Posts in Home AV

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Warner Bros. offers the "truth" about Blu-ray

Matthew Moskovciak | Oct 11, 2008

Many consumers are sticking with DVD, but it's not necessarily because of mistaken "perceptions".

In our recent review of the Panasonic DMP-BD55, we offered the view that Blu-ray has almost gotten its act together, after killing off HD-DVD, getting more Profile 2.0 players on the market, and offering standalone players for less than US$500.

However, manufacturers are anxious to get more people on Blu-ray boat as quickly as possible, which is why we get e-mails from Warner Bros. attempting to clear up "confusion" about Blu-ray. According to the press release, the company did a survey of DVD owners that do not own Blu-ray players and found they have a "persistent lack of knowledge" regarding the new format. Warner Bros. offered three main "myths" that have confused consumers, as well as the company's response:
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Microsoft unveils new Xbox Live "experience"

Daniel Terdiman | Oct 11, 2008

In the new Xbox Live experience, much of the interface is designed to cascade horizontally across the screen, allowing users to see a wide selection of choices. On HD TVs, users will be able to see even more information, given the wider screen.
(Credit: Microsoft)

Whether you're one of the legions of hard-core Xbox players or someone who's only played with the game console casually, get ready for an all-new Xbox Live.

Since the first announcement of the new approach to the massively popular service at E3 in July, some longtime fans have fretted that Microsoft is morphing it into a place for purely casual players at the expense of those for whom Xbox Live is nearly as much a home as where they actually live.

Well, based on a demo I got recently of the (not quite finished) new version of Xbox Live, I'd have to say, fret no more.
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BenQ's affordable projector designed for Wii

David Katzmaier | Oct 10, 2008

The BenQ MP512ST. Picture credit: BenQ

BenQ describes its MP512ST projector as "designed for the Nintendo Wii," and by that we assume they mean white, inexpensive, and standard-definition. All the more reason for us to be surprised when this little unit produced a decent picture, albeit not quite at the level found on more-expensive high-definition projectors. Still, for less than $600, or about the price of a bargain-brand 32-inch flat-panel LCD, it's tough to complain.

Read the full review of the BenQ MP512ST.

Below you'll find the settings CNET reviewer Kevin Miller found best for viewing the BenQ MP512 ST in a completely dark room via the HDMI input with a 1080p, film-based source on his 92-inch wide Stewart Greyhawk screen. Your settings may very depending on screen, source, room conditions and personal preference. Check out the Picture settings and calibration FAQ for more information.

Picture Mode: User 1
Reference Mode: Cinema
Brightness: 48
Contrast: 7
Color Temperature: T3

(All the other picture settings were grayed out and inaccessible)

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New Xbox Experience to debut on November 19

Philip Wong | Oct 09, 2008

The date is November 19. Microsoft is set to roll out the New Xbox Experience worldwide for its console online service a.k.a. Xbox Live. A more extensive overhaul than the recent PlayStation 3 store facelift, the new initiative will also incorporate a virtual community network similar to Sony's 3D Home slated for Q1 2009.

Here are some nifty features you can expect in the future for your Xbox 360;

Share your photos with friends and relatives across the globe through Xbox Live.

Create a virtual Xbox Live Party with up to seven friends, complete with real-time voice chat and photo sharing.

Customize your gamer profile with over 14 million custom and animated avatars.

Stream over 12,000 TV serials/movies and HD programs online from Netflix Inc. (US only).

Access to thousands of games developed by students, hobbyists, etc., around the world (pending confirmation).

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High-end Sony LCD deepens the black levels

David Katzmaier | Oct 09, 2008

In addition to producing deep black levels, Sony's KDL-52XBR6 lets you exchange the silver speaker grille for another color.
(Credit: CNET)

In the contest for "best LCD," the main combatants for the last couple of years have been Sony and Samsung. We reviewed Samsung's LN52A650 earlier this year and liked what we saw enough to award it our Editors' Choice. Sony's latest contender for that award is the subject of our latest HDTV review, the KDL-52XBR6.

First things first: This Sony ain't cheap. But its ability to produce a deep shade of black is unmatched in our experience by any non-LED-based LCD or non-Kuro plasma, and many other aspects of its performance, especially its video processing, were definitely impressive. On the other hand, for that much cash we expected better color accuracy and screen uniformity.
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