You pretty much can't read a review of a display or disc player here or anywhere without seeing references to the video processing test clips and patterns from Silicon Optix' <I>HQV Benchmark</I>. Now, the high-definiton <I>HD HQV Benchmark</I> is available to consumers on both Blu-ray and HD DVD for $20 each.
The bitterly contested race between rival high-def disc formats has heated up with the announcement of the lowest-priced Blu-ray player yet, the Sony BDP-S300 for $499. Though the PS3 had hit the same price, this is a new low for a standalone Blu-ray player.
The <I>Matrix</I> and <I>Pirates of the Caribbean</I> aren't the only compelling HD releases that have come out in the last few weeks. And a pair of releases from Paramount and Warner however, highlight the different approaches taken by each studio to dual format releases.
Sony's BDP-S300 second-gen Blu-ray Disc player started shipping to retailers this week at a list price of $499, a full $100 cheaper than its previously announced price. With the $499 20GB PlayStation3 no longer in production, the BDP-S300 is now the cheapest Blu-ray Disc player available.
Sony announced nine new BRAVIA LCD flat panel HDTVs today. The new models are in screen sizes of 40", 46", and 52" in both the W and XBR series. All are full 1080p, with 10-bit panels with 10-bit processing, and, in some models, Motionflow 120Hz high frame rate technology and x.v.Color.
Sony today unveiled its 2007 line of SXRD microdisplay rear projection televisions. There are five new models, 1080p each and every one, and the big new features are slimmer front to back profiles and Motionflow 120Hz high frame rate technology.
Recently I've begun configuring some review systems to eliminate the horizontal center speaker in favor of a matching left/center/right array. The specific weakness of horizontal centers lies in their dual woofers. They bring on an effect called lobing--that is, sum-and-cancellation effects that cause uneven response at the listening position. However, my preference for identically matched speakers across the front is causing consternation to some readers, especially concerning placement.
