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Mission-style PC casemod easily slides into your La-Z-Boy collection
Jeffrey Stephenson is to case mods what Benjamin Heckendorn is to console mods. There, we said it. After watching the former pump out wood-grained mod after wood-grained mod, Sir Jeff has issued yet another -- wait for it -- wood-grained mod. The black walnut mission-style side table is actually a full-blown PC in disguise, with a standard ATX mid-tower within that's equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA graphics and dual stage temperature-controlled exhaust fans. He notes that it'll be available next Spring for those with fine tastes, though we're sure he'd customize it to fit your living room suite for the right price.
A look at crafting updates in EQII's Game Update 52
It's not just new dungeons and adventuring quests that will be hitting EverQuest II in the next big patch, Game Update 52; there'll be plenty for those with a crafting bent as well. Niami Denmother of EQ2 Traders Corner had an early look at some of what will be available and has shared her impressions with the community. We already found out that the player-written books in GU52 will come from crafters, and Niami's preview includes screenshots of a variety of different bindings that can be made (by Sages level 50+, by the way).There will also be some revamping of crafted hex dolls and ranged items, and the new stats should please most. Existing hex-dolls will be upgraded to the new stats upon logging in after GU52's release, but the ranged items will not, just in case some people like the stat distribution of their current gear. The last thing we get to see in Niami's sneak peek is a screenshot of some player-crafted furniture. SOE was quick to mention that this is not all the new furniture that GU52 holds, but the preview should be enough to get people to dust off their crafting equipment ahead of time. Make sure to check out the screenshots of the other goodies that will be available.
DIY ShiftBrite coffeetable a beautiful, headache-inducing conversation piece
Searching for the perfect coffeetable is a struggle we know well. DIYer macetech has sidestepped the whole "boring" furniture problem by installing 81 ShiftBrite LED modules into a 2x2 foot IKEA table which run a sine plasma into HSV/RGB conversion by way of an Arduino. Sure, it's probably not something your grandmother would want in her living room -- but your friends would undoubtedly be pretty jealous to see this thing hanging out in your place. Watch out for seizures, though. Video of the table in action after the break.[Via Make]
Sony hides audio system within stylish RHT-G HDTV stands
If Onei Solutions' speaker-infused TV stand was a bit too extravagant for your den, why not consider Sony's completely classy alternatives? The new RHT-G series follows up on last year's model by including three new HDTV stands that include multi-channel audio systems. The RHT-G950 is designed to hold sets from 40- to 46-inches, while the RHT-G1550 handles big screens in the 46- to 55-inch range and the RHT-G550 holds those 32- to 40-inch models. The G950 and G1550 each host a 5.1-channel array of speakers with 470- and 550-watts of power, respectively; the smaller G550 does 3.1 with 330-watts. There's also a dozen selectable sound modes, a trio of HDMI inputs, BRAVIA Sync support and a Digital Media Port for connecting one's Walkman, PC, phone or iPod. There's no mention of pricing just yet, but these should hit shelves in the May to July time frame.[Via Engadget Spanish]
D-BOX scores deal to bring rumbling chairs to Mann Theatres
Ah, ha! So the rumors were true, after all. Just over three months after we heard that D-BOX was trying desperately to get its Motion Code technology into cinemas, we're finally seeing the first deal with a commercial theater chain. Mann Theatres, the operators of the famous Mann Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood, has become the first to first to allow D-BOX seating to be installed, with the initial installation taking place in theatre six of the aforementioned multiplex. There will also be a demo station setup in the lobby for moviegoers to "test drive" the rumbling, bumbling system, though there's no word on whether watching a flick in the D-BOX cinema will cost extra. In all seriousness, this deal is gigantic for D-BOX, and if a few more chains latch on, it won't be long before you see the technology's creator(s) sailing 'round the world and basking in their own glory.[Image courtesy of About]
eStarling's ImpactV digiframe does video, WiFi, handstands
It usually takes a lot to get us stoked on a digiframe -- after all, there are so many, and they all pretty much do the exact same thing. That said, the new ImpactV from eStarling doesn't seem so shabby. Of course, we've seen some of these features on prior models (such as an 8-inch display, WiFi, the ability to email pictures to the frame, photo scheduling, and RSS feeds), but DVD quality video playback (up to 4 minutes), a custom iPhone app, Photobucket and YouTube search, and Facebook support are all very interesting. Retailing for $199, the PR we received may be stretching things a bit when they call it "an exciting evolution in furniture," but that's OK. They've probably never seen the RoboStool.
GenevaSound Home Theater speaker stand packs 700-watts, loves your iPod
We can't imagine that legions of audio enthusiasts are scouting a booming 2.1 sound system that doubles as a TV stand, but if you're one of the few, GenevaLab has your number. Introduced nearly three years to the day after we originally saw the iPod-loving Geneva Sound System is the GenevaSound Home Theater, a rather large piece of furniture that packs a 2.1 system (including a 12-inch subwoofer), inbuilt 700-watt amplifier, space for a SACD / DVD / Blu-ray / LaserDisc player, an integrated iPod / iPhone dock, a CD player / radio and a black or white motif. You'll pay dearly for the privilege of owning one, though, and if you're unclear on the definition of "dearly," try $3,999.[Via iLounge]
Vicente Wolf easel HDTV stand provides artsy alternative to wall mounting
Too frightened to hang it on a wall, huh? How's about one of those rickety stands from Best Buy? If neither of those options sound very good, have a look at this unique stand from designer Vicente Wolf. The easel HDTV stand really exemplifies the whole "HDTV as a piece of art" mantra, and coupled with GalleryPlayer, you'd really have an easy time hosting the local arts and crafts club. To be frank, we're not so sure the unit you see above is exactly for sale, but even the greenest of DIYers should be able to concoct one of their own.[Via DVICE]
Did you cheap out on a TV stand? It probably just got recalled.
Let's be honest -- after sinking a few large on a new HDTV, a few hundies on some overpriced cables and even more on HD programming, you weren't about to cough up another month's paycheck for a decent TV stand. For the 48,600 customers out there who purchased one of four different King Pao Enterprise TV Stands (likely sold and distributed by Studio RTA), you now have a product known for tipping over and ruining lives. The E Series, Fierro, Madison DLP and Madison 3000 -- all of which were sold at Best Buy and other big box retailers from May 2004 to August 2008 -- have been deemed unstable and unfit for use in your living room, and it's suggested that you cautiously remove your set and wait for a "repair kit" before it does the removing for you. Godspeed.
Salamander's Jump Seat Ottoman now available for your rumpus (room)
Salamander Designs has been showing off its Jump Seat Ottoman since late last year, and now it's finally shipping. The more-than-meets-the-eye ottoman fills in for those awkward moments when you run out of seating at show- or game-time. We all know the situation -- the couch is comfortably full, the loveseat is occupied and someone's out cold in the recliner. And then someone else shows up. Those dining room chairs aren't comfy and a task chair from the office just looks ghetto. But if your space is equipped with one of these $1,000 pieces, all you have to do is flip up the top of the ottoman and a la peanut butter sandwiches, that last man scores a seat with integrated cup holder and storage. Crisis averted -- you get credit for the save and the party keeps rolling.
Continental Seating injects Proscenium into Bravo! / Grand Tier collections
There's nothing quite like sitting on a small mountain of cash, but we've heard from fortunate friends that doing so for two solid hours can be really back for your back. Thankfully, Continental Seating has devised a way of converting packs of Benjamins into amazingly fine seating instruments, the latest of which is the Proscenium. Said model has just been inserted into the Bravo! and Grand Tier collections where it's available in 21- / 24-inch flavors with your choice of Faux Leather, Ritz Suede, and Brazilian Leather coverings from the Bravo! collection and the choice of six grades of leather from the Grand Tier family. Only problem(s)? The four to six week lead time and the $1,420 to $2,840 price tag.
Video: RoboStool follows you around, never leaves you sans a seat
We can't fully express the awesomeness of RoboStool with mere words, but we'll try. A product of Norris Labs, this robotic foot stool can be navigated in a trio of ways: by using a remote control, by actually tapping into a satnav or by utilizing a thermal sensing system to make it follow its master around. We don't suppose you need more than one guess to pick which of the three is our favorite, and there's a nice demonstration video of said choice waiting after the jump. IKEA, you on this or what?
Hand crafted cassette tape lamp turns old tech into fresh lighting
Remember that hundred pack of blank cassettes you bought back in '93 when they hit 90-percent off? Man, those were the days. Unfortunately, you only got around to making three or four mix tapes, leaving you with quite a few unused hunks of junk cluttering up the closet. If you've managed to hang onto 'em just knowing a worthwhile use was just around the bend, congratulations. The ingenious cats over at Transparent House have glued an assortment of old tapes together and inserted neon lights within to keep things cool and create a rather impressive source of lighting. Oh, and if you can't figure this one out sans a how-to guide, maybe DIY work just isn't your bag.[Via technabob]
Brunswick Billiards gets its own Berkline home theater chairs
Nothing chases a good flick like a few games of pool, and that's exactly why Brunswick Billiards has teamed up with Berkline to introduce a few new offerings. The famed home theater seating company has agreed to create a fresh line of Brunswick-exclusive home theater chairs which will include two contemporary models and a single traditional model. Eight different types of leather will be available, and a few subtleties include a taller back, cup holders, lighted bases and power recline options. The luxurious seats will start at $1,249 apiece and should be ready to hit game rooms / HTs in "early summer."
Tristar Massage Chair isn't built for the average living room
Really, we've yet to pinpoint a massage chair that fit in well with typical furniture and didn't cost a small fortune, but we're tempted to believe that the Tristar Massage Chair was actually created with Martians in mind. This rather terrifying seating device includes all sorts of apparatuses that will reportedly remove stress from your back, feet, face and fingertips. There's also an integrated audio system for surrounding yourself in Kenny G or Killswitch Engage, whichever group helps you cope with all that you dealt with during the workday. Too bad you'll be burning that midnight oil to pay off the €5,000 ($7,807) credit card bill.[Via Ubergizmo]
Ultimate home theater accessories get chosen: thoughts?
For most, acquiring some sort of HD display, multi-channel surround sound system and an HD source constitutes a full-blown home theater. For the hardcore, however, having those basic components just isn't enough -- after all, that's not really doing the term "home theater" justice, now is it? Electronic House took the initiative to hunt down the 30 (give or take) greatest HT accessories one could possibly buy, and there's some real gems packed within. We're talking signs, posters, oversized popcorn machines, elaborate seating arrangements, life-sized statues and even bona fide ticket booths. Check out the slideshow below for EH's picks, and then drop your own recommendations in comments below. C'mon, newbie home theater builders are in desperate need of ideas here!Read - Slideshow: Ultimate Home Theater AccessoriesRead - Article: Ultimate Home Theater Accessories
Ikea'nt believe it: A fully functional giant NES controller/coffee table
First and foremost, apologies for the headline. If you can find it in your heart to forgive us, we're sure that the video above will tickle your fancy for gaming peripheral-themed furniture. We're not sure how much we'd pay for a custom-built, gigantic, functioning Nintendo Entertainment System controller (or a boxed copy of Super Mario Bros. 3, for that matter) that doubles for a coffee table with a removable glass overlay, but we could be convinced to skip a few months' rent should this epic furnitroller show up at our local Targét. Our landlord would certainly forgive us when we invite him over for an exhilarating round of comically oversized Bible Adventures.
NES coffee table is so much more
Kyle Downes' NES coffee table isn't just an awesome coffee table, oh no. Read up on the making of this beautiful piece of furniture on Kyle's blog, the appropriately named Ultra Awesome, and it's obvious that Downes' work is far more than a mere coffee table -- make the jump to see what else it can do.
Draper introduces new FlatScreen Lift to conceal your HDTV
For those still not keen on hanging their flat-panel on the wall, Draper has crafted an all new motorized lift in order to reveal and conceal your HDTV at the press of a button. Designed to handle plasmas / LCDs up to 50-inches and add less than 5-inches to the overall depth, the FSL-F-50 FlatScreen Lift can be built into custom cabinetry and even includes "a unique secondary shelf beneath the display itself, allowing you to attach a matching trim piece to fill the opening left by the open cabinet lid." The unit can reportedly hoist up to 210-pounds and takes just over half a minute to fully deploy with zero weight. Oh, and if this particular model doesn't jive with your current TV, the firm is expected to add two additional sizes in the near future to accommodate smaller displays and units spanning up to 65-inches diagonally.[Via Widescreen Review]
Decorate your living room, Tetris style
It just so happens that today, we came across two Tetris related pieces of furniture that are perfect for the household. Is this a sign that we should be redecorating our homes? We think so, but unfortunately, we have people we live with to consider. And, oh yeah, no money.Pictured above is the TT Chair, which happens to be shaped like the beloved L block. We like how you can place it on the floor at different angles -- very fitting (and also necessary) for Tetris furniture. The cost is about $220 per chair, though, and they are only available through a Japanese website called Rakuten.Equally impressive is the Tetris mirror, pictured in the gallery below. Unlike the chairs, this beauty by Soner Ozenc isn't for sale, to our knowledge. Still, even if it's completely impractical, we love that you can move the pieces around at will. This mirror would give its owner another excuse to be late for work in the morning, not to mention a way to combine gaming with vanity. No, we weren't staring at our beautiful selves, we were just rearranging the Tetris mirror, honest.Which piece are you more fond of, readers?%Gallery-18641%[Chairs via Tokyo Mango, mirrors via Technabob]Read: Tetris mirrorsRead: TT chairs
