Archives for March 2008
Future-proofed speaker system rack
Philip Wong | Mar 24, 2008
It seems like Panasonic has scored an almost perfect speaker system rack, judging from the SC-HRT110's official specs. What's unique here is a 7.1-channel linear PCM support implemented via HDMI. This would allow onboard playback of studio-grade surround sounds, found on most Blu-ray titles, including externally decoded Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. There're also the optional SH-FX60-K wireless module and SB-HS500A-K surround speakers to upgrade the system to a 4.1 solution without the usual cable clutter, too.
Other notable bits range from dual optical audio inputs to 1080p-ready HDMI input/output and VieraLink one-remote consumer electronics control (HDMI-CEC). These are aside from the standard onboard Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound decoding and dual 130mm woofers to beef up bass reproduction. This is definitely one future-proofed product worth a closer look, but only if you are a resident in Japan. The SC-HTR110 is slated for launch in the land of the rising sun from April, but we seriously doubt it will be heading for the rest of Asia anytime soon.
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Via Audio Junkies | Photo credit: Panasonic
Even fans are going solid-state
Darius Chang | Mar 24, 2008
Moving parts seem to be going the way of the Dodo. Harddisks, with its rotating platters and swivel reader arm, were the first to go solid state. With no mechanical movements involved, these drives not only save power, but are less prone to damage and makes almost no noise.
Now, CPU fans are following the trend as well. The internal fan of the system is possibly the noisiest part of a machine, generating enough sound to annoy especially when the processor is going full blast. Thorrn Micro Technologies, maker of the RSD5 fan, has created what may be the first such solid-state device in the market. Despite being only a quarter of the size of its mechanical equivalent, it is up to three times more effective. The underlying technology is similar to ionizing air fresheners, using ions to push air molecules and hence generating wind.
Who knows, perhaps in the near future we can even customize heat vents to generate a cool howling sound for a gaming laptop, or a soothing breeze in an ultraportable.
Image credit: Thorrn Micro Technologies
Flash plug-in for Safari or standalone player?
Damian Koh | Mar 24, 2008
Nary a week passes without some form of Apple news. Last Tuesday, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen's comments to investors during a conference call were widely reported as the company building a Flash player for the iPhone. It turns out that things weren't as straightforward. Narayen has clarified that the company still requires Apple's approval to include the player in the App Store.
While Adobe isn't willing to comment on the development of the elusive player on the iPhone at the moment, that's not stopping us from putting on our thinking hats to figure out what may happen.
Read more »
A Lamborghini for your ear
Mike Yamamoto | Mar 24, 2008
But here's one that's sure to draw some attention, as long as would-be admirers can see the logo: The Lamborghini "Bello". Bearing the famous bull emblem, the headset was designed by none other than a son of the legendary auto house's founder, according to PhoneArena. It weighs just 9 grams and claims 6 hours of talk time for around US$70--a mere pittance considering the brand name.
It's an ideal way to get some mileage out of the logo, especially if you can't afford a Lamborghini laptop, let alone a car--even a used one.
Via CNET Crave | Picture credit: Phone Arena
Boxers for those who love their iPods too much
Mike Yamamoto | Mar 24, 2008
But boxer shorts?
The "iBoxers" have a special pocket that's designed to hold a media player or mobile phone (no jokes, please), according to Chip Chick, available for both women and men in an array of patterns and colors. There's obviously only one reason to buy them: So that, if anyone asks if that's an iPod in your pocket, you can honestly say yes.
Via CNET Crave
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