Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/06/netflix-instant-streaming-demoed-on-playstation-3-video/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/06/netflix-instant-streaming-demoed-on-playstation-3-video/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/06/netflix-instant-streaming-demoed-on-playstation-3-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aw, suki suki now! Those Netflix instant streaming discs that started floating out to anxious PS3 owners yesterday are obviously splashing down, with YouTube user (and avid Engadget reader) otimus posting up a stellar walkthrough showing everything in action. We've got to admit -- the whole thing looks exceptionally sleek, but given the PS3's multimedia prowess, we didn't really expect anything less. He stated that he didn't notice any stuttering as he sifted through films and mashed play, and that any jitters you see in the video (after the break) can be blamed on the janky TV capture device. So, any others receive their disc today? How's the experience?

[Thanks, Otis]

Update: Our best buds over at Joystiq got some quality hands-on time with this (video is now after the break), so be sure and check it out!

Continue reading Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)

Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!) originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolegame consoleGameConsolenetflixplaystation 3Playstation3ps3ps3 netflixps3 streaming discPs3NetflixPs3StreamingDiscsonystreamingvideowatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 06 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[ViewSonic's VMP70 media player does 1080p for less than a hundie]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/05/viewsonics-vmp70-media-player-does-1080p-for-less-than-a-hundie/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/05/viewsonics-vmp70-media-player-does-1080p-for-less-than-a-hundie/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/05/viewsonics-vmp70-media-player-does-1080p-for-less-than-a-hundie/#commentsFiled under: ,

ViewSonic's VMP70 media player does 1080p for less than a hundie
The WD TV is still more or less the king of the tiny media player boxes, but now Viewsonic is getting into the game at a lower price point -- and minus the whole network compatibility bit. The VMP70 is a "direct connect" media device, so it will play content from your choice of USB-compatible storage, pumping it at up to 1080p to your display over HDMI or component cables, also sporting composite for lower-def fare. It packs an S/PDIF port to get clean audio, and supports a slew of formats including the usual suspects (DivX,Xvid,H.264) along with some slightly less usual ones (RM/RMVB, DTS, OGG). It's all available for an MSRP of $129.99, but order now and you'll get special holiday pricing of $98.99. Operators are standing by... somewhere... probably.

ViewSonic's VMP70 media player does 1080p for less than a hundie originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pcomponentcompositehdmimedia playerMediaPlayerspdifviewsonicviewsonic vmp70ViewsonicVmp70vmp70Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[OWC takes quad-interface Mercury Pro external BD burner to 12x]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/04/owc-takes-quad-interface-mercury-pro-external-bd-burner-to-12x/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/04/owc-takes-quad-interface-mercury-pro-external-bd-burner-to-12x/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/11/04/owc-takes-quad-interface-mercury-pro-external-bd-burner-to-12x/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pioneer's BDR-205 may not be hitting shelves in retail form until early next year, but those who desperately need a Blu-ray burner that outpaces the optical media currently available still have an option. OWC has today updated its long-standing Mercury Pro external BD drive -- which boasts FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0 and eSATA connection options -- with Pioneer's latest, giving it the ability to toast BD-Rs at up to 12x. Of course, you'll need lady luck on your side to actually find any media that'll support said rate, but hey, there's always the future. It's available today for $349.99, or $449.99 if you want Roxio Toast Titanium PRO bundled in.

[Via Macworld]

OWC takes quad-interface Mercury Pro external BD burner to 12x originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12xbdBDR-205blu-rayblu-ray burnerblu-ray driveblu-ray writerBlu-rayBurnerBlu-rayDriveBlu-rayWriterburnerexternal blu-ray driveExternalBlu-rayDrivemercury proMercuryProother world computingOtherWorldComputingowcpioneerwriterWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/28/jvc-joins-the-sub-200-blu-ray-player-game-with-ultrathin-xv-bp1/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/28/jvc-joins-the-sub-200-blu-ray-player-game-with-ultrathin-xv-bp1/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/28/jvc-joins-the-sub-200-blu-ray-player-game-with-ultrathin-xv-bp1/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sub-$200 Blu-ray players certainly aren't new -- heck, some guys have been doing it since the year 2008 -- but you'll never catch us kvetching about a little more competition. JVC has today introduced (in the briefest way possible, might we add) its newest Blu-ray player just ten months after deciding to play the BD game here in the States. The ultrathin (and "now available") XV-BP11 should slide into just about any AV rack, bringing Blu-ray / DVD playback, AVCHD support, HDMI 1.3, a USB socket and compatibility with a slew of audio formats. Curiously enough, the outfit doesn't bother to mention if this thing is Profile 2.0, but we're guessing (read: hoping) that it wouldn't do something as ludicrous as charge two bills for a Profile 1.1 deck in late 2009. Then again, we've seen zanier things go down...

Update: Ouch -- this thing is only Profile 1.1. Dud. [Thanks, Aaron!]

Continue reading JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11

JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avchdbdblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerhome entertainmentHomeEntertainmentjvcjvc XV-BP11JvcXv-bp11XV-BP11Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba's BDX2000 Blu-ray deck hits Best Buy for $199, sour grapes also on sale]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/26/toshibas-bdx2000-blu-ray-deck-hits-best-buy-for-199-sour-grap/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/26/toshibas-bdx2000-blu-ray-deck-hits-best-buy-for-199-sour-grap/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/26/toshibas-bdx2000-blu-ray-deck-hits-best-buy-for-199-sour-grap/#commentsFiled under: ,

Man, poor Toshiba. The company's already sucked up its pride and started putting Blu-ray drives in its laptops, but here's its first stab at a proper standalone player, the BDX2000, on Best Buy shelves a bit early for $199 -- or $50 less than its announced price. Sure, that makes sense given the falling prices of Blu-ray decks as the holidays approach, but even at that price it's not super competitive with the slew of other decks out there that can do Netflix streaming. We'll see if Tosh's next efforts are a little more interesting than this, or if this is just more heartbreak than its worth.

[Thanks, Alex]

Continue reading Toshiba's BDX2000 Blu-ray deck hits Best Buy for $199, sour grapes also on sale

Toshiba's BDX2000 Blu-ray deck hits Best Buy for $199, sour grapes also on sale originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdx2000best buyBestBuyblu-rayin the wildInTheWildon saleOnSaletoshibaMon, 26 Oct 2009 20:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/20/netflix-best-buy-deal-brings-watch-instantly-streaming-to-even/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/20/netflix-best-buy-deal-brings-watch-instantly-streaming-to-even/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/20/netflix-best-buy-deal-brings-watch-instantly-streaming-to-even/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Though they've been floating around retail channels for a few weeks, Best Buy and Netflix have finally made official a partnership bringing streaming to the latest Insignia Blu-ray players. The NS-BRDVD3 runs $179, while the NS-WBRDVD edition tosses in WiFi for $20 more, while they won't stream out of the box, a firmware update just made available should add all that Watch Instantly goodness. These two keep the (we'll be nice and call it plain) styling of earlier models, and likely live up to the family reputation of "basic Blu-ray playback at a bargain" reported on the second generation of players. Of course, the BD-P1600 offers more features and a nicer reputation at about the same price, but Reward Zone members may want to think twice, with AVS Forum posters mentioning the NS-BRDVD3 can be had for just $99.99 through the 24th. Decisions, decisions.

Read - Best Buy and Netflix Announce Partnership to Instantly Stream Movies Over the Internet Via Latest Models of Insignia Blu-ray Disc Players
Read - Save $50 On Select INSIGNIA(R) Connected Blu-ray Disc[TM] Players with Netflix [Via AVS Forum]

Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bd-p1600best buyBestBuyblu-rayinsignianetflixns-brdvd3ns-wbrdvdreward zoneRewardZonestreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyTue, 20 Oct 2009 22:23:00 EST<![CDATA[China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/13/china-blue-hd-crosses-over-to-the-uk-third-opium-war-inevitable/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/13/china-blue-hd-crosses-over-to-the-uk-third-opium-war-inevitable/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/13/china-blue-hd-crosses-over-to-the-uk-third-opium-war-inevitable/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've given HD DVD's bastard child China Blue HD its due for a good start in its native land, but now that U.K. Importer GBAX has made a few units available it's time for English language buyers to at least consider this Blu-ray alternative. Of course, with a £259.99 ($413.22 U.S.) pricetag for this plain TCL player, AV and HD cables, plus 14 CBHD movies (The Aviator, Blood Diamond, The Invasion, The Island, Flood, Poseidon & 8 Chinese-only flicks) to get you started the barrier to entry is high, but as shown in the unboxing / preview video -- embedded after the break, watch for ninjas -- the experience is very familiar. As Format War Central points out, the 220/240Hz power cord makes things complicated for the U.S. and other places outside Europe, but hardcore HD DVD holdouts are used to a world filled with only Warner and Universal movies already, so why not give the other blue laser flavor a try?

[Via Format War Central]

Continue reading China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable

China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblue laserBlueLasercbhdchina blue hdChinaBlueHdeueuropeformatformat warFormatWarhigh definitionHighDefinitionimportoptical discoptical disksOpticalDiscOpticalDisksplayerspoundstclukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomTue, 13 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's 5.1 HB954SP Blu-ray HTIB system makes room for your iPod or iPhone]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/10/lgs-5-1-hb954sp-blu-ray-htib-system-makes-room-for-your-ipod-or/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/10/lgs-5-1-hb954sp-blu-ray-htib-system-makes-room-for-your-ipod-or/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/10/10/lgs-5-1-hb954sp-blu-ray-htib-system-makes-room-for-your-ipod-or/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've somehow managed to hold out from joining into the HTIB revolution, the time for caving is upon you. LG has just tapped Sir Mark Levinson to engineer the acoustics behind its latest bundle, the HB954SP. Packing a 5.1-channel sound system that includes 1,000 total watts of power, a quintet of oval drivers and a ported subwoofer, the system gets direction from a BD-Live-enabled Blu-ray player that's actually a fair bit more stylish than the tried-and-true black rectangle. You'll also find a pair of HDMI inputs, an iDock function for charging and controlling your iPod / iPhone right from the BD deck, 1080p upscaling of traditional DVDs, touch sensitive controls, a USB port for loading up external media and an optical audio input. There's nary a mention of price, but it should splash down this November for a hefty premium.

LG's 5.1 HB954SP Blu-ray HTIB system makes room for your iPod or iPhone originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobdblu-rayblu-ray htibblu-ray playerBlu-rayHtibBlu-rayPlayerHB954SPhome theaterHomeTheaterhtibiphone accessoryIphoneAccessoryipod accessoryipod dockIpodAccessoryIpodDocklgMark LevinsonMarkLevinsonsoundsound systemSoundSystemspeakerspeakersupconvertingupscalingSat, 10 Oct 2009 08:14:00 EST<![CDATA[The Popcorn Hour C-200 media streamer makes its way into the wild]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/19/the-popcorn-hour-c-200-media-streamer-makes-its-way-into-the-wil/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/19/the-popcorn-hour-c-200-media-streamer-makes-its-way-into-the-wil/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/19/the-popcorn-hour-c-200-media-streamer-makes-its-way-into-the-wil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Popcorn Hour C-200 media streamer
It looks like Popcorn Hour's C-200 media streamer is making its way into end-users' hands, so prepare yourself for a flurry of reviews. Our friend Brent over at GeekTonic should be jumping into the fray soon, and has kicked things off with a preview. Yeah, the C-200 is bigger than its sibling A-100, but it brings so much to the table that we'd say Popcorn Hour has packed in just as much -- if not more -- goodness per cubic inch. With space available for a hard and/or Blu-ray drive, wired and wireless networking, and USB ports to round out the input connectivity, the C-200 then adds a smorgasbord of codec support just to make sure your bits will survive the translation back into entertainment. With the "it plays anything" kind of capability the C-200 is promising, we've got a feeling that a positive review or two might be the only thing standing between us and a $300 dent in our credit cards.

[Via ZatzNotFunny]

The Popcorn Hour C-200 media streamer makes its way into the wild originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brent evansBrentEvansc 200c-200C200geektonicmedia streamerMediaStreamernetworked media tankNetworkedMediaTankpopcorn hourpopcorn hour c-200PopcornHourPopcornHourC-200previewsigmaSat, 19 Sep 2009 02:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Denon keeps high-end covered with AVR-4810CI receiver, DBP-4010CI universal Blu-ray player and ASD-51 iPod docks]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/17/denon-keeps-high-end-covered-with-avr-4810ci-receiver-dbp-4010c/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/17/denon-keeps-high-end-covered-with-avr-4810ci-receiver-dbp-4010c/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/17/denon-keeps-high-end-covered-with-avr-4810ci-receiver-dbp-4010c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Denon AVR-4810CI receiver and DBP-4010UDCI universal Blu-ray player
Denon loyalists may have been stinging from the company's no-show at last week's CEDIA Expo, but the latest round of releases should help ease the pain. Here we go with the AVR-4810CI receiver, DBP-4010DCI universal disc player and ASD-51 iPod docks. The 9.3-channel AVR-4810CI ($2,999) looks to be the successor to Denon's popular 4308CI -- feature packed and definitely on the high end of the spectrum. Six HDMI 1.3a inputs, a pair of outputs, 140-Watts to nine channels, and the familiar set of features being rolled out across Denon's lineup: Anchor Bay video processing, Audyssey DSX and Dolby ProLogic IIz. Denon wants you to know it will pair up just fine with the DBP-4010UDCI universal disc spinner, which you should think of as a cheaper -- but at $1,999, not a "poor man's" -- DVD-A1UDCI. It'll play back just about every disc you've got (okay, maybe not laserdisc), and the build quality ensures it'll do so until after your physical media has turned to dust. Finally, Denon has also brought out the ASD-51W and ASD-51N iPod docks that also let you pull in internet radio, Napster and Rhapsody -- grab up the ASD-51W if you want to do that sans wires. As you'd expect from "CI" (custom integrator) designation on these bits of fun, everything is getting in on the network control and connectivity game, but we'll leave it for you to suss out those finer details after the break.

Continue reading Denon keeps high-end covered with AVR-4810CI receiver, DBP-4010CI universal Blu-ray player and ASD-51 iPod docks

Denon keeps high-end covered with AVR-4810CI receiver, DBP-4010CI universal Blu-ray player and ASD-51 iPod docks originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asd-51nasd-51wav receiveravravr-4810ciAvReceiverblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerdbp-4010cidenondenon asd-51ndenon asd-51wdenon avr-4810cidenon dbp-4010ciDenonAsd-51nDenonAsd-51wDenonAvr-4810ciDenonDbp-4010ciiPod dockIpodDockreceiveruniversal blu-ray playeruniversal playerUniversalBlu-rayPlayerUniversalPlayerThu, 17 Sep 2009 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Seagate launches FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/15/seagate-launches-freeagent-theater-hd-media-player-we-go-hands/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/15/seagate-launches-freeagent-theater-hd-media-player-we-go-hands/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/15/seagate-launches-freeagent-theater-hd-media-player-we-go-hands/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Remember when Seagate introduced its Betamax-esque FreeAgent Theater HD way back at CES this year? Of course not -- you were locked onto the Palm Pre keynote. At any rate, the next generation of that very device somehow made it through the product development stage and now sits in our very hands, and we have to say, it's no more modern in person than it is in press shots. Equipped with the usual assortment of ports (HDMI, component, composite, Toslink, Ethernet and two USB) ports, the FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player gets all of its content from a FreeAgent Go USB 2.0 hard drive (sold separately or in a bundle) or whatever you shove into those USB sockets. You can count on 1080p output and a pretty standard UI, and while it's wired-or-die right now, Seagate's hoping to pop out a USB WiFi adapter ($69.99) for it next month.

We've yet to really put this player through its paces, but we can say for sure that it's not made for abuse. The mostly-plastic box is staggeringly light, and one drop from atop your AV rack could lead to utter disaster. Furthermore, this is really only useful for those wound tightly around Seagate's finger; the bulk of its functionality relies on having a FreeAgent USB drive at your disposal, and if you've selected any other portable HDD, you'll have to deal with connecting it the old fashion way and ditching the "clean look." At $149.99 sans an HDD, it's one of the cheaper options on the market, but it still can't beat Popcorn Hour's heralded lineup when it comes to value and format support. Those looking for an all-in-one deal can opt for the $289.99 bundle, which throws in a 500GB FreeAgent Go drive. Have a look at retro exemplified in the gallery below.

Seagate launches FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresfreeagentFreeAgent Theater FreeAgent Theater plusFreeagentTheater FreeagentTheaterPlushands-onhd media playerhd media serverhd streamingHdMediaPlayerHdMediaServerHdStreamingmedia playermedia serverMediaPlayerMediaServerpicspicturesseagatestreamingTue, 15 Sep 2009 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony network Blu-ray player spied at CEDIA]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/12/sony-network-blu-ray-player-spied-at-ces/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/12/sony-network-blu-ray-player-spied-at-ces/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/12/sony-network-blu-ray-player-spied-at-ces/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Why wait 'til October to get a peek at Sony's BRAVIA Internet features come to Blu-ray on the BDP-N460? Check them out right now in the following gallery, we got a good look at the future on the CEDIA show floor, though whether Sony delivering all new hardware or everyone else's strategy of upgrading existing players for Netflix, Amazon and other forms of streaming is the path to follow remains to be seen. The BDP-N460 should hit for about $250 starting next month.

Gallery: Sony BDP-N460 Network Blu-ray player

Sony network Blu-ray player spied at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raybraviacediacedia 2009Cedia2009internetsonystreamingSat, 12 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[JVC's TH-BA1 and TH-SB100 soundbar systems fill out 4.1-channels]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/11/jvcs-th-ba1-and-th-sb100-soundbar-systems-fill-out-4-1-channels/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/11/jvcs-th-ba1-and-th-sb100-soundbar-systems-fill-out-4-1-channels/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/11/jvcs-th-ba1-and-th-sb100-soundbar-systems-fill-out-4-1-channels/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

JVC TH-BA1 soundbar
Back in January, JVC slated its TH-SB100 soundbar + subwoofer + Blu-ray player system as "3.1-channel," which kind of made sense since the soundbar housed LCR drivers. There's been something funny in the punch since then, because the TH-SB100 has morphed into something with 4.1-channel status. It's still a soundbar system, but JVC is using magic called "front surround" to get the outermost drivers to handle the left/right channels and the inside two drivers to handle the center + surround audio. It sounds crazy to us, but we'll try to keep an open mind because otherwise things look pretty good -- 220-Watts total, wireless subwoofer, and Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II and DTS processing in the soundbar. If all you've already got a Blu-ray player, opt for the $400 TH-BA1 (soundbar + sub only), otherwise get onboard with Blu-ray and grab the $700 TH-SB100 (complete with Blu-ray deck).

JVC's TH-BA1 and TH-SB100 soundbar systems fill out 4.1-channels originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.1blu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayercediacedia 2009Cedia2009htibjvcjvc th-ba1jvc th-sb100JvcTh-ba1JvcTh-sb100soundbarth-ba1th-sb100Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[NAD doubles its Blu-ray fleet with new flagship M56 player]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/11/nad-doubles-its-blu-ray-fleet-with-new-flagship-m56-player/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/11/nad-doubles-its-blu-ray-fleet-with-new-flagship-m56-player/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/11/nad-doubles-its-blu-ray-fleet-with-new-flagship-m56-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NAD M56 Blu-ray player
Until now, if you wanted a Blu-ray deck with the NAD (New Audio Dimensions, smart guy) logo, you could either pony up the $1,500 for the T587 or get familiar with silk-screening your own faceplate. But now, a $1,999 option from NAD's Master Series has opened up for you in the M56. Back in the day, we had some pretty nice NAD stereo gear, but those pieces always stood for good value -- and unfortunately, we can't say we're seeing the same value proposition here. Aside from the overbuilt chassis construction , the specs add up to a Profile 2.0 player that can dole out Blu-ray's lossless audio via bitstream, LPCM or 7.1-channel analog jacks and play back media via a USB port; in other words, the standard feature set for a reasonably "complete" Blu-ray player these days. If you really need something that fits style-wise into your current rack full of NAD gear, go for it; otherwise consider some alternatives -- including getting back into silk-screening.

NAD doubles its Blu-ray fleet with new flagship M56 player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayercediacedia 2009Cedia2009m 56m56nadnad m 56nad m56NadM56profile 2.0Profile2.0Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sherwood BDP-5004 Blu-ray player moves up to Profile 2.0, down to $200]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/sherwood-bdp-5004-blu-ray-player-moves-up-to-profile-2-0-down-t/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/sherwood-bdp-5004-blu-ray-player-moves-up-to-profile-2-0-down-t/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/sherwood-bdp-5004-blu-ray-player-moves-up-to-profile-2-0-down-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sherwood logoIt sounds like Sherwood took critical reviews of its BDP-5003 Blu-ray player to heart when it worked up the plans for the successor. The BDP-5004 is taking a bow at CEDIA in advance of its October release, and the wrongs have been righted -- it's a Profile 2.0 player with onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, it has 5.1-channel analog outputs around back so you can get some more miles out of your old receiver, and it's targeted for just a nickel under $200. If that's still not enough for you, how does DiVX support through a front-panel USB port sound? If you can't bring yourself to consider a deck that doesn't do the online streaming thing, though, keep looking.

Sherwood BDP-5004 Blu-ray player moves up to Profile 2.0, down to $200 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you thought Toshiba's IFA Blu-ray showing was weak, consider its CEDIA display: simply a BDX2000 player connected to nothing at all. We understand, the format war was long and bitter, but c'mon Tosh, you could at least act excited about offering customers 1080p disc players again.

Gallery: Toshiba BDX2000 Blu-ray player

Toshiba BDX2000 Blu-ray player seen slumming it at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdx2000blu-raycediacedia 2009Cedia2009toshibaThu, 10 Sep 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VUDU equips LG's BD390 Blu-ray player with movie streaming abilities]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/09/vudu-equips-lgs-bd390-blu-ray-player-with-movie-streaming-abili/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/09/vudu-equips-lgs-bd390-blu-ray-player-with-movie-streaming-abili/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/09/vudu-equips-lgs-bd390-blu-ray-player-with-movie-streaming-abili/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LG's WiFi-enabled, DivX-friendly BD390 Blu-ray player has been shipping here in the States since May, but not until now have you really had a reason to pick one up. Here at CEDIA, VUDU is taking one step further away from its standalone movie set-top-box by announcing that the aforementioned deck will become the first of its kind to tap into VUDU's growing library of on-demand film rentals. Of course, adding VUDU to this player was a natural move given the built-in Ethernet port, though users will have to wait until the end of this month to suck down the free update. In case you're wondering, the VUDU interface on LG's player will be the same as the one found on the company's own hardware (not to mention a few LG HDTVs), and the $399 price point will remain the same even after the new functionality is added.

Continue reading VUDU equips LG's BD390 Blu-ray player with movie streaming abilities

VUDU equips LG's BD390 Blu-ray player with movie streaming abilities originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See that? That's a $3,200 CD player, which will be impossible to justify for pretty much anyone not featured on Joan Rivers' newest TV show. Designed and produced by Grant Fidelity, the CD-1000 Impression II packs a high-end Sanyo CD drive, tube analog output, tube headphone amplifier and a rather basic display screen, while the "anti-vibration aluminum chassis" tries as hard as it can to look both unorthodox and absurdly expensive. It's hard to say if your burnt MP3 discs will actually sound better on this thing (okay, so they won't), but at least you can rest easy knowing that shipping on this 50 pound beast is completely gratis.

[Via OhGizmo]

Grant Fidelity's $3,200 Impression II weds CD player, tube amp and overkill originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocdcd playerCD-1000CdPlayerexpensiveGrant FidelityGrantFidelityhome audioHomeAudioimpression 2impression IIImpression2ImpressionIiluxurymusictubeWed, 09 Sep 2009 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips gets stylish with BDP9500 and BDP7500 Blu-ray players]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/04/philips-gets-stylish-with-bdp9500-and-bdp7500-blu-ray-players/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/04/philips-gets-stylish-with-bdp9500-and-bdp7500-blu-ray-players/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/04/philips-gets-stylish-with-bdp9500-and-bdp7500-blu-ray-players/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Philips has definitely shifted most of its consumer electronics efforts into continents not named North America, but given that IFA's taking place in Berlin, it makes sense to see so much new kit flowing from the company. The latest wares to make their debut on the show floor is the BDP9500 and BDP7500 Blu-ray players, both of which handle 7.1 audio with poise and offer up 1080p video playback for those with BD libraries. The flagship 9500 also includes a Qdeo video processor and a sleek aluminum shell, not to mention Burr-Brown analog-to-digital converters and DVD upscaling for those other movies. There's no mention of pricing and availability just yet, but with the holiday shopping season just around the bend, we'd guess the folks at Philips are working hard to get these out on the double [Warning: PDF read link]

Philips gets stylish with BDP9500 and BDP7500 Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba may have finally bitten the bullet and announced a Blu-ray player, but it's not about to give up on the XDE DVD upscaling technology borne out of the format war, and it's now rolled out its latest XDE player alongside its Blu counterpart to balance things out a bit. As with the previous XD-E500 model, the new XDE600KE player promises to upscale your DVDs to full 1080p with noticeably better results than a standard upscaler, and give you all the features you'd expect from a non-bargain priced DVD player, including a full complement of outputs, and Toshiba's own Regza Link technology for all your Regza needs. Also new to this model is a USB port, which will let you view pictures, play MP3s and, yes, even DivX movies. No word on a price just yet, but Toshiba says it'll be available sometime this fall -- in Europe, at least. Head on past the break for a few more pics.

Continue reading Toshiba announces new and improved XDE600KE DVD player

Toshiba announces new and improved XDE600KE DVD player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goldmund Eidos Reference BlueYou knew it was only a matter of time before Goldmund jumped in on the Blu-ray bandwagon, and the result as just as ridiculous as you'd expect. The new Eidos Reference Blue -- yes, it's spelled with an "e" -- is a universal Blu-ray playback system that puts heavy (literally) emphasis on damping down all vibrations. Didn't you know that much like the needle on the old Edison cylinders you're still clinging to, those digital bits just hate to be shaken around? Well, the 180-pound Eidos Reference Blue will put a stop to that nonsense. High end decks from mere mortal companies have nothing on this player that must have been woven by especially dexterous unicorn hooves -- it's so exclusive that the 50 produced units will only be offered to Goldmund subscribers; if you haven't heard of said club, you won't be getting one. We all know the first rule of Goldmund club, right?

Goldmund enters universal Blu-ray player space in typically gaudy fashion originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finally, it's official and in our hands for a review. Now you decide, with the addition of HDMI-CEC, bitstreaming for the latest codecs, and in a quieter smaller case (although it might be a little slower loading, for now) the PlayStation 3 Slim is better and cheaper than ever for your home theater. So let us know, is that enough to get you to purchase one?

View Poll

Poll: Will you buy a PS3 Slim to use as a Blu-ray player? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstation 3Playstation3pollpollsps3ps3 slimPs3SlimsonySat, 29 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Slim bitstreams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio, at last]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/21/ps3-slim-bitsreams-dolby-truehd-and-dts-hd-ma-audio-at-last/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/21/ps3-slim-bitsreams-dolby-truehd-and-dts-hd-ma-audio-at-last/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/21/ps3-slim-bitsreams-dolby-truehd-and-dts-hd-ma-audio-at-last/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Slowly, ever so slowly we're beginning to learn about the internal differences between Sony's new PS3 Slim and its chubby ancestry. We already knew that it supported BraviaLink while talk of "faster gaming" was introduced (suspiciously) yesterday; something that remains very much in doubt until we can confirm. Now we hear that the fatboy gone slim supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream output to your receiver. Hear that audio nerds? Bitstream. See the HDMI chip on previous generations of the PS3 didn't support bitstream output of the new(ish) high def codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. As such, the PS3 had to decode it internally before sending it over to your receiver via LPCM. A process that could garble the lossless audio depending on your setup. Even though the vast majority of people will never notice the difference (or even care), PS3 Slim owners can still kick back in smug satisfaction each time the TrueHD or DTS-HD MA indicators light-up on their receivers.

PS3 Slim bitstreams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio, at last originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioaudiophilebitstreambitstreamingbreaking newsBreakingNewscodecdecodedolby truehdDolbyTruehdDTS-hd maDTS-HD master audioDts-hdMaDts-hdMasterAudioplaystation 3Playstation3ps3ps3 slimPs3SlimFri, 21 Aug 2009 01:53:00 EST<![CDATA[McIntosh sneaks MVP881BR universal BD player into its lineup]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/mcintosh-sneaks-mvp881br-universal-bd-player-into-its-lineup/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/mcintosh-sneaks-mvp881br-universal-bd-player-into-its-lineup/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/20/mcintosh-sneaks-mvp881br-universal-bd-player-into-its-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McIntosh MVP881BR universal player
You didn't really think that McIntosh would let its sister company, Denon, court all the well-heeled Blu-ray shoppers, did you? The company that has long stuck by blue lighting has added the MVP881BR universal Blu-ray player (Blu-ray, SACD, DVD-A, DVD and CD) to its lineup; a perfect match for the company's Blu-ray ready MX150AV controller. As you'd expect from McIntosh, the specs are top-notch without being tech-laden, with Profile 2.0, onboard lossless decoding, analog outputs and 32-bit DACs making the cut. No word on bitstreaming support, but we'd be shocked if the McIntosh unit went missing a checkmark that the Denon flagship deck hits -- in fact, given the engineering that was poured into the Denon, we'd be surprised if the McIntosh wasn't a variation (including chiclet buttons) on the DVD-A1UDCI. No pricing info, but if you make it past the McIntosh velvet rope, money's not a problem.

McIntosh sneaks MVP881BR universal BD player into its lineup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't think you can sell the kids short anymore, keeping the Blu-ray copy at home and taking DVD rips on the road, now that Panasonic is ready to deliver its in-dash Blu-ray player and 7-inch HD screen packing nav unit in September. We got a good peek at these back in April and the specs haven't changed, with the Profile 1.1 Bonus View compatible CY-BB1000D taking care of Blu-ray duties and featuring the same UniPhier guts as the company's line of living room Blu-ray players. The CN-HX3000D is a WXGA 1280x720p 7-inch LED backlit widescreen display ready to play back media via standard HDMI, iPod connector, SD card or its digital TV tuner, powered by Windows Automotive with navigation duties assisted by Google Maps and Yahoo! Japan. The CY-BB1000D is ¥99,750 ($1,057) and the CN-HX3000D is ¥365,400 ($3,872), and both arrive September 10 in Japan. We'll let you decide if around 5 grand is a good price for the in car HD experience (might want to look at custom mounting a DMP-B15, $800 and you can take it with you.)

Read - CYBB1000D
Read - CN-HX3000D

Panasonic in-dash HD nav system & Blu-ray player ready to ship, are you ready for the price? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotivebonus viewBonusViewcn-hx3000dcy-bb1000dhead unitHeadUnitin carin-dashInCarnav unitNavUnitpanasonicuniphierwindows automotiveWindowsAutomotiveThu, 20 Aug 2009 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[WD TV Mini loses Full HD, but remains a handy Media Player]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/18/wd-tv-mini-loses-full-hd-but-remains-a-handy-media-player/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/18/wd-tv-mini-loses-full-hd-but-remains-a-handy-media-player/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/18/wd-tv-mini-loses-full-hd-but-remains-a-handy-media-player/#commentsFiled under: ,


While we wait excitedly for Western Digital to update its HD Media Player, the company has decided to add another, value-minded product to its media player range. Working along the same lines as the HD unit, The WD TV Mini serves as a conduit between your TV set and USB-connected storage -- whether it be a camcorder, an external HDD or a humble flash drive -- and plays back a vast array of digital media formats. The Mini part to its name refers to its diminutive 91 x 91 x 22 mm footprint, but being the younger sibling also means it loses a couple of the premium features, namely HDMI and full 1080p, though that drop-off isn't too steep with 1080i and composite plus component outputs serving as alternatives. It's available now for $99.

WD TV Mini loses Full HD, but remains a handy Media Player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080idigital media playerDigitalMediaPlayermedia playerMediaPlayerWDWD TVWD TV MiniWdTvWdTvMiniWestern DigitalWesternDigitalTue, 18 Aug 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Court injunction puts sales of RealDVD on ice, hopes and dreams in purgatory]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/12/court-injunction-puts-sales-of-realdvd-on-ice-hopes-and-dreams/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/12/court-injunction-puts-sales-of-realdvd-on-ice-hopes-and-dreams/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/12/court-injunction-puts-sales-of-realdvd-on-ice-hopes-and-dreams/#commentsFiled under: ,


Something tells us Kaleidescape has a man (or woman, to be fair) on the inside, else United States District Court Judge Marilyn Patel is just downright trifilin'. In every visible way, RealNetworks' proposed RealDVD player was exactly what Kaleidescape was, but for people with annual salaries far less than $9,854,392,220. Regardless of our opinion, a preliminary injunction has just been passed down from The Almighty in the robe, which blocks the sale of the RealDVD software here in the US. The six major movie studies filed the suit last September, alleging that it "illegally violated their right to restrict the use of their movies in digital form." Evidently those that matter agree. A RealNetworks spokesperson took the time to vent their feelings on the whole ordeal, and since we know you're curious, we've pasted it below for your convenience.
We are disappointed that a preliminary injunction has been placed on the sale of RealDVD. We have just received the Judge's detailed ruling and are reviewing it. After we have done so fully, we'll determine our course of action and will have more to say at that time.
[Via Electronista]

Court injunction puts sales of RealDVD on ice, hopes and dreams in purgatory originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'd already heard that Toshiba -- the outfit best known for solidly backing HD DVD during the two-year format war of the early 21st century -- was preparing to swallow its pride and kick out a Blu-ray player by the year's end, but now it's official. The outfit just announced moments ago that it has "applied for membership of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and plans to introduce products that support the Blu-ray format." Sadly, Tosh doesn't bother to mention exactly what kinds of BD-capable wares it hopes to produce, nor is it ready to disclose product launch time frames. We'd tell you exactly how it wants us to just be patient and all, but you're probably better off hearing it directly from the horse's trap:
"In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA. Toshiba aims to introduce digital products that support the Blu-ray format, including BD players and notebook PCs integrating BD drives, in the course of this year. Details of the products, including the timing of regional launches, are now under consideration. We will make announcements in due course."

Toshiba applies for BDA admission, Blu-ray players and laptops coming soon originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'd heard VIZIO's VBR100 BD-Live ready (& timed Wal-mart exclusive) Blu-ray player would be making an appearance this month, and our friends over at FormatWarCentral have not only spotted the rare bird in the wild, but brought one home and performed a video unboxing for all to experience. Be prepared for bad news like a lack of high definition cables included in the $178 package, though coax and optical audio outputs plus the too often-forgotten rear mounted USB port are welcome bonuses. Still avoiding the potential trampling issue at Wal-mart? Other stores should have a similar VBR110 model soon, check the video beyond the link or embedded after the break and imagine the packaging splayed about your own living room.

Continue reading VIZIO VBR100 Blu-ray player freed from superstore confines, unboxed on video

VIZIO VBR100 Blu-ray player freed from superstore confines, unboxed on video originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take this rumor with a fairly large grain of salt and please hold your "bag of hurt" comments until the end. Boy Genius claims he's got it on word from a "pretty reliable source" that the next big iTunes revision will include better organization options for your iPhone / iPod touch apps, something vague concerning integration with Twitter, Facebook, and Last.fm, and... Blu-ray support. To be fair, the HD disc format wars are all but over at this point, and the most recent Final Cut Pro actually lets you burn video directly to a third-party BD drive, only to have to play the discs on another, non-Mac device. This is all pretty sketch at the moment, and we doubt the boys in Cupertino will be showing their hands until just after the eleventh hour -- let's not forget, also, that iTunes is also available for Windows which does have other third-party Blu-ray players. In possibly related whispers, AppleInsider has offered some none-too-descriptive hints at possible iMac refresh with some improvements catering to the "semi-professional audio / video crowd." Between this and talk about a tablet, we can't wait for the next Apple press conference, if only to subside all the rumors for a few months.

Update: Our resident HD expert Ben Drawbaugh has chimed in on the matter, hypothesizing that this might be referring to support for Managed Copy, a digitized (and DRM restricted) copy of the film that you would save onto your local hard drive. But in that scenario, it still doesn't behoove Apple to add that to iTunes unless it was looking to put Blu-ray drives on its own machines, which makes this (still very faint) rumor all the more interesting.

Read - Apple iTunes 9 details, Blu-ray, app organization
Read - Apple's next iMacs rumored with compelling new features

Blu-ray support coming with iTunes 9? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebdblu rayblu-rayBluRayfacebookitunesitunes 9Itunes9last fmlast.fmLastFmrumorrumorstwitterSat, 08 Aug 2009 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic finally gets around to enabling Amazon VOD on 2009 Blu-ray players]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/panasonic-finally-gets-around-to-enabling-amazon-vod-on-2009-blu/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/panasonic-finally-gets-around-to-enabling-amazon-vod-on-2009-blu/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/08/04/panasonic-finally-gets-around-to-enabling-amazon-vod-on-2009-blu/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Don't let us rush you Panasonic. But we were expecting Amazon VOD streaming capability when the DMP-BD60, BD70V, BD80 and the B15 Blu-ray players launched, then later were told it would be available by May. Now, in early August, comes word that a new firmware update has enabled access on all players (including the over 1000 HD selections on the service.) We know a few of you probably couldn't live without the DMP-BD70V and its Blu-ray / VHS combo, are you finding the new Amazon access included in the VIERA Cast streaming satisfactory for your needs?

Panasonic finally gets around to enabling Amazon VOD on 2009 Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Levinson No. 500H-series amplififers
When most people with sub-seven figure incomes hear "Harman," they think "Kardon." High-enders with more... advantageous... economic situations might think of names like Mark Levinson, Revel and Lexicon. For them, the Harman Specialty Group is rolling out some appropriately over-the-top gear to go along with the Lexicon BD-30 Blu-ray deck. The Mark Levinson No. 500H-series amplifiers continue with the familiar tower design, but tout new circuit topology -- we're assuming Class H -- into the various multichannel models, with the top-dog 535H punching out 1,000-Watts. On the speaker side of the house, Revel is bringing the Ultima Rhythm2 and Performa B150 powered subwoofers to the party. Revel considerately throws in amplifiers (2,400-Watts for the Ultima and 1,200 for the Performa) rather than forcing you to pick up another Mark Levinson amp. Pricing undetermined, but you can look to other offerings from these brands for suitably stratospheric guidance.

Harman Specialty Group shows off new gear to bust your wallet originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>531h532h533h535hamplifierbd-30blu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerharmanlexiconlexicon bd-30LexiconBd-30mark levinsonmark levinson 531hmark levinson 532hmark levinson 533hmark levinson 535hMarkLevinsonMarkLevinson531hMarkLevinson532hMarkLevinson533hMarkLevinson535hno. 500hNo.500hperforma b150PerformaB150revelrevel performa b150revel ultima rhythm2RevelPerformaB150RevelUltimaRhythm2speakerssubwooferultima rhythm2UltimaRhythm2Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Marantz $6K UD9004 Blu-ray player now shipping]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/31/marantz-6k-ud9004-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/31/marantz-6k-ud9004-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/31/marantz-6k-ud9004-blu-ray-player-now-shipping/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We finally got a peek at the new BD-Live capable Blu-ray player from Marantz a couple of weeks ago, but you should be able to take a peek at the UD9004 yourself, as it began shipping today. For a cool six grand, give or take, the all in one CD, SACD, DVD Audi and Blu-ray playing beast can be yours, complete with internal HD audio decoding, Silicon Optix Realta chipset, 7.1 analog outputs and more. Check out all the specs and details in the press release after the break, though we suspect many of you are wondering just how many Oppo BDP-83 players that $5,999 MSRP could buy.

Continue reading Marantz $6K UD9004 Blu-ray player now shipping

Marantz $6K UD9004 Blu-ray player now shipping originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bd-liveblu-raymarantzplayerrealtaud9004Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Onkyo shows pride in its DV-BD507 Blu-ray player with lofty $449 price tag]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/29/onkyo-shows-pride-in-its-dv-bd507-blu-ray-player-with-lofty-449/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/29/onkyo-shows-pride-in-its-dv-bd507-blu-ray-player-with-lofty-449/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/29/onkyo-shows-pride-in-its-dv-bd507-blu-ray-player-with-lofty-449/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Onkyo's never been one to dabble in the Blu-ray bargain basement, but with BD decks selling for well under the $200 mark, we're wondering what kind of secret sauce is boxed in with the DV-BD507. The outfit's latest Profile 2.0 player doesn't sound too special based on specs alone, as it supports HDMI 1.3a, 1080p output, BD-Live functionality and BonusView features just like every other respectable rival on the market already. Sure, we can't say we don't appreciate its innate ability to process AVCHD files stored on SD / SDHC cards or toasted DVDs, but even on a good day we can't justify the $449 MSRP. Maybe it's upgradable to 3D... or something. Fancy rear shot is waiting after the break.

Continue reading Onkyo shows pride in its DV-BD507 Blu-ray player with lofty $449 price tag

Onkyo shows pride in its DV-BD507 Blu-ray player with lofty $449 price tag originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acvhdbdbd livebd-liveBdLiveblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerDV-BD507onkyoprofile 2.0Profile2.0Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Brando HD Media Player Docking Station does multi-format 1080p ]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/27/brando-hd-media-player-docking-station-does-multi-format-1080p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/27/brando-hd-media-player-docking-station-does-multi-format-1080p/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/27/brando-hd-media-player-docking-station-does-multi-format-1080p/#commentsFiled under:


It seems that Brando can't go a month without bringing out yet another slightly-improved domicile for your orphaned SATA HDDs. Following in the footsteps of the very recent Multimedia Dock, the latest unit adds H.264 decoding to the already present DivX, Xvid and MPEG-4, while output graduates to full 1080p. Featuring HDMI and a plethora of supported media formats, the humble docking station has certainly grown up, but is it enough to compete with standalone media players? Input flexibility would suggest so -- the new device accepts 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives, alongside USB flash memory, SD, MMC, and MS cards -- but alas, Brando loses the plot at the final hurdle, asking for an astronomical $199. With prettier alternatives available at half the price, this is unlikely to sell like hotcakes, but Brando's breakneck refresh cycle give us the feeling it won't be long before we see that perfect do-it-all dock.

Brando HD Media Player Docking Station does multi-format 1080p originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pBrandoBrando hdd dockBrandoHddDockdockdocking stationDockingStationFull HDFullHdhdd dockHddDockHDMIHDMI 1.3Hdmi1.3media playerMediaPlayermemory stickMemoryStickMMCMSmulticard readerMulticardReadersata hdd dockSataHddDockSDHCMon, 27 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's new MegaChanger and ES Blu-ray players in the flesh]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/24/sonys-new-megachanger-and-es-blu-ray-players-in-the-flesh/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/24/sonys-new-megachanger-and-es-blu-ray-players-in-the-flesh/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/24/sonys-new-megachanger-and-es-blu-ray-players-in-the-flesh/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While nothing here solves Blu-ray's number one problem, price, there's no denying Sony's got some fun tech on display in its new 400 disc Blu-ray MegaChanger and the new BDP-S1000ES single disc Blu-ray player with WiFi. The MegaChanger presents a lovable XMB-style, Gracenote-powered onscreen menu for sorting through all the media stashed in your MegaChanger, and the S1000ES packs in 802.11n for BD-Live, along with premium analog outs and some dashing good looks for the well-heeled enthusiasts. $1,900 and $700 of respective awesomeness? Well, that's up to you decide.

Sony's new MegaChanger and ES Blu-ray players in the flesh originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BDP-CX7000ESbdp-s1000esblu-rayfeatureshands-onmultichangersonyFri, 24 Jul 2009 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexicon prepping BD-30 Blu-ray deck for CEDIA]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/24/lexicon-prepping-bd-30-blu-ray-deck-for-cedia/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/24/lexicon-prepping-bd-30-blu-ray-deck-for-cedia/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/24/lexicon-prepping-bd-30-blu-ray-deck-for-cedia/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lexicon BD-30 Blu-ray playerLexicon owners who have been holding out for a brand-matched Blu-ray deck will want to turn an eye towards CEDIA, where the company will debut its BD-30 player. Hopefully by then, the Profile 2.0 player will also be wearing a THX-approved badge on the fact-tag that includes universal disc support, fast loading, Anchor Bay VRS video processing, and -- wait for it -- RS-232 control. The tin-foil hat crowd will find something to like in the PR that touts the decoding and mixing of lossless codecs in the player for LPCM streaming to downstream Lexicon gear, and makes no mention of bitstreaming. You know this isn't going to be priced for mere mortals when it releases in September, and Lexicon doesn't disappoint -- $3,499 should fit in with cross-shopping against Denon and Marantz.

Lexicon prepping BD-30 Blu-ray deck for CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need a little something to get you over the Saturday lull? Gnaw on this. Japan's own Yomiuri is reporting today that Toshiba is expected to finally admit defeat and enter the dark, devious world of Blu-ray later this year. For those keeping tabs, we've heard both confirmations and denials about the outfit finally caving and supporting the format it once battled so valiantly, but this seems to solidify it. If machine translation is to be believed, the company's first DVD / Blu-ray deck is slated for release somewhere in the world by the year's end. The article also mentions that Tosh is strongly considering a Blu-ray recorder for the Japanese market, though no further details on that are available. C'mon Toshiba -- get this bad boy to the States before Christmas. We're anxious for a BD price war.

[Thanks, Rata]

Toshiba launching Blu-ray player by year's end originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We questioned the strategy of Marantz delivering a nearly $800 Bonus View Blu-ray player last fall, but it appears ready to settle things with customers who believe in its superior construction and components and want a few newer features (though access to streaming movie services is still missing) with two BD-Live compatible players on the way in August. Both support AVCHD, DivX, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD bitstreaming and more, with the BD7004 adding 7.1 analog outs, internal TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding, an Anchor Bay Reference Series video processor and additional reinforcement against vibrations. Look for the BD5004 (pictured above) for $549 and the BD7004 at $799. In the interests of matching equipment, announced along with the BD7004 in Japan is the 7.1 channel NR1501 amplifier due this month, supporting the latest HD audio formats in a 105mm x 367mm deep resin and fiber reinforced design for ¥60,000 ($635), check for additional pictures after the break.

Continue reading Marantz preps BD5004, BD7004 Blu-ray players, NR1501 amplifier for launch

Marantz preps BD5004, BD7004 Blu-ray players, NR1501 amplifier for launch originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7.1amplifieranchor bayAnchorBaybd-livebd5004bd7004blu-raydivxdts-hd maDts-hdMamarantznr1501playertrue hdTrueHdWed, 15 Jul 2009 19:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer BDP-LX52 & BDP-320 Blu-ray players get the hands on treatment]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/14/pioneer-bdp-lx52-and-bdp-320-blu-ray-players-get-the-hands-on-trea/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/14/pioneer-bdp-lx52-and-bdp-320-blu-ray-players-get-the-hands-on-trea/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/14/pioneer-bdp-lx52-and-bdp-320-blu-ray-players-get-the-hands-on-trea/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Already on shelves in their U.S. forms, Pioneer's BDP-LX52 and BDP-320 Blu-ray players are just now going on sale in the UK but Electricpig has already gotten some time with them. It seems they found their audio technology including the jitter-eliminating Precision Quartz Lock System rather impressive, though whether that audio setup is enough to convince buyers to separate themselves from £550 or £400 (respectively) for one of these remains to be seen. Anyway, there's plenty of in the wild pics, we know how much you like gazing at knobs and "BD-ROM BDMV" blinking displays, so we'll just leave you to it.

Pioneer BDP-LX52 & BDP-320 Blu-ray players get the hands on treatment originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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