Freesat launch date

The Freesat service from the BBC and ITV is scheduled to launch in "early May" according to their customer service representatives. When pushed for an exact date, they were not forthcoming and stuck to early May as the nearest they could give.

The Freesat satellite service will be the first fully packaged HDTV broadcast available in the UK without any monthly subscription costs. The Hig h Definition (HD) content will be broadcast alongside a range of standard definition channels.

It is currently possible to use a high definition satellite receiver to view a number of HD channels, but until Freesat is launched, free HD channels are likely to remain outside the scope of most viewers.

The Freesat package is set to include a number of broadcast channels, as well as a range of receiver equipment and installation options.

BBC and ITV to launch free satellite HD service

BBC and ITV are set to launch a free satellite service, offering both standard and High Definition (HD) channels this spring.

To receive this new HD service, you will need a satellite dish, HD satellite receiver box, cables and an HD-Ready television.

This will be the first subscription-free service offering the High Definition quality to the UK and promises to cover 98% of households.

Pre-launch details of the equipment costs are a bit sketchy, but expect to pay around £180 for the HD receiver box and £50 for installation. There will also be the option of a standard definition-only receiver box, as well as an HD receiver plus personal recorder system.

The best thing is that there will be no monthly subscription fees to pay - once you have bought and installed the system, there are no ongoing costs. This promises to be a serious rival to the HD channels offered by the bSkyb Sky HD Services that are available via an initial payment for HD equipment and a premium monthly subscription cost.

From the lack of pre-launch promotion on both BBC and ITV, it seems as though there are still a few issues to be resolved, but we expect that the launch will be accompanied by a fanfare of publicity.

One whisper is that a launch date of May the 5th is planned, but the Freesat people are still a bit vague and are still saying that it will be in Spring 2008.

Likewise, availability of the satellite receiver equipment is still a little secretive in the pre-launch phase, with none of the retailers that will provide the HD receivers actually promoting the gear as yet.

It seems that we may have to wait a couple of weeks for the full picture to emerge, but we at hdtvexpert.co.uk expect that when the Freesat service launches, both the BBC and ITV will do everything in their power to make it known to all.

SHARP announces AQUOS X - the world's thinnest LCD TV

Sharp's new AQUOS X series LCD TVs will be available in Europe from September 2008. Recently launched in Japan, the world’s thinnest LCD televisions in production, the AQUOS X series TVs, will be fully compatible with European market standards and connection regulations. The extremely thin Full HD LCD TVs come in screen sizes of 37, 42 and 46 inches (94 to 117cm) and will be formally revealed to the European market at this year’s IFA, Europe’s largest consumer electronics event.

Taking another step towards the dream of the frameless LCD TV, the AQUOS X series measure just 3.44 centimetres at their widest point. The astonishing image quality is provided by 120-hertz technology in combination with Full HD resolution. Equipped with dynamic contrast of 15,000:1 and a 3-way audio system, this is the ultimate high-resolution television experience. Environmentally friendly design and a low electricity consumption of less than 0.5 watts in standby mode make the new AQUOS X series models the most eco-friendly in their class.

Microsoft announce new HD Enhanced XBox 360 Elite

Microsoft have announced an additional model in the XBox 360 range. The new XBox 360 Elite joins the Core and Premium consoles and boasts a host of High Definition enhancements.

Microsoft have yet to provide a launch date or price, but have released details of the new system's specification. This is the latest from Microsoft's website:

"Our buddies over at Xbox US just revealed Xbox 360 Elite; the new model of everybody’s favourite next-generation videogame and entertainment system.

"Boasting a 120GB hard drive and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)
port, Xbox 360 Elite opens the door to the ultimate in high-definition digital content.

"The Xbox 360 Elite console, plus wireless controller and Xbox Live headset are all presented in a premium black finish with signature metallic detailing (growl). Also in the box will be an Xbox 360 HDMI cable to make sure you’re all set for HD nirvana.

"This new high-capacity 120GB HDD for Xbox 360 Elite gets you ready for the new era of high-def downloadable content such as TV shows and movies currently available in the US, in addition to the amazing downloadable games already on Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox Live Arcade.

"Whatever your taste in digital entertainment, not forgetting music that can then become the soundtrack to your favourite games, the Xbox 360 Elite with its 120GB HDD lets you keep it all in one, ultra cool place. Using HDMI you can watch video and listen to multi-channel surround sound all from the same cable. You’ve got to love science sometimes.

"If you already own an Xbox 360, no need to feel left out: the new 120GB hard drive will also be sold separately. Likewise, the black wireless controller, black Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit, and black Xbox 360 rechargeable battery are also making their way to store shelves in the US around the same time.

"Our US pals tell us Xbox 360 Elite and the new accessories are shipping stateside from 29 April. We’re getting it all soon, okay, so hang in there for a release date."

Sanyo launches new LCD HDTV range

Sanyo has annonced the launch of a new range of Full HD and HD Ready LCD TVs. The new 2007 range incorporates eight models in sizes from 20" to 47" and with a variety of features. Release dates for the range are April and June 2007.

Sanyo promises stunning sound and picture quality. They say the new products incorporate up-to-the-minute technologies as demanded by the industry and today’s customer.

HD ready is available across the board and two top-end models feature full 1080p HD resolution. The range is also designed to ensure that viewers will be ready when the national switch to digital commences in October 2007.

The new LCD televisions are available in SANYO’s widest selection of screen sizes and include 47”, 42”, 37”, 32”, 26” and 20 “ models – ensuring that there is a product to meet every need.

At the larger end of the screen size spectrum is the CE47FD51-B full HD LCD television. This 47” size screen is the largest television launched by SANYO and includes true HD 1080p picture resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) that is fully compatible with HD DVD’s and Blu-ray. The panel incorporates a high contrast ratio of 1000:1, a high brightness level of 500cd/m2, response time of 8ms and an ultra wide viewing angle of 178 degrees.

In addition the slightly smaller 42” option (CE42FD81-B) also offers full 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and like its bigger brother features two HDMI inputs and two SCART inputs, in-built digital tuner, ultra wide viewing angle and a response time of just 5ms.

Other options in the SANYO range include 37”, 32”, 26” and 20” models. These new models have been introduced to capitalise on the growing demand for flat panel televisions. The 26” and 20” screen size models in particular will cater to consumers’ increasing need for a second or even third LCD television in the home. Slim and compact, the products are perfectly suited to the bedroom, kitchen or study.

All products in the range feature 16:9 LCD, 2 SCART sockets and HDMI input (excluding the CE20WLD25-B).

The new products will be launched over the coming months. Full specifications follow below.

CE47FD51-B
47R21; Full HD LCD television with digital tuner (1080p)

• 16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
• Black Colour
• Full HD resolution 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Brightness – 500cd/m2
• Contrast ratio – 1000:1
• Viewing Angle – H:178 V:178
• Response time – 8ms
• 2 HDMI input
• 2 scart sockets
• YPbPr Component IN
• PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
• Availability – April

CE42FD81-B
42R21; Full HD LCD television (1080p)

• 16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
• Full HD Resolution 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Brightness – 550cd / m2
• Contrast Ratio – 800:1
• Viewing Angle – H@178 V: 178
• Response Time – 8ms
• 2 HDMI Input
• 2 Scart sockets
• YPbPr Component IN
• PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
• Availability – June

CE42LD81-B
42R21; HD ready LCD television

• 16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
• WXGA resolution (1366 x 768)
• Brightness – 500cd/m2
• Contrast Ratio – 1000:1
• Viewing Angle – H: 178 x V: 178
• Response time – 5ms
• 2 HDMI Input
• 2 Scart sockets
• YPbPr Component IN
• PC Input (DSUB15 – VGA)
• Availability – June

CE37LD81-B
37R21; HD ready LCD television with Digital Tuner

• 16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
• WXGA Resolution (1366 x 768)
• Brightness (500cd/m2)
• Contrast Ratio – 800:1
• Viewing Angle – H:178 V: 178
• Response Time – 9ms
• 2 HDMI Input
• 2 Scart sockets
• YPbPr Component IN
• PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
• Availability – June

CE32LD81-B
32 “ HD ready LCD television with digital tuner

• 16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
• WXGA Resolultion (1366 x 768)
• Brightness – 500 cd/m2
• Contrast Ratio – 1200:1
• Viewing Angle – H:176 V: 176
• Response Time – 6.5ms
• 2 HDMI Input
• 2 Scart sockets
• YPbPr Component IN
• PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
• Availability – April

CE32LC81-B
32R21; HD ready television

• 16:9 LCD with built in Analogue Tuner
• WXGA resolution (1366 x 768)
• Brightness 500cd/m2
• Contrast ratio 1200:1
• Viewing Angle H: 176 V: 176
• Response Time 6.5ms
• HDMI Input
• 2 Scart sockets
• YPbPr Component IN
• Availability – April

CE26LD81-B
26R21; HD ready LCD television with digital tuner

• 16:9 LCD with built in Digital Tuner
• WXGA Resolution (1366 x 768)
• Brightness – 500cd/m2
• Contrast Ratio – 800:1
• Viewing Angle – H:160 V:150
• Response Time – 8ms
• 2 HDMI
• 2 Scart sockets
• YPbPr Component IN
• PC Input (DSUB15-VGA)
• Availability – April

Also available – 26” HD ready LCD television with analogue tuner (CE26LC81-B)

CE20WLD25-B
20R21; LCD television with digital tuner

• 16:9 LCD with built in digital tuner
• WXGA Resolution (1366 x 768)
• Brightness 450cd/m2
• Contrast Ratio 700:1
• Viewing Angle – H:160 V:140
• Response time – 8ms
• 2 Scart socket
• Colour: Black
• Availability – April

Sanyo launch HD2 - a new HD Digital Camcorder

Sanyo has annonced the launch of a new high-definition digital camcorder. The HD2 is the latest addition to the award winning HD1 and HD1A range.


Building on the features of the HD1A, the HD2 has the added ability to take 7.1 megapixal high-resolution images. The HD2 also has an HDMI terminal docking station (cable supplied), which means that clear video and high-resolution still images can be viewed on the growing numbers of High Definition TVs on the market.

As the smallest and lightest* camcorder of its kind, the HD2 measures 80 x 119 x 36mm, weighs just 235g (including battery and standard SD memory card) and is small and compact enough to fit in your pocket. This also means that both still and moving images can be shot using just one hand. A 2.2 inch LCD display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees for taking great video or still images in any situation. The LCD display contains 210,000 pixels, ensuring exceptionally clear viewing.

The HD2 also features a web-use filming mode, which means that footage can be uploaded directly on the internet without needing to be converted – making it ideal for the growing number of online video blog sites. Web–SHQ recording mode has been designed specifically to capture video destined for video iPOD and other popular MPEG-4 capable personal media players. For optimal playback on such devices, video is captured at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and a smooth and natural 30 frames per second video image.

Hassle-free editing
Recording and editing film footage is simplicity itself and doesn’t require the HD2 to be connected to a computer. Various scenes can be recorded into one single film which can be edited by cutting un-needed parts using the easy to use editing options in the camcorder. High Definition footage can be easily edited using Ulead DVD MovieWriter5.0 SE software and then conveniently saved in their MPEG-4 format directly onto a PC/MAC or DVD.

Ideal for low lighting
The HD2 is equipped with a one touch ‘high-sensitivity mode’ button for filming under low-lighting conditions. Additionally the HD2’s 10x optical zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles, allowing for clear images in low light situations. Combined with a 10x digital zoom capability, the HD2 is capable of a total 100x zoom.

Image Stabilization
The HD2 features digital image stabilization that works across the full shooting range from wide-angle to telephoto. Using an original corrective algorithm developed by SANYO, the HD2 is able to distinguish between ‘trembling hands’ and ‘camera work’ such as panning and tilting.

Progressive HD video scanning
Thanks to highly efficient MPEG-4 technology, the HD2 is able to create richly detailed high-definition 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) videos at 30 frames per second. That’s up to three times more pixels than standard conventional video cameras.

High Definition Engine
The HD2 is powered by high-precision LSI (large scale integration) circuitry for advanced, high-definition image processing. This powerful ‘high definition engine’ processes a vast number of calculations and enables the HD2 to provide image processing functions such as high-definition 720p processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression and noise reduction.

Super-fast – 9Mbs frame rate
The HD2 features an accelerated frame rate in the high definition mode, which is more than four times faster than earlier digital cameras. Transmitting data at nine megabits per second ensures that camera and subject motion are smooth and natural, without the image lag or distortion that might occur in slower-responding systems.

Features at a glance:

• Edits movies without computer / Includes web compatible recording mode


• Includes Ulead DVD Movie Writer 5.0 SE


• High sensitivity mode


• HDMI Compatible (cable supplied)


• Super-fast start-up


• Image stabilization


• 1280 x 720 progressive HD video scanning


• High-definition engine


• 7.1 Megapixel still images


• 10x optical zoom


• 2.2 inch LCD display


• Video recording optimized for personal media players


• 16:9 still shooting


• Compact (80 x 119 x 36mm) and lightweight (235g)
  
  * consumer-use available high definition video camera category (as of 7th February 2007)

The UK launch date is set for April 2007 and the price is £499.

Sony launches PS3 - with a bonus for some lucky buyers

Sony's PS3 Games Console was launched in the UK today amid much fanfare and a give-away of free HD TVs to the first 100 lucky(?) punters in the queue at Virgin Megastore on London's Oxford Street.

Ray Maguire, head of Sony Computer Entertainment in the UK is quoted by the BBC as saying:

"High definition is very important to people.

"A lot of people have bought flat panel TVs and they want content to go on it and PlayStation 3 is one of the few places they can get that kind of experience."

The European launch of the PS3 has been delayed due to technical difficulties in manufacturing the components of the laser for the built-in Blu-Ray player. This is now in direct competition to the HD-DVD drive that is available as an add-on to Microsoft's XBox console.

The PS3 carries a hefty price tag - around £425 GBP at launch, compared to the current c£280 GBP price of the XBox 360 Premium Edition. Bear in mind though that to add an HD drive to the XBox 360 will set you back a further c£125 and the price gap narrows significantly.

In addition to re-igniting the war between competing games consoles, the release of the PS3 has stepped the format war between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD up a gear. The name of the eventual winner is still in the balance. Maybe, just maybe, both formats will be able to co-exist, with the wisest manufacturers producing an affordable range of players that will play both formats.

Find the best deals on Sony PS3s at ShopWindow.com