Optoma sets new price record with HD80

Looks like 1080p projectors are fast becoming mainstream earlier than expected. Optoma has just recently announced its US$2,999 HD80 and now there's already firm indication of its impending arrival in Asia. This sets a new yardstick for being one of the lowest-priced single-chip DLP models, coming almost neck-to-neck with its Epson EMP-TW1000 LCD rival. But unlike the latter, this is supposedly shipping with two HDMI 1.3 and DVI jacks.

Besides the above-mentioned impressive connectivity and DLP's renowned inky blacks, other vital specifications include a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast and bright 1,300 ANSI lumens. So far so good, but you will need a deep room to accommodate this light cannon. With a humble 1.2x zoom, it requires a substantial 4.2m throw distance to project a 104-inch image. Motorized functions are also out of the question but are understandable tradeoffs for such steep affordability.

Singapore distributor AR Visual has indicated that the Optoma HD80 will be priced between S$5,200 (US$3,823.53) and S$5,500 (US$4,044.12), and will probably reach our shores by end July. Launch details for the rest of Asia were not available at press time. The Asian model's specifications are pending confirmation.
More info here

New Ambilight TVs coming our way

According to Philips, four lines of new flat-panel TVs will be available globally in 2007. They are the 3000, 5000, 7000 and flagship 9000-series. First to reach our Asia shores will be the 7000 lineup with confirmed specifications for dual HDMI, Pixel Plus HD engine and full-HD LCD panels. While details are sketchy at the moment, these will likely be localized models with a scaled-down feature set although their ultra-high 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution remains untouched.

For these new series, slim and chic is the order of the day, centered on a thin piano black LCD frame and streamlined bottom speakers for a refreshing new styling. We also caught wind that some of these will be outfitted with an onboard subwoofer for enhanced audio performance. That's besides the Perfect Pixel HD engine, three HDMI ports and LED Ambilight as reported at January's CES show. Most of these will be featured in its 9000-series though the company is tight-lipped on their availability in Asia.

Reinventing the analog phone

This may be an odd proposition but Hong Kong-based Everpeace Technology is advocating a secure telephony system based on the age-old analog technology. Leveraging on its proprietary Frequency Domain Scrambling technique, the company claims a higher degree of anti-tapping deterrence against comparable digital equivalents. The latter are designed using well-documented industrial encryption which may be vulnerable due to their widespread implementation.

This, when coupled with its one-touch call scrambling and 100 million cryptographic codes, is indeed promising in our opinion, though it's hard not to fault the bulky and unassuming design. Other notable features include built-in speakerphone, caller ID and even a calculator function. You will need a pair of these to make a secured call and each set goes for US$240. It's now available in Asia but has to be ordered directly from the company.

More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

Hook up 127 monitors via USB

The recent advent of USB monitors has redefined the boundaries of PC-based multi-display configuration. Till recently, this has been limited to around two per computer without relying on professional-grade graphics solutions. With the latest offerings from Smart Square Ukeymo, hooking up 127 monitors is now a viable option through a combination of USB connectivity and specialized software.

Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, 2000 and Vista, these monitor can be configured for various consumer and commercial applications. Examples of home implementation range from dedicated screens for electronic photo albums and schedulers to touch-sensitive virtual keyboards and mice. These can further upgraded for true cable-free operation with an optional 12V battery pack and wireless USB adapters.

Two flavors are now available in the market, a 10-inch model that retails for US$550 and a larger 15-inch counterpart at US$650.

More images of the Ukeymo USB monitor:


More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

Take a dip with this LCD TV

It's a well-known fact that consumer electronics and liquid do not gel well together. But there are always exceptions such as Global Standard Technology's GLT-150 waterproof LCD TV. Built using special materials and low thermal characteristic components, this 15-incher is sealed against dust and submersible up to a depth of 1m, manufactured and tested to IP-67 marine industrial standards. The same goes for its bundled remote which floats rather than sinks in water.

You can't probably buy one of these for your leisure swim without an equally robust disc player but it sure is a matching addition for your private yacht and outdoor garden. The panel's specifications are none too shabby, either, with an HD-compatible 1,024 x 768-pixel resolution, S-video connectivity, plus a choice of an analog or digital TV tuner. The only glaring omission here is inbuilt speakers, but we find it hard to fault the Korean company for this.

Debuted last year, the GLT-150-series is now available in Asia for US$700, while its 10.4-inch sibling goes for US$200 less.

More images of the GST waterproofed LCD TV:


More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

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