Epson rolls out two full-HD projectors

The excruciatingly long wait is finally over. Epson, the company behind the 3LCD technology, is finally launching a pair of home theater projectors to replace the 2007 EMP-TW1000. Some of the more notable enhancements for the full-HD EH-TW3000 and EH-TW4000 include a new but more boxy styling, the latest D7 LCD engine and dual HDMI 1.3a inputs. The flagship EH-TW4000 also stands out with its ultra-high 75,000:1 dynamic contrast, videophile-grade HQV video processor and onboard 100Hz frame rate-doubling technology.

So how does the S$4,888 (US$3,516.29) Epson stacks up against the S$4,999 (US$3,596.14) Panasonic PT-AE3000 and S$5,999 (US$4,315.52) Sanyo PLV-Z3000? For a lower price, the EH-TW4000 is impressive on paper and covers most areas from higher contrast and brightness to a powerful and proven processor. The Panasonic should have an edge in motion production based on positive users' feedback. The EH-TW3000 and EH-TW4000 are priced at S$3,388 (US$2,437.23) and S$4,888 (US$3,516.29), respectively, for Singapore. We've not received any information on regional pricing and availability.

Motion control for the Xbox 360: Gametrak Freedom

Whether or not you think the Xbox 360 could use a motion controller, Performance Designed Products (or PDP) will be releasing such a device for the console this fall called the Gametrak Freedom. While the Freedom will use several accelerometers for mapping pitch, roll, and yaw, the controller differs from the Wii remote because of something called ultrasonic 3D positioning.

Unlike the Wii remote, which uses an infrared (IR) lamp for operation, the Freedom will come with two sensors that will be placed on both sides of your display. This setup will enable a more accurate dimensional detection along with more precise measurements of speed and orientation. Supposedly this technology will require more specific movements from the user, different from the Wii remote that is occasionally easy to fool.
Read more »

A robot companion for the Sony PS3?

Goodbye Aibo, hello Sony PS3 robot. It looks like Sony's finding it harder to let go of its robodog then it reckoned. The Japanese company has apparently dug up this old bone to file a patent application for a robot companion to its PlayStation 3. Like Aibo, this artificial intelligent being will sport a camera, Gyro sensor, microphone, display and GPS; the latter to enable the robot to roam around the home autonomously.

While Sony is keeping mum on how this companion bot will be used as a gaming addon to the PS3, we're guessing it'll at least have Wi-Fi connectivity to sync with its parent and the Web. Hopefully, given Japan's love for companion mechanical beings, this one will also be equipped to babysit, vacuum, patrol the house, read the news and order the groceries. Though given how applications can sometimes get stuck in patent hell, it may be premature to second-guess Sony until this translates into reality. Still, we can always wish.

Via Siliconera

Book: Microsoft promised Toshiba HD DVD support

Even after it was clear that Blu-ray would win the DVD format race, Microsoft continued to stand behind the rival HD-DVD.

The software maker may have had many reasons, including the fact that its technology was used by HD-DVD, but another reason was that Microsoft had promised HD-DVD format backer Toshiba that it would do so as part of its effort to win a patent cross-license deal with the Japanese electronics giant.

That's among the interesting tidbits tucked away in Marshall Phelps' new book, "Burning the Ships". Phelps, a top Microsoft lawyer, and co-author David Kline suggest that Microsoft had already decided to back HD-DVD, but that the company redoubled its support as part of its effort to woo Toshiba to become the first big Japanese firm to take a cross-license to Microsoft's patents.
Read more »

Wireless 5.1-channel speakers in a cube

The idea is brilliant yet simple. The Cube Speakers consist of six identical pyramids held nicely together via magnetism. The complete 5.1-channel ensemble comprises five loudspeakers and a subwoofer. They operate using wireless technology with the sub's volume controlled by rotating the peak section of the pyramid. The latter also doubles as a dock for juicing up the built-in batteries of the various components once the kit is reassembled into a cube. Hats off to Korean designer Ji-Hying Jung for this really cool concept.

Via Ubergizmo

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (2182)

» Digital Cameras (962)

» Notebooks (1221)

» PC & Peripherals (1289)

» Handhelds (581)

» Printers (79)

» Home AV (1123)

» Music & Play (881)

» Gadgets (1460)

» Future Tech (381)

» Green Tech (168)

» Lifestyle (148)

» Luxury (22)

» Home Appliances (56)

» Cars (97)

» Games and Gear (241)

» Software (89)

» Web (95)

Previously...

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Hot Topics

Subscribe to
Crave

What's Hot

apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads