Just like most home theater manufacturing groups, Oppo is now focusing on Blu-ray technology. Oppo, tagged as the Internet’s favorite brand has announced that it will be expanding via the focus on Blu-ray route. They have claimed to have sold out their DVD players and are no longer going to produce them for the future. Being a small company, the obvious growing demand today and the future is for Blu-ray players and obviously, that is where the money is! So it is officially adieu to the Oppo DVD Player.

(Source) High Definition Digest

Sony Japan is set to unveil one of the largest LCD displays in Japan suited for the filthy rich with the Sony Trimaster SRM-L560 LCD display. It features its new Quad Full High Definition LCD display (QFHD) on a 56” widescreen monitor based on a SI TI active matrix LCD panel. It boasts of a resolution of up to 3840×2160 pixels, 10GB RGB LED backlight with a 170/170 degree viewing angle. As you would guess, it has the usual ports like 4 HDMI inputs and even an Ethernet LAN. It will be unveiled in Japan by November 1 with a MSRP of 6,825,000 YEN or $77,345. No word if it will be available in the U.S.

(Source) Slippery Brick

Samsung offers a 22” LCD HDTV for the people who are gearing up to try new viewing options via high definition. The Samsung LN22B360 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV measures 22” and a 720 resolution. For connections, it has one HDMI, two components and one composite output.

The Samsung LN22B360 LCD HDTV promises improved picture with a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and also comes with 3W bottom speakers and SRS TruSurround HD for a richer audio complement for people looking for an efficient home theater experience.

Price: $296.00

(Source) Amazon

Marantz gets a big boost with the official DivX HD certification for two of its high performance Blu-Ray players. The BD7004 and BD5004 Blu-ray players are now DivX HD 1080p certified.

The BD7004 and BD5004 Blu-ray players will now be able to playback 1080p DivX HD videos which are known to provide a superior media experience by maintaining the highest visual quality while significantly reducing the video file size. Using DivX technology, a full-length high-definition movie is able to fit on a DVD.

(Source) Press

The world of gaming has had its share of HD needs. With vastly improved graphics and video rendering, it seems apparent that the need for complimenting peripherals such as mice and surfaces come out with their own line of high definition peripherals. And it looks like SteelSeries has done just that as they launch the following:

• SteelSeries Xai Laser Mouse
• SteelSeries Kinzu Optical Mouse
• SteelSeries 9HD hard plastic surface

All have their own specific design but were overall designed to provide advantage and comfort for the gamers who have been hooked on to advanced needs for better game play. All of these items, the SteelSeries Xai, the SteelSeries Kinzu and the SteelSeries 9HD will be available by August 2009.

(Source) Press

Get a 2 for one multifunctional home theater setup that integrates the modern day iPod with it. Coming with an iPod dock like most models in the market today, the Philips Dolby Home Theater HTS3565D/37 promises high definition picture and powerful surround sound just like any person would want from home entertainment investments today.

Enjoy sharp pictures with 1080P HDMI upconversion, as well as convenient iPod playback via the dock included. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Link plays media form USB flash drives. HDMI 1080P upscales to high definition for sharper pictures. Dobly digital and Pro Logic II surround sound.

Price: $175.65

(Source) Amazon

The Canon Vixia HF100 is a camcorder that is designed and has the ability to make home movies in high definition. This flash drive style camera is made specifically for making flash style movies. This makes them not only of a higher quality but much easier to upload to the internet as well.

The camera has a 12x optical zoom and a 12x digital zoom to increase and improve picture quality. It has the ability to be focused manually or automatically and it has an optical image stabilizer with super range. It is also very light at 13.4 oz.

Harman Kardon, a familiar brand in the world of home theater speaker complement for ideal setups presents 200W amplifier powered channel speaker system in the Kardon HKTS-18 5.1 Channel Speaker System. It features an eye-catching high-gloss-black finish and a sleek design, the HKTS 18 would be a stunning centerpiece of any home theater system based on looks alone.

The HKTS 18 uses advanced speaker technology and featuring a powered subwoofer. It will deliver an exciting and realistic theater experience from anything you choose to watch. It’s also the perfect system for delivering an incredible sound experience from today’s latest high-definition sources, including Blu-ray.

To deliver exceptional sound quality, the HKTS 18’s satellites and subwoofer have gone through Harman’s world-class engineering and design process, resulting in the use of advanced technology that delivers high performance and tremendous value.

(Source) Amazon

NEC Display Solutions of America brings the world of projectors to another level with the launch of four new digital installation projectors. The new projectors that comprise the new NP series are the:

• NP3250 ($3,999)
• NP3250W ($3,999)
• NP2250 ($3,499)
• NP1250 ($2,999)

These new power-packed projectors will be on hand at the InfoComm09 in Orlando from June 17 to 19.

The NP3250, NP3250W, NP2250 and NP1250 are equipped with Integrated Device Technology HQV processing, a high-performance video processing/scaling system designed for computer signals, as well as standard or high-definition video.

The vertical and horizontal lens shift feature and optional quick-mount lenses allow flexible projector placement to suit the needs of the room, creating a screen size from 40 inches to 500 inches.

Features:

• 1024 x 768 native resolution (1280 x 800 WXGA native resolution for NP3250W)
• 600:1 contrast ratio (500:1 for NP3250W)
• Brightness for NP3250 at 5,000 lumens, NP3250W at 4,000 lumens, NP2250 at 4,200 lumens and NP1250 at 3,700 lumens
• Power consumption of 490-watts for NP3250/NP3250W and 460-watts for NP1250/NP2250
• 3D Reform with geometry correction, which allows the user to square the image by adjusting horizontally, vertically or diagonally when the projector cannot be placed parallel or perpendicular to the screen
• Advanced AccuBlend, which ensures detailed images when non-native resolution sources are connected to the projector
• AutoSense, which automatically syncs with any computer signal and features one-touch image optimization
• Built-in wall color correction presets, which provide for adaptive color tone correction to display properly on non-white surfaces

(Source) Press

It seems that the PC desktop industry today has raised their quality up a notch in the area of sound features. Yesterday we saw how AOC unveiled a couple of desktops with SRS sound technology and now we see Fujitsu coming out with its own desktops, this time armed with MaxxAudio sound enhancement from Waves.

Ideally for gaming and some home theater viewing for the high definition movies we are enjoying today, Fujitsu wants to make sure that they are ready for the technology and be considered among the many PC-based solutions to deliver quality audio to complement their assumed video excellence playback.

The initial three new Fujitsu devices equipped with MaxxAudio are

• FMV Deskpower LX
• F all-in-one desktop computers
• FMV Biblo NW laptops.

MaxxAudio features:

• MaxxBass for improved perceived bass response
• MaxxTreble for increased high frequency fidelity
• MaxxVolume for dynamic conditioning and level maximization
• MaxxStereo for expanded stereo imaging of headphones and speakers
• MaxxEQ for balanced frequency response

“Fujitsu believes that MaxxAudio technology enhances our AV features, adding considerable value to our products. We know that users will truly enjoy our new FMV series computers with MaxxAudio,” stated a representative of Fujitsu’s Personal Marketing Division.

(Source) Press

Avielo Kroma Projector

The Avielo Kroma by Projectiondesign is one of the first LED front High Definition projectors to arrive on the market. This projector promises longer bulb life, better color fidelity, and a more energy efficient operation thanks to its addition of`ReaLED technology. Not only does the Kroma use less power than many conventional front video projectors, but it is also free from hazardous materials. Traditional projector lamps contain mercury that must be carefully disposed of while the kroma’s ReaLED technology is free from any such environmental hazards.

“We are delighted at being able to bring kroma to market at a time when the environmental footprint of all home AV equipment are coming under scrutiny,” concludes Manning. “We are confident that our avielo brand has another winner in kroma, which is a smart and responsible addition to our existing, conventionally lamped DLP® home theater projectors.” No price or release date has been announced.

Panasonic is the next company to follow the lead of most companies like Pioneer in unveiling new HD recorders in light of the growing trend of full HD in TV broadcasting. For their part, Panasonic unveils three new recorders:

• DMR-BS850 Blu-ray Disc Recorder
• DMR-BS750 Blu-ray Disc Recorder
• DMR-XS350 High-Definition Recorder / DVD Recorder

The added feature that these new recorders bring is the Freesat compatibility which allows users to record high quality digital satellite broadcasts as they deem necessary. In terms of audio, the new DMR-BS850 and BS750 support the superior surround sound of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio Essential on Blu-ray DiscTM media.

The new recorders also support Panasonic’s VIERA CAST Internet function, so users can easily access Internet content such as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums and view it on a large-screen TV. With these three new recorders, people can worry less about recording their favorite programs, particularly the ones who don’t want to sacrifice playback quality.

(Source) Press

Back in January, we all got a glimpse of the Epson EH-TW5000 at the CEDIA Expo. Today, the 1080p flagship 3LCD projector has been launched, adding another great projector for people who are investing heavily on home cinema experience.

To refresh your memories, the said Epson projector is equipped with Epson’s new D7 panel technology. The projector is touted to showcase a stunning 3LCD image quality with a dynamic contrast ratio of 75,000:1.

Features:

• Home cinema projector ideal for those who desire a premium home cinema experience - Sophisticated and stylish black design
• Full HD 1080p with true high-definition 1920 x 1080p resolution
• Superior image quality with Epson’s 3LCD technology and C²Fine inorganic D7 panel
• Amazing dynamic contrast ratio of 75,000:1 with Epson DeepBlack technology for jet blacks
• High brightness of 1600 ANSI Lumens - Convenient viewing in any light condition with perfect rendering, thanks to the improved Cinema Filter
• HQV video processor to realise clear and sharp motion pictures
• 12-bit video processing, frame interpolation on and 4-4 pull-down for film-like images
• Flexible placement with horizontal/vertical lens shift and 2.1x optical zoom
• Anamorphic wide mode (to use with third party anamorphic lens)
• Connect to a range of input sources including 2 x HDMI version 1.3, YUV and VGA
• x.v. Color mode for vivid color reproduction
• ISF calibration menus for professional calibration
• Included cable cover for stylish and neat ceiling mount installation
• Quiet projection of 22db
• Five year warranty (including Saturday visits) on lamp and projector

The Epson EH-TW5000 carries a suggested retail price of $6,688 and is now available.

(Source) Hardwarezone

SmartAVI is a familiar name in the world of visual solutions. Its latest addition is aimed more on the business aspect of visual delivery, the StretchPro Display Wall Solution, providing a new model that intends to deliver high-definition DVI-D video and images at resolutions up to 1920×1200 over a 2×2 video wall/digital signage configuration using real-time scaling.

The hardware is capable of stretching an image over four display screens, each displaying one-fourth of the original image, while maintaining perfect resolution on each screen.

One of the key features of this unit is that StretcherPro can go well beyond its “default” capacity of a 2×2 video display control system. When used in concert with SmartAVI’s other video wall products, StretcherPro can go from a 2×2 video display solution all the way up to 128 screens

As an entry-level display wall solution, StretcherPro has been aggressively priced at $3,299.00.

(Source) Digital Signage Today

HD Giants, the company established to sell high definition music to the growing Media Center PC market, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company was the only one to have “HD rights” to music from the big leagues such as Sony, Universal Music, EMI as well as other indie labels like Naxos and Concord.

HD Giants added HD movie downloads to its products line in early 2008.  Today, HD Giants compete with other giants like Apple Computer and Microsoft’s Xbox 360. The bankruptcy of HD Giants stirs up questions about the future of HD Music.

Here is another great Father’s Day suggestion for people still looking for that elusive gift for their dads. One thing that we see common for dad’s these days is that when it comes to taking timeout or unwinding, they normally hit the sack or lay back on a comfy couch and watch television. With that in mind, why not gift him with a brand new AOC L32W861 LCD HDTV so he can watch his favorite programs or videos with class.

This TV offers two HDMI inputs and LCD display technology. Moreover, Consumer Reports rated the L32W861 among the Top Ten HDTVs on the market due to its “excellent HD picture quality.” And with the impending advent of digital TV upon us, this is the timely gift you can give him for all that he has done for you.

Two HDMI inputs provide the best connectivity and NTSC/ATSC tuners with Clear QAM for high definition signal reception to connect Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles or high definition cable to enjoy the amazing picture the AOC L32W861 provides. The L32W861 costs $499.99 and is available at Radio Shack.

(Source) Press

When it comes to PC entertainment, Cyberlink’s PowerDVD has been a familiar player in the world of watching DVDs via the PC. And for the first time, high definition 3D movie playback will take center stage using PowerDVD which will be shown at the Computex 2009.

The new 3D movie playback technology will allow consumers to experience stereoscopic 3D effects by using PowerDVD. 3D cinemas will soon come to a PC near you.

“We are excited to showcase cutting-edge technology for home movie entertainment,” said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink Corp. “The advanced 3D technology will soon allow consumers to enjoy amazing 3D effects and build a next generation of home theaters right from their multimedia PCs.”

(Source) Press

For most people who are particular about resolution and the files that they play on a larger screen, you may have noticed that blurry images and some pixelation occurs. And while the recourse would be to capture such images with a better device or a higher resolution, NEC unveils a software, the µPD9280GM, which can reduce blurring that occurs when low-resolution images and video are expanded and displayed in 1920 x 1080-pixel high-definition monitors.

Key Features:

• Enhances SD video and image data for crisp display in full HD
• Capable of displaying one billion colors
• No need for external memory

With this new software NEC plans to continue developing super-resolution system-on-chips (SoCs), by leveraging its super-resolution IP cores that can be embedded into ASICs or other ASSP products. With this wide range of products, the company intends to continue to enhance its super-resolution lineup and plans to reach sales revenue of 10 billion yen in 2010.

(Source) Press

Are you getting the most out of your LCD? Well if you are in doubt, there is one way to find out. The only way to enhance and bring out the best for LCDs is to make use of controllers that specialize in bringing out the maximum capability of LCD monitors today and you can do so with the Digital View High-Performance LCD Controller.

Digital View’s SVX-1920 is a fully buffered, multi-sync interface controller providing true 10-bit support for large format, high-definition TFT LCDs upto WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution. 10-Bit support enables the display of over 1 Billion colors on a compatible LCD panel.

Bring out the power and features of LCD technology with this controller. You may be surprised at the wasted power and quality projection that you should be getting.

(Source) PR Web

OSRAM adds a new and smaller member of their RGB Multi ChipLED line to unveil a new dimension of high-definition picture quality to large full-color video screens. The Multi ChipLED enables high-resolution full-color video screens – for example, in television studios, modern conference rooms, trade fairs and concert halls – to offer brilliant colors and high contrast from all viewing angles.

The tiny dimensions of this Multi ChipLED allow a very large number of pixels to be accommodated in a small display area. Housed in a black package that is mostly impervious to ambient light, the LED emits light in brilliant colors with excellent contrast.

OSRAM’s RGB Multi ChipLEDs are housed in a miniature package with dimensions of only 1.6 mm x 1.6 mm and measure just 0.9 mm high. With the RGB Multi ChipLED, it is possible to have a pixel spacing of only 2 mm, meaning that a great many pixels can be generated in a very small area.

Perfect color mixing takes place in the Multi ChipLED package itself thanks to the specially developed encapsulation material. Color appearance remains constant across the entire viewing angle, and the picture appears vibrant even when viewed off-axis. The beam angle of the LED is +/- 60°. Ambient light cannot ruin the picture quality because it is barely reflected at all by the black package in which the LED is housed.

(Source) Press