Networking Audio Video

Freakin' Friday! Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary Thriller

2009-07-04T01:04:00Z

What better way to pay tribute to the King of Pop giving someone Michael Jackson's Thriller 25th Anniversary. It has the complete original album, plus 7 bonus tracks. They include artists Fergie, Kanye West, will.i.am and Akon and a previously unreleased track "For All Time." The MusicPass also features the 'Beat It' and 'Billie Jean' videos.

Via Michael Jackson

Marantz CD6300 CD Player

2009-07-03T12:40:00Z

Marantz has unveiled its latest CD player. The CD6003 supports CD and CD-R/RW, WMA (48-320kbps,) MP3 (32-320kbps,) AAC (8-320kbps) and WAV files. With a frequency response of 2 - 20,000Hz, a signal to noise ratio of 110dB and a THD of 0.002%, the player will released in July with a MSRP of ¥49,800 (~$523.00.)

Via Akihabara News

Mvix to Release Ultio Media Player

2009-07-03T00:56:00Z

Mvix is about to release their latest media player. The Ultio MX-800 is hard disk based and will reproduce up to 1080p video. Pre-equipped with a network port, it features a samba server and UPnP implementation. View movies or photos or listen to music as it supports most HD codecs including AVC-HD and FLAC. Stream content with integration with services like PlayOn or Tversity for such sites as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, CNN and ESPN. It also has 2 USB 2.0 slaves for extending storage, adding media cards or USB drives. Look for the Ultio sometime this week with a decent price of $169.00.

(Thanks, A. Jay)

Via Mvix

Curtis Mathes Blu-ray Player

2009-07-02T12:56:00Z

Curtis Mathes has kindly released a less expensive Blu-ray Player. The
CMMBX130 has an MP3 player, photo viewer, USB card reader and can upscale to HD. Watch movies, view family photos or listen to CDs. At a price of less than $160.00, use it to start your own home theater system as it has Coaxial Digital, 5.1 Channel, Component Video, HDMI, Optical Digital, Stereo Audio, Audio, Composite Video and S-Video outputs.

Via Curtis Mathes Blu-ray Player

Two Channel A/V Sender

2009-07-02T00:54:00Z

Send A/V in your home wirelessly with the Two Channel AV Sender. PLL circuitry promises there will be no reception drift. The kit is compatible with AV devices with composite video and stereo outputs. At a size of 5.5 x 2.2 x 5.5", it comes with a transmitter, receiver, power cord, 2 RCA to 3.5 mm leads and an infrared extender lead. The sender is available for $80.96.

Via Latest Buy

Plextor Mini Digital HDTV Receiver

2009-07-01T12:48:00Z

Turn your PC into an HDTV with Plextor's Mini Digital HDTV Receiver. Plug the PX-HDTV500U into your USB 2.0 port, load the software and, as long as your computer can display it, it will show your favorites in HD. An integrated Electronic Programing Guide is included for recording and viewing as is automatic channel scanning. The device supports DTV standard ATSC protocol and provides scalable or full screen view.

Via Plextor

TW and Comcast To Test Online TV

2009-07-01T01:02:00Z

Time Warner and Comcast are one step closer to bringing cable TV to the Internet but there is a catch. It is only for cable subscribers for now. A test beginning in July will involve 5,000 Comcast customers who will get TNT and TBS on a fast-speed connection. Users will be required to log on with name and password and the system will know if you try to cheat. There will not be any additional fee, but there may be some alteration to the schedule as the test progresses.

Via USA Today

Monthly Round Up - June 2009

2009-06-30T23:53:20Z

June has come and gone so quickly. It seems that all of the major (and many of the minor) electronics companies are discovering new technology at an astounding rate, as evidenced by our Round Up. We don't foresee it letting up any time soon, in fact look for even better ways of networking in the months to come.

We again want to thank those of you who catch us on Twitter that now includes Casey Walker, Mike Deckys, Daphne Joella, Robin Newton, computer certs, Aerielle Technology, Business Tools 4U, graves head and pricewatch. Don't forget to check out our new Facebook Page and become a friend!

A/V to PC Streaming

Eye-Fi Share Wireless SDHC Memory Card

Advertising

Hulu Releases Desktop beta

Apple TV

Loop Pointer Now Available to Public

Audio Devices

Audio Streaming

Blu-ray Players

Freakin' Friday

Game Console Streaming

PlayNow Arena Adds Movies

General

Mini-Tribute to Michael and Farrah

HDTV

Home Networking

Freakin' Friday! Logitech Cam Users Get Free Vid

Home Theater

How To

Freakin' Friday - DIY Outside Home Theater

Image Streaming

Internet Video

Hulu Releases Desktop beta

Media Center

QNAP NMP1000 - Deluxe Media

Media Extender

Wireless Extender Boosts Phone Signal

Netflix Streaming

Networking

News

Windows 7 Price Reduced Until July

PS3 Streaming

Loop Pointer Now Available to Public

Popcorn Hour

Popcorn Hour C-200 Internet Settop Box

Portable Media

Press Release

Remote Control

Routers

Sonos

Freakin' Friday! It's Home Audio Month

Speaker Systems

Speakers

Freakin' Friday! It's Home Audio Month

Steals and Deals

TV Streaming

USB Devices

Video Devices

Video Streaming

Wired Home

Surge Protection on a Budget

Wireless HDMI

Philips Unveils Wireless HD Link

Wireless Headphones

Plantronics .Audio 995 Wireless Headset

Wireless Music

Convert Your Router to a WiFi Radio

Wireless Network

Loop Pointer Now Available to Public

Wireless Speakers

BlueAnt Voice Command Speaker

Xbox Streaming

UK Sky to Stream to Xbox 360

iPhone Streaming

iPod Streaming

Crosley Plays it All

2009-06-30T12:52:00Z

We dig the retro look of electronics from Crosley and the fact that we can play music on it that we never managed to convert. For example, the Crosley Rochester Entertainment Center comes with a 3-speed turntable, programmable CD player, side mounted cassette deck and AM/FM radio. Housed in wood, it also has an external antenna and full range stereo speakers.

Via Crosley

iJector Projects from iPhone/iPod

2009-06-30T00:54:00Z

Lancerlink's iJector is an LCOS projector designed expressly for the iPhone/iPod. At a size 195×145×96mm and a weight of only 120g, the dock-shaped device allows video streaming from your Apple device and audio with built-on speakers. Images can be as tall as 50" with a res of 557x 24\34p from up to 2.3m away. The iJector has a brightness of 20 lumens, a lamp with a 30,000 hr. lifespan, is licensed by Apple, works for most models and will have a price of $700.00 when released mid-July.

Via Crunch Gear

Windows 7 Price Reduced Until July

2009-06-29T13:12:00Z

Can't wait for the Windows 7 debut in October? Microsoft, in an effort to make you squeal with delight, is offering the Home Premium Upgrade for a mere $49.99 if you pre-order before July 11. You save $70.00 on the pricing and can also get a good deal on Windows Professional Upgrade. The upgrade will work on most PCs with Vista or XP but is only available to those in the US and Canada.

Via Windows 7 Upgrade

Freakin' Friday! Logitech Cam Users Get Free Vid

2009-06-27T01:06:00Z

We spend a lot of time telling you how to network more ably in your home, but what about when your loved ones are far away? Logitech has introduced Vid, a simplified way to make video calls on a PC or Mac with most Logitech Webcams. With a simple, intuitive interface, it can be set up in very little time, provides lifelike colors and optimizes speed and resolution. Vid is free to download for those with a Logitech cam and if you are invited by another to use it, you get free usage for 30 days.

Via www.logitech.com/Vid">Logitech Vid

Mini-Tribute to Michael and Farrah

2009-06-26T19:26:45Z

We don't often pay tribute to those who have met their demise but think it is time to make an exception. After learning about Michael Jackson's sudden death, I want to take a minute to acknowledge one of the greatest artists of all time. My oldest daughter's first album was "Thriller" (she was 3 at the time) and she now plays it for her children. We think that is a fitting tribute to keep his music alive.

Farrah Fawcett, in her own way, was a groundbreaker. Her strength and positive attitude, even when she lost her trademark hair, showed her great courage. The documentation of her struggle with cancer that she insisted be made will be looked upon as further evidence that her beauty was more than skin deep.

Michael and Farrah, vaya con dios.

Blu-ray Managed Copy to Become Mandatory in 2010

2009-06-26T12:52:00Z

Managed Copy, the ability to make a single copy of a Blu-ray disc to BDs, DVDs, PMPs, or other electronics has to this point been optional. But as of next year, the AACS LA, the agency that is in charge of Blu-ray digital rights, is making it mandatory, meaning that any downloader will be able to save at least one copy. A couple of notes here. While it is mandatory in software, you will have to look for it when purchasing hardware. And don't forget that the download may not be a freebie, depending on the studio issuing it.

Via Video Business

Mobidapter Transfers Media Without PC

2009-06-26T01:06:00Z

Elan's Mobidapter connects by an SD slot to instantly transfer images, music and data between cell phones without a PC from a USB drive. It will work with any cell phone, smartphone or PDA with a socket and can also be used with TVs, Sat-Nav devices and digital picture frames. Compatible with any op system, it has a price of $65.00.

Via Elan Digital

Wireless Extender Boosts Phone Signal

2009-06-25T12:48:00Z

Those who live in the boonies will appreciate this wireless extender. The dual-band YX510-PCS/CEL will boost the signal of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon frequencies up to 2500 square feet. At a size of 5 x 2 x 7" and a weight of 4.4 lbs., it works with 800/1900 MHz frequencies with an omni-directional signal from multiple cell towers. Install outside on your roof or inside in an attic or next to a window. You also get the perk of extended phone battery life as it uses less power when the signal is stronger.

Via YX510-PCS/CEL

SilverPac Advanced Digital Picture Frame

2009-06-25T00:48:00Z

This is no ordinary digital frame. SilverPac's Advanced Digital Picture Frame (ADPF) has a 10.1" 1024 x 576 touchscreen, connects via Wifi, Bluetooth, and full and micro-USB ports. The SilverFrame has Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and supports Windows SlideShow and Live FrameIt for content that has been stored online. It can show photos, play online tunes and video, can sync up to email and calendars, or hook up with Facebook, Windows Live and Flickr. The ADPF comes with remote and 1.5W built-in speakers, is driven by a Freescale processor, has 1GB flash storage and 512MB of RAM. No price as yet, but expect a hefty one.

Via Slash Gear

Loop Pointer Now Available to Public

2009-06-24T13:04:00Z

Hillcrest Labs has been working on its wireless Loop Mouse/Pointer for a couple of years and is finally selling it to the masses. With patented Freespace technology, you get precise in-air pointing. The circular device can be used with a media-center PC, a Sony Playstation 3 or an Apple TV, if a TV Flash from Fire Care is installed. In fact, any place you can use a wireless mouse, you can use the Loop.

Via Hillcrest Labs

QNAP NMP1000 - Deluxe Media

2009-06-24T01:12:00Z

QNAP's NMP1000 is beginning to hit stores in Japan, so perhaps the network media player will make it here by the holiday season. At a price of ¥45,000, (~$470.00,) the HDMI 1.3 device has a 3.5" HDD, a 1GB Ethernet port and can double as NAS (network attached storage.) What more can we say? We'll let the video speak for itself.

Via Engadget HD

Eye-Fi Share Wireless SDHC Memory Card

2009-06-23T12:52:00Z

Would you like a latte to go with that slide show? Eye-Fi has released a wireless SDHC Memory Card that allows uploading of images from a camera to 25 online sharing sights through a PC without need of the Internet or a router. The Share card has Selective Transfer so that the user can choose which photos they want and each of them will be automatically saved and geotagged. All photos stay on the card until manually deleted. Pictures can also be uploaded ad hoc at any hotspot or Wayport.

Via Eye-Fi

Ngmoco Plus+ Network

2009-06-23T00:54:00Z

Game company Ngmoco launched the Plus+ Network last week for iPhone users. Like Microsoft's Xbox Live, users can create a profile, keep records and history on games and play with friends. Even better, it's free.

Via Ngmoco

Popcorn Hour C-200 Internet Settop Box

2009-06-22T13:06:00Z

Syabas, the company behind the Popcorn Hour A-100, has announced their next-gen Internet settop box, the C-200. Stream content from the Net or your PC's hard drive to your stereo or TV. The box has a front-loading bay to install a hard drive for storage and playback and a gigabit Ethernet connection for rapid file transfer. With support for over 30 A/V types of files, it comes with a wireless RF remote and LCD display for easy search, stream and download. Look for the C-200 next month with a MSRP of $299.00.

Via Popcorn Hour

Freakin' Friday! - LaCie DivX Extender

2009-06-20T01:04:00Z

Add media playback capability with the LaCie LaCinema Classic DivX extender with 1TB storage. If you do not have an internal SATA drive, attach your USB storage device with its 2.0 port. HDMI 1.1, SPDIF, stereo RCA and composite video outputs are in the rear and we have to admit that the black case with blue glow is kewl looking. The extender will also upconvert SD content to 1080p, has quiet operation and comes with user-friendly interface and remote.

Via LaCie

Samsung MP3 Player Reads, Plays Games

2009-06-19T13:04:00Z

The latest PMP from Samsung does more than play music. The YP-R1CB 8GB MP3 Player features a 2.7" WQVGA (400×240) touchscreen and is compatible with video RMVB, MPEG-4, WMV, H.264, Divx, Xvid and audio MP3, WMA, Ogg, FLAC and AAC files. When you tire of the A/V usage, the Bluetooth device has an FM tuner, an E-book reader and can play games. Look for a price around $180.00.

Via DAP Review

Convert Your Router to a WiFi Radio

2009-06-19T00:54:00Z

Jeff Keyzer took an Asus WL-520gU Wireless Router and turned it into a DIY WiFi Radio. He removed the USB connector and wired it directly to simplify things. The cabinet was built from scratch by one of his neighbors. Excluding the case, it only cost him $147.09. Check out his other materials and instructions if you would like to duplicate his efforts. Nice job, Jeff.

Via mighty Ohm

Convert to HD Audio with Gefen Box

2009-06-18T13:02:00Z

So you finally dealt with the DTV transition successfully, so now it is time to do the same for your audio system. The Gefen Converter Box will take your S/PDIF or TOSLink source and convert it to standard analog left/right audio to your DVR, CD players or other devices with RCA jacks.

Via Gefen

iHome/LifeWorks Dual Media Devices

2009-06-18T00:56:00Z

We always have admired iHome for their ingenuity and now that they have teamed with LifeWorks Technology Group, they are offering even more of a choice in networking. The iStand Notebook Media Bundle comes with an integrated iPod/iPhone dock and a price of $299.99.

The iConnect Media Keyboard is $149.99. Both items come in silver and white for Mac owners and black for Windows users. Look for a summer debut.

Via cnet

Surge Protection on a Budget

2009-06-17T13:08:00Z

The first surge protector we bought a couple of decades ago was incredibly expensive, but now you can get one for next to nothing and with color coded inputs for the electronically challenged. DigiTV's DC-SP6500 Power Station can be used for Phone, Fax, and Home Theater Equipment. The 6500 Joule Surge Protector has 7 outlets and a circuit breaker for additional AC adapters. The device has a 6 ft. heavy duty cord and child safety lock and will definitely not cost you your first born.

Via DigiTV

Monster Home Theater Controller

2009-06-17T00:52:00Z

It may look like your basic remote, but this July, Monster will release their MCC AV50 Home Theater Controller. With Web-based setup, this is simplicity at its best as it only needs touch commands like "play a DVD."

The company has also collaborated with chipmaker RedMere with the result being SuperThin Cables. Using MagniEye technology, HD signals are sent directly through the cable and need no external power supply. The cords are only 3.5mm in diameter, about 65% thinner than normal HDMI cables. Available in 4, 8 and 16' lengths, the cables will be priced from $89.95 to $119.95.

Via Gearlog

LG HDTV Packed with Netflix

2009-06-16T13:04:00Z

Netflix seems to be slowly taking over the planet with these two new LG HDTVs equipped with the service. Both the 42" 42LH50 and the 50" 50PS80 have NetCast Entertainment Access with over 12,000 movies, TV episodes and YouTube available. They feature a 1080p Full HD resolution 1920 x1080p Trumotion 120Hz panel with 4 HDMI v 1.3 digital inputs. Add to that energy efficiency, an invisible speaker system with Dolby Digital 5.1 and Clear Voice, and a 70,000:1 Dynamic contrast ratio and you have one state of the art TV.

Via LG HDTV