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HP Introduces a Modified LCD Design for Glasses-Free Multi-Angle 3D Viewing[teaser]By introducing 'directional pixels,' even a cell phone could support 64 viewpoints for a video. [/teaser] Among the challenges and drawbacks associated with 3D is the need for the viewer to maintain a precise viewing angle. This may be the most evident in a glasses-free 3D device like the Nintendo 3DS. HP Labs, which serves as Hewlett-Packard skunkworks, has cut to the chase with a solution that is so dramatic in its effect, the word hologram comes to mind. Their modified LCD design utilizes the backlight of an LCD in a structured manner. By integrating nonopatterned grooves into the light directed sheet that is normally in place in the LCD, the LCD gains 'directional pixels.' Those pixels can display 200 different viewpoints of a static image, like a picture, or 64 viewpoints for a video. The effect of all those viewpoints is holographic, an image projection far beyond stereoscopic 3D. The technology is suitable for current LCD devices, and smartphones and other mobile displays seem like the first candidates. Unfortunately, as intelligent and innovative as the design is, it requires source information for each viewpoint. That means a 200 viewpoint photograph needs 200 angles worth of captured information. Likewise, a 64 viewpoint smartphone interface needs each angle rendered in order to feed the display. Source: Technology Review via EngadgetPosted Thu Mar 21, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Announces the "Smart Evolution Kit"[teaser]$299 add-on and remote adds latest smart features to some Samsung models. [/teaser] Samsung has been promising that several of its 2012 model TVs would be upgradable through their Smart Evolution slot, and now that upgrade path has been more solidified. With the 'Smart Evolution Kit,' 7500 and 8000 series of Samsung LED TVs and 7000 and 8000 models of Samsung plasma TVs, can be brought to a 2013 level of Smart TV capability. While upgrading a TV for $299, and even getting a new remote has its appeal, the market for recent TVs looking for a Smart TV upgrade may not be immediately apparent. And yet, Samsung is also featuring the Smart Evolution slot on its 2013 models. Owners heavily focused on Smart TV features and desirous of a significant upgrade of those features every year or two may be another group of buyers drawn to Samsung TVs. Samsung's Smart Evolution Kit is expected to release in May. Source: The VergePosted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Offering 85 Inches of UHD for a Cheeky $39,999[teaser]Pricing on the 110 inch model still up in the air. [/teaser] Samsung's S9 85 inch UHD TV is a full inch larger than Sony's paltry 84 inch model, and Samsung will begin accepting pre-orders at the end of March. The UN85S9 includes Samsung's Precision Black Pro and a proprietary upscaler for upscaled UHD. The TV also features Samsung's teased "unprecedented new shape," which sets the display in a stylish frame not functionally unlike a standing chalkboard frame. Included with the new display standard is Samsung's quad-core processor-powered smart TV capabilities. The cost of this latest and greatest offering is $39,999, which dwarfs the prices of Sony and LG's 84 inch models. Samsung has previously teased 95 inch and 110 inch versions, which promise to be even more staggering pricewise. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Poll: How Do You Read Books?This week, we have a poll for all the book readers out there. Do you still buy books in print, or have you moved on to an eReader, tablet or other electronic reading device? Which do you prefer? Vote in our blog poll today.Posted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Now Selling 2013 W and R Series of TVs[teaser]The KDL-W900A packs in Quantum Dots at $3,299.[/teaser] While Sony continues to talk 4K, 2013 sees the company offering a host of other TV models and features. 2013's W series consists of three Wi-Fi enabled LED Bravia TVs, and each includes Sony's X-Reality PRO picture processor, screen mirroring via Wi-Fi, and MHL compatibility. Stepping beyond the respectable KDL-W820A and KDL-W650A is the KDL-W900A, which is coupled with a pair of active shutter 3D glasses. Of greater significance is the 55" TV's new back-lighting system, built around Quantum Dot technology, which should see the display boast a superior color gamut. Also included is a NFC remote, which works with NFC phones and tablets for content streaming. The remote is an option for the KDLW820A. The KDL-820A is available in 55" and 47" screen sizes and starts at $1,799. The KDL-W650A is a 32" model and is priced at $799. Sony's new R series includes a passive 3D LED line and 3D-less versions. The KDL-R550A is the 3D LED Wi-Fi connected line and includes four pairs of passive glasses. It comes in 70", 60" and 50" sizes, and starts at $1,399. The non 3D version, the KDL-520A comes in 70" and 60" sizes and starts at $1,999. Both lines include Sony Entertainment Network Services (access also to Netflix, Hulu, Pandora and more,) and wireless screen monitoring. Also in the R series are smaller displays. The KDL-46R453A, HDL-40R450A and KDL-32R400A can screen mirror using an optional MHL Cable, and start at $399. Source: Sony BlogPosted Tue Mar 19, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Plair's Wireless HDMI Dongle Selling Out Ahead of Launch[teaser]The wireless dongle enables streaming on any TV with a HDMI port.[/teaser] Plair is ready to start shipping its new streaming solution in April with one caveat, all pre-orders have been claimed. The product represents a new avenue for bridging the living room television with the internet, and in theory can stay as up-to-date as the accompanying computer. By plugging the dongle into a HDMI port and powering on the display, the user can then proceed to pair the dongle with a local wireless internet. After the short process the dongle is accessing the internet wirelessly while being controlled by the paired PC, Mac OS, iOS, or Android device. By installing a Chrome extension, the associated device takes control of the dongle and can direct it, for instance, to playback YouTube or Netflix videos. The controlling device also becomes a media hub by serving downloaded videos. The device's purported ease of use and form factor make it a great mobile solution, and while it is controlled by another device, that other device is still free to do whatever, even play or stream other videos or turn off completely. Engadget is one of the many tech press representatives to play with the device and have confirmed it as a promising solution. Source: PlairPosted Mon Mar 18, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Panasonic Considering Pulling the Plug on Plasma Televisions[teaser]Troubled manufacturer looking away from TV production reliance.[/teaser] Panasonic has long been the bastion of the plasma Television, a product which has gradually gone from sexy to afterthought as customers have flocked towards LCD displays. According to Reuters, Nikkei newspaper is reporting that Panasonic is weighing ending plasma TV productions altogether as part of its plan to again be profitable. The report also outlines some of Panasonic's moves as relating to this possible decision. During 2009-2010, Panasonic's plasma heavy TV business generated sales of more than $10.5 billion, but is already expecting only half of that during 2015-2016. Production of plasma TV panels in Panasonic's main plant in Amagaskai is already scheduled to end in the 2014 fiscal year, and the associated production equipment has already been written off by the company. Development of new plasma models has been shelved in favor of LCDs. If Panasonic pulls the trigger, showrooms and customers will likely lose plasma TVs as an option quite quickly as Panasonic models are considered by many as the best option. A Panasonic spokesperson was noncommittal in saying that "We are considering a number of options regarding our TV business. But nothing has been decided yet." Panasonic is fresh off of a 36,000 layoff year, and already has scheduled 10,000 more. Eliminating plasma TVs may be Panasonic's quickest way to stop hemorrhaging money. In the meantime, consumers might find that already discounted plasma TVs will become even cheaper before disappearing altogether. Source: Reuters via CNETPosted Mon Mar 18, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Showing Off Official Controller Add-On for The Galaxy S4[teaser]With a 360 inspired controller, the Galaxy S4 is in position to bring controller precision to the flagship Android phone. [/teaser] Samsung's Galaxy line of phones have emerged from a horde of indistinguishable Android phones and even the shadow of Google's own Motorola line to be one of the hottest products current in production. That status as an innovative must-have product has never been more clear than now in the time leading up to the release of the latest model the Galaxy S4. Along with the full reveal of the phone ahead of its April 26 release date is a peripheral that has the potential to succeed where so many other add-ons have failed. That peripheral is a yet unnamed controller add-on, which connects via Bluetooth, and contains a retractable cradle for converting the phone into a serious portable gaming platform . The controller is very much in the mold of the 360 controller and is expected in May. More importantly, the pocket sized controller will be compatible with 80 Android titles at launch and has also been demonstrated as working well when the phone is outputting to an external display. Source: The Verge andVG247Posted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Redbox Instant Launches Today For a Mere $8 a Month[teaser]The service is powered by Verizon and focuses on movies. [/teaser] Redbox Instant is making its public launch today after an extensive Beta. The initial offer is a free month of the unlimited streaming and four-DVD plan, which allows the user to rent four DVDs from Redbox kiosks per month. (Four DVD rentals of one night a piece total, not four out at a time) For $9 a month, Blu-rays credits replace the DVD credits. Redbox also plans to offer a $6 a month streaming-only plan. Several devices already support the service including PCs, Macs, Specific Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players, specific iOS and Android phones and tablets, and the Xbox 360. Compared with other streaming services, Redbox is beginning with a limited library of 4,600 titles. Recently at CES, Redbox Instant CEO Shawn Strickland, stated that the service was not necessarily a Netflix competitor, and would only offer movies and not TV programs. That detail may change, but currently the service seems suited best for current Redbox customers. Source: CNETPosted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
New Philips DesignLine TV Exudes Style and Is More Than 'Just Technology'[teaser]Designed to appear as a stunning panel of glass that the owner just leans against the wall.[/teaser] Philips has revealed its DesignLine TV, and the resulting visual dwarfs the style of most other displays. The TV presents itself as a single pane, maybe a third of an inch thick and is colored with a dark gradient to grant the glass a distinct character. Philips has shared few details for the style-centric TV beyond HD capability and the two sizes, 46 inch and 55 inch. From Philips, "Beautiful on or off, our frameless sheet of glass redefines the concept of television as more than 'just technology' and elevates it to an art form. Lean it against a wall in a loft, feature it among your interior design classics or hang it with modern art in a gallery- it's always at home wherever it is." Source: Philips and The VergePosted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by:
