The best of the bunch is the Sony TX100V, which not only takes 3D pics using only a single lens, it also takes automatic panoramic shots and can shoot full HD 1080p video at 60 fames per second for ultra smooth video.

There’s also a 3.5″ OLED touchscreen on the back, GPS and a compass, and should sell for around $380 when it’s released in March 2011.

The EX-ZR100 shoots normal video at 1080p at a mroe reasonable 30 frames per second, and like the Casio Tryx, it also features the same art-mode feature. It’s expected to retail for $300 when it’s released in March.

With the new Eye-Fi Direct, the Eye-Fi card makes a smartphone think that the EyeFi is a WiFi hotspot and so the smartphone can connect to the card. Once the connection has been made, the camera can upload its photos via the smartphone’s mobile connection.

In case you think this will be a slow process for some of your larger RAW files, don’t worry – the latest 4G networks that are now live across the US wil transfer data at up to 42Mbps! You might want to go for the unlimited data plan first, though!

For 2011, the emphasis has shifted towards making the HDTV an integral part of a connected home entertainment setup, and Sony’s latest line-up fully reflects this.

Still, with no less than 27 different new models being announced, there’s bound to be something for everyone!

Sony’s new BRAVIA features at a glance

Sony has added 16 new 3D HDTVs and 22 new 2D models, with screen sizes ranging from 22″ to an unbelievable 65″. All except the lowest two ranges either come with Wi-Fi built-in or are Wi-Fi ready with the addition of an extra Wi-Fi dongle (sold by Sony and which plugs into the TV’s USB socket).

To make the most of the Internet connectivity, Sony has expanded on the Internet TV services it’s offered with some of its 2010 models, and now offers the following Web apps on its BRAVIA TVs:

• Sony’s Qriocity Music and Video on Demand services
• Amazon Video on Demand
• YouTube
• Slacker Interent Radio
• Netflix
• Pandora
• HuluPlus
• Crackle
• Blip.tv

Some of the higher-end models even have Skype built-in, which, with the addition of a camera and microphone (both sold separately, naturally!), means you can make Skype calls from your HDTV (yes, even the giant 65″ one!) to any other Skype client in the world.

That’s a pretty neat feature.

Other new features include a new Track ID feature powered by GraceNote, which lets you identify any music you hear while watching TV. A nifty feature this, and it’s only a matter of time before Sony link the discovered artist through to a store where tyou can instantly purchase it!

In a sign of the increasing pervasiveness of mobile phones, Sony has also announced a new series of iPhone and Android apps that will let you use your smartphone as a remote control (presuambly via DLNA). This will be a life-saver, as using YouTube on a Sony remote without a QWERTY keyboard is an exercise in futility!

The final feature on offer comes from the 3D models, which will be capable of displaying 3D images taken from Sony’s 3D CyberShot cameras.

New enhanced picture technology

Of course, a 2011 Sony TV has to look better than a 2010 model, and so its engineers have come up with a variety of new ways of making your humble TV picture look as perfect as possible.

To this end, the critically acclaimed BRAVIA processing engine, which already does an excellent job of upscaling standard def pictures, has now been enhanced and comes with the new X-Reality PRO and X-Reality Engine video processors. These use algorithms that take video processing to new levels, which helps to make the resultant image look almost as good as it does on BluRay.

There’s also the new Intelligent Peak ELD Backlight, which gives deeper blacks by using full local dimming and so increases picture contrast considerably, making pictures look incredibly detailed.

Finally, there’s Sony’s MotionFlow XR, which helps to reduce the motion blur that’s typically found in LCD and LED TVs.

Sony’s 2011 range of HDTVs

OK, with that out the way, here’s the full range of Sony’s new HDTVs for 2011.

BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV
Available in April, Sony’s new 3D capable (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses, sold separately), XBR-HX929 series features brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Sony’s Intelligent Peak LED backlight for outstanding contrast.
The model also features Sony’s MotionFlow XR 960 featuring a precise backlight control that is synchronized with the liquid crystal movement from frame to frame creating clearer, sharper moving images.

The beautifully designed model features Sony’s improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room décor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®’s Gorilla® Glass allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material.
With integrated with Wi-Fi (802.11n), the XBR-HX929 models offer instant access to thousands of Internet movies, videos and music from BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity. Sony’s Media Remote app provides simple operation and search for internet content.

The XBR-HX929 models are also custom installation friendly with key features such as rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection for easier integration with third-party control systems.

Other XBR-HX929 Series features include:

• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight
• Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
• Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
• X-Reality™ PRO Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 960
• Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
• Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929)

BRAVIA® HX820-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in May
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
• Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
• Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• X-Reality™ PRO Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 480
• Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55HX820), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX820)

BRAVIA® NX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in May
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
• Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
• Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• MotionFlow™ XR 240
• X-Reality™ Engine
• Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60NX720), 55-inch (KDL-55NX720), and 46-inch (KDL-46NX720)

BRAVIA® HX729-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in May
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ PRO Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 480
• Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
• Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65HX729), 55-inch (KDL-55HX729), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX729)

BRAVIA® EX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 240
• Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60EX720, which is available in April), 55-inch (KDL-55EX720), 46-inch (KDL-46EX720), 40-Inch (KDL-40EX720), and 32-inch (KDL-32EX720)

BRAVIA® EX620-Series LED LCD HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full High Definition (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ Engine
• MotionFlow™ 120
• Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55EX620), 46-inch (KDL-46EX620), and 40-Inch (KDL-40EX620)

BRAVIA® EX520-Series LED LCD HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ Engine
• Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Energy saving Presence Sensor minimize power consumption
• Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46EX520), 40-inch (KDL-40EX520), 32-inch (KDL-32EX520)

BRAVIA® BX420-Series HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
• Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
• USB input for photo, music and video playback
• Scene select customized picture and sound settings
• Ambient Light Sensor
• Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46BX420), 40-inch (KDL-40BX420), and 32-inch (KDL-32BX420)

BRAVIA® BX320-Series HDTV

• Available in February
• Amazing High Definition (720p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
• Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
• USB input for photo, music and video playback
• Scene select customized picture and sound settings
• Ambient Light Sensor
• Screen sizes include 32-inch (KDL-32BX320), and 22-inch (KDL-22BX320)

Using Wi-Fi, the SH100 can connect to your Galaxy S, which will then act as a remote view finder for your camera, showing you on the phone’s display exactly what the camera is seeing. You can then take a shot from a button on the phone rather than by physically pressing the camera’s button, giving you a unique remote camera facility.

The applications of this are huge and it makes you wonder why it’s not been done before!

More details on the Samsung SH1900 Wi-Fi camera

If you’re wondering why you’d need to see your camera’s viewpoint from your phone, just think about these dieas:

• self portraits are a snap – literally – as you can position yourself in front of the camera and actually see what shot the camera will take without relying on a timer and guesswork
• pictures of wildlilfe will become much easier to take as you can leave the camera in the back garden an watch the wildlife from your phone without disturbing it, taking pics whenever something interesting happens
• candid photos of your friends at parties can be much more candid as they’ll never know you’re taking a picture of them
  as for spy shots…well, I’ll leave that to your imagination!

In addition to the remote viewfinder facility, the Samsung SH100 also uses DLNA so you can see your pictures on a DLNA-equipped TV just by selecting them on the camera’s screen and beaming them to the TV (I do this with my HTC Desire HD’s pics, and its a fantastic way to see the pics you’ve taken).

You can even back up your pics over WiFi or send them to Facebook, Picasa, YouTube or Photo Bucket.

Oh, and as for the camera itself, it’s actually quite good as well! It’s a 14.2 megapixel camera with an f4.7 – 23.55mm lens, 5x optical zoom, 3″ LCD screen and is capable of capturing video at 720p!

Samsung have really pushed cameras into a new dimension with the SH100. The combination of WiFi, DLNA and integration with smartphones not only makes the camera more versatile, it should increase the range of unique photos you can take with very inexpensive technology – and that’s never a bad thing!

[Source: Pocket Lint]

This one, for example, shows off a new 3D Sony Bloggie camcorder with two lenses, which hints that 3D is going to be just as big at this year’s CES as it was as last year’s. The only thing we know about this new Bloggie is that its cameras use f2.8 lenses with auto focus, and that it’ll be called the Sony Bloggie 3D MHS-FS3.

More Bloggies on the way

The Bloggie 3D isn’t the only new Bloggie in town, though. Other Bloggies include a dual screen version, the Sony Bloggie Duo, which features a screen on the front and back of the device so you can record yourself talking to the camera and still see what you look like (particularly useful for all you narcissists out there!)

Finally, there’s also a budget Bloggie (a Budgie, perhaps?!) with a 5.1 megapixel still cam and 4GB memory.

This is just a teaser of what’s to come at CES though. It all starts in less than 20 hours time, and we’ll cover as much of it as is humanly possible, so stay tuned!

[Source: Pocket-Lint]

The three iPod docks below have each won awards and have been rated highly by What Hi-Fi for their excpetional sound quality, so you know your tunes are not going to be spoiled by tinny treble or super-weak bass!

Arcam rCube iPod Dock

This brilliant iPod dock goes further than any other. It’s made by Arcam, who are well known in hi-fi circles, so it sounds crystal clear. It’s got 2x50W amps on board, so can pump out sounds loud enough to get your neighbours complaining. It’s completely portable, so you can put it wherever you want, inside or outside, and have it play for up to 4 hours on a single charge. And it’ll even stream your tunes wirelessly from your PC (with the addition of a streaming dongle), meaning it’s not limited to the tunes on your iPod.

Best of all, though, it’s all completely controllable from your iPhone.

If you’re looking for the ultimate gadget for your Christmas or New Year party – or just the ultimate gadget for the ultimate iPod lover – this is it.

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KitSound Boom Dock

The gloriously named Kitsound Boom Dock is a much simpler beast than the previous iPod docks. It is, as its name implies, an iPod dock and nothing more, but one that can deliver a real – well, boom!

In fact, that’s the reason this little beauty features in this list. It may be simply, but you won’t find a better iPod dock for this price. It produces deep, deep bass in glorious quality that simply can’t be beaten by any other iPod dock less than £150 – yet the Boom Dock is less than £80!

With 22W of power, it’s plenty loud enough, and with an AM/FM radio, line inputs for plugging other sources into it, a clock radio feature and even a remote control, it’s the best value iPod pressie you’ll find if you want an ipod gadget on a budget.

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Epoz AktiMate Mini

These glorious white speakers are active, meaning you don’t need to plug them into an amp to get your tunes sounding nice and loud. Instead, the come with an ampl built-in, so you can plug your PC, MP3 player or iPod directly into them via their 3.5mm line input connectors or buillt-in iPod dock, and get immediate 40W per channel punchy sound.

Great bass, plenty of detail and loads of simplicity – perfect for the iPod music lover who wants their tunes sounding glorious.

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Not only does it come with the usual equipment you’d expect of a Marantz receiver – CD, radio and amp – it’s also got dozens of features you’d never expect from a Marantz system just a few short years ago.

For example, it has an Ethernet socket and WiFi, both of which can be used to stream your tunes from your PC. It has DAB+/DAB/FM and AM radio tuners, and will let you control an iPod via its front-panel USB socket.

If you want even more musical control, for £40 you can buy an add-on that will turn the Melody Media into an Apple AirPlay client, which will then stream your iTunes music whether it’s on your iPod, iPad, iPhone or even your PC.

If Apple’s not your bag, plug the Bluetooth adaptor in the back, and stream music from any Bluetooth-equipped device, such as your mobile phone.

The Marantz Melody Media really is a sign of the hi-fi companies at last adapting to the changes being made to the music scene via digital media and the Internet. Along with the equally-strong Denon Ceol, the Melody Media is one of the best Network Music Systems on the market now, featuring the perfect combination of sound quality, connectivity and price. Networked audiophiles will love it!

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Best of all is the sound, though. With 40W per channel speakers, it’ll blast your tunes out with impressive clarity, while the built-in DAB radio, CD player and USB port gives you access to music from loads of other sources, not just your iPod.

Although not as fully featured as Network Music Systems such as the Denon Ceol or Marantz Melody Media, the Onkyo CS545-UK isn’t as expensive either. In fact, it’s less than half the price, yet still sounds glorious. All it lacks is the network connectivity.

So if you need a great sounding Hi-Fi mini system that will have your iPod sounding better than it ever has done, but you’re not too fussed about wireless streaming, give the Onkyo CS-545UK a whirl. It does exactly what you want it to in a classy, simple and great sounding way. Which is all you really need at the end of the day!

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