LaCinema? No Thanks.

LaCie has come out with a product much like the AppleTV, it even costs the same and sports a 500GB (up to 1TB) of space to store all those DVD you've ripped. Well, that's where the nice things end. This $250 unit just wont cut it in the bells and whistles department. There is no WiFi *(or even ethernet) updating so you must upload everything the first time through the USB if you plan on keeping this unit in one place. There is no HDMI and I don't understand why. There is optical audio and component, so it is possible to get a good picture (up to 1080i upscale) The unit's look or remote is nothing special, it's basically a black box with some non-essential lights. The remote is bulky as well. The interface is supposed to be 'easy to use' and 'streamlined' but it's quite ugly and sports the LaCie name twice on the home screen in the largest font.

If you are a movie person, and have a collection of DVD's ripped that your local FBI may want to look into, they you may have an interest in this product. One feature that is nice is there is no requirement to have the files in two places, like with AppleTV that syncs (copies) files from your main computer.

Now it's BOTH of them!?!

Sources are now saying that both Universal and Paramount are both going Blu. They just wont stop and it's making everyone question the longevity of HD DVD. Bill Hunt at Digital Bits is reporting that his "second to none" sources are telling him that BOTH Universal and Paramount are working towards a switch to Blu-ray. A new update to previous posts, the contracts that prevent them from switching now, prevent them from confirming the rumor as well. Paramount could make an announcement any day now, but Universal wont come till February at the earliest, when their contract with HD DVD expires.

HD DVD Should your HD DVD equipment make its way to eBay ASAP? I have already started selling all my HD DVD stuff. I'm thinking about it more and more. I'm sticking with HD DVD till the end. I never even thought they has a chance. Blu FTW. view results

"Current plan is to support the HD DVD format." Key word being Currently

It was reported earlier through the Financial Times and engadget.com that movie studio Paramount was preparing to use their get out clause in the HD DVD exclusivity deal, the same clause Warner used just a few days ago. Paramount now has officially released a statement calling this rumor untrue. Unless you hear different, for now Transformers and Shrek are still HD DVD only :(

150" of Plasma Lifewall Glory

Why any human would ever need an 150 inch television is beyond me, but Panasonic has been showing off their manhood with this monster of a TV. Considered to be the largest TV ever produced, this 11 feet by 6.25 feet giant has 8.84 million pixels (4K) resolution which has very little programing available. Though some may want it now, this monster of a machine has no model number, no price tag, and no date for commercialization. If you don't think it's that big, take a look at this thing compared to last years 103 inch plasma.

Sony's a200

Sony announced today that a (alpha) DSLR-A200 will replace its A100. The 10.2 megapixel DSLR sports a Sony Bionz image processor, in-inbody Super SteadyShot image stabilization, quieter shutter, a larger ISO range, and a dust reduction system. Two kits are planed, an 18-70mm ($700) and a 18-70mm + 75-300mm ($900). Both are expected to ship next month. But you can start pre-orders tomorrow no doubt.

In comparison to the a100, it is quite similar. Both sport a 10.2 MP sensor, 3fps, Super SS, and 9 AF points. The a200 is cheaper and includes more for you buck. The monitor is slightly bigger but still has the same number of pixels. The only other noticeable change is the battery which will give you a projected 750 shots over the 600 in the a100.

Quick Links
>Sony a200<
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WB Blu-ray Update: New Line Cinema to Follow Warner

As expected, New Line confirmed with Variety Magazine that it will follow Warner Bros. to Blu-ray. While New Lines move was expected because of both studios being owned by Time Warner, other studios like Universal are still up in the air.

SAG says Actors won't cross lines at Globes

Actors nominated for this years Golden Globes are expected to skip the awards to support striking Hollywood writers. "There appears to be unanimous agreement that these actors will not cross" the picket lines to present or accept an award, said SAG president Alan Rosenberg. There are a total of 72 actors among this year's nominees. It is unclear how the move will affect the awards being broadcast on NBC on Jan. 13.

Warner Bros. goes Blu

Movie studio Warner Bros. has confirmed that it will switch to releasing HD movies only in the Blu-ray Disc format, potentially ending HD DVD's run in the marketplace. Warner Bros. move to exclusively releasing titles on Blu-ray is speculated to be a move to clear this entire format war once and for good. "The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger," Warner Bros. chief executive Barry Mayer explains. So far, each format has seen about the same amount of titles released, but in the next few months, a shift of 70% of titles will be considered exclusive to Blu-ray over HD DVD. This could make the next few weeks very interesting with Apple expecting to make an announcement solely supporting Blu-ray as well, and the CES (consumer electronics show) is always a big venue for new hardware in terms of players. Apple rival Microsoft has always supported HD DVD with it's Xbox 360 and PC hardware, mostly through Toshiba. Could this be the start of the end for HD DVD?

Quick Links
>Warner Bros. to Blu-ray<
Warner Bros. opts for Blu-ray over HD DVD
Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive
BOOST FOR BLU-RAY!

UPDATE (11:49PM)
The HD DVD group has canceled its CES press conference in light of Warner's announcement. Toshiba has also issued a press release expressing their "disappointment" with Warner, also implying that the move Wanter has made to Blu-ray is actually a breach of contract. Finally Blu-ray is doing a little victory dance by calling their CES presence "Best Booth of All Time."
*All links to the Engadget article.

Article: "The Ultimate Setup-Sports Illustrated and the Final Four"

It gives new meaning to the words 'March Madness' when the extensive SI team makes its way to the Georgia Dome to shoot one of the biggest sports events of the year. This article comes from Microsoft's Professional Photography website that offers articles, profiles, downloads and more dealing with the ever growing connection between the art world and the computer world. Click to read part 1 and part 2.

(Microsoft and Sports Illustrated)

USA TODAY asks, "Can you out-predict the media experts?"

With the start of a new year and all the crazy things that are going on in the media and technology world, USA TODAY asks if you can out-predict the media experts. Follow the link to both the story and the quiz to see how the media world will fare in 2008. With iTunes now not being the only contender for online music and movies, and the writers still on strike, it's going to be an interesting 366 days: I just hope I don't have to take my HD DVD player back. There are no prizes, just glory. Good Luck.

(DreamWorks Madagascar)