Have you used a BluRay player before? Well, I have a friend that used several … and boy he has a story you will want to hear. While BluRay is currently the new standard that is replacing DVD with increasing velocity, turns out that the hardware is usually problematic, to say the least. My friend Tim gave several examples of BluRay players he had that would just not play BluRay discs at all. The Pain! Shocking right? Turns out it is not so uncommon. There are a myriad of players out there that really mess-up when it comes to playing BluRay, and finding the high-quality solution may not be as easy as it seems. But it surely exists, read on.

At January this year, LG Electronics introduced its 2010 lineup, with three new BluRay players, labeled LG BD550, LG BD570 and LG BD590 (the first BD player in the US to feature an integrated 250-GB hard drive). There is no doubt that BluRay and High Definition video are the best thing out there at the moment, and 3D has some time before it matures. So you would really want a quality product to keep up with the times, today, from LG who we already trust to deliver great HD products at a good balance between low price and high quality.

The LG BD550 is the entry level BluRay Player, while very similar to the LG BD570 model it is the least expensive choice of the 3 for under $120. The most notable missing feature is Wi-Fi, available in the bigger brothers LG BD570 and LG BD590. However, the LG BD550 is equipped with some really great great features and comes quite cheap.

The players have several similarities, the overall design is beautiful in its simplicity, extremely easy setup, a well-crafter remote and they all carry plenty of internet-specific features. For LG BD550 you will find an ethernet connector, so although it is missing Wi-Fi it can be used for the same streaming functionalities like the LG BD570 and LG BD590 who have wireless networking built-in.

Connecting the players via HDMI will give the best possible picture quality at Full 1080p when playing back BluRay discs on a compatible HDTV. And they will even improve DVD viewing as well, the players upscale standard DVDs to near 1080p High Definition levels. Beside playback of BluRay discs and DVDs, the LG BD550 has NetCast Entertainment. Providing 1000′s of online movies, music, photos and videos. You get access to Netflix, CinemaNow, VUDU, YouTube, Pandora, AccuWeather and many more.

Once connected to the internet, you can get firmware upgrades and BD-Live content. BD-Live content is available through some BluRay discs that give you access to a whole array of extra features. Such as updated movie trailers, deleted scenes, interactive online games, chat rooms, and live commentary.

The LG BD550 also has an USB Media Host feature which lets you view photos, music and video files through the USB port. Just imagine coming home from a trip and without using a computer showing your photos directly from the camera on the HD TV to your friends and family.

The bigger brother LG BD570 comes with built-in 802.11 Wi-Fi, and includes all the excellent features that the LG BD550 has. Although you can use an external USB disk to serve as storage for the device, or go for the slightly more expensive LG BD590 option. And the price is extremely affordable at under $180. So if you require the Wi-Fi option, certainly grab the LG BD570.

And at the top of the line, the LG BD590 includes a 250GB hard drive with some extra capabilities. The device can rip CDs and store them directly onto the internal Hard Drive. This process is made even simpler with the with the help of the BluRay Player’s MusicID feature which is run by Gracenote. Gracenotes provides instant access to details on artists, track-lists, albums etc. With all the features of LG BD570, and the addition of an internal storage – this is the best device of them all at a very affordable price of under $230 it is the perfect match for your HDTV.

My friend Tim has stopped his hopping on the LG BD570, and according to him it has brought an end to his repeated frustration from BluRay players. You might want to see if it is the perfect match for you as well.

Logitech Revue with Google TV, Logitech Controllers, Logitech TV Cam, Logitech Vid HD Video Calling Service Put You In Control of the Google TV Experience

FREMONT, Calif. – Oct. 6, 2010

Consumers today have access to an enormous amount of content, delivered by a range of sources and increasingly complex devices. To bring this content together through a single interface on the best screen in the house – the TV screen – Logitech has worked with Google on a line of products designed to create the best Google TV experience for the millions of U.S. households with an HDMI-ready TV. Google TV brings traditional TV programming together with the entire Internet, with the ability to search across them both.

Logitech today unveiled Logitech Revue with Google TV, a compact, plug-and-play companion box with its Logitech Keyboard Controller, which together provide seamless control over the Google TV experience and home-entertainment devices. The company’s portfolio of products for Google TV also includes the Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD service for HD video calling from the comfort of one’s sofa. In addition, Logitech is offering the Logitech Mini Controller for Logitech Revue as well as other applications designed for the Google TV platform.

“Just as we have done with the PC and with home entertainment systems, our role with Google TV is to give people the ability to control and interact with their content and devices with unprecedented ease. With our line of products for Google TV, Logitech will help redefine the user experience in the digital living room.”

said Gerald P. Quindlen, Logitech president and chief executive officer.

“Logitech Revue with Google TV makes it easy for people to use just one controller to find and enjoy content from a variety of sources – programs from TV providers; the entire Web, including Flash-based games; music, photos and videos from their personal library; and a growing selection of apps. Logitech not only delivers the Google TV experience for any HDMI-ready TV, but we build on it with exceptional interface devices, control of living room components through Logitech Harmony Link and enhanced experiences such as video calling in the living room.”

said Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s digital home products group. “

“Google TV combines the power of search, a full Web browser, and Android apps with the TV experience you know and love. We’re proud to be working with Logitech to launch the very first set of Google TV devices, helping you and me easily access great Web and TV content, all on the same HD screen.”

said Mario Queiroz, vice president of product management for Google.

“Smart TV delivers a truly integrated experience, with broadcast and the Internet united on one screen. The Logitech Revue brings Google TV to existing televisions, and also offers video calling to provide a new dimension to home entertainment. The smart TV experience requires advanced processing performance, as well as outstanding audio/visual capabilities, and we’re proud that Logitech selected the Intel Atom processor CE4100 to power this revolutionary product.”

said Wilfred Martis, general manager, Retail CE, Intel Digital Home Group.

Logitech Revue with Google TV – Access to Endless Entertainment Choices

With a broadband Internet connection available, connecting the Logitech Revue to your home entertainment system is easy. Use the included HDMI cable to connect the Logitech Revue to the port on your HDTV, and then connect another HDMI cable between the Logitech Revue and your cable or satellite provider box with HDMI out. Then plug in the system to power up your Logitech Revue and follow the directions on the TV screen to complete the brief software setup. In minutes, the content available on your TV will expand beyond the day’s programming to include virtually limitless Web content, as well as a host of preloaded Google TV and Logitech applications.

Once set up, you can use the included Logitech Keyboard Controller to navigate and interact with the new world of content available on the biggest and best screen in the house – the TV screen. Watching your favorite videos online on your HDTV is just the start. Pick up the controller, and type in anything you want to find. Watching the big game on live TV and want to know the latest stats on your favorite player? Simply use the dual-view mode to see the stats on the Web while still watching the game.

The Logitech Keyboard Controller includes everything you need to control Google TV and features a familiar keyboard layout so anyone can start searching without a learning curve. It includes a touch pad with scroll functionality for control in addition to back and home buttons for easy Web page navigation. And to give you a reliable connection, the Keyboard Controller uses Logitech Unifying wireless technology.

Because Harmony Link technology is embedded in Logitech Revue – the same technology that powers Logitech’s award-winning family of Harmony universal remotes – you will enjoy seamless control over how you experience Google TV. So when you search for something and then click on it, your selection will come up at the touch of one button – no manual switching of inputs required.

In addition to the familiar typing and mouse experience, Logitech provides buttons to control your TV, A/V receiver and DVR. These let you power on your TV, turn up the volume on your speakers or access your DVR content without needing to use an additional remote. In addition, you can use the setup software to customize buttons of your controller and map commands for your devices.

Logitech Mini Controller – Sleek and Stylish Palm-Sized Controller

With almost three decades of experience designing devices that connect you to your content, Logitech has learned that consumers like different kinds of input devices to fit their varying needs. With that in mind, the company developed the Logitech Mini Controller for use with Google TV – a palm-sized keyboard, touch pad and remote control combo.

Despite its compact size, just 6-inches by 3.5-inches, the Mini Controller offers full control over the Google TV experience. It has a touch pad that removes the need for a mouse, as well as illuminated keys that change color depending on the mode you’re in: green for navigation, orange for typing and pointing. Like the Logitech Keyboard Controller, the Logitech Mini Controller provides buttons to control your TV, A/V receiver and DVR.

The Mini Controller has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can go up to two weeks between charges.

Logitech TV Cam and Logitech Vid HD – Video Calling from Your Sofa

The Logitech TV Cam lets you make and receive high-definition video calls on your HDTV – no computer required. It connects easily with your Logitech Revue box using USB to deliver the crisp, clear images – thanks in part to Carl Zeiss optics – and superior quality audio consumers have come to expect from Logitech webcams. And the TV Cam also provides a wide-angle lens that will capture your whole living room so your friends and family can relax, talk comfortably and enjoy a natural conversation. And when you want to have a more personal experience, you can use the 5x digital zoom to get close and personal.

To further optimize the experience for the living room, the TV Cam includes two digital, directional microphones that help reduce noise and echoes in a living room environment and uses Logitech RightLight 2 technology to adjust images in dim lighting situations so you look your best.

Together, the Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD software enable high-definition video calls of up to 720p. To make a video call, simply connect the Logitech TV Cam to your Logitech Revue box, select the easy-to-use Logitech Vid HD app, which comes preloaded on the Revue box, and then sit back, relax and place a call to family or friends who are also using Vid. If the video call is with someone who is not using a TV Cam with Logitech Revue, they can download Vid for free onto their PC or Mac from www.logitech.com/vid.

If you receive a video call using Logitech Vid HD on Google TV, the TV Cam will blink to alert you of an incoming call. If your TV screen is on, you will hear an audible ring and receive a notification and caller ID so you can know who’s calling – and you have the option to answer or ignore the call. If you ignore a call or are away from your TV, you will be aware of any missed calls thanks to a call notification icon in the Vid HD interface or from an LED light on the TV Cam that lights up when you’ve missed a call – even when your TV is off.

Logitech Google TV Apps – Limitless Possibilities

As an open platform, the additional power of Google TV lies in its potential to deliver new possibilities for the living room through the development of innovative applications. Want to find favorite holiday photos to show visiting friends? Preloaded on the Logitech Revue in the Applications section you will find the Logitech Media Player. The Logitech Media Player lets you access your personal content, including photos, downloaded music files and home videos that are stored on a USB drive or a DLNA-certified media server on your home network.

For added control possibilities, Logitech will offer two downloadable smartphone apps: the Logitech Harmony for iPhone and the Logitech Harmony for Android. These apps allow you to use your iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android device to control your Google TV experience. With just one touch of the “Watch Google TV” button, both apps can turn on your television, cable/satellite box and A/V receiver. The in-app keyboard and touch pad make it easy to search for things to watch — online or on TV — as well as navigate websites. You can use gesture control, voice searches and much more. You can use the Harmony apps in place of — or along with — the keyboard-based controller that comes with Logitech Revue with Google TV.

Pricing and Availability

Available for pre-order today on Logitech.com, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, Logitech’s line of products for Google TV are expected to be available online and in Best Buy stores across the U.S. by the end of October. The Logitech Revue with Google TV suggested retail price is $299.99 (U.S.). The Logitech Mini Controller suggested retail price is $129.99 (U.S.). And the Logitech TV Cam suggested retail price is $149.99 (U.S.).

In addition to being bundled with the Logitech Revue, the Logitech Keyboard Controller will be available for purchase online as an individual item to work with other Google TV systems and will have a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.).

The Logitech Harmony for Android app will be available for download from the Android Market for free. The Logitech Harmony for iPhone app is expected to be available for download from the Apple iTunes store for free.

The number of U.S. households with at least one BluRay Disc player has doubled since 2008, reaching 17% in July, according to a new report.

Though less than one-in-five homes, the percentage exceeds the domestic household penetration of Netflix, which is about 15%. DVD household penetration exceeds 95%, still ranking as the top consumer electronics product launch in history. Indeed, Apple-based computers, at the end of 2009 and prior to the launch of the iPad, had 12% household penetration, compared with 85% for Windows-based computers, according to The NPD Group.

About 20 million U.S. households own both a BluRay player and DVD player.

A Centris white paper found that among BluRay households, nearly equal percentages (45% and 47%) watch discs on a BluRay player or Sony PlayStation 3 with a BD drive. Parity was only reach during the past six months following a near two-to-one advantage of PS3 players over BD consoles. About 1.7 million U.S. households own both a PS3 and BluRay player.

The report said that for BluRay player to grow significantly, its ownership base will have to move well beyond the PS3 platform.

Overall DVD purchases and rentals continue to lead BluRay, but each BluRay household rents and buys discs in greater numbers than DVD households, according to the report. The format continues to be the format of choice for younger, wealthier households with children.

Centris found that 85% of BluRay households own a HDTV and video game system (75%), compared with 62% among DVD households (47%). More than 25% OF HDTV households own a BluRay player, up from 15% two years ago.

About 26% of DVD households bought at least one DVD movie in the past 30 days, while 33% rented at least one DVD during the same time period. Among BluRay player households, 21% rented a BD title compred to 14% who purchased a title in the past 30 days. Overall, however, BD households rented and purchased slightly more packaged media than DVD households, according to the report.

“Although more BluRay households rented or purchase DVDs than they did BluRay Discs, BD households actually rented or purchased more BluRay titles and DVD on average,” according to the white paper.

The report also showed BluRay households are more likely to have broadband connections (84%) than are DVD households (65%). In addition, 25% of high-definition packaged media households watched a transactional video-on-demand (VOD) movie in the past 30 days, compared with 15% in DVD households. BD homes (13%) also downloaded a movie in the past month, versus 6% among DVD homes.

original article on HomeMedia Magazine: Blu-Ray Household Penetration

ROKU INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF HD STREAMING PLAYERS STARTING AT $59.99

New Roku XD and Roku XDS models feature 1080p HD, Wireless-N, and Instant Replay

Saratoga, Calif. – September 23, 2010

Roku, Inc., maker of the best-selling and award-winning Roku streaming player, introduced today its new product lineup, featuring improved performance and the lowest prices in the industry. With up to 1080p HD streaming support and Instant Replay, the new players are shipping immediately at prices starting from just $59.99. All models feature high-definition playback as well as support for older, standard definition TVs.

There are three new Roku models: the entry-level Roku HD at $59.99; the Roku XD with Wireless-N and 1080p, and the top-of-the-line Roku XDS, which adds dual-band wireless technology and extensive connectivity options for home entertainment systems.

All Roku players will continue to deliver the largest collection of streaming entertainment available for the TV, including over 100,000 movies and TV shows from Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) Video On Demand; live and on-demand sports from MLB.TV; music from Pandora, MP3tunes, MOG, and RadioTime; photo and video sharing from Flickr and Facebook; plus news and entertainment from thousands of sources around the
world.

We’re committed to delivering the best entertainment experience at the lowest price in the industry,

said Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku, Inc.

Customers can now buy an HD-capable Roku player with wireless for 40% less than the price of our original $100 Roku HD player. Or, think of it this way: for around the price of two Blu-ray Discs, a Roku player brings you access to limitless instant streaming entertainment choices available today and in the future. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the most choice and control over their entertainment.

The new $59.99 Roku HD streams video in high-definition at up to 720p, and features built-in wireless and Ethernet for easy broadband connectivity anywhere in the home. The smaller, sleeker Roku HD is only 1 inch tall and less than 5 inches wide, so it fits anywhere and is tiny enough to take on a trip. Composite A/V cables are included so that it can connect to virtually any TV, including standard definition models. An HDMI port enables HD playback on HDTVs.

The new Roku XD ($79.99) and Roku XDS ($99.99) models deliver the next level of streaming performance, with 1080p HD support (delivered over HDMI) and extended-range Wireless-N. In addition, the Roku XDS model features dual-band Wireless-N technology, component video output, optical audio output, and a USB port. Over USB, customers will be able to play stored music, photos, and up to 1080p video using a USB player channel, available as a free upgrade
to XDS owners (expected to be available in November 2010).

Both XD and XDS models also feature an industry first in streaming devices for the TV: an innovative Instant Replay button on the remote, enabling the viewer to instantly skip back in 10 second increments without having to wait for a rebuffering delay. It’s a convenience that until now has been limited to DVRs and other hard-drive based devices.

First introduced in May 2008, the Roku player provides an easy, affordable, and reliable way for hundreds of thousands of Netflix customers to watch movies and TV shows instantly on their TV. Since the launch of the Roku Channel Store last fall, all Roku customers now have access to over 85 channels from 50 unique content services, with more added all the time.

Pricing and availability

The new Roku HD is available for $59.99, while the Roku XD and Roku XDS models are available for $79.99 and $99.99 respectively. All three Roku players are available immediately at www.roku.com, and available for preorders at www.amazon.com.

Apple today announced the new Apple TV which offers the simplest way to watch your favorite HD movies and TV shows on your HD TV for the breakthrough price of just $99. Apple TV users can choose from the largest online selection of HD movies to rent, including first run movies for just $4.99, and the largest online selection of HD TV show episodes to rent from ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel and BBC America for just 99 cents.

Apple TV also streams content from Netflix, YouTube, Flickr and MobileMe, as well as music, photos and videos from PCs and Macs to your HD TV. Enjoy gorgeous slideshows of your photos on your HD TV using Apple TV’s selection of built-in slideshows. Apple TV has built-in HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and an internal power supply for easy set-up, and features silent, cool, very low power operation in an enclosure that’s less than four inches square—80 percent smaller than the previous generation.

“The new Apple TV, paired with the largest selection of online HD movie and TV show rentals, lets users watch Hollywood content on their HD TV whenever they want. This tiny, silent box costing just $99 lets users watch thousands of HD movies and TV shows, and makes all of their music, photos and videos effortlessly available on their home entertainment system.”

said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.

Apple TV users can now rent thousands of commercial free, HD TV episodes on iTunes for just 99 cents, with up to 30 days to start watching and then 48 hours to finish—or watch multiple times. Users can also rent over 7,000 movies with over 3,400 available in HD, with most new releases available the same day they are released on DVD.

Apple TV also gives access to the Netflix streaming catalog for Netflix subscribers, and the ability to browse and search, rate content, add to or remove from your queue, or instantly stream straight to your HD TV. Apple TV users can also enjoy millions of YouTube videos, more than 200,000 podcasts, 4,000 Internet radio stations and personal photos from MobileMe and Flickr with several gorgeous new slideshow themes. Music, videos and photos can also be streamed from PCs and Macs, turning your HD TV into the hub of your home entertainment system.

Apple TV set-up is quick and easy with a single HDMI cable connection (HDMI cable sold separately). Just connect Apple TV to your HD TV, join a Wi-Fi network and with a few clicks on the seven-button aluminum Apple Remote, you have access to amazing content. Users can also control Apple TV with their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch using the Remote app, available as a free download on the App Store.

Pricing & Availability
Apple TV will be available late this month for a suggested retail price of $99 (US) and can be pre-ordered beginning today on Apple’s online store (www.apple.com). Apple TV, which comes standard with an aluminum Apple Remote, will be available through the Apple’s online store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple TV requires an 802.11b/g/n wireless network or Ethernet network, a broadband Internet connection and a high definition TV capable of 720p. iTunes TV show rentals and Netflix are only available in the US. Netflix features require account subscription. iTunes movies rentals are only available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices. des for Just 99 Cents.