Researchers use cameraphones as 3D mice, foresee interactive ads

For what it’s worth, marketing firms have been encouraging folks to interact with billboards and the like with their cellphones for some time now, but prototype software developed by gurus in the UK has enabled a cameraphone to control a desktop computer. As expected, the application enables users to “move and manipulate onscreen items simply by waving a handset around in front of a [display],” but giving mobile owners a second-rate 3D mouse is just the beginning. There is promise for it (or something similar) to one day be used in more public settings, but while it’s still locked inside the house, we’ll probably just continue using our entirely more comfortable Wiimote for any atypical mousing exercises.

via [Engadget]

InFocus launches new IN2100 DLP projector series

It’s been a tick since we’ve seen any “Big” news come out of InFocus, but now that the CES rush is over, it’s taking the time to push out a pair of new DLP projectors. Up first is the Learn Big IN2100 EP series, which was crafted with educators and rambunctious youngsters in mind. It features BrilliantColor processing technology, 2,500 lumens, a lamp life of 2,500 hours and a three-year product warranty. As for the Work Big IN2100 lineup, you’ll find most of the same features already mentioned, but this one does tout an all new remote control system and an “advanced InFocus User Interface” that other units apparently lack. The entire family will be available next month in SVGA ($599), XGA ($749) or WXGA ($999) flavors, but we don’t reckon you’ll be missing out on much should you forget to mark it down.

via [Engadget]

NEC taking curved-screen display to pro market

NEC’s CRVD-LMD wraps 2,880×900 pixels around the viewer.

(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET Networks)

SAN FRANCISCO–Dell got a lot of attention at the Consumer Electronics Show when its Alienware group showed a mammoth curved-screen display for gamers, but NEC is hoping it’ll reach an even bigger market with its own version of the technology.

NEC was showing off a prototype of its 42-inch, 2,880×900-pixel, curved-screen display, the CRVD-LMD, at the Macworld trade show here this week. The monitor is geared for professionals such as medical scanners, photographers, and video animators who need an immersive display and a lot of real estate but don’t want their view interrupted by the frames of multiple monitors, said NEC marketing manager Tim Dreyer. It’ll include professional features such as color calibration, he added.

The screen is due to ship in nine or ten months, Dreyer said. Its price in dollars should be in the mid-four figure range, a price that professional markets might well have an easier time stomaching than even hardcore gamers.

The 25-pound curved screen itself uses a DLP rear-projection system, not LCD or plasma. The panel technology, as in the case of the Alienware model, comes from Ostendo Technologies, said Erhan Ercan, that company’s director of product marketing.

The prototype uses a dual-link DVI port to connect to a computer with a single graphics card, but the final version could use HDMI, Ercan said.

The prototype I saw was dim and had vertical banding artifacts resulting from the four projectors used to create the image, but those kinks will be worked out by the time the monitor ships, Dreyer said.

A few more numbers for the curious: The response time is less than 0.02 milliseconds, the brightness is 250 nits, and the “typical” contrast is 10,000:1, NEC said.

via [crave]

Next generation SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system

Convenience and affordability hallmarks of new SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system

CALGARY, Alberta — January 9, 2008 — SMART Technologies announces the new SMART Board™ 600i interactive whiteboard system, SMART’s most convenient and affordable interactive whiteboard system. This second-generation integrated system combines the SMART Board 680 interactive whiteboard with the new Unifi™ 45 projector and will cost 25 percent less than the original system.
Launched in 2006, the SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system quickly became one of the most sought-after classroom solutions. Its short-throw, high-offset projector reduced shadows cast onto the interactive whiteboard, and with the projector connected directly above the interactive whiteboard, there was no need for complicated wiring, ceiling mounting or the installation of a power outlet in the ceiling. The new system builds on those strengths and, with extensive input from teachers, features a number of enhancements for a much lower price. The Unifi 45 projector offers a brighter image and true color quality, and its unique collapsible boom protects the system from deliberate damage. The control panel below the interactive whiteboard allows teachers to turn the entire system on or off with one button, eliminating the need for a remote control. Teachers can easily connect computers or switch between peripherals, such as MP3 players, document cameras and DVD players. They can also add hardware to the system to best meet the needs of their students. The addition of the new SMART classroom audio system or USB speakers allows teachers to turn the system into a complete multimedia center. They can also easily add the height-adjustable wall mount to adjust the height of the interactive whiteboard so that all students can use it.
“Integration and ease of use are two factors that are top of mind for teachers and technology coordinators as the adoption of technology accelerates in classrooms around the world,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “With the new 600i system, we have incorporated customer feedback to provide a highly affordable solution that makes teaching and learning in a 21st-century classroom fun and engaging.”
Features

Unifi 45 projector – Mounted securely to the wall above the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, the Unifi projector has XGA resolution (1024×768 pixels) and a brighter display (2,000 lumens). The unique mechanical boom protects the system against deliberate damage or misuse. The Unifi projector uses DLP® technology and does not have a filter, alleviating the need for regular maintenance.
SMART Board interactive whiteboard – The SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system comes with the SMART Board 680 interactive whiteboard, which offers teachers 77 inches (195.6 cm) of active screen area. Simply by touching the large display, users can access and control any computer or multimedia application, including the Internet, CDs and DVDs, and write notes in digital ink and save their work to share later. The SMART Pen Tray automatically detects when a user picks up a pen or the eraser. Buttons activate the On-Screen Keyboard, right-click and help functions. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard comes with feature-rich Notebook™ collaborative learning software, which offers teachers access to more than 100,000 pieces of educational content.
Theft-proof system – The system is secured by three locking mechanisms.
Availability and pricing

The new SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system begins shipping in February 2008 at a suggested education price of US$3,299. The 600i system ships complete with the Unifi 45 projector and the latest version of Notebook software. The Unifi 45 projector is also available as a retrofit kit for SMART customers who already own a SMART Board 680 interactive whiteboard. The suggested education price for the kit is $2,099. For more information and system requirements, visit www.smarttech.com.

via [press release]

Yamaha’s YSP-3000 sex slab will surround you

You wouldn’t think it, but Yamaha’s YSP-series of sound bars throw a decent faux surround sound in space-challenged apartments and flats. Now they’ve returned with a new YSP-3000 model featuring 2x HDMI inputs, optional iPod compatibility, XM Neural Surround, and 3rd Generation IntelliBeam with optimizer mic. Inside this 31.5 x 6 x 4.5-inch block you’ll find a pair of 3 15/16-inch woofers and 21, 1 5/8-inch beam drivers pushing 82W of total power. Sure, it doesn’t pack the 120W thump, HDMI upscaling and analog upconverting, or the component inputs of its bigger YSP-4000 bro. Then again, it doesn’t cost $1,800 either. Available now for $1,200.

via [Engadget]

New Ethercon CAT6 Connectors for rugged suituations

Neutrik, designer and manufacturer of the industry leading XX series XLR cable connector, showcases its EtherCon series for CAT6 cables at Winter NAMM 2008 (Hall A, Booth #6320).

The EtherCon CAT6 series offers a rugged patch cable solution, which includes a metal housing for RJ45 cable connectors that protect them against mechanical load. It is equipped with Neutrik’s chuck-type strain relief with a separate push-pull locking mechanism to avoid accidental unplugging. The cable solution is available in custom lengths and the receptacle will accept a standard RJ45 cable end in addition to the EtherCon CAT6 patch cable.

“Extended bandwidth coupled with a push-pull locking mechanism makes Neutrik’s newest EtherCon for Cat6 the new must-have for live stage and studio productions,” says Jim Cowan, president of Neutrik USA. “Introducing the EtherCon for Cat6 cable enables us to stay at the forefront of this growing bandwidth trend.”The EtherCon system was developed to meet the ever increasing requirements of data volume, transfer rate and bandwidth. It is perfectly suitable for Ethernet applications, especially in harsh, demanding environments such as live stage production, DMX lighting, outdoor Internet access and industrial Ethernet.

via [press release]

Christie introduces LX500 professional projector

Not even a month after Christie doled out its drool-worthy HD405, the firm is adding one more member to its LX family. The “portable” LX500 reportedly weighs in at around 18 pounds and features 5,000 ANSI lumens, 8-bit video processing, an XGA resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and DVI / 5xBNC / VGA / S-Video / composite inputs. Furthermore, the unit can be purchased sans a standard lens, enabling installers to “select the right lens for their specific installation.” No word on a price at the moment, but if it’s anything like the company’s other offerings, we’ll surmise that it’ll end up being entirely too pricey for what you get.

via [Engadget]

MagicBox Launches New Messaging System

MagicBox Inc. is reintroducing the Video Information Player, also known as the VIP.  The New VIP is on a new hardware platform with a faster processor and built in networking.  VIP is designed to leverage the power of the PC and provide users with a powerful yet simple method for distributing graphical messages via video to CATV, CCTV, or a corporate information channel.

The VIP system is composed of two parts. The first part is the VIP Composer Software, which runs on any PC with Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. The user is provided with tools including high quality digital backgrounds that are then used to layout pages. Once pages have been constructed, transitions are chosen and the pages can be scheduled to run during specific times on specific days.

These pages are then “published” via TCP/IP to the second part of the system – the VIP Player – giving a seamless transition into the new project. This gives the VIP system true offline editing capability. Once the content is loaded into the Player the system is designed to run 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The MagicBox VIP Video Information Player displays both the time and the date in the lower right hand corner of the screen, overlayed on top of the current display. This feature is useful in a variety of applications including cable TV, hotel information channels, and educational facilities.

MagicBox is continuously adding features that are traditionally found on more expensive character generators.  Publishing to multiple sites from a single creation location is also supported in an automated manner, making it simple for one person to administer a large number of locations with different content needs.

For additional information on MagicBox products, visit the MagicBox, Inc. homepage at www.magicboxinc.com or call 541-752-5654.

Nevo S70: The Rolls-Royce of universal remotes?

One remote to rule them all

(Credit: Nevo)

Look no further for the ultimate in all-in-one remotes. The S70 from Nevo has taken the term “luxury gadget” to a whole new level. While the S70 got a sneak preview at September’s CEDIA show, Nevo has now laid out all the details on the $1,200 beast.

The S70 will feature a 3.5-inch LCD touch screen and 19 programmable hard keys. In addition to controlling all the AV components in your home via infrared or Z-wave, it has the ability to connect to most devices enabled with an IP address and Web server (such as PCs, Web-based cameras, and media servers) via Wi-Fi. That online link can also be used to access Web-based information, including news, sports, and weather. Got your gear tucked away in a cabinet or closet? Add an NC-50 base station to convert the S70’s Z-wave controls to infrared, and you won’t need to worry about pesky line-of-sight issues.

If the Nevo S70 looks familiar, that’s because it’s an upgrade of the older Nevo SL model. That said, the company has promised “significantly improved battery life” on the S70 versus that earlier model. The ultra-high-end remote will most likely be employed by professional custom installers when it’s released later this year.

via [crave]

Personalised Digital Signage on your Grocery Shopping Cart

“Later this year, at ShopRite supermarkets in the eastern US, Microsoft will be rolling out computerized shopping carts. These carts will allow people with a ShopRite card to enter their shopping list on the ShopRite site from home, and then pull up the list on their grocery cart when they swipe their card. The new carts will also display advertisements depending on where in the supermarket the cart is, using RFID technology to help locate it.”

“Later this year, at ShopRite supermarkets in the eastern US, Microsoft will be rolling out computerized shopping carts. These carts will allow people with a ShopRite card to enter their shopping list on the ShopRite site from home, and then pull up the list on their grocery cart when they swipe their card. The new carts will also display advertisements depending on where in the supermarket the cart is, using RFID technology to help locate it.”

More information as it becomes avaliable.

via [techmeme]