TV tuner
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Clarion MAX9700DT all-in-one does in-car NAV, 1Seg, and MiniDisc
Oh how we wish it were all just a horrific dream, but somehow, the engineers behind Clarion's flashy new MAX9700DT in-car navigation unit still felt it necessary to include support for a format that just refuses to die. Granted, the system is loaded to the hilt with features and supported formats, but we have a hard time believing that even the Japanese really still find MiniDisc and ATRAC all that attractive. Nevertheless, the unit also boasts a seven-inch touchscreen display, built-in 1Seg TV tuner, DVD player, a 40GB hard drive, iPod compatibility, 50-watt x 4 amplifier, AM / FM radio, and support for a whole host of audio formats including WMA and MP3. Getting around shouldn't be too difficult given the expansive screen and "3D maps," and just in case that 40GB of internal storage isn't quite enough, you can cram an SD card or Memory Stick into it for a bit more space. As nice as all this sounds, few from crowds other than the elite will be pondering a purchase, as ¥341,250 ($2,868) isn't exactly bargain basement (or even "good deal") territory.[Via NaviGadget]
i-Bean glasses provide mobile TV up close and personal
It's getting to the point where some of these gadget-laced glasses providers are going to have to collaborate, as hauling around a suitcase full of variously useful specs is really getting rediculous. Joining the ever-growing fray is Arisawa Japan, whose i-Beam contraption functions as a less invasive head-mounted display by beaming a virtual "21-inch screen" of broadcast television right before your very eyes. The device itself weighs in at just ten grams, packs an external attachment to house the TV tuner and four AA batteries, and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack to boot. Of course, we'd probably recommend just snapping up a do-it-all GPS unit that handles television programming on the side, but hey, it's your ¥39,800 ($336) to do with as you please.[Via Wired]
AVerMedia intros AVerTV Hybrid USB analog / digital HD tuner
AVerMedia's no stranger to taking brave new steps in the TV tuning arena, and this time around its delving into high-definition with the AVerTV Hybrid Ultra USB. This USB-based breakout tuner handles both analog (NTSC) and digital (ATSC) HD OTA broadcasts, is compatible with Windows XP, XP Media Center Edition 2005, and Windows Vista Premium, and touts its very own MPEG-2 hardware encoding solution to boot. Additionally, the device is bundled with an MCE-compatible remote to control the action from afar, and it also enables the obligatory PVR action whilst supporting resolutions up to 1080i and both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Furthermore, users can expect to pull in FM radio transmissions when not tuning into televised programming, and while we've certainly seen more compact ways to deliver a USB 2.0 tuner before, AVerMedia's latest is available nevertheless for $129.99.
Honestech MY-IPTV kit streams TV to your handset / PDA
Considering the vast amount of WiMAX / 4G talk that's been circulating at CTIA, it's about time we saw a manufacturer stepping up and giving us one more reason to pay attention. Breaking into Sling's stomping ground, Honestech's MY-IPTV kit consists of a USB 2.0 TV tuner and a piece of software that enables your 3G smartphone or WiFi-connected handset / PDA to watch live television and change the channels remotely. Additionally, users can access their television streams on any internet-connected lappie whilst pretending to pay attention in quarterly meetings, and for devices with enough computing power (and storage space), PVR capabilities are available. As expected, the kit will play nice with Windows XP and Windows Mobile operating systems, and it should be available real soon for $99.99 to $149.99 depending on extras.
Australian LG plasma / LCD TV owners forced to "reboot" frozen sets
It's not exactly unheard of for DVR, PC, and PPC-6700 owners to have legitimate complaints about "freezing" issues with their gizmos, but we can't say the average television was on our list of devices we look forward to "rebooting" every day hour or so. Apparently, a horde of Aussies are facing such a quandary, as the digital TV tuner in a myriad of LG LCD HDTVs and plasmas (hit the read link for the full list) is going on the fritz whilst tuned in to broadcasts on the Nine Network. Currently, the only answers irate owners are getting revolve around "reception issues with digital transmissions in Sydney and Melbourne," but LG has also stated that it expects to rollout a "way forward" for customers quite soon. Currently, the only way to solve the seizures is to unplug the set from the wall, give it "two to three minutes to reboot," and flip the power back on, which can quickly erode any meaning found in your average half-hour drama. Regardless of how irritating we're sure this is, at least a (promised) fix is supposedly on the way, and trust us, things could be much, much worse.Update: Oh man, what a disaster this is turning out to be. LG has now admitted that the problem affects 17 different models sold nationwide and stems from certain "digital TV processors and decoders had difficulty dealing with the way that the data signal is packaged." Even worse, the company is going to have to deploy hundreds of technicians to make tens of thousands of house calls, as an in-home repair is the only way to upgrade the components. Sorry, Aussies, until you can make an appointment, it seems like you're gonna be stuck with this annoyance for awhile -- and not only on Nine, as LG claims the bug could affect other OTA channels as well.[Via Core77]
Sony's DVD recorders get ATSC treatment
While you've had the option to pick up a DVD recorder with a built-in ATSC tuner for some time now, it looks like Sony is helping the digital dream by refreshing its product line like its 2009. As a matter of fact, Sony's latest four recorders don't even offer an NTSC tuner, as you can only choose renditions with the ATSC variety or none at all. The tuner-less RDR-GXD355 has line-input recording and pass-through support, while the still-tuner-less RDR-VX555 adds a VCR for easy dubbing between VHS and DVD. The ATSC-lovin' RDR-GXD455 can record digital content to dual-layer DVD+Rs, while the RDR-VXD655 handles VCR duties for those stuck in last century. Additionally, each of the four will also boast HDMI output and 720p / 1080i upscaling, but we're still not sure of the pricing and availability of these forward-thinking recorders.
LG crafts new DMB chip, enables PIP TV viewing on handsets
LG's no stranger to cramming DMB capabilities into its handsets, and practically everything else it has a hand in too, but the company has now announced a brand new chip that ups the ante over existing renditions. This new chip reportedly enables users to "watch real-time television programs for four straight hours," compared to the three hour "limit" currently in place, but we seriously question the toll it'd take on your retinas to stare at such a diminutive display for an entire sixth of your day. Nevertheless, the chip is supposed to enhance signals as well, giving off that TV delight to a broader area of recipients by upwards of "30 percent." Additionally, it's slated to consume a good bit less power than current implementations, and of course, will allow users to access real-time traffic data and utilize TPEG technology while on the move, and just in case all that in the palm of your hands wasn't enough to keep you occupied, you can actually enjoy attempt to view two programs simultaneously thanks to the PIP functionality that this chip delivers. Time to upgrade those specs, eh?[Via BoyGeniusReport]
Aftermarket sun visor boasts display, DVD / TV / MP3 playback
Anyone who lives in a moderately large city or has seen just about any episode of Cribs is probably familiar with the LCD-infused sun visor, but the Sun Visor Theater ups the ante on the usual rendition by including the multimedia playback utilities right alongside the LCD. This aftermarket visor is sure to look completely awkward installed all by its lonesome on just the passenger's side, but packs a seven-inch widescreen display, built-in DVD / CD /MP3 player, TV tuner, and even includes an SD slot and USB port for additional expansion options. Moreover, you'll get integrated controls and a wireless remote, and while we're not sure if this thing includes a built-in speaker, we do spot a couple of headphone jacks just in case. So if you're looking for an admittedly tacky way to add a bit of in-car entertainment before your next long haul, and aren't swayed by the fact that a one-year warranty costs an additional $45, the Sun Visor Theater is available now for $299.95.[Via TRFJ]
Velocity Micro's latest HTPCs add Vista and ATI Digital Cable tuner
Looks like Okoro Media Systems isn't the only HTPC builder on the block cramming Microsoft's latest OS into its systems and upping the specs, as Velocity Micro has taken a break from its NoteMagix series to amp up a few media PCs. Both boxes come with Windows Vista Premium pre-installed, ATI's TV Wonder Digital Cable tuner, and options for HD DVD and Blu-ray playback. The CineMagix Pro Cinema rocks a fairly average black chassis, 500-watt power supply, AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, HDCP-compliant ATI Radeon X1950 Pro, onboard 7.1 audio, 8-in-1 flash card reader, up to 1.5TB of hard drive space, dual gigabit Ethernet adapter, 802.11b/g, a pair of FireWire connectors, six USB 2.0 ports, and a wireless keyboard / mouse combo. The Intel-powered CineMagix Grand Theater swaps in your choice of CPU, including options for both the Core 2 Extreme X6800 or QX6700, up to 4GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS, up to 2.25TB of HDD space, but otherwise mimics its AMD-packin' sibling. Both units are fully customizable if you've got the cash to burn, and while the CineMagix Pro Cinema starts at $1,695, the Grand Theater rings up between $2,195 and near-five digits.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]
Compro U2700 hybrid HDTV tuner gets Vista certified
Yeah, we can already see that the onslaught of "Vista certified" devices will not be a pretty sight, but until Microsoft's newest OS becomes the norm, we guess that coveted sticker is you're only assurance that the gizmo you just purchased will actually work when you get home. Compro's latest HDTV tuner goes above and beyond the typical USB stick variety, as it bulks up a bit in size but also packs a bit more punch than similar alternatives. The U2700 hybrid DVB-T tuner connects to your PC via USB 2.0 and grabs free OTA HDTV transmissions as well as SD broadcasts, provides all the time-shifting / recording / scheduling capabilities we've come to expect, and boasts the unusual ability to "watch up to five digital 1080i streams simultaneously," although four of those must be pre-recorded. Of course, you'll need at least 3GHz of horsepower under the hood to create your own quilt of TV shows, and we doubt this feature is incredibly useful, but it's interesting nonetheless. Furthermore, you'll find an IR remote along with the ComproDTV 3 / Ulead software which allows you to time up recordings, capture still frames, handle straight-to-disc burning, and essentially turn your PC into a portable PVR. Unfortunately, there's no word just yet on pricing or availability, but we'll bet they try to beat everyone else to the punch and have this sitting as close as possible to those spiffy Vista boxes real soon.[Via EverythingUSB]
Sony Ericsson's SO903iTV Bravia mobile gets real
Don't you love it when the rumor mill actually produces some realizable results? While just about everyone had their doubts about the so-called "Bravia phone" that was supposedly coming down the pike, it looks like Sony, er, Sony Ericsson's SO903iTV will be the first handset to get the proper Bravia treatment. Aside from sporting a stylish red shell, landscape orientation, 3-inch widescreen display, and about every Sony-owned logo you can imagine, this mobile also gets a built-in TV tuner with "time-shift video recording." You'll also find a two-megapixel CMOS camera and a microSD card for loading up your media, but unfortunately for most of the world, we'll never get to touch it. Currently, the phone is set to launch solely on Japan's NTT DoCoMo, but given enough time, Sony might warm up to other markets in the future. Click on through for another shot.
iOPS unveils DMB-equipped N7 NEO navigation system
It looks like iOPS' X11 wasn't the only showstopper at the firm's modest CES booth, as the sexy N7 NEO caught more than a few glimpses with it's sleek, metallic frame and sharp, 7-inch LCD. This NAV sports a 800 x 480 resolution, dual-core CPU (saywha?), "dual touch sensor pad LED light," SiRF Star III GPS module, FM radio tuner, games / car diary manager, SD card reader, wireless remote, and even a rear view camera option. Built on Windows CE 4.2, you'll also find MP3, movie, and photo playback functions, not to mention the MS Office viewing capabilities and turn-by-turn directions. While there's no official word on pricing, we can't envision such a well appointed unit coming in cheap, but you can find out for certain when this lands next month.
Microtek enters LCD HDTV market with duo of 1080p sets
Hot on the heels of Microtek unveiling four new plasmas to feast our eyes upon, the firm has taken the wraps off two new 42-inch LCD HDTVs, which marks its first offerings in the LCD TV realm. Both sets tout that oh-so-coveted (or not) 1080p "Full HD" resolution, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, and a 176-degree viewing angle as well. Additionally, the firm claims that each set is calibrated at the factory to set the "optimum brightness, contrast, sharpness, color saturation, and color balance for a typical home viewing environment," but we're sure you videophiles out there could always find something just a bit off kilter. Nevertheless, both displays also feature ATSC / NTSC tuners, component / S-Video / composite inputs, VGA in, and HDMI for that silkly smooth 1,920 x 1,080 imagery. Likely to make an appearance at next week's CES, the pair of TVs should be available anytime now, and while the silver-clad L42CX2A will run you $1,899, the all-black Cineon CL42HA demands an extra Benjamin just for the "superior" color motif.
Norcent readies new plasmas / LCD HDTV for CES
While it seems we really only hear from Norcent when CES is approaching, the California-based outfit is kicking it up a notch this year as well, as it plans to showcase a duo of new plasmas and a flagship LCD HDTV as well. Both PDPs will feature integrated ATSC / NTSC tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite, VGA, 160-degree viewing angle, SRS-enhanced stereo speakers, and a "3D digital comb filter" for color processing. Additionally, the 50-inch PT-5045HD plasma will sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000 cd/m2, and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, while the 42-inch PT-4246HD gets stuck with a 1,024 x 768 resolution and 8,000:1 contrast ratio, but picks up a Clear-QAM tuner and a 1,200 cd/m2 brightness rating. Over on the LCD side, the 37-inch VION LT-3790 one ups the LT-3725 we saw just recently by touting a larger panel, 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree viewing angle, built-in ATSC / NTSC (Clear-QAM) tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite inputs, VGA, and the same SRS-enabled speakers as on the plasmas. For those interested in picking one up, the PT-4246HD is on the streets right now for a very reasonable $1,199.99, while the 50-inch flavor will land next month for $1,899.99, and the $1,199.99 VION LCD will hit stores sometime Q2 2007.Read - Norcent's 42- and 50-inch Plasma displaysRead - Norcent's 37-inch VION LCD HDTV
Microtek unveils four new HD plasmas
While Microtek may not be the first name that comes to mind when you're thinking about plasma displays, the firm has four new PDP monitors ready to hit the market, all with decent specs and (fairly) reasonable pricing. Handling the low-end is the 42-inch MHP1-HDI, which sports a WXGA resolution, 1,300 cd/m2 brightness, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, built-in ATSC / NTSC hybrid tuner, HDMI, dual 10-watt stereo speakers, silver casing, and the company's own "Digital Color Transient Improvement (CTI) edge smoothing technology." The 50-inch version, dubbed P50TX1A, offers up just 1,000 cd/m2 brightness and an 8,000:1 contrast ratio, but otherwise remains identical to its slightly smaller sibling. For those who just insist on buying a set encased in black, the 42-inch Cineon CP42HA and 50-inch CP50HA just so happen to rock the exact same specifications as their silver-clad brethren, but will cost you a good bit more (sound familiar?) for the caliginous luxury. Microtek claims all four units are available now, and if you can manage to locate one, it'll run you $1,499 for the MHP1-HDI (and $100 more for the CP42HA), or $1,999 for the P50TX1A (add $200 for the CP50HA).Read - Microtek's MHP1-HDI and P50TX1A displaysRead - Microtek's Cineon CP42HA and CP50HA displays
Shuttle launches XPC X200 mini PC, goes Core 2 Duo
While tossing an Intel Core 2 Duo chip into last year's rig isn't enough to impress anyone anymore, Shuttle's hoping to catch the eye of studio-bound media freaks who need that HTPC flexibility in a very tight space. Upping the ante on last year's X100, the XPC X200 comes in two flavors (X200MA and X200BA), and measures in at just 5.5-centimeters tall and taking up "no more space an A4 sheet of paper." Externally, the form factor has remained similar, but this rendition has received a trendy black makeover (including a vertical stand) on the outside, and a whole new lineup of hardware on the inside. Powered by your choice of dual-core / Celeron M Intel processors, this wee machine also touts Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics set, a hybrid TV tuner for analog / DVB-T reception, SATA hard drive, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 7.1-channel HD audio, FM radio tuner, dual-layer DVD burner, built-in 802.11b/g, PS/2 connectors, DVI output, multi-format flash card reader, an audio input jack, and an IR remote to boot. Notably, it managed to lose the FireWire and S-Video ports found on the X100, but it does boast five USB 2.0 ports in a feeble attempt to compensate. Both versions should be hitting the market soon, and while the somewhat stripped X200BA will run you just £499 ($972), the beefed-up X200MA will demand at least £637 ($1,240) depending on options.[Via RegHardware]
Dacos kicks out T-DMB-equipped iHolic PMP
It's been quite awhile since we've heard from Korea's Dacos Technology, but apparently it's back with the same T-DMB touch it's known for. The iHolic PMP sports a 3.27- x 1.97- x 0.73-inch enclosure, weighs just over three ounces, and still manages to rock a 2.4-inch TFT LCD screen. Beneath its sleek, black shell is a T-DMB receiver, image viewer, "audio / video" playback functionality, a voice recorder, and an SD slot to load up your media. Additionally, the device comes with a cradle and built-in speaker as well as a remote, so it should feel right at home on any kitchen table and / or car dashboard when not in your palm. Although pricing deets weren't available, these little fellows should be hitting South Korea soon in 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB flavors.
ByD:sign / EyeFi unveils antiquated 42-inch plasma
It's one thing to be fashionably late, but to arrive at a party that essentially ended months ago (at least) and expect to shake things up is probably an ill-advised move. Nevertheless, Japan's ByD:sign (badged as EyeFi here in the States) is offering up a 42-inch plasma TV (PE-4202DFK) that sports a built-in digital terrestrial tuner and manages to include an HDMI input, but somehow touts a completely uninspiring 852 x 480 resolution. Just in case the rest of the specs even matter after that blow, it also features 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, Genesis DCDi chip, S-Video / composite, VGA, analog / optical audio, and removable 10-watt stereo speakers as well. While the lowly resolution may suit your Wii playing needs just fine, you won't enjoy any crisp HD DVDs or Blu-rays in their full, unadulterated glory here, and at a whopping ¥170,000 ($1,430), you can do a whole lot better for your money anyway.
I-O Data unveils internal / external Vista-approved TV tuners
In a bid to become one of the first in what's sure to be a mile-long list, I-O Data is launching two new TV tuners that tout Windows Vista compatibility. Making sure that both laptop and desktop owners alike are satisfied, the firm has released both a PCI flavor (GV-MC/RX3) and an external edition (GV-MC/TZ), but both units handle essentially the same capturing and channeling duties, save for the RX3's handy coaxial input, of course. Both units feature S-Video / composite inputs, 10-bit DACs, noise reduction capabilities, and the assurance of functioning perfectly in Microsoft's forthcoming operating system. Optionally, the couch-dwellers out there can spring for the IR remote kit (¥4,230; $36), which provides your standard volume, channel, and playback controls, as well as a few "Media Center-centric" buttons to keep your PVR on track. Both tuners / converters are slated to hit shelves in "late January" to coincide with that looming OS release date, and while the RX3 will run you ¥12,500 ($105), the TZ will demand ¥14,600 ($123).[Via Impress]
Hauppauge intros WinTV HVR-3000 tri-mode TV tuner
Hauppauge has busted out a new TV tuner in PCI card form for those who prefer to keep such things out of sight, this one packing three separate tuners to meet your compulsive viewing needs -- although just how many of those you'll be able to take advantage of will depend on where you live. Running an even £100 (or a not-so-even $195), the WinTV HVR-3000 will let you snag DVB-S digital satellite, DVB-T digital terrestrial (à la Freeview), and plain old analog cable TV signals, working the usual PVR magic on each. To sweeten the deal, Hauppauge has also managed to squeeze an FM tuner onto the card and, of course, will throw in the requisite remote control so you can get your couch potato on.[Via Tech Digest]
