What to do if you want to see your media center PC in HD on your TV, but the TV has no computer input, and the computer, just a VGA output? In years gone by that would have required an expensive transcoding / scaling solution, but technology never slows down. Altona Technologies has come to your rescue with it's new ATI-HDVieW.

The ATI-HDVieW takes a VGA in with an HD-15 connector, and outputs beautiful HDMI in resolutions up to 1080p. “What about the audio?”, you say. Well Altona has that one covered too. You can plug in the headphone jack, and it will convert the analog audio to digital and imbed it with the HDMI for your TV.

In auto mode, it detects the EDID from your TV and adjust it's resolution accordingly, so your TV gets the best signal it is capable of reproducing, up to and including 1080p. If you'd rather choose your own resolution, you can choose between

From your computer, the unit accepts up to 1900 x 1200.

The device is powered from your computer's HDMI port, so it requires no external power supply. Speaking of external power supplies, it is about the size of your laptop's power supply and weighs in at half a pound, so can stuff into your laptop bag. The price for all this technology? A mere $119.95.

Does that mean you'll be able to watch Tiger Woods strut around the fairway, resplendent in 3D glory? Well, that depends on weather he will play the event or not. Comcast's Derek Harrar posted on his blog yesterday: “This event will mark a series of industry firsts - the first live next-generation 3D broadcast of a major sporting event on TV, the first live simulcast of a next-gen 3D event online, and the industry's first live multi-camera next-gen 3D production “

DirecTV was thought to have beaten Comcast to the 3D punch with their announcement last month that they would be launching 3 new, dedicated 3D channels in June of this year. You can see those sweating execs sitting around the boardroom table now...

TV giants Panasonic and Samsung recently debuted their 1st generation 3D TV's to the public. With the runaway success of feature films like Avatar, the recent announcement of a codified 3D spec for Blu-Ray discs, HDMI 1.4, and now, major sporting events being broadcast in 3D, there might be enough imputus for 3D to really take off.

“DIRECTV Cinema strives to deliver the highest-quality movie experience by offering unique content that is above-and-beyond what consumers find on the usual pay-per-view platform, DIRECTV is thrilled to continue raising the bar with Pirate Radio, by offering it to our customers more than a month before the film’s DVD release. We will continue to deliver an unmatched in-home movie experience that can only be found on DIRECTV.”

The traditional release date s for films could get muddled, as studios and other content providers cut special deals with service providers. It is another revenue stream for the studios, as they can command additional revenue for the privilege of  allowing an exclusive early release. This trend will continue.

One long awaited feature that will sure to have installers dancing in the streets is that the programming can now be done and more importantly, stored on a PC. No more programming all system keypads manually. Now a programmer merely has to define the system in software, then tell the keypads  which loads to control. Scenes can be created for keypad buttons as well, an easy process to do with the PC.

Since the system can be programmed on a PC, should something catastrophic happen and the system need to be reprogrammed, it is a very simple matter to do so. It is also far easier and faster to make any changes the client may desire.

One of the limitations of the old Radio RA system was the system max of 32 dimmers and/or switches in the system, Two systems could be bridged to  control 64 dimmers or switches, but it was expensive top do it this way. Now the 32 limitation has been dome away with. The system comes with either a 100 or 200 dimmer /switch limitation, so it will work in all but the very largest projects.

The RA2 is much more capable than the previous iteration. If you or the client needs to have custom conditional programming done, it still requires a tep up to the RAs's bigger sibling, Homeworks, which also has a wireless version.

Contact your authorized Lutron dealer for more information on the new Radio RA2 wireless lighting control system.

Their press release is as follows:

 "

HDMI LICENSING, LLC RELEASES HDMI SPECIFICATION VERSION 1.4A

Latest Version Specifies Mandatory 3D Formats For Broadcast Content

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 4, 2010 – HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI®) specification, today announced, on behalf of the HDMI Founders, the release of HDMI Specification Version 1.4a featuring key enhancements for 3D applications including the addition of mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content as well as the addition of the 3D format referred to as Top-and-Bottom. The complete HDMI Specification Version 1.4a, along with the 1.4a version of the Compliance Test Specification (CTS), is available to Adopters on the HDMI Adopter Extranet.

An extraction of the 3D portion of Specification Version 1.4a is available for public download on the HDMI Web site at http://www.hdmi.org. The purpose of the extraction document is to provide public access to the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification for those companies and organizations that are not HDMI Adopters but require access to this portion of the Specification.

"We published these latest enhancements to support the market need for broadcast 3D content," said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. "When we launched 1.4 in June of 2009, we deferred the selection of mandatory 3D format(s) for broadcast content until the market direction was more clearly defined. The market has spoken and the HDMI Consortium has listened and responded to accommodate those market needs."

The latest HDMI Specification adds key enhancements to support the market requirements for bringing broadcast 3D content into the home:

1. The addition of Top-and-Bottom to the Specification.
2. The addition of two mandatory formats for broadcast content:
   • Side-by-Side Horizontal
   • Top-and-Bottom

With the addition of these two mandatory formats, the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a provides a level of interoperability for devices designed to deliver 3D content over the HDMI connection. The mandatory 3D formats are:

3D Mandatory Formats

• For movie content:
  • Frame Packing
    • 1080p @ 23.98/24Hz
• For game content:
  • Frame Packing
    • 720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
• For broadcast content:
  • Side-by-Side Horizontal
    
    • 1080i @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
  • Top-and-Bottom
    • 720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
    • 1080p @ 23.97/24Hz

Implementing the mandatory formats of the HDMI Specification facilitates interoperability among devices, allowing devices to speak a common 3D language when transmitting and receiving 3D content. The mandatory requirements for devices implementing 3D formats are:

• Displays – must support all mandatory formats.
• Sources – must support at least one mandatory format.
• Repeaters - must be able to pass through all mandatory formats.

HDMI Adopters will have 90 days from the publication of the Specification Version 1.4a to build and sell products that are compliant with 1.4a as well as pass the CTS Version 1.4a. This also applies to legacy set-top boxes that may have upgraded to use Specification Version 1.4 signaling.

For more information about the HDMI specification please visit http://www.hdmi.org.

About HDMI Licensing, LLC

HDMI Licensing, LLC is the agent responsible for licensing the HDMI specification, promoting the HDMI standard and providing education on the benefits of the HDMI specification to Adopters, retailers and consumers. The HDMI specification was developed by Hitachi, Ltd.; Panasonic Corporation; Philips Consumer Electronics International, B.V.; Silicon Image, Inc.; Sony Corporation; Technicolor S.A. (formerly Thomson S.A.) and Toshiba Corporation as the all-digital interface standard for the consumer electronics and personal computer markets. The HDMI specification combines uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio, and data in a single digital interface to provide crystal-clear digital quality over a single cable. HDMI Licensing, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Image, Inc. For more information about the HDMI specification, please visit www.hdmi.org.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the market need for broadcast 3D content, the ability of the latest version of the HDMI specification to address this perceived market need and the current and anticipated features, functionality and benefits of the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the risk that the mandatory 3D formats included in the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a will not address the perceived market need for broadcast 3D content as well as the risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Silicon Image’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These risks and uncertainties could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Silicon Image assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the Unites States and/or other countries.

# # #"

 TiVO has released their new Premier and Premier XL DVRs. For those of you who wanted a TiVO, but couldn't abide by the 20hrs of HD recording time on the regular HD TiVO, the new premier has you covered with an increase to 45 hrs. The Premier XL stays with the HD XL's 150 hours, which should be enough for even the most die hard user.

As you can see from the GUI shot above, it is an improved version of TiVOs well regarded interface, but  even greater functionality. Online content can now be integrated into the TiVO menu, so that your content is all found the same way, in the same interface, no matter the source.

The new TiVO has not only a new, slimmer design, but inside it boasts a faster processor to allow all this new gegaw stuff to work, and do it even faster than before. Yes, the GUI is rendered in full HD, so it looks better and is easy to see all the details in. It has a live video window, so you can keep track of what you were watching while you search for new programming.

It supports both 1080i and 1080p through the HDMI output so when 1080p content is there, you'll be ready for it. All the Blockbuster Online, Amazon Unboxed, and YouTube content functionality is still there, and you can pull content from your computer too.

The 150 hr Premier XL is THX certified and retails for $499 when it hits shelves in a few days, while the 45 hr Premier model will come in at $299.

The Good:

This projector wasn't perfect, but it definitely had some strong points, and dramatically demonstrates why you can't put too much stock in certain specifications when evaluating home theater gear. To wit, the brightness figure given for the Cine LED is but 600 ANSI lumens. In a day when any home theater projector worth it's salt claims at least 800 lumens, with many hitting two or three times that, you could be forgiven for thinking the Cine-M LED would be nigh on unwatchable. If you were to make that decision based on the numbers from the spec sheet alone, you'd be depriving yourself of a very satisfying viewing experience.

In a conversation with Joe Kane last summer he indicated that I shouldn't be too quick to judge his latest masterpiece based upon the relatively low light level. He claimed the image quality and perceived brightness would belie the notion that the picture would not be bright enough.

He was right on the money then, and it is much the same with this new unit from DPI. It was definitely plenty bright enough on the 45 x 80in, matte white screen I was watching on. I did have the luxury of a totally light controlled environment, but even when some overhead lights were turned up to about 30%, the picture was still watchable for casual viewing.

Based upon my (alll too) brief, un-instrumented viewing session, I would have to say that the DPI's new baby gives one of the most broad and accurate color palettes I've seen from an DLP projector at any price point. The color rendition was simply fantastic.

I have always been a big fan of 3-chip DLP projectors, but their high price has kept them out of the theaters of all but the most well-heeled enthusiasts. With this new piece, you can get that rainbow free, deep, film-like image for about ½ the price you'd pay for a 3-chip, 1080p projector. I watched for about half an hour and saw nary a hint of any sort of rainbow, as I typically would with even the best color wheel single chip projectors. There were no other appreciable artifacts either, based upon the program material I was watching. I did not, however, que up any torture test material, such as the Silicon Optix test disc for a more thorough evaluation.

From an economic standpoint this projector is about $15,000, although that number is a bit misleading. You see, with most projectors, there is the slight matter of a bulb replacement every 2,000 hours or so, with some stretching that figure to 3,000. When bulb replacement time comes, get ready for a $500 - $700 bill if your friendly custom installer has to come out for a visit. The LED light engine in this unit lasts for around 60,000 hours. If you'd ever even use your projector for 60,000, you'd save approximately the cost of the projector in bulb replacements, not to mention the embarrassment of having the bulb warning message come on the screen at the start of your Superbowl party.

The Not Quite as Good:

I couldn't go so far as to call this the bad, but I did see a hint of video noise in the picture at times, notably in one scene from Harry Potter, before the cake falls on the woman's head, but wasn't sure if that was from the BluRay or some other artifact that would be there in any other projector. When I get one of the reference projectors back up, I'll be sure to take note of the scene to see if it returns. Check back for an update.

One area projectors have made tremendous strides in the past few years is noise. Just a few years ago, it was completely normal to be able to pick out the noise of even the quietest projectors during soft passages of a show. Now that offending behavior has been almost completely banished, and it's great to be rid of it. The Cine-M LED though, still has a hint of noise emanating from it's charcoal gray hull. It's not overly noticeable, even when directly below it, but neither is it almost nonexistent, as with the latest projectors from the likes of JVC, Planar, Optima, and Runco.

Call it a Wrap:

All in all this one of my new favorite projectors, and if it is a hint of what's to come from LED, there will be happy days in home theater land ahead.

Here is the release from WM, dated today:

"Walmart announced today a definitive agreement to acquire VUDU, Inc., a leading provider of digital technologies and services that enable the delivery of entertainment content directly to broadband high-definition TVs and Blu-ray players. The deal is expected to close within the next few weeks.
VUDU is a revolutionary service, built into a growing number of broadband-ready TVs and Blu-ray players, that delivers instant access to thousands of movies and TV shows directly through the television. Customers with broadband Internet access and an Internet-ready TV or Blu-ray player can rent or purchase movies, typically in high-definition, without needing a connected computer or cable/satellite service. New movies and features will be added continually, enabling customers to enjoy a product that continues to become more robust long after they have left the store.
"The real winner here is the customer," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman for Walmart. "Combining VUDU's unique digital technology and service with Walmart's retail expertise and scale will provide customers with unprecedented access to home entertainment options as they migrate to a digital environment."
VUDU has licensing agreements with almost every major movie studio and dozens of independent and international distributors to offer approximately 16,000 movies, including the largest 1080p library of video on-demand movies available anywhere. Via their broadband Internet connection, users have the ability to rent or buy titles and begin viewing them instantly."

We can only watch to see what Walmart will do next in the CE space, and to see how the acquisition affects Vudu going forward.

Since Apple's new touch panel retails for under $900 in its most expensive version, and considerably less than that for lower models, it gives users an unprecedented amount of control for very little investment.

The Crestron App to make all this happen is available now from the iTunes app store in two versions, regular and PRO.

ATI, who designs and manufacturers surround processors under it's own name, and OEMs them for other companies, including leading control systems manufacturer Crestron. Audioaccess has been one of the oldest pure custom oriented brands, having been founded by industry pioneer Chris Stevens way back in 1987 (hey, that's a heck of a long time ago in the custom installation industry).

AudioAccess was sold by Stevens to Harman in 1993. After being acquired by Harman, Stevens was made president of Harman America. In 2003 Harman transferred design, engineering, and product management of AudioAccess to JBL.

AudioAccess was an early leader in easy to use, keypad controlled multi-room, multi-zone distributed audio systems for the custom installation industry, with (for the time) cutting edge products, such as the PX-4, PX-6, MRX, and PX-600. The hallmark of their system was a very easy to use, 8 button keypads, that any homeowner could master with ease. They became known by custom installers as a system that would make customers happy and perhaps more important, not break.

After leading the industry for years, AudioAccess didn't change to accommodate new sources such as hard drive based music servers. This, and increasing competition in the multi-zone audio space from companies such as Crestron, Russound, Xantech, and Elan caused their fall from the top of the heap. In recent years, AudioAccess has tried to climb back to the top, releasing more advanced control interfaces, such as touch screens, more advanced controllers, and even an iPOD dock (a must have in the industry today, as consumers can't seem to get enough of trading sound quality for convenience)

ATI will keep AudioAccess as an entirely separate division, as it has with Theta. They did not release any information on their future plans for the AudioAccess line. The new addition is highly complementary to ATI's existing products, however.

The other problem was the eroding profit margins in consumer electronics. It is no secret that profit margins, especially on video products, have been squeezed to the point where many businesses no longer make enough profit selling them to justify doing so.

What will end up happening is that, in seeking ever lower prices, American consumers will be forced to shop for complex products in the places that are the least equipped to ensure said products are properly selected and set up. It is a shame, but there is a price to be paid for always seeking the absolute lowest price. In reality it isn't always the lowest. There is a cost to be paid. The experience you end up getting may well be commensurate with the price.

Here are some examples of what retailers will be offering for TV specials this year:

Walmart -

37-inch 1080p Sanyo LCD TV - $448, 55-inch 1080P Vizio $1,298

Target -

55-inch 1080P Vizio $ 1,299, 47-inch Philips 1080p 120Hz LCD $848,

42-inch 1080p Magnavox LCD $499

Best Buy - 

Samsung 46-inch, 120Hz LED LCD UN46B6000VF (with free BDP-1600 BluRay player) $1,600

If you're lamenting the Black Friday sales you missed, and are looking for a chance to snag a new flat panel before the NFL's biggest game, you still have a few days left.