Tags: hd dvd, home theatre, player, sony

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.

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?

Panasonic DMP-BD30

The Panasonic DMP-BD30 offers excellent video quality and is Blu-ray Profile 1.1 compliant, but those who want high-resolution audio will need a cutting-edge AV receiver.
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.
Denon AVR-3808

The Denon AVR-3808 A/V receiver is absolutely packed with functionality and sounds great, but you'll need to be an A/V geek to unlock all its potential.
Acer Aspire 5920

Though it's bulky, the Acer Aspire 5920 makes a great choice for buyers who want both a media-friendly laptop and a portable HD DVD player that plugs into their home theatre.
Onkyo TX-SR605

The Onkyo TX-SR605 raises the bar for AV receivers by delivering an amazing number of next-generation audio and video features at an unbeatably low price
Epson EMP-TW1000

It may lack luxury functions, extended connectivity and the inky blacks of pricier models, but this is well offset by beautiful HD pictures, extended lens shift and ultra-short throw capabilities.
Sony STR-DA3200ES

The Sony STR-DA3200ES packs in a lot of features for the money, and sound is top-notch, though the HDMI implementation may be a limiting factor.
Panasonic DMP-BD10

Forward-looking cinephiles with deep pockets might go for DMP-BD10 Blu-ray player. For the rest of us, we recommend waiting a while or picking up a PS3.

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.
CES 2008 wrap: tech's crystal ball

CES 2008 has wrapped for another year, and so CNET.com.au looks over the tech and the products we will be using in the years to come.
CES 2008: world's biggest tech show preview

The annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world's largest, and in the leadup to our exclusive CNET.com.au coverage here's what to expect from CES 2008.
Blu-ray and HD DVD movies in Australia: Update

High-definition DVD content is finally hitting Australian shores. We look at what titles are available and what's on the horizon.

CES 2009 preview: Home entertainment

For the last few years, the format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray has monopolised home entertainment coverage at CES. Now that HD DVD is dead, we can finally get back to focussing on new technology, rather than which studios are backing which format. Blu-ray should have a big presence, along with its new competitors, internet-powered video-on-demand boxes.
CES 2009 preview: Home audio

CES 2009 proves once again that audio has plateaued. Can't someone just make a simple player that does everything?
High-def buyers face upgrade headaches

Australians may be snapping up high definition (HD) capable equipment, but movie studios and technology vendors face a potential public relations disaster if they can't help consumers avoid compatibility problems that could potentially force consumers to repurchase equipment down the road.
High-cost gear hobbled by high-def ignorance, survey finds

A new survey has found that two-thirds of high-definition-capable TV owners lack an HDTV set-top box and half of consumers mistakenly believe that DVDs already offer HD video.

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.
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.
DIY: Desktop buying guide

What you need to know -- from finding the type of PC that fits your lifestyle to catching up on all of the latest trends.
Big Screen Buyers' Guide: UPDATE

Taking the plunge with a big screen television? Here's 10 questions you should be asking yourself before you hit the shops.

Get (laptop) smart before you buy

Win the numbers game and get the laptop that's perfect your needs as well as your budget!
Microsoft Windows® 7. Your PC, simplified.

Windows® 7 has been designed to be more reliable, more responsive, and to make the things you do every day easier.
Whereis® maps

If you’d like to get to know more of Australia, and do it safely, then check out Whereis® maps.