Sleek and sensuous Bordeaux Plus

Some say fine wine is brewed meticulously over time and this is definitely the case for Samsung's upcoming Bordeaux Plus LCD TVs. The new R8-series is a refined version of the original Bordeaux range featuring an all-round glossy finish and a streamlined wine glass-inspired bottom. A first in the home consumer space for non-boutique brand names and an undisputed head turner among its class.

This time round, its designers have addressed some of the shortfalls of the original series and come out with an all-rounder that offers a fine balance between aesthetics, performance and features. Besides sporting more curves and reduced bulk, the Plus model also packs a punch in contrast with a revealing 8,000:1 dynamic contrast performance.

But what really caught our attention is a battery of three HDMI inputs; two on the rear and one by the side, ideal for next-generation gaming consoles and the increasingly popular HD video cameras. That's not all. These are also Anynet+ enabled, giving users one-touch control over all HDMI-interfaced equipment with just a single remote controller.

The Bordeaux Plus will be available next week with prices starting from S$2,099 (US$1,511.38) to S$4,888 (US$3,519.59). We will give you an indepth review of this promising panel once we get our hands on a review unit, so stay tuned.
More info here

Vibe's Space Gate

As if there isn't enough noise in our lives, this 38,800W powerhouse, a.k.a. the Vibe Space Gate Bass Tunnel, is certainly primed to blast anyone within its vicinity right out of this stratosphere. Or, at least, blow out your ear drums or even break brittle bones. Embedded within what looks like a tentacled arch with suckers are about 36 Space II subs on 16 amps. Since it's almost illegal to have this much power and noise going at full blast, our rapidly declining hearing loss may just be spared. That said, who wants to be first through that tunnel of thunder?

Get larger image here

Via Engadget

Price: N.A.
Availability: Demo only, more info here
Device: Bass enclosure
Specs: N.A.

It's high time to ditch the video tapes

Own up, folks! How many of you are still stuck with a VHS recorder or Hi-8 camcorder? Let alone a massive videotape collection of special moments and classic serials that are close to your heart? I do, and archiving those footages onto optical disc can be a nerve-whacking experience on PCs and conventional DVRs. It's certainly not for the faint-hearted and impatient.

In comes Sony's DVDirect VRD-MC3 recorder, a specialized DVD burner designed to address the ease-of-use shortfall of current offerings. The shoebox-sized gadget accepts most recordable formats including DVD+R Dual Layer and comes with a 2.5-inch color screen. The latter, unfortunately, does not display real-time recording but rather simple instructions to complement the onboard controls: Record, Stop, Return and four-way navigation.

The box can handle just about any camcorder in the market ranging from the 1980s' 8-millimeter shooters to the current harddrive and HD variants with its comprehensive connectivity options. For the old-timers, there are the composite and S-video sockets, while a FireWire jack handles digital models. There's even a multislot reader for popular memory cards to churn out slideshows complete with background music of your choice.

Archival on the whole is a simple play-and-record exercise with menu thumbnails, titles and chaptering automatically managed by the system. As a bonus, you can also hook up the DVDirect to your PC and use it as a regular DVD burner. The DVDirect VRD-MC3 is now available in Australia and New Zealand for A$399 and NZ$599.95, respectively. Pricing and availability for the rest of Asia were not available at press time.

More images of the Sony DVDirect VRD-MC3:

The 220kg mammoth has landed!

Fancy a TV that's as tall as an adult and has four times the screen size of a 50-incher? Check out the latest Panasonic 103-inch mammoth now available for order, albeit with a long four- to six-month delivery time. This full-HD plasma panel is future-proofed with 1080p (24, 50 and 60Hz) input compatibility and comes stocked with a digital DVI port and component-video sockets. There is also room for future expansion to cater for additional connectivity options.

The catch? Well, this sleek beauty costs as much as a Subaru Impreza WRX or Mazda RX-8 at S$99,000 and is a power guzzler capable of consuming 1,500W of electricity. That said, it's not the money that matters for some and this is definitely one sweet piece of A/V equipment that will wow your neighbors and pals.

On a separate note, you could have a peek at this giant at either Best Denki Ngee Ann City or Courts Megastore from February 9 to end March. Those blessed by lady luck could even walk away with a free 42-inch plasma TV in a lucky draw at these outlets.

More images of the Panasonic TH-103PF9WK:

PS3 available for bundle only

Following our earlier report on the Sony PlayStation 3 pre-order and launch promotion, fresh information has arrived indicating a game bundle pre-requisite for both programs. So if you are all charged up for that sleek-looking console, be prepared to cough out good some money for the games. This particularly is a potential sour grape for home theater enthusiasts looking at bagging the heavily subsidized Blu-ray player.

While we are still awaiting confirmation on the pre-order packages offered by the official 13 retail partners, Sony Singapore will be offering the console bundled with Ridge Racer 7 and Resistance: Fall of Man for S$963 (US$693.40). You could place your order with Sony from now till March 5 via its hotline at 65448600.

Alternatively, you could give a go at the 200 units reserved for the March 7 launch party. These will be sold bundled with any one of the 10 games at prices starting from S$42 (US$30.24). To sweeten the deal, you will have a chance to purchase either Genji: Days of the Blade or Mobile Suit Gundam target in Sight for S$1 (US$0.72) only.

If both deals are not attractive in your opinion, you may have to gamble on stock availability as Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong was unable to comment on this matter.

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