Panasonic, the well known manufacturer of flat panel HDTVs and other HD equipment, today announced the launch of its Living in High Definition program, a multi-faceted, experiential program, in association with researchers from the Center for Urban Research and Policy at Columbia University, that will explore how the latest HD TV and video technologies can enrich the American lifestyle.

Between August 2007 and March 2008, Panasonic’s Living in HD Program will look for 30 families to live with a complete suite of High Definition technology products and related services worth an estimated $20,000, including a large screen 1080p Plasma television, HD camcorder, Blu-ray Disc Player, Digital Still Camera and other equipment. For an opportunity to participate in the Living in HD program, consumers can visit www.LivingInHD.com to register and get information on submitting their entry. One key element of Panasonic’s search is to hear from families what they would create in High Definition and why they want to chronicle their lives in HD. A panel of judges including leading Hollywood producer/director Brett Ratner and Kevin Smith will select families based on their creative submissions and a set of diverse criteria.

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With the new Canon HG10 you can easily record and share up to 15 hours of High Definition (HD) footage.

As seen in previous Canon HD camcorders, the feature-rich HG10 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive Camcorder features a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video lens, Canon Full HD CMOS image sensor, Canon’s proprietary DIGIC DV II Image Processor, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant AF. Whether on vacation, enjoying a relaxing day in the backyard or on the go, Canon’s line of HD Camcorders offers more functionality and flexibility, resulting in beautifully shot footage and lasting memories.

“The HG10 HD Camcorder is ideal for preserving life’s most important moments,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Whether it is recording the 30 seconds of a grandchild’s first at-bat or nonstop recording time at a wedding from the ceremony through the reception, hard disk drive camcorders are beginning to dominate the High Definition market, and with good reason.”

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You can now simultaneously control and connect up to four High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) devices to television sets, thanks to IOGEAR’s new 4-Port Automatic HDMI Switch.

IOGEAR’s patented HDAS (High-Definition Automatic Switch) technology instantly locks and transfers the active audio and video content to the connected HD display.

Users can now maintain a single Universal Remote to control a home entertainment center by simply powering on the desired device, and alternate between sources from the comfort of their couches.

A single HDMI cable connects an HDTV with the Switch, which links up to four devices, such as Apple TV™, DVD players, video game consoles and media servers. This significantly reduces the amount of wires plugged directly into a television set, making it an ideal solution for modern wall-mount set-ups and eliminating manual switching of A/V inputs.

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Panasonic unveils two new High Definition 3CCD Camcorders, the new Panasonic HDC-SD5 and HDC-SX5, designed to keep pace with the continued evolution towards HDTV quality, recording beautiful images with clear, high-quality sound that makes for exceptional viewing on today’s most advanced home theatres.

Both the Panasonic HDC-SD5 and HDC-SX5 can record full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels** plus feature Panasonic’s original 3CCD camera system and Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which let users record clear, beautiful, blur-free images with vibrant colours and when viewed on a high-quality big-screen HDTV are simply breathtaking in quality.

The Panasonic HDC-SD5 debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest 3CCD High Definition video camera*, even smaller than its predecessor model, the HDC- SD1. Recording direct to SDHC Memory Cards and with no moving parts in the recording section, the compact camcorder is exceptionally resistant to impact and tough conditions. The SD5 also introduces a new USB Host function that significantly improves data storage and playback ease. Using a DVD burner VW-BN1 (released at the same time), you can copy or play back video recordings in the original AVCHD format, and enjoy easy high-definition viewing on a large-screen TV.

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Metz has announced the new Metz Linus 32 HDTV 100 and Metz Linus 32 HDTV 100 R LCD HDTVs. Both devices combine the features of the most modern LCD technology with the strengths of 100-Hertz technology. They make high-resolution reception possible (HDTV), which has even been combined with an integrated hard-disk recorder in the Linus 32 HDTV 100 R model. Brilliant prospects when it comes to the best picture quality and versatility in recording technology, while the Metz hard-disk recorder solution is also very versatile. Integrated are double-hybrid tuners for cable and aerial (DVB-C/DVB-T), so that you are perfectly equipped to handle all reception requirements.

The Metz Linus 32 HDTV 100 and Metz Linus 32 HDTV 100 R employ integrated HDTV tuners, 100 Hertz technology and first-class LCD technology. This means that Metz has successfully combined state-of-the-art technologies with one another. The result: a TV picture with vibrant colours, good sharpness, outstanding contrast and optimised motion depiction.

The advantages of Metz mecavision+ picture technology complement the strengths of 100 Hertz technology in both devices, especially in the area of smooth motion presentation ”“ where these strengths clearly come to the fore: While the 100 Hertz technology doubles the picture refresh frequency, the Dynamic Motion Compensation (DMC) adds logarithm-generated interim images. This makes delivers better-optimised depiction of movement with an even smooher overall flow of images.

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Loewe has further developed its successful line of Xelos television sets. An important new development in the Xelos HD+ 100 HDTV line is the sophisticated 100 Hz technology for high-definition picture quality.

Xelos HD+ 100 has an impressively extensive range of features and unique chassis technology. With a visible screen diagonal of 80, 94 or 106 centimetres, Xelos offers the ultimate in viewing pleasure. The integrated HDTV receiver delivers high-definition, razor-sharp TV images. Jumping and blurred movements are things of the past: the 100 Hz LCD technology lets you enjoy completely flicker-free television, and a picture quality never seen before thanks to the doubled image frequency. The new Xelos shows impressively fluid movements, smooth contours, playback rich in detail and optimum contrast ”“ also when playing DVDs.

USB ports make the Xelos HD+ 100 a real multimedia all-rounder. For example, you can experience large-format slide shows on your TV screen thanks to the integrated PhotoViewer. Now, all your family and friends can look at your last dream holiday photos at the same time.

The new Xelos models have been designed for those consumers who want a sharp, well-balanced and smoothly moving picture, no matter how they receive their TV programmes

Of course, reception formats such as DVB-T or DVB-C are integrated in the Xelos HD+ 100. Digital satellite reception is also available on request.

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Microsoft Corp. announced today that it will lower the price of the Xbox 360™ HD DVD Player from $199 to $179 ERP (United States only) starting Aug. 1, 2007, and will add five free HD DVD movies for anyone purchasing an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. In addition, Microsoft made announcements around the HD DVD launches of “300″ from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and “Heroes: Season 1″ from Universal Studios.

To promote the HD DVD versions of “300″ and “Heroes: Season 1,” Microsoft unveiled exclusive content for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace. Xbox LIVE will offer “300″ on demand in HD starting Aug. 14, and is working with Warner Bros. at Comic-Con on a Bringing It Home campaign featuring “300″ and other Warner Bros. properties. In advance of the street date for the “Heroes: Season 1″ HD DVD boxed set, Xbox LIVE members will be able to download for free the show’s pilot episode in high definition for a limited time. Members will also be able to download trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials highlighting the “Heroes: Season 1″ boxed set on HD DVD.

The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is a nice solution for movie lovers seeking content in HDTV quality. The player’s price reduction to $179 (U.S. ERP) continues to set the bar for value, making the Xbox 360 platform an affordable solution for consumers seeking a broad, compelling selection of next-generation gaming and HD video experiences.

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Samsung Electronics expands its line up of high-definition optical disc players, with the launch of the BD-P1400, BD-P2400 and BD-UP5000, as well as the first HD Home Theater solution featuring Blu-ray disc (BD) playback.

Building on the success of Samsung’s BD-P1000 (the first Blu-ray player in the US Market) and the second-generation BD-P1200, the all-new lineup quenches consumers’ thirst for not only the best video possible, but also high quality audio in a hi-definition disc player.

“Samsung is excited to introduce a new line of high-definition players that will enrich the theater experience at home,” said Reid Sullivan, vice president of Digital AV marketing at Samsung Electronics. “In 2007, the market for stand-alone high def players will grow more than 6 times to over 850 thousand units. From the top-of-the-line BD-UP5000 to the entry BD-P1400 to the company’s first home theater system with Blu-ray disc playback, Samsung offers a range of products at different price points to suit the growing consumer demand.”

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