ViewSonic eyes home theater projector pie

The fierce competition in the home theater display market has not detered ViewSonic from making its foray into the entertainment projector market. It pilot attempt, the Pro8100, is a sleek full-HD entry with quite an impressive specification list. Besides the future-proof resolution, the light cannon is driven by a Hollywood Quality Video engine. A processor commonly found in higher-end equipment, favored by videophiles for its smooth jaggies-free video upscaling.

There are also abundant inputs on the rear, including a pair of HDMI 1.3 terminals, two sets of component-video jacks and a 1080p-ready PC socket. Rounding it up, there's even a USB port for mouse control. Furthermore, it doesn't forget its luxury bits such as the motorized 1.6x optical zoom, focus and lens shift functions, perfect for you couch-bound movie fanatics.

Our contact in ViewSonic has indicated that the Pro8100 will be heading our way but was unable to provide exact launch and pricing details. Watch this space for further updates.

Pyle builds seagoing media center

Waterproof media systems are fine for bathroom dwellers and other homebodies, but they're occasionally useful for those brave enough to venture outside as well. Particularly on the high seas.

And with all the competition in car stereos, Pyle Audio has taken its business to the water with its technology-packed "Seadoo" ocean cruiser. Despite its unfortunate name, the four-passenger Seadoo is a definitely a force: Powered by two head units, this floating media center has a 17-inch LCD (rear), 13-inch LCD (front), DVD player, 10 speakers, 3 amplifiers, and 3 subwoofers, according to BornRich.

Pyle, by the way, is still a formidable player on the road as well. Among its wheeled accomplishments is an SUV with 12 TVs--a small screen in every door and a large one in the back.

Via CNET Crave | Photo credit: Pyle Audio

Chair promises to give a jolly good massage

Anyone who's visited a mall in the last decade knows that massage chairs are a dime a dozen--or perhaps several grand, depending on the model--but we just can't pass up one that comes from a company called "Jovial." And it's not just any manufacturer, but one that claims to be "China's leader in massage chairs" (we'll have to take their word for it).

Geographic hyperbole aside, it's latest offering alone has got to put it high on the list: As well as some advanced bodywork technology, it promises to provide nothing short of a full multimedia experience. While it uses its programmable 3D body-scanning system to gauge your sore spots, you can make use of its built-in DVD player, loudspeakers, and synchronized massage music--all through its attached LCD controller, according to BornRich. We're not sure if we would describe all this as "jolly," but it certainly couldn't hurt.

Via CNET Crave | Photo credit: Jovial Electronics

When the woofer is mightier than the pen

If you've ever wondered what a loudspeaker would look like if it were designed by a company that makes pens, look no further. And if you do happen to fall into this category of curiosity, you have way too much time on your hands.

That aside, the rather odd-looking object pictured here is the product of one Lominichay, better known for its fine writing instruments. Why it's decided to make speakers is anyone's guess, but the company appears to be applying the esoteric sensibilities of its pens to this new line of business.

The "Degas" model shown at right atop its cylindrical stand is one of three speakers named after master painters, made from heavily lacquered birchwood and "promises excellent bass down to 35Hz in moderate- to large-sized listening rooms of about 50 to 500 square feet," according to Luxist, with a "6.5-inch ceramic midrange driver and a sparkling 1-inch diamond tweeter."

All for a mere US$30,000, that is, or US$32,500 if you splurge for the piano lacquer version. But don't squawk--the Degas is the cheapest of Loiminchay Audio's three debut offerings, with the other two tagged at US$45,000 and US$75,000 a pair.

At first we were curious about the price of its pens, but now we're too scared to ask.

Via CNET Crave | Photo credit: Luxist

Paramount's wavering HD-DVD allegiance

Following the latest announcement on Warner Bros' new Blu-ray alliance, there are now fresh rumors on a similar Paramount coup in the pipeline. According to an online Financial Times article, Paramount may be exploiting a loophole in its contract with the Toshiba-lead consortium. Insiders have indicated a clause which allows the company to relinquish its HD-DVD allegiance in the event that Warner switches sides. As for the outcome, only time will tell. But even without Paramount's entry, the Blu-ray camp is poised to capture up to 70 percent of all Hollywood productions now with Warner onboard.

Our take? The cat and mouse game is far from over and with cash-rich Microsoft backing HD-DVD, you never know. As for the consumers, you can either sit out and enjoy the debacle or invest in one of the dual-format players from Samsung and LG.

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