Archive for February 26th, 2008

Everex_gPC_Mini_1000.jpgThe first thing that comes to mind when you see the Everex mini gOS Linux Personal computer is that it looks just like a Mac mini except in black it is a smart way to trim down after that comically bulky Wal-Mart-special gPC that launched Everex’s open-source strategy. And with an Intel Pentium Dual-Core Mobile processor, a DVD writer, DVI and S-Video outs, FireWire and a 4-in-1 media reader, it’s leagues ahead of other Linux boxes such as the subscription Zonbu. The Everex mini is slated to arrive at Newegg at the end of the week for a reasonable $499, but tell us, guys, seriously, did you’ve to deliberately go with a lowercase “m”? Hell, that’s just provocation. [Everex]


Via [Gizmodo]

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popcornhour.jpgNMT’s Popcorn Hour network streamer looks great on paper (YouTube/Google Streaming, DVD Image playback, XviD, MPEG4, and even BitTorrent client support), but how does it actually perform? Quite well, states Networking Audio Video dot com, but with a few very annoying bugs.

The streamer has NFS and Samba support (with only Samba working correctly over Gigabit Ethernet, which is a bummer), and can stream 4GB ISOs “without much delay.” Fast forwarding through this didn’t cause a problem either, thanks partially to that Gigabit connection no doubt. Music, however, suffers, since there’s no ID3 tag reading and no cover art—it’s the bare minimum you can get in a networked music player.

What’s great about this player is that it’s got on the web content support, meaning you can watch YouTube and Google video. In theory. None of these videos actually played when NAV tested the streamer. That’s not so great.

But if you do have a BitTorrent fetish, you can use the Popcorn Hour to download torrents directly onto the machine. Unfortunately, this only lists XviD and not DivX as a supported format, so only a percentage of files you download off BitTorrent will play correctly.

Based on this, it seems that Popcorn Hour A-100 might be good for certain things, but lousy in others. If they can fix the bugs, this could be worth buying. [Networking Audio Video]


Via [Gizmodo]

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Sony today announced a pair of in-car GPS receivers. The large-screen, suction-cup-mounted GPS units feature touchscreens and real-time traffic updates, as well as voice-to-text interaction. The two units are the NV-U73T and the NV-U83T. They’re similar in most ways, save for the U83T featuring Bluetooth for handsfree calling. They’re out now for $300 and $400, […]

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Sony today announced a pair of in-car GPS receivers. The large-screen, suction-cup-mounted GPS units feature touchscreens and real-time traffic updates, as well as voice-to-text interaction. The two units are the NV-U73T and the NV-U83T. They’re similar in most ways, save for the U83T featuring Bluetooth for handsfree calling. They’re out now for $300 and $400, respectively.

VALUE, PERFORMANCE DRIVE SONY’S LATEST NAV-U NAVIGATION DEVICE [Sony]

Via [crunchgear]

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MDR-AS100W_001~05FH_-_Default.jpgSony’s MDR-AS100W are their flagship sports/outdoor headphones, water resistant, and fit with a two-foot cord best used with arm-mounted MP3 players. $100 is a lot of money for a headset you plan to sweat on in your Tae Bo classes. So, Sony’s spammed us with cool submodels, too, each with a unique flavor of ear-fitting yoga and price points unexplainably positioned from $20 to $100:

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See? Just don’t ask me which is which.

Active Style Headphones Perfect for Sport and Fitness Enthusiasts Sony is also introducing a line of headphones that are designed to stay put when you’re not. Whether on the treadmill, the track, or trekking through the mountains, the new Active Style collection features five headphones with a slim design styled with black silicone rubber with orange-red accents. In addition, all active style headphones have moisture-resistant features. The MDR-AS20J headphones fit around the outer ear with an earbud that sets inside the ear canal. The MDR-AS40EX headphones feature a convertible ear hanger so you can transform them from over-the-ear headphones to a traditional earbud style, offering users versatility and personal preference. The collection also will include more traditional headband style headphones (model MDR-AS100W), behind-the-neck earbud headphones (model MDR-AS50G) and behind-the neck open air headphones (model MDR-AS30G). The headphones will range in price from $20 to $100.

MDR-AS100W Over the Head Earbud Headphones Available in March for about $100 Lightweight, secure fitting headphones with single side cord for sports usage Short (2 foot) cord ideal for armband use; supplied extension cord (2 feet) for general use Water-resistant design Three sizes of earbuds (S, M, L)

MDR-AS50G Behind the Neck Earbud Headphones
Available in March for about $50
Lightweight spiral neck-band headphones for secure fit during activity
Short (2 foot) cord ideal for armband use; supplied extension cord (2 feet) for general use
Water-resistant design and washable carrying case
Three sizes of earbuds (S, M, L)

MDR-AS40EX Over the Ear Earbud Headphones
Available in March for about $40
Detachable ear hangers for stable fit
Short (2 foot) cord ideal for armband use; supplied extension cord (2 feet) for general use
Water-resistant design
Three sizes of earbuds (S, M, L)

MDR-AS30G Around the Neck Headphones
Available in March for about $30
Newly developed stability tip prevents movement of headphones


Via [Gizmodo]

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Sony_AIR-SA10_front.jpgSony’s latest venture into wireless home-theater-in-a-box 5.1 systems includes options for wireless rear speakers and a new system called S-AIR that can transmit audio from your home theater to smaller clock-radio receivers in other rooms, up to a precise-sounding 164 feet away. They all have five-disc 1080p-upconverting HDMI DVD players and an included TDM-iP10 iPod dock. (Tellingly, the dock for Sony Network Walkmans is sold separately.) Here’s the product breakdown:

• The DAV-HDX576WF includes both the S-AIR receiver and the wireless rear speaker package, and costs $500.

• The $400 DAV-HDX277WC includes the S-AIR receiver; the WAHT-SA10 wireless speaker package is compatible, but sold separately for $150.

• Also for $400, the DAV-HDX279W includes the rear speakers, but you’d have to buy the compatible AIR-SA10 S-AIR receiver separately for $120.

• If you’re not sure what you want at all, you can pay $300 for the DAV-HDX275 and then opt in to the S-AIR receiver or wireless rear-speaker kit later on.

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SONY INTRODUCES WIRELESS AUDIO SOLUTION FOR MULTI-ROOM LISTENING MADE EASY

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2007 - Sony today unveiled four home theater systems featuring the new S-AIR™ technology, a wireless audio solution for multi-room listening.

By integrating S-AIR technology into its new home theater systems, the company will be delivering a practical wireless multi-room solution without complicated set-up stipulations, such as IP addresses, WEP keys and pin codes. Wireless audio can be transmitted from the main system in the living room to multiple rooms throughout the home — up to 164 feet — simply by connecting a separate S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker into a power outlet.

S-AIR technology also delivers audio wirelessly to rear surround speakers without interfering with other household devices.

“From playing music to broadcasting the big game throughout the home, our home theater systems with S-AIR technology makes amusing easy and inexpensive,” said Brennan Mullin, vice president for audio products for Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “Multi-room audio systems typically are quite expensive and need to be professionally installed. Now we’ve a simple, affordable substitute.”

The four BRAVIA® Theatre systems integrate a high-quality, five-disc DVD/CD player with upscaling to 1080p via HDMI™ when connected to a 1080p-capable HDTV set.

These systems feature Sony’s Digital Media Port, which adds controlling, networking, and connectivity for music playback with various optional accessories. An included cradle for iPod players (TDM-iP10) connects to the Digital Media Port to wirelessly stream audio through the home using S-AIR Air Stations. Additional accessories include a Network Walkman™ player audio cradle, a Computer client device and a Bluetooth® adapter (each is sold separately).

Featuring Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC), the units offer simple multi-channel surround sound setup with the use of an included microphone to automatically adjusting speaker frequency, distance and level for an optimal home theater experience.

Finally, the home theater systems offer a Dialogue Audio Enhancer with night mode. This adjusts for low dialogue when the receiver volume is turned low. They also come with an updated Portable Audio Enhancer, which improves the clarity and depth of a connected music player by adding information to the audio signal that had been removed during compression.

The DAV-HDX576WF model includes one S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker (AIR-SA10) and a wireless rear speaker kit (WAHT-SA10). The theater system offers height adjustable floor standing speakers designed to match the style and height of BRAVIA TVs. This model will be available in March for about $500.

The DAV-HDX277WC model includes one S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker (AIR-SA10) with an option to add a rear wireless speaker kit (WAHT-SA10, sold separately), while the DAV-HDX279W model includes the rear wireless speaker kit (WAHT-SA10) with an option to add S-AIR Air Station receiver/speakers for multi-room audio. Both of these models will be available in March for about $400.

The DAV-HDX275 system is equipped with S-AIR-Ready technology with an option to add a rear wireless speaker kit (WHAT-SA10) and an S-AIR transmitter (EZW-T100) with S-AIR Air Stations (AIR-SA10). The model will also be available in March for about $300.

S-AIR Accessories
Adding rear wireless abilities to compatible S-AIR Sony home theater systems, the WAHT-SA10 wireless speaker kit utilizes radio frequency (RF) to transmit audio wirelessly to rear speakers, eliminating unsightly wires. An integrated headphone output allows you to conveniently enjoy home theater without disturbing others. The rear wireless speaker kit will be available in March for about $149.

AIR-SA10 Air Station receiver/speakers can be purchased for use with compatible S-AIR Sony home theater systems — up to four units can be used with each theater system. The AIR-SA10 features eight watts (RMS) of power, with an alarm clock function and will be available in March for about $120.

The home theater systems will be available through sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.


Via [Gizmodo]

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