CES: Day 1 Roundup

LG Introduces Hybrid Next Gen HD Player

This is what I think we've all been waiting for, a combo hybrid player that attempts to squash the format feud. I know I have, unfortunately it comes with a retail price of $1199! LG calls the BH-100 the "Super Multi Blue Player" that is capable of playing both HD DVD and Blu-ray DVD's in full 1080p but will not play CD's. Not a shocker but at this price point, why not? This player will also play standard DVD's and up-convert them to 1080i.

This just in...Engadget is reporting that LG's new combo player will not take advantage of HD DVD's interactive features such as PIP, next-gen menus, HD DVD downloads/updates but does take full advantage of these features on a Bue-ray Disk.

DirecTV to carry 100 National HD Channels in 2007

I sure hope so but we'll have to wait and see. Here's some of the HD Channels they've signed agreements with: A&E, National Geographic, Bravo, NFL Network, History Channel, HGTV, The Weather Channel, MTV,CNN, USA, Sci Fi, Weather Channel, Food Network, TBS, Cartoon Network, Speed, FX and all Premium Services. They're also going to start beta testing Video-On-Demand in March.

Microsoft IPTV and Home Media Server

This was just a sneak peak by Bill Gates at his keynote address but very interesting to say the least. Microsoft will introduce IPTV for XBOX 360 and a Windows Home Server. Gates wants to take advantage of the estimated 70 million IPTV subscribers he expects by 2009. Not sure if this will be a software upgrade for the existing XBox 360 or an entirely new version. The Home Server software is slated for release this fall in HP's MediaSMart Server and is expected to retail under $500.

HP introduces Kitchen PC

HP is hoping to become the primary message center with it's new TouchSmart PC which will run Microsoft's new Windows Vista operating system. This all-in-one PC is centered around a 19" touch screen LCD that they're hoping will become the family's bulletin board but comes at a price...$1800 and will ship on January 30th, 2007. It's not exactly a space saver but could make cooking more fun!

Tzero introduces Wireless UWB HD Connections

Tzero's new cable replacement technology that streams high definition video content from set-top boxes and other HD video sources to  a flat panel display or projector over HDMI. This technology does not require line-of -site and can be mounted up to 30ft away. Several manufacturers are showing this technology including ASUS, Audiovox, Gefen, Hisense, InFocus, Magnum, Proview, Syntax-Brillian, Viewsonic and others.

Sanyo Fisher Debuts Zero-Gravity Chair

According to the NASA, the zero-gravity position is a natural body posture that our bodies assume under micro-gravity conditions. The HEC-DR7700K message chair, which has 24 independent air bags, has 2 zero-gravity positions for maximum comfort and relaxation.  It's scheduled for spring delivery and no pricing yet.