Flytech showcases waterproof K790 all-in-one PC

We’ve definitely witnessed a waterproof display being put to the test, but an all-in-one PC getting a bath is certainly less common. Nevertheless, the folks at Flytech were apparently so sure that its K790 could withstand liquid while Windows hummed along in the background that it set up an overhead shower to demonstrate. Apparently, the lineup can be had with your choice of Intel processors, up to 2GB of RAM, displays ranging from 12.1- to 19-inches in size, a 2.5-inch hard drive, four USB ports, Ethernet, audio in / out and built-in speakers to boot. No word on price.

via [Engadget]

Flytech showcases waterproof K790 all-in-one PC

We’ve definitely witnessed a waterproof display being put to the test, but an all-in-one PC getting a bath is certainly less common. Nevertheless, the folks at Flytech were apparently so sure that its K790 could withstand liquid while Windows hummed along in the background that it set up an overhead shower to demonstrate. Apparently, the lineup can be had with your choice of Intel processors, up to 2GB of RAM, displays ranging from 12.1- to 19-inches in size, a 2.5-inch hard drive, four USB ports, Ethernet, audio in / out and built-in speakers to boot. No word on price, but be sure and check out another look after the break.

via [Engadget]

Crestron Expands Adagio With Surround Sound, Video, Whole-House Audio

Crestron brought the new Adagio Media System (AMS) for home theater and whole-house AV to CEDIA. AMS adds surround sound processing and video for home theater in addition to complete whole house audio distribution. The AMS uses the Adagio integrated architecture, including built-in tuners, amplifier, multi-room processors, Crestron 2-Series control system, e-Control web browser and Ethernet connectivity with front panel control. The AMS-AIP model adds professional-quality video scaling up to 1080p and on-screen display. Crestron says the AMS offers the same plug-and-play connectivity and out-of-the-box functionality that makes Adagio easy to install and easy to expand.The AMS has a high-end surround sound processor and 100w 7-channel amplifier designed to drive any 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 theater speaker system. Audyssey MultEQ equalization corrects time and frequency response problems.

AMS supplies 10 analog stereo inputs, one analog 7.1 surround input, and built-in high-definition video switching handles 3 HDMI, 6 HDTV/component, 4 S-Video, and 4 composite sources. 10-bit video processing in the AIP supports displays with resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 and HDMI, DVI, RGB, or component connectivity.

AMS also includes stereo audio distribution to support 4 to 6 rooms with 45 watts per channel to each of 4 rooms. A fifth stereo room or up to 2 mono rooms can be supported using one or two of the surround amplifier channels. Each room includes independent volume, bass, and treble controls. The AMS may be expanded to accommodate additional rooms using Adagio Audio Expanders

via [Rave Home]

New AMX Entry Communicator Provides Video, Audio, Remote Door or Gate Operation

AMX showed at CEDIA the company’s Metreau Entry Communicator, its first voice and video over IP-enabled door communication and entry system. Designed for any entry area, it provides doorbell functionality but also full-duplex audio and one-way video, I/Os for motion sensors and relays for remotely unlocking electronic, magnetic locks.When installed at a door or gate, the Metreau Entry Communicator provides automatic notification upon guest arrival and delivers the audio and video on any AMX Modero Touch Panel with intercom. AMX says an unlimited number of Metreau Entry Communicators can be installed because of the IP functionality.

The Metreau Entry Communicator is available in two versions – one with a display and one without. The entry communicator without a display is weather resistant, enabling outdoor installation at an entry gate or front door exposed to the rain. The entry communicator with a display adds the ability to provide personalized greeting messages, privacy notifications and other announcements, as well as a dual-color LED light that provides notification when messages are displayed. For example, in a commercial installation, the Metreau Entry Communicator with Display can be installed in a hallway outside a hotel room or condo unit to notify housekeeping when privacy is requested or when services are needed, such as “make up room”. When a message is displayed, the LED light on the entry communicator can be programmed to change from the standard yellow glow to red, alerting staff to a request. The display can also be used to provide personalized welcome greetings for guests.

While it doesn’t say so in the announcement, we were told at CEDIA that because of the Voice over IP, a homeowner can answer the “doorbell” or whatever trigger from anywhere – even when not at home.

The Metreau Keypads are available in six colors — polished brass, antique brass, stainless steel, brushed pewter, white and black.

Expected ship date is January

via [Rave Home]

Mitsubishi, Samsung Develop 3-D DLP TV Technology

I

n one of the most impressive demonstrations at CEDIA, DLP showcased new 3-D technology developed by Samsung and Mitsubishi. Clips shown were of Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith, Chicken Little, and some sports programming.

Newly developed 3-D-Ready HDTV models from Mitsubishi and Samsung create a high-definition stereo 3-D picture when connected to a compatible HDMI/DVI source. Active glasses synchronize to the display, then separate the stereo images to each eye. The 3-D technology based on DLP isn’t limited in screen size due to cost, since DLP historically isn’t exponentially costlier as the screen size increases, as are other technologies. TI says the company is working with major movie studios on 3-D content creation. 3-D theatrical releases have already Meet the Robinsons, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and other studio projects in development including Beowulf and Avatar.

via [Rave Home]

Also interesting to note is that both Samsung and Mitsubishi are both already shipping 3-D compatible HDTVs.

Manufacturers Demo New 3LCD Technologies at CEDIA

A number of manufacturers showed 3LCD HD projectors using the new D7 with C2FINE chip technology. The .74″ 1080p D7 3LCD is a next-generation chip that the organization says delivers a 20 percent increase in aperture ratio for smoother images. C2FINE uses a vertical alignment technique to provide higher contrast ratios, deeper blacks and up to 12-bit color processing resulting in more than 68 billion unique colors. One new model is the Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080 UB featuring native 1080p HD resolution. The Pro Cinema 1080 UB is specified at up to 50,000:1 and new UltraBlack technology deeper blacks. This projector has two HDMI 1.3 inputs and an OptiCinema lens with 2.1x optical zoom for flexible set-up – projecting up to a 100″ widescreen image from only 9.8′.

Sanyo showed the PLV-Z2000 – a full 1080p HD resolution projector with enhanced 3D color management system and two HDMI 1.3 inputs. Features include an advanced lens shift system with short throw lens and wide-range zoom capability for maximum installation flexibility. The PLV-Z2000 is specified at 1,200 lumen output and 15,000:1 contrast, has a Wide aperture, and low noise fan for super-quiet operation.

via [Rave Home]

Gefen introduces Wireless USB 2.0 Extender

Now that you’ve already shelled out for Gefen’s wireless USB hub, how’s about another gizmo from the company to tempt your USB-lovin’ soul? The Wireless USB 2.0 Extender requires no drivers, works with Windows, Linux, and OS X-based systems and promises to transmit up to four USB 2.0 signals one hundred-feet through the air. Gefen stated that you’ll recognize USB speeds “up to 54Mbps,” and while we’re all about ridding our work area of unnecessary wires, the $399 asking price still seems a bit steep.

via [Engadget]

Yamaha’s YSP-500 compact “Sound Projector”

As much as audiophiles may hate all-in-one “sound projection” boxes that simulate multiple speakers, as long as consumers have limited space in their apartments — or remain unwilling to chuck cables all over the place — there will be a market for such devices. The Yamaha YSP-500 has dimensions of 610 x 120 x 220mm, and pumps out a rather dismal 62W over sixteen (!) 28mm, and two 8mm loudspeakers. It supports a variety of different surround sound formats, but if you really care about them you probably shouldn’t be looking at this set, which is launching late this month in Japan. No word yet on pricing, or a US launch.

via [Engadget]

Hitachi rolls out CP-A100 projector with short throw distance

Those cramped for space in their conference rooms or classrooms may want to give Hitachi’s latest projector some serious consideration, with it boasting an uncommonly short throw distance in addition to some decent all-around specs. Specifically, Hitachi says the projector will give you a 60-inch image from a distance of just 1.4 feet, with it also able to be placed horizontally or vertically, or mounted on the ceiling for that matter. Otherwise, you can expect a standard XGA resolution, along with a 400:1 contrast ratio, a 2,500 ANSI lumens, and some networking capabilities that’ll let you link a bunch of ’em together. No word on pricing or availability just yet, although you can probably expect to pay a bit of a premium over slightly less versatile projectors.

via [Engadget]

photo courtesy of [letsgodigital]

JVC TV responds to claps and waves for channel changes

JVC showed off a handclap and gesture recognition TV at CEATEC last week, designed to replace the bog standard remote control with hand movements and claps. Using a microphone and a video camera, the TV can pick up claps to change volume, and recognize a pointing finger to control elements on the screen (apparently you bend your finger to “click”.) Frankly, the whole “having to lift your hand” element isn’t the JVC TV’s strongest suit: perhaps a better option would be to fit an accelerometer inside a standard remote. That way couch potatoes can sloppily jerk their arm to make changes. The lazier the better when it comes to TV.

via [Engadget]