As promised, Microsoft has introduced three new colors for the Zune HD. Purple, red, and magenta. The addition of the three colors brings the total count to seven colors with the other choices being the original platinum, black, blue, and green colors. As part of the Holiday Sale, Microsoft is offering the Zune HD with a month of Zune Pass for free, which will cost $14.99 after the free month. Also free is inscription, so you can choose to have a message on the Zune HD while paying the same retail pricing of $219.99 for the 16GB model and $269.99 for the 32GB model. Keep in mind this deal is only available on Zune Originals.

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Adding two new versions to their popular Netflix, Amazon streaming device, Roku has introduced Roku HD-XR and Roku SD. For $129, the Roku HD-XR carries all the specs of the Roku HD with the addition of a USB port and 802.11n WiFi. At the moment, the USB port serves no purpose, but we wouldn’t count a firmware update to make use of it. The Roku SD on the other hand is for all who just want the movies regardless of the quality. Unlike the Roku HD, it will not include HDMI, component, S-video or optical audio out. Pricing for the SD model will be $79.

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It was leaked once before as the WD TV 2, but Western Digital has made it official with the release of the WD TV Live. For $119, you get 1080p media, a variety of codec support, Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, HDMI out, an Ethernet jack,  and access to YouTube, Flickr and Pandora. Just a note to Western Digital, please add WiFi to future models. The WD TV Live is available now at Best Buy.

If you’ve been dying to get your hands on a non-phone Android device, then the Archos5 Internet Tablet is the device for you. Available on Amazon, this PMP has a 4.8-inch screen and will cost $390 for the 160GB and $370 for the 32GB. On a single charge, the Archos5 will playback 10 hours of audio and 4 hours of video. The PMP also allows for HD video content and has full-featured GPS.

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With the release of a new product from Microsoft, the Zune team seems to prepare for the final touches as they take down the Zune services until tomorrow. So what happens tomorrow? Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you know tomorrow is the release of the much anticipated Zune HD and the latest version of the Zune software. The Tegra-powered device carries an OLED screen, HD radio, has a multi-touch interface, and packs a few more goodies.

Although Microsoft has released full info on the Zune HD, they’ve stayed quiet regarding applications. There have been rumors that Microsoft attempted to reach out to iPod developers to port their apps, but the truth of that is unknown as well. So during Best Buy’s Zune HD preview, a person by the name of Matthew Arkin caught a glimpse of the “Apps” item inside the “Marketplace” section. When asked if there’s an SDK, the rep answered “yes” to Mathew. We’re still waiting for Microsoft to finally spill the details, but until then, jump after the break to see Mathew and the rep showoff the Zune HD.

If you’re in the market for a Blu-ray player, then you can’t go wrong with OPPO’s BDP-83. This player not only has Blu-ray support, but also plays SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD Up-Conversion, MKV, and HDCD. The BDP-83 plays back videos at 1080p, 60hz output and offers 7.1 outputs Dolby TrueHD. You can snatch this item now for $500.

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If you’re in the market for a USB Blu-ray drive, but can’t find one that looks good, then you no longer have to worry becuase ASUS’s got your back. The new ASUS SBC-04B1S-U gives you 4.8x maximum Blu-ray disc reading, 8x DVD burning and 24x CD burning. The product connects via USB 2.0 and is compatible with Windows. OS X users this product isn’t for you. As for aesthetics, ASUS feels that the “elegant stand design and high glossy appearance represents its high feel of science and technology.” Oh and it has a bright blue “X” on the side that lights up and has its own dedicated app so you can control its brightness. No word on availability or price yet.

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With the Xbox 360, Microsoft wants to dominate your home entertainment and be the center of your living room. Aside from their library of movies and T.V. shows, they added support for Netflix in the U.S. and Sky TV in the UK. Expanding their media reach, they have now added Canal+ in France. With this deal, Canal+ will bring live & on-demand services to the Xbox 360. Also, they will add 3,000 movies and TV shows and French Ligue 1 soccer games. So if you live in France, you now have a very good reason to pick up an Xbox 360.

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