Microsoft has launched a beta test of Windows Media Center Internet TV, which will offer 100 hours plus of ad-supported entertainment from MSN Video.

As of September 28th, US users of Windows Vista Home Premium edition and Windows Vista Ultimate edition will be able to access the beta version of Internet TV via Media Center.

This new feature, lets users get television and video content on their PCs and TV sets without a TV tuner in their PC, will be supported by an advertising platform provided by YuMe and will be available to viewers for free.

Read Full Story at pocket-lint

It’s been nearly a year to the day since Toshiba unleashed a slew of VARDIA updates — the RD-A600 notwithstanding — but recently the firm got official with four new combo recorders. Starting things off is the October-bound RD-W301 (¥90,000; $785), which is the only newcomer to record to HDD, DVD and VHS, and it also includes a 300GB drive, HDMI / S-Video / composite outputs and a hybrid TV tuner. The RD-E301 (¥80,000; $698), which is also slated to ship next month, shuns the VHS crowd but maintains the other features already mentioned. As for the RD-S301 (¥90,000; $785), it keeps the 300GB hard drive but doubles the amount of built-in hybrid tuners and tosses in an Ethernet jack for good measure. The flagship RD-S601 ups the ante even more with a DV input, i.LINK connectivity and a 600GB HDD, and should be available for ¥120,000 ($1,047) when it lands alongside the S301 in November.

Source : engadget

Sharp has announced new Blu-ray recorders in Japan, with the 1TB hard drive-equipped BD-HDW20 as the new flagship. The player can start recording from its two digital or one analog tuners in under one second.

The $2,620 recorder is followed by the BD-HDW15, which packs a 500TB HD for $1,750.

Source : gizmodo

While we wait for the the commercialization of those crazy-flat, high-contrast OLED televisions from Sony, Sharp and now Hitachi are trying to tempt us with super-thin LCDs of their own. Either way, we’re good. Hitachi’s 19-mm (0.74-inch) thin 32-inch LCD television was just announced but won’t be revealed until CREATEC Japan 2007 gets underway. Not bad… not a scant 3-mm OLED mind you, but not bad. CREATEC kicks off on Tuesday so be sure to check back then for pictures and specs.

Source : engadget

If you are a true cinema lover you will surely appreciate the fact that Victor released this morning a new Full-HD projector the DLA-HD100.
This new device as an amazing contrast ratio of 30000:1 with a brightness of 600 lumens and will beautifully allow you display your video on a 100″ screen from a distance ranging from 3.1 to 6.2m.
Our DLA-HD100 supports multiple input video like 1080p24/5-/60 but also PC video seize with VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA.

This little wonder will be available in Japan in November for 5200 euros.

Source : akihabaranews

The Gale 30 Series is the result of extensive research and development undertaken to provide you with accurate and uncompromised reproduction of movie soundtracks and music. With attention to detail second-to-none, these loudspeakers not only guarantee outstanding enjoyment but their elegant, clean lines also allow them to integrate seamlessly into your home.

If you’re looking to turn your living room into a state of the art home cinema; if you want your sofa cushion to become the throne in a private palace of music; if you want a set of speakers 3040 Floorstanding Speaker Bundle
so beautiful they could double up as exotic sculptures - then feast your eyes on these.

Price $1,399

Read Full Story at digitalhome

Prepare for the clearest, brightest LCD picture with Samsung’s LN-T4065F. Full 1080p resolution from the LN-T4065F has color-saturated picture boasted by a 15000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, displaying rich blacks and capturing subtle nuances. A fast 8ms response time ensures smooth, lifelike motion. SRS TruSurround XT Sound from hidden side speakers is enhanced by the premium audio sound of 2.2 channel dome speakers. Enjoy connectivity with all your other digital devices with 3 HDMI ports and a full complement of inputs. With HDMI-CEC connection, peripheral devices such as DVD player can be controlled by TV remote control. High-resolution pixel density with built-in image scaler handles inputs from a variety of digital and analog sources. 178 degrees viewing angle improves viewing angle, contrast, and brightness to provide an even better picture. Built-in digital tuner (ATSC/Clear QAM) Fast 8ms response time V-Chip System Picture-in-Picture Super clear panel Watts per channel - 10W x 2 SRS TruSurround XT Hidden side speakers Sound leveler Premium Audio with dedicated low-range speakers Hidden side built-in speakers with 10 Watts x 2 Audio Power HDMI-CEC allows you to control any HDMI peripheral on the HDMI network connected to the TV Ports - 3 HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface version 1.3 (2 rear/1 side), 2 Component video inputs, 2 S-video inputs (1 side/1 rear), Side and Rear A/V inputs, PC input, USB 2.0, RF antenna inputs and Swivel stand Dimensions - 41.0 x 24.2 x 3.4 inch without stand / 41.0 x 26.4 x 11.4 inches with stand Weight - 41.7 pounds without stand / 48.9 pounds with stand.

Price: $1,520.97 at amazon

Philips 42″ Plasma, Widscreen HDTV, Pixel Plus 3 HD for vivid HD resolution, Built in ATSC/Qam tuner, 1024 x 768p resolution, Virtual Dobly Surround Sound for theater like sound experience, USB connect for easy multi-media playing, 2xHDMI, CVI and S-Video.Experience the superior picture quality of this excellent integrated HDTV with the latest Plasma technology and Pixel Plus packed into a stylish design. Share music and photos via the built-in USB.

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Advanced entertainment! With an integrated tuner to display HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable HD programs, the high brightness widescreen 37MF231D delivers razor-sharp images, fast response times, digital connectors and smart AV presets.

Philips Outlet offers on the factory-refurbished Magnavox 37″ Widescreen LCD HD Television, model no. 37MF231D/37, for $699.99. Coupon code “37MAG-0907″ cuts it to $579.99. With free shipping, that’s $50 off our last mention and the lowest total price we’ve ever seen for this HDTV. Sales tax is added where applicable. Features include a 1366×768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 1200:1 contrast ratio, NTSC and ATSC tuners, and HDMI, component, S-Video, and RCA video inputs. A 90-day Philips warranty applies.

Deal ends September 26 at dealmac

Although the humble subwoofer is probably the least likely to require placement inside a space that’s beyond cable reach — or concealment — thanks to its non-directional sound frequencies, JBL and Infinity have teamed up to solve the problem anyway. The PS212W is a 12-inch $679 400W sub with an included 2.4GHz wireless transmitter / receiver bundled: yes, that’s 2.4GHz, the same frequency nearly all your other wireless kit uses. JBL’s Cinema Sound CSS10W also uses this overused frequency for its wireless, but it’s only 10-inch and 300W, and will retail at the lower price of $559 when it launches in January next year.

Source : engadget