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Blockbuster Gets a 28 Delay on Kiosks For Warner Bros Movies[teaser]Hey Blockbuster, remember that edge you had? What are you thinking?![/teaser] The one thing that Blockbuster has going for it isn't pricing or service - the company isn't the best at either. Blockbuster's huge advantage over contenders like Netflix and Redbox has been new movies and the lack of a delay window. It looks like that advantage is drying up a bit, at least at Blockbuster kiosks. A new deal with Warner Bros puts the same 28 day delay on Blockbuster's kiosks, putting them equal with Redbox in timing. It's bad news for Blockbuster. Blockbuster stores will still be getting movies on the day of release, so it's not a total loss for the company, but this move makes their Blockbuster Express kiosks less appealing. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Dec 20, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Fourscore and Seven HD Advisors AgoEditor's Note: Each Friday, High-Def Digest's own HD Advisor will answer a new round of questions from our readers. If you have home theater questions you need answered, send an email to [email protected]. If you've already sent a question and don't see it answered yet, please be patient as we work our way through them. To browse through previously answered questions, visit the main HD Advisor page. Answers by Joshua Zyber Double Feature Blu-rays Q: I was recently shopping at Wal-Mart and I headed over to the Blu-ray section. I saw Blu-rays on sale with 2 movies in them, particularly 'First Blood' and 'Rambo'. Are these movies both on 1 disc, or are they just saving on packaging and including both discs in one box? I know that studios would put multiple movies on 1 disc when it came to DVDs, but I wasn't sure if that had found its way to Blu yet. If they are putting 2 movies on 1 disc, isn't the quality of each movie going to be downgraded due to compression? A: I believe what you saw was this so-called "Blu-ray 2-Pack" with both 'First Blood' and the latest 'Rambo' sequel in the same case. From what I can tell, this is a 2-disc set that's just a repackaging of the previous separate editions of each into the same case together. The discs themselves should be identical to those released earlier. However, other studios (notably Warner Bros.) have embraced the double-feature Blu-ray with two movies on the same disc. For example, Warner issued this single-disc edition of 'The Last Boyscout' and 'Last Man Standing', as well as this pairing of 'Presumed Innocent' and 'Frantic', among others. Yes, you are correct that putting two movies on the same disc may compromise both due to compression. Essentially, this means that each movie has been authored onto a single 25 gb disc layer. However, keep in mind that, depending on the length and visual complexity of the movies, this doesn't necessarily mean that they'll be unwatchable. For the studios, double-feature discs like these are a compromise that allows them to issue catalog releases of marginal interest titles that will hopefully generate some sales, but probably not enough to justify full-blown restorations or special treatment. This certainly isn't ideal, but may be our only chance to see some of these movies on Blu-ray at all. PS3 Audio Settings Revisited Q: I have a follow up question for your last column. My Onkyo reciever does not decode the DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD formats. Are there any settings in the PS3 that need to be done to be able to output the high definition audio, or am I stuck with lossy formats? Or is the PS3 converting to LPCM and sending it to the receiver as high def? The system sounds good and I feel that the sound is better when I am watching a Blu-ray compared to a DVD, but I am not sure if it some kind of placebo effect where I think it sounds better but it may be the same. A: If your Onkyo receiver has an HDMI input, and if it's able to process audio over HDMI (as opposed to just video passthrough on that connection), you can get the full benefit of Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio from your PS3. In the PS3s setup menu, make sure you set your audio to output in LPCM format. With this, the PS3 decodes the TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio internally and converts them to uncompressed PCM. The PCM has all the full quality of the original master. It's just been unpacked from the compression codec similar to un-Zipping a data file on your computer. If your receiver doesn't have an HDMI input, or if it is limited to video passthrough over HDMI, you will not get full lossless quality audio from a PS3. You'll have to connect the console to the receiver by a digital coax or Toslink optical connection, which cannot carry 5.1 channels of PCM. They are limited to 2 channels of PCM, or up to 6.1 channels of the lossy Dolby Digital or DTS codecs. In this case, set the PS3 to "bitstream" for audio. The console will downgrade the signal to standard DD 5.1 or DTS 5.1 quality, but that's the best you can do with this combination of equipment. I'll point out one more option for you, though. If your receiver has multi-channel analog inputs, you may consider buying a standalone Blu-ray player with the same type of multi-channel analog outputs. You should be able to find one for a reasonable price these days. In this scenario, the player would both decode the TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio and convert it to analog for you. All your receiver would have to do is amplify the signal, and you'd still benefit from the quality of the original lossless track. Audyssey Calibration and Analog Connections Q: My current set-up includes a Panasonic DMP-BD80 Blu-ray player and a Onkyo TX-SR506 A/V receiver. Unfortunately, the receiver is unable to decode HD audio tracks, but the Blu-ray player is. The two are thus connected via analog multi-channel outputs; the player decodes and converts the track where it is then sent to the receiver for amplification (information which you know of course). The Onkyo has the Audyssey calibration feature which through the use of the supplied microphone, allows the user to calibrate the receiver with the connecting speakers for an improved audio experience. Does this mean that when I am watching Blu-ray films, I am not benefiting from Audyssey calibration, because it is decoded and converted in the player? A: Essentially, yes. Audyssey MultEQ (and similar auto-calibration features) will set speaker levels and add EQ to compensate for acoustic issues in your room. These adjustments are made in the processing component of the A/V receiver. When you connect your Blu-ray player to the receiver by multi-channel analog, you bypass the processing section of the receiver and only use the amplification section. All audio decoding and processing is handled in the Blu-ray player, not the receiver. Therefore, you should adjust your speaker levels in the player's setup menu, preferably using a sound level meter. You might be able to copy the level settings that Audyssey programmed into the receiver and carry them over to the Blu-ray player. (Theoretically, they should wind up with the same results, but I don't know that I'd be comfortable relying on that.) However, you will not be able to benefit from any EQ that Audyssey might apply. Homework Assignment: You Be the Advisor The HD Advisor knows many things, but he doesn't know everything. Some questions are best answered with a consensus of opinions from our readers. If you can help to answer the following question, please post your response in our forum thread linked at the end of this article. Your advice and opinions matter too! Transferring 8mm Film to DVD Q: We have tons of old 8mm film home movies laying around. The films are getting old, and I am afraid that they will not last much longer. My first thought was to send them off to have them professionally restored and transferred. There are a lot of services like this, and places like CVS that resale the service for other companies. I got excited when I saw prices of $25 a reel – but soon realized that those were for the small reels. Most places charge per foot, and I calculated that it would cost us about $300 for a large reel, and we have about 15 or so large reels. I then looked at buying my own telecine device. These seem to start at $1500 and go up to several grand. With the cheap ones, I think you are supposed to supply your own camera. $1500 would be cheaper than having all the movies transferred, and then I could sale the service to others, but I am looking at something cheaper still. I found these. Basically, it’s a little box that you shine a projector in one side, and put a camera in the other. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these? I got an HD Nikon camera, but it only takes video with auto-focus, and I'm not sure if I can auto-focus with that short of a distance. (Nikon Coolpix p100). However, what I am even more worried about is differences in frame rate. I also keep thinking of those awful CAMs that you see on the internet (not that I know anything about them). So, what do you think? Or do you know of another solution? I saw somewhere where you could build your own telecine device, and that could possibly be an option too, if the price is right. Check back soon for another round of answers. Keep those questions coming. Joshua Zyber's opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of this site, its owners or employees.Posted Fri Dec 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Hannspree Releases Novelty TVs with Apple and Basketball Designs[teaser]Yeah, we don't get it either. [/teaser] The folks at Hannspree have taken things to the next level in TV design by embedding their HD sets into apples and basketballs. Alright, maybe it's not the "next level" but it's definitely unique. Hannspree's latest sets are 28 inch LCD TVs with a native 1920 x 1200 resolution and the option of a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio. The plain version - the ST289MUB - is available through CircuitCity and Costco, but why would you want that when you can have a TV that's shaped like something? We sort of understand the basketball. If you've got a kid that loves basketball and he needs a TV, it could be a pretty cool setup. The apple shaped TV is a bit more mysterious. Maybe it's meant for teachers and worms. Perhaps it was created for the highly specialized "stuff that confuses grandparents" market - after all, there are plenty of people out there with an Apple TV on their Christmas list. Source: HannspreePosted Fri Dec 17, 2010 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
DISH Network Introduces 3D Movies On Demand[teaser]As a bonus, everyone who orders one will be entered for a chance to win a 3D TV. (Begging the question, why are they ordering the movies in the first place?!)[/teaser] The folks at DISH are stepping up the 3D content on their service by adding On Demand 3D movies. Say what you will about the quality of the titles, it's content in a market that's starved for it. Among the movies launching this month are 'The Last Airbender' and 'A Christmas Carol.' You'll have to wait until next month to watch 'Saw: The Final Chapter' and ' Despicable Me.' As an added bonus, everyone that orders a 3D movie will be entered into a sweepstakes. The prizes include Fox Family prize packs, Sony Webbie HD cameras, and a 46 inch 3D TV. 3D content from DISH will run between $5.99 and $7.99 and will be delivered in up to 1080p resolution. Source: PR NewswirePosted Fri Dec 17, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
LG Launches a New "HD Soundbar"[teaser]It offers 2.1 channel audio thanks to a wireless sub. [/teaser] If you don't have the room for a full 5.1 channel audio setup, or you're just a little low on cash, you can still get better audio. The solution is the soundbar, a bar of speakers designed to sit under your speakers and provide virtual surround. LG's latest, the LSB316, is definitely designed to fit into a lower price bracket. It offers up six 2.5 inch speaker drivers with a total of 280 watts between them. It's also equipped with a wireless subwoofer to help out with those low frequencies. "The LSB316 not only pumps up the audio performance of programming on TV," says LG's Tim Alessi, "but also brings a richer audio experience to music in an easy to set up and use package." There's been no mention of availability or price for the LSB316, but we expect to hear more in early January. Source: eCousticsPosted Fri Dec 17, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Panasonic's VT25 Picks up a Pair of Awards[teaser]The plasma was honored for being the best in 3D and performance. [/teaser] It's been a good year for Panasonic. The company has debuted plenty of new tech, secured 'Avatar' exclusivity for the near future and earned accolades for their work. At the TV 3.0 expo - a trade show focusing on new content and delivery methods - Panasonic was given a pair of awards for the VT25. Not surprisingly, the first focused on the set's impressive handling of 3D pictures. The second - an award for outstanding TV performance - means a bit more to people that aren't necessarily interested in making the move to 3D. Though the VT25 is 3D capable, it's proved itself as a set that's good at 2D as well. Source: PanasonicPosted Thu Dec 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Pioneer's BDXL Writer Ships in the US at $199[teaser]It records up to 128GB of data on a disc and it's available now. [/teaser] When we first heard about BDXL recordable discs, we assumed this was something that wouldn't be hitting the states any time soon. After all, we're not exactly the biggest buyers when it comes to recordable optical media. Imagine our surprise then, to find out that Pioneer's BDXL internal drive is available today at an unexpectedly reasonable $199. Not too shabby. The BDR-206MBK BDXL writer is capable of handling both 100GB triple layer discs and 128GB quadruple layer discs. It can, of course, play back CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays. The press release is a bit unclear, but it sounds like you'll be getting 3D Blu-ray playback as well. You can pick up Pioneer's new BDR-206MBK BDXL for $199 now at Fry's Electronics and at Pioneer's website. Source: Pioneer (via Engadget)Posted Thu Dec 16, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
LG Shows Off the Nano Full LED Series[teaser]The new lighting technology made its debut at a sneak peek event earlier this week. [/teaser] LG's latest innovation is something that they're calling Nano Lighting Technology, a tech that they say will help to redefine the LED market. LG says that Nano Lighting Technology is a step up over even the best traditional LED screen. That's because it uses a proprietary light dispersion pattern placed over a full array of LEDs which creates even lighting across the whole screen. According to the company, this new method of LED backlighting will create not only a brighter picture, but one that's more uniform across the whole screeen. The first TVs to use this tech are the LW7700 and the LW9500, both of which offer localized dimming, 3D capability and an even greater range of colors. The 7700 boasts TruMotion 240Hz while the 9500 offers TruMotion 480Hz. Additional details including pricing and availability will be made available at the Consumer Electronics Show in just a few weeks. Source: PR NewswirePosted Thu Dec 16, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Beyond the Blu - December 2010[teaser]For a certain kind of fan, and many of us here at High-Def Digest are among them, just owning the Blu-ray of a treasured movie isn't enough.[/teaser] We need posters, memorabilia and more. "Beyond the Blu" is designed to help you out with the desire for acquisition for yourself, or even as a last minute Christmas gift for a loved one. Alice in Wonderland Tim Burton's take on the classic story of 'Alice in Wonderland' is a very different tale than Lewis Carroll's, but many of the characters from the books make an appearance in the new story. The Mad Hatter is there of course, as are the White Rabbit, Tweedledum and Tweedledee. The chessboard theme reappears too, which lets you go one of two ways. For those with the more direct approach in mind, you can pick up an incredibly well made 'Alice in Wonderland' chess set. If a more creative approach is your preference, you can grab a giant chess board and recreate 'Alice' in your own backyard. Avatar 3D 'Avatar' is the highest grossing film in the history of the medium, and it spurred on a revolution of 3D. Sure, you can watch all the behind the scenes features on the Blu-ray, but what if you want more? Instead of stalking James Cameron or painting yourself blue, take the next logical and socially acceptable step. Get yourself a plane or bus ticket to Seattle and check out the sure to be fascinating 'Avatar' exhibition that's opening at the Science Fiction Museum on June 4th of 2011. You've got plenty of time to plan. Battlestar Galactica: Razor The best kind of movie memorabilia is the kind that only fans will really pick up on. A big poster with the 'Battlestar Galactica' logo works fine if you're in a dorm room, but if you're keeping a little classy, you'll want to stick with something more subtle. Something like these absolutely stunning 'Battlestar Galactica' propaganda posters. They're stylish, they're subtle and at $50 for the set of five, they're none too expensive. Futurama: Volume 5 'Futurama' is a show that's about a lot of things - killer space bees, robot devils, planets of Amazonian women lead by a femputer - but at the heart is the acknowledgement that work sucks. Whatever your job, you can spruce it up with some great Futurama tin signs and posters. The best among these are a poster that declares "You're not paid to think," and a sign that supports your right to "Choose your own dead-end job." Inception Any fan can pick up the collector's edition 'Inception' Blu-ray, but if you really want to get deep into the subject matter explored in Christopher Nolan's movie you're going to have to read. The Steven LaBerge book "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming" is part explanation of the phenomenon and part guide to creating the experience for yourself. Best of all, you won't have to put up with any new-age mumbo jumbo. LaBerge, a psychophysiologist, was the first to publish a peer-reviewed article on the subject and approaches the subject from a purely scientific perspective. Resident Evil: Afterlife Say what you will about 'Resident Evil: Afterlife,' there's one thing that can't be understated. Albert Wesker is the coolest villain ever. What makes him so cool? Well it's not his awful moral code - that's what makes him a villain. The thing that makes him cool is undoubtedly his completely bitchin' set of shades. Sadly, the sunglasses worn in the movies were custom made for the film, but nine out of ten cosplayers agree that the square version of the Oakley Whisper is as close as you're going to get. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse It's hard to be a 'Twilight' fan, especially if you're past the age that a Team Edward shirt with sparkly hearts on it is appealing. Most 'Twilight' related gear is incredibly tacky, but we found something that's actually pretty cool. It's not an exact replica, but this Cullen baseball jersey just might be the coolest piece of 'Twilight' swag out there. It's subtle, it's something you can wear outside of the house and it's something only true fans will get. It's the kind of thing we dig.Posted Wed Dec 15, 2010 at 05:15 PM PST by: -
Gunnar Releases RealD Certified 3D Glasses[teaser]The specialty optics company is the latest to offer an alternative to theater glasses. [/teaser] It seems silly to us, but there's either an incredible amount of demand for designer 3D glasses or companies think there will be soon. And no, we're not talking about glasses that use the active shutter tech that's used in homes, we're talking about designer glasses for use in a darkened theater for two hours. If the Gunnar name looks familiar, you may have their designer sunglasses, or the special eSport glasses made for gamers. They're a bit of a specialty company. Like the rest of the designer glasses crowd, Gunnar guarantees optically correct glasses, and professional grade lenses. "It’s exciting to see the tools used by professionals who work with 3D content on a daily basis finally making it to the marketplace and put in the hands of visually discerning consumers as well," says Gunnar co-founder Joe Croft. You can pick up Gunnar's new 3D glasses now, for prices ranging from $99 to $149 at Amazon, Buy.com and Fry's.Posted Wed Dec 15, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by:
