Gadgetstronics

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 30th 2008 at 4:40PM
Yamaha cranked out its pricey YSP-600 sound bar just a few months back, but the company’s already looking to put the past behind and move forward with the YSP-3050. The latest in the outfit’s long-standing line of Digital Sound Projectors offers up 21 beam drivers, two woofers, 23 corresponding digital amplifiers, three Cinema DSP programs (movie, music and sports), analog-to-HDMI video upconversion, HD upscaling to 1080i / 720p and a 1080p (24Hz and 60Hz) compatible HDMI interface with two inputs and one output. Aside from engulfing you in audio with just a single bar, the unit is also XM Radio / iPod-ready (via the $99.95 YDS-11), and the integrated FM tuner and bundled remote make it even easier to see in your den. You’ll also find the firm’s propriety automated system calibration (IntelliBeam) along with TV Equal Volume to keep those sudden bursts at bay when it comes time for commercials. ‘Tis a shame this piece costs $1,399.95, but if you’re tight on space, it just might be worth it. Full release after the break.

YAMAHA INTRODUCES THE YSP-3050 DIGITAL SOUND PROJECTOR, ITS LATEST SINGLE COMPONENT SURROUND SOUND SOLUTION

-New model to its market-leading line offers HDMI, video upconversion, iPod and XM Satellite Radio compatibility, FM tuner and advanced listening settings -

BUENA PARK, Calif.-Yamaha, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today unveiled the YSP-3050, the latest in its award-winning line of Digital Sound Projectors which focus audio signals into precisely controlled and directed “beams” that provide true multi-channel surround sound from a single component. The YPS-3050 fits neatly underneath a flat-panel television and gives consumers a space-efficient option to installing multiple speakers throughout a room for immersive audio for watching movies, television and sports programming.
The new YSP-3050 features 21 beam drivers, and two woofers, 23 corresponding digital amplifiers, three Cinema DSP programs (movie, music and sports), analog to HDMI video upconversion, high definition video upscaling to 1080i/720p and a 1080p (24Hz and 60Hz) compatible HDMI interface with two inputs and one output to facilitate pure digital connections with the latest home theater components.
The YSP-3050 is XM Satellite Radio ready with XM HD surround sound powered by Neural Surround. The YSP-3050 also offers iPod compatibility via the new optional YDS-11 dock (more information on the YDS-11 below). Once docked, the iPod can be operated (song selection, play, etc.) via the YSP’s remote control and on-screen display. Yamaha’s proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology compensates for the lost detail of audio that is compressed during the “ripping” process, recapturing the essence of the original recording. An integrated FM tuner further broadens the user’s entertainment choices.

The YSP-3050 creates a wide soundstage designed to fill the whole room with convincing surround sound regardless of where listeners are seated. Sound settings include 5-Beam, 3-Beam, 3-Beam + Stereo, 2- channel Stereo, My Beam, 5-Channel Stereo and My Surround modes. My Surround mode delivers surround sound to even the most difficult installation environments where walls may not be present or are covered with unsuitable materials. My Beam mode focuses the sound at a specific listening position, so the listener can hear all program audio clearly, including dialog, without disturbing others in the room.
Yamaha’s proprietary IntelliBeam™ automated system calibration enables users to quickly and easily set up each system for the optimal listening experience and intuitive, multi-language on-screen displays.
The YSP-3050 offers full support for surround sound standards, including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6, as well as CINEMA DSP technology, to create realistic soundscapes in any room. For late night movie and music enjoyment, a Night Listening Enhancer mode allows dialog and quiet passages to be heard clearly, even at low volumes. The TV Equal Volume mode prevents sudden startling bursts of sound from TV programs and commercials. The model also features SRS TruBass technology to provide exceptionally deep and rich bass response.
The YSP-3050 is currently available for a suggested retail price of $1,399.95.

New YDS-11 iPod Dock Accessory
Yamaha’s new YDS-11 ipod dock accessory (MSRP $99.95) links most models of the popular portable devices, including iPod Touch, Nano, Click Wheel (including iPod Classic) and Mini models, to select Yamaha AV products, including the company’s YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector. Available in white or black to match the two most popular iPod colors, the YDS-11SL enables all the content on most iPod models to be enjoyed via home entertainment systems. Docked iPods can be controlled by a Yamaha receiver’s remote control, and navigated by on-screen display on a television or monitor. In addition, iPods are automatically charged as they rest in the dock, so they are always ready to be taken on the go.
For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90620; telephone (714) 522-9105; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/home.

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 30th 2008 at 10:43AM
We heard that Lenovo was shuffling its lineup a bit earlier this month, and sure enough, that IdeaCentre brand is getting its 15 minutes today courtesy of a fresh press release. Hailed as the outfit’s “global entry into the consumer desktop market outside of China,” the IdeaCentre K210 comes with a variety of hardware choices including Intel’s Core 2 Quad processors, up to 3GB of DDR2 RAM, a GMA X3100 integrated graphics set (or a 512MB ATI Radeon 2600 XT), optional Blu-ray drive, gigabit Ethernet, a 16-in-1 multicard reader and an anti-microbial keyboard that comically stands out more than it was likely intended to. Nevertheless, the tower also includes VeriFace facial recognition technology that enables users to log in by simply gazing into the webcam; if it performs anywhere nearly as poorly as it did on our U110 review unit, however, we’d recommend switching the feature off and logging in as usual. Units are available now from a variety of e-tailers starting at $379 (after mail-in rebate).

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Filed under: Desktops

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 30th 2008 at 1:59PM
Alright Lenovo, we get that you have a ridiculous obsession with Beijing and / or the 2008 Olympics, but seriously, enough is enough. We’ve got desktops, laptops, USB drives and even torches to show your unending love for the Games; the last thing we need is a questionably useful MID all dressed up in game day attire. Nevertheless, the company’s Ideapad U8 MID has been spotted recently with a colorful motif to commemorate the upcoming spectacle, but aside from the new design, we’re assuming everything else is just bronze-medal worthy (read: the same as the non-decorated version).

[Thanks, Ricardo]

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Filed under: Handhelds

It is good to know that just like sex, drinking is a universal value. How else do you explain the Star Trek Experience bar located at Hilton Las Vegas? Not to mention numerous drinking holes found in the Star Wars universe, but we’re here to concentrate on the former series today with a unique bottle opener.

As well as its supreme practicality, the Starship Enterprise Bottle Opener serves as a constant tribute to the most iconic pretend spacecraft in televisual history. Better still it’s embossed with the legendary NCC-1701 registration, so you can be sure you’re opening your bottle of wallop with a Shatner-era vessel. And that’s just as well because judging by his, erm, interesting cover of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Captain Kirk is the only member of Starfleet who likes a drink. Boldly going where no bottle opener has gone before. Make it so!

Well, only true blue Trekkies need to pick this up, as I don’t see the rest of the drinking crowd willing to fork out £12.95 for a ‘mere’ bottle opener when their teeth double up as one just fine.

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Ahh, the Fourth of July: time for hot dogs, fireworks — and gadgets.

This week, the Gadget Lab and Wired magazine crew are proud to give you a sneak preview of our best online review package yet, the 2008 Summer Test section.

This year, our reviews have a timely Olympic theme. We rounded up the coolest summer sports gear – everything from swim goggles to kayaks, and golf putters to cyclo-cross bikes. You need to know about the hottest cycling shades or data-driven watches as well? Hey, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve also put these reviews in a flashy new format that we think will make our reviews more accessible, easier to read and easier to browse than ever before.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside: Our head-to-head comparison of three cyclo-cross bikes.

What do you think of the new reviews format? Check out our lineup of summer product reviews, then let us know in the comments below!

MobileBurn reviews the HTC Touch Cruise and writes, “Despite its business image, the HTC Touch Cruise features a whole host of multimedia applications, such as a 3.0MP auto-focus camera, a video camera, a media player, and some games. I wasn’t expecting much from the Touch Cruise’s camera, as it seemed like a sideline feature of the device, and was missing any sort of flash function. However, my expectations were unsubstantiated and the camera performed surprisingly well. Activating the camera is as simple as pressing the shutter button on the right side of the device. Within the camera menu there are options for video recording, panoramic photos and a multi-shot function, among others. Oddly, there was no macro mode, but this didn’t cause a problem for the camera, which still managed surprisingly crisp and detailed close-ups. Also not included was a night mode, but again, the camera did surprisingly well, adjusting itself automatically to suit. However, should the camera not perform as desired, a few small tweaks that can be made, such as white balance and brightness.”

Read more about the HTC Touch Cruise.

We had some very cool entries for last weeks “Coolest Gadget of the week” and three products really stood out between the voters (thanks guys).
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The overall winner with 29% of the votes was the exceedingly cool VTS Camera Car,

What makes this an amazing remote control car is that by wearing a headset while controlling your car, you can actually see from the perspective of the cockpit. To make the experience even more realistic, when you turn your head left, right up or down, the image responds accordingly, meaning there’s now no excuse for you to not do a shoulder check in your tiny car.

Read the full post over on Gaj-It.com.
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In second place with 22% of the votes was the laziest of gadgets, the Grevalia Stir Mug.

You need to put all your ingredients in, add water, push a button and presto! your beverage is gently stirred while you can just go on working.

Congrats to Jen from S2999 for taking the runners up spot.
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Finally in third place with 19% of the votes we have the digital camera swim mask.

Some clever people have come up with the ultimate accessory for snorkelers – the world’s first digital camera swim mask.

Well done to Jo and Decide what to buy.
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Thanks to everybody who voted and commented. The $50 Amazon voucher goes to random commentator Zelig, we’ll be in touch to sort your prize out.

Want to hear about future contests first? Subscribe to our daily digest via email or RSS.

If you’re a fellow gadget blogger and would like to be included in next weeks contest please check out how to enter CGOTW.

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Lenovo’s newly launched IdeaCentre K210 desktop holds the distinction of being the first desktop model to hit the markets outside of China from Lenovo, featuring the following specifications :-

• Intel Core 2 Quad Processors4
• Intel GMA 3100 integrated graphics
• Blu-ray/hd dvd Combo accommodates home theater
• High definition audio 5.1 for reverberating sound
• Optional upgrade to ATI Radeon 2600 XT 512MB

The IdeaCentre K210 will retail for $379 upwards, depending on the configuration.

This strange looking toy is actually a Nerf gun in disguise.  Which is just proof once again that there are a great many of us that don’t seem to want to grow up entirely.  I’d imagine  that the gun originally looked something like this, which is sold on ThinkGeek.  The best part is to cock the toy gun you have to pull back on the cross.  The seller of this mod does warn that although it shoots foam darts, shooting someone in the face could still hurt them.  Apparently he thinks that the adults that would buy such a toy aren’t grown up enough to realize that.

I mean, I personally would never test that theory out, well I might not.  The mod itself is made by using expensive bronzers and toners to give the aged metal look a bit more depth.  Apparently his camera doesn’t quite do justice to the mod, according to him.  He also claims that all of his mods do better than when bought brand new.  The curent bid is up to $46 or you can pick up the original over at ThinkGeek for $9.99.

Source: boingboing

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Guess music isn’t the only thing going digital as police forces and troopers in several states are heading down that road as well, where a simple scan of a driver’s license or the swipe of an ID card enable officers to enter the location, type of violation and print the ticket on the spot thanks to a handheld device. These electronic citations will soon phase out handwritten tickets, helping increase accuracy while cutting down on the paperwork. Guess there is no way to manipulate the system now, is there? Oh, I suppose only brilliant hackers will be able to make sure that their driving records are squeaky clean while the rest of us have to be more cautious on the road.