Onkyo's DX laptop features two, 10.1-inch screens, both of which run at a respectable 1,366×768 resolution. They're complemented by a 1.6GHz Athlon processor, 2GB of RAM, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, 320GB hard drive and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi n. It's preloaded with Windows 7.

(Yes, the astute among you will notice that this laptop looks quite familiar, but under the Onkyo brand, we've seen the best price to performance ratio yet.)

Of course, you'll need to import the DX to own one, but for $960, you can almost justify the tacky extravagance. [Onkyo and PCWatch via Engadget]

The vertical sound field is created by two speakers which sit above the television, and will provide a noticeable effect in situations where something like an airplane flyover is on screen. The 7.2 system features 90 watts of power per channel, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD support, plus HDMI switching with 1080p support for Deep Color and x.v.Color.

Onkyo also launched the TX-SR307 and TX-SR507, which are only 5.1 and lack the Dolby Pro Logic IIz. They have 65 and 80 watts per channel, respectively, but feature the same HDMI support as its more sophisticated sibling. The 307, 507 and 607 will all be out in April for $300, $400 and $600, respectively.

Onkyo targets value-conscious consumers with a Spring 2009 AV Receiver line-up offering new technologies, features, and performance not previously available at these prices.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (3/12/09) – As the first installment of its 2009 product line-up, Onkyo has introduced three new home theater receivers, including the world's first to offer Dolby's new ProLogic IIz processing, which can produce sound effects above the listener's head. Theses models, which range in price from $299 to $599, also include an array of advanced HD audio and video technologies from Onkyo, Dolby, DTS, Audyssey, Faroudja, and others that were previously only available at higher price points. The TX-SR607 features six HDMI inputs, and is the first AV receiver with a front-panel HDMI input.

With the debut of the new TX-SR607 receiver, Onkyo has the distinction of becoming the world's first manufacturer to launch a 7.2-channel home cinema receiver featuring the all-new Dolby Pro-Logic IIz mode. Designed to take home cinema sound to new heights (literally!) DPL IIz introduces a vertical aspect to the sound field through the addition of left and right-channel front height speakers mounted above the main speakers. Based on the initial positive reactions to demonstrations of this technology to dealers, Onkyo anticipates good demand for expanded height channel capabilities in future models.

"We are very excited to be the first audio manufacturer to utilize this exciting new surround format from Dolby," comments Onkyo USA marketing manager Paul Wasek. "It adds a new realm of audience involvement in three dimensions, with surprise aircraft flyovers triggering the 'duck' reflex. Onkyo has launched this technology on our most popular AV receiver, rather than our most expensive, in order to reach out to a much larger customer base. The company's premium receiver lineup, which will roll out over the Summer, will include expanded height-channel capabilities, internet radio and network audio technologies at lower price points."

These new models are well equipped for Blu-ray and other HD audio and video source components, with HDMI repeaters plus Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio processing in the TX-SR607 and TX-SR507. The entry-level TX-SR307 has HDMI pass-through switching on three inputs, while all three models support 1080p, Deep Color, and x.v.Color.

All of these receivers use Audyssey 2EQ, an automatic calibration system which corrects each channel's output in both frequency and time domains based on measurements at three unique listening positions, Audyssey Dynamic Volume technology, which optimizes the dynamic range of listening material at any listening level, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ, which corrects problems associated with reduced sound quality at low listening levels.

Onkyo has also developed four new exclusive gaming modes designed to enhance the listener's experience when using video game systems. Players can select from Rock, Sports, Action, or Role Playing game modes to match the gaming content. These new modes will immerse all the players in the action like never before.

The Onkyo TX-SR607 and TX-SR507 are the first to use the company's new proprietary rear-panel universal port, which simplifies the connection for Onkyo's forthcoming HD Radio Tuner and iPod Dock that will be available in late spring. The 5.1-channel TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 have 65- and 80-watts per channel amplifiers respectively, while the 7.2-channel TX-SR607 is rated at 90 watts per channel, has dual subwoofer line-outputs, upconverts all analog sources to HDMI via Faroujda DCDi technology, and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready.

The Onkyo TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 will be available in March, and the TX-SR607 in April with suggested retail prices of $299, $399, and $599 respectively.

Onkyo, which takes its name from the Japanese "On" meaning 'sound' and "Kyo" meaning 'harmony,' has been producing precision audio components for over a half-century. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

Onkyo's Sotec is an all-in-one media PC featuring a Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz processor, 2GB/4GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive, 21.5-inch screen, TV Tuner, 4X Blu-ray player, webcam and iPod dock—plus a remote control to run things from the couch.

In Japan only for the time being, the Sotec actually (starts at?) $1900, which actually makes it less of a value proposition than the bigger $1500 iMac...that is, if you just view the system as a computer and not a complete home theater PC. [Impress via Newlaunches]

Computing & Peripherals

• HP Officejet Pro L7680 All-in-One w/ Bluetooth Dongle & HP Photo Book for $139.99 (Recertified) (normally $220 - valid today only).

• Samsung 2433BW 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $259.99 plus free shipping (normally $300 - valid until 12/31. Use rebate form).

• Canon PIXMA MP190 All-In-One Inkjet Printer for $19.99 (normally $60 - valid today only).

Flash Memory

• 4GB Cruzer Micro Flash Drive for $8.99 plus free shipping (normally $15).

• Patriot Xporter XT 32GB USB Flash Drive for $42.99 plus free shipping (normally $70 - valid until 12/31. Use rebate form and coupon code for EMCBCCGDA for $7 off).

• Emprex 16GB USB Flash Drive for 19.99 (normally $30 - valid today only. Use rebate form).

Home Accessories

• Electrolux Intensity Upright Vacuum for $139.99 plus free shipping (normally $205).

Home Entertainment

• Onkyo TX-SR575S 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver for $175.63 plus free shipping (normally $220).

• Sceptre X46BV 46" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV for $699.99 (normally $900 - valid until 12/31, or first 100 customers. Use rebate form).

Kitchen

• Frost Cutlery 13-Piece Kitchen Cutlery Set for $9.99 (normally $27).

• George Foreman XXL Family Size Grill for $33 shipped (normally $70. Use coupon code JOY15 for 15% off).

Toys

• Excalibur Wireless Indoor R/C Helicopter MicroFlyer for $21.99 plus free shipping (normally $30).

Hobomodo

• SanDisk 4GB SD Extreme III Memory Card [3 Pack] for $0 (normally $60 - valid until 12/27. Must buy three and use rebate form). Updated: sold out.

• Sandisk 4GB Extreme III Compact Flash Card [3 Pack] for $0 (normally $60 - valid until 12/27. Must buy three and use rebate form). Updated: sold out.

Gaming:
• Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for Wii/PS2 for $99 (originally $139.99).
• Far Cry 2 on Xbox 360 for $41.99 (originally $59.99 - use coupon code "19PSB54PG?RT4V").

Home Entertainment:
• Sharp Aquos 52'' 1080p LCD HDTV for $1,499.99 (originally $2,499.99 - use coupon code "EMCBBBDBE").
• Corion 42'' 720p LCD HDTV for $499.99 (originally $999.99).
• Onkyo 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (refurbished) for $119 (originally $379).

MP3 Players:
• SanDisk Sansa Clip 2GB MP3 Player (refurbished) for $15.99 (originally $59.99 - valid only on 11/13).
• Philips 4GB MP3 Player for $59.99 (originally $99.99).

Cell Phones:
• Unlocked Palm Treo Pro for $449.99 (originally $549.99 - valid until 11/19. Use coupon code "27RR9ZSWHW?6BZ").

Accessories:
• 3 Way Audio AV RCA Splitter with cable for $8.99 plus free shipping (originally $19.99 - valid through 11/17. Use coupon code "ACRS11OFF").
• 3-Way Splitter without the cable for $5.58 plus free shipping (originally $14.97).

Miscellaneous:
• Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS Receiver (recertified) for $99.99 (originally $399.99).
• Lasonic 7'' Digital Photo Frame for $37.05 plus free shipping (originally $99.99 - use coupon code "AFL5").

Audio accessories

• JVC HANC100 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $37.97 (originally $99.95).
• JVC HANC250 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $105.97 (originally $199.95).
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Stereo Headphones for $113.77 (originally $319).
• Panasonic RP-HC500 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $90.65 (originally $199.99).
• Slip Profile CD System for $89 (originally $125).
• Denon AVR-988 Multi-Source/Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver for $584.97 (originally $1,199).
• Onkyo TX-SR705 7.1 Home Theater Receiver for $479.97 (originally $799.99).
• Sony HT-SS2000 Component Home Theater System for Blu-Ray Players for $316.99 (originally $499.99).
• Klipsch Home Theater System with DVD player (set of five speakers) for $692.04 (originally $999.99).
• Onkyo Home Entertainment System (includes receiver and six speakers) for $289.99 (originally $399).

Gaming

• Refurbished Guitar Hero III with Wireless Guitar for the PS3 for $29.99 (originally $69.99).
• Refurbished Guitar Hero III with Wireless Guitar for Xbox 360 for $29.99 (originally $69.99).
• PlayStation 2 bundle with Lego Batman and Justice League for $129.96 (originally $149.99).

Cameras and accessories

• Canon PowerShot A460 5mp Digital Camera for $89.99 (originally $199.99).
• Patriot 8GB SDHC Memory Card for $9.99 (originally $39.99).

Unlocked cellphones

• Motorolla's A1600 Ming for $369 (originally $699.99).
• iMate's Ultimate 6150 for $399 (originally $619.99).
• HTC Touch P3452 for $339 (originally $429.99).

Stocking stuffers

• Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife for $19.99 (originally $78 - valid only on 10/24).
• Disney Princesses DVDs/Blu Ray up to 50% off (originally $29.99 to $34.99).

Miscellaneous

• Lux Touch Screen 7 Day Programmable Thermostat for $64.95 (originally $137.17).

TX-XR876:

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (9/15/08) — Onkyo USA has introduced two new top-of-the-line THX Ultra2 Plus certified 7.1-channel A/V receivers, the TX-SR876 and TX-NR906, which deliver superior performance and comprehensive features to easily surpass more expensive models from other brands. Both provide state-of-the-art HDMI repeaters for four high definition video sources, the new THX Loudness Plus processing, Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume technologies, HQV Reon-VX video upscaling to 1080p, plus powerful amplifiers, multi-room features, HD Radio, and, on the TX-NR906, advanced networked audio capabilities.

Besides assuring the highest level of performance in even very large rooms (over 3,000 cubic feet), the THX Ultra2 Plus standard incorporates THX Loudness Plus technology. This new processing algorithm compensates for the tonal and spatial shifts that occur when the volume level is reduced below the reference levels that the original soundtrack was mastered for. For instance, by slightly increasing the relative volume of the ambient sound at lower volumes, the impact of movies, music and games is much closer to what the sound engineer originally intended.

Carried over from the earlier TX-SR875 and TX-NR905 is Audyssey MultiEQ XT which uses measurements from as many as eight locations develop a custom-tailored EQ algorithm to ensure ideal performance throughout the listening room. New to the receivers is Audyssey's newly developed Dynamic EQ technology, which makes adjustments to the output on -the-fly to compensate for reduced audibility and balance between front and surround channels, particularly at lower volume levels. Finally, these are among the first products available to include Audyssey's Dynamic Volume technology, which continually monitors input signals and adjusts gain to maintain a consistent output volume regardless of changes in the source signal strength.

The TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 also incorporate one of the most advanced video upconversion processors available — Silicon Image HQV Reon-VX — for clean, highly detailed deinterlacing and scaling to resolutions as high as 1080p via HDMI (1080i via component-video). Its pixel-by-pixel processing and sophisticated noise-reduction algorithms yield sharp, artifact-free images from SD as well as HD sources.

Audio decoding and processing in the TX-NR906 and TX-SR876 is courtesy of three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips. Internal decoding is provided for every major sound format in use today, including the HD and lossless audio codecs included on the latest Blu-Ray discs. All channels have Burr-Brown PCM1796 192-kHz/24-bit DACs, with a TI-developed architecture that enhances jitter tolerance and dynamic performance for the purest possible digital-to-analog conversion of all signals. Onkyo’s own VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) at the outputs removes all traces of digital pulse contamination from the final analog signals.

Conservatively rated at 145 and 140 watts per channel respectively, the TX-NR906 and TX-SR876 A/V receivers have all the muscle necessary to drive any home-theater system to its limits. Onkyo’s low-feedback WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and parallel push-pull topology employs a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit to dramatically reduce distortion at all output levels. The HCPS (high-current power supply) design ensures ample current for any combination of signal and speakers — often twice as much as from competing products, while the video and audio preamplifier circuits each have separate power supplies and transformers for improved noise isolation.

Both receivers offer IR and bidirectional RS-232 ports for system control, 12-volt triggers, and an improved graphical user interface for system setup. Additionally, these are among the first models to include Imaging Science Foundation Certified Calibration Controls (ISFccc), which enable ISF Certified technicians to access and independently adjust the video parameters for each source connected to the receiver, ensuring the highest quality video performance for all material.

The TX-SR876 and, especially, the TX-NR906 are built to work with all the latest A/V sources and formats. Besides being XM and Sirius satellite-radio-ready (including Neural-THX surround for XM HD), both have built-in HD Radio tuners and are fully compatible with Onkyo RI (Remote Interactive) iPod docks. The Windows Vista Certified TX-NR906 also supports portable digital audio devices thanks to a front panel USB connection, as well as streaming audio via rear panel Ethernet port. Ethernet streaming includes files stored on networked PCs and hard drives in a wide range of formats (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis), as well as web-based audio programs via Internet radio, including SIRIUS iRadio and vTuner support. The inclusion of Onkyo’s Music Optimizer function ensures the highest fidelity audio performance from all these digital sources.

The TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 are currently available at suggested retail prices of $1,799 and $2,299, respectively.

ONKYO to Ship Blu-ray Disc Player In Late 2008

New player will work with ONKYO’s high-definition A/V receivers to realize full potential of high-definition media

OSAKA (7/1/08) – ONKYO Corporation has announced that it will release its first Blu-ray Disc Player for the international market in late 2008. This player is designed to partner with Onkyo’s high-definition A/V receivers equipped with full HDMI processing of 1080p video and decoding of Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD™ Master Audio surround sound formats.

Onkyo was among the first home theater manufacturers to offer full audio and video processing capabilities for HD formats such as Blu-ray Disc. The company’s A/V receivers deliver a complete high-definition experience with onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs. The release of this Blu-ray Disc player will be timely given that the second-generation of high-definition-capable Onkyo A/V receivers is now available. Product details and pricing will be announced prior to delivery.

Due to a policy of continuous product improvement, Onkyo reserves the right to change specifications and appearance without notice.

• The HT-S4100 is a 5.1 systems that seems to lack HDMI, has a 200 watt sub and that same iPod dock. $479
• The HT-S3100 sub is powered by the receiver and lacks a dock. $379.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (04/17/08) — Onkyo has introduced three new packaged home theater systems, each consisting of a flexible HDTV-capable audio-video receiver, five or seven surround-sound loudspeakers, powerful subwoofer, and an included iPod docking station on two of the systems. These systems, popularly called HTiB for "Home Theater in a Box," can be combined with a video display, Blu-Ray or DVD player, and cable/satellite TV box to provide a complete home theater surround sound experience.

The 7.1 channel home theater receiver included with top of the line HT-S5100 offers an amazing range of capabilities at such a modest price point. The HT-R560 receiver has three 1080p compatible HDMI inputs and one output. The HDMI Pass-Thru provides optimal video quality with separate connections for the audio channels. For optimum sound quality, the highly regarded Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology automatically adjusts the sound character and time delay of each speaker relative to the listening positions. Additionally, Audyssey's Dynamic EQ adjusts sound on the fly to optimize sound quality for any volume, particularly at low listening levels.

The HT-S5100 includes advanced Dolby and DTS surround sound processing capabilities, a powerful 130-watts per channel using Onkyo's Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), seven loudspeakers with outstanding sound quality, and a powerful 290-watt subwoofer and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready. The HT-S5100 system also includes a new dedicated Onkyo iPod dock and charging station, plus the company's new Music Optimizer technology to enhance the dynamic range of MP3 and AAC files which are normally compressed for headphone playback.

The more affordable Onkyo HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 are 5.1-channel systems with HDTV-capable component video switching, DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing, and five loudspeakers. The HT-S4100 has a 200-watt subwoofer and included iPod dock. The HT-S3100's subwoofer is powered by the receiver, and there is no iPod dock with this system.

All three systems include full-function remote controls, and are available in either black or silver finishes.

The Onkyo HT-S5100, HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 will be available in April with suggested retail prices of $579, $479, and $379 each, respectively.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (03/17/08) — Onkyo has introduced two affordably-priced A/V receivers that deliver a remarkable array of high end features for home theater and multichannel music reproduction. The 80 watt-per-channel TX-SR576 and 75 watt-per-channel TX-SR506 are the lowest priced receivers ever to include the company's Powered Zone 2 capability and front channel bi-amplification features, and are among the first receivers available anywhere to include Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ loudness correction technology. These receivers each include three HDMI inputs, Audyssey 2EQ automatic room correction, and also mark the company's first implementation of its new Music Optimizer software, which improves fidelity for MP3 and AAC encoded digital music sources.

The Onkyo TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 are the first receivers at these price points to include the company's dual-source Powered Zone 2 capability, which allows the receiver's rear surround amplifier channels to power stereo speakers in a second room while still listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone. The receiver is capable of processing separate multichannel and stereo sources simultaneously for the main and second zone, or processing a single source for both. There is also a Zone 2 pre-out that can be used in conjunction with a dedicated zone amplifier or receiver. Finally, for those with premium "biampable" loudspeakers, where the bass and midrange/treble drivers are each driven by separate amplifiers, the rear surround channels can be reconfigured for this more powerful operating mode.

Both receivers are well suited for use with high-definition displays and source components, including 1080p Blu-ray players, HD set-top boxes, and the latest generation of gaming consoles. The TX-SR576 features HDMI 1.2a with single-cable connectivity for audio and video functions, and additional decoding for Dolby Digital Plus high-resolution audio. The TX-SR506 includes HDMI pass-through, which has the ability to transmit 1080p video and Deep-Color™ data, but requires a separate connection for audio signals.

The Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration system featured on the Onkyo TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 receivers employs an included calibration microphone to analyze the system's acoustical output at three positions in the listening area. The receiver sends test signals to each speaker in turn, then uses the inputs from the microphone to adjust channel level and time delay settings for each speaker. By taking readings in three different positions in the theater room, the receiver can be calibrated to the speakers and environment, delivering optimal response throughout the room rather than just at the 'sweet spot' directly in front of the screen.

Additionally, these receivers are among the first products ever to employ Audyssey's Dynamic EQ algorithm, which adds moment-by-moment refinement to the receiver's frequency response and surround levels in order to compensate for volume-dependent deteriorations in the listening experience, particularly at low volume levels. When used in combination with the Audyssey 2EQ system, this feature tailors the receiver's output to correct for room acoustics, listening position, and playback-level distortions, delivering an overall experience that is a much closer match to what the audio production engineers originally intended.

These are the first receivers to implement Onkyo's Music Optimizer technology, which improves the quality of compressed audio such as MP3 and AAC encoded digital music files. While these compressed audio formats sound quite acceptable over small headphones or PC speaker systems, when reproduced on a full-scale home theater system the loss of high-frequency information becomes much more apparent. The Music Optimizer employs sophisticated equalization and optimization algorithms to overcome these faults, and enhances the reproduction quality of digitally compressed music.

For sharp and accurate audio reproduction, both receivers employ 32-bit DSP processing and 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters on all channels. Each includes 7.1-channel surround processing for Dolby Digital EX, Dolby ProLogic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6. The receivers also include a user-selectable eight-setting subwoofer crossover adjustment for ideal integration of any subwoofer/satellite speaker system.

Both receivers are designed to take complete advantage of the company's RI (Remote Interactive) iPod dock/charger models. The receivers include preprogrammed RI-compatible remote controls, and are available in either black or silver finishes.

The Onkyo TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 will be available in April at suggested retail prices of $479 and $379 each, respectively.

In my recent research into the two sides of the format war, I have tried hard to steer clear of marketing mumbo jumbo on both sides, and examine real issues. As I shared in The State of Blu-ray, there's growing disarray among Blu-ray's hardware makers and confusion about hardware versions and player capabilities. HD DVD has by contrast proven to be surprisingly elegant—at the moment best demonstrated by comparing both versions of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. There's far less confusion and potential backstabbing, but that is to be expected: There are only two household names leading the charge on the hardware side, Toshiba and Microsoft, and they are not engaged in any sort of infighting. Toshiba was one of the companies most involved with the original DVD patents, and creating HD DVD as a blue-laser extension of DVD made good business sense, though not to Sony and others who were left out of that revenue stream. Regardless of its strong roots, HD DVD is run by a smaller posse with less overall reach, so keeping things clear and tight amounts to a survival tactic.

HD DVD has three things going for it that Blu-ray doesn't:
1. Players at lower prices
There's no doubt that price is the deciding factor in an embarrassing number of consumer-electronics purchases, and HD DVD—Toshiba's players—have been priced lower than Blu-ray players from Sony, Samsung, Pioneer and others. At the beginning of November, Wal-Mart dropped the entry-level Toshiba to $99 and apparently sold around 90,000.
2. A finished spec with fully compatible players
Whereas Blu-ray bewilders me with future capability promises and current competing standards, the HD DVD spec is by contrast remarkably sound. Every player meets certain standards, and while there's no requirement for 1080p video like in Blu-ray, there is a consistent requirement of internet connectivity, dual-tuner playback and local storage, which disc makers are now using for fun—and useful—interactivity. It is also becoming typical for combo discs to be released with DVD on one side and HD DVD on the other, making them eminently more compatible. (Blu-ray can't do this.)
3. Coalition members who are not in direct competition
It's easy for the HD DVD camp to work together, since there are very few who have traditionally competed in the marketplace. Because of pricing and product positioning, Toshiba and Microsoft don't vie for the same customers at all. And as others begin to market HD DVD players of their own, they approach different customers in different ways. Of course, you could argue that competition among Blu-ray's supporters is a good thing, but it has not yet led to the holy grail of competition: discounted pricing.

Who is joining HD DVD?
Many people can name five hardware partners in the Blu-ray camp (Hint: if they start with P or S, they're in). Nobody knows who else is getting into HD DVD besides its main founders, Toshiba and Microsoft, but in fact, other HD DVD players are already starting to hit the market. Here are three key players:
• Onkyo DV-HD805 ($900): distingushing characteristics include a Silicon Optix HQV Reon VX processor for upscaling old-school DVD content, and internal support for Dolby True HD and DTS Master HD Audio for natively outputting full-resolution sound. It's certainly a tweaker's special, and only makes sense if your speakers cost much much more.
• Samsung BD-UP5000 Duo ($800): Since this upcoming device
famously has stated support for Blu-ray discs that Sony and Pioneer won't be able to play, it's easy to forget that it's also billed as a fully compliant HD DVD player. But the reviews say it's a winner in both arenas.
• Venturer SHD7000 player ($200): Who? Exactly. That's what they said about Apex Digital when it came out with the super cheap DVD player. Venturer is living up to its name as the first cheap Chinese player to infiltrate American retailers but signs say it will not be the last.

What about Microsoft?
Microsoft's role in HD DVD may seem a bit mysterious. Besides selling the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on drive, Microsoft helped write the HD DVD video spec, including VC-1 compression. It also licenses the HDi runtime engine, developed with Toshiba, that enables interactivity on Toshiba players and those of other licensees. HD DVD players don't have to have HDi, but at the moment, it's obviously the software with the most momentum. And software is the key to HD DVD's current successes.

Toshiba's HD-A1 and HD-XA1 players, rolled out first in the spring of 2006, were based on a 2.4GHz Pentium PC architecture, in other words, real hogs. The second generation players were moving on a 900MHz Celeron, and the third-generation HD-A3 has a 333MHz MIPS chip. The funny thing is, menus move quicker on the much more affordable third gen, because of Microsoft's improvements on the back end.

In a tear-down evaluation, industrial analyst iSuppli determined that the components of that first $599 Toshiba player actually cost the maker $674 before manufacturing, accessories and packaging. Though neither Microsoft nor Toshiba would acknowledge any losses, Kevin Collins, head of HD DVD promotion for Microsoft, said, "I don't know if they are losing money or breaking even," adding, "We work together to minimize cost." Jodi Sally, VP of marketing at Toshiba America Consumer Products, echoed: "All of this speculation that we're losing money is just speculation," she said. Working with Microsoft, "we've transitioned our lines three times to lower costs. I can't comment on profitability, but we have increased cost production and efficiency."

So whether you are using a Toshiba player or an Xbox 360, you are watching HD DVDs using a hardware/operating-system combo developed in large part by Microsoft. Given the fact that Microsoft isn't always known for stable and intuitive user experiences, it is even more amusing to see Blu-ray and HD DVD side by side.

Compare One Movie on Both Formats
When I compared Warner's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix discs, the Blu-ray edition in a PS3 and the HD DVD in an Xbox 360, the differences were startling. Never mind that the HD DVD has an entire online component that the Blu-ray can't yet implement, with features such as mobile downloads and user-organized live screenings. Never mind that you could watch the entire HD DVD with pop-up actor-commentary windows on screen—if Warner had implemented this in the Harry Potter Blu-ray, it would have been compatible with exactly one currently shipping Blu-ray player.

The surprising thing was, even when you compared the exact same experiences, the HD DVD behaved much better. Every so often an icon appears in the top left corner of the screen, indicating a behind-the-scenes featurette about that particular scene. On the HD DVD, you click it, watch what you want to, then click Enter again to return to the point you left off in the main movie. With the Blu-ray, the system had no way of returning you to the movie; it could only dump you in the featurette menu, where you were stuck watching more of those. Sure, these problems could be Warner's programmers, and not a format issue, but Warner is going for as similar an experience on both, and it clearly can't do everything on Blu-ray that it can on HD DVD. Just have a look at the back of each disc:

The difference is still less subtle when comparing the two editions of 300:

As I discussed previously, Blu-ray has specifications for picture-in-picture, but to date, only one Blu-ray player that has shipped, the Panasonic DMP-BD30, will be able to handle the discs when they start making their way to stores in early 2008. Except for some rumblings from Daewoo, nobody has promised an internet-connected Blu-ray player, while all HD DVD players can. (Samsung's hybrid BD-UP5000 Duo has Ethernet, but only for HD DVD.)

The Hollywood Factor
Studio support was once Blu-ray's ace in the hole—none of this technical crap matters when the movies you want to watch aren't available in a given format—but ever since Paramount and DreamWorks announced exclusive publishing on HD DVD, even Sony chairman Howard Stringer feels a bit shaken. (Fox, Disney, Sony and others are still Blu-ray stalwarts of course.) Some say there's dirty dealing afoot, specifically alleging that Microsoft and the HD DVD group paid $150 million or so to Paramount and DreamWorks to go exclusive. When Michael Bay made these bribery accusations again the other day, along with the accusation that Microsoft was using HD DVD to destabilize Blu-ray in favor of downloads, Jordi Ribas, GM of the HD DVD Group at Microsoft responded:

Microsoft provided no financial incentives to Paramount or DreamWorks. Michael Bay's additional comments about our commitment to HD DVD are similarly unfounded. We have major technology investments in HD DVD...and have more than 100 staff at Microsoft dedicated to the success of HD DVD.

The not-so-secret secret is that a CH-DVD player is an HD DVD player whose laser is set at a different modulation. While you could never play an HD DVD on a CH-DVD player, it is physically more or less the same product. Manufacturing can happen side by side, using the same components such as processors and optical pick-ups.

The funny thing is, HD DVD is known to be region-free—discs from one country can play in HD DVD players from another country. Many discs available on Blu-ray in the US are available on HD DVD elsewhere, making for a higher chance of piracy or at least quasi-legal trade. In our mind, CH-DVD can be an answer to that, an anti-piracy measure coming from a root technological difference. "I guess you could call it a region control," said Collins, "but the Chinese just want to have their own format." Whether this separate-but-equal policy helps the format burgeon, or whether rampant piracy itself is a sign of a healthy format, is for us all to find out.

The upshot of CH-DVD is that, if and when the time is right, China could flood the US market with cheap HD DVD players. Meanwhile, because of this deal, the likelihood of a similar Blu-ray flood gets slimmer. The Venturer is here; keep your eyes peeled at Wal-Mart, Target and other discount big boxes for the next models.

Does the China threat faze Toshiba? It's nice being the one in the spotlight, but Toshiba is well aware that it will soon share the stage with competitors. "There's always a business for a Tier 1 brand in HD DVD players the way there is with DVD players," says Sally. Increased competition will come at the higher end, with combo players from Samsung, LG and possibly Denon, and the premium Onkyo I mentioned above. All of this is good news to Toshiba. Sally adds, "Increasing household penetration of HD DVD players is good overall for the format and for the software [movie] sales."

Black Friday Stalemate
On Black Friday 2007, both the Blu-ray and HD DVD camps released numbers saying they were the overwhelming winner. HD DVD announced it had reached 750,000 in total home penetration (including the Xbox 360 drive). Blu-ray said that it had 2.4 million homes, presumably including PS3. Microsoft argues that all Xbox 360 HD DVD drive purchasers are using them to play HD DVD movies, while not all PS3 buyers are using the game system to play Blu-ray discs. While this is obviously true, there is only unreliable guess work to determine exactly how successful the PS3's Blu-ray drive actually is.

The point is, the format war is far from over, and it's wrong to write off HD DVD now just because it has fewer major japanese manufacturing giants 100% behind it. There's still some time before this whole thing shakes out, but because of the organization and proper planning of the HD DVD camp, Blu-ray no longer looks anything like the predestined victor that it once seemed.

The upscaling duty will be handled by Silicon Optix's HQV Reon VX processor and the onboard sound will support Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio. If this sounds familiar, it's because the same technology resides in the Toshiba HD-XA2. Though Onkyo has said they'll manufacture both HD DVD and Blu-Ray players, this is their first foray into either market. The DV-HD805 is set to release this fall for $899. [Onkyo]

With almost every imaginable input, output and sound/video enhancement option, this ultimate receiver and video switching center is not going to be cheap, shipping in late July for $2692. Four HDMI inputs? Wow. We could think of lots of things to plug into that. Downside? This is looking like a Japan-only product. But not to worry. There's one that's a whole lot like it, the Onkyo TX-NR905, shipping in August here in the US.

Onkyo DTX-8.8 [A/V Buzz, via Akihabara News]

Behind the Scenes at Onkyo [What Hi-Fi via Format War Central]

If you're wondering what's sitting on top of the T-4555P...

it's Onkyo's DV-SP405, a DVD player that'll upconvert your standard DVDs to 1080p via HDMI. It's slated to come out in July for $149, which is nothing revolutionary, but nicely priced nonetheless. – Louis Ramirez

Onkyo USA