Crave: The gadget blog
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Home video
Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:15:00 PST
Denon debuts universal disc player
(Credit: Akibahara News)
Looks like Denon has beaten Oppo in launching what could be the world's first player that spins Blu-ray, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and CD.
The new Denon DVD-A1UD is not only a "true" universal player, it's also fully equipped to unlock the full potential ...
Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:15:00 PST
HD streaming added to Netflix-compatible Samsung Blu-ray decks
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
As expected, Samsung has added support for HD streaming of Netflix video to its BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 players. The upgrade is available as a free firmware update (players should automatically prompt users to install the software update, or DIYers can download it from Samsung's support site ...
Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:31:00 PST
PS3 firmware update enables full-screen flash video
Sony issued firmware upgrade 2.53 for the PlayStation 3 Tuesday, enabling full-screen flash video playback.
Full-screen flash video for the browser might seem like a minor upgrade, but it's been a highly desired feature for those who use their PS3s for online video services like Hulu and YouTube. We also noticed that the new flash upgrade enabled us to select the "480p" option in Hulu, which provides a significantly better image quality, especially on a big-screen HDTV.
The full-screen and 480p options are nice, but we couldn't help but notice that simply watching full-screen Hulu on our laptop looked better. While the resolution looked pretty close between the two screens, motion on the PS3 looked significantly worse, with dropped frames. For comparison, motion was completely fluid and natural on our laptop in full-screen mode--and that was with a wireless connection (the PS3 was wired).
Once we took Hulu out of full-screen mode on the PS3, motion was handled about as well as on the laptop and we were able to manually zoom the screen to get full-screen playback without the motion issues. We're not sure what's holding back flawless full-screen flash video playback in the browser, but given the PS3's powerful processor, we expect more.
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Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:00:00 PST
HDMI-over-powerline system works, but can't match an actual cable
 The Acoustic Research HDP100 transmits HDMI signals over your home's AC power lines. (Credit: CNET)"...
Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:58:00 PST
It's really official this time: Sling.com launches to the public
 The player and page for Arrested Development on Sling.com. (Credit: CNET)
Last week, we reported that Sling.com, the streaming site of Slingbox maker Sling Media, was moving from the private beta phase and launching to the public. Well, that move is now official, as Sling has sent the ...
Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:38:00 PST
Program your DVR from the road with TiVo Mobile
(Credit: TiVo)TiVo is launching a cell phone-friendly Web site that will allow users to search programming and set their TiVo DVRs remotely. TiVo Mobile will be a free service available "with any Internet-enabled phone through any network, regardless of carrier," according to the company. Any user will have access ...
Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:49:00 PST
Blockbuster goes on-demand with new set-top box
(Credit: Blockbuster/2Wire)When 2Wire introduced its MediaPoint set-top box just two weeks ago, we told you that "it'll be a matter of weeks--if not days--before you see a yet-to-be-named service provider offering its own version of the MediaPoint, possibly at a sub-$100 price point." The curtain has been pulled back, and that initial provider turns out to be Blockbuster Video. For a limited time, the once-dominant movie rental chain is offering its version of the MediaPoint box for just $99, which includes a credit for 25 movies--effectively making it free.
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Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:03:00 PST
Roundup: IR-to-Bluetooth converters that let you control your PS3 with a universal remote
 The IR2BTci got the highest rating in our roundup, but it's probably overkill for most users.
The Sony PlayStation 3 is a game console first, but its Blu-ray playback also makes it one of the most popular home theater devices on the market. The only problem is that ...
Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:00:00 PST
Neuros Link: Watch what's on your PC on your TV
With so many broadcast networks making their content available via the Internet, you may find yourself catching up with shows on your PC more often than on your television. But now there's a product that lets you stream that same PC content directly to your TV.
The Neuros Link ...
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:38:00 PST
Fully Equipped: When will we see the $99 Blu-ray player?
 Memorex: Leading the cheap Blu-ray charge. (Credit: Buy.com)We've been keeping an eye on prices for Blu-ray players and it appears that a handful of budget brand models are starting to crack the $150 barrier. The other day Woot.com had the Memorex MVBD2510 player at $139.99 ...
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:34:00 PST
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