LATEST ADDITIONS

Memo to early adopters of HD DVD and Blu-ray: HDMI 1.3 will support every surround codec in the Dolby and DTS stables. How I wish I could leave it at that. However, only DTS-HD Master Audio requires the full monty of HDMI 1.3, which is a good thing, since HDMI 1.3 isn't here yet. Because HD DVD and Blu-ray players have surround decoders, panners, and mixers built in, lowly HDMI 1.1 or 1.2 will transfer decoded signals for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. In fact, even the player's 7.1-channel analog-outs will support all these new surround goodies at full resolution. Using the old-fashioned digital coaxial or optical outs will down-res the signal to Dolby Digital at 640kbps or DTS at 768kbps. There you go. Knock yourself out. I'll continue milking this thing Monday.

Surrounded Elektra/Rhino Music •••½ DualDisc Mixes •••• Extras ••••½

Imagine reviewing

Till the Sun Turns Black RCA Music ••••½ Sound •••½

More than fulfilling the promise of his 2004 debut, <

Begin to Hope Sire Music •••• Sound ••••

Perhaps the best way to describe Regina Spektor is to say she plays world music ...