CES 2006 Digital Video Recording Preview

What to Look for at CES 2006

Welcome to my Preview of CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2006 for Digital Video Recording. 2006 is shaping up to be a year of big changes in the realm of Digital Video Recording, and what better way to find out just what will be happening in 2006, than to take a look at the upcoming CES show in Las Vegas. If you are attending the show, be sure to visit the CES Web site for lots of info on what exhibits to see and what to do while you are there. If you can't attend CES 2006, don't worry, I'll have lots of news and insight into this huge event. On to the Preview!

HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray

The biggest headline in Las Vegas this year is going to be HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray for the next-generation of DVD disc and DVD Recorders and Burners. Toshiba (HD-DVD) is facing off against Sony (Blu-ray) in a new format war to rival the VHS vs. Beta war of the 1980's. After a period of several months where a truce seemed close between the two companies, Toshiba and Sony are now back to trying to beat each other out to see who can get High Definition DVD out first.

At last year's CES, there were early looks at an HD-DVD Player and Blu-ray Player/Recorders (currently available in Japan) so expect more of the same this year.

Also at last year's CES, Toshiba promised to have an HD-DVD deck on store shelves by the end of 2005, but it didn't happen. Toshiba is now planning on spring 2006 for its introduction of HD-DVD, and Blu-ray seems headed for its North American debut not long thereafter. The big question is whether Sony will get Blu-ray into the PlayStation 3 and manage to keep the price for its new gaming machine at less than $500.

Will HD-DVD and Blu-ray Recorders be available in 2006? That is the big question for this Web site, and one I hope will be answered at CES 2006.

DVD Recorders and DVRs

There will be lots of new DVD Recorders on display from all the major manufacturers, as well as new High Definition Digital Video Recorders to be offered by Cable and Satellite providers, which have now switched over to MPEG-4 for their video compression technology. There will be MPEG-4 successors to the DirecTV HD TiVo and the Dish Network DVR 942 high-def DVRs on display. In addition, there may be a look at the new DVR from the deal signed by TiVo and Comcast, rumored to become available this year. The Scientific Atlantic MCP-100, an HD DVR with a built-in DVD burner, will also be on display.

Portable Video Players/Recorders

Another major category at this year's CES will be Portable Video Players and Recorders. Many manufacturers will be offering these devices for watching TV shows and videos on the go, downloaded from the Internet. The ZVUE Portable Media Player is one such device, but what makes it unique is its ability to work through a wireless network. Look for the trend of mobile Digital Video Recording to heat up in 2006.

Media Center Desktops and Laptops

Using a computer as a Digital Video Recorder is a trend I see continuing into 2006 and beyond. Mobile recording with laptops and wireless networks will continue to rise, as well as desktop PCs that fit into a home theater set up. CES 2006 will offer a feast of new PCs and Laptops that include the Windows XP Media Center 2005 O/S.

Blu-ray Optical Drive

Pioneer plans to show a brand new Blu-ray DVD Burner at this year's show, with a planned release in first quarter of 2006. This new Burner will be targeted at professionals and first adopters, who will be used to evaluate the new technology. Blu-ray discs and burners will eventually replace current DVD Burners for recording TV and Video to disc. Expect a slow turnover, however, because of high initial pricing on these burners.

An Apple DVR?

There is a rumor that the upcoming Mac Mini will have a full range of media center functions, including TiVo-style DVR capabilities. The latest iMac G5 already has a media center interface, called Front Row, for playing back media files with the included mini remote control, but it lacks DVR functionality and has a limited feature set, at least compared to Microsoft's Media Center operating system. Don't expect an announcement at CES 2006 from Apple, however, as Macworld will be happening soon after CES.

This is an exciting time for everyone who loves electronics and gadgets. CES 2006 is sure to create a lot of buzz for new products coming in 2006.