Yeah, you read that correctly -- the obsessive audiophiles / videophiles at the Criterion Collection use Sony's PlayStation 3 as its reference Blu-ray player. In all honesty, we can't say we're too surprised. Time and again, Sony's latest console has been rated very highly as a dedicated BD deck, and the plentiful firmware updates ensure that it's always at the forefront of whatever interactive functionality is next. This snippet of factual goodness was extracted from a recent writeup that took an in-depth look at how the CC would be revamping its home theater, and even famed calibration guru Joe Kane gave his approval at using the console for playing back Blu-ray Discs. The real kicker? They also settled upon a DVIGear HDMI cable over one of those obscenely overpriced Ogre cables -- and that was after running clean out of coat hangers.

[Via CNET]

It took nearly a year to get here, but shortly after being reviewed, Samsung's upscale SP-A800B DLP projector is finally available in the USA. Co-developed with industry legend Joe Kane, this 1080p PJ features a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1, a 95% aperture ratio, 16-microsecond response time and a full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Additionally, it hums along quietly at 25dB and gets backed by a two-year warranty. Sammy's not bothering to tell you the price, but we've heard it'll list for just under ten grand.

Look, there's no way you're expecting anything less than perfection from this projector, and sure enough, that's (almost) exactly what it delivers. The Joe Kane-designed Samsung SP-A800B has finally been reviewed by the lucky, lucky cats over at CNET, and simply put, it dethroned the Sony VPL-VW200 as its top-of-the-line Editors' Choice. In a nutshell, this bad boy "outperformed every projector in its class hands-down, and competed favorably with the three-chip DLP units that cost three times as much." For just shy of ten large, you too can own the rig that these folks deemed "spectacular." Really, we couldn't make this cornucopia of compliments up, so trek on down to the read link for more proof of the A800B's awesomeness.

You did remember that Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics was launching today, didn't you? If not, we're here to remind you and pass along an in-depth review of the calibration disc while we're at it. The kind folks over at UltimateAVMag were able to grab hold of both the HD DVD and Blu-ray version of the disc, and put simply, it does everything you'd expect it to and possibly a bit more. Hailed as having "the most user-friendly set of test materials to date," reviewers had a difficult time finding any niggles within HD Basics. Interestingly, the HD DVD version was seen as "clearly superior, not only for its My Favorites function, but also for its speedier menu response, predictable display of text, 5.1 and 6.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtracks, and reliable performance with the 720p demo material." As for the BD flavor, the fact that bookmarking and Dolby TrueHD are "optional" on the format made it "difficult to author a robust disc for all players." Still, those hoping to make their display look its best will likely be thrilled with this one, but check out the full review in the read link below before cracking open that wallet.

Not only is ESPNews HD slated to launch this month, but the long-awaited HD Basics disc from Joe Kane Productions is finally hitting shelves on March 25th. Interestingly, Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics will still be made available on Blu-ray and HD DVD, so those adamant about keeping a red player around can still get in on the calibration action. Best of all, users who purchased the original Digital Video Essentials HD DVD last year will be able to procure the forthcoming successor disc for just $14.95 on either format by ordering online and sending in the case wrap from the first DVE HD DVD. As for everyone else? You'll be coughing up $29.95.

We know, the waiting isn't easy (nor enjoyable), but here's to hoping that the latest street date for Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics actually sticks. After being announced and subsequently delayed in October, the highly-anticipated calibration disc is now on track for a March 25, 2008 release, which is certainly a wait we're not looking forward to enduring. Nevertheless, the specs and features for both the Blu-ray and HD DVD version remain the same as before, and each still boasts an MSRP of $34.95.

Those of us anxious to get their Joe Kane-approved tweak on will have to wait a bit longer than originally planned. The originally planned October 30th release has been moved to "early next year," with no details given for the delay. While HD DVD owners can use the previously released dual-format disc, this latest "HD Basics" version was slated for release to both the blue and red camps. The new disc is also the first of the DVE offerings designed specifically for HD setup, and uses a more streamlined menu that is meant to appeal to both newcomers and prosumers. We've found the DVE series to be both practical and educational; hopefully the delay is just Joe Kane poring over the details. In the meantime, there are some good tips around for dialing in your setup.

Proudly proclaiming itself as the leading independent and fourth overall largest supporter of the HD DVD format, the DVD Acquisition and Development Group has announced HD DVD / DVD combo disc releases for the fourth quarter of this year. Coming from their DVD International division, the most high profile release is the high definition edition of Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials calibration disc. DVE HD will include 720p and 1080p-encoded versions on the HD DVD side, various test patterns for all manner of A/V setups, and is "HDi capable" -- hopefully this means the menus are easier to navigate, some complained about that on the DVD release (included on the flip side). The seven HDScape discs? Your basic travelogue fare, Exotic Saltwater Aquarium HD DVD, Fireplace HD DVD, Antarctica Dreaming, Visions of Sea: Explorations, Serenity: Southern Seas, HD Window: Hawaii, HD Window: The Great Southwest provide what we're sure are crystal clear looks at various landscapes if you're not already bored to death by them on INHD2 into that type of thing. DVE HD will retail for $34.95, while the HDScape discs will all go for $29.95. A sampler (pictured) is currently on sale at the website for free plus $3.95 shipping.