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In what may be one of the worst-kept secrets in game console price drop history, Microsoft has finally confirmed all belief that Xbox 360 consoles would be cheaper starting September 5

Filed under: Receivers, Panasonic

Panasonic is using this week's CEDIA show to debut its new AV receiver, the SA-BX500, and even though we doubt the nameplate will get much attention from the audiophile crowd, this unit does have a bit of audio-geekery with its bi-amplification/bi-wiring feature. Other stuff that will appeal to a wider audience includes 7x130-Watt amplification, HDMI connectivity (3 inputs, 1 output) that's ready for your 1080p content, HDMI-CEC in VIERA Link form, support for Dobly TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, and the ability to simulate 7.1-channels of surround in 5.1-channel systems, so you can hear what you're not missing. Available in October for $799, but you can grab a peek at the front and back right now.

Gallery: Panasonic SA-BX500 receiver

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Filed under: Media streamers, Internet

It's official, Amazon has moved Unbox-replacement Amazon Video on Demand out of beta for Mac and PC users, while confirming rumors the still-in-beta BRAVIA Internet Video Link service is open to all Sony HDTV owners. The streaming option (you can still download and watch via Unbox on PC or TiVo, and no matter how they're purchased, content is added to the Your Video Library accessible from the web or IVL) gives Amazon that critical buy-now / watch-immediately element some other online stores lack, for its library of 40,000 licensed movies and shows. Prices start at $1.99 for single episodes of TV shows and at least $2.99 for movies -- with savings available on season passes, now all we need to keep an eye on is the bandwidth meter.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Displays, Toshiba, LCD

Toshiba got official with its new RV / XV REGZA families last week at IFA, but now Tosh is debuting 'em along with a smattering of other lines at CEDIA. The main news here is the US pricing and availability, but if you care to get neck-deep in marketing hoopla, we'd be happy to oblige. The company is trumpeting its Super Resolution Technology (now available in the REGZA RV535 and XV545), which purportedly uses a "proprietary processing system" to "improve image sharpness, brightness and color, [thereby] enhancing standard movies, TV shows, camcorder movies and most video games to near HD quality." For details on how much he AV500, RV525, AV502, RV535 and XV545 sets will cost here in America, head on past the break.

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Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Others

Aw, snap. Not even 24 hours after we learned that a new DirecTV HD TiVo was on the way, in flies word from Denver that a new standalone TiVo is hitting even sooner -- like, today. The TiVo HD XL will become the flagship unit in TiVo's line by offering up 150 hours of high-def recording space, THX certification, a Series3 premium backlit remote and a bundled HDMI cable. As with the TiVo HD, this one boasts dual tuners for recording two HD programs simultaneously and a pretty similar design, but unlike the TiVo HD, this one will set you back a full $599.99. Those unaffected by the price tag can order one today from TiVo's website, and we're told to expect the box at various other retailers "as early as next week." Full press release after the break.

Continue reading TiVo HD XL DVR: 150 hours of HD recording, $599.99, available now

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Filed under: Podcasts

This has been a long time coming, but after false starts, a long hiatus, and who knows how many hosts, here we are at the Engadget HD Podcast episode 100. We start the show way back in 2005 by talking about what ended up being the warm up to the first podcast, as Ben and Warren talk up the origins and motivations. Then, in early 2006 Ben joined the HD Beat team and with Kevin Tofel, they knocked out the very first weekly HD Beat podcasts. But only after ten episodes, Kevin moved on and Matt moved in as the co-host for the next 34 episodes before the long hiatus. Finally, after about a six month break, Steve step in and helped step up the podcast's game, as we cranked out more consecutive shows than ever before, ultimately bringing us here to episode 100. But during this walk down memory we lane we make a couple stops as Warren reminds Ben that HD.net didn't end up being the HD powerhouse he predicted, Kevin tells how he moved on from HD DVD to digital downloads, and finally Ben reminds Matt while he was right about the price of the HD DVD add-on drive for the 360, he was wrong about his prediction of the outcome of the format war. So while this show doesn't include the usual HD news you've come to expect, it does have four times the witty banter -- especially if you like to hear it when Ben is given a hard time -- and a historical perspective on the show.


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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim

Producer: Trent Wolbe

Program
00:29 - Warren Wiltshire
18:51 - Kevin Tofel
42:06 - Matt Burns


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Filed under: New content

No, this isn't the usual stretch-o-vision we've come to expect from TBS HD, this is the real thing. Yesterday -- in a move that has been more than three years in the making -- TBS HD started broadcasting syndicated reruns of Seinfeld in HD. What's that you say, how could a show that was produced long before HD was invented be presented in HD? It is simple, film is eternal -- well almost -- and Sony spent the big bucks to go back to film for your HD enjoyment. Now, since this is TBS we're talking about here you know there has to be a catch, and that catch is that the show is cropped -- TBS, like Engadget is a Time Warner company. Everyone knows how much Turner hates black bars, and apparently 4x3 HD content isn't any different.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Displays, Media PCs, Media streamers

Just in time for CEDIA, IOGEAR's Wireless USB to VGA Kit has received passing marks from the USB Implementer's Forum, so you can rest assured that the $230 kit will play nicely with any other USB gear you have now or may get in the future. You can expect to see the wireless duo on shelves in October, so Windows XP and Vista users with a free USB port can cut the cord, clean up the rat's nest of cabling and start beaming 720p signals around the living room or conference room -- just mind the 30-foot limit. Full release after the break.

Continue reading IOGEAR's USB to VGA transmitter gets USB-IF approval, October release

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Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade to Cost $199 - Official

Filed under: CBS, Fox, Sports

With the kickoff of the regular NFL season imminent, and the first full Sunday of football in what seems like forever, you might be wondering which games will be available in your area in HD -- they'll all be in HD, but you know what we mean. Well luckily someone with much more time on their hands then we have, has done all the leg work and created some great maps that make it easy to quickly assess the situation. We expect that each week the maps will be updated with the games on both Fox and CBS, -- which happen to include those games that you may have to watch the first quarter in SD on CBS -- so head on over and check it out, unless of course you have the NFL Sunday Ticket, which of course means you can watch any game you want anyways.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Media streamers, Players, Set-top boxes, LG

We hate to say we called it, but our complete in-the-dark guess of just under four C-notes was right on the money. LG has just announced that it's BD300 Network Blu-ray player (and Netflix streamer) will begin shipping to national retailers (Best Buy, Circuit City, Bass Pro Shops, etc.) next month (as in, a month later than initially anticipated) for $399.95. Not the cheapest BonusView-enabled deck in the mix, but given the Netflix functionality tossed in on the side, we can still see quite a few folks joining the BD camp with this one. Matter of fact, we'll just go ahead and ask -- is this your ticket into the Blu?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Blu-ray, Media PCs, Sony

We were already warned that Sony was gearing up to push the Blu-ray / HD recording abilities of its VAIO machines, and here's all the proof you need that it plans on keeping its word. Here at CEDIA, the outfit has unveiled a trio of new all-in-one desktop PCs -- not quite ready for an HTPC label, but definitely catering to the hordes of high-def junkies out there. The VAIO JS, LV and RT desktop models all boast at least an optional integrated BD optical drive, and surprisingly, each model is incredibly distinct. For instance, the budget-minded JS boasts a 20.1-inch XBRITE-ECO LCD alongside an integrated webcam and microphone for $1,000, while the LV includes a 24-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) screen, optional BD writer and built-in DVR functionality with up to 1TB of storage; furthermore, it offers an HDMI input for connecting your set-top-box or PS3. The $3,300 (and up) RT comes with a 25.5-inch Full HD LCD aimed at video editors, and there's also integrated digital TV tuners, HDMI in / out, up to 8GB of RAM and one of Intel's Core 2 Quad CPUs. The trifecta should arrive in mid-October for those interested, and there's one more luscious angle after the break.

Continue reading Sony busts out VAIO JS, LV and RT all-in-one desktops, includes Blu-ray

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Filed under: Displays, Others, Projector

If your friends ever cracked a single joke on you for having a liquid-cooled gaming rig, watch real close and see if they don't end up swooning over this one. Taiwanese OEM / ODM supplier Chilin Technology has introduced the planet's first "lamp-free 1080p projector with liquid cooling" at this year's CEDIA Expo. The firm has partnered with Luminus Devices (for its PhlatLight LED) and Texas Instruments (for its 1080p DMD tech) in order to produce the device, which will boast 600 ANSI lumens, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 128% NTSC color gamut and a lamp good for around 50,000 hours (or, in Chillin's view, forever). As for a release date, we know it'll be demonstrated here in Denver, but there's no word on how quickly it'll begin shipping out to customers.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Displays, Sony, Projector

We already knew that Sony's VPL-HW10 was well on its way to retail shelves, but now you can mark it down -- it, along with the VPL-VW70, are officially official here in Denver. This 1080p SXRD two-fer offers up 24p True Cinema technology and the BRAVIA Engine video signal processing engine. As for the VPL-VW70, it checks in with a 60,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 800 ANSI lumens; the VPL-HW10 offers up half the contrast ratio and 1,000 ANSI lumens for use in brighter areas. Full specifications are just after the cut, but if you're anxious for pricing: the VW70 will hit this November for a staggering $8,000, while the HW10 can be had later this month for around $3,500.

Continue reading Sony trots out 1080p SXRD BRAVIA VPL-VW70 and VPL-HW10 projectors

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Filed under: Displays, Sony, LCD

Sony's thunder on these sets was already felt over in Berlin, but there's nothing quite like official verbiage saying that a 9.9-millimeter thick HDTV (and one with 240Hz technology) will be coming to the good 'ole US of A. Alongside Blu-ray HTIBs and a pricey new BD deck, Sony's also formally introducing the 52-inch BRAVIA KDL-52XBR7 and 40-inch BRAVIA KLV-40ZX1M here at CEDIA. The former features the eye-testing Motionflow 240Hz frame rate tech, which promises to deliver "exceptional motion detail in movies, sports and video games." It also boasts the outfit's BRAVIA Engine 2, an 80,000:1 contrast ratio and compatibility with BRAVIA Link expansion modules. As for Mr. Thin, it features a 1080p panel, an edge-lit wide color gamut LED backlight, a single HDMI input and support for Sony's BRAVIA Wireless Link. Both sets should ship in December for undisclosed prices, but you can read up on the full array of specifications just after the break.

Continue reading Sony debuts 240Hz KDL-52XBR7 / 9.9mm KLV-40ZX1M LCD HDTVs for USers

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Speakers, Sony

Sony's BDV-IT1000 HTIB was outed late last month, but that's not stopping the powerhouse from making it official alongside the BDV-IS1000 today at CEDIA. As you likely know, these two are Sony's first offerings in the burgeoning Blu-ray HTIB market, as both packages come bundled with an elusive BD-Live-capable deck (the BDP-S350, we presume?) along with integrated support for the firm's S-AIR technology. Each set packs a pair of HDMI inputs, XMB menu navigation, 5.1-channel surround sound, Digital Media Port (for hooking up your PMP), BRAVIA Sync and even an IR repeater on the IT1000ES. The aforesaid BDV-IT1000ES ($1,999) includes oh-so-slim drivers (pictured after the jump), while the $1,000 BDV-IS1000 includes the same "golf ball-sized" speaks as the HT-IS100. Both sets are shipping next month, or so says the release waiting after the break.

Continue reading Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems do Blu-ray

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Sony

While some other manufacturers are churning out Blu-ray decks with price tags closer to the magical $200 mark, Sony's bucking that trend by aiming squarely at those with bulging wallets and even fatter egos. The November-bound BDP-S5000ES one-ups the BDP-S350 by being BD-Live-capable (as opposed to BD-Live-ready) and boasts an Ethernet jack, external flash memory port, a 1GB Sony Micro Vault Tiny (gee, thanks!), Quick Start mode for getting those BDs spinning quicker and an ultra-special 14-bit HD video processor, which "improves standard-definition and high-definition picture quality with the help of HD Reality Enhancer and Super Bit Mapping technologies." Infringing on Toshiba's latest playground is the highly-touted Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology, which unsurprisingly upconverts DVDs to 1080p in order to make the most of your splendid DVD collection. You'll also find niceties such as an RS-232C / IR input, BRAVIA Sync and an XMB-inspired user interface -- now, if only we could find the secret sauce that makes this package worth the $2,000 asking price. (Psst... full release after the cut.)

Continue reading Sony introduces $2,000 BD-Live-capable BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray player

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Filed under: Media streamers, Ports, Receivers, Sony, Internet

Sony's got a smorgasbord of new kit comin' atcha from the heart of Denver, so we'll get things started with two new ES-series receivers. Just when you thought you'd seen the last of Sony's 2008 ES lineup, along comes two more making their US debut. Both the STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES offer up second room high-def video / audio distribution via CAT5e wiring, meaning that you can zip along HD content over your existing home network. Additionally, the former unit packs two CAT5e inputs and is DLNA-compliant. Wondering what that means for you? It means that Sony now has an AVR that can stream music, photos and video from a DLNA-compliant PC while accessing online music content from Rhapsody and Shoutcast sans a PC. Beyond that, there's the Faroudja DCDi Cinema chips, support for x.v.Color / Deep Color, Direct Stream Digital decoding, BRAVIA Sync and a 120-watt x 7 internal amplifier in each device. Catch the full release after the jump, and catch whichever unit suits your fancy within the next month for $2,500 / $2,000.

Continue reading Sony's STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES receivers do HD streaming over CAT5e

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Sony

CEDIA just wouldn't be CEDIA without a few absolutely mind-boggling pieces of equipment that will only be acquired by the wealthiest among us. That said, even the laypeople in attendance can sneak over to "that guy's house" and check out one of Sony's two new fully-featured NHS rack systems. Picking up where the $85,000 NHS-130C left off, the NHS-A30C and NHS-70C are fully integrated racks that come pre-built, wired, tested and ready for installation. They provide Control4 home automation integration, iPod support, 5.1-channel surround sound (7.1 in the 70C), a built-in Blu-ray deck and a second zone of HD video (and a third for audio). The 70C also adds in a 400-disc DVD / CD changer, 160GB music server and room for three auxiliary devices like a cable set-top-box or PlayStation 3. Best of all, the prices on these are much more manageable than the aforementioned predecessor -- the A30C will run between $15,000 and $30,000, while the 70C rings up between $30,000 and $50,000. Full release after the cut.

Continue reading Sony announces NHS-A30C and NHS-70C home automation rack systems

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Sony, Internet

While most of Sony's offerings thus far at CEDIA have catered to the general electronics consumer, this one is pointed directly at the custom install market. The new HomeShare HD multi-room entertainment solution delivers up to 16 zones of entertainment (four zones of HD video) to any room in the house via standard CAT5e wiring. The neatly packaged, um, package includes the HS-KP1 keypad (4.3-inch screen to display the XMB-based UI; pictured), the HS-MB1 distribution panel, HS-WV1 audio / video wallport, HS-AC1 power supply, HS-WA1 local audio wallport and the HS-WD1 digital media wallport for connecting an iPod (or similar). The kit will be available early next year through Sony's network of installation dealers, and pricing is expected to be between $1,000 and $2,000 per room. The whole release is after the jump.

Continue reading Sony's HomeShare multi-room entertainment solution spreads HD over CAT5e

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