World's first HDTV with integrated Blu-ray recorder

Hot off the press release from Japan are 16 new Sharp Aquos DX-series LCD TVs with built-in Blu-ray recorder. Comprising screen sizes from 26 to 52 inches in different colors, they not only offer HD broadcast reception, but also matching recording capability. The latter could be as long as 21 hours and 40 minutes of HD footage and surround sound on a dual-layer Blu-ray captured in H.264/AVC format.

What's not hot, though, is their rather modest dynamic contrast of 2,000:1. Having said that, most of the panels feature future-proof full-HD resolution with the exception of the 26- and 32-inchers. The Sharp Aquos DX-series is slated for launch in Japan from November 20.

Photo credit: Sharp

Get closer to 11 with Stage Kit for "'Rock Band 2"

So you love Rock Band 2, but somehow when you're playing, the reality that you're a normal person with a normal job and not a rich rock star is still able to annoyingly creep in.

Now, you could go out and learn how to play a real musical instrument and start your own band. However, it would probably fail to gather any of that widespread popularity you're yearning for, eventually leading to your untimely, but not surprising drug-induced death. Fret not, though, because there is an alternative.

Stage Kit from Performance Designed Products (PDP), attempts to enhance the immersion of Rock Band and Rock Band 2 for the Xbox 360 by creating a light and smoke effect that is supposedly synchronized to the music.

Stage Kit will be available this month for US$99. Watch the video below to see it in action. Please excuse the wince-inducing lameness of the video, though. My guess is that the groupies are not included.

While a smoke and light machine is cool, I think I'd prefer a peripheral that allowed for a mini foam Stonehenge to be lowered from my ceiling, but that's just me, I guess.

Via CNET Crave

LG Scarlet gets home theater-quality sound

This new LG Scarlet is quite unlike its predecessor. Though the LG80 may have lost the series' signature see-through hole in the center, it now packs a potent audio subsystem to deliver a more complete home entertainment experience. We are talking about dedicated center speaker for pinpoint dialog, bass-oriented subwoofer and motorized side stereo speakers which retract when the TV shuts down. Juicing up the 3.1-channel array is a powerful 50W amplifier that beats just about most TV sound systems available in terms of wattage.

Other audio-centric goodies include onboard multimedia playback via USB input, Dolby Digital sound support for DivX files and SRS TruSurround XT enhancement for virtual surround effect. That's about all we can say on this baby blasting away in our Labs. Do check back with us for more updates soon.

Via Akihabara News | Photo credit: LG

Exotic four-arm turntable

Having just acquired a tube amplifier, I've been contemplating switching from CDs to vinyls to further elevate my music enjoyment. However, the above exotic concoction from New York's Highwater Sound is something of a different magnitude. Modified from a TW-Acustic Raven AC turntable, it features four arms and companion cartridges from different manufacturers tailored for specific music genre.

This US$56,000 audiophile equipment was recently showcased during the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival in the US. If you've the money to spare, you can contact the company at the following Web page.

Via Dvice | Photo credit: Dvice

Sony PS3 controller charger reminds us what we hate about the PS3

Engadget has noted the appearance of a new PlayStation 3 accessory in Japan: A USB charger that can juice up two PS3 controllers at once. While we wouldn't be surprised to see this thing appear in Asia as well, the problem is: There's really no reason it should need to exist. And if the PS3 were better designed, it wouldn't have to. In fact, the existence of this sort of accessory just serves as a reminder of some of the PS3's biggest annoyances--all the more evident because the superb gaming console/Blu-ray player/media hub is otherwise close to perfection.

Annoyance No. 1: PS3 controller batteries aren't removable. The PS3 controller's rechargeable battery is locked inside. When it eventually dies a few years down the road, you'll need to invest in a whole new controller. Compare that with the competition: Both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 controllers have removable batteries.

The Wii uses standard AAs, so you can buy a charger and a set of batteries from the likes of Duracell or Energizer, and you no longer need to invest in an endless supply of new batteries. We've also had good luck with third-party charging solutions from Nyko and Penguin.

The 360 has the best of both worlds: It uses standard AAs (or rechargeables you supply, as suggested above), or you can invest a few bucks in the 360 Quick Charge Kit (a recharger and one rechargeable battery, with additional batteries available separately as well).


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