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Pantel PAN-420 outdoor LCD upgrades resolution
Got a need for an HDTV that can handle anything nature throws at it? Pantel's updated the 42-inch model of its waterproof outdoor line of LCDs, so the PAN-420 is now 1080p. The contrast ratio and other specs seem the same, but the extra pixels will cost you, with an MSRP of $4,999 so the real question is exactly how close will this be mounted to the hot tub / grill / Slip-n-slide to make the higher res worthwhile? Full PR is after the break.Update: While the PAN-420's current MSRP is higher than when it debuted a year ago, it had since been raised to the $4,999 mark, so all those extra pixels shouldn't cost you a penny more than the 720p version did yesterday.
Camera-packin' Garmin Oregon 500 navigator on sale in UK
Wouldn't you know it? That leaked Garmin Oregon 500 is indeed a real, bona fide product, and it's on sale now for argonauts over in the UK. The outdoorsy navigator officially boasts a rugged 3-inch sunlight-readable touch panel (400 x 240 resolution), a tough, waterproof casing, a built-in electronic compass, barometric altimeter (seriously!), AA battery support, USB connectivity, a microSD card slot and a bundled carabiner clip to really set it apart. Oh, and there's also an integrated camera for automatic picture geotagging, which seems to be a pretty rare commodity in GPS units these days. We're not quite sure it's rare enough to justify the lofty £353.97 ($519) price tag, but thankfully that's not our call to make.[Thanks, Jordan]
Road Tested: Voltaic Systems Generator laptop bag
Thinking green? Voltaic Systems' Generator laptop bag (US$499) might be just the thing to buy for Earth Day on April 22nd. I had a chance to road test one of these incredibly cool bags for a month and was very impressed. What makes it so special? Well, it could be the big photovoltaic panel on one side of the Generator that provides 15 watts of power to feed your electronic devices. Voltaic points out that the Generator is the "first solar bag powerful enough to recharge a laptop." That panel charges an internal 58Wh Lithium Ion battery pack that can run most laptops. The solar panel isn't the only thing that's green about this bag. The materials that make up the majority of the bag are made from recycled PET soda bottles. In fact, the shell, webbing, mesh and lining of the case are made of 100% recycled materials.
Pantel debuts outdoor TV mounts for outdoor HDTVs
It just makes sense, doesn't it? Outdoor mounts for outdoor TVs! Pantel, which has grown in popularity thanks to its ability to crank out televisions which are immune to rain / Kool-Aid / etc., has just announced that it will soon launch its line of weatherized outdoor flat panel mounting solutions and accessories. Users looking for a matching mount to pair up with their waterproof set can find a variety of options including a ceiling mount stand ($749.00), wall mount stand ($499.99), mobile floor stand ($999.99), a floor mount stand ($949.99) and a table top stand ($349.99 to $1,499.99). Hey, we never said they'd be cheap, just that they'd last a while.
AmpliVox SW915 portable audio system lets your neighbors in on the party
We've seen theater toys that let you take movie night outdoors, but if you've ever tried to hear the audio coming out of tiny cabinet-mounted 5-Watt speakers in the big wide world, you'll know the sound needs a little help. Enter AmpliVox's SW915 portable audio system, which you can roll out into the lawn before turning its 250-Watts of audio loose on your neighborhood. The compression driver and dual 6.5-inch woofers promise to cover 30,000 square feet, and you can even plug in a microphone to cover karaoke or daily rant duties. No doubt about it -- you'll quickly know where you stand with your neighbors.
Pantel expands line of waterproof Mirror TVs, lowers prices
Pantel has apparently decided that three waterproof Mirror TVs simply aren't enough, so it's expanding the family to four while lowering prices across the board. As of now, users looking for an outdoor HDTV that can withstand the elements can find a 20-, 26-, 32- and 42-inch solution from Pantel, all of which posses 1080p native resolutions, twin 10-watt speakers and optional touchscreen upgrades. As for pricing, they're running $1,999.99, $2,999.99, $3,499.99 and $4,499.99 from smallest to largest, which ain't half bad for a set that you can pour soda on while your favorite team gets pummeled.
FON CEO teases ruggedized outdoor Foneras
While this isn't the first device we've seen of its kind, new images of a wireless-capable, ruggedized la Fonera router have surfaced on the FON head honcho's personal blog. CEO Martin Varsavsky clearly states that "this is not a product announcement," and that the pictured devices are part of an R&D project, so pricing and availability info are certainly out of the question. Still, it's promising to see FON working to extend the reach of its network beyond the current Fonera / Fontenna combos. Just let us know when this one hits the market, okay Mr. V?[Thanks, Joas]
Samsung's brightest 70-inch outdoor LCD meets the suddenly-blinded masses
Say hello to the brightest LCD panel entering mass production - Samsung's 70-inch super bright digital information display will be burning out retinas near you next year. Taking local dimming LED backlighting to a new application, it features 200,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000nit (cd/m2) brightness -- as much as four times brighter than the HDTV on your wall and topping the previous 1,500nit champ -- more than capable of displaying information or advertisements in bright sunlight or dim environments. The 1080p panel already nabbed a CES Innovation Award earlier today and will be sampled (in Las Vegas, surely) before the year is out, but you may want to grab some shades now just in case.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best outdoor HDTV?
Granted, it's not the most fitting time to ask this question in the majority of North America, but they always say the best sales are in the off-season. Have a look at Jonathon's request regarding outdoor sets:"We just put in a new deck and pool this summer, and now I'm looking for HDTV options for the outdoors. Ideally, I'd like a set that could withstand the rain and elements so I'm not stuck hauling it in and out each time we want to use it. Obviously, I'm trying to spend the least amount possible while still getting a good product, but I've had zero experience with those rugged, waterproof HDTVs. Anyone out there who could help?" We know a few of you have splurged on a set to sit by the pool, so let's hear it! Are you happy with your Runco / Pantel / etc.? Had any problems with it standing up to the elements? Chime in below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
SpeakerCraft introduces outdoor OG speakers for pool owners, lawn mowers
The speaker-in-a-rock was hot stuff back in the day, but now, it's pretty played out. SpeakerCraft has applied its jungle influences to the OG outdoor speaker, which is modeled after an exterior landscape lighting fixture and can be hidden away in flower beds, under bushes or in between statues of Tiki Men. The unit itself includes a 3-inch full-range aluminum cone driver, but it seems as if you'll need to phone up your nearest SpeakerCraft dealer for pricing information. Full release after the break.
Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10
When we heard of Polk Audio's Atrium Sat 30 and Sub 10, we can't say we envisioned those two objects you see pictured above. Debuting at this year's CEDIA, these two units combine to create a new outdoor speaker system "that adapts seamlessly into any exterior landscape." The Sat 30 resembles an outdoor light fixture (or one of those "plants" on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids), while the Sub 10 was crafted to resemble a "plant stand or pedestal table." Both devices are sealed from water and are hopelessly ugly in and of themselves, but if you're looking for something to blend right into your flora, look no further. The pair will begin shipping in January 2009 for $179 (Sat 30) / $329 (Sub 10). Full release after the break.
Bresnan Communications adds Outdoor Channel HD
Bresnan Communications, the 13th largest cable operator in the US, has fittingly added Outdoor Channel HD to its lineup in Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. Given the areas in which it serves, it makes sense to offer up an outdoor-oriented station in high-def, which Randy Brown, senior vice president of affiliate sales and marketing, completely agrees with. Let us guess -- fishing will be the most watched sport.
SunBriteTV reveals 3220HD / 4610HD all-weather outdoor LCD HDTVs
CEDIA 2008 is still over a month away, but the pre-expo news is already starting to trickle out. SunBriteTV, the firm responsible for last year's 46-inch 4600HD all-weather outdoor LCD, has just announced that it will be bringing two new ones to Denver this year, though there's no word on whether a dunk tank will also be in tow. The 32-inch 3220HD (1,366 x 768 resolution; 1,500:1 contrast ratio) and 46-inch 4610HD (19,20 x 1,080 resolution; 2,000:1 contrast ratio) both feature "corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum exterior that protects the internal components from extreme weather and temperatures ranges," not to mention an interior heater to keep things toasty when it's snowing outside. The two sets are actually becoming available as we speak for $3,295 (3220HD) / $5,495 (4610HD), while a third unit -- the 23-inch HD-ready 2310HD -- can also be acquired now for "just" $1,995.
Pantel's 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs now shipping
Unlike Sanyo, Pantel has a pretty good idea of when outdoor displays will sell: summertime. That being the case, Pantel has jubilantly announced that its 20-, 52-, and 65-inch models are all shipping. Each display boasts a "weatherproof" enclosure that keeps the panel within safe from unpredictable weather. These units were designed to withstand water, extreme heat / cold, wind and dust, and judging by a few unofficial tests, they'll hold their own against sugary beverages as well. Grab yours now for $2,999, $9,999 or $25,999 (respectively) and make your way over to the deep end.
TrailRunner 1.7 Released
On this long weekend (for some of us), how about some outdoor activity? TrailRunner updated its route planning software for runners, bikers, and hikers that works with your iPod nano and Nike+ sport kit. TrailRunner 1.7 is the latest release of the software, which can now import workout data from the Garmin ForeRunner 50, and from nikeplus.com. It also improves the diary history chart. This new version is 4.3MB, Leopard-only, and donationware. (Version 1.6 still runs in Tiger.) It's also available in French and German.
Sanyo's 52-inch 1080p CE52SR1 LCD sheds water
Oh sure, waterproof LCD TVs have been available for ages, but Sanyo's making the choice of which outdoor display to buy simple with the introduction of its CE52SR1. You see, unlike many alternatives, this waterproof set packs a 1080p Full HD panel, meaning that you can enjoy your Blu-ray films in full-res glory while slouched in a beach chair beside your pool. Furthermore, the display is daylight readable and features a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, 6.5-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles, a slew of inputs and a frame constructed from marine grade anodized aluminum. Unfortunately, the summer in America will be long over before you can actually drop $13,995 in order to claim one, but October isn't too far out, now is it?
Eighteen 70-inch 1080p LCDs to advertise along Las Vegas strip
You've got to have some serious firepower to attract eyes in Las Vegas -- after all, there's already enough neon in place to keep the average tourist distracted for hours. That being said, Samsung thinks it has what it takes, as it's teaming up with Outdoor Promotions in order to install eighteen 70-inch 1080p LCD panels "on prominent bus shelters spanning the Vegas strip from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on the south side to the Rivera Hotel and Casino at the north end." The units will all be sunlight-readable and boast 2,000 nits of brightness along with localized audio. We're told that advertisements put up on the beastly sets will shuffle every 7.5- to 15-seconds in a continuous loop, and while the initial 18 are slated to go up in October, another 20 are planned for early 2009 (pre-CES, pretty please?)[Image courtesy of IntelligentEconomy]
Samsung gears up to ship 46-inch "High Bright" panel
Interestingly enough, the last time we heard the phrase "High Bright," Runco was showcasing a prototype set meant to work and play in the great outdoors. Now, however, Samsung's looking to one-up that endeavor by actually shipping a High Bright DID panel later this month. The 46-inch unit is said to posses 1,500 nits of brightness, a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, 16.7 million colors, 178-degree viewing angles and a screen resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. Sammy claims that it's around three times brighter than a typical LCD TV, and aside from remaining visible outside (you know, for pool parties and digital signage applications), it was designed to be tiled together to create "video walls." No word on what sets these panels will find their way into, but we wouldn't count on 'em coming cheap. [Via SlashGear]
Pantel / Aquatic AV weatherproof LCD TVs get torture tested, survive
Neither Pantel's 32-inch PAN320 nor Aquatic AV's 17-inch AQ-LCD17S-1 boast HD panels, but these units can do some things even the mighty Kuro can't. Those sadistic (and oh-so-lucky) souls over at Sound and Vision Magazine were able to grab hold of the duo and indulge in an afternoon of torture -- all without fear of negative consequences. After blasting each set with a water hose, dousing 'em in Kool-Aid and even piling on the dirt, neither missed a single scene. Of course, they will set you back $3,950 and $1,999, respectively, but at least you won't be cooped up inside all summer, right? Hit the read link (and slip on the goggles) for the full report.
Runco shows off "High Bright" outdoor prototype set
Since introducing the outdoorsy WP-42 late last year, Runco has apparently been quite pleased with its foray into the wilderness. Now, we're hearing that the company is gearing up for quite the push into said sector. At a recent getaway in Mexico for its top dealers and representatives, the company went so far as to demonstrate an all new prototype simply dubbed "High Bright." As its title implies, the weather-resistant set boasts upwards of 1,100 nits of brightness (compared to around 450 cd/m2 for the typical indoors LCD), and Runco engineers have purportedly figured out a way to not wash out the contrast in the process. No word from down south whether or not this particular unit was headed for retail, but one thing's for certain: Runco's looking at backyard pool areas just as intently as lavish living rooms.
