Rakesh from Snapstream has the latest scoop on Hauppauge’s soon-to-be-released HTPC HD PVR device that will encode high definition component input via a cable or satellite set-top box using H.264 at up to 25 Mbps:

• Includes Hauppauge’s IR blaster with code library
• It accepts component video up to 1080p
• The hardware is “basically done” and simply waiting for the final case design
• It’s based on a chip from Ambarella
• It will require a “relatively powerful PC to playback the recordings from this device
• Estimated shipment is expected by 3/31/2008

I first mentioned this device during CES and it’s exciting for HTPC users because it provides a way to get all your HD channels (not just the unencrypted QAM or OTA ones) from cable/satellite boxes without needing CableCARDs. If it works as advertised, it’ll be huge for SageTV, BeyondTV, Media Portal, GBPVR and even Vista Media Center users that don’t own a CableCARD tuner.

Check out more of Brent’s reflections on tech, gadgets, software and media at Brent Evans Geek Tonic.

We’ve seen this one before: Get a Sony credit card and save yourself $100 on a $299 or more (PS3) purchase. Unlike the last offer I came across, gear need not be purchased via Sony Style. Though the virtual cash back has been reduced to $100 versus $150. Lower your credit score for a $300 Blu-ray player that also does a nice job with games? Hm…

In other Sony gaming news, my (second) PSP was unloaded on ebay yesterday. I bought my (first) PSP the day it came out - loved the features and screen, but the ergonomics and lack of games just hasn’t done it for me.

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs:

• HDTV Super Bowl Buying Spree: Connected Home 2 Go
• The Pros and Cons Of Media Center Vista: Davis Freeberg
• Hollywood Studios Abandon DVDs in 2008: Connected Home 2 Go
• HBO on the Web - Not a Time Warner Contradiction: Connected Home 2 Go
• Supercharge Your HTPC with SageTV’s SageMC: Brent Evans

Yep, I’m putting my money where my mouth is - my HD DVD player is listed on ebay and my Netflix account has been updated (above). Toshiba may have purchased a $2.7 million Super Bowl ad spot, but that’s the last gasp of a dead format.

In this next-gen optical disc battle, HD DVD “bought” consumers by selling hardware at a loss while the Blu-ray camp “bought” the studios. I’m not discounting or dismissing HD DVD’s technology, but we’ve reached the tipping point in terms of studio support and content. HD DVD could have the best hardware in the world, but without movies it’s not very useful. The quicker the HD DVD camp throws in the towel, the better for everyone.

Interestingly, I’m going back to sitting on the sidelines. I’m not sure I care enough to pay current Blu-ray player prices (unless I “accidentally” buy a PS3), given the HD content I can TiVo or rent via my Xbox 360. Not to mention, 480p DVDs are often good enough. In fact, if the Toshiba HD-A3 booted faster and was slimmer I would have kept it around as an upscaling DVD player.

I’m here. Really. Had a busy week in the office and my MacBook Pro -> MacBook Pro migration took far too long and felt a bit Windows-esque… including an OS reinstall. While the fanboys may want to blame this one on me, I had some serious high-powered former Apple employee assistance and it’s not user error.

Despite those frustrations, I also had my mom pick up a Mac Mini when her Compaq died… this also took some time to configure, though that has more to do with instructing her over the phone (an exercise in patience) followed by tedious tweaking, installs, etc via iChat screen sharing. During the process I decided she’ll be getting her first digital camera soon and if the Eye-Fi passes muster, she’ll be using it.

Like my pal Peter Rojas, I’m also drowning in unused gear. I got as far as listing just my Samsung Blackjack (now running Windows Mobile 6), before giving up and taking Guitar Hero III and the Toshiba HD DVD A3 player to an ebay consignment shop. Assuming the experiment goes well, I’ve got many more gadgets to bring them.

Which brings me to the next item that kept me busy over the weekend… We’ve made plans to relocate up the road in 6 weeks. Between the continual flood of gear and needing a better layout for the home office, it’s time for a new apartment. Once in, I’ll report on a vertical TiVo placement and how well Comcast migrates my CableCARDs.

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs:

• Networking HDTV at Home: Connected Home 2 Go
• Snapstream Shuttering Couchville TV Listings: Brent Evans Geek Tonic
• Broadband by the Byte: Connected Home 2 Go
• Hauppauge Unveils Real-Time USB HD Recording: Brent Evans Geek Tonic
• WiMAX at CES: Connected Home 2 Go

Vudu made a couple of CES announcements…

Since their $399 movie download STB isn’t quite expensive enough, Vudu has introduced a higher priced model at $999 - offering only increased storage. From a business perspective, I get it - hard drives are cheap and “Vudu XL” margins will be much higher than the base Vudu model. However, from a marketing standpoint, I’m not sure this sends the right message. Especially with Netflix announcing unlimited movie downloads today, Apple expected to introduce movie rentals tomorrow (including Apple TV playback), and Comcast’s Project Infinity which should quadruple their VOD offerings this year. The need for a larger hard drive also emphasizes a limitation in Vudu’s licensing terms… Purchased (as opposed to rented) movies cannot be deleted and re-downloaded at a later date (as Amazon Unbox allows).

Having said that, the Vudu interface and selection are still better than most. As is the physical design. Vudu also announced they’d be offering more HD content - 70 titles by the end of the month. With a 4Mbps connection, playback will be instantaneous. I haven’t always been pleased with Comcast TV service and technicians, but my Internet connectivity has been outstanding - so I’ll report back later this month on Vudu’s HD offerings.

The bombshell: Warner Bros announces they’re dropping the HD DVD format to exclusively produce Blu-ray Discs. The aftershock: HD DVD Promotion Groups cancels their press conference. This seemed to be the most discussed topic in the days leading up to CES, both on-site and online.

At this point, the next generation optical disc war has been won - Blu-ray is the undisputed champ. The only questions that remain are how long will HD DVD linger and how soon will Dave ebay his HD DVD player? Having said that, adoption will still be slow until Blu-ray hardware prices drop further and less HD DVD hardware is found on store shelves. The hot Christmas gift of 2008? BRD.