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3Soft's Maxtombow GPS conglomerate headed for America
It seemed to start with all-in-one PMP / gaming handhelds, and now the conglomerate craze is apparently bleeding over to the GPS realm. While we've already seen the Guide Dog, which claims to handle more multitasking that we can even fathom in a portable GPS unit, 3Soft's Maxtombow isn't too far behind. Packing a bit more credibility that the aforementioned PDC gizmo, this 7-inch in-car / handheld device reportedly packs a 720 x 480 resolution LCD, built-in TV tuner, SD expansion slot, AV outputs, an FM tuner, and of course, the obligatory turn-by-turn tour guide to keep you on track. It also claims to function as an MP3 / WMA player, JPEG viewer, and even handles XviD, AVI, WMV, and MPEG1/4 on the video front. Purportedly coming in 1GB or 2GB flavors, this bad boy comes pre-packaged with a car-mounting kit to please your passengers. Recently released FCC approval documents all but confirm the prospect of an American Maxtombow, but we've heard nothing on the subject of how quickly this thing will make the trip from Korea to America, nor how much coinage it'll demand when it lands.
PDC's Guide Dog does GPS, gaming, and parking?
There's practical, there's incredible, and then there's sensational. PDC's Guide Dog looks to be a strong contender for the latter, as the all-in-one gizmo has a bit too much going for it to be believable. Nevertheless, this sleek, flashy portable supposedly functions primarily as a GPS device, boasting a four-inch touchscreen, "built-in antenna," and Windows CE behind the scenes. When not pulling you around, this puppy doubles as a "2D / 3D gaming machine," and also plays back MP3s, MP4 video files, and various other forms of "media." As if this weren't pushing things already, it purportedly packs a WiFi adapter for internet browsing, an "IP phone," DVB-T tuner, Bluetooth, GPRS, UART, and even acts as a "parking sensor," presumably requiring you to duct tape it on your bumper for best results. To keep your media on hand, it supports MMC, MMCplus, SD, and PDC's "own proprietary format" (or is it?), PSd. While this thing would cause some serious shakeup in the handheld navigation world if it all panned out, we're taking this yet-to-be-priced, and currently unavailable device with a few throws of salt for now.[Via NaviGadget]
MediaREADY kicks out budget-friendly MC HTPC
While not quite available to hit one of Engadget's Gift Guides, MediaREADY is deviating from the MP3 / PMP market to unveil a svelte new box that boasts very respectable innards and a very tempting pricetag. Simply dubbed the MC, this media center PC sports a typical, AV-like enclosure made to sit pretty beside your receiver, DVR, and theater-guarding Robosapian, and packs a decent listing of specs. Touting its own "television-optimized interface," the machine apparently provides all the comforts of Windows MCE, including TV recording, CD / DVD playback, digital slideshows, jukebox functionality, and the bevy of other multimedia-related tasks HTPCs are known to handle. Beneath the hood lies a mysterious 2.8GHz Intel processor, anonymous TV tuner / hardware video decoder, 512MB of RAM, 200GB hard drive, DVD burner, Ethernet, built-in 802.11b/g, wireless keyboard / trackball combo, and an IR remote. On the flip side, you'll find USB connectors, inputs for composite and S-Video, outputs for VGA, DVI, component, and S-Video, and audio ports for the usual stereo and optical / coaxial digital goodness. The sweetest bit about this well-rounded machine isn't the average assortment of components nor the overly simplistic name, but rather its $899 pricetag, which will look mighty appealing next to the much more expensive competitors when it lands in January.
Samsung partners with SK Telecom, launches Q40-HSDPA
While it hasn't been too awfully long since Samsung doused its Q40 ultraportable in pink, the company is now looking to grab the attention of HSDPA fans by shoving such support into the lappie (and toning down the color scheme, too). Partnering with SK Telecom, the Q40-HSDPA will offer T-Login connectivity throughout South Korea (unless Kim Jong Il illegally snags one just North of the divide), and will also pack a 12.1-inch WXGA display, Intel's U1400 Core Solo processor, 1GB of RAM, a smallish 60GB hard drive, and a T-DMB receiver to boot. The machine will weigh in at just 2.6 pounds, and should be hitting the streets of Seoul soon for a slightly painful 2,300,000 KRW ($2,472).
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.
Rock rolls out Merom-packed, 13.3-inch Pegasus 335 laptop
If you like your lappies like your music, then Rock's latest addition to its Pegasus series is sure to please. Hot on the heels of its mammoth-sized Xtreme SL Pro comes the much more portable 13.3-inch Pegasus 335, which is marketed as a mobile entertainment center and comes bundled with a USB DVB-T TV tuner to capture those sparkling British OTA broadcasts. Beneath the hood lies your choice of Intel's T5600/T7200/T7400 Core 2 Duo processor, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, up to 160GB SATA hard drive, an 8x dual-layer DVD burner, built-in 802.11a/b/g, a 4-in-1 flash card reader, and a WXGA display. Among the assortment of ports is 4-pin FireWire, gigabit Ethernet, 56k modem, S-Video out, audio in / out, PCMCIA, VGA, and a trio of USB 2.0 connectors to boot. Including a three-year warranty, prices range from £722.55 ($1,404) to about as much as your credit card can stand, and is available now for holiday delivery.[Via RegHardware]
Greenhouse kicks out 1Seg TV tuner in USB fashion
While we've seen plenty of TV tuning love for the UK / US crowd, it's about time we saw a new rendition to pick up those delightful digital terrestrial broadcasts while cruising through Tokyo. Greenhouse has busted out a silicon-wrapped 1Seg TV tuner for the Japanese market, but upped the ante on the typical USB stick design. By offering 360-degree rotation, you shouldn't have any problems blocking up spare ports while tuning on your laptop, and it also includes a magnetic base / extension cord to place the antenna at the faraway sweet spot. Aside from pulling in ISDB-T signals, this device also touts an electronic program guide and USB 2.0 / 1.1 connectivity, but unfortunately encodes the content as it's recorded so it can only be played back on the PC in which it was brought in on. So if the inability to view your shows on any other device than the one you used to tune with (somehow) doesn't faze you, you can pick up the GH-1ST-U2K now for ¥10,800 ($94).[Via Akihabara News]
Evesham unveils budget lineup of Alqemi LCD HDTVs
While Evesham's 47-inch LCD TV may have a long list of niceties that would surely bring a smile to any HD addict's face, the rather hefty pricetag might just scare a few folks away. Apparently making sure that its got the low and mid-range customers covered as well, Evesham is busting out a bevy of new displays at much lower price points. The Alqemi lineups boasts 32-, 37-, and 42-inch panels, with all five sporting WXGA resolutions, 8-millisecond response time, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio (save for the bottom-end's curiously high 1200:1 spec), and integrated stereo speakers. Evesham further segregates the models by offering a low-end 32-inch version (peep a pic after the jump) with the bare necessities (HDMI, component / S-Video / composite, VGA, and an analog tuner) for £499 ($970), while offering mid-range units with DVB-T / analog hybrid tuners (with Digital Tick support), and a 42-inch flagship (Alqemi SX; pictured after the break) that boasts PIP and Virtual Dolby surround sound. Evesham's budget lineup tops at £1,399 ($2,718), with the mid-range units ranging from £599 ($1,164) to £899 ($1,747), and can be picked up now on the other side of the pond.Read - Evesham 32-inch Alqemi LCD TVRead - Evesham 32-inch Alqemi SX LCD TVRead - Evesham 37-inch Alqemi S LCD TVRead - Evesham 37-inch Alqemi SX LCD TVRead - Evesham 42-inch Alqemi SX LCD TV
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]
Samsung unveils DMB-equipped digicam, plans HSDPA version
While there's WiFi-enabled digicams available en masse, and do-it-all devices that boast DMB playback seem to be popping up everywhere, Samsung is looking forward by planning to release a digital camera that sports either of the two (or hopefully both) functionalities. Samsung was already hoping to squeeze DMB / PMP-like features into point-and-shoot offerings last year, and now the company has finally unveiled its SDC-K50/D512S, "which shows free TV programs thanks to a built-in terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) tuner." The company touts its 2.5-inch LCD as being more effective at displaying television shows than the (generally) smaller cellphone screens available. Moreover, Samsung is hoping to roll out digicams with T-Login support, which would allow a USB HSDPA modem to reside in a small slot on its enclosure, enabling users to upload photos from anywhere in the world via the SK Telecom service. The dongles have already been released for desktops, laptops, and personal media players, but stuffing one in a digital camera could eliminate the oh-so-irksome need to find a PC (or a WiFi hotspot) in order to upload shots to the web.
Super Max MZH-801 PMP with TV tuner and capacious battery
We're not exactly sure why The Muzatch Company decided to name its latest PMP after the prison system's facilities for the most dangerous and high-profile criminals, but the Super Max MZH-801's considerable feature set and affordable price will surely allow most consumers to overlook the rather goofy moniker. Billed as "the world's most powerful player in next generation MPEG-4 technology," the 40GB device is apparently so remarkable that even Muzatch's chief executive can barely comprehend its sheer awesomeness: "It's almost unbelievable that something this small and compact can house so much audio and video technology," gushes CEO Jay Yenter. Besides the standard MP3 / MPEG-4 / DivX / JPEG file support, the 7-inch Super Max also tosses in an analog TV tuner, embedded FM transmitter, and most impressively, a 4000 mAh battery. Sure it's not the best looking player on the block, but when you're watching Gilmore Girls live while the rest of your iPod-toting friends are only rocking repeats, their jealousy will far outweigh any heat you take for the inelegant design. All you need to snatch up your own Super Max is $275 -- but the company claims that you have to place your order before December 5th, probably due to the overwhelming demand that's being anticipated.Read- Press releaseRead- Product page
Sanyo unveils TV tuner-equipped NV-SD10DT GPS
While typically not a dominant force in the GPS game, Sanyo is bringing the goods with its latest navigation units. The NV-SD10DT and NV-M10, dubbed "Mini-Gorillas," are targeting folks who crave a car-based NAV that can join the trek on occasion. Both units sport a 4.5-inch 400 x 234 resolution touchscreen, 1GB SD card loaded with maps and POIs, 1-watt built-in speaker, and a conscience-nagging Echo Drive II system which apparently notifies the driver of how harmful they're being to environment by quickly accelerating and idling in rush-hour traffic. The real star, however, is the built-in terrestrial TV tuner in the NV-SD10DT; while catching a break on the subway, the GPS unit becomes a portable television on the fly, providing instant entertainment when you've reached your destination. Both units should hit the Japanese markets later this month, and the NV-M10 will run you ¥78,750 ($669), while the tuner-packed NV-SD10DT demands ¥91,350 ($776).[Via Impress]
Elgato unveils dual-tuner EyeTV Diversity USB stick in the UK
If you didn't bite when Elgato released its pocket-friendly EyeTV Hybrid, you may be interested in its supercharged successor, the EyeTV Diversity. The USB 2.0 stick makes for easy travel, and this rendition sports dual attachable antennas and a DSP, "which uses information from both tuners to generate the best signal possible." Designed to work with DTT / DVB-T signals, the device supports dual tuner functionality, PIP, scheduled recordings via the included EveTV 2 software, and a one-year subscription to the "tvtv" program guide. It touts seamless integration with Toast 7, and even provides easy converting for use on video-playing iPods. The company also notes that 1080i and 720p viewing / recording is possible on Macs housing "dual PowerPC G5 or Intel Core Duo" processors, and the dual-tuner USB stick can be picked up now on the other side of the pond for €149.95 ($191).[Via digg]
Buffalo's multi-source video capture box
Buffalo has got a new video capture device for those not content with recording from a single source at a time, with the PC-MV72DX/U2 offering both S-video and composite inputs -- along with an integrated analog TV tuner -- to bolster your recording options. If that's not enough for you, it seems you can also daisy-chain up to ten of 'em together connected to a single PC. Alternatively, you can hook one (or more) of these suckers up to a network attached storage device (otherwise known as NAS), such as Buffalo's own LinkStation line of drives. Whatever configuration you go with, you'll get your choice of MPEG-1/2/4 video at up to 720 x 480 resolution, as well as all the PVR and TV viewing functions you'd expect to come with a PC-attached TV tuner. Look for this one to hit Japan later this month for 24,360 Yen (just over $200).[Via Akihabara News]
Miglia unveils Mac-friendly TVDuo: dual TV tuner for European market
Miglia is on the Mac-friendly TV tuner warpath again, busting out yet another option to add PVR functionality to your shiny new MacBook Pro. The TVDuo is aimed squarely at our UK allies as it sports dual DVB-T tuners, a very portable 3.9- x 2.7- x 1.11-inch enclosure, and USB 2.0 connectivity. Elgato's EyeTV 2 software comes bundled in, and enables recording / editing functionality, a nifty "export to iPod" option, and even plays nice with iDVD. The device also comes partnered with a ho hum remote and two "mini antennas" that can operate in diversity mode. No word, however, on eventual pricing nor when the TVDuo will hit store shelves. [Via PVRWire]
Zentek's 1Seg SDIO card
If you're looking for a little TV-on-the-go action of slightly higher quality than plain-old analog broadcasts, and happen to live in Japan, then Zentek may have just the solution for ya. It's just announced what looks to be the first 1Seg (or One-Seg, if you prefer) TV tuner on an SDIO card, which'll let you pick up those sweet terrestrial digital broadcast signals on your SDIO-equipped handheld or cellphone. Although, not unlike early developments in WiFi on SD cards, it looks like you'll have to put up with the card protruding more than just a little bit from your handheld device, as it measures about 2.1-inches long. (Hear that? It's the sound of thousands of these simultaneosly snapping in Japanese pockets). You'll also have to wait a bit to actually get your hands on one, with Zentek set to offer the device to OEMs in the first quarter of 2007.
Pinnacle announces USB/PCI TV tuners and video editing gear
Pinnacle's already hooked up our friends in Europe with a DVB-T tuner on a stick, but now those of us on this side of the pond are getting a little over-the-air HD love with its just-announced PCTV HD Pro Stick. Bundled with a remote and telescopic antenna, the $130 USB tuner will let you tap into ATSC broadcasts from the comfort of your laptop -- if you live in an area with coverage, that is (otherwise you can still use it to pick up a regular old standard definition NTSC signal). On the desktop side of things, Pinnacle's got the PCTV MCE Companion, which'll give you a Media Center-compatible TV tuner and remote for $100 even. Either option will give you most of the functions you'd expect from a standalone PVR, as well as some PC-specific advantages, like recording directly iPod, PSP, and DivX formats, as well as direct-to-DVD recording. On a somewhat related front, Pinnacle's also announced some new video editing gear -- the Pinnacle Studio MovieBox USB ($99) and the Pinnacle Studio MovieBoard PCI ($79), both also available in "Plus" editions for $149 each. All will give you the hardware and software needed to turn your dated old home movies into cinema vérité masterpieces, with the Plus editions packing in a "professional" microphone kit and Chroma Key green screen backdrop, as well as additional effects options. The whole lot will be available next month. [Via DV Guru]
I-O Data unveils LCD-TV241 LCD monitor with TV tuner
In a world full of LCD TVs that treat PCs as second rate, I-O Data is taking a stand for those who'd like just a dash of television with their PC monitor. The LCD-TV241 rocks a 24.1-inch screen, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, Japanese D4 input (which supports Hi-Vision), HDCP compatible DVI-D input, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and 8ms response time. You'll also find a built-in analog (sorry, no ISDB-T love) TV tuner with integrated PIP, a rather uninspiring remote, and a sleek array of touch-sensitive controls gracing the frame of the black (or white) panel. While that analog tuner won't do you much good past 2011, this LCD knows your PC is your first love anyway, and can be picked up in Japan later this month for ¥133,000 ($1,130).[Via Akihabara News]
Sony's iMac-like Vaio VGC-LS1 announced, reviewed
Back in our former lives as sales drones for the big box retailers, we used to cram all our computing gear onto the coffee table, because, well, we couldn't afford a proper desk. We sure wish Sony had been around back then with its all-in-one Vaio VGC-LS1 Media Center desktop, which like the latest generation of iMacs, packs all of the PC components neatly in and around a flat-panel LCD. First appearing in Japan several months ago, the LS1 will finally make it stateside come September, and PC Mag finds the Core Duo-equipped multimedia powerhouse to be a worthy adversary for similar machines from Apple (a wireless keyboard and mouse come standard here) and especially Gateway (its horribly-designed Profile 6 isn't even fit for public display). The LS1 improves upon Sony's previous all-in-one offering, the VA11G, by getting rid of the hardware at the base of the display as well adding ExpressCard and SD slots -- though you still have to deal with an unsightly appendage in the form of a tethered USB IR receiver dongle. The built in TV tuner, dual-layer DVD burner, and 250GB hard drive make this model sound perfect for college students or as a bedroom PC, but the main drawback lies in its lack of HD support: not only is it missing a Blu-ray drive, you're not getting a single HDMI, DVI, or component input for filling that 19-inch, 1,680 x 1,050 screen with high definition goodness. Overall, though, the $2,100 machine comes across as a pretty capable performer with an eye-catching design and only a few, mostly minor drawbacks -- meaning that we would have been proud to give it a home in our dingy little studio apartment.Read- LS1 announcementRead- PCMag review
ATI releases TV Wonder 650 OTA HDTV tuner card
Just in time for those immensely popular MLB playoffs and NFL kickoffs, ATI is dropping a new OTA HDTV tuner card that it apparently hopes will catch the eye of those who have been fence-sitting the issue of making a high definition DVR out of their PC. The TV Wonder 650 is based on the Theater 650 chip, including a "motion-adaptive 3D comb filter" as well as noise reduction, and touts the ability to work in Vista systems, even though it's still questionable whether the rest of your system will. Aside from recording over the air HDTV signals in MPEG-2, DivX, H.264, MPEG-4, and WMV9, the card also sports "Avivo image quality enhancements" for those less stunning SD broadcasts. ATI gives you the ability to record / watch two shows simultaneously via the MulTView functionality (if you own two cards, of course), and touts the nifty ThruView technology that displays content in a translucent box as to keep from interfering with all your (presumably) important background tasks. Although nothing here is really groundbreaking, this just might suffice as a stopgap for ATI's CableCard-ready OCUR, and costing just $129, it probably won't hurt too bad to hit the play button on those lingering HTPC plans. [Via HD Beat]
