Which is better, or more precisely, which isn't worse

It's not that I hated Time Warner Cable. In fact, in a lot of ways I kind of liked them. For several years, I had the Scientific Atlanta 8000HD DVR box, which, after many updates, was a pretty decent piece of equipment. Then, after my second one died (as hard-drive based equipment is bound to do), they gave me the 8300HDC. This is the worst consumer electronics product I've ever used, and my days with TWC were numbered. And along came AT&T.

World Cuppage

This morning ESPN 3Dⁱ broadcast their first real program, the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, a game between South Africa and Mexico.

Using a new Panasonic VT25 series plasma, I take a look at this next generation of television.

Just when you thought your Blu-rays were safe…

Like it's rival, the LG BD300, the BD-P2500 is no simple Blu-ray player.

It has the ability to stream content directly from Netflix.

While this may seem odd, it adds a level of functionality that is surely the future of entertainment.

An Audio Lover’s Video Player.

Over the past year, Denon has quietly assembled an interesting array of Blu-ray players designed to suit a host of budgets and systems—from the digital-only DVD-2500BTCI transport ($999) to the recently announced “entry-level” DVD-1800BD ($749).

Residing at the top of the chain is the reference DVD-3800BDCI ($1,999), a beefy unit whose build quality and high-end components befit that higher price tag.

Blu-ray. Now with YouTube!

Already, Blu-ray players are separating into two camps: the uber-expensive, and the commodity. It’s easy to see what you get with the step-up players.

But what about the high end of the low end? What do you get at a step or so above the bargain players? Something like this $400 Panasonic, say. Well, turns out quite a lot.

Samsung’s BD-P2500 and LG’s BD300 will get you instant content via Netflix. But why?

I didn’t get it. I sat there in the press conference listening to LG excitedly talk about their new Blu-ray player that had the ability to stream content from Netflix.

And they're not the only one. Samsung, TiVo, and several other companies are touting the same feature.

I don't get it. This is a dumb idea, right?

Freebie

This one is easy. Streaming content from Netflix onto your PS3.

If you have a Netflix unlimited account, you can do stream for free.

There are a few quirks, though.

TV Stands as Furniture

More than ever before, TVs are design statements. Sure you could show it off by mounting the TV to the wall and displaying it like a piece of art. But why not take the design statement one step further and mate your new prize with a unique TV stand that serves to elevate the entire room’s aesthetic appeal?

Gone are the days of utilitarian steel racks and boring black particleboard. Today’s A/V furniture designers really do offer something for every taste and décor.