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RHA's high-end planar magnetic earbuds sound incredible
Planar magnetic headphones don't use the magnet-and-coil driver typical to most cans. Instead, they use a fixed but flexible diaphragm that undulates to create sound. RHA is the first company to concentrate this technology into wireless earbuds (the kind that are tethered to a Bluetooth collar that hangs around your neck). The CL2 Planar earphones are an impressive, and expensive, engineering feat, but how do they sound?
Augmented reality table lets you explore a book without opening it (video)
We've seen touch-friendly tables before, but they're rarely so slick as the Multi Surface Experience, a newly launched collaboration between design firm Gensler and ad agency The Hive. The installation lets guests explore Gensler's architectural portfolio (the book you see above) just by walking up to a wavy table. An overhead projector, Kinect for Windows and special software present an interface wherever people stand; when users choose to learn more about a project, it pops up on a wall-mounted 4K display. The current experience is sadly confined to Gensler's Los Angeles office, but it's also the start of teamwork that could lead to commercial designs. Don't be surprised if company lobbies are much livelier in the future.
Second Story uses Kinect for augmented shopping, tells us how much that doggie is in the window (video)
Second Story isn't content to leave window shoppers guessing at whether or not they can afford that dress or buy it in mauve. A new project at the creative studio uses the combination of a Kinect for Windows sensor with a Planar LookThru transparent LCD enclosure to provide an augmented reality overlay for whatever passers-by see inside the box. The Microsoft peripheral's face detection keeps the perspective accurate and (hopefully) entrances would-be customers. Coming from an outlet that specializes in bringing this sort of work to corporate clients, the potential for retail use is more than a little obvious, but not exclusive: the creators imagine it also applying to art galleries, museums and anywhere else that some context would come in handy. If it becomes a practical reality, we're looking forward to Second Story's project dissuading us from the occasional impulse luxury purchase.
Fight in the Planar Wars with RIFT's sixth closed beta event
In what might prove to be a very open move, Trion Worlds has been giving players the chance to test out its upcoming fantasy MMO RIFT. There have been five beta events for the game so far, each of which has run for several days and given players access to new areas, classes and game mechanics. The fifth beta event lasted just four days, but in that time over 2.4 million man-hours of play time were logged. With each event drawing in more players than the last, Trion is gearing up for its sixth event. The Planar Wars event begins at 10:00 a.m. PST on February 4th and will run until the same time on February 7th. In this new RIFT beta event, dangerous planar rifts will open up across the land and the elemental planes will spill forth into Telara. Players will have to work together to seal the planar rifts and collect planar loot. As an added incentive for players to work together, anyone who completes an objective set by Trion will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 10 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 graphics cards. Head over to the official beta signup page for a chance to get into this event and any future events, or pre-order RIFT to get into the beta immediately.
Planar preps 23-inch SA2311W 1080p 3D monitor, backlit ProGlow keyboard
Oh, you know the bandwagon's in full-on rampage mode now. How so? Because Planar -- a company that generally strays far, far away from mere mortals in the consumer market -- has just announced a new 23-inch 3D monitor. It represents a stark break from the company's typical high-end-only approach, and it likely speaks volumes to just how quickly 3D is gaining steam in the PC gaming universe. The SA2311W display will boast a 120Hz refresh rate, 1920 x 1080 resolution, two millisecond response time, a height adjustable stand, VGA / dual-link DVI / HDMI inputs and support for NVIDIA's 3D Vision system. Naturally, you'll need a set of active shutter glasses to enjoy the eye-popping mayhem, and for those who've never tried 'em, they're a step below a welder's mask in terms of exterior visibility. To that end, Planar is also introducing the first keyboard designed specifically for users rocking 3D active shutter glasses -- the ProGlow (shown after the break) boasts seven adjustable light levels (plus off), enabling immersed gamers to still recognize which keys are which. Both devices are expected to ship in the US of A next month for $449 and $185, respectively, though we get the feeling those vicious 3D dinosaurs aren't included. Which is a bummer of epic proportions, if we should say so ourselves.
Runco making it to CEDIA after all
The CEDIA picture for Runco is finally clear, and we're thankful it's good news for the longstanding high end marque and CEDIA founder. Runco will indeed be at the CEDIA show next month, with more than a dozen new products in the company's booth and two dealer training rooms in play as well. Even though we can only dream of affording Runco gear, it's good to see it will be at the show -- given the nature of its product line, CEDIA really is the best fit. Apparently, the company agrees, and is tailoring its booth activities to address dealer needs. Full PR after the break.
Crestron makes room in its CEDIA booth for Runco, Planar (update: Runco not in Crestron booth, CEDIA plans forthcoming)
Those shopping for a 100-inch VideoWall or say, a $20,000 projector will be pleased to know that Runco will be at September's CEDIA tradeshow, after all. Although the Planar/Runco presence at the custom-oriented show was in doubt, Crestron made room in its huge CEDIA booth for the brands will be at CEDIA -- which sounds like a good match to us, especially if Runco delivers on its promise to show off a new "benchmark" front projection product. No doubt it'll be something beyond our tax bracket (ditto for the Crestron gear), but we'll try to get a look at what Runco's cooking up when we go through the exhibition hall.Update: The original source article has been pulled, but a check with Crestron confirms that there is no formal CEDIA collaboration between Crestron and Runco/Planar. For its part, Runco plans to make an official announcement regarding its CEDIA plans in the next few days. Stay tuned!
Tough economy sidelines D&M Holdings, Planar at CEDIA Expo 2009
If you thought the well-to-do crowd wasn't feeling the pinch from the rotten economy, consider this -- D&M is not going to be at CEDIA Expo 2009 in a couple of months. You know, the show that features pricey, high-end custom install toys. Not being able to get our paws on the latest toys from Denon, Marantz, McIntosh, Boston Acoustics, Snell and Escient breaks our hearts, but D&M has decided to commit its resources to dealer training (and promotions, we hope); all the better to drive new customer sales. To be clear, D&M will have a presence at CEDIA, it just won't be on the Expo floor -- meetings will be by appointment only. We're just keeping our fingers crossed that similar measures won't have to be taken at CES in January. Planar (and by association, Runco) may take a similar CEDIA approach, not entirely surprising given its recent performance.
Planar's fourth quarter sales slip 32-percent
Even the high end of home theater gear is feeling the pinch this year. And we don't mean the Kuro kind of high end, we mean the world of high end projector setups that really put the "theater" in "home theater." It's been a couple of years since Planar snatched up Runco in an effort to grab a piece of that rarefied air, and its Q4 2008 sales are down a whopping 32-percent compared to Q4 2007. So much for the safety at the luxe end of the market, eh? Certainly, Planar's nosedive isn't all the fault of Runco, but a look at both the exorbitant price tags on both Runco and Planar gear for specs that aren't leaps and bounds beyond the competition make it hard for anyone to justify. Unless, of course, you've got so much money that $15,000 (and up) projectors are an impulse buy that don't need any justification.
Planar announces Viper DLP HD projector
Planar has remained mostly quiet since CES, but given that CEDIA is within spittin' distance, it's no shock to see it making waves once more. Today, the outfit has revealed its first 3-chip HD projector, the DLP-based Viper. Other specs include a native 1,280 x 720 resolution, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 2,000 lumens and 10-bit independent dual image / motion adaptive processing. You'll also find an RS-232 port, twin HDMI 1.3 sockets and a jaw-dropping $15,495 price tag. It's shipping immediately for those with the requisite coin. Full release after the break. %Gallery-30156%
Planar's PD8150 and PD8130 1080p DLP projectors shipping in March
If Mitsubishi's polite pair of projectors weren't enough to satisfy those impeccably high standards of yours, we've all ideas that Planar's duo won't let you down. First spotted at Runco / Planar's zanily themed booth at CEDIA, it seems that Planar is just now getting around to giving us a ship date that we can dutifully pencil in. The flagship PD8150 -- which checks in with a glorious 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 1,000 ANSI lumens and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio -- will finally ship in early March for $7,999. As for the $5,999 PD8130, which also hits the road in March, you can expect the same resolution with a slightly lower 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Pretty tempting, no? [Via AboutProjectors]
Planar introduces 70-inch 1080p m70L LCD monitor
. Yeah, 70-inch LCDs may still make one swoon, but they're far from revolutionary. Still, Planar's managing to teach an aging dog new ways to be important by labeling its upcoming m70L the "first full-featured commercial-grade, high-definition 70-inch LCD monitor." A proud member of the m-Series lineup (pictured), this unit is entirely more comfortable in control rooms and fashion stores than in anyone's home theater, but still, it's a pretty impressive beast on paper. Reportedly, you'll find 178-degree viewing angles, 1,500:1 contrast ratio, a full 1080p resolution, 600 nits of brightness and HD-SDI connectivity. Also of note, this thing was built to run 'round the clock, but also boasts an integrated timer for scheduling events (source switching, on / off, etc.), landscape or portrait orientation support and compatibility with VESA mounts. The only real rub, however, is the price, and considering the $30,000 sticker it'll be rockin' when it lands next month, we'd say you're better off elsewhere.[Via DigiTimes]
Runco sets up camp with outdoor LCD
High-end manufacturer Runco is headed for the great outdoors with a 42-inch LCD panel that's ruggedized and weatherproofed for use outside the home. The 1366 x 768-native WP-42HD flat panel sports a cabinet design to minimize exposure to the elements, and has a "Winter Mode" to allow it to operate down to -4° F -- low enough to want to watch it through the window instead of beside it. As is usual for Runco, the set includes RS-232 automation, a custom high-gloss bezel, and a $8,995 price tag to match, leaving us to wonder if we can instead pick up eight Vizio sets and just replace one every winter.
Planar intros transparent electroluminescent displays
While Planar was all about snazzy projectors and enviable plasmas at CEDIA, the firm is branching out a bit with its latest displays. The transparent and segment electroluminescent (TASEL) displays join the firm's family of EL displays and offer up the "added benefits of transparency and the ability to be cut or shaped." The units can also be transparent or mirrored, boast a viewing angle of 179-degrees, and feature "instant on" response times of under one-millisecond. Currently, only samples of Planar's TASEL displays are available, but hopefully these things will be going commercial real soon.[Via LetsGoDigital]
Planar / Runco's CEDIA booth tour
Considering that Runco and Planar are like family these days, it wasn't exactly shocking to find the two booths located side-by-side. Interestingly, Runco and Planar chose to erect a golf-themed exhibit, complete with a putting green, Player's Club, and an HT clubhouse. Aside from the decorations, we found a variety of LCDs (like the 1080p PD470) on display, as well as a number of new home cinema projectors including the 1080p DLP trio more commonly referred to as the PD8150, PD8130, and PD8120. Go on, check out the gallery below -- greens fees are on us!%Gallery-7140%
Planar expands PX lineup with 22-, 24-, and 26-inch LCDs
Looking to satisfy the demands of those yearning for more pixelated real estate, Planar has added a trio of expansive options to its PX series. The 22-inch PX2210MW checks in with a WSXGA+ resolution, built-in TrueMedia speakers, a headphone jack, HDCP-compliant DVI port, and a VGA connector for good measure. The middle child (that'd be the PX2411W) steps it up with a WUXGA resolution, Planar's RapidVideo accelerator, and six-millisecond response time, while the flagship PX2611W adds four USB 2.0 ports and a five-millisecond response time. All these units come with a three-year warranty and look to be available right now, and while the low-ender will run you right around $299, the 24- and 26-inch iterations are going for $599 and $899, respectively.
Planar dives head first into high-end home theater market by acquiring Runco
Joining the growing array of recent acquisitions is Planar and Runco International, as just today Planar has written a check for $36.7 million to take on the assets of privately-held Runco International, Inc. Planar, while not a household name in the home theater biz, managed to hold its own amongst competitors in the HT market, and while the majority of its products catered to the mid-range consumer, we suspect that picking up Runco was the easiest way to launch into the high-end realm. As expected, it looks like the Planar, Runco, and Vidikron brand names will remain as they are, and just as Planar will continue to sell through its current network of distributors, it sure sounds like Runco will remain a niche offering rather than bleeding over towards the mainstream.
Planar @ CEDIA - Three new 1080p LCDs
We don't talk about Planar's HDTVs here a lot, but they are one of the many exhibitors at CEDIA 2006, and are showing off their entries into the ever-crowded arena of 1080p LCDs. Available in 37-, 42 and 47-inch sizes, the PD370, PD420 and PD470 bring the requisite 2 million-plus pixels to the table, plus 10-bit Faroudja DCDi image processing with motion-adaptive deinterlacing, 1200:1 contrast ratio, 500 nits of brightness, 6.5ms refresh rate and 24-bit color. One HDMI, two component and one RGB jack take the supported 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i, 480p and 480i inputs. These tunerless displays have integrated bottom-mounted speakers as seen on the 32-inch above, continue on for a pic of the 42-inch model. No word on pricing just yet but they'll need to provide a good value to compete in this market.
Planar's PD8110, armed with 1,200 lumens at 1080p
Last weekend we posted about a $500 projector, but if you thought to yourself that this was too cheap for your blood -- try spending 100 little pieces of paper with Ben Franklin's mug on one. Planar has just stepped into the high-end projector market with its first native hi-def 1080p model, the Planar PD8110, priced at $10,000. This puppy sports 1,920 x 1,080 full HD resolution, using a DLP 0.95 DC3 1080p chip at 1,200 lumens and 8000:1 contrast ratio. Planar also introduced several lower-end models, which include the PD7150, PD7130, PD7060, PD7010 and the PD4010 ($1300). All the new models will be demoed at CEDIA Expo in Denver, which begins tomorrow. The market for 1080p projectors is getting a little crowded -- how about somebody making our day and coming out with one that sells for less than two grand?
Planar Xscreen enables front projection in lit rooms
While it's tough to deny the wow-factor involved in watching a flick or gaming it up on a wall-sized screen, the one dig that front projection has been forced to deal with is the necessity of darkness for optimal viewing pleasure. Planar has reportedly developed a specially designed screen that works with any front projector to provide a "colorful, sharp image" even with all the lights on. This widescreen display, dubbed the Xscreen, pulls off the seemingly impossible by sporting a 4mm layer of hardened glass beneath the actual screen, which apparently provides the "perfectly flat" surface needed to reflect those random rays of light that currently cause all that viewing frustration in lit environments. If that wasn't enough, Planar's design team stepped it up a notch by crafting a "black high-gloss finish frame sure to enhance any décor," which is presumably an attempt to overcome the Xscreen's inability to roll up and out of the way like other screens without a glass backpanel. While the Xscreen is nothing more than a display, the Xscreen Plus offers a smorgasbord of standard video and audio inputs / outputs (DVI, VGA, component, S-video, RCA, etc.) to make routing those lengthy cable runs a bit more manageable; the upgraded version also rocks "Pixelworks video processing," onboard speakers, a universal remote, and Europeans even get the luxury of dual TV tuners (got beef with America, Planar?). While both flavors are available in 60-, 70-, 80-, and 100-inch sizes, there's no telling how much this gigantic blank picture frame / front projection display will run you -- but until we get some face time with this enlightening panel to determine marvel or gimmick, you're probably better off left in the dark.[Via Gizmag]
