LATEST ADDITIONS

Tom Norton  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  0 comments
This lucky manufacturer, who shall remain nameless, wins the prize for the most thirst-quenching product at CES. You can use it right away. No boiling or other purification required.
uavKim Wilson  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  0 comments

One of the interesting oddities about CES, is the the Adult Video industry shares the Sands Convention Center with us for their annual awards show. So we come across some unusual posters from time to time, in addition to some of the industries top celebrities. However, I don't think I even want to know what this is.

uavKim Wilson  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  0 comments

Tivoli Audio known for their high-quality desktop radios has added networking, making it possible for them to stream from Internet radio stations around the world. It also allows access to stored media on PCs from any room in the house through a wireless or Ethernet connection. Using the front panel readout, you use the supplied remote to scroll through your media or Internet stations. The basic unit has a single speaker, and a second speaker can be purchased to listen in stereo.

uavKim Wilson  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  1 comments

High Resolution Technologies (HRT) shiowed the simolist solution I've encountered fr getting music from your computer into your soundroom. The small device, that fits in the palm of your hand has a USB input and analog audio outputs. Come ot of the putputs directly in your preamp or receiver. There are two models, one is $89.95 and the slightly larger one is $250. The main difference is the more expensive device uses a higher-end DAC with better signal-to-noise, lower noise floor and improved frequency response. It does mean integrating your computer into your hifi, but for those purists who are skeptical of WiFi and what it might be doing to the signal, it doesn't get more direct than this.

Debbie Stampfli  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  0 comments
Now that Blu-ray players have dramatically decreased in price, DVD is making a slow exit out of the consumer electronics industry. But Pioneer’s newest upconverting DVD player caters to those who are still holding on, and offers a few innovative features for the Blu-ray-converted group too.
Debbie Stampfli  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  0 comments
With a name like Pioneer Elite, home-theater junkies may be lining up already to get their hands on the company’s new in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. Pioneer has expanded its architectural series of in-wall/in-ceiling speakers to include some new additions with the name Elite on them. Given the company’s history of solid performance with its Elite brand of plasma HDTVs and Blu-ray players, the new speakers could very well be a big hit.
uavKim Wilson  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  0 comments

Its been awhile since I had heard from Moxi, whose DVR didn't get nearly as much recognition as TiVo. Making a stronger, more earnest effort to make a name for themeselves in that category, Moxi introduced a HD DVR here at CES. They made it clear this is a high quality solution for digital cable subscribers. Satellite users need not apply, The unit is far more than a straightforward DVR, as it serves as the hub for all your media with a 500GB hard drive. If that's not enough it can be upgraded to maximum of 2TB. Of course, it can also share content from your home (wired) network and interface with an iTunes library. It also provides access to web-based services such as Flickr for photo sharing and Finetune, a music streaming service. Instead of charging a monthly fee for their service, you pay a one time fee of $799 for the basic model. If I rememeber correctly, that was TiVo's original business model and they realized they made more money charging a monthly fee. So we'll see how succcessful this is for Moxi.

Scott Wilkinson  |  Jan 08, 2009  |  0 comments

Among the four or five contenders showing wireless HD transmission systems is the WirelessHD Consortium, which includes 30 companies such as LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. The system transmits up to 1080p/60 in the 60GHz range, which is relatively free from interference, and it has a maximum latency of 1-2ms. RF signals at this frequency can be blocked by obstacles such as people, so the technology automatically redirects the beam to reflect off walls, ceiling, or floor as needed, and it's designed to transmit its full bandwidth up to 10 meters as long as there's some line-of-sight path to be found. Pictured here is a WirelessHD transmitter (bottom) and receiver (top) by LG Innotek, a subsidiary of LG that makes components for various products from LG and other manufacturers.

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