Some 1080p projectors are getting down below the $2,000 mark, but the real news is that insanely good projectors are appearing in the $3,000 range. On the heels of Sony’s VPL-HW10 comes Panasonic’s AE3000, which has 60,000:1 contrast ratio using LCD projection technology. The $3,500 system handles motion blur withsomething like the 120Hz seen in LCD flat panels: 120 frames per sec for 60Hz content; 96 frames per second for 24P content. It’s smart on power consumption, reducing the drain on the lamp according to the scene’s stipulations. More details below:

PANASONIC LAUNCHES NEW 1080p FULL HIGH-DEFINTION LCD HOME THEATER PROJECTOR

New PT-AE3000 Provides A Bright and Dynamic Widescreen Home Viewing Experience with Crisp Motion Images Via Frame Creation Technology

DENVER – CEDIA Expo – Sept. 3, 2008 – Panasonic Projector Systems Company, Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, announced this day the debut of its newest LCD home theater projector, the PT-AE3000. With full high-definition 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) native resolution, the PT-AE3000 gives home theater enthusiasts a higher level of picture quality entertainment, producing crisp and clear images through new state-of-the-art projection technology.

As an evolution of its award winning predecessor the PT-AE2000, the PT-AE3000 delivers a captivating 1,600 lumen brightness and powerful 60,000:1 contrast ratio. To reach sharp and detailed reproduction of fast moving motion images, Panasonic has developed and equipped the PT-AE3000 with new Frame Creation Technology optimized for large screen viewing. And for simple adjustment to different widescreen motion picture formats like 21:9 or 16:9, the projector is also upgraded with a Lens Memory Load feature which is capable of memorizing and restoring zoom/focus positions for multiple aspect ratio flexibility.

Higher Picture Quality with Brightness Upgrade
The dramatic increase in the contrast-ratio and dynamic range was made possible by the newly engineered Pure Contrast Plate technology that effectively blocks unwanted light from the path of projection. In addition, the polarization filter system surrounding the Pure Contrast Plates has been redesigned to reach the PT-AE3000’s higher level of brightness.

Together with a host of carefully engineered Panasonic technologies including the high precision optical lens unit, Dynamic Iris and Smooth Screen technology, the PT-AE3000 truly distinguishes itself against its competition and as a projector solution that home theater enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.

“Each year with advances in our AE Home Theater series, we continue to strive for the ideal ‘real theater’ environment for our customers,” said Rena Yotsu, home theater specialist, Panasonic Projector Systems Company. “To reach this goal, Panasonic Projector Systems Company engineers have designed many innovative technologies and have collaborated side-by-side with Hollywood colorists and image experts to manufacture our outstanding, upgraded PT-AE3000 home theater projector.”

Crisp and Clear Details for In-Motion Images
The PT-AE3000 now incorporates a Frame Creation technology that interpolates an additional frame by examining the characteristics of two adjacent frames, creating sharp and clear images of fast moving scenes in sports and action movies, especially for big screen viewing. For crisp motion images with high resolution, users might set their frame count preference to 120 frames/1 sec from 60 frames/1 sec for 60Hz video signal input, while 24frames/sec (24p) signals are quadrupled to 96frames/1sec by interpolating three additional frames to allow natural frame-to-frame transitions.

The new and advanced Detail Clarity Processor V2.0 allows the projectors’ digital processing engine to extract information of the low, mid, high, and even the super-high frequency components. The capability to apply these different degrees of sharpness permits the PT-AE3000 to reproduce natural, lifelike images with exceptional clarity and three-dimensionality to the smallest details.

The PT-AE3000 comes equipped with professional-level features that let users personalize the images they see on the screen. First, the projector’s Split Adjust mode allows users to split the screen into two halves; one to make picture adjustments and one to see those adjustments as a baseline reference. Second, the PT-AE3000’s waveform monitor—seen mostly on professional video and film equipment—measures the level of brightness output from a given video signal source. This feature also automatically verifies that the source device is outputting at full dynamic range, and quickly makes adjustments to optimize it for the home theater setting. Users can easily see a graphical representation of any changes made to the unit’s color settings.

Ease of Set-up and Use
Many movies come in aspects that are even wider than the projector’s 16:9 aspect ratio to match the image size 21:9 seen at movie theaters. More and more projector customers are using the 21:9 wide screens to mirror the motion picture theater experience. The PT-AE3000 enables users to pre-set three different zoom/focus positions and enables easy recall of those positions with the Lens Memory Load function.

Initial set-up and installation are quick and easy, as the 2.0x zoom can cast a 120-inch diagonal image from as short as 3.6 meters (about 11 feet) to 7 meters (24 feet) from the screen. The projector’s lens shift ability enables 100 percent vertical adjustment and 40 percent horizontal adjustment so that viewers can suspend the projector either close to the ceiling or on wall mounts. The lens-centered design and maintenance features such as the replaceable side filter and top lamp, make the projector simple to install and maintain.

The projector is also equipped with an abundant selection of connections; including three HDMI 1.3 inputs and two component input terminals. The three HDMI 1.3 inputs are all Deep Color and x.v.Color compliant. The Deep Color supports 10 bit (over 1.07 billion) and 12 bit (over 68.7 billion) color depths for smooth tonal transitions and subtle gradations between colors, while the x.v.Color compliance realizes accurate reproduction of actual, true-to-life images.

Eco-Friendly Intelligence
In addition to its outstanding features, the new PT-AE3000 is also an ecologically conscious product. The intelligent power management system within the projector reduces the lamp power to the exact required level of brightness depending on what content is displayed. Other than in scenes where full brightness is required, the lamp intelligently determines the necessary power output by examining more than 3 billion different image patterns. This advanced analysis process reduces the main power consumption by as much as 10 percent when the dynamic iris function is in operation, thus saving energy.

Other ecological considerations include an off-timer that reduces wasteful power consumption, as well as an extremely low standby power consumption of 0.08 W , which is the lowest in its class.

The Panasonic PT-AE3000 LCD home theater projector will be made in Japan, available starting in October 2008 to authorized presentation systems dealers with an MSRP of $3,499. To learn more about this projector, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/projectors or http://panasonic.net/pavc/projector/.

Via [Gizmodo]

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Moody, very moody, and quite serious: that’s how I’d label the new teaser from Canon that gives the merest hints of an upcoming “serious” EOS camera. See that bulky shoulder and the smooth curve over the pentaprism mount—classic high-end EOS right there: the apparent lack of pop-up flash is the give-away. Clearly it’s time for Canon to draw attention away from Nikon with its swanky new D90, but what’s it got ready for us under the “destined evolution” banner? Best guess so far is a 5D upgrade, but over to you in the comments, EOS fans. [Canon]

Via [Gizmodo]

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Wired’s How-To Wiki has a nice step-by-step walkthrough covering how to get the most out of your cellphone’s signal. It starts with the basics you should know, like about the general crappiness of cellular tech vs. other forms of broadcasting, and all the other things that’ll make your signal weak and your oh-so-social life miserable.

Obstructions like walls, mountains and fat people; RF interference; weather; and your phone’s antenna placement are all things than can dilute your signal to a tiny, staticky trickle. From there, using the power of deduction you can figure out what’s hosing your reception and try a couple different repairs. Most obviously, you can actually move your ass, but if your whole home is in a virtual dead zone, there are a range of gizmos like external antennas and repeaters, but be wary of crap boxes promising miracles—they only exist in the X-Files.

Lastly, you can always call your provider to tell them they suck, and where exactly their suckiness is the suckiest, underlined with the vague threat you’ll switch to the other guy, and pray that they’ll fix it. If you’ve got other tips, lay ‘em down in the comments. [Wired How To]

Via [Gizmodo]

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So what if you don’t live in the same time zone as New York, LA, Tokyo, Paris or London? Well, that means this Diesel Timepiece would be nothing more to you than a gaudy way to buff up your watch arm. Fortunately, a thinner, daintier version exists for those wishing to forgo the pre-ordained cities for five choices of your own. All you have to do is remember which one is which. Available for $550 and $495 respectively.

[Diesel via Technabob via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Via [Gizmodo]

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At Toshiba’s CEDIA press conference this day, they’re continuing to pull out all the stops with their “no need for Blu-ray, we upconvert everything” strategy, rolling out a boatload of new LCDs with their new SRT upconverting processor, which auto-detects SD sources and upconverts to 1080p inside the set. The top-of-the-line Regza Cinema Series XV545 LCDs (above) will bring the upconverting goodness at 42″, 46″ and 52″, priced $1800-$2800 and hitting in September. Another new series, the second-string RV535 Regzas bring all the same for less, but without 120Hz. But is this the Cell upconverting we saw at IFA?

Well, yes and no. The SRT semiconductors’ upconverting algorithms are based on the Cell, but are not actual Cell trips. We also learned from Toshiba’s Scott Ramirez that the actual Cell upconverting demoed at IFA will not make it into production. Full pricing and details, including more low-end sets, are below.

TOSHIBA ANNOUNCES FALL LCD TV LINEUP FEATURING FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND UPCONVERTING TECHNOLOGY FOR Televisions

Super Resolution Technology (SRT) Delivers New Level of Picture Quality Making SD Content Feel Like Full HD

CEDIA, DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 – Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. (“Toshiba”) this day unveiled SRT™, Super Resolution Technology, a new technology that changes the way standard definition content is viewed. SRT upconverts standard definition content to feel like HD. Toshiba also launched 11 new LCD Televisions in four new series to its broad range of Toshiba, REGZA® and Cinema Series® brands.

Toshiba is solidifying its position as an innovative leader in the LCD Television market. SRT brings clean, sharp edges and bright, vibrant colors to standard definition content making DVD collections and non-HD Television channels look better than ever before. Also new is AutoView™, a feature that automatically adjusts picture settings based on the ambient room lighting and the type of video content being displayed, which can help consumers save energy while improving the viewing experience.

“The Television industry is now hyper-dynamic, with faster change in both technology and price points,” said Scott Ramirez, VP, Marketing. “Toshiba is now setting the new pace of change by announcing a second new TV line-up for fall 2008. We are introducing new leading technologies, like SRT, and also strengthening our core models for the key selling season. Toshiba’s growth in LCD Television is already outpacing the industry, and this new line-up will help
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solidify Toshiba’s position as a true leader.”

Toshiba Makes Standard Definition Feel Like HD
Making its debut in Toshiba’s REGZA LCD TVs is Toshiba’s SRT, a new technology that overcomes an industry-wide issue, in which consumers are often watching standard video signals on their HDTVs. Using a unique proprietary processing system, SRT improves image sharpness, brightness and color, enhancing standard movies, TV shows, camcorder movies and most video games to near HD quality. This new technology is available in Toshiba’s REGZA RV535 and XV545 series.

Toshiba Takes the Guesswork out of Home Theater Viewing
Through the use of a built-in light sensor and intelligent algorithms, AutoView ensures increased image quality at all times, no matter the surroundings. Consumers don’t have to worry about the glare from afternoon sunlight or eye strain when watching TV in a darkened room. Not only does AutoView make life simpler and the picture better, but it can potentially lower power consumption, providing energy savings for the home. Like SRT, AutoView is available in the RV535 and XV545 REGZA series.

THE FALL 2008 TOSHIBA LCD Television SERIES:
Cinema Series Returns!

XV545 Series – REGZA Cinema Series with SRT, AutoView, ClearFrame and Double Skin Cabinetry

Toshiba is relaunching its exclusive and highly-regarded Cinema Series LCD Televisions with the REGZA XV545 series. The top-of-the-line Cinema Series XV545 line offers advanced technology and picture quality and is available in 42.0-inch, 46.0-inch and 52.0-inch sizes (diagonal). This lineup includes Toshiba’s new SRT upconversion technology, the AutoView feature for enhanced image quality at all times, no matter the surroundings, as well as Toshiba’s new Double Skin Cabinetry. With double skin, the cabinet’s outer skin is translucent, allowing
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you to see through to a second interior skin with texture behind it – creating a feeling of dimension and a rich, luxurious look.

For fast action movies and sports, the XV545 line features Toshiba’s ClearFrame™ technology, which virtually eliminates motion blur. The 120Hz system doubles the frame rate of an LCD TV from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second, creating tire-spinning action sequences and game-winning sports moments that are more crisp and clear. All REGZA models with ClearFrame 120 Hz technology include Film Stabilization mode for a picture with smoother motion, and for those customers preferring a more film-like experience, Toshiba has also implemented a 5:5 Pull-Down process. This series also features 14-Bit PixelPure® 4G Internal Digital Video Processing with 10-Bit LCD panels for 16,384 levels of gradation and Toshiba’s ColorBurst™ wide color gamut for rich lifelike color. In addition, the XV545 series includes four HDMI inputs with REGZA LINK (HDMI™-CEC) and Toshiba’s SoundStrip® speaker technology, which allows for home theater sound in a small strip beneath the screen.

To keep the avid gamer one step ahead, the line also offers Gaming Mode, which enhances the gaming experience by reducing game controller delay. When activated, Gaming Mode grants the video signal to bypass choose picture circuitry to shorten the overall signal to screen response time. What this means is that the gamer has improved reaction time and a superior overall experience.

Like all of Toshiba’s new LCD TV lines, the XV545 features a CineSpeed™ panel for faster response times, DynaLight™ control for deeper black levels and is ENERGY STAR® compliant.

RV535 Series – REGZA 1080p Full HD with SRT, AutoView and Double Skin Cabinetry
The REGZA RV535 series, available in 42.0-inch, 46.0-inch and 52.0-inch (diagonal) screen sizes, features Toshiba’s PixelPure 4G 14-bit internal digital video processor, with 4,096 levels of gradation, as well as four HDMI™ inputs with REGZA LINK (HDMI-CEC) and Toshiba’s SoundStrip speaker technology. Like the XV545 line, the RV535 lineup includes Toshiba’s new

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SRT upconversion technology and AutoView, as well as Toshiba’s new Double Skin Cabinetry.

RV525 Series – 1080p Full HD
Available in 40.0-inch and 46.0-inch (diagonal) screen sizes, Toshiba’s RV525 series provides 1080p Full HD resolution, offering consumers impressive high-definition quality at attractive price points in beautiful high-gloss cabinetry. The RV525 series features DynaLight Dynamic Backlight control for deep blacks, Native Mode™ to restore picture size, Gaming Mode for fast controller to screen response time and a high-res Computer input.

AV502 Series – 720p HD
Replacing Toshiba’s AV500 series in the 26.0-inch, 31.5-inch and 37.0-inch (diagonal) sizes, Toshiba’s new entry-level 720p LCD Television series offers high-gloss black cabinetry and a thinner bezel than its predecessor, plus two HDMI inputs and a Computer input, creating a very feature rich entry-level lineup. Toshiba is also adding a 21.6-inch (diagonal) screen size into the existing AV500 series. Wrapped in a high-gloss cabinet and standing less than 18-inches high to fit beneath standard kitchen cabinets, this set joins Toshiba’s 19.0-inch (diagonal) AV500 models.

In addition to the four new series Toshiba is introducing, Toshiba will continue to offer choose, popular models from its current line of LCD Televisions. For more information or to find out which Television is right for you, please visit www.REGZA.com.

Expected Availability & Pricing of New Fall Lineup:

REGZA Cinema Series XV545 Series
42XV545U ($1799.99 September)
46XV545U ($2299.99 September)
52XV545U ($2799.99 September)

REGZA RV535 Series
42RV535U ($1399.99 September)
46RV535U ($1799.99 September)
52RV535U ($2299.99 September)

RV525 Series
40RV525U ($1099.99 September) [$999 price quoted at press conference]
46RV525U ($1599.99 October)

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AV502 Series
26AV502U ($649.99 August)
32AV502U ($749.99 August)
37AV502U ($899.99 August)

AV500 Series
22AV500U ($499.99 September)

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba is a pioneer in DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, rear projection and direct view TVs, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com.

Important Notes:
Effect of SRT enhancements may vary depending upon the input signal and content quality.

Via [Gizmodo]

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We covered the Gorenje Made for iPod fridge and the iGorenje home appliance program at IFA last Sunday. I’ve spent some time with both and I like what I see, even though I have some doubts about how practical this can be.

Like someone pointed out before, the life of a fridge is very long, so the iPod dock would probably become obsolete down the line. I also don’t see the point of having your fridge acting as your amplifier: as you can see in the video, you can connect extra speakers to it. The Wi-Fi connection and iGorenje program makes a lot more sense, as it can be expanded in the future to accommodate new appliances and functionality. Plus, it is device independent. Even though you can use any device, however, the interface has clearly been optimized for the iPod touch and the iPhone, which is the handheld they were using for their demos. According to them, they have some kind of collaboration contract with Apple, so Steve or someone else in Cupertino must be a fan of the brand.

The iGorenje system works quite well. It uses the Wi-Fi network in your home to connect your web-browsing device to your oven and washing machine, and when it’s released later this year you will be able to control all Gorenje appliances.

iGorenje’s interface is very simple to work out. Just touch the function, choose the options you want and click Begin. The appliance will get the parameters, begin working and give you feedback in realtime, back to your iPod. For the oven, you can begin from a recipe, a wizard that grants you to set the oven according to the kind of food and weight, and a custom program, which can be easily created in iGorenje and then stored. The process is fully automatic, so if you’ve something that needs to be cooked first slowly, then a really high heat in the last minutes, it will handle it for you.

For the washing machine, it’s exactly the same thing. This time you’ve different programs according to the clothes you put in, making it very easy to operate. At last, because washing machine user interface seem to be developed by sadists.

But while the whole thing seems polished and works well, do we really need this kind of sophistication in our kitchens? I might be too old school, but I like too cook in the kitchen, not by remote control. I like the idea of programming the oven in an easy way, although I will still be controlling it myself. What do you think? Is this the kind of evolution each day home tasks need? [More IFA 2008 Coverage]

Via [Gizmodo]

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Just because I’m a fat American doesn’t mean I’ve always wanted a fat American computer. Over the years I have grown to hate so-called performance laptops from Dell and HP. They were massive, hideous and heavy enough to rip your shoulder out of your socket, and getting larger, uglier and heavier all the time. Why didn’t we get those little laptops, you know, the ones made for Japan and available only on Dynamism? Like the lady who buys shoes a few sizes too small, I sought a personal that could be used for emails and surfing and not require steroid supplements to transport. Oh, and could it be cheap, too? I spend all my money on fast food.

Netbooks are wonderful.

When the Asus Eee Personal computer arrived, it subverted each laptop tradition that had come before it. It was the first cheap drool-worthy laptop (not counting the judgmental hippie Kumbaya circles of the OLPC), and its mentality was different, too. Not there to replace your Personal computer, but not there for the business traveler either, the Eee was simply a fun machine, a personal just made for dudes who like personal. Seriously, how many laptop ads have you seen that feature a model relaxing on the beach? There’s a reason for that.

And maybe the most innovative paradigm shift—oh, I went there—was that this extraordinary laptop wasn’t even built out of laptop parts! There was a freaking digital camera memory stick in the thing in place of a real hard drive. Had we been lied to? Could digital cameras double as computers for all this time??

You see, my MacBook Pro, that’s for work. My phone, that’s for outside. My mini note? Perfect, it won’t even distract me from the TV.

Take the iPhone. It’s great, but it’s streamlined for productivity. It’s so good at what it does, filtering news headlines from air and emails from inboxes, playing music on command and calling web numbers with just a tap, that I’m trapped in productivity.

Sometimes I don’t know where I want to go on the web, just that I want to go online. And it’s this digital improvisation that begs for a mouse, a keyboard and speakers to play any stupid songs off any stupid web advertisements. I want the full effect, only smaller.

Just as an HDTV can bring a motion picture theater home, so too can one of these put a full personal back in your actual lap. Have you ever Skyped on a mini-notebook? Yeah, it’s like one of those telephone conversations from the future as told by an ’80s sci-fi motion picture. It’s fantastic.

For those who crave more power, don’t worry, as processors shrink this platform will become synonymous with the laptop. And for those who crave more comfort, get over it. You’ll learn to type on a new keyboard or stay away from the second helpings.

I’m just saying, there’s a reason James Bond carries a Walther PPK.

Via [Gizmodo]

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Back in 2006, Oscar Diös heard there was a dead Boeing 747-200 built in 1976 on one of the runways at Arlanda Airport, the largest international airport in Sweden, north of Stockholm. It was once owned by a Swedish company called Transjet, who used it to fly muslim pilgrims to Mecca, as well as doing charter flights around the world until it was grounded for “organizational problems” in 2002. The noble Jumbo was in a bad state, but Oscar saw the possibilities right away. Probably after way too many glasses of akvavit that day, Diös thought he had the perfect idea: to buy the 747 and convert it into a low-cost hotel.

I was getting ready to expand my hostel business in 2006 when I heard about an old wreck of an aircraft for sale at Arlanda. Since I had for a long time wanted to establish my business at Arlanda I didn’t hesitate for a second when this opportunity struck.

It may seem like a weird thought, but being a modest owner of the hostel Uppsala Vandrarhem och Hotell, in Uppsala, Oscar knew how expensive it is to actually find a terrain near a busy airport like Arlanda, and then actually build an entire hotel from scratch.

That’s why, when he learnt about the dead Jumbo, Oscar only saw cheap space for rooms and decided it was time to continue his affordable hotel business right there. He thought that, being the busiest, largest international airport in his country, there was going to be a lot of clients looking for cheap accommodation.

However, at the end it wasn’t that simple. There was a long way from buying the airplane to finally setting up the hostel. First he needed to get the OK from the authorities of Sigtuna, the town that controls the terrains in which the Arlanda Airport is based. He’d the perfect pitch for them: it was going to be a very special landmark, he thought. He wanted to place it right at the entrance of the airport itself, on top of a concrete foundation with the landing gear tied to two steel cradles. The authorities heard the story and, surprisingly enough, they concurred to approve the plan and allowed him the necessary permissions.

The hotel itself was also a challenge. It wasn’t going to be as easy as to install a few beds, provide clean linens, and sell curry kyckling macka, small beer cans, lousy pot coffee, and peanut bags at the airplane’s second level cafeteria. The Boeing 747-200 interior—with 450 seats—needed to be completely dismantled and sanitized. Then, it needed to be insulated, divided into 25 rooms (each of them 6 square meters, with 3 meters high ceilings), and completely rewired. It also needed new plumbing, bathrooms, sanitation, and a new climate control system, since the windows on planes are fixed and can’t be opened. And to complete it all, the whole result had to adhere to the strict construction policies of Sweden.

At the end, and after a two year odyssey, he did it: the Jumbo Hostel—as Oscar called his creation—has been towed to its final destination this summer, and bookings will start in December. All in the name of affordable accommodation, pilots and stewardesses sex fantasies, and crazy Swedish landmarks. Pass the akvavit Oscar, next time I go to that part of the world, I’ll be checking in. [Jumbo Hostel via Random Good Stuff]

Via [Gizmodo]

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The Siemens HB 78P570 oven looks like any other oven until you notice that it has no door, which is precisely when it starts to open automatically from its bottom: The glossy black food platform slides down mechanically until it is at the same level as your kitchen top. Sounds a bit crazy, but it’s extremely convenient to put your suckling pig stuffed with chicken wings, then easily paint it with BBQ honey sauce until it’s done. [More IFA 2008 Coverage]

Via [Gizmodo]

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The Zune 120 and 16GB models are on their way, but here are some unconfirmed spy shots of the 120GB and the boxes for both. (There are more images post-jump.) [ZUnited, thanks Jared]

Via [Gizmodo]

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