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.

Once you go, Kuro, you never go backo

1080p. Some consider the high point of HDTV. Well it might be to some, but resolution is only one element of a great picture. Jim Catcheside of Pioneer explains in an article at tech.co.uk. "One of the blights on the TV industry at the moment is the big hang-up that people seem to have on resolution. It's a big bugbear of mine. All most people are worried about at the moment is that their new TV should have a resolution of 1920 x 1080. 1080, 1080, 1080, 1080. That's all some people want to hear about." Lots of things go into making a better picture like color, contrast, black levels, and other factors. Resolution is only part of the equation. People need to consider what black quality does to the overall color of the picture. Pioneer claims that if you put their 42in 720p model against other markets 42in 1080P models, the Pioneer model will be the clear winner.

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.