Optoma have brought us our first 1080p DLP projector under three grand, and this beaut is now available in local stores.

Seen as low as under $2500, the maximum HD resolution for truly big screen viewing is more affordable than ever for DLP.

Specs:

Brightness 1300 ANSI Lumens
Resolution Native 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Contrast Ratio 10,000:1 (Max)
ANSI Contrast 518:1
Inputs Two HDMI, DVI w/HDCP, S-Video, Composite Video, Component Video, RS-232, +12V Trigger

Pilfering through the end user reports and reviews at AVSforums for this unit, we find very complimentary statements such as:

After spent a few hours playing with HD80 last night, all I can say is this is one hell of a projector! Highly recommended to anyone whose looking for a best image quality at a lowest possible price.

It is a very nice machine, I think almost everyone would be happy with it.

the picture is just gorgeous with great blacks. It looks good with minor adjustments.

I’d recommend the HD80 to anyone looking for a powerful projector with high resolution.
We watched some movies tonight that I thought would be so/so but not so on this projector. Things looks very good,

Right now I’d say this is the 1080p DLP to get.

I’d expect this PJ to be a huge seller for the videophile looking for a lower priced deal market.

I was quite impressed. It was VERY bright and VERY sharp. I didn’t notice anything wrong with the colour. It was well saturated, and primaries and secondaries seemed to be in the right place.

I am still looking for an in-depth pro review, as I don’t have my hands on one of these units yet, so stay tuned.

Optoma HD80 Product Detail

Toshiba has announced the all in one ET20 projector/5.1 surround system/dvd player. And yeah, it looks like E.T. to boot.

I’ve never been fond of all-in-one units of any variety, but for some this is request. I guess if you live in a box, grabbing all your gear in one swipe can make it easier to relocate.

This thing is expected to be available next month, I’m curious how it will (under)perform. Not to have a biased opinion, that is…

Engadget - Toshiba’s et20 all-in-one 5.1 surround DVD projector

Yes, ladies and gents, size does matter.

Here is the bling king of LCD - the 100″ display with 5 ms refresh and 3000:1 contrast ratio. Plasma, look out baby.

Though this is a prototype, it shows it can and will be done. The question is how soon, and for how much.

I, for one, can’t wait……

Source - Engadget

Henning over at HDBlog found a great deal on the Panny PT-AE900U projector through Visual Apex.

You get the projector with a 2-year warranty, plus a bonus blockbuster rental card for $1548 after rebate. This projector normally runs around 2 grand, so that is a steal.

Check it out - Audioholics

Source - HDBlog.net

Pre-order is now available for the next generation of DVD players - the HD DVD player from Toshiba.

Several online merchants are currently taking pre-orders at $500.

Source

DISH network is to add several more HD channels to their lineup, bringing the total to 25 HD channels. Expect to see 5 more VOOM HD channels, ESPN2 HD, Universal HD as well as adding local major network affiliates (CBS, NBC, FOX, etc.) in many markets.

The addition is scheduled for February 1st.

Their current HD lineup consists of the following channels:
——————–
Discovery HD
ESPN HD
HBO HD
HD Net
HD Net Movies
HD Pay-Per-View
Showtime HD
TNT HD
Animania HD
Equator HD
Film Fest HD
Rush HD
Gallery HD
Ultra HD
HD News
Kung Fu HD
Monsters HD
Rave HD

The new additions will include:
——————————————-
ESPN2 HD
Universal HD
HD Locals
Family Room HD
Gameplay HD
Treasure HD
World Cinema HD
WorldSport HD
and Major Network Affiliates where available.

That’s the best HD lineup I’ve seen yet, I may just have to drop my cable provider.

Vist Dish Network to find out more.

Source

The MPAA, staunchest opponent to DVD pirat…I mean backup, has been caught doing just that - illegally copying the documentary film, This Film Is Not Yet Rated.

“This Film Is Not Yet Rated looks at the motion picture ratings system created and run by the MPAA. Director Kirby Dick submitted the film for rating in November. After receiving the movie, the MPAA subsequently made copies without Dick’s permission. Dick had specifically requested in an e-mail that the MPAA not make copies of the movie. The MPAA responded by saying that “the confidentiality of your film is our first priority.” ”

“Dick later learned that the MPAA made copies of the film to distribute them to its employees, despite the MPAA’s stance on unauthorized copying. Ah, there’s nothing like the smell of hypocrisy in the morning-apparently the prohibition against copying films without the copyright owner’s consent doesn’t apply to the MPAA. A lawyer for the MPAA justified the organization’s apparent hypocrisy by saying that Dick had invaded the privacy of some MPAA staffers, which justified the MPAA’s actions.”

Bwahahaha - that’s great! Dick’s prior privacy invasion is a blank check for them to retaliate! Ok, I just love this logic.

I guess if we pay for crap movies, we get the justification for illegaly obtaining copies of other movies?

Parallel logic, no?

Article

Home Theater Room display - check
Den/Living Room TV - check
Bedroom TV - check
Kitchen - check
Guest room(s) - check

… just when you thought your household TV installs were complete, along comes Aquavision, giving you a new vision for complete TV coverage in your home.

Waterproof flatscreens!

No more excuses for being late, not cleaning your personal crevices or missing the last 5 minutes of the latest game.

Widescreen versions are available in 17 & 23 inch sizes with heated screens that won’t fog.

Floating remote included!

Ok, now what? Waterproof DVD players? This opens up an entirely new market…

Shower in Style - Gizmodo

Netflix announced today that it will support HD DVD when the format launches in late March.

“With Toshiba’s new high-def DVD player now available to be ordered for March delivery at several leading online and big-box retailers, a number of Hollywood studios have announced plans to launch both new and catalog titles on HD DVD beginning late that month. Warner Home Video said at the recent Consumer Electronics Show that it will introduce 24 titles in HD DVD on March 28. Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment and The Weinstein Company made similar announcements. ”

Good deal! Netflix is jumping on the next-gen bandwagon, as it sounds like they are open to supporting BD (Blu-Ray Discs) when that format launches as well. Hmm, I might need to up my subscription soon…

Press Release

PC Magazine Names Syntax-Brillian’s 6501m 720p Gen II LCoS HDTV Product of the Year

I haven’t seen much about this model yet, but it sounds promising:

From PC Mags’s December 27th issue:
“With a three-panel LCoS(TM) light engine at its heart, the 6501m has great views from most angles and an outstanding contrast ratio. Though it’s far from a plug-and-play TV, it has the potential to be the perfect home theater centerpiece.”

In another recent review of the Syntax-Brillian 6501m, Dr. Raymond Soneira, President of DisplayMate Technologies Corp. said, “Brillian produces the very finest 720p HDTVs available at any price and these same HDTVs make outstanding large screen living room computer monitors for surfing the web, digital photography, even fine detail work like spread sheets and word processing. It’s the Holy Grail of convergence and we’ve awarded Brillian a special Five-Star DisplayMate Best Video Hardware Award and Trophy for this impressive achievement.”

It’s interesting this award went to a 720p model. Remember, these are PC guys talking, so HTPC and other computer performance may have swayed them over dedicated home theater results.

Still, worthy comments and sources.

Source