Video Hardware & Software

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Answer to Quickie Quiz: More TVs or People

Drum roll and the envelope please!

According to ratings guru, Nielsen, TV sets now outnumber people in the average American home, with 2.73 sets compared to 2.55 residents.

Statistics also show that half of American homes now have three or more sets, and 19% have just one. In 1975, 57% of homes had a single TV and 11% had three or more.

(My how times have changed ...)

Can you believe it!

Thanks to USA TODAY/Associated Press for this interesting fact!

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on October 3rd, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Uncategorized and Video Hardware & Software and usa today and nielsen.

The Next Gen DVD Format War Is Over (Maybe, Maybe Not)

Everybody loves a format war; by "everybody" I really mean the media. Format wars are no fun for the companies backing each format, the companies manufacturing the competing products and the consumers who must ultimately vote (with their pocketbooks and wallets) to determine which side is the winner.

Now, according to a press release, the war is over -- maybe -- before it has begun.

(The war we are talking about is between two new high-capacity DVD formats: Blu-Ray, which is backed by Sony (see hardware below); and HD-DVD, backed by Toshiba. The reason for the battle? High-capacity DVD disks are needed to store High-Definition movies on a single disc.)

This according to UK-based New Medium Enterprises, which claims it has solved a technical production problem that makes it possible to produce a cheap multiple-layer DVD disc containing one film in different, competing formats.

What's really interesting is the production cost of the new disc, estimated at approximately 9 cents each -- compared with the 6 cents for a standard single-layer play-back DVD. (These figures are from ODMS, a Dutch company that is one of the world's leading makers of production lines for optical disks.

(So why do we shell out $20 for a DVD? Very nice profit margin for the big boys ...)

What a coincidence that this announcement comes only a week after three employees at movie studio Warner Bros. filed a patent for the application of multiple formats on a single DVD disc.

So out with the old and in with the new -- Is the new war going to be between the competing multi-layer technologies?

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on September 27th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Video Hardware & Software and blu-ray and hd-dvd and toshiba and sony.

Your Ad Here

Olevia: Very Affordable LCD HDTVs

The Olevia 5 Series LCD HDTVs include a bunch of models in the most popular sizes -- 27-, 32-, 37- and 42-inch models designated, respectively, the 527V, 532H, 537H, and 542i.

Having had my eyes on the 537H for a number of weeks, now, it provides good video and audio quality as well as HD at an affordable price. It may not be the screen featured in your high-end home theater, but funs well in a less critically demanding environment.

Syntax-Brillian has designed in new industry-leading technology innovations to improve video quality, including something it calls "Director’s Image technology" that recreates the director’s intended image through calibrated 6500K color temperature, gamma, optimized gray scales and adjustable black levels.

In addition, another innovation, "Big Picture Technology" shows up to 11% more of digital broadcast images and up to 37% more of analog images without distortion.

Overall setup is a snap, and the On-Screen Display (OSD) for selecting the optimum image attributes for any viewing environment is actually very easy to use, once you figure out the icons and their movement sequence.

The built-in ATSC and NTSC combination tuner provides convenient viewing of HD digital programs and standard analog channels.

The 537H and the other Olevia 5 Series models feature a High-Definition native resolution of 1366 x 768 and a fast 8 ms response time for fast-action program viewing such as sporting events and adventure films.

Versatile connectivity options include PC compatibility of 1360 x 768 @ 60Hz through HDMI and VGA, and video compatibility through HDMI, HD component, composite and S-Video inputs.

CNET Shopper lists prices from $1119 to $1499 for the 537H.

www.olevia.com

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on September 18th, 2006 with no comments.
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Nintendo Wii = $250

While Sony PS3 delays (at least not in Japan and the U.S.) have been making the rounds lately, the big news today is that Nintendo's new gaming console -- the oddly named Wii -- will cost $250.

Now that's a good thing right? Well, as in all things, you get what you pay for, so while this will be a lot less than the other big boys' consoles (think PS3 and Microsoft), will this deliver on its promise?

Only time -- and gamers (aka "the marketplace") -- will tell.

In the meantime, check out this report on pricing, dating, games and more.

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on September 14th, 2006 with no comments.
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3rd Gen TiVo Goes HD

Don't count TiVo down and out just yet.

The new high-end TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder is the first stand-alone TiVo product that is HD-compatible. It's also the world's first THX-certified digital video recorder (that means awesome audio).

Dual tuners allow subscribers to record two different shows in HD at the same time, while watching a third pre-recorded show.  With the front-panel display, the TiVo Series3 will show what is recording, even when the television is off.

Users can record up to 32 hours of HD programming or up to 300 hours of Standard Definition programming.

According to the company, extensive video analysis and performance testing by THX ensures content will always playback at the maximum quality and resolution. 

THX was born out of George Lucas' vision to improve the movie-going experience. A driving force in cinema, post-production, car audio and home entertainment, THX is dedicated to developing new ways to make the creation, delivery and presentation of entertainment content more efficient, more powerful and more enjoyable.

The advanced chipset in the TiVo Series3 HD box also lays the groundwork for support for more advanced download features in the future. (You knew those were coming, didn't you?)

If you need more, the press release gives it to you.

Availability: Mid-September (hey, that's soon!).

MSRP: $799.99.

 

 www.tivo

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Comments on this Entry:

(Justin on Sep 12, 2006 12:36 PM) Wow, watching TV is getting to become very complicated these days. I remember when I used to be disappointed if I missed my favorite show. That is definitely a thing of the past.

(Randy Savicky on Sep 12, 2006 1:45 PM) It's always something ...

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on September 12th, 2006 with no comments.
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Sony Says: ‘We’re Number 1″!

According to a published report in the Los Angeles Times, Sony has regained the top spot as the Number 1 (Numero Uno) television manufacturer.

(How about a bit of good news, eh?)

Sony fell behind in the late 1990s because of its slow recognition of flat-panel TVs. Sony's entrance into the LCD market has helped the company increase its share of the total market to 28%.

Underscoring its continuing commitment to spend behind the Sony brand, the company hopes to gain even more ground with a new marketing campaign, consumer education and brand recognition.

Let's see if the battery fiasco impacts the TV market -- or any other of the oodles of Sony products out there ...

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on September 6th, 2006 with no comments.
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Epson Takes TV to the Edge

Epson's upcoming high-resolution displays, featuring something called "Photo Fine Vistarich technology" produce crisp, beautiful images even when viewed from a sharp angle — up to 180 degrees from the top, bottom, left, and right — with hardly any changes in contrast or color. (Yes, you read correctly.)

What does this make possible?

Behind Photo Fine Vistarich's broad viewing angle is advanced technology that gives contrast ratios of more than 100:1 from ±80 degrees (500:1 when viewed head on). Conventional LCDs have contrast ratios from ±80 degrees that are usually only 10:1.

You can read all of the technical details on the Epson site.

Personally, I can' wait to see what these look like!

 

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on September 4th, 2006 with no comments.
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Another HD-DVD Format!

As if we didn't already have too many High Definition DVD formats!

Now, a third format has entered the HD DVD war to battle HD-DVD and Blu-ray for world domination -- New Medium Enterprises' High Definition Versatile Multilayer Disc (HD VMD).

(That VMD spelled out is brutal ...)

This format makes use of a red laser and multiple layers to maximize storage capacity.

Photo from Dealerscope, which has more on this perplexing development.

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on August 31st, 2006 with no comments.
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How About 3D TV without the Funny Glasses?

Now, this is interesting.

For the latest state-of-the-art TV viewing, let's go back a few decades when 3-D was the rage -- or at least something to draw folks into movie theaters.

In the "what is old is new again" column, Philips 3-D TVs are using tiny lenses over every subpixel to create a 3-D effect without the need for viewers to wear those funny glasses.

Spy Kids 3D anyone?

Philips is initially marketing the product to retailers who will create 3-D ads to get the attention of passing consumers, presumably a neat retail trick.

Get the full story in Wired, including the first-person report of the sensory sensation ...

If you can't wait, check out the 3D fun at DeepVision 3D.

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on August 24th, 2006 with no comments.
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Flat TVs Get Flatter in Price

I don't know if it's just in time for back to school shopping, but prices are falling fast for flat-panel TVs -- as much as 12% in the past few months, according to Yahoo!/USA Today.

Apparently CE companies have overshot the demand for flat-panel TVs (plasma and LCD), which is hard to believe. Perhaps increasing gas prices are finally putting a crimp on consumers' discretionary spending -- at least for "big ticket" items -- and many flat-panel TV sales are replacements for "just working fine, thank you, but now totally uncool" older CRT sets.

(Best Buy at least asks "Which TV is right for you?")

 

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on August 10th, 2006 with no comments.
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Old School Old Tube

The one thing we don't think about too much in the world of gadgets is that gadgets do come and go -- some very fast and some very slow.

Piece in the New York Times got me into this nostalgic state; article is on the soon to be disappearing cathode ray tube from TV sets in America and around the world, too.

(Cut-away photograph courtesy of a fun place to visit ---www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.)

Now some of you may not remember, but I am sure many of you do remember that big old thing sticking out from beyond the TV set in the living room; that was the most visible part of the cathode ray tube.

(CRT to those into initials.)

 

CRTs also made our computer monitors look so massive; amazing with technology can do!)

Easy to see this near death coming with the explosion and steady sales of flat-panel TVs, which obviously take up less space on a desktop (and look cooler -- you know cooler does count in gadgets.)

Any thoughts on other gadgets soon to be on their way out ...

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on August 7th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Video Hardware & Software and new york times and cathode ray tube and crt and flat-panel tv and www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.

A Unified HD-DVD Format (Or at Least a Player)?

So much going on with HD-DVD and Blu-ray that you need a scorecard to keep up with all of the players and their moves in this next-generation format war.

Is there any life to a dual-format player that supports both Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD like Samsung is apparently considering?

Would have to add something to the existing Blu-ray player (pictured) ...

The phone lines are open ... 

 

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on July 18th, 2006 with no comments.
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Who’s the Top Plasma Producer? Guess Again …

Everybody wants to be a market leader in their product category -- yes, saying you are #1 is important!

Now, after nearly a year of declining market share and the loss of its leadership in the plasma display panel (PDP) industry, South Korea’s LG Electronics has reclaimed the top position in the first quarter of 2006. (This is according to iSuppli Corp.)

LG’s share of worldwide PDP unit production rose to 31.1% in the first quarter of this from 27.5% in the fourth quarter of 2005; LG is now 1 point ahead of Matsushita, which we know much better as Panasonic.

(Anybody remember when we manufactured high-tech stuff like this is the U.S.?)

(In fact, anybody remember the last TV company with a U.S. manufacturing presence?)

Well, take a look at the top five companies in this category:

The full report is in Electronic Business at www.reed-electronics.com.

 

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on July 11th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Video Hardware & Software and lg and samsung and panasonic and electronic business and hitachi and matsushita and pioneer and plasma display panel.

UltraAV HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) 2 to 1 Switch


Accell will accounce today their UltraAV High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 2 to 1 Switch for home theater and presentations that is perfect for video enthusiasts.  Most new HD displays and projectors are equipped with only one HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connector requiring consumers to manually connect the source devices or purchase an expensive switch, which at $250 to $300, may be out of reach for many consumers.  Common HDMI sources include DVRs, set top boxes, satellite receivers, and DVD players.

The UltraAV HDMI Switch allows concurrent access to two video sources, eliminating the need to get off the sofa to plug and un-plug HDMI devices every time you want to use a different video source. The 2-1 Switch supports 1080p resolutions, is backward compatible and is compliant with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) devices. The UltraAV 2 to 1 Switch also works with DVI equipped devices when using an optional DVI adapter.



The switch requires no external power. Most Switches serving this need are bulky and carry a $250-$300 price tag, but Accell’s 2-1 Switch is small and carries an MSRP of just $99.99. Included with the Switch is a programmable wireless remote and an mountable infrared sensor. An IR Extender is included for when your Switch is not in line of sight to your remote control. The extender has a 5-foot cord, a miniature IR target and is self-adhesive for convenient placement, for when you want to install the Switch in an out-of-sight location.

It will be available next month (June).

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on May 23rd, 2006 with no comments.
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The HD-DVD Age Is Officially Upon Us

It may not be the second dawning of the Age of Aquarius, but the high-definition DVD era begins today with the official launch in the United States of HD-DVD movie players and discs.

The Contra Costa Times got it right -- don't expect much fanfare; only two players ($499 and $799 Toshiba models) and four movies are available. And the arrival of a competing format known as Blu-ray is a little over a month away. But there are hopeful signs for electronics makers and movie studios that HD-DVD or Blu-ray could eventually be a hit with consumers. The biggest boost for the new formats will be that sales of HD TVs -- a necessity to take full advantage of HD movies -- are booming.

Will you be the first on your block?

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on April 18th, 2006 with no comments.
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Yes, Flat-Screens Are the New Standard

Not too surprising to read that falling prices, stylish features and desire for higher-quality leisure time are fueling the sale of flat-screen monitors and TVs.

What is surprising is that estimates predict 90% of computer monitors and 40% of TV sold in North America will be flat-screens by the end of this year. DisplaySearch has the full story at www.displaysearch.com.

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Written by randy@strategypluscommunications.com on March 31st, 2006 with no comments.
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V Chip Returns as v.gis

As I blogged about last week, today is the day that all new products with digital television receivers – including TVs, video recorders, set-top boxes and media center PCs with tuners built into the motherboard – must incorporate parental control capabilities with a new "open" version of the V Chip -- v.gis.

Like its older brother, the new chip is a device that enables televisions to filter content so that inappropriate material is not seen. The owner of the box himself or herself decides what is viewable and what is not -- the ultimate remote control.

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Written by tkeating@tmcnet.com on March 15th, 2006 with no comments.
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Back from the Gloom: V Chip Resurrection

A decade ago, one of the hottest topics in CE was the V Chip, a little device that enabled televisions to filter content. There was much debate about the benefit, legality and ultimate cost of this device that enabled consumers to determine what content they would watch on TV.

Ultimately, the little chip that could was incorporated into the 1996 Telecommunications Act, with the result that as of January 1, 2000, all analog televisions sold in the U.S. had to include a V Chip. Taking the next step, now digital televisions (DTV) and other products with embedded digital receivers will be required to include V Chip capabilities, together with a new programmable interface.

In one week, on March 15, all new products with digital television receivers – including TVs, video recorders and set-top boxes – must incorporate parental control capabilities with a new "open" version of the V Chip that can be reprogrammed to adapt to changing standards. (The original chip could not be reprogrammed; hence the need for a new one that can be adapted for changing time and social mores.) This will also include media center PCs that have tuners built into the motherboard. This new chip is known as the v.gis.

According to a report in the online version of PC Magazine, www.pcmag.com, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) open V Chip mandate coincides with the U.S. digital TV transition signed into law in this month and slated for completion by February 2009.

While the furor over the V Chip has died down substantially from when it was first mandated in 1996, the chip's introduction marked the first battle in the war over content between consumers, content owners and the government, which still rages today.

The V Chip's supporters claimed the technology offers parents and consumers tools to help them limit objectionable content, but studies have found that few actually take advantage of the chip's capabilities. (Although the “V” in V Chip is often thought to stand for "violence," the letter actually refers to “ViewControl.”)

According to a 2004 study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, just 15% of all parents actually used it, up from 7% in 2001. Of those that did use it, 61% found it very useful.

The technology has also dropped off the radar screen of both the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Center for Digital Democracy, which do not have currently assigned staffers to follow its progress.

Seems like the V Chip controversy ain't what it used to be. The phone lines are open Â…

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Written by randy@strategypluscommunications.com on March 8th, 2006 with no comments.
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Is Free TiVO On the Horizon?

In days of old (actually not that long ago), everybody who had TiVO loved to tell anybody who didn’t have TiVO how great the system was – record TV show, watch them when you want (and skip the commercials!). Ah, those were the days ...

Now, as TiVO faces increasing competition on simultaneous front – cable TV companies, satellite TV companies and consumer electronics manufacturers with their own digital video recorder offerings – TiVO is contemplating the ultimate four-letter word in CE (and any other market, too): free.

Yes, in another version of the “give away the razor, sell the blades,” TiVO is considering pricing options that would include free set-top boxes (with the trade-off being long plans or some such catch.

Will existing customers (some 4 million) get a break?

Never a dull moment Â….

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Written by randy@strategypluscommunications.com on February 28th, 2006 with no comments.
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Xtremey Gives It Academy Awards Treatment; Get Out and Vote

If you're into extreme sports (and who isn't -- from the active to the armchair), then you don't want to miss your chance to vote in the 6th Annual Xtremey Awards. (It's sort of like the Academy Awards, but without all of the gowns and other trappings.)

Just take a look at these categories in which you can cast your vote:

We've got Travis, Metzger and a whole bunch of others takin' it to the max. 

My favorite -- FMX Riot 2005 -- another awesome Paul Taublieb DVD! It's got my vote in the Best Competition Documentary category.

www.xtremey.net

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Written by tkeating@tmcnet.com on February 27th, 2006 with no comments.
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021709: Bye-Bye Analog TV

Set a reminder that three years from today that analog television will disappear off of the globe (at least in the U.S.), according to the budget reconciliation bill that President Bush signed.  Yes, February 17, 2009 is the day.

Am sure much will happen between now and then ...

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Written by randy@strategypluscommunications.com on February 16th, 2006 with no comments.
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Sony & Samsung: An Unlikely Team, But Could This Be the Start of a Beautiful Relationship?

Is used to be that Japanese companies only made alliances with each other — while at the same time fighting tooth and nail for competitive advantage.  But now we have a Japanese company — Sony, no less — that has gone outside of "the family" with its alliance with South Korea’s Samsung over flat-panel display technology.  (It’s also funny how Samsung has passed Sony as a favored consumer brand — something unheard of just a few short years ago.)

Seems both companies are looking at the bright side of this alliance — better technology for Sony, better marketing and branding for Samsung.

Ultimately who will be the winner?  Maybe both companies, but ultimately us consumers who will enjoy the fruits of their joint labors, some of which is on display the CES in Las Vegas this week.

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Written by randy@strategypluscommunications.com on January 7th, 2006 with no comments.
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Chip Switch Goes Both Ways

Digital TV may be on the horizon, but we may be having analog/digital TV sets (rather than digital-only) in the future, too.

NXP, the company formerly known as Philips Semiconductors (didn't Prince already do that "formerly known as" play) has invented a semiconductor chip set that permits HD LCD sets to automatically switch between analog and digital signals. The chip will reportedly be built into TV reference designs that manufacturers may begin using in January, according to HD Notebook.

Without getting technical, both reference designs are based on one global silicon platform that enables TV manufacturers to develop hybrid digital/analog LCD TV sets. NXP said it is now able to offer one hybrid platform for all regions worldwide.

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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How About Xbox Live HD Movie Downloads?

Who's going to win the battle for the living room and all of our entertainment eyeballs (or at least the non-mobile part)?

(Good question. )

Making a very interesting area even more interesting is news that Xbox Live could be used to download HD movie content!

According to Engadget, more than 1,000 hours of video would be available to rent at $4 a pop. Movie purchase prices weren't revealed.

Great way to swim around the PC download drill ...

But will all of the possible ways to obtain (or rent) a movie, either actively (like going to those old brick-and-mortar stores) or passively (couch potatoes!), is too much choice simply too much choice?

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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Xbox 360 Live Movie/Video Downloads Skip the PC: Yes!

We blogged about it last week and now it's true.

Users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 Live video game service soon will be able to download TV shows like South Park and CSI as well as movies like V for Vendetta via deals inked with half a dozen Hollywood studios. (Thanks CEA SmartBrief.)

Some 1,000 hours of programming will be available by the end of year for a price that will be "competitive" with iTunes and other similar services, according to Microsoft amid a flurry of coverage.

This is exciting for gamers and even more exciting for movie/video fans; this planned service skips the PC to get the programming and then get it onto a viewing device (like a TV, for instance).

Is the Xbox 360 going to last a long time as the center of the home entertainment experience?  

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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PS3 Making People Crazy: Part II

Now we have former Senator John Edwards (no, not the "otherworldly" guy we see on TV) reportedly asking one of his staff members to see if he could get a hot, new PS3 from Wal-mart for his family.

Sound bad?

How about making it even worse that Edwards was criticizing the big W for unfairly treating its employees at the same time?

Seems to me that Sony could have handed out PS3s to every member of Congress (that's 500 or so) and theoretically reduced its lobby/legal presence in DC to $0 for at least a couple of months.

Add a couple more directed to key "influentials" (say state governors) and then those bills might have been reduced even further.

Meanwhile, I wonder what the Republicans have been doing ...

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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PS3 Making People Crazy

As if standing/sleeping on lines waiting to shell out big bucks to be the first on your block to own the brand spanking new Sony PS3 today wasn't enough, according to published reports, people are getting robbed and shot!

(And I'm talking about in wild and wooly Connecticut! Tough place ...)

Now we all love our gadgets, but come on now ...

What did James Brown say about "Living in America" ...?

 

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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Laser Printers, Laser Tag; Why Not Laser TVs?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas --- 2007, that is.

While we're all jazzed about LCD and plasma TVs this year, a report in Technology Review notes that Mitsubishi and Samsung are expecting to have laser TVs on store shelves by Christmas 2007.

The TV features a flat-panel display that uses high-powered lasers to light up the screen.

(No, not like the laser in Goldfinger; thanks www.imdb.com.)

No word on pricing, but don't you think it will be pricey?

(And after so many of us have stepped up to new TVs this holiday season, how many will be in the mood next year.)

Well, if you love gadgets ...

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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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The (Video) Eyes Have It

Remember when video eyewear looked like huge black things right out of a 1950’s horror movie? You know what I mean — really large, really noticeable and really strange.

(Who would wear these things?)

Now we are finally starting to see the introduction of video eyewear that is almost three times lighter. And while it stills looks a bit outer spacey, it’s a heck of a lot less noticeble.

You might even say it’s a bit like designer sunglasses, but with a strong hint of geek added to the mix.

However, many gadgeteers don’t know about the existence of such video eyewear and their various uses. Moreover, even when those interested are aware of the product, it’s not easy to choose the right one due to the difficulty in correctly assessing all of the product specifications.

(That holds true for any gadget.)

Ideally, before purchasing a pair, try them on and do a live test run.

Seeing is believing.

The new generation video eyewear has a number of other important advantages aside from less weight:

With all of this in mind, the relaxView 4.0 weighs less than 3 ounces and includes simple adjustments of the nose support to optimize comfort levels. Another advantage is that the smaller size let’s you see your "real" reality by focusing either above and below the video screen. (Sort of like bi-focals.)

Price: Approx. $595 (direct)

Calling all gamers (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)!

www.relaxview.eu

 

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