Tom Norton

CEDIA 2009
La Vida Loca
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009  |  Published: Sep 12, 2009
The new IDT HQV "VIDA" advanced video processing IC improves on the performance of the Previous HQV processors with advancements in noise reduction, adaptive de-interlacing, scaling and detail enhancement.
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Runco Does LED
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009
Runco has announced the QuantumColor Q-750i single-chip DLP projector, its first model (and one of the industry's firsts) to utilize LEDs for its light source rather than a conventional projection lamp. Runco calls this technology InfiniLight, a name likely derived from the fact that the LEDs, which also replace the conventional DLP color wheel, can be modulated by the source to drop in level, or even shut off completely, in dark or fully black scenes or interscene blackouts.
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Cambridge BD
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009
Cambridge Audio has introduced its own truly universal, Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player, the Azur 650R, at $779. It not only plays Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, but multichannel SACD and DVD-Audio as well--either through its analog outputs or as a bitstream over HDMI. According to the Cambridge rep, it will also decode SACD and DVD-Audio to multichanel PCM for output over HDMI
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Who Let the Mad Dog Out
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009
Sometimes it's easy to forget that CEDIA is aimed for custom installers. And installers need tools. The mad dogger from Mad Dog tools was busy demonstrating his all purpose, drill and mixmaster Cujo thingy.
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Is 3D Coming Soon
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009
Panasonic certainly thinks so. While there is currently no standard for home 3D, a consortium of companies is working on one, and according to Panasonic reps a decision is expected before the January CES. That means we could see product and software within a year. The companies are pushing for a standard that will produce full 1080p resolution to both eyes using sequential frames and active shutter glasses--though I would expect to see some scalability based on price. But you will need a new TV and 3D Blu-ray player to take full advantage of it (HDMI 1.4 will be required).
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Epson's New Projectors
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009
Epson showed four new projectors at the show. The PowerLite Pro Cinema 9500UB features Epson's COlor Isolation System (no filters needed to set Hue and Saturation), ISF certification with ISF Day and Night modes, more rapid changeover to different source resolutions, and an improved dynamic iris with a claimed peak contrast ratio of 200,000:1. Under $4000, November. The PowerLite Pro Cinema 9500UB offers many of the 9500UB's features, with a claimed peak contrast ratio of 36,000:1 ($2600, November).
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Sharp Sharps
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009
Sharp's new Aquos LE700U lineup includes sets at 52" (LC-52LE700U, $2800), 46"(LC-46LE700U, $2200), 40" (LC-40LE700U, $1700), and 32" (LC-32LE700U, $1100). All provide instant access to customized web-based content via Aquos Net, 120Hz operation, and claim drastically reduced energy consumption (see the following blog). They also employ full LED backlighting (not sidelighting) and claim a peak contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, which sounds remarkable given that the LED backlights do not employ local dimming.
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Sharp Watches the Watts
Tom Norton  |  Sep 11, 2009
There's a maniacal race afoot in the TV business for the lowest power consumption per inch-or the greenest set. Sharp's LE700U series is ready for the fight. The LC-52LE700U, shown here, is rated to draw 105W. In this demo, I saw it fluctuate between the roughly 98 watts shown here, on an image of average brightness, and about 150 watts. Since sets are always adjusted in show conditions for far more brightness than you'll need at home, the rating seems reasonable for normal domestic use.
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Pioneer ETAP
Tom Norton  |  Sep 10, 2009  |  Published: Sep 11, 2009
Pioneer's Project ETAP is intended to lead to a product that will provide a wide range of home management and media storage and access. In addition to downloading, streaming, and storage of all variety of program material (the 1TB of on-board storage can be supplemented by external hard drives), it will likely offer additional core features, including those listed in the following blog entry.
Continue Reading >
CEDIA 2009
Pioneer ETAP II
Tom Norton  |  Sep 10, 2009  |  Published: Sep 11, 2009
Here are some of the major features anticipated for Pioneer's ETAP system. It's the BD Managed Copy that intrigues us most, and Pioneer conducted the first US public demo of this feature here at CEDIA. Managed copy allows suitably flagged BDs to be downloaded to a hard drive for storage and play back in full high definition. It is expected to begin showing up on some BD discs within the next year, though it will require a special BD player/recorder to make use of it. Studios can also charge for the privilege if they like. Since no current BDs are so encoded, none of your current collection can be copied.
Continue Reading >

Pages

X