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kinetic posts

Kinetic's HD:Hub HTPC now shipping, HD DVD still a selectable option

by Darren Murph, posted May 23rd 2009 at 4:04PM

We've got to hand it to 'em -- these guys aren't ashamed to be clearing out excess inventory, and honestly, we're still fond of the choice. Sure, HD DVD may be defunct, but what's the harm in having the capability in your HTPC should an old friend pop over with a disc to watch? All that aside, Kinetic UK's trio of media center PCs are now shipping after being introduced initially in March, with Blu-ray / HD DVD compatibility, up to 6TB of storage space, Core 2 Duo / Core 2 Quad / Core i7 processor choices and a healthy array of CTO options elsewhere. As for prices, you're looking at starting tags of £849.00 ($1,351) for the Mini HD:Hub, £1449.00 ($2,306) for the Home HD:Hub and £1569.00 ($2,497) for the flagship X HD:Hub.

Kinetic HD:Hub HTPC gets hip with Core i7, square with HD DVD

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 15th 2009 at 12:09AM

We know, vendors have to get rid of these leftover HD DVD drives somehow, but it's still a tad comical to see brand new systems shipping with support for a format that perished over a year ago. Nevertheless, we're still pretty jazzed about Kinetic's HD:Hub, as the built-in HD DVD drive is actually a dual-format player that handles the very much alive Blu-ray format as well. Furthermore, this one comes with a potent Core i7 processor, up to four TV tuners, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, a Creative X-Fi Titanium sound card and Windows Vista runnin' the show. There's no mention of a price, but we get the feeling that these are mostly reserved for those across the pond.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

CNU's oxygen emitting robotic plants: deforestation solved

by Thomas Ricker, posted Oct 16th 2008 at 6:51AM

When the earth warms and the forests turn to dust, at least the robots will remain to re-oxygenate the Earth. The Chonnam National University developed robotic plant (pictured above holding a human child puppet) from Korea stands over four-feet tall; consists of a pot, stem, and five meat-eating buds; and emits oxygen, moisture, and even an aroma of human effluence, we presume. As people approach the "flower," the robot bends towards the person and begins to bloom and slightly shake in response to the startled victim's voice rising from a mute whimper to an alarmist howl. The robot also responds to music and light by dancing and opening and closing its petals in some kind of victory celebration. Project leader Park John-oh suggests building a robot garden from his creation -- sure, we'll get right on that just as soon as we get our Doomsday Machine back on-line.

[Via Hallyu Technology]

Orange's Dance Charge finally makes dance meaningful

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jun 24th 2008 at 8:31AM

It's summer, that means music festival time for the pagans. Orange knows this and returns with another solution to keep your Glastonbury-bound portable electronics charged. Revelers will get the chance to try this prototype Dance Charge kinetic charger. Right, kinetic as in movement. With an assist by eco-house GotWind, the 4.25 x 2.5-inch / 180-gram velcro and elastic band converts your chemically-fueled, backbeat twitches into electrical current with the help of a system of weights and magnets. This in turn charges an embedded battery for topping off your portable electronics throughout the multi-day event. Add EL lighting effects and you've got yourselves a trend Orange.

[Via RegHardware]