Is there a competitive advantage to being the industry's smallest all-digital HD MPEG-4 set-top player? If there is, Amino Communications, a U.K.-based IPTV set-top manufacturer, claims their AmiNET130M MPEG-4 set-top is it.

According to a recent post at Multichannel News, Amino Communications, claims that their new HD set-top player, AmiNET130M, is 'the industry's smallest all-digital HD MPEG-4 set-top.' The AmiNET130M measures 4.48 inches wide and 1.37 inches tall. The set-top box features a HDMI connector but does not record digital video.

Amino expects to be able to charge 20% less than it does for other comparable units it sells such as the AmiNET130 HD box, because of the lack of analog connectors.

Are you itching for a 'tiny' HD video set-top box to go with your big-ass TV? We would love your feedback.

-itsTripple

© plasticrevolver


RadioShack's Digital Stream DTX9950, features digital and analog pass-through which will allow consumers to continue to receive analog signals from broadcasters that haven't fully converted over to digital on February 17, 2009.

The Digital Transitions and Public Safety Act currently only requires 'full-powered' stations to make the switch by February 17, 2009. This means that low-powered broadcasters will still broadcast over-the-air. According to a recent post on Electronic House, The Digital Stream DTX9950, can receive both the analog and Digital signal without a splitter or A/B switch.

The Digital Stream DTX9950 is eligible for the government's $40 DTV converter box coupon. Request your digital conversion box coupon at www.dtv2009.gov

-itsTripple

© photo_by


Sony plans to expand their high definition LCD Bravia television line to over 30 products. They recently announced plans to release new products ranging from sizes 40 to 70 inches.

The new Bravia products will all have 1080p display and include Sony XBR which features; Digital Media Extender (DMeX), Motionflow and x.v. Color support. The new models will also feature Digital Media Port (DMP) technology.

The sony bravia model key feature is the 'Triluminos' local-dimming feature which claims superior contrast compared to plasma televisions. Unfortunately, the feature will only be available in the 55-inch KDL-55XBR8 and 46-inch KDL-46XBR8 models. According to a recent post on Twice, Triluminos LED backlighting expands an LCD TV's color range by using a cluster of red, green, and blue LEDs to replace a single white LED to backlight the display panel. Local dimming improves video contrast and dynamic range by reducing backlight levels area by area on the display to maintain detail in dark areas of the screen during a scene. The reduced light emissions yield deep blacks and reduce power consumption.

Sound like the right 1080p HDTV for you? Please comment back and let us know.

-itsTripple

vizio announced today that they're being sued by consumer-electronics companies; Mitsubishi, Samsung, Victor Co. of Japan, and others. The grounds for the suit are over MPEG 2 video patents. The suit alleges that Vizio is using the format illegally.

According to a recent post at PC Magazine, the suit alleges that Vizio used technology patented by manufacturers who have also banded together as part of the MPEG Licensing Authority, or MPEG-LA.

This is a breaking report so we will follow-up with more details as they become available. In the meantime, what do you think? Are our digitized lifestyles in jeopardy? Do the big electronics manufacturers have a case or are they 'picking' on the little guy? Let us know.

-itsTripple

© bovinity


Best Buy recently announced their plans to test a program that will allows consumers a convenient and free way to discard of millions of unused and forgotten televisions, computers and dated gadgets. Best Buy will except the e-waste regardless of where it was purchased.

According to an article in the Washington Post, BestBuy plans to launch the free recycling program in over 100 retail locations within eight states. The pilot stores will originate in markets such as; Northern California, Minneapolis, north dakota, and Washington, D.C.

If the recycling program is successful, Best Buy plans to expand it to all of its 922 stores in the United States.

Will you drop-off your e-waste to Best Buy? Who's getting paid recycling profits? Your feedback is encouraged.

-itsTripple

© elvissa


Pantel, manufacturers of weatherproof high definition televisions and Synthetic Landscaping, recently announced new monitor dimensions for their outdoor life LCD high definition televisions line. Pantel is known for niche products such as the digitized weatherproof HDTV; one of the two key products produced by the parent company, Surfside Concepts, Inc. They also produce artificial landscapes.

According to a recent article on Electronic House, Pantel announced three new models at handsome price points: the 20-inch ($2,999), 52-inch ($9,999, and 65 inch ($25,999). Only the The 52-inch (PAN-520) and 65-inch (PAN-650) LCDs support 1080 resolution (not progressive scan). The 20-inch (PAN-200) supports the standard 768 high definition resolution of 1366 x 768.

It seems that $2,999 is a little costly for a standard high definition resolution of 1366 x 768. The only advantage is that I can hang it up outside and it will not rust? Might be nice for the professional athletes that can afford lavish luxuries but I'd be just as happy with a 65-inch 1080p Visio that I can keep in the house for half the price.

What do you think?

-itsTripple