Sony's been pretty big on its HDNA marketing scheme. Even at last year's CEDIA the message was everywhere, asserting that its home theater gear shared some sort of double-helix bond with the root of all high-definition. Now, the outfit is pulling its HD-equipped VAIO machines under the same marketing umbrella in an attempt to convince prospective buyers that these systems are "born out of" other high-def products. In particular, Sony will push the HD OTA tuning and BD playback abilities in its all-in-one PCs and Blu-ray-equipped laptops, though we don't expect any new rigs to emerge as part of the deal. Sure, this is little more than a trivial way to tack "HD" onto yet another product, but we can't harsh too much on anything that gets high-def into the mainstream.

Yeah, TiVo's Blue Moon special has been alive for a few weeks now, but for those unaware, we figured it prudent to pass along the deal in case you're interested in grabbing hold. From now until June 16th, interested consumers can snatch up a TiVo HD DVR, TiVo Wireless Adapter, a lifetime of service on the unit and an incredibly amazing TiVo plush doll for $698. Yes, that's less than the original price of the Series3 alone. So there you have it -- at least you've got ample time to think it over before deciding either way.

[Thanks, Jonas]

Good news / bad news here, folks. First, the good: HD is seeing some impressive uptake amongst everyday consumers. Now the bad: there are isolated shortages of the associated gear. Verizon's FiOS has already been bitten by set-top box shortages, and now is a victim of its own successful promotional offer that promised 19-inch Sharp Aquos LCD TVs to new "triple-play" (internet, video and phone) subscribers. Those LCD TVs are a little short in supply, so affected customers can choose to either wait an additional five weeks for their TV, substitute a Magnavox (used in later promotions) set or take a $200 Best Buy gift card. Our advice -- wait on the Sharp. Meanwhile, let's hope that there's some way Verizon can coordinate the set-top box and TV shortages -- nothing is more frustrating than having new HD service but being stuck with an old SD set!

[Image courtesy GreatLittleBox]

All you trekkies who picked up a new Toshiba HD DVD player and the Star Trek: The Original Series set to go along with your new toy, perk up your ears Vulcan style. You should already know the CBS-Toshiba Federation have a phaser-styled remote promotion just for you. A $70 value, the remote will operate any Toshiba HD DVD player (if you have a HD DVD player, chances are it's a Toshiba) with Trek-style lights (ooh) and sounds (ahh). It's the perfect way to stay "in character" as you plow through the 10 disc set. In a press release, Toshiba and CBS direct you to a website to claim your phaser; but get to it right away -- the promotion only runs until February 29, or until the limited supply of this Federation-issue sidearm run out.

If you somehow managed to hold off on picking up a Toshiba HD DVD player along with eight free titles, and you eat, sleep, and breathe Star Trek, we've got a feeling your resistance is futile. In an admittedly interesting promotional move, Toshiba has teamed with CBS to offer those who purchase Star Trek: The Original Series HD DVD box set and any Toshiba HD DVD player a "limited edition Star Trek Phaser remote" that will operate Tosh's HD DVD players. Regrettably, there's no mention as to how many of these things will actually be handed out, but if you're even remotely (ahem) interested, we'd be on the ball as soon as the set lands.

It's not like we haven't seen this card played already in the HD DVD camp, but now it's (almost) time for the Blu-ray ponderers to feel the grip of temptation (again). Starting on July 1st (just hold out a few more hours) and lasting through September 30th of this year, customers who purchase a qualifying Blu-ray player will be eligible to receive five flicks gratis through the mail. Among the options of players are Sony's BDP-S1, BDP-S300, or 60GB PlayStation 3, Panasonic's DMP-BD10K or DMP-BD10KA, Philips' BDP9000, Pioneer's BDP-94HD, or Samsung's BD-P1000 / BD-P1200. As for the free movies, you'll be able to choose five from a library of 21 titles, and while we can't really argue with the upside in this deal, be absolutely sure you don't mind receiving "notices and information from the Blu-ray Disc Association" before mailing in your claim.

[Via Blu-ray]

Now this is the type of tip we like to hear about. A DirecTV employee just dropped us a note indicating that anyone can get four months of their high-def package for free as long as they speak up and ask for it. We don't know how long that promo is going for but the key here is that you must ask for it. From our little bit of calling DirecTV, (and a lot of sitting on hold) it seems that this is for existing non-HD customers that have high-def equipment just laying around. According to our tipster, and one out of the three DirecTV representative we spoke with, there isn't the normal 1-year obligation and this promo will work with your existing equipment. Two of the reps. indicated that there is a two-year commitment so we guess the moral here is if you don't get the right answer the first time, hang up and call back. Chances are that DirecTV is not going to honor this offer to existing HD customers though, but it might be worth a try. DirecTV: 1-888-777-2454.

Many service providers have better deals then what they are advertising so do not be afraid to haggle a bit. It won't hurt.

[Thanks, ****]
Name hidden to protect his job