hdmi

Apple to include HDMI on new Macs?

According to a report on AppleInsider, Apple may be planning to include HDMI connectivity on new Macs, most notably the Mac Mini. The report suggests the addition of HDMI to the Mac Mini, and eventually other Mac models, relates to Apple's continued interest in the "living room media server" area.… Read more

Get a Creative Vado HD 2nd-gen camcorder for $79.99

If you haven't yet pulled the trigger on a pocket camcorder, this may be your lucky day. Creative is selling the Vado HD second-gen (black) for $79.99 shipped. (It's also available in white.) That's $100 off the current list price.

This is not a refurbished model, but it is "B-Stock," meaning the outer box may be "dented, torn, marked, and/or stickered." Creative guarantees a new, fully functional, and fully warrantied camcorder inside.

The Vado HD second-gen shoots 720p video and stores it in 4GB of onboard memory. That's good for … Read more

Sony announces 3D-compatible AV receiver,
new budget models

In our 3D TV FAQ, we mention that we expect new 3D-capable AV receivers to be released in 2010. Sony is the first manufacturer out of the gate, introducing new AV receivers, including the STR-DN1010 that is capable of passing 3D video signals. Their full spec sheets aren't available yet, but here's what we know so far:

Key features of the Sony STR-DH510:

5.1 channel AV receiver, 100 watts per channel 3 HDMI inputs HDMI standby pass-through HDMI audio return channel capable 2 component video inputs $230 list price; available in March

Key step-up features of the Sony STR-DH710:

7.1 channel AV receiver, 105 watts per channel… Read more

HDMI 1.4 3D specification available for download

HDMI Licensing announced Wednesday that it has made the 3D portion of the HDMI specification version 1.4 available for public download on the HDMI Web site.

This means companies and organizations that have not executed the HDMI Adopter Agreement can now have access to the 3D portion of version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification. Prior to this, only parties that have signed the HDMI Adopter Agreement have had access to the information.

However, the document available for download is extracted from version 1.4 of the HDMI specification. However, HDMI version 1.4a will be released shortly with … Read more

Get 3 HDMI cables for $7.50 shipped

Longtime readers of the Cheapskate know this important truth: cheap HDMI cables are just as good as expensive ones. If you're new to the blog, now you know it, too.

How cheap are we talking? Meritline is offering three six-foot HDMI cables for $7.50 with free shipping. That's $2.50 per cable. Even if you don't need three cables right now, it's always good to have a spare or two.

Indeed, every so often a friend or family member will tell me they just bought a Blu-ray player, a PlayStation 3, or something else, always … Read more

Poll: Do you suffer from gadget-upgrade fatigue?

My cure for post-CES information overload is playing music. For me, that means a return to the basics: pop on a LP, sit down, close my eyes, and just listen. Man, that feels good.

Call me a Luddite, but I like well-designed products you don't have to replace every year or so. Unless you have money to burn, why be an early adopter? Why buy a first generation anything? You'll pay a big price for being first, and pay again when trading up for the next "improved" model. I've never heard of anyone who regretted … Read more

Return of the $99.99 Sony Blu-ray player

A sub-$100 Blu-ray player is no big deal these days, but it's still fairly rare to find one that offers BD-Live at that price point--especially a Sony model.

Last month, SonyStyle offered the refurbished BDP-S360 Blu-ray player for $99.99 shipped (plus sales tax where applicable). I'm happy to report that the deal is back.

Happy, but not ecstatic. See, I now think if you're going to buy a Blu-ray player, you should get a model that can stream Netflix movies. This one can't.

Also, because it's a refurb, the warranty expires after 90 … Read more

Now hear this: Audio at CES 2010

I didn't go to CES, but a lot of my friends did. I call them all the time, and they don't seem to be all that jazzed about what they're seeing. "Nothing new" is what I keep hearing, but there were a few juicy tidbits to be found.

The new 3D TVs and Blu-ray players may or may not render the AV receiver you bought way back in 2009 obsolete. I can't get a consistent answer to the question: do you need a receiver with HDMI 1.4 to pass 3D program material to your 3D TV? You may not care about 3D, but if you do please direct your anger at the consumer electronics industry that regularly leaves its client base high and dry. We'll have to see how 1.4 works out.

Ultimate AV magazine was impressed with the Manley Stingray iTube stereo integrated amplifier. Sure, we've seen vacuum tube iPod dock/amps before, but this is the first one with real audiophile appeal. The blue LED displays surrounding the input and volume knobs can be dimmed down or turned off entirely. Manley makes truly stellar tube electronics for audiophiles and the pro market. … Read more

Netgear's Push2TV adapter links Intel's Wireless Display and your TV

LAS VEGAS--The adapter for Intel's just-announced Wireless Display technology is called Push2TV and is being manufactured by Netgear.

As we noted earlier this evening, this WiDi technology will be built into select laptops with 2010 Intel Core processors. A hardware adaptor box that plugs into the HDMI or AV jacks of your monitor or television receives the signal.

Netgear says that the Push2TV box will be bundled together with select WiDi-enabled laptops from Dell, Sony, and Toshiba (such as the Toshiba E205) at Best Buy stores, starting later in January.

The Push2TV box will also be available separately for $… Read more