Posts in Home AV
Limited edition "mother-of-pearl" Xbox 360
Philip Wong | May 23, 2008
We have the regular whitish Xbox 360 gaming console and the souped-up black Elite. But if you're an important associate of Bill Gates, there's also the limited-edition "mother-of-pearl" flavor as pictured above. A special gift from the founder of the Redmond software giant to the South Korean President, it features a special oriental motif which supposedly symbolizes patience and perseverance, according to Register Hardware.
The exquisite handy work of Korean artist Kim Young-Jun, 100 of these "VVIP" consoles are rumored to have been commissioned by Microsoft. If you have insider information on the rest of these swanky consoles' lucky recipients, do give us a heads up via our email here. We would love to run a photo gallery on this exclusive bling bling. Who knows? Maybe Gates could have thrown in a few extras to complement the souped-up aesthetics, too.
Via Register Hardware | Photo credit: Register Hardware
Blu-ray recorders outsell DVD ones in Japan
Philip Wong | May 23, 2008
While Blu-ray-related product sales is inching ahead in the US and the rest of Asia, the HD format is enjoying a surprisingly brisk trade in tech-crazed Japan. The statistics from Japan BCN Inc. show that Blu-ray recorders have garnered more than half the country's April DVR sales, a far cry from the 12.4 percent combined Blu-ray and HD-DVD market share in units sold for January.
Among the Blu-ray recorder manufacturers smiling all the way to the bank are Matsushita Electric (a.k.a. Panasonic) with a lion's share of 45.8 percent in sales, with Sony and Sharp hot on its heels. No surprises here considering Panasonic's affordable DMR-BR500 Blu-ray recorder comes at a street price of less than US$970. In fact, such blue laser recorders were aplenty during CNET Asia's recent visit to Japan, nicely lined up at Yodabashi Camera and other major electronics stores.
Via Tech-On | Photo credit: Tech-On
Sony plans to boost production of ultra-thin TVs
Mike Yamamoto | May 23, 2008
That recent report questioning the longevity of Sony's OLED television displays apparently has
done little to deter the company's headlong rush into the new technology.
The company is reportedly spending US$210 million to manufacture medium to large versions of the paper-thin displays in fiscal 2009, according to Engadget. That's a big step up for the screens, which use less power and are far more flexible than plasmas or LCDs. To date the only OLED TV actually available for purchase has a display that measure just 11 inches--the XEL-1--hardly a size that can compete in a market where 42- and 50-plus inch models seem the norm.
The move comes none too soon, because Sony will need to step up production if it hopes to make a dent with OLED TVs in the near future. At the current price of US$2,500 for an 11-inch screen, there's a dire need to create demand in a hypercompetitive business.
Via Crave CNET
Low-cost and ultra-short throw InFocus beamers
Philip Wong | May 21, 2008
Hot off the press are InFocus' new IN2100-series entry multimedia projectors and its pilot ultra-short throw XS1. The former combines round-the-clock reliability via a dust-free, fan filter-less design and optional advanced wireless audio-visual connectivity. Available in three different models from native SVGA to WXGA (1,280 x 800-pixel) resolutions, they all offer competent 2,500 ANSI lumens brightness, dual PC inputs and Texas Instruments Brilliant Color technology.
On the other hand, the XS1 is capable of projecting a huge 67-inch projection comfortably from just a mere 0.9m throw distance. This gives the 2,200 lumens light cannon a distinct screen size advantage in confined spaces and hassle-free integration with interactive whiteboards. Interestingly, it also bears cunning resemblance to the recently launched BenQ MP771 sans some cosmetic and hard specs variation. That said, the XS1 is still comparatively more affordable.
The InFocus Work Big IN2102, IN2104, IN2106 and XS1 are now available in Singapore for S$1,099 (US$780.76), S$1,599 (US$1,135.98), S$2,099 (US$1,491.19) and S$2,499 (US$1,775.36), respectively. Launch details for the rest of Asia are not available at present.
Photo credit: InFocus
PS3 to PC makeover
Philip Wong | May 20, 2008
Popular Mechanics has recently published a guide on converting a Sony PlayStation 3 to a full-fledged PC. It has been long established that the console's Cell processor is akin to a supercomputer, though this is probably a first in terms of a major exploit.
Best of all, the Linux operating system makeover is perfectly legitimate and relatively risk-free. The procedure involves a hard drive upgrade and relevant software installation. The latter, such as Ubuntu, can also be downloaded free online.
The hacked console retains all its original functionalities and can be easily toggled between console and Linux mode via user selectable dual-boot function. However, you will have to backup all game data into an external storage prior to installation.
Via Ubergizmo | Photo credit: Popular Mechanics
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