Skip to Content

Make smart financial decisions with DailyFinance
AOL Tech

holidays posts

Poll: What part of your home theater is getting upgraded this holiday season?

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 11th 2009 at 3:15PM


Blame Christmas Creep (© Tuesday Morning Quarterback), but we're already getting our Black Friday (R.I. P. KURO Friday) attack plan laid out. With prices diving and features spreading on Blu-ray players, receivers, LCDs and plasmas -- remember when a $1,000 42-inch 1024x768 plasma was a big deal? -- we figure you must have an idea of a big ticket item getting replaced in the next few months. Poll choices are for which component is getting added/swapped out sooner rather than later, let us know what product you're waiting for a price drop on in the comments.

What part of the home theater is getting upgraded this holiday season?

Yule Log, new holiday films come to HD VOD on Comcast, Cox and TWC

by Darren Murph posted Dec 3rd 2008 at 2:13PM


Ah, is it that time of year again already? Seems like just yesterday that we were kicking back in our sofa, wondering how the New Year would treat HD DVD and sipping a hot cocoa while enjoying the faux warmth of an HD Yule Log. This year, iN DEMAND's high-def version of the famed Christmas classic will be coming to HD VOD systems on Comcast, Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. In addition, iN DEMAND has created two other holiday offerings for viewers to enjoy in Winter Green and Snowman, both of which were filmed with HD cameras and are to be presented in 1080i with 5.1-channel audio. The fun begins nationwide on December 8th; full release is after the break.

[Image courtesy of ByrdHouse]

Continue reading Yule Log, new holiday films come to HD VOD on Comcast, Cox and TWC

Amazon sells heaps of HD movie players this holiday season

by Darren Murph posted Dec 28th 2007 at 8:37AM

Yeah, Amazon's just blatantly tooting its own horn here, but facts are facts, we guess. Reportedly, the e-tailer had quite the impressive holiday sales season -- its "best ever," actually. Beyond the fact that it sold about 17 Wiis per second (while they were in stock) and made deliveries to some 200 countries, it moved enough high-definition movie players to "cover seven football fields." Unfortunately, it didn't bother breaking down the HD DVD / Blu-ray numbers, nor were we told which HD flicks sold more than others, but judging by the firm's rankings it's safe to say that quite a few folks received HD DVD titles this holiday season. If you're geared up to handle even more gloating, hit the read the link and hang on.

Poll: What's the best gift you received?

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Dec 26th 2007 at 2:15PM

Presents
Now that Christmas is over, all the wrapping paper is in the garbage, you've had a chance to go to the mall and spend all those gift cards and buy the things you wanted, but didn't get. We know what you wanted, but now we'd like to know what you actually got? It doesn't matter if you bought it for yourself, we just want to know what everyone else got that we didn't.

What's the best gift you received?

Queen's Christmas Day speech broadcast in HD, on YouTube

by Darren Murph posted Dec 24th 2007 at 5:19PM

Those excited to tune into Her Majesty's Christmas Day speech tomorrow will have yet another reason to watch. This year, her entire speech will be broadcast in HD, and for those not near a television, it'll also be available via YouTube. Tomorrow's production will mark the 50th anniversary of her traditional speech, and the new mediums are being used to satisfy her desire to make the address "more accessible to younger people and those in other countries." Interested? If so, you can tune in tomorrow at 3:00PM GMT.

VUDU box thrown in with select Sharp AQUOS LCD TVs

by Darren Murph posted Dec 20th 2007 at 9:02AM


While Sony's effectively giving away BDP-S300s when you pick up a BRAVIA HDTV from SonyStyle, Sharp is hoping to up its holiday sales figures by bundling in a VUDU set-top-box. Starting now, consumers who pick up a select AQUOS LCD TV that's 42-inches or larger (trust us, there's quite a few choices) can also expect to receive a $399 VUDU box and a $50 movie credit to boot. Off hand, we don't see a definitive expiration date for the offer, but considering that it's billed as a "holiday" promotion (and only available directly through these two, sadly), we wouldn't sleep on this too long if you're remotely interested.

Gifting someone with an HDTV? Don't forget the HD service!

by Darren Murph posted Dec 20th 2007 at 3:44AM


We know, it seems painfully obvious to us, but we can't say we're surprised one iota that the general public would buy a loved one an HDTV and totally overlook the fact that he / she will need HD service to make it truly worthwhile. According to a recent survey conducted on Comcast's behalf, one in four consumers are hoping to receive an HDTV this holiday season, but only 12-percent of gift-givers were even thinking of including HD service. Granted, savvy buyers may be tossing in a gift certificate to pick up an OTA antenna, or they may just let the recipient be responsible for figuring out they need high-definition service. Of course, one must remember who commissioned the survey. Nevertheless, let this serve as a friendly reminder to show consideration when blessing someone with a new HDTV -- they can't watch HD flicks forever!

[Image courtesy of Crutchfield]

Poll: What's tops on your wish list?

by Darren Murph posted Dec 13th 2007 at 2:52PM


It's somewhat of a tradition around here to get all up in your business and find out what you got for Christmakwanzika, but this year, we figured we'd be a little extra nosy. With under a fortnight to go before hordes of crazed gadget lovers tear into packages everywhere, we're curious to know what you're hoping to receive. Anything in particular you've asked for? Got a laundry list of wants needs? Don't be shy, tell us what your heart really desires, you never know who'll be paying attention. Oh, and just check off the one thing you're craving the most below -- fill us in on the rest in comments.

Poll: What gear is on your wish list?

Comcast delivering Yule Log via HD VOD

by Darren Murph posted Dec 11th 2007 at 2:39PM

We can't say the famed Yule Log would've been our first choice for HD content on-demand, but hey, we'll take it. After INHD enabled users to light up their HDTVs for a solid 24 hours last year, those with Comcast can enjoy a newly filmed version (shot in 1080i) anytime they'd like through January 4, 2008. Additionally, the HD VOD version will offer up true Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, so you can experience true-to-life cracklin' without smoking up your abode in the process. Oh, and just in case you were wondering -- Comcast noted that folks checked out the HD VOD version of its Yule Log broadcast "more than twice the number of times" as the SD version when aired last year.

[Via Huntington News]

Panasonic reopens Plasma Concierge to the masses this holiday season

by Darren Murph posted Dec 7th 2007 at 9:26PM


Read enough horror stories lately to get you all scared about diving into the world of HDTV? Fret not, as Panasonic is reopening the phone lines to its toll-free Plasma Concierge service during the holidays. Usually, this line is reserved for those who already own a Panny PDP, but starting today, absolutely anyone can ring up the help line for a little one-on-one Q&A about flat panels. Reportedly, those on the other end will be happy to field any general / technical questions you may have, and unlike last year, the service will remain open until February 3, 2008 -- a full two months longer. Hit the read link for the digits, and be sure to grab some paper and a pen before you just start rattling off inquiries.

Panasonic opens up Plasma Concierge service to the public for the holiday blitz

by Darren Murph posted Nov 28th 2006 at 2:09AM

If your tiresome Black Friday campout left you incensed at that fellow ahead who snagged the very last HDTV that you had been eying, take heart. Panasonic feels your pain, and is opening up its exclusive help lines to help you deal with the hassles of searching for the perfect plasma. The company's Plasma Concierge service -- which opened earlier this year -- is stocking up on customer service representatives to field any questions you may have, regardless of whether or not you own a single Panasonic product. The program is open to the public through December 31st of this year to craft "customized flat screen profiles," determine which set would be better suited for your room, and even tips on mounting and wiring. So if you're befuddled over where to get some reliable, free information (aside from the site you're currently ogling) on which plasma to pick up this holiday season, give Panasonic a ring, but be sure to dodge those sure-to-come sales pitches while you're at it.

Happy Easter from HD Beat

by Matt Burns posted Apr 16th 2006 at 8:00AM


The four of us here are HD Beat hope all of you enjoy your Easter. Even if you don't celebrate the religious part of the holiday, it is nice to spend sometime with family and friends. Or with your new HD DVD player thanks to Toshiba. We sure hope that a certain little bunny brings us one - plus, some tasty jelly beans. Got to love jelly beans.




    AOL News

    Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:

    Joystiq
    Download Squad
    The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
    BloggingStocks
    Joystiq Xbox
    Autoblog
    Big Download
    Fanhouse NFL Blog