Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: The HDTV Tipping Point: Connected Home 2 Go Why Go All Digital: Connected Home 2 Go Broadband Catch-22: Connected Home 2 Go DivX To The Left Of Me, Windows To The Right, Here I Am Stuck In The Mpeg With You: Davis Freeberg

Dave’s Dilemma: New HDTV

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Since moving about two years ago, I haven’t bothered replacing my projector. However, we just gave away our last SDTV (32″ JVC) and moved the 30″ CRT HDTV into the bedroom. So we’re looking at 40″ – 46″ LCDs for the living area. (New projector or larger higher-end set is on hold until the next move.) And I’ve got to say despite the bulk, I much prefer the picture quality of tube televisions. But they’re a dying breed (“microdisplay” projection sets will soon follow) and no one makes larger HDTV tubes anymore. LCDs just don’t handle fast motion (or black levels) like a CRT… and given our usage patterns (potential burn-in issues) a plasma is out of the question. The new Sony XBR4/5 and the Samsung 71/81 LCDs offer double the refresh rate (120Hz, versus 60), but it’s yet to be seen it this is a hack or a genuine improvement. Regardless, I can’t justify $3k on a 40″ screen. I’m most seriously looking at the 42/53 (720p) and 61/65/66 (1080p) Samsungs at the moment, but can’t say I feel great about watching sports on any of them. LCD quality just isn’t there yet. At least not at prices I’m comfortable with.

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Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Dave missed while vacationing. DVB-T tuners, DVR functionality, and placeshifting coming to European PS3: Sony Logitech Harmony 1000 reviewed: PC Mag Paramount and Dreamworks sell out to HD DVD: TiVo Lovers YouTube video advertising arrives: Yahoo

Adobe Goes H.264

The Web’s most-used video software, Adobe Flash, will now support the H.264 codec for high-definition display. Will more online HD video bring the Internet to its knees?

60GB PS3 for $349?

Over on TiVo Lovers, I spotted a very attractive deal: Pick up a Sony credit card and Get instant approval and a $150 card credit after your first Sony Card purchase of $299 or more! While televisions are often discounted at big box stores and online retailers, you won’t find significant discounts on the $499 … Read more

Dragon’s Lair Arrives On HD DVD

Ah, Dragon’s Lair… The arcade game I had a love-hate relationship with as a child. The animation was amazing and unique, but the game ran me $1 for each 30 seconds of play. At some point I must have been mature enough to realize I sucked, either that or my mom stopped giving me money, … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Netflix Watch Now Movie Archive Hack: Brent Evans Third Generation HD DVD Players Get Official: Engadget Watch Out For Wireless High-Def TV: CNET OpenMoko Neo Dev Kit Unboxing: Gizmodo Billboard Hot 100 Chart To Include Online Streaming: paidContent

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of good schtuff… from our other blogs. How Much Bandwidth for HDTV: Connected Home 2 Go DivX Considers Breaking Up Company: Davis Freeberg Choosing the AT&T 8525 over the iPhone: TechLore Motorola, the Software Company: Connected Home 2 Go