Posts Tagged 1080p

The Smallest 1080p Media Player Amex Digital MP-501

Aug 19

Posted by John in News | No Comments

Sitting right next to your big computer, or your big screen HDTV, you’ll probably already find some ridiculously small gadget. After all, even our memory is getting smaller. And while there may already be options out there for you to purchase in the whole HD media player market, this new one from Amex Digital definitely aches to take the “smallest” title. Its measurements are noteworthy in of themselves, but the features speak for themselves, just as loudly.

The MP-501 measures in at a minimal 175- x 128- x 15mm, and if you were to hold it in your hand, you probably wouldn’t even noticed its negligible 250 gram weigh-in. You can connect the MP-501 to a USB-connected device, which can then stream a plethora of video formats. But, if you’re more interested in the HD side of things, then you’ll be excited to know that it can output up to 1080p HD, thanks to an HDMI cable.

There’s even a mini-USB port on the back-side. So if you’re watching all those HD videos, you’d want to make sure that your media player can handle it. The MP-501 has an ARM Cortex A8 processor tucked away inside, And thankfully, it can play pretty much any file format available, as long as you don’t have any of that pesky Digital Rights Management (DRM) going on. Price wise, you’ll be looking at only $49, so that’s not bad at all.

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4×4 HDMI – Ethernet CAT 5X6 Matrix Router

Aug 18

Posted by neemon in News | No Comments

This unique 4×4 HDMI Ethernet Matrix Router has user configurable outputs. Each of the outputs can be configured for either

  • HDMI cable connection OR 2) CAT 5/ 6 Cable Connection. The Ethernet CAT 5/6 Matrix Switch is a complete HD routing solution for whole home HDTV systems.
  • In addition, Infrared Extension allows I.R. signals to be sent from viewing area to the equipment room over CAT-5/6 Cables.
  • Ethernet cables and connectors are easily field terminated thus allowing installers to easily install the proper length cable needed for ultimate flexibility and eliminate logistics problems of having custom length HDMI cables.

The 4×4 HDMI Matrix features 4 HDMI inputs, 4 HDMI Outputs, RS-232 control and fits in a 1RU rack mount housing for professional installations.
The 4×4 HDMI / Ethernet CAT5-6 Matrix Switch supports 1080P HD resolutions.
HDMI is the latest standard for distributing High Definition Digital Video and Audio in high def displays for 2 reasons:

  • uncompressed digital format ensures the best picture quality and
  • HDMI allows content providers to ensure that their intellectual property is protected through HDCP.

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Oppo’s BDP-80 Universal Player — a Simplified BDP-83?

Jun 3

Posted by michael in News | No Comments

BDP-80
Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio

BDP80

  • Standalone Player & Digital Transport
  • 1080p Full HD, 1080p24 & Source Direct
  • Fast Loading & Response Times
  • SACD & DVD-Audio/Video
  • USB 2.0 for Media Playback
  • 1GB Memory & BD-Live

Overview
The BDP-80 is a full-featured universal Blu-ray Disc™ player that supports BD Profile 2.0 (BD-Live and BonusView), DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), HDCD, CD and other popular media formats such as AVCHD, MKV video files, digital photos and music. Sharing the same decoder and similarly optimized firmware as OPPO’s award-winning BDP-83, the BDP-80 features fast disc load times, quick response to user operations, and robust audio and video controls. In contrast to the BDP-83, which utilizes an onboard VRS by Anchor Bay video processor, the BDP-80 design has been optimized for use as a digital audio/video transport, emphasizing the accuracy of its digital audio/video outputs. At the same time, the BDP-80 is versatile enough to be used as a stand-alone universal Blu-ray player, thanks to its full array of output connections and audio/video decoding capabilities.

For video, the BDP-80 features an HDMI 1.3 port that supports 1080p Full HD, 1080p 24Hz, Deep Color and Source Direct modes. Component video, S-Video and Composite video connections are also available for legacy analog displays. In addition to its faithful reproduction of high-definition pictures on Blu-ray Discs, the player can up-convert DVD from standard definition up to 1080p to maximize DVD picture quality. Its “Source Direct” output mode makes the BDP-80 incredibly well suited as a digital transport to feed into an external video processor, a high-end A/V receiver or display device with built-in video processing. Unique features such as subtitle shift and vertical stretch zoom mode makes the player an ideal source component for home theaters with 2.35:1 CIH (Constant Image Height) displays.

For audio, the BDP-80 supports internal decoding and bitstream output of the latest sound formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio. The BDP-80 also features a configurable 7.1-channel analog output that can be set as 7.1-channel, 5.1-channel, or stereo. When playing SACD, the BDP-80 can output DSD (Direct Stream Digital) over HDMI in its native format or convert it into high-resolution PCM. For compatibility with many legacy A/V receivers and DACs, the BDP-80 also provides an optical and coaxial digital audio output.

The initial setup of the BDP-80 is a breeze with its Easy Setup Wizard and well-written manual. Setup menus on the player can be accessed without interruption to disc playback. The front and back USB 2.0 ports enable easy access to music, photo and video files. The BDP-80 comes standard with 1GB of internal storage built-in so that no additional memory card or flash drive is needed to use BD-Live and BonusView features. Featuring a front panel with brushed metallic appearance and a dimmable display, the BDP-80 fits nicely in any home theater environment, ranging from simple to high-end.
Features
Complete Media Support:
  • Blu-ray Disc – The high definition Blu-ray Disc™ format provides pristine video and audio quality for your home entertainment.
  • BonusVIEW – BD “Profile 1.1″ enables “picture-in-picture” and secondary audio features for viewing director or actor commentary while the main movie is playing.
  • BD-Live™ – BDP-80 supports BD “Profile 2.0″ and contains all necessary hardware – audio/video decoder, Ethernet port, and 1GB of internal storage – for BD-Live.
  • DVD Up-Conversion – The BDP-80 up-converts DVD from standard definition up to 1080p output. The up-converted video maximizes DVD picture quality and bridges the visual gap from your current DVD library to Blu-ray discs.
  • DVD-Audio – The BDP-80 plays DVD-Audio and supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio programs. Users can select whether to play the DVD-Audio or the DVD-Video portion of the disc.
  • SACD – The BDP-80 plays Super Audio CD (SACD) and supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio programs. The BDP-80 can output DSD (Direct Stream Digital) over HDMI in its native format or convert into PCM. (Analog audio output for SACD supports PCM mode only, and is not available when DSD over HDMI is in use.)
  • Additional Media Formats – Additional disc and file formats, such as audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MKV, and other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs or USB drives can be played back on the BDP-80.
Excellent Video Quality:
  • Full HD 1080p Output – The BDP-80 features user selectable video output resolutions, including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and up to 1080p 50 or 60Hz.
  • True 24p™ Video – Many Blu-ray Discs are recorded at 24 frames per second, the same frame rate as the original movie’s theatrical release. The BDP-80 can faithfully redeliver the original frames using 1080p 24Hz output (compatible display required) for smoother motion and a flicker-free, film-like home theater experience.
  • Source Direct Mode – For users who wish to use an external video processor, high-end audio/video receiver or display, the BDP-80 offers a ™Source Direct™ mode. The original audio/video content on the discs is sent out with no additional processing or alteration.
  • Multiple Zoom Modes – The BDP-80 supports multiple levels of aspect ratio control and image zooming, including a vertical stretch mode for customers with a 2.35:1 CIH (Constant Image Height) display system.
  • Subtitle Shift – The BDP-80 is able to shift subtitles up or down on the video screen. This feature makes it possible to see all subtitle text when using a 2.35:1 CIH display system.
  • HDMI – HDMI is an all digital interface for the cleanest possible connection. It delivers high-quality digital video and audio through a single cable. The BDP-80 features an HDMI v1.3 output with 30-bit and 36-bit Deep Color support.
High Fidelity Audio:
  • Dolby® TrueHD – Dolby TrueHD delivers lossless studio master quality audio designed specifically for high definition entertainment. The BDP-80 supports bit-stream output of Dolby TrueHD via its HDMI 1.3 output. It can also internally decode Dolby TrueHD into LPCM and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals. (Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus audio formats are also supported.)
  • DTS-HD Master Audio™ – DTS-HD Master Audio delivers an auditory experience that matches the lifelike images of high-definition video with up to 7.1 channels that are bit-for-bit identical to the studio master. The BDP-80 supports bit-stream output of DTS-HD Master Audio. It can also internally decode DTS-HD Master Audio and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals. (DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS Digital Surround are also supported.)
  • 7.1-Channel Analog Output – Individual analog 7.1-channel surround outputs are ideal to connect to a 7.1-channel or 5.1-channel surround sound system. The BDP-80 delivers an immersive surround experience. For users with a stereo sound system, the 7.1-channel analog output can be configured to down-mix the surround audio into stereo.
  • Digital Optical and Coaxial Outputs – For easy connection to more traditional A/V receivers, the BDP-80 features both optical and coaxial outputs for digital audio.
Ultimate Convenience:
  • Dual USB Ports – Two USB 2.0 high speed ports are provided, one on the front panel and one on the back. Users can enjoy high definition video, high resolution photos and music directly from their USB drives.
  • PAL/NTSC Conversion – The BDP-80 supports NTSC and PAL systems for both disc playback and video output. It can also convert content of one system for output in another. (Subject to DVD and BD region restrictions.)
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Remote Control – The BDP-80 comes with a remote control with glow-in-the-dark buttons. With its ergonomic button layout and clear labeling, operating the Blu-ray Disc player is easy and intuitive.
  • Universal Power Supply – The BDP-80 features a wide-range world power supply that is compatible with the AC power of all regions. No worries about damaging the player due to incorrect power voltage.
  • HDMI CEC – HDMI Consumer Electronics Control simplifies the home theater by allowing a single remote control to operate multiple devices.
Specifications

Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Disc Types* BD-Video, DVD-Video, AVCHD, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD
CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, BD-R/RE
BD Profile BD-ROM Version 2 Profile 2 (also compatible with Profile 1 Version 1.0 and 1.1)
Internal Storage 1GB (Actual available storage varies due to system usage)
Output Analog Audio: 7.1ch (also supports 5.1ch and stereo modes)
Digital Audio: Coaxial, Optical
HDMI Audio: Stereo, up to 7.1ch high-resolution PCM, up to 5.1ch DSD, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream output or decoded into LPCM.
Analog Video: Composite, S-Video, Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr, 480i/480p, 720p/1080i available for non-restricted content only)
Digital Video: HDMI with HDCP (NTSC: 480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p/1080p24, PAL 576i/576p/720p/1080i/1080p/1080p24)
Video Characteristics Composite Video Amplitude: 1.0Vp-p (75Ω)
Component Video: Y: 1.0Vp-p (75Ω), Pb/Pr: 0.7Vp-p (75Ω)
Audio Characteristics** Frequency: 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.3dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >115dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: < 0.008% (1kHz at 0dBFS, 20kHz LPF)
General Specification Power Supply: ~ 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz AC
Power Consumption: 30W (< 1W Standby)
Dimensions: 430mm x 281mm x 53mm, 16-7/8 x 11 x 2-1/8 inches
Mass: 3.5kg / 7.7 lbs
Operating Temperature 5°C – 35°C
41°F – 95°F
Operating Humidity 15% – 75%
No condensation

* Compatibility with user-encoded contents or user-created discs is on a best-effort basis with no guarantee due to the variation of media, software and techniques used.

**Nominal specification.

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Finally watch Blu-ray movies on your Mac?

May 18

Posted by Rachel Green in News | No Comments

Macworld – Our long national nightmare is over–you can finally watch Blu-ray movies on your Mac!

Well, sort of.

The Kanex XD (which took home a Best of Show award at 2010′s Macworld Expo) takes advantage of a special feature of the $1699 Core 2 Duo ( Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice ) and $1999 Core i5 ( Macworld rated 4.5 out of 5 mice ) 27-inch iMac models that allows the all-in-one Mac’s Mini DisplayPort connection to receive video signals (all other MiniDisplay Port-graced Macs only support video output).

The Kanex (pronounced “connects”) converter lets you connect an HDMI video source–Blu-ray player, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, or HD DVR, for example–to your iMac for HD video and stereo audio playback. (You can also use it with a Nintendo Wii, but you’ll need a composite-to-HDMI converter.) Several companies have announced plans to offer similar products, but the XD is the first one to actually see the light of day.

The package includes everything you need: the iMac-like brushed aluminum converter (the metal acts as a heat sink–good because the XD produces a lot of heat), a three-foot HDMI cable, a three-foot Mini DisplayPort cable, and a power adapter. Although the XD supports up to 1920 by 1200 resolution (slightly better than 1080p, which is 1920 by 1080), Kanex says that the only standard HD resolution the iMac’s Mini DisplayPort input supports is 720p (1280 by 720). Which means you won’t be able to see Blu-ray movies or play 1080p games at their full resolution. Also, you’ll need to set the video output of whatever device you plan to attach to 720p before you connect it, and that requires using a separate display.

Kanex recommends a specific order for setup: turn on your Blu-ray/console/DVR, connect the HDMI cable from it to the XD, connect the power adapter to the XD, then connect the Mini DisplayPort cable from the XD to the iMac. I connected a PS3 using these steps, and at first nothing appeared on the screen, but when I unplugged the Mini DisplayPort cable from the back of the iMac and the plugged it back it, the PS3′s output showed up just fine.

Once everything was up and running, I played portions of two Blu-ray movies and a few minutes of a PS3 game. The movies looked very good, and the game played without any noticeable lag.

Using the iMac’s included Bluetooth keyboard, you can control volume and brightness from the couch, as well as switch between the Mac’s desktop and the input from the XD by pressing command-F2.

Macworld’s buying advice

If you own a 27-inch iMac and want to make use of its screen to play console games, watch Blu-ray movies, or enjoy HD TV shows from a cable box or DVR, the Kanex XD can make it happen. Due to a limitation of the iMac, however, you’ll have to settle for 720p resolution instead of 1080p.

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Tips for Choosing the Right HDMI Cable

May 14

Posted by John in News | No Comments

It was only a few years ago that the use of analog-based component video and RCA audio connections were sufficient for most installations.

Today, due to high bit-rate data (and copyright protection), the need to implement HDMI is paramount.

Choosing the right HDMI cable can be a daunting task. Steve Lampen, multimedia technology manager for cable manufacturer Belden Inc., offers tips for making wise HDMI cabling choices.

Consider Gauge Size. Bigger wires go farther. “Just be sure that the size of the connectors will fit next to each other,” he says. “The majority of HDMI cables are about 2m hdmi cable. For those smaller lengths, 26 AWG twisted-pair cable is OK.”

Meet 1080p Requirements. Lampen says dealers should look for evidence that the cables have been tested and certified to meet industry 1080p standards. “Top manufacturers use tests — the ‘eye-pattern test’ and other tests for impedance, attenuation, crosstalk and skew,” he says.

Also, he says, make sure the tests apply to the specific length that is being considered for the job.

Consider CL3-Rated Cables. For residential and commercial applications, which include in-wall installations, Lampen recommends CL3-rated products. “Keep in mind that CL3 certified HDMI Cables are required for commercial installations,” he adds.

Buy the Best. “Cheap, no-name products can degrade the signal and lead to problems such as pixel loss, tiling and loss of color depth,” Lampen explains.

Lampen also warns installers to be wary of some of the design flaws dogging HDMI connectors. “You may want to look at after-market fastening devices.”

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HDMI Licensing LLC has created a four-category labeling system for HDMI Cables

May 13

Posted by John in News | No Comments

In an attempt to minimize confusion surrounding HDMI 1.4, HDMI Licensing LLC has created a four-category labeling system. There previously were only two types of HDMI cables:

Standard HDMI Cable: Supports up to 720p/1080i up to bandwidth of 2.25Gbps.

High Speed HDMI Cable: Supports 1080p or higher, including 3D or 4k/2k, up to bandwidth of 10.2Gbps.
With the introduction of HDMI 1.4, there are two new cables:

Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet: Supports up to 720p/1080i supporting up to a total uncompressed bandwidth of 2.25Gbps. Adds support for HDMI Ethernet Channel (up to 100Mbps).

High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet: Supports 1080p or higher up to an uncompressed bandwidth of 10.2Gbps. Adds support for HDMI Ethernet Channel (up to 100Mbps).

Only home theaters with Internet connections will require an 2m HDMI cable with Ethernet. All other existing cables will support the remaining features of HDMI 1.4.

“With HDMI 1.4, only the Ethernet Channel requires a new upgraded cable,” reiterates Jeff Park, technology evangelist for HDMI Licensing LLC. “That is only exception that requires a new cable.”

Below is a chart of all the possible features of HDMI and what cables are required for each feature. When a homeowner is watching TV (or a projector) in any format below 1080p, there are only two instances when he will need a High Speed Cable:

  1. Deep Color
  2. 120Hz from the source

In both of these cases, if the homeowner is viewing 720p or 1080i content, a High Speed Cable is necessary because those features require almost double the bandwidth of standard definition.

Finally, 120Hz from the source is very different from the 120Hz or 240Hz achieved through upscaling built into the TV. All TVs manufactured today upscale the signal inside the display. If the signal is being upscaled, having a High Speed Cable will not make a difference.

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MacKuna High Speed HDMI 1.4 adds ethernet, bi-directional audio, 1080p 3D

May 11

Posted by neemon in News | No Comments

Internet-connected TVs and other home media devices could soon see a boost, as the new HDMI 1.4 standard bundles not only video and audio support but data capabilities too.  MacKuna High Speed 1.4 2m hdmi cable  can support data rates of up to 100MB/s, effectively replacing a standard 10/100 ethernet cable, as well as introducing bi-directional audio (aka “upstream audio”) and HD support up to 4096 x 2160.  

Bi-directional audio means that a single MacKuna High Speed 1.4 2m hdmi cable will support an audio return channel (ARC); that could be useful if you wanted to route audio from the TV tuner integrated into your HDTV back through to your amplifier.  While existing HDMI cables support one-way audio, they would require a separate connection to achieve such a setup.

HDMI 1.4 will also support 3D content at up to 1080p resolution, “real-time content recognition” which automatically switches between video settings depending on which devices are plugged in, and additional color spaces, particularly for digital still cameras.  There’ll also be new connectors, including micro and automotive types

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ViewSonic’s 27-inch 1080p LCD

May 7

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

ViewSonic’s latest LCD display has gone up for preorder, and the 27-inch monitor is apparently the world’s first Full HD display with a 1ms response time.  The ViewSonic VX2739wm is, unsurprisingly, being targeted at gamers, but it’s also multimedia-friendly with 1080p HD resolution and SRS Premium Sound stereo 2W speakers.

There’s also a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (1,200:1 typical), 300cd/m2 brightness, a trio of inputs – HDMI, DVI and VGA – and a four port USB 2.0 hub for easy peripheral connectivity.  Finally, a VESA mount on the back makes for straightforward wall-mounting.

The ViewSonic VX2739wm is available for preorder now, priced at $349.99 with a three year warranty.  No word on when it’s expected to begin shipping, however.

                                    

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New Intel Atom Chip – Moorestown’s Z6xx Chip

May 5

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

We’ve been talking about Moorestown for months now, but the platform has finally come of age and matured into Intel’s Atom Z6xx series of mobile processors.  The new 45nm chips currently range from 1.5GHz through to 1.9GHz, and bundle Intel GMA600 3D graphics, video encode and decode, as well as memory (up to 2GB) and display controllers onto a single SoC; that’s good enough for PC-style multitasking, 1080p Full HD video and lengthy battery life in smartphones, MIDs, tablets and smartbooks.

   

Compared to the previous Atom Z5xx generation of processors, the new chips use more than 50x less idle power, 20x less audio power, and 2-3x reductions in browsing and video playback power consumption.  Intel reckon that’s good enough for over 10 days or standby or 4-5hrs of browsing and video from a 1,500mAh, which to our cynical eyes doesn’t actually sound that impressive (compared to some of the ARM-based chipsets we’re seeing).  The company are also short on demo devices, bringing out the same Aava Mobile smartphone and OpenPeak tablet as examples of products that could be based on Z6xx processors.

Meanwhile there’s also an accompanying chipset, the Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20 (formerly known as Langwell) which adds smart power-management, hardware-based data encryption, advanced audio processing and a USB/USB-on-the-go controller.  Wireless options include WiFi, 3G and WiMAX, and there’s GPS support too.

The Z6xx series will be compatible with Android, MeeGo and more, including Adobe Flash and AIR support, Microsoft Silverlight and even high-speed gaming such as Quake 3 and World of Warcraft.  More information in the Intel Z6xx fact sheet

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Samsung’s 46-inch 3D LCD TV out now

Apr 23

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

If you have been waiting for a moderately priced 3D TV with a decent screen size to start shipping from a known maker of TVs, there is some good news today. Samsung is now shipping one of its new 46-inch 3D TVs.

The set is the LN46C750 and it can be ordered on Amazon today for $1452.55 with free super saver shipping. The set is in stock and Amazon shows six of them are available.

The resolution for the TV is 1080p and it has dual 10W speakers, wide color enhancer feature, and supports Skype on Samsung TV. This is certainly a cheap way to get into a 3D TV if you are in the market.

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