Archive for May, 2008
Monday, May 26th, 2008
You somehow pulled it through and got yourself a cool home theatre system complete with HDTV, Blu-ray player and sound system. So now you have to operate 3 remotes, but you only have two hands. No problem, just spend some more money and get the latest universal remote.
TV Compass claims that their latest Wi-Fi-enabled zapper is the ultimate remote. The device was first spotted at CES back in January, and in order to launch the product, the company now partnered with ESPN, which also ensures exclusive media content. What better team-up, I’d ask. Thanks to ESPN’s support, sports-fans will be able to check out news and stats while they watch live games, as well as browse the EPG on the remote’s full-color 2.2-inch display.
There will be some other versions later on, but know that the ESPN remote is already on sale, priced at around $300. Although it may sound a bit expensive, imagine that you can control more than 24 devices, plus you get macros and on-device setup options, along with an xHTML browser with RSS and TV broadcast sync letting the remote’s display act as a second screen (useful for PiP fans). Customizability is facilitated through an option that allows you to store all the settings on the TV Compass servers. Looks like Logitech Harmony has some serious competition.
TV Compass also provide a micropayment client, compatible with PayPal, which would make pay-per-view selection a stroll in the park. TV Compass even started talks with other operators regarding more customized versions of the handset.
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Sunday, May 25th, 2008
If you ever want to give home entertainment systems a try, be sure to check out what Classe has in store for you. Frankly speaking, I’ve haven’t heard much of this manufacturer, but after seeing their latest devices, it suddenly dawned on me that Classe is a high-end audio and video specialist.
<-250×250 Square - left->Sure, its luxury class we’re talking about, so if you consider upgrading you preamp/processor with the new SSP-800, be sure to have $8K handy. The SSP-800 has ten channels with upgradeable DSP and a video signal path that can support 36-bit Deep Color Video (Blu-ray players are only capable of 24-bit). Plus you get a slick touchscreen control panel on the front.
The DSP processor is a powerful 64-bit Texas Instruments model, and the unit comes with separate power supplies for analog audio and digital audio & control circuits. The analog side is neatly handled by low-noise toroidal transformer, while the digital/control side is provided by a dual-output, low-noise, high-current switching supply. Each channel offers balanced or single-ended connections.
Classe offer their own range of players to go with the SSP-800, together with power-amps and integrated amps, that you’d need a small fortune to afford. But if you can afford the SSP-800, I’m sure you won’t make any compromise with the rest of the devices either.
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Saturday, May 24th, 2008
For those of you who are so addicted to music making and mixing, here’s some cool gadget. It’s specifically designed for amateur DJs, but looks like the features could come in handy for professionals, as well. Want to take a mini-mixing studio wherever you go? Check out the DJGO device.
DJ GO is a portable system containing 2 mp3/CD turntables and a mixer combined into one unit that can be easily folded up and transformed into a carrying bag. It opens up and closes like a book. It also comes equipped with an internal hard drive that stores thousands of songs, eliminating the need to carry old vinyl records, CDs or iPods.
The designers thought of a concept that would suite both beginners, amateurs and professional DJs, making the DJGO a more nimble, convenient and efficient way to carry around their DJ equipment and songs. All you have to worry about is some way to hook the device up to an amplifier and speakers, and finding a place with an AC power mains.
This is just a concept for the moment, but the designers are seriously considering a commercial version for the DJGO. Ight guys, turn it up and start mixing!
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Friday, May 23rd, 2008
What’s that? You think your 50” HDTV isn’t that big enough? Get a projector! You know, a Super Hi-Vision one. Oh, right… you won’t be seeing those till next year. Well, you could go for a bigger screen then. 82” LCDs anyone?
Samsung is very pleased to inform us about their latest 82-inch Quad-HD LCD. Quad-HD they say… what would that be? Unfortunately, this isn’t the Super-Hi Vision standard, but it’s close with 2160p resolutions or 3,840 x 2,160. Good luck finding native-resolution content for this behemoth. Nice thing Samsung remembered to implement a 120Hz refresh rate, double the typical 60Hz standard.
OK, it’s huge, but what about picture quality? Since Samsung are so keen on LEDs and the like, they have reached for the latest in LED backlighting. Individual red/green/blue LEDs manage 50-percent more color saturation over rival sets. Pretty spiffy, but we shouldn’t forget that the relatively high defect rate in LED backlights means costs are far higher than they need to be if the technology is to make it into your living room.
Samsung can’t really decide on the actual price. I hope they won’t go the Westinghouse way. Westinghouse have also came up with a 2160p screen, and even though it’s a “mere” 52-incher, it will easily set you back $50k.
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Friday, May 23rd, 2008
As if Segways are becoming obsolete and really need a replacement, Yamaha comes now with a new design that is supposed to make humans forget about walking or running.
Of course, nobody says this is going to get commercialized right away, but do we really need something like this? Art Center Pasadena student Jake Loniak thinks there’s always room for new types of human transportation. He closely studied exoskeletons and motorcycle concepts and combined these two into a Yamaha-branded Deus Ex Machina prototype.
The vehicle is powered via some sophisticated ultra-capacitors and doped with nano-phoshpate batteries (based on what hybrid cars use nowadays). The vehicle is quite intuitive, controlled using 36 pneumatic muscles with 2 linear actuators set along a spine consisting of seven artificial vertebrae. You even get a pneumatically-attached helmet.
If Yamaha ever intends to construct it, the designer believes that Deus Ex Machima could achieve a top speed of 75 mph (0-60mph in 3 seconds) with a recharge time of 15 minutes and batteries that last for 1 hour. The design looks quite promising, but Yamaha should also consider some storage compartment for us, so we can pack some bags and stuff if we plan to ride these things to picnics and weekend escapades.
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