Archive for August 10th, 2006
The easy-to-navigate menu functions on the RDR-HXD560 and RDR-HXD860 allow you to plan recordings up to 8 days in advance. In addition they boast an impressive 80GB and 160GB hard drive memory enabling you to record up to 106 hours and 249 hours of TV respectively. Both models offer a multitude of Intelligent Recording features including set-top box control that allows you to change channels and record content from satellite and cable channels as well as all Freeview channels through your HDD recorder, using just one remote control.
The Pause Live TV function is a useful addition as the screen can be frozen until you wish to continue watching, great if the phone rings. You can also use the fast playback with sound function (at 1.3 speed) to catch up with live broadcast without missing any of the details.
Another interesting feature is Chasing Playback that lets you begin watching a recording before it has finished by selecting play from the title list. You can also skip chapters that are automatically placed at six minute intervals or fast forward as desired. The hard disk drive also allows Simultaneous Recording of a live show and the playback of another programme Ð giving greater flexibility for enjoying TV at your leisure.
The electronic programme guide available on both models offers a wealth of information at your fingertips with programme information for all Freeview channels on one handy screen. Clever functions such as repeat recording are possible by selecting from a range of repeat options, such as daily or weekly. Programmes which are broadcast at regular timeslots such as the 10 ÔoÕclock news will automatically be recorded. For episodes of TV Series you simply cannot miss, enter the series link mode in the EPG. All episodes linked to the recording you make will automatically be recorded, no matter what time or channel they appear, avoiding repeats if they have already been stored. Series mode also allows broadcasters to recommend related programmes to viewers that may be of interest. Series recording functions are only available where broadcasters have entered the necessary ID and information.
Both models are also dual format compatible and can record and playback DVD+ R double layer discs with a maximum 8.5GB capacity allowing viewers to store up to 8 hours of recordings on DVD disc. The RDR-HXD860 also includes an HDMI connection which means it can easily connect to HD ready products, ideal for enjoying improved picture resolution on new LCD TVs that also have this input.
For even greater flexibility both models offer wider playback options, including MP3 and JPEG files and DVD-Ram. So consumers can easily share DVDs and home movies with friends. In addition to this the HXD860 also features DivX playback.
The RDR-HXD560 is available from July 2006 and the RDR-HXD860 will be available from September 2006.
August 10th, 2006
Mustek today announced the availability of a new Personal Media Bundle Pack for $299.Designed to liberate the most popular forms of entertainment - video, music and digital photography - from the living room to wherever the on-the-go consumer travels, the bundle combines Mustek’s PVR-H140 personal media center with the MBT-SA120 Bluetooth stereo headset and audio dongle to add wireless freedom, excellent sound quality and comfort.
The groundbreaking PVR-H140 comes equipped with WMA support and a spacious 40GB of internal memory to hold up to 120 hours of full-motion video, 10,000 MP3 songs, and tens of thousands of digital photos. Its 3.6-inch TFT color screen delivers brilliant, high-resolution playback of movies in virtually every video format. In addition, the PVR-H140 has a unique software converter allowing television programs and movies to be recorded directly from a TV, VCR, DVD or cable/satellite signal to its hard-drive for playback – no PC required.
Sporting a lightweight, ergonomic behind-the-neck design, the Mustek MBT-SA120 is fully compatible with Bluetooth (V1.2) enabled cell phones and PDAs, as well as audio players, Windows® notebook PCs, stereo systems and game consoles with A2DP or AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) that stream high-quality audio over Bluetooth.
Comfortably engaging both ears, the stylish headphones have a built-in microphone, along with an integrated antenna, two-color LED status indicator, last call redial, voice calling, and a variety of one-push function keys for playing, pausing, pairing, stop and volume control to make it a breeze to receive, make and hang-up calls while listening to music.
August 10th, 2006
Logitech today unveiled the Logitech Wireless DJ Music System, which makes it easy for people to stream any digital music from their PC to any stereo system or powered multimedia speakers anywhere in their home and control it all from the palm of their hand.The Wireless DJ Music System connects the PC to a home-entertainment center or speaker system using Logitech´s Music Anywhere™ wireless technology. The system plays any PC audio format, including MP3, iTunes® (AAC), WMA, Internet radio, and podcasts. And the stylish, long-range Wireless DJ remote, with its display and scroll wheel, makes it easy to navigate an entire music collection from the couch, the dining-room table, the bedroom — anywhere.
“Today tens of millions of people are using their PC as a digital music hub to centralize their music collections and to discover new music” said Dale Pistilli, director of product marketing for Logitech´s Media Control Group. “But most people don´t have their PC connected to their home-entertainment system. The Wireless DJ Music System gives people full access to all of that great music anywhere in the home and the Wireless DJ remote puts control of that music in hand. It´s a complete yet affordable solution that´s easy to set up and doesn´t require a complicated home network.”
According to a recent worldwide survey by analyst firm Parks Associates, 40 percent of online households play music files on their PC and 33 percent listen to Internet radio streams. However, less than 10 percent of these people are playing this music through their stereo. The music remains stuck on the PC, away from the primary entertainment system or other rooms in the house. Existing solutions that bridge this divide are complex to set up, support only a limited number of music formats, or are priced out of reach for most consumers.
Logitech´s Music Anywhere wireless technology combines plug-and-play simplicity with the clarity of digital audio, and works throughout the home, without requiring an existing wireless network. The transmitter plugs into a USB port on the PC and the Music Receiver/Dock is easily connected to a stereo system using standard RCA connectors, or to powered multimedia speakers using the 3.5 mm headphone jack output. Once the setup is complete, the Wireless DJ Music System sends music streams directly to the receiver, at a range of up to 50 meters (150 feet). The multi-room remote automatically connects to the PC and offers the same wireless range.
What makes the Wireless DJ Music System unique are the Wireless DJ remote and the sophisticated Logitech® StreamPoint™ software. The remote´s blue backlighted liquid-crystal display (LCD) and mechanical scroll wheel make it easy to browse through an entire digital music collection, select a song, playlist or Internet radio station of choice, and see what´s playing on the screen. The Wireless DJ remote also includes an active playlist feature, called the DJ List, which allows people to add songs or albums to the queue without stopping the music — people can pass the remote at a dinner party and everyone can be the DJ. Featuring a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the remote is quickly recharged in the Music Receiver/Dock and offers up to one week of battery life under normal usage.
The Logitech StreamPoint™ software runs on the PC and aggregates audio files, playlists, and favorite Internet radio stations from iTunes, Windows Media® Player and Musicmatch® Jukebox, creating a unified music library that can be easily viewed and accessed by the Wireless DJ remote.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Wireless DJ Music System will be available in the U.S. and Europe in late September. Its suggested retail price in the U.S. is $249.99. Logitech also offers the Wireless Music System Add-On Receiver, for a suggested retail price of $79.99 (U.S.), which allows people to enjoy their PC music in additional rooms (up to a total of 4).
August 10th, 2006