OtherHardware
Latest
Sling lets its latest boxes loose in Canada
It took them a while, but Sling Media has finally seen fit to officially release its current batch of Slingboxen in Canada, carting its Slingbox Pro, Slingbox AV, and Slingbox Tuner across the border. Canadians hoping for a little something extra given the delay, however, will likely be a bit disappointed, with the only changes coming in the currency. In Canadian dollars, the Slingbox Tuner will set you back $180, while the Slingbox AV carries a slightly higher $200 price tag, and the Slingbox Pro tops things off at $300 -- the HD Connect cable and SlingLink Turbo 4-Port will also both be available in Canada, running $60 and $180, respectively. In addition to the hardware, Sling also took the opportunity for officially announce its SlingPlayer Mobile software for Windows Mobile and Palm OS devices in Canada, with the former version now available for $35 Canadian and the latter still open for beta testers.
CNET reviews the Xploder PS2 HDTV player
Were you thinking that you could put off purchasing one of the spiffy HD DVD or Blu-ray players by recycling your old PS2 player with Xploder's PS2 HDTV player? Think again. According to CNET, the piece of software comes with a nice component cable but besides that, it doesn't do much. Sure, it outputs a high-def resolution but that doesn't alone make a HD picture HD. All this earned the player a terrible 2.7 out of 10 proving that if you want quality HD playback from your PS2, you ain't going to get it. Pony up and get an up-conversion DVD player or a next gen-player if you want the real thing.UPDATE: Link fixed
LG readies $60 digital TV converters for 2008 release
You won't find a bunch of happier folks than us when bringing up the (slowly) forthcoming analog-to-digital cutover, but we aren't looking forward to picking up one of these newfangled converter boxes for the grandparent who refuses to swap out that cabinet-based CRT they've had for decades. It shouldn't come as any surprise that these things won't be handed out for free, and since the vast majority of analog TV owners are certainly looking to remedy the imminent issue a full year or so in advance (ahem), we've already got manufacturers lining up to hit the market early. Following in the footsteps of RCA's DTA800, LG is reportedly readying a digital converter of its own for a 2008 release, and while it didn't divulge many specifics, it did note that the selling price would hover around $60 -- or $20 if you manage to snag one of those $40 government issued coupons.
DIY HD workstation
Remember Stevie's "year of HD" comment a few years ago during his '05 Apple Macworld keynote? Well, we kind of feel that this year, 2007, could be the year high definition finally becomes a consumers dream come true. There are finally a couple of HD camcorders to choose from and many new computers can finally handle the resource intensive task of editing the material. DV.com, home of most everything concerning digital video, has compiled a DIY listing for three different HD workstations all based around Apple's Mac Pro and Final Cut Pro software. The first is toned for those just wanting to get by and the second still keeps a budget in mind but includes allowance for more heavy duty hardware. The third throws out all the stops (example: 5-8 GB of ram) and allows for a fully professional rig costing nearly as much as a nicely equipped Toyota Prius. If visions of high-def videos are dancing around in your head, one of these units just might fit your budget.
Asus rolls out HDMI-enabled EAX1600PRO / EN7600GT graphics cards
Asus is no stranger to kicking out curious motherboards and other peripherals that we geeks just can't help but love, and following up on its undertaking of auxiliary displays and the AquaTank PCI card is a couple of swank new video cards that tout an HDCP-friendly HDMI port. The half-height ATI Radeon X1600 EAX1600PRO was apparently crafted with the common HTPC builder in mind, as its diminutive size lends itself to becoming a perfect fit for those tight spaces within AV-like media center PC cases. But before you gamers get too excited, you should probably know that in-game performance is likely to be less than stellar, but HotHardware did note that its model wasn't shy when overclocked. Interestingly, this HTPC-centric card comes bundled sans a true HDMI-to-HDMI cable, which leaves us all a bit miffed considering the niche it's trying to appease. The EN7600GT ups the ante by delivering the frame rate luxuries as only an NVIDIA GeForce 7600 can, but its full-height design will definitely cause problems in slimmer enclosures. Other extras found on this device are its SLI-capabilities, DVI / S-video outputs, and optical audio jack, but considering it packs just 256MB of GDDR3 RAM, the hardcore gamers in the crowd are still not likely to find themselves impressed. Still, with the EAX1600PRO ringing up at just around a cool hundred, and the more powerful EN7600GT asking just about twice that, these here cards look to be solid options if you're just getting around to creating your own HTPC.[Via Slashdot]
Meridian teams with Ferrari for F80 home entertainment system
No, it's not surprising in the least that Ferrari has found yet another firm willing to cater to their every demand in order to form a distinct partnership, but regardless, the automotive firm is looking to sweep the rug out from under your current home entertainment setup with the F80. Teamed up with Meridian Audio, the same folks who channeled HD content from your iPod to your TV, Ferrari is delving into yet another consumer electronics realm by coordinating an oddly-shaped and still mysterious "home entertainment center." Aside from looking more like a semi-circle and less like an AV component, the device purportedly packs DAB / FM / AM tuning, a CD / DVD player (no word on HD DVD / Blu-ray just yet), and 80-watts of power dispersed through the two front-firing speakers and rear-mounted subwoofer. In typical Ferrari fashion, the unit should be available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, silver, and red, and while we're not entirely sure when this rubber is set to hit the road, you can hit the read link if you just can't wait 'til race day.[Via ShinyShiny]
Panasonic announces five new Japanese DVRs
Panasonic has announced five new high definition digital video recorder units for the Japanese market, with all models sporting hard drives from 250 GB (DMR-XP11 and DMR-XP21V) to 500 GB (DMR-XW31 and DMR-XW41V) to 1 TB (DMR-XW51) and DVD drives for burning archives or placeshifting content. Two of them (the V-series) also include VHS recorders for converting that old pile of Miami Vice episodes you've got lying around. The largest of the models has the one terabyte drive, which should get you, what, at least half of American Idol this season? Each of the five recorders has HDMI output, with the DMR-XW51 model using progressive scan 1080p, and all include S-Video and composite inputs for recording other sources. We'd imagine this makes them upscaling DVD players as well, but that isn't mentioned in the release. Most include an ethernet jack for getting program guides and downloading track data from the online Gracenote music database when recording CD audio onto the drives. They utilize a quick-start power-saving mode that allows them to begin recording in three seconds from standby. Because these are Japan-specific recorders, they include BS/110 CS digital or analog tuners, with the VHS-less models freeing up room for two tuners instead of one. They will be released in April and May with prices ranging from ¥80k to ¥200k ($669 to $1,688).
Sony goes on gadget bender in Las Vegas
Sony got totally wasted last night in Vegas and accidentally launched all these new products all over the sidewalk on LVB -- but after taking some Hangover Helper Sony put on a still-drunk smile and called the whole thing Open House at the Paris Hotel & Casino. They definitely didn't slouch, either, launching products across most of the known categories of the gadget universe. (Notably absent: new Network Walkmans.) Sorry about the news deluge, though, we'll do our best to make sure Sony makes it to the very next AA meeting and steers clear of this madness in the future. Sony slims down its BRAVIA 3LCD micro-display line Sony fleshes out details and pricing for Internet Video Link Sony announces four new HD-ready receivers Sony's new BRAVIA LCD models, with IVL support Sony's new Muteki line of "party in a box" shelf systems Sony officially announces $600 BDP-S300 Blu-ray player Sony intros bevy of Bluetooth / A2DP-enabled stereo systems Sony's 3LCD VPL-AW15 projector gets Bravia logo Sony bumps out seven new home theater-in-a-box setups Sony announces line of Digital Media Port accessories
Sony announces line of Digital Media Port accessories
While we're not sure if the "Digital Media Port" on Sony's new line of A/V receivers is anything more than a glorified USB port, it looks like it won't be left unused for long, with the company wasting no time in announcing a range of accessories that'll take advantage of it. Likely to attract the most attention is the $100 TDM-IP1 iPod dock (pictured above), which isn't the first iPod-happy device we've seen from Sony, but is still a rare enough occurrence to make us to a double-take. Rounding out the line-up is the $80 TDM-BT1 Bluetooth audio adapter (check it out after the break), the $200 TDM-NC1 WiFi network audio adapter for streaming music from your PC, and the sure-to-be-best-seller TDM-NW1 Network Walkman cradle, which will set you back $50. Look for the Bluetooth and Network Walkman accessories to be the first to roll out in March, with the iPod dock following in May, and the WiFi adapter bringing up the rear in June.
HD VMD signs first U.S. distributor, preps for 2Q launch
If you're looking for an alternative to the Blu-ray and HD DVD format war, don't forget VMD, which has just announced it's first distribution deal with a U.S. retailer, PC Rush. NME plans to make two players available in the second quarter of this year, the HD VMD Player Duo for $199 and the HD VMD Player Quattro for $249. The 40GB multilayered, red-laser based format hopes to bring HD content home for prices similar to standard DVDs, but we still have to see what kind of content will be available when players hit the shelves.
NBA to go all-out with HD at tonight's All Star game
We're sure you've been taking in the Las Vegas festivities this weekend on TNT-HD, but we've actually got something a bit more exciting that Boston's Gerald Green finally giving the Celtics something to cheer about. Similar to other sporting events that have been upping the ante on their HD arsenal, the NBA will be using a whopping 30 camera crews and 10 high-definition cameras to capture the 2007 All Star matchup. Moreover, we expect TNT's indoor broadcast to look slightly better than the rainout we all had to endure when watching the Super Bowl, but be sure to catch the game tonight at 9:00PM EST and then drop a comment as to how glorious (or not) you thought the broadcast actually was.
Stand out with Evesham's speakerful TV stand
Why settle for the measly two speakers built into that LED 120hz LCD when you can grab the new Evesham TV stand with nine? The Sound Stage X1 jump starts your surround sound with a subwoofer, two center-channel speakers, four front speakers, and finishes off with two more for the rear surrounds. The speaker orientation uses the acoustic properties of the room to bounce sound off of the rear and side walls, so it works best in a square-shaped room, but it should be a good alternative to stringing wires under the carpet or through the attic. The stand will match many of the new piano-black reflective finishes in today's flat-panel screens, and retails for £300. Now if we could just get them to do something about the TV stand with built-in drink holders...
Harris is showing off 1080p broadcast TV equipment at NAB2007
Is broadcast 1080p content really in our near future? Probably not, but that's not stopping Harris from showing off its broadcast solutions with support for 3Gb/s bandwidth (enough for current 720p, 1080i and of course "full" HD 1080p resolutions) at NAB2007 . The idea is that stations looking to upgrade their equipment can future-proof themselves by purchasing compatible equipment. It still remains to be seen if 1080p will make sense for broadcast TV but if we can get content from more than just Blu-ray and HD DVD players (or PCs) we'll definitely take it.
Rock Box melds MCE jukebox with beer cooler
Talk about one-upping. No sooner than the cutesy soccer ball cooling station graced our eyes, MCE Integrations is upping the ante quite substantially with its latest cooler / jukebox hybrid. Partnering with Icehouse, this brew-lover's dream come true sports the tried and true jukebox allure, a built-in cooler for keeping the stash on ice, a flipout touchscreen HDTV, and an Aopen Mini PC to run the show. Current models are still running Windows MCE 2005, but the company promises that we'll see Vista Home Premium loaded on them later this year. Although we don't expect the Rock Box to be hitting any mainstream retailers in the near future, those looking to add yet another novelty to their game room or recently opened pub can snag the baseline unit for around $6,500, and for those abstaining from alcoholic intake, the cooler can be replaced by a subwoofer for some serious (and sober) room-rattling action.
Texas Instruments demos first 720p playback from a mobile phone
Texas Instruments demonstrated its first processor to enable high definition (720p) playback on mobile phones yesterday at 3GSM World Congress. The OMAP3430, first announced last year, is the first in TI's series of OMAP 3 processors and also first to include support for the OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics standard for 3D acceleration. The 3430 gets the muscle to move your HD files and 3D gaming from its embedded ARM Cortex-A8 processor, but from the specs it seems that the video portion is only currently supporting up to 1024 x 768 (XGA) output via composite or S-video connections. Still, with this power available, sometime in the future your common cellphone will be playing back HD on the go or outputting video to a big screen HDTV. We previously expected to see handsets based on the technology this year, but while TI is shipping samples of the processors now, don't expect your HD-capable cell to hit stores until early 2008.
Sony's new gear for the A/V home integration market
Sony's got a whole slew of high-end home integration audio / video equipment at the International Builders Show this week, with hopes to grab some of those new construction dollars. Three new systems Sony is unveiling, the NHS-1030, 2030 and 3030 all include music storage and servers, while the 2030 and 3030 add in DVD management with 400-disc changers. The NHS systems also pack 7.1 surround sound and multi-room media distribution. At the top of the line, Sony's NHS-3030 can manage audio and video entertainment for up to 13 rooms, with a rack featuring an ES A/V receiver and six media sources, included that 400-disc changer, music storage and room for XM Radio, secondary DVD players and other HD or SD components. The 2030 and 1030 cater to six rooms each, and all of the systems can be browsed via TV, LCD touch panel remotes or wall controls. Sony also has its new NHS-330 with audio and video for three rooms and inputs. All of the systems include room for expansion, and Sony's packing along its new Standard and Platinum Sposato in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, a 1080p displays or projectors of your choice3, pre-programmed LCD remotes, in-wall remotes and all the wiring and setup comes with the estimated $10k-$50k installed price. With solutions such as Media Center Extender and Apple TV gaining acceptance, the days of extravagant home entertainment networks like this might be on the way out, but they clearly aren't dead yet.
Canon's HV20 HDV camcorder reviewed: dubbed "the monster"
If camcorder sales are to recover, it'll be the ability to record in HD that sparks the resurrection. After all, just about any new digicam and some cellphones can do a passing job at recording VGA or better quality video thus making the purchase of a second dedicated device hard to justify for the average consumer. That's what makes Canon's new iVIS HV20 so interesting; it shoots 1920 x 1080 resolution natively in HDV format to miniDV tapes and includes a 24p cinema mode to boot, a first in this class of camcorders. Best of all, it does this for about $1,000 -- not bad considering the price of other pro-sumer HD cams. Japan's Impress Watch are first to get their hands on a unit for review and although we had to read it using machine translation, it's easy to see that they are, er, impressed. Issues with low light shooting that plagued the HV10 seem to have been resolved on the HV20. While the CMOS sensor remains the same size, they've added the noise reduction technology found in their EOS camera lineup to bring low-light sensitivity down from 5lux to 3lux. In fact, the HV20 "eradicates" the HV10's weaknesses "entirely." Impress will be hitting a review of Sony's comparable HDR-HC7 -- a similarly spec'd HDV camcorder that also supports the xvYCC standard found in HDMI 1.3 for wider color range and space -- to see how they stack up side-by-side. No worries, you can wait, the HV20 won't hit US stores until April. Be sure to click the "read" link below for plenty of sample pics and video.
Dish Network eying deal with Microsoft for HTPC TV cards
We figured they'd come around, and sure enough, it looks like Dish Network is now the one in talks with Microsoft to bring satellite programming to the media PC. After DirecTV began this same journey, finally inked a deal with Gates and Co., and actually started playing nice with Viiv-enabled PCs, Dish Network couldn't just stand around hoping that its fabulous deals on the ViP622 HD DVR would be good enough. According to a brief, albeit informative, interview that DBSTalk had with Dish, the company is reportedly "working with Microsoft" to bust out HTPC TV cards, which could steal the thunder from the uber-pricey CableCARD and give DirecTV's rendition a run for its money. Of course, there's "no set timeline" just yet, and if you already had a hunch what the holdup was, you'd likely be correct -- apparently, "DRM issues" are still lingering, and until both companies come up with a solution that "satisfy the copyright holders," we'll all be parking it on the bench waiting for this to move forward.
Tiny camera shoots HDTV
The research kids in Germany's Fraunhofer Institute just announced a tiny new video camera capable of shooting at a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and a variable frame rate up to 60 frames per second. The MicroHDTV is said to measure a scant 4 x 4 x 8-cm. So either that picture above is not to scale (a Euro is about the size of a US quarter) or they don't include the housing, lens, transmitter, etc. in their dimensions. We'll assume the former since it's said to be small enough to fit in a racing-car cockpit, helmet, or any other tiny space you'd like to broadcast HDTV from. It operates using "standard optical systems" and can be controlled via a web interface across the Internet. It'll be on display at CeBIT in march where we'll see what this baby can do.
Canon's iVIS HV20 HD camcorder gets real
Well howdy HV20, we've been expecting you. Not too much of a surprise to find Canon's high-def iVIS HV20 camcorder loosed after the inadvertent appearance on Circuit City's web site the other day. Instead of an upright form factor like Canon's HV10, they've gone long-and-lean this time which should help bring a bit more stability to your videos. As we hoped, low light shooting has indeed been improved from a 5 to 3 lux sensitivity at 1/30 second shutter speed or from 0.3 to 0.2 lux at 1/2 second shutter speed. Everything else is just like we heard on this HDV 1080i MiniDV recorder: 2.96 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, miniSD slot and new HDMI out, accessory shoe, and jacks for your headphones and mic. The HV20 is expected to hit Japan sometime in March, priced at about ¥140,000 ($1,154) to go head-to-head with Sony's HDR-HC7. No guarantees mind you, but we expect this to come west before summer.Update: As Zandr notes in the comments, the HV20 hits US stores in April for $1099.[Via Impress]
