AudioVideo

Livio Radio Puts Pandora at Your Fingertips

April 15, 2009. — The power of Pandora Internet Radio is now accessible to even more people, in more places, with the new Livio Radio.

The first and only dedicated device to offer Pandora's signature "thumbs up, thumbs down" controls on both the front panel and a remote, the Livio Radio puts its users in command by allowing them to customize the music and programming they receive across any genre, from anywhere in the world, without a required monthly fee.

The Livio Radio, through Pandora and the Music Genome Project , gives its users the power to be their own personal DJ, one that actually pays attention to what listeners like and dislike. With its sleek design and set of features, the Livio Radio goes beyond providing access to free, personalized Internet radio available through Pandora. In the home, office, or anywhere a power source and a Web connection meet, it’s a stand-alone radio that connects quickly and plays Internet radio programming through its own speaker. The Livio Radio does not require access to a computer interface or a mobile phone for everyday operation.Read more

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Budget Friendly Headphones from Klipsch

by jessica on Wed, 2009-03-11 13:57

Klipsch, known for their high quality audio products, just introduced a cheaper alternative for those who still want excellent sound quality in their headphones, but at a less expensive price point. The new Image S4 and S2 in-ear headphones are priced at $79 and $49 respectively, yet still feature the same ear tips used in their pricier headphones – which can cost up to $350.

What make the S4 and S2 different are their oval ear tips that comfortably fit into your ear canals, blocking out almost all outside noise. Other headphones with their circular design can get uncomfortable after a period of time, but not these! The people at Klipsch have put a lot of time and effort into making affordable, comfortable high-performance headphones.

The Image S4 will be available in April for $79 in a piano black and silver finish and include three different-sized oval ear tips (a small/medium dual flange design as well as medium and large single flange designs), an ear tip cleaning tool and an aluminum case.

The Image S2 will be available in July for $49 in a piano black finish and include three different-sized oval ear tips (small, medium and large) and a cloth “Snap-tite” carrying pouch. Read more

Personalized, One Box Entertainment System

I have always wanted a Porsche 911, and hope to own one before I die. Now, I must create a list; because the ITC One from SE2 Labs is number two on my (now) list of wants. The Porsche 911 is on my list because I enjoy driving, and going from point “A” to point “B” in a well-made vehicle is what I perceive true happiness to look and feel like. The ITC One was added as the number two item I would like to have because I enjoy good entertainment. Especially when it is a good movie, or the latest episode of NBC’s The Office.

The ITC One from SE2 Labs is a personalized, multi-function, home entertainment system. That’s right, a “system!” All of your components are built into one box making it the elite home entertainment system. This system can integrate the following components: Cable company DVR (Cox, Comcast, Time Warner, etc.), Game consoles (Microsoft X-Box 360, SONY Playstation, Nintendo Wii, etc.), Dish Network, Direct TV, High-End Video Processor, AMX Netlinx Control System, Bryston Pre-Amp Processor, Ice Power High-End D-Class Amplifiers, Power Conditioner, Apple Video iPod with Dock, all with a touch panel on the front. Check with your installer for all components, as the list is long. Read more

Samsung’s Very Special DLP Projector

Samsung recently released the latest generation of a very special projector, the SP-A800B, a stylish design that features the rare combination of professional quality video at a reasonable price (under $10,000). This projector combines the latest DLP chip technology, 1080p broadcast quality video, and the ability to correctly project 24 frames per second motion pictures just as filmmakers intended.

For the technically inclined, the projector uses the latest TI DLP chip set featuring a native resolution of 1920x1080, a spectacular lens with adjustable iris settings, and superb on-board deinterlacing. It also is the only projector in this price range that provides (accurately) the three most popular worldwide color standards right out of the box: HDTV, EBU, and SMPTE-C at no extra charge. If you do not know what all this technobabble means, don’t worry. What you will know after seeing the projector in action is that it provides virtually unmatched color fidelity, deep blacks, and a picture that’s better than what you would see at your local cinema. Read more

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Samsung Releases New All-Purpose Smartphone for Holiday Season

by John Lentz Jr. on Sat, 2008-12-06 00:30

I recently came across an article detailing all the devices made obsolete by the cellphone. The Samsung Omnia confirms the thrust of that article. Available for online pre-order at www.verizonwireless.com beginning tomorrow and in store pickup on December 8, the Samsung Omnia boasts an impressive array of features including full HTML Web browser with touch navigation, Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, a 5.0 megapixel camera, MP3 playback, Bluetooth support, text, picture, and video message, and a host of other features.

Small, light, and not too hefty in price at $249 (post a $70 rebate), the Omnia is a good choice for a phone if your existing phone is out of date. Products like the Omnia and iPhone are blurring the line between MP3 players, cell phones, PDAs, cameras, and handheld computers. All the technology can be in your pocket just in time for Christmas!

For more information read the press release.

Bring the Cinema Home with Runco's VW-100HD

by jeff on Tue, 2008-12-02 15:27

The VW-100HD features Runco’s SuperOnyx chipset which will have you mesmerized with anything you may be watching. The VideoWall system (model VW-100HD) from Runco is exactly what the name describes – a video wall. The MSRP of the VW-100HD is $39,995 and it is shipping now. If you are buying this, or even considering buying this product, your CEDIA (or other highly reputable custom installer) will make sure you have the right stuff to maximize the effectiveness Runco intended with the VideoWall. Runco dealers are all good people who are selected with care to sell the Runco brand. There are many more in depth reviews than this one (of course), and I can only say, "WOW! Runco, you guys are doing a great job!"

Read the press release for more information.

Consumer Electronics Association Recognizes Mirage's Tiny Speakers

by jeff on Mon, 2008-12-01 13:42

The Mirage MX home theater system is standing tall with their small 5.1 surround sound speaker system. One speaker will fit in the palm of your hand, and there are five of them plus one subwoofer. The MSRP of these amazing speakers is $1,200, which is in line with high-end competitors to Mirage. The company will also sell individual MX stereo speakers for $150 each so consumers can add more if they choose.

The recognition from consumer electronics aficionados who are part of the International CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Awards program recognize the Mirage MX home theater system as being among the best designed and engineered products for 2009. The Industrial Designers Society of America also gave Mirage a wink and a smile for their design efforts on the MX home theater system.

Read the press release for more information.

25 Movie Rentals and a FREE 2Wire Player from Blockbuster for $99

by jeff on Mon, 2008-12-01 13:00

Well, it looks like Blockbuster is finally embracing the future. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ’em – right? I say this because ON-DEMAND movies from Blockbuster appears to be a brick and mortar store killer. They have to do something in this new era of digital entertainment, and this is a step in the right direction.

The MediaPoint player from 2Wire is simple, clean and has HDMI outputs for quality signal transfer. The video-on-demand services in the market today are great, but lack the availability that consumers crave. What I mean is, a new release might not be available for 60 days with traditional on-demand services. Blockbuster is saying new releases will be available within 30 days on-demand. Rentals will start at $1.99, which means new releases will most likely be more. Comcast in my market charges $5.99 for HD titles rented on-demand. The exciting thing about this release is the competition that Blockbuster brings to the table.

The Dark Knight JVC Home Theater Giveaway

by jeff on Mon, 2008-12-01 11:14

The official title for the giveaway is, "JVC The Dark Knight Capture the Joker Sweepstakes" that ends on December 31, 2008. The grand prize JVC home theater package is valued at more than $3,000 USD. There are many other products being given away, including several DVDs of the latest Batman movie. Warner Home Video is also sponsoring this opportunity with JVC. December 9, 2008 is the date the movie, The Dark Knight, is released on DVD and Blu-ray disc. JVC will feature the movie The Dark Knight in its advertising campaign through the Holidays. Are you ready to "Catch the Joker"? Visit www.jvc.com/thedarkknight for your chance to win! The daily prizes will keep you going back for more chances to win this amazing home theater setup. The JVC microsite also has behind the scenes footage and movie trivia.

TiVo Mobile - A Very Remote Control

by Joe Stewart on Wed, 2008-11-26 14:04

TiVo is launching a new free mobile optimized website. Anyone - subscribers and non-subscribers can browse m.tivo.com to check TV schedules. Kinda handy to get information on upcoming episodes of The Office from your phone. TiVo subscribers can then schedule recordings or set a Season Pass on their TiVo boxes at home.