Author Archives: Stephen Dawson

Put another prawn on the Barb-b

Icon Film Distribution Australia has been releasing a number of interesting titles on Blu-ray, including Alpha Dog, Black Sheep and We Were Soldiers. Plus 30 Days of Night. This last was shot in New Zealand and features Australian actress Melissa … Continue reading

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Australians: do not buy a full high definition Sony Bravia TV …

… until 1 July. Sony will, from that date, be giving away a free Sony Playstation 3 console with each full HD Bravia TV sold. 35,000 of them. You have been warned.

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‘Home theaters will soon be able to show 3-D’

So sayeth Kevin Maney at Portfolio.com. It’s in the context of a discussion about how Hollywood is producing a spurt of improved technology 3D movies. Apparently Hollywood sees 3D screenings as a way to get people back to theatres, just … Continue reading

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Terms and Conditions

There is no real fixed system for obtaining gear for review. It’s all over the place, with different companies and relationships. Do I get to keep the stuff I review? Unfortunately, no. Otherwise I would be a very wealthy man. … Continue reading

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On the scrounge again – Sony Playstation 3 to the rescue

Today I found a package behind the screen door of my house (a remarkable number of couriers seem unable to read the ‘Stephen Dawson, Writer, Office at Rear’ sign on the house). Within was a ‘Testmold’ Blu-ray from Sony Pictures … Continue reading

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HiFi funnies of the day

[Via Transterrestrial Musings] I have huge respect for the brand Denon. Its range encompasses decent, reasonably priced stuff (nothing really mass market) through to some seriously high end gear. But I do have to wonder how it can bring itself … Continue reading

Posted in Audio, Cables, Equipment, Mysticism, Rant, Value | Leave a comment

HD Olympics 2

Much of the Olympics will, as I mentioned in the previous post, will be broadcast in Australia on Channel 7 (Prime TV in regional areas) in high definition. Some of the overflow will be carried by SBS, as agreed between … Continue reading

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HD Olympics

The principal broadcaster for the Olympics in Australia will be Channel 7, (Prime TV in regional areas). This time around we will be getting it in HDTV (1080i) in addition to SDTV. There is an interesting problem with the live … Continue reading

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Paramount returns to Blu-ray!

Those with longish memories may recall that when Blu-ray and HD DVD started, two studios were open minded. Warner Bros eventually (ie. this year) decided to go Blu-ray only, while Paramount was allegedly paid a significant sum last year to … Continue reading

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Denon DVD2500BT Blu-ray player – the way of the future?

Earlier today I emailed Audio Products Group, the Australian distributor for Denon, along with other brands, about whether it would soon be releasing the Denon DVD2500T. Despite the name, this is actually a Blu-ray player. Or not. In truth, Denon … Continue reading

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