OTHER TECH

This afternoon, Google and Logitech gave press a hands-on look at the upcoming Google TV settop box and finally filled in some of the remaining info gaps that we have been wondering about for months. We got a chance to handle both the standard keyboard and mini keyboard controllers and test out a few of the apps including the anticipated Netflix app. But, perhaps more importantly, we finally found out how much it will cost. Unfortunately, the $299 price tag may be a point of contention if Google is really trying to get this platform in as many homes as possible.

Sony has finally drawn the curtain from its Google TV-powered product line. In a press conference today in New York, the company announced the Sony Internet TV, a series of HDTVs equipped with Google TV connectivity features. The Internet TV products use Google's Android OS and Chrome web browser, and are powered by an Intel Atom CPU, making them effectively web-surfing computers with integrated HD screens. They come with a number of streaming media apps, including Netflix, Youtube, Napster, and Pandora.

By now, you've certainly checked out our Sony Google TV and Logitech Revue reviews, but today is the first day DISH subscribers will be able to get their eyeballs on the full google TV experience.

The iPhone has clearly infiltrated our culture. Its owners are rabidly loyal, and they’ll tell you that every other phone is inferior to theirs. Alas, the many people out there still devoted to BlackBerry can only look longingly at the iPhone, wishing for some of those cool features that Apple has become famous for.

Most 3D TVs have some sort of faux-3D mode that can add a certain amount of depth to a 3D image. For that real 3D, though, you need original 3D content. There's a fair amount out there, but frustratingly, not all of it is available to everyone.

With this guide, we here at S+V will help you navigate the murky waters of the current state of 3D content.

BLU-RAY

Color is one of the most important aspects of a TV’s performance, right up there with contrast ratio, black level, and video processing.

So I've been basking in the sounds of Cake's new chart-topping album Showroom of Compassion (Upbeat Records; cakemusic.com), and have to say that I'm really loving it.
Oh good. That would be horrible if it was a nightmare for you. [chuckles]

And it's a great album to listen to on vinyl. The bass lines on "Got to Move" and "What's Now Is Now" have real impact.