Sony plans to boost production of ultra-thin TVs

That recent report questioning the longevity of Sony's OLED television displays apparently has done little to deter the company's headlong rush into the new technology.

The company is reportedly spending US$210 million to manufacture medium to large versions of the paper-thin displays in fiscal 2009, according to Engadget. That's a big step up for the screens, which use less power and are far more flexible than plasmas or LCDs. To date the only OLED TV actually available for purchase has a display that measure just 11 inches--the XEL-1--hardly a size that can compete in a market where 42- and 50-plus inch models seem the norm.

The move comes none too soon, because Sony will need to step up production if it hopes to make a dent with OLED TVs in the near future. At the current price of US$2,500 for an 11-inch screen, there's a dire need to create demand in a hypercompetitive business.

Via Crave CNET

Low-cost and ultra-short throw InFocus beamers

Hot off the press are InFocus' new IN2100-series entry multimedia projectors and its pilot ultra-short throw XS1. The former combines round-the-clock reliability via a dust-free, fan filter-less design and optional advanced wireless audio-visual connectivity. Available in three different models from native SVGA to WXGA (1,280 x 800-pixel) resolutions, they all offer competent 2,500 ANSI lumens brightness, dual PC inputs and Texas Instruments Brilliant Color technology.

On the other hand, the XS1 is capable of projecting a huge 67-inch projection comfortably from just a mere 0.9m throw distance. This gives the 2,200 lumens light cannon a distinct screen size advantage in confined spaces and hassle-free integration with interactive whiteboards. Interestingly, it also bears cunning resemblance to the recently launched BenQ MP771 sans some cosmetic and hard specs variation. That said, the XS1 is still comparatively more affordable.

The InFocus Work Big IN2102, IN2104, IN2106 and XS1 are now available in Singapore for S$1,099 (US$808.09), S$1,599 (US$1,175.74), S$2,099 (US$1,543.38) and S$2,499 (US$1,837.50), respectively. Launch details for the rest of Asia are not available at present.

Photo credit: InFocus

PS3 to PC makeover

Popular Mechanics has recently published a guide on converting a Sony PlayStation 3 to a full-fledged PC. It has been long established that the console's Cell processor is akin to a supercomputer, though this is probably a first in terms of a major exploit.

Best of all, the Linux operating system makeover is perfectly legitimate and relatively risk-free. The procedure involves a hard drive upgrade and relevant software installation. The latter, such as Ubuntu, can also be downloaded free online.

The hacked console retains all its original functionalities and can be easily toggled between console and Linux mode via user selectable dual-boot function. However, you will have to backup all game data into an external storage prior to installation.

Via Ubergizmo | Photo credit: Popular Mechanics

Panasonic details Neo PDP launch

You may have read about Panasonic’s Neo PDP plasma technology. You may even have caught a glimpse of the prototypes at January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Well, we now have news that they could be coming to an electronics store near you as early as June 2009, according to a spokesperson at a recent Panasonic Tokyo/Osaka tour that CNET Asia was invited to. The global release follows an initial May production from the Panasonic P5 plant, its latest plasma panel manufacturing facility currently undergoing construction in Amagasaki, Japan.

The lineup includes a petite 24.7mm-thick 50-incher and its life-size 150-inch sibling. The latter also offers four times better image details over standard full-HD TVs with a native 4,096 x 2,160-pixel resolution. Size and picture quality aside, there is the FX or Double Efficiency technology. This eco-friendly feature delivers the same level of screen brightness at only half the power required by current flat panels.

Watch this space as we bring you more exciting coverage on Panasonic Center Tokyo and its Amagasaki plant tour.

Click for larger image:



Photo credit: Panasonic

Shortages might bog down Wii Fit launch in the US

First Nintendo told us the Wii Fit would launch on May 19, but the company neglected to mention that was applicable only to the Nintendo World Store launch in New York--the rest of the country still has to wait until May 21 to get their hands on the Wii Fit balance board and video game combo. But wait--if you neglected to preorder a unit, you might not be getting one this May 21, either. Gamestop's online store has a temporarily-out-of-stock warning, and Amazon halted online preorders as early as May 6, with 2.5 units sold every minute. So if you want a Wii Fit, you should plan on heading out to your local video game retailer bright and early this Wednesday in the US, because it looks like units will be in short supply.

The price hike on eBay has already begun. From a preliminary search through the auctions, it looks like Wii Fit buyers from the New York Nintendo store have started hawking brand new units for two to three times more than the retail price of US$90. (As of this writing, the highest asking price of a brand new Wii Fit on eBay is US$360.) It looks like the Wii Fit is following the Wii's history of supply and demand. Who knew an exercise video game would be so popular?

Via Crave CNET

Crave is...

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

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (750)

» Digital Cameras (413)

» Notebooks (474)

» PC & Peripherals (502)

» Handhelds (254)

» Printers (44)

» Home AV (504)

» Music & Play (435)

» Gadgets (966)

» Future Tech (163)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

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