Yet another update for the PS3.  This puts the firmware up to 1.54.  Apparently there isn’t anything major in this release.

New for 1.54: [Screen Mode] has been added as an option in the options menu for video chat. The image of the person you are chatting with during video chat can now be changed to match the screen size.
 New for 1.54: You can now use a compatible USB camera compliant with USB video class (UVC) for video chat.
* For information on supported models and usage instructions, contact the retailer where the cameras are sold.

You can find the details here.

I just got off the phone with Pioneer Electronics and they said that they would be covering the shipping the nearest service center.  They said that UPS would be by to pick it up in the next couple days.  I hope to have it back early to mid next week to test the difference.  I’ll keep the blog updated on the status of my VSX-82TXS.

According to Toshiba’s website, firmware version 1.3 is now available for download for the HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2 models.

At this time, there is very little information released.  Here is what is listed on Toshiba’s website:

Overview:
As part of our commitment to provide world-class service to our customers, Toshiba is supplying this firmware update for use by purchasers of Toshiba HD DVD Player models HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2. This firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

http://www.tacp.com/tacpassets-images/notices/hddvd2firmware.asp

 As you can see, not much information has been released.  You can also keep up to date about the Toshiba 1.3 Firmware by checking out AVSForum.

Magic tricks.  Illusions?  Just when you think you figured it out.  You didn’t really know it at all.  Kind of like magic. That is the whole premise behind The Prestige.  The Prestige focuses on the rivalry between two magicians, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.  Each trying to out do each other.  Each trying to perform the one trick that will make them famous forever. (more…)

Just when you think you’ve seen enough Mob movies, you haven ‘t seen The Departed.   Funny thing is that this movie didn’t originally interest me.  However with a lot of people giving raving reviews, I decided what the heck.  I’ve been holding onto this movies for about a week now.  I’ve been waiting to get my receiver back so that I could listen to the movie in all it’s 5.1 PCM audio glory.  (more…)