DTS-HD could blow your speakers!

Yes, literally, according to AVS forum members playing selected DTS-HD Master Audio (DTS-HD MA) Blu-rays. There have been user reports and even a video of the "nasty" bang. One case was encountered on a Panasonic DMP-BD30 and Onkyo TX-SR705 combination, while the titles involved ranged from Fantastic Four and Chronos to Golden Compass and 1408.

Personally, I have tried Fantastic Four numerous times, DTS-HD MA decoded on my home Onkyo TX-SR875, but have yet to see my Mission speakers up in smoke. Perhaps the infamous but harmless pops common among the Onkyos have made me prudent but it's nevertheless a good idea to be cautious, too.

So the next time you test drive a new DTS-HD MA disc, just remember to take it easy on the volume dial. This is especially for those reference-level mavericks who like their movies "loud and explosive". And yes, I'm one of them!

Via AVS forum | Photo credit: DTS

Asia to tentatively get Kuro LCDs in H2

Surprise! Instead of introducing only LCD TVs, Pioneer has set its sight on home theater projectors as well. These have been officially documented in its latest European press release. Now we're looking at a barrage of 1080p Kuro-branded displays ranging from four nine-gen plasma TVs to 32-, 37- and 46-inch LCDs and a LCoS-based home theater projector.

For those closely following its fortunes, the LCD panels are sourced from Sharp, while its new beamer bears cunning resemblance to a JVC DLA-HD100. According to its Asia office, the company "may" bring in the LCD TVs earliest in October, but have no concrete plans for the projector. It is still studying the market proposition for these new products and will be ready to share more details in the coming weeks.

Via hdtv origin

Can Sony get 50 percent market share for Blu-ray this year?

Maybe that price cut in Blu-ray players is coming sooner than we think because Digitimes is reporting that Sony has set some very ambitious goals for Blu-ray in 2008. And by ambitious I'm talking a 50-50 split with DVD.

The short article, which carries the headline, "Sony looks to 50 percent global market share for its Blu-ray products in 2008", says that "Sony will offer Blu-ray Disc (BD) devices in a wide range of product lines and prices and aims to increase the global market share of its BD products from 20 percent currently to 50 percent by the end of 2008".

It also summarizes some remarks that Sony president and electronics CEO Ryoji Chubachi made recently at a press conference in Taipei.

DVD and BD currently account for about 80 percent and 20 percent, respectively, of global demand for movie discs, Chubachi indicated. The new BD devices to be offered by Sony include models integrating an HD LCD TV with BD recording functionality, Chubachi pointed out.
Read more »

Report: Microsoft's own "Wiimote" due this year

Microsoft is reportedly working on its own version of Nintendo's Wiimote and plans to introduce it by the end of the year. The report comes from MTV News, which attributes the information to a developer "who has been brief(ed) on the project" but sought anonymity to preserve business relationships.

The source told MTV News that the project, supposedly in development since last August, is being designed by Rare, the UK-based game studio acquired by the software giant in 2002. Microsoft would not comment on the report.

Although its functions are similar to those of the Wiimote, according to the report, the device does not need a companion controller to be used with it. The device has "face buttons, an analog stick, and microphone," MTV News said. A purported sketch of a working prototype of the device can be seen here.

InFocus debuts DarkChip 4 1080p beamer in Asia

InFocus has probably beaten just about everyone else in debuting a DarkChip 4-based product in Asia. Its latest Play Big IN83 is one of the first full-HD DLP projectors here to feature this new Texas Instrument video engine, translating to an instant 25 percent contrast boost over its ex-flagship IN82. This model also has a S$9,999 (US$6,578.29) sticker price, identical to the latter at launch months back.

Aside from the enhanced 15,000:1 dynamic contrast, there're minimal changes on the plate. You will still get color-enhancing BrilliantColor technology, Hollywood-standard hues (D65 color temperature), HDMI 1.3 input and a one-of-a-kind design. With this, InFocus will be offering a complete range of 1080p DLPs, from the DarkChip (DC) 2 Play Big IN81 to DC3 IN82, and now, DC4 IN83.

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