This is really cool - it’s a box that plugs into your TV and allows you to easily watch the “Watch Instantly” streaming movies available with your Netflix subscription. It’s got RCA jacks, HDMI, S-video, component video and optical audio. It’s just about perfect for me, a non-intel mac user; and though the $100 price tag stings a bit for something windows users get for free, the convenience of a standalone box just might make up for it.
Get more details about the Netflix Player Here.
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Blu-Ray Wins! February 19, 2008 |
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We knew it was coming: Toshiba has announced that they’re pulling their support for HD-DVD. As the major backer of the format, this means curtains for HD-DVD. Sony has got to be excited about winning this time; not to mention that this makes the Playstation 3 suddenly look like a deal. In case you’re wondering, I like the old 60 GB model with hardware emulation for older game support - and I think now might be the time to give in and buy one!
Source: LA Times
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HD-DVD dead. Format War Over? February 16, 2008 |
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It was a rough year, but the war is over. It looks like all you late adopters (myself included) are finally safe to pick a winning horse in this HD format war. After losing support from Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Blockbuster, all in one week, HD-DVD is about to get the axe by Toshiba, the biggest manufacturer of HD-DVD products and the chair company of the DVD Forum, one of the two organizations responsible for this whole mess innovation in the first place. With Blu-Ray now all but a certain lock to be the hi-def format of this generation, are you ready to buy yet?
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HD-DVD’s day gets worse, Best Buy want to see other people February 11, 2008 |
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Morale must be low in the HD-DVD camp because a second, possibly larger blow has been dealt today. Mere hours after losing Netflix’s support, we learn that HD-DVD is now a second class citizen over at Best Buy. Best Buy has moved to endorse Blu-Ray as its hi-def format of choice and will tell customers as much when they ask for recommendations.
For the severely optimistic HD-DVD supporter, rejoice! Best Buy is not dropping the format; it seems as if HD-DVD will continue to be sold in the retail locations. Unfortunately, as Best Buy moves from neutrality and HD-DVD sales drop, I can’t see locations continuing to order too much new stock. Is hope still left?
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Is The War Over? Blu-Ray Gains More Ground From HD-DVD February 11, 2008 |
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Last summer, Blockbuster decided to take the blu pill when it came to high definition formats and gave the shaft to HD-DVD in its rental selection. Now the other rental giant has made a move that puts the long-term viability of HD-DVD in serious jeopardy. Netflix has announced that it will purge its selection of HD-DVD titles and will be buying only Blu-Ray discs from here on out for its hi-def selection. It seems like time is running out for everyone’s favorite flagging high definition format.
Source Barron’s
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Onkyo Suspends HD-DVD Support February 4, 2008 |
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Onkyo has announced that “Given the current, multiple uncertainties surrounding the Blu-ray vs HD DVD issue, Onkyo has decided against bringing any further DV-HD805s to the UK”, the DV-HD805 being a HD-DVD player in their lineup, but not among their high-end Integra line. North America was not mentioned, but this could be an indicator of things to come. A new high definition player due to be announced later in the year was mentioned, though it could be Blu-Ray, HD-DVD or a combo device: Onkyo isn’t telling. My guess is that HD-DVD won’t be around much longer, especially with Toshiba keeping player prices low enough that other manufacturers are going to have trouble making a profit. Somebody should tell them that monopolizing the market for a device nobody uses isn’t really much of a win.
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