And a refresh this certainly is, as this is the same product, but with audio output. Specifically, audio output in 3.5mm analog and embedded HDMI. The $219 piece of kit is also compatible with both Windows Vista and Windows 7. [Engadget]

So yeah, if you've been chomping at the bit to get HD quality resolutions delivered to your monitor via a USB connection, this may be the adapter for you. Comes in a kind of periwinkle blue hue for $99. [Sewell via Engadget]

The Price:

$70

The Verdict:

It works, but damn if it isn't expensive.

If you're not really married to the higher quality digital audio, you might be better off getting the USB audio version for $50 $60, which performs basically the same service for $20 $10 less.

As for this unit, it definitely works—we've been using it on a Mac Mini hooked up to a 1080p TV for a week—and there are no dropouts or weird signal noise inconsistencies that we can see. Everything is plug and play, and you should have no problem using it on your 5.1 audio system.

Again, at $70, it's only really useful if Mini DisplayPort is your only display output, otherwise you can come up with a cheaper solution involving a series of cheaper tubes. [Kanex Live]

It works

It's very expensive

There isn't a whole lot to explain, other than the fact that the adapter is now basically set to deliver full audio quality to the video content played back on your Mac, and all through one HDMI cable. The previous version was held up because of manufacturing issues, so we'll have to see if this version suffers from the same difficulties. [Kanex]

The products are all packaged in "frustration free" packaging, and include HDMI cables, Ethernet cords, and blank DVDs, to name a few.

This has to irk the consumer electronics companies that currently sell marked up cables and other items in Amazon's virtual marketplace already, but Paul Ryder, Amazon's vice president for consumer electronics and wireless, said all they'll need is a little re-education.

"I'm sure some vendors of cables and blank media are going to ask us, ‘What just happened?' We'll educate them that we saw value available to the customer in the market, and with our relationship with the vendor, we wanted to give that value to customers," he said over at the New York Times Bits blog. [Amazon via Bits]

The list of supported formats now include MPEG-1 MPEG-2 (VOB/ISO), MPEG-4 (DivX(R)/Xvid formats), DivX HD, Xvid HD, AVI, MOV, MKV, RMVB, AVC HD, H.264, WMV9, VC-1, M2TS, and TS/TP/M2T. On the audio front it includes AAC, MP3, Dolby Digital, DTS, ASF, FLAC, WMA, LPCM, ADPCM, WAV and OGG. It can also display JPEG files up to 20 megapixels, BMP, GIF, PNG and TIFF.

The FreeAgent Theater+ also includes two additional USB ports to add more hard drives, and Seagate says that they will have a USB Wireless Adapter in October, to integrate the device in 802.11n Wi-Fi networks. The audio output also uses the obligatory optical S/PDIF port.

You can get it now for $150—without hard drive—and $290 with 500GB. The Wi-Fi adapter will come later for $70. OK, Seagate, now that you smelled the coffee, bring me a cuppa and a bagel, please.

Seagate's New FreeAgent Theater+(TM) HD Media Player Enhances the Enjoyment of Digital Home Movies and Photos

Bring Your Digital Media to Life with True HD and Dolby(R) Digital Surround Sound Technology
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Seagate (Nasdaq: STX), the worldwide leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions, today unveiled its new FreeAgent Theater+(TM) [Plus] HD media player, the next generation home theater solution designed to instantly and easily connect your digital media library to your home entertainment system.

The FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player leverages a docking system unique to Seagate FreeAgent Go(TM) portable drives and accessories, providing a quick and easy way to connect your external hard drive to your television or home entertainment center. After loading the drive with your favorite movies, videos, music and pictures from the home PC, simply slide it into the FreeAgent Theater+ dock to get instant access to your digital media library. With the FreeAgent Theater+ player, you can just sit back, relax, point, click and enjoy as digitally captured memories and your favorite movies come to life in 1080p HD video, DTS(TM) 2.0 + Digital Out, or Dolby Digital technology. The interface is easily navigated with the included remote control, and you can choose from video, photos or music with the up/down arrows on the remote to make your selection.

The Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player includes two additional USB ports for connecting other USB attached storage devices. Also incorporated into FreeAgent Theater+ is an Ethernet port for network connectivity, which allows access to digital media through your home network. Seagate intends to launch a USB Wireless Adapter in October to enable this same access with 802.11n wireless connectivity to a home network. Enjoy it all, with the included new and improved remote control, from the comfort of your couch.

"There is so much media that is now being captured and created through various methods and stored on the PC, yet the computer is not the ideal way to enjoy these photos and videos," said Terry Cunningham, senior vice president, Seagate Branded Solutions. "The FreeAgent Theater provides the easiest way to view and enjoy video and photos on your HDTV. Simply load up a Seagate FreeAgent Go(TM) hard drive and drop it into the FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player dock. It's a behavior we've all been familiar with for years with VHS and DVDs, but now with digital HD enjoyment."

The new FreeAgent Theater+(TM) HD media player solution includes:

HDMI with 1080p HD video playback for high-definition content viewing
Dolby(R) Digital and DTS(TM) 2.0 + Digital Out audio support surround sound where available.
Unique docking system eliminates fumbling with cables and connections
Ethernet connection for accessing shared content on your network or streaming of content from the Internet
The optional wireless connectivity feature, expected to be available in October, will allow you to access stored content on any networked computer in the home at your fingertips
Two additional USB ports and one front-mounted port for digital cameras and additional storage devices
Simple sync software for PC and Mac(R) computers
Intuitive user interface with DVD-style navigation
Support for Windows(R) XP, Windows Vista(R), Windows(R) 7, and Mac OS(R) X operating systems, as well as NTFS, FAT, FAT32, HFS+ file support
Component video and Composite video support
Optical S/PDIF audio and Stereo RCA sound options
The software included with FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player is a rich media-specific synchronization application that enables the automatic transfer and organization of all photo, music, video and movie files stored on your computer.

Technical Specifications

The Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player now supports even more Audio/Video and sound formats including MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (VOB/ISO), MPEG-4 (DivX(R)/Xvid formats), DivX HD, Xvid HD, AVI, MOV, MKV, RMVB, AVC HD, H.264, WMV9, VC-1, M2TS, TS/TP/M2T, JPEG files up to 20 megapixels, BMP, GIF, PNG and TIFF. Audio formats supported include 5.1 channel surround sound, where available, and popular digital audio formats including: AAC, MP3, Dolby Digital, DTS, ASF, FLAC, WMA, LPCM, ADPCM, WAV and OGG. The FreeAgent Theater+ player also offers support for SAMI (smi), SRT and SUB subtitles. To download and transfer content to a Seagate FreeAgent Go portable drive using a Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 operated PC, a 256MB RAM and an available USB port is required. Mac computer users must be running Mac OS X 10.4.11 or 10.5.6 or later and have an available USB port. FreeAgent Theater connects to any TV with composite, component video or HDMI connection and stereo, optical S/PDIF or HDMI audio connection

Pricing and Availability

The Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player is available immediately via Seagate.com and other online retailers. It comes as a stand-alone unit for use with any USB storage device for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $149.99, or bundled with a 500GB FreeAgent Go drive for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $289.99. The FreeAgent Theater+ Wireless Adapter is expected to be available in October as a separate accessory through Seagate.com for $69.99.

Audio nerds had suspected (or at least hoped) the PS3 Slim would offer such support. We've not yet confirmed it ourselves, but Japanese Tech News site, AV Watch, makes it sound like a done deal.

The HDMI chip used by existing fatty PS3 models doesn't support the relatively recent Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA codecs. This forces them to decode internally, and send the audio to your receiver via LPCM.

Bottom line: Great news if you use the PS3 for watching Blu-ray movies with a high-end surround sound system. If not, just nod and know that this is a good thing.

Wanna know more? Check out Giz Explains: Dolby, DTS and Home Theater Audio Codec Confusion. [AV Watch (translated) via Engadget]

TechRadar breaks down everything you need to know about HDMI 1.4 into an easy-to-digest 10-thing listicle. Personally, I'm most excited about the new Micro Connector, since I just love new kinds of cables, though sad I'll have to wait a whole year to buy it. [TechRadar, Image via Sam Catchsides/Flickr]

The Price: $40 $60

The Verdict: It works. IT WORKS! Playing back 1080p trailers in Quicktime, powered by a MacBook Pro, on our plasma TV was fantastic. And the part where it actually has audio? Yes please.

It's quite easy to use. The USB and Mini DisplayPort goes into the MacBook Pro (or Mac Mini), and the other end takes an HDMI cable. Your Mac should automatically detect the new display, but you have to manually switch the audio output to the USB audio device. If you're planning on using a new Mac Mini, this is the way to go. The video quality is pretty much what you'd expect from a clean 1080p source, and those trailers look good.

And with the problems Apple's own Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapters are having, using this and an HDMI-capable monitor might be a smart idea.

The adapters will be available later in the week. I suggest you pick one up if you have any kind of Mini DisplayPort-capable computer you want to throw up onto your TV once in a while. Also, Monoprice has a unit coming up soon as well that's pretty similar. [Kanexlive]

Update: Availability's been pushed to mid-September, after some shortages in components. We will update when we hear anything else.

However, the XF1 looks geared towards the mainstream consumer crowd, as it only plays back video at 1080i, and fails to support the h.264 or MKV standards. It does, however, support the AVI, Xvid and MPEG family of codecs, along with all the major audio ones. Price and availability are yet to be announced. [LG via Everything USB]

Though HDMI is capable of handling both audio and video, the Mini DisplayPort on MacBooks is not—a definite source of annoyance for MacBook users. The Kanex adapter gets sound from USB, like one of those teeny external sound cards, and merges it into the video it gets from Mini DisplayPort, so on the other end, your HDTV gets both audio and video from HDMI, up to 1080p resolution. It's a simple solution, though of course not as elegant as if Apple would just put a damn HDMI-out in their MacBooks, so if you're showing a lot of HD video content, this could be a real life-saver.

The clumsily (if descriptively) named "Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with USB digital audio" from Kanex (a line from Apogee, makers of various high-end A/V products) will be available this August for an undisclosed price. [Press Release]

Being Monsters, you know they're gonna cost a ton. Four feet of "high speed" SuperThin cable has a suggested price of $90, going up to $100 for 8 feet, and $120 for 16 feet. Standard speed cables start at $80 for 1 meter, $90 for 2 meters, $100 for 4 meters and $120 for 5 meters. I'll leave the judgments to you guys in the comments.

Monster Introduces Breakthrough "SuperThin Cable™ for HDMI™"
— Developed in Collaboration with RedMere, New Powered SuperThin Cables for HDMI Are
Ideal for Elegant Flat-Panel TV Installations and Use with Mobile HD Devices —

New York, NY, June 10, 2009 - Monster, the world's leading manufacturer of cables,
AV accessories, and power conditioning products, today announced the introduction of
a new line of "Powered" SuperThin Cables™ for HDMI™ Cables specifically designed
for use with a wide variety of electronics devices, ranging from today's super-slim flat-
panel TVs to digital video cameras, home theater systems, gaming systems or portable
computers. The new Monster SuperThin Cables for HDMI are the first fruits of a
recently announced collaboration with RedMere, a leader in advanced silicon chip
development. Monster Super Thin Cable for HDMI products will be available in 4-, 8-,
and 16-foot versions in the DigitalLife line of products (DL HDMI HSMI-4, DL HDMI
HSMI-8, DL HDMI HSMI-16).Monster's Core line of cables for HDMI will also offer a
SuperThin cable design in 1, 2, 4 and 5 meter lengths.

HD Signals Are Boosted in the Cable Itself
With the introduction of SuperThin Cable for HDMI, Monster is continuing to follow
through on its commitment to provide consumers with a comprehensive range of high-
quality, reliable connectivity solutions for every need and budget. The key innovation
that made the creation of Monster SuperThin Cables for HDMI possible is the
RedMere™ MagnifEye™ Active technology. Requiring no external power supply the
technology enables industry-leading data speeds and ultimate-quality performance by
boosting the HD signals directly in the SuperThin cable itself. This eliminates the need
for heavy-gauge copper, making the cables extremely light, thin and portable.
SuperThin cables measure just 3.5 mm in diameter, approximately 65% thinner than
normal HDMI cables.

Noted Noel Lee, the Head Monster: "Monster built our reputation on thick, heavy
gauge high-quality cables with unequalled performance capabilities. Now, thanks to
our alliance with RedMere and the leading-edge MagnifEye Active technology, we're
able to provide our customers with the same level of Monster quality and reliability in
a brand new type of ‘magically thin' cable. The difference is immediately apparent –
SuperThin cables are much smaller and lighter, matching the sleek appearance of
the consumer electronics products they connect. Whether you want a totally clean-
looking virtually invisible installation option for your HDTV or you just want a much
better and more convenient way to access HD content while on-the-go, there's never
been anything like our new super-thin cables."

Digital Life™ SuperThin High Speed Powered Cable for HDMI (SRP) 4ft. $89.95, 8ft.
$99.95 and 16ft $119.95

Digital Life SuperThin High Speed Powered Cable for camcorder; Mini HDMI to HDMI
8ft (SRP) $99.95

Monster's Core Line of SuperThin Powered Cables for HDMI 1m $79.95, 2m $89.95 4m
$99.95, 5m $119.95.

"Super-Slim TVs Need Monster SuperThin Cables"
Monster's new SuperThin cables for HDMI are poised to usher in a new era of
convenience and elegance in high-performance cable management, both at home and
on-the-go. Featuring a built-in LED indicator that instantly lets users know they are
active, the virtually invisible cables are ideal for use in aesthetically designed home
theater installations utilizing flat-panel TVs. Consumers can literally hide the cables
away in plain sight, as well as fit them into any tight corners for a new level of
installation flexibility. Additionally, the compact and lightweight cables, which include
handy cable ties, are ideal for taking on the road with camcorders or other mobile digital
devices. Their easy portability provides users with a fast and convenient way to connect
camcorders or other digital devices to notebook computers or other display. For total
reliability and performance, the new cables feature corrosion-resistant 24k gold
contacts.

[Monster]

In other words, any 2.5 or 3.5-inch hard drive can push HD video (MPEG, AVI, MP4, VOB, and DiVX) through the adapter. It also handles content from HD cards and USB drives and comes with a remote control for added convenience. All-in-all, not a bad set of features for $69. [Brando]

To refresh your memories, Sony's new line of DSLRs isn't a massive departure from their previous models. The a230, a330 and a380 roughly replace the a200, a300 and a350, putting a decidedly consumer-oriented spin on the cameras. That means they're smaller, the interface is simpler, the styling is a bit smoother, and that they now accept SDHC and Memory Stick Pro cards instead of the previous lines' Compact Flash. This also means that they inherit the same old 10.2 and 14.2 megapixel tiering, the latter relegated to the higher-end a380.

In addition, all models get a 2.7-inch LCD Liveview screen—a tilt/swivel version for the 330 and 380, as well as HDMI output for displaying photos on HDTVs. Pricing isn't terribly enticing—$550, $650, $850, respectively—but we'll have to see how these things perform before we make any judgments.

Also detailed are a few new accessories: new telephoto, zoom and portrait lenses, and a budget flash unit. (something the Alpha line dearly needed.) Full release below.

SONY INTRODUCES THREE MAINSTREAM ALPHA CAMERAS
DESIGNED FOR FIRST-TIME DIGITAL SLR BUYERS

SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use α (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.
Uniquely Matched to Customers' Needs

The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.

"Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required," said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. "By overcoming the obstacles, we've made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs."

Light and Compact

The 10.2 megapixel α230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every α-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.
Quick AF Live View System

Both the α380 and α330 cameras offer Sony's Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera's LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the α380 and α330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television's remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).
Built-in Help Guide

The α380, α330 and α230 models are Sony's first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.

The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.
Systems, Lenses and Flash

Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.
Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality. The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.
To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.

To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera's built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.
Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at HYPERLINK "http://www.sonystyle.com/retail" www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

The α380L, α330L and α230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The α380Y, α330Y and α230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.
The SAL-1855 standard zoom lens will cost about $200.
The SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lens will cost about $230.
The SAL-50F18 portrait lens will cost about $150.
The HVL-F20AM flash will cost about $130.

The 100Mbps data deal happens through HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) which will let internet-connected TVs share internet with other HEC devices through the HEC-enabled HDMI port. In other words, internet through HDMI ports, if it's got the right brand mojo. There's also easier audio streaming, and Automatic Content Enhancement will automagically optimize the picture based on the type of content, besides already being ready for future 3D video stuff.

Ah yes, stupid, stupid cables. Looks like I need to update the master list, since HDMI 1.4 not only requires special HDMI 1.4 cables, there are two new kinds: Low data rate, and high data rate. Hurray for confusion and new business opportunities for Best Buy. [Engadget]

The biggest tidbits are the significantly smaller chassis (the current Alpha 300 and 350 series are huge and heavy) and the addition of a new GUI and HDMI out. The Alphas have always been nice teaching cameras, and the new models look to improve upon that. The new GUI has graphical illustrations to show exactly how changes in shutter speed and exposure and all that will affect the shot. They'll also pack, according to Google's Russian translator, a "handbook" or "directory," which seems to us basically a glossary that explains the cameras' functions in plain language.

High-def output is a little less clear, thanks to the translation; it's not totally obvious whether this function will be exclusive to Sony-made Bravia sets (we know it'll offer specific advantages, like using the Bravia remote to view/zoom images) or if Sony is simply choosing not to mention its compatibility with competitive HDTVs. But we'll keep you updated as more info becomes available. [Photo Club Alpha via Photo Rumors]

A compact HDMI plug, called Type C, already exists, but this version is less than half the size of even that. It may seem like halving an already small plug standard isn't hugely significant, but given HDMI's apparent trajectory toward use in mobile phones and portable devices, hitting that comfortable Micro USB size might be just enough to convince hardware designers that adding an extra A/V port—dedicated, mind you—to their devices isn't such a terrible prospect. [Tech-On]