Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

In time for the Christmas techno-shopping rush, Sony will be releasing a high-end Blu-ray player dubbed BDP-S5000ES in Japan. According to Sony, the BDP-S5000ES is the company’s best Blu-ray player to date.

What makes this Blu-ray player special is its HD Reality Enhancer and Super Bit Mapping technology which enables it to generate images that suit perfectly well with HDTV’s. In addition, the Blu-ray player also boasts of a 14-bit, 297MHz Video D/A conversion circuitry, which further helps in generating clear images.

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We just have to trust Sony when it says that its new KDL-40ZX1 LCD TV is the world’s thinnest so far. Measuring a mere 9.9mm, this 40-inch LCD beauty weighs 12.2kg. Makes you wonder where it puts all that weight considering that it is so thin?

Anyway, the KDL-40ZX1 is said to feature wireless video reception which Sony has dubbed the Bravia 1080 Wireless. In addition, this LCD panel also features a 3000:1 contrast ratio, a full 1080p HD resolution, three HDMI ports, both a digital and analog tuner, as well as LAN and USB ports. 

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It was not so long ago when DXG gave us two budget-friendly camcorders, the 567V and the 569V. Now, here they come again, releasing yet another affordable high definition camcorder, the 595V which retails for only $200.

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Canon has announced the XL H1S and XL H1A shoulder mount camcorders designed for video professionals and documentary film makers. Boasting of a 20x HD video lens, both camcorders feature manual focus, zoom and iris adjustment rings.

The XL H1S and XL H1A camcorders also feature various controls for customizing images, displays and operations to match the users individual needs. The camcorders use HDV tapes for recording and can deliver HD image quality. Additionally, both camcorders have interchangeable lens systems, the camcorders also connects robustly to external hardware using a durable six-pin IEEE 1394 terminal. Bearing the XL branding, the H1S and H1A come equipped with Canon’s XL lens mount that allows multiple lens mounting. For instance, users can mount Canon’s optional 6x wide-angle lens, EF photographic lenses and many more.

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Engadget has charted 1080p high definition footage in a viewing distance to screen size form. This is helpful if you are setting up your living room for the optimal media room environment.

Simply locate your viewing distance on the right hand side and screen size on the bottom, connect the two lines and bam, your optimal screen resolution.

This is not for everyone, but as 1080p televisions become more popular down the line this chart will become increasingly relevant. I’m yet to purchase a high-definition TV, but this link is bookmarked awaiting my purchase down the line.

View [Engadget]

Gadgetell has landed safely in Las Vegas for the world’s largest trade show, CES.  We unpacked our gear, got an early peak at some new gadgets and are ready to roll! Check out our recap of tonight’s activities and a small preview for the rest of the week. Doug and I debate HD audio, Greg drools over some Shure earphones, and we let you know what we are most looking forward to. Don’t worry this is only the first podcast of many for this week and they will get better as we go, just don’t get behind…

This podcast was once again sponsored by GoDaddy.com and comes with a 10% off coupon. It was also made possible by the Samson Zoom H4 and PodServe.

Listen In
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Hosts: Doug Berger, Adam Berger, and a guest appearance by Greg Cherniet
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Dvir Tzadok
File size: 18.3MB
Length: 00:26:47

Sponsored by GoDaddy.com:
As a listener of The Gadgetell podcast, enter code GADGET1, that’s G-A-D-G-E-T and the number 1, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or advertising on the site? Please check out our advertise page or send an email to advertise (at) gadgetell .com.

Feedback is much appreciated. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at gadgetell (at) gmail.com.  Thanks for listening!

Yep, it’s really possible.

Selling for $39.99, the Xploder HDTV Player for PS2 is really just a cable and a disk with a bit of software.  You plug in the included component RGB cable, boot up using the Xploder disk, select either Enhanced Definition, High Definition or VGA mode (VGA cable sold separately), choose a resolution, and swap the disk for your favorite DVD movie or PS2 game. Voila - High Def! See, no need to get a PS3. (It doesn’t really make you feel better, does it?)

Order [Xploder]

Panasonic has been known for their plasma displays: basically setting the bar for every single company. They are so committed to the gas charged particles that they are one of the few companies still selling plasmas as opposed to solely pushing LCD displays.

Not being a company ready to let the other CE manufacturers control a category, Panasonic is expanding its reach into the LCD market. The new Panasonic VIERA 32-inch TH-32LX65 and 26-inch TH-26LX65 offer 1,366 x 768 resolution. The VIERA models feature Panasonic’s LCD AI technology to create greater brightness, deeper blacks and superior gradation. Both models offer 1 HDMI input, 2 D4 inputs, 4 composite inputs, 3 S-video inputs, 1 composite monitor output, 1 S monitor output, an SD card slot, monitor voice response, and optical digital voice response. Both models also include built-in 10w speakers.

The TH-32LX65 is available for approximately 250,000 Yen ($2,180) and the TH-26LX65 for 210,000 Yen ($1,830) from 1st September. As of now these are only in Japan but I expect Panasonic will want to let the US market in on the LCDs as well.

Read [Far East Gizmos]

INHD (the main competitor to Mark Cuban’s HDNet), announces the launch of MOJO, an block of original prime-time series developed specifically for today’s discerning hi-definition viewing audience. This unique program lineup is dedicated to exploring the multi-faceted lives and passions of “the MOJO men” who are the most avid viewers of hi-definition television.

MOJO programming covers a gamut of subjects including cuisine and spirits, music, high tech, finance and adventurous travel. Five unique new series premiere with the launch of the MOJO block the week of June 18. MOJO can be seen Sundays and Wednesdays in Prime Time (9pm to midnight, EST) with the block repeating during other select day parts. Other series will debut over the next few months.

Click more to check out the program listings

TASTE

• Three Sheets: unconventional travel series hosted by comedian Zane Lamprey who travels around the world engaging in local drinking customs and traditions. Premieres June 18


• Beer Nutz: A companion piece to “Three Sheets,” (part of a “happy hour” block), this show follows two intrepid hosts who visit some of America’s beer capitals to learn the history, traditions, silliness and customs of the cities and their breweries.  Premieres June 18


• After Hours with Daniel Foodies take note! Internationally-renowned chef Daniel Boulud hosts a rare inside peek into the community of top NYC chefs as they prepare for a late night dinners at several of Daniel’s favorite restaurants. Dinner guests include other top chefs, celebrity guests and one food critic.  Premieres Jun 21

SOUNDS

• Decades: Each show features a 90-min concert where music legends play a full concert of their hits accompanied by some of today’s biggest artists such as Elvis Costello with Fiona Apple and others, Bonnie Raitt with Norah Jones and others, Heart with Alice in Chains, Rufus Wainwright and others and Lynyrd Skynyrd with Three Doors Down. (10 episodes.) Premieres June 18


• London Live!: Live performances and interviews with some of the biggest musical acts in the U.K. shot at the famous Koko Club. (20 episodes) Premieres Jun 18

ADRENALINE

• The Vegas Open: The National Poker League’s inaugural event, played in the luxurious new 14,500 square foot poker room in Ceasars Palace. Open to the general public, the tournament attracts players with lots of “game” and smaller bankrolls, featuring ten separate $1,600 buy-in events. Premieres July 2


• Doctor Danger (working title): Dr. Bob Arnot, longtime NBC news correspondent and an intrepid world traveler, shares his love for the most irresistible lures: exotic locations, hair-raising adventure, the occasional touch of luxury and the ultimate intoxicating element...Danger. Late summer premiere


• Fueled: An inside look at the Pontiac GTO’s debut at “the Rolex” 24 Hours of Daytona, the oldest and most prestigious 24-hour endurance race in the United States. Late summer premiere

TECH TOYS

• Technical Difficulties: “The Amazing Race” meets the bleeding edge in technology and gadgetry, as each week teams of two battle in a head-to-head scavenger hunt involving the mastery of today’s coolest tech toys.

INC.

• Wall Street Warriors: This documentary series explores the lives and take-no-prisoners attitude of those who choose to make their living in the financial heartbeat of America, the legendary Wall Street.

Read [INHD MOJO]

Westinghouse is continuing their 1080p reputation by releasing a new 47 inch LCD HD model. The 47-inch LVM-47w1 features a 1920 x 1080 progressive scan (1080p) resolution, six HD input connectors, a 16.7 million True Color display, 6.5ms response time, 1200:1 contrast ratio, 176-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles, two 10-watt speakers and an integrated 10-watt subwoofer.

The LVM-47w1 features an black chassis with silver trim in a five-inch-deep design for $2,999.

Read [Product Page]