The old phrase information superhighway is coming back into style. It's in danger of gridlock and badly in need of a traffic cop, as the recent collision between Netflix and Comcast shows.
When Dolby Digital Plus made its debut a few years ago, it didn't seem to get many takers aside from a few Blu-ray releases. But the improved lossy codec is now hitting its stride and the latest taker is video streaming service RoxioNow.
Panasonic's Unwrap 3D Tour will offer interactive 3DTV displays in seven shopping malls across the nation. The two-week tour kicks off Wednesday December 1.
Time Warner Cable is trying out some new moves, adding to its selection of packages and offering a new service that lets customers watch programs as much as three days old without need for a conventional DVR.
The array of streaming options built into a/v products continues to grow with the announcements that Vudu will become available in Panasonic Blu-ray players and Hulu Plus in Sony products.
Netflix has officially taken the wraps off its previously announced streaming-only plan for the U.S. The price is a low-low-low $7.99. However, the announcement also brings price hikes for the existing disc-and-streaming plans.
Mitsubishi's 2010 HDTV line is getting a software upgrade that will enable sets to process 3D formats supported by HDMI 1.4a. The upgrade will apply to "select 2010 Mitsubishi 3D-ready TVs" including 738 and 838 Series sets, enabling them to connect to 3D-capable Blu-ray players and satellite or cable set-top boxes without an adapter.
At this year’s CEDIA Expo, held in Atlanta at the end of September, I felt that the mood on the show floor was decidedly upbeat. The positive vibe exuded by many suggested that the worst of the recession is over and that business is actually starting to pick back up.
One of the criticisms aimed at 3D in the home is the dearth of available titles. Then there's all the exclusive deals that make many titles available only in bundles with 3D TVs and Blu-ray players from one manufacturer or another. But according to the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG), a trade association representing the home-entertainment industry, these limitations are starting to ease as more titles are being released for the holiday buying season. In fact, 10 titles are being released todaywhich is being called Blu-ray 3D Dayin anticipation of Black Friday (November 26 this year).
This might be my favorite tent in the annual Home Theater circus. The Home Theater Top Picks of the Year are the very best components we’ve reviewed over the past year in all the major categories. We also call out an overall Product of the Year and a Budget Pick of the Year. This year we see a terrific mix of emerging new technologies—3D and next-gen media servers are both represented—and stalwart audio brands that deliver high-end sound year in and year out amid the constant churn of technology.