Disney has confirmed that it will be launching a hi-def version of its premium subscription Disney Cinemagic channel on Sky HD+ this December. This takes the number of high-definition channels currently offered on the Sky platform to 29.  read more »

American home automation specialist AMX has opened a London office and showroom.

The 6,000 sq.ft. facility showcases the latest in touch-screens, networking technology and wall controllers, and will also serve as a training centre for custom installers.  read more »

AV fans are ready for 3D TV! That’s the conclusion of a study into viewer reaction to 3D movies by Quixel Research.

A report into all thing three dimensional reveals that nearly half of all those surveyed who have seen a 3D movie say they would be interested in having the same experience at home. Apparently, 3D glasses are no longer considered a hindrance to viewing.  read more »

Wal-Mart intends to hammer the price of Blu-ray players in the US down to a new low, by selling a Maganvox player for just $128.

The price, if internet scuttlebutt proves correct, will make it the world’s cheapest, high-street Blu-ray deck. It’s expected to become available during America’s Black Friday sales.  read more »

Subscribers to BT Vision’s basic Pay TV package will soon be able to view ITV’s on-demand service, alongside VOD programming from the BBC, C4 and others.
BT's V-box  will allow instant access to popular ITV 1, 2, 3 and 4 shows up to 8 days following their transmission. A selection of archive shows will also be made available.  read more »

This Friday, Sony Pictures will become the first Hollywood major to release Blu-ray movies in China, launching a 30-title catalogue which includes the Spider-Man trilogy, Kung-Fu Hustle and Hitch.  read more »

Philips continues to distance itself from the consumer electronics market in the US.

The European giant has confirmed that its Philips and Magnavox brand names will be licensed to Funai, for use on DVD players and recorders, Blu-ray decks and home cinema systems. Funai already distributes Philips branded TVs in the US and Canada, following an agreement struck in 2008.  read more »

A US custom install operation has found itself going head to head with Time Warner's Turner Entertainment group for using the phrase There’s no place like home … theater in its advertising material.

The Hollywood studio claims that it has sole rights to the There’s no place like home line, made famous in the 1939 classic The Wizard Of Oz  read more »

Humax has confirmed an over-the-air software upgrade designed to minimise the fan noise on its PVR-9150T and PVR-9300T digital TV recorders.

Its new Smart Fan Control software will ensure that the deck’s fans only start if the PVRs exceed a temperature outside of that necessary for safe operation. After a predetermined time, they will switch off again.  read more »

It's Monday, and consequently a new batch of downloadable pdfs of Home Cinema Choice's full reviews have been added to the Reviews Archive.

Leading the way are tests of two reasonably priced Blu-ray players; the Sony BDP-S350, and Panasonic's DMP-BD55. Also, the Sonos BU150 music-streaming system is prodded, poked and pored-over. Finally, MJ Acoustics' Xeno speaker package gets the testing treament, as do the Sony PlayTV PS3 Freeview PVR adaptor and the NextBase Media 22 iPod/DVD combo unit. Enjoy!