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Latest Gear Live Videos
Microsoft Zune Comes Out To Play
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Microsoft, Movies, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,
Microsoft finally unveiled the long-awaited Zune today. Basics include a 3 inch screen, WiFi, 30GB hard drive, and a built-in FM tuner. Music, pictures, and video playback are all standard fare here. With Zune-to-Zune sharing, you can wirelessly share a full-length track with a compadre, who gets 3 viewings/listenings before purchase at the Zune Marketplace (unless they already subscribe to the unlimited “Zune Pass”.) You can also share your pictures and playlists with your amigos, along with homemade recordings.
Zune will be available in brown, white, and basic black, but no news yet on pricing or availability. Stay tuned to Gear Live for more details, or subscribe to The Zune Newsletter for updates.
Read More 
| Zune Release
Gallery: Microsoft Zune Comes Out To Play
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Toshiba Reveals HD-A2 and HD-XA2 HD DVD Players
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Movies,
Toshiba has announced the release of their HD-A2 and HD-XA2 HD DVD players. Both output HD DVD content through the HDMI interface in 720p or 1080i. The HD-A2 incorporates a 297MHz / 12 bit Video DAC with high-quality, 4x oversampling, while the HD-XA2 also features 1.3. HDMI for 36-bit (RGB or YCbCr) color depth.
Both models come with picture setting functions that allow you to optimize picture quality with settings for color, contrast, brightness, edge enhancement, and noise blocker. Set to be released in October, the HD-A2 carries a MSRP of $499.99. For last minute Santas, the release of the high end HD-XA2 will follow in December at a MSRP of $999.99.
Read More | Toshiba News Release
Gallery: Toshiba Reveals HD-A2 and HD-XA2 HD DVD Players
Apple iTV High Definition Set-Top Box Coming in ‘07
Posted by Brian Viele Categories: Apple, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Movies, Music,
Apple has revealed that it is working on a new set-top box codenamed iTV. At half the size of a Mac Mini, it will look minuscule next to your other HD devices, especially if you opt for a PS3. The iTV will be able to stream HD audio and video from your iPod or PC with connectivity through USB 2.0 and both wired and wireless ethernet.
The iTV is packed with all the expected HD interfaces including HDMI, component RCA video and optical digital audio outputs. Additionally, the iTV is rumored to include the capability to function as a cable box and there is also talk of the possibility of HDTV downloads to the device. Details of these capabilities have not yet been released, but expect to hear more soon since the device is planned to be released in about six months.
Read More | Daily Tech
Gallery: Apple iTV High Definition Set-Top Box Coming in ‘07
Amazon Opens Unbox Video Download Service
Posted by Yuan Zhao Categories: Home Entertainment, Internet, Movies, Portable Audio / Video,
As predicted and speculated, Amazon’s Unbox Video Download Service has gone live, offering full-length movies and TV shows they day after they are premiered. Apple, however, doesnt necessarily have to be worried quite yet. Unbox’s prices are a little on the high end of the spectrum, with the lowest priced films at just under $10 whereas recent releases are nearly $20. Prices on TV shows though match that of iTunes, available for $1.99.
Unsurprisingly, the downloads have a Digital Rights Management (DRM) scheme to them, but Amazon says that the videos are PlaysForSure compatible. Unfortunately, rentals are rather restictive. Upon download, there are a 30-day time limit to begin watching the video and after the video has been opened, it will delete itself after just 24 hours. The files can also only be played using Amazon’s Unbox Video Player, which currently is only Windows-compatible.
As a starting incentive and to celebrate their store opening, Amazon is offering a free video or rental with a $1.99 instant rebate on your first purchase.
Read More | Amazon Unbox
Gallery: Amazon Opens Unbox Video Download Service
Changhong Panda TV/DVD Combo
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Home Entertainment, Movies, Music, Toys,
This little guy was just too cute to pass up. The Changhong Panda TV/DVD/CD combo was unveiled at Berlin’s IFA. The electric company’s CH1320DV pet has control buttons in its paws and its nose is the power button.
Other specifications and features:
- Screen Type:Round
- TV System: NTSC-M
- Loading Capacity:620 Units (40HQ)
- Power Supply: 120V AC, 60HZ
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
- Picture Modes Selection: (normal, movie, sports, ser)
- Compatible with DVD/MP3/Picture CD/CD-R/CD-RW/DVD-R/DVD-RW
- Multiple Angles
- Parental Lock
- Digital Audio Output
- Screen Saver
- OSD: Trilingual (English/French/Spanish)
- Full Function Remote Control
- On/Off Timer
- Channel Scan
If this isn’t lovable enough for you, they also have a Penguin (CH1321DV) combo. You can tell us that you are getting this for your kids for Christmas, but we know better. Check with Changhong for price and availability.
Read More | Panda TV/DVD Player Product Page
Gallery: Changhong Panda TV/DVD Combo
You won’t have to spend your break time at the water cooler any longer. Sprint is now offering Sprint Movies, the first pay-per-view service of full-length movies for mobile phones in the U.S. More than 45 titles are offered at this time, including flicks such as “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” and “The Village”, from Buena Vista, Sony, Lion’s Gate, and Universal. Each title can be viewed for 24 hours to 1 week (depending on the title.) Two additional 24 hour extensions are available for $.99 each.
Sprint Movies is being powered by mSpot, who is handling the video production as well as operations. In December, Sprint started carrying mSpot at a monthly subscription rate, but will now offer their service for $3.99 - $5.99 per movie. All of their titles will be edited to TV-14. God Bless America.
Read More | Sprint Press Release
Gallery: Sprint Launches Sprint Movies
Hitachi Introduces DZ-GX3100E Camcorder
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, HDTV, Internet, Movies, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video,
Hitachi’s new DZ-GX3100E Camcorder was previewed at the IFA in Berlin. Utilizing what they refer to as “Movie Master Technology”, this DVD Cam with a 1.3 Megapixel CCD records straight onto DVD disk and SD Memory Card. Using a USB 2.0, you can connect it to your PC to download your videos.
More features:
- Utilizes 8cm DVD-RAM/-R/-RW/+RW Disc Media
- 1 Second Quick Start Function
- True 16:9 Wide Screen Recording
- High Quality MPEG2 Video Recording
- SD Multimedia Card Slot
- Digital Stereo Sound
- Recording Time: - 36 mins (Extra Fine Quality Mode) - 60 mins (Fine Quality Mode) - 120 mins (Standard Quality Mode)
- 2.7” Colour TFT LCD Monitor Screen
- Digital Still Photo Mode: Stores 1998 Digital Still Images
- Recording Mode: Moving (MPEG2) / Still (JPEG) / Audio (Digital Stereo)
- Disc can be used to playback on most DVD Players & DVD-ROM Drives
- Photo Capture Function
The DX has a MSRP of £349.99 (~$659). Check with Hitachi for U.S. availability date. I’m ready for my close-up now, Mr. DeMille.
Read More
| Hitachi Product Page
Gallery: Hitachi Introduces DZ-GX3100E Camcorder
Nakamichi Unveils IN-DV7
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: HDTV, Movies, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation,
We have more news from Berlin’s IFA. Nakamichi introduces the IN-DV7, a DVD/TV/Tuner that they claim will “revolutionize your in-car entertainment experience”. The IN-DV7 has a 7”, 16:9 Wide-screen as well as a built in 4-channel MOSFET amp.
Other features include:
- Active Matrix LCD Panel
- Full Automatic Motorized TFT LCD Flip-out/up
- Touch Screen Control
- DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW compatible
- VCD, SVCD, DVD media Formats
- MP3 Direct track Access
- 60 Sec ESP
At an MSRP of $1699, the IN-DV7 could be the perfect solution to those long LA freeway commutes, but couldn’t they just have named it Fred?
Gallery: Nakamichi Unveils IN-DV7
LG Announces New Blu-Ray Devices
Posted by Brian Viele Categories: HDTV, Movies, PC / Laptop, Peripherals,
LG has launched three cute new models of Blu-Ray devices including a Player, fully functional Blu-Ray PC and a PC recording drive.
The Full HD Blu-Ray player will perfectly compliment their recently released line of LCD panel displays that support full 1080p at sizes up 55 inches.
The LG XPION X600 desktop PC will include a Super Multi Blue Blu-Ray writer (GBW-H10N) and boasts a Pentium D945 3.4GHz processor, a 320GB hard disk, 1GB of DDR2 memory and an NVidia GeForce 7900GT for smooth full HD playback. The writer, which will also be sold separately, will burn up to 25GB and be the first drive to support 4x Blu-Ray recording to Blu-Ray recordable disks and 2x to rewritable media.
No price or release has been disclosed, but I expect an expensive price point, and as for a release date, I predict by the end of the year.
Read More | Akihabara News
Gallery: LG Announces New Blu-Ray Devices
Amina AIW5 In-Wall Loudspeaker
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Home Entertainment, Smart Home, Movies, Music,
Talk about getting plastered! NXT has announced the US debut of Amina Technology Ltd’s In-wall loudspeakers. With a combination of high definition audio reproduction and some serious designing, these 16” speakers can be placed within any wood or metal stud-work wall. Sounds are recreated in a less directional, more evenly based way than traditional cone speakers so that no matter where you sit, you get the same great sound as everyone else.
The AIW5 can handle 80 watts of continuous power while generating 105 db of sound after applying plaster. Check with Amina for pricing and special sizing. The loudspeakers will be formally introduced at Denver’s CEDIA Expo 2006 starting September 13. In the meantime, think about all that room you will have for your next party.
Read More | AIW5 Speaker Product Page
Gallery: Amina AIW5 In-Wall Loudspeaker
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