-
'Beauty and the Briefcase' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Hilary Duff is a fashion journalist writing about finding love in the workplace on Blu-ray this February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment has revealed 'Beauty and the Briefcase' is coming to Blu-ray on February 8. The romantic comedy is based on the book 'Diary of a Working Girl' by Daniella Brodsky and co-stars Chris Marmack ('The O.C.'), Emmy-winner Jaime Pressly ('My Name is Earl'), and Jennifer Coolidge ('Legally Blonde') Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Beauty and the Briefcase' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 8.Posted Mon Nov 1, 2010 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Packaging Instructions for Your 'Back to the Future' Blu-rays[teaser]That's right – packaging instructions. These cases are just plain bad.[/teaser] 'Back to the Future' is finally out on Blu-ray, and it's absolutely amazing. It got four and a half stars in our review, even despite having less than perfect audio and video ratings. The movie itself and the supplements that come with it are just that good. What's not good is the packaging, which caused at least one High-Def Digest employee to comment "These cases reeeeeeally suck." They're overly complicated, which is to say that they're complicated at all. Getting Blu-rays in and out shouldn't be a challenge. The complaints have been heard though, and we've been sent packaging instructions for the 'Back to the Future' Blu-rays. Yes, your Blu-rays now comes with instructions for getting them out of the boxes. We've gone ahead and uploaded them for your enjoyment – download the PDF at the link below. Source: High-Def Digest (PDF)Posted Mon Nov 1, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Save $8 on 'Toy Story 3' Blu-ray[teaser]Save $8 on the third and final chapter of Pixar's must-own animated hit on Blu-ray! [/teaser] Here's another offer, this time to save $8 on 'Toy Story 3' starring the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen available on Blu-ray on November 2. Click this link to access to the page where you can print out your coupon valid at participating retailers. The offer is available in-store only in the U.S. and Canada and the coupon expires on November 8.Posted Mon Nov 1, 2010 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Robocop Trilogy' $25 at Amazon[teaser]His friends call him Murphy. You can call him... R-R-Robocop -- and he's 25 bucks this week only at Amazon! [/teaser] The online retailer has put up the 'Robocop Trilogy' starring Peter Weller (for the first two films anyway) on Blu-ray for only $25 (58% off the suggested list price). Click here to order some security for your city (and home) for a great price today! This offer is in effect from now through November 6.Posted Sun Oct 31, 2010 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
HD Advisor, Texas - Pop. 81Editor's Note: Each Friday, High-Def Digest's own HD Advisor will answer a new round of questions from our readers. If you have home theater questions you need answered, send an email to [email protected]. If you've already sent a question and don't see it answered yet, please be patient as we work our way through them. To browse through previously answered questions, visit the main HD Advisor page. Answers by Joshua Zyber Upgrading Old A/V Receiver Q:I have an Onkyo TX-SV 454 receiver that I would like to connect to my HTPC. Unfortunately, the receiver has no digital input, just 5.1 multi-channel analog inputs. The HTPC has a coaxial S/PDIF output and a 3.5 mm TRS output. Now I have three options: 1) Connect the computer to the receiver with a TRS to RCA cable (5m). 2) Buy a DD/DTS decoder which has digital inputs and a 5.1 multi-channel output. 3) Buy a new receiver that I use with my ten-year-old Canton loudspeakers (5.0 configuration). I'm not sure it is worth the money to upgrade my existing system to digital surround sound as I don't know if there would be any difference on such an old system. I don't want to go for an all-new configuration as the speakers sound absolutely fine. What do you recommend? A: The TRS output (also commonly called the "headphone jack") is an analog connection that will only transmit stereo audio. With proper adaptors, you may be able to break this out into two RCA "male" leads that will plug into the stereo analog inputs on your receiver. This will be your cheapest option. Unfortunately, you will obviously not benefit from discrete 5.1 surround sound. Your HTPC will downgrade the 5.1 soundtrack on the movie disc you're watching to 2-channel stereo, and then your receiver will have to decode that stereo signal through Dolby ProLogic processing (or a similar program) to give you a very basic form of surround sound. Connecting the S/PDIF output from your computer into a Dolby/DTS decoder with 5.1 analog outputs would allow you to experience discrete 5.1 surround (of the standard lossy Dolby Digital or DTS varieties). This is more expensive, but you should get better results. However, both of these seem like stopgap solutions. What you really need is a new A/V receiver with digital inputs, which can probably be purchased for not much more money than an outboard Dolby/DTS decoder. A new receiver will also future-proof you for future upgrades, such as lossless Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio surround. In the end, only you can decide your own priorities. If you don't feel that you're likely to upgrade your HTPC or your speakers anytime soon, perhaps a new receiver is overkill for your needs. I'd be inclined to suggest starting with the simple TRS-to-RCA adaptor, which should cost very little. That will at least give you a start, so you can decide whether you really need more. Universal Remotes Q: I'm looking for a good Universal Remote. My dream remote is the Harmony 1100, but it's a bit more than I'm currently willing to spend. The General Electric RM24941 is actually around my price range, and kind of what I have in mind, but it doesn't look like this supports Blu-Tooth. I'm thinking that I'm probably going to cap myself around $80. I want a remote that is easy to set up and use, will control the TV, receiver, PS3, HD DVD player, Dish Network DVR, my Laserdisc player, and my VCR. And I'm hoping for more than basic functionality – on the DVR, I want to be able to get to both the guide and my recordings, I want to be able to select inputs on both the TV and Receiver. It would also be nice, but not required, if it would let me select listening modes on the receiver as well. A: I'm a big fan of the Harmony line of remotes. Harmony has an unparalleled database of electronics codes, and will support just about any device you can possibly think of. Because you download the codes you need from your computer, this essentially future-proofs the remote against new devices you may acquire in the future. Harmony's database is frequently updated. If, by some chance, the code for one of your components isn't available, you can also easily program a Harmony remote to learn from your existing remote. And their remotes are sufficiently customizable to support any specific functions you need easy access to. The Harmony 650 will just about fall into your price range. This is a 5-device remote, so you may need to sacrifice one of the components you've listed above. Honestly, how often do you use the VCR? Can you keep the old remote around for the rare occasion you need that one? I assume that your concern about Bluetooth is that you want the universal remote to control your PS3. That can be easily (and inexpensively) fixed with a Nyko BluWave adaptor. Plug the BluWave into one of the PS3's available USB ports, and the console will accept standard IR remote signals. Then program the Harmony to output the BluWave's remote codes (not the PS3's). If you search, you might also find good deals on refurbished models that support more devices. For example, Amazon currently has a listing for a refurbished Harmony 520, which will handle up to 12 devices, for just under $60. (I can't vouch for the 3rd Party seller offering this particular deal. I'm just pointing out what I found in a search.) The Harmony 1100 you mentioned earlier is a touch-screen model. This may come down to personal preference, but I find that I prefer to have tactile buttons that I can feel in the dark without having to light up a giant LCD screen and navigate through a host of menus to find the device or function I want. You may feel otherwise. Homework Assignment: You Be the Advisor The HD Advisor knows many things, but he doesn't know everything. Some questions are best answered with a consensus of opinions from our readers. If you can help to answer the following question, please post your response in our forum thread linked at the end of this article. Your advice and opinions matter too! Audio Tweaks Q: Besides having a nice receiver for the speakers, is there any other equipment I can get to enhance the sound from those speakers? Are there any separate amps for each of my speakers I can purchase out there? I go to see films in IMAX a lot, and their sound system is so amazing. I know that I can't reproduce what they have, but was wondering if I could somehow enhance the sound from my speakers. JZ: I'll leave this one for the audiophiles out there to debate. Check back soon for another round of answers. Keep those questions coming. Joshua Zyber's opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of this site, its owners or employees.Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 11:15 AM PDT by: -
'Twilight Zone: Season 3 (1961)' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind; a journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination — Next stop, the Twilight Zone. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, it seems Image Entertainment is preparing 'Twilight Zone: Season 3 (1961)' for Blu-ray on February 15. The first season was released in September and you can read Aaron Peck's "MUST-OWN" review here! Specs and have yet to be finalized, but the set is expected to be a 5-disc set and will contain all 37 episodes in the third season. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $99.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Twilight Zone: Season One (1959)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 15.Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:50 AM PDT by: -
Best Buy Offers Free Delivery and Installation on Sony Google TV Products[teaser]Sure, most people won't need it, but you can't complain about free. [/teaser] It's easy to take pot-shots at Best Buy for the Geek Squad installation programs they've got set up. Charging people for installations they could easily perform themselves is a bit slimy, and the prices are at the threshold of ridiculous. It's hard to criticize free installation though. If you pick up a Sony Internet TV or Sony Internet TV Blu-ray player (worst name ever?) you'll get it delivered to your house and installed for free. Unnecessary or not, having someone bring your new TV into the house for you is nice. There's no word on how long Best Buy's free installation and delivery is going to last, but expect it to hold out through the holidays at least. If you get the Logitech Revue, by the way, you're out of luck - no free installation for you. Source: TWICEPosted Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Save $20 on 'Alien Anthology' with 'The Last of the Mohicans' Blu-ray at Amazon[teaser]Get an extra $20 worth of savings by purchasing both Fox Blu-ray titles together at Amazon! [/teaser] To take advantage of the discount, simply add 'Alien Anthology' and 'The Last of the Mohicans' to your shopping cart, and you'll save an additional $20 off the total -- getting both for $84.98! Click here to add both of these great Fox Blu-ray releases to your home video collection today!Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Sensio Gets Patent on 3D to 2D Conversion Tech[teaser]Most companies are rushing towards 3D, but Sensio is there for folks sticking with 2D. [/teaser] 3D content is ramping up, 3D channels are launching, and 3D Blu-rays are hitting stores. If you're a fan of 2D or you just don't have the cash to shell out for 3D technology, there's a lot that you're not going to be able to watch. Though it's not happening yet, there will soon be a day when we see 3D exclusives. If you want to watch that new 3D channel or see a cool new 3D movie in 2D though, you'll be out of luck. That's where the folks at Sensio come in. The new tech will allow you to watch 3D content in 2D, meaning that you won't have to miss out. It's also nice for 3D programs that you've recorded, for example, that you want to watch with more people than you're equipped for. Source: TwicePosted Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'NFL Super Bowl XLV' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Are you ready for some more high-def football in March? [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers has announced 'NFL Super Bowl XLV' for Blu-ray on March 8. A must have for fans of the Super Bowl Champions. This product will release a mere 30 days after the big game in the winning team's market. Celebrating the Champions of Super Bowl XLV with this Blu-ray that follows the team from their first snap to the final gun of Super Bowl XLV. Own the most anticipated and watched sporting event of the year. Complete with highlights from the regular season, playoffs and the big game itself. The 2010 release will contain hours of Super Bowl coverage and behind the scenes actions. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'NFL Super Bowl XLV' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 8.Posted Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
