Record more HD shows with DVR Xpander

With the proliferation of TV programming delivered in HD, you may find your DVR quickly runs out of storage space. That's because HD content takes about 10GB per hour, which is roughly 10 times the amount of space required by non-HD content.

Now you have a choice: Either open up your DVR and install a new, bigger hard drive, or get external storage for your recordings. The latter, though less fun, is much more convenient and safe.

And it got even more convenient recently, as Apricorn just announced its new external-storage solution for DVRs called the DVR Xpander.

The device offers up to 1.5TB (1,500GB that is) of storage, which translates into about another 843 hours of standard programming or another 187 hours of high-definition programming on your DVR. If you think that's too much, the Xpander comes in smaller capacities, too, including 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB.


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B&W-engineered salon sound bar

No, we're not referring to the German automobile manufacturer, but rather, to Bowers & Wilkins, renowned for its snail-shaped Nautilus loudspeakers. The audio specialist has produced a new line of premium sound bars scheduled for launch in April at US$2,200. The Panorama weds nine drivers (the vibrating black cones), digital signal processing and 175W-worth of digital audio amplification into a compact one-box kit to deliver its flavor of virtual surround sound.

The company's pilot offering in this space will fit in nicely with 37-inch and larger panels. The sleek and polished Panorama will also readily accept both analog and digital audio feeds via its stereo, optical and coaxial inputs, though HDMI and video-switching functions are not included, unlike in the popular Yamaha offerings. Bowers & Wilkins did not comment on the regional availability of the Panorama in its press release, though we reckon that specialty stores in your country will likely carry this in limited numbers.

Via Gadgetell

Infocus debuts Work Big heavyweight

The InFocus Work Big IN5108 is a heavyweight 3LCD projector featuring a high 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness and a unique 1,400 x 1050 resolution targeted at large venue installations. This new entry in the Work Big family has most of the right ingredients for the job as well. It comes with four different lens options to accommodate short to long throw distances and has comprehensive connectivity ranging from industrial-grade BNC jacks to the latest HDMI 1.3 terminal and a regular PC input.

To simplify remote administration, both a networking and a serial port are built-in. Too many wires to route? Fret not as the IN5108 also offers optional wireless capability via the company's LiteShow II adapter. This InFocus projector is now available in Singapore for S$6,999 (US$5,072.84). Details for the rest of the Asian markets have not been released.

Supercharged PS3 joystick

Are you tired of getting knocked out in fighting games such as the upcoming Street Fighter IV? The US$89.99 XCM Dominator joystick may be the solution to your misery. Unlike Sony's wireless SixAxis and DualShock3 controller, the USB-based Dominator supports macro programming and holds up to 20 keystroke combinations in four memory keys. So instead of clocking countless hours practicing a super special combo strike, all you need is to effortlessly hit a button to execute the move.

There is also a rapid fire turbo mode for its eight primary buttons perfect for FPS or first person shooting games. At the moment, there're no indications of any force feedback support for the Dominator. What you do get is a bank of pretty blue LEDs to light up its translucent black casing. XCM has just announced US availability, but did not elaborate further for other regional markets.

Via Ubergizmo

Is 240Hz worth waiting for?

Two of the most confusing letters thrown around in reference to LCD and TVs these days are "H" and "z." The confusion will just continue to mount this year, as numerous manufacturers announced 240Hz displays at CES, doubling the 120Hz spec in an attempt to lure buyers. But is it twice as nice?

Until proven otherwise, I'm saying no, 240Hz is not worth waiting for.

Before I get into why, it's probably worth writing a few sentences to sketch out what all these numbers mean. Standard LCD and plasma TVs refresh the screen 60 times per second, or 60Hz, which is plenty fast enough to eliminate flicker and create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. In fact, most sources sent to your display arrive at the nominal rate of 30 frames per second, and each frame is repeated once by the television to achieve 60 total fps.

The problem is that with LCD, some viewers can perceive motion blur in fast-moving objects on standard 60Hz models (motion blur like this isn't an issue with plasma or other display types, whether 60Hz or otherwise, because they use different methods to create the illusion of motion). To reduce blurring, most 120Hz LCD displays use interpolation--called MEMC for "motion estimation-motion compensation"--to create a new frame between each of the original frames, so there's one interpolated frame for every true frame. An interpolated frame is composed of the processor's best guess as to what should be there, based on the contents of each of the true frames.


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