Posts in Home AV
3D pictures without goofy glasses
Philip Wong | Jun 21, 2007
Never judge a book by its cover and the Pavonine C190S stereoscopic LCD monitor is one fine example. From afar, this 19-incher looks just like any regular flat-panel display. But when supplied with a specially rendered feed, it will come alive with distinctive 3D visuals that deliver a unique "out-of-the-screen" effect. What really stood out is that the visuals are dished out without the aid of traditional 3D glasses, making the C190S an interesting all-in-one 3D display.
Another value-added proposition is its dual-mode capability. At the flip of a button, the monitor is capable of displaying 3D images in 640 x 1,024-pixel resolution or 2D in standard 1,280 x 1,024 equivalent. Connectivity-wise, you will have a choice of either standard PC or digital DVI for computer interface. Targeted for design, architecture, science and medical applications, the C190S stereoscopic LCD monitor is priced at US$2,200 per set, available in the US and Europe.
More images of the Pavonine C190S:
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More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
MP3 through your car's FM tuner
Philip Wong | Jun 21, 2007
Launched in early 2007, the Sound-Fly differs from most FM-based music transmitters in two major areas. It's one of the few models which does not ship with a brand-specific dock and it doubles as a standalone MP3/WMA music player. The former is actually a better design taking into consideration the myriad proprietary jacks featured on different MP3 players.
Replacing those incompatible sockets is a universal USB port. This is of the regular size version, compatible with inexpensive thumbdrives and high-capacity harddisks, up to 32GB in storage size. It also features an integrated car cigarette adapter for hassle-free plug-and-play installation, less the usual cords when paired with a compact thumbdrive.
Playback feature-wise, there is really nothing to shut about other than file indexing and automatic load-and-play. But hey, what's there to complain about an affordable-yet-compact US$35 product. Talks are already underway for Asian distributorship, though you could always source for one in countries such as Korea, Germany and Russia.
More images of the Sound-Fly:
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More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
Call in to access videos and games on your mobile
Philip Wong | Jun 20, 2007
Forget confusing, incompatible handheld TV broadcast standards--think European DVB-H and Korean DMB--and 3D-light Java games. Soon, you may be enjoying prime-time TV programs, PlayStation and Xbox titles on-the-go using just a 3G handset. Enabling these advanced entertainment functionalities are two new mobile solutions from London-based Infinite Solutions: 3onTV and Call & Play.
The 3onTV service provides telco and content providers an avenue to deliver TV programs live or on-demand via standard 3G video calls. Accessing the content is as easy as making a routine call with no prior requirement for specialized software, presented through a fully interactive onscreen menu. An example of an Asian implementation is TIC or The Interactive Channel, Hong Kong's only round-the-clock TV broadcaster.
The gaming equivalent of the above is the UK company's Call & Play service. This is compatible with an extensive range of game platforms from the Sony PlayStation Portable and PC to several iterations of the popular PlayStation (2 and 3) and Xbox consoles. That's not all. Subscribers will have the opportunity to purchase some of these titles at the click of a button. Now how's that for convenience?
More images of Infinite Solutions' mobile solutions:
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More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.>
Super-extended HDMI cables 
Philip Wong | Jun 19, 2007
One of the common challenges encountered while setting up a home theater projector is the longer-than-usual video interconnect. Routing sensitive HD signals through these cables further compounds the issue, resulting in undesirable soft visuals and distracting artifacts. These may soon be a thing of the past with a new breed of HDMI cables we chanced upon today at BroadcastAsia2007.
| Editors' note:
This article has been updated with the latest product specifications and pricing.
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A new product from Malaysia-based Giraffe Digital AV Solution, the 1080p-rated PCOM Giraffe G4222-series HDMI 1.3 cables ship with an integrated HD signal booster and interference-resistant triple-shielding design. The former is powered by a compact universal adapter enabling an extended length of 15 to 45m without compromising audio and visual quality. These will soon be available at its Singapore retailer Sound Decisions. Pricing starts from US$300 to US$1,200.
Also on demonstration was its commercial-grade Giraffe optical solution. This is capable of relaying 1080p signals in excess of a staggering 500m using a combination of optical cable and companion electro-optic adapters. A complete kit of similar length will go in the range of US$6,700 and is currently deployed by its regional customers including satellite TV operator Astro All Asia Networks.
More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
StarHub Cable TV to cost more from July 11
Philip Wong | Jun 11, 2007
Come July 11, the StarHub Cable TV monthly fee will cost an extra S$4 (US$2.63) for each Basic Group and Value Pack subscription. The Singapore Telco has cited ongoing increased cost of acquired content as a justification for the upcoming adjustments. This will be its first major revision since 1995 with the exception of a 39 percent Basic Group price cut and sports package hike in 2001 and 2004, respectively.
According to StarHub, 20 new channels have been added without extra charge in the past 3.5 years. Two new additions will be made available for its Education Basic Group and Family Plus subscribers soon.
To address the costly sports programs, StarHub plans to up the subscription price from S$15 (US$9.87) to S$25 (US$16.45), but this will be implemented only in October 2007.
Refer to the following chart for the original and new pricing for the various Basic Group and Value Pack subscriptions.
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Subscription |
Existing monthly fee (prices before GST) |
Monthly fee from July 11 (prices before GST) |
| Any three Basic Groups | S$20 (US$13.16) | S$24 (US$15.79) |
| Any four Basic Groups | S$24 (US$15.79) | S$28 (US$18.42) |
| Any five Basic Groups | S$27 (US$17.76) | S$31 (US$20.39) |
| All six Basic Groups | S$29 (US$19.08) | S$33 (US$21.71) |
| Chinese World II / Hindi World Value Pack |
S$38 (US$25) | S$42 (US$27.63) |
| Movie Lovers Value Pack | S$48 (US$31.58) | S$52 (US$34.21) |
| Action Seekers / All-Time Favourites Value Pack |
S$49 (US$32.24) | S$53 (US$34.87) |
| Ultimate Value Pack | S$95 (US$62.50) | S$99 (US$65.13) |
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