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RCA announces Small Wonder EZ201 MPEG-4 digital camcorder
Thomson has announced plans to introduce RCA's Small Wonder EZ201, a solid state storage based MPEG-4 digital camcorder that will sell for the relatively affordable price of $129, sometime later this Spring. The camcorder is similar to a lot of solid state camcorders in that it features an SD card slot: we'll take the failure to mention the specific amount of built-in storage as a clumsy hint to potential buyers that they should bring their own storage if they want to get the most out of the camera. Unfortunately, in their efforts to keep costs down, RCA didn't include a rechargeable battery: instead, you'll have to feed the EZ201 2 AA batteries at a time, which will only keep it going for a pitiful 2 hours tops. Externally, the device looks to be not much larger than a pack of cards, and has a 1.5-inch, 180 degree swivel LCD display. The Small Wonder can also be plugged directly into televisions, and can transfer its MPEG-4 files to a PC without software. Later on this year RCA also plans to release what it calls the Memory Maker, a DVD dock and recording system for the EZ201 that lets users burn footage onto a DVD without the use of a PC.
Audiovox buys out Thomson's accessory biz, including RCA brand
It hasn't been all glimmer and glam for RCA of late, with the ancient consumer electronics brand lagging behind innovators in the field, being mostly relegated to cheap also-rans. But there's hope for that once-great purveyor of radios: Audiovox just snapped up the rights to RCA-branded accessories from Thomson to the tune of $50 million, which hopefully means a mild cred boost for the brand. We really couldn't have said it better than Patrick Lavelle, President and CEO of Audiovox: "We believe the acquisition of this business will enhance both our top and bottom line performance and create powerful marketing synergies for our organization." Gotta love those powerful marketing synergies. The acquisition includes 115 employees in North America and Asia, and Thomson also threw in Recoton, Spikemaster, Ambico and Discwasher brands for use on any products and the Jensen, Advent, Acoustic Research and Road Gear brands for accessory products. Audiovox expects the acquisition to pay off in over $150 million of sales in 2007.
RCA unveils plans for travel-friendly MPC4000 HD TV tuner
Although RCA's been noticed most recently for its Lrya portable media players, the company is reportedly aiming to release a travel-friendly TV tuner in non-dongle form. Breaking the USB-stick mold, the tabletop MPC4000 tuner will pull in HD OTA broadcasts as well as standard definition signals, and even boasts an optional clip-on antenna for those out-of-the-way hotel stops. Weighing just two ounces, the device shouldn't be too burdensome in your trusty knapsack, and the USB 2.0 connector allows it to play nice on any notebook or PC (sorry, Mac brethren). The included software will supposedly enable an on-screen channel guide, as well as turning your hard drive into a virtual PVR. The MPC4000 is slated to hit stores in April of next year for a slightly above average $199, but if you need to get your portable TV tuning on in the meantime, there's plenty of other options in the wild.[Via PVRWire]
RCA's Lyra X3030 portable media player reviewed
Just a few months back we saw RCA's Lyra X3000 get some well-deserved praise, and now the folks over at CNET are putting its successor through its respective paces. The X3030 sports most of the same specs and attributes as its aging sibling, but touts 30GB of internal storage (up from 20GB) and "adds protected Windows Media Video support and DivX certification." Reviewers found a good bit to love on the PVP, as they extolled its broad range of supported formats and "Apple-esque" scroll wheel, as well as admiring the "healthy set of accessories" that made scheduling recordings a breeze. The main digs came from the "tricky interface," the lack of a widescreen display (like that found on the lower-priced, albeit less accesorized, Archos 604), and the "decent" video quality that fell short of "some competitors." It was also noted that while the 4.5-hours of realized battery life while watching video was commendable, the 8.5-hours achieved while listening solely to audio was indeed lackluster. Nevertheless, the crew found enough niceties to slap a "7 out of 10" rating on the X3030, and closed by dubbing the X3030 "a solid video playback and recording device, despite its poorly designed menu interface."
RCA's familiar-looking M5000 series DAPs
If RCA's new M5000 series of DAPs look familiar, then you've got a good eye: we've seen the exact same models before branded as the MSI P610 and Packard Bell Vibe 360. Therefore the feature sets on the 1GB M5001 and 2GB M5002 should come as no surprise, with both models sporting a 1.8-inch color screen capable of AVI and MOV video playback, line-in / voice / FM radio recording, and support for MP3, WMA, and PlaysForSure audio tracks. Those of you who've been kicking yourselves for passing over the MSI and Packard Bell can pick up the M5001 immediately for around $130, while the M5002 still seems to be lacking both pricing and release info.Read- M5001Read- M5002[Via DAPreview]
Walmart clearing out RCA's HD DVD for $350?
We just got word from one of our loyal readers, Brian, that he recently spotted RCA's HD DVD player on one of Walmart's clearance racks for $350. A quick web-search denies this but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. Many large retail stores will put things on clearance once they have sat on the selves a certain amount of time. We plan on doing a little recon work later today (read: try my best to get my hands on one) and visit a few of the Walmarts in our areas. Remember, the RCA branded HD DVD player is exactly the same as the Toshiba one sans the brand name on the front. It would just make sense to seek one of these players out if you are in the market for an HD DVD playerThat is if it is true. Has anyone else seen one of these players on the clearance rack?[Thanks, Brian]
Thomson's GPS 280 and 420 portable sat-navs
Thomson (or if you're a Yank like us, RCA) has found its way into the handheld GPS market, and is poised to release two new models in the fall. The GPS 420 (pictured), which is designed primarily for in-car use, will drop (in Europe, of course) this September or October, loaded with a 4.2-inch 16:9 touch screen and carrying a €500 price tag. The pedestrian-oriented GPS 280 will boast a 2.8-inch screen that can be oriented horizontally or vertically, and should be available sometime in November for a semi-affordable €400. Other hard specs on these SiRFStarIII-based devices are few and far between, but judging by the picture in the source link we assume video (DMB anyone?) and audio playback will find their way into the mix as well. We'll keep you posted when we get more info, unless we get sidetracked daydreaming about Archos' upcoming antenna-packed GPS powerhouse.
Thomson announces three DAPs and a PMP for Europe
RCA-parent Thomson announced three new MP3 players for the European market today, along with a 30GB PMP called the X3030E, which should look quite familiar because it's just a re-badge of the Lyra X3030 that we covered a few months back. First up is the 6GB EH306, also known as the Black Diamond, which is a nano-like device sporting a 1.5-inch color OLED display, MP3, WMA, WMV, and MPEG-4 file support, fifteen hours of battery life, and that old standby, the FM tuner -- all for around $320 when it hits stores in October. Next we have the Lyra EM2600 (pictured), a 512MB or 1GB flash-based model which is basically a color version of the RD2312 we spotted at CES 2005, and which will cost $100 or $126 depending on capacity. Bringing up the rear is arguably the hottest model of all, a little waif of a DAP known as the EM2802. With this one you're getting the same color screen and codecs as the EH306, but in a much smaller package and in capacities of either 1GB or 2GB -- which will go for $165 and $216, respectively, upon their November launch. You've already seen the EM2600; now keep reading to check out all the other upcoming devices...
RCA's H116 6GB DAP reviewed
Considering that exactly zero people were interested enough in the new hard drive-based RCA MP3 players we brought you last week to actually leave a comment, we doubt that even a glowing review from Cnet would convince you to pick up one of these models -- but that's a moot point, because Cnet really doesn't have many positive things to say about the 6GB H116 they put through its paces. As you'll recall, RCA is clearly targeting the low-end of the market with its new DAPs, as evidenced by their black-and-white screens, rather generic-looking designs, and most tellingly, their complete lack of extra features that might sway folks away from the iTatorship. In fact, the only real compliment Cnet is able to muster about their unit is the fact that it does what it advertises: play music -- but not very well it seems. Combined with the buggy controls and poor quality of the FM transmitter, the sub-par audio would seem to indicate that even for the low-low price of $170, you're still not getting what you pay for.[Thanks, Jen B.]
Akimbo still in the game with a new RCA box and MovieLink content
Akimbo, as we all know, made their debut as a set-top box maker, entering the market with lukewarm reviews (at best), and a slew derisive criticism about set-top box saturation, and the need for Akimbo pushing their IPTV content platform onto HTPCs (much of which probably came from this here camp). Which, of course, they did -- unlike TiVo, which should have ported their platform to PCs long, long ago -- as Akimbo says this was always a part of their master plan. Apparently their early STB was just a way to get their platform in the market, but besides their integration with AT&T's forthcoming HomeZone service they've also got a new RCA box on the way, slated to feature an 80GB drive, Ethernet, S-Video, composite, component, digital audio out, and USB for a WiFi adapter. No, it won't have high definition support (yet), but it will indeed be able to suck down MovieLink content if you don't feel like waiting around for the mysterious Netflix box and/or download service to appear one of these years (or just snagging Vongo for your Windows PC today). When the RCA box drops this fall you'll apparently be able to get your Akimbo on, yet again, for between $200 and $300.[Via Zatz Not Funny]
RCA releases H100 and H116 HDD-based DAPs
RCA's got a new pair of hard drive-based MP3 players for those folks still grieving over the death of the iPod mini, complete with 4GB and 6GB hard drives, black and white screens, and even a little bit of design flair in the form of chrome accents. The only real difference between the H100 (pictured) and H116 (available at Target as the H106), besides the size of their drives, is the fact that the more capacious H116 ships with a combination car charger/FM transmitter -- oh, and the non-touch-sensitive scroll wheel is black instead of green. Both models feature 1.5-inch displays with white on black text, 16-hour rechargeable batteries, PlaysForSure and Windows Media Player 11 compatibility, and Media Transfer Protocol (MTP support). You're certainly not getting a lot of extras here, but then again, you won't be paying much for these models either; $139 will score you the H106, while two more gigs and the car kit will set you back thirty bucks more.
Private gaming with a PSP face scarf
Joe Malia, a student at the Royal College of Art in London, created a series of face scarves with special attachments that, at least in the above example, "lets PSP players explore their passion in complete privacy". There's also a special design that fits neatly over a CRT; the perfect way to prevent your roommate from copying your finely honed Counter-Strike tactics.
RCA HDV5000 HD DVD player hits store shelves
HD DVD continues to move, as RCA has announced we can buy their HD DVD player, the HDV5000 at stores everywhere. Its basically the same as the lower-end Toshiba HD-A1 model, although a few earlybirds on AVSForum have noted the remote is a bit better. If you're looking for more than the 1080i, 30 second boot time loading of the first HD DVD players however, you'll need to look elsewhere as they share the same hardware underneath. PQ is still excellent, akin to an HD broadcast without the nasty compression artifacts, same HDMI out, surround sound support and everything else. Still, if $499 is burning a hole in your pocket and your local electronics retailer doesn't carry Toshiba, this is a big day for you. We're just glad this is over so we can look forward to second-generation players, sans-glitches and 1080i maximum resolution. Read - RCA HDV5000 HD DVD Player now Available at RetailRead - Early Impressions @ AVS Forums
RCA releases EZ101 point-and-shoot digital camcorder
Despite our initial skepticism of the disposable digital cameras and camcorders from Pure Digital, RCA likes what it sees in at least one of the company's products, as they've just released their own version of the Point & Shoot Video Camcorder. Like the P&SVC, RCA's EZ101 will also retail for $150, and features the same 30-minute recording capacity of 30fps, AVI-encoded video. You also get the same 1.5-inch LCD display that serves as viewfinder and preview screen, a USB port for direct file transfer to a PC -- no installation CD necessary -- and an A/V cable for TV playback. Even those without a PC can get in on the fun, as the EZ101 can be turned in for processing at any of Pure Digital's partner's 8,000 retail locations, where they'll dump your footage onto a DVD in under an hour.
The RCA HDV5000 appears on Circuit City's website.
Toshiba's HD DVD player, the HD-A1, has been alone on the market for about 2 weeks now. The units seem to be selling well, but they are 'bout to get some competition from Circuit City and RCA. You can't find the Toshiba model in any Circuit City store but they are still going to carry HD DVD players. The first one is from RCA and is currently up for pre-order at CirucitCity.com. Looks a bit like the HD-A1 you say. Well, we hear that it is the same inner workings as Toshiba's model. The HDV5000 is going to retail for the same price and include the HDMI cable just like the Toshiba.
RCA Lyra X3030 media player gets bump to 30GB
It may be only a couple of weeks since we first started seeing reviews of Thomson/RCA's Lyra X3000 portable media player, but that hasn't stopped the company from announcing a successor, the X3030. Like the X3000, the X3030, due out in May, can handle WMA, PlaysforSure, Audible and DivX files, and has a 3.6-inch LCD display. In fact, the main difference between the two models appears to be a bump in hard disk size, from 20 to 30GB (gee, that must be why this is the X3030). RCA has kept the suggested retail price at the same $399 level as the X3000, so if you like the Lyra's specs and 20GB will do it for you, now might be a good time for you to grab an X3000 from a clearance bin.
RCA announces HDV5000 HD DVD player
We first saw RCA's HDV5000 at CES in January, and true to their word here we are in April with the launch release in our hands. Expected MSRP still stands at $500, and the device will feature HDMI and component outs supporting 720p / 1080i (plus up-converstion of standard DVDs), S/PIDF, 5.1 channel surround out, and a network connect, as expected -- really nothing out of the ordinary here. Expect to see this ship next month, and to appear in stores in June.
What is so difficult about LCoS?
LCoS is all the rage today in the world of projection TVs, between American's Favorite Sony SXRD and JVC's D-ILA. ExtremeTech even did a shootout recently of some of the latest LCoS TV's. It is now a major contender for most consumers who are considering a projection TV today. LCoS hasn't always been all peaches and cream, for years fortunes were lost in attempt to cash in on this promising technology. Thompson was the first to to give up after releasing a commercial LCoS in 2001. The next to attempt to realize the dream was Toshiba, as well as Phillips and Mitsubishi. Intel even announced that they would produce LCoS chips at CES 2004, only to cancel those plans 10 months later. The most recent to announce that they were canceling their plans was LG, only 6 months after the annoncement.We all know the great benefits of LCoS, but what makes them so difficult to produce? Thanks Warren!
CES: RCA ATSC tuners
The date for the digital takeover is approaching and the cost of ATSC tuners is still out of each of some Americans. RCA introduced two new tuners (halfway down the page) and one of them is aimed at the non-hd consumer. Priced at $199, it has no high definition interface, but rather just a composite and S-Video connection. I still think the price is too high for some people, but I am sure it will come down in price. The second receiver, MPC5000, is priced at $399 and is aimed at the high def consumer. It has both DVI and HDMI to connect it to your HD set. This unit seems overpriced too. Last time I checked, most ATSC tuners with HDMI outputs are going for $249, give or take 20 bucks.
CES: Jensen almost wireless ATSC tuner
And here I was getting all excited. I thought that we were going to get a USB ATSC tuner here in the States like they have over in Asia thanks to Jensen. But no, not yet. Jensen has a USB drive that does preforms a similar task. It allows you to stream a signal from a tuner inside of a desktop to a laptop. The press release indicates that the USB dongle will transmit a digital signal from an ATSC tuner, but it does not say if that signal is HD. I am not saying that 480p is a bad thing on a 15-inch screen, but it kind is a let down, isn't?In fact, not to rain on Jensens parade, but Orb lets you do the same thing from any WIFI hotspot, including the one you probably have in you house. Plus, you do not have to buy anything besides the mentioned tuner.
