New Samsung LCD TVs boast thinner bezels, LED backlights

Samsung today ushered in new high-end models to its LCD TV lineup: The Series 8 and Series 9 flat-panel LCD HDTVs. They're the step-ups to the Series 6 and Series 7 models, both of which garnered high marks when reviewed by CNET earlier this year. Full details follow.

Samsung Series 8 LCD HDTVs

• Samsung LN-46A850 (46-inch; US$2,700; September 2008)
• Samsung LN-52A850 (52-inch; US$3,400; September 2008)
• Samsung LN-46A860 (46-inch; US$2,800; September 2008)
• Samsung LN-52A860 (52-inch; US$3,500; September 2008)

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Two Onkyo receivers with Faroudja video processing announced

While Onkyo has already announced its main budget receiver for the year--the TX-SR606, which we reviewed last week--today Onkyo announced two new midrange A/V receivers, the TX-SR706 and TX-SR806, which both offer several HDMI inputs, video upconversion, and THX certification. These receivers are sure to appeal to audiophiles on a budget, so let's check out their key features:

The Onkyo TX-SR706

Key features of the Onkyo TX-SR706:

• 7.1 channels, 100 watts per channel
• 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs
• Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• 1080p upconversion for analog signals, using Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing
• XM- and Sirius-ready
• Powered second zone
• THX Loudness Plus
• Currently available with a list price of US$900

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Hollywood series served in double-quick time

That's right, folks, and as early as within 24 hours of their US premier, too. That's the gameplan for SingTel's upcoming Season Pass video-on-demand (VOD) service, its new initiatives announced today in conjunction with the first anniversary of Mio TV. This brings onboard over 50 American series from Disney-ABC, Warner Bros. and Twentieth Century Fox, further strengthening the Singapore telco's local pay TV offerings.

Among its "hot" program lineup are the latest seasons of Lost, Prison Break, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. Some of these hits will be available from September on a monthly subscription-based model with actual pricing to be announced closer to launch. Initial run is limited to standard-def format without a video-recording option, although SingTel hasn't ruled out the adoption of HD and a mobile platform in the near future.


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Nintendo faces ban on some Wii, GameCube controllers

Unless Nintendo complies with a federal judge's order by Thursday, the company will be faced with a ban on several of its controllers, Bloomberg reports.

A judge for the US Court in the Eastern District of Texas failed to overturn a verdict entered against the Japanese video game maker on July 18. The company had been previously ordered to pay $21 million to Anascape, a Texas company that holds a patent on motion-sensitive controllers.

After declining to order a new trial as Nintendo had requested, Judge Ron Clark instead is scheduled to issue a ban on the sale of the Wii Classic Controller, WaveBird controller, and GameCube controller. (Anascape said that Nintendo's Wii Remote and Wii Nunchuk controllers also infringe on US Patent No. 6,906,700, which describes a "3D controller with vibration", but a jury disagreed.)

Nintendo will have to post a bond or put royalties in an escrow account to avoid the halt, according to Anascape's attorney, but Nintendo said it was already planning on filing an appeal, which should effectively put the ban on hold.

Via CNET Crave

Italian cooker hood does Internet and multimedia

Buy a stylish stainless steel and glass cooker hood and get yourself a kitchen TV and computer free! That's right, folks. The Faber Imago+ is not your average grease and smoke buster. Instead, it's a fully equipped entertainment console with a bag of tricks that include DVB-T digital broadcast playback, video call, home monitoring via up to four Webcams, and even real-time recipe downloads.

To ensure a holistic experience, there are 3W x two stereo loudspeakers, a wireless keyboard with an integrated joystick and an auxiliary USB port, too. We have one burning question for the Italian manufacturer. Can we actually cook and enjoy the multimedia system at the same time? Well, for starters, maybe it might be a good idea to tilt the screen downward for a better view, yeah?

Via Ubergizmo | Photo credit: Faber

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