Article - HD-DVD Launch Off Til ’06

The next-generation DVD format known as HD-DVD won’t be launched in the United States until early next year because of a lack of coordination between partners handling the hardware and software, a Toshiba official said Friday.

Hmmm, now that sounds pretty bogus. “Lack of co-ordination between hardware and software partners.” Huh?

And then:

The consumer electronics company, which is the major backer of the HD-DVD format said, however, that technology will be launched in Japan before the end of 2005 as planned.

So, let me get this right. Hardware/software coordination is going to hold off the US HD HVD release, but they’re moving right along with it in Japan? Can somebody explain how these two statements line up? I mean, does the software need to be translated into English to work on this continent?

Ok, I was pulling for this format, but this is really stupid. The biggest thing in this industry hd-dvd had going for it was lead time. Now they bungle that.

The scales continue to tip in favor of Blu-Ray. Let justice be done!

Several popular home improvement shows have produced some great episodes regarding home theaters. If you missed seeing them on television, you will be able to read the printed version online. Many of the stories have excellent video clips which help you visualize the topic and solutions being discussed.

Having trouble convincing your wife-unit that the Home Theater ceiling and walls needs to be flat black? While many men will agree that no colors or plants or shiny stuff is needed, our women just might not see it that way. Those of use who have learned to go beyond “Why!?” and know to simply take the information provided and move on with it, here are some great ideas for home theaters that won’t disturb your feng shui.

Bella online, “the voice of women” ssshhhh it’s ok, have rounded up 5 tv broadcasts for you. Good luck men!

List of 5 shows with transcripts/videos.

Panasonic, the leading brand for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known, today announced it will launch the world’s first 65-inch 1080p (progressive) high-definition (HD) plasma TV TH-65PX500 / TV-65PV500 on November 1 … in Japan.

In line with a bunch of other new “firsts,” Panny’s upcoming 65″ DLP plasma offering, the Panasonic TH-65PX500 (TV-65PV500) , is sure to please. “The high-end model of the VIERA TV line has two built-in digital and two built-in analog tuners.” Wow, 4 tuners - how many PIPs is that?

No mention of a US release here, come on Panny where is the love?


Press Release

I’ve seen a lot of posts about outdoor theaters lately, and this is one of the best I’ve seen - if not the best.

A true DIY project with a terrific end result:

After constructing my “Woods Theatre” I decided to try out the Parkland Plastic for a deck screen. I bought a 4′ x 8′ sheet of Parkland from Menards for $13. I bought 8 firiing strips and painted them black. I used black wood screws to fasten a frame to both sides of the Parkland. I cut the length of the Parkland to 85″ for a 16:9 screen. I use bungee cords to secure the screen to the rails of my deck.

I may just have to get into this outside (hmmm, does that make sense?) thing yet.

More photos and discussion:
My “Deck Theatre” - AVS Forum

More photos and forum just for backyard theaters:
BackYard Theater

TOKYO - Japanese electronic maker Toshiba has given up on negotiations with a rival camp led by Sony Corp. to agree on a unified format for next-generation DVDs, a media report said late Tuesday.

Well, I figured this was coming. So much for unity in the world eh? Now, who’s going to be the next betamax?

Source

From signature of mnbees at avsforum:

“Life is what we make of it. Make it better with HT. ”

Right on! Nothing improves the quality of your life like your own Home Theater. Of course I could be biased…

$170 HD-3000 PCI high definition television tuner card supports over-the-air HD broadcasts and even some HD cable, as well as standard US television.

Note: The tuner is officially supported only in Linux, but the company graciously includes experimental drivers for Windows too.

I’m not sure I’d want to depend on linux guys for windows support (especially experimental support), but if you like your htpc box with penguin style, this card is worth a look.

Full Review at Newsforge

I came across this quick tutorial that explains how to build your own screen for front projectors, using blackout (BO) cloth.

You basically make a thin wooden frame and stretch BO cloth onto it with staples. This blackout cloth can be commonly found at cloth retailers. It is normally used to line drapes to block out sunlight.

It’s another popuilar way to make your DIY home theater screen.

Our brethren across the pond are finally going to get a taste of what real TV is all about! Ok, so they might need some programming too, but first things first.

Sky showcases high definition TV
Sky has unveiled the services which will be made available on its High Definition (HD) TV service from 2006.

The broadcaster has said that viewers in the UK will be able to pre-register for HDTV from 26 August - making them the first in the country to receive the service.

Sky estimates that by the end of 2006, almost two million HDTV sets will have been sold in the UK.

‘Bout time. I guess this goes to show how we yanks are still ahead of our dark-ages ancestors. Hmm, I guess that goes without saying.

BBC Article

Yeah, baby! Wow, look at that thing - I think I need a glass of water. The largest rear projection hdtv - I give you the Samsung SVP-71L8UH. (But I take it right back.)

Samsung is selling this baby beginning Friday, and plans to launch the SVP-71L8UH in North America early next month. Launch price in S. Korea is about $7350.

Depth is under two feet, and Samsung claims you can hang this baby on a wall! It weighs over a hundred pounds, but wall mounting should be doable for worthy htdudes.

(Asian chick not included.)

Source