I-oData
Latest
DisplayLink adds DVI to its USB display adapter repertoire, in Japan
Tired of all those USB to HDMI adapters? Got yourself a monitor sporting only an old-school DVI port? Well, don't worry, DisplayLink has your back... as long as you live in Japan. The cumbersomely named I-O DATA USB-RGB3/D USB 3.0 to DVI display adapter just hit shelves in the Land of the Rising Sun for the equivalent of $137. By hooking up to a computer's USB 3.0 port the adapter is able to push video at resolutions up to 2048 x 1152 over a standard DVI cable. It's a great way to salvage that aging, but still high-quality display if you've got a newer notebook that's gone the HDMI-only route. Hopefully some adapters powered by DisplayLink's tech will start making their way stateside soon. If not, there's always imports. Check out the complete PR after the break.
I-O Data's HDCA-UT3.0K drive offers USB 3.0 and 3TB of storage
If you've been on the hunt for the biggest, fastest hard drive around, it seems your options are expanding. I-O Data just introduced the HDCA-UT3.0K external hard drive, which offers USB 3.0 support and 3TB of storage, which, as the company notes, makes it an ideal companion for TVs with a USB recording mode. Struggling to resist the charm of its blue LED and the possibility of owning more storage than you'll ever need? Look for it in mid-May with a price of ¥26,400 ($324).
I-O Data's HDPN-U500/V portable hard drive pulls video from your camcorder, plays it on your TV
Looking for a quick and easy way to bridge the gap between your camcorder and your TV? Then you might want to consider I-O Data's new 500GB HDPN-U500/V portable hard drive, which packs a USB port to pull video directly off a compatible Sanyo Xacti, JVC Everio, or Sony Handycam camcorder, and an HDMI port to let you play that video on your TV straight from the hard drive. Of course, it'll also function just fine as a regular external hard drive for your computer, and it boasts a shock-resistant design that should let you toss it around a bit without too much worry. No word on a release over here just yet, but folks in Japan should be able to pick this one up next month for ¥15,330, or about $180.
I-O Data TransferJet USB dongle announced in Japan
Been dying to get in on some TransferJet high-speed low-range wireless data transfer action since Sony made such a big fuss of it at CES? Well you can go the all-Sony route and pick up a VAIO F or one of Sony's Cyber-Shot bundles with a reader, or you can head to Japan and snag this I-O Data USB2-TJC reader, when it comes out later this month for ¥10,000 ($115). It works with Windows and Mac OS X, and you'll still need to have that special TransferJet Memory Stick or a compatible Cyber-Shot camera on the other end of the equation for the time being, so it looks like you'll still be kicking it Sony Style for a while. Good thing Toshiba has promised TransferJet stuff by the end of the year, right?
I-O Data's SEG Clip brings 1seg mobile TV to iPhone and PC
Softbank's own 1seg tuner / battery charger was a novel idea, but leave it to trained assassins at I-O Data to really expound upon the concept and concoct something nearly worthy of relocating to Tokyo for. The new GV-SC310 SEG Clip is a relatively vanilla USB 1seg TV tuner that plugs into one's PC in order to pull down some of Japan's finest OTA programming. Once captured, users with an iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS or iPod touch can download a TVPlayer app (shown after the break) that enables them to wirelessly watch whatever content they've stored. Think of it as TiVo for your iPhone, but only for those lucky enough to live in the Land of the Rising Sun. Not too shabby for ¥6,615 ($68), huh?[Via Akihabara News]Read - I-O Data press releaseRead - Hands-on
I-O Data rolls out mobile Bluetooth keyboard
Think that keyboard on your subnote is cramped? Try blasting out 115 words-per-minute on this thing. I-O Data has just revealed an absurdly diminutive new keyboard with built-in Bluetooth that has a real thing for hooking up with handsets. Nah, it's not nearly as cool as having a 'board on your crotch, but it's a respectable (and way more modest) alternative. [Via Pocket-lint]
I-O Data's USB-to-DVI adapter plays nice with Aero
USB-to-DVI adapters have certainly progressed a good ways over the years, and I-O Data's ain't too shabby, either. The external graphics dongle supports resolutions up to 1,680 x 1,050, measures in at 57- × 85- × 22-millimeters and even plays nice with Vista's Aero Glass interface. Unfortunately, it's not so compatible with Open GL or HDCP. That's a little too hamstrung for our ¥14,600 ($135), but to each their own.[Via AkihabaraNews]
I-O Data reveals array of HDL-GS NAS drives
I-O Data isn't just worried about the longevity of your pocketable storage -- oh no, it's quite concerned with availability of data in your domicile, too. In an effort to ensure that every computer on your network has fair and unbridled access to external storage, the firm has unveiled a line of HDL-GS NAS drives that include 250GB, 320GB, 500GB and 1TB editions. Each LANDISK drive plays nice with Windows and OS X-based systems, touts an integrated USB port and includes a gigabit Ethernet jack, too. Beyond that, this crew is pretty run-of-the-mill, but you can pick one up to suit your needs in mid-December for ¥24,360 ($221), ¥26,565 ($241), ¥31,080 ($282) or ¥74,655 ($676), respectively.
I-O Data launches ultra-tough 16GB HDMC flash drive
I-O Data is very worried about your data. Very. Worried. How concerned is the Japanese company about protecting your precious files? Well, they've gone and created a 16GB, freezable, droppable, completely water-proof USB flash drive just for your sake (and sweet Yen). You need only watch a few moments of the psychedelic mind-melter that is the promo video to realize you should... nay, must, purchase one of these puppies while the gettin's good -- as it were. Check out the technofied vision after the break, then be prepared to drop ¥25,300 (around $230) to own a piece of history.[Via Akihabara News]
I-O Data's WN-G54/R4 WiFi router lets your handheld bypass security
There's just nothing more enraging (okay, so maybe there is, but that's beside the point) than getting your shiny new DS Lite / PSP slim home and realizing that your router's security settings are so far into the realm of overkill that your handheld will simply never make it through to the intarweb. Thankfully, I-O Data is offering up a new wireless router that provides an alternative to just deactivating your security measures altogether. The WN-G54/R4 supports 10/100BASE-T wired connections and 802.11b/g on the wireless frontier, and it stands out from the others by including a Quick Start Game button that enables a "dual configuration" setup. In essence, this feature allows your portable gizmo of choice to quickly bypass the red tape while everything else connected to your network remains locked down. If this sounds like just the solution you've been scouting, you can snag one now for ¥8,400 ($73).
I-O Data intros Navi Clip USB GPS device
While laptops with integrated GPS are still a somewhat rare breed, USB devices that add GPS capabilities to plain old laptops are definitely not, with I-O Data only the latest to offer a product that does just that. From the looks of it, the company's Navi Clip device should get the job done nicely, with a standard SiFR Star III chipset concealed in its tiny 2 x 1 x 0.4-inch casing. You'll also get a USB extension cable (apparently to let you position it for better reception), and some "Supper Mapple" mapping software, which we're guessing will be of little use anywhere outside of Japan (or outside of Windows). If that suits you just fine, you'll be able to pick one up early next month for ¥24,200, or just over $200.[Via Akihabara News]
I-O Data recalls hard drive adapters -- all 740 of 'em
Users of certain I-O Data network hard drives may want to take notice if they're worried about keeping their data (and themselves) safe, as it seems that a couple of the AC adapters used with them have the unfortunate tendency to overheat and melt, posing a potential burn hazard to consumers. The adapters affected all have the model number IO-ACADP1510UL, and were sold with UHDL-160U and UHDL-300U model hard drives between December 2004 and February 2007. That apparently totals a whopping 740 adapters, a number we're guessing I-O Data would otherwise rather keep to itself. While there hasn't been any injuries reported, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is advising users to immediately stop using the adapters and contact I-O Data for a free replacement. If that includes you, you can click on through for all the necessary information.
I-O Data busts out new powerline routers
Japan's I-O Data has introduced a pair of new routers for those looking to get in on the powerline networking action, with one of the two also offering some WiFi for good measure. From the looks of it, the only other difference between the two appears to be the color, with each boasting the same HD-PLC capabilities, 128-bit AES security, and the requisite blinkin' lights to let you know what's going on. No on what what they'll cost, but they should both be available in Japan next month.[Via Akihabara News]
I-O Data's dual DVD-writer: still PC-less but faster than ever
Remember I-O Data's dual-DVD burner released last year? Yeah, that one. Well, it's back and better than ever. Bumping the model name from DVR-UW8D to DVR-UW8D2, their newest super duper bumps DVD and CD write speeds across the board. Of course, it still does its thing (dupe non-commercial CDs and DVDs with a single button press) without the assistance of a PC. An expensive trick for the ¥53,000 (about $430) price it'll snag.[Via Impress]
I-O Data's 24-inch LCD-MF241X offers dual HDMI ports
It had been a tick since we'd heard from I-O Data's LCD department, but its latest offering steps it up from the 22-inch version seen earlier this year by expanding the screen real estate and adding new inputs. The LCD-MF241X sports a 24.1-inch 1,920 x 1,200 panel, comes in black or white motifs, and offers up DVI, VGA, composite, S-Video, and twin HDCP-compliant HDMI connectors. Additionally, you'll find a trio of USB ports mounted on the side, and a wireless remote can switch the inputs for you while kicked back on your couch. Unfortunately, you'll just have to wonder what the eventual price and release date will be, but feel free to click on through to see that port assortment up close.[Via Electronista]
I-O Data's HVR-HD1000LE: same old Rec-POT, new 1TB disk
I-O Data is updating their Rec-POT series of hard disk recorders to 1TB this morning with this, the HVR-HD1000LE. The recorder connects over Firewire to a variety of devices including Panasonic's Blu-ray recorders, Sharp DVD recorders, HueMAX set-top tuners, and Sony, Toshiba, Sharp, and FORIS.TV televisions to capture hi-def broadcasts direct to disk. Only in Japan starting April 12th for ¥79,800 (about $680). [Via Impress]
I-O Data announces 80GB and 160GB iVDR cards for the teeming few
If you're one of the unfortunate few outside of Japan to get locked into iVDR media after it was touted as the next big thing, well, take heart: I-O Data still loves you. Today they announced 80GB (iVDR-80) and 160GB (you guessed it, the iVDR-160) cartridges. Available late April in Japan for ¥38,850 (about $333) or ¥22,050 (about $189) of the green stuff for the 160GB and 80GB cartridges, respectively. Ouch. We hear they'll look great stacked up side-by-side with your MiniDisc collection.[Via Impress]
I-O Data cranks out 19- / 22-inch HDCP-compliant LCDs
A few months and a new operating system later, it looks like I-O Data is upping the ante on its 17- / 19-inch LCDs in a couple big ways. Both of the firm's newest displays, which come in at 19- and 22-inches, sport a black or silver color scheme, dual 1.5-watt stereo speakers, VGA inputs, HDCP-compliant DVI ports, audio inputs, and of course, the obligatory Vista certification. The smaller of the two boasts a 1,440 x 900 resolution, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 800:1 contrast ratio, five-millisecond response time, and a viewing angle of 170-degrees. The 22-inch variety, however, steps up to a WSXGA+ resolution, but aside from that detail, remains identical in terms of specifications to its smaller sibling. Both monitors are scheduled to hit the Japanese market in late March, and while the LCD-AD192XW/B will run you ¥39,800 ($330), the model your eyes truly desire (read: the larger LCD-AD221XW/B) will demand an extra ¥10,000 ($83).[Via Impress]Read - I-O Data's LCD-AD192XW/BRead - I-O Data's LCD-AD221XW/B
I-O Data launches wired, Viiv-certified AVeL LinkPlayer2
We're not exactly sure who'd spring for a completely wired version of a media streamer these days, especially with all the wireless renditions already out there, but I-O Data is officially launching its AVeL LinkPlayer2 for Intel Viiv anyway. Designed to stream audio and video over a wired Ethernet connection from your PC to your TV, this device supports HD streaming (1080i / 720p), WMV9HD, MPEG2-TS, and DivX HD, but recommends a Viiv-certified HTPC to be the sender of the data. Aside from the lack of WiFi, it also strangely lacks an HDMI port (and subsequently, HDCP support) and includes a component output instead, but you can connect external hard drives via USB 2.0 and stream files stored locally across your TV set as well as view standard DVDs via the built-in DVD player. Nevertheless, this admittedly less-than-attractive device can be snapped up later on this month for $279, but do take note of the "Viiv sticker" requirement that's supposed to be found on your connected PC (and try not to chuckle).[Via DailyTech]
I-O Data unveils internal / external Vista-approved TV tuners
In a bid to become one of the first in what's sure to be a mile-long list, I-O Data is launching two new TV tuners that tout Windows Vista compatibility. Making sure that both laptop and desktop owners alike are satisfied, the firm has released both a PCI flavor (GV-MC/RX3) and an external edition (GV-MC/TZ), but both units handle essentially the same capturing and channeling duties, save for the RX3's handy coaxial input, of course. Both units feature S-Video / composite inputs, 10-bit DACs, noise reduction capabilities, and the assurance of functioning perfectly in Microsoft's forthcoming operating system. Optionally, the couch-dwellers out there can spring for the IR remote kit (¥4,230; $36), which provides your standard volume, channel, and playback controls, as well as a few "Media Center-centric" buttons to keep your PVR on track. Both tuners / converters are slated to hit shelves in "late January" to coincide with that looming OS release date, and while the RX3 will run you ¥12,500 ($105), the TZ will demand ¥14,600 ($123).[Via Impress]
