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Sony Announces a Trio of Edge-Lit 3D Bravias[teaser]The NX810 Series will be launching in sizes up to 60 inches this September. [/teaser] The latest group of televisions to come from Sony doesn't hold any big surprises. They're just nice TVs at pretty reasonable prices. The NX810 is LED edge-lit, and includes a sensor that allows the screen to automatically adjust itself based on the brightness of its environment. If you're in a bright room, it'll kick things up, and in darkness it will dull itself down. Sony's NX810 also includes built in WiFi and the ability to connect to Bravia Internet Video – giving you access to services like Amazon Video on Demand and Netflix. It's 3D though, that seems to be the main focus. "3D is driving the growth of the entertainment industry," says Sony VP Chris Fawcett, "and only Sony is involved in every stage of the platform." You'll be able to pick up the 46 inch version of the NX810 for $3,000, the 55 inch for $3,700 and the 60 inch for $4,700 when the series launches this September. Source: eCousticsPosted Fri Aug 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Finally Comes to the iPhone and iPod Touch[teaser]It's been in the works for a long time, but movie streaming from Netflix on Apple mobile devices is finally here. [/teaser] Apple fans, the time has finally come. The most popular phone in the US finally has access to the most popular streaming service in the US. Go ahead, enjoy the moment. There's not much in the way of surprises from the Netflix app. It's free to download, but streaming requires a subscription to the Netflix service. You can search for and watch movies and television shows and manage your queue directly from your portable device. Despite earlier rumors stating otherwise, you will be able to use Netflix anywhere – whether you're connected by WiFi or 3G. As long as you've got an iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 3.13 or later, you can jump onto the App Store and grab Netflix now. Source: PR NewswirePosted Fri Aug 27, 2010 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Enters the Netbox Game[teaser]The as yet unnamed set-top box from Sony streams from Netflix, plays back Divx files and more. [/teaser] Sony's been showing off some new goodies recently, but perhaps the most interesting is their new netbox. It's one of the first devices of this type we've seen from a major home theater manufacturer, though companies like Logitech and Roku have been selling them like crazy. The new netbox is slick, offering up to 1080p support and built in 802.11n WiFi capabilities. It's got a USB port for your stored media files and DLNA compatibility for your networked PCs and storage devices. It'll even play back Divx and, thankfully, MKV files. Sony's Netbox is expected to launch sometime next month at a price of just $130. Source: GizmodoPosted Fri Aug 27, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Denon Announces 100th Anniversary Product Line[teaser]Seven new products are set to launch, including a receiver, a Blu-ray player, and even a turntable. [/teaser] It's great to see a company hit a milestone like this. There aren't a lot of companies that make it to 10 years, let alone 100, and it's certainly something worth celebrating. In Denon's case, they're marking the occasion with a special line of products. You'll be able to easily identify the Anniversary Product Collection thanks to the A100 in the model number of every product in the line. As you might expect, Denon has pulled out the stops, and is creating what the company's own Jeff Talmadge describes as "a tribute to Denon’s century long mission: to faithfully reproduce sound and images exactly as the original artist intended." This November, Denon will be releasing a 9.2 channel receiver, a universal Blu-ray player, an integrated amplifier, a turntable, a cartridge, and SACD player and a pair of over the ear headphones, all designed to capture the Denon spirit. We'll have full details on each product as the release date nears. Source: BusinesswirePosted Thu Aug 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
The BBC is Playing it Safe – Waiting on 3D[teaser]There's no rush to get 3D programming going, says a BBC representative. [/teaser] "We don’t believe we have to rush this," explains the BBC's Andy Quested. He says that the current 3D standard is fine for now, but something new is bound to be around the corner, and there's no reason to jump onto the bandwagon quite yet. It's the old computer buying conundrum, but on a much larger scale. It's also a bit of the format war come back again. There are a few different types of 3D battling it out for supremacy and the folks at the BBC are holding out until there's a winner declared. That's not to say the UK isn't getting any 3D – a terrestrial broadcasting company called Argiva is planning 3D tests in the near future. "I’ve certainly heard a lot of noise from other broadcasters and Arqiva," says the BBC's Graham Plumb, "but I don’t think it is as clear-cut as that." Source: Broadband TV NewsPosted Thu Aug 26, 2010 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Dish Network Intros an Online Portal for Content[teaser]If you're a subscriber, you'll be able to watch movies, shows, and even live TV from your broadband connected computer. [/teaser] Television providers are in the midst of figuring out just how the internet can tie in with their offerings. Some get it wrong, and some get close, but Dish Network is one of those very few that seems to get it right. If you're a Dish subscriber you can head over to DishOnline.com and log in to view just about everything you could want. You've got access to over 150,000 pieces of video consisting of movies, television shows and clips. Even if a majority of that number is taken up by clips, it's an impressive count. If you've got the ViP 922 SlingLoaded DVR – or if you end up buying the Sling Adapter when it comes out – you'll also be able to watch both live television and shows that you've recorded on your DVR. It's not a bad setup considering that it's coming absolutely free with your Dish subscription. Source: eCousticsPosted Thu Aug 26, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
The Pocket Sized Amex MP-501 Digital Media Player Ships in Two Weeks[teaser]It plays most video files, it's 1080p capable, and it's dirt cheap. [/teaser] Remember the excitement over the potential of the Zune HD? It was a pocket sized player, we were told, that would let us send video directly to our TVs. And it did that, just not quite as well as we had hoped. The new player from Amex Digital on the other hand, seems to be the answer. It's a tiny player, coming in at under 7 inches long and weighing just half a pound. It doesn't have any onboard storage, but it's got a USB port and an SD card slot for file playback. It'll play just about anything you throw at it too, though sadly, ISO support isn't listed. Perhaps the best thing about the MP-501 is the cost. You get a fully 1080p capable, HDMI stocked media player plus a remote for $49. International shipping comes in at $20. That's about as good as you could ask for. You'll be able to pick up the MP-501 starting September 10. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Aug 25, 2010 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Toshiba Could Have Glasses-Free 3D Ready This Year[teaser]Rumors from Japan say a 21 inch model may hit by this holiday season! [/teaser] The whole 3D thing is exciting, but it's clearly an imperfect technology. The need for expensive glasses is a big problem, and having to wear an accessory – even if it were a cheap one – in order to watch movies is just annoying. That's why companies are rushing to capture the glasses-free market. Progress is on the way with the Nintendo 3DS and a rumored cell phone, but Toshiba's looking to go a little bigger. According to rumors from a few different Japanese media outlets, Toshiba has a 21 inch glasses-free display in the works. Pricing is expected to somewhere in the thousands. As you might expect, a spokeswoman from Toshiba gave the usual response of "We are not in a position to make any announcement," but rest assured, HDD is on the case!!! Source: Physorg - Thanks William!Posted Wed Aug 25, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Two Edge Lit Razor TVs From Vizio[teaser]Along with a trio of full LED sets, Vizio has announced a pair of edge lit sets. [/teaser] Just like the TruLED televisions coming out from the company, Vizio's Razor televisions have contrast ratios that border on ludicrous. At 1,000,000:1, the 2010 models of Razor TVs have fifty times the contrast of the 2009 models. Like the TruLED sets, the Razors provide you with access to Vizio Apps and online entertainment sources without the need for an Ethernet cable. They've got Dual Band 802.11n wireless capabilities built right in. If course, if you prefer to go wired, you've got the option. You can get the Razor televisions in smaller sizes exclusively. The 32 inch version comes in at $699, while the 37" model will fun you $899. Vizio's new Razor televisions are available now. Source: eCousticsPosted Tue Aug 24, 2010 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Vizio Launches Three New TruLED Sets[teaser]The new XVTs feature smart dimming, 240Hz tech, and an absolutely silly contrast ratio. [/teaser] Contrast ratios can be helpful at times, but when it comes to LED televisions, the whole thing gets ridiculous. Take the new TruLED TV's in Vizio's XVT line. They've got a stated contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1. That's ten million to one. The XVT line also has plenty of features and specs that sit in the more normal range. There are significantly more local dimming zones now. Last year's XVTs had 80, while this year's models up the ante with an impressive 120. The 47 inch model takes it up one further to 160. Vizio's newest sets are slimmed down too. The 2009 versions had a five inch depth, while the newer ones are just under three inches. As you'd expect, the TruLED XVTs are packed with Vizio internet apps. What's a little less typical is the addition of wireless N capability, which means there's no need to plug in a cord or purchase an external adapter. You can pick up the TruLED sets in sizes from 37 inches on up to 55, with a price starting at $1,199. Source: eCousticsPosted Tue Aug 24, 2010 at 09:00 AM PDT by: