Onkyo joins the HD-DVD camp: DV-HD805 with HDMI 1.3

[nightflier]

"Onkyo released their DV-HD805 ($899) HD DVD player that includes high-bit-rate and lossless audio streaming via HDMI 1.3a. As one of the first HD DVD players to take advantage of high-bit-rate audio streaming via HDMI, the DV-HD805 also handles high-definition 1080p video. The unit can employ Onkyo's A/V receivers to stream lossless surround sound formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as two "lossy" formats, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD. HD DVD specifications allow for the inclusion of web-enabled network connectivity to develop new and unique content such as additional materials and bonus features. In addition to downloading content, HD DVD users also have the ability to upload content and interact with providers. The DV-HD805 includes an Ethernet port to allow users access to these capabilities, as well as enable the user to easily download any future firmware updates." (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/news/)

As a side story:
Oppo announces 1080p upconverting universal player for just $169!

"OPPO Digital announced their DV-980H ($169) as the latest universal DVD player and world's first to offer 7.1-channel audio output and 1080p video up-conversion in a universal DVD player. On the video side it has HD up-conversion to 720p/1080i/1080p while for audio there is CD, DVD-Audio/Video, DivX, SACD, Windows Media Audio 9 (WMA9) Dolby Digital and DTS. Digital decoding is upwards of 24-bit/192kHz and individual analog 7.1-channel surround outputs with compatible 5.1-channel and down-mixed stereo. Optical and coaxial digital audio outputs support DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II and Linear PCM support while a built-in equalizer, channel trim, channel delay and lip-sync (audio delay) functions are included. The DV-980H is among very few players available today with an HDMI 1.2a output for flat-panel and high-definition TVs (1080p/1080i/720p/480p/480i). Note this is universal DVD, and does not play Blu-ray nor HD-DVD discs. See our reviews of the Oppo DV971H, DV970HD and DV981HD digital disc players by clicking here."

[Rich-n-Texas]

The battle rages on...

[GMichael]

You just have to love stories like this one:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/07/25...ss-disc-heist/

[Mr Peabody]

This one has to make you say, hmmmm.

Toshiba is at $299.00 with rumours of going even cheaper and Onkyo comes out at $899.00 Looks like the Onkyo is going to be fully loaded but I don't think there's anyone out there saying "if they only had one that costed more". On the other hand, a mega corporation didn't get to be a mega corporation by being stupid, you have to wonder what they know that we don't.