ricoh
Latest
Lasabirdie: Wii Golf for the Super Famicom
Wii Sports might have been Nintendo's most successful attempt at getting us to play golf in our living rooms by swinging an imagined club, but it certainly wasn't the company's first try. Tinkering with the idea back in 1995, Nintendo worked with Japanese electronics giant Ricoh to release Lasabirdie, a personal golf simulator for the Super Famicom. The Lasabirdie bundle included a Get in the Hole game cart and several control accessories. Though the Lasabirdie lacked any motion sensing technology, its implementation was remarkably similar to the Wii's. Players used a light-sensor-equipped golf club in conjunction with a sensor pad to measure their strokes. This setup detected the speed of a player's swing and translated it into the simulator. The game offered a training mode that showed players how their slices hit the ball and gave advice on how to improve their swings.Lasabirdie's production was limited to 3,500 Japanese units, selling for about $450 each! One would think the rarity and extravagant retail price would make purchasing the bundle near impossible today, but Gamesniped spotted a Lasabirdie sold for only $270 at a recent eBay auction. The seller was even generous enough to provide a video demonstrating the game for bidders. Check it out after the post break.
Ricoh Caplio R6 adds face detection to the R5
T'is the season for new cameras, and Japan's Ricoh is getting in on the fun with the launch of its latest R-series Caplio, the R6. An evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary enhancement to the R5, the R6 offers the same 7.24 megapixel CCD, 7.1x optical zoom, and vibration correction as its predecessor, but throws down a slightly larger display (2.7 inches versus 2.5 inches), redesigned, slimmer body, the new hotness of face detection technology, and perhaps most exciting of all, a "distinctive strap attachment." Other nice features include VGA video at 30fps, maximum ISO of 1600, SDHC support, and a long-life battery that promises 330 shots under whatever weird conditions they test these sort of things. Available now, the R6 is priced at £230 including VAT, so figure us non-Brits will be shelling out somewhere in the neighborhood of $370.
Ricoh intros 7-megapixel Caplio RR730 point-and-shoot
While you're not likely to color us impressed with yet another humdrum 7-megapixel compact, Ricoh's Caplio RR730 offers decent specifications at an entry-level price for those still looking to get a digicam in their pocket. Picking up where the RR660 left off, this 3.5- x 2.4- x 1-inch camera boasts a 3x optical zoom (and 4x of the practically useless digital variety), 320 x 240 resolution movie mode, 6 built-in scene modes, and a macro mode that focuses on objects just 5-centimeters away. Additionally, it sports a 2.5-inch LCD, 32MB of internal storage capacity, SD slot, USB connectivity, and video output, and it gets its juice from a pair of AA batteries. So if you're in the market for a perfectly average point-and-shoot camera to put in your boss' stocking this year, the RR730 will reportedly hit later this month for just £130 ($248).[Via Pocket-Lint]
Ricoh unveils First Anniversary GR Digital camera
Following up on Canon's own celebratory diamond IXUS, Ricoh is tooting its own horn by releasing a vividly-colored GR Digital to commemorate 10 years of the GR series and the first anniversary of its digital flavor. Presumably sporting the same 8-megapixel sensor and peculiar fixed lens, this special edition boasts an unmistakable paint job featuring "a blue sky and clouds" with "angel figures on the front and top of the enclosure," care of renowned Japanese illustrator Katsuya Terada. In addition to the atypical artwork, the camera includes a wrist strap and angel-themed dust cloth, and unsurprisingly lacks an MSRP -- but considering these units are limited to 1,000 (and the ordinary version already demands $700), only the most serious Terada aficionados should probably apply.[Via PhotographyBlog]
NEC ships dual-format Blu-ray / HD DVD chip
It's just one small step on the rough road towards a unified player that will bring peace and unity to a consumer electronics world torn by format war -- or something like that -- but NEC just announced that they're now shipping a dual-format chip that can power the playback of Blu-ray as well as HD DVD discs. We've still got to wait for a optical pick-up lens that can handle the dual formats, but supposedly Ricoh has that in the bag, so no worries, right? Well, we suppose there are a million things that could go wrong along the way, but so far most manufacturers are holding to their "early 2007" predictions for the hybrid player, with NEC promising monthly chip shipments of 300,000 by April of '07. The good news is that the chips will be selling for 10,000 yen ($84 US), which is roughly equivalent to the current costs for chips that only read one format. Also, it seems much more likely that the tech industry will be launching a hybrid player in the near future than the relatively far-fetched concept of the major studios getting behind some sort of all-in-one disc format, so it's good to see the likes of NEC and Ricoh really busting this stuff out.[Via Akihabara]
Ricoh nails Quanta and Asustek for patent infringement
Looks like Ricoh is the latest firm with the need to flex its legal muscles a bit, in this case getting litigious with Quanta Storage and Asustek over four of its supposedly-violated patents relating to CD-RW and DVD+RW technologies. The legal proceedings were recently filed at a US District Court in Wisconsin, although Quanta and Asustek both apparently refused to make an assessment of the case -- saying they hadn't yet received notification of the lawsuit (ever hear of FedEx, Ricoh?) -- and have also refused to negotiate at all before the case reaches court. For its part, Ricoh is looking for royalties dating back to 2004, when it stopped producing optical disc drives altogether. But don't worry, Q and A, you can at least take some consolation in the fact that you're in pretty good company when it comes to alleged patent infringement.[Via TG Daily]
Pioneer says new BDR-103 drive will not be combo
Despite our earlier report that Pioneer's upcoming BDR-103 would be a combo drive, supporting both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, it appears that Pioneer will join the legions of soulless hardware makers that will not be supporting both formats. Our sister blog, HDBeat, reports that those quotes from Pioneer officials were taken out of context and that the company has "no current plans" to make the BDR-103 a combo drive. Why can't everyone just be like Ricoh and all get along?[Via HDBeat]
Pioneer planning BDR-103 HD DVD/Blu-ray combo drive
Samsung got our hopes up and then dashed them. Same with LG. But ever since Ricoh announced its "smart" blue laser diode that can recognize what type of disc has been inserted and adjust the beam accordingly, we've been cautiously optimistic that someone, somewhere would release a drive and / or player that reads / writes both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, effectively mooting the so-called format war. Well, folks, it seem that glorious day may be close at hand, as Pioneer announced plans at Berlin's IFA to manufacture the BDR-103 combo drive (followup to its BDR-101 and upcoming, CD-writing BDR-102 Blu-ray-only burners). So far the company has released little information beyond this product's model number and its hybrid capabilities, but frankly, that glimmer of hope is all we really need to sustain us. We salute you, dear Pioneer, for attempting what so many others have tried and failed to do before; and if in fact you succeed, you will be remembered forever as the savior of HD lovers worldwide.[Via cdfreaks]
Ricoh Caplio 500SE Model W rocks WiFi and Bluetooth
If you're looking for the perfect camera to take on your next vacation to the Amazon rainforest or Sahara desert, look no further than Ricoh's upcoming Caplio 500SE; like the 500G that preceded it, this 8 megapixel ruggedized shooter also sports a water-, shock-, and dust-resistant casing, but throws in some sweet wireless action to offload your pics no matter where you are. The high end Model W not only features a WEP- and WAP-secured WiFi radio like several other products on the market, but is one of the first imaging devices to also include Bluetooth 2.0 in the mix. No hotspot? No problem -- just transfer the pics over to your smartphone and release them onto the Internet wherever a cellular connection is available. Besides the dual radios, you're getting a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, 26MB of internal memory (enhanced via SD), and rather underwhelming QVGA video capture that may not even include sound. Still, this is a hell of a package (both in terms of its feature set and its weight: 482 grams fully loaded) with a price to match -- ¥130,200 ($1,100) for the Model W and ¥115,500 ($990) for the WiFi-less Model B when they ship sometime this winter and September 1st, respectively.[Via The Raw Feed and dottocomu]
Ricoh launches Caplio R5 compact with 7x wide-angle zoom
Ricoh has released an update to its zoomerific Caplio R4 compact digital camera today, the not-too-surprisingly-named Caplio R5. Like the R4, it packs a massive 7.1x optical zoom equivalent to 28–200 mm and also ups the megapixels to a respectable 7.0. Otherwise, the main improvements to this model look to be a new vibration correction function and an all new image processing engine, which promises to increase the quality of images shot in low-light conditions and at high ISO levels (all the way up to ISO 1600) -- if true, that would correct some of main complaints with the R4. No word on price yet, unfortunately, but we wouldn't expect it to be too far off from the sub-$450 pricetag of the R4.[Via DP Review]
Ricoh shows off their Blu-ray/HD DVD/DVD/CD capable laser at Interopto 2006
As previously mentioned Ricoh is working on a way to read all four formats with a single adjustable laser, and they came to Interopto 2006 to show it off. Of course with their panels written in Japanese it's a little hard to understand the details, but the idea is clear. They claim they will be able to provide samples to OEMs this year, but don't anticipate players on shelves until the end of 2007. Of course some people think the Blu-ray and HD DVD format war could be over by then, and we still have the unknowns of license restrictions and price to deal with before this is a realistic alternative to existing standalone players and recorders.
Ricoh device reads, writes Blu-ray and HD DVD
Ricoh has apparently solved the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD dilemma, and plans to introduce an optical device that reads and writes both next gen storage formats. The secret is a special diffraction plate that automatically compensates for thickness variation in the protective layers of each format, allowing a single laser to read data stored on either type of disc. It seems unlikely that Sony or Toshiba will ever incorporate Ricoh's technology into their new players, but hopefully we'll have many third party players to choose from. If nothing else, this should spark good water cooler debate. How many of you have already started purchasing movies in the new formats?
Format war might be over before it starts
It looks like a company called Ricoh may bring an end to the bitter rivalry between HD-DVD and Blu-ray. The company has reportedly developed a component that reads and writes to both HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats. Not only that, it reads and writes to CD and DVD as well. Gathering what I could from the description of the device, I'm fairly certain the component operates using what I like to call "magic." Ricoh plans to display the component at the upcoming Optoelectronics Exhibition in Japan later this week. If you've been planning on picking up the HD-DVD drive for the 360 (or a certain other console) you might want to see how this technology pans out. [Via QJ]
New lasers from Ricoh read both HD DVD and Blu-ray
We've been tempering our enthusiasm about the possibility of next-gen hybrid HD DVD / Blu-ray player -- mostly because of Samsung and their fear of commitment -- but Ricoh's new lasers have got us feeling a little more optimistic. Using a 1mm thick diffraction plate with concentric grooves on each side, the new lasers can recognize what kind of disc you've inserted into a drive (be it CD, DVD, HD DVD or BD) and adjust the beam to play it. The ability to write data is further off because of the extra fire power necessary to make up for light lost to diffraction, but until the price of blank media comes down, we won't be worrying about that too much anyway. Ricoh is hoping to start supplying manufacturers with these by the end of this year, so barring any legal and or licensing nonsense, Samsung (or others) could actually make good on their original plan to be the "world's first" to market with a hybrid player by early 2007. We won't be holding our breath, though, not on this one. [Via HDBeat, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Ricoh laser head reads/writes HD DVD and Blu-ray discs
While there is still doubt over if or when a Blu-ray and HD DVD capable drive will be available, Ricoh has created a single laser that is able to read discs in either format. Their new component will be able to read and write to Blu-ray, HD DVD, DVD and CD with one pickup and one objective lens. The 3.5-mm diameter, 1-mm thick round diffraction plate detects what kind of disc has been inserted, and adjusts to change the laser beam as necessary for the format. They'll be showing off the tech later this week at the International Optoelectronics Exhibition '06 in Japan.While both formats use blue lasers they record at different distances and widths, a single head that overcomes those differences could make a dual-format player cheaper and a more realistic possibility if licensing fees and agreements don't get in the way. Ricoh certainly doesn't think they will, saying this technology will "make it possible to build players and recorders for all formats which benefits consumers". That's the triple truth, although if this coming technology at all influenced Toshiba's conciliatory remarks recently is unknown.They see this technology becoming commercially available by the end of this year. It will only be available for playback devices initially, as a higher powered laser is needed for recording. Those of us waiting for a relatively inexpensive solution to the high definition format war will be waiting just a bit longer.
Ricoh Caplio's R40 6 megapixel digital camera
Ricoh Caplio just announced their new R40 digital camera. This 6 megapixel followup to their 5 megapixel R30 features a 5.7x optical wide zoom (28-160mm 35mm equiv) double retracting lens, 2.5-inch LCD, 350 shot battery, and virtually non-existant 0.09 second shutter lag. Sure, it lacks the image stabilization of their R3 and your images stored to SD will crawl when transferred over that USB 1.1 connector but hey, this is their budget lineup so we'll cut 'em some slack until we see a price. Available this June in your choice of colors, as long as you like black. [Via Digicam Review]
Ricoh Caplio 500G 8 megapixel ruggedized wide-angle digicam
Ricoh has long been a player in the niche market for ruggedized wide-angle digicams, and the company's latest entrant, the 500G, continues to up the ante. Like the 400G and 300G before it, the 8 megapixel Caplio 500G is shock and water resistant, dust-proof, and has a wide-angle zoom lens. The latest version can withstand regular falls from about 3 feet, can handle ISO ranges from 64 to 1600, and has a wide-angle lens that zooms from 28-85 mm. We have no idea whether or not it takes good pics; the point with this one is that it'll take pics in places you won't want to go with other cameras, such as construction sites and offshore oil rigs. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the 3.2 megapixel Caplio 400G went for a premium price of $370, and we expect this one to be priced above other point-and-shoots as well.
Ricoh's R4 returns blue-clad
Yeah, we know, we know, we're not into covering colorized model re-releases. And we're by no means letting Ricoh off the hook for simply re-releasing their R4 in another color -- ahem, Mystic Blue -- a few months down the line, presumably to drum up sales and attract attention. But we do have to admit that it's especially uncharacteristic for this particular camera maker; besides, are you really able to resist such a tiny camera with a 7.1x optical zoom, even in that kinda ug pseudo Yves Klein blue? Didn't think so. And no, you won't find it on their US site, which happens to be so grossly out of date the figure we're using to estimate the last time it was updated is years.
Ricoh Caplio R4 superzoom compact reviewed
Of course the first thing you notice about the Ricoh Caplio R4 six megapixel compact is how freakin' huge that lens is -- and luckily, at least according to Digital-Lifestyles, it knows how to use it. Equally impressive at both zoom extremes, the 28-200mm equivalent, 7.1x barrel of a lens includes handy features such as optical stabilization for negating hand shake on tight shots, and even an on-screen cursor for manually selecting the focus area in macro mode. Other nice touches include a skew-correction feature that adjusts non-level shots and and histogram function for technical types, but some issues with picture quality -- most notably visible banding in a few shots and significant noise at higher ISOs -- earned this model a good-but-not-great 84%. Still, the Ricoh definitely gets a thumbs up from D-L, and the sub-$450 pricetag won't break the bank.
