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| Sony introduces five new feature-packed, confusingly-named Blu-ray DVRs |
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Now that Toshiba's getting in on the Blu-ray train, Sony needs to up its game. Enter a quintet of new players, each packing TV recording tech, overlapping feature sets, and seemingly nonsensical names. Starting at the low end is the BDZ-RS10, which sports a measly single digital tuner and 320GB worth of storage. Next up is the BDZ-EX30, adding a second digital tuner and a Blu-ray recorder into the action. Then the BDZ-EX50 moves up to 500GB of storage and adds PSP support, the BDZ-RX100 goes up to a full 1TB, and the BDZ-EX200 2TB. All but the lowest two support DLNA and can spin an hours worth of video to a PSP or X-1000 in under two minutes, meaning you could sync the entire Battlestar Galactica series in just over two hours and get your Cylon fix wherever you like.Filed under: Home EntertainmentSony introduces five new feature-packed, confusingly-named Blu-ray DVRs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/27/2009 5:12 PM (86d 21h 59m ago) |
| Toshiba applies for BDA admission, Blu-ray players and laptops coming soon |
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We'd already heard that Toshiba -- the outfit best known for solidly backing HD DVD during the two-year format war of the early 21st century -- was preparing to swallow its pride and kick out a Blu-ray player by the year's end, but now it's official. The outfit just announced moments ago that it has "applied for membership of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and plans to introduce products that support the Blu-ray format." Sadly, Tosh doesn't bother to mention exactly what kinds of BD-capable wares it hopes to produce, nor is it ready to disclose product launch time frames. We'd tell you exactly how it wants us to just be patient and all, but you're probably better off hearing it directly from the horse's trap:"In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA. Toshiba aims to introduce digital products that support the Blu-ray format, including BD players and notebook PCs integrating BD drives, in the course of this year. Details of the products, including the timing of regional launches, are now under consideration. We will make announcements in due course."Filed under: Home EntertainmentToshiba applies for BDA admission, Blu-ray players and laptops coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/10/2009 12:41 PM (104d 2h 29m ago) |
| Blu-ray gets Managed Copy next year, requires new hardware |
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It took over three years, but mandatory Managed Copy is set to become a reality next year as each studio is required to sign the recently finalized AACS license by December 4th 2009, and any studio that signs early receives up to a 25 percent discount on licensing fees. What isn't mandatory, though, is hardware support, and although the current generation of players definitely won't work, most expect the majority of new BD devices to. The cost (you didn't think it'd be free, did you?) and the number of copies is up to the studio, but at least one copy will be allowed. That copy can be made via a menu on the disc and can take the form of another Blu-ray Disc or a DRM-laced Microsoft file. Up until now, Apple hasn't joined the party so no joy for iPod users -- although this could still happen. Either way, a connection to either the AACS' or studio's authorization server will be required to make it work. As cool as this all sounds, we're still skeptical; and although we'll be the first to try it, somehow we don't think it'll live up to our expectations.Filed under: HDTV, Home EntertainmentBlu-ray gets Managed Copy next year, requires new hardware originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/12/2009 3:32 PM (162d 23h 39m ago) |
| Harman Kardon intros its first Blu-ray player, the BDP 10 |
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Harmon Kardon has decided to jump into the Blu-ray pushing business with its first player, the BDP 10. This slick number's got all the features you've come to know and love in Blu-ray -- BD-Live and Bonus View capabilities for online content, advanced audio codec support, 1080 / 24p playback, plus USB ports for DiVX and JPEG display. It'll also boast HDMI 1.3a, Ethernet, coaxial and optical audio outputs plus good old two-channel analog audio outputs. The BDP 10 has only been formally announced for Europe so far, though it's expected elsewhere (including the US) in the coming months. The player has a price tag of about €700 (around $940). Hit the read link for full spec sheet -- but fair warning: it's a PDF.[Via Electronista] Filed under: Home EntertainmentHarman Kardon intros its first Blu-ray player, the BDP 10 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/11/2009 3:44 PM (194d 23h 26m ago) |
| BBC breaks down the new DRM rules for Blu-ray recorders |
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The reason Blu-ray recorders have migrated from Japan to the UK recently -- and why you'll likely never see them in the U.S. -- is all about the copyright holders. Danielle Nagler, head of BBC HD, hit the blogs to break down the wheres and hows of the DRM changes associated with bringing FreeSat disc HD DVRs like the Panasonic DMR-BS850 and Humax FOXSAT-HDR to market, basically meaning users are allowed one HD copy of a show, which can be played back on protected devices and connections only (transfer to portable players is planned to the future.) Follow the flow chart for the details, and figure out if it'd be worth it to make your own BD-R DVR backups so easily.[Via Pocket-Lint]Filed under: HDTV, Home EntertainmentBBC breaks down the new DRM rules for Blu-ray recorders originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/18/2009 1:03 AM (218d 14h 7m ago) |
| More people renting DVD and Blu-ray Discs? |
| | (Credit: AVSForum.com)
I just noticed a New York Times blog post about the sales trends of DVD and Blu-ray discs. While numbers for DVD and Blu-ray weren't broken out, overall sales for discs were down big in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Here's the key quote from ... |
| | 3/15/2009 9:30 PM (251d 17h 41m ago) |
| Has Blu-ray moved from early-adopter to early-majority phase? |
| | (Credit: Futuresource)Just got a press release from UK-based Futuresource Consulting that claims, "Consumers are on target to buy in excess of 100 million Blu-ray discs (BD) across the USA, Western Europe and Japan this year, with sales of High Definition capable LCD and plasma TVs and continued dramatic reductions ... |
| | 3/02/2009 12:57 AM (265d 14h 13m ago) |
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| Is Blu-ray becoming a commodity?--Ask the Editors |
| | Are all Blu-ray players created equal?
"These below-$200 price points are great for sales, but what happens six months from now? Will Blu-ray become a commodity?"--Matthew
Just one year ago, HD DVD was selling tons of $99 players, Blu-ray players cost an unreasonable $400 or more, and we ... |
| | 12/15/2008 5:02 PM (341d 22h 8m ago) |
| Find the right Blu-ray player for you |
| | For most people, the Panasonic DMP-BD35 will offer the best combination of features, performance and value.
According to the early reports, Blu-ray is faring well this holiday season and it's not hard to see why. With standalone player prices finally slipping below $250, more popular movies available, and reliable ... |
| | 12/15/2008 5:02 PM (341d 22h 9m ago) |
| Review: LG BD300 puts Netflix and Blu-ray in one box |
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Even for home theater fans, standalone Blu-ray players can be pretty boring. There are some major differences between the players, such as what Blu-ray Profile they support, but you rarely see any new or standout features.
The LG BD300 is different in this regard, as it's the first Blu-ray ... |
| | 10/27/2008 7:41 PM (390d 19h 29m ago) |
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| Holiday season reminder: Buy cheap HDMI cables |
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In the bustle of holiday shopping, it's easy to be persuaded by the salesperson at your local retailer that you need to buy a $50 HDMI cable to make your new gear work. They might say the expensive cable "supports faster speeds," "has better video quality," or that "cheap ... |
| | 12/15/2008 5:01 PM (341d 22h 9m ago) |
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