The HW-F750 will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, along with a new Blu-ray player (BD-F7500) and home theatre system (HT-F9750W) that upscale SD and HD resolution to Ultra HD quality.

Already the soundbar and smart Blu-ray player have been awarded 2013 CES Innovation Awards.

According to Samsung, the HW-F750 “resolves consumers’ desire for pure power and warm, natural sound by integrating a vacuum tube amplifier into a soundbar for the first time.

“Additionally, the HW-750 offers the ultimate in convenience with its SoundShare function, which enables users to wirelessly connect the soundbar to a TV via Bluetooth.

“Meanwhile, the product’s gyroscope sensor gauges height, rotation and slope to optimise sound quality, whether the soundbar is placed in a horizontal or vertical position.

“Combined, these features virtually eliminate restrictions on where consumers can place the HW-750 in their homes.”

A new AirtrackON function automatically powers up the soundbar when the TV is turned on, and allows control of the HW-F750 with a TV remote control.

Samsung’s 7.1 channel home theatre system (HTS) has a new TV Sound On feature that instantly activates the system’s 1,330-watt sound while muting the internal TV speaker with a single click of the remote control.

As well as Samsung’s proprietary vacuum tube and digital amplifier, and the latest in smart TV features, it boasts a swivel speaker for more multi-dimensional sound and a new DTS Neo fusion codec that’s exclusive to Samsung.

According to the press release, “A Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifier can handle a sound range beyond the typical audible frequency range.

“Paired with a vacuum tube pre-amplifier, consumers will enjoy true, natural sound with minimal distortion.

“A Ceramic Polypropylene Injection Diaphragm (CPID) speaker expands sound resolution so every note is distinct.”

The HTS also has a 4K scaler processor and a Blu-ray player that can run multiple apps simultaneously.

Samsung’s flagship Blu-ray player has a dual-core processor, smart TV technologies and a video processor with a proprietary Samsung algorithm that it claims improves the visual quality of block-based low bit-rate coded images and reduces blocking artifacts.

“This feature is especially important for maximising the visual quality of content streamed from the Internet, as well as improving the quality of picture sharpness.

“Furthermore, the unit’s 900MHz x 2 high-performance dual-core chipset boosts the unit’s image processing capacity so consumers can enjoy the highest picture quality and the fastest web-browsing speed.”

Sony's smallest 3D TV in 2011 will be the 32-inch EX720

Sony NZ is about to announce a “big increase” in 3D displays as part of  a “fundamental shift” from passive to active viewing in its 2011 TV range.

“We will have 23 [2D and 3D] models in the first half of 2011,” Sony’s Tim Barlow told ScreenScribe.tv.

“The overall range will be a similar size to previous years, but there is a big increase in the range of LED-backlit, 3D and Internet-capable TVs.”

3D will be supported on three of the eight series: the EX720, the NX720 and the HX series models (glasses optional, but all will also ‘upscale’ any 2D content to 3D); the smallest 3D display will be 32 inches and the largest, 65.

Screen sizes over the entire range will vary from 26 inches to 65, Barlow says.

“We will have entry products in a range of screen sizes — BX320, EX500 and the CX520 Internet TV; the mid-range EX520 and EX720 for those wanting a thinner LED-backlit screen; and then our ultimate design and picture quality ranges, the NX and HX series.”

There will be a choice of screen sizes across the BX320 (entry digital TV), CX520 (basic Internet TV), EX500 (big-screen CCFL/conventional backlighting but no Internet), EX520 (LED backlight), EX720 (3D), NX720 (“monolithic” design), HX820 and HX923 (highest picture quality)

Everything from the CX520 above, except the EX500, which is being carried over from last year, is Internet capable, including Internet video, Skype (optional camera), browser/widgets and support for Sony’s new unlimited music subscription system Qriocity.

Wireless is in-built on NX and above; all models can also connect via ethernet or with an optional USB wireless adaptor.

The 55-inch NX720

The EX520/720, NX and HX-series, which account for just over half of the range, will have LED backlighting, which Barlow points out comes in different flavours – “our best being ‘Intelligent Peak LED backlighting’ on our HX923-series, which can light individual parts of the screen without affecting the rest of the display for virtually infinite contrast ratios.”

None of the new TVs will have built-in Blu-ray players. “But we will be launching a new range of BD players around the same time,” Barlow says.

“They will also be capable of many of the Internet ‘tricks’ that the TVs have, making them a great ‘upgrade’ for older TVs.”

Barlow says the concept behind many of the new TVs is a “fundamental shift” from passive to active viewing.

“So that changes quite a few aspects of the design. Generally speaking, we’ve improved TVs in three key areas.”

They are: TV redefined (including 3D, Internet features); picture quality (new technologies like Motionflow XR and X-Reality Pro video processing, the use of new high-contrast local dimming and unique OptiContrast panels); and design (ongoing development of the Monolithic design idea with slimmer and lighter TVs using energy-efficient LED backlighting).

“The newly developed X-Reality PRO video processor is designed specifically to improve the quality of low bit-rate Internet video, which obviously was not really a consideration in previous TV ranges,” Barlow says.

“Likewise, the thin design and glass surface on our Monolithic models presents challenges met with an ultra-thin but ultra-durable Gorilla Glass surface and a special resin-filled OptiContrast panel, which prevents reflections and ensures great contrast in all lighting conditions.”

The top-of-the-range HX820

Oppo’s first 3D-capable Blu-ray player has gone on sale in New Zealand for $1149.

The BDP-93 succeeds the BDP-83, which sold for $200 more, and has two HDMI outputs (version 1.4a) to optimise audio and video settings for TVs and a/v receivers.

It also boasts a new video-processing chip, Qdeo by Marvell, that upscales DVD movies to a higher resolution, apparently improved audio, and will play a wide range of media formats.

But the European model for sale through RapalloAV is region-free only for DVDs, not Blu-rays, for which it’s zone B.

However, given the success of the hardware-modified BDP-83, don’t be surprised if there’s soon a chip for zone-free playback of Blu-rays.

Watch also for an audiophile version, the BDP-95 (below).

BDV-E970W

Sony’s new Blu-ray home theatre systems are due in stores but won’t be 3D-capable for another month or so.

The three 5.1 channel models were meant to go on sale late this month but retailers now expect them mid-June.

BDV-E370

A 3D firmware update will be available about a month after their launch, to coincide with Sony releasing its first 3DTV.

Pricing ranges from $999.95, for the entry-level BDV-E370, to $1,299.95 for the BDV-E870 and $1,599.95 for the BDV-E970W.

The styling of the top-of-the-line system mirrors that of Sony’s BRAVIA TV Monolithic design. It also comes with four, tall speakers that are wireless.

BDV-E870

The mid-range model has two tall speakers and two bookshelf speakers whereas the entry-level’s are bookshelf-only.

All of the systems are USB Wi-Fi ready (the USB Wireless LAN adapter is sold separately) and BD-Live capable.

They have S-Master digital amplification, Dolby TrueHD and DTS–HD audio, 1GB of built-in memory and Gracenote Metadata.

The higher-end models are 1000W RMS-rated, and the BDV-E370 is 850W.

Samsung Electronics NZ’s retailer and media roadshow is underway for its 2010 range of HD- and 3DTVs.

Even though stock has been in stores for the past two weeks, the company is only just starting to brief retailers and journalists on the new technologies.

Putting the cart before the horse like this risks consumers being turned off by ineptly set up shop demos.

But if demonstrated in the right lighting conditions with optimal calibration, the 3D impact of Monsters vs Aliens on Samsung’s flagship 3DTV is an eye-popping, jaw-dropping revelation.

Even though 3D content is scarce for the home – indeed, it’s limited to the copy of Monsters vs Aliens Samsung is bundling with its TVs – Samsung is betting on being first to market the technology in its TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems.

“We are confident that by being first-to-market with the best integrated technology and approach, we have the best opportunity to capitalise on the market anticipation and continue to strengthen our leadership in 2010,” Samsung’s director of marketing Rachael Cotton-Bronte says.

The LED 7000 range of TVs and the BD-C6900 Blu-ray player are being rolled out this month, with other Samsung 3D products (LED 9000, LED 8000, LCD 750, PDP 7000, HT-C6950W) due over the next couple of months; TV prices range from $3,999-$9,999 while the Blu-ray player retails for $699.

The TVs’ built-in 3D processors and emitters are compatible with multiple 3D standards, including half- and full-HD resolution formats, and have “auto-conversion technology” that renders 2D content to 3D in real time with the push of a button.

All of the 3D models have a built-in Ethernet connection, wireless-ready capabilities, and Internet@TV, for accessing the world’s first HDTV-based application store, Samsung Apps. Apps in New Zealand include YouTube, Twitter, Skype, Accuweather, Getty Images, Picasa, History App and gaming applications.

Cosmetics-wise, Samsung’s new LED range has narrower bezels, brushed metal frames in silver and black, four-legged quad stands, and a new brushed titanium crystal design scheme with chrome edging.

Samsung offers three models of 3D glasses: battery and a rechargeable in two sizes, for kids and adults. At launch, two sets of glasses are being included with every TV purchase; additional sets cost from $149.

Their application will give Freeview|HD DTRs the same advantage TiVo enjoys over Sky’s MySky HDi, whose users can’t burn their HD recordings to a hard drive or Blu-ray disc.

That’s because Sky’s subscription-only signals are encrypted whereas Freeview’s, which TiVo also receives, are free-to-air (FTA).

Sky’s told ScreenScribe.tv it’s considering an external archiving solution for MySky HDi subscribers but points out this is complicated by digital rights management restrictions preventing connections to non-proprietary hard drives.

In the meantime, expect Panasonic’s upcoming, second-generation Blu-ray recorder (with hard drive storage) to be one of the first Freeview-approved DTRs to capitalise on the content protection rules using Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP), for USB/hard drive storage and home network sharing; and Advanced Access Content System (AACS), for Blu-ray recording.

When HD broadcasters like TVNZ or TV3 transmit content in 720p or 1080i, they will be able to “flag” the content, as required by the content providers, as “copy freely”, “copy once” or “copy never”.

“There will be different levels of flexibility,” Freeview’s technology manager Tim Diprose says. “It is unlikely that ‘copy never’ will be used. We would imagine that most shows would be set to ‘copy once’ allowing a copy to be burnt to Blu-ray in high definition but with AACS no further copies could be made from that disc.”

He says even if broadcasters don’t flag each programme, Freeview will ensure everything on a MyFreeview|HD EPG can be copied at least once.

The external storage breakthrough comes on the eve of Freeview celebrating its third anniversary.

About 60% of the country now receives digital FTA reception, via satellite or terrestrial, edging NZ ever closer to the 75% needed before a switch-over date is announced. — which could be as early as 2012 or as late as 2015, depending on whether Freeview can convince the Government to extend the terrestrial HD roll-out beyond the initial nine major centres.

Diprose says Freeview|HD via satellite isn’t feasible because there isn’t the capacity and it’s not cost-effective. “Once a terrestrial network is built, it’s cheaper to run because you’re not paying an overseas company for bandwidth. You can pipe it around via IP [Internet Protocol], over fibre, then broadcast it.”

IP offers exciting possibilities for Freeview|HD next year, when it will introduce the capability for streamed on-demand viewing using MHEG-5. MHEG-5 is a public standard interactive TV middleware that’s used here, in Britain and in Hong Kong, and has been specified for Australia, South Africa and Ireland.

“Everyone’s using the same technology, which means very little development for the manufacturers, so there’s almost no hardware cost in adding this to the product,” Diprose says.

“We’ve put that in our spec. As yet, none of the broadcasters has decided to build an application but that could be quite exciting for wide range of applications – catch-up TV, any content really …”

But for this to succeed, telcos will have to improve broadband speeds – Diprose estimates 1.5Mb/s for reasonable quality – and remove data caps or lower data costs.

As for 3DTV, “it’s not something we’re doing anything about but we’re keeping a keen eye on it,” Diprose says.

The Freeview|HD platform is capable of delivering 3D reception as BSkyB is doing in the UK, where the left and right images appear side by side on the screen. They’re full-height but squeezed up, until the 3D decoder syncs them to the viewer’s 3D glasses.

“It gives reduced resolution, so we’re following the developments closely on proper 3D, full HD broadcasting,” Diprose says.

“We would love to see something happen but the numbers would need to stack up for the broadcasters and at this stage that may be some years away.”

The Oppo BDP-83 may cost several hundred dollars more than premium models from Sony, Samsung or Panasonic. But such is its convenience, versatility and virtuosity that HD buffs won’t regret their $1350 investment.

True, you can buy a quality Blu-ray player for under $500 that provides comparable HD video but it will offer only a handful of the features that distinguish the BDP-83.

Arguably the most notable are its video processing prowess and it being hardware modified to play region- or zone-free Blu-rays and DVDs.

Rival Blu-ray players can be hacked by third parties to do likewise but usually this voids the manufacturer’s warranty whereas the BDP-83 can be bought officially modified, with guarantee intact, from its NZ distributor, RapalloAV.

As a result, it will play DVDs or Blu-rays from anywhere in the world, regardless of their regional coding.

DVDs play automatically while Blu-ray movies simply require switching the BDP-83 to a different zone via the remote control.

Blu-ray releases aren’t cursed with regional coding to the same extent as DVDs. Most studios don’t restrict their high-definition releases to one of three world zones — NZ is ‘B’ — but 20^th Century Fox and Walt Disney do while others have variable policies.

For instance, the first three seasons of TV’s Weeds on Blu-ray are region-free, which is a boon for Kiwi fans given Prime doesn’t air it in HD and only one season has been released here on Blu-ray.

But season four, which will be released here only on DVD in May,  is zoned A, as is season five (which has just gone on sale in the US but has yet to screen on Prime).

Not all movies are offered here on Blu-ray, either. Case in point: Sunshine Cleaning, NZ filmmaker Christine Jeffs’ first US feature. It came out on Blu-ray in the US but is zoned ‘A’ and can be bought or rented here only on DVD.

Then there are the niche movies, like The 400 Blows, Paris Texas, 8½ and Chunking Express, and TV series like Dexter and 24 that don’t air here in HD and so far have been released in NZ only on DVD.

While the number of regionally locked titles alone may not justify the BDP-83’s price tag, ownership does allow you to source competitively-priced Blu-ray movies confidently from the likes of Amazon, often ahead of their NZ release (odds-on Oscar favourite The Hurt Locker), without having to check to see if they’re region-free on sites like Blu-ray Region Code Info.

Authorised hardware modification isn’t the BDP-83’s only point of difference. It’s also a universal player, which means it will spin SACD and Audio-DVD discs, and boasts Anchor Bay processing that will upscale DVDs to a higher resolution than standard definition.

There’s still no mistaking them for HD transfers but my Region 1 DVD collection of classic sitcoms from the ‘60s and ‘70s – Green Acres, Mary Tyler Moore, Barney Miller, Taxi, The Bob Newhart Show – has never looked better. (The BDP-83 even will convert DVDs to the same 24p output as Blu-rays.)

As well as its superior, elegant construction and a comprehensive, intelligently-written manual, the BDP-83 comes in Apple-quality packaging, can be set up in snap with the help of an on-screen wizard, and will pipe HD audio to older a/v receivers with the analogue inputs to accept it.

The BDP-83 does have a couple of limitations: it’s BD-Live ready but can’t be connected wirelessly to the Internet; and it can’t fast-forward or rewind quicker than five times normal play.

But these are trifling criticisms given how fast it loads Blu-ray discs, its extensive picture calibration tools, its near-silent operation,  its masterful remote control and extras like automatic aspect ratio control.

The learning remote won’t win kudos for its looks but the design is textbook-perfect. It’s backlit, intuitive and places the most important functions, like zoom and resolution, within easy reach rather than deep with multi-step, on-screen menus.

The BDP-83 ships with a Spears & Munsil Blu-ray calibration disc that it sails through as well as a Blu-ray AIX audio calibration disc; it is also ScreenScribe.tv’s choice for reviewing Blu-ray releases and comparing the performance of other Blu-ray players.