CSI helped defined HD in its early years and now it will finally be available on Blu-ray. The show, along with ER, was one of the first primetime programs to showcase why the 16:9 format at a higher definition was so damn spectacular. I don’t even think CSI: Miami would still be on the air if it wasn’t for the HD eye candy compensating for the horrendous acting. Anyway, the show’s first season should hit shelves on May 12 for a yet to be announced price. Now, lets see some more HD shows hit the Blu-ray format starting with BSG, The Office, and ER.

The Simpsons Movie looks incredible. The depth of field is great, the detail is increased, and the over all experience is a modern take on the hand-drawn classic. I’m not saying to deviate from the overall look, but rather increase the quality of the product with the help of high-definition. The Simpsons is getting a little stale and maybe going to high definition would bring back some of the original Gen X audience.

I do understand that part of the draw (thank you) to shows like King of the Hill and The Simpsons is that the story is more important than the picture, but at least make the shows widescreen friendly. I’m pretty sure that those two cartoons are the only shows I watch that are still 4:3. South Park is great but It’s time folks, lets have these other shows in HD already.

SouthParkStudios via EngHD

Just what every housewife has been asking for, Regis and Kelly is going high definition on January 5th, 2009. I doubt the world will be a better place once the forever-young Regis will be seen in all the detail that HD provides, but still, it’s great seeing staple morning shows making the switch. More and more consumers are going to purchase HDTVs with the digital switch looming and there is nothing worse than watching your shows that are not high-def on your beautiful new HDTV. 

So my wife wants to know…when is Martha Stewart going HD?

Sound & Vision has a list of what they feel are the top high definition shows this fall.

• CSI: Miami
• Pushing Daisies
• The Mentalist
• Heros
• True Blood
• The Office
• Dexter

While I don’t disagree with first two, Dexter (best show on TV, btw) and True Blood should be higher on the list. Plus SNL, Stargate: Atlantis, and ER all better looking than The Office. Great show, but there are better eye candy shows out there. Any others?

My goodness, there has been a lot of digital cameras launched within the last few days. Nikon, Canon and now Sony. This firm’s latest sports a 10.1 megapixel paired up with a 5x optical zoom and a 3.5-inch touchscreen, but the main selling point of the T500 has to be the HD video capture mode. This mode allows for up to 10 minutes of continuous video that should fill a 4GB memory stick. Said video files are recorded, surprisingly in a non-Sony proprietary format, in MPEG4 AVC/H.264. There is even a way to snap 720p images while shooting the video.  The T500 drops in October for a yet to be announced price. 

PR

Vudu has big plans for their IP-based content delivery service. Big plans and we don’t mean that .99 cent rental thing. 

“In a very short time we’ll have 1,000 HD titles,” says Donnigan. “That’s more than Blu-ray. We have some huge deals.”

That’s a lot of high-def content. More than any service we can think of. But also, the company wants to help recovery lost movies due to a hard drive failure by offering a lifetime content warranty. That’s very kind of Vudu; you did pay for the flicks in the first place.

The long-term future of Vudu maybe in question — after all, how many digital delivery systems do we need — but if they lead the HD title race, they just might have a bright future. More info certainly to come at CEDIA.

via CEDIANews

The boob tube has been squawking lately about some big political event next week in Denver. If you plan on tuning in, Multichannel News is reporting that CNN plans on broadcasting the entire shebang in high-def. Apparently, the outfit splurged on new cameras and related gear for the event. You would think that this gathering was important or something. 

Multichannel News via TVP

Three of the best Christmas flicks, and Elf, are coming from Warner later this year to your Blu-ray player. The set includes, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, The Polar Express, and yes, unfortunately Elf. No word on price just yet, but does it really matter? A Christmas Story – in high definition. Come on! Plus, nothing brightens up the depressing Christmas season like a Clark Griswold adventure.

We’ve featured Neuros’s wares on Crunchgear before, so we’re glad to see the DIY Linux systems mature to high definition age. Their latest box, the OSD2.0, aimed at developers is going to have the capability. Yeah, you read that correctly, as of right now it doesn’t but as soon as the functionality is available, a firmware refresh will add it. Once you throw in the ‘coming-soon’ HD specs, this is one nice platform.

D1(720×480) H.264 or SVGA (1024×768) MPEG4 + AAC/AC3/MP3 encoding

720P playback, up to 1080i with certain content

Support H.264, MPEG2, MPEG4, WMV codec

Composite/Component Input: 2 composite input, 1 component input, all with dedicated stereo audio

Composite/Component/HDMI Video Output

RCA Audio I/O

2 USB ports in rear, 1 in front, and 1 internal to housing

The unit is retailing for $249.99 and by the end of the month, Linux PVR coders should be able to get the first batch. The Inquirer happened to get an early unit for those wanting for a closer look.

Tomorrow, DISH will start rolling out a big, fat update to all of its MPEG-4 HD DVR boxes. The update will allow the boxes to display high definition content in glorious 1080p resolution. Says DISH, “By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.” So if you’re really into HD, this might get you a little boner-y.

The update is set to dovetail with DISH’s TurboHD service, which is an “all-HD suite of programming packages” and the recent launch of the company’s Echo XI satellite. DISH currently offers 114 national HD channels and plans to have 150 by year’s end.

Here’s the full press release:

DISH Network(R) Unveils Biggest High Definition Upgrade in TV History

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 31, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) today set the bar for the next-generation HD standard by becoming the first in the industry to offer high definition programming in 1080p, the highest and best HD resolution available.

This new functionality is part of DISH Network’s latest and unprecedented expansion in high definition services, which includes the rollout of TurboHD, the industry’s first 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages. As previously announced, DISH Network will also launch 17 new national HD channels tomorrow, surpassing its goal of reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule. DISH Network now offers up to 114 national HD channels and plans to expand that line-up to 150 channels by the end of 2008, made possible by the recent launch of Echo XI, the most powerful satellite in the company’s fleet.

"Over the years, DISH Network has maintained a very competitive high definition offering in the marketplace, providing customers with a premium HD product including the best technology, signal and experience — at the best value — that no other pay-TV provider can come close to matching. Our latest system upgrade coupled with the introduction of TurboHD further strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high definition television," said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, CEO and President of DISH Network. "We know that once consumers start watching their favorite TV shows in high definition, their viewing habits change and their preference switches to all-HD programming. Only DISH Network gives them that option, all for an industry-low price of $24.99 per month."

DISH Network’s new high definition services are supported by a proprietary system upgrade that, starting August 1, is being rolled out to all MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers. The upgrade activates a unique feature of the set-top boxes, improving the current standard of HD delivery used by pay-TV providers such as the ability to output 1080p programming. By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.

To celebrate this new era in the high definition viewing experience, DISH Network is offering subscribers a special deal in August to enjoy the unparalleled picture and sound of 1080p high definition programming. Starting August 1, Warner Bros. Pictures’ blockbuster "I Am Legend" starring Will Smith will be available in 1080p resolution — same as Blu-ray(R) Disc quality — on DISH Network’s VOD service, DISH On Demand, at a discounted price. Subscribers with MPEG-4 HD DVRs may order the movie on DISH Network Channel 501.

Consumers can sign up for the best high definition programming and service in the industry with DISH Network’s new TurboHD programming packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes special "turbo-charged" features and benefits such as DISH Network’s award-winning and industry-leading technology, the highest quality HD available including 1080p where applicable, and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV — analog, digital or high definition.

Current DISH Network customers looking to add the industry’s best high definition experience can get a "turbo-charged" HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

The latest national HD channels added to DISH Network’s programming line-up are: ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313), CBS College Sports HD (Ch. 152), Lifetime HD (Ch. 108), Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109), Planet Green HD (Ch. 194), Encore HD (Ch. 340), HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301), HBO Comedy HD (Ch. 307), HBO Family HD (Ch. 305), HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309), HBO Signature HD (Ch. 302), HBO West HD (Ch. 303), HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308), Starz Comedy HD (Ch. 354), Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352), Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch. 356), and Starz West HD (Ch. 351).

For more information about DISH Network’s 1080p programming, new HD channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit http://www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

[via I4U]

Samsung adds some over-the-air HD goodness to its line of LCD monitors with the 22-inch T220HD, 24-inch T240HD, and 26-inch T260HD, priced at $429, $549, and $599, respectively. All three models feature an integrated ATSC/ClearQAM tuner for watching over-the-air TV channels.

The 24- and 26-inch versions each feature two HDMI inputs while the 22-inch model features just one. Contrast ratio for all three is 10,000:1 and the resolution is 1680×1050 on the small one and 1920×1200 on the two larger ones.

[via Electronista]

Good morning and happy Monday to everyone. My name is Doug and I’m here to tell you about three new hard drive-based camcorders coming from JVC. It’ll be fun!

Okay, so we’ve got the Everio GZ-HD10, the Everio GZ-HD30, and the Everio GZ-HD40. All three of them do high definition, while the HD30 and HD40 can do dual-mode recording – either MPEG-2 format or AVCHD format. The GZ-HD10 just does AVCHD.

If you’ve owned an Everio camcorder in the past, you’ll know that the MPEG-2 format is finicky at best, as its actually recorded as an .MOD file that can’t be opened by too many video editing programs without a little grunt work.

I have an Everio and I use Sony Vegas to edit video, so I need to rename every file extension from .MOD to .MPG first and THEN re-encode them into actual MPEG-2 files (even though the MOD format is supposedly MPEG-2) before I can edit them. It’d be great to just drop the actual files into Vegas, which I’m guessing can be done with the AVCHD files, so these cameras are appealing in that sense.

The HD40 can record up to 50 hours of high-definition video in EP mode on its 120GB hard drive. Both the HD40 and the HD30 record at 1920×1080 resolution and, as previously mentioned, will also record in the MPEG-2 format, although you’ll very likely have to re-encode it if you want to be able to edit it. However, if you use iMovie HD 6 or Final Cut Pro 5 or 6 on a Mac, the cameras come with plug-ins that allow the MPEG-2 files to be opened in those programs.

The GZ-HD10 records solely in the AVCHD format at 1440×1080 resolution. All three cameras output directly to TVs via HDMI or to computers via USB and they all will come equipped with newly-designed CMOS chips that JVC claims actually surpass what’s required for high-definition resolution standards by generating “virtual pixel data from the red, green and blue physical pixels.”

These new Everio camcorders will all be available in August. The HD10 will cost $799.95, the HD30 will cost $999.95, and the HD40 will cost $1299.95.

There’s certainly no shortage of flash-based camcorders these days and the trend, happily, has been to improve the image quality of these inexpensive-yet-pocketable devices. I had the chance to try out a relatively affordable high definition camcorder recently; the $150 566V from DXG.

Technical Overview

From the product’s web page…

- 5.0 Megapixel, CMOS Sensor
- H.264 Video Compression, 1280 x 720 resolution
- 3″ High-Resolution TFT screen

The DXG-566V HD is a 5 Megapixel digital video camera that records video in high definition yet at a price that is well within your reach. With a resolution of up to 1280 x 720 at 30fps, rest assured that your videos are crystal-clear, crisp and detailed. What’s more, the DXG-566V HD also captures still pictures with a resolution of up to 8M.

Compact and portable, this camcorder features a 5MP CMOS sensor, 2X digital zoom, a 3.0″ flip-out LCD screen and supports high-capacity SD cards (SDHC) so you’re able to have more recording time – always ready and never worry of missing those moments.

Pros and Cons

The DXG-566V HD is actually an okay investment for $150 as long as you’re simply looking to capture video — mostly outdoors — for the hell of it. It’s cheap, very portable, has a big LCD screen, and is easy to use. It’s a good video camera for run-of-the-mill footage, provided you shoot that footage in well-lit areas or outside during the day. Low-light footage is pretty grainy and dismal, though, so keep that in mind.

Its main feature, high definition recording, is NOT a good reason to buy this camera, unless you intend to set it on a tripod outside on a perfect day with no zooming or motion involved. The footage comes out at 1280×720, yes, but there’s no image stabilization and any sort of zooming makes the footage blocky, since the zooming is all digital. So the HD thing is more of a gimmick than anything else. I’d put the overall video quality well above cell phone video but far below hard drive-based MPEG-2 footage from, say, a camera in the JVC Everio line.

Battery life is average to slightly below average, with the low battery icon making me nervous at about the 45-minute mark. I’d say you can squeeze about an hour’s worth of footage out of this camera before needing to recharge. Thankfully, it uses the included rechargeable lithium ion battery OR you can use four AAA batteries in a pinch. That, I thought, was a brilliant feature — see the photo below.

The 2x digital zoom is pretty weak, as it not only makes everything pixilated, but doesn’t zoom in or out smoothly — it’s more of a jerky motion. Plus, the mic picks up the zoom toggle loud and clear. I stopped using the zoom almost right away.

Audio, too, is slightly below average — kind of tinny and easily distorted at high levels.

Sample Video Footage

Here are a few videos I took with the camera. You can download them at their original resolution to get a feel for how everything looks and sounds. The first two were shot outdoors, one on a sunny day and one on an overcast day. The third was shot indoors under low light, so you can see what to expect from shooting under those conditions.

Video 1: Boston Marathon Footage

Video 2: Boston Apple Store Footage

Video 3: Low-light Footage

Conclusion

All of the aforementioned qualms aside, I’d still use this camera for simple web videos and maybe vacation videos and stuff like that. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done at a reasonable price. The price, big LCD screen, and the rechargeable plus AAA battery features make up for the so-so video and audio quality. I wouldn’t recommend this camera for filming “important” stuff containing a lot of motion or for shooting indoors under low light conditions, though.

DXG-566V HD product page [dxgtechusa.com]

DXG (yes, that DXG) has announced the 569V series of flash-based high definition camcorders. I’m currently playing with the 566V, which is similar to the 569V except that it’s shaped more like a conventional camcorder. I’ll have a review up soon.

Anyway, the 569V is now available at Radio Shack and other fine retailers for just under $170. It records 30-frames per second high definition video at 1280×720 resolution and has a nice-sized 3-inch LCD screen. Like most other DXG devices, it’s not just a camcorder. You can take photos, record voice memos, use it as a mass storage device, and more.

Video clips are recorded in .MOV format (H.264) and there’s a 2X digital zoom which, if it’s anything like the 2X digital zoom on the 566V, is nothing to write home about. The camera comes with 32MB of storage, so you’ll need to pick up an SD card if you want to shoot anything of substantial length. It’s available in silver or black.

Dave Zatz finds it interesting that only Series3 and TiVo HD owners will be getting this feature, wondering if H.264 playback might also be on the way. Those of you who have ever watched a YouTube video on a high definition TV will likely agree that it” s not much to write home about. The possible inclusion of H.264 alongside the already-present MPEG-2 codec used by TiVo could, according to Zatz, make way for things like HD movies from Amazon’s Unbox service, HD video podcasts, and streaming HD content from your PC.

TiVo to Provide YouTube Videos Directly to the Television [TiVo.com] via Zatz Not Funny

There’s confusion surrounding the pending high-def release of There Will Be Blood. The movie, which will be released here in the U.S. by Paramount on HD DVD, was scheduled for an April 8 release. Then it disappeared from Paramount’s site. Axed?

No. Hardly.

Apparently Paramount was just restructuring its Web site to reflect a new March 4 release detail embargo. Basically, until March 4 you won’t hear a damn thing about its release.

There Will Be Blood is one of the highest profile HD DVD releases due this Spring. (Others include Bee Movie, Sweeny Todd and Into the Wild.) So despite Toshiba’s throwing in the towel, certain studios here will support the format for a little while longer. Don’t trash your player just yet.

Paramount Nixes ‘There Will Be Blood’ HD DVD? (UPDATED) [High Def Digest]

Well, someone was impressed by Popcorn Hour, an inexpensive ($180) networked media streamer that handles pretty much every kid tested, pirate approved codec/container, save for Ogg—Xvid, H.264, MPEG2 and MKV are all playable out of the box. Three cheers for MKV support, since that’s the preferred container for high-def movie rips these days. She even decodes 1080p video, which is sorta rare for these devices. Point of fact, my iMac even has trouble decoding 1080p MKVs if I have anything other than VLC open.

You won’t be hurting for outputs either, with component video and HDMI present. That should cover most of you. I should hope it covers most of you.

On the surface it looks like a winner, one that can easily integrate into your AV setup. Beware of the bugs, however. One annoying one—the video signal drops out when switching between inputs. Certainly no deal-killer, but indicative of the lack of polish that many of these devices exhibit.

Oh, and it supports BitTorrent. Install a hard drive and it’ll download torrents just like that. Top that, other devices.

There’s one caveat you might appreciate. The A-100 is a pain in the ass to get a hold of. You have to sign up for some waiting list to get one. Sorry, not happening.

If I didn’t already have my ghetto setup, I’d look into getting one, primarily because it supports the codecs and containers Apple won’t likely support on Apple TV.

Product Page [Popcorn Hour via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Rumors point to a massive price drop for the Xbox 360′s HD DVD add-on. As a result of the format’s death, Microsoft will tell retailers to let the drive go for $50, a full $80 off the previous price. Why exactly you’d spend $50 on an outdated, dead technology I don’t know. You’re better off playing Mega Millions or going to the dog track.

Actually, hold that thought. $50 isn’t bad if you already have an established HD DVD library and want to use the drive as a backup in case your main player drops dead.

Right now. all the major retailers’ Web sites still show the $130 price tag. Maybe it’s slow coming.

Mole report: Xbox 360 HD DVD drive for $49.99 [ars technica]

iPod Observer recently spoke with someone at Apple and was able to get a little more information about renting HD movies using the new Apple TV software. The basic gist is that HD movies can only be rented, not purchased. Standard definition movies can be purchased, but high-def movies can’t.

The movies are streamed directly from Apple’s servers and displayed on your TV. Nothing is downloaded to the Apple TV’s hard drive or your computer, if you’ve got one connected. This is most likely to prevent piracy, according to the site. “It’s likely that these conditions were set by the studios to protect HD movies from ever residing digitally on the Apple customer’s Apple TV, being unlocked, and possibly pirated.”

Apple Clarifies HD Movie Rental Operations [iPod Observer]

The very-nice people that work at CamcorderInfo.com down the street from me here in Boston got a first look at the new Canon HF10 high definition camcorder.

I’ll let them do most of the talking but the basic pros include 16GB of flash memory, plus the ability to record on SDCH memory cards, full 1920×1080 resolution for true HD recording with a 17Mbps bitrate at 30P (it also does 60i and 24P). 

Cons include a proprietary shoe (you’ll have to buy all new accessories) and a mini HDMI port that renders your regular HDMI cables useless. Also, the camcorder seemed a little awkward to use (especially the zoom toggle).

Canon HF10 First Impressions Camcorder Review [CamcorderInfo.com]