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Posts with tag 720p

PS3 Burnout: Paradise "Cagney" update adds 1080i support


Gamers stuck with an older HDTV that doesn't support 720p input can cheer for the upcoming Burnout: Paradise "Cagney" update, which adds (among other things) 1080i output support for the PlayStation 3 version. Dismissively referring to such sets "almost HD", Simon Phipps of Criterion dropped the details on the free update due July 10 that also adds improved SD rendering on the PS3 and support for custom soundtracks. It'd be nicer if that slick 2.40 update added Xbox 360-style scaling for all games so developers didn't to expend the effort, but from the sounds of things it's not high on Sony's list of priorities.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

VIZIO does 'em cheap: 32-inch VP322 / 42-inch VP422 plasmas under $800


If VIZIO's brand new XVT Series is a bit rich for your blood, how's about a pair of plasmas for under eight bones? Yep, the 32-inch VP322 and 42-inch VP422 -- which were announced at CES at $689 and $999, respectively -- are now available in Wal-Mart locations across America, and they're selling for even less than that. Right now, those longing to hop in the HDTV game without breaking the bank can secure the VP322 for just $599, while the VP422 will set you back just $799. Both sets possess a 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 720p panel, 3 HDMI sockets (along with component / VGA) and a built-in ATSC digital tuner with ClearQAM support. Not too shabby for the price, wouldn't you agree? [Warning: PDF read link]

Toshiba's REGZA 32CV510U LCD HDTV gets reviewed


Here recently, we've seen a number of 40-inches or larger panels get reviewed, but what about those looking for something a touch smaller? Enter Toshiba's REGZA 32CV510U, which is one of Tosh's least expensive LCD TVs for 2008. According to CNET reviewers, the set exemplified the phrase "good enough," but didn't do much to wow 'em. They found "respectable black-level performance" and "less-than-accurate color," and while design is surely objective, they weren't exactly keen on it. Everything else, including features, resolution and inputs, were said to be about average, providing enough to likely satisfy more mainstream HDTV shoppers. Still, those looking for a notch above in terms of performance aren't likely to be completely satisfied with what the 32CV510U is packin', but give the read link a little love before passing judgment.

Masters HDTV broadcast sets records on ESPN, stumbles on CBS?


We've been getting in our fair share of greens watching the last few days, with the 2008 Masters Tournament spread our over four days on two networks, it might be one of the best sports events in HD. TVBytheNumbers called it a reason to get high definition (like we need a reason), before suffering through some SD-only hiccups yesterday -- a check of AVS Forum's thread reveals there may have been breakdown in some areas, but it looks great now. The New York Times keeps it old school, insisting the Augusta National can only be truly appreciated in real life, but with the most viewers of a golf telecast on cable ever, we're sure quite a few you took a look on ESPN-HD.

Read - TVbytheNumbers
Read - New York Times
Read - AVS Forum
Read - Multichannel News

Interact-TV announces 1080i/p support across Telly media server line


It's been some time since we've seen Interact-TV making any noise, but the company famous for cranking out Linux-based home entertainment servers is announcing that every product it makes will now support 1080i/p. More specifically, its Telly Home Entertainment Servers and TellyVizion playback units are all being offered with DVI / HDMI outputs, which support 1080p along with 720p / 1080i via component. Additionally, 480i upscaling to 1080p is now possible, and you can wrap your paws around one of Interact-TV's devices for as little as $899 as we speak.

Hulu.com out of beta, open for one and all - in the U.S.


That's right TV fans, Hulu.com is out of beta, anyone can set up an account and check out both short clips or full length episodes of many TV series and movies. Unfortunately the HD library is still limited to just movie trailers but while we wait for more 720p Adobe Flash content to hit the site, maybe the backing of FOX, NBC Universal, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Sony Pictures Television will provide something interesting to watch, with even more content on the way from Warner Bros. Television Group, Lionsgate, NBA and the NHL. We'll see how successful this experiment is, but go ahead and take a look, because we both know you don't have anything better to do than watch 34 episodes of Airwolf in a browser window.

Ask Engadget HD: Is now the time to replace my 720p HDTV with a 1080p set?


With the format war finally behind us, and 1080p HDTV prices sinking like a stone, this week's Ask Engadget HD question was bound to surface. After discovering that now would be the correct time to finally splurge on a Blu-ray player (unless you're waiting for substantial price drops, of course), we're now wondering if today's the day to ditch that once-cutting edge 720p set for a 1080p iteration. More specifically:

"I know my 720p HDTV looks perfectly good in most situations, but with prices of 1080p sets declining, I keep wondering if now would be a good time to pick one up to replace my existing set. Outside of 1080p movies and games, are there any other compelling reasons to make the leap? Will the difference be worth the cost to upgrade?"

For folks who get the itch (and have the means) to upgrade their set every few years anyway, we don't see why you wouldn't make the jump to 1080p. 720p sets can still fetch a decent amount on the used market, and 1080p HDTVs can be had for a song if the right sale is caught. Still, the question of "is it worth it?" is a crucial one, so why not give your take in comments below?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Does Blu-ray show enough love to 720p HDTV owners?


While we've had a good bit of conversation the past few weeks surrounding the right time to pick up a Blu-ray player, today's Ask Engadget HD inquiry puts a welcome spin on the discussion that we feel affects quite a few movie aficionados out there. Jonathan writes in wondering if his 720p HDTV is man (or woman) enough to enjoy the luxuries of BD, or if upscaled DVD is a-okay for the time being.

"Now that Blu-ray vanquished HD DVD, is there a compelling reason for 720p HDTV owners to upgrade from upconverting DVD players? Is there a noticeable improvement in picture quality for those of us who can't see the 1080p/24fps glory to warrant dropping 400 bucks on a player? Is the Blu-ray spec finalized enough that we can purchase a player without worrying about future compatibility issues or missing features?"

Yeah, this one's chock full of intricacies and complexities, but that doesn't mar its validity one bit. What says you, dear reader? Is making the leap to Blu-ray a sensible decision for 720p HDTV owners, or is the difference really only enjoyed at 1080p?

[Image courtesy of TheDigitalBits]

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.


Sony's colorful M1-series Bravia LCDs


Rounding out this morning's new Bravias is the diminutive M1 series. The 20-inch ¥110,000 ( $1,020) and 16-inch ¥90,000 ($835) LCDs match 1366x768 screens with 1,200:1 or 1,800:1 (respectively) contrast ratios, Bravia Engine 2 image processing, 24p True Cinema 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, plus VOD and DLNA connectivity. Coming in various combinations of bezel colors, expect these HDTVs in the background of your favorite J-pop vids beginning March 25. Still waiting for price/date info on the U.S. Bravia's Sony announced at CES? So are we.

[Via Impress]

TDVisor-HD: world's first "portable" 720p 3D visualization system is still impractical

CES 2008 brought us plenty of gimmicky 3D-related gadgetry, a bit that was respectable, and apparently, the TDVisor-HD. Nearly three weeks after the show concluded, TDVision Systems has just now gotten around to tossing out a press release boasting about how much fun was had by folks stopping by and checking out the "world's first portable, all digital, high-def 3D visualization system." Unfortunately, we're left to ponder on precisely what this thing is, but as best we can tell, it's yet another Virtual Boy-esque device, 'cept this one does 720p (and 3D). Per usual, a price and release date are conveniently absent, but considering that we can't even recall the last time we wore anything with "visor" in the product name (well, besides that one time...), we suppose it'll be alright.

1080p TVs don't always look better than 720p TVs

Pioneer Kuro
When it comes to electronics, everyone loves a good spec, but do specs tell the whole story? One of the biggest misconceptions with HDTVs is that the most important spec is resolution. Well, if you believe the Image Science Foundation, resolution is actually the fourth most important specification right behind; contrast ratio, color saturation, and color accuracy. Of course, color is hard to measure and not nearly as exciting, but it should be no surprise that Pioneer believes their 42-inch 720p HDTV looks better than many 1080p LCDs and honestly, we agree. The key to the Kuro line is contrast; and "Once you go Kuro, you never, uh, returro." Also, don't ever let specs tell your eyes how good a TV looks.

[Thanks, Ben]

Runco sets up camp with outdoor LCD

Runco WP-42HD outdoor weatherproof LCDHigh-end manufacturer Runco is headed for the great outdoors with a 42-inch LCD panel that's ruggedized and weatherproofed for use outside the home. The 1366 x 768-native WP-42HD flat panel sports a cabinet design to minimize exposure to the elements, and has a "Winter Mode" to allow it to operate down to -4° F -- low enough to want to watch it through the window instead of beside it. As is usual for Runco, the set includes RS-232 automation, a custom high-gloss bezel, and a $8,995 price tag to match, leaving us to wonder if we can instead pick up eight Vizio sets and just replace one every winter.

Verizon Center shows off "first true indoor HD LED scoreboard"

We don't know if it's really the world's first true indoor HD LED scoreboard or not, but even if it's not, the quartet of new screens at the Verizon Center are getting pretty glowing early reviews. Mitsubishi Electric and ANC Sports Enterprises teamed up to install the four center hung, 25-foot by 14-foot Diamond Vision systems at the home of the Washington Capitals, along with over 1,000 linear feet of LED fascia to display scrolling info. At only 1,280 by 736 pixels, none of these screens is going to make the most out of your favorite Blu-ray flick, but they do make the arena a perfect venue for your next LAN party.

[Photo courtesy of Flickr member Jessfir]

Panasonic's PT-AX200U HD projector adds gaming mode


Those looking for a single projector that fits the bill for movie watching and game playing need to look Panasonic's way, as the firm's PT-AX200U HD projector claims to cut the response time down a full third from its prior models. This sucka touts a 1,280 x 720 native resolution, a 220-W UHM lamp and optical unit that generate 2,000 lumens of brightness, 6,000:1 contrast ratio, twin HDMI ports, the firm's own Light Harmonizer 2 image technology, and the ability to customize and save "eight settings for games or movies, making it easy to view the content as you wish." Reportedly, the PJ should be landing sometime in October in a pearl white motif, but pricing details have yet to be divulged.

Top 10 HD Misunderstandings

Normally we feel that late night TV can keep their so-called "Top 10" lists, however "Top 10 HD Misunderstandings" is something we can get into. We won't rain on this guys picnic by listing the entire list but we do have to touch on our two favorite: #4 - LCDs/Plasmas/LCoS/DLP suck for Gaming/Movies/TV/HTPC & #2 - 1080i is inferior to 720p which is finger paint to 1080p Van Gogh. While there still is a debate over the superior display type, we all can agree that LCDs, plasmas, LCoS, and DLP's are mature enough to handle video games and fast moving sports. Sure, some might be slightly better but quality sets will do a fine job. 1080i and 720p produce the same image, just in slightly different ways; the end result in both resolutions however is still high-def. 1080p sound great on paper but we still feel that until you get into a large size, or use the display chiefly as a computer monitor, most consumers will not tell the difference - Pioneer's KURO plasma helps this argument. The amount of dumbfounded folks walking around any random Circuit City/Best Buy proves this whole HDTV thing is overwhelming and while we don't feel that this Top 10 list will cure the common cold, it should help calm the stomach of some.

[Via Digg]





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