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Guitar maker Gibson buys majority stake in TEAC, develops taste for electronica
That gruff American rocker, Gibson Guitar Corp., has gotten tired of its old life. Instead of just suing copycats and putting out the occasional robot axe, it's now looking to diversify, having spent $52 million on a 54 percent stake in Japanese firm TEAC. The last we heard from TEAC, it was making things like headphones and retro-styled radios, which maybe gives us a hint as to where this new partnership is headed. After all, it's not like the path between music brand and consumer electronics hasn't been trodden to a pulp already.
Toshiba Storage Products' THNSNF SSDs tap into 19nm process technology
32 nanometer process technology feels so... 2009. These days, Toshiba Storage Products is pushing something quite a bit smaller, as the outfit's new THNSNF solid state drives are said to be the world's first to take advantage of 19nm process NAND flash memory. 2012 just so happens to mark the 25th anniversary of Tosh's meddling in NAND, and the new series will be carrying the torch into even more bantam devices. Slates, Ultrabooks and perhaps a phablet or two may end up sporting on of these drives, replete with MLC (multi-level cell) flash. We're told that a trio of sizes will ship: there's a 9.5mm height edition, a 7mm version and an mSATA variant, all of which operate with a SATA 6Gbps interface. Power utilization is pegged at less than 0.1W, and mass production is expected to begin in August; mum's the word on partner companies implementing these into new products, but we're guessing the holiday season will be full of 'em.
Toshiba trots out TransMemory-EX USB 3.0-compliant flash memory
It seems like just yesterday that Tosh outed its original TransMemory lineup... ah, who are we kidding? 2007 was about a century ago. Flashbacks aside, Toshiba America Electronic Components (TAEC) has announced that it'll be demonstrating the new TransMemory-EX series of USB flash memory products here at CES. The new sticks are compliant with USB 3.0 standards, with initial storage capacities set for 32GB and 64GB. The new kit uses Toshiba's DDR NAND, offering maximum data transfer rates of 220MB/sec on the read side and 94MB/sec on the writes. For those keeping score, that's 22 times and 18 times faster than the company's prior models, respectively. We're told that the new products can transfer 25GB of video in around five minutes, which would take the prior model around a half-hour. Mum's the world on commercial availability, but you can find the press release just after the break.
Teac goes retro (again) with CD burner-equipped SL-D920 radio
It may not boast some of the more newfangled features like built-in WiFi, but we're guessing that Teac's new SL-D920 radio packs enough retro flavor to attract plenty of interest nonetheless. In addition to that familiar throwback design (available in red, white or black), the radio packs a built-in CD burner to either play CDs or record from the radio, a USB port to connect an MP3-filled storage device, and a line-in jack to accommodate the media player of your choice -- plus a pair of 5W speakers and a 10W subwoofer. Unfortunately, there's no word on a release over here, but this one's available in Japan right now for ¥20,000 or about $230.
TEAC launches 32-inch LCDV3253HD LCD TV / DVD combo in Australia
The word "TEAC" doesn't generally bring about images of dancing HDTVs under a moonlit sky, but that very company is rolling out its own set over in Australia. The 32-inch LCDV3253HD arrives toting a built-in digital TV tuner (or analog tuner, depending on sales region), a modular DVD player, three HDMI ports and bottom-mounted speakers. It's available now for $1,299 in any color you like, so long as it's black.
Tascam DR-1 digital recorder can slow things down without changing pitch
At first glance, the Tascam DR-1 doesn't seem too different from all of its other digital recorder buddies out there, but let's see the other guys record WAV / MP3 straight to SDHC. Yep, this critter can save 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV files directly to SD or SDHC, and it also features a built-in Li-ion good for around seven hours, a simple (albeit useful) LCD and the inclusion of Variable Speed Audition, which enables it to playback recordings slower than they were inputted without augmenting the pitch. Per usual, mum's the word right now on price / availability.[Via AkihabaraNews]Update: Looks like it's $299, thanks Mike!
TEAC's new inCore Audio ZE-1000 earbuds
Not much to say about these sound-isolating earbuds that hasn't been said about most every sound-isolating earbuds to come before them, but we'll give it our best shot. TEAC's inCore Audio ZE-1000 earbuds have 5-layer silicon ear pads for comfort and sound isolation, and with hi-definition balanced armature drivers (two in each ear) they deliver "natural" textures and "thrilling" dynamics. Also, were you aware that TEAC has been around for more than 50 years? We sure weren't. No word on price or availability, but the 'buds do include small, medium and large ear pads for mama, papa and baby bear.
Teac's HD-R1 recorder stores audio on CompactFlash
Scouting a 1U, rackmountable two-channel audio recorder? What about a solid state version? If you just so happened to answer yes to the previous questions, Teac's got you covered. The outfit's HD-R1 Recorder relies on CompactFlash cards to store up to 24-bit / 48kHz PCM or MP3 files and can be controlled remotely via LAN or RS-232C. Additionally, the unit touts a USB port, mic preamps, phantom power, RCA, XLR, Euroblock and S/PDIF inputs, and the blue-backlit display is a nice touch, too. Teac has apparently been busy showing its new toy off at Inter BEE 2007, but those tempted by the above specs can secure their own for around $1,100.[Image courtesy of Sweetwater]
Teac's GF-650 tabletop player enables vinyl-to-CD transfers
It's been a hot minute since Teac introduced its first tabletop vinyl-to-CD sound machine, but the retrofied device is getting an appreciated upgrade in the GF-650. This unit touts an AM / FM radio, auxiliary input jack, wireless remote, CD player, and of course, a record player. As expected, users simply load in a CD-R / RW, queue up their favorite record, and walk away (or hang around, it's up to you) as the real-time transfer takes place. As for output, it's got a meager 3.5-watt x 2 amplifier, and it should be on sale right now in Japan for a staggering ¥83,790 ($740).[Via Impress]
TEAC's MP-600 3.5-inch touchscreen DAP is thinner than your iPod
Granted, everyone expects the next gen iPod to mimic the iPhone's device-wide, touch-interface design metaphor, right? However, there's no guarantee it's coming 'till Jobsie-boy sings. No worries, TEAC's 3.5-inch touch-screen toting MP-600 is available now for €169 / $230. For that price, you get 4GB of flash storage, MP3/WMA/DRM9 and JPG/AVI playback, FM tuner with recording function, built-in speaker, and up to 10-hours of audio (5.5-hours video) off battery. Better yet, the little 73 x 43 x 9-mm player is thinner than the current disk-based iPods (at the expense of capacity) yet can still be expanded via SD/MMC memory cards. Shaaaweet.[Via Anything But iPod]
TEAC's CD-X10i makes your CDs and iPods erect
Nothing too special here, just a nice looking piece of kit from Teac. Of course those NXT flat panel speakers aren't exactly ordinary, but they've been around for years now in everything from boom boxes to portables to laptop LCDs, projection screens, and even singing picture frames. The 2.1-channel (5W x 2, 15W sub) CD-X10i plays CDs in that upright, B&O way while packing an iPod dock in tow. Yours in Japan starting July for about ¥30,000 or right around $243. [Via Impress]
Teac unveils luxurious UX-1Pi universal DVD player
Teac most certainly doesn't shy away from cranking out the finer things in life, and the company's Esoteric UX-1Pi is further proof of its dedication to high-end. This elegently designed machine dons a simplistic black and silver motif, and internally, packs a 14-bit DAC, LSI ABT1018 scaler, HDMI v1.3 connector, 1080p upscaling, i.LINK FireWire, component / S-Video outputs, surround sound pre-outs, XLR front outputs, and optical / coaxial digital audio. The device handles DVD video, DVD-Audio, SACD, and your collection of toasted gems as well, and while Teac was nice enough to throw in a wireless remote, you'll still be paying ¥1,470,000 ($12,129) for this beauty when it lands this month. Click through for a shot of the port assortment.[Via Impress]
TEAC's $19,000 VPI HR-X1 turntable weighs more than your wife
Mmm, look at the old school turntable gone new. The VPI HR-X from TEAC features a belt driven, 50-mm thick acrylic platter which floats on an air suspension system at 33.3 or 45rpm. Packing a pair of 24 pole, 300rpm AC synchronous motors, this pup weighs in at 52.5-kg or 116-pounds. Oh, and It'll set you back ¥2,310,000 or about $19,000 when these go on sale in Japan in mid-June. [Via Impress]
TEAC's bone conducting HP-F100 headphones
TEAC's latest headphones may not sport the sexiest of designs, but the HP-F100s do tout the always-fun bone conducting abilities. Aside from delivering frequencies from 25Hz to 25kHz, the phones also come with a "personal amplifier" (shown after the break) that cranks out .76-watts to each channel, and will reportedly last around 10-hours without needing another cell. Additionally, the foldable earphones weigh in at about 120-grams, and while the "aerial vibration" won't exactly rattle your skull, it could make your listening a bit more full nonetheless. Of course, we don't expect these to land on US shores without a little help from your favorite importer, but you can reportedly snag these later this month in Japan for a stiff ¥52,500 ($440).[Via Impress]
Tascam MP-GT1 DAP touts guitar input for gnarly play-alongs
Tiger Electronics' Power Tour instructional guitar is weak sauce compared to what TEAC's latest training tool can accomplish, as the Tascam-branded MP-GT1 offers up a whole lot more than just MP3 playback. Aside from boasting a monochrome 128 x 64 resolution screen, 1GB of internal storage, a rechargeable Li-ion lasting around eight hours, and MP3 / ID3 tag support, this pocket-friendly DAP also touts a line-in for your axe, built-in tuner / metronome, and a bevy of sweet controls as well. Users can queue up their favorite track, plug in their guitar, and begin to shred away while attempting to follow along, but for the more creative out there, this little box also features ten different effects to modify the sound of your instrument. To top things off, an internal algorithm sniffs out the guitar frequencies in whatever track you're listening to, and if you switch on the VSA function, it mutes (as best it can, we presume) the recorded guitar track so the only six-string you hear twanging is your own. TEAC's latest toy for guitar freaks should be landing in Japanese shops the last day of this month, and at just ¥20,000 ($166), we're deeming this a surefire bargain.
TEAC intros multifunction portable hard drive
TEAC has introduced a new multifunction portable hard drive, although if by "multifunction" you're expecting TEAC to provide many functions, you may be somewhat disappointed. The primary function here is, of course, storage, with 40GB, 80GB, and 120GB options available to suit daily data diet. The multitude of other functions begins and ends with how you get all that data onto the drive, with not only a regular USB 2.0 interface at your disposal, but a built-in memory card reader to accommodate all your standard memory card formats as well. The idea being to reduce the number of memory cards you need to carry around with you to one, which you can offload directly onto the TEAC drive whenever it gets stuffed. What it won't let you do is view the photos or listen to the music you've got stored on it directly from the drive, a la other multi multifunction devices, but you can view the drive's status on its "large" LCD screen. It's not clear how much it'll cost yet, but TEAC says the the 40GB model will be available December 1st, with the 80GB and 120GB drives to follow at a later, unspecified date.
Teac's Tannoy ST-100 super tweeter
Oh you know how we're such suckers for anything that's extravagant, Japanese, and that would make a completely superfluous addition to our mounting collection of, um, unnecessary ridiculous and absurdly overpriced Japanese toys. Enter the Tannoy ST-100 super tweeter, the black truffle of high-end high-range speakers. If a 24K gold "evaporation" titanium dome diaphragm (we'll take their word for it) capable of playing back audio frequencies up to 100kHz -- far outside the range of normal human hearing -- gets the ink flowing in your check-writing pen, be warned: Teac expects you to part with yen;252,000 (about $2,200 US) for a pair of these things, so be damned sure your source plays DVD-Audio and SACD.[Via AV Watch]
TEAC's AM/FM RADIO R-1W
We loves to get old school now and again, so this new AM/FM radio from TEAC is looking pretty sweet right about now. The R-1W features some free swingin' BASS/TREBLE knobs, 10 hours off battery (with 2 hour recharge), a 1.5W 65mm speaker, headphone jack, and weighs just 3-pounds. Still, she manages to keep things fresh via an AUX IN jack for connecting your fave MP3 player. Now, if they could just slap on a few toggle switches we'll happily fork over the ¥12,600/$110 when these drop the 16th of June in Japan.[Via Impress]
