Toshiba's doing a pico projector, too

Several companies, including Toshiba, are showing off compact DLP pico projectors at the show. This one, the TDP-F10U Mobile LED Projector, may not be the sexiest-looking--or tiniest--of the bunch, but we'll throw it out there for your consideration.

The TDP-F10U weighs in at 1.4 pounds and offers SVGA, 800 x 600 resolution with an 800:1 contrast ratio. It will arrive in March, 2009 with a list price of US$599.99. Other companies releasing pico projectors, categorized as "notebook companions," include Acer (K10), Dell (M109S), and BenQ (GP1). All of these offerings in this class weigh just over a pound and cost between US$500 and US$600.


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Polk's new SurroundBar adds a wireless subwoofer

As we mentioned it in our CES 2009 home audio preview, the trend in home audio over the last few years has been toward simplicity, and sound bars have promised to deliver the full surround experience from a single speaker. In reality, it never quite sounds that good, but the Polk Audio SurroundBar systems are generally better than most. The newly announced SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater aims to improve on previous models by making the speaker even smaller and adding a wireless subwoofer. Here are the details.

Key features of the Polk Audio SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater :

260W of power

31.75 inches long--nearly 11-inches shorter than the original SurroundBar

No additional A/V receiver required

Wireless subwoofer

Polk claims full front soundstage due to its Front SDA technology

Wall mountable

A single analog audio input

Available in the US in January, US$550 list price

While the addition of the wireless subwooder is a big plus for the SurroundBar line, we're disappointed that connectivity is limited to a single analog audio input. Even a basic home theater system includes at least a cable/satellite box and a DVD player, so the SDA Instant Home Theater is only a good option for the simplest setups. Sure, you can get around its limitations by using an audio switcher or A/V receiver, but that defeats the simplicity that makes sound bars attractive in the first place.

Via CNET.com

A closer look at the Nyko Wand

In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet.

The Nyko Wand looks a lot like the Wii remote we're all used to, but instead can output commands and even vibration through the controller's port at the bottom of the device. Using what Nyko calls Trans-Port technology, the new interface will allow compatible devices to take advantage of functionality not always available in current Wii remote accessories.

For example, a new pistol grip for The Wand will allow not only full force-feedback, but also a way to use the 1, 2, +, and - buttons without the need to reach around to the top of the remote. Also, the controller's uniquely oversize face buttons should help when using the device with the aid of an accessory.


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Philips announces three new Blu-ray players

With Funai licensing the Philips brand in 2009, things have gotten a little confusing about just what's going on with Philips home A/V products. But it appears that all the products that Philips announced at CES 2009--including three new Blu-ray players--are true Philips products. Philips had already planned out its 2009 line and Funai Electric will be taking over the production of that line this year.


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Sharp BD-MPC home theater systems feature integrated Blu-ray

Last year there were a handful of home-theater-in-a-box systems with integrated Blu-ray, but in 2009, it looks as if the feature will be close to standard. Sharp has announced the BD-MPC series of home theater systems that come complete integrated Profile 2.0-compatible Blu-ray players. Not much additional information was released, but here's what we know.

Key features of the Sharp BD-MPC series:

5.1 home theater system

720W of power

Blu-ray player included

Profile 2.0 compatible with an Ethernet jack

Both models available in the US in spring at US$800

There are two models in the BD-MPC series, the BD-MPC30 and BD-MPC40. The difference between the two models is merely cosmetic, with the BD-MPC30 featuring a black synthetic finish and the BD-MPC40 has black wooden cabinets.

Via CNET.com

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