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Sharp refreshes its top of the line Blu-ray player with the BD-UP52U

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Sep 10th 2009 at 5:44PM

Sharp BD-UP52U
Sharp has waited for CEDIA to refresh its top of the line Blu-ray player and for good reason. You see although the older BD-UP50U was only Profile 1.1, and lacked most of the features we expect today, it was the only affordable BD player that featured RS-232 for home automation control. The good news is that control freaks won't have to make that much of a compromise anymore because the new BD-UP52U still has the aforementioned control interface, but also has has all the great Blu-ray features you're looking for -- you know like BD Live, a network adapter (apparently no WiFi) and the latest audio codecs. No fancy streaming services like Netflix or Vudu yet though, but the price and availability is all right at $379.99 this October. And the rep promised we'd see Netflix very very soon.

Sony brings projectors for everyone with VPL-VW85 & VPL-HW15

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 9th 2009 at 5:00PM


Along with the rest of its CEDIA 2009 announcements, Sony will be showing off new projectors. Up first is the VPL-VW85 (pictured above) which one ups the exiting VPL-VW70 and VPL-VW80 models by combining the company's 120Hz Motionflow frame insertion tech, 120,000:1 contrast ratio, 800 ANSI lumens, RS-232C and an anamorphic zoom lens in an $8,000 package. If that's too rich for your blood, the VPL-HW15 (picture after the break) offers a spec bump over the VPL-HW10 with 60,000:1 contrast ratio and a lower initial MSRP at just $2,800 when both of these launch in October.

Continue reading Sony brings projectors for everyone with VPL-VW85 & VPL-HW15

Marantz UD9004 SACD / Blu-ray player combo priced & dated

by Richard Lawler posted Jun 15th 2009 at 2:58PM


Finally, here's a peek at the Marantz UD9004 Blu-ray / SACD player announced a couple of months ago. Besides posing for the cameras, it has a release date and price now available, due in Japan next month at a cool 577,500 yen ($5,894 U.S.) As mentioned, all that doesn't buy DVD-Audio support, but 10-bit Silicon Optix Realta chipset, BD-Live, and RS-232 are present and accounted for those with the requisite taste and pocketbooks.

Sharp's 32- / 37-inch Blu-ray AQUOS LCD HDTVs up for pre-order

by Darren Murph posted Feb 12th 2009 at 12:23PM


Right on cue, Sharp has offered two of its new Blu-ray-equipped AQUOS HDTVs up for pre-order. The 32-inch LC-32BD60U and 37-inch LC-37BD60U both feature 1080p panels, a trio of HDMI inputs, six millisecond response times and a slot-loading Blu-ray player on the side. Best of all, the 32-incher is coming up a dollar under a grand, while the 37-inch sibling will only run you $1,199. Sure, they're a bit pricey compared to optical drive-less alternatives, but if you've been holding off on simultaneously scratching the BD + new TV itch, here's your sign.

[Via GadgetReview]

Pioneer prices latest trio of Blu-ray players

by Darren Murph posted Jan 26th 2009 at 11:54PM


When Pioneer introduced its BDP-120, BDP-320 and Elite BDP-23FD Blu-ray players at CES, we had a vague idea of how much they'd cost. Now, we're being clued in on actual MSRPs. Potentially most impressive is the BDP-120, which will offer up BD-Live functionality and a Pioneer logo for just under $300. The mid-range unit includes 1GB of inbuilt memory and will cost $400 or less, while the top-end player will demand $599. Kudos on keeping these priced below the stratosphere, Pioneer.

Update: Pioneer pinged us with updated pricing, now reflected in the text.

Sharp delivers Blu-ray-packing BD-series Aquos LCDs for the US

by Richard Lawler posted Jan 7th 2009 at 4:53PM


Credit Sharp for still coming through a few surprises, sure you knew 32- and 42-inch Aquos HDTVs with built-in Blu-ray players, but they filled out the line with the 37-, 46- and 52-inch variations previously seen in Japan (no 26-inch love?) Built around the latest Superlucent ASV panel for reduced glare and bright, crisp picture quality, they didn't forget 24p support on the HDMI jacks, just in case you still want to plug another Blu-ray player in. No price, but with ATSC and QAM tuners plus RS-232C inputs, for a TV in a locations where a connected player doesn't make sense, these aren't a bad option when they ship later this month (32-, 37-, 42-inch) or in February (46-, 52-inch.) Press release is after the break.

Continue reading Sharp delivers Blu-ray-packing BD-series Aquos LCDs for the US

Panasonic unveils new 11 Series plasma displays in Germany

by Darren Murph posted Nov 5th 2008 at 5:35PM


While not quite as brain-melting as Panasonic's 150-incher and not nearly as sophisticated as its tru2way-enabled VIERA TH-50PZ80Q, Panny's 11 Series is still worth a gander. Announced today over in Deutschland, the line gets going with the 42-inch TH-42PH11EK/ES and 50-inch TH-50PH11EK/ES, which check in with a 1,024 x 768 and 1,366 x 768 resolution, respectively. Moving on to bigger (or similarly sized) and (mostly) better things, we've got the TH-42PF11EK (42-inch), TH-50PF11EK (50-inch), TH-58PF11EK (58-inch) and the TH-65PF11EK (65-inch), all of which offer a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution and a 30,000:1 contrast ratio. As for pricing and availability, everything smaller than 58-inches can be acquired now for undisclosed amounts, while the big daddies should follow in December.

[Via Macrush]

Gallery: Panasonic unveils new 11 Series plasma displays in Germany

Contemporary Research's RS-232 controllable ATSC STB

by Steven Kim posted May 24th 2008 at 8:08AM

Contemporary Research 232-ATSC tuner
Automation fans will be pleased to see the RS-232 port on the back panel of the Contemporary Research 232-ATSC STB. Anyone who has dipped their hands into automating their home theater rig will tell you that it can be an "organic" assemblage of technologies. Definitely from the "function over form" school of design, the front panel hides some great features. The unit will tune in ATSC, NTSC and clear QAM channels in response to your RS-232 or IR control. NTSC video is upscaled to HD resolution, and all video is sent out simultaneously over HDMI, composite and your choice of RGB/component. Audio output isn't lacking either, with HDMI, coax, optical and analog stereo ports. The $1050 price tag will keep this out of coupon territory, but for those who need an external ATSC tuner that ties into their existing RS-232 control scheme, it's the perfect fit. Click the read link for a PDF full of specs.

[Via HDTV Television]

Gefen's latest extender sends HDMI, RS-232 and IR over CAT5

by Darren Murph posted May 8th 2008 at 5:08PM


If you've been on the hunt for a multifaceted extender to handle just a bit more than HDMI, look no further. Gefen's HDMI RS-232 Extender is able to casually transmit HDMI, RS-232 control commands and IR signals up to 150-feet at 1080p (300-feet at 1080i) over standard CAT5 cabling. As expected, the device is HDCP-compliant, and it'll play nice with any IR unit you feel like attaching. Unfortunately, such convenience demands a serious premium, as this five-pound box will erode your savings account by $599.

Ask Engadget HD: How can I record premium content on my HTPC?

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Mar 12th 2008 at 12:00PM Featured Story

ATI CableCARD tuner
Life is good if you got HD, but it's not all good. Sure, HD is great, but only if we can have it on our own terms, and unlike the analog sources before it, the powers that be are doing everything to keep us down. In the spirit of wanting things done right, our friend Justin writes in.

I'm a big DIY PC guy, and I've been looking into ways of recording HDTV on my PC for quite sometime now. The problem is, I want to record HD Streams from my local Cable Provider (Charter), or possibly switch to Dish Network's HD-only package and record those streams. Unfortunately, either of those requires either a CableCARD or proprietary tuner. I know DirecTV has one in the works (Release Date: Day and Date with Duke Nukem Forever, I hear), and that Niveus has a dual CableCARD USB 2.0 Tuner (At an ungodly $1500 price tag), but that's all I can find!

Believe us, we hear ya' Justin, but the options are slim. But while none are perfect there are a few ways to accomplish what your after.

Continue reading Ask Engadget HD: How can I record premium content on my HTPC?

Panasonic revamps its plasma lineup

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jan 6th 2008 at 4:55PM

Panasonic PZ800 46-inch
Despite the fact that consumers and videophiles don't agree on a single preferred HDTV technology, Panasonic continues to cater to those who can't live without true blacks and accurate colors with five new lines of Plasmas. In an attempt to help you find just the right size for your setup, Panasonic has added a 46-inch model to some of its lines including the flagship PZ850. In addition to the 46-inch, the top of the line is available in the; 50, 58 and 65-inch varieties. The 850 line is also the first to include IP enabled features like YouTube and Picasa. Like a few other high-end sets -- the PZ850 includes THX display certification, easy access to ISF calibration settings, 30,000:1 contrast, RS-232C, and four HDMI ports. The PZ800 line (pictured) has just about everything the 850 does with the exception of the IP features and the addition of a 42-inch model. These aren't the only options as Panasonic also has the PZ85, PZ80, and PX80 lines, but other than they aren't as good as the 850 and 800, we're hard press to tell them apart. All the new TVs are expected in the spring of 2008 at a currently undisclosed price.

Toshiba HD-A20 review

by Ben Drawbaugh posted May 11th 2007 at 11:25AM Featured Story

Toshiba HD-A20
With the first year of the format war under our belt, the second generation hardware is starting to hit the streets and we had a chance to spend some quality time with the new Toshiba HD-A20. The A20 fits nicely in the Toshiba HD DVD player lineup, offering 1080p60 output, the Silicon Optix Reon chip Anchor Bay ABT1018 chip and HDMI 1.3 without the price of the HD-XA2.

Continue reading Toshiba HD-A20 review

Toshiba begins shipping HD-A20 HD DVD player

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Apr 11th 2007 at 8:15PM

Toshiba HD-A20As promised, Toshiba is shipping the HD-A20 to retailers with a MSRP of $499, but can probably be found online for even less. The HD-A20 fits right in the middle of Toshiba's trio of HD DVD players, which make up all of the stand alone HD DVD players available. The extra benjamin over the HD-A2 gets you HDMI 1.3 and 1080p output, but it lacks a few video enhancements like deep color support and additional connections like RS-232 when compared with its bigger brother, the HD-XA2. If this is any indication of what we can expect from second generation HD DVD players, Toshiba is on its way to producing some of the best next-gen physical media movie players anywhere -- at least until Blu-ray finally gets BD-J live done in October.

Radiient offers up 4-port HDMI switch / hub

by Darren Murph posted Dec 16th 2006 at 7:07AM

While we've taught you how to craft your own component video switch (not to mention your own cables), there will (probably) come a time in your 1080p-needing life where that sole HDMI port on the rear of your television just won't cut it. Enter Radiient's HDMI Switch Select-4, a 4-port HDMI hub that doesn't deviate too far from the other alternatives already out there, but cuts out the audio ports altogether while adding in an RS-232 control port. Also, this device features a bevy of colorful LEDs, sure to enthrall some users who want to control things with the lights out while enraging others who like things pitch black when catching a flick. Nevertheless, the Select-4 supports HDCP, DVI (via adapters), and all your standard HD resolutions right up to 1080p. Notably, this sucker doesn't seem to support the recently-unveiled 1.3 spec, which means you'll miss out on some of the extra niceties on that shiny PlayStation 3. Still, Radiiant apparently feels its HDMI switcher is worth its weight in gold, as this bad boy will run you a whopping ¥69,300 ($592).

Update: These things have a $299 US asking price (at least as of right now). Thanks Jacobim.

[Via Akihabara News]




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