This prevents the theft of the HD video by pirates until now. A group of computer scientists at Ruhr University in Germany have created a custom board to break the encryption using cheap FPGA chips. The chip used was a Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA with an HDMI port and serial RS232 communication port. The board sat between the Blu-ray player and the TV, captured the data, and decrypted it.

The total cost of the board used was a bit over $200. The board was constructed by the researchers as a project in copy protection. Apparently, the project will not be interesting to pirates who capture their video form receivers. The team says that the intention was to investigate the fundamental security of HDCP and measure what it would cost to beat the encryption.

[via RegHardware]

Right now it basically does in software – the block cipher, stream cipher, and hashing algorithms necessary to perform an HDCP handshake and to encrypt or decrypt video – what Intel expected hardware to do.  As a result, it’s very system-intensive:  a 2.33GHz Intel Xeon is capable of 180fps 640 x 480 encoding, but falls short of real-time 1080p.

For that, they say, you’d need a high-end 64-bit CPU with at least two cores and 1.6GB of RAM, with the processes parallelized across those cores.  Still, it’s likely we’ll see plenty of optimization work done as more coders get their hands on it.

[via Slashdot]

HDCP is the encryption and handshaking technology Intel developed to secure the different components used with digital media hardware, to prevent like-for-like copies being made.  It relies on each piece of hardware being HDCP compliant (and thus not allowing for duplication or non-encrypted distribution); if one component isn’t, the whole chain is shut down.

Intel don’t expect a software product to use the “forty times forty element matrix of fifty-six bit hexadecimal numbers” the master key comprises, though they’re not counting it now.  The company says it has contacted licensees of the HDPC technology, but doesn’t necessarily consider the copyright protection to be entirely undermined.

[via Slashdot]

That takes advantage of the 27-inch iMac’s Mini DisplayPort input, which basically allows it to work as a standalone display for an external source.  The AV360 is powered from a USB connection, supports HDCP and stereo audio.

However, while it will accept a 1080p HD input, the AV360 only actually outputs 720p HD to the iMac, which could be a disappointment for some hoping to use the full extent of the 2560 x 1440 display.  The Belkin AV360 will go on sale later this month, priced at $149.99.

Press Release:

Belkin Introduces AV360™ Mini DisplayPort Converter for 27″iMac

New converter brings HD content from game consoles, cable, or satellite TV boxes to 27″ iMac

(Playa Vista, CA) -June 21, 2010 – Belkin announces its new AV360 Mini DisplayPort Converter that adapts the signal from an HDMI® audio video source, such as a Blu-ray® player, Xbox®, PS3®, or cable box, to a DisplayPort-compatible signal. The new converter supports high-resolution video and audio, allowing customers to display HD content from external devices on the 27″ iMac.

AVAILABILITY
Belkin’s AV360 Mini DisplayPort Converter for 27″ iMac will be available in late June 2010 in North America, Europe, and Asia.

AV360 Mini DisplayPort Converter (F2CD007) – $149.99
Accepts full 1080p signal, provides 720p to iMac
Delivers stereo audio
HDCP-compliant
Includes the 4 ft. Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cable
Includes 4 ft. USB cable (powered by the USB connection)
Designed to complement supported Apple products
Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cable , 4 ft (male to male) (F2CD008tt1.5M) – $29.99
Male-to-male cable
Displays content from a MacBook to iMac for an extended desktop

The 2010i has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 5ms response time and 250 nits brightness; it has VGA and HDCP-compliant DVI-D inputs, together with audio.  Meanwhile the 2210m has the same contrast ratio but 2.5ms response time and 300 nits brightness; it also gains an HDMI input.

The 2310m is roughly the same as the 2210m, with 3ms response time and VESA wall-mounting support.  Finally, the HP 2710m has 400 nits brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 2.5ms response time and 92-percent color gamut coverage.

The HP 2010i is priced at $179.99, the 2210m at $219.99 and the 2310m at $259.99.  No word on how much the 2710m – for which the product page will be here – will be; we should find out tomorrow.

InstaPort is Silicon Image’s attempt to speed up switching between different HDMI inputs, and is slowly gaining traction as manufacturers attempt to avoid frustrating remote control delays.  What tinkerer “GRitchie” discovered was that his new TV had a simple 4-to-1 HDMI hub that took four HDMI peripherals (e.g. DVD player, Blu-ray, PS3) and linked them to a single HDMI connection on the main control board.  Soldering eight wires onto the switching chip output and to a cut-up HDMI cable meant he had an unencrypted output stripped of any HDCP.

It’s unclear whether this is the result of a lazy cost-cutting exercise by one TV manufacturer – the brand of set isn’t mentioned – or a side-effect of InstaPort itself.  If the latter, that could lead to all manner of confusion as a quoted 9 out of 10 TV manufacturers are considering the technology for their next-gen sets.  Now we don’t recommend opening up your TV and soldering things directly to it, but we are interested to see how this story pans out.

[via Hack a Day]

There’s also Audyssey DSX soundstage extension processing and support for MP3, WMA, FLAC, Lossless, Ogg Vorbis and AAC files, together with a bi-directional remote control, ethernet port and 7.1 surround sound.  The TX-NR807 also supports multi-room audio, with powered zone two and three options as well as a serial port for system integration.

Amp power is seven channels of 135W, and there are various digital inputs/outputs as well as the HDMI (which you can see in the gallery below).  The TX-NR807 is joined by the TX-SR707, which has the same local switching but only 7 x 100W amplification and no networking functionality.

The Onkyo TX-NR807 is available now, with an MRSP of $1,099; the Onkyo TX-SR707, meanwhile, has an MRSP of $899.

Press Release:

Onkyo Debuts Mid-Price THX Select2 Plus AV Receiver With Streaming Internet Radio Capabilities and DLNA 1.5 Networking Compatibility.

With the growing market for advanced internet radio services like Pandora, Rhapsody, Sirius Internet Radio, and vTuner, consumers increasingly seek to integrate their home entertainment systems with the internet.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/10/09) — Onkyo has introduced and begun shipping its first network-capable home theater receiver configured for Pandora, Rhapsody, and Sirius’ streaming internet radio services. The new Onkyo TX-NR807 also capable of playing computer music files from networked PCs, is fully compatible with the Digital Living Network Alliance’s DLNA 1.5 consumer electronics interoperability specification, and sells for less than half the price of the company’s previous network-capable model. With THX Select2 Plus certification and state-of-the-art processing from Dolby, DTS, Audyssey and Faroudja, the Onkyo TX-NR807 offers high definition audio and video performance. The TX-NR807 and non-networking TX-SR707, also introduced today, are Onkyo’s first receivers to offer Audyssey DSX soundstage extension processing in addition to Dolby Pro Logic IIz height-capabilities.

The Onkyo TX-NR807 connects directly to the internet or a home network via a rear-panel Ethernet port. The receiver’s on-screen user interface allows users direct access to Pandora, Rhapsody, Sirius Internet Radio, and vTuner streaming radio services, or to access MP3, WMA, FLAC, Lossless, Ogg Vorbis, and AAC files from any computer or storage device on the network. The receiver is Windows 7 compatible, and its Ethernet port can also be used for firmware updates.

The TX-NR807 also includes Onkyo’s new Bi-Directional Preprogrammed RI Remote Control which will impress anyone who has ever been frustrated by the trial-and-error manual data inputs and paper listings usually needed to program associated TV’s, disc players, cable boxes, and other components. Onkyo’s new system allows users to select from a on-screen list of compatible products, and then automatically transmit the codes from the receiver to the remote control. The remote also offers up to four macro programs for simultaneous activation of multiple components and feature sets.

As a premium home theater receiver, the TX-NR807 is also the perfect match for high definition video displays with Blu-ray players and other HD sources. It has six HDMI 1.3a inputs, 1080p video upscaling of all sources using the powerful Faroudja DCDi Cinema processor chip. On the audio side it has a full suite of surround processing, including lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The Onkyo TX-NR807 is one of the first receivers to incorporate Audyssey DSX technology, which allows the back surround channels to be retasked for front-wide speakers to expand the width of the sounds stage, or for front height speakers to provide vertical ambience effects. The receiver also includes Audyssey MultiEQ room calibration technology, plus that company’s Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ processing. Dolby ProLogic IIz processing is also included to provide an alternate implementation of height channel technology.

The TX-NR807 has seven powerful 135-watts-per-channel Onkyo WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) amplifier sections for high output and low distortion, offering a dynamic power rating of 300 watts into 3 ohms. It has an extensive array of analog and digital inputs and outputs, including an MM/MC phono input. Its multiroom audio capabilities are similarly extensive with Powered Zone 2 and 3 capabilities, multiple DC triggers, bidirectional RS-232, and Onkyo’s exclusive Universal Port for connection of an optional iPod Dock and HD Radio tuner.

The Onkyo TX-NR807 is now shipping to Onkyo dealers and will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,099.

Onkyo Debuts TX-SR707

Onkyo has also introduced the TX-SR707 THX-Select2 Plus home theater receiver, which has the same advanced high definition audio and video processing features as the TX-NR807, but uses a 7 x 100 Watts power amplifier section, Powered Zone 2, conventional preprogrammed remote control, and has no networking capabilities. The Onkyo TX-SR707 is currently available with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $899.

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning product that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

The range kicks off with two HD-Ready sets, the LC-26DX2 and LC-32DX2, packing 1,366 x 768 resolution panels, then rises through the Full HD LC-40DX2, LC-46DX2 and LC-52DX2 each with 1,920 x 1080 panels.  Contrast on the former two is 7,000:1, while on the latter three it’s 15,000:1; there are also two HDMI ports on the 26 and 32 inch sets, rising to three on the 40, 46 and 52 inchers.

All five sizes will land in Japan on September 10th, with pricing yet to be announced.  Also unknown is the release date in the US or Europe.

[via Akihabara News]

As for the 22-inch model, the Dell E2210H, and the 20-inch E2010H, they both slot into Dell’s business range, promising 1,920 x 1080 and 1,600 x 900 resolution respectively along with DVI and VGA connectivity.  Each has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 250 CD/m2 brightness, together with 5ms response time and a tilt-adjustable stand.

All three LCDs are available to order now, with the consumer ST2310 priced at $229, the E2210H at $259 and the E2010H at $139.  Don’t forget to budget for a DVI or HDMI cable, though, as Dell rather meanly only include a VGA cable.

[via Engadget]

Connectivity includes two HDMI v1.3 ports supporting HDCP, together with VGA and audio-in for the twin 1.5W speakers.  Brightness is 300 cd/m2, while viewing angles are quoted at 170-degrees horizontal and 160-degrees vertical; the stand also tilts, or can be removed altogether and the HH251HP installed via a standard VESA mount.

HANNSG have also loaded the display up with X-Contrast and X-Celerate technical magic, which claims to do wonderful things with picture quality and reduce blurring.  We reckon more people will be interested in the price: £183.99 ($297). 

Press Release:

HANNSG unveils the new HH series of cutting edge monitors.

The new HH251HP, featuring a unique 25” display, is launched

Hemel Hempstead, UK, 9th July 2009

Top 5 monitor manufacturer, HANNSG, has today unveiled a new line of cutting edge monitors. The new HH series of widescreen TFT LCD monitors, which will include a comprehensive selection of display sizes from 18.5” up to 28”, perfectly demonstrates HANNSGs development and manufacturing capabilities, combining style, performance and functionality.

The first monitor to launch from the new HH range of HANNSG monitors is the new HH251HP. The HH251HP features a number of HANNSG’s exclusive cutting edge technologies, developed to ensure sharper pictures without residual images, for the ultimate HD viewing experience, as well as, a unique 25” display.

The HH251HP’s one-of-a-kind 25” display accommodates a full HD 1920 x 1080 WUXGA resolution and multiple aspect ratio support which ensures image distortion does not occur (a simple press of a hotkey can transform an image which appears stretched in the standard 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio ‘Full Mode’ into the perfect 4:3 ‘Fit Mode’). The HH251HP also features HANNSG’s exclusive X-Contrast technology with 15000:1 ultra-high dynamic contrast, which significantly improves three dimensional effects by providing darker black colour and lighter white colour control, and includes HANNSG’s exclusive X-Celerate technology, which provides a blazingly fast response time to dramatically improve fluidity of dynamic images, ultimately eliminating motion blur. All of the HH251HP’s intuitive display options are easily accessible via an extremely user friendly, redesigned on-board interface.

Adding a touch of class to any space, the new HANNSG monitor boasts striking, state of the art looks with a high gloss, black mirror finish and curved, slim frame. It includes 2 x HDMI 1.3 inputs with HDCP support to support today’s and tomorrow’s high tech external devices and includes VESA wall mounting capability for optimum space utilisation.

The new HH251HP is available now from www.misco.co.uk and is supplied as standard with a 3 year on-site swap out manufacturers’ warranty. RRP £183.99 Inc. VAT.

Main Features:
Display Size: 24.6” Widescreen
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Contrast (typ.): 800:1
X-Contrast (dyn.): 15000:1
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 WUXGA
Response Time: 5ms (typ)/2ms (GtG)
Display Colours: 16.7M
Display Surface: Anti Glare
Viewing Angles: H/V 170º/160º
Inputs: VGA, Audio, 2 x HDMI (HDCP)
Speakers: 2x 1.5W
Dimensions (mm): 582 (w) x 179 (d) x 422 (h)
Tilt: 0º~20º
VESA Mounting: VESA Standard 200 x 100mm

In terms of appearance, while this may be billed as a budget LCD display it doesn’t necessarily look that way.  The piano black front bezel and decorative rear and side effect are much more attractive than your typical low-end monitor, and though the stand isn’t height-adjustable it does at least have a relatively small footprint.  There’s also a standard VESA mount on the back, meaning hanging the 2230Fh on a wall or off a riser arm shouldn’t be too much struggle.

Setting up the 2230Fh is a straightforward matter too, involving choosing between its single HDMI, DVI or VGA D-Sub inputs.  There’s also a stereo audio-in port, taking a standard 3.5mm jack, for using the 2230Fh’s discretely integrated speakers.  AOC use a simple OSD with easy access to the main settings, though we imagine most people will use it as it comes out of the box.

That’s a shame, because the default settings seem to prioritize eye-catching brightness rather than usability.  The dynamic contrast is aggressive and hard on the eyes, especially when the 2230Fh is stood next to a properly calibrated display, and the standard contrast setting proved beyond the comfort zone for web surfing and reading.  Admittedly, with its 2ms response time and 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, AOC are targeting the 2230Fh more at gamers and movie-addicts than regular desk users. 

Step through the preset modes, however, and there are a number of toned-down settings far more suitable for everyday use.  Each preset can be tweaked, too, meaning even without a proper calibration tool you’re likely to find a reasonable setup.  Slightly disappointingly – but unsurprising given our experience with TN panels – even with a calibration tool we were unable to get accurate colors across the panel.  Color-shift particularly is noticeable from edge to edge.

Unlike some manufacturers who have stuck with TN panels, AOC have not given the 2230Fh a better glass panel to improve on color shift and increase color gamut.  That’s likely a cost-saving measure, but it does make the display more aesthetically appealing at least.  Sound quality is surprisingly good for integrated speakers, though anybody coming from a 2.1 setup with a standalone subwoofer will notice the lack of bass.

Still, with minimal ghosting and a decent breadth of connectivity thanks to that HDCP-compliant HDMI port, the 2230Fh proves itself a flexible and pleasing option for the budget buyer.  Given the limits of its TN panel, we’d shy away from recommending it to graphics professionals or anybody doing video editing, but gamers will find plenty here to appeal. 

At its MRSP of $299.99 it’s a reasonable choice; when you factor in online prices of around two-thirds of that, complete with a three-year manufacturers warranty, the AOC 2230Fh presents a very tempting offer indeed.

Other specs include a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 16:9 aspect display and 300 cd/m2 brightness.  Connectivity includes analog VGA, DVI-D and HDMI, with HDCP support; there’s also a four-port USB 2.0 hub and dual microphone array.

The whole thing measures in at 15.63 x 20.86 x 7.07 inches on its tilt-adjustable stand, and weighs 9.92lbs.  It’s available now, priced at $279 with a standard 3-year warranty.

[Thanks Tony!]

The problem comes to light when using one of Apple’s own Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapters, for instance in connecting a MacBook or MacBook Pro to a projector which lacks the still-unusual socket.  Certain movies bought from the iTunes store have been wrapped in HDCP – including Hellboy 2, Star Wars: Clone Wars and some older titles such as Shawshank Redemption – and as such refuse to play.

Of course, as the new MacBooks lack any other video output aside from Mini DisplayPort, the only way to view content on a bigger screen is to upgrade said-screen or projector.  Apple are yet to comment on the situation.

In a way, this isn’t surprising.  Studios and content providers are so fearful of copyright infringement that they tend to insist on protection systems such as HDCP (High-Definition Copyright Protection), which won’t allow content to display if it isn’t being suitably encrypted first.

If, though, you’re using a non-HDCP monitor – such as an LCD display connected via DVI – to play your Xbox 360 games on, you’ll not be able to use it to watch streaming Netflix content.  It’s also unclear as to whether owners of older Xbox 360 consoles, which lack the digital output and instead have component connections, will be limited to 480p definition.

[thanks Tyler!]

Future proofing and flexibility are also guaranteed by the analogue VGA, DVI-I and digital (DVI-D) input sources with HDCP. It has an ergonomic 4-way adjustable stand (height, tilt, swivel, pivot), four-port USB hub and a built-in multimedia speakers. The press release did not mention the panel type but it will deliver wide viewing angles of up to 176º horizontally and vertically.

[via NEC]

HDCP is the anti-copy protection used by studios to ensure that high-definition media is not illegally duplicated.  Without support for it in the playback device, HDCP-encrypted content will not display. 

Some reports claim that Samsung’s tech support have confirmed that only the monitors’ DVI ports support HDCP, but others say neither connection will operate.  Samsung’s own webpage for the T260HD suggests that the HDMI ports are suitable for hooking up a Blu-ray player.

I’m waiting to hear back from Samsung, hopefully with some clarification; I’ll update this post when that happens.

Update 1: We’re waiting for absolute clarification from Samsung’s Korean engineers.  Hopefully should have that on Monday.

Update 2: We’ve received the following confirmation of HDCP from Samsung’s engineers:

“All Samsung Touch of Color Monitors and HDTV Monitors support HDCP through their HDMI and DVI connections.  This is true for all Samsung LCD monitors, except for our XL30 and 305T monitors”

If you’re still having problems with connecting up your Blu-ray player, we’d recommend you get in touch with Samsung support.

[thanks Xolan for highlighting the issue]

The 22-inch model has a resolution of 1680×1050 and a contrast ratio of 3000:1, making this my favorite of the two. The 19-inch model has a res of 1440×900 with a contrast ration of 1000:1.

They both have a 5ms response time and a drop date of April. The 22 will sell for $269.99 and the 19 will sell for $199.99 not a bad price for either one.

[via i4u]

Dell claims the new 3008WFP gives output that virtually color-perfect with 100 percent of the NTSC color gamut. This new screen has a high contrast ratio of 3000:1 and brightness of 370cd/m2

3008WFP sports four USB ports and multi-format card reader. It will be available in Japan this Friday (the 20th of Dec 07) and will carry the price tag of $2,018. Dell did not state the availability date for US market, however manual of this LCD was found on Dell US website.

Update : US site is now showing the product for sale.

[via impress]

The NEC LCD2470WVX dynamic video mode enhances brightness, color and contrast of the output. The thin bezel around the screen is perfect for dual monitor setup.

The display comes with NaViSetT, an application that provides easy adjustments to the screen using your mouse and keyboard. The LCD2470WVX is HDCP capable. No pricing and availability information at this moment.

NEC Announces 24-inch LCD2470WVX Display [via i4u]