Posts filed under 'Home Theater / Cinema'
Toshiba created a real stir last week when it announced the RD-A1 HD-DVD recorder. We can now bring you the full details.The new “RD-A1″ can record and store up to 130 hours of high-definition (HD) broadcasts on its 1-terabyte (TB) hard disk and record up to 230 minutes of HD content to a single HD DVD disc. In addition to superb image and sound recording and playback, the new recorder also offers an extensive range of advanced functions made possible by the versatility of HD DVD, including optimized navigation and menu displays. The RD-A1 is scheduled for roll out in the Japanese market from July 14.
The RD-A1 is the first video recorder to support recording and playback of content in the HD DVD format, the next generation of DVD format defined and approved by the DVD Forum. The recorder combines support for recording of full HD broadcasts with high capacity recording to HD DVD-R discs: up to 115 minutes of HD content to a 15-gigabyte (GB) single-layer HD DVD-R disc, and up to 230 minutes to a 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-R disc, allowing viewers to make HD DVD-R libraries of their favorite TV programs, whether dramas, movies or sport. Ease of use is also enhanced by the ability to record two TV programs, one digital HD and one analog, to the hard disk, simultaneously.
In addition to HD DVD, the RD-A1 also supports playback from and recording to conventional DVD-RAM/-RW/-R discs, giving users complete access to content recorded and saved in standard DVD. It also offers simplified transfer of DVD disc content to higher capacity HD DVD discs.
Another key feature among the many supported by the RD-A1 is support for 1080p output via HDMI, allowing viewing of “full HD” progressive scan video signals. Up-conversion of standard DVD to 1080p resolution output also enhances the enjoyment of current DVD software and recorded programs. Video and audio output is further enhanced by the design of the RD-A1’s chassis, which isolates the player from vibration and optimizes the performance of its high-grade parts and components.
RD-A1 takes full advantage of the advanced functionality offered by the versatility of the HD DVD format, which far surpasses standard DVD in its extensive support for “pop-up menus” and advanced features such as Picture in Picture (PIP) with moving picture functions.
Toshiba launched “RD-2000,” the world’s first digital video recorder integrating a hard disk and DVD recorder in the Japanese market in 2001. RD-2000 introduced the world to a new way of viewing TV programs, “First record to hard disk, select and archive to DVD,” and inspired a new market for “Hard Disk & DVD” where Toshiba still provides leadership and drives growth. Now, as HDTV broadcasting expands its services and service area, in readiness for the 2011 phase out of analog broadcasting in Japan, demand is growing for an “Hard Disk & DVD” solution that can handle high definition image quality and its larger data capacities. Toshiba delivers the clear answer with the RD-A1. The new recorder is the first HD DVD recorder, and combines it with a 1TB hard disk, and with it Toshiba leads the industry and supporting for HD DVD playbacks and recorders to be the first manufacture to bring the product in the market. Toshiba will enhance its line-up of HD DVD products by producing the products which integrates the next generation of DVD in the marketplace.
Key Features of the New Recorder
1. Record digital broadcasts to hard disk and HD DVD-R
Integrated digital tuners cover the full range of HD broadcasting sources—terrestrial, broadcast satellite (BS) and communications satellite 110° (CS) broadcasts—while another dedicated tuner handles analog broadcasts. The RD-A1 can record two broadcasts at once, one digital broadcast, one analog. The hard disk drive’s terabyte capacity allows it record and playback 130 hours of HD broadcasts, and viewers are then free to select and archive their favorites to HD DVD discs. The RD-A1 supports two HD DVD-R capacities, a single-layer 15GB disc that can record up to 115 minutes of HD broadcasts, and a dual-layer 30GB disc that doubles that performance to 230-minutes, allowing viewers to build libraries of their favorite programs. The new recorder also supports recording of digital high-definition TV programs on conventional DVD-RAM/-RW/-R discs at standard definition image quality.
2. Playback of high definition content and support for advanced content features
The RD-A1, like the HD DVD players Toshiba has already launched, can play back HD DVD content software, and also supports the enhanced functionality and diverse features that content providers can build into their package software—a major step forward from standard DVD players. While specifics depend on the title, typical features include the convenience of a “pop-up menu” that displays menu choices or movie chapters while a movie plays, allowing viewers to search for desired functions or use the chapter guide to jump to a particular scene. The new product also supports PIP with video, a feature that allows, for example, comments by the director or actors to be superimposed over a movie while it is playing. The commentators can literally point to the material they are discussing. Audio output is as rich as video playback, as RD-A1 supports next generation surround sound formats, such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, L-PCM 5.1ch, the same formats as Toshiba’s first HD DVD players. Analog 5.1ch output integrated into the RD-A1 allows consumers to enjoy surround sound simply by connecting the player to an AV amplifier with analog input.
3. Support for RD engine for HD DVD
Toshiba has upgraded its successful “RD Engine HD” to provide dedicated support for HD DVD format. Upgrades include a graphic user interface with letter-box display compatibility and Toshiba proprietary multi-function recording software. RD Engine HD allows viewers to edit recorded high-definition programs on a frame basis, and transfer the edited video to an HD DVD disc. A useful function is high-speed write of DVD video sources to hard disks and high speed dubbing of that video to an HD DVD-R, allowing viewers to combine programs from multiple discs on a single disc. This compacting of video libraries is done without any loss of picture or sound quality.
4. Digital high definition picture of 1080p in HDMI output
Support for the up-conversion to 1080p output is achieved through implementation of the newest high performance scaler from Anchor Bay Technologies Inc. This converts and plays back 1080i HD content as 1080p full HD output. Furthermore, besides the HD DVD software and DVD software, it is also possible to playback past recorded DVD by up-converting them to 1080p output.
5. Body and parts designed for high definition picture quality and high quality sound
The RD-A1’s design is optimized for high quality video and audio output by a special dual-layer body featuring a 1-millimeter main case and a metal sub frame. The recorder stands on special aluminum pillars designed to damp vibration and enhance high sound quality. The same attention to detail carries through to chief components. The RD-A1 is the first recorder to adopt a high-speed, high-performance 297MHz/14bit video encoder, making it possible to deliver HD quality via analog output through the D terminal and component terminal. High grade parts typically found in high-end audio products are also used in the RD-A1.
6. Internet connectivity via “Net de Navi®”software, recommendation service, and DLNA guideline
The versatility of the RD-A1 is significantly enhanced by its Internet connectivity via “Net de Navi®” software. Once in a network the recorder can be programmed remotely, via e-mail or the on-line iEPG, an electronic TV program timetable service. LAN connectivity allows configuration of a home network with Toshiba’s series of digital high-definition LCD TVs in the “REGZA Z1000″ series and with the “Qosmio G30″ AV notebook PC, which supports DLNA guideline, and allows users to playback the recorded titles on different devices on the network.
June 26th, 2006
Acer seem to have slipped under the radar with their new Viiv Media Center PC, the Aspire iDea 500. A press release was in circulation last month, but it’s only in the past couple of days that the tech press has sat up and taken notice - and what a good thing we did.
For a start it blends seamlessly into the living room environment. It’s one of the slimmest media center PCs that we’ve ever seen at 70mm high.
Secondly there’s been no skimping on the technical specification. It has an Intel Core Duo processor and a Gig of RAM. Where many manufacturers fall down when building a MCPC Acer has succeeded admirably by sticking in two hybrid Analog / DVB-T Tuners so you can watch and record at the same time.
With dual hybrid TV tuners, HDMI, SCART and numerous other ports combined with internal keyboard and remote control receivers as well as a memory card reader, the Aspire iDea has all the connections that you will need.
Most importantly for a PC that is going to sit in the living room it’s very quiet. At system idle, Acer says that the iDea 500 will sit around 23dBA of noise. Under more heavy loads, the system outputs roughly 28dBA.
June 6th, 2006
Blueado today announced the commercial availability of the new Blueado HDTV Mini Media Center, a complete home theater media center solution.
Blueado redefines what a mini media center should by introducing the worlds first mini media center with TV tuners, a 400 GB Hard Drive, and 2 gigabytes of memory standard. The Blueado HDTV Mini Media Center is the ideal home theater Media Center for anyone looking to add a sense of style and sophistication to their home theater.
“When we at Blueado decided to make the first Mini Media Center we made a commitment to to include a TV tuner inside it. Since late 2005 we’ve been working on a multi-TV tuner card solution that will fit inside our Mini Series. Today we are very excited to introduce the worlds first Blueado HDTV Mini Media Center.” Says Greg Snyder, Vice President of Product Development. “One of our goals is to provide a media center that works in any living room, that is why today we are also excited to introduce another industry first, Total TV Compatibility. This means that every Blueado Mini Media Center we make will be compatible with every single TV sold in America, today or seven years ago.”
The Blueado HDTV Mini Media Center can consolidate all your digital photos, organize your music and DVD collection, and replace your DVD player, DVD Recorder, and with the included programmable universal remote it can also replace all your remote controls. Every Blueado HDTV Mini Media Center includes My Blueado, the revolutionary online setup configuration tool that allows. customers to set up their TV signal, Speaker Configuration, and TV guide all from Blueado.com when they purchase the Blueado Mini. The Blueado Mini reduces the time required to set up the Blueado at home from hours to minutes. The Blueado HDTV Mini includes an impressive 54 Mbps 802.11g fast secure wireless networking adapter, that comes with a 3 feet cable to allow you to place it away from any home theater equipment. The included brand new Microsoft Media Center keyboard is a must have for enjoying online content from your living room. The new Blueado Mini includes two front USB ports for easy plug-n-play connections to popular peripherals such as Play For Sure MP3 players.
The new Blueado Mini offers a DVI, HDTV Component interface that supports out put to High Definition Televisions, and includes video output, S-Video out, and VGA. The 400 GB hard drive will provide over 100 hours of recorded Television and Pentium M along with the 2 Gigabytes of Memory provide enough power to record HDTV programing while enjoying the many other features.
The Blueado HDTV Mini is available directly from http://www.blueado.com for US customers.
The Blueado HDTV Mini m5e Sport Edition includes:
4.2 inches tall, under 8 inches wide, and just over 12 inches long
Built in Standard ATSC TV Tuner
Built in Over the air HDTV Tuner.
400 Gigabyte Storage will record over 100 hours of HDTV or over 200 hours of high quality standard video.
2 Gigabytes of Memory
Built in DVD Burner.
Pentium M 2.0GHZ
Dolby Digital Audio In
5.1 Dolby Digital Audio Out
5.and 6.1 DTS Digital Audio Out
Front USB 2.0 and Fire Wire Connections
7 Input Card Reader
DVI, S-Video, VGA, Standard Video Out, Component Video Out
Front Audio Out and In
My Blueado Software
My DVD Software
MCE Weather Software
MCE Auction Software
June 6th, 2006
Continuing its commitment to providing the most technologically superior HD plasma televisions for every room size and viewing environment, Panasonic, world leader in plasma manufacturing and sales, has once again raised the bar on HDTV performance with the release of two 58-inch, 1366 x 768-pixel resolution models capable of displaying nearly 29 billion colors with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio.
Scheduled to ship in early summer, both models feature Panasonic’s HDAVI (EZ-Sync) technology for single remote/one-button control of TV, DVD recorders and home theater systems, and incorporate an integrated SD Memory Card slot for instant, cableless viewing of digital images and slide shows.
“The new 58-inch plasma is the perfect complement to and rounds out Panasonic’s existing line by providing a screen size that fits nicely between our 50-inch and our soon to be delivered 65-inch 1080p plasma,” said Andrew Nelkin, Vice President of Panasonic’s Display Group.
“We exceeded all our expectations in 2005,” Nelkin continued. “It was an extraordinary year in which Panasonic made enormous gains in technology, sales, and industry recognition. This past year saw Panasonic’s plasmas rated at the top of a number of media best of the year awards, and we fully expect to repeat those results this year.
“Now that we’ve increased the number of our panel’s displayable colors from eight billion to nearly 29 billion with 3072 shades of gradation and upped our maximum contrast range from 3,000:1 to 10,000:1 to achieve the blackest blacks and whitest whites in the industry, we feel very confident of retaining our top ranking with both HDTV plasma buyers and the consumer electronics media.”
With such user-friendly features as SD Memory Card slots, EZ-Sync control of multiple components, HDMI inputs for single-cable routing of uncompressed high-resolution audio and video signals, TV Guide(TM) Electronic Program Guides(3), PC input(3), and CableCARD(3) compatibility, the new 58-inch TH- 58PX600U and TH-58PX60U models continue Panasonic’s drive to make access to all digital entertainment features as seamless and intuitive as possible.
“We believe that products facilitating the emerging Digital Lifestyle must be designed from a human engineering as well as an electronic engineering point of view,” Nelkin added.
“Take our new EZ-Sync. At first glance, it might look like just another so-called universal remote. But universal remotes are really not ‘universal’ at all. What they do is combine a bunch of incompatible controllers into one case. Playing a DVD with a DTS soundtrack with a universal remote requires pushing just as many buttons as using three separate remotes.
“With EZ-Sync, you press one button and the TV turns on, the DVD player turns on, and the home theater surround sound system turns on and automatically selects the right inputs and settings to use for the DVD.”
Nelkin added that such features as built-in memory card slots, single- cable connection to such components as DVD recorders and Media Center PCs and integrated CableCARD ports were all part of Panasonic’s goal of making “thedigital experience easier and more enjoyable.”
“Our customers are in the process of learning how to create a host of new experiences using Panasonic plasma TVs with the increasing number of services and applications newly available for their enjoyment,” Nelkin said. “This is not just the domain of the technically literate early adopters anymore. Increasingly, it has become the general public’s market — a user group of families, young singles, and retired couples who have come to appreciate the benefits and enjoyment inherent in the plasma-centric Digital Lifestyle.
“With this in mind, Panasonic’s 2006 Plasma TV models were designed with great attention to reducing and, in many cases eliminating, the whole concept of a learning curve.”
To meet the expanding worldwide demand for plasma TV, which is expected to top 25 million units in 2010, Panasonic is continually increasing its investment in every area of plasma technology from R&D to manufacturing.
Recent initiatives include the announcement of a new plasma panel factory, the company’s fourth, scheduled to go online in 2007 at Amagasaki, Japan. The new facility will increase Panasonic’s production capability by 170,000 panels a month, bringing the company’s total capacity to 592,000 42-inch-equivalent panels per month.
April 3rd, 2006
SageTV today released SageTV Media Center Version 4.0 for Windows, an upgrade to its Media Center software suite that adds the ability to watch or record HDTV programs and stream them anywhere in the home.
The new edition also enhances the rich feature set built into earlier versions by providing an integrated electronic program guides for Canada and Europe, expanded support for music file types and playlists, and a new configuration wizard that simplifies the process of turning Windows PCs into complete PVR/media centers.
Version 4.0 also includes the long-awaited SageTV Studio Software Development Kit, allowing complete customization of the SageTV user interface and seamless integration of new applications and online content such as RSS newsreaders, interactive weather maps and IMDB browsers into the SageTV Media Center software by users, developers and OEMs. The SageTV Studio SDK personal license comes free with every registered version of SageTV 4.0.
With the addition of HDTV recording and programming guide support, SageTV Media Center now enables Windows users to record a single show or whole season of their favorite standard and/or high-definition television programs on PCs equipped with the appropriate tuner cards. Users can also pause, rewind and fast-forward live or recorded cable, satellite or antenna TV shows, and record multiple shows simultaneously because of the application’s multiple tuner support. HD and standard definition programs can also be streamed to any PC on the network using SageTV Client, and to any TV in the house with the SageTV Media Extender scheduled for release by the end of the year.
For end users, the software eliminates the need to buy a new Windows XP MCE PC or Windows XP MCE operating system to record HDTV programs and obtain other PVR/media center capabilities. For OEMs, the application makes it possible to build leading multi-stream standard and high-definition PVR products that also provide access to all music, photo and movies on the network from a single interface on Windows PCs or Linux PCs and embedded set-tops.
Other new features in Version 4.0 include:
Support for integrated Canadian and European electronic program guides, improving usability for Canadian and European users. All guides provide up to 14 days of television listings directly from the SageTV interface, eliminating the need to switch to a separate online application to plan one’s TV viewing and recording.
Expanded support for music file types and playlists, enabling users to import playlists they have created in any PC music application utilizing ASF, WMA or WMV file formats as well as the MP3 format supported in earlier editions.
Integrated weather reports, now available from the SageTV interface at the user’s option.
New configuration wizard, enabling easier setup of all SageTV Media Center features ranging from music and photo locations to video playback checks and channel tuning including a HDTV signal strength indicator. Clear and simple wizard prompts allow users to choose setup options and media preferences in minutes.
Support for additional tuner cards and other hardware, enabling the application to support most major tuner cards in North America, Europe and Asia.
The SageTV Media Center software and Studio SDK is also available in a Linux OEM edition that enables OEMs to create powerful, reliable, custom-branded consumer electronics appliances including media centers, media extenders, NAS media servers with TV recording, and IPTV and broadband video on demand products at breakthrough feature/price points on x86 as well as embedded hardware.
SageTV Media Center Version 4.0 for Windows is available immediately at www.sagetv.com. SageTV, the core PVR/Media Center application, costs $79.95. SageTV Client, an add-on that allows both live and recorded content to be streamed to other networked PCs, costs $29.95. Minimum system requirements for recording HD include a 3 Ghz processor or a lower cost processor in combination with a video card and decoder that support DXVA; Windows 98SE through Windows XP including XP MCE; 256Mb of RAM; and 60GB of available hard drive space to store recorded content.
November 4th, 2005
Optima Technology Solutions, a leading Australian computer manufacturer, has launched a new compact Media Centre PC designed for the lounge room that supports high-definition TV and electronic program guides.
The Optima Entertainment Media Centre is an all-in-one digital entertainment system that allows users to enjoy DVDs, television, music and digital photos through the use of a single remote control. Preinstalled with the latest Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 featuring Update Rollup 2, the system supports a range of new capabilities not available in original Media Centre PCs, including high-definition TV and video, and the Media Center Extender functionality of Xbox 360.
“Sized and shaped much like a traditional DVD player and sold to customers without a monitor, the Optima Entertainment Media Centre is more of a consumer electronic product than a standard PC – a central digital hub that’s perfect for the lounge room rather than the study,” said David Choi, Retail Product Manager, Optima. “By hitting a sub-$2,000 price point with this product we are delivering a unique value proposition to the local market, making Windows Media Center technology more affordable and accessible to Australian consumers.”
Unlike earlier Media Centre models, the Optima Entertainment Media Centre supports an optional built-in electronic program guide (EPG) – an application that provides users with an on-screen listing of all programming and content available to them on free-to-view television.
“Delivering leading-edge technology to our customers, we have bundled our new Entertainment Media Centre with a free 30-day trial of the IceGuide EPG, giving them the opportunity to experience first-hand the benefits of an EPG to the overall digital TV experience,” said Choi. “Using the IceGuide service, viewers can easily see what shows are scheduled for the coming week and select the TV broadcasts that they want to record - all at the touch of a button. Recorded shows can be played back from the hard drive, or burned to DVD for archiving or future viewing.”
An Intel Pentium D dual-core processor gives the Optima Entertainment Media Centre enough power to handle different tasks simultaneously, including video editing, downloading music and playing games. The processor is complemented by an Intel 945G chipset, which delivers outstanding system performance through a range of high-bandwidth interfaces such as dual-channel DDR2 memory and up to 1066MHz system bus. These advanced features help deliver exceptional performance for digital content creation and multimedia entertainment.
The Optima Entertainment Media Centre features a range of front and rear connections, including Firewire and SPDIF audio in/out, for working with a range of multimedia devices, monitors and displays. It is a versatile unit that can be fully customised to meet customer requirements.
“Making the most of an advanced cooling module, the new hub is also ultra quiet. In terms of both look and performance, it has been designed for lounge room use,” Choi said.
The Optima Entertainment Media Centre (RRP: A$1,999 inc GST) also includes a dual layer DVD+/- RW burner, integrated 10/100/1000 LAN, 7.1-channel high definition audio, wireless keyboard with built-in track ball mouse and a remote control. It comes with a three-year onsite warranty and is available now from Optima and its value-added resellers and retailers located throughout Australia.
November 4th, 2005
Media Center PC World have posted a reserved, but ultimately complementary review of the new AverMedia AverTV Hybrid+FM Cardbus digital TV tuner.
It seems that the hardware is great, but the AverTV software lets the side down. Still, the guys and galls at MCPW gave it a try with Showshifer, the PVR software, and it worked faultlessly.
We’re pretty excited about the prospect of all these hybrid (DVB-T and analogue) cards hitting the market and even more excited about mobile versions. There are a DVB-T only USB stick versions around, but so far the AverTV Hybrid+FM Cardbus seems to be the smallest hybrid.
Best of all the AverTV Hybrid+FM Cardbus isn’t power-hungry so your laptop battery won’t keel over midway through Lost.
October 7th, 2005
JVC has begun shipping its new line of high definition LCD televisions, with screen sizes ranging from 26 to 40 inches, each featuring an integrated tuner for receiving digital broadcasts and an HDMI input. Boasting a high resolution widescreen W-XGA LCD display that delivers high brightness, a wide viewing angle and flicker-free picture, the new line includes 770p 26-, 32-, 37- and 40-inch models and features a sleek, elegantly designed cabinet.
JVC’s top-end LCD series includes the LT-26X776, LT-32X776, LT-37X776 and the LT-40X776, all based on a 1366 x 768 WXGA panel. Each includes a built-in ATSC tuner and CableCARD™ capability, which eliminates the need for a separate set-top box; HDMI input for a simple, one-wire digital and audio connection; dual IEEE 1394 inputs for connection to a video camera or other device; and a fully illuminated universal remote control for easy operation in a darkened room. The 40-inch LT-40X776 adds a memory card slot to view images captured from a digital camera.
All four sets feature the company’s fourth generation Digital Image Scaling Technology (D.I.S.T.) that upconverts any video source to 770p and GENESSA, a new 32-bit CPU dedicated to controlling picture refinement. These proprietary technologies work in tandem to optimize image quality regardless of the source, and to deliver a smooth picture while enhancing vertical resolution. Another exclusive is JVC’s Five-Point Color Management that samples red, green, blue, yellow and flesh tones and adjusts each separately to delivers vivid color reproduction.
The sets also include JVC’s HD DSD (Digital Super Detail) edge enhancement which is active on still, fast and slow motion areas of the picture for crisp defined edges. JVC further enhances the home theater entertainment experience by adding Dynamic Gamma Control Circuitry and home theater features that include TheaterPro D6500K Color Temperature, Digital Noise Clear circuitry, Interactive Plug-in Menu, XDS ID display, and Natural Cinema 3-2 pull down with on/off capability for all telecine sources.
“JVC’s devotion to innovation, especially image quality has garnered the company industry accolades, most recently for our HD-ILA line of LCoS-based rear-projection micro displays,” said Dan McCarron, National Product Manager, Consumer Display Division, JVC Company of America. “As popularity of LCD televisions continues to surge JVC is offering a wide range of screen sizes and features to meet heavy consumer demand. Our 770p line of LCDs packs an array of new technologies that gives JVC’s customers one of the sharpest, most vivid pictures available at a great value.”
Pricing is as follows:
LT-26X776 - $2,499.95
LT-32X776 - $3,299.95
LT-37X776 - $4,099.95
LT-40X776 - $4,999.95
September 9th, 2005
No more running cables or tripping over speaker wires now that Logitech has announced what they claim is the world’s first THX-certified 5.1 speaker system with digital wireless dual rear speakers. The new Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers, ideal for use with the living room entertainment center or the office PC, provide flexibility in setting up an instant surround-sound system. Each of the independent rear speakers can be placed anywhere within 8.5 meters (28 feet) of the speaker system control center, requiring only a power outlet; no unsightly speaker wires running around the room, yet no compromise on quality. With THX-certification and 315 watts of power, these speakers help create a theater-quality movie watching experience and provide enough thump to help people feel like they’re inside the game.
Logitech also extended its award-winning Z-series family of speakers to include the new Logitech Z-4 speaker system: an affordable and stylish 2.1 system with a new three-driver satellite design that delivers great performance for listening to digital music on a computer or a portable music player.
“Historically, delivering high-quality sound wirelessly has been a major challenge,” said Ray Weikel, Logitech’s director of product marketing for audio. “The Z-5450 speakers master this challenge, while they alleviate the age-old nuisance of pulling up carpet or crawling through a home’s foundation just to hide speaker wire. These are powerful, high-performance speakers that deliver on the promise of the Z-series family name without compromise, yet add a whole new element of wireless flexibility to multimedia entertainment.”
Whether in an office, a home theater or a gaming environment, one of the most frustrating aspects of a 5.1 speaker system installation is running the speaker cables for the rear satellites - not anymore. The Logitech Z-5450 Digital system’s two rear speakers each feature their own built-in wireless receiver and power amplifier. All each rear speaker needs is a power outlet. Other wireless systems on the market use a single wireless receiver for the back of the room with speaker cable running out to each of the two rear speakers - creating more clutter than Logitech’s design. Its breakthrough design allows the Z-5450 Digital speaker system to be installed quickly and easily in virtually any room configuration.
The Logitech Z-5450 Digital system uses digital 2.4 GHz wireless technology, with adaptive frequency hopping, to minimize any chance of interference. Any potential performance problems due to interference are virtually eliminated due to the fact that the system intelligently sends redundant wireless transmissions to each rear satellite; if one data stream is lost, a second identical stream is captured. And the Logitech dual wireless speaker solution has very low latency, less than 20 milliseconds, which is imperceptible to the human ear.
For DVD aficionados, music enthusiasts and gamers alike, the THX-approved Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers deliver highly refined 5.1 digital surround sound in any room. The system includes inputs for up to seven multimedia devices, which makes it versatile for use with a PC or in a living room entertainment center. The system features stylish chrome satellites - with optional cloth grills - that have rotating stands, which make them easy to mount to a wall or to position on a table or desktop. The speakers also come with the Digital SoundTouch Control Center, which serves as a wireless control center and digital decoder, and provides people with a convenient backlit LCD, making it easy to configure the system for ideal listening settings. The Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers decode a broad range of formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and DTS 96/24. The system also comes with a convenient wireless remote control.
The Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers will be available in the U.S. beginning in September for a suggested retail price of $499.99.
The new 2.1 Logitech Z-4 speakers offer premium sound and a modern design at an affordable price. Each satellite features a sleek new satellite design with three drivers, providing a rich, full-audio experience. The speakers also include Logitech’s patented pressure driver subwoofer technology, which delivers powerful, distortion-free bass.
The speakers come in two colors - high-gloss black (the Logitech Z-4 speakers) and white (the Logitech Z-4i speakers) - each contrasted by cast-metal stands. The systems come with a wired remote control that includes a headphone jack, volume and power controls. Both speaker systems also allow MP3 players, CD players or other portable audio devices to be easily connected through an auxiliary port. The Logitech Z-4 and Z-4i speakers will be available in the U.S. and in Europe beginning in October, for a suggested retail price of $99.99 in the U.S.
September 7th, 2005
Intel and Philips are partnering to produce a Media Center PC - just don’t call it a PC.
It will be positioned as an entertainment device, said Philips spokesperson Simon Poulter. “We’re not calling it a PC, even though the device has a lot of PC functionality. We want it to be seen as an entertainment center.”
Well, Microsoft have been trying to do that for years now without much luck, so it will be interesting to see if Philips manage any better. As a company with a heritage in consumer electronics they have a chance, but if the resulting device is essentially a PC, a sceptical public isn’t going to fall for it.
The PC-based Philips system, called the Philips Showline Media Center MCP 9350i, includes a card that allows users to watch two TV channels simultaneously, a 250-gigabyte hard disk drive for storing music and photos, and a recorder for DVDs and CDs.
Source: [l=http://www.mediacenterpcworld.com/news/510]MediaCenterPCWorld.com[el]
September 6th, 2005
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