Although some analysts aren't attributing the heightened flat-panel sales in China to the upcoming Olympics in Beijing, Tokyo-based BCN most certainly is pointing the finger at said Games to explain a similar surge in Japan. Reportedly, overall flat-panel TV sales skyrocketed some 35.3% during the June 1st - 15th period from a year prior, with demand particularly high for 40-inch models. Additionally, DVD recorders saw an equally impressive 25.2% increase in sales, with just over half of those supporting Blu-ray. Maybe they're just trying to beat the impending taxation?

[Image courtesy of HDTVUK]

For the folks that just can't let go, JVC is introducing a new duo of recorders that handle VHS, DVD and HDD-based logging. Predictably, the DR-HX500 holds 500GB while the DR-HX250 gets a 250GB drive, and outside of that, both units are identical. You'll find a built-in analog / digital TV tuner, an HDMI socket and all the dubbing features you (or your grandmother) can handle. It should be noted that digital TV recordings can only be stored on the HDD, but it is possible to capture a digital show there while copying an analog broadcast to VHS / DVD. The pair is all geared up to land in multi-generational homes this July, with prices being pegged at ¥95,000 ($906) and ¥75,000 ($715), respectively.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Panasonic already dished out a slew of Blu-ray / HDD recorders in Japan (no shock there), but folks in Australia are pretty flippin' excited to be second in line to receive said goods. For whatever reason, Panny has decided to roll out a June-bound 500GB twin-tuner BD recorder along with a handful of lesser recorders in the Australia region before any other locale save for Japan. The model numbers have been gently tweaked (DMR-BW500, DMR-EX88, DMR-EX78 and DMR-EZ48V, for starters), but everything else looks to be the same. Check the links below for lots more on Panasonic's latest onslaught.

Read - Panasonic's DMR-BW500 Blu-ray recorder
Read - Panasonic DVD recorders
Read - Panasonic's SC-BT105 HTIB

We'll go ahead and nix some lingering excitement in the room: Sony's latest line of Hard Disk Drive DVD Recorders are aimed squarely at Europe. Now that we're clear on that, let us introduce to you the HX and HXD lines, which each posses four units that top out at 500GB. The RDR-HX680, HX780, HX980 and HX1080 all come ready to fetch analog broadcasts, while the RDR-HXD790, HXD890, HXD990 and HXD1090 also include a DVB-T digital tuner. The HDX crew can even be ordered with a CI slot, and the whole posse includes an HDMI port (1080p upscaling included), X-Pict Story, USB connectors, BRAVIA Sync and a dedicated SD HDD Handycam connection. Take a look in the read link for the full chart of specifications. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via T3]

Panasonic's already made a more than respectable showing at CES, but it looks like the company's not done with the new announcements just yet, the latest of which is a complete revision to its DIGA line of DVD recorders. That refresh totals four units in all, including two DVD/VHS combo units and two DVD-only devices. Most importantly, all four of 'em will give you 1080p upconversion via HDMI, along with Panasonic's trademark VIERA Link HDAVI control, and an SD card slot and USB port for playback and archiving of JPEG photos (no mention of other media). The DMR-EZ48V DVD/VHS combo and DMR-EZ28 DVD recorder step things up a bit further with ASTC Accutune digital tuners, not to mention added DivX playback, which the two lower-end models sadly lack. Look for all four to be available in April, with prices ranging from $180 to $300.

Can't get enough of Samsung's new gear? Good, because there's plenty more where that came from. Next up on the docket is a half dozen DVD players and recorders, so without further ado, let's check out the DVD-F1080 ($99.99). This "ultra-compact" unit provides 1080p upconversion, HDMI-CEC, progressive scan playback and support for multimedia files including DivX, MP3, WMA and MPEG4. The DVD-HD1080P8 ($89.99) serves up the exact same features as the aforementioned F1080, but does so while residing in a slightly larger chassis. Moving on, we've got the über-slim (14.2-inches wide) DVD-P180 ($49.99), which upscales DVDs to 720p / 1080i, rocks an HDMI-CEC port and also plays nice with DivX. For the rest of the gang, we suggest you head on past the break.

We know, you're probably still concerning yourself with all that new kit you picked up yesterday, but how's about taking a moment away from your sparklin' fresh toys and giving this inquiry an answer? This week's Ask Engadget HD question comes from Paul, and it's a good one.

"What is the future of DVD recording? Will high-definition DVD recording be affordable soon and if not, which of the current crop of DVD recorders performs the best?"

Looking back, we've actually tossed out a DVD recorder-based question before, and though it needn't be said, a lot has changed in 1.5 years. Currently, there are a few units that handle HD DVD / Blu-ray television recording, but most are sold outside of America and at near-stratospheric prices. As for high-def archiving, we're already seeing the prices come down to levels that laymen can wrap their heads around, but even that realm has quite some ways to go before it's ubiquitous. So, dear readers, give this (admittedly open-ended) inquiry some thought, and whichever angle(s) you choose to hit, drop those thoughts in comments below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

[Image courtesy of PCWorld]

Intel has been touting its 45-nanometer chips for what seems like ages, but if all goes as planned, Panasonic will actually beat the chip giant to the punch by releasing products to the commercial market over a week earlier. Apparently, the six new Blu-ray recorders we spotted at CEATEC will utilize the firm's new generation "UniPhier system LSI based on the 45-nanometer process technology," and sure enough, those units are slated to hit Japan on November 1st -- a full ten days before Intel will reportedly get its Yorkfield crew out to the mainstream. Bet you didn't see that coming, now did you?

[Via RegHardware]

Bringing up the rear after all those BRAVIA projectors and LCD TVs already trotted out, Sony's now announced a bundle of new HDD/DVD recorders to go along with 'em (although apparently in the UK only). Available in 160GB, 250GB, and 500GB varieties, each unit comes equipped with either a standard analog tuner or an added DVB-T tuner for your Freeview needs, with the whole lot of them boasting 1080p upscaling of content, as well as Sony's trademark BRAVIA Theater Sync for the usual Sony-centric benefits. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any word on pricing or availability, or any indication of a comparable line being released 'round these parts.

While you've had the option to pick up a DVD recorder with a built-in ATSC tuner for some time now, it looks like Sony is helping the digital dream by refreshing its product line like its 2009. As a matter of fact, Sony's latest four recorders don't even offer an NTSC tuner, as you can only choose renditions with the ATSC variety or none at all. The tuner-less RDR-GXD355 has line-input recording and pass-through support, while the still-tuner-less RDR-VX555 adds a VCR for easy dubbing between VHS and DVD. The ATSC-lovin' RDR-GXD455 can record digital content to dual-layer DVD+Rs, while the RDR-VXD655 handles VCR duties for those stuck in last century. Additionally, each of the four will also boast HDMI output and 720p / 1080i upscaling, but we're still not sure of the pricing and availability of these forward-thinking recorders.