Posts filed under 'Home Theater / Cinema'
Listening, viewing, enjoying. 3:0 for Epson’s new home cinema center. Elegant design, ease of use and highest convenience. Just one device is sufficient for the extraordinary cinema experience. Epson EMP-TWD1 features all in one. The latest device of Epson’s home cinema range combines DVD player, surround system and projector. This device provides a crystal clear image of the 5th Epson 3LCD-technology generation. The integrated DVD player and the JVC sound system compliment the combined device. For an exceptional home cinema experience just plug in the power cable, insert the DVD and press start - and films, sport events and concerts are displayed at home.
The benefit: A large room is not required. A 1.20m wide image can be generated at a distance of just 1.50m. The new Epson EMP-TWD1 tops the plasma and LCD screens also in this respect.
All Epson home cinema projectors feature a lens shift function ensuring a perfect image even when the projector is positioned off-centre. No image distortion thanks to horizontal and vertical image shift control. The integrated cinema filters for excellent presentation of colour and mono values top off the cinema feeling. It only takes a single step to experience the world of home cinema. The Epson EMP-TWD1 can also be used as a surround hi-fi system when not viewing a film. The small Epson device can also be integrated in large systems and can be connected to an external tuner and game console, video recorder or S (Y/C) video.
Furthermore, it can also be used as a “slide projector” for viewing holiday snaps from the CD directly. Thus, it becomes the core device of the home entertainment system for experience at home or with friends and family. The home cinema expert weighs only 7 kg enabling easy transport. Easy and rapid installation and dismantling. With this device you are well-equipped for the football Worldcup 2006. Experience the games live and feel the fascination! The Epson EMP-TWD1 can be connected directly with a DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial) or a satellite receiver. Epson EMP-TWD1 - all-in-one!
The Epson EMP-TWD1 will be available in shops as of September 2005 priced EUR 1,299.
September 4th, 2005
Dell today introduced its most powerful, highest resolution projector that produces detailed images and includes leading features for home cinemas.
The Dell 5100MP is a high-performance, high-brightness projector that is currently the only product in its class for less than $3,500. It features a 3,300 ANSI lumens (max)(b) brightness rating, SXGA+ (1400 X 1050) resolution and 2,500:1 contrast ratio for distinct black colors.
The ability to project true high-definition content makes the 5100MP ideal for home theaters.
“Dell is extending its legacy of delivering high-performance and high-quality projectors with innovative features at ground-breaking prices,” said Gerry Smith, vice president, Dell product group. “The 5100MP augments our projector offerings and gives us the ability to offer customers an ultimate projector with extreme brightness and high-resolution at a great price.”
The 5100MP Projector offers the most connectivity options in the Dell projector line-up and includes an RJ-45 port for network-based monitoring and troubleshooting. Other ports include HDMI, composite, VGA, M1 and S-Video, among others. Preset and user-programmable video and graphics modes help ensure optimal color performance, regardless of content displayed. Automatic vertical keystone correction technology helps ensure that a symmetrical image is displayed even when the projector is at an angle to the screen.
The 5100MP, housed in a sturdy magnesium chassis with silver accents, includes flexible installation options. Users can mount it to a ceiling (with optional kit), project from behind a screen or use it with a notebook or desktop system.
Dell also launched its standard projector ceiling installation service for business and institutional customers that is ideal for conference and training rooms. The service is available with all of Dell’s projectors, including the 1100MP, 2300MP, 4100MP and 5100MP.
This projector is available today in the United States and Canada and will be offered in other regions later this year. More information and specifications can be found at http://www.dell.com/projectors.
August 24th, 2005
Cannon PC, a Texas-based company specialising in Media Center PCs, have released three high end living room style Media Center PCs. They are specifically designed for home theater, home automation and gaming enthusiasts.
All three units are powered by Intel Pentium technology and Microsoft Media Center 2005 and are available in brushed black or silver anodized aluminum living room style cases. All units are built on Microsoft certified hardware for optimal stability and performance. A key feature in each of the units is dual drives, one for the operating system and one for the data storage such as movies, recorded TV, and music. The data storage drive is a hot swappable SATA 150 drive.
Each unit also contains a 12 in 1 front access media card reader, dual analog TV tuners, HDTV tuner (optional on MC-1000), dual layer DVD/CD writer, FM Radio, front panel led display, 802.11g/b wireless network connection, dual gigabit LAN connections, fire wire 800 and fire wire 400, 7 USB 2.0 ports, 8 channel 192KHz/24 bit HD audio. All these features are packaged in a sleek living room style case that is whisper quiet.
Any of the systems are completely customizable to user specifications. Prices start at $2299 for the introductory MC-1000 model and range up to $3,799 for the ultimate MC-3000 model. The company offers a unique purchasing reward system that allows customers to earn points on each purchase. These points are redeemable on future purchases and they never expire.
“The Cannon PC is an amazing Media Center. It has more features that any of the other products we have examined. It will be an ideal addition to controling our customers HAI home automation systems.” said Rob Fones of SandCastle Enterprises, Inc., a home automation and security company based in Houston, Texas.
John Hinote of Prescion Home Entertainment said “…we were looking at Media Centers when we were introduced to the Cannon PC Media Center. We were blown away. The units are very stable and quiet. We are offereing them to all our home theater customers.”
July 11th, 2005
Video Without Boundaries announced today it has begun shipping the VWB MediaREADY 5000, its top-of-the-line advanced digital media center, to retailers and OEMs around the world.
As VWB’s most complete product, the MediaREADY 5000 connects people simply to all the possibilities found in their digital entertainment world. No bigger than a conventional VHS or DVD player, the MediaREADY 5000 delivers a Tivo-like Personal Video Recorder (PVR), DVD/MPEG 1, 2 and 4 playback, storage/retrieval via its onboard hard drive or PC-based home networked hard drive, electronic program guide, Internet browsing, email, MP3, WAV and CD playback, streaming video and audio, karaoke, games, and media jukebox.
Even more, for European consumers the MediaREADY 5000 also supports Freeview free-to-air digital television support based on DVB-T standards. The unit delivers a DVB-T program guide, European PAL broadcast support, and power conversion suitable for all European electrical currents.
“Video Without Boundaries’ MediaREADY 5000 is the digital home entertainment solution millions of consumers have been awaiting,” said Jeffrey Harrell, CEO and president of VWB. “With this unit, our customers will finally be able to connect all their digital entertainment alternatives more simply and easily than ever before.”
The MediaREADY 5000 digital media center uses the Linux operating system to create an open-standards product that will never become outdated or obsolete. With the MediaREADY 5000, users can enjoy a wealth of options such as recording live TV, watching a movie stored on their family room PC from their bedroom, playing hours of MP3 songs throughout the house, or answering email on their big-screen TV.
VWB’s MediaREADY 5000 comes complete with full-sized wireless keyboard and infrared remote control, 120 GB hard drive, and Firewire (400 Mbps) and 802.11 (54 Mbps) wireless or Ethernet (100 Mbps) wired support. The unit retails at an MSRP of $899 USD and is now available for retail or OEM delivery worldwide.
VWB expects to make specific retailer announcements regarding the MediaREADY 5000 in coming weeks. For a full guide to the MediaREADY 5000 advanced digital media center, go to www.vwbinc.com.
June 29th, 2005
Hope springs eternal, and the new Toshiba president, Atsutoshi Nishida who only took office on Friday, has vowed to unify the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats.
Seemingly dismissive of reports in the press last week that both Toshiba and Sony were abandoning talks, Nishida said in an interview with Kyodo News, “we will continue efforts….for the sake of users.”
Nishida stated that the problem of having two next-generation DVD formats should not be ignored because of the near-sighted policies of both sides and offered an olive branch to Sony by saying that the companies “should deepen technological studies so as to realise a unification as the best format”.
However, in amongst all the conciliatory words was an attack on Sony, who Nishida obviously blames for the failure of talks. He claimed that Sony’s refusal to accept a compromise format based on anything other than Blu-Ray technology “leaves no room for negotiations”.
For the moment then, both sides will push to market with their respective products. The fact that a new president at Toshiba has left the door open for a unified format is probably nothing more than a sign that Toshiba is worried that HD-DVD will not be the eventual winner.
Source: DVD Recorder World
June 27th, 2005
You wait years for a digital / analogue combo TV tuner and then two come along all at once.
First the AverMedia AVerTV Hybrid+FM PCI. Unlike in the past, when a user would have to purchase different TV cards for different standards, the AVerTV Hybrid+FM PCI serves all. Current and future needs are covered saving users both time and money with the AVerTV Hybrid+FM PCI, which allows users to watch; both Analogue TV and Digital Terrestrial TV as well as allowing them to listen to FM or Digital Radio.
The AVerTV Hybrid+FM PCI is jam packed with all the functions you would expect of AVerMedia’s award winning range of TV Tuners such as watching, recording, playback and pausing of live TV. With the new Digital TV format, users can watch up to 6 times as many channels as they could with the Analogue standard thus an electronic programme guide is also included to ensure users don’t miss any of their favourite programmes.
Recording programmes couldn’t be simpler! Record programs to MPEG 1/2 or 4 format to allow easy recording to DVD, and even choose to record in silence… users can record their favourite day time programmes while they work without the boss knowing with the new ‘Silent Record’ function.
AVerMedia’s latest software application included with the new AVerTV Hybrid+FM PCI, ‘AVerTV 6’, has been ergonomically designed to fit in with any lifestyle, incorporating advanced functions such as ‘multi-user setting’ and ‘wake-up recording from hibernate/standby mode’ as well as offering easy to use settings for smooth, no-fuss control.
The A16AH is certified by Microsoft for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (DVB-T standard applicable only) demonstrating recognition of a stable, industry leading product and future proofing users for tomorrow’s technology.
The AVerTV Hybrid+FM PCI is available now for £74.99 inc. VAT.
Hot on its heels comes the Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1100, available from mid July, is compatible with Microsoft’s Windows Media Center Edition (MCE) 2005, appealing to system builders wanting to develop PCs suitable for any location in the UK.
Hauppauge claims it’s a world first, but by our reckoning AverMedia beat it to an annoucement and to launch.
The hybrid card overcomes the problems of selling digital-only MCE PCs in the UK as around 25% of the country still has no digital coverage (including TechSmec.com Towers - only 15 miles from London). The “one size fits all” approach will allow PC makers to streamline production, and remove the problem of returned product.
“Talking to PC makers it is obvious that the 25% of UK homes that cannot receive Freeview is a problem,” said Yehia Oweiss, Managing Director of Hauppauge Digital UK. “It means twice the number of configurations, plus the cost and hassle of accommodating returns if digital reception is poor. With the HVR-1100 there’s no question – it will receive TV.”
Hauppauge also believes the HVR-1100 will overcome the wait-and-see approach for buyers who do not yet have Freeview – they can buy a Media Center PC now and enjoy Freeview reception as soon as it switched on in their area.
The HVR-1100 is a standard size PCI TV tuner card with a single, shared aerial socket. It will be available this month as part of pre-built Media Center PCs, and should be available in retail packages, priced at £79.99 inc VAT, from mid-July.
Source: Media Center PC World - AverMedia, Hauppauge
June 16th, 2005
Niveus Media has announced that its Denali Edition media center is now available.
“We’re pleased to announce that the Denali Edition is now available to both the tech-savvy consumers who prefer to purchase products via the web and the high-end audio/video consumers who enjoy receiving a live demo of the product before purchasing,” said Tim Cutting, CEO of Niveus Media. “The Denali Edition, with its silent, fanless construction, exotic metalwork and high-end rear A/V ports is unique enough that many need to see the product in person to appreciate the craftsmanship that went in to the design and manufacturing of this product. In addition to the Magnolia and Tweeter showrooms, customers will benefit from knowledgeable sales consultants, and award winning installation services.”
The award-winning Niveus Media Center goes well beyond any other media center on the market. The “Denali Edition” has the attributes of high-end A/V gear, including an A/V-style form-factor, silent operation enabled by the passive cooling technology, and a complete A/V rear panel of high-quality connections, including gold-plated RCA and BNC connectors for Component Video. Additionally, the “Denali Edition” is built with only the highest quality audio and video components, including television tuners, and video processing certified by the Image Science Foundation (ISF).
Unlike other Living Room Media Center PCs, the “Denali Edition” will support future upgrades. Niveus Media remains committed to providing its customers with both hardware & software upgrades as new updates, versions and products become available. “When Microsoft released the 2005 version of the Windows XP Media Center software, we offered our 2004 customers not only the ability to upgrade to the new software, but also upgrade their hardware allowing them to take full advantage of the dual-tuner functionality newly available in 2005,” said Cutting. “We plan to continue this tradition of protecting our customers’ investment in our products as new software and hardware becomes available and is qualified by our engineering team.”
The Niveus Media Center - Denali Edition is now available through retailers including Magnolia Audio/Video, Tweeter Audio/Video and select dealers nationwide. The Denali Edition starts at $4599. For further details, visit the company website at: www.niveusmedia.com
June 16th, 2005
Sharp will launch the world’s largest LCD TV into the Japanese market in the form of the LC-65GE1. The screen has a HD picture with 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels of resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, a brightness of 630 candela per square meter, and a viewing angle of 170 degrees.
All that size doesn’t come cheap though as the LC-65GE1 will set back the Japanese customer $15,560 when it goes on sale on August 1.
Sharp does plan to market the TV outside of Japan, but no dates or prices have yet been set. Exclusivity is the name of the game here. Only 1300 will be produced every month.
June 3rd, 2005
AOpen has debuted its full series ePCs at the Computex Taipei 2005. Because ePCs are designed for home entertainment, the look-and-feel of the ePCs are designed to look like consumer electronic products which can be arranged in a rack for home audio and video equipment.
“The ePCs are based on digital entertainment platforms which can fit ideally in different users environments,” said Bernie Tsai, president of AOpen. “AOpen Media Center Server 400/410 is an ideal choice for the main living room, while AOpen XC REC6 is a model for the sitting room,” Tsai elaborated. The various models of ePCs form AOpen’s digital home entertainment solutions and are used in different scenarios. The ePCs are showcased in different scenarios at Computex Taipei 2005.
The AOpen Media Center Server 400/410
AOpen Media Center Server 400/410 is designed to look like a conventional audio amplifier. The housing of the innovative product is designed with storage space for seven hard drives. The system is developed with the functions to receive video streams from multiple TV channels. A user can record video streams or TV programs of up to three different TV channels with built-in hard drives. The user can manage, edit, browse, or play back the recorded video streams or TV programs recorded in the system hard drives.
The system also supports multiple screen output. A user can display the video output of different TV channels to separate video output devices such as a HDTV or plasma display. The Media Center Server 400/410 is ideal for a home with multiple TV sets.
The system is built with vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) panel which shows the system playback status clearly. The remote control of the system enables users to operate the system conveniently.
“Powered by the functions of high performance AOpen Media Center Server 400/410, the users can watch and record TV programs, play music CDs and MP3 music, play VCD and DVD movies,” explained Vincent Cho, VP and GM of Solution Products Business Unit. “As the most powerful digital home entertainment platform in the IT industry, the product is expected to start a digital home entertainment revolution in the near future,” Cho predicted.
Features of Media Server 400
* Built with large size VFD which shows system playback status clearly.
* Designed with dual-channel TV tuner – the user can watch the program of a TV channel while recording the TV program of another TV broadcast station.
* Supports Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition.
* Supports 7.1-channel surround sound.
* Supports Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz 820 processor which is designed with dual core and Hyper-Threading technology.
* Supports dual channel DDR II 533/667 MHz and expandable to 4 GB.
* Provides PCI-Express x16 and PCI expansion slots.
* Provides one ATA and six Serial ATA connectors.
* Built-in 250 GB hard drive.
* Built-in DVD Combo drive.
* Built-in 10/100/1000 Mb LAN interface.
* Full function remote control.
* Provides S-Video, YPbPr, and D4 video output connectors.
AOpen XC REC6 – AV system for sitting room, a combination of bed room AV system and conventional PC
Although AOpen XC REC6 is also designed for providing digital home entertainment, the look-and-feel of XC REC6 is totally different from that of AOpen Media Center Server. The stylish and super slim XC REC6 is only 6.9 cm (2.72”) in height, making it ideal for sitting room.
Despite its compact size, the product features the VFD panel and the push buttons which allow the user to operate the system easily and examine its operation status. Even though it is one of the slimmest desktop PCs in the world, the small size does not mean performance sacrifice. It supports nearly all important audio and video interfaces including S-Video, YPbPr, and D4 connectors for displaying video output to HDTVs or LCD screens.
AOpen XC REC6 is designed to be driven by Intel Pentium M processors, which consume less electric power, generate less heat, and run quietly.
EP915-M
* The size of the product is only 8.9 liters – nearly the same as home electronic products.
* Provides one 5.25” and one 3.5” drive bay.
* Built with a stylish VFD panel to show operation status.
* Supports Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition.
* Supports multiple-channel audio outputs.
* 275W power supply.
* Dimensions: 69mm(H) x 300mm(L) x 430mm(W); 2.72” x 11.81” x 16.93”
* Supports Intel Pentium M Dothan processors.
* Supports Intel i915G and ICH6 chipsets.
* Supports dual channel DDR II 400/533 MHz.
* Provides PCI-Express x16 and PCI expansion slots.
* Provides ATAand Serial ATAconnectors.
* Provides S-Video, YPbPr, D4 video output connectors.
* Provides USB, IEEE1394, and HD Audio 7.1-channel sound.
* Built-in 10/100/1000 Mb LAN connector.
June 2nd, 2005
Toshiba has announced a significantly expanded 2005 flat panel line-up with 19 flat panel TVs, ranging from Plasma to LCD to LCD with built-in DVD (LCDVD).
In addition, Toshiba introduced the new SoundStrip speaker system. This new system creates a space-saving and cosmetically pleasing design by eliminating the extra space of traditional side or bottom speakers.
Featuring models in both the TheaterWide and Cinema Series product lines Toshiba now offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive selections of flat panel TVs, and the industry’s largest selection of LCDVD. Toshiba’s flat panel TVs give consumers the option to make high quality television part of any room design or lifestyle.
“With flat panel TV models from 14″ to 50″, Toshiba’s extensive 2005 line-up provides every conceivable option for the consumer,” said Scott Ramirez, VP, Marketing. “Moving the category forward, our industry leading line-up of eight LCDVD combo models provides the ultimate in convenience, and integration into any home decor.”
Toshiba boasts one of the widest arrays of flat panel TVs in the industry,
including screen sizes ranging from 14 to 50 inches measured diagonally, with a selection of widescreen Plasma, widescreen LCD, widescreen LCDVD combo and standard (4:3) LCD.
To ensure the highest possible picture quality, Toshiba will incorporate
its next generation PixelPure AT Digital Video Processing into most of its widescreen HD flat panel models. PixelPure AT (Adaptive Technology) will deliver the consistently high quality picture expected from Toshiba TVs.
AT includes:
- Motion Adaptive De-Interlacing
- Adaptive MPEG Processing
- Adaptive Contrast Enhancement
- Adaptive Color Enhancement
True to Toshiba’s heritage of offering feature-rich products, all
widescreen HD models will also include HDMI(TM) digital inputs for
uncompressed, pure digital video, and CableClear DNR video noise reduction which reduces video noise for a clean, crisp image. In addition, all Integrated HD flat panel TV models include a CableCARD slot, TV Guide On Screen and Toshiba’s new Channel Browser system, which brings the Back Button to the TV.
May 21st, 2005
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