Gadgets Blog » TVs

Boxee TV: The Latest Box for Entertainment Viewing

Dan Evans — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:50:45 +0000

Television as we once knew it may be approaching its final days. Thanks largely in part to Internet sources for TV series and movies, the slowly emerging market of streaming-based TV content has become a prominent force in the electronics world.

Once just a distributor of by-mail DVD rentals, Netflix has solidified its place in the 21st century, providing the best quick-streaming services out there. Competitors like Hulu for TV and movies and VEVO for music have followed suit with a similar business model, leading to a whole new market of internet-TV streaming devices.

Apple and Google have both jumped on board this bandwagon, with Apple TV and Google TV bringing a wide variety of content to users thanks to TV set integration as well as standalone units. With titans such as these in the ring, is there even room for smaller companies?

Boxee, a gadgets maker that has been utterly unknown save for a beta version of today’s product, may very well say otherwise. The Boxee Box is a third party developing an Internet-TV streaming device. And with excellent flexibility and the use of third-party apps, it could be the best one available.

Boxee’s biggest advantage comes from its relationship with other companies already established in the industry. Instead of making an effort to acquire original content to bring to their box (as is the case with Apple’s use of iTunes store rentals and Google’s use of YouTube), Boxee went out to forge agreements with existing companies. You’re able to stream Netflix in HD through the little box, as well as Hulu Plus, which gives access to all the latest television shows for $10 a month. This, plus a music deal with VEVO, makes the box extraordinarily flexible with its use.

Future agreements are in the works as well, but the Boxee Box’s simple-to-use design is yet another selling asset. Simply plugging the unit into a television and connecting it to the Internet is enough to start operation. HD formats are supported as well, making for a powerful and compact device. Web browsing is available, as well, similarly to Google TV’s use of Google Chrome. With enough features to play hardball, the Boxee Box could be the underdog smash of 2011. Keep your eyes peeled for it to hit shelves in time for the holiday season.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/nanpalmero/4279181822

Sony’s New RayModeler 3D Display Innovates

Dan Evans — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:09:33 +0000

Ever since the release of James Cameron’s spectacular Avatar motion picture, 3D technology has been all the rage in the world of visual media. While other movies have experimented with bringing the technology to the big-screen, the experience sadly cannot be duplicated in the living room.

As companies race towards building a functioning 3D display, there remain many complications. Most 3D displays that have been revealed required glasses for the users, which can limit the number of people who can enjoy the picture at once.

The result could be a serious detriment to bringing 3D technology to the average consumer. Sony, however, took matters to their own hands when they unveiled their new RayModeler television display earlier this week.

The most exciting part? Saying goodbye to those cumbersome glasses required to view the screen. Sony’s display doesn’t require this sort of technology, instead opting to incorporate the third-dimension into the display itself. Capable of 360-degree 3D images, the RayModeler display was unveiled by the Japanese electronics company at Siggraph in Los Angeles.

The display itself incorporates what Sony has dubbed “autostereoscopic” images, meaning that users can view the screen from any angle and perceive a 3-D image. Its perhaps the closest thing to a true holographic display field, with the images appearing to “pop” out of the unit.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

An article at The Belfast Telegraph explained some of the technology behind the RayModeler, which as of yet does not have a planned release date.

The RayModeler 3D display uses LED light forces and can show 360 unique images, in 24-bit full color, to all directions in one-degree separations.
The device uses a series of cameras that circle the object being recorded, allowing broadcasts to have true depth, unlike current 3D offerings.

A Sony spokesperson said: “We can sense the depth of the object because our left and right eyes see different images.”The display has a digital-video input port for connection to computers or other devices. It is also equipped with a gesture sensor to allow users to move and interact with the object inside the cylindrical display.”

As of yet, the display doesn’t really provide the same type of functionality as other types of 3D displays. The technology, in fact, seems advanced to the point that it can’t be easily incorporated into existing media sources such as television and gaming consoles. However, it is a fascinating step into what could be the future of digital displays. The applications for this type of computer modeling are likely more prevalent in scientific research, able to digitally catalog three dimensional objects. Sony certainly gets some innovation points for this one though. Be sure to check out the embedded video to see the device in action!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/walkering/975089950

Wireless Display Aims to Synchronize Your Laptop and TV

Dan Evans — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:46:59 +0000

Google recently made waves in the Internet world by introducing Google TV. The service, which would be directly implemented into a television or delivered via an external router, brought web-based multimedia straight onto your HDTV. It’s an issue that has plagued television and media enthusiasts for some time now.

While a variety of content is available online, crowding around a laptop or computer screen is a less-than-ideal viewing environment. Google’s idea is one possible solution, bringing the Internet to the television via some intense hardware intervention. Intel, however, apparently shrugged their shoulders and came up with an efficient solution.

Indeed Intel’s solution to this same dilemma, dubbed the Intel Wireless Display, takes a far more direct route. Instead of surfing the Internet using a remote control, the Wireless display allows you to connect your computer to your television (obviously) sans any type of connective wiring. After plugging an adapter into the television, the technology already present within your laptop does the rest. Namely, WiFi is used to synchronize the displays on your computer and TV. There are no additional remote controls or USB keys, just your computer making the connection as it would to any wireless server. In fact, connecting to your television via Intel Wireless Display doesn’t interfere with other ongoing wireless connections.

The beauty of Intel’s Wireless solution is both in its simplicity and its extended application over Google TV. First of all, by utilizing your laptop or desktop as a means of controlling the content, interface becomes infinitely more simple. The television begins operating like a second monitor, meaning more than just movies can be moved to the big screen. Need more space to work on some graphic design? Or perhaps you’d like to show off some photos to family and friends. Intel can do both of these easily, while Google can’t.

This is by far the most exciting part about Intel’s Wireless Display. Instead of focusing on a solution to the multimedia conundrum, Intel has utilized technology to entirely reinvent the relationship between television and computer. As WiFi becomes more powerful and prevalent, the ability to easily synch a machine up with a larger screen has implications not just in personal use, but in cloud computing as a whole. The business world in particular should pay attention to this technology, as it could mean the end of USB drives to shift data or presentations around. Our gadgets, so it would seem, are beginning to interact in a way never before seen.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/huangjiahui/2893115274/

Buying Guide: Understanding the Specs on an HDTV

Dan Evans — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:05:02 +0000

Navigating the wilderness of high definition televisions can be a confusing mess with so many specifications and features to choose from. For a new consumer, there are several key factors to keep in mind while purchasing a new HDTV television set. There are different types of television available on the market, and with a number of choices, it’s easy to become confused as to the distinctions between genres. In the realm of flat-panel TVs, the primary categories are plasma and LCD sets. If you’re shopping for a set smaller than 42″, only LCD sets are available. For larger screens, the two different types of screes offer slightly different viewing experiences. If you’re on a limited budget, a plasma set will have slightly worse contrast of colors, and the darker shades will appear muddled compared to a similarly priced LCD screen. Alternatively, more expensive plasma screens will have noticeably better picture quality than LCD models.

The specifications of a television can be confusing, and a talented floor salesmen will be able to hurl them at a customer in an impressive and puzzling barrage of statistics. There are only a handful that you, as the customer, should be concerned about. The first, and arguably most important, is the screen resolution. Just as in computer monitors, the resolution measures the number of pixels present on the screen, with the first measure measuring the width of the screen and the second measuring the height. Currently, the digital content that appears on a TV screen comes in only a handful of formats, which can be broken down as follows:

480i: A typical analog TV display
480p: A progressive-scan DVD player
720p: Satellite and Cable broadcasts
1080i: Some higher quality satellite and cable broadcasts
1080p: Blu-Ray DVD player

It should be noted that these are the optimal settings for such a television. Just because you own a 720p television doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Blu-ray DVDs, it just means you’re not tapping into the full potential of the player. To take full advantage of a high-definition input source, you’ll also need a high quality video interface. An HDMI or DVI interface will allow for the best-quality in picture, and most DVD players and video game consoles have the ability to connect into one of these ports.

The final important specifications are the aspect ratio and the contrast ration. The aspect ratio is the relationship between screen width and screen height. Old-school analog sets had a ratio of 4:3, but the industry has slowly been moving towards wide-screen formats like HDTV. Wide screen models have a ration of 16:9, which will make most movies and TV shows look great. Finally, the contrast ratio, which measures the difference between dark and light colors, should be examined. LCD specifications start around 600:1 while plasmas have an advantage at 1000:1. However, it should be noted that your primary concern should be how the screen fits your viewing environment, and the lighting conditions therein. Hopefully, with these guidelines, you’ll be able to narrow down the search and be well on your way to a brand new HDTV.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/rockinfree/2535750260

Television: Flight of the Conchords Not Coming Back

colleen — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:41:06 +0000

The Austrailian humor duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie are not going to make it back to HBO for a third season of their popular show, Flight of the Conchords. The show, which started in 2007 and has run for two seasons totally 22 episodes, will not be coming back to the air for ambiguous reasons–whatever the reason, I am sad to see them go, as I am sure many people are. They will hopefully continue to make music and do performances, maybe take their show in another direction, but for now no more TV for FOTC. The show had disappointing results at the most recent Emmy Awards, where they were nominated for best comedy and beat out by 30 Rock, Jemaine Clement was also nominated for best lead actor in a comedy series but didn’t seem to take home the gold. With this venture behind them, the duo is on to bigger and better things.

With Flight of the Conchords still fresh in our minds and hearts, think about giving the gift of laughter to your friends and family this holiday season. Jemaine and Bret sure brightened up my days, and now you can give them to someone else to enjoy:

Flight of the Conchords First Season DVD : $16.99

Or, for the big spender, Flight of the Conchords First and Second season DVD with a complete CD of their best tunes from Amazon.com: $38.49

Projectors for College Kids

colleen — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:30:51 +0000

If your a college kid like me, you know that televisions are sometimes too bulky, too expensive, and too much of a target for sticky-fingered neighbors that having one in your dorm room or small apartment is not a wise decision. But you still want to play your video games and watch “The Big Game” on Sunday with all the buddies, so what do you do? Crowding around a computer screen is so freshman year. I suggest buying a projector: they’re small, easy to store, and you can make your screen as big as you want to!

Smarter.coml helps you find exactly what you’re looking for, at the cheapest price. Here are some of the top recommendations for projectors today:

Acer X1160PZ Digital Projector – EY.J8801.021 from Buy.com: $489.95

2400 Ansi Lumens 1024 X 768 from Amazon.com: $481.00

Shop for discount projectors at Smarter.com.

Deals on Television Stands

colleen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:26:28 +0000

Recently we talked about smooth savings available for LCD televisions. But once you’ve made the commitment to a beautiful new television set, how do you display it in your home? Do you mount it on the wall? Give it a snazzy new stand? Maybe you just place it on the dusty mantelpiece where the last television was. But I have to say, if television is a viewing experience, you need to make sure the area around the television is as beautiful to view as what’s on the screen itself.

What I can tell you: Smarter.com is here to help you find the best stand for your television at the best price.

Here are some highlights from television stand savings:

Lovan L-MA1LS-AV4 – Matrix Series TV Stand 4″ With Extra Shelf from TVstands.com: $94.99 with free shipping, beating out its next competitor at $135 by a long shot!

Liberty Cherryview TV Stand : $679.00

Sleek with the look of a family heirloom, this beautiful crafted wood piece is elegant and timeless, and marked down from $829.00!

Corner TV Stand : $110.99

Comes with lots of CD and DVD storage, is compact yet sturdy.

Shop for more discounts on TV stands at Smarter.com.

Save on LCD Televisions

colleen — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:13:30 +0000

Smarter.com is here to fuel all of your household needs, even those that are purely entertainment value. With football season underway, treat yourself and your loved ones to a new television. The comparison shopping style of Smarter.com will make even your biggest splurges affordable.

Here’s the top picks for LCD televisions through Smarter.com:

JVC P Series LT-47P789 47″ LCD TV – LT47P789: $1,091.51

LN-40A750 HDTV : $1,087.50

Shop for more affordable LCD televisions at Smarter.com.

LG 42” for $899: Expires Tomorrow

gadgets — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:00:41 +0000

Life is definitely good with LG. From CompUSA, the LG 42LG70 42″ LCD HD Television can be had for $899.99, after a $700 instant savings. For 42 inches of 1080p, this LCD is a great buy and would upgrade your TV watching, game playing, and other home entertainment systems.

Specs:

42” LCD display
16:9 aspect ratio
1920 x 1080 resolution
2.7ms response time
1080p
120Hz refresh rate
4 HDMI ports
VESA (200 mm X 200 mm) compatibility
5 audio ports
Inputs: RS-232; S-Video; PC; RGB; HDMI in
Outputs: Audio; Digital out

This is hard to pass up. If I didn’t already have one I’d be in line already. This deal expires tomorrow, so get on it!

Find this and other discount LCD TVs.

LCD TV Deal: Sharp LC19D45U Aquos 19″ Widescreen HDTV

gadgets — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:20:46 +0000

Sharp LC19D45U Aquos 19″ Widescreen HDTV
From:$299.95

Sharp provides versatility and style with the LC19D45U Aquos 19-inch Widescreen HDTV LCD TV.

With both a slim design and hi-def, the high-performance LCD is also compatible with PCs. The Sharp LC19D45U makes a great monitor for your home office and can easily switch back to an HDTV or console for a guest. Works with all 1080i and 720p HDTV signals and automatically adjusts res, color and brightness for each mode and according to room’s lighting.

The high-performance LCD features wide viewing angles, a high contrast ratio, and a low-reflection glare protection. A nice touch, this LCD comes with a magnetic remote for easy attachment to metal surfaces making it easy to find. The remote also has a built-in clock.

The LC19SD45U includes ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners to receive off-air broadcasts as well as digital cable QAM capability to receive non-scrambled digital cable programming.

Specs:

16:9 aspect ratio
1366 x 768 resolution
NTSC / ATSC / QAM tuners for DTV and analog TV viewing
HDMI input
PC input
50,000-Hour Lamp Life
Optical Picture Control sensor automatically adjusts picture to room brightness
Magnet-equipped remote with large clock display
Built-in timer on remote for program reminders
Long-range remote operation

Originally priced at $399.95 from Adorama, this discount LCD TV deal expires today, so if you want that sweet $299.99 price, you should act quickly. Get it at Adorama and get free shipping on your order.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more discount LCD TVs.