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Ceton brings major Echo WMC Extender update out of beta, fixes 1080i and more
We've been eagerly tracking Ceton's Echo Windows Media Center Extender since its debut at CES, however as we noted in our review, at launch its appeal was held back by some bugs. The team over there responded to the issues by extending the warranty and return period, and today announced that a patch fixing our biggest issue -- 1080i video playback -- is available to all users. We've been checking out the update in beta and can confirm it works (check out this week's Engadget HD Podcast for more details), and also brings other changes. Those include a new native resolution mode if you'd rather let your TV or other device do the video processing, fully functional Echo settings webpage plus fixes for aspect ratios, color space, green screen issues and much more. Owners can get all the info and find out how to grab the update at the source link -- if you'd like to be in the beta group (no new info on that Android update, yet), you can join just by choosing it in settings.
Engadget Primed: ports, connectors and the future of your TV's backside
Primed goes in-depth on the technobabble you hear on Engadget every day -- we dig deep into each topic's history and how it benefits our lives. You can follow the series here. Looking to suggest a piece of technology for us to break down? Drop us a line at primed *at* engadget *dawt* com. For many among us, what goes on behind and along the sides of a high-definition television is almost as compelling as what's displayed on that big, beautiful flat screen. Of course, we're talking connectors, with their attendant chaos of cords. A high-def TV is only as good as its connection to a high-def signal. The same holds true for the array of disc players, game consoles and other peripherals we cluster around our sets. So it may seem quaint, then, that we still often confront more analog ports than digital ones on our high-end TVs. You'd think with advances in wireless technology, we'd have done away with the spider web of wires entirely. Alas, like flying cars and fembots, we're just not there yet. In this installment of Primed, we'll examine the best and the bogus when it comes to TV connectors, and spend some time tracing the arc of how we got to where we are in this particular moment of television evolution. The narrative on television and home entertainment remains a work in progress. But we'll endeavor to get you caught up to date, and as an added bonus offer a glimpse of what the future of your TV's backside will likely look like.
Panasonic reveals Lumix FZ47 superzoom, lets you shoot 1080i video with full manual control
Sure, these days nearly all digital cameras can shoot video, but only a small handful give you the power to manually select aperture and shutter speed while doing so. The Lumix FZ47 is Panasonic's latest high-end point-and-shoot to sport this functionality, providing full control over both video and still photo capture with its Creative Control mode. The 12.1-megapixel superzoom can shoot 1080i HD at 30 fps, though it's notably lacking in the 1080p department. There's also a 3-inch LCD, 24x Leica zoom lens with a 25mm wide-angle focal length, and an option to shoot 3.5-megapixel stills while recording video. For photographers wiling to settle for a good deal less power, Panasonic also just announced its entry-level Lumix LS5, which includes a 14.1-megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization, and 720p video, all powered by a pair of AA batteries. The $400 FZ47 will ship next month, while the LS5 hits stores in November, with pricing yet to be announced. Jump past the break for the complete rundown from Panasonic.%Gallery-128677%
Panasonic Lumix GF3: sample photos and video
We already gave you some hands-on impressions of Panasonic's new Lumix GF3, but we just had a chance to shoot video and stills with the Micro Four Thirds cam at an event in NYC, leaving with a couple hundred photos and a small handful of video clips. There's no question that this GF2 successor was designed with interchangeable lens camera (ILC) newbies in mind, with no dedicated mode dial, a touchscreen display, and a boatload of auto settings, along with the usual spattering of effects modes. Panasonic chose a mock wedding scene as the centerpiece of its demo today, complete with bride, groom, and celebrity cake designer (a rather enthusiastic Ron Ben-Israel). Weddings mean colorful flowers, well-dressed subjects, and food -- but also dim lighting and chaos -- a perfect environment for showing off a camera's strengths shooting in low-light, assuming it can actually deliver. The GF3 probably won't be the camera of choice for our next celebration, however.%Gallery-127453% First up was a balcony shot with bride and groom. As expected, the backlit scene presented an incredible challenge for the GF3, which had trouble focusing and compensating exposure to properly light our subjects -- even the professional wedding photographer on hand had difficulty focusing his GF3 at times. The position-adjustable flash allowed us to light our subjects at an angle, or to bounce light off the ceiling, which didn't seem to work well in the cavernous room. As we progressed through the morning, additional scenes highlighted new shortcomings. Jump past the break for a sample video and more impressions, or check out the gallery above for sample images -- the first four shots highlight different positions with the adjustable flash.
Panasonic Lumix GF3 official: 12.1 MP, 1080i video, no hot shoe in sight (hands-on)
Last week, we caught a glimpse of the Lumix DMC-GF3, a new addition to Panasonic's ever-growing family of Micro Four Thirds shooters. Turns out, the camera we spied in that YouTube video was legit: the company just made it official and yes, it's missing a hot shoe. Available in four colors with 12.1 megapixel resolution, it uses Panny's latest imaging processor, shoots 1080i AVCHD video, and has a 3-inch touchscreen, ISO range of 160 to 6400, and the usual array of intelligent Auto enhancements. Unlike the GF2 -- which isn't going anywhere, by the way -- it's designed with the greenest of novices in mind, which means it forgoes things experienced photogs might like, such as a hot shoe and viewfinder. This one has a mono, not stereo mic, and swaps in a simple scroll wheel on the back side. Panasonic also rejiggered the touch UI to make certain settings easier to find and added a miniature art filter -- already a staple on Olympus' PEN series. Oh, and as a beginner-friendly camera, it looks more like a point-and-shoot than a DSLR -- it's 15 percent lighter than the GF2, and 17 percent smaller. The GF3 will be available in July for $699 with a 14mm lens, to be followed in late August by a $599 kit that comes with a 14-42mm lens. In the meantime, head on past the break and check out our impressions after spending a few minutes with a not-final unit and a 14mm lens. We only got to play with it in a fluorescent conference room, alas, but hopefully our handful of test shots will give you a taste of what you can do with the depth of field should you spring for the higher-end of the two kits. %Gallery-126203% %Gallery-126204%
Sony A580 reviewed: 16.2 megapixels of mid-range DSLR goodness
Like the Sony A560 DSLR but need a few million more pixels at your disposal? That's basically what you get with the A580, a successor to the A550 and doing basically everything the A560 does -- but with a 16.2 megapixel sensor. So it sports 1080i recording, a 3-inch tilting LCD, and 7fps burst shooting, but can't match the continuous autofocus of the funky A55 and its mystical, magical, translucent mirror and overheating sensor. Overall performance and image quality are said to be good, with minimal noise up to ISO 1600 and fancy modes like HDR built in. All yours for about $899.
Samsung announces $299 HMX-Q10 camcorder, makes it work upside down
Lefty? We feel ya -- sometimes modern camcorders just aren't built for those with alternate dominant proclivities, but Samsung's HMX-Q10 most certainly is. Though, really, it'd be great for anyone who has felt the need to keep on filming while using their right hand to cling desperately onto a grabrail or the like. It offers a compact design with a prominent record button right on its fanny, about the only physical control you really need to worry about. The rest displayed on the 2.7-inch touchscreen, which automatically flips itself if you hold the camera upside down. Images are beamed through a 10x (2.75 - 27.5mm) optical zoom and then splayed across a 5 megapixel sensor, which enables full HD recording -- albeit at 60i. If you want progressive you'll have to drop to 720p, but that's not such a bad deal considering the cost of $299 when it ships in February. Besides, the lower res will make your SDHC card feel a little more roomy. Update: Samsung just hit us up with revised recording times: HD -- SF: 4h10m / F: 5h / N: 6h30m and SD -- SF: 17h30m / F: 23h10m / N: 34h %Gallery-112343%
Panasonic GH2 expected to have 16 megapixel sensor, maybe even 1080/60p video
It was almost exactly a year ago that we asked you how you'd change the Panasonic GH1, and the consensus response was that the camera's biggest flaw was its stratospheric price. Well, Panasonic's about to help you out there, as it seems a GH2 successor is all but assured to debut at this year's Photokina exhibition, which is sure to put a little downward pressure on GH1 levies. The new shooter is rumored to be making mostly evolutionary upgrades, with 16 rather than 12 effective megapixels squeezed into its sensor, expanded ISO range up to 12,800, faster autofocus performance with the kit 14-140mm lens, 5fps burst shooting, and 1080/60i video recording at 24Mbps. Where things get interesting is the suggestion that the GH2 will be capable of 1080/60p, but that the AVCHD recording format -- whose current spec doesn't include 60 frames of 1080p goodness -- is forcing it to store data in the 60i mode. That'd be a pretty sweet new addition if true and we're inclined to believe it given the additional rumor of three processing cores inside the GH2. We'll know how much of this is legit by the middle of next week, Photokina isn't a place famed for keeping secrets -- quite the opposite, actually.
Sony Alpha A580 and A560 shoot AVCHD 1080i or MP4 video
Just a few days after seeing the Alpha A580 and A560 leak out onto the DSLR stage, here we are with the official word from Sony. As followup to the Alpha A550, both the 16.2 megapixel A580 and 14.2 megapixel A560 with new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors and the latest Bionz image processors, capable of 7fps continuous shooting and capturing video with stereo audio in both AVCHD 1920x1080 60i or MP4 (QuickTime Motion JPEG) formats, the latter being better suited for consumer-oriented video editing software. Other commonalities are a new 15-point phase-detection autofocus, 3-inch articulating LCD with new Focus Check Live View mode, 100 - 12,800 ISO ranges, support for Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDHC/SDXC cards, and an optical viewfinder with 95 percent frame coverage. Wait, there's more: both cams also feature 3D sweep panorama that can be played back on 3D televisions and a refined Auto HDR mode that combines a burst of three frames into a single ultra-realistic image. The A580 will be available in October for €900 while the A560 will land in the first quarter of 2011 for €800.%Gallery-100225%
Sony's Alpha A580 and A560 leak out with 1080i video recording mode?
If Sony's camera division were a ship, the crew would be shiftily eying the rowboats right about now, because yet another pair of Sony Alpha DSLRs have just sprung out another gaping hole. Sony Alpha Rumors brings convincing pictures of two Alpha A550 successors, the A580 and A560, which reportedly feature 16 megapixel and 14 megapixel sensors respectively. Like their predecessor, both feature 100-12,800 ISO ranges, Memory Stick and SD card slots and a fancy tilting LCD display, but now also reportedly sport 15 autofocus points (up from 9) and a 1080i AVCHD video recording mode. Pricing and availability are still in the cards, but don't fret -- we'll find out soon enough.
Sanyo bungs 23x optical zoom into Xacti DMX-SH11, Full HD into DMX-CG110
Ever tried operating a handheld cam at 20x optical zoom? Without a tripod, your recordings tend to look like they were taken in the middle of an earthquake, so quite frankly, we ain't so wildly impressed with Sanyo's 23x-rated SH11 camcorder -- okay, we are, but we thought we'd inform you that that silly large number comes with limited use scenarios. Freshly announced, carrying 16GB of internal storage, and coming to Japan in late April, this is part of Sanyo's Dual Camera series, as its CMOS sensor is capable of 4 megapixel stills as well as 1080i / 30fps video in MPEG-4 format. It'll be joined there by the pistol grip-shaped CG110, which improves on the previous CGs by moving up to Full HD recording, adding 16GB of built-in storage, and even supporting SDXC cards. Check the source links for more.%Gallery-83987%
iToos M6HD PMP outputs 1080i without breaking anyone's bank
There's really only two things you need to know about the iToos M6HD PMP, and at the risk of repeating the headline: it can output 1080i via HDMI and its price is pretty hard to argue with. As for the fine print, we're looking at a 4.3-inch TFT screen with 480 x 272 resolution, 4GB internal memory upgradeable via memory card, and the usual variety of codecs you've come to expect from Asian PMPs, including FLAC audio and H.264 video. According to Akihabara News, it technically retails for only $58.50, but for the moment the best we've seen is online retailer Ownta for pocket change under $87.
Sanyo unleashes two iFrame compatible Dual HD camcorders
Sanyo's just unleashed two new full HD camcorders -- the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A. Both of these babies boast 1080p and 1080i recording at 60 fps, plus iFrame recording at a 960 x 540 resolution and 30 frames per second and 8 megapixel still shooting with 10x optical zoom. The cams are the first to offer iFrame compatibility, a 'next gen' format designed for easy importing, editing and sharing of video -- and hey, Apple just released an iMovie update adding iFrame compatibility, so the timing is spot-on for those of us aching to ditch the super-lameness of AVCHD. The VPC-FH1A has a 3-inch LCD and HDMI output, while the VPC-HD2000A has a 2.7-inch LCD. They're both available now, with the FH1A running $499.99 and the HD2000A $599.99. Full press release is after the break.
WD TV Mini loses Full HD, but remains a handy Media Player
While we wait excitedly for Western Digital to update its HD Media Player, the company has decided to add another, value-minded product to its media player range. Working along the same lines as the HD unit, The WD TV Mini serves as a conduit between your TV set and USB-connected storage -- whether it be a camcorder, an external HDD or a humble flash drive -- and plays back a vast array of digital media formats. The Mini part to its name refers to its diminutive 91 x 91 x 22 mm footprint, but being the younger sibling also means it loses a couple of the premium features, namely HDMI and full 1080p, though that drop-off isn't too steep with 1080i and composite plus component outputs serving as alternatives. It's available now for $99.
Brando's latest HDD dock adds HDMI into the mix
There are apparently an awful, awful lot of people out there with shoe boxes full of spare SATA drives. Somebody is buying all these new HDD docks, and while most surpass the previous editions by adding support for another obscure format of memory card, Brando's latest seems like an actually useful update, adding HDMI and component ports through which it can output video at either 1080i or the always popular 576p. Standard resolutions may not be its strong point, and sadly there's no mention of which video codecs it can unravel, but it does at least support the major flavors of audio files (MP3, WMA, AAC, etc.) and of course will read memory cards and thumb drives to boot. No, a bare drive may not look particularly appealing while rattling away on your entertainment center, and at $69 you're not far from the price of a Windows Media extender or the like, but don't let such practical concerns dissuade you from adding this unique focal point to your home theater.
Cube H100HD PMP does 1080i in a tiny package
Thought 720p output from a PMP was impressive? Try 1080i on for size. Yes, Cube has seemingly one-upped itself, introducing a new PMP called the H100HD that, like its predecessor, sports a 5-inch LCD and support for a variety of video and audio formats, but adds in an FM tuner, support for simple Flash games, and another step up the HD resolution ladder, all in a package that's a bit more svelte than before. And yes, it still does 720p output for those progressive types. No information on price yet, but since the last one sold for under $75 don't expect it to break the bank -- also don't expect it to show up at whatever electronics retailers are still in business where you are.
MSNBC sets a date for HDTV broadcasts: June 29
Already delayed beyond its planned pre-election launch, and following CNBC's first dabble into real HD, MSNBC has chosen Monday, June 29 as the day it becomes self aw....begins broadcasting in high definition. No word specifically which programs will be in HD, but with the network already broadcasting from two HD ready studios since 2007, there should be plenty to go around for Olbermann, Maddow and Scarborough. No word on carriage, but we're thinking it's no coincidence this news came out of the Cable Show, so expect to hear more in the next few months.
Compal's APA00 and APA01 support HD video, can't display it
Compal's enlisting two new recruits into the PMP army, the APA00 and APA01. Both uCLinux-powered devices sport 7-inch LCD displays, DMB-TH, FM Tuner, 802.11g, up to 80GB HDD, an SD/MMC slot, and component / composite outputs. Codec support includes MPEG, Xvid, WMV9, H.264 and a variety of audio formats. The company's boasting HD support up to 1080i, but with a WVGA resolution, you're not gonna be enjoying that crisp of an image without an external screen. Aesthetics aside, the only difference we could find is an extra six grams of heft in the black-clad APA00. Not a peep on pricing or availability.[Via Pocketables]Read - APA00Read - APA01
1080i / 720p broadcast HD debate revisited
Looking back at the 1080i vs. 720p debate, Electronic House breaks down the broadcast formats we're left with for our televised HD. With the major players locked down and millions of dollars of equipment already in place it's basically a check of where the dust has settled (ABC & Fox on 720p, most others on 1080i.) These days our worries usually tend more towards overcompression and other maladies potentially affecting the signal than its native resolution -- at least until 1080p & 3D hit the stage.
CBS to produce all NFL games in HD, but will you see them that way?
We'd never doubt our old friend Ken H at AVSForum and his magic 8-ball, so it's no surprise that when Sports Video Group interviewed the VP of engineering at CBS, he confirmed all of the network's NFL games this season will be produced in 1080i. Unfortunately, due to a lack of network capacity, it's possible that the late game of a double header could start out distributed in SD, before switching to a high definition feed later, and halftime highlights will be SD-only. Both of those situations will be resolved by the '09 season when CBS' NFL contract requires it go all-HD, all the time - as the last NFL-free weekend comes to a close, news that the suffering will soon end eases the pain...a little.[Via HD Sports Guide & AVSForum]
