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CBHD: Blu-ray rival based on HD DVD

HD DVD might win the format war against Blu-ray. No, this is not a repeat from 2006.

Five years of home theatre: The highs and lows

CNET Australia has turned five years old, and so we look at some of the big events and technologies in this time, and what's on the horizon.

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Reviews

  • Pioneer BDP-LX71

    The Pioneer LX71 is a great Blu-ray player, despite a slow loading speed for interactive discs and the high price.

  • Samsung HT-BD2

    The Samsung HT-BD2 delivers the sort of top-notch video quality you'd expect from the world's first HTIB with built-in Blu-ray — but its high price, average audio quality, and lack of extras make it tough to recommend.

  • Linksys Media Center Extender DMA2200

    The MCE DMA2200 is probably the best media streaming device we've ever tested. It only works with Windows Vista, but for streaming media from a PC to the TV, it's ideal.

  • Sony BDPS500B

    The Sony BDPS500B is an excellent sonic performer and will upscale your DVD collection — but it's outshone by cheaper players for Blu-ray playback.

  • Sony STRDA5300ES

    With six HDMI inputs, an intuitive graphical user interface and excellent audio and video quality, the Sony STR-DA5300ES raises the bar on what to expect from a high-end AV receiver.

  • Panasonic TH-50PZ700A

    Despite a recent price drop, the Panasonic TH-50PZ700A still struggles in the face of its main competitor, the Pioneer Kuro.

  • Onkyo TX-SR875

    If you want an AV receiver that has plenty of power and supports the latest high definition audio, the Onkyo TX-SR875 should be on your shopping list.

  • Philips Aurea 42PFL9900D

    The Philips Aurea 42PFL9900D may be very expensive, but its picture performance nothing short of stunning, and the Ambilight Spectra system stands out from the crowd.

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Features

  • Blu-ray: Everything you need to know

    In 2009, it seems that Blu-ray is finally ready for the mainstream. But what exactly is it, what does it do, and is it right for you?

  • Nine reasons why Blu-ray will succeed

    We've been seeing a lot of articles lately about how Blu-ray's doomed, but we think it will do just fine. Here are nine reasons why.

  • BD-Live: Blu-ray's secret weapon or bust?

    With Disney set to make BD-Live available on all its new releases we look at the technology behind this Blu-ray feature and whether it's worth having.

  • Is it time to go HD?

    Want to know whether HD is worth it yet? Here is our look at what's changed in the world of high-def lately — and what's on the horizon.

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  • Microsoft finally cuts HD DVD add-on

    Microsoft will end production of the external HD DVD drive for its Xbox 360 video game console, according to a report by the Associated Press.

  • Toshiba to announce "war is over"

    With an announcement from Toshiba imminent, the next-gen movie format war is almost at an end, with HD-DVD falling to its Sony-boosted rival, Blu-ray.

  • Five reasons you shouldn't buy a Blu-ray player yet

    With HD DVD looking more and more like it's on the ropes, it would seem like the ideal time to commit to Blu-ray -- right? Not so fast. There are at least five reasons to stick with your good old-fashioned DVD player -- at least for the next few months

  • Best Buy kicks HD DVD while it's down

    Starting next month, US retail chain Best Buy says it will prominently display Blu-ray players and discs in its stores and recommend the format over rival HD DVD.

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DIYs and How-to

  • Why HDMI? What you need to know before going digital

    Tired of all those messy home theatre cables ruining your living room's feng shui? Wondering why analog cables are still connecting your all-digital gear? There is a solution — HDMI.

  • Blu-ray Profile 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 explained

    How come there are so many different versions of Blu-ray, and what's the difference anyway? We look at the three different types and the features they offer.

  • How to connect your HDTV

    In this guide, we help make connecting your TV to the rest of your system less intimidating, and explain all the relevant technologies.

  • Watch downloads on your TV

    Media wants to be free, but it should be accessible everywhere in your house too, especially on your TV. Find out how to play the files on your PC on a bigger screen.

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The Explain Series