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Jul 02

Samsung LN55B650 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung’s LN55B650 takes your HDTV enjoyment, and capabilities, to new heights. The power of Full HD 1080p resolution delivers clear, vivid images on a 55-inch LCD screen. The Medi@2.0 feature lets you access countless hours of online content from partners like Yahoo! and Flickr using customizable widgets, all controlled by your remote. Auto Motion Plus120Hz technology renders the smoothest, most lifelike HD action. DLNA technology means you can harness your entire home network through your HDTV. Connect your DVD, cable or satellite HD box, or Blu-ray Disc player easily, using any of four HDMI inputs. Experience truer, more natural dark tones and shadows with the 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. And highlight nearly any room in the house with a unique red accent at the bezel’s edge, courtesy of the Touch of Color design.

Technical Details
- 55-inch LCD HDTV with full HD 1080p resolution for the sharpest picture possible and red Touch of Color design.
- Auto Motion Plus 120Hz for amazingly fluid motion, 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4ms response time, Wide Color Enhancer 3 for more vivid colors.
- Internet@TV online content service from Yahoo!, Flickr, YouTube via your broadband connection.
- Inputs: 4 HDMI-CEC, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 PC, 2 USB, 1 Ethernet, 1 optical digital audio output.
- Includes removable stand; measures 51.6 x 35.2 x 12.1 inches with stand; 15-watt x 2 bottom mounted speakers with subwoofer.

Samsung LN55B650 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Key Features
- Screen Size: 55 inches.
- Full 1080p HD.
- Blazing fast 4ms response time minimizes blurring of fast motion in sports programs.
- HD-Grade 1920 (H) x 1080 (V) pixel resolution: High-resolution pixel density is combined with a built-in image scaler to handle inputs from a variety of digital and analog audio/video sources.
- Built-in digital tuner: No external box needed .
- Auto Motion Plus 120Hz: Advanced processing that reduces blur and enhances image detail when viewing fast motion video sequences.
- Ultra Clear Panel: Advanced LCD technology lets you enjoy crisp image details, natural skin tones, excellent shadow detail, and vibrant colors.
- Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient, simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC content sources.
- Game Mode enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. Picture and sound quality optimized for the special needs of gaming systems at the touch of a button.
- Side-mounted USB 2.0 port: Connect USB devices directly to your HDTV to view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV’s audio system or your home theater system.
- Touch of Color (ToC): Samsung’s unique manufacturing process accents the surrounding bezel with a stylish red tone. (Learn more)
- Wide Color Enhancer 3 optimizes a given color’s hue, resulting in more natural rendering of colors.
- Audio: Two 15-watt stereo speakers (for 30 watts of total power) plus integrated subwoofer for rumbling bass.
- SRS TruSurround HD creates an immersive, feature-rich surround sound experience from two speakers, complete with rich bass, high frequency detail and clear dialog.
- DLNA-Compatible for better interopability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers.
- Content Library (2 GB Flash Memory): Built-in library contains photo art gallery, games, workout routines, recipes, and other interesting digital content. Additional items and updates are available from Samsung.com.
- Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) allows the TV’s remote control to operate at the push of one button, peripheral AV devices such as a DVD player featuring HDMI-CEC.
- Variable sleep timer can be programmed to turn the TV off at different time intervals.
- Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
- Energy Star Compliant: Reduces energy consumption by up to 25 percent compared with standard TVs.
- Swivel stand included.
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support.

FEEDBACK
The picture quality of this Samsung LCD is [by far] the best as compared to Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, and LG.
Sound quality is the same as most other flat screen TVs.
The only thing that people need to get used to is watching movies on Blu-ray. It is so real that you feel like you’re sitting in the studio. Hopefully this ’soap-opera’ effect will be temporary.


Jul 02

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

Acer redefines mobile connectivity with the Aspire One, the revolutionary Netbook featuring a 10.1″ display and fun, powerful computing features delivering an optimal on-the-go Internet experience. Browse the Internet, check email, share photos, webcam, check sport scores, listen to music and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a small compact design that you can take anywhere.

Technical Details
- The 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor combines performance, power and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile.
- 6-cell battery provides up to 6 1/2 hours of battery life for extended use and productivity when away from an AC outlet.
- Windows XP Home with SP3 gives you the freedom to do what you want at home and at work - simply, reliably and more securely.
160GB Hard Drive, 1GB RAM, Integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Certified.
- Acer Crystal Eye webcam delivers smooth video streaming and high quality images for your on-line chats and business video conferences.

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Processor
The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5watts of power–less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor-for excellent battery management.
2. Storage
This version of the Aspire One comes with a 160 GB hard disk drive (5400 RPM), which offers enough to room to hold a an extra-large digital audio library of and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software.
3. Memory
The 1 GB of installed RAM (512 MB onboard memory and one 512 MB DIMM, 533 MHz) can be expanded to a maximum of 1.5 GB of RAM.
4. Screen, Video and Audio
The 10.1-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and support for up a 262K color depth. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses shared video memory with the main memory.This notebook includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility, and it includes two stereo speakers.
5. Connectivity
This Acer Aspire One notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that’s compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer’s SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency.
6. DVD/CD Drive
Because of its size, the Aspire One does not come with an integrated optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of the three USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more.
7. Operating System and Software
Windows XP Home with Service Pack 3 (SP3) and Acer eRecovery Management; Acer Launch Manager; Adobe REader; McAfee Internet Security Suite; Microsoft Office 2007 (Trial).

FEEDBACK
Acer made a nice mini-notebook into a better one. The screen is larger and just as bright. The keyboard is still great (for a small one). No weirdly placed right shift key placement (Asus, Lenovo, etc). The mousepad buttons are below the touchpad not along side (yeah). It is now easy to increase ram or replace the drive without entirely dismantling the unit and voiding the warranty.


Jul 02

SONY PSP 3000 Console-Pearl White

Light, slim enclosure; screen offers better color reproduction than that of earlier PSP models; improved AV output for video and game playback on TVs; built-in Skype with onboard microphone; retains all of the impressive media and online features of earlier PSP models; deep lineup of great game titles that offer better graphics than Nintendo DS games.
The latest update to the PSP includes a brighter, less reflective screen, and an in-built mic that can be used for Skype calls, and you can even use it as a satnav with the right add-on. It’s not a great leap from the PSP Slim & Lite, but it’s still ace.

SONY PSP 3000 Console-Pearl White

Technical Details

* Lighter and slimmer enclosure.
* Screen offers better color reproduction than that of earlier PSP.
* Improved AV output for video and game playback on TVs.
* Built-in Skype with onboard microphone.
* English Interface.


Jul 02

Sony XEL-1 11-Inch OLED Digital TV

Sony’s industry first OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TV, the XEL-1, has a 3 millimeter thin panel and offers unparalleled picture quality with amazing Contrast, outstanding Brightness, exceptional color reproduction, and a rapid Response Time. The XEL-1 delivers outstanding performance in key picture quality categories. OLED technology can completely turn off Pixels when reproducing black, resulting in more outstanding dark scene detail and a Contrast Ratio of 1,000,000:1. OLED creates unmatched color expression and detail and enables rapid response times for smooth and natural reproduction of fast moving content such as sports. The XEL-1 features the latest connectivity options including two HDMI inputs, a Digital tuner, and a Memory Stick slot for viewing high-Resolution photos.

Key Features
* Incredibly Slim : OLED TV’s are incredibly slim because organic material directly emits light so OLED Display panels do not require a thick backlight or complex construction like other flat panel technologies. The Sony® XEL-1 is an unbelievable 3mm thin (without its stand)!
* Blazing Fast Response Time : When turned “on,” individual organic elements are stimulated directly by electric Current, and therefore Response Time is incredibly fast.
* Outstanding Contrast : When an organic Pixel is turned “off” the result is complete darkness. This results in deep blacks and an unheard of Contrast Ratio of 1,000,000:1. Yes, that’s a one million to one Contrast Ratio!
* Exceptional Color Reproduction : Sony’s unique “Super Top Emission” nology, which combined with a special mircro-cavity and color filters, enhances color purity, achieves extraordinary high color Contrast. In fact, 105% of the NTSC Color Space can be achieved!
* Wide Viewing Angles : OLED colors and Contrast look amazing even at wide 178° viewing angles due to the direct view nature of the panel. Pixel colors look fantastic even at wide 178° viewing angles for an outstanding viewing experience.
* High Brightness : Because OLED elements individually emit light that are directly displayed on the screen, high Brightness levels can be achieved.
* Energy Efficiency : OLED technology delivers a more efficient means of utilizing light, which is generated by the organic material itself instead of an always on backlight; also, when elements are in their “off” state, they consume no power whatsoever.

Sony XEL-1 11-Inch OLED Digital TV

Technical Details
* Next-generation OLED Digital TV technology.
* Full Color spectrum and super deep black-levels.
* Incredibly Slim 3mm Thin Panel.
* Lower power consumption than other TV technologies.
* 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio.

FEEDBACK
It is expensive but if HD is needed in a very small format this is the product. Price will come down substantially. Simple to hook up- just plug and play. Picture is fabulous. have it on the counter top in the bathroom- takes up very little room and looks sllek and modern.


Jul 02

Sony Playstation 3

Sony’s gaming powerhouse marries cutting-edge, hi-def gaming with massive multimedia potential. An excellent Blu-ray player makes it a must for HD cinema buffs as well as gamers, and it now supports an 80-gig hard drive on the base model and motion-sensitive wireless DualShock 3 controllers. The fact that you can also stream content from it to your PSP is the cherry on the top.

Product Features:
* Includes PlayStation 3 80 GB system, Dualshock 3 wireless controller, and free PlayStaion Network membership.
* Internet ready Wi-Fi.
* 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos.
* Built-in Blu-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality.
* Play your entire catalog of CDs and DVDs.

Sony PlayStation 3

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TWO VERSIONS OF PS3
1: Version A (MGS pack) is backward compatible with PS2 games while this one is NOT (they are both backward compatible with PS1 games however.)
2: Version A has 4 USB ports as well as memory card slots, while this version has only 2 USB ports and NO memory card slots.
3: Version A has the older and larger 90nm Cell processor, while this one has the smaller (and some say more reliable) 65nm Cell processor. Power consumption on this unit is lower as well, dropping from 200 Watts to 135 watts. The end result is a machine that runs cooler and, according to all reports as well as my personal experience, much quieter. An extremely relevant factor if you watch movies with it.


Jul 01

HP EliteBook 2530p KS035UT 12.1-Inch Notebook PC (1.60 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo LV

HP’s much anticipated business lappy is finally available and it sure rocks. With its drop-dead good looks, superb build quality, military standard durability and marathon battery life, it’s way up there as far as closing power deals is concerned. With this on your lap, you really do not need anything else apart from plain’ol business sense.
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Business with downgrade to Windows XP Professional custom installed Processors available Intel Core 2 Duo LV Processor SL9300 (1.60 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB).Chipset Mobile Intel GS45 Express Chipset ICH9M-Enhanced,Specialized Design. HP 3D DriveGuard.

Product Features
SMART BUY 2530P SL9300 1.6G 2GB and 160GB 12.1-WXGA WVB/XPP.

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard
Hardware Platform: PC, Processor: 1.6 GHz, System Bus Speed: 1066

Operating System and Software : Windows

Special Features
Display Type: WXGA anti-glare,Screen Size: 12.1″,Maximum Resolution: 1280 x 800
Memory Type: DDR2, Memory Size: 2GB, Memory Speed: DDR2 800, Memory Slots (Total): 2
Memory Slots (Filled): 1, Memory Slots (Available):1, Maximum Memory Supported: 8GB Requires 64-bit Operating System),Capacity: 160GB, HDD/SSD Drives Included: 1x 160GB
Drive Types: Hard Drive,Hard Drive Speed: 7200 RPM,Lifestyle: Business,Lifestyle:Thin & Light,Condition:New,,Operating Systems:Windows XP Pro

Hard Drive
* Manufacturer: Portable
Ports and Connectivity
* Modem: Fax / modem

HP EliteBook 2530p KS035UT 12.1-Inch Notebook PC (1.60 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo LV

Pros:
* Attractive and sleek design.
* Extreme durability in an extremely small package.
* Excellent overall performance in its class.
* Fantastic screen with good viewing angles and excellent brightness.
* Great port selection for a 12-inch notebook.
* Small form factor and low weight WITH an optical drive!
* Excellent battery life for road warriors.

Cons:
* Less than ideal location for tiny mono-speaker.
* Cooling fan can run a little loud.
* Too much bloatware for a business notebook.


Jul 01

Nikon D3x 24.5MP FX Digital SLR (Body Only)

Nikon is proud to announce the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) D3X digital SLR camera! Joining the award-winning 12.1-megapixel D3, the D3X brings extreme resolution performance to Nikon professional flagship-level D-SLRs. The D3X was meticulously engineered for professional photographers whose assignments demand nothing less than the ability to capture extreme fidelity, detail and nuance in ways now made possible with the amazing D3X.

Technical Details
* Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor.
* Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies; 138 MB processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14-bit image files.
* 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor; 100 percent viewfinder coverage.
* Two Live View shooting modes; continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution.
* Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options.

Nikon D3x 24.5MP FX Digital SLR (Body Only)

Nikon D3X Highlights:
1. Nikon Extreme Digital SLR Image Quality.
2. Nikon Professional D-SLR System Synergy.
3. Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor.
4. Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies.
5. 138 MB1 Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files.
6. Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600.
7. Two Live View shooting modes.
8. Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution.
9. Fast, accurate 51-point AF system.
10.1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System.
11.3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor.
12.100 percent viewfinder coverage.
13.Nikon Picture Control.
14.Rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy construction.
15.Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options.
16.Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator.
17.Up to 4,400 images per battery charge.


Jul 01

Cambridge Audio DacMagic Digital-to-Analog Converter with USB, Silver

Enjoy digital music like never before… Adapted Time Filtering (ATF) asynchronous upsampling technology might sound complicated but the benefits are instantly audible. Essentially it converts 16-24 bit audio to 24 bit/192kHz so you hear so much more from compressed material. Meanwhile a 32 bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) eradicates jitter which is especially effective with hard disk playback from PCs or Macintosh computers. Whether your digital music collection is stored on a PC or you use a network music client, SqueezeboxTM, SoundBridgeTM, SonosTM etc - the difference in audible quality is incredible! Games just explode into life Gaming isn’t just about the moving image. By connecting your games console - PlayStations(PS2 and PS3TM), XboxTM and Xbox 360sTM to your hi-fi via DacMagic, dramatically improved soundtracks and special effects are immediately apparent. DacMagic is an audiophile tour de force! DacMagic sports a range of components you’d never dream could be crammed into such a compact case. These include a 32-bit Texas Instruments Digital Signal Processor (DSP), dual Differential Virtual Earth balanced filter topology and twin Wolfson WM8740 high quality DACs in dual differential mode for excellent stereo imaging. Other features include a choice of digital filters - linear phase/minimum phase/steep filter - and an incoming sampling rate indicator which shows the original source quality. You can experiment with different filters for each source connected but DacMagic always remembers the last one assigned to that source. Its flexible and easy to set-up Up to two digital sources - network music devices, games consoles, CD/DVD players etc. can be connected concurrently using S/PDIF or Toslink inputs. Additionally, you can connect DacMagic directly to your PC using a USB connection (no drivers needed) and dramatically improve the quality of your digital music.

Cambridge Audio DacMagic Digital-to-Analog Converter with USB, Silver

Technical Details
* USB input connects direct to PC without drivers to act as very high quality DAC/soundcard providing genuine hi-fi quality playback from desktop or media PC.
* Two inputs with both SPDIF & Toslink sockets allow wide range of digital sources to be connected.
* Singled ended phono and XLR balanced audio outputs. Digital output (SPDIF and Toslink concurrently) passes through selected source for recording purposes.
* Adaptive Time Filtering (ATFTM) asynchronous upsampling technology converts 16-24 bit audio (at any standard sampling frequency between 32-96kHz) to 24 bit/192kHz. 32 bit Texas Instruments Digital Signal Processor (DSP. Dual Differential Virtual Earth balanced filter topology low order two pole linear-phased Bessel filter takes advantage of high sampling rate achieved.
* Twin WM8740 high quality DACs in dual differential mode for excellent stereo imaging. Incoming sampling rate indicator 32/44.1/48/88.2/96kHz. Choice of filters linear phase, minimum phase and steep filter can all be selected to suit an individuals listening preferences.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
It’s the cheapest;the music is now warm, organic, detailed and full of attack. It is sturdy build and has a very cool and professional look. The device itself has a ton of nice features (such as being able to remember different settings based on input channels) yet is still very easy to use. It comes with three different high quality filters: “linear”, “minimum” and “steep” which can alter the audio experience to your personal taste.
To sum up, if you have a Squeezebox or a similar device, but feel that its analog output is somewhat lacking, then get this brilliant little device.


Jul 01

Optamo HD65 720p DLP Home Theater Projector

The new full HD DLP projector from Optamo is capable of delivering an astounding home-cinema experience. Its PureEngine and PureMotion technologies combine to create sharp images with the smoothest of motions.
Powered by DLP technology and featuring a multitude of connections and functionality, the HD65 delivers the vivid and the vibrant in picture performance and image quality. Featuring 1600 lumens, a 4000:1 contrast ratio (with ImageAI), native 720p high-definition resolution, and a 16:9 aspect ratio in a sleek and diminutive form factor at 4 pounds with extensive connectivity options.

Technical Details
* Solid brightness with 1600 lumens and a 4000:1 contrast ratio(with ImageAI).
* Native 720p high-definition resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio.
* Light and color processing technologies for remarkable picture quality and contrast levels.
* Sleek and diminutive form factor at 4 pounds with extensive connectivity options.
* Display Technology: DarkChip2 DLP Technology by Texas Instruments Resolution: Native 720p Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080) Brightness: 1600 Lumens.

Optoma HD65 720p DLP Home Theater Projector

PROS:
-Colors are great and accurate. Skin tones looks natural.
-Contrast is very good.
-I’m seeing details in the dark areas.
-Almost silent projector.(fan is very quiet even in Bright mode).
-The image is really bright(1600 lumens).
-Image looks uniform (a bit of noise in the black levels but you can barely see it).
-All the inputs that you need (1 HDMI, 1 Component, 1VGA, 1Svideo, 1,Composite).

CONS:
-The back light in the remote control is way to bright.Sometimes it burns eyes.
-No saturation control when using HDMI input.
-Zoom is really small.

Other thoughts:
I would recommend using a gray matte surface screen if you’re watching movies.


Jul 01

Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black)

The thin, lightweight Vado HD is small enough to fit easily in a pocket, purse or the palm of your hand, and it captures video in 720P high-definition quality with just the touch of a button. Sharing videos online is simple with built-in software that helps you post videos to YouTube, Photobucket or Box.net. The Vado HD is the only pocket video cam to feature true HDMI connectivity and an included HDMI cable for a superior viewing experience on an HDTV. Take the Vado HD Pocket Video Cam with you everywhere you go and never miss a moment. Product specs include 720p high-definition video, wide-angle glass lens, 2x digital zoom, 8GB of video storage capacity, up to two hours of recording and playback per charge, up to eight hours of recording time at 640×480 at 30 frames per second, HDMI and RCA connections for TV, HDMI cable included, A/V cable sold separately, removable and rechargeable lithium battery, Vado Central software for simple video editing and sharing. System requirements include Windows Xp Service Pack 2 or Vista, Intel Pentium III or higher, 512MB of memory, USB port, 500MB free hard disk space, and 16MB of Video Memory or above. Product ships with silicon skin, HDMI cable, and USB cable.

Technical Details
* High definition 720P pocket video camcorder with 8 GB of video storage capacity.
* Fits easily in your pocket purse or the palm of your hand.
* One touch recording with a spacious 2 inch display.
* Record up to two hours of HD video footage or up to four hours of video at VGA resolution.
* Connect your Vado HD to any HDTV with included HDMI cable.

Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black)

Vado HD HIGHLIGHTS :

1. Capture life in HD.
2. Capture high-definition video.
3. 2 hours of recording and playback.
4. Edit movies and snap photos.
5. Playback video on your HDTV.
6. Connect and share in an instant.
7. High-quality video compression.
8. Large 2-inch anti-glare screen.
9. Rechargeable for hours of fun.
10.Accessorize your Vado HD.

Requirements:
* Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP (Service Pack 2).
* Intel Pentium III 1 GHz, AMD Athlon, or equivalent with MMX support.
* 512MB RAM.
* USB 2.0 or 1.1.
* 500MB free hard-disk space.
* Video Memory: 16MB RAM & above.
* Other Requirements: Microsoft DirectX 9.0 or higher.

PROS:
- Three different setting for picture quality.
- Flexible USB connection.
- Large screen for a small hand-held camcorder.
- Removable battery.
- Wider angle of video capture.
- Comes with HD cables for connection to your television.
- Windows based software is intuitive and easy to use.

Areas for Improvement:
- You must download Perian in order for videos to play on Mac.
- Buttons are too sensitive.