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Pioneer BDP-95FD

(Credit: Pioneer)

The going rate for high-end, late-2007 Blu-ray players seems to have settled in at $1,000, with at least one exception, and Pioneer's latest, the BDP-95FD, follows that trend. The new player, expected to be available mid-October, replaces the company's BDP-94HD and BDP-HD1 players, offering the same 1080p/24 playback and Home Media Gallery, plus expanded support for high-resolution audio formats. Here's the nitty gritty:

Pioneer BDP-95FD's key features

• 1080p output at 24 frames per second
• Internal decoding of Dolby Digital Plus
• Bitstream output for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master
• HDMI 1.3 output, with xvYCC support
• Home Media Gallery video, audio, and photo streaming
• Ethernet port
• $1,000 list price, mid-October release date

Samsung BD-UP5000 combo Blu-ray/HD DVD player

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung announced final official details on two expensive Blu-ray players today, including the HD DVD-playin' BD-UP5000 we wrote about before, and a new home theater-in-a-box (HTiB) that incorporates a Blu-ray player, the HT-BD2. We're now told the BD-UP5000 will retail for $1,049, and the HT-BD2 will sell for $1,499. Both will ship sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, and will round out the company's five-model series of 2007 Blu-ray players.

After the LG BH-100, the Samsung BD-UP5000 will be the second player to handle both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs. It's the first to support the interactive layer of HD DVD, known as HDi, which enables full interactive-menu use. It also features, like all 2007 Samsung Blu-ray players, Ethernet ports, HDMI 1.3 ports and the ability to output 1080p/24 video from Blu-ray (but not HD DVD) discs, although in our tests of the Samsung BD-P1200 and other BD players, 1080p/24 was a letdown on the displays we tested. We did appreciate the BD-P1200's HQV video processing, however, which is also present on the BD-UP5000 and the Blu-ray-only BD-P2400. Like Denon's DVD-3800BDCI, the BD-UP5000 will also enable interactive features like picture-in-picture commentaries (for what they're worth). For all of you keeping track, we haven't confirmed yet whether the Samsung will actually comply with the BD-ROM Profile 1 Version 1.1 spec.

While we lauded the $1200 LG for the groundbreaking combo ability, we can't help but be disappointed in the price of combination players. As many have pointed out before, you can purchase a standalone Blu-ray player and a standalone HD DVD player separately for less money than the price of one of the combo players. One of these combo players also costs around the same price as an Xbox 360 Elite with the HD DVD drive and a PlayStation3, a combination that brings both next-gen disc playback and next-gen gaming.

The HT-BD2, meanwhile, is the first HTiB we've seen announced with a built-in Blu-ray player. That player has the same feature set as the BD-P1400 standalone player (in other words, no HQV processing), yet it stands as part of a 7.1-channel speaker system--that's five tower speakers, two satellite rear speakers and a powered sub--driven by 1,100 watts. Although those specs are impressive for an HTiB, we're skeptical about the HT-BD2's reception from the generally separates-oriented Blu-ray/HD DVD buyer.

We've reviewed three models from Samsung's 2007 flat-panel LCD lineup so far this year: the LN-T4665F, the LN-T4661F and the LN-T3253H. If those model numbers don't mean much to you, don't worry. We'll take you through the company's 2007 LCD lineup from least- to most-expensive, and when we don't have actual reviews we'll provide our take on step-up features and how the models relate to one another. Update 07-12-2007: Samsung has announced two additional series of LCD TVs for 2007, detailed here.

Samsung LN-T42H series

Samsung LN-T3242H

(Credit: Samsung)

This is Samsung's entry-level LCD series. We haven't reviewed any of these sets, but we expect them to perform similarly to the LN-T3253H (see below), which we did review. The 26-, 32- and 40-inch models might exhibit slightly worse black-level performance than their 53H counterparts, however, since they have slightly worse contrast-ratio specs, but we don't know for sure. The features on the 42H series are typical of what you'd expect from a name-brand LCD maker. All have the standard LCD native resolution of 1,366x768, all are clad in glossy black, and all have speakers mounted to the sides as opposed to the bottom. They also include a couple of extras that some entry-level sets skip, including picture-in-picture. Models smaller than 32 inches get two HDMI inputs, while the 32-, 40- and 46-inch models add a third on the front panel and a swivel stand--both uncommon among entry-level HDTVs.

Models

• Samsung LN-T2342H
• Samsung LN-T2642H
• Samsung LN-T3242H
• Samsung LN-T4042H
• Samsung LN-T4642H

Entry-level features

• 1,366x768 native resolution on all models
• Two HDMI inputs, three on 32-inch and larger models
• Picture-in-picture
• Side-mounted speakers
• Swivel stand on 32-inch and larger models

Samsung LN-T32H series

Samsung LN-T3232H

(Credit: Samsung)

Although generally a bit less expensive than the 42H series above, the LN-T32H series is reserved for selected distributors and isn't available in many places, so it's not the company's official entry-level line. We haven't reviewed any of these models, so we don't know for sure, but we expect them to perform slightly worse than the LN-T42H series, on account of their lower contrast-ratio specs. They also lack picture-in-picture and the third HDMI input on the larger models, but otherwise their specs are very similar to the 42H series.

Models

• Samsung LN-T2332H
• Samsung LN-T2632H
• Samsung LN-T3232H
• Samsung LN-T3732H

Samsung LN-T53/54H series

Samsung LN-T3253H

(Credit: CNET)

Samsung LN-T2354H

(Credit: Samsung)

This is Samsung's midline LCD series, which includes the company's best 32-inch and smaller sets, as well as its only 19-inch models. The 19- and 23-inch models are available in both the standard glossy black and a white finish--the latter distinguished by the "54H" at the end of the model name. We liked the 32-inch model we reviewed quite a bit, noting the numerous picture controls, solid video quality, and excellent connectivity. We expect the 40-inch model to perform about the same as the 32-inch, but the smaller sets have different specs, including lower contrast ratios, so they might not offer the same level of picture quality as the 32-incher we reviewed. Aside from rounded styling and speakers mounted on the bottom of the frame, these sets have all of the features of the 42H series (including three HDMI inputs and swivel stands in the 32- and 40-inch models). The 26-inch and larger versions add a so-called Wide color enhancer, which in our tests didn't render color as well as the standard setting. The 32- and 40-inch versions have USB ports that can connect with thumbdrives to display JPEG photos or play MP3 music. These two sets can also control compatible gear using just the HDMI connection and the TV's remote.

Models

• Samsung LN-T1953H
• Samsung LN-T1954H
• Samsung LN-T2353H
• Samsung LN-T2354H
• Samsung LN-T2653H
• Samsung LN-T3253H review
• Samsung LN-T4053H

Step-up features

• Bottom-mounted speakers
• Wide color control
• HDMI control on 32- and 40-inch models
• USB port on 32- and 40-inch models

Samsung LN-T5H series

Samsung LN-T405H

(Credit: Samsung)

Much like the LN-T32H series detailed above, the LN-T5H series of Samsung LCDs is reserved for limited distribution. The sets in this series will probably be cheaper in most cases than their equivalent sizes in the LN-T53/54H line, and they're also missing a couple features, including that third HDMI port, the USB port, picture-in-picture, the swivel stand, and the Wide color control. Most of the picture-related specs are the same, however, so although we haven't reviewed any of the models in this line and can't say for sure, we expect them to perform as well as the LN-T3253H we reviewed.

Models

• Samsung LN-T325H
• Samsung LN-T375H
• Samsung LN-T405H

Samsung LN-T61F series

Samsung LN-T4661F

(Credit: CNET)

We've reviewed the 46-inch model in this series, the LN-T4661F, and we generally liked what we saw. The LN-T61F series includes the least-expensive Samsung LCDs with 1080p native resolution, which allows them to display every detail of 1080i and 1080p content (more info). The visibility of that extra detail depends on many factors, however, including seating distance, and if you sit a normal distance from the set, say about 7 feet away from the 46-inch model, you'll probably have a hard time appreciating the extra resolution. Other step-up features include HDMI 1.3 inputs, which are of dubious value as explained in the review. Otherwise they have basically the same feature sets as the 32- and 40-inch members of the LN-T53/54H series.

Models

• Samsung LN-T4061F
• Samsung LN-T4661F review

Step-up features

• 1080p native resolution
• HDMI 1.3 inputs

Samsung LN-T65F series

Samsung LN-T4665F

(Credit: CNET)

We've reviewed the 46-inch model in this series, the LN-T4661F, and it was one of the best-performing LCD TVs we've seen so far. The main difference between these sets and their step-down 1080p cousins in the 61F line can be found on the screen. The 65F LCDs have screens with a shiny finish that tends to reflect a lot of ambient room lighting, so they might not be the best choice in light-filled rooms. Then again, the LN-T4665F we reviewed exhibited excellent depth of black and especially shadow detail--surpassing the 61F in the latter area--so home theater buffs who can control room lighting might be willing to put up with the shiny screen. Aside from the screen and the price, the two series have basically identical features, although the 65F series is the only one to include a 52-inch model.

Models

• Samsung LN-T4065F
• Samsung LN-T4665F review
• Samsung LN-T5265F

Step-up features

• Shiny screen

We'll update this article if we review another Samsung LCD mentioned above.

Sony has a total of three series of SXRD-based rear-projection televisions for 2007, which works out to eight total models. We can't review all of those sets, but we can give you an idea of how they stack up against one another, and the differences between the baseline versus the step-up models. This info only covers the company's SXRD-based rear-projection HDTVs; Sony also produces a less-expensive line of LCD-based RPTVs, detailed here. For more info on rear-projection technologies, including how SXRD and LCD stack up against DLP, check out our guide.

Sony KDS-A2020 series

Sony KDS-A2020 series

(Credit: Sony)

This is Sony's entry-level SXRD series. It's actually a holdover from the company's 2006 line, with black cabinets replacing silver as the only change. Check out the KDS-60A2020 review for more information.

Models (all prices are estimated selling prices)

• Sony KDS-50A2020 ($1,999)
• Sony KDS-55A2020 ($2,300)
• Sony KDS-60A2020 ($2,600)

Entry-level features

• 1,920x1,080 (1080p) native resolution
• Two HDMI inputs
• VGA-style PC input
• Bottom-mounted speakers

Sony KDS-A3000 series

Sony KDS-A3000 series

(Credit: Sony)

Sony used to be satisfied with just two series of SXRD HDTVs, but this year it's added a third--the A3000 series--to fit between the entry-level A2020's and the high-end XBRs. These three rear-projection sets are priced higher than many brands' top-of-the-line models, and Sony tries to justify the cost with a few enhancements over the A2020 sets, which themselves cost about $1000 less.

That extra investment nets HDMI 1.3 connections, which in this case don't count for much. The only "extra" HDMI 1.3 provides these TVs is compatibility with a wider color space (Sony's xvYCC, or "x.v. Color"), which is said to provide a more realistic range of color that comes closer to what the human eye can perceive. That sounds great, but in practice you'll need an xvYCC source -- of which there are currently none, aside from a couple of Sony camcorders -- to take advantage of it. These sets also include Sony's Motionflow 120Hz technology, which is said to double the frame rate for smoother, more realistic motion. We're skeptical of its benefits, especially in SXRD TVs that haven't had any problems with blurring or other motion issues as far as we've seen, but we'll know more when we can test this feature. In addition, Sony claims these sets have better standard-def video processing ("Sony's BRAVIA Engine EX full digital video processing system with Digital Reality Creation-Multifunction v1.0", if you're keeping track) and the company includes an easy-access Theater mode to make optimizing the picture for nighttime viewing a one-button affair.

In case those dubious picture quality improvements don't seem worth stepping up for, Sony offers design-based incentives including slimmer cabinets -- the company claims "20% slimmer than last year's sets," which works out to depth of 14.1, 15.2, and 16.2 inches, respectively, on the 50-, 55- and 60-inch models. These models also have the unique ability to replace the black speaker grilles with grilles of a different color (red, silver, black or brown; $50 each). Sony also throws in its newly designed menu system as well as compatibility with the Bravia Internet Link.

Models

• Sony KDS-50A3000 (August, $3,000)
• Sony KDS-55A3000 (August, $3,300)
• Sony KDS-60A3000 (August, $3,500)

Step-up features

• 120Hz refresh rate
• x.v. Color
• Theater Mode
• Improved video processing
• Slimmer cabinets
• Interchangeable speaker grills
• Bravia Internet Link compatibility

Sony KDS-Z60XBR5 series

Sony KDS-ZXBR5 series

(Credit: Sony)

Much like last year's XBR line--more on that in our full review of the 2006 KDS-R60XBR2--Sony's 2007 XBR models don't offer massive improvements over the step-down series. In fact, aside from the glossy black, noninterchangeable styling, a pedestal stand (pictured; component shelf not included), and an extra-large screen size option, there's only one substantial difference as far as we know: a further-improved version of Sony's video processing, entitled "BRAVIA Engine Pro circuitry with Digital Reality Creation-MultiFunction v2.5." No matter how much further of an improvement it represents, we don't expect too many discerning shoppers to choose the 60-inch XBR, which will initially sell for a full $1500 over its A3000 counterpart.

Models

• Sony KDS-Z60XBR5 (October, $5,000)
• Sony KDS-Z70XBR5 (October, $6,000)

Step-up feature

• Further-improved video processing

We'll update this information if and when we find out more, including when we can actually review the new models.

HDMI ports: You can never have too many

(Credit: Amazon.com)

HDMI isn't just for HDTVs any more. As the high-def movement continues to march forward, HDMI connections are becoming standard equipment on everything from cable and satellite boxes, DVRs, game consoles, AV receivers, and DVD players to network media devices, PC video cards, and even camcorders. That means even a fairly modest home theater setup--say, an HD DVR, PlayStation 3, Apple TV, and a DVD recorder--could have three or more HDMI-equipped AV sources. While many higher-end TVs and AV receivers are beginning to sport three or even four HDMI inputs, the industry standard is still stuck at around two.

Traditionally, HD aficionados suffering from an HDMI deficit would bite the bullet and run their sources via component once they ran out of HDMI inputs. But doing so obviates the whole advantage of HDMI to begin with; in addition to losing any fidelity advantage offered by HDMI, you quadruple or quintuple the cable needs (three separate component cables, plus one or two for audio) per source. But there's an easy and straightforward solution: an HDMI switcher. Switchers have one simple task--toggling between multiple inputs--and they can expand the number of available HDMI inputs to your HDTV or AV receiver by a factor of two, three, or even four.

Xbox 360 Elite: is it a must-have upgrade?

(Credit: Microsoft)

Our Xbox 360 Elite review sample showed up late yesterday afternoon, and we're working up a full review. But that's gonna be a 3,500-word monster intended more for casual gamers and tech newbies who don't know a thumbstick from a joystick or a shoulder button from a trigger. For those in the know, here's the crib sheet on the Elite.

Cosmetics: The Xbox 360 Elite has a matte-black finish. I strongly prefer it to the "iPod white" color scheme of past Xbox 360 models. The included wireless controller and Xbox Live headset are also black. The only real downside is that other black accessories for the 360 won't be immediately available--Microsoft has announced only a black Play & Charge Kit and a rechargeable battery for now. Others will no doubt follow, but you might have to "go zebra" for some add-ons in the meantime. For instance, the HD DVD drive is rumored to be available only in white for the foreseeable future.

HDMI output: This has been at the top of the Xbox 360 wish list since the console was first introduced. But it's really more of a convenience than a necessity. On the plus side, it does allow for an easy, single-cable connection to compatible HDTVs and A/V receivers--and Microsoft includes a heavy-duty HDMI cable in the box (hear that, Sony and Apple?) But the connector apparently isn't the latest and greatest HDMI 1.3 version featured on newer HDTVs, A/V receivers, and the PlayStation 3. That means anyone who adds the HD DVD drive won't be able to pass the full bandwidth Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks available on those movies--only the DVD-level Dolby Digital audio track will be available. Also, despite all the HDMI hype, you're unlikely to see a major difference between HDMI and component-video on most displays. Yes, HDMI sometimes provides a slight increase in quality, but how much of a difference is dependent on the display more than anything else. And while the Elite supposedly delivers DVD upscaling via HDMI, our initial tests found the DVD image to be just as disappointing as the earlier 360--regardless of the resolution of the image.

Bigger hard drive: The Elite's snap-on hard drive is 120GB--six times the size of the older Xbox 360, twice as large as the PS3, and three times the size of the Apple TV. You can never have enough space, so the extra capacity is a definite plus--as anyone who's downloaded even a few of the multigigabyte game demos, HD movies, and TV episodes available on Xbox Live knows. Microsoft is also pledging to deliver an IPTV service to the 360 by year's end--and if it offers any sort of DVR component, that extra space will be even more crucial. (Existing Xbox 360 owners should note that the drive will be available separately for $180, as will a transfer kit that moves the files and settings from your existing HDD to your new one.)

And that's pretty much what the Elite is delivering for its $480 price tag. The black color scheme, HDMI output, and larger hard drive are all decent step-ups from the 20GB Xbox 360 (which remains on the market for $400), but the Elite is something of a disappointment when compared to the $600 PlayStation 3. A next-gen disc player, a Wi-Fi adapter, and a flash media reader--all standard on the PS3--remain optional add-ons for the Elite. Meanwhile, other design shortcomings of the original Xbox 360 seem to have remained more or less unchanged: there are still only three USB ports, the external power brick is still the size of a Volkswagen, and the DVD drive is still annoyingly loud. Moreover, the Elite supposedly doesn't even incorporate the rumored cooler-running 65nm CPU that's been talked about for months, so the internal cooling fan still needs to work overtime (more noise). And while Microsoft has pledged that the Elite will be more reliable than the notoriously buggy first-gen Xbox 360s, there's no easy way to track that. (For the record, both our months-old original 360 and the hours-old 360 Elite have performed flawlessly.)

A new Dashboard update is scheduled to roll out next week that could certainly affect any of the software issues (such as DVD-upscaling performance). But the Elite's hardware is pretty much a done deal, and I can't help to be disappointed that Microsoft didn't step up to the plate and address more of those annoyances listed above.

The bottom line is that the Xbox 360 Elite isn't a must-have upgrade for existing 360 owners, and it doesn't bring the 360 feature set in line with that of the PlayStation 3. But here's the thing: for me, the Xbox 360--either the $400 Premium model or the new $480 Elite--still has more of the games that I like to play: Lost Planet, Gears of War, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, and--the big one--this fall's only-on-Xbox Halo 3. Until the PS3 can offer some compelling alternatives (and I have no doubt that eventually, it will), the Xbox 360 remains the better option. If you agree--and if you're going 360 for the first time--you might as well spend that extra $80 and get the Elite.

Onkyo TX-SR605: HDMI 1.3 and next-gen surround decoding, for an amazing $600

(Credit: Onkyo USA)

For the past 12 to 18 months, astute readers may have noticed an increased bit of hedging in our reviews for AV receivers. Yes, even low-end receivers offer more features and flexibility than $1,500 models did just three or four years ago and yes, there are plenty of great-sounding receivers available out there at great prices. But smart shoppers looking for a no-compromise, future-proof AV receiver have been stymied, even if they've been willing to pay upwards of $2,000.

At least, that was the case--until today. Onkyo has become the first mainstream manufacturer to officially announce an array of home audio products that offer the two big features that have been MIA on home audio products to date: HDMI 1.3; and onboard decoding of Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks found on HD DVD and Blu-ray discs. The news itself wasn't a surprise, as most of the details had been leaked on the Web earlier this month. And there is no doubt that other manufacturers will be announcing similarly equipped receivers in the next few weeks and months. But because specs, pricing, and availability have been confirmed, we can now say authoritatively that Onkyo looks to be offering some of the most exciting--and surprisingly affordable--A/V receivers seen in recent years. ... Read more

Sony's 2007 A2020 SXRDs are black.

(Credit: Sony)

The Sony line show today saw a few announcements about new HDTVs, but prospective TV buyers looking for information on new SXRD-based models will be disappointed. SXRD, the company's LCoS-based, high-end projection display technology, has performed well in our tests--most recently with the KDS-60A2000 and the KDS-60XBR2. News of new SXRD products is always highly anticipated, but this year, like it did in 2006, Sony has kept the real details under wraps.

The only new information, according to Sony's rep, is that the baseline KDS-A2020 series, consisting of 50-, 55-, and 60-inch models, is exactly like last year's KDS-A2000 series, except that the cabinets are all black instead of silver. According to their live pages on SonyStyle.com, the new A2020's will ship March 15. The 50-inch KDS-50A2020 will retail for $,2299, the 55-inch KDS-55A2020 for $2,499, and the 60-inch KDS-60A2020 for $2,899.

If last year is any indication, I expect Sony to announce details on the step-up XBR series of SXRDs around June, or perhaps a couple weeks earlier. In the meantime, rumors will percolate on the capabilities of the new sets, so I might as well get it started now: I've heard they may have a 120Hz refresh rate. I can't really see the benefit, since blurring and image lag aren't issues with SXRD to nearly the same extent as they are with flat-panel LCD TVs, but we'll see.

True HDTV fans are also asking, "What about HDMI 1.3?" Sony's rep told me they're "not talking" about that feature. I believe that's because the company would rather push its own branded features that depend on 1.3, such as wider color space, than refer to a generic feature. Whatever the reasoning, I don't believe any of the A2020 sets have HDMI 1.3, but I'm fairly certain the upcoming XBR models will. Since Sony isn't talking, we can't confirm yet.

In other Sony line show HDTV news, the company announced LCD-based rear-projection displays along with flat-panel LCDs and pricing on its BRAVIA Internet Link.

The Denon AVR-4308CI--maybe

(Credit: Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity)

One of the big surprises at CES 2007 was what we didn't see in the home-theater space. Despite expectations that a slew of next-gen A/V receivers would debut, Sherwood Newcastle was the only brand of note to announce a receiver offering HDMI 1.3 connectivity and built-in support for Blu-ray and HD DVD-friendly Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding. But now that CES is history and the 2007 product cycle is ramping up, details on new receivers are finally starting to leak out: Home Theater Blog posted details on five new Denon receivers that it says will debut in the summer.

According to the site, Denon's "08" model line will be released in two phases: two high-end models in July, followed by three more affordable models in September. Both the $2,500 AVR-4308CI and $1,600 AVR-3808CI are said to include four HDMI 1.3 inputs, support for internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio decoding, built-in Ethernet connectivity for digital media steaming (plus Wi-Fi on the AVR-4308CI), and redesigned graphical user interfaces (not unlike the one found on the Sony STR-DA5200ES). Supposedly, they'll be followed two months later by the AVR-1508, the AVR-1708, and the AVR-2808. The 2808 allegedly will offer the same HDMI 1.3 support and internal Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding as the higher-end models. While the 1508 and the 1708 will lose the onboard next-generation audio decoders (like today's receivers, they should accept linear PCM soundtracks via HDMI with no problem), they will retain HDMI 1.3 compatibility.

That sounds like yet another impressive receiver lineup from Denon, but there's a big caveat: The company issued a firm "no comment" when we asked about the rumors. That said, a little creative searching reveals that these details jibe with at least some of the information that Denon revealed behind closed doors at CES. Furthermore, the July to September timetable lines up with the summer/fall release schedule that Denon has adopted in recent years, allowing the company to showcase its refreshed product line at September's CEDIA trade show (note last year's July 26 announcement, for example). Likewise, it's widely believed that the components needed for this new generation of receivers--the chipsets and core electronics that enable HDMI 1.3, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD decoding, and next-generation analog/digital video conversion--won't be available to any manufacturer until spring at the earliest. (It's no coincidence that Sherwood Newcastle's HDMI 1.3 receivers are scheduled for release during that same summer time frame; other brands will be joining the pack as well.)

So while this news remains firmly in the rumor category, it certainly has a strong whiff of verisimilitude. While the details (such as pricing and exact features) are likely to change, we're betting that the new Denons will be pretty close to what's being reported on Home Theater Blog. Each of the alleged models--the AVR-4308CI, the 3808CI, the 2808, the 1708, and the 1508--look to be feasible updates of the existing AVR-4306, AVR-3806, AVR-2807, AVR-1707, and AVR-1507 (two of which are CNET Editors' Choice recipients). At least, we're hoping these rumors turn out to be true. If they're anything close to the leaked specs, these receivers will be the most crave-worthy home audio products in a long time.