Get Better Gear!

Premier Sponsors

TechRestore

Other World Computing

Top 5 Free Apps

Release Date: August 05, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: August 29, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: March 27, 2009
Release Date: August 07, 2009

iTunes New Music Releases

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: September 20, 2009
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: August 25, 2009

Top 5 Paid Apps

Release Date: April 22, 2009
StickWars $0.99
Release Date: March 31, 2009
Genre: Games
Bloons $0.99
Release Date: April 05, 2009
Genre: Games

Discover New Music

  • Now Here Is Nowhere

    • 10 out of 10
    • Secret Machines
    • The Secret Machines' inaugural album, Now Here is Nowhere is both old and new in its sonic assault. The trio's surprisingly big sound evokes Pink Floyd (without ever sounding like any Pink

  • Rift

    • 8 out of 10
    • Phish
    • This quasi-concept album (the only of its kind) from these Vermonters finally showcased their ability to convey a message with a studio album, whereas previously they only succeeded in doing so live.
  • War of the Worlds

    • 10 out of 10
    • Jeff Wayne
    • With the new movie adaptation of H.G Wells' classic Sci Fi invasion tale, War of the Worlds, currently on theater screens everywhere, there's new interest in Jeff Wayne's rock opera version, and it is
  • Chicago Transit Authority

    • 10 out of 10
    • Chicago
    • For those of you who don't know, Chicago didn't always suck, and everyone in the band didn't always play a keyboard. When the band started off they were pioneers of rock and jazz fusion, and guita

  • Gimme Fiction

    • 10 out of 10
    • Spoon
    • Gimme Fiction by Spoon is a terrific album by an Austin band that I was lucky enough to catch on an Austin radio station during a Christmas visit.

Reader Specials

Visit Deals On The Web for the best deals on all consumer electronics, iPods, and more!

iPO Reports

CEDIA Bright Spots: Blu-ray and Internet Connectivity

DENVER - The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) held their fall show at the Denver Convention Center September 3-7. Among the highlights of the show were new Blu-ray players and a focus on Internet connected boxes for video content.

This reporter was there to see what was happening as the home theater installers and vendors are preparing for the holiday season and more movement to high definition television -- all amidst the looming DTV transition in February.

iPO will report on the event in more detail in separate articles, but it appeared to this reporter that not a lot has changed on the HDTV side. There were some 11 inch OLED TVs in the Sony booth, for about US$2,500, and LED backlit LCD TV’s continue to move into product lines. However, one of the exciting mew items at the show was the LG Blu-ray player with built-in Ethernet and an easy connection to Netflix.


LG BD300 Blu-ray Player + Netflix

The LG BD300 will go on sale in October for US$399, and will allow customers to manage a separate Netflix queue of up to 500 movies. While the queue is actually managed from a PC or a Mac, it can be viewed and movies selected on HDTV screen. From the Netflix library of about 90,000 titles, there are about 12,000 that can be streamed to the LG Blu-ray player.

The LG Blu-ray player is a compelling unit and an interesting addition to other Internet access systems such as the Apple TV, Sony Bravia Internet Video Link, TiVo, and Vudu -- all of which are making slow but steady strides improving their products and video offerings. [Apple did not have a booth at CEDIA.]

Manufacturers who make Blu-ray players were asked about this kind of competition from LG, especially as a way to boost interest in Blu-ray in general, but none offered any plans or secrets. However, it’s a good bet that they’re watching LG’s BD300 carefully to see if the Netflix connectivity gives LG a real edge in player sales.


LG BD300 Home Menu

Post Your Comments

  Remember Me  Forgot your password?

Not a member? Register now. You can post comments without logging in, but they'll show up as a "guest" post.

Commenting is not available in this section entry.