New Medium Enterprises is set to launch a third high definition optical format this fall with the global launch of their HD VMD platform.

HD VMD utilizes a red laser like conventional DVD instead of the blue laser utilized by Blu Ray and HD DVD players. HD VMD achieves increased storage capacity on it's medium by having not just one or two layers like DVD, HD DVD and Blu Ray, but by being able to have a maximum of 20 layers. Currently, HD VMD discs are limited to 15 and 20 gigabyte discs, but New Medium states that up to 30 gigabytes is in the specification. HD VMD supports up to 1080p at 50 or 60Hz, but no 24 Hz support is offered. Like Blu Ray and HD DVD, mpeg2, AVC and VC-1 video compression are supported. Standard definition DVDs receive upconversion to 1080i, and audio cd playback is supported. Audio formats supported include Dolby Digital, DTS and up to 7.1 channel PCM. Suggested retail on the players is $199, a price point that HD DVD has already arrived at.

Entering a market with a format war already raging, and not offering better or less expensive technology seems like a formula for failure. With no U.S. studio support announced at this time, New Medium has an uphill struggle ahead of them.

Marantz has two updates to it's line of AV receivers on the way for winter.

Both units will offer a sleek front panel with the majority of controls hidden behind a faceplate door beneath the display. Both the Marantz SR7002 and SR8002 will sport four HDMI 1.3 compliant inputs. Onboard decoding of Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD is provided. Both models will upconvert video from component and s-video sources for HDMI output. The amplifier section in both will supply 125 watts over seven channels. Loudspeaker three way switching will allow for biamping the front left and right speakers in 5.1 mode. Audyssey EQ room tuning functionality is included, and an add-on unit will be available for decoding compressed music formats such as mp3, aac and wav.

The Marantz SR8002 has a suggested retail of $2450, and the SR7002 will sell for $1900.

L.G. has announced a new combo Blu Ray/HD DVD player, the BH200.

L.G. was first to market with a combo player. Their first offering, the BH100, played both Blu Ray and HD DVD discs. It did not support HD DVD's interactive features, and offered a spartan experience for HD DVD users. The new BH200 proclaims support for BD-J and HDi, 1080p60, Dolby Digital+, DTS-HD and HDMI 1.3. An ethernet jack is also provided, and L.G. has hinted that the BH200 will support HD DVD's online features. Missing in action is support for 1080p24 and Dolby TrueHD.

The BH200 will be available in October for a suggested retail of $999.

Klipsch has announced a new, upscale line of flagship loudspeakers.

The Palladium line of speakers will begin shipping this fall. The top of the line P-39F tower will have three nine inch aluminum woofers, mated to horn midrange and tweeters. Enclosures are veneer clad mdf with tapered, curved side panels. Suggested price for the 3 1/2 way P-39F will be $15000/pair.

Six additional loudspeakers in the Palladium series will be shown at CES 2008 at Las Vegas.

Josh Z, AVS Forum regular and contributor to both DVD Talk and High-Def Digest, has a new commentary up on High-Def digest.

I'm not going to get in the habit of posting links to other people's opinion pieces. Here at AV Enthusiast that's my job. However, I think Josh's article is insightful, unbiased and, for the most part, right on the money. I also think it should be read by everyone interested in the Blu Ray-HD DVD format war.

If that's you, go read what he has to say about it.