Choose The Best Blue –ray Disc Player
A Blue-ray Disc Player is only the best way get a high definition display onto a large sreen
Are you planning to buy a Blue –ray disc player.
So,take this small review on new in Blue-ray players. Blue-ray Disc format has gone through some awkward growing pains, which has resulted in two new features you’ll want to look for are BonusView and BD-Live
The model we reviewed, the Philips, the Sharp and the Sony PlayStation 3- offered BonusView.Only ,the PlayStation 3, could handle BD-Live as well. The Blu-ray Disc spec, all players should be equipped to handle movie titles packed with fancy, complex menus (authored in BD-Java).
Sony Playstation 3
The PlayStation 3 has just more than another game console .This machine is really lives up to its promise: It’s one of the most capable Blu-ray Disc players available today. The 40GB PS3 ($400, as of June 2008) has built-in gigabit ethernet and it also supports BD-Live (Profile 2.0) content that can be delivered via the Internet .Another feature it also supports Blu-ray BonusView, for playing back picture-in-picture content. Sony’s PlayStation 3 is an excellent choice.
Philips BDP7200/37 Blu-ray Disc Player
Is your aim is to start enjoying stellar, high-definition image quality the BonusView-capable Philips BDP7200/37 is a solid value, give its strength in producing both pictures and sound.
The Philips BDP7200/37 need patience to use , though. While the unit powered up in less than 20 seconds , it take an additional, mind-numbing 44 seconds to start playing a disc. The total startup time, 64 seconds. Once running, the player responded slowly to such remote control commands as pop up the menu and skipping chapters.
In general, however, the thr Philips BDP7200 distinguish itself by delivering terrific image and audio quality at a comparatively low price ($400). Support for BonusView, too.
Sharp BD-HP20U Blu-ray Disc Player
Sharp’s very first Blu-ray Disc player, the BD-HP20U, is all on counts winner.
Turn on the BD-HP20U ($400 as of June 2008) and the unit is powered up and ready to receive a disc in under 6 seconds.
Once on, it’s slower than many others at starting to play,but the total startup time of 41 seconds was still better and faster than that of any other player;.The Sharp simply surpass every other player on almost all criteria like color quality, brightness and contrast, and audio.
iPhones having NO-More Contracts at New Prices…
AT&T Mobility put some asterisks on its iPhone 3G pricing.
In the latest news release disclosing terms and monthly rates for iPhone 3G service plans, the carrier hinted at the upcoming offer without saying anything about when it will become available. Now freedom will come with a price — US$599 for an 8Giga-byte iphone and $699 for a 16Giga bite iphone but this will marks the first time consumers in the United States are capable to buy an iPhone without being tied down to a 2 years contract.
However, the no-contract phone is likely to have a narrow appeal, he said.
“That’s a pretty hefty premium you’re going to pay over an iPod Touch,” Gartenberg said.
Michael Gartenberg, Jupiter Research Analyst said that the phone would be most likely locked for use only on AT&T’s network. But buyers could choose a pay-as-you-go plan for voice service — there is no prepaid data plan from AT&T — or just use the device as a media player and calendar and access or connect to the Web via its Wi-Fi radio. Unlike the slimmer iPod Touch, the iPhone has a camera and a small speaker. The several third-party applications coming to the iPhone later this month most probably also could be used without a service plan.
This means current AT&T customers with handsets other than the iPhone will have to pay $399 for an 8G-byte iPhone 3G or $499 for the 16G-byte model unless they are due for a phone upgrade discount.
Any AT&T customer upgrading to the iPhone 3G will be charged an upgrade fee of $18 instead of the standard $36 activation fee that newcomers to AT&T will pay. Those who bought a 2G iPhone on or after May 27 will be able to swap it for a 3G model and pay only a restocking fee. However, anyone upgrading from a 2G iPhone to the new model will have to enter into a new two-year contract under a 3G iPhone plan.
The iPhone 3G is set to go on sale July 11. On Tuesday, AT&T revealed details of the four plans it will offer for the iPhone 3G. They range from $69.99 per month, for 450 anytime minutes and 5,000 night and weekend minutes, to $129.99 per month for unlimited anytime minutes. All the plans include unlimited data but not an SMS (Short Message Service) package. Taxes are extra.
On Tuesday, AT&T said the iPhone 3G’s vaunted $199 price would only be available to three kinds of customers:
• people who bought the iPhone before July 11
• customers new to AT&T, or ones activating a totally new line
• existing AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade discount
Review: Sony Ericsson W980
The W980 is the first Sony Ericsson Walkman® phone with a built-in FM transmitter that lets you listen to tracks through a car stereo or home music system – or anything with a built-in FM radio receiver.Although the Sony Ericsson W980 do have a sleeky and stylish look, but it does tend to look a bit girly when it comes to opening it.
Share your music with friends
Quality music is made for sharing with the W980.The built-in FM transmitter, which permits you to send whatever’s playing on your phone to other devices with a built-in FM radio receiver. This has a great impact to share your music with all those around you, whether through a friend’s hi-fi or your car stereo.
Unplug your headset, sit back and let the music flow through the integrated stereo speakers for all to enjoy. The W980 lets you store up to 8000 songs – or tune in to your favourite radio station and listen out loud. No need to plug in an FM Receiver, since this is on-board with the W980.
Control your music at your fingertips
Without even having to open your phone the Walkman® on Top feature on the W980 gives you the full functionality of a Walkman® player. Navigation through your music library is effortless as the entire Walkman® player that would normally be displayed on the inside of your clamshell is also replicated on the outside of the phone.
Build your collection every day
The W980’s TrackID™ feature, having the capablity to select any track that you just can’t put a name to, will be fully integrated into PlayNow™ arena. This makes the W980 a genuine gateway to great music, as you can download the track instantly once it has been identified.
Be true to the original recording
The W980 Walkman® phone is designed in a manner so as to allow you to listen to music as it should be heard. Clear stereo enables the music to sound like the original recording. Even at higher volumes clear bass delivers distortion free sound. These features combine with the premium headphones, the Stereo Portable Handsfree HPM-77, to deliver an incredible clear audio experience and music that sounds as true as possible to the original recording.
Clear audio experience
Superior sound quality lets you enjoy your music as it was meant to be heard
Intuitive music access and control,
Storage solutions
8GB internal memory lets you store up to 8,000 songs
Specification
Music and Entertainment
• Walkman® player
• FM transmitter
• Shake control
• SensMe™
• PlayNow™
• Music tones (MP3/AAC)
• 3D games
• Java™
• Video streaming
Camera
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• 3.2x digital zoom
• Picture blogging
• Video blogging
Connectivity
• Bluetooth™ technology
• Modem
• Synchronization
• Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
• USB mass storage
• USB support
Facts and Figures
• Size: 92 x 46 x 16.9 mm
• Weight: 100 grams
• Colour: Piano Black
• Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT
• Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
• Size: 2.2 inches
• External screen: 262,144 colour TFT
• Resolution: 176 x 176 pixels
• Phone memory: Up to 8 GB
• Talk time GSM: 9h
• Standby time GSM: TBD300h
• Talk time UMTS: 3.5h
• Standby time UMTS: 300h
• Music listening time: 16h
Internet
• Access NetFront™ Web browser
• Web feeds
• Photo feeds
Review: Olympus SP-570 UZ Digital Camera
The Olympus was the first to announce a 10MP resolution, 20x wide-angle optical zoom (26-520mm, 35mm equiv.) with sensor-shift Image Stabilization with its SP-570.
The SP-570 UZ shines in providing both a wide-angle as well as an exceptional tele reach We are continually amazed at the tremendous reach of ultra zoom digital cameras these days and
Olympus’s entry into the megazoom class ensures the greatest magnification rating of any of the products. At 20X, photos even taken at a distance of up to 30 feet looked as if it had been taken right close to the subject.
The SP-570 UZ’s range is also amazing: This model covers the equivalent of a 35mm film camera’s range of 26mm to 520mm; it’s therefore great for taking both wide-angle pictures and very detailed macro (close-up) shots.
But Olympus’s zoomy monster isn’t a one-trick pony by any means. The SP-570UZ also features a servo-controlled zoom; 23 distinct scene modes; the ability to let you manually modify ISO, aperture, shutter, and focus settings; a “guide” mode that steps you through the photographic process; and intuitive controls.
The camera’s controls are familiar to anyone who has some experience using a digital camera. Four buttons controlling basic functions line the left edge of the 2.7-inch screen, while five buttons arrayed like a directional pad serve double duty as controls for the flash, the self-timer, and the macro (close-up) mode. You turn a ring on the lens to adjust the servo-controlled zoom, but a small motor actually moves the lens. It’s intuitive, but the motion of the motor-driven lens–which doesn’t move exactly in proportion to your turning of the dial–took a little getting used to before it was no longer distracting.
We also had a bit of trouble getting the autofocus to lock onto targets in low light. The autofocus would scan from one end to the other trying to sharpen the image, and sometimes took up to 2 seconds to fully lock on to a focal point. In bright daylight, however, the iESP targeting system (which the autofocus controls use to pick a spot to focus on) worked remarkably well, and produced clear shots even at the maximum zoom, aided by the image stabilization system built into the lens.
Specification
General:
Product Type
Digital camera – Compact
Weight
15.7 oz
Width
4.6 in
Depth
3.5 in
Height
3.3 in
Main Features:
Resolution
10 megapixels
Sensor resolution
10 megapixels
Optical Sensor Type
CCD
Effective Sensor Resolution
10,000,000 pixels
Total Pixels
10,700,000 pixels
Optical Sensor Size
1/2.33 in
Light Sensitivity
ISO 64, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400
Digital Zoom
5 x
Shooting Modes
Frame movie mode
Shooting Programs
Snow, Beach, Candle, Indoor, Sunset, Auction, Cuisine, Documents, Fireworks, Landscape, Smile shot, Night scene, Sports mode, Behind glass, Portrait mode, Quick shutter, Self-portrait, Multi-firework, Night portrait, Panorama assist, Shoot & select 1, Shoot & select 2, Landscape-portrait, Available light portrait
Special effects
Sepia, Frames, Black & White
Max Shutter Speed
1/2000 sec
Min Shutter Speed
8 min
Exposure Metering
Spot, Multi-segment, Center-weighted
Exposure Modes
Bulb, Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
Exposure Compensation
±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
Auto Exposure Bracketing
5 steps in 1/3 EV step
White Balance
Custom, Presets, Automatic
White Balance Presets
Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (daylight), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
Digital video format
AVI
Still Image Format
RAW, JPEG
Continuous Shooting Speed
1.2 frames per second
Color support
Color
Image Stabilizer
Optical (image sensor shift mechanism)
TV Tuner
None
Video Capture
AVI – 640 x 480, AVI – 640 x 480, AVI – 320 x 240, AVI – 320 x 240
Lens System:
Type
Zoom lens – 4.6 mm – 92 mm – F/2.8-4.5
Focal Length
4.6 mm – 92 mm
Lens Construction
11 group(s) / 14 element(s)
Viewfinder:
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Color support
Color
Lens Systems:
Auto Focus
TTL contrast detection
Type
Zoom lens
Focal length
4.6 mm – 92 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera
26 – 520 mm
Focus adjustment
Manual, Automatic
Auto Focus Points (Zones)
143
Min Focus Range
3.9 in
Macro Focus Range
1cm
Lens Aperture
F/2.8-4.5
Optical Zoom
20 x
Zoom Adjustment
Motorized drive
Lens construction
11 : 14
Features
ED glass, Aspherical lens
Battery:
Supported Battery
4 x AA Alkaline battery ( Included )
Microphone:
Type
Microphone – Built-in
Connections
Connector Type
1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x DC power input
Expansion Slot(s)
1 x XD-Picture Card
Camera Flash:
Effective Flash Range
1 ft – 21 ft
Type
Pop-up flash
Flash Modes
Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction
Yes
Effective flash range
1 ft – 21 ft
Features
AF illuminator
Nokia’s N-Gage to be blessed with Konami Games
Tuesday, Nokia plans to put in games from Konami to its N-Gage mobile games platform later this year. The first title will be stealth action game Metal Gear Solid, Nokia said Tuesday.
By now Konami sells games for other mobile phone platforms. The title take account of Silent Hill, Frogger Evolution, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, Castlevania — Aria of Sorrow, so those titles would be primary candidates for upcoming N-Gage releases. Based on a number of different game franchises Konami also plans to supply Nokia with screen wallpapers and ring tones.
Last month Nokia relaunched its gaming platform. It allows users of phones including the N81 8GB, N82, N95, and N95 8GB to download games.
Currently, N-Gage users can make a choice between ten games, including FIFA 08, World Series of Poker Pro Challenge and car game Asphalt 3: Street Rules. According to the N-Gage website the list of another nine games including Brothers in Arms and Pro Series Golf which are tagged as “Coming Soon”. Besides Konami, Nokia has big names like Electronic Arts and Vivendi Games on board.
Samsung Debuts World’s First “Blue-Phase” LCD Panel for High-Speed Video
Souk Jun-hyung, Executive Vice President and the head of LCD Business’ Display R&D Center, said that “Our Blue Phase mode is a major evolutionary development beyond conventional liquid crystal modes. Samsung’s development of the technology provides a tremendous opportunity to move image quality of LCD screens much closer to that of a real moving image.”
Unlike today’s most widely used LCD modes such as Twisted Nematic, In-Plane Switching or Vertical Alignment, Samsung’s “Blue Phase” mode does not require liquid crystal alignment layers. Developed with an extremely cost-efficient design, the new Blue Phase mode can make its own alignment layers, eliminating the need of any mechanical alignment and rubbing processes which reduces the number of required fabrication processes, resulting in considerably savings on manufacturing costs. Moreover, the Blue Phase panel reduces the possibility of staining the LCD panel interface whereby pressure on the screen can impair unvarying brightness.
Since many academic and corporate institutions researched this new liquid crystal mode, Samsung has become the first to unveil a commercially viable product prototype using the “Blue Phase” technology. Currently overdrive circuits are applied to each LCD panel to perk up the video image quality in premium LCD TVs, which are driven at 120Hz. The Blue Phase mode features a better response rate, allowing images to be reproduced at 240Hz or higher without the need for any overdrive circuit. The term “Blue Phase” was coined when the technology’s developers observed bluish hues while watching their new liquid crystal mode in operation.
Samsung expects to start in on mass producing its Blue Phase LCD in 2011. The LCD panels will be mainly used in TVs that have need of high-speed video reproduction. The company is planning to unveil a 15” model of its Blue Phase LCD panel at the SID (Society for Information Display) 2008 international Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition, which will be held in Los Angeles from May 18 to 23.
Microsoft: From Personal Computers to Personal Cars
In the past, telematics was for high-end, luxury cars only. But Last week Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group announced that the companies will “co-develop” the “next generation” of “infotainment systems.” In other words, you’ll be able to get ‘Microsoft Auto’ (name of the operating system) in Hyundai’s cheap cars by 2010.
All car manufacturers can customize and re-brand the system for its customers. The new operating system for cars does not include an end-user UI, which is developed by the car makers using Microsoft tools and specifications.
Currently “Microsoft Auto” customers are driving Ford or Fiat cars using a Microsoft Auto-based, Ford co-developed system branded “Sync” in Fords and “Blue&Me” in Fiats. Ford Sync allows users to integrate MP3 players and cell phones with their cars, allowing for hands-free calling and voice-controlled music selection. There are no particulars yet about what features will be on hand, but we can look ahead to similar functionality to Ford Sync, along with anything else Microsoft can come up with in time for the assembly line. The most recent version of Microsoft Auto3.0 lets you stream music from — and control — mobile phones, iPods, Zunes, Zens and other players via Bluetooth. You can also surf the Internet via Internet Explorer. It also supports GPS. All this is voice-controlled via technology developed by Nuance.
Head of general manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, Mr. Martin Tall accentuates that the latest announcement only covers the strategic partnership, and doesn’t feature about the models that might carry the new system, or even how Hyundai Kia will brand it. He also added that Microsoft is keen to develop a strong speech experience with its automotive platform, and looks for a potential where the platform becomes the head unit in vehicles. He also suggested that the car manufacturers are searching for low-cost navigation, and suggested a solution of using dashboard left/right indicator lights for route guidance, rather than an expensive LCD.
Windows Vista Now Cheaper
It seems as if Microsoft is getting less on its premium products,and there is nothing it can do about it.Microsoft India has made public a wide range of price slashes on the retail versions of its recent graphical giant operating system,Windows Vista.
The price reductions are anticipated to be beneficial for individuals buying their own copy of Windows Vista,the price reduction is effective immediately and will be applicable only for Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate editions.The price cut will roll out across 70 countries.
The price of the full retail version of Windows Vista Ultimate will drop from $399 to $319 and the price of the upgrade version of Windows Vista Ultimate will drop from $259 to $219 and morover upgrade version of Vista Home Premium will drop from $159 from $129.Shop around and you’re likely to get a far better price. For example, right now Amazon.com is selling the full version of Vista Ultimate for $329.99. If similar discounts are available post price drop then Vista Ultimate could fall well below $300 a copy
“Today, there is a transformation taking place in the way consumers purchase software. With the rise of the retail industry in India, we are witnessing increasing demand for off-the-shelf computer software from the do-it-yourself audiences. This reduction in pricing will enable us to reach out to this set of consumers, while at the same time providing our channel partners with a greater opportunity to sell original software,” said Prasanna Meduri, Director – Windows Client Business Group, Microsoft India.
Globally, the revised rates of Windows Vista vary from market to market and the price cut in India is at par with emerging markets.
AOL Takes Over Bebo For $850 Million
AOL added to its bid inorder for increased traffic and advertising knocks as the in competition internet company agreed a $850 million for the social networking site BEBO, inturn getting a chance in the growing social media fraternity.As matter of fact Bebo still walks under the shadows of MySpace and Facebook, it is strong in some foreign markets though,including Britain.
AOL top officials are planning to draw the engaed traffic to AOL’s other free, ad-supported Web sites, especially internationally, while counting on AOL’s instant-messaging communities, AIM and ICQ, to try to grow Bebo in the United States.
“This is going to be the cornerstone of our strategy to really go after the social media space,” Ron Grant, AOL’s president and chief operating officer, said in an interview.
In a Press conference for the reporters, AOL’s Chief Executive Randy Falco called the acquisition “game-changing for AOL,” a move that will power the company’s strategic push into advertising.
AOL has been working out ways to improve ad revenue to pullback steep declines in dial-up Internet subscriptions. After several quarters of strong growth, AOL’s advertising expansion has been slowing, putting pressure on the company’s parent, Time Warner Inc., to sell the Internet unit.Falco said Time Warner’s willingness to spend $850 million in cash indicated its commitment to AOL’s future, though eMarketer analyst David Hallerman likened the move to renovating a home before selling it at a higher price.
Company officials declined comment on recent reports that Yahoo Inc. has stepped up talks with Time Warner about buying or forming a joint venture with AOL as Yahoo tries to fend off a $40 billion-plus takeover bid from Microsoft Corp.
The Bebo acquisition could make a Yahoo-AOL deal less likely by adding one more integration headache to the mix, said Roger Kay, who heads the market research firm Endpoint Technologies Associates.The deal is AOL’s largest since it bought MapQuest for $1 billion in 2000 (not counting AOL’s $106 billion purchase of Time Warner in 2001).San Francisco-based Bebo Inc. has about 100 employees and plans to launch in five countries this year.
Sansa Fuze PMP Digital Media Player
Sandisk has officially announced the Sansa Fuze digital media player. The Fuze looks like it will fit nicely between the clip, and the View. That’s currently where the e200 series is seated, but I have a feeling Sandisk will be discontinuing that model in the near future.
Features:
- Capacity: 2, 4, and 8GB with microSDHC slot
- Display: 1.9″ QVGA
- Audio: MP3, WMA (and WMA DRM), and Audible
- Video: MPEG-4 simple profile at 30 fps
- FM Tuner and Voice recorder
- Battery life: 24 hours for Audio, 5 hours for video
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.9 x 0.3 in.
Like Apple did with their Nano line, certain colors are capacity-specific. The 8GB model will only come in Silver, and Red Blue, and Pink only come in the 4GB configuration. The 2GB model will retail for $79, the 4GB for $99, and the 8GB for $129. The Fuze isn’t anything groundbreaking of course, but if it sounds as good as the clip then it might be worth picking up.