Jan 07

Oliver Stone, Michael Mann and Baz Luhrmann extoll the virtues of Blu-ray, Stone suggests stocking up (video)

Posted in: blu-ray, Panasonic, Today's Chili, video
Panasonic took a break from its usual CES business this afternoon to host the inaugural directors’ panel at the show (in conjunction with 20th Century Fox), where the unexpected trio of Oliver Stone, Michael Mann and Baz Luhrmann showed up to talk about technology in Hollywood, and Blu-ray in particular. As you might expect, the general theme was that Blu-ray is great, but the directors certainly weren’t shy to make their opinions known. While Mann said that Blu-ray would be the “premier format for six, seven or eight years,” for instance, he also took a moment to reminisce about the photochemical process used on Last of the Mohicans, which he notes still can’t be fully replicated on Blu-ray. Luhrmann also talked at length about the great colors Blu-ray allows, and stated simply that “it’s better,” before picking a fight with a noisy booth next door.

Oliver Stone was unsurprisingly the most opinionated, however, and lamented the fact that Blu-ray will be “last hardware” in the face of digital distribution. He even suggested that people should “be different, go against the grain” and collect Blu-rays, which he says will be very valuable by 2050 or so in much the way comics and baseball cards are today. On a more general note, Stone also said that watching kids try to watch a movie on a computer screen and multitask so much these days is “very depressing to me” and that, in a way, “we are the last of the Mohicans.”

Richard Lawler contributed to this report.

Update: Now with video! Check it out after the break to hear their words directly.

Gallery: Panasonic / Fox Directors’ Panel at CES

Continue reading Oliver Stone, Michael Mann and Baz Luhrmann extoll the virtues of Blu-ray, Stone suggests stocking up (video)

Oliver Stone, Michael Mann and Baz Luhrmann extoll the virtues of Blu-ray, Stone suggests stocking up (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 07

Samsung shows off Google TV companion box and Blu-ray player

Posted in: blu-ray, Google, GoogleTv, hands-on, impressions, samsung, set-top-box, Today's Chili, video

So, the word is that Samsung was planning on showing off Google TV at its presser, but switched things up at the last minute and stuck to its first party Smart TV offering. Still, that didn’t stop two Samsung Google TV boxes from showing up at the show floor, a Blu-ray player and a standalone “companion” box. They both look pretty svelte, and the companion box is particularly smaller than the standalone Logitech and Sony boxes. Samsung’s explanation of the showing was the idea that Samsung was “capable” of supporting other platforms, though they didn’t have any promises of a release, a release date, or a price range. We also saw a Samsung Galaxy S running the Google TV controller app, which isn’t much of a stretch, and there wasn’t any sort of physical remote or keyboard on display. Basically, Samsung is showing the bare minimum of a Google TV offering, which seems to be sort of appropriate with Google TV’s current feature set, if you want to get all “deeper meaning” about it.

Gallery: Samsung shows off Google TV companion box and Blu-ray player

Continue reading Samsung shows off Google TV companion box and Blu-ray player

Samsung shows off Google TV companion box and Blu-ray player originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 07

Orb Disc Brings Hulu, Netflix to Your Blu-Ray Player

Posted in: blu-ray, Home Audio and Video, Today's Chili, TV

LAS VEGAS — Orb, maker of the little $100 set-top box that brings web content to your TV, will now do the same for your Blu-ray player in the form of a Blu-ray disc, called Orb BR.

CES 2011Pop the disc into your PlayStation 3 or other Blu-ray player, fire up the companion smartphone app and you’re good to go. You can now stream Netflix, Hulu, Comedy Central, and Amazon video, amongst others, and watch it on your big-screen TV. With server software installed on your computer, you can also send content from there.

In fact, in some ways this magic disc is actually better than the actual Orb set-top box. The hardware only supports standard-def video. This $20 disc, on the other hand, will do 720p and 1080p.

Orb BR will be available late February.

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Jan 06

Orb BR software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20

Posted in: blu-ray, playstation 3, Playstation3, ps3, sony, Today's Chili
Orb software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20

The tiny, coaster-like design of the Orb TV is hard not to like, but the lack of HD output is mighty tough to stomach these days. Plus, who wants another doo-dad cluttering up their entertainment center? Thankfully, the next product from Orb is much smaller: a disc. You pop the software into your internet-connected PS3 or Blu-ray player and magically it turns into a top-shelf media streamer. You’ll have connectivity with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Comedy Central, Amazon VoD, and naturally YouTube. The discs are set to ship in February for $19.99, which puts even the $99 Orb TV to shame, but we’re curious to see how the performance is. You can be sure we’ll be finding out for you soon.

Continue reading Orb BR software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20

Orb BR software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 06

Star Wars Complete Saga Blu-ray news: release in September, 30 hours of special features, available for preorder now (video)

Posted in: amazon, blu-ray, breaking news, BreakingNews, Panasonic, PreOrder, Star Wars, Today's Chili

This might not be the “most impressive” Star Wars announcement you were looking for. Not that it’s a bad thing the complete saga will be released on Blu-ray in September, and there was no mention of any exclusivity shenanigans, but despite making this the least disappointing thing that has happened to the series in a decade or so forgive us for being slightly underwhelmed. Fans will appreciate the promised 30 hours of special features — or wait for Red Letter Media to recut them into a careful dissection of everything wrong about the prequels — but the ability to buy the two trilogies individually for $44.99 ($69.99 MSRP) is definitely appreciated. You can queue your $89.99 ($139 MSRP) preorder on Amazon right now while you check out video of the announce featuring Lord Vader himself, including a peek at the trailer embedded after the break.

Gallery: Panasonic announces Star Wars saga on Blu-ray

Continue reading Star Wars Complete Saga Blu-ray news: release in September, 30 hours of special features, available for preorder now (video)

Star Wars Complete Saga Blu-ray news: release in September, 30 hours of special features, available for preorder now (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 05

Sony’s prototype glasses-free 3D portable Blu-ray player hands-on

Posted in: blu-ray, hands-on, prototype, sony, Today's Chili

There’s not much to say here, since Sony wasn’t letting us do much with its prototype glasses-free 3D portable Blu-ray player except adjust the screen angle, but we will say that the 10.1-inch 1366 x 768 parallax 3D display looked quite nice and the 3D effect was solid once we got situated. Of course, it’s just a prototype, so there’s no word on price, availability, or even whether this thing will ever get made, but hey — there it is. One more pic after the break.

Continue reading Sony’s prototype glasses-free 3D portable Blu-ray player hands-on

Sony’s prototype glasses-free 3D portable Blu-ray player hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 05

New Sony Blu-ray players are faster than ever, there’s even a portable one

Posted in: blu-ray, sony, Today's Chili
Sony portable Blu-ray player

Sony continues to push Blu-ray players forward with four new players for 2011 ranging from $150 to $250 and all ship in the first half of the year. The BDP-S780 begs the highest price of its brothers but for that you also get the ability to use a 720p camera to Skype with your friends and it even converts 2D content to 3D. The entire line supports the new Media Remote for iPhone and Android phones, and the Android version even has voice control. Also new this year is a 10.1-inch WSVGA portalbe Blu-ray player with a 5-hour battery which is set to ship in the Spring for $300. Lastly there are a slew of home theater systems sporting Blu-ray players, but if you are really interested in them, you’ll have to read through press release after the break.

Continue reading New Sony Blu-ray players are faster than ever, there’s even a portable one

New Sony Blu-ray players are faster than ever, there’s even a portable one originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 05

Panasonic’s CES 2011 HD lineup: Blu-ray players, 3D video conferencing, HDTVs, audio gear

Posted in: blu-ray, earbuds, hdtv, LCD, Panasonic, plasma, skype, Today's Chili, video

Panasonic’s blowing it out here at CES, partciularly on the HD front. There’s a boatload of new content to disgest, so we’ll take you through it all step-by-step below:

  • For starters, Panasonic is dishing out seven new plasma HDTVs, six new LED LCDs and five new standard LCD HDTVs. For the 2011 model year, Panny’s introducing the VT30 series, GT30 and ST30 lines, and two of the LED LCDs are joining its array of Full HD 3D TVs. Naturally, the biggest addition to the new sets is the Viera Connect system, but the Easy IPTV functionality is another boon.
  • For those who’ve got a Viera Cast-enabled BD deck, Panny’s adding Skype voice and video calling. The addition of Skype to Panasonic’s new DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, and DMP-BDT110 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players allows consumers to make Skype voice and video calls on virtually any HDTV using a Skype-compatible camera.
  • As for new Blu-ray and DVD players? There’s a near-limitless flow of them, with the DMP-B200 (8.9-inch display) and DVD-LS92 (9-inch) portable players serving the road warriors. The DMP-BDT210 3D Blu-ray deck is now holding down the top spot in the company’s at-home range, and if you’re still down with DVD, you’ll find a load of new options with USB ports for loading up additional media.
  • The company is also debuting the April-bound SC-HTB520 soundbar, meant to match up with flat-panels that are 42-inches or larger, and it’s also throwing in a wireless, down-firing subwoofer.
  • Finally, Panny’s introducing 3D video conferencing (HDVC), which may or may not make your weekly boardroom meetings entirely more tolerable.

Head on down to the source for more, but don’t expect to find much in the way of price and availability.

Gallery: Panasonic’s CES 2011 HD lineup

Panasonic’s CES 2011 HD lineup: Blu-ray players, 3D video conferencing, HDTVs, audio gear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 05

LG’s CES 2011 HD lineup: SmartTV platform, network Blu-ray players and HDTVs

Posted in: 1080p, 3d tv, blu-ray, hdtv, LCD, LG, netflix, plasma, prototype, set-top-box, Today's Chili, web, YouTube

Thanks to a couple of carefully planned slips over in South Korea, hardly anything about LG’s CES 2011 is apt to take you fully by surprise. But if you just so happened to disconnect over the holidays, we’ll break it all down below to ensure you remain firmly in the loop.

  • For starters, the outfit seems pretty darn proud of its new SmartTV platform. Hinted at last month, this system enables HDTVs, Blu-ray players and other sources to access all sorts of streaming media, apps and even provides users with a way to surf the web. Four main sections are given — TV Live, Premium Content, TV Apps and a Launch Bar — and for TV models, owners will control things with a wave of the hand (read: Magic Remote). SmartTV picks up where NetCast left off, offering access to Vudu, Netflix, YouTube, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video on Demand, NHL Gamecenter, NBA Game Live and MLB.tv. This here functionality is baked into quite a few of the outfit’s 2011 HDTVs, but should own an older model…
  • Then there’s the all-new SmartTV upgrader! The ST600 is a minuscule set-top box that aims to transform any TV into a SmartTV. So long as your set has an HDMI input, you’ll be able to access the content mentioned above. But, of course, it’s on you to source your own Magic Remote.
  • If it’s an all-new TV you’re after, the company is also revealing its 2011 LED and LCD HDTV line. Nary a one is different than those we heard about last week, but at least you can now rest easy knowing that the LW9500 and LW7700 Nano Full HD 3D models will indeed see a stateside release this month. The best news here is the use of polarizing glasses — none of that headache-inducing active shutter mess. There are 13 new LED LCD models in all, with nine of ’em shipping with the SmartTV platform embedded. Unfortunately, LG’s not dishing out pricing information on these bad boys just yet.
  • Not so keen on picking up an LCD? Plasma still lives, you know! LG’s rolling out its 1080p Infinia PZ950 and PZ750 lines here at CES, with both available in 50-inch and 60-inch class sizes. Both lines come equipped with the SmartTV platform, a gesture-based Magic Motion remote andl as a free Android / iPhone app if you’d rather use your phone as a remote. The 50- / 60-inch PZ550 is saddling with NetCast 1.0, but it — along with the PW350, PZ950 and PZ750 lines — can handle 3D imagery. Sadly, LG’s also straying from providing pricing details on these.
  • Wrapping things up, the company is debuting its 2011 line of networked Blu-ray players and home theater systems. The BD690 supports 3D BD playback and ships with an inbuilt 250GB HDD and the SmartTV platform. The majority of LG’s line also includes WiFi, DLNA streaming support and a MusicID feature by Gracenote that enables consumers to play a song from a movie of TV show by mashing a single button on the remote. The BD670, BD650, BD640, BD630 and BD650 are also seeing the light of day, with the latter being LG’s first portable BD deck.
  • Finally, LG snuck in an image (seen above) of a 3D mobile TV prototype. We’ve no details whatsoever to go on, but you can rest assured we’ll be scouring the show floor in search of just that.

For more information on all of the goods here, head on past the break for the full releases. Don’t expect to find any pricing information, though.

Continue reading LG’s CES 2011 HD lineup: SmartTV platform, network Blu-ray players and HDTVs

LG’s CES 2011 HD lineup: SmartTV platform, network Blu-ray players and HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 05

Philips CES 2011 HD lineup: 4000 / 5000 / 6000 series LCDs, Blu-ray players and home theater systems

Posted in: blu-ray, hdtv, LCD, netflix, philips, Today's Chili

Consider yourself an HD junkie? You’re in for a treat. A feast of treats, actually. Philips has just let loose a veritable smorgasbord of new HD kit at CES this morning, from LCD HDTVs to Blu-ray decks to complete home theater systems. Here’s what you need to know:

  • The 4000 LED series of HDTVs are available in 40 (40PFL4706), 46 (46PFL4706) and 55 (55PFL4706) inch sizes, these mid-range sets include MediaConnect and NetTV for getting your PC to play nice on your TV (sans wires, at that), with the latter also providing easy access to Vudu, Netflix, Blockbuster and FilmFresh. These will ship by May for prices of $749, $999 and $1499 in order of mention. For those who couldn’t care less about MediaConnect of NetTV, a 19-inch, 22-inch and 32-inch version will be available this month for $199.99, $249.99 and $449.99, respectively.
  • Moving up a bit, the 5000 LCD series will ship in 40 (40PFL5706), 46 (46PFL5706) and 55 (55PFL5706) inch sizes, with these boasting the same basic functionality as the 4000 series but gaining a Pixel Precise HD engine and 120Hz de-jitter support. Look for these in the April / May time frame for $679, $899 and $1099.
  • Looking to take one more step towards high-end? The LED 6000 series is where’s it at, improving upon the other two lines by adding… 3D. Naturally. Check the 40PFL6706 (40-inch), 46PFL6706 (46-inch) and 55PFL6706 (55-inch) models this September for $999, $1299 and $1699 in order of mention.
  • If you’re looking to outfit your room with a full-on home theater system, Philips is revealing five new setups today, three of which have 3D support baked right in. The whole lot includes a Blu-ray deck and support for MediaConnect / NetTV, with the more expensive sets boasting wireless rear speakers and DLNA streaming. They’ll be shipping from February to May for $269.99 to $449.99.
  • Closing things out are the company’s five new Blu-ray decks, with the $169.99 (BDP3506), $199.99 (BDP5506) and $219.99 (BDP7506) models supporting 3D Blu-ray. The 7506 also gets MediaConnect and NetTV, with the whole range shipping between next month and April.

Check out the full releases, each chock full of details, right after the break. Oh, and sink your retinas into the gallery below while you’re at it.

Gallery: Philips CES 2011 HD lineup: HDTVs, Blu-ray players, home cinema systems

Continue reading Philips CES 2011 HD lineup: 4000 / 5000 / 6000 series LCDs, Blu-ray players and home theater systems

Philips CES 2011 HD lineup: 4000 / 5000 / 6000 series LCDs, Blu-ray players and home theater systems originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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