Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Sony Outs Seven LED 3DTVs At Once [3dTv]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5559356/sony-outs-seven-led-3dtvs-at-once

Sony Outs Seven LED 3DTVs At OnceThe promise of Sony's entry into the 3DTV market has been swirling since last September. Today they're not just dipping their toes in the 3D waters; they're delivering a full-on cannonball, with the launch of seven 3D and "3D-ready" TVs.

Only two of the models—the 52-inch and 60-inch Bravia XBR-HX909 series—feature integrated 3D right out of the box. The other five range from 40 to 55-inches and cost between $2100 and $4000. That's before you throw in the Sony active shutter glasses for $150 a pop and $50 sync transmitter that make the sets 3D-capable.

It's great to see a new heavyweight entrant in an area that's so far been dominated by Samsung and Panasonic. And Sony's models are coming in at least cost-competitive, although it's a little disappointing that they're not undercutting the competition to the extent that we'd heard. At least they're throwing in a 3D Blu-ray Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and Deep Sea consolation prize.

The sets are available for pre-sale now and will be in stores sometime next month.

SONY DELIVERS THE INDUSTRY'S LARGEST ARRAY

OF 3D CAPABLE HDTVs AND HOME AUDIO AND VIDEO PRODUCTS

Pre-sales Begin for BRAVIA 3D HDTVs; 3D Upgrade For Earlier 2010 Blu-ray Models

SAN DIEGO, June 9, 2010 – Sony today announced that its 3D capable BRAVIA® HDTVs are now available for pre-sale at Sony Style stores and that its new integrated Blu-ray 3D™ devices will hit retail shelves beginning this July. Additionally, the company released a free firmware update that activates Blu-ray 3D capability for previously announced Blu-ray Disc models including the BDP-S470 and BDP-S570 players and the BDV-E570 and BDV-E770W home theater systems.

Sony now offers consumers the most diverse line of 3D capable home entertainment products including 19 BRAVIA® HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and theater systems, and audio/video components that offer various levels of performance and features.

Sony will support the 3D launch with an integrated marketing campaign featuring NFL quarterback Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, and Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning Jive/Sony Music artist Justin Timberlake aiming to deliver consumer education and eliminate 3D confusion.

"3D is revolutionizing the entertainment industry and only Sony is involved in every stage of the ecosystem," said Chris Fawcett, vice president of Sony's television business. "Leveraging deep 3D expertise from the company's theatrical and professional groups, Sony products are optimized to offer the best possible 3D home entertainment experience."
BRAVIA 3D HDTVs

Focusing on that high quality experience, Sony's 3D capable BRAVIA HDTVs incorporate a frame sequential display with active-shutter glasses that work together with Sony's proprietary high frame rate technology reproducing smooth, full high-definition 3D images.

The line-up includes the 3D integrated BRAVIA XBR-LX900 HDTV, which features a built-in 3D sync transmitter and two pair of active shutter glasses and the 3D ready BRAVIA XBR-HX909 and KDL-HX800 series 3D ready models which offer the option of adding the 3D sync transmitter and glasses at an additional cost.

The line features screen sizes including 40, 46, 52, 55, and 60-inches and ranges in price from around $2,100 (KDL-40HX800) to about $5,000 (XBR-60LX900).

Consumers who purchase and register one of the new 3D BRAVIA models will receive a copy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's Blu-ray 3D™ title Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs as well as Blu-ray 3D title Deep Sea. The sets will also include a PlayStation® Network voucher enabling 3D BRAVIA purchasers to download stereoscopic 3D gaming experiences on the PlayStation3 (PS3™) System (sold separately). The titles include PAIN (partial game) and MotorStorm®: Pacific Rift (demo) and full game downloads of WipEout® HD and Super StarDust™ HD.

BRAVIA XBR-LX900 Series Integrated 3D HDTVs

The full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) BRAVIA XBR-LX900 series features integrated 3D functionality and includes the 60-inch XBR-60LX900 for about $5,000 and the 52-inch XBR-52LX900 for about $4,000.

The Monolithic Design, Edge LED backlight models also feature integrated Wi-Fi® (802.11n) for an easy connection to broadband home networks to access Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Platform and BRAVIA Internet Widgets, as well as Sony's new premium video service, Qriocity.

BRAVIA XBR-HX909 Series 3D Ready HDTVs

The XBR-HX909 series is 3D ready with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses (about $150 per pair) and sync transmitter (about $50), both sold separately. The models feature full HD (1920 x 1080p) and Sony's Intelligent Dynamic full array LED backlight. The Monolithic Design concept models include the 52-inch XBR-52HX909 for about $4,000 and the 46-inch XBR-46HX909 for about $3,500.

Sony's Intelligent Dynamic LED backlighting improves contrast and dynamic range by local dimming that controls the LED backlight level by area so that detail is maintained in the dark areas, while other areas are driven near peak brightness. The models also include an RS-232c I/0 terminal for custom installation applications.

BRAVIA KDL-HX800 Series 3D Ready HDTVs

Also 3D ready (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses and sync transmitter, sold separately), the BRAVIA KDL-HX800 series features full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) and utilizes a Dynamic edge LED backlight with local dimming for improved contrast and dynamic range. The series includes the 55-inch class (54.6-inches measured diagonally) KDL-55HX800 for about $3,400, the 46-inch KDL-46HX800 for about $2,700, and the 40-inch KDL-40HX800 for about $2,100.

Blu-ray 3D Players

Available in July for about $300, Sony's Blu-ray 3D BDP-S770 model offers built in Wi-Fi (802.11n) for easy access to Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video platform and Qriocity.

Additionally, Sony's BDP-S470 and BDP-S570 Blu-ray Disc players can be upgraded to play Blu-ray 3D with a free online firmware update that is now available. The update also adds Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compatibility to the models.

Blu-ray 3D Home Theater Systems

Also available this July for about $800, Sony's new full HD 1080p 5.1 channel Blu-ray 3D capable home theater system (model BDV-HZ970W) features wireless capabilities via the included USB wireless LAN adapter (802.11n) allowing for easy access to the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and Qriocity.

The model also offers two HDMI inputs with 3D pass-through, HDMI repeater function, and a universal remote.

Sony's BDV-E570 and BDV-E770W Blu-ray theater systems can now also be upgraded to Blu-ray 3D with the free firmware update. The update also adds DLNA compatibility to the units.

Unique to all Sony Blu-ray Disc players, users with an iPhone® or iPod® touch device can control the players using a free app called "BD Remote" which can be downloaded from the Apple App store. The app, will also be available soon for Android™ devices, allows the device to function as a remote control that includes the ability to access a Blu-ray Disc's details such as jacket artwork, actor, and production information as well as search for additional video clips online.

3D Capable Home Audio Components

Sony also recently announced 3D capable home audio products including the STR-DN1010 audio/video receiver, the HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 3.1 channel sound bars, and the HT-SF470 5.1 channel home theater system. The models offer consumers flexible solutions to round out the Sony 3D experience and meet the demands of 3D home entertainment.

Additionally, Sony will add 3D capability to the previously announced STR-DH810 and STR-DH710 AV receivers through a firmware update later this month.

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Sony 3DTVs go on pre-sale at Sony Style stores immediately, 'Cloudy' hits Blu-ray 3D June 22

Source: http://hd.engadget.com/2010/06/09/sony-3dtvs-get-us-pricing-info-go-on-pre-sale-at-sony-style-s/

After getting price and release date information in the UK, Japan and even Canada, Sony has finally seen fit to announce US details for the latest and greatest additions to the BRAVIA LCD lineup. Additionally, the software update to turn on Blu-ray 3D playback and DLNA streaming in its latest players (the out of the box 3D ready BDP-S770 ships next month) is going out today, provided you can find a disc to slip in them -- which you can't until Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs arrives at retail June 22. Just like the other launches, buyers of the new TVs can expect a copy of that movie, Deep Sea, and vouchers for 3D games on the PlayStation Network (once it comes back up.) Oh, and how much will you be spending on the new televisions? Check after the break for all the details, but MSRPs (expect much lower prices in reality, as revealed by JR.com) range from $2,100 for the KDL-40HX800 to $5,000 for a 60-inch BR-60LX900. No word yet on when you'll be able to pick up these displays at any other retailers, but if Sony is your preferred brand for 3D, you'll need to run by a Sony Style store to have a chance of sticking one on the wall in time for the 2010 World Cup.

Continue reading Sony 3DTVs go on pre-sale at Sony Style stores immediately, 'Cloudy' hits Blu-ray 3D June 22

Sony 3DTVs go on pre-sale at Sony Style stores immediately, 'Cloudy' hits Blu-ray 3D June 22 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GestureTek intros 42-inch multitouch GestTable, your HDTV suddenly turns jealous

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/gesturetek-intros-42-inch-multitouch-gesttable-your-hdtv-sudden/

Still looking to snap up your own Surface? Ain't got the cheddar to buy that one that comes free with a yacht? In all honesty, we're in no position to make promises about the affordability of this one, but GestureTek is gearing up to offer the world yet another option with the curiously titled GestTable. This 42-inch beast of a table contains a multitouch LCD with a lovely 1080p resolution, which means that you could theoretically watch the next installation of the Batman series on the same surface that's holding your cup of joe. Not that we'd recommend that, but hey.... In related news, the company is introducing the new 70-inch GestDisplay, a massive freestanding multitouch panel aimed primarily at businesses looking to give prospective customers a way to interact with the wares they're about to inevitably buy. As we alluded to earlier, there's nary a mention of price, but feel free to dip into the nitty-gritty just past the break.

Continue reading GestureTek intros 42-inch multitouch GestTable, your HDTV suddenly turns jealous

GestureTek intros 42-inch multitouch GestTable, your HDTV suddenly turns jealous originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's Big Time, Pocket-Sized Pico Projector [Pico]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5559245/samsungs-big-time-pocket+sized-pico-projector

Samsung's Big Time, Pocket-Sized Pico ProjectorYou may not be able to tell from this context-deprived picture, but Samsung's SP-H03 pico projector is small. Really small. Like, hockey puck small. And it puts 854x480 resolution and 1GB of internal memory in the palm of your hand.

The SP-H03 weighs just half a pound, and brings grownup specs to the pico category. In addition to that WVGA resolution, it's got impressive 30 lumen brightness, microSD memory expansion up to 16GB, and an itty bitty 1W stereo for media presentations.

It'll be available this month for $300, which sounds just reasonable enough that you should be able to get your company to spring for one for all those "important business presentations" you've got coming up. And if you end up using it more for putting home movies up on the garage door, well, who's gonna know?

SAMSUNG SEES BIG PICTURE WITH PALM-SIZED PICO PROJECTOR AND MEDIA PLAYER

New SP-H03 Pico Projector Packs Performance and Multimedia Integration Into Self-Contained Personal Media Device

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., June 9, 2010 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, today announced the SP-H03, a self-contained personal media device. The palm-sized pico projector features a bright, high resolution LED output and integrated multimedia player for the user on-the-go. The SP-H03's 1 GB of internal memory allows users to load content directly to the device with seamless, built-in multimedia playback without being tethered to a computer making it ideal for easily sharing images, videos, music, and documents on a variety on surfaces in business or personal settings.

"With portable design, high quality projection, and built-in multimedia playback features, the SP-H03 is an expansion of Samsung's expertise in LED technology and mobile productivity," said Tom Grau, senior manager of projector marketing at Samsung Electronics Information Technology Division. "The H03's robust and intuitive features make it an easy, efficient and affordable choice for everyone from tech-savvy travelers to mobile presenters, professionals and educators."

PINT-SIZED PERFORMANCE
The new ultra-portable SP-H03 offers a small, well-balanced industrial design that weighs only 6 oz., allowing it to easily fit into a pocket, backpack, purse or briefcase. The solid-state LEDs and DLP® technology heighten performance with a picture output of up to 80 inches, ensuring everyone enjoys the show.

The use of an energy-efficient LED light source also highlights Samsung's continued dedication to creating eco-sensitive products. Designed to last for the life of the product, solid-state LEDs maintain their brightness and eliminate traditional lamp replacement, contributing to a more-affordable total cost of ownership.

EXCLUSIVE SAMSUNG DESIGN INNOVATIONS
Not only does the SP-H03 boast a computer-free experience, but it also allows users to project their content on-the-go via external memory or entertainment devices like USB storage devices, microSD memory cards or MP3 players. For added versatility, users can enjoy audio playback through the SP-H03's integrated 1W speaker or utilize the output connectors for personal headphones or external speakers.

For business and education applications, Samsung's built-in Document & Media Viewers enable PC-free projection of Microsoft® Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) documents, Adobe® PDF, movie, image, and audio files, in their native file formats.

The SP-H03 will be available through Samsung authorized retailers, including Best Buy, beginning in June 2010 for $299.99 MSRP.

SP-H03 KEY SPECS
· Unparalleled brightness in pico category with 30 ANSI lumens
· LED light source rated at 30,000 (max) hours of life
· WVGA (854x480) native resolution
· Image size ranging from nine to 80 inches
· 1 GB internal memory, expansion available via microSD card (up to 16 GB) or with input from a USB storage device
· Computer-free Document Viewer allows for content playback for Microsoft® Office Suite and Adobe® PDF documents and movie, image and audio files in native formats, including:
o Movie: AVI, MP4, ASF, MPG, RM, FLV, WMV
o Image: JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
o Music: MP3, MP2, WAV, WMA, FLAC, APE, RA
· Supports standard VGA signals (PC), composite video (smart-phones, DVD players), and USB storage devices with included or optional adaptor cables
· Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery: 2 hour (max) battery life
· Dimensions: 2.5 W x 1.5 H x 2.5 D inch
· Weight: 6 oz.

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Four-Ton Transformer Tribute to Ancient Chinese General Meshes History and Sci-Fi

Source: http://www.popsci.com/

In the U.S., we often complete the run-up to graduation by writing 25 pages of extremely dry thesis that is typically read and appraised by a single person before being relegated to the library stacks forever. Bi Heng, a student at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China, decided that instead he would create a 4-ton, $43,000 Transformer-inspired sculpture honoring legendary Chinese general Guan Yu.

The sculpture was assembled from components of an old Jiefang brand vehicle, a 25-year-old military service truck employed by the People's Liberation Army. Robo Guan Yu stands about 32 feet tall and wields a dynastic-era weapon that makes for a nice juxtaposition with the post-Revolutionary scrap he's assembled from.

As for the real Guan Yu, he was a respected general at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and a key player in the civil war that ended it. Though his military exploits and valor have been pumped up to mythical standards over the years, he was apparently legitimately revered for his prowess at kungfu. Though Robo Guan Yu is unfortunately static, check out the accompanying promo video below to see the general's latest moves.

[MMO]

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