Posts in Home AV
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Sony PlayStation Eye
John Chan | Apr 27, 2007
The PlayStation Eye is a new accessory for the Sony PlayStation 3, and allows gamers to do voice and video chat using their gaming console.
Announced in the US, Sony gives an impressive list of features and specification for this souped-up Webcam. One of these features is its ability to record 320 x 240 video at 120fps and 640 x 480 video at 60fps. It also has a four-microphone array, which is supposed to incorporate "multidirectional voice location tracking, enhanced echo canceling and background noise suppression" features.
One thing it won't do is record in 1080p, so don't expect to see your own recorded videos in full HD. Also, for it to be any fun, game developers will have to get their games to make use of it, too. The PlayStation Eye is scheduled for a summer US release. Price and availability in the Asia-Pacific region have yet to be announced.
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Pioneer G clef: Back to basics
Darius Chang | Apr 25, 2007
After 70 years in the home entertainment business and moving from sound to video devices, Pioneer is returning to its roots with a trio of audio products.
When most home theater setups are hooked up with seven or more channel sound, the Japanese company is going back to basics with its two-channel G clef series. This system is definitely not for immersive movie viewing, but its real strength lies in reproducing crystal-clear sound from music CDs.
The G clef Series consists of the PD-D6-S Super Audio CD (SACD) player and two integrated amplifiers, the A-A6-S and A-A9-S. The new line features AIR Studios Sound Tuning with a quick-response power supply circuit, allowing music to be reproduced as close to the original as possible. According to Pioneer, the G clef Series is also the first two-channel product to be granted approval by AIR Studios.
The PD-D6-S features the proprietary Legato Link Conversion PRO and Twin Bur Brown D/A Converters. It is compatible with CD, SACD, CD-R and CD-RW formats, with support for MP3 and WMA codecs. It is available now for S$999 (US$717.62).
The A-A6-S and A-A9-S are equipped with Twin Toroidal Transformers to deliver powerful, clean sound. Besides the usual inputs, both are able to accept digital signals via USB and, using the Sound Retriever feature, add more punch to your MP3 files. The A-A9-S amplifier also includes a MM/MC phono-equalizer amp for those who love vinyls. It has a rigid base with a stabilizing plate and aluminum front and side panels. The A-A6-S costs S$999 (US$717.62) while the high-end A-A9-S goes for S$1,000 (US$718.34) more.
PD-D6-S | PD-A6-S | PD-A9-S
Wii, it's finally here 
Darius Chang | Apr 25, 2007
| Editors' note : Maxsoft has announced a trial launch of the Wii. The article has been amended to reflect the new information. |
The trial launch by Maxsoft will see US models of the Nintendo Wii appearing in Singapore stores from tomorrow, with local sets possibly coming in the next three to four months. The difference between its sets and parallel import units is that the former will include a power adapter rated for local voltage and warranty support. However, to our dismay, it would seem that the distributor may have taken a page out of Sony's PS3 launch.
According to local Maxsoft, the Nintendo console will be sold only as a bundle, which includes two games (Wii Sports and a choice of Sonic the Hedgehog: Ring of Fire or Ice Age) and dual Wii remote for S$647 (US$464.77). At this price, some might find the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, retailing at S$660 (US$474.10) and S$799 (US$573.95), respectively, a better buy as they have superior graphics, internal harddisks, and in the case of the latter a Blu-ray optical drive. According to Maxsoft, these sets will have limited warranty, but declined to specify the exact length of the coverage. After quick calls to Sim Lim Square stores on how long Wii would be covered, we received promises ranging from three months to a year.
Gran Turismo online tournament
Philip Wong | Apr 13, 2007
Game on, ladies and gentlemen. You have close to a month from now until May 9 to beat your Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore counterparts in a test of skill and perseverance. Simply download the free Gran Turismo HD demo now and give it your best shot beating the clock (time trial), stripped in a beautifully rendered Toyota Celica rally car.
The champion scores PlayStation Network credit worth S$100 (US$71.83), while those in second and third spots each takes home a Sony premium. Feeling the heat or not up to the mark on wheels? Fret not, a souvenir will also be given out to the top 100 ranking players as consolation. The results will be announced on May 15 and winners will be notified by email.
So start warming up those engines.
More info hereMean, heavy-duty LG DVR
Philip Wong | Apr 11, 2007
Forget the dated black-and-silver color scheme. LG is almost close to rolling out the new RH-299H, a 400GB hard drive/DVD recorder in a refreshing all-round dark hue. Shade aside, this new-generation model is outfitted with a generous 400GB onboard storage space and Dual Layer support out-of-the-box. HD junkies may also be delighted to know that the recorder comes with 1080i-ready HDMI output for a no-fuss one-cable digital interface.
This LG also beats the Pioneer DVR-745H-S by a value-added HDMI-CEC function. Dubbed Simplink, it enables one-remote operation between compatible A/V boxes. Take mandate operations such as sound volume adjustments and channel switching without juggling between multiple remotes. A simple cheat, in our opinion, that does away the need for expensive multifunction remote controller. Well, sort of.
The RH-299H will be available in mid-April for S$1,299 (US$933.12).
More info here
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