Sony commits to Tru2way TV

Sony has signed an agreement with the US' six largest cable companies Tuesday to develop a TV that will receive cable services without the need for a settop box.

The Japanese electronics giant will make an LCD set based on the Tru2way cable platform introduced in January at CES by Comcast. Tru2way allows interactive cable services to be integrated directly into devices.

Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Cablevision, and Bright House Networks have all agreed to develop the technology behind Tru2way.

Sony's not the first consumer electronics company to announce a device based on the platform, however. At CES, Panasonic announced two high-definition televisions and a portable digital video recorder that use Tru2Way.

And last month Samsung, the world's largest producer of HDTVs, announced its own Tru2way TV and high-definition DVR.

Via CNET News Blog

BenQ: Two bulbs are better than one

Unless you're really out of luck, chances are that nothing can stand in your way to clinch that million-dollar deal with BenQ's latest SP920. That's because this XGA DLP beamer is powered by dual onboard bulbs for two very strong reasons. First, it gives you backup redundancy in case of nasty blown bulbs. Secondly, their combined lumens serve out a staggering 6,000 ANSI brightness--more than sufficient for large venue conferences or to offset moderate ambient lighting.

To deliver the best bang for your buck, there are three selectable lamp modes. From high-power 6,000 lumens for 2,000-hour lamp life efficiency to 4,800 lumens/3,000-hour combination and a single-bulb 3,000 lumens for a doubled 4,000-hour serviceable usage. Rounding it up, you have HDMI 1.3 and component-video inputs, as well as DVI and PC equivalents for all your connectivity needs. Beyond that, no pricing or availability were given.

Via Akihabara news | Photo credit: BenQ

The remote as an environmentalist

In this age of green, companies are experimenting with all manner of household devices designed to keep utility bills under control. They run the gamut, from gadgets that simply monitor consumption to those that shut off appliances automatically when no one's around.

Many of these products involve power strips and wall-mounted units, which aren't always in the most convenient places or out of mind and sight. So what's a sure-fire way to constantly remind us to conserve? The ubiquitous remote, of course.

The Energy Saver Remote offers a one-stop place to shut off all appliances rather than keeping them on standby mode, which typically consumes a minimum of 1.5 watts each hour, according to Coolest-Gadgets. All of which raises this question: Was "The Clapper" the first green remote?

Via CNET Crave

A US$47,000 turntable for Coneheads

Now this is the way to go. If you're going to get into this whole game of esoteric turntables, you might as well go all the way--and that's precisely what Montegiro Lusso has done with its latest offering.

The system is made of three cones consisting of aluminum and acrylic layers, giving it the zebra-stripe look. It also has a titanium cartridge, a synchronous motor, and a Da Vinci Nobile carbon-fiber arm, according to Gizmodo. (Speaking of Da Vinci, this may be the most unusual design since we saw the AAS-Gabriel museum-worthy turntable last year.)

Now the bad news--the price: US$47,000. That's right. But remember, in the world of exotic audio gear, it can always be worse.

Via Crave CNET

Big Respectable projection, micro beamer

Fancy a portable 22-inch screen anytime, anywhere? Then check out Earth Trek's 90-805R mini projector. A 105 x 58 x 25mm and 160g Korean concoction hailed as the world's smallest beamer in the market. Ideal for mobile warriors and busy executives on-the-go, this projection wonder features an inbuilt SD card reader, onboard MP4 media player and speakers.

Best of all, there is no need to scramble for power sockets as it's loaded with a Lithium battery pack and enough juice to last you for an hour or two. That's besides a contingency auxiliary jack for an external power adapter and A/V input to stream videos from the Internet via a laptop or PDA. Price and availability weren't available.

Via Akihabara news | Photo credit: Akihabara news

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