DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc. DVDs can be used for storing video, audio, still image, or computer data. Many people refer to DVD as a Digital Video Disc, however, technically, this is not correct.

TRIVIA ALERT: In case you were wondering, VHS stands for Video Home System or Vertical Helical Scan.

For additional terms and definitions, check out my Home Theater Glossary

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Following on the heels of Sony, Samsung has revealed that, it too, will be bringing two new "more affordable" 4K UltraHD TVs to store shelves, projected to start sometime in June 2013.

According to reports translated from Samsung's Korea Website, the sets will be offered in the 55 to 65-inch screen size and will incorporate some of the features already provided on its $40,000 85-inch UN85S9 4K UltraHD set, but with much lower price tags. Hopefully this will mean something in the $5,000 to $7,000 price range if Samsung wants to be competitive with Sony's currently available 55 and 65-inch sets.

For all the details known so far, read the report from Gizmag, which also includes a link to the original Samsung press release (in Korean). Definitely stay tuned as more details become available (no model numbers have been stated yet).

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Onkyo has just announced two new upper mid-range home theater receivers for 2013, the TX-NR828 and TX-NR929, that incorporate lots of features and connectivity. To start with, both receivers are THX-Select 2 Plus Certified, and come equipped with a host of features and connectivity, starting with a built-in 7.2 channel configuration for the TX-NR828 and a 9.2 channel configuration for the TX-NR929 (the 929 can be expanded up to 11.2 channels via the addition of external amplifiers).

Audio Return Channel as well as extensive audio decoding and processing are supported, including Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX. The TX-NR929 also adds DTS Neo:X.

For connectiivty, the 828 provides eight HDMI inputs, while the 929 has a total of nine HDMI inputs. Both receivers provide two HDMI outputs. Also, InstaPrevue switching and MHL connection compatibility are provided on both receivers.

For easier speaker setup and room correction the TX-NR828 incorporates Audyssey MultEQ, and the TX-NR929 features the more extensive MultiEQ XT32.

Media player and networking functions are provided on both receivers, including iPod/iPhone and Airplay compatibility (via optional DS-A5 docking station), DLNA certification, and internet access to a host of online content from services, such as Aupeo!, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify, and more. On either receiver, network and internet connection access can be done via standard ethernet or WiFi, and also incorporate built-in wireless Bluetooth capability, making it easy to stream audio content from compatible portable devices.

On the video front, both receivers are 3D compatible and incorporate analog-to-HDMI video conversion, as well as 1080p and 4K upscaling for all video input sources using Marvel QDEO video processing. .

However, there are some things neither receiver includes. There are no S-Video or 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio input options, which is becoming more of a trend in newer home theater receivers. On the the other hand, Phono and Component video connections, as well as 5.2/7.2 channel preamp outputs (11.2 channel preamp outputs on the TX-NR929) are provided.

The Onkyo TX-NR828 is expected to be available in June 2013, with a suggested price of $1,099, while the TX-NR929 will be available in July 2013 at a price of $1,399.

There is a lot more to both of these receivers than I touched on in this short blog. For more details, Read the Official Onkyo Announcement, as well as the TX-NR828 and TX-NR929 Product Pages. Photo (top right) Onkyo TX-NR828, Photo (left side) - Onkyo TX-NR929 © Onkyo USA.

Also, check out my report on Onkyo's previously announced home theater receivers for 2013, which are now available

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In an event held under a large tent erected on the campus of its Redmond, Washington headquarters, and streamed over the internet and cablecast on Spike TV, Don Mattrick of Microsoft took the lid off the newest version of the Xbox (dubbed the Xbox One), and for home theater fans there is good news - the popular gaming console now features a Blu-ray Disc drive.

Although the addition of Blu-ray is definitely long overdue, it is certainly welcome, especially since the rival Sony Playstation 3 has had this feature for a few years and will continue to include it in the Playstation 4. Of course, the Playstation 4 also adds some 4K playback capabilities. It was not announced whether the Xbox One also has this capability, so watch for further clarification.

Other announced enhancements that have practical home theater application include ultra fast content access and source switching (including HDMI) via voice control, group video phone calls via Skype, and improved motion gesture detection. A new 1080p-capable Kinect camera module is included as part of the package.

Now, along with gaming and internet streaming capabilities (enhanced via the TV on Xbox feature), cloud based DVR storage, 500GB hard drive, and the addition of Blu-ray (in addition to DVD and CD) playback, the Xbox One is definitely a total entertainment device solution. The exact release date was not not revealed, but it is projected to be later this year (2013).

For all the details known so far, including its improved gaming capabilities, check out the Xbox Press Release and Product Page and also follow continuing reports via About.com's Xbox Games Site, beginning with a Brief Overview and Photo Gallery.

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