As the holiday season approaches, it looks as though everyone wants their Blu-ray device under your tree. Sharp just announced the BD-HP21H. This new model boasts a 24Hz frame rate, Bonus View features, and a quick-start mode. One thing we don’t care for: The company’s October release date is just for the UK; there’s no info on which (if any) other areas might see the release. Sherwood has something for… View this story
Blu-ray • Home Theater • Product News

Not so fast there, satellites. That’s apparently, and predictably, what Blu-ray is telling Dish Network and DirecTV (and a French cable operator Numericable) about referencing the disc format when it comes to their new 1080p movie services. Dish Network unveiled its TurboHD service that includes video-on-demand options for 1080p movies back in late July, right after DirecTV announced it would have 1080p movies later this year too. Consulting firm Strategy… View this story
AV Components • Blu-ray • Satellite Video • Enhancements • Product News

The laundry list of features on Yamaha’s new BD-S2900 Blu-ray disc player is quite impressive. We’re guessing that we’ll be seeing quite a few new Blu-ray players with the CEDIA Expo 2008 coming next week. The BD-S2900 seems to be on the higher end of things, including the $1,199 MSRP. Yamaha says it’s been designed to match its high-end receiver line, and undoubtedly the combination will get you an outstanding… View this story
AV Components • Blu-ray • Home Theater • Product News

So many companies have been talking about putting Blu-ray into other CE devices. Panasonic is getting in that game—with a VHS combo? Yes, it seems that old technologies never die… at least not if you pair them with newer technologies. The DMR-BR630V has a VHS/Blu-ray recorder combo. Gizmodo says the unit has a 320GB hard drive and can write BDRs at six times speed. It also has the latest “MPEG-4… View this story
Blu-ray • VCRs • Home Theater • Product News

The corner of Hollywood and Vine has evoked movie memories for ages, but now the historic Broadway building that once nestled amidst radio and movie-related businesses is better known for having gone all 21st Century. Because its high-profile tenant is Pioneer’s KURO Loft. Okay, so maybe the name “KURO” doesn’t exactly scream Hollywood to the uninitiated, but for those in the know, this is the place where directors, technicians and… View this story
Displays • Plasma • Blu-ray • Manufacturers • Home Theater • Info and Answers

Samsung isn’t really talking up the BD-P2550, but Best Buy sure is. The new Blu-ray player just magically appeared on the retailer’s website, for $499. It’s weird that Samsung didn’t announce availability, or add this little gem into its recent Holidays in July showcase. Then again, they were all about TVs, and only really talked up one Blu-ray unit—the HT-BD2E home-theater-in-a-box package.  Engadget HD says that the BD-P2550 has got… View this story
Blu-ray • Home Theater • Product News

Fans of ”Firefly” must have been extra good this year. Fox just announced that Joss Whedon’s sci-fi series will be available on Blu-ray in time for the holiday shopping season. “Firefly - The Complete Series” will include all 14 episodes in HD, as well as a “Firefly Reunion” and episode commentary. Other extras include a few featurettes, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and Alan Tudyk’s audition tape. Each of the… View this story
Blu-ray • Movies and Music • Home Theater • Product News

Last year there was a high-definition media format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray. Well, the war is over and Blu-ray won. No parade is needed, but there is a lot you’ll need to know to get that big, beautiful HD picture. First, you’ll need an HDTV and a Blu-ray player. The players are becoming fairly plentiful, even available on desktop and laptop computers. Sony’s PlayStation 3 also functions as… View this story
Blu-ray • Home Theater • Info and Answers • Slideshows

Have you picked up a Blu-ray player yet? Are you buying Blu-ray discs or just renting them? Or do you just download movies from iTunes when you want to see something new? Word from the Redhill Group (via Hollywood In Hi-Def) is that Blu-ray sales are steadily increasing, and the numbers for 2008 seem pretty positive. An average of 1.14 million Blu-ray disc sales per month is about 2 1/2… View this story
AV Components • Blu-ray • HD DVD • Miscellaneous • Movies and Music • Enhancements • Product News

Sony recently said that it plans to put Blu-ray into a variety of CE products. Now, Funai says “me too!” Starting next summer, the company will saturate shelves with combo Blu-ray/LCD TVs at low-low prices. Crunch Gear says that 20 percent of Funai’s current U.S. TV sales are based on TV/DVD combos, so the company must be doing something right. For those not familiar with Funai, this parent company pulls… View this story
LCD • Blu-ray • Home Theater • Product News