Home Entertainment

A spec sheet is well and good (and trust us, these spec sheets are that), but when we’re talking Blu-ray players it’s really becoming a question of price: when will they drop? Well, if these Europe prices for the DMB-BD35 and DMB-BD55 from Panasonic are any indication, Panasonic’s answer is “not yet.” The BD35 is being priced at 399 Euro, while the BD55 will go for 499 Euro. Our guess is the conversion rates ($588 and $735, respectively) won’t apply here when these get shipped over to the States, but even at $399 and $499 these well-specced players aren’t doing themselves any favors in a Blu-ray market dominated by the PS3. There’s really nothing to say about actual “hands-on” impressions of these two, though we would like to say that we scoured Panny’s booth for the DMR-BR360V Blu-ray / VHS combo and were sad to come away empty handed, our tattered copy of “Titanic” unwatched.

Another tradeshow, another chance for DivX to add juice to its symphony of new consumer hardware. Listen closely so your attention’s undivided as the first DivX HD-compatible DVD player from a major manufacturer, the LG DVS450H, stands ready to play back full length HD flicks from disc or USB flash drive. Turkish manufacturer Vestel is back to straighten the facts, introducing the first DivX-capable STB for Europe in the t5000. It’s still undergoing DivX certification, but promises a firmware update should be the only thing needed to ensure complete compatibility. JVC steps up to make the people unite with its first Blu-ray player, the NX-BD3, carrying DLNA and DivX certs to acquire content via wired or wireless networks, and play back DivX files from DVD or CD after it goes on sale in September.

Read - LG
Read - Vestel
Read - JVC

iriver came to IFA with the usual collection of concept gear we crave. Unlike other manufacturers, iriver usually brings its prototypes to market, eventually, so you’ll want to pay attention. First up is a concept horn speaker (pictured top) attached to an iriver SPINN. The device plugs into the existing headphone jack bringing a sense of gramophone nostalgia to this most-modern device.

Next up is iriver’s latest take on the Unit2, the UNIT2-S, a simpler multimedia communications device for the home. Remember, it’s just a concept, but as envisioned, the working prototype functions as a video phone, digital photo frame, web browser, FM radio, flash gaming rig, SMS/MMS receiver, and audio / video player with DMB television tuner. The specs list a 4.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, 30GB hard drive and 2GB of flash (presumably in the base unit and handset, respectively), mic, stereo speaker, and Li-Polymer battery all packed into a 185.4 x 117 x 19.8-mm tower.

Last up is the R1 DAB radio concept (pictured bottom). Again, the prototype is fully functional and capable of playing back internet, DAB, and FM radio or audio streaming from PC or local storage through a pair of 2W stereo speakers. They also included an alarm clock to remind you that these concepts are just part of an iriver dream — for now.

Sony’s family of projectors just grew by one, with the 1080p VPL-HW10 combining triple-panel SXRD technology, the new BRAVIA Engine 2 eight step image processing, 1000 ANSI lumens, 30,000:1 contrast ratio and x.v.Color support. Dual HDMI inputs, HDMI-CEC control tech, 24p True Cinema, Real Color Processing and quiet 22dB operation ensure a top of the line home theater experience — for something (no MSRP or shipping details here) less than the reigning king of the hill VPL-VW200 and another as-yet-unrevealed higher-end model. So Sony, guess we’ll be seeing you at CEDIA next week?

[Via Akihabara News]

If you’ve seen the BD-HP21H Blu-ray player, you’ve seen the BD-HP21U. Sharp is presumably getting official with the US version of said player here at CEDIA, and while the price tag is comparatively nice, the specifications are so last year. We’re talking Profile 1.1, AQUOS LINK, a Quick Start feature to get flicks rolling in under ten seconds and an HDMI 1.3 output. Granted, the glossy black player is mighty thin, but it’s still overpriced at $349.99 in our opinion. Full release after the jump.

SHARP” STRENGTHENS ITS AQUOS” BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER LINE WITH SECOND-GENERATION OFFERING

New Blu-ray disc player touts one-of-a-kind convenience features with Profile 1.1 support

DENVER, September 3, 2008 – Sharp today bolsters its position in the Blu-ray market with the introduction of its new slim-profile AQUOS BD player, model BD-HP21U. By combining full digital 1080p video output with an AQUOS High-Definition (HD) Liquid Crystal Television, consumers can view the latest HD films in breathtaking high-definition quality. As the successor to the BD-HP20U, the BD-HP21U now supports BD-ROM Profile 1.1, allowing users access to additional content from Blu-ray titles, including movie trailers, special subtitles/audio and games.

“Not only does the BD-HP21U allow users access to more interactive features than before, it also offers several features that contribute to a seamless movie-watching experience,” said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president and group manager, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “With convenient functions such as AQUOS LINK’ and Quick Start, users can truly immerse themselves in a cinematic experience without having to shuffle between remotes or wait for a disc to load.”

AQUOS LINK’ enables integrated and seamless operation between the Blu-ray disc player and AQUOS LCD TV. With a single remote, users can control HDMI-connected products in conjunction with their AQUOS TV, eliminating the clutter from extra remotes. The remote also provides simultaneous Power On/Off of both the AQUOS LCD TV and AQUOS Blu-ray player. The BD-HP21U employs Sharp’s proprietary Quick Start feature, allowing consumers to begin enjoying stunning high-definition video in less than 10 seconds*. JPEG digital images from a CD-RW/R can be viewed on the screen of an accompanying HDTV as a slide show.

The BD-HP21U has an extensive array of connectivity options. The player comes with state-of-the-art HDMI” 1.3 digital output that allows users to send the highest resolution video and audio signals possible to an AQUOS TV via a single cable, allowing Blu-ray discs to be viewed in complete digital 1080p/24Hz high-definition. Through HDMI 1.3, the player supports x.v.Color, providing a wider color spectrum leading to more vivid imagery.
Additionally, the player has multi-channel audio output via HDMI by decoding Dolby® TrueHD and DTS HD. Dolby TrueHD lossless audio technology delivers sound that is identical to the studio master, for a true high-definition experience on next-generation discs. It also decodes Dolby® Digital Plus, providing optimum surround sound to an appropriately equipped receiver. In addition, via HDMI, the player outputs 7.1 Channel digital audio via True HD Dolby that is the equivalent of a master recording.

Providing outstanding versatility, the BD-HP21U is compatible with a wide variety of formats including BD-ROM/RE/R, DVD Video, DVD-RW/R, DVD RW/R, and Audio CDs. The BD-HP21U is also compatible with standard DVDs and is capable of upscaling them via HDMI to 1080p, improving the picture performance of an existing DVD library.
Key components of the BD-HP21U, including the Blu-ray laser pick-up assembly and drive unit, were built by Sharp, reflecting the company’s goal of creating exceptional products from high-performance devices. The BD-HP21U will be available in a glossy piano black finish with one of the slimmest designs in the industry, complementing a high-definition AQUOS HDTV.

Pricing and Availability
The BD-HP21U is available now for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $349.99

For more information on Sharp’s full line of home theater products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp’s Web site at sharpusa.com.

C’mon Sharp — we’re cool with your $350 BD-HP21U Blu-ray player not supporting Profile 2.0, but are you seriously trying to pass off a has-been deck for a whopping $450? The AQUOS BD-HP50U, also announced today at CEDIA, boasts Profile 1.1 compatibility, built-in RS-232C / IR ports, HDMI 1.3 and the company’s Quick Start feature. Anything there worth the $449.99 asking price? Nah, we thought not. Check the complete (uninspiring) release after the break.

SHARP” INTRODUCES SECOND-GENERATION AQUOS” BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER WITH ADVANCED FEATURE SET

Delivers Full HD 1080p digital output, BD-ROM Profile 1.1 support and advanced custom install features

MAHWAH, N.J. – Sharp expands its Blu-ray family with the availability of the AQUOS® BD-HP50U Blu-ray Disc player that provides Full HD 1080p digital output. When paired with an AQUOS HDTV Liquid Crystal television, the BD-HP50U enables consumers to enjoy the latest Blu-ray Disc titles, as well as standard-definition DVDs, in the highest resolution possible.

The BD-HP50U houses several features that enable custom installations. The player can be managed by external control systems via the built-in RS-232C port. An IR input allows the unit to be controlled wirelessly through a remote sensor. The player can then be placed out of sight in a cabinet or closet for a custom installation. Additionally, a stylish powered front door includes on-unit controls and resonates high style design and quality.

The BD-HP50U supports BD-ROM Profile 1.1, which allows consumers to view additional content available on Blu-ray titles – including movie trailers, special subtitles, and director commentary – without stopping the movie. Additional content available on Blu-ray discs includes games, subtitles and audio tracks.

“The interactive features of the Blu-ray Disc format bring a new level of enjoyment to the high-definition movie experience,” said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “With the new BD-HP50U, consumers can tap into supplemental information without leaving the movie.”

The BD-HP50U comes with state-of-the-art HDMI” 1.3 digital output, which allows users to send the highest resolution video and audio signals possible to an AQUOS TV via a single cable. The player supports next-generation audio and video options available via HDMI 1.3, including x.v.Color, which expands the range of colors available. The BD-HP50U also supports Lip Sync, which automatically adjusts audio and video signal processing times to remove lip synch errors.

The BD-HP50U is compatible with the latest high-definition digital audio formats. The player outputs the most advanced lossless surround-sound formats including Dolby® TrueHD and DTS HD via HDMI digital output. The player also decodes Dolby Digital Plus, which provides optimum surround sound for appropriately equipped receivers. Additionally, the player boasts Sharp’s proprietary Quick Start* feature, which takes viewers from disc loading to viewing in less than 10 seconds. JPEG Viewing lets users view their favorite digital images from their CD collection on screen in a slide show format.

The BD-HP50U outputs 1920 x 1080 video at 24 frames per second, matching the frame rate of the original film. This feature eliminates the need for frame-rate conversion that can cause motion artifacts on film-based material and degrade image quality. Sharp’s built-in AQUOS LINK™ feature allows users to seamlessly control HDMI-connected products via an AQUOS LCD TV screen using a single remote control.

The player is compatible with a wide range of formats including BD-ROM/RE/R, DVD Video, DVD-RW/R, DVD RW/R and audio CDs. Key components of the BD-HP50U, including the Blu-ray laser pick up assembly and drive unit, were built by Sharp, reflecting the company’s goal of creating exceptional products from high-performance devices.

Pricing and Availability
The BD-HP50U is available now for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $449.99

For more information on Sharp’s full line of home theater products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp’s Web site at sharpusa.com.

Pioneer didn’t bring a whole lot of firepower to this year’s CEDIA (though it did toss in 16 new speaker models), but the star of its show was definitely the über-expensive Elite BDP-09FD Blu-ray player. Thankfully, the company had a couple of units setup for photographing, one of which was dissected within a glass case. Needless to say, we snapped images from each, giving you a rare look at what makes this thing worth $2,199. As with most of its Elite components (HDTVs notwithstanding), this unit was also on the chunky side, but it’s still a beauty in our eyes. The gallery awaits your attention.