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Engadget HD's first look: Monster Control AVL 300 universal remote
We just opened Monster's first go at universal remotes, the AVL 300, and we'll have a full review up shortly but lets just say that we came for remote consolidation ability but are staying for the lighting control -- boy is is slick. To sum up the AVL 300, it's a Harmony remote (there is a Harmony badge on the back of the battery cover) slightly reworked for better lighting control and multi-AV system controls oh and yes, it does cost more Monster Cable style. So 'till we get the full review up, enjoy the pictures.
Monster's iEZClick wireless RF remote for iPod
It started with prodigiously overpriced cabling, recently branched into network media / automation devices, and now Monster Cable is dabbling in that oh-so-profitable iPod accessory market with the iEZClick. The RF-enabled wireless remote system works essentially like Scosche's rendition, and boasts controls for your 'Pod's volume level, track / playlist skipping, hold switch, and on / off functions. A smallish receiver plugs directly into the dock connector, and the oversized black remote can beam commands "up to 30 feet away" while your reportedly coveted PMP resides safe in the confines of a knapsack, handbag, purse, or questionably fashionable jean pocket; the liaison can also be rocked on a belt, handlebars or your wrist thanks to the thoughtfully included elastic strap. While we're too scratching our heads wondering why "high-end" interconnect firms are apparently the top dogs when it comes to dishing out the most decorous iPod remotes, Monster's iEZClick can be had for a (presumably inflated) $69.95.[Via iLounge]
The first Spectrobes webisode
IGN's first Spectrobes webisode is here, complete with all sorts of space monster drama. Oh no! A guy with an attitude! A cut-off transmission! A cliffhanger! Whatever will happen to them? Guess we'll just have to wait for the next one ....Check the video out after the jump.
Monster's Linux-based network media and automation devices
Monster Cable, the company best known for its, um, cabling, has announced more information about its network media and home automation devices recently displayed at CEDIA. Everything in the Monster Einstein system is controlled by the Nucleus head-end, which runs the home automation and control elements, using Z-Wave and Bluetooth to control sensors and devices throughout the home, as well as interfacing with the media devices on the network. It has gigabit Ethernet and 802.11n network capabilities as well as a VOIP interface, and should retail for around $4000. The $2500 Electron components are the client end points and connect to the televisions and receivers on the network. You'll want at least one Photon 200-disc DVD changer in the system, because even though they're $2400 they have dual transports, meaning two different discs can be played simultaneously over the network. Also plan on attaching one or more of the $4900 Neutron RAID5-capable storage boxes -- each comes with 960 gigs of storage standard but can scale up to 7.2 terabytes. Other devices in the chain include the $1500 Astro Sirius satellite radio tuner with three zones, and the $1300 Tron seven-inch touch panel. Keep reading for more specifics, as well as another shot of the "monster" Photon changer...
Spectrobes webisodes to back up DS release
We know you're in pain. There are so few Nintendo games dedicated to collecting and training monsters that you're all in severe withdrawals. After all, it's been at least ... oh ... six seconds or so since another such title was announced!Okay, so maybe we're being a tad sarcastic, but these days, you can't walk into a gaming store without tripping over monster-farming titles. In such a market, what's a company like Buena Vista to do that will make their new game, Spectrobes, stand out? It's not enough these days to have a kick ass developer -- and they do -- and the intergalactic setting might not do it, either. So what's left? Webisodes, of course! Six webisodes, designed to grant a little insight into the characters and their place in the world, will hit the game's official website over the next half year. Wow, maybe they could even put one of them "telly-vision shows" on the magical picture box! Now that would be something really new and fresh.
Monster @ CEDIA - Hands-on with the Einstein Home Control system
Say what you will about Monster but when they get into a new market, they do it right - the first time around. Think Monster Central remote. The same thing can be said with Monster's answer to home integration by offer a low-cost (we were surprised too) alternative to a Creston or Control4 system. Those two other systems can cost up to $40,000 dollars and while they can be more powerful and versatile, the Einstein is very similar for around $8,000. We managed to talk our way into the dealer-only demo room and sat through refreshingly slow and boring (CEDIA can be a hectic place) PowerPoint presentation but it was worth it to see the system work. Our thoughts and live screenshots after the jump.
Monster @ CEDIA - Hands-on with Monster Central remote
Remotes, remotes, remotes. They are everywhere at this years CEDIA but if you can get past the flashy touch-panels there are some innovative products out there and Monster's first remote venture is one of 'em. Think Harmony with a lot better lighting integration and iPod'ish control scheme. The Monsters at Monster took the amazing Harmony 890, reworked it and came out with what we believe is a superior product. Their light integration is based on Z-Wave and Levitron's proven equipment but best of all you don't need a pro to come install the product. Simply replace existing light switches and plugs with the IlluminEssence (their brand) equipment. So how did it work? Click on to find out.
Will Monster Cable go after [the monster] Intel next?
Is Intel going to be the next company up to get sued by everyones favorite audio video cable company (sarcasm can be hard to write) Monster Cable? Monster Cable apparently 'owns' the right to the word monster and have gone after company and company that use the word monster anywhere. CEPro found an advertisement for Intel that is sure to make the Monster legal team giggle with glee. There hasn't been any filings yet, but judging by Monster Cable's past, we don't put it past them.Companies sued by Monster for use of the word monster - via Wikipedia Monster Garage Monster House Monster Energy Drink Snow Monster - kids skiing group MonsterVintage - small used clothing store Monsters INC Monster's of the Midway - Chicago Bears Fenway Park's Monster seats Monster.com
Delicious Library Gambler's Sale enters fourth and final week
You'd better get out those credit cards boys and girls, as the Delicious Monster Gambler's Sale has entered its fourth and final week. For those not familiar with this type of sale: Delicious Monster set aside a secret number of Delicious Library licenses and put the app on a four week sale. Each week, they drop the price by $5. Herein lies the catch: the sale ends when either four weeks are up, or the secret number of licenses is sold - whichever is first.This is the fourth and final week of the sale, and Delicious Library has hit $20. I just purchased my own copy, but only Delicious Monster knows how long you can keep waiting to taking advantage of a killer sale on a killer app.Thanks RP
Complain about a PSP game, get some BBQ utensils
Turns out that when a gamer becomes upset, publishers make with the bribes! At least that's how it went in this case when Matt sent a letter to Capcom complaining about some of the features in Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP. According to his letter to Kotaku, he was greeted by a very friendly customer service associate who took his address down and soon after sent him a rather splendid BBQ utensil set. Anyone else have some decent customer service stories? Some not so decent stories?
Home Theater Blog Review: Monster/ISF HDTV calibration disc
Proper calibration of your HDTV will make sure that you get the best picture possible. There are some good do-it-yourself kits out there like AVIA and Digital Video Essentials, but Monster has one too. Home Theater Blog has a nice write-up about it and they found it rather nice for first timers. He points out that while the Digital Video Essentials disc offers more options and tests, the Monster disc was nice and easy. The disc is divided up into nine chapters - well, really one five of 'em are tests. Chapter one is the intro, chapter eight is a music video and chapter nine is a sales pitch for Monster Cable by Noel Lee himself. (didn't surprise us ether) Calibration is very important if you want the best possible picture. Do yourself a favor and pick up one of these discs.
Horror history: Inside 3D Monster Maze
Developed for the Sinclair ZX81 twenty-five years ago, 3D Monster Maze occupies a tender spot in European gamers' hearts; consisting of a maze rendered in contemporary 3D and complete with a monster, it truly lived up to its title. As the first 3D title for a home computer, and the first corridor-based horror game, 3DMM is considered by some to be the first FPS, a precursor to the likes of Doom -- technically the game features no shooting, but there are similar elements.However, it wasn't developed as a game at all, as this behind-the-scenes look by Edge reveals. Originally a learning exercise, the frightening T-Rex only came to life after a casual suggestion, and the game's air of horror and suspense developed from there. This story really brings to life the days of bedroom coders and the times when a game could change on the creator's whim, although anyone who remembers the cold sweat induced by the words "HE HAS SEEN YOU" is probably quite glad they're over.
Creating your own component cables
Those stupid cables. A person can spend thousands of dollars on their HDTV and audio/video equipment only to turn around and spend a thousand more on quality cables. People will scoff at pricey cables like Monster Cables but there is a difference between cheap cables and better quality like Monster Cables. Are they overpriced? Sure, they are, but they are great cables and for a good majority of consumers, they are what they need. It is a shame that they cost so much but they do carry a great quality signal. Keep in mind that we am not talking about digital cables like HDMI or DVI, but rather analog cables like component (red, green, and blue( and composite. (yellow) But for those that do not mind buying some tools, there is a way to make the same quality cable for a fraction of the cost. Professional broadcasters do not use Monster Cables simply because of their cost. Thanks to the Internet though, anyone can buy the right tools and parts in order to make these professional cables. The tools are the pricey part, so your up-front cost can easily reach over $100. But you will be pleasantly surprised on how easy it is to make cables that will rival Monster Cable.
You saw Lost right? (spoilers)
Did you catch the images in the "monster" as it faced down Eko? I don't have any screen grabs but Kevin might later, the'yre talking about it over on TV Squad also. Thanks to the high definition DVR I was able to make out the images as they flashed by, this wasn't so much of an HDTV easter egg as a Tivo-egg, because there's no way you would be able to see all the images without frame-by-frame. Church Eko as a child a woman the man he shot his brother and the gun an upside down picture of Eko coming out of the water after the plane crash the man who pushed him off of the missionary plane the woman who sold the figurines two flashes of Eko holding his dying brother Jesus on the cross All they need is a subplot about how Eko used to be in a wheelchair and he and Locke will officially be the exact same person. One of the best shows in HD is back and it should be an interesting rest of the season.
