blu-ray

As 3D content becomes ever more available, the differences in how it works become important. Just like all HD isn't the same, all 3D isn't the same either.

More than a simple "how it works," this guide will help you understand why some 3D looks better than others.… Read more

Even though most people have more DVDs than Blu-rays and there are more standard-definition (SD) channels than high-definition (HD) on all cable/satellite providers, it's highly unlikely most people send their televisions standard-definition signals.

Nearly all current DVD players, and all Blu-ray players, convert the SD from a DVD to HD. Nearly all cable/satellite boxes upconvert the SD channels to HD. Since this upconversion happens before the signal is sent to the TV, most properly hooked-up HDTVs today only ever receive HD signals.

The only readily available SD source is Nintendo's Wii.

There is a practical thought behind this esoteric question. If no SD is ever sent to a television, is the standard-def processing of a TV, and the associated SD inputs, irrelevant?

What do you think? Do you still have, and regularly use, any SD sources?

It also might be good to check that you're actually watching HD on your HDTV.… Read more

Remember when a Blu-ray player all by itself cost $400? Talk about the bad old days. Thankfully, times (and prices) have changed.

Today, for example, Wal-Mart has the Philips HTS3251B/F7 Blu-ray Home Theater System for $198, plus sales tax and around $6 for shipping (or not if you choose site-to-store). That is one mighty fine deal.

Let's start with the Blu-ray player. You'll want to run an Ethernet cord to it so you can take advantage of features like BD-Live 2.0 and Netflix streaming. (The product description suggests that the player also supports Wi-Fi, but it … Read more

If you've never adjusted the settings on your TV, it's a good bet it's not performing as well as it could. While it's possible to get the picture settings close just by using your eye, the better option is a Blu-ray setup disc.

Beginner to expert, there's one for every skill level. All will get your TV performing much better than before.

… Read more

Audiophiles are, by definition, listeners, but we can also be watchers. I have a collection of around 100 concert DVDs and Blu-rays. And while a good number of them are in 5.1 channel surround, most also have 2.0 stereo mixes. I play both types over my two-channel home theater system. The best of these discs will test the limits of your system's stamina, pop one on, turn it up to "11," and you're there.

Tell us about your favorite concert/music discs in the Comments section.

"It Might Get Loud" is definitely … Read more

It's tough to stand out in the Blu-ray player market, with all the midrange models having the main features we think are important: built-in Wi-Fi, Netflix streaming, and excellent image quality. Though the Panasonic DMP-BDT210 doesn't have any single killer feature that puts it head and shoulders above the competition, it does just about all the little things right.

It has the fastest disc-loading speeds we've seen on a player so far, coming in a good deal faster than its competitors. Its user interface is very simple to use and we love that the remote includes a … Read more

"May the 4th be with you."

No, it's not someone with a lisp mouthing the famous phrase from "Star Wars." Rather, it's the tease atop a countdown on a "Star Wars" Web site that promises that "All will be revealed" tomorrow.

Indeed, at precisely 6 a.m. Pacific, it appears there will be some sort of significant unveiling in the world of "Star Wars." Word is that an e-mail went out yesterday inviting people to this countdown site--though I did not receive one, so I can't verify … Read more

They may be called Blu-ray players, but in 2011 they're as much about streaming-media services as they are about high-definition discs. With every manufacturer having a different collection of streaming-media services, we've been taking an in-depth look at each company's content portal for 2011.

Today, we're looking at Panasonic's Viera Cast, which takes after LG's Smart TV in its simplicity. There's no app store or cross-platform search, but it has a solid collection of streaming-media services and an easy-to-use interface.

Panasonic Viera Cast is the same on most 2011 Panasonic Blu-ray players--and home … Read more

With every manufacturer adding bells and whistles to try to make its Blu-ray player stand out from the crowd, the LG BD670's no-frills approach ironically is what stands out.

Instead of adding features of dubious worth (2D-to-3D conversion, cross-platform search that doesn't work), the BD670 relies on a simple formula for success: built-in Wi-Fi, lots of high-quality streaming-media services--including standouts like Amazon Instant, MLB.TV, MOG, and Napster--and a clean, simple user interface. Its basic approach makes it one of our favorite Blu-ray players of the year, neck and neck with the Panasonic DMP-BDT210.

Overall, the Panasonic has … Read more