Is that a GP1 mini projector in your pocket?

May 20th, 2009

gp1-1BenQ has unveiled its new PC-less and lamp-less GP1 Mini LED Projector. Simply plug in a content-stuffed USB stick and you can use the GP1 to watch a movie or view your photos on an 80-inch wide patch of wall.

It’s surprisingly well featured - connectivity options include D-Sub/VGA, Composite and USB inputs. While a detachable iPod/iPhone docking station is also available. 

The new GP1 mini projector also comes with an integrated 2W speaker and headphone jack, adding basic audio playback to its teeny-tiny talents.

BenQ is targeting the GP1 at several potential markets. Apparently it’s “terrific for taking on holiday, to sleepovers, to family functions, or just around the house.”

At the same time, BenQ is keen to point out its business-friendliness. “Travelling business professionals can use the GP1 and USB reader for corporate videos, jpeg-format presentations, job interviews, or any spur-of-the-moment projection,” goes the PR blurbage.

So if you want a portable projector for the home or have an overwhelming need to display PowerPoint slides at a moment’s notice, then seek out the GP1. It’s available in June, priced at a reasonable £499.

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Upgrades: the hottest new high-def TVs

May 20th, 2009

panasonic_lf7700_sideThree of the newest (and best) high definition TVs from LG, Sony and Panasonic, reviewed and rated on the web.

LG 42LF7700£1,100

“The 42LF7700’s pictures sure know how to make an entrance too. Right away, we were struck by the exceptional intensity of the screen’s colours, with colour-rich fare like the Blu-ray of computer-animated movie Ratatouille exploding off the screen” - CNET UK

Sony Bravia KDL40WE5BU£1,349

“We’d expected the KDL-40WE5’s green features to entail performance compromises. But in fact, its pictures are arguably the best yet from a Sony LCD. The set’s superb black level response is particularly striking, leaving dark scenes looking natural, dynamic and credible in a way seldom seen outside the LED/plasma worlds” - TechRadar.com

Panasonic TX-P46G10B£947

“What’s even better about the P42G10’s NeoPDP brightness potential is the fact that it’s delivered without compromising Panasonic’s legendary (well, until Pioneer’s KURO screens came along, anyway!) black level response. As a result, it’s possible to get dark scenes looking more dynamic than they do on non-NeoPDP Panasonic plasmas.” - Trusted Reviews

Samsung LE32B650£565

“We can’t fault the High Definition (HD) performance of the LE32B650, although the benefits of a Full HD resolution on a 32in screen begin to tale off considerably even compared to 37in screens. Whatever our thoughts on the resolution of this panel, there is no disputing the fact that it is still capable of producing the kind of jaw dropping HD picture that provides full immersion into the on screen content.” - HDTVOrg.co.uk

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How Panasonic’s NeoPDP technology revamps plasma

May 20th, 2009

neopdp_600hzYou might have seen Panasonic’s new NeoPDP plasma TV technology advertised on TV. According to Panasonic, it “takes flat screen TV to the next level”. 

So what’s in it for us? Not only does NeoPDP deliver better contrast levels, but NeoPDP TVs are brighter, display sharper pictures and give more than a nod to eco-friendliness.

The technology also enables Panasonic to construct new Viera HD TV models that are barely an inch-thick.

The benefits of NeoPDP

A Modern plasma display panel (PDP) typically consists of gas-filled cells sandwiched between two glass panels. The gas is electrically charged and the resulting plasma excites phosphors in the cells to produce light.

Thanks to a newly developed discharge gas, Panasonic’s NeoPDP TVs can attain an ultra-high dynamic contrast ratio of over 2,000,000:1. ”This translates into deep, true black tones and brighter whites for more vibrant and lifelike pictures with every film or TV programme,” says Panasonic.

NeoPDP TVs also feature a 600Hz Sub-field Drive with Intelligent Frame Creation Pro. In short, this optimises the flow of motion onscreen, reducing any judder when you watch fast-moving sporting events, movies or play video games. 

Finally, Panasonic’s NeoPDP technology can deliver twice the luminous efficiency of previous models with far less power consumption. The result is a greener TV that’s ideal for the eco-conscious modern home.

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Denon woos audiophiles with PMA-510AE amp

May 19th, 2009

pmadcd-510ae_black_angleFor any audio traditionalist up-in-arms about Pure’s iPhone-friendly digital sound system, take heart in the fact that Denon still makes equipment worthy of the classic ‘hi-fi’ moniker.

In this case, clap your eyes on the entry-level PMA-510AE stereo amp and DCD-510AE CD player.

According to Denon, the PMA-510AE integrated amplifier features High-Current Single-Push-Pull circuitry to achieve both accuracy and detail in its music playback. 

High quality audio

And if you had any doubts about the attention to quality and detail of proper hi-fi gear, then know this: the relay switch that Denon uses for the PMA-510E’s CD and phono inputs contains an inert gas to prevent the occurrence of noise that can negatively affect the signal. 

The DCD-510AE, meanwhile, is endowed with a wide range of impressive audio technology. The patterns for its digital circuits have been specially designed to provide maximum protection from unwanted radiation and achieve low impedance. 

Denon engineers have also used rigorous listening tests to select the DCD-510AE’s high-precision 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converter, which can faithfully reproduce the delicate nuances of music in the audio signal. 

In addition, the DCD-510AE has a two line display and also supports MP3/WMA playback from a CD-R/RW.

Want one? The PMA-510AE and DCD-510AE are available now in premium silver and black colour at suggested retail prices of £249.99 and £229.99 respectively.

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Are our gadgets polluting the planet?

May 18th, 2009

polluted_sunsetAs our appetite for the latest digital technology (HD TVs, iPods, DAB radios, computers etc) continues to grow, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is warned that our love of consumer electronics could be ‘killing the planet’.

As the Telegraph reports, the IEA has claimed that the world will need the equivalent of 200 nuclear power stations by 2030 if our fondness for power-hungry gadgetry continues.

Why? Energy experts at the IEA have estimated that 1,700 terawatt hours of power will be required to run the world’s computers, HDTVs and games consoles. These power requirements are three times greater than today’s power consumption.

The overall cost of powering all of this technology will work out at around £130 billion a year. That’s more than the cost of fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2009. 

“Gadgets currently account for around 15 per cent of global domestic electrical consumption,” writes the Telegraph.

“In the UK, the Energy Savings Trust has projected that by 2020, gadgets will account for about 45 per cent of electricity used in British homes, with flat-screen televisions and digital radios among the most power-hungry devices.”

Of course, more energy efficient products will offset these sky-high power requirements. We’re already seeing eco-friendly improvements being made to new HD TVs plus a concerted effort to avoid leaving unused gadgets on standby.

How much juice do your average household gadgets require? The Telegraph has a handy list of tech-villains so you can see how much energy your new HD TV and Xbox 360 combo is using…

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New Pure micro hi-fi loves your iPhone

May 18th, 2009

 

pure_sirroco

Pure has announced its latest digital offering in the pleasing shape of the Sirocco 150 - a moody-looking DAB/FM micro system for the home that’s certified to work with your iPhone.

Launching in June for £149.99, the freshly unveiled Sirocco 150 is the first, officially certified “Works with iPhone” DAB micro system. So this typical (and eye-catching) micro hi-fi comes with a matching black and silver iPod dock to integrate your iPod and iPhone hardware.

It includes a DAB/FM radio, plus CD, SD- and USB-based playback capabilities (MP3/WMA formats supported), giving you unparalleled one-box entertainment potential. 

And thanks to 4-inch mid-bass drivers and 1.5-inch tweeters in the speakers, the compact Sirocco 150 sound system can belt out 25W RMS of crisp audio.

Other features include a sleep timer and an alarm that allows the user to wake up to DAB or FM radio or a simple tone, a stereo headphone socket and an input located on the front of the system for connecting other MP3 players or external music sources.

“We are delighted to be bringing out the first fully Apple certified “Works with iPhone” DAB micro system,” said Says Colin Crawford, director of marketing at Pure. 

“There has been huge interest and take up of iPhone and the market for micro hi-fi with DAB is growing. The Sirocco 150 provides the integrated iPod functionality and compatibility that consumers are increasingly looking for and all this at a highly competitive price point.”

www.pure.com

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New Bravia TVs go with the Motionflow

May 4th, 2009

z5500-leftSony is prepping its 1080p Bravia Z5500 HD LCD televisions (with 200MHz Motionflow technology) for a June launch.

Sony’s Motionflow technology calculates three additional frames for every original, revving the frame rate up from 50 to 200fps. The result is a sharper image with reduced blur.

Together Bravia Engine 3 picture-processing, Sony claims that its Z5500 HD TVs deliver a sharper, more realistic viewing experience on an LCD. 

“The unique blend of advanced technology and leading design showcased in the Bravia Z5500 means that you can enjoy crystal-clear, amazingly smooth fast-moving images with Motionflow 200Hz”, says Sony UK. 

“We design our TVs to ensure that they contain the latest features and advanced technology, bringing the real world t your living room for a truly realistic and immersive viewing experience, without any compromise to look and feel.”

Sony Bravia Z5500

Advanced technology? The 200MHz Motionflow system is just one of several improvements to the new Bravia line-up.

Sony’s ‘draw the line’ concept encourages a minimalist design, so that viewers aren’t distracted from what they’re watching. While a built-in Ethernet port and Sony’s AppliCast technology enable RSS feeds and web widgets to be displayed onscreen.

Also, DLNA certification means that the Z5500 can be networked to streaming media devices, including VAIO PCs. It makes the Z5500 HD TVs true ‘connected home’ devices.

TV Manufacturers are still desperate to be seen as eco-friendly. Or, at the very least, eco-aware. So the Z5500 features an auto shut-off function and an integrated ambient light sensor to adjust backlight brightness on the fly.

Want one? The Sony Bravia Z5500 HD TVs will be available in June, in 40-, 46- and room-filling 52-inch screen sizes. Keep a beady eye on www.sonystyle.co.uk and be prepared to spend £1,800.

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