to reach it’s full throughput potential but the video quality upgrades gracefully as you pick up the throughput.

Congrats to ABC for paving the road to online HD streaming. You can read more about this on their development blog.

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Technorati Tags: ABC, HD streaming, HD Video

Samsung has announced four new Blu-ray products that are all due to launch later this year - one of which is the highly anticipated BD-UP5000 Duo HD Player which supports both Blu-ray and HD DVD media formats. The other three product announcements involve systems that play back only Blu-ray formats so let’s get to the details.

The Samsung BD-UP5000 Duo HD player has the following specs according to PC Magazine:

• Support for Blu-ray and HD DVD
• HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) processing
• 1080i to 1080p HD deinterlacing
• Support for HDi and BD-Java-based interactive menus

All great stuff but it appears we were all off the mark when it came down to pricing and timing. The Samsung BD-UP5000 Duo HD Player will come out during the fourth quarter of this year for a price of $1049. So much for the $500 dollar pricing that many suspected this player would come in at.

On the standalone front, Samsung will be releasing a third generation Blu-ray player in the form of the Samsung BD-P1400 which features:

• Blu-ray playback only
• Supports lossless DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD
• Supports 5.1 audio
• Ships in September for a price of $549

A higher end Blu-ray player coming from Samsung is the BD-P2400 which features:

• Blu-ray playback only
• HQV video processor - upscale DVD to 1080p over HDMI
• Supports lossless DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD
• Supports 7.1 channel audio
• Ships in October for a price of $649

Finally, Samsung is introducing a new home theater system called the HT-BD2 Home Theater Solution with Blu-ray. As the name implies, the all-in-one home-theater-in-a-box supports Blu-ray playback and comes in a piano black finish and blue LED accent lights. There’s also an active subwoofer with five tower and two satellite rear speakers. The system supports DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD. This system is due in the fourth quarter for a price of $1499.

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Technorati Tags: Samsung, Blu-ray, BD-UP5000 Duo HD Player, BD-P1400, BD-P2400, HT-BD2 Home Theater Solution with Blu-ray