Audio Video News

Philips Electronics has thrown its weight behind "SmartRight," a digital content copy-protection technology developed by Thomson Multimedia, according to mid-December reports from Paris and Geneva. Originally called XCA, SmartRight is a smart-card–based technique that could allay Hollywood's fears about offering hit movies over the Internet or via high-definition broadcasts.

New generations of television products should be easier to connect to cable systems and easier to use, as a result of an agreement signed Thursday, December 19, by cable providers and electronics manufacturers.

The best rear-projection set reviewed to date? Thomas Norton lavishes high praise on the <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/showarchives.cgi?72">Hitachi 51SWX20B HD-ready CRT rear-projection television</A> and is especially fond of its handles.

Joel Brinkley notes that, although not quite as thin as a plasma screen, the <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/showarchives.cgi?70">Zenith D60WLCD HD-ready rear-projection LCD television</A> is only 17" deep and costs a fraction of its flat cousin's price. JB uncovers its strengths and weaknesses.

<I>Voices of Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers. Directed by Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale. Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (French). Two DVDs. 90 minutes. 1991. Walt Disney Video 786936171631. G. $29.98</I>

One of HDTV's strongest supporters could pull away if an effective copy-protection system isn't in place by next year.

The American transition to digital television may be bogged down, but eventually it will reach critical mass. That's the view of NHK president Katsuji Ebisawa.