High Definition DVD Wars is Over - Blu-ray is Victorious

The battle between Blu-Ray and HD DVD at first seemed to be a repeat of the old videotape format wars between VHS and Betmax (and Video2000, which people usually forget about). However, the battle was all over much sooner than anticipated - Blu-Ray has won the final battle, and the war of high-def format. Sony is the backer of Blu-Ray, and Toshiba backed HD DVD. However, to mark its defeat, Toshiba has stopped producing HD DVD players in February 2008, and it is likely that all other manufacturers will follow suit quickly, so that they can start developing Blu-Ray machines. Toshiba has suffered as a result of this already, as it has had to lower its full-year profit forecast by 30%. Toshiba has also suffered a reduction in demand for its Nand memory chips, which are used in digital cameras, mobile phones and portable music players. Maybe the move to hard drive format is hitting Toshiba hard. So, Blu-Ray has won the format wars. Already there are PC Blu-Ray players on the market for as little as GBP115.00, or GBP226.00 for home cinema Blu-Ray players, such as the Sony BDP-S300 - Blu-Ray DVD Player. This low-end Blu-Ray players allows you to enter the world of high-definition. This DVD player reads Blu-Ray discs and offers a 1080p Upscaling function via its HDMi connection, so you can enjoy sensational images that are unbelievably realistic. The HDMi port also delivers uncompressed 7.1 sound. The BDP-S300 player is equipped with x.v. Colour technology to improve colour quality as well as a Bravia Theatre Sync processor for perfect sound and image restitution on your HD ready or Full HD TV. The BDP-S300 also includes Dolby Digital and DTS audio decoders, ushering you into a new era of audiovisual entertainment! So, time to sell those DVD's on eBay while there is still a market, and start building your Blu-Ray Collection.

Philips 19PFL4322 - 19" Widescreen HD Ready LCD TV - Review

Not so long ago the emphasis on displays was size, with the home cinema market being targeted by the manufacturers. Today, as the home cinema plasma screen market has become mature and saturated, manufacturers are now bringing out more smaller models, at lower prices. These models appeal to people who used to consider a 20 inch standard ratio television huge, and also for those who wish to have a discreet screen in a bedroom or kitchen. So, what is new in small screens? Philip's' High-definition LCD WXGA+ display 1440 x 900p This WXGA+ display with state-of-the-art LCD screen technology gives you widescreen HD resolution of 1440 x 900p pixels. It produces brilliant flicker-free progressive scan pictures with optimum brightness and superb colours. This vibrant and sharp image will provide you with an enhanced viewing experience. HD ready for the highest quality display of HDTV signals Enjoy the exceptional picture quality of a true High Definition TV signal and be fully prepared for HD sources like HDTV broadcast, Blu-ray DVD or HDVD. HD ready is a protected label that offers picture quality beyond that of progressive scan. It conforms to strict standards laid out by EICTA to offer a HD screen that displays the benefits of resolution and picture quality of a High Definition TV signal. It has a universal connection for both analogue YPbPr and uncompressed Digital connection of DVI or HDMI, supporting HDCP. It can display 720p, and 1080i signals at 50 and 60Hz. Crystal Clear III for natural images with enhanced quality Crystal Clear III combines a whole range of enhancements to provide a better picture. They include a 2D Comb filter, Dynamic contrast, blue stretch and green enhancement so that you always get the most natural looking colours. Progressive Scan component video for optimised image quality Progressive Scan doubles the vertical resolution of the image resulting in a noticeably sharper picture. Instead of sending a field comprising the odd lines to the screen first, followed by the field with the even lines, both fields are written at one time. A full image is created instantaneously, using the maximum resolution. At such a speed, your eye perceives a sharper picture with no line structure. Incredible Surround for enhanced audio enjoyment Incredible Surround is an audio technology from Philips that dramatically magnifies the sound field to immerse you in the audio. Using state-of-the-art electronic phase shifting, Incredible Surround mixes sounds from left and right in such a way that it expands the virtual distance between the two speakers. This wider spread greatly enhances the stereo effect and creates a more natural sound dimension. Incredible Surround allows you to experience total surround with greater depth and width of sound, without the use of additional speakers. Compact and slim design that fits in every room This design style emphasises a slim, compact look that saves space and fits in anywhere. 1000 page Hypertext for instant fast access to teletext The teletext is a common system transmitted by most broadcasters. The 1000 page smart text feature gives you extremely fast access to information when changing pages. HDMI for full digital High Definition connection HDMI makes an uncompressed digital RGB connection from the source to the screen. By eliminating conversion to an analogue signal, it delivers an unblemished image. The non-degraded signal reduces flicker and leads to a clearer picture. HDMI intelligently communicates the highest output resolution with the source device. The HDMI input is fully backward compatible with DVI sources but includes digital audio. HDMI uses HDCP copy protection. PC input lets you also use your TV as a PC monitor. With PC input you can connect your TV to a computer and use the TV as a PC monitor.

Sony DCR-SR32 Hard Disc Drive Camcorder With 2.5'' LCD Screen - review

The latest Sony HDD Camcorders are extremely compact and give good image quality. With three video recording settings to choose from, you have greater control over the quality of the film that you produce. Battery life lasts for a couple hours of shooting, and the 30GB HDD allows for many hours of footage. If you purchase a spare battery, then this light weight camcorder can keep going for most of the day. Amazon review: Say goodbye to clutter with the DCR-SR32 from Sony! Equipped with a 30 GB hard drive, the DCR-SR32 lets you record over 20 hours of digital video in three different quality modes, while its 800,000-pixel CCD sensor, renowned Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens and 40x optical zoom make sure your recordings come out sharp and clear each and every time. The DCR-SR32 is really easy to use and has a 2.5? LCD screen, as well as 10 scene modes that adapt to any situation. You can even film in VGA resolution and save your creations directly to a Memory Stick Duo memory card, while its USB 2.0 connection transfers your films to your computer for easy editing. The high-performance and user-friendly DCR-SR32 lets you capture life?s best moments, without the clutter of tapes or DVDs! Manufacturer's Description: DCRSR32 Hard Disk Drive Handycam Ideal for everyone who’s on the move, the DCRSR32 offers an impressively long recording time and longer battery STAMINA – without the hassle of carrying extra tapes.

Blu-ray camcorders now available from Hitachi

Hitachi has announced the arrival of the world's first Blu-ray camcorders, offering 1920x1080-pixel HD recording onto miniature BD-R (recordable Blu-ray) discs. And in a parallel move, recording media companies Imation and Verbatim heralded the arrival of the blank discs the camcorders will use. Imation and Verbatim have announced the availabiility of blank 8cm Blu-ray discs. The discs have a capacity of 7.5GB, and can store an hour of 1920x1080i video, or two hours of 1440x1080i. Two versions are available: BD-R is a one-shot recording medium, while BD-RE is erasable and rewritable. Source: whathifi.com If you cannot decide which format to go for, and you like to record home cinema as well as watch films, then maybe Blu-ray is the best option with the availability of Blu-ray camcorders. Sony HDR-SR5E 40GB High Definition Camcorder Buy new: £574.98 Usually dispatched within 24 hours Sony HDR-SR7E 60GB High Definition Camcorder Buy new: £759.99 Usually dispatched within 24 hours