Rapid Library

Is your Pioneer AVIC-F Series navigator acting up?

2008-06-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

We aren't suggesting that these problems are widespread or anything, but a fair number of users over at AVIC411 seem to be having all sorts of issues with their (admittedly pricey) F-Series navigators. According to owners, the issues range from complete lock-ups to distorted voice commands to quirky iPod interactions -- and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Have any of you taken the plunge only to find a litany of problems after installation? Or is your unit humming along just fine? Chime in below and let us know what's up.

Sony Ericsson pops out MD400 / MD400g HSPA USB modems

2008-06-18T04:47:00.000-07:00

In case you couldn't tell, Sony's getting down at CommunicAsia. Next up from Singapore is a fresh pair of HSPA USB modems, the MD400 and GPS-packin' MD400g. Both sticks pull double duty as a M2 / microSD card reader, but it's not like we haven't seen that functionality tossed into similar units already. Nevertheless, these buggers support 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0M/bs upload speeds and feature a swiveling antenna to complement the built-in one, a retractable USB connector and compatibility with Windows and OS X-based machines. SE tells us that the currently unpriced duo will be available worldwide in Q4, with the biggest decision to come when choosing between Exquisite Ebony and Lustrous White.

Garmin's Nuvifone is coming in white?

2008-06-18T04:45:00.000-07:00

The folks at NaviGadget got a couple reader-submitted shots of a white Nuvifone, but there's no telling just now how legit they are. Garmin just shows a black version of its phone -- which is still slated for Q3 at a purported $500 pricepoint -- on its own site, but perhaps this teensy supposed leak means there's more news in store for the Nuvifone camp in the near future.

Philips trumpets 5000 / 7000 / Eco series HDTVs

2008-06-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

It's right around the midway point between last CES and the one to come, and for Philips, that means it's time to dump a few new HDTVs onto the unsuspecting public. Announced today from atop a New York City hotel, the outfit got official with its 5000, 7000 and Eco series of LCD HDTVs. The 5000 FlatTV lineup includes 32- ($799), 42- ($1,799), 47- ($2,099) and 52-inch ($2,899) flavors, all of which are bathed in glossy black and feature HDMI 1.3a inputs. The Eco sets tout "several power-saving features such as a proprietary dimming technology" and arrive in 42-, 47- and 52-inch sizes ($1,099 to $2,299). Lastly, the 7000 Series ($1,699 to $2,699) -- or Ultimate TVs, as Philips likes to say -- offers up 120Hz ClearLCD / Perfect Pixel HD technology, an "invisible" speaker system and four HDMI-CEC connectors. For what it's worth, Philips is also re-introducing its Profile 1.1-compliant BDP7200 Blu-ray player, which has already been reviewed and brushed aside in anticipation of fresher Profile 2.0 decks.

NEC introduces NP905 and NP901W network projectors

2008-06-18T04:40:00.000-07:00

With InfoComm just around the bend, NEC is making sure its two newest projectors don't get (too) lost in the shuffle. Up first is the NP905, which offers up 3,000 lumens, an XGA (1,024 x 768) native resolution, 500:1 contrast ratio, built-in speaker and HDMI 1.3 socket. The 2,000 lumen NP901W comes in with a WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio and most of the same specs as its sibling. Both units include Windows Network Projector functionality within Windows Vista (wired or wireless access), a geometric correction tool and the highly-regarded Silicon Optix HQV processor. Catch 'em this July for $1,999.99 and $1,299.99, respectively.

Sanyo's 4LCD XP200L projector is 1 LCD better

2008-06-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

It's not pretty (what Sanyo projector is?), but it is the world's first 4LCD projector. The 25-pound "portable" PLC-XP200L pumps 7,000 lumens across 1,024 x 768 pixels at a 2,200:1 contrast ratio in exchange for your $9,995. The new 4LCD optical engine adds what Sanyo calls a "color control device" to control the amount of yellow light in the projected image. The results are supposedly images which are "clearer, richer, and more beautiful" than those of 3LCD projectors. Sanyo also dropped in some new silicon allowing for 20% more color space. Ships in September -- full press release after the break.

CHATSWORTH, CA and INFOCOMM, LAS VEGAS, NV. -- June 17, 2008 -- SANYO, one of the world's largest manufacturers of LCD and DLP projectors introduces their latest optical engine, called 4LCD, which adds a Color Control Device to conventional 3LCD (red/green/blue) systems. The first projector to launch this innovative new 4LCD engine is the PLC-XP200L. The additional Color Control Device in the 4LCD optical engine allows the PLC-XP200L to automatically control the amount of yellow light in the image, producing higher luminosity with improved color accuracy and clarity.

The demand for even brighter projectors continues to come from the field as systems integrators are asked to install video displays in extremely large venues such as convention halls, conference rooms, auditoriums and houses of worship. However, as brightness levels increase on 3LCD projectors, there is a reverse effect in color reproduction. Colors become noticeably washed out, lacking vibrancy and realism.

SANYO's innovative solution overcomes the limitations of 3LCD technology, opening the way for new projectors capable of extremely high luminosity without the trade off in color accuracy. The PLC-XP200L, the first projector to benefit from this new technology, is rated at an amazing 7000 lumens. Coupled with the impressive high contrast ratio of 2200:1, the PLC-XP200L is capable of generating clearer, richer and more beautiful images than was ever possible with high brightness 3LCD projectors.

SANYO developed a new high-speed image compensating LSI for the 4LCD engine. The combination of the 4LCD engine and the new LSI allows for up to 20% more color space than our conventional projectors. With the controlled yellow light, SANYO's Advanced Color Correction technology separates each color histogram for unparalleled color processing and correction, resulting in beautiful and naturally rich colors.

Additionally, the PLC-XP200L is equipped with a high-output, single lamp that is designed for exceptional light efficiency. Aside from generating sharper and brighter displays in large halls and meeting rooms, the 4LCD design is well suited for digital signage and advertising in brightly lit environments.

"This is just the first of many projectors we will release featuring our new 4LCD Engine. The increased luminosity and contrast ratio coupled with the dramatically improved color accuracy of this new design is going to revolutionize the capabilities of LCD projector solutions," says Mark Holt, Vice President and General Manager for SANYO's Presentation Technologies Division.

Minimal maintenance and repair was essential for the XP200L, so it was outfitted with SANYO's exclusive Active Maintenance Filter (AMF). AMF is a single filter cartridge that contains ten lengths of filtering material plus an airflow sensor to detect when airflow is obstructed by dust. The AMF system automatically advances a clean section of filter when needed. When the last section of filter material becomes obstructed an on-screen graphic appears telling the user to change the cartridge. Each filter lasts approximately 10,000 hours with a cartridge lifecycle of about 2 years (calculation based on 14 hrs/day projector use). The filters are easy to replace due to the side loading access on the projector. To further increase reliability and performance, the PLC-XP200L uses SANYO's unique Durable Inorganic Optical System (DIOS).

The SANYO PJ-NET ORGANIZER is available, allowing the PLC-XP200L to be connected to a wired network via Ethernet. Using the PJ-NET MASTER software all projector functions such as power status, lamp status, input mode, signal condition, lamp-use time, etc. can be monitored and controlled from a remote location.

For quick and easy installation the XP200L is outfitted with a motor driven vertical and horizontal lens shift. Up/Down/Left/Right lens shift ensures image projection at any angle of up to 360-degrees, allowing ceiling or floor image projection.

A special mechanical shutter is also placed behind the lens and activated by the remote control, allowing the presenter to close the lens and temporarily darken the screen.

There is an abundance of digital/analog video input terminals including a DVI-D (digital and analog video), component video and D-Sub15. The input signal compatibility includes UXGA, SXGA+, SXGA, WXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA, andMAC. It is also compatible with HD resolutions including 1080i 50/60, 1035i, 720p as well as standard definition (480p, 480i, 575p, 575i).

Other Specifications:

* Resolution: 1024 x 768
* Aspect Ratio: 4:3
* Projection Lamp: NSHA 330W
* PC I/O: D-sub 15-pin Input and output, DVI-D (HDCP) input
* Video Input: RGBHV , Y,Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr ,Composite (BNC), Composite (RCA)/S-Video(mini DIN4)/ Y,Pb/Cb,Pr/Cr(RCAx3)
* Audio: Stereo mini-jack input x 2 and output x 1
* Dimensions: 14.57 (W) x 7.36 (H) x 17.32(D) inches (370.0 x 187.0 x 439.9 mm)
* Weight: 25.1 lbs (excluding lens)

The PLC-XP200L will be shipping in September 2008 with a MSRP of $9,995.00 and can be seen with SANYO's other fine products in booth #C2848 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during INFOCOMM starting June 18, 2008.

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion-dollar global leader in providing solutions for the environment, energy and for lifestyle applications based on its Brand Vision 'Think GAIA'. SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California, markets mobile phones, digital projectors, digital still cameras, digital media camcorders, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics and HD televisions. For more information on SANYO's complete line of projectors please call 888-495-3452 or visit www.sanyoPROJECTORS.com.

Source: SANYO Fisher Company

How would you change Wii Fit?

2008-06-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you've had ample time now to shed a few pounds courtesy of Wii Fit. Whether or not you've been diligent enough to stick with it is another thing. Regardless of your level of dedication, we're certain there's a few things Nintendo could have done differently to make the entire experience a bit better. Heck, our own Ryan Block has already chimed in with a few things that he would like to see tweaked, so what's stopping you? Post up your comments while training for bonus points.

Sony working on 'break apart' motion PS3 pad

2008-06-16T00:55:00.000-07:00

Sony Computer Entertainment is working on a new controller for the PlayStation 3, which features the ability to 'break apart' into two separate units, each of which contains an accelerometer for 'Wiimote-like' motion-sensing functionality, GamesIndustry.biz understands.

It's not clear when the pad will be officially announced, but it is believed that working units have already been supplied to certain developer partners, according to sources.

The potential for new game types to be developed with the additional motion-sensing functionality should open up the PlayStation 3 to the sorts of gaming audiences that the Nintendo has been so successful at gathering with its Wii console.

Sony Computer Entertainment will therefore hope that, with the ongoing development of the PlayStation Network, the success of Blu-ray as the de facto next generation standard of video, the gradual roll-out of Home later in the year and the release of additional high definition titles over time, it will be able to overwhelmingly position the PS3 as the best all-round home entertainment unit on the market.

The original controller released with the PS3, the Sixaxis, did contain some motion-sensing ability, although it came at the expense of the popular 'rumble' functionality and was nothing like as free as the movement that the Wiimote offered. The Corporation later released a DualShock pad for the console.

Sony Computer Entertainment declined to comment on the matter at the time of publishing, although an announcement is expected in due course, with the possibility of an official unveiling at this year's E3 event.

Is Apple's iCar in a German auto magazine? Probably not.

2008-06-16T00:52:00.001-07:00

Last year it became known that Apple and Volkswagen were in talks about the possibility of building an "iCar" that would be upgraded with a series of products from the producer of the omnipresent iPod. We’re not entirely sure whether or not these images from the latest issue of Autobild magazine are the result of a photoshop artist or if they are the real deal (less possible), but the iCar depicted here, sure looks like something that could have resulted from the cooperation between the two companies.

Sony Ericsson leaks galore include F305 motion gaming phone

2008-06-16T00:21:00.001-07:00

Sony Ericsson is having a bit of trouble keeping its newest lineup on the down low, but we suppose that's the price of fame. Most notable of the new crew is the F305 (pictured), which isn't exactly feature-packed, boasting of mere EDGE speeds, a Memory Stick Micro slot, a 2-inch 176 x 220 display and some music playback features. What sets it apart is a built-in accelerometer for motion controlled games. The game-oriented face buttons are also a perk, but we hope this thing has enough processing power to handle something actually entertaining. The S302 Snapshot is camera-oriented, but only just barely, with a 2 megapixel fixed focus camera, a flash, and PhotoFix software. You can also shoot video, with 20MB of built-in storage, and Memory Stick Micro expansion. Both phones come with A2DP and will be announced on the 17th, according to whoever leaked all this info. The F305 should hit Q3, with the S302 to follow in Q4. Sony Ericsson will also be busting out three stylish but cheap-seeming Bluetooth headsets to accompany these two.

Nikon D90 - is this what's coming tomorrow?

2008-06-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

For comparison here is the D80 - look at the differences. Too much details for PS job. This looks like the real thing:

and now compare the build in flash (below is the D80:

A PS-ed D300? Below is the comparison with D300:

We may find out tomorrow!

Even more on Dell's Studio 1535 / 1536 and the Studio brand

2008-06-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

While Dell is still readying their new Inspiron Studio line of laptops, we've gotten a little more on what they're up to. Although we caught a glimpse before in the roadmap, we now know that personalization is a big push for them; the first line will feature options for permanent "Pictaflex" prints of art by Mike Ming (shown after the break), as well as multiple colors (orange, red, green, purple, pink, blue, etc.) We also know they'll have higher end features like HDMI, and eSATA in the 1536, as well as WWAN options for Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T, hybrid and dual drive options (in the 1735), ATI 3450 and 3650, and NVIDIA 8600M GT graphics (depending on the model).

As for the Studio line itself, it sounds like what we heard before was about right: Dell's fast-tracking it to be their new higher-end consumer brand (more here and here). Check out their internal description:

"The Studio line is a more feature rich version of the existing Inspiron line. This series of computers features more multimedia functionality, better processor offerings, and more personalization options than the Inspiron series. Dell continues to sell Inspiron systems, but these are now considered our value series computers for customers who prioritize cost above features. ... Being able to choose from a series of color options and a wide range of hardware offerings helps personalize each system to the buyer. The Studio series is expected to be the best selling line of notebooks for the Consumer segment."

Pictaflex prints for the first round.