What’s better than a Black Friday sale?  A desperate Pre-Black Friday sale in hopes to get all the dollars you would have spent on the actual Black Friday.  Wal-Mart delivers with a sale this Saturday, Novermber 7.  The deals look worthy of making a special trip.

From the Xbox 360 reduced to $199 and includes a $100 gift card,  to a 46” Panasonic Plasma HDTV (I love mine) at just $788, $149 for a Sony Blu-ray player and $298 HP 15.6 laptop.  Both the Xbox and the HP laptop are guaranteed to have 10 units per store, according to our friends at bfads.com.

The Panasonic’s lowest price on Google Checkout is $830 and it looks to be a full 1080p, nice. 

Walmart says the sale starts at 8:00am on the 7th.

Read: [BFads]

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Roku has officially added to their lineup of set-top boxes, which means they are now offering the Roku SD, Roku HD and the Roku HD-XR.

To begin with, all three models still stream Netflix like we have to come to expect in the past. Additionally, they all still offer both wired and wireless connectivity.

Basically, the previous model, which also used to be the only model has been given a price cut and is now $79.99. Of course if you are looking for a little more then you can step up to the Roku HD. The additional features on the HD include an optical audio output, an HDMI connector and as you can see from the name—the ability to play HD content. The Roku HD is selling for $99.99.

Moving on, we also have the Roku HD-XR, which similar to the HD model offers the optical audio output, HDMI and ability to play HD content. However the HD-XR also offers a little bump in Wi-Fi connectivity which includes Wireless-N. The other models (the HD and SD) do offer Wi-Fi but not the Wireless-N speed. In terms of price the Roku HD-XR is $129.99.

One other yet unused feature worth mentioning on the Roku HD-XR is the USB port, which is currently located on the back of the box, but simply noted as being “for future use” in the press release.

Finally, Roku has also announced the Roku Channel Store, which will allow customers to pick and enable new content channels on their device. So far the Channel Store is not yet active though, instead it will be available “later this fall.”

Product [Roku]

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Another day, another video eyewear announcement, right?  Wrong.  Down at the very bottom of the release announcing the shipping of the Vuzix Wrap 310 is something about 3D compatibility; this gadget is compatible with the major 3D formats.  That got me thinking: with all the push from studios and home entertainment to 3D, maybe this revolution will skip the TV.

My biggest problem with 3D is getting around the glasses:  to get 3D today, you’ve got to wear glasses.  So, why not have glasses with screens inside them; turn a requirement into something better by adding super big, super clear images (Vuzix says their Wrap 310 has the equivalent of a 55 inch screen at 10 feet)?  If the wave of the future is 3D, then Vuzix might just have their timing down.

The Vuzix Wrap is available starting today for $245.95 and they do look very similar to a pair of sunglasses (scoring much lower on the dork factor, thankfully).  These shades offer regular video viewing like other video eyewear.  Besides being upgradeable, input accessories are coming:

“The Wrap 310 also brings advanced features to the video eyewear category that no product has. With capabilities to add tracking and cameras that enable augmented reality and incredible gaming experiences; there is nothing like it on the market” added Vuzix CEO, Paul Travers.

So now we are talking about augmented reality and potentially live video input along with 3D capabilities.  So many issues just became solved that video eyewear could become the LCD Flat panel of the next decade.  Imagine sharing #D-immersive content with family, each in their own video eyewear in what used to be called your TV room.

This is going to be a pair of video eyewear to watch and the pair to grab if you are in the market.

Product page: [Vuzix]
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What if you could make sure your movie purchases would work tomorrow, on any device, and you could lose worries of scratching a disc?  That is the idea behind Disney’s Keychest, a new way to future-proof your media purchases and instantly access your media on any device that is supported.  Could the DVD finally go the way of the Dodo?

According to a Wall Street Journal article this morning, media rights could be redefined as no physical possession will be involved.  The media would live in the cloud and be available on-demand in a way similar to the way Google Docs are accessed.  Users would simply enter their unique key and begin streaming their media.

Disney hopes to charge a little bit more for the convenience and security of keeping your media in the cloud and accessing it in a myriad of places.  As DVD sales have fallen, industry players seek new ways to make the register ring.  Disney says other players in the market have signed on to their service, but are not naming names.

Sony, as Sony tends to do, is backing a competing plan, the DECE or Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (catchy, right?).  Predictably, DECE wants to initiate new formats and new standards while Keychest relies on current formats that are already supported by many devices.  With Steve Jobs involvement with both Apple and Disney, we can safely bet the iPhone will be one of these devices.

One cool aspect of Keychest is no matter what service you bought the media from, the information is shared with Keychest members (say the cable company, movie studio, or ISP) so you only purchase it once.  No word when either service, DECE or Keychest will be launched.

Are we headed for yet another battle similar to VHS versus Beta or DVD-HD versus Blu-ray?  In short, “yup.”

Read [Wall Street Journal]

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As we approach the holiday season, expect deals to become more frequent and enticing.  This weekend, we have deals on a portable LCD HDTV screen, Garmin GPS, a computer monitor, Garmin Forerunner watch, and a LG HDTV. 

Viore Portable LCD HDTV

Our first deal for the weekend is the Viore Portable LCD HDTV on sale from Walmart.com.  The 7-inch HDTV device features a built-in ATSC digital tuner, closed captioning, integrated speakers, audio/video output, rechargeable battery, USB port, and mini SD memory expansion.  It aims to play TV shows on-the-go as well as any videos you may have on micro SD cards.  The LCD HDTV device is on sale for $98 + $6 for shipping.
 

Garmin Nuvi 275T GPS

Our next deal is the Garmin Nuvi 275T GPS which comes bundled with a Dash Mat that normally costs $40, but is available for free.  The deal is available from Yugster, but it will be only offered at the special price of $184 + $6 shipping today.  It normally sells for $270 and don’t forget the Dash Mat, which makes the offer even better.  The GPS sports a 3.5-inch touch screen, turn-by-turn directions, 2D or 3D map rendering, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated FM tuner,  6 million POIs, and City Navigator NT maps of North America preloaded.

AOC 2236Vw 21.5 inch Widescreen LCD Monitor

Staples has the AOC 2236Vw 21.5 inch LCD monitor on sale for $140, after a $40 instant discount, shipping is free to sweeten the deal.  The 21.5-inch monitor comes with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 5ms response time, 300cd/m2 brightness, and a three year warranty.  No word on how long this deal will be around for, but probably not too long.

Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer GPS / Heart Rate Monitor

Our fourth deal for today is the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS watch, on sale at BuyDig.com for $144 with free shipping.  The device allows you to view all your vital stats on three different data screens while exercising.  It allows you to switch between running, biking, and any other sport without actually resetting the device.  An interesting feature is that it allows you to train against a digital person by specifying a set pace and rate for them.  The heart rate monitor is designed to keep track of your vital stats as well. 

LG 42LH55 42 inch LCD HDTV

Our last deal for this weekend is the LG 42LH55 42 inch LCD HDTV, sold from BuyDig.com as well.  It is on sale for $899 with free shipping, The suggested retail price is $1,399 so you are saving quite a bit of money if you are looking for a new HDTV.  The 1080p HDTV sports a 2.4ms response time, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 4 HDMI outputs, and it automatically adjusts to certain lighting conditions to provide the best view of the picture. 

That’s all the deals we have for this weekend, please visit again next week for more deals on all things electronics. 

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

It seems like no set top box is safe from getting Internet video options lately.  Amazon, Blockbuster and Netflix have been hard at work to get their respective video stores on as many boxes as possible.  We’ve seen a number of companies add the functionality through new hardware and firmware updates, and now we can add Samsung to that list of companies.

Samsung is now rolling out firmware updates to Blu-Ray players and Internet@TV displays that will feature two of the three major video services.  Blockbuster On Demand and Amazon will now be available through the updates, allowing users two more ways to get movies and TV shows instantly.  However, only Amazon video actually supports HD content, so it will probably be more preferable.  To bring Blockbuster back in, however, Samsung Blu-ray players will now be available at Blockbuster stores, which, assuming people still use the store, should hopefully bring in a few sales.

With all these companies adding all these services, eventually it seems we’ll all have a large number of boxes that support Internet video.  Not even just the boxes, but also HDTVs.  Soon there will be no excuse to not at least know of movie streaming services, if you don’t already use them.  Having a wide range of products that have the features is nice, but it can also become confusing and annoying.  Different services could have different stream qualities for specific content, and some devices could produce better video or audio assuming the user has no home theater surround sound setup.  Surely consumers will be able to figure it out, but for now, do we really need to have Netflix, Blockbuster and Amazon on every box that connects to a TV?

Read [Engadget]

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HP just announced its new LD4200tm, a 42-inch LCD that can handle multi-touch inputs.  HP has positioned this device for businesses, so you may see this in a hotel near you soon.  This display has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and uses “an array of infrared (IR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), along with photo sensors, to determine touch by pairing to create a grid of light beams across the display. When an object (such as a finger, pen or any other pointing device) touches the screen, the light beam within the grid is interrupted and thus, touch is recognized.”  In other words, this display won’t be using your usual capacitive or resistive technologies for its touch screen.  There’s no information as to the pricing of this thing, but since it’s for businesses, don’t expect to be adding this to your home any time soon.  The LD4200tm is also designed to run 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Company Site: [HP.com]

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Much like when the original Western Digital WD TV Media Player was released last November, the new and updated version has also quietly slipped into Best Buy.  The updated model has been dubbed the WD TV Live Media Player and is now priced 10 bucks less than the original at $119.99.

In terms of features, the WD TV Live Media Player will allow you to hook it up to a computer or external hard drive and view stored videos or images as well as play music files on your HDTV.  Additionally you can also connect to online sites such as YouTube, Flickr and Pandora.

The WD TV Live Media Player ships with a compact remote and the necessary cables to include a composite AV cable, component AV cable and AC adapter.

In terms of support, the WD TV Live Media Player offers Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, supports 1080p displays, has USB 2.0, HDMI and a standard Ethernet jack for connectivity.

All things considered this looks like a nice option for those looking to be able to get content from a PC to a big screen.  Of course, the critics will likely point out the lack of wireless connectivity and Netflix, that said you can always check out the Roku set-top box if that is what you are looking for.

Product [Best Buy]

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It is beneficial to purchase electronics whenever good deals are available, therefore it is important to search the web for the best possible deal on that new laptop, or HDTV.  But don’t worry, we did the search for you.  Today, Gadgetell has a few deals ranging from laptops, video games, HDTVs, to an Electricity Usage Monitor. 

Acer Laptop

The first deal for this weekend is the Acer AS1410 11.6-inch notebook PC on sale for $429 with free shipping.  The notebook can be purchased from BuyDig and ships within 1-2 business days.  In terms of RAM, it sports 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, features a 250GB 5400RPM hard drive, 11.6 inch LED screen, Intel Core 2 Solo Processor, and operates on Windows Vista Home Premium.  It is available in a Sapphire Blue color. 

HP Laptop

The second laptop deal for today is the HP HDX 18t laptop series, which sells from HP.com.  It normally sells for $1450, but comes with a $550 off coupon code which brings the price down to $899.  The laptop features 4GB SDRAM, 500GB hard drive, webcam, microphone, fingerprint reader, an 18.4 inch HD screen, Blu-ray player, and a one year warranty.  In order to receive the $550 off, enter in NBT548571 at the checkout.  Be warned that the promotion may end at any time.

Fallout 3: Game of The Year Edition

Our video game deal for today is Fallout 3: Game of The Year Edition, which is available for pre-order on Amazon.  The Xbox 360 game has a list price of $59.99, but it is on sale for $43.  It will officially be available on October 13. 

Panasonic HDTV

Our HDTV deal comes from TigerDirect and it is the Panasonic TCP46U1 Viera 46” Plasma HDTV.  It normally sells for $1,199.99, but it is on sale for $799 after $400 instant savings, however, shipping and handling costs $99.  The 46 inch HDTV features full 1080p resolution.  It will continue to be available for this price until supplies run out. 

Electricity Usage Monitor

Our last deal for today is the P3 International Kill A Watt, from SuperMediaStore.  As the name implies, it helps reduce your electricity bills because it identifies electronics that use a lot of energy even when the device is powered off.  Knowing which outlets are still being used even when the device is powered off will reduce your bill, since you will be able to unplug it.  Normally $30, it is on sale for $19.  Supermediastore offers free shipping if you purchase $25 worth of goods. 

Please visit again next week for more deals in technology!

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Anyone looking for a low-cost set-top box that will allow for HD playback on a big screen may want to check out the recently released O!Play from Asus.  To begin with the Asus O!Play is selling for $99. 

Now, here is what we can expect feature wise:

• Plays up content up to 1080p
• eSATA, Ethernet, and USB inputs
• Composite and HDMI outputs
• Bitstream or Dolby Digital and DTS Surround audio

Additionally, it seems to have a wide variety of supported file types including MPEG1/2/4, RM/RMVB, VC-1 and H.264 for video as well as MP3, WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC and AIFF for audio.  The O!Play is also able to stream and view JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF image files.

Otherwise, the unit ships with a remote control and a set of composite cables.  The one drawback here, aside from not having a HDMI cable included, is that the O!Play does not have built-in Wi-Fi.  Of course, getting back to that price, $99, that is not all that surprising.  It seems to be a nice option for those looking to not spend a ton of money.

Product [Amazon]  Via [Liliputing]

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Toshiba is finally putting a Cell processor in a television and will show it off on October 5, 2009.  Announced back in CES 2009, Japan gets this super-TV first.  What purpose could having a Cell processor have in a television?  Toshiba says they will use the processor to upscale standard definition video to higher quality.  Think of your television having a built in upscaler like a lot of DVD players. 

Before you start thinking that Toshiba has grand designs to put together a PS3/TV combo, Toshiba has already claimed that they will not be doing that.  Not at all.  Toshiba actually developed the Cell with IBM and Sony.  Expect Toshiba to eventually build combination Blu-ray/televisions and probably give access to IPTV directly from the television without the need for a set top box.  The Cell is a very powerful processor and putting it in a television opens up what a simple TV can do. 

Read: [ComputerWorld]

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Sony is running some deals at their outlet store.  There are all kinds of deals available.  A Sony sound bar virtual surround sound system for under $150 (down from $240), the Webbie HD pocket cam for $99.99 (down from $169.99), televisions, computers, and even the old version of the 40GB PS3 for $219.99.  What’s the catch?  All these products are refurbished.  If you don’t mind your product being used by someone else, fixed by Sony, and then sent to you, this could be a good time to pick up some nice stuff on the cheap.  The PS3 is on backorder, but you can still order it at the $219 price and Sony will e-mail you when it ships.  This is a weekly deal so it will run out soon.

Store: [Sony Outlet]

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At Intel’s Developer Forum, companies Point Grey and Fresco Logic are showing off the world’s first USB 3.0 streaming HD video camera.  The unit streams 1920 x 1080 video at 60 frames per second and streams uncompressed from the Point Grey camera to the Fresco Logic controller.  Clearly, USB 3.0 is fast.

“We are very excited to partner with Fresco Logic and be able to visually demonstrate the bandwidth offered by USB 3.0,” says Vlad Tucakov, Director of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. “One of the potential benefits of the increased bandwidth of USB 3.0 is that it allows the main processor to handle compression. This means that different types of compression can be used for different applications and that some applications, like face recognition, can work on uncompressed video data for increased performance. We certainly see USB 3.0 as a key interface technology for machine and computer vision, and one we plan to integrate into future Point Grey imaging products.”

Allowing applications to pick and choose what definition video is required for processing is a big step forward and would open up things like power saving, faster performance, and better processing.  Video is one category that is sure to benefit from the autobahn-like speeds of USB 3.0, but not the only.

Any portable storage device that connects via USB can take advantage of the higher speeds.  Even things like iPhones could see a huge boost in sync times (you know, if Apple figures out the quirks behind iPod back up and the other hiccups in syncing).  The act of connecting a device and walking away while it syncs could soon be a thing of the past.

Company site: [Point Grey]

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Three of the six televisions from left to right: ViewSonic VT2342, ViewSonic VT3245, ViewSonic VT3745

ViewSonic introduced six high definition televisions with SRS TruSurround technology.  The styling of these particular LCDs is quite utilitarian - not gorgeous, but not ugly either.  The smaller models are meant to for either monitors or television use, although if you want, you could probably hook up your computer to the N4285’s giant 42-inch screen. 

Here’s a quick breakdown on the models:

3 1080p HDTVs with SRS TruSurround XT audio:
• VT3245, October 2009, $649
• VT3745, Late September 2009, $799
• N4285, October 2009, $999

3 other models with varying resolutions with SRS TruSurround HD audio:
• VT2042, 1600 x 900, September 2009, $299
• VT2342, 1920 x 1080, available now, $349,
• VT2645, 1366 x 768, September 2009, $49

SRS TruSurround XT and TruSurround HD take multichannel audio (like 5.1 audio from your DVD or Blu-ray player) and converts it to two channel audio.  It’s not true surround sound, but it is definitely an improved experience.  The claim is better bass and better clarity for dialog without needing a full home theater audio set up. 

Read: [Press Release]

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Thinking about buying a new TV?  Well, new Energy Star certification standards for 2010 and 2012 will make it harder for TV manufacturers to get the Energy Star sticker on their product.  The new standards will demand 40 to 65% greater efficiency in power consumption, respectively.  In particular, TVs over 50 inches in size will be held to the same in-use requirements as 50 inch TVs, which is 108 watts.  Hopefully, the stricter standards will not only influence consumer behavior, leading to purchases of more efficient TVs, but also encourage manufacturers to improve the technology in their televisions.

Read: [CNET]

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If you’re a home theater buff, then you’ll definitely want to see what Gefen is up to.  Today, they unveiled several new items that could help make a home theater easier to set up.  First up is a a set of adapters that extends HDMI over regular coax cable.  Utilizing a receiver and a sender unit, 1080p HD and 5.1 audio can be sent up to 1000 feet via Coax cable.  The device is called the Gefen Extender for HDMI with Coax Adapters.

If you put your home theater components very far away from your actual screen, Gefen also introduced the Gefen Wireless RS-232 Extender.  It has the same set up as before with a sender and receiver unit.  You can control your devices from 1000 feet away and since this extender uses RF, there’s no line of sight necessary. 

Hooking up your devices to your display can be troublesome if you run out of inputs.  Gefen also introduced the TV Multi-Format Switcher.  It can support up to 10 different sources. Here’s the break down:

The TV Multi-Format Switcher connects two s-video, two composite, two component, one VGA and three HDMI inputs to one HDMI display. All analog video formats are accompanied by two-channel L/R analog audio, while the three HDMI inputs come with supplemental digital (TOSlink; S/PDIF) audio.

Lastly, is the GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 60Ghz Extender.  The maximum range of this wireless HDMI technology is 30 feet and Gefen recommends line of sight between the transmitter and receiver units.  You’ll get 1080p HD with 5.1 audio wirelessly.

Check back for pricing and availability information.

Company Site: [Gefen]

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Today, Epson announced the release of four brand new projectors: PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB, and Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB.  Each of these projectors will project 1080p high definition and are intended for home use.  The 8100 is the budget friendly version with the 9100 and 9500 being the more high tech and pricier models.

The Home Cinema 8100 will have contrast ratio of up to 36,000:1 and brightness of 1,800 lumens while the 8500 expands on these features with the introduction of new Super Resolution technology which includes refined frame interpolation in order to provide the user with crystal clear images.  The Pro Cinema 9100 has 36,000:1 contrast ratio and brightness of 1,800 lumens along with the inclusion of ISF calibration and color isolation. 

The highest end unit of the new series is the 9500.  Expect features like 200,000:1 contrast ratio, real color reproduction, and frame interpolation.  In addition, the home theater projector has an anamorphic lens mode, ISF calibration, color isolation, and pre-set color space selection.

The Home Cinema and Pro Cinema series will be released in late October.  Pricing information for the units will be available at that time.

Read: [Epson Press]

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With televisions getting thinner and lighter, hanging a television on the wall gets easier.  However, there is still the aesthetic issue of cabling.  Wireless HDMI technology is finally coming to homes in Germany this month.  The Philips Wireless HDMI Link will be a two part system: one transmitter that hooks up to your components to send up to 1080p video and a small receiver box that connects to the television. 

What’s this miracle of modern technology cost?  $29.95?  Nope, that price isn’t even close.  Try approximately $850.  The maximum distance between the receiver and transmitter is 25 meters.  No word on when the Wireless HDMI Link will be available in the United States.

Read: [Network World]

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Vudu is working with Mitsubishi once again.  Recently, a purchase of a Mitsubishi television garnered a Vudu player and more.  Now, certain Mitsubishi televisions will have Vudu built in.  The Diamond models of Unisen Immersive Sound TVs will have a Vudu player integrated.  The model numbers of these televisions are LT-46249 and LT-52249.  You’ll have to hook an Ethernet cable to these televisions or pay for a wireless adapter from Vudu called the Vudu wireless accessory bridge to access the Vudu service.  These models are already shipping.  The 46-inch LT-46249 costs $2599.  Th 52-inch model, the LT-52249, is $3099. 

Vudu is a movie on demand service that offers 1080p video and 5.1 surround sound.  I have yet to experience these Vudu videos first hand, but the HTguys of the HDTV and Home Theater Podcast gave it good reviews. 

Read: [Press Release]
Product site: [Mitsubishi Unisen Immersive Sound TV]

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3D TV is coming.  At IFA in Germany, Sony’s Sir Howard Stringer will throw down the gauntlet and announce next year we’ll see 3D TVs from the company.  Sony could use a big hit and bringing the hardware is an important step as content and distribution look to figured out.

Sony is expected to make the announcement today, according to Financial Times, who almost never get it wrong.  Not only that, the cheeky bunch at FT are quoting the future Stringer, as if they’ve found some time/space portal, sweet.  Not only will the Bravia TVs adopt 3D but so will Vaio laptops and PS3.  A whole wave of Sony products will feature 3D technology.

But, but, but

Two big obstacles stand in 3Ds way: standards and customers.  Are we headed for another battle of format standards?  Perhaps, as there is currently no standard for 3D.  Hynduai, LG, Samsung, Phillips, Mitsubishi, and Panasonic all have 3D TVs in their sights as well.  Sony is using electronic glasses that shutter to create the effect. 

As for customers, blind faith that TV makers can force a new technology to make up for flat-lining big screen HDTVs with 3D is hopeful at best.  You thought searching for the remote control was frustrating, wait until you have to search for four pairs of glasses, too.

While sports nuts are probably an easy sell, it isn’t clear that 3D in the home is going to be a winner.  24/7 Wall Street says, “Sony may find out the hard way that ‘2D’ video is just fine.”  Will the market take to 3D?

Read: [Financial Times]

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Today, Casio announced two new additions to their line, the EZ-Z450 and EX-Z90.  These two digicams are coming in time for this year’s holiday rush, availability is said to be October.  Casio is building on some exciting concepts they introduced last CES. 

Both cameras feature advanced autofocus (“AF”), allowing the camera to focus automatically on faces, but also on static objects.  Casio says, “By simply pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF ensures a focused, crisp picture without an out-of-focus subject.  Taking pictures of your family pet or even beautiful scenery can be done in a snap, utilizing Intelligent AF to help minimize the number of photos that need to be taken to get a perfect picture. “

Another feature in these cameras is the ability to separate a moving image and replace the background, all on camera without the need for a computer.  Casio demoed this as useful for greeting cards, but I had trouble coming up with another use.  Regardless, it is impressive tech that Casio is very keen on and they’ve improved the idea a bit with this release by cutting out one step.  Now, users don’t need to take two photos - one with the subject and one with just the background.

Both cameras have the ability to record HD video at 720p via Casio’s super easy one touch recording button.  This dedicated button makes it easy but in my experience means you’ll be shooting much more video than you would normally. 

The $199 EX-Z450 features 12.1MP, 4X zoom and 24mm wide angle.  To make this camera stand out, Casio has added a special landscape mode for taking scenery shots and a make up mode to enhance facial features, perfect for your ugly Aunt.  This model is available in champagne color.

The $149 EX-Z90 features the same 12.1 MP but reduces zoom to 3X, and is a bit more compact.  Casio says it should feel more like a fashion accessory and the color palate should appeal to sophisticated women.  This model is available in pink, black, and silver.

Company site: [Casio]

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It’s no big news that Blu-ray adoption, at least in the US, is far from ubiquitous.  Not everyone has an HDTV and the players can be expensive.  While DVD adoption was partially attributed to the PS2, the PS3 hasn’t sold nearly as well as its predecessor with the HD standard.  However, as DVDs grew more commonplace TVs with DVD players built in became common as well, putting DVD players into the rooms of even more people.  Perhaps Sharp’s new HDTVs can do the same for Blu-ray.

Sharp Japan has introduced five new HDTVs in its AQUOS DX2 line, each equipped with a Blu-ray recorder.  While the recorders can obviously play Blu-ray discs, they’re even more impressive with their ability to record up to 30 hours of HD video onto one dual-layer Blu-ray disc.  It does this by recording the video in the MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format.  The recorder can be set to automatically record anything from the program guide for each of the two digital tuners and single terrestrial one.

In terms of other features, the HDTVs support Internet via the ethernet port, and can connect to BD-Live, Yahoo Japan, and IPTV.  There’s also an included ambient light sensor which will adjust brightness according to the brightness of the surrounding light, which is a pretty cool idea.

At the moment there’s no word on when, or even if these particular HDTVs will make it to the US market.  With the cheapest model, the 26-inch, costing the equivalent of $1,787 whether they would sell well in the US is debatable.  However, considering that price includes an HDTV and Blu-ray player, it might be a great idea for those many who still haven’t adopted either standard.  We’ll have to wait and see what happens, and just hope they came here fairly soon.

Read [Electronista]

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Atlona Technologies has recently come out with a pretty interesting, although I am not sure how practical it is.  Atlona Technologies is known for their products pertaining to audio and video, and the AT-HD530 is no different.

Basically, it receives the HDMI signal or DVI signal from computers, GPS, Apple TV, etc., and will then down-convert the quality to fit analog S-Video or composite video to display down-converted video on TVs or computer monitors that do not support HD video.  NTSC or PAL formatted video can be converted to the other format instantly.  It sounds like an interesting concept due to the fact not every computer monitor and TV can support HD.  And since HD videos are gradually gaining popularity, it could be of use.  Atlona Technologies cites that their product would be of use for broadcasters, video production engineers, and end users. 

The AT-HD530 is set to be available in August for $299.  A copy of the press release is below. 

Atlona Technologies soon to Release their new HDMI/DVI to Composite and S-Video Down-Converter, the AT-HD530

Atlona Technologies, solutions based manufacturer of Audio Video connectivity accessories, is soon to releases new HDMI/DVI to Composite and S-Video Down-Converter, the AT-HD530

Atlona Technologies, leading manufacturer of Audio Video Connectivity accessories, has announced its plan to release a new down-converter, the AT-HD530.  This unit is designed to send HDMI or DVI digital signal from desired sources such as PCs, Macs, GPS Systems, Apple TVs, Camcorder or Video Game, and down-convert the signal to Analog S-Video or Composite Video with Audio.  This device will covert high-definition television video signals to standard-definition video that can be viewed on conventional television receivers or computer monitors for all users.

Along with a featured HDMI/DVI loop-out, this converter has the ability to support resolutions of up to 1080p for HDTVs and up to UXGA (1600x1200@60Hz) with PC or Mac Computers.  In addition, this unit is able to automatically detect and down convert resolutions to those of to PAL or NTSC formats.  Atlona’s new down-converter will be perfect for nearly all computer applications, as well as those used by Broadcasters, Video Production Engineers, and end users alike.

Atlona’s AT-HD530 Down-Converter will be in stock late August with an MSRP of $299.00.

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Sure, you can get a LCD or plasma HDTV for $1000.  However, then you’re stuck with a fixed screen size.  This August, Vivitek is planning to ship the H1080FD 1080p DLP projector at $999 (retail price).  Just think about watching anything at over 100-inches. 

The H1080FD has some modest specs - only two HDMI inputs and a 5,000:1 contrast ratio.  For less than a grand, it’s hard to complain, though.  Just grab a HDMI switcher and some blackout curtains while you’re getting the H1080FD.  The projector also has component video inputs as well as S-video and composite.  I doubt many will be taking advantage of the S-video and composite inputs since the real reason to get this projector is its 1080p HD capability. 

If you’re curious about that fellow in the picture, he is the Sr. Product Manager at Vivitek, Christopher Yang. 

Read: [TWICE]

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ViewSonic is adding in SRS TruSurround XT to its 16-inch and 24-inch HDTVs.  If you’re unfamiliar with SRS, their TruSurround XT is designed to create a surround sound experience using 2-channel audio instead of the normal 5.1 setup.  Virtual surround sound will probably not replace traditional setups, but SRS is trying.

ViewSonic looks to keep their products differentiated from everyone else.  If all things are equal, why not pick the television with virtual surround sound?  The LCD HDTVs will be revealed in the third quarter of this year (2009).

In a totally unscientific test, I tested out some SRS equipped technologies and they were quite good.  SRS is also running a promotion where they are giving away three ViewSonic HDTVs. 

Company Site: [ViewSonic]
Company Site: [SRS] 
Giveaway: [SRS Contest]

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It was only a matter of time before we saw the Internet infiltrate our television, and it looks like Verizon is ready to launch their new type of Widget/App store for FiOS subscribers.  Verizon has been working with Facebook, Twitter, Veoh, Blip.tv, ESPN, and Dailymotion in order to bring the best of the web to the TV.  All FiOS users will have access to these great services and Internet video via the new Widget Bazaar. 

In terms of the Widget Bazaar, subscribers will have the ability to update Facebook statuses, view friends profiles, as well as pictures.  For Twitter users, you have the ability to check out tweets pertaining to the program or movie you are currently watching.  It isn’t simply Twitter on the television, Verizon wants to tailor Twitter to what you are currently watching.  At this time, it is not possible to tweet from your television, but that should come to fruition in the future. 

If you participate in ESPN’s Fantasy Football game, you have the ability to view real time Fantasy Football points and statistics, box scores, rosters, and additional player information.  This is free of charge as long as you are a member with ESPN’s Fantasy program. 

If you are a Home Media DVR subscriber, then you will be happy to know you have access to Internet video such as Blip.tv, Dailymotion, and Veoh.  For those of us who like to amass a large video collection, you have the ability to view videos stored on your PC through your television.  Both of these services are free of charge. 

For additional app development, Verizon plans to release the SDK in order to allow open development of new widgets for FiOS subscribers.  More developers will have the ability to reach a wider audience, not just mobile users, and make a profit.  Verizon hopes to add more free and monetary apps to the Widget Bazaar. 

Read [Verizon]

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Mitsubishi is teaming up with the manufacturers of the Vudu Box for a month long promotion that gives consumers free movies for buying a new Mitsubishi HDTV.  The promotion includes the $150 valued Vudu Box, a downloadable movie player and $50 of credits to use to download movies from the box.  The offer starts on July 16 and will run through August 10.

Vudu has deals with all major movie studios as well as independent movie distributors.  All of the movies available on the Vudu Box are in high definition and the current catalog contains more than 2,000 titles.  Besides movies, users can access television shows and video games through the download service.  You don’t need to pay a monthly fee to use Vudu and new movies are released on the same day that the DVD version becomes available.  You will need an Ethernet or wireless connection available for the service to operate.

Mitsubishi hopes this offer will make them stand out from other HDTV manufacturers that throw in a Blu-ray player or DVD package.

Read: [Twice]

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Netflix is adding another partnership to their stable.  Sony is coming aboard, planning to offer Netflix as a movie-streaming service for its Bravia line of Internet-capable high definition TVs, as well as their older TVs that are compatible with the “Internet video link” module.

Sony hasn’t done anything too earth-shattering on their own in the digital field lately, so this move at least shows they still want to stay in the game, even with rivals.  And Netflix is certainly continuing to expand their market, little piece by little piece.  No, this isn’t going to knock any major new numbers their way in terms of new subscribers, but when other services are streaming on a box, they want their name there as well.  Previous deals for Netflix have included partners like Microsoft, TiVo, Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more.

The Sony Internet Link for their Bravia TVs first showed up as a $300 box.  Ouch.  Then it began being built into some of the later TVs.  So, this fall, if you have a Bravia box, or an Internet-ready Bravia TV, and a Netflix account, you are good to go to stream any movie from the Netflix library.  This does include HD movies by the way.

Guess who is missing from this brand spanking new Sony/Netflix partnership?  The PS3.  The reason being that Microsoft’s XBox 360 is still the exclusive loved-game-system of Netflix, although that romance surely won’t last in it’s monogamy forever.  After that, I’d expect some courting to be going on with Sony and Nintendo.  Well, we can always hope.

Read: [businessinsider]

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Today, TiVo announced a new program that will allow current users to upgrade their current DVR set up to a new HD DVR set up.  Many TiVo customers probably don’t have the income to purchase all this luxury equipment, such as HD DVR, and are often stuck using their regular DVR.  Well, starting today TiVo is rewarding their veteran customers by offering them $50 off an HD DVR.

Basically, as long as you have been a TiVo customer for a year, you are eligible for the $50 discount.  All you have to do is sign onto your TiVo account and you can save $50 or more off a brand new HD DVR.  It looks like the program is a mainstay as TiVo hopes to keep customers as well as gain new ones with exciting offers and promotions.  Remember, TiVo allows for instant Netflix streaming, access to YouTube videos straight from your television, Amazon Video On Demand access (as well as HD video access), and advanced search for broadcast and broadband content. 

Thanks Jessica for the information.

Company Site: [TiVo]

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iPod integration is absolutely everywhere and hooking up an iPod to a television is pretty much a trivial task.  However, controlling the iPod may not be too easy from across the room using the iPod’s small screen.  Panasonic has introduced its VIERA X1 LCD line of televisions at three different sizes, with a 26-inch, 31.5-inch, and 37-inch models.  The VIERA X1 comes with a proprietary iPod dock that allows for control of the iPod on the television through an Apple approved user interface.  You can see the UI in the video below.

Download:
iPod/iPhone version (mp4) | HD version (m4v)

Now why would a product like this exist?  Panasonic’s Aki Todoroki (of the Consumer Marketing Team for North America) told me that Panasonic designed this particular LCD as a second television.  The smaller displays can show off iPod quality video with an image that is good enough.  The dock does not upconvert the video, so a 320 x 240 video will be stretched to fill a larger screen. 

The dock allows for the iPod to be controlled using the television’s remote.  The UI was simple to use and had a logical layout.  Unfortunately, Panasonic only supports the iPod Classic, a couple of generations of the iPod nano with no official support for the iPhone.  However, while testing the dock with an iPhone 3G, the Panasonic VIERA X1 was capable of navigating the device.  Docking the iPhone 3G did not always work and support for that device is planned for the future. 

If you decide to hook up other HD sources to the X1 line, the X1 tops out at 720p resolution.  However, at these small sizes you probably won’t notice the difference between a 1080p and 720p display unless you sit extremely close to the screen.  The 26-inch costs $549.95, the 31.5-inch version is available for $599.95, and the 37-inch model costs $799.95. 

Product Page: [Panasonic VIERA X1]

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Vizio seems determined to stand out in the HDTV market and by standing out it seems that they are making an attempt to do so in other ways aside from being one of the more affordable models on the store shelf.

The latest announcement coming from Vizio includes HDTVs that are ready to support just about every web service you could hope for.  Well maybe not every service, but a nice variety.  Anyway, the new sets will be able to keep you connected with social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and the Yahoo Widgets Engine.  Additionally, owners will be able to stream content from sites such as Pandora, Rhapsody Plus, Showtime, and Revision 3 as well as Netflix, Blockbuster OnDemand, Amazon Video On Demand and Vudu.

The new line is expected to be priced from $749 for a 32-inch model and will have both wired and wireless connectivity options.  Additionally, they will be shipping with a Bluetooth enabled remote that features a slide-down QWERTY keyboard.

Via [CrunchGear]

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Any self-respecting Transformers fan knows about the impending release of the “Revenge of the Fallen” movie set to premiere in theaters on June 24.  What separates this from a normal movie is the fact that LG is planning several events and a phone debut in an attempt to make the movie and the company itself more popular.  For example, LG started a new website and even made a special edition Versa phone for the occasion. 

First off, Peter Cullen did the voice over of a 30 second advertisement for LG and the movie.  As you probably know, Cullen is the voice of Optimus Prime.  In addition, the advertisement features Optimus Prime and a Deception from the summer movie, as well as the LG Versa.  The ad aired on television starting on June 1.  In addition, LG and Verizon are holding a sweepstakes, in which customers have to send one of three prerecorded messages by Optimus Prime to one of their contacts in Friends and Family.  The prize for the sweepstakes is an all expense paid trip to Los Angeles, where they can view the movie.  Moreover, they will receive 10 LG phones to give away to friends and family, a 55-inch LG TV to also give away to a family member (I’m just kidding about giving it away), and a LG Blu-ray system.  All in all, the sweepstakes is pretty enticing and the winner will be very lucky. 

Like I previously mentioned, LG has created a special edition phone of the LG Versa, and then is set to retail shorty only through consumer promotions.  There will probably only be a few of these phones available.  Of course, no phone is a special edition unless it comes with features that can’t be found in the original.  The “Transformed” Versa comes with exclusive voice tones by Cullen, preloaded ring tones, preloaded wallpapers, and the original Transformers movie loaded onto a microSD card.  To keep the phone safe, it comes with a specially designed case, which resembles the allspark cube found in the movie. 

Now, the website they released is called UncoverLG.com, which is actually a game website based upon the movie.  The whole idea is to get movie fanatics excited about the film, LG phones (specifically the Versa), and Verizon.  I went on the website and took a look at the game - it seems pretty cool but I haven’t actually played it, so don’t take my word for it.  All in all, this seems to be a successful advertising venture for LG and Transformers. 

Read [LG Press Release]

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This Friday, broadcasters will stop sending out analog signals and make the DTV transition.  However, even with an extended digital TV deadline imposed, an estimated 3 million homes are not prepared to make the transition.  This represents roughly 2.5 percent of the television market.

Nielsen released the report this Wednesday and it showed that elderly households were the most prepared to make the transition.  African American, Asian and Hispanic households were the least prepared according to figures.  Location also played a factor with most TV owners from the East prepared to make the switch while many of the Western state residents lacked the equipment necessary to receive digital TV signals.

The good news is that figures show that almost twice as many households are now prepared for the DTV switch since the February delay.  Once analog signals stop, it is expected that the rest of the households will be lining up to purchase converter boxes required for the switch.

Read: [CNET]

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Amazon has a tendency to write up listings of announced, but unavailable products.  Sometimes they let a few features slip, which always pleases the public but probably drives the company crazy.  Today, it was noticed on Amazon’s listing about possible game and app support.  Take a look at the description underneath “Surf the Web on Your Zune”:

Enjoy your favorite websites anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection with Zune HDs’ nifty, full-featured web browser. The browser has tap-to-zoom technology, which lets you enlarge the parts of the site you want to see. It makes things like reading articles, search results, or maps a lot easier on the small screen. The device also has a built-in accelerometer, so it senses when it is moving. This lets you play games and use apps that are controlled by moving the device. The touchscreen QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to enter information.

Never mind the acceleormeter part of the description, because that could just be used to enhance the apps.  The exciting part could be game and app support for the Zune HD.  We’re not talking the crap Microsoft will preload onto the device, we’re talking actual games and apps that will definitely make the Zune HD a clear competitor of the iPod Touch, assuming high quality games and apps.  Who knows, maybe the Zune HD will be even able to handle some Xbox games, which definitely could be an interesting addition. 

The availability of the price is still set for Fall 2009.  It will be interesting to see if Microsoft releases any statements on the game and app support for the Zune HD.

Read [Amazon] Via [ZuneSpring]

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Already, the new Microsoft Zune HD is looking pretty good, with its HD playback and all.  At the E3 tradeshow today, Microsoft unveiled an announcement, which didn’t really come as a surprise but definitely got people excited for the latest Microsoft device.  The Xbox 360 would be able stream movies and television shows using the Zune video service. 

Within the new LIVE service, the Xbox 360 has the ability to stream various content in 1080p resolution as well as 5.1 surround sound.  Of course, the video service has been revamped with the announcement of the Zune HD.  Microsoft looks to utilize these two tools, combined with the vast popularity of the 360 to solidify their rank in MP3 players and gaming consoles.  Until now, Xbox Live has only been available in eight countries, but it will be expanded to reach ten additional countries.  In total, US, Canada, UK, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.  With the addition of other countries, Microsoft hopes that even more people will be able to use Xbox Live for not only playing multiplayer games, but also watching videos in HD. 

Microsoft claims the video service streaming will start nearly instantly as it starts with a low bitrate and fast download speed, then it starts increasing bitrate to reach HD video.  At E3 Microsoft announced a few other features such as Project Natal, Movie Party, as well as Facebook support.  For all the latest E3 news, be sure to check out our sister site, Gamertell.com. 

Via [Xbox]

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A lot of people are putting more money into their living room because they are spending more time at home.  So what do you need to put together the best experience in your living room?  There’s the obvious stuff like a large screen television and that surround sound system.  Then there’s the non-obvious stuff. 

Get a good universal remote

Face the reality of how you use your equipment.  You could use all of the remotes that came with your components like a DVD player, the TV, and the receiver, but that’s just not worth the effort.  A universal remote is a hugely important part of any real home theater setup.  Bite the bullet, pay the $100 for a Logitech Harmony Remote.  The macros are definitely worth it.  

Trust in wires

Many home theater components need an Internet connection these days.  While you could try to have an all wireless setup, a wired network is more reliable.  Depending on your home’s layout, getting a wired connection to your home theater may not be easy.  Getting ready made cables for long runs can also get pricey.  If you’re inclined, make your own Ethernet cables and save yourself some money. 

Get an Ethernet switch

Once you get an Ethernet connection to your home theater, put in a network switch so you can connect your various components.  If you’re still squeamish about making your own cables, get a powerline adapter.  You probably won’t have the same speeds as Ethernet, but it’s better than nothing and may be faster than your Wi-Fi network. 

Get a HDMI switch

You can find older models of HDTVs for low prices.  Perhaps you even picked one up during the last holiday season.  One of the major drawbacks of older HDTVs is a lack of HDMI ports. 

You can get a receiver that supports multiple HDMI inputs and it will act like a switcher for your PS3, XBox 360, TiVO, or whatever.  If you pick up a budget receiver, it may have limited HDMI options.  No problem.  Grab a HDMI switch.  It adds another component to your setup, but it expands your options when you want to purchase a HDTV or receiver.

Protect your components

Invest in a hefty surge protector.  Don’t go into the bargain bin of your hardware store for one of these.  This device could protect every single component in case of a power surge.  You spent a lot of money on your devices, don’t protect it with a glorified extension cord. 

In no way is this an exhaustive list of everything you need, but these are things that are easily overlooked.  Hopefully you can use this advice to make your home theater experience fantastic. 

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Say you’ve got $111,805 burning a hole in your pocket.  What should you get?  How about the BeoVision 4 103-inch plasma television from Bang & Olufsen? 

The 1200 pound monster television set is meant for a select few.  In fact, if you are willing to purchase the device, you must fill out a questionnaire and an inspection of the client’s home must take place to determine whether your location is structurally sound to handle the weight.  Additionally, since it takes five people to move the TV into a location, the area is inspected to determine whether there is enough room to move the BeoVision 4.

What can this TV do?  First off, it doesn’t just stand there.  When you turn on the BeoVision 4, the television screen rises on a near-silent lift and a center channel pushes forward.  You should really see the video below to see this in action.  Additionally, you can tilt the television or rotate it via remote. 

How about calibration?  If you’re watching a screen like this, you want it to look great.  No problem.  B&O actually placed a camera in the bezel that swings down during calibration to check if colors are accurately presented.  What about ambient light?  Gadgetell saw the television in a car showroom on a sunny day.  The television has a sensor that detects ambient light and adjusts brightness, color, and contrast depending on conditions. 

What happens when you power down?  The center channel retracts and the screen parks itself back down.  If something impedes the parking, then the 580 pound screen lifts itself up an inch so you can clear whatever was there. 

This truly is one site to behold.  If you have time, check out the video.  You can also download a HD version of the video to get a better idea of what this thing can do.  Expect to see this TV in hotel lobbies, meeting rooms, television studios, and in your friends house if you hang out with well-off folks.

If you want to save some money, ditch the floor stand and grab the TV screen for wall mounting at $93,050.  Delivery is free, but installation will cost you.  Oh, and if you’re wondering why they came out with this TV in this economy, B&O’s official response was, “Why the hell not?”

Photos and video by Fahad Akhtar

Company Site: [Bang & Olufsen]

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During a recent media briefing, GearLive was able to get a sit down with Eric Rabe, the Senior VP of Media Relations for Verizon and talked FiOS and judging from the details, this is news that should make just about any Verizon FiOS customer a little happier.

To begin with, the Home Media Manager will be seeing an improvement.  Currently you are able to stream audio and images from a networked PC, however they are working on adding support for video streaming.  That sounds good so far, but thankfully that is not where the video related improvements are stopping.  Also mentioned were some improvements to FiOS TV Central. As of now this is a nice feature to have, it allows you to manage your DVR from another internet connected device—it could be another computer, phone ect, however they are working on adding Slingbox-like streaming also.  Of course, they did state that they needed to take care of some necessary agreements first.  I also cannot help but wonder if we will have access to live streaming or streaming of content from the DVR.

Anyway, moving past video there are also some other goodies that were mentioned which include widgets for items like the weather, sports scores as well as social networking favorites like Facebook and Twitter.  Additionally, they are also making some improvements to searches and the guide.

Finally, they mentioned the current Internet speeds, and when asked why they were not offering a 100 Mbps service, they responded by saying that they could but don’t.  According to the rep, they have the capability, however their current fastest (50/20) is not that popular, instead most subscribers opt for the 20/5 speeds.

All-in-all it looks like FiOS customers will have plenty to look forward to.  This news sure makes me glad I am moving to a home that has FiOS available, now bring on the Slingbox-like streaming.

Via [GearLive]

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Earlier today, Tim Page, Senior Technology Marketing Manager at Sony Europe and Gadgetell conducted an interview over Twitter.  Sony Europe has introduced what they are calling their greenest TV ever.  The Sony Bravia WE5 has some unique features that appeals to energy conscious people such as the “Presence Sensor.”  The sensor actually checks if anyone is watching the television.  If the TV determines that no one is watching, the screen will go black.  The television will turn back on once you come back.  If you leave for a long enough time, the television automatically goes into standby mode. 

It’s a pretty cool idea even if you aren’t the most granola hippie.  Why should the picture be on if you’re not in?  Plus by saving energy, you’ll see a lower electricity bill.

Thanks for doing this twinterview. What makes the Sony WE5 the greenest ever television?
The WE5 has a few key green features - energy efficient HCFL backlight using 50% less power, presence sensor and energy saving switch

Could you explain how exactly the Presence Sensor works? Will the TV turn off if I’m too still in the room?
[The] presence sensor detects both heat & motion so the TV knows if you are watching it.  If you leave the room the picture will switch off.

Why HCFL instead of LED for the backlight when others have gone with LED?
LED uses less power than CCFL, but HCFL is using 50% less power so much more efficient backlight for the same picture quality.

Will all of your televisions be following the WE5’s lead—will all Sony TVs become greener?
All Sony TVs/products are designed to be as eco-aware as possible; all new BRAVIAs have Eco Features & onscreen manuals.

Will moving in a green direction in TV production benefit Sony as a company during a leaner economic period?
People are more cost & eco aware, WE5 will save energy & cut your bills - at least €300 over 10 years.

Could you expand on which Eco Features will be available Bravia-wide?
Most Bravias have light sensors which adapt brightness, power saving modes & operating power.

Where can people go to find out more about the WE5?
The best place is to check out the Sony website which contains a WE5 video, which is also on YouTube.

Learn more: [Sony Bravia WE5]

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Ok, ok…so you can’t go to Newegg and buy it just yet.  But GE announced just today that they’ve made some huge steps forward in the whole process, and now just have to figure out how to make their lab success work in affordable mass-produced products.

Talk about the the ultimate in space saving!  I think they will get to take over that slogan from the Tupperware people (or whoever has it right now).  Richard Doherty, an analyst at the technology research firm Envisioneering says that “This could be the next generation of low-cost storage.”

This “low-cost storage” is built on holographic technology.  More and more on things like credit cards, you are seeing those 3D images on the card being used for security reasons.  With holography, it can store the 1’s and 0’s of digital data also.  The stored data is encoded in light patterns in light sensitive material.  Then, to read the recorded data, the holograms act like a mirror letting you see the refracted light patterns.  When a laser is shined on them, voila!  Magic.  The data “appears” and can be pulled and deciphered.

Although the potential of holographic technology has been known for quite some time, since the early 1960s as a matter of fact, it hasn’t become the road most traveled mainly due to cost factors.  But with this latest development by GE, many analysts believe that could be changing.  This is due in large part to GE researchers taking the path less traveled in their approach.  They use what is called microholographic storage.  This storage depends on less complex, tinier holograms than previously concentrated on.

The biggest challenge for the research team was to find a way to allow these smaller holograms to reflect enough light.  Their GE lab in NY made the breakthrough—use a 200-fold increase in the reflective power.  This increase puts them at the lower range of light reflections that are readable by current Blu-ray players.  “We’re in the ballpark,” said Brian Lawrence, the scientist who leads GE’s holographic storage program. “We’ve crossed the threshold so we’re readable.”

With this approach, the holograms are scattered over the disc kind of like they are on CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.  So, the same player could read them all.  The big difference here is storage.  While a standard DVD holds 5-9 gigabytes of data, and a Blu-ray comes in 25 or 50-gigabytes flavors, a microholographic disc could hold a whopping 500 gigabytes.

But of course, the bottom line to many is “how much is this gonna cost?”  When Blu-ray first came out in 2006, it cost about $1 a gigabyte for a 25-gigabyte disc.  It’s about half that now.  GE predicts that when their product is introduced (and they are thinking about 2011 or 2012), that holographic discs are going to cost way less than that…more like 10 cents per gigabyte..and keep falling.

They plan to market and sell to places like TV networks, medical researchers and movie studios before heading on to the corporate and consumer market.  But they believe the time is near.  And I think Bert Hesselink, a Stanford professor and expert in the field summed it up well. ““If this can really be done, then GE’s work promises to be a huge advantage in commercializing holographic storage technology.”

via: nytimes

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