Posts in Home AV

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Archos unveils TV+, Wi-Fi DVR

Donald Bell | Jan 04, 2008

Looks like Archos has finally let the cat out of the bag on their first settop DVR, the Archos TV+. Offered in 80GB (US$249) and 250GB (US$349) versions, the Archos TV+ looks to do about everything the Apple TV failed to deliver, including: An onscreen recording guide; 640 x 480-pixel resolution video recording; a QWERTY remote control; an infrared emitter for controlling your cable box or TV; a built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet that can be used for on-demand video downloads from CinemaNow; a fully-functional Opera web browser with Flash video support (YouTube, DailyMotion, CNET TV, etc.); optional Flash video game downloads; and it even includes cables (gasp!).

Like Apple TV, the Archos TV+ also allows you to stream existing audio, video, and photo content from your home PC. The Archos TV+ might not have the integrated iTunes support of its competition, but it is compatible with the vast swath of competitors that use DRM-protected WMV or WMA audio and video files. A USB 2.0 connection allows the Archos TV+ to be used as a hard drive for a tidy transfer of files on and off your PC. In addition, a USB 2.0 host connection offers the ability to transfer photos from your digital camera or connect any MSC-compatible MP3 or video player.

For those of you who have been procrastinating about building your own PC-based DVR (Mythbox, MediaCenter, BeyondTV), the Archos TV+ seems to offer a one-stop solution for recording, archiving, and transferring your favorite TV shows. Stay tuned for more coverage at CES 2008.

Via CNET Crave | Photo credit: Archos

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Aztech simplifies Powerline networking

Philip Wong | Jan 03, 2008

Though Wi-Fi is the future, nothing beats a wired network for enhanced security and guaranteed bandwidth especially in A/V applications. The latest iteration, Powerline, taps on your existing in-house power grid for data transmission. To further simplify installation, Singapore-based Aztech is debuting two HomePlug-series products during CES 2008: HL109RN and HL109EP.

The HL109RN is possibly the world's first all-in-one WiFi-N router with integrated Powerline connectivity. Not only does it eliminate the need for a dedicated Powerline adapter, this also minimizes cable clutter as well as supports up to 200Mbps of theoretical fast data rate for standard- and high-definition video streaming. Another cool feature is a USB port on the rear capable of supporting multimedia playback on portable storage.

Running at a similar speed is the HL109EP, another world's first Powerline network adapter with AC pass-through and Simple Connection functions. The former allows an electrical appliance to draw power directly from its onboard three-pin socket, while the latter is a one-touch button that automatically pairs a group of powerline adapters.

Elegent-yet-simple solutions which will hopefully renew interest in this slow-moving networking technology.

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Supersized LG.Philips touchscreen

Philip Wong | Jan 02, 2008

LG.Philips, one of the major worldwide LCD panel suppliers, is planning to debut a series of mammoth touchscreens during the upcoming 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. Among these are two so-called world-first commercial flat panels (what else?): A 52-inch multi-touch and a 47-inch triple-view HDTV.

The former has an ultra-high 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution and the ability to recognize up to two independent touch points as well as gestures. Its high responsiveness is also capable of picking up more precise writing instruments boosting user interactivity.

On the other hand, the triple-view panel leverages on light segmentation to allow the screen to display three different images to viewers standing at various angles. Its intended applications include in-store directories and shopping mails' advertising.

Via LG | photo credit: LG

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