CrunchGear » ces 2008 exclusive

Michael Douglas loves XStreamHD, so should you

Peter Ha — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:28:00 +0000

We’ve told you about XStreamHD once or twice before. You can forget the format war because we all know physical media is going down the pooper. I like where XStreamHD’s head is at with streaming 1080p video and 7.1 channels of DTS-HD Master Audio (lossless audio). But it does more then movies, too. You can watch TV, listen to your music and play games via satellite. Did I mention it acts as a DVR and it has an integrated PBX phone system for VoIP? And you can record three HD broadcasts at once. It even plays nice with DLNA devices like your PS3.

The system consists of three components: small outdoor antenna, media server and media receiver. It won’t be available until Q4 of this year, which really sucks, but it’ll be well worth the wait. It totally blows Vudu out of the water and maybe even Tivo. Storage sizes range from 500GB to 2TB and starts at $399. But don’t worry, you won’t be paying $1,000 for 1TB like you will with Vudu. The 2TB system will be under that price point.

# Satellite delivery of Full HD 1080p video, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4/H.264 in 4:3 or 16:9 screen formats
# Satellite delivery of up to 7.1 channels 96kHz/24bits of lossless DTS-HD™ Master Audio
# View four Full HD video streams simultaneously throughout the home
# Learns users’ choices and preferences to adopt their entertainment profile and continuously updates the Virtual Personal Library with titles they’re likely to enjoy
# Equipped with three ATSC tuners and a Network Video Recorder for viewing and recording three HDTV broadcasts at the same time – even while watching a fourth selection from your Virtual Personal Library™
# Patent Pending Adaptive Recording™ ensures accurate recording of HDTV programs from start to finish, even if broadcast schedules change or are delayed
# Easy-to-use on-screen menus to manage content preferences, parental controls, spending limits
# DLNA v1.5 certified to integrate all compatible devices on the XStreamHD network
# Dual slide-in drive bays enable scalable storage featuring Seagate® Technology hard drive storage – 500GB, 1 TB, 2 TB options – and the ability to configure an external storage subsystem via the eSATA interface
# Includes a feature-rich Personal PBX business-class phone system; also supports VoIP calls and offers free calls between XStreamHD subscribers
# Uses gigabit Ethernet (GigE) permitting the transfer of HD video and audio at 1 gbps throughout the home
# HDMI interface simplifies installation and ensures signal integrity for vibrant 1080p video
# Front panel USB port for MP3 audio downloads

Linksys’ new network interface, EasyLink Advisor

John Biggs — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:01:05 +0000

Linksys’ new interface is probably the most useful I’ve seen in a network peripheral. Each items pops up as a little icon and shows full information including IP address and potential problems. The system also allows unattended updates.

NetGear CES cavalcade: Wire-line and hotter Wireless

John Biggs — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:47:20 +0000

NetGear release a heady 8 products today including a new home storage NAS with redundant drives and wireless devices with improved HD streaming over WiFi complete with increased range.

To begin, we have RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N adapter. You know what to do with it. Stick it in and you have 802.11.n. However, you’ve got some quality of service built-in so you’ll get good HD content on the fly.

How about a router? The RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router offers video QoS and 4-port Gigabit Ethernet switch along with 802.11n. Are you sensing a trend? 802.11n is NetGear’s new play.

The HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N WNHDEB111 is a wireless bridge for game consoles and other devices. It basically connects to your N gear and creates a wired environment at the console that can take advantage of N’s improved speeds.

They’re also selling two new dual-band routers, the 3300 and 3500, which offer G and N.

The ReadyNAS Duo is one of the coolest devices. It’s a two-drive NAS that stores all of your content and streams HD video and high quality audio. It acts as a Media Center server so you can share with XBox 360s and PCs.

Finally, for fans of wire-line — I know you’re out there, Frank! — we have the XEPSB103 wireline kit. The kit isn’t an actual wall wart so you won’t have to use the entire outlet to connect your computer to 85Mbps of power.

No pricing off-hand but click below to view a gallery of the new gear.

Vizio announces 30 HDTV models

Peter Ha — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:58:10 +0000

I’m going to save you the shenenigans and snark by just pasting what Vizio sent us. Essentially, they’ve got 32-inch plasmas for $689 and 50-inchers for $1,399 — 1080p, naturally — and a few new surround sound systems and LCDs. They have a new LCD line called Envy which is a little sexier than the standard line. We’ll hit the booth tomorrow to see what is really up over there.

VIZIO introduces seven new plasma High-Definition Televisions with advanced processing power and the latest technological advancements. Offerings will include the feature rich VP504F-50″ Full High Definition, 1080p Plasma Display featuring Silicon Optix HQV Processing and the all new VP605F-60″ Full high-Definition 10800p display. In addition, VIZIO will release the all-new VIZIO VP series of products including the VP322-32″ Plasma ($689), VP422-42″ Plasma ($999), VP423-42″ Plasma ($999), and VP503-50″ Plasma ($1399) all with High Definition 720p technology. VIZIO also reintroduces the VIZIO Jive VP500 and new VP501 All-in-One home theatre solution that include 50″ Plasma technology alongside a full Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system, now also featuring a move to1080p resolution.

VIZIO, America’s Fastest Growing HDTV Company, announced today a new line of 1080p, flat panel displays with 120Hz processing with MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation). The new “Black Tie” VIZIO SV42LF-42″ LCD and SV47LF-47″ will bear four HDMI inputs, Full 1080p resolution, 120Hz processing, Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC), and side access HD Game Port with HDMI. The new SV42LF and SV47LF will begin shipping in July 2008 with estimated selling prices of $1499 and $1899 respectively.

Maintaining top position with the VIZIO VU series of products is the full featured, VU42LF, 1080p Full
High-Definition television sporting a very competitive $1399 price tag. All three LCD flat panel displays
within the Envy line of products [VU32L, VU37L and VU42LF] are geared toward the traditional retail
space that offers competitive feature sets including two HDMI, composite and component video, S-
Video, RF and RGB connections, and standard/HDTV/QAM combination tuner for the ultimate in high
definition convenience. Enhanced video performance is achieved with reduced pixel noise, improved
contrast and advanced color balancing and equalization. Envy models have a detachable base to
accommodate on-wall mounting and built-in speakers with stereo quality 10 watts per channel sound to
help draw attention to the elegant, contemporary construction.

Quick look at the SPOT communicator

John Biggs — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:41:31 +0000

The SPOT is a handheld GPS device that communicates via satellite to call for help or just check in with loved ones. The orange device reports your current position and lets you map your trek on Google Maps when you get back to civilization.

The little device is actually pretty cool and comes in blaze orange for hunters and hikers. We’ll have a full hands on later but until then it seems like a good idea.

SPOT is ideal for the growing market of outdoor enthusiasts, specifically when they are backpacking, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, ice and rock climbing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or participating in recreational maritime activities. Experian® Simmon’s Research estimates that the qualified outdoor enthusiast market alone exceeds 64 million consumers in the United States. SPOT is also ideal for those who need to notify others of their status after a natural or man-made disaster.

The National Association for Search and Rescue estimates more than 50,000 search and rescue missions are initiated each year in the United States alone. Many of these missions are undertaken without search and rescue knowing the exact location of the missing party. SPOT removes this unknown by providing GPS location coordinates that are accurate to within 20 feet.

SPOT can also be used for commercial lone worker safety applications for those businesses with employees operating in remote areas outside the range of cellular and other wireless communications. It is also a valuable safety tool for any person who drives their automobile outside of cellular coverage or for emergency messaging during natural disasters such as hurricanes or other situations when cellular or land-based communications may be damaged or unavailable.
It costs $149.99 with a $99 subscription. Monthly subscriptions are coming soon.

The Vamp: Scary outdoor bat robot

John Biggs — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:26:32 +0000

From the makers of the Mosquito comes the Vamp, a scary-looking bat robot with an ugly carapace that can fly around inside and outside. It should be available now and costs about $40.

Compacted into a 12” wingspan, the i-Fly VAMP™ is the world’s smallest R/C ornithopter, all
the while maintaining pure flying control in both indoor and outdoor settings. Using a built-in
lithium polymer battery, a simple 20-30 minute charge allows the i-Fly VAMP™ a soaring
flight time of more then 10 minutes.

Product Page

Sennheiser releases first untethered Kleer wireless earbuds

John Biggs — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:03:34 +0000

I pray that Kleer actually takes off but after seeing ideas like this try and fail to gain traction — Zigbee, anyone? — I’m a little dubious. Anyway, Sennheiser just launched the first Kleer compatible headphones which allow you to listen to any Kleer-enabled MP3 player and even share your music with others.

The MX W1 headphones are completely untethered, which means each of them look like a little Bluetooth headset and are not connected by a wire like the RCA model. They will be available in May 2008, no pricing available.

Kleer

New version of gOS announced

John Biggs — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:08:49 +0000

I think it’s time we shut down the Internet.

A new version of the so-called Google OS, gOS will be available next week. Dubbed “Rocket,” this new version has Google Gears support for hot offline action and includes:

Virtual desktops: Available on the desktop, allowing easy grouping of applications across multiple desktop spaces

· Online Storage Drive: available on the desktop, allows easy online backup and file sharing powered by Box.net.

· Adobe Flash 9 for Linux: preloaded, allows instant use of YouTube, gBooth, Google Talk

· Updated Wi-Fi Manager “Exalt”: for improved reliability

While it’s not amazing, it’s nice to know it’s out there, you know? It’s like “Hey, gOS, whatcha doin’?” “Nothin, just raisin’ the profile of Linux by upsetting purists.”

Bodibeat lets you rock out in time to your necrotic heart

John Biggs — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:02:35 +0000

I’m kind of weaning myself off of music while I run. It lets me concentrate a bit more on, say, finishing a race in less than 6 hours. However, the Bodibeat by Yamaha might be just what the doctor ordered. It is a music player that senses your current heart rate and changes the music depending on your effort level. Strolling casually away from a murder scene? NIN. Running from creditors? Black Sabbath. Sleeping? Maybe whale song.

I doubt Yamaha will be able to sell this thing but it’s interesting to see them move into the music player market, however small a share of said market they currently own. Who knows? Maybe I’ll pick one up and, given my current state of health, rock out to “The Chicken Dance” while walking to to the fridge. It should be available in the next few months.

Product Page [Warning: Horrible Flash Ahead]

Slingbox launches HD box that slings, SlingPlayer Mobile for Blackberry

John Biggs — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:35:12 +0000

Need 1080i content every-freaking-where in the world? Get ye a $399.99 SlingBox PRO-HD. This monster can send digital TV and HD content almost anywhere, provided your pipe is fast enough to support the upload speeds — Sling suggests FiOS.

Blackberry fans will be happy to note that they will now be able to watch Slinged (Slung?) content on their wee handhelds. The software will be available for $29.99 later this year.

Norcent launches HDTVs, a camera

John Biggs — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:29:42 +0000

BIZARRO LAS VEGAS (AP) – With the eyes of the world turned to Sin City for this year’s Computer Electronical Show, tech giant Norcent has announced two of its highly anticipated products, the LT series of LCD televisions and a digital camera. Crowds of people are already lining up to view Norcent’s offerings, causing Nevada Governor Gibbon McShandy to declare a state emergency.

With National Guard troops massing on the scene, hungry HD fans are clamoring for Norcent’s 42-inch 1080p set for $1,299 and their 19- and 22-inch sets, $299.99 and $379.99 respectively. The 10-megapixel DCS-1050 should cost $179.99 and takes photomechanographs.

Norcent’s world-famous CEO Slithe Markinson is arriving by autogyro this afternoon to quell the crowds and to announce his plan to colonize Mars.

Garmin Forerunner 405: And I just bought the 205 (!!)

John Biggs — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:39:43 +0000

Dag nabbit! Garmin just launched the Forerunner 405, a sexier, sultrier GPS watch that doesn’t look like a domino is trying to rape your wrist. It can be used indoors and outdoors and measure heart rate. There’s also a Virtual Partner feature that will challenge you during your runs. Umm… and there’s no damn dongle. It’s all wireless. And you can rub the bezel to change functions.

And it starts at $299. Shoot me now.

Runners can track their speed, distance, heart rate and location accurately and effortlessly, and the revolutionary patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch makes navigating the options easier than ever. Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner™. The Forerunner 405 makes training with a Virtual Partner easy and efficient. Runners can adjust the Virtual Partner’s pace without stopping in the middle of a workout, and the Virtual Partner is always on and ready for a challenge.

The Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (IPX7) and can be used outdoors or indoors (with an optional foot pod), making it the ultimate year-round, all-weather training tool. And the high-sensitivity GPS receiver sustains satellite reception, whether you’re tackling a trail or jogging through the urban canyons of skyscrapers. When a heart-rate monitor is used, the Forerunner 405 helps athletes train in their optimal range of effort. An optional speed/cadence bike sensor helps cyclists monitor their pedaling cadence and wheel speed. At only 60 grams and available in two colors – black and sage green – the Forerunner 405 fits in at the gym, the office or out on the town.

Once the workout is done, the training is far from over. Using ANT+Sport technology, the Forerunner 405 sends workout data to the user’s computer via automatic wireless data transfer. There’s no need to take off the watch or bother with cables as the computer automatically syncs with the Forerunner 405 as soon as the user enters the room. And the data transfer is a two-way street. Runners, joggers, cyclists and hikers can send courses, goals and workouts to their Forerunner 405 before they begin, and then the data gets sent back to the user’s computer when the workout is over. Athletes can log their workouts, track their totals, set goals, share workouts with coaches, friends and family and participate in an online fitness community at Garmin Connect™ — Garmin’s online training site (connect.garmin.com) previously known as MotionBased. Users can also share courses and workout data from one Forerunner 405 to another through wireless data transfer.

Press Release

CES 2008 predictions: The end of the HD disc wars and a new era of HD audio and video

John Biggs — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:22:37 +0000

It’s mobile a TV and no, you can’t have it yet.

Prognosticating always gets you into trouble, but I’ve been keeping my eyes on announcements from CES and want to make a few basic predictions. While I can’t promise any of this will happen, I do know that these things have to happen in order to maintain the endless whirlwind of innovation and improvement we’ve been seeing in the past few years, especially when it comes to media and home theatre systems. With that in mind, let’s jump right in.

Blu Ray and HD DVD are dead. Long live Blu Ray and HD DVD – Sorry, guys, but buying a single-format drive is a bad idea. Hybrid drives are the way it’s going and no amount of “HD war” talk is going to change that. These companies have to get drives, discs, and content out the door or they’re going to miss out on the chance to ~~fool~~ convince millions of consumers to buy HD formatted movies. This is the last gasp of the plastic disc industry and CES 2010 will feature — and I’m sure of this — a sub-$100 hybrid HD drive from a minor player, essentially allowing us to call it a draw.

Wireless in the home will take off – Most major TV manufacturers are going to be offering ways to wirelessly connect your TV to your receiver and, potentially, your satellite speakers. These solutions won’t be cheap but they will be very useful and usable and may finally allow you to stick your plasma on your wall without having to snake cables through drywall.

Wireless content to cars, pedestrians, commuters will happen, but not the way phone carriers think it will – For years, fools like us have marveled at DVBH and other fairly high-definition services available to commuters in Asia and parts of Europe. Well, it’s coming here as well and it should be popping up slowly as WiMAX rolls out. I think folks like NBC and ABC will see the value in broadcasting to digital handhelds that can actually do justice to the picture. Video on cellphones is for shut-ins and New Yorkers — no where else in the US do you have the concentration of train commuters you have in Asia where these mobile TV services are popular. Give people good quality video over the air using WiMAX and you’ve got a business model.

Streaming in the home will be mainstream – With LG teaming up with Netflix and others soon to follow, watching a movie on the celestial jukebox is getting much more interesting. Again, the guys we expected to win this game will lose as HD content availability becomes another sticker on the box, just like Rhapsody is now.

Open source will hit the home, big time – HP is already selling Linux-based disk arrays and companies like LaCie are selling Linux-enabled servers. It’s only a matter of time before most of the devices in the home are running some form of Linux, which will make them considerably smarter than they are today. You will soon buy a terabyte drive, plug it in, and start sharing content to all the boxes in your house including your gaming consoles and your handhelds.

This is the year of the slow burn – The iPhone defined 2007 and it’s going to take at least until 3GSM in February for anyone to come out with anything remotely as interesting. TV players will fight the thinnest LCD war, peripheral folks will start thinking about ways to appeal to green consumers, and the consumer will sit most of it out until something really compelling hits the scene. I’m just not feeling an impending explosion this year, but again, prognostication is a dangerous game. Impress me, CES. Impress us all.

Certain sections of this post contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “scheduled,” “estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which include but are not limited to projections of revenues, earnings, segment performance, cash flows, contract awards, aircraft production, deliveries and backlog stability. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

● General U.S. and international political and economic conditions;

● Changing priorities in the U.S. government’s defense budget;

● Termination of government contracts due to unilateral government action;

● Differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price contracts within estimated costs, and performance issues with key suppliers and subcontractors;

● Changing customer demand or preferences for business aircraft, including the effects of economic conditions on the business-aircraft market;

● Reliance on a large fleet customer for a significant portion of the firm aircraft contracts backlog and the majority of the options backlog; and

● The status or outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the company or any person acting on the company’s behalf are qualified by the cautionary statements in this section. The company does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this report. However, if John is right, you owe him a beer.