HDTV news overview
Sony VRD-MC5 DVDirect recorder introduction
July 17, 2007 8:40 pm
 Sony Electronics today unveils its next-generation multi-function DVDirect™ DVD recorder which can quickly transfer high-definition home videos and digital photos to DVD discs without using a computer.
The new Sony VRD-MC5 model can now transfer AVCHD™ quality videos to DVD discs in their native 1080i HD resolution when connected directly to a Sony hard drive or Memory Stick® Handycam® camcorder. The resulting DVD can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc™ devices, including players and computer drives as well as PlayStation® 3 (PS3™) computer entertainment systems.
The VRD-MC5 recorder can also transfer standard-definition home videos to DVD without the complexity of using a computer from virtually any camcorder, VCR or digital video recorder. The new model includes Digital Video (i.LINK®/FireWire®/IEEE-1394), S-Video, Composite Video inputs, and USB (for Sony hard drive, DVD, and Memory Stick Handycam camcorders). DVD video discs recorded in this manner are playable in most consumer DVD players.
... continue reading Sony VRD-MC5 DVDirect recorder introduction
Logitech MX Air mouse introduction
July 15, 2007 11:38 am
 Logitech introduced the Logitech® MX Air™ Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse, a versatile laser mouse that works on the desk and in the air.
Similar to the way people use a remote to control a television, when holding the MX Air mouse, people can now lean back and relax while navigating the computer and enjoying multimedia content.
For many, the computer is now much more than a productivity tool. It serves as a hub for digital media, demanding a new way for people to control, consume and enjoy music, photos, videos and HDTV on the PC.
To enable effortless in-air navigation, the new mouse combines three important technologies ”“ Freespace™ motion-control, gesture command and wireless ”“ so people can point, select and play media files with just a flick of the wrist.
... continue reading Logitech MX Air mouse introduction
Sony PS3 starter pack for Europe
July 13, 2007 8:50 pm
 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the availability of a high value Starter Pack for PLAYSTATION®3, comprising a PS3, two first party games and two SIXAXIS™ wireless controllers, at 599 Euro.
Rolling out across the SCEE territories from 13th July, and in all territories by 1st August, the new Starter Pack represents exceptional value for money as an entry point into the exciting world of High Definition interactive entertainment with PLAYSTATION 3.
The choice of first party games available in the Starter Pack will vary to suit the interests of entertainment enthusiasts in each country, but will include million sellers such as Resistance Fall of Man™ and MotorStorm™; titles specifically chosen to demonstrate the stunning graphics and enhanced gameplay of High Definition games on Blu-ray disc.
With an additional wireless SIXAXIS, motion sensitive controller provided for head to head and multi player gaming, the Starter Pack is sure to appeal to those seeking to enhance their entertainment experience with the best of 21st century technology.
... continue reading Sony PS3 starter pack for Europe
Belkin N1 Vision Wireless Router with Network Display
July 11, 2007 10:20 am
 Belkin unveils the new Belkin N1 Vision wireless router with an advanced interactive network display that allows you to view the activity of your network. Packaged in a new sleek and sophisticated design, the Belkin N1 Vision offers the best in networking performance with its wireless 802.11n* 3×3 MIMO radio design and wired gigabit ports.
The N1 Vision wireless router also continues Belkin’s commitment in providing the best user experience through its plug-and-play “CD-less” installation and simple network security setup.
The Belkin N1 Vision will be available in late July 2007 with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia to follow.
Patent-pending Belkin LCD displays your:
• Download/Upload Speedometer
• Network Bandwidth Usage
• Number of Connected Devices
• Guest Access Network Key
• Date and Time
... continue reading Belkin N1 Vision Wireless Router with Network Display
Casio EX-S880 and EX-Z77 with Youtube capture mode
12:14 am
 Casio announced today the release of two new digital cameras with the cutting-edge EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module.
In conjunction with the release of these cameras, Casio, Inc. announced today their agreement with YouTube to include a unique YouTube Capture mode and bundle software to provide ideal settings for recording, storing and uploading video on the company’s newest EXILIM digital cameras ”“ EX-S880 and EX-Z77.
This agreement represents an effort by Casio, Inc. to directly engage the YouTube community by simplifying the process of creating and sharing videos.
“The increased popularity of video sharing Web sites such as YouTube offers a great opportunity for innovation,” said John Homlish, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Casio, Inc. “We recognized that there was a demand for an easier way to upload high-quality video and are thrilled to be the first digital camera company to be able to offer a solution for consumers.”
... continue reading Casio EX-S880 and EX-Z77 with Youtube capture mode
Hisense and Metalink collaborate in HDTV over wireless
July 9, 2007 8:31 pm
 Hisense, a leading provider of consumer electronics, household appliances and information technology, and Metalink Ltd. (NASDAQ: MTLK), a provider of high-performance wireless and wireline broadband communication silicon solutions, today announced their collaboration to offer innovative and cost-effective solutions for delivering high-definition (HD) multimedia over wireless home networks.
Hisense selected Metalink’s 802.11n-compliant WLANPlus technology to enable the wireless transmission of multiple HD TV streams from a centrally-located DTVs, PVRs and STBs to any room in the house.
Metalink’s WLANPlus chipset family is a best-in-breed technology for wireless delivery of video-grade content in the home network environment, supporting up to 300Mbps transmission speeds using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
The WLANPlus chipset family offers more than twice the reach of competing 802.11n solutions due to its implementation of a Maximum Likelihood (ML) decoder combined with advanced Forward Error Correction (FEC) scheme and the use of Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) technology. WLANPlus offers the best match for various applications ranging from Residential Gateways, Access Points and Routers to PC cards, STBs, DMAs and wireless HDTVs.
... continue reading Hisense and Metalink collaborate in HDTV over wireless
New AMD ATI HDTV solutions for Notebook and Desktop
July 8, 2007 8:46 pm
 AMD (NYSE: AMD) today introduced two new solutions that offer high-definition television (HDTV) viewing and digital video recording (DVR) capabilities on desktop and notebook PCs. With the launch of these two new multimedia products, AMD continues to blaze a leadership path in video capture that bridges the analog and digital HDTV worlds.
With the external plug-and-play ATI TV Wonder™ 600 USB, a desktop or notebook PC easily becomes a feature-rich DVR for HDTVs. The easy to install TV Wonder 650 Combo PCIe is a combo tuner that can capture both locally-available over-the-air and cable programming, including HDTV where available. The PCIe add-in card offers ClearQAM technology that captures unscrambled digital channels that may have previously been unavailable. Both products come with AMD’s Catalyst Media Center™ software, and integrate seamlessly with Windows Vista® Media Center and Windows® XP Media Center Edition.
“More and more, customers are using the PC as a digital hub for TV and video capture and these solutions put The Ultimate Visual Experience™ in reach of almost any PC user,” said Matt Skynner, vice president of marketing, Graphics Product Group, AMD. “These new HDTV tuner products provide a perfect complement to AMD’s graphics solutions, AMD LIVE!™ platforms, and AMD Turion™ 64 mobile technology-based notebooks ”“ delivering simplified home theater PC options that come together for uncompromising visual quality and ease of use.”
... continue reading New AMD ATI HDTV solutions for Notebook and Desktop
Microsoft Expands Xbox 360 Warranty
July 5, 2007 8:03 pm
 Microsoft Corp. announced that it will expand its global Xbox 360™ warranty coverage. Any Xbox 360 customer who experiences a general hardware failure indicated by three flashing red lights will now be covered by a three year warranty from date of purchase. All other existing Xbox 360 warranty policies remain in place.
As a result of what Microsoft views as an unacceptable number of repairs to Xbox 360 consoles, the company conducted extensive investigations into potential sources of general hardware failures. Having identified a number of factors which can cause general hardware failures indicated by three red flashing lights on the console, Microsoft has made improvements to the console and is enhancing its Xbox 360 warranty policy for existing and new customers.
Microsoft stands behind its products and is taking responsibility to repair or replace any Xbox 360 console that experiences the “three flashing red lights” error message within three years from time of purchase free of charge, including shipping costs. Microsoft will take a $1.05 billion to $1.15 billion pre-tax charge to earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 for anticipated costs under its current and enhanced Xbox 360 policies.
“The majority of Xbox 360 owners are having a great experience with their console and have from day one. But, this problem has caused frustration for some of our customers and for that, we sincerely apologize,” said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division. “We value our community tremendously and look at this as an investment in our customer base. We look forward to great things to come.”
... continue reading Microsoft Expands Xbox 360 Warranty
|
