Panasonic HDC-SD5
This is not your father's tape based, shoulder mounted camcorder. Panasonic's HDC-SD5 is a full HD 1920 x 1080 shooter with what they say is the "smallest "3CCD HD Camera" which weighs in at a ridiculous .75lbs. The extreme portability is possible with the use of SD/SDHC media which can store up to 180 minutes of HD footage on a 8 GB card. Available September. [$1000]
Sony ES STR-DA5300ES A/V Receiver
With everything going hi-def these days, you're going to need a very capable A/V receiver to handle all your gear. Sony's ES STRDA5300ES has six HDMI inputs for all your HD components which all use "Active Intelligence" which Sony says picks up the best audio and video signals from your equipment. You also get 1080P upscaling, a Sirius/XM tuner, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD support, and a digital media port for hooking up accessories such as an iPod. [$1700]
TiVo HD
Tivo's got a new set top for you guys who can't get enough DVR. The box is launching with a 160GB hard drive which is enough room for 20 hours of HD video/180 hours of Standard Definition programming and features two cable card slots, storage expansion via eSATA, and 720p/1080i output. [$300]
Infocus Play Big IN82
You could easily drop 5 grand on a spiffy new flat screen tv, or you could spend that cash on a true cinematic experience with Infocus's new Play Big IN82 projector. The IN82 is a full 1080p high-def resolution projector with upto a 12000:1 contrast ratio and HDMI 1.3a for the best possible viewing of your hd content. [$5499]
Alienware Hangar18
If you ever wished that you could easily spec out your Tivo with every bell and whistle on the shelf, Alienware's Hangar18 just might be for you. The Hangar18 comes standard with a 250GB hard drive, Stereo Receiver w/ 1000 Watt Amp, 720p HDMI output, WiFi & Bluetooth, Multi-Card Reader, Gyration Mouse/Remote, and a slot loading DVD/CD Player and Burner. For the power hungry, you can option out up to 2TBs of storage, 1080 HDMI out, up to 4GB of ram, and up to 4 TV tuners [$1,999]
Sony Bravia KDL-46V3000 and Internet Video Link
Sony recently announced their Bravia KDL-46V3000 46 inch LCD which supports the full 1080p resolution for hi-def video viewing and includes a built in capability of upscaling 480p video into HD. This model is also compatible with the optional Internet Video Link that enables access to High-Def content streaming over the web. Bravia 46' V-Series LCD [$TBD] Internet Video Link [$300]
JVC Sophisti DD-8
JVC's Sophisti is a versatile home theater in a box kit that doesn't just add a quick surround sound system to your current setup, it is also capable of streaming all your music, photos, and video from your PC via Wifi or ethernet cable. Other features include USB drive access, Front Surround, and 720p upconversion for your DVDs. [$2000]
Pioneer VSX-1017TXV A/V Receiver
Pioneer's VSX-1017TXV should have enough inputs for all your video and audio gear and with THX Select 2 certification, its delivers big sound in a variety of sound processing formats. You also get a Sirius/XM tuner, and its iPod friendly with the optional dock that lets you plug in your iPod directly to view all your digital music and video. [$TBD]
Nikko R2-D2 Mobile Entertainment System
Nikko's R2-D2 M.E.S doesn't fly or help you navigate your X-Wing, but we don't think you'll be letdown by this R2's features. The R2-D2 M.E.S (Mobile Entertainment System) is a fully featured Home Entertainment System that can play all your movies and music via its built in projector and surround sound speakers, and it can dock your iPod too. You can even control R2's movement and play back R2's famous sound effects by using the included Millenium Falcon remote. [$TBD]
Apple TV
Now that there's an iPod in just about everyone's pocket, Apple now wants to take over your living room. Apple TV is a wireless media streaming device that takes your video, music, and photos anywhere in your house. Using the Apple Remote, your media is accessed through a simple user interface where you can view media from upto five computers. Features include HDMI, Component Video, 802.11b+g+n, and a 40GB Hard Drive. [$299]
LG BH100 Dual Format Blu Ray and HD-DVD Player
When it seemed like there was no end in sight to the Bluray/HD-DVD format war, LG jumps into the mix and throws down their LG BH100 that plays both formats as well as upconverting your current dvd titles to 1080p. Now we finally can sit back, relax and enjoy HD titles without worrying which one will turn into the next Betamax. [$1,199]
JVC DLA-HD1 Projector
The JVC DLA-HD1 is a 1080i HD projector with the current highest contrast ratio in the industry at 15,000:1, so you get a stunningly bright image with great black reproduction. While all of that will make your movies look amazing, we'd rather hook it up to a Wii for an intense Wii Sports marathon. [$6,299]
OPPO DV-981HD 1080p Upconverting DVD Player
It will be awhile before we find out who wins the hd-dvd/bluray war, so if you've been eager to take advantage of your new 1080p display, OPPO digital has just the thing. The OPPO DV-981HD will upconvert your dvd library to 1080p resolution and supports HDMI for the clearest picture possible. [$229]
