One Pioneer home theater, double the fun

Pioneer is doubling the punch for its new 2008 home-theater-in-a-box kits. Raising the bar, we have the HTZ777DVD shipped with a pair of down-firing subwoofers to tackle aggressive Hollywood movie soundtracks and explosive action flicks.

Then, there're the HTZ373DVD and HTZ171DVD and their twin center speakers which add installation flexibility. For example, you can mount each of the boom boxes beside a flat-panel TV for a neater layout without compromising dialog imaging and clarity.

The above, including the remaining HTZ272DVD, HTZ270DVD and HTZ170DVD, also feature 1080p DVD upscaling via HDMI, USB multimedia playback and 360W audio amplification out-of-the-box. Other value-added propositions for the 777 and 373 include MCACC auto surround sound calibration and an extra digital optical audio input to reproduce the enveloping effects of the latest Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games. Their counterparts, on the other hand, are perfect for American Idol wannabes, courtesy of an inbuilt Karaoke function.

Pricing for the six 5.1-channel home cinemas starts from S$349 (US$248.47), now available in Singapore.

Photo credit: Pioneer

A plasma that Lucy would have watched

Those who are still salivating at the thought of having a state-of-the-art 103-inch HDTV taking up a wall in their apartment probably wouldn't have much use for a retro-designed set from the '50s, but we're sure that others would die to have something like this.

It's hard enough to find furniture that can blend a flat-panel TV into the decor, and it can be infinitely more difficult when there's a specific theme or period that needs to be matched. The revival of "mid-century" design is no exception, and the boom in that genre would most certainly create some demand for something like designer Joe Wilkerson's "M21 Flat Panel."

It's a 42-inch plasma with a cabinet that, from the front, looks as if it could have come right out of the apartment where Lucy and Ricky lived. But the set has a depth that's only a fraction of what it would have been 50 years ago, not to mention a screen that's several times larger.

Unfortunately the retro TV isn't being produced yet, according to Coolest-Gadgets, as its designer is still "testing the waters" before jumping in. If you can't wait that long, there's always the Jetsons model.

Via CNET Crave

Go Mario Karting with this Wii wheel

Japanese electronics company, Japan Trust Technology (JTT), has just released a driving wheel for Wii racing games. However, unlike other Wii driving accessories in the market, the JTT Wii Wheel has a suction cup that allows it to attach to any flat surfaces such as the table or floor. This way, the wheel will stay in one place while you frantically maneuver through the racing course. You can also adjust the wheel to whichever angle (up to 120 degrees) you're comfortable with. All you need to do is clip the Wii remote onto the center of the wheel and you are ready to drive.

According to GoNintendo, JTT Wii Wheel is currently available in Japan at a retail price of 3,000 yen (US$28). There is no word on whether it will be launched in other markets.

Via GoNintendo

Ultra-high speed holographic display

While Star Wars painted an enticing vision of the future's holographic technology, the people bringing it to the real world could be some experts from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts who conjured up a working 3D holographic prototype. To achieve this amazing feat, they bounced 5000 projections a second off mirrors which spin at high speed. The 3D subject reproduced (see above) can also be controlled in real-time at 200Hz.



Via Mark's Technology News | Photo credit: Mark's Technology News

Krell's Papa Dock baby-sit its iPod KID

This one is for the self-professed iPod fanboys and uncompromising audiophile diehards. Krell's Papa Dock and KID combo is a step ahead of the competition, designed based on an old-school separate component approach to fine music. The KID is also probably a first of its kind, featuring performance-centric class A electronics, high-end balanced XLR audio output and an inbuilt iPod dock, all in a beefy 4.5kg metallic kit.

Designed to complement the KID is the Papa Dock which holds the above-mentioned deck and provides up to 150W of clean high-current amplification for your speakers. To maintain a near seamless experience, the amplifier is further loaded with auto sensing function and powers up on demand. The Krell KID and Papa Dock are priced at US$1,500 and US$2,500, respectively.

Via Audiojunkies | Photo credit: Audiojunkies

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