Audio Video News

3DTVs use more power than conventional sets, according to c|net product testers.

Look out, HDMI. There's a new cable kid on the block.

At a press event last week in Beverly Hills, California, Sony announced three new receivers and a Blu-ray player in the company's premium ES (Elevated Standard) line. Also new this year is a revised policy for ES sales. Unlike Sony's standard models, the ES series will be marketed exclusively through specialty retail outlets. These will include the Magnolia division of Best Buy and independent sellers. Sony feels that only such stores are fully qualified to properly demonstrate these products to consumers, allowing buyers to appreciate and take full advantage of the features they offer. Such limited distribution will also allow Sony to better enforce its minimum advertised pricing structure. The ES products will no longer be available online, nor will they be sold in Sony Style stores.

This has been a long time coming, but it's finally happening. Blockbuster is getting delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. According to Engadget, Blockbuster will be forced to delist from the NYSE after a failed attempt to split its stocks. ...

Look out, 3DTV-owning DirecTV subscribers. You're about to get an eyeful of 3D in a partnership between the satellite operator and Panasonic.

Hulu Plus, long rumored and now launching, is a paid version of the popular streaming video site. While the free version of the site will continue to offer fresh TV episodes, the paid version will offer full seasons of current shows plus seasons of shows no longer aired. The cost will be $9.99/month.

What would an average consumer find if he or she went to the local mega-chain store for a 3D demo? Our colleague Pete Putman made just such an expedition with disappointing results.