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Sima Products returns with DTU-100 USB ATSC TV tuner
Since everyone else is pumpin' out USB TV tuners like they're going out of style, Sima Products -- those folks who brought us the Hitch transfer device -- is back again, and this time it's bringing the USB ATSC tuning love with the DTU-100. Aside from sporting that oh-so-portable USB stick design, this rendition touts a dedicated antenna port as well as a video input dongle to record your latest camcorder captures without a separate piece of hardware. The dongle supports stereo audio and composite / S-Video, but it's still not clear whether this all comes together as a nice, neat package, nor how much these niceties will set you back.
Sima Products "Hitch" USB transfer device reviewed
The intriguing Sima Products Hitch (USB-101) perked a lot of ears when it debuted at this year's CES, and this USB middleman has now been tested by iLounge, and certified to tackle all your USB On-The-Go needs. The most obvious attraction here is the unadulterated ability to transfer files (music, pictures, whatever) from iPod to iPod, a not-so-straightforward process usually requires at least a computer and a semi-technical guru to run the show. iLounge asserted that the no-nonsense approach to copying files from any USB device -- be it a hard drive, DAP, digital camera, memory card reader, etc. -- to another USB device by using its intuitive on-screen guide was fairly painless. It was deemed an answer to countless requests, but as with most newcomers, it isn't without flaw. Possibly the biggest shortcoming is its inability to work natively with HFS-formatted iPods (sorry Mac users), while it's also relatively slow (6 seconds for a 4MB song), and occasionally had trouble moving entire iPod databases using default settings. You can even power the Hitch with the built-in battery, but don't expect to flip too much data without resorting to the AC adapter. While Sima Products has a potential hit on its hands, the biggest turn-off is probably its price: at $150, only the heaviest of users would likely find value here. If you want to know everything about the Hitch and then some, be sure to hit the Read link for iLounge's in-depth review. [Via TUAW]
iLounge reviews USB transfer device
iLounge has posted a review of Hitch, a sort of USB middle man device that allows transferring files between two USB devices, including iPods. The Hitch is apparently a little slow, taking 6 seconds to transfer a 4MB song, but hey: it beats needing a computer to do it if you're a chronic swapper borrower, or if you're getting into the 'I bought a new iPod and I need help to move over all my music' business.There is one catch with the device specific to the Mac community though: it can't read HFS formatted iPods. Still, I figured this was worth posting, as not all of our readers are 100% Mac users all of the time (and yes, it's ok. We won't hold it against you). Plus, if we can help get the word out on such a handy device, maybe enough Mac users *ahem* could send an email to Sima Products, the Hitch's manufacturer, and make a request for some HFS love.
Sima's Hitch allows USB devices to share files
Transferring digital files between disparate hardware no longer has to be such a chore thanks to a new Mass Storage- and Picture Transfer Protocol-compliant offering from Sima Products called Hitch (model USB-101), which lets you connect nearly any digital camera, DAP, PMP, or flash drive with a USB connection and send single files or entire albums to a like device. Once both products are hooked up, you simply need to choose what you want to send and where you want it to go using Hitch's 2.5-inch backlit black and white screen, and your digital swag starts zipping between devices at USB 2.0 speeds (or USB 1.1, if your gear is a bit pokier). You'll be able to pick one of these up -- DRM-compliance and all -- later this month for about $150.
