Universal has announced that Academy Award winning picture Apollo 13 will be available on Blu-ray from April 13th. This BD-50 platter will feature HD picture and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. As well as a host of BD Live features including integration with the iPhone. At the same time they will release their pocket Blu app for Blackberry and Android phones.
Below is a selection of the AV news from around the web.
Mitsubishi unveils massive 149-inch OLED display – Guru3D
Finally – News on Samsung Thin Bezel Displays is Suckage – [H]ard OCP
Last weekend saw the first trials of 3D in British pubs (whole new meaning to having beer goggles). So far mixed reports on the success. A couple of links below:
Sky 3D soccer fails to score – The Register
3D pub football went well – The inquirer
Announced at CES Panasonic has unveiled a range of new 3D displays and a Blu-ray player.
First up is a new line up of Viera Plasma TV’s with 3D support.
The VT25 series includes four screen sizes ranging from 50-inches to 65-inches – the TC-P65VT25 class (64.8″ measured diagonally), the TC-P58VT25 class (58″ measured diagonally), the TC-P54VT25 class (54″ measured diagonally) and the TC-P50VT25 class (49.9″ measured diagonally). One pair of 3D Eyewear is included. In addition to providing 3D viewing, the VT25 series of VIERA HDTVs features the enhanced VIERA CAST service with Wireless LAN Adaptor ready on its USB port, video call capability(2), VIERA Image Viewer to view JPEG digital still images and HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; VIERA Link, a PC input, two USB Ports, THX certification and THX Movie Mode, 24p cinematic playback, 600Hz Sub-field Drive (produces 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution) and Infinite Black Pro display with 5,000,000:1 native contrast.
I have to say only including one pair of 3D glasses is a little singly, do they really think that only one person will be watching. It would have been better to include two or three pairs with discounts for more so the whole family can enjoy the experience.
Panasonic also introduced a range of new displays in the G25 Series lacking the 3D support but including Wi-Fi for that low-fi streaming experience. Screens range from 54 to 42 inches.
Also announced was a new line up of Viera LCD TV’s with LED backlighting. The D2 Series support 1080p with high contrast, fast response IPS panels.
For potential Blu-ray 3D fans the DMP-BDT350 is Panasonics first 3D capable player or which more information should be announced soon. The new BD65, BD85, and BDT350 players all feature a USB port for an optional Wi-Fi adapter with Viera Cast technology to enable internet streaming.
The Times Online reports that following the success of Avatar and with a substantial number of cinemas having recently installed 3D projection equipment movie studios are looking to revive their back catalogues by converting them to 3D. Highlighted possibilities include Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.
Full story here
Available this summer, the BRAVIA XBR-LX900 series features integrated 3D functionality and screen sizes including 60 (XBR-60LX900), 52 (XBR-52LX900), 46 (XBR-46LX900), and 40-inch (XBR-40LX900). Sony is using its own active shutter glasses which fly against their recent announcement of a partnership with ReadD which uses passive glasses. The models also include integrated Wi-Fi for streaming video from the internet including services such as YouTube and Sony’s own Bravia Internet video platform. Perhaps more interesting is that these sets couple 3D with full-array LED backlighting improves contrast and dynamic range by local dimming that controls the LED backlight level by area so that detail is maintained in the dark areas
The XBR-HX900 series 3D ready (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses and transmitter, both sold separately) full HD (1920 x 1080p) models feature Intelligent Dynamic LED backlight and Sony’s new Monolithic Design. These can be upgraded with an optional wireless adapter for internet streaming. These models are lit by edge LED backlighting.
Your new Sony TV will also watch you, with face detection the new presence sensor will detect if you’ve left the room and dim the TV to save power and if you’re out for an extended period of time the TV will turn off.
New 3D Blu-ray options
The BDP-S770 is Sony’s new top of the range 3D capable Blu-ray player. Featuring 802.11n high speed Wi-Fi and a wired Ethernet connection, this player also allows streaming on internet content. This player can also be controlled from Sony’s BD Remote iPod/iPhone application.
The BDV-HZ970W 3D capable home theatre system features S-Air wireless speaker technology to enable wireless (excluding the power) rear speakers or you can stream wireless audio to another room. With wired connections the system delivers 1000watts of power over its 5.1 channels.
There were a number of announcements from LG at this year’s CES, below is a summary
LG reaffirmed its commitment to Plasma technology with the announcement of new ranges which are lighter and thinner than previous TV’s. Perhaps under pleasure from thinner and thinner LCD sets and future OLED displays weight has been reduced by up to 40% on some models and depth to two inches (5cm for those in this century). Surprisingly LG is still producing 720p models, with the industry pushing 1080p even at smaller sizes this could be simply be to keep up with lower pricing from other manufacturers. Also included is most of the internet streaming partner technologies including YouTube, VUDU, Napster and Netflix. In addition the sets have the capability to make Skype calls if you want to make video calls you will need to purchase a separate video cameras.
On the LDC front new screens where announced with sizes from 19 to 60 inches.
A summary is below:
LD650 Series (47- and 55-inch class sizes*) – A Full HD 1080p HDTV, this LCD HDTV series boasts TruMotion 240Hz performance for reduced motion blur. Other features include: NetCast Entertainment Access, USB Video DLNA, and Wireless-ready technology.
LD550Series (32-, 42-, 46-, 52-, and 60-inch class sizes*) – Also a Full HD 1080p series, these HDTVs are equipped with TruMotion 120Hz. Other features include: NetCast Entertainment Access, USB Video, DLNA, and Wireless-ready technology.
LD520 Series (32-, 42-, 47- and 55-inch class sizes*) – Combines Full HD 1080p with TruMotion 120Hz performance with a variety of screen sizes.
LD450 Series (32-, 37-, 42-, 47-inch class sizes*) – A Full HD 1080p HDTV in a variety of sizes to fit almost any room in the home.
LD350 Series (19-, 22-, 26-, and 32-inch class sizes*) – Provides smaller screen sizes for consumers in a 720p HD model.
INFINIA LE9500 Series (47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p HDTV features uni-layer design with ultra-slim (8.5MM) bezel, Full LED Slim technology with Local Dimming, TruMotion 480Hz and THX Display Certification. Also includes NetCast Entertainment Access, DLNA, wireless broadband ready capabilities, wireless HD ready and 2 USB ports.
INFINIA LE8500 Series (47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Includes all the same features of the LE9500 with the exception of the 3D capability, 8.5mm bezel and the Magic Wand remote control. It also features TruMotion 240Hz technology.
INFINIA LE7500 Series (42-, 47-, and 55-inch class sizes*) – Provides consumers with a Full HD 1080p experience, TruMotion 120Hz, and LED Plus technology for local dimming capability. With NetCast Entertainment Access, Wireless HD Technology content is easier to access than ever before without the fuss of too many cords.
LE5500 Series (22-, 26-, 42-, 47-, 55-inch class sizes*) – Includes TruMotion 120Hz, LED Plus Technology, and NetCast Entertainment Access. (Except 22- and 26-inch class sizes).
LE5400 Series (32-, 42-, 47, 55, 60-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p HDTV series includes LED lighting, TruMotion 120Hz, NetCast Entertainment Access, Wi-Fi ready and two USB ports.
LE5300 Series (19-, 22-, 26-, 32-, 37-inch class sizes*) – Brings the slim profile of LED technology to smaller screen sizes. Thirty-two and 37-inch class sizes are Full HD 1080p and feature TruMotion 120Hz technology, while the 19-, 22- and 26-inch class sizes provide a 720p HD picture
LG’s LE9500 incorporates a unique “Magic Wand” remote system that provides an immersive interaction with the set. This “Magic” user interface brings together menus, component controls and even embedded games, which can be accessed using a simple remote that combines minimal buttons and gestures to control the on-screen activity, mirroring a “Wii-like” experience.
LG Blu-ray – LG announced a range of Blu-ray player featuring their NetCast technology allowing streaming of YouTube, VUDU, Napster and Netflix. The top of the BD590 features 802.11n high speed wireless and a 250GB hard disk for storing streamed content. Completing the range is the LHB975 Blu-ray Home Theatre system featuring wireless speakers (yeah if you forget about the power) and built in drawer for iPod/iPhone docking. The LHB535 and LHB335 systems forego the wireless speakers with the LHB535 including a Wi-Fi connection.
3D systems manufacturer which created the ReadD 3D system used my many cinemas for showing 3D movies has now signed up Toshiba, Panasonic and us TV broadcaster DirectTV to use its 3D glasses system. Recently ReadD announced that they had alliances with Sony (who they have worked with in digital cinemas for a while), Samsung and JVC. That’s pretty much most of the large TV manufacturers signed up and it looks like as previously reported that the RealD 3D system will be the default system for 3D in the home.
Disney has announced that it will release a 3D Blu-ray of it hit animated movie ‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol 3D’ this year.
No further details have been released but Disney will also release a 3D Showcase Blu-ray disk to player manufacturers featuring in addition to A Christmas Carol 3D, 1953 animated short – Working for Peanuts (think we all know that feeling) and 3D trailers for up and coming movies including Toy Story 3 and Alice in Wonderland. I can see the disk getting quite a following for those early adopters looking for something to show off their new setups.
See my impressions of A Christmas Carol 3D here
The Register reports that ESPN is going to launch a 3D version of the channel in the US. However of perhaps more interest is word that Sony is working with Discovery and IMAX on a new 3D channel that could launch sooner.
Full story at the Inquirer here
Less than one month after release James Cameron’s block buster 3D movie Avatar has hit the $1Billion mark already making it the fourth highest grossing movie ever.
I must say that my boys and I really enjoyed Avatar and seeing it in RealD’s 3D bodes well for future home 3D. With many TV manufacturers signing up to RealD I’m really look forward to using similar technology in the home. Avatar used 3D very well throughout the whole movie to give real depth, not just the odd pop-out gimmick.
It’s looking increasingly likely that RealD’s glasses systems for 3D TV may be the default system for 3D TV. Previously signed up by Sony and JVC/Kenwood the company has now announced that its system will also be used by Samsung. With some of the biggest players in TV technology now signed up it looks like RealD could be the dominant system for 3D in the home. This could also mean that with so many companies adopting the same technology that the price could be driven down where the expected premium for 3D over conventional 2D TV’s could be lower than expected.
Tech On reports that Sony and Panasonic have developed a new technology called i-MLSE (Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation) evaluation index which could increase the capacity of Blu-ray to 33.4GB per layer up from the existing 25GB per layer. The technology could be applied to existing players via a firmware update.
Full story here
Following on from the recent announcement that Sony has selected ReadD as its technology partner for 3D TV’s JVC Kenwood as how announced that it will also use ReadD’s systems in future 3D TV’s and imaging systems. No announcements were made about specific products.
Sony and ReadD announced a partnership to use ReadD’s 3D technology in future Sony Bravia TV’s. The ReadD system is currently used in hundreds of cinemas worldwide. Sony will product new LCD TV’s that will work in conjunction with ReadD’s glasses, to bring 3D technology to the home. It has already been announced that the final specification of the Blu-ray 3D standard will work with the Playstation 3 so coupling this with the new Bravia 3D TV’s should be an exciting prospect.