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Sanyo Introduces the World’s Smallest and Lightest High-Definition Digital Media Camer

Making its debut at the 2006 International CES, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world’s first high-definition compact digital media camera.

Offering advanced, next-generation video performance, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world’s smallest and lightest high-definition digital media camera, ideal for recording today with the future in mind.

SANYO, the world’s leading manufacturer of digital cameras and components, designed the Xacti HD1 Digital Media Camera to easily record both 720p high-definition video and 5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card. The SANYO Xacti HD1 will be available in the U.S. in late March at an MSRP of $799.99.

Key to the Xacti HD1’s ability to record high-definition video is its high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing. This powerful “high-definition engine” executes a vast number of calculations in a short period of time. It enables the HD1 to realize image processing functions such as high-definition 720p processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression and noise reduction.

The HD1 features an ultra-clear 2.2-inch SANYO-developed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display with 210,000 total pixels for exceptional viewability. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on axis for taking great video or still images in otherwise difficult locations. Trademark features of OLED display technology are expanded viewing angles and up to 5,000 times faster response speed when compared with conventional display technologies, enabling smooth playback of rapid movements. When not in use, the display nicely tucks back into the side of the camera.

Displayed prominently in the front of the HD1 is a bright, highly
efficient 10x optical zoom lens. Built from 12 elements designed in 9 groups and with a built-in neutral density filter, the 10x zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles, allowing for clear images in lower light situations. Combined with a 10x digital zoom capability, the HD1 is capable of a total 100x zoom.

As with all previous SANYO Xacti digital media cameras, the HD1 can record still images in addition to video clips. A newly developed 5.36 megapixel (total) CCD captures beautiful 5.1 megapixel still images which are recorded directly onto a standard SD memory card. The camera can record both 5.1 megapixel still images and high-definition (1280 x 720-pixel) digital video at the same time with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of
a video clip.

The HD1 can record over 21 minutes of 720p HD video on a 1-Gigabyte SD card or over 42 minutes on a 2-Gigabyte card. Alternatively, HD1 users can select to record in Standard Definition mode (640 x 480 pixels at 30fps progressive) for up to two hours on a 2-Gigabyte SD card. Users can easily switch between high-definition and standard-definition recording modes by simply pressing the “HD/Norm” button located on display side of the camera body. SD cards sold separately.

An ergonomic, one-handed grip and convenient, thumb-operable controls makes the SANYO HD1 exceptionally easy to use whenever inspiration strikes. Lightweight at only 8.3 ounces (including battery and a standard SD memory card), the HD1 measures 3.1″ W x 4.7″ H x 1.4″ D.

Add comment January 3rd, 2006

Review: Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (PSP)

Game: Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Platform: PSP
Publisher: Rockstar
Price: £29.99 (Amazon.co.uk)
Reviewer: Jay Neill (TechSmec.com staff)

The GTA series is obscenely popular (in fact some would say just plain obscene after the Hot Coffee scandal), but even the most hardened fan would have to admit that since GTA 3 it’s been a case of same-old same-old. However, this new installment really is a case of deja-vu as we leap back to Liberty City where it all began for a PSP-exclusive dose of Mafiosi action.

Set in 1998 GTA: Liberty City Stories sees you take control of Tony, a Mafia heavy who returns to the town after laying low following a big job for the Don. He immediately falls back into his old ways and the crime spree commences.

The general format hasn’t changed. Steal a car (or a bike - that’s the new innovation for GTA:LCS) and head over to a gang-land boss’s hideout. He’ll give you a job and off you head to complete it by whatever means necessary. If you’re successful you’ll get some cash and move up the underworld ladder of badness. Screw up and you’ll end up busted, or worse, dead. However, this being GTA, even death won’t keep a good (bad) man down and you’ll show Lazurus-like abilities at the local hospital. The only permenant effect is a dent in your wallet.

In and around the main career path are a variety of mini-games; taxi driving, working as a paramedic, crazy driving stunts. All will earn you cash, or at the least, kudos.

Once again, you’ll find your immersion into the world of Liberty City is complete. The place feels lived in. It’s a pleasure just to steal a car and cruise around town. If the weather’s good, we’ve even taking to strolling along the sea-front.

The graphics are the best yet on the PSP and really push the handheld to the limits of its abilities. In a way this almost feels a shame as it’s hard to believe that there’s anywhere to go from here for the device, but for the moment just forget that you’re looking at a 3.5 inch screen and drink it all in.

If you thought the graphics were immersive, wait until you hear the sound. The ambient sound is remarkably detailed - cars passing, people arguing on street corners. The radio stations, which play whenever you get in a vehicle, are back but there is less variety than before. Even so, most of the DJs will have you in stitches the first time you hear them. Even once you do get bored, the ability is there to import your own playlists, adding even more to the feeling that you really live in Liberty City.

The only area where GTA:LCS is a let down is the controls. As a gamer I was brought up on the PC, not a console, so I’ve never been a fan of mouse-less gaming. Even allowing for my own deficiencies, the analogue stick makes steering, walking and even fighting a bit of a pig. More often than not you’ll end up going in the wrong direction as the camera pans wildly around. However, this is more of a flaw with the PSP in general than in the game, so there’s not much that Rockstar could have done to improve things.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is the standout title on the PSP so far and if you haven’t bought it yet then get yourself a copy before you do anything else.

Graphics

The best yet seen on the PSP. Good textures, good frame rate, great visuals - 9/10

Sound

Fantastic ambient sound and (as usual) an entertaining soundtrack - 8/10

Gameplay

As fun as GTA ever was, but the difficult controls just stop us awarding a 10 out of 10 - 9/10

Verdict

A “must own” game for all PSP fans. The fact that it’s exclusive to Sony’s hand held is certainly going to shift a lot of devices and we can find very little reason to doubt that it will stay a benchmark game for months, if not years, to come - 9/10

Add comment January 3rd, 2006