Konica Minolta Working on Thumbdrive-Sized Projector [Projectors]
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Windows 7 Touch Control Makes Media Center More Awesome [Windows 7]
Visiting Microsoft's Media Center posse in Redmond, I just caught a glimpse of the Windows 7 Media Center interface with integrated touch control (no third-party software) on an HP TouchSmart. All I can say is, I've always loved the MCE user experience—it really is a highlight of Microsoft design—but adding smooth touch interaction makes it even better. The only thing missing here is multitouch, but I'm told that's coming. Check out the vid. [Windows 7]
The Tech Specs of HD Netflix Streaming [Streaming]
Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/0xUQL__6iJI/the-tech-specs-of-hd-netflix-streaming
While Netflix offers 24fps movies in their native frames per second, their other content peaks at 30fps. The company researched the 60fps content found on Blu-ray discs, they realized that they'd be better off reserving that sort of quality for another era. Good call.
While it's a bit unfair to compare bitrates across codecs, Vudu's premium HDX material is still the top dog in streaming, supplying encoded rates ranging between 9Mbps and 20Mbps. Then again, most of us can't watch that footage in real time. [Netflix via CNET]
Dealzmodo: 15 Cheap Blu-ray Players as Low as $200 [Dealzmodo]
There's no question that Blu-ray is still not as inexpensive as DVD, whether you're talking about the players or the discs themselves. But prices have come down in time for the holidays, especially if you're willing to settle for an early generation model or a refurb.
In fact, we have a list of 15 Blu-ray players (thanks to DEG) that don't go for $300 or under just on Black Friday; they go for that little every day if you're willing to do a quick online search. Here are all 15 models, many with links to decent deals if you're too exasperated to search yourself.
MSRP: $298
AVG $220
MSRP: $499.95
AVG $250
What We Said
MSRP: $299.95
AVG $200
What We Said
MSRP: $399.99
AVG $240
What We Said
MSRP: $999
AVG $200 at low end
What We Said
MSRP: $799
AVG $200 at low end
What We Said
MSRP: $399
AVG $250
What We Said
MSRP:$399
AVG $250
What We Said
MSRP: $349.99
AVG $250
MSRP: $499
AVG $290
MSRP: $499
AVG $250
What We Said
MSRP:$499
AVG $230
MSRP: $399
AVG $250
What We Said
Sylvania NB500SL9
MSRP: $349.00
AVG $200
MSRP: $289.99
AVG $220
Consumer Reports Survey Details America's Black Friday Spending Plans [Black Friday]
CR found that, unsurprisingly, the number of folks hitting the stores is higher this year despite the economy's current position in the proverbial shitter—26% versus 21% in 2007. And of that 26%, electronics remain the main target, although much more so this year than last, with 85% heading to the gadget aisles over 70% previously. What's hot with CR's poll respondents? Gaming systems (those Xbox 360 price cuts seem like they're working out pretty well), which 46% of BF shoppers have their eye on first (compared to a much-lower 29% last year. iPods and other MP3 players come in a close second at 44% of folks planning on buying, up from 33%.
Still, I must throw in my two cents here: if you're able to wake up at the crack of dawn to stand in the cold waiting for some electronics deals with hundreds of other bleary-eyed souls, you're simply not doing Thanksgiving with the gluttony and excess it deserves. So save the shopping for later in the day at the computer, in your underpants, with a nice hot mug of the previous night's mulled wine helping you start the day (er, afternoon). That, friends, is a post-Thanksgiving Friday well-spent. [Consumer Reports]
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