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CableLabs certifies first tru2way Panasonic HDTVs


Sure it hasn't always been smooth going, but it looks like Panasonic's tru2way HDTV has successfully navigated into a sector containing high quantities of win. That puts the 42- and 50-inch PZ80Q televisions seen at CEDIA on track to hit shelves before Christmas as promised, though official pricing information still eludes us. Still undergoing testing in the labs? A Panasonic tru2way STB, while previously certified hardware from Samsung and LG remains in limbo and ADB's tru2way-certified box waits in the wings. Those eagerly awaiting the second coming of CableCard, keep your wallets at the ready.

CyberLink PowerDVD: now cleared for BD-RE 2.1 / BD-R 1.1 playback


Calm down people, everything's okay now. CyberLink has just revealed that its PowerDVD application is now certified to play back BD-RE 2.1 and BD-R 1.1 Blu-ray Disc media. Granted, it's only certified to handle HD H.264 content on those discs, but we're going out on a limb and suggesting that most anything else you put on there will work, too. Existing PowerDVD 8 owners can upgrade their application gratis as we speak.

WinDVD: Now with 100% more BD-Live

As if DTS-HD Master Audio support and enhanced BD-R / BD-RE compatibility weren't enough, WinDVD is also now proudly BD-Live certified. Unfortunately WinDVD with Profile 2.0 support won't be available at retail until early next year, but is ready to ship for OEMs right now. We're a bit surprised it's taken this long compared to some of the competition, but thanks to Corel, our planned Sleeping Beauty viewing party can now go off without a hitch.

CyberLink's PowerDVD wins certification for DTS-HD Master Audio

Just weeks after Corel held a trophy high proclaiming that its WinDVD 8 had landed DTS-HD Master Audio certification, CyberLink is finally able to do the same. Except with its own breed of playback software, PowerDVD. For audiophiles the world over, you can now stop pacing in wonder of when said application will finally have this honor bestowed upon it, as that 7.1-channel goodness you've come to expect from DTS-HD MA can now be fully enjoyed on PowerDVD. Break out the Champagne? No? Okay.

Atlona's flat HDMI cables: now HDMI 1.3b certified

Granted, this whole "1.3b certified" thing probably isn't as critical as it's made out to be, but for those who love assurances, Atlona's lineup of flat HDMI cables now sport the aforementioned label of certification. The cables, which are available in black and white hues and in lengths of up to 20-feet, are now guaranteed to transfer HD video at speeds of up to 10.2Gbps and high-resolution audio (Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio) to boot. In layman's terms, these cables simply offer up enough bandwidth to support Deep Color and "higher frame rates," but considering that the cheapest one (that would be the three-footer) rings up at $39.99, we'd say Atlona's pretty darn proud of 'em.

Ritek readies 2x HD DVD-R media

Granted, the majority of you probably haven't forked out just yet for a pricey HD DVD burner, but just in case you've got one in mind for the future, Ritek is readying the equally expensive media you'll have to pick up. According to DigiTimes, Ritek has "secured certification for its blank 2x HD DVD-R" discs, which would enable write speeds double that of its existing media. Additionally, the firm has reportedly obtained certification for blank BD-R discs as well, and while it's certainly late to that party, we'll take all the competition we can get.

Runco now shipping its THX certified, 1080p Video Xtreme projector lineup

Runco -- those folks who make the mesmerizing projectors that only A-class celebrities, former Gizmondo execs, and foreign leaders can afford -- are offering yet another bevy of luscious PJs for us to drool over. Touted as the "world's first 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification," the Video Xtreme lineup of DLP projectors have survived the rigorous testing necessary for any product to get that oh-so-coveted THX logo slapped on it, and now they're all ready to jazz up your home theater (and drain your wallet). Each model boasts Runco's own CineWide (with or without AutoScope) technology, which reproduces 2.35:1 films with "unparalleled accuracy," eliminating those pesky black bars without taking a hit in the quality department. They also sport the firm's DHD controller, HDMI inputs, and a variety of CinOptx zoom lenses to fit nearly any application. You can grab this highly prized goodness for just $16,995 if you shoot for the low-end VX-2000d, while the more luxurious units will run you $34,995 (VX-6000d), $44,995 (VX-22d), $79,995 (VX-44d), or $99,995 (VX-55d).




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