Video Hardware & Software

Another HD-DVD Format!

August 31, 2006

How About 3D TV without the Funny Glasses?

August 24, 2006

Now, this is interesting.

For the latest state-of-the-art TV viewing, let's go back a few decades when 3-D was the rage -- or at least something to draw folks into movie theaters.

In the "what is old is new again" column, Philips 3-D TVs are using tiny lenses over every subpixel to create a 3-D effect without the need for viewers to wear those funny glasses.

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

According to Orb, Internet users are streaming media FIENDS!

August 22, 2006

Orb Networks today announced that consumers have enjoyed a record 66 million minutes -- the equivalent of a whopping 125 years -- of digital media (recorded videos, TV, music, etc.) streamed from their home computer to a mobile phone, PDA or laptop using the free Orb MyCasting service. Orb stated that all this streaming has occurred in just 19 months since Orb's inception.

I've used Orb's software in the past to stream my personal TV recordings as well as stream live TV. Quite useful when I'm travelling and the hotel doesn't offer FOX News or the YES Network.

The nice thing about Orb is that the software is free and integrates quite nicely with Windows Media Center Edition. My only complaint is that Orb buffers the video, so it makes it difficult to "channel surf". Also, if there is congestion, it takes awhile for Windows Media Player (or RealPlayer) to rebuffer.

That's why I like SightSpeed 5.0's channel surfing capabilities, which doesn't require buffering.

Posted in Home Entertainment, News, Reviews, Video Hardware & Software

Flat TVs Get Flatter in Price

August 10, 2006

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Old School Old Tube

August 7, 2006

The one thing we don't think about too much in the world of gadgets is that gadgets do come and go -- some very fast and some very slow.

Piece in the New York Times got me into this nostalgic state; article is on the soon to be disappearing cathode ray tube from TV sets in America and around the world, too.

(Cut-away photograph courtesy of a fun place to visit ---www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.)

Now some of you may not remember, but I am sure many of you do remember that big old thing sticking out from beyond the TV set in the living room; that was the most visible part of the cathode ray tube.

(CRT to those into initials.)

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

LT-2006 20" TV and DVD player

July 28, 2006

No, that's not an iMac G5, but they sure look similar. OPPO Digital, Inc., a consumer electronics manufacturer, on August 1st will release the stylish and sexy LT-2007 20-inch LCD TV and DVD player combination wrapped in a fashionable translucent case.

The LT-2006 is great for television and movie watching in small spaces, such as the kitchen counter. The LT-2007 sports a high quality enhanced definition 20-inch flat-panel LCD TV with a slot-loading DVD player that is built directly into the base.

Posted in Gadgets, Home Entertainment, Video Hardware & Software

Microsoft Zune takes on iPod

July 24, 2006

As several news sites have reported, Microsoft plans to release a new music and entertainment player and accompanying software under the "Zune" brand this year to challenge the Apple iPod media player. The latest Apple iPod plays both music and videos with the ability to download TV shows and now even full-fledged movies via iTunes. Microsoft hopes to take some of the 70& marketshare from Apple which has dominated the portable media player market.

The sad thing is, Microsoft could have dominated this market had they minituarized the bulky PocketPC years ago. The PocketPC enjoyed some success, but never really took off.

Posted in GPS, Gadgets, MP3 Players & Digital Audio, Microsoft, Mobile Phones, PDAs & Handhelds, Video Hardware & Software

A Unified HD-DVD Format (Or at Least a Player)?

July 18, 2006

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Who's the Top Plasma Producer? Guess Again ...

July 11, 2006

Everybody wants to be a market leader in their product category -- yes, saying you are #1 is important!

Now, after nearly a year of declining market share and the loss of its leadership in the plasma display panel (PDP) industry, South Korea’s LG Electronics has reclaimed the top position in the first quarter of 2006. (This is according to iSuppli Corp.)

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

UltraAV HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) 2 to 1 Switch

May 23, 2006

Accell will accounce today their UltraAV High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 2 to 1 Switch for home theater and presentations that is perfect for video enthusiasts. Most new HD displays and projectors are equipped with only one HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connector requiring consumers to manually connect the source devices or purchase an expensive switch, which at $250 to $300, may be out of reach for many consumers. Common HDMI sources include DVRs, set top boxes, satellite receivers, and DVD players.

The UltraAV HDMI Switch allows concurrent access to two video sources, eliminating the need to get off the sofa to plug and un-plug HDMI devices every time you want to use a different video source. The 2-1 Switch supports 1080p resolutions, is backward compatible and is compliant with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) devices.

Posted in Home Entertainment, Video Hardware & Software

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