JVC expanded its LCD HDTV line-up with the addition of four new models that offer 1080p full HD resolution. All four models, in 37-, 42- and 47-inch screen sizes, incorporate an array of JVC technologies that combine to deliver sharp, natural images with even the most challenging program material.

JVC’s expanded LCD line includes two series ”“ in the 688 series are the 37-inch LT-37X688 and the 42-inch JVC LT-42X688, each offering a new black cabinet. The higher performance 788 series includes the 42-inch JVC LT-42X788 and the 47-inch JVC LT-47X788, featuring black cabinets with silver trim and an ultra-thin bezel. The 788 series sets also provide a higher contrast ratio, faster response time and wider viewing angle.

All four models feature full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 and JVC’s fifth generation D.I.S.T. (Digital Image Scaling Technology) engine that upconverts all signals to display at full 1080p. Dual HDMI v1.3 inputs allow connection of the latest generation of 1080p sources that offer 1080p outputs. Other features include nine aspect modes, four picture modes, a new universal remote with new convenience features, and a USB photo viewer.

... continue reading Four new JVC 1080p LCD HDTV models

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New Medium Enterprises (NME) (OTC Bulletin Board: NMEN) recently announced an agreement with the French company BAC Films. The deal ensures that NME, a US firm, can now offer film titles on the HD VMD (High Definition Versatile Multilayer Disc) format in the 4th quarter 2007. Films to be released as part of NME’s expanding list of catalogue titles include Pulp Fiction, Le Caiman, Planete Blanche, Malena, Sailor & Lula plus more.

Through electronics distributor, MCA Technology, a special edition bundle box will be available as part of the HD VMD launch which includes: a HD VMD multilayer player and 5 HD VMD films including a catalogue of more available titles for 299 Euros R.R.P.

Established for the last 20 years and with a library of 400 films distributed to movie theatres, BAC Films has become a major player in the French cinematographic industry specializing in 4 main business areas; theatre distribution, home video distribution, television and international sales.

BAC Films previously nominated at the world renown Cannes Film Festival include, Le Pianist by Roman Polanski, La Chambre du Fils by Nanni Morretti, Barton Fink by the Cohen Brothers, Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino and Sailor et Lula by David Lynch.

... continue reading HD VMD format gets support from BAC Films in France

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Shuttle Inc. unveils the Shuttle XPC Barebone SG33G5 PC and claims it is the first small form factor (SFF) PC Barebone with a HDMI port.

Shuttle goes High Definition. “SFF PCs are HD-ready now and can easily be connected to HD-ready screens,” explains Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR, Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH.

This latest cube-format SG33G5 boasts many features, and plenty of performance to boot. Its basic configuration, based on its Intel G33/ICH9DH chipset, with its support of Intel Core™ 2 Quad, Intel Core™ 2 Duo E6000/E4000 series, Pentium Dual-Core E2000 series and Celeron 400 series processors, speaks for itself. If desired, the Shuttle XPC Barebone SG33G5’s black, brush-finished aluminium chassis can accommodate up to 4 GB of DDR2-800 memory in dual-channel mode, and SATA hard drives be connected utilising one of three internal SATA300 ports or externally via eSATA.

Other features include the ability to run Windows Vista’s Aero interface without any problems, thanks to its DirectX 9 compatible Intel GMA 3100 graphics chips, and a HDMI output at the back of the computer supporting the playback of copy protection HDCP high-definition content. Of course, DVI displays can be connected through a HDMI/DVI adapter, and for enhanced graphics, this Shuttle XPC Barebone also accommodates modern PCI Express graphics cards.

... continue reading Shuttle XPC Barebone SG33G5 introduction

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ViewSonic added a glossy piano black finish to it latest LCD HDTV line. The 35 Series LCD TVs combine an elegant design and premium high-definition (HD) entertainment features without draining the summer vacation budget. The LCD TVs are priced starting below $600 and deliver brilliant images and multiple input connections to ensure compatibility with the latest TV and video entertainment equipment, from DVD devices and media center players to advanced gaming consoles and PCs.

Integrated with ATSC/NTSC tuners, the 35 Series includes the 26-inch ViewSonic N2635w, 32-inch N3235w and 37-inch N3735w. The ViewSonic LCD TVs have 1366 x 768 native HD resolutions, vivid 500 nits brightness (typ), fast 8ms LCD panel response times and precision video processing to leverage ViewSonic’s Advanced ClearPicture™ electronics resulting in exceptionally smooth detailed images when watching high-speed car chases and combating video villains. Equipped with a range of digital and analog input connections, such as HDMI with HDCP compatibility, DVI, S-Video, composite and component video, these LCD TVs are well-suited for using HD set top boxes, surround sound systems and camcorders.

“With ViewSonic’s 20 years of display expertise, our LCD TV portfolio combines superior HD performance, style and unmatched value bringing an enhanced viewing experience to any room,” said Jeff Volpe , vice president of marketing, ViewSonic Americas. “Consumers are sure to enjoy the quality and impressive performance of these LCD TVs as they enjoy summer-time viewing of HD sports, movies and their favorite summer TV series.”

... continue reading ViewSonic HDTV introductions

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Extending its selection of connectivity solutions to support component video sources and displays, Gefen announced new products for the widely used video format. With Gefen’s trademark ingenuity, those products include supplemental audio so HDTV viewing is fully enabled.

Gefen Component + Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter

This new adapter offers plug and play methods of intermixing different formats within the same HDTV system. It enables component video sources with digital (TOSlink) audio to be digitized and delivered in HDMI format. This allows high definition resolutions up to 1080p to be viewed on any HDMI display or projector, with full HDMI-compliance and digital audio intertwined with the video. The price for Component + Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter is $ 249.

The package includes:
• Component + Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter
• One 5V Power Supply
• One 6 ft Toslink Digital Audio Cable
• Users Manual

Features:
• Allows you to connect YPbPr HDTV sources to an HDMI™ display
• Encodes digital audio onto the video signal for HDMI™ video and audio
• Supports HDTV/YPbPr
• Supports HDTV resolution up to 1080p
• HDMI™ compliant

... continue reading New Gefen HDTV connectivity solutions

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As HD emerges as the new video standard, Sony is developing products that drive the pace of change. Every aspect of the HD world is included, from HD Handycams and HD ‘BRAVIA’ televisions to the sophisticated HD editing capabilities of select VAIO notebooks and PCs. The VAIO RM1N desktop combines innovative design, next-generation technology and outstanding software to provide professional-level HD editing capabilities to businesses and consumers alike.

“The RM1N will exert a unique appeal for those needing serious HD editing capability,” says Jun Koyama, Marketing Director for Sony VAIO of Europe (VOE). “It has quad-core processing power, professional software pre-installed, a specialised Jog controller for speeding up editing, and it has Blu-ray Disc™. You’re looking at real-world figures of at least 20 hours HD editing time thanks to the terabyte hard disk, plus the facility to record 50GB of high-definition video on a single Blu-ray Disc™. This is why we’re calling the RM1N the ultimate HD workstation.”

In a radical departure from the norms of desktop design, the RM1N’s system unit comes in two parts. The Main Unit holds the motherboard and major components, while the Access Unit houses the optical drives, hard disk and multi-format card reader. This gives users huge flexibility in the way they set the machine up. For example the optical unit can be placed under the monitor for easy access, while the system unit is stood off to one side. Both units can stand vertically as well as horizontally, so there are lots of possibilities. Whichever you choose, the end result will always be a setup that suits the way you like to work.

... continue reading Sony VAIO RM1N Ultimate HD Workstation introduction

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Sharp is providing customers with multiple options for commercial displays at InfoComm 2007, including the world’s first under $20,000 Manufacturer’s Suggested List Price (MSLP) 6000 Lumen DLP® 3 chip professional projector, an expanded line of DLP projectors, as well as flat-panel LCD monitors and AQUOS LCD TVs for use in multimedia (data and video), digital signage and display applications.

In addition to the new DLP 3 chip projector, Sharp will announce two BrilliantColor™ DLP projectors and the company’s first W-XGA BrilliantColor DLP projector, designed to provide enhanced colors and enriched images. Sharp is also unveiling new Conference/Classroom projectors optimized for meeting room and lecture hall installations.

The company will introduce several new professional LCD monitors, in 52- and 65-inch screen sizes, for use in both landscape and portrait mode applications. Sharp will showcase its first AQUOS product designed to meet the specific needs of the professional market, along with the flat-panel AQUOS Liquid Crystal TVs in screen sizes ranging from 42- to 65- inches. Rounding out this comprehensive product suite for creating captivating digital displays, large-screen computer and video presentations, Sharp is demonstrating the company’s leadership in LCD with a 4K x 2K LCD model, which offers over twenty-four million dots of information, versus the 6.2 million offered by 1080p resolution.

... continue reading Sharp introductions at InfoComm 2007

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In response to the growing demand for high-definition DVDs, Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI)(NYSE: BBI.B) today announced that it is rolling out an expanded Blu-ray disc inventory for rental to 1,700 corporate-owned BLOCKBUSTER® stores by mid-July.

The Company will continue to offer both Blu-ray and HD DVD titles through its online rental service and will continue to offer both formats at its initial 250 stores that currently carry both high-definition formats.

“We intend to meet the demands of our customers and based on the trends we’re seeing, we’re expanding our Blu-ray inventory to ensure our stores reflect the right level of products,” said Matthew Smith, SVP Merchandising for Blockbuster. “While it is still too early to say which high-definition format will become the industry standard, we will continue to closely monitor customer rental patterns both at our stores and online, so we can adjust our inventory mix accordingly and ensure that Blockbuster is offering customers the most convenient access to the movies they want, in the format they want.”

... continue reading Blockbuster goes for Blu-Ray in 1,700 stores

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