vfd
Latest
AOpen rolls out XC Encore OE700 media PC
It's been a little while since AOpen last popped up on our radar, but the company certainly hasn't stopped cranking out tiny media PCs in the interim, and it looks like it might have a winner on its hands with its new XC Encore OE700 model. While the core specs of your choice of Core 2 Duo processor and up to 4GB RAM aren't exactly anything remarkable, the system does employ a number of measures to ensure it stays as quiet as possible, including a Smart Anti-Vibration System that dampens hard drive noise, and a new case design dubbed SNSS (or Smart Noise Suppression System) that promises to keep all the other noises in check. You'll even get a home theater-friendly VFD display and, of course, a Media Center compatible remote control -- assuming you live in Japan, that is, as there's still no indication of a release 'round these parts.[Via Electronista]
VFD from VCR generates 40 VDC to power DIY amp
So, this is a pretty ingenious use of spare time. With a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) from a VCR used as the amplifier, a crafty DIY-er was able to power a pair of headphones. We'll be honest, the wiring specifics are totally irrelevant to our interests, but this sure does look awesome and we might buy one if it was commercially available. The amplified power is, in the maker's own words, "limited," but that's not really the point, and we have a feeling that Thomas Dolby sounded just as scientific (and awesome) as he would through the greatest headphones ever made. [Via Make]
Shuttle intros XPC G5 3201M, complete with Blu-ray drive
Although Shuttle just recently unveiled an XPC machine that stepped up in the HD realm, the G5 3201M leaves no doubt about its intentions. Packing that typical SFF Shuttle chassis and a VFD display, this bad boy includes Intel's E6300 Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 250GB SATA hard drive, NVIDIA's 256MB GeForce 8600GTS graphics unit, a DVB-T TV tuner, 7.1-channel audio output, a wireless remote, and the obligatory Blu-ray drive to top things off. Notably, users can choose between the HDCP-compliant DVI or HDMI ports for video output, and a number of upgrades are available if you've got the necessary coinage. Per usual, this XPC won't run ya cheap, as the base configuration rings up at €1,419 ($1,953) -- and that's sans a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.[Via GadgetTastic]
MIT students automate dorm room, add "party mode"
Even though they may have somewhat of a geeky reputation, MIT students party just as hard as the white hatters at your local state school, and probably graduate in larger percentages to boot. It should be no surprise, then, that a couple of dorm-dwelling party animals at the university decided to use their copious electronics skillz to convert their room into the ultimate cramped disco -- and because this is MIT we're talking about, everything goes live at the push of a single button. Using an X-10 control system, Zack Anderson and his roommate RJ Ryan hooked up strobe lights, black lights, a fog machine, laser light show, scrolling LED sign, disco ball, and an LCD projector to their computers so that all the effects would sync with whatever music was playing, and even retrofitted their window blind with a motor so it can drop down and act as a projection screen for some trippy visualization action. Calling their setup MIDAS (Multifunction In-Dorm Automation System), the pair also included a security alarm and camera for remotely monitoring their now-famous room, and situated small VFDs throughout the interior to deliver system status updates or other types of infoswag. Hey guys, if you don't land some hotshot jobs after college with your MIT degrees, we always have room for clever DIYers right here at Engadget.[Via MAKE: Blog]
