Engadget HD http://hd.engadget.com Engadget HD http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/hd.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://hd.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Blockbuster kiosks to offer movies on SD cards, you some candy as you checkout]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/11/11/blockbuster-kiosks-to-offer-movies-on-sd-cards-you-some-candy-a/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/11/11/blockbuster-kiosks-to-offer-movies-on-sd-cards-you-some-candy-a/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/11/11/blockbuster-kiosks-to-offer-movies-on-sd-cards-you-some-candy-a/#comments Blockbuster's been trying all sorts of, um, innovative things to get more foot traffic in its stores, but thanks to a dastardly invention known only as "Netflix," that very task has proven exceptionally difficult. Now, it seems the flagging movie rental company is giving one more far-flung idea a whirl: movies on SD cards. Around six Blockbuster and Hollywood Video stores will soon begin offering titles on SD cards, though the included DRM only allows customers 30 days from the purchase date to view it, and once it's fired up, you've just 48 hours before it vanishes completely. Each rental will cost $1.99, and while we definitely see the benefit of renting something that you don't have to return, we're still skeptical that folks will be more willing to make even one trek for a card when Netflix brings it all to one's mailbox (and PC, etc.) for just $8.99 per month.

[Via FastCompany]

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Blockbuster kiosks to offer movies on SD cards, you some candy as you checkout originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlockbusterBlockbuster Express DigitalBlockbusterExpressDigitalDownload to GoDownloadToGofilmfilmsHollywood VideoHollywoodVideokioskMOD SystemsModSystemsmovie kioskMovieKioskmoviesncrncr entertainmentNcrEntertainmentother formatsotherformatsrentalssd cardSdCardSecure DigitalSecureDigitalWed, 11 Nov 2009 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/#commentsMmm, nothing like a pinch of predictability to wake us in the morning. Just days after the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) finally announced that a North American mobile DTV standard was struck, Samsung has jumped in with what it's calling the planet's first single chip solution designed to handle those very transmissions. All we're told is that the solution combines RF and "digital chip components" into one 65 nanometer chip, making it ideal for smaller devices such as smartphones, car-mounted televisions and portable media players. Of course, Sammy doesn't even bother to mention a mass production date, so we're guessing we all just rise awkwardly and start a roaring slow clap to celebrate the accomplishment.

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Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nmatscbroadcastchipdigital TVDigitalTvDTVdvbmobile dtvmobile tvMobileDtvMobileTvmphnorth americaNorthAmericaother formatsotherformatssamsungususaMon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/13/china-blue-hd-crosses-over-to-the-uk-third-opium-war-inevitable/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/13/china-blue-hd-crosses-over-to-the-uk-third-opium-war-inevitable/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/13/china-blue-hd-crosses-over-to-the-uk-third-opium-war-inevitable/#comments We've given HD DVD's bastard child China Blue HD its due for a good start in its native land, but now that U.K. Importer GBAX has made a few units available it's time for English language buyers to at least consider this Blu-ray alternative. Of course, with a £259.99 ($413.22 U.S.) pricetag for this plain TCL player, AV and HD cables, plus 14 CBHD movies (The Aviator, Blood Diamond, The Invasion, The Island, Flood, Poseidon & 8 Chinese-only flicks) to get you started the barrier to entry is high, but as shown in the unboxing / preview video -- embedded after the break, watch for ninjas -- the experience is very familiar. As Format War Central points out, the 220/240Hz power cord makes things complicated for the U.S. and other places outside Europe, but hardcore HD DVD holdouts are used to a world filled with only Warner and Universal movies already, so why not give the other blue laser flavor a try?

[Via Format War Central]

Continue reading China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable

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China Blue HD crosses over to the UK, third Opium War inevitable originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As with pretty much every other optical disc out there that claims to hold a near-infinite amount of data, we're still skeptical about TDK's ability to actually bring to market the 320GB spinner you see above. But hey -- it's got ten 32GB layers and it's practically see-through. Did you really expect us to walk on by without clicking the shutter even once? Exactly.

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TDK's heavily stacked 320GB disc shows its nearly-clear face at CEATEC originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320gb32gbbdblu rayblu-rayblu-ray discBlu-rayDiscblue laserBlueLaserblurayceatecceatec 2009Ceatec2009discdiskfeatureshands-onoptical mediaOpticalMediaother formatsotherformatspicspicturesTDKWed, 07 Oct 2009 01:59:00 EST<![CDATA[TDK stacks 10 layers on a single 320GB disc]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/02/tdk-stacks-10-layers-on-a-single-320gb-disc/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/02/tdk-stacks-10-layers-on-a-single-320gb-disc/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/02/tdk-stacks-10-layers-on-a-single-320gb-disc/#comments Even though we have yet to see the long-hinted 100GB and 200GB prototype Blu-ray discs as real products, TDK is looking beyond that, ready to display 320GB ten-layer platters at CEATEC 2009 that can be read and written with current blue laser technology. Key in stacking so many layers is improving the transmittance of the outermost layer as seen above - that nearly clear one on the right doesn't require a more powerful laser to get through. The only thing we can't see? When or if any of these will actually be released.

[Via Hot Hardware]

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TDK stacks 10 layers on a single 320GB disc originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320gb32gbblu rayblu-rayblue laserBlueLaserblurayceatecceatec 2009Ceatec2009diskother formatsotherformatstdkFri, 02 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[GE shows off 1TB holographic discs but Wolf Blitzer remains skeptical]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/01/ge-shows-off-1tb-holographic-discs-but-wolf-blitzer-remains-skep/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/01/ge-shows-off-1tb-holographic-discs-but-wolf-blitzer-remains-skep/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/01/ge-shows-off-1tb-holographic-discs-but-wolf-blitzer-remains-skep/#commentsWe're confused as to how technology that was supposed to be available in 2006 can still be featured at an Emerging Tech conference in 2009, but so it is for General Electric's attempt at holographic storage. Predicting drives for archival purposes in two or three years with consumer products around two years after that, manager Peter Lorraine claims Blu-ray has "two to four years of life to go" and expects licensees to clean up with speedy 3ms access time, 1TB+ storing (up from a mere 200GB), backwards compatible hardware. The latter portion, plus other breakthroughs in cost and reliability are listed as reasons to believe the market will catch HVD anytime soon, but right now it's about as likely returning to a matching 2006-era MySpace page or believing Wolf was staring at anything other than a mark on the floor on Election Night.

[Via Physorg]

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GE shows off 1TB holographic discs but Wolf Blitzer remains skeptical originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1tbbackwards compatibleBackwardsCompatiblefalsegegeneral electicGeneralElecticholographichvdother formatsotherformatsThu, 01 Oct 2009 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/01/sony-single-lens-240-fps-camera-is-great-for-3d-and-2d-sports/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/01/sony-single-lens-240-fps-camera-is-great-for-3d-and-2d-sports/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/10/01/sony-single-lens-240-fps-camera-is-great-for-3d-and-2d-sports/#comments We've said it before and we'll say it again, sports, not movies or video games is 3D's killer app, and this prototype camera from Sony is designed specifically to help bring the two closer together. Set to debut at CEATEC next week, the HFR Comfort-3D records at 240 fps through just one lens instead of two thanks to a new half-mirror system that takes left and right eye images at the same time, better for capturing fast motion and providing viewers lacking polarized glasses a 2D picture with minimal blurring. One of our few complaints during last year's BCS National Championship 3D experience was occasional benefits caused by fast left-right motion which this system could make a non-issue. Check after the break for a detailed (in Japanese) diagram that should help make things clearer -- for those that can read the language -- the rest of us are waiting for ESPN or someone else to tote a few of these down to the Super Bowl in 2010 and make magic happen.

[Via AV Watch thanks Derek for English PR]

Continue reading Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports

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Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Via Format War Central]

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China Blue HD adding supporters and talking trash to Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba and Sony align on Mobile High-Definition Link originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Think you're good at turning down the upsell? Try saying no to adding WiMAX to your home internet service for the low, low price of whatever Comcast wants to charge. Thanks to a multi-billion dollar tie-up with Clearwire, Comcast has been offering WiMAX-based internet services in a few markets, but now that On Demand Online is a go, it makes sense to think that the operator would use that as leverage to get people hooked. For those unaware, ODO enables Comcast pay-TV subscribers to watch a vast array of programming from any internet connection, which of course means that any ole 3G / 4G data connection would work just as well as Comcast's own. Oh, and while mobile TV is pretty good -- and we're going to let Comcast finish -- watching HDTV at home with a DVR is definitely the best scenario of all time.

Update: Just to be clear, this service won't deliver TV straight to phones.

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Comcast could serve TV over WiMAX, inflate your bill even higher originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gcablecable companyCableCompanyclearClearwirecomcastcontenthdtvinternetmobile broadbandmobile internetmobile tvMobileBroadbandMobileInternetMobileTvon demand onlineOnDemandOnlineother formatsotherformatsprogrammingresellertvwimaxwireless tvWirelessTvwwanWed, 16 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Blockbuster plans to part with 960 retail stores by end of 2010]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/15/blockbuster-plans-to-part-with-960-retail-stores-by-end-of-2010/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/15/blockbuster-plans-to-part-with-960-retail-stores-by-end-of-2010/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/15/blockbuster-plans-to-part-with-960-retail-stores-by-end-of-2010/#comments Seriously, Blockbuster can't seem to get a break. In a recent SEC filing, the company identified 18 percent of its retail outlets it deemed unprofitable and announced plans to close up to 960 stores by the end of 2010. That's divided into up to 685 by the end of this year and the remaining 275 the year after, but the filing continues to say that up to 1,560 locations, or 22 percent of its total retail coverage, could end up falling the wayside. Another slide indicates how the company sees itself going forward, with an expansion of kiosks and its Total Access subscriber base, and putting OnDemand in "nearly every connected device." Of course, if this brings Blockbuster back to profitability as it expects to be, then more power to it, but it's clear that the one-time king is fighting wars on a number of sides and has a long way to go if it intends to stay afloat, much less reclaim its crown.


[Via CNET]

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Blockbuster plans to part with 960 retail stores by end of 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block busterblock buster videoBlockBusterblockbuster ondemandBlockbusterOndemandBlockBusterVideobusinesscloseclosurefilingon demandOnDemandother formatsotherformatsretailretail outletsretail storesRetailOutletsRetailStoressecsec filingSecFilingshut downShutDowntotal accessTotalAccessTue, 15 Sep 2009 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Grant Fidelity's $3,200 Impression II weds CD player, tube amp and overkill]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/09/grant-fidelitys-3-200-impression-ii-weds-cd-player-tube-amp-a/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/09/grant-fidelitys-3-200-impression-ii-weds-cd-player-tube-amp-a/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/09/grant-fidelitys-3-200-impression-ii-weds-cd-player-tube-amp-a/#comments
See that? That's a $3,200 CD player, which will be impossible to justify for pretty much anyone not featured on Joan Rivers' newest TV show. Designed and produced by Grant Fidelity, the CD-1000 Impression II packs a high-end Sanyo CD drive, tube analog output, tube headphone amplifier and a rather basic display screen, while the "anti-vibration aluminum chassis" tries as hard as it can to look both unorthodox and absurdly expensive. It's hard to say if your burnt MP3 discs will actually sound better on this thing (okay, so they won't), but at least you can rest easy knowing that shipping on this 50 pound beast is completely gratis.

[Via OhGizmo]

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Grant Fidelity's $3,200 Impression II weds CD player, tube amp and overkill originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocdcd playerCD-1000CdPlayerexpensiveGrant FidelityGrantFidelityhome audioHomeAudioimpression 2impression IIImpression2ImpressionIiluxurymusicother formatsotherformatstubeWed, 09 Sep 2009 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/26/paramount-lionsgate-warner-bros-and-sony-pictures-movies-finall/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/26/paramount-lionsgate-warner-bros-and-sony-pictures-movies-finall/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/26/paramount-lionsgate-warner-bros-and-sony-pictures-movies-finall/#comments
Over the last few years we've witnessed a slew of DivX Certified devices including HDTVs, DVD & Blu-ray player, set-top boxes, game consoles and even cell phones, but until now, despite several content agreements, in the U.S. there hasn't been any content available in the format from the major studios. That changes today now that online store FilmFresh.com, has signed up Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures to offer new release and archive movies for purchase as DivX formatted downloads. The bad news? For now at least, they'll be standard definition (stereo audio) only. Rick Bolton, CEO of Film Fresh as well as Eric Grab and John Greene of DivX filled us in on the details, and from what we've learned -- if you'll stand for lower res video -- the combination of compatibility and portability could make this download service a competitor against the likes of iTunes, CinemaNow and Zune.

Continue reading Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX

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Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divxdivx certifiedDivxCertifieddownloadsinternetinternet videoInternetVideolions gateLionsGateother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareparamountprogressive downloadsProgressiveDownloadssony picturesSonyPictureswarner brosWarnerBrosWed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CEPro breaks down Real and Kaleidescape cases, uncovers more questions]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/20/cepro-breaks-down-real-and-kaleidescape-cases-uncovers-more-que/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/20/cepro-breaks-down-real-and-kaleidescape-cases-uncovers-more-que/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/20/cepro-breaks-down-real-and-kaleidescape-cases-uncovers-more-que/#commentsDVD legal rulingIt's been a rough week for DVD copying services from Real and Kaleidescape, and public understanding of the whole DVD copying mess hasn't been spared. People like to watch DVDs and lawyers like to get paid, however, so we're willing to bet there's more to come. CEPro has put together a breakdown of the issues at hand, which not only makes for some good reading but also shows just how far from any real clarity we are. Whether it's legal to make bit-for-bit copies, but illegal to view them; legal to use copying tools, but illegal to produce them; or just plain mean to do something Hollywood doesn't want you to, consumers are going to push for media convenience. We're still hoping Blu-ray's Managed Copy gives us enough wiggle room on our HD digital handcuffs, but sadly, it seems like DVD fans can pick between taking up residence in legal limbo while the courts struggle to catch up with tech or just strip the CSS from discs and get on with their lives.

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CEPro breaks down Real and Kaleidescape cases, uncovers more questions originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kaleidescape gets in line behind RealDVD for rough treatment originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealccacourtDMCAdrmdvddvd ccadvd copydvd copy control associationdvd ripperdvd rippingDvdCcaDvdCopyDvdCopyControlAssociationDvdRipperDvdRippingfair useFairUsehollywoodillegalkaleidescapelawsuitlegalmpaaother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwarerippingsuesuitThu, 13 Aug 2009 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba engineering still holding grudge, saddles 2TB RD-X9 DVR with DVD]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/11/toshiba-engineering-still-holding-grudge-saddles-2tb-rd-x9-dvr/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/11/toshiba-engineering-still-holding-grudge-saddles-2tb-rd-x9-dvr/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/11/toshiba-engineering-still-holding-grudge-saddles-2tb-rd-x9-dvr/#commentsToshiba RD-X9 DVD DVR It's not a big leap to assume that folks who can grab and actually use Toshiba's RD-X9 2TB DVR would want to occasionally archive some of their shows to an optical disc. Yes, plugging in an external USB drive for backups is probably a better approach, but those optical discs are just so bite-sized and bookshelf-friendly. Toshiba apparently agrees, because burning to disc is supported as well; but maybe engineering is still bitter about the whole Blu-ray/HD-DVD thing and isn't aware of the new company line, because the onboard drive is DVD, not Blu-ray. Hopefully the next iteration will get everyone on one page, and we can move on to a feature-competitive Blu-ray model.

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Toshiba engineering still holding grudge, saddles 2TB RD-X9 DVR with DVD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been nearly two years since Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare were released and disappointed the "HD era" by not quite making it up to 720 lines of resolution. Two years later, it appears their sequels due this fall, Halo 3: ODST and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, won't be able to do any better. In separate articles, developers confirmed both will match the resolution of the original games (1024x600 for Call of Duty, 1152x640 for Halo.) Honestly, we have the same perspective we did then, there's a lot more to image quality than just resolution and a peek at a trailer for either game will reveal plenty of visual tricks to keep the eyes entertained (if you think a measly 120p's will pull Editor Emeritus Ryan Block away from CoD, think again) but, c'mon guys, the so-called HD era is four years deep, if Bizarre could figure out how to squeeze 720p res and better graphics while moving from Project Gotham Racing 3 to PGR4, why can't you?

[Via Evil Avatar & again]

Read - Halo 3: ODST not 720p admits Bungie
Read - Modern Warfare 2 will render at 600p

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Modern Warfare 2, Halo 3: ODST are both not-quite HD games originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>600pcall of dutycall of duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4gameshalohalo 3Halo3modern warfare 2ModernWarfare2other formatsotherformatsplaystation 3Playstation3ps3videogamesxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Onkyo keeps the SACD fires burning ]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/27/onkyo-keeps-the-sacd-fires-burning/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/27/onkyo-keeps-the-sacd-fires-burning/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/27/onkyo-keeps-the-sacd-fires-burning/#commentsOnkyo C-S5VL SACD player, A-5VL integrated amplifier
Sure, Blu-ray has its Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA formats to satisfy the audiophiles, but Onkyo has apparently decided that there are still enough US audiophiles to warrant the release of gear previously labeled "Japan-only." With Wolfson DACs and a thermally regulated data clock circuit (you know, to tame those nasty jitters), the $599 C-S5VL SACD deck is ready to tackle your small but irreplaceable library of discs. Pair it up with the $699 A-5VL integrated amp and transport yourself back to a time when you didn't worry about specs -- 40-Watts across two channels, Burr-Brown DACs, and a low-noise preamplifier section should make for a killer small room/office system; and if you're anything close to mainstream, a small room or office is exactly where music listening has been pushed to. Grab the "sweet spot" chair and indulge!

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Onkyo keeps the SACD fires burning originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-5vlamericaaudioc-s5vlintegrated ampintegrated amplifierIntegratedAmpIntegratedAmplifieronkyoonkyo a-5vlonkyo c-s5vlOnkyoA-5vlOnkyoC-s5vlother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareothersreceiverssacdusMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/22/olive-blesses-opus-no-4-music-server-with-2tb-of-space-charges/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/22/olive-blesses-opus-no-4-music-server-with-2tb-of-space-charges/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/22/olive-blesses-opus-no-4-music-server-with-2tb-of-space-charges/#comments
We haven't heard from Olive in a white hot minute, but hey, given the price of its wares, maybe it just decided to take the whole recession off. At any rate, the boutique outfit is sashaying back onto the scene with the Opus No. 4, the newest member of its long-standing Opus Hi-Fi Digital Stereo family. As with the models that have come before, this ultra high-end music server packs loads of internal storage (2TB if you're counting), giving you enough room for around 6,000 CDs stored in the lossless FLAC format. There's also a handy, full-color display on the front that probably won't get much use, and 'round back, you'll find a WiFi adapter (for wireless music streaming, you dig?), optical / coaxial digital audio outputs, a left / right analog output, a USB socket and an Ethernet port (for more of that streaming stuff). Look good? You bet. Does it look $1,799 good? That's debatable.

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Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you have the dominant high-def optical storage format -- which can serve both movies and games with equal aplomb -- built right into your consoles, shouldn't you be leveraging that synergy? Well, the assimilation is now complete, as Watchmen Director's Cut launched today with The End is Night Parts 1 and 2 for PlayStation 3 in tow. The price of admission here is a penny under $50 before tax / shipping -- and considering both parts of the game cost $30 total on their lonesome, that's none too shabby of a deal. It'll be interesting to see what film and tie-in game make the merge next -- anyone up for a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory re-release?

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Watchmen Director's Cut movie / PlayStation 3 game Blu-ray combo now available originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Like it or not, 3D movies are coming to your house. If you're looking to be one of the first on the block to stream the third-dimension onto your computer monitor or 3D-ready HDTV, Sonic Solutions is making sure you have that option. Announced today, the company is utilizing Roxio's CinemaNow platform to provide users access to 3D films, and all of those files are optimized for use with NVIDIA's GeForce GPUs and its 3D Vision / 3D Vision-ready displays. Frankly, we're shocked to see CinemaNow involved in all of this, but this just might be the offering that makes the service at least marginally relevant again. Sadly, there's no hard data surrounding pricing and release, but needless to say, you should probably go ahead and don those funky goggles just in case it goes down sooner rather than later.

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Sonic brings 3D movies into the home via CinemaNow originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As has become customary these days, Belkin is also pinning the cancellation of the FlyWire on the economy, with a spokesperson telling us that the "retail price of $1,499 would be out of line given the current state of the economy." She continued by stating that the company has "opted to halt production of FlyWire" and "will no longer be introducing [it] to the market." Granted, the company does seem somewhat apologetic, concluding that "there will be some disappointed folks out there, but [Belkin's] end goal is to introduce products that are accessible and that make sense in the current environment."


Frankly, we're not buying it. In April, Belkin affirmed to us that while AMIMON's WDHI technology was "solid," it was taking its sweet time in order to "pay very close attention to the user experience, such as the packaging, setup, and the quick install guide." We could be way off base here, but we'd say the economy was sucking quite a bit harder in April than it is today. And honestly, that's beside the point. A $1,500 device that enabled a Blu-ray player to communicate wirelessly with an HDTV is obviously a luxury item, and regardless of unemployment numbers, Belkin had to know that the FlyWire would only appeal to upscale consumers. You know, the same folks who also put in an order for a Ferrari California in 1H 2009 while their hedge fund dived.

To us, the sudden death of the FlyWire is more of an industry signal than anything. For quite some while, we've been wondering when the industry at large would embrace wireless HD and HDMI technology, and now we're beginning to think that said embrace will never happen in any significant capacity. Even Wireless USB couldn't cut it, and we're guessing there are an awful lot more USB users out there than HDMI. If the price dropped dramatically and the sector consolidated a bit in order to agree on a single standard, we'd say wireless HD / HDMI has a fighting chance. 'Til that happens, you can pretty much bank on the FlyWire fiasco becoming a model for the rest. Belkin's statement in full is past the break.

Continue reading Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance?

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Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That's the idea behind a recent column on TheStreet.com, which cites consumers happiness with DVD and the oncoming march of downloads as reasons that "Blu-ray rips off consumers." Now to be fair, actually within the article are less hyperbolic statements like "Blu-ray hasn't failed" but even from here we can see several holes in the author's theory. To begin, he claims that downloadable and streaming high definition video is "360 lines away from providing the same clarity" demonstrating an unfortunate ignorance of 1080p downloads already available from Vudu and streaming from CBS.com. Unfortunately, as we all should be aware there's more to the movie experience than simply resolution, and even with more 1080p movies on the way from Xbox Live, it will be some time before a customer can get the same experience available on Blu-ray from any internet service. Another assumption? That Blu-ray "expects customers to ignore the rapidly advancing technology right on their doorstep." Tell that to companies like Samsung, LG and Panasonic, who already sell Blu-ray players that double as digital distribution set top boxes delivering HD movies from Netflix and Amazon. Check out all three pages of this guy's opinion yourself and let us know if we missed anything.

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So is Blu-ray really ripping off consumers? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been a long (long!) time coming, but we're thrilled to finally be able to say that OPPO's multifaceted BDP-83 is shipping en masse to those willing to part with five bills (or $500, for those working without conversion tables). During our time with the player, we were duly impressed with most every aspect, and if you're still on the hunt for a Blu-ray player that can spin DVD-Audio and SACD on the side, you'll be hard pressed to find a better option than this. So, who's taking the plunge?

[Via High-Def Digest]

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OPPO's long-awaited BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player now shipping originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While you'll probably have to wait for James Cameron's Avatar for a proper stereoscopic 3D experience on consoles, Disney is readying two games this summer that will not only support anaglyph 3D (good news, it will work on any TV, bad news, it's the same low quality red/blue style 3D you've seen and ignored before), but come with two pairs of glasses packed in. Just continuing on the 3D hype its been dispensing to the kids with Jonas Bros. and Hannah Montana flicks both on the big screen and at home, highlighted most recently with Up and culminating in the upcoming Toy Story 1 & 2 3D remakes in October, Disney is clearly making an effort to work the technology in on every level with special 3D modes (no cheat codes necessary.) Toy Story Mania is a Wii-exclusive game due this fall based on the ride at its resorts, while G-Force brings spy guinea pigs to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 July 21.

[Via Joystiq]

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3D glasses included in two new Disney games for Xbox 360, PS3 & Wii originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just as we heard back in February, Time Warner and Comcast have joined hands in order to regain control on some of the content that is slipping right out from under 'em. In the olden days, the only portal for catching content was the 'tube; today, a vast array of television shows are available gratis on the web, and that's downright frightening for pay-TV operators. Today, both firms are detailing TV Everywhere in the most general way possible, only telling us that paying Comcast subscribers will soon have access to "premium long-form content" via a web portal. TNT and TBS are the only networks specifically named thus far, but considering that both of those already offer their best programming online to everyone, we're not terribly impressed.

The agreement also includes a trial with around 5,000 Comcast users, which will be used to heavily test a newfangled authentication technology that will be necessary to allow paying Comcast users to access the material from any internet-connected PC. NewTeeVee has also assembled a clean, easy-to-digest FAQ that explains what exactly all this is. To be frank, it seems like a solution in search of a problem from the consumer viewpoint. After all, with portals like Hulu and individual network websites already providing in-demand content online, why is there even a need for some "special portal" for Comcast users? We've heard that paying subs will have access to even more material, possibly movies or other premium shows. But we won't front: we certainly don't want TV Everywhere to convert some of the content that's already free into pay-only content in order to accomplish the aforesaid "even more" goal. At any rate, the public at large probably won't hear more about this until the trial sessions end at an undisclosed time, but you can bet we'll be keeping a cautious eye on any developments.

Read - TV Everywhere press release
Read - NewTeeVee FAQ

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Time Warner's TV Everywhere to pipe internet TV to Comcast subscribers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementauthenticationcablecomcastcontentDRMfancasthuluinternetinternet mediainternet tvInternetMediaInternetTvon demand onlineOnDemandOnlineother formatsotherformatspartnerpartnershipprogrammingtbstime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletnttv everywhereTvEverywhereTWCvideo on demandVideoOnDemandVODWed, 24 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Cello Electronics intros HDTV that records to SD cards]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/06/24/cello-electronics-intros-hdtv-that-records-to-sd-cards/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/06/24/cello-electronics-intros-hdtv-that-records-to-sd-cards/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/06/24/cello-electronics-intros-hdtv-that-records-to-sd-cards/#comments
We'll go ahead and hurt the feelings of those in Asia, North America and the Cook Islands: this here set is bound for the European market only (for now, anyway), but hey, at least we know the technology is here. Over in the UK, one Cello Electronics has issued the first HDTV that records OTA (Freeview) content directly to an SD card, giving users an easy option for shuffling recorded content to portable players. The set itself boasts twin TV tuners, a built-in EPG, split-screen functionality and an integrated DVD player; as for sizes, you'll find it in 22-, 26- and 32-inch flavors. Sadly, you'll be stuck with "just" 1,440 x 900 pixels and no HDMI socket, but those who couldn't care less can take ownership starting next month for TBD, £399.99 ($661) or £469.99 ($777) in order of mention.

Update: Cello pinged us to say that all three models do indeed have HDMI sockets. The larger two have a pair, while the 22-incher has one.

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Cello Electronics intros HDTV that records to SD cards originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'll admit it, we fell asleep during James Cameron's epic description of the game that will accompany his latest movie, Avatar, during E3 earlier this week, so we have no idea what it will be like. What we do know however, is that the movie is expected to be another leap forward for 3D technology, and apparently the game will be as well, now that Sensio has announced Ubisoft will deliver it in stereoscopic 3D. All that should be required is connecting one of the consoles to a Sensio-compatible TV (Panasonic's 3D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System was used to demo the game at E3, although its unclear if that was a special version) and a pair of 3D glasses.

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James Cameron's Avatar game coming in stereoscopic Sensio 3D on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tucked in between the "worst kept secret" PSP Go and motion control demos at its E3 press conference, Sony also revealed new content for the PlayStation Network video service, and the ability to download video directly to the PSP, no PS3 or PC intermediary needed. No word on when to expect the new content exactly, but it will include video from Showtime Networks, Starz, G4 & E!, Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, HDNet & Magnolia Pictures, Anime Network, Media Blasters, Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment, Starz Media's Manga Entertainment, Toei Animation, Viz Media, WEP, UFC, TNA and Video Action Sports. Looks like Sony will have easy on the go access to video store content up and running before Microsoft gets its Zune integration act together, but whether that compares to 1080p instant streaming promises remains to be seen (Hint: first one with direct Hulu access wins, we're just saying, guys.) Check out Sony's trailer embedded after the break.

Continue reading Sony adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners

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Sony adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009g4hdnetinternetmagnolia picturesMagnoliaPicturesother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareplaystationplaystation networkplaystation portablePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPortablepsnpsn storePsnStorepspshowtimesonystarzthe weinstein companyTheWeinsteinCompanyTue, 02 Jun 2009 22:21:00 EST<![CDATA[New Orleans' Prytania rises up to 3D]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/06/02/new-orleans-prytania-rises-up-to-3d/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/06/02/new-orleans-prytania-rises-up-to-3d/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/06/02/new-orleans-prytania-rises-up-to-3d/#commentsNew Orleans' Prytania Theater
Outside of the frozen food section at the supermarket, nothing beats the summer heat quite like a cool (or downright cold) movie theater, and the recently Sony/RealD 4k-equipped Prytania theater in New Orleans just added 3D capabilities to entice viewers some more. No surprise -- Disney's summer blockbuster, Up, was the first talkie to make the leap off the silver screen at the newly outfitted venue, and we suspect that The Prytania -- the only theater in N'awlins to have Up in 3D -- raked in a healthy crowd for its investment. We love to see storied theaters keep up with the times, and this almost 95-year old movie house is no exception.

[Thanks, gamedude360!]

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New Orleans' Prytania rises up to 3D originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've known for some while that Celeno had a thing for high-def over WiFi, and that favoritism has never been more clear. Today, the outfit is announcing a partnership with Ralink that will hopefully lead to an array of WiFi home networking designs that are optimized for HD video distribution. The first solution will combine the CL1300 and CLR230 802.11n chipsets along with Ralink's RT2880 and RT2850 chips. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem as if Celeno is announcing any set-top-boxes to contain said solution just yet, but hopefully that's just a few months away. Hey, CEDIA ain't too far off, is it? Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Ralink and Celeno team up on HD WiFi home networking wares

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Ralink and Celeno team up on HD WiFi home networking wares originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nCelenochipchipsetCLR230HD wifiHdWifihome networkingHomeNetworkingnetworkingother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareRalinkwifiwirelesswireless hdwireless hdmiwireless hdtvWirelessHdWirelessHdmiWirelessHdtvMon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavily-backed WiGig Alliance to stream everything over 60GHz]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/06/heavily-backed-wigig-alliance-to-stream-everything-over-60ghz/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/06/heavily-backed-wigig-alliance-to-stream-everything-over-60ghz/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/06/heavily-backed-wigig-alliance-to-stream-everything-over-60ghz/#comments
Yes folks, we're back to the drawing board. Again. With a litany of wireless technologies floundering about and struggling to find real traction in the market, a cadre of market powerhouses have joined up to take wireless streaming to the next level -- or so they say, anyway. The newly formed WiGig Alliance aims to use unlicensed 60GHz waves in order to stream just about anything you can think of: HD video, images, phone contacts, instant messages, audio, etc. This "unified" approach differs from most other alternatives, which generally pick one niche (1080p video, for instance) and stick to it. If the more than 15 technology firms have their collective druthers, the WiGig specification will find its way into everything from set-top-boxes to telephones to home stereos, ready and willing to stream to other WiGig-enabled devices at a moment's notice.

The group consists of household names such as Microsoft, LG, Dell, Samsung, Marvell, Nokia, NEC, Intel and Broadcom (just to name a few), and when we spoke to executives about the announcement, they told us that plans were to have the specification available to member organizations in Q4 of this year. The sad part is that this likely means we won't see shipping products with the WiGig logo for another year after that -- if we're lucky. We can't argue that some stability would be nice in this volatile sector; after all, we've been waiting for promising products like Belkin's FlyWire to ship for well over a year. The execs we spoke with couldn't speak on behalf of the partner firms in terms of what WiGig products were looming on the horizon, but as we alluded to earlier, the playing field is wide open. Honestly, we'd love for this to take off and finally give high-bandwidth wireless applications the support it needs to flourish, but as we've seen over the past few years, the road ahead ain't an easy one to walk. The full release is after the break.

Continue reading Heavily-backed WiGig Alliance to stream everything over 60GHz

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Heavily-backed WiGig Alliance to stream everything over 60GHz originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60GHzAllianceAtherosbroadcomdellintellgmarvellmediatekmicrosoftnecnokiaother formatsotherformatspanasonicsamsungWiGigWiGig AllianceWigigAlliancewilocitywirelessWireless Gigabitwireless hdwireless hdmiWirelessGigabitwirelessHDWirelessHdmiWed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst sees Wii HD in 2010]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/06/analyst-sees-wii-hd-in-2010/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/06/analyst-sees-wii-hd-in-2010/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/06/analyst-sees-wii-hd-in-2010/#comments
Really need to know when Wii games in 720p or higher resolutions will finally be officially available? In lieu of having no idea whatsoever, let us substitute the (slightly better?) option of dates pulled out of the air estimated by noted industry analyst Michael Pachter. He doesn't see any new consoles from the already-HD camp until 2013, with the long rumored Wii HD due in 2010. We know, 480p maximum output is the only thing keeping you from a fit, balance boarded lifestyle and also hope to see a proper high definition console from Nintendo as soon as possible, check the read link for all the financial details and reasonings why next year could be the year.

[Via Joystiq]

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Analyst sees Wii HD in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 06 May 2009 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwarepachterwiiwii hdWiiHdWed, 06 May 2009 07:17:00 EST<![CDATA[RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/05/reald-lp-makes-3d-projection-a-touch-more-portable/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/05/reald-lp-makes-3d-projection-a-touch-more-portable/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/05/reald-lp-makes-3d-projection-a-touch-more-portable/#comments It may be stretching the definition of what we'd call "portable" around here by quite a large margin, but RealD's touting its latest creation as the world's first mobile, single-projector 3D solution. The RealD LP can blast video on screens up to 17 feet wide with a 150:1 contrast ratio -- glasses still required for the full effect, of course. No price mentioned, but we reckon it's still in the realm of "if you have to ask, you can't afford it."

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RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 05 May 2009 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've already had a peek at the various sprite filtering modes that can be optionally employed on Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom 2 port for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but as usual, one truly need to get a look at the game in motion to judge. Check out Joystiq's YouTube HD footage (embedded after the break) and see if that type of thing has any noticeable effect on the action.

Continue reading Marvel vs. Capcom 2 HD video compares upscaling methods

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Marvel vs. Capcom 2 HD video compares upscaling methods originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 02 May 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomgamingmarvel vs capcom 2marvel vs. capcom 2MarvelVs.Capcom2MarvelVsCapcom2other formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareplaystation 3Playstation3ps3psnremakespritesprite filteringSpriteFilteringupscalingvideogamesxblaxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 02 May 2009 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Audyssey DSX surround sound takes the speaker-count war to 11]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/30/audyssey-dsx-surround-sound-takes-the-speaker-count-war-to-11/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/30/audyssey-dsx-surround-sound-takes-the-speaker-count-war-to-11/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/30/audyssey-dsx-surround-sound-takes-the-speaker-count-war-to-11/#comments
You might think the future of surround audio lies in sophisticated DSP-driven single-box soundbars or even crazy wireless headphones, but Audyssey Labs knows the truth: what you really need is more speakers. Up to 11 of 'em, to be exact, as part of the company's new Dynamic Surround Expansion system. Like the 9.1 channel Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DSX focuses more on the audio in front of you, since that's what your ears are tuned to differentiate the best -- in addition to the left, right, and center channels, DSX includes two speakers mounted up high at a 45-degree angle, and two speakers placed farther out to each side to create width. Add in the two surround back channels from a traditional 7.1 rig and presto -- you're up to 11. Yep, that's a lot of speakers, especially if your loved ones already think a standard 5.1 system is an eyesore. On the other hand -- 11 freaking speakers. DSX-enabled receivers are expected to arrive by summer, just in time to close the shades and spend all day indoors watching movies.

[Via Sound and Vision; thanks Will]

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Audyssey DSX surround sound takes the speaker-count war to 11 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11.112.17.19.1audysseydsxdynamic sound expansionDynamicSoundExpansionhome theaterHomeTheaterother formatsotherformatssurroundsurround soundSurroundSoundThu, 30 Apr 2009 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel vs. Capcom 2's HD upgrade explained]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/29/marvel-vs-capcom-2s-hd-upgrade-explained/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/29/marvel-vs-capcom-2s-hd-upgrade-explained/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/29/marvel-vs-capcom-2s-hd-upgrade-explained/#comments
Making us a little more comfortable with the slow death of S-Video is the news that the Sega Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. With its introduction to the HD console era, Capcom's had to make some changes to the classic, although it isn't getting a full frame by frame rework like Super Street Fighter II HD Remix, producer Rey Jimenez blogged about some of the updates, including the three options for sprite filtering seen above to keep things sharp in 1080p. Also new for 2009 is widescreen support (the stages are still the same size) with notes from two prominent player promising "the same game, only prettier." The only real question now is which game is next?

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Marvel vs. Capcom 2's HD upgrade explained originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdreamcastgaminghd remixHdRemixmarvel vs capcom 2marvel vs. capcom 2MarvelVs.Capcom2MarvelVsCapcom2mvc2other formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwareplaystation 3Playstation3psnsegaspritevideogamexblaxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/29/amimons-second-gen-whdi-spec-does-full-uncompressed-1080p/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/29/amimons-second-gen-whdi-spec-does-full-uncompressed-1080p/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/29/amimons-second-gen-whdi-spec-does-full-uncompressed-1080p/#comments
AMIMON, the company behind the wireless HD technology (WHDI) in Belkin's FlyWire (among other devices), has just introduced its second-generation chipset. The device, which utilizes video modem technology operating in the 5GHz unlicensed band, consists of the new AMN 2120 transmitter and AMN 2220 receiver, both of which are angling to slip into set-top-boxes, HDTVs and all sorts of other HDMI-enabled devices in short order. AMIMON asserts that this chipset is the first capable of "delivering full uncompressed 1080p/60Hz HD content throughout the entire home," with a range of beyond 100 feet through walls, under one millisecond of latency and support for HDCP 2.0. Best of all, the new kit is available now for manufacturers to snap up, so for the legions of consumers waiting for someone to get wireless HD right, let us say this: "get to snapping." The full release is after the break.

Gallery: AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p

Continue reading AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p

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AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let's face it -- quite a lot is resting on the outcome of this case. For months now, RealNetworks has been unable to legally sell its RealDVD movie ripping software after a court issued a temporary restraining order that remains valid until it's decided if the application violates the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act). Now, the software is finally having its day in court, and the outcome could shape the future of the DVD player (for better or worse). You see, Real has already assembled a prototype Facet device that hums along on Linux; essentially, this DVD playing machine would sell for around $300 and could store up to 70 movies internally. On the surface, this sounds entirely like a poor man's Kaleidescape, but only time will tell if The Man agrees. Cross your fingers folks, we get the feeling fair use advocates are going to need the luck.

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RealDVD ripping software heads to court, fair use advocates on pins and needles originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ah, holographic storage -- you've held so much promise for cheap optical media since you were first imagined in research papers published in the early 60s. Later today, GE will be trying to keep the dream alive when it announces a new technique that promises to take holographic storage mainstream. GE's breakthrough in microholographics -- which, as the name implies, uses smaller, less complex holograms to achieve three-dimensional digital storage -- paves the way for players that can store about 500GB of data on standard-sized optical discs while still being able to read DVD and Blu-ray media. Better yet, researchers claim a price of about 10 cents per gigabyte compared to the nearly $1 per gigabyte paid when Blu-ray was introduced. The bad news? We're talking 2011 or 2012 by the time microholographics devices and media are introduced and even then it'll only be commercialized for use by film studios and medical institutions. In other words, you'll likely be streaming high-def films to your OLED TV long before you have a microholographic player in the living room.

Update: And out pops the press release.

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GE microholographic storage promises cheap 500GB discs, Blu-ray and DVD compatibility originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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