New York is next in line after Massachusetts and Chicago, with the New York Times' CityRoom blog reporting it is next in RCN's plan to rid itself bandwidth-wasting of analog cable TV. Starting October 1, basic cable customers will suddenly become digital cable customers, with a few extra channels for their trouble. Of course we're more concerned with the potential of adding more HDTV over the ten already added recently, but first things first. Expect official word to go out in September, with rates expected to stay the same -- at least until next year.

We hoped to see the first second generation Blu-ray player this month, but Samsung's BD-P1200 has been delayed. Pocket-Lint.co.uk learned from Samsung's marketing manager that the player has been delayed until October in the U.S., and may not launch at all in the UK before 3rd generation hardware becomes available by Christmas. Stoking the hybrid player rumors even more, he said they could "launch a hybrid player or a Blu-ray recorder tomorrow" but are waiting to see what other companies announce. Although Samsung is a Blu-ray supporter, they recently announced an HD DVD-equipped laptop, and have leaked plans for a hybrid player before. Still, October is a long time to wait for an improved player, especially while second generation HD DVD players and PlayStation 3 are on store shelves. DTV Tivo Dealer on AVS Forum, who previously informed us of a delay in the HD-A2, has heard there will be limited quantities available as soon as April. We don't know who to believe until hardware is actually on the shelf, but we're hoping a low priced hybrid player mysteriously appears tomorrow.

Update: Whoops, looks like we got a little ahead of ourselves here. Scratch that part about the P1200 being delayed until October in the US; while forums are indeed buzzing about a delay of some sort, October has not been mentioned by any credible sources. All that jazz about a possible hybrid player, however, is straight from the horse's mouth.

Read - Pocket-lint.co.uk
Read - AVS Forum

As news continues to pour forth from CEDIA 2006, Sharp has confirmed their 42-inch 1080p Aquos LCD will be hitting the US in October. Previously announced in Japan, the 52- and 46-inch models were already announced for the US, and their 42-inch 8G brother does not disappoint. The Sharp LC-42D62U carries an MSRP of just $2,499, has a native contrast ratio of 1,200:1 (6,000:1 dynamic), 450 nits brightness, 6ms response time and the same piano black cabinet with recessed bottom-mounted speakers of the larger Aquos LCDs. The specs don't quite match up to the 4ms response time and 2000:1 contrast ratio of the two larger models but the price reflects that. This time last year we were drooling over a 45-inch 1080p Aquos HDTV with lesser specs for around $4,500, but we're not looking back to that dark, hellish time. The 52-inch is pictured here, but it should look the same.

UPDATE: Fresh pic of the 42-inch LCD right from the floor of CEDIA

The internet went ablaze a couple weeks ago when someone finally noticed that the Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player had been delayed until August on their SonyStyle website (even though it had been like that since April). Now, our friends at HDBlog have noticed that the date has changed again, now shipping on or about October 25th.

Ouch. Although as HDBlog notes, SonyStyle is sometimes delayed in receiving new products, until now their website has reflected the exact expected shipping date of Sony's Blu-ray player so we believe it still does. There have been reports that Sony's hardware is still far from ready, and this could support that conclusion, or may be they are just waiting for better quality movies to be available. Another theory suggests they are delaying the BDP-S1 to increase drive availability for the Playstation 3 and alleviate shortages.

Whatever the cause, HD DVD is on the ground and gaining momentum, if the BDP-S1 keeps slipping, the PS3 may end up being Sony's first Blu-ray release.

Previous Sony BDP-S1 release info:
Yes, Sony's BDP-S1 is delayed; Blu-ray isn't
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player available for pre-order (again) (August)
Sony Blu-Ray available for pre-order (July)

[Via HDBlog.net]