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At E3 today in LA Microsoft announced a new slimmer version of the XBOX 360. While many will drool at the sleek black design and other new(ish) features including build-in Wi-Fi (about time) and larger 250GB hard disk I can’t held but think that they missed a trick by not including at least one model with Blu-ray. Many PS3 machines are used for HD movie playback and the fact that the new XBOX is much quieter (long over due, my own original 360 sounds like a 747 after being on a few minutes) could have helped. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that Microsoft wants you to download it’s much lower quality (than Blu-Ray) movies from the online store and that they do not have a vested interest or directly make money in the same way as Sony who own their own movie studio from movie sales. It could also be the ‘not invented here’ syndrome or that they don’t want to be seen endorsing a Sony technology. What ever the reason it looks like an opportunity may have been missed for Microsoft to get embedded in your AV stack, at least you can copy lots of games from that old DVD technology to the bigger hard disk

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Good news for all those caught out by disk and player updates. Pioneer’s new BDP-LX53 and BDP-330 Blu-ray players will now automatically query Pioneers servers for firmware updates and prompt the user to install them. This is the way PC’s do updates so it’s about time your Blu-ray player did the same. In addition to wired internet connection both players can be upgraded to Wi-Fi wireless internet access.
Pioneer also announced that both players will be supported by their iControlAV iPod/iPhone app.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Universal Studios Entertainment has announced that it will introduce combination Blu-ray and DVD disks with the launch of the Bourne trilogy. What sets these disks apart from the current combo disks is that they will be different sides of the same disk; Blu-ray one side and DVD on the other also known as ‘flipper’ disks. Current combination packs include two separate format disks. This was a feature the now defunct HD-DVD format offered and it was developed in response for Blu-ray but no disks where ever released. It’s hopped that these new disks will encourage people with DVD players who have not yet taken the step to HD that they can still invest in DVD’s with an eye to upgrading their player at a later day and not have to reinvest in their collection.

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The register has a round up of seven Blu-ray players here

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Denon is a brand that’s produced good home cinema gear and now they have introduced their cheapest Blu-ray player yet, the BDP-1610. All the usual features are there including DVD upscaling to 1080p, 1080p/24 support and support for the latest audio formats including Dolby Tru HD and DTS Master Audio. In addition it will play DivxHD content and AVCHD contend from cameras and camcorders. The player will be available in the UK in October for a recommended price of £399.

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OK I get the trend for everything wireless but the current trend for wireless TV’s and speakers a little perplexing both these types of devices require and electrical current to drive them so you either have to have a really good battery power solution (which no one is offering) or you have to run a power cable to them. For speakers the wires are traditionally quite thin (I’m not talking the horrors of bell wire here though, good quality cables) and no matter how wireless you TV is there’s no way you can get away without running a power cable, so if you’re running power why not run a single video/audio cable too, isn’t that what HDMI was made for?

Anyway enough rant, LG has announced its new 55LHX and LH85 wireless (cough) TV’s. The 55LHX is THX certified and features LED backlighting giving a claimed 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.  The LH85 features LH85 series an 80,000:1 contrast ratio. Additionally, the LH85 series features LG’s 24p Real Cinema technology both sets include ISF expert calibration modes to allow a trained ISF technician to correctly calibrate the TV’s in the environment they are to be enjoyed in.  The TV’s come with a wireless media box featuring all the external connections which are then wirelessly transmitted to the TV.

The 55LHX will be available soon at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,799 and the LH85 series will be available later this Fall in 55- and 47-inch screen sizes with MSRPs of $3,199 and $2,399, respectively

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It seems like the 3D bandwagon is well and truly rolling, following recent releases from Panasonic and other manufacturers Sony has announced that it will bring 3D into the home in 2010. Unlike some other manufacturers technologies Sony is committing to offer full HD 1080p resolution to its 3D offering. As well as announcing that it will introduce a full line up of TV’s they also announced that 3D support will come to the Playstation 3 for Blu-ray and games. Sony’s system will be based on sequential display technology where the screen runs with high refresh rates showing each eye’s frame in succession synchronised to a pair of glasses. Sony is in a somewhat unique position to drive 3D not just by owning Sony Pictures Entertainment but also in producing Cinema equipment as well as home hardware and being a driver in Blu-ray technology

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Toshiba has announced availability of the BDX2000, its first hi-def disk spinner featuring Blu-ray technology and it’s first since it admitted defeat around 18 months ago and abandoned HD-DVD. Toshiba’s experience in developing HD-DVD should mean it should deliver the goods on with Blu-ray. Many of the core technologies are the similar including audio formats and video encoding. The BDX2000 offers everything you would expect from a current profile 2.0 player including 1080p/24 video, AVCHD video playback from HD cameras and camcorders, HD audio support including Dolby Tru HD and DTS HD Master Audio. The unit features a SD card slot to take pictures and that HD camera video directly. One slightly weird requirement is that in order to enjoy profile 2.0 you need to put at least a 1GB SD card into the slot. With the current price of memory it seems a little stingy that this was not included inside the machine.  The player will be available from November at the price around $249, no word yet of an international release.

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With most people’s AV setup’s far away from their internet connection it’s often puzzled me why so few manufacturers have included wireless internet connectivity in their Blu-ray players so people can enjoy all the wonderful BD-Live content they can’t experience anywhere else (please note the sarcasm). Well it appears Sony is now among the few that have woken up and have launched two new players with 802.11n high speed wireless. Both new players also feature DLNA so that all your home cinema devices can control each other. 1080p upscaling is included as well as support for HD audio including Dolby HD and DTS HD Master Audio. The BDP-S760 differs from the BDP-S560 in offering Sony’s Super Bit Mapping technology for audio and video as well as Sony’s ES (Elevated Standard) and has the HD Reality Enhancer, which smoothes the image tone, and reduces picture noise (re3ad robs the picture of fine detail). Both players will be available shortly.

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Tech On reports that Mitsubishi has announced a new line of TV’s in Japan that include integrated Blu-ray recorders and HDD recorders, some also include a 320GB hard disk capacity. The TV’s will range from 32” to 37” screen sizes. Whereas Sharp has integrated DVD players into the side of screens in the past Mitsubishi has integrated the Blu-ray recorder into the stand, so great as long as you don’t want to wall mount them. They also announced two new Blu-ray recorders. The DVR-BZ330 features a massive 1 terabyte capacity while the DVR-BZ230 has a 500GB hard disk.
Full story here

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Previously shown behind closed doors at the consumer electronics show earlier in the year Sony has announced availability of the BDP-CX7000ES 400 disc Blu-ray ‘MegaChanger’. I guess we are getting close to having 400 worthwhile Blu-rays available. The player features Sony’s Super Bit Mapping and HD Reality Enhancer technologies to create a 14bit colour gamut from 8bit sources as well as supporting Deep Colour. The model also upscales DVD’s to full 1080p and supports 1080/24p.
Another changer announced is the BDP-CX906 which has many of the same features but lacks the Super Bit Mapping, HD Reality Enhancer and Deep Colour support
Both models feature support for Dolby TruHD and DTS Master Audio HD audio formats and both include 7.1 analogue outputs. BD-Live support is also included with the CX7000ES also linking to the Gracenote web site to get the details of discs inserted to add titles and other details.
The BDP-CX7000ES is available this August for about $1,900, while the BDP-CX960 will be available this fall for about $800.
In the slightly smaller stakes Sony announced a new high end single disc player the BDP-S1000ES. The player also features Sony’s Super Bit Mapping, HD Reality Enhancer technologies and Precision Drive HD. This new ‘ES’ player also has built-in Wi-Fi with support for a wide range of standards including 802.11n 300mbps. The rest is as you would expect, HD Audio support 1080/60/24p support and firmware updates over the internet. Expect to pay around $700 in August.
No word on when these will be released outside the US though…

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Bright Stage Media has developed a technology based on BD-Live that will allow you to see products within a BluRay movie, identify them and get information and then ultimately purchase them.  The company says that a major title to be released in August will use the technology but will not reveal which title.
Now, I wonder if there’s an offer on Bonds Aston Martin

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