Say What: FilmFresh releases movies in legitimate DivX format, but not in HD?

DivX Certified devices have been popping out of the woodwork for years now, including HDTVs, DVD & Blu-ray players, but no major (legal) content in the format has been available from the big studios. Until now that is.

FilmFresh.com, a new DivX upstart, has signed up content from Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures with new release and archive movies for purchase as DivX downloads. Sounds good, until you get down to the nitty gritty, which is bound to make HD lovers a little annoyed.

For now, the movies will only be available in standard definition only. Now here is the issue that gets HD supporters riled up: SD content and movies are on their way out, and to base a whole new company around them is a mistake. Still, for those that can stand SD, it opens up a new way to get a lot of new movies into your greedy hands.

Good News: LG announces support for 1080p DivX and new TVs on the way

LG has always supported DivX very well in all of of its assorted TVs and players, and that continues with their press release today announcing full 1080p DivX support in its new line of products. Good news for supporters of the technology.

The main news in this release seems to hint that their new line of Scarlet back-lit LCD TVs will be debuting in the marketplace in late April to late May, which is enough to set our salivary glands to overdrive.  That’s isn’t too far away at all, and since the current Scarlet line is so nice, these should be even better.

LG certainly is on a nice roll of late with their TV’s. I own their 42″ LCD model myself, and it’s a solid and quite beautiful TV set that gives a gorgeous picture with no trouble at all.

Press release in full here.

Plasma + Good News = Panasonic new displays to be compatible with DivX

Blu-Ray shouldn’t always get all the spotlight, and Panasonic agrees, as their new line of VIERA plasma displays will be DivX compatible, which should enable a variety of video viewing options. Choice is always a good thing.

It’s assumed these models will be distributed on both sides of the pond, which means these models will work with DLNA and SD/SDHC cards, meaning improved video and audio quality and options.

To be honest, a company investing more time and energy in Plasma technology is welcome news for its lovers, especially with the current exodus taking place with companies regarding Plasma tech these days. Panasonic may end up being the option for Plasma left at some point soon (at least in the US anyway). Pioneer and (it appears likely) LG will be withdrawing from the US Plasma market very soon, so Plasma fanatics should feel free to raise a toast to Panasonic.