It’s a fairly basic watch, there’s no chronograph functionality (obviously) but it does display the time and date. Sure it’s not quite as bling as a Tokyoflash watch, but this one you might actually be able to read. Retail price starts at $200.

Now, the LED flashlight is king. Lower energy requirements, higher lumens, less heat; the LED really makes a difference. At first, there were problems with focusing the beam, however nowadays it’s not an issue. Most LED flashlights are quite functional, durable (try dropping an incandescent bulb light from 6 feet up) and if you’ll pardon the pun, the future is quite bright.

Enter the mPower. Designed to be used as an emergency flashlight, it’s main power source is a CR123 (photocell) battery, along with a special reserve battery. The reserve battery (which is technology that the builder mPhase specializes in) has a shelf life of 20 years.

In addition to this special power source, the mPower has a built in USB port for emergency charging your cell phone, as well as any other device. The best part: if the CR123 battery is dead, the backup cell will charge your device for you. We don’t know yet how many lumens or any of the other information that really matters to flashlight geeks like myself, unfortunately.

Expect to be released into the wild in March of 2010, the mPower flashlight will set you back somewhere between $250 and $300. Ouch.

[via CNET]

As a reader of CrunchGear, I can only assume that you’re familiar with a recent invention called “television.” It’s truly a remarkable thing: it transports lights and sounds from the four corners of the planet, and brings them right to your living room. It’s like you’re actually at the big game! A recent upgrade, called high-definition television, improves the quality of the picture. Samsung, which is a company based in far-away South Korea, has a new line of high-definition televisions called the 8500 Series. It uses something called light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) to light up the image—no more replacing tubes!

This new line of television comes in two sizes: 46 and 55 inches. That’s as big as an elephant (but much thinner)!

And does it purr! You name it, it’s got it: 1080p, 240MHz refresh rate, 2ms response time, and, get this, Internet connectivity! Yes, you’re able to view popular Web site Yahoo-provided content, including photos from Flickr, news and weather; sports from USA Today; plus Twitter and YouTube. That’s right, tweet right from your couch!

How much would you pay for such a marvel? Did you say $3,599 for the 46-inch, and $4,499 for the 55-inch? Then you’d be right!

Both models should be shipping to your local retailer in August, which is in only a few days!

Now you, too, can get in on the fun for far less than you think. GraveyardMall.com is selling the “E-Plate Scrolling License Plate Frame” for just $14 plus shipping.

You can program up to five scrolling messages into the E-Plate and display them at a moment’s notice to the driver behind you. Imagine the possibilities!

Your driving? I don’t care for it.

Please observe the two second rule. You may be too close to my bumper!

Follow me if you like pancakes. I might be going to IHOP. Might!

Messages can apparently be “hundreds of letters and numbers long” so feel free to really load up your political and religious viewpoints in great detail.

E-Plate Scrolling License Plate Frame With Remote Control [GraveyardMall.com via dealnews]

Today in Korea, Samsung announced an eco-friendly full HD LED monitor, the XL2370. It’s said to have a “finger-slim” design, but the press release makes no mention of how thick it actually is. But we do know that the XL2370 has a “mega dynamic” contrast ratio of 5M:1, 2ms response time and 1920×1080 resolution. Oh, and it has “Starlight Touch Controls.”

I’ll go out on a limb and say this is a 23-inch model based on the model number. Taking after the HDTV line, the XL2370 comes with the Touch of Color bezel that supposedly reduces glare and light reflections. But more importantly, it makes the monitor easier to recycle because the ToC manufacturing process includes zero “harmful paints and sprays” or so says the press release.

The LED HD monitor will be available in Korea later this month and ships to Europe and other countries in August.

Let’s start with Toshiba’s ad that looks like it came straight out of the early 90s. Pretty boring if you ask me. Aside from that the SV670 is quite stunning. For one thing, the 55-inch model would take up my entire living room and I’d be happy to watch from the next room. I can’t say too much about the local dimming and simulated 240Hz because all the Toshiba sets were looping the same video of the Rose Gardens in Portland, OR. The Deep Lagoon design might seem gimmicky, but when you’re in the store staring at hundreds of black trimmed TVs on the wall, the Regza is going to catch your eye. I can’t give it a proper “hands-on” because it didn’t seem to be calibrated correctly because the ZV650 seemed to be properly calibrated and the color on that particular set blew away the SV670. I was thoroughly impressed with Toshiba’s lineup that was re-announced today, but I’ll reserve final judgment until I’ve had proper time with each. In the meantime, check out the photos.

Toshiba Televisions

Toshiba is releasing three new lines of LCD TVs. The only one you care about is the SV670 LED line up though. The other two series, XV648 and ZV650, are just your standard top-tier LCDs TVs. But the SV670 might be something special.

The SC670’s are powered by LEDs with local dimming that should create a stellar picture. Toshiba says that this set, with it’s LED magic, can achieve a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio without sacrificing the white brightness. Plus, it’s loaded with everything a top of line LED LCD should have including, 4 HDMI ports, 240Hz screen, SD card slot, and PC input.

Not only that, the design was inspired by nature. Or so says the press release,

A new level of picture quality deserves a new level of design, so the SV670 series is the first to incorporate the Deep Lagoon Design with the Infinity Flush Front. Inspired by nature, Deep Lagoon evokes the image of sand disappearing below the surface of calm shores. The unique Infinity Flush Front then adds an edge-to-edge anti-reflective front panel, reminiscent of an infinity pool. Together, these new design elements create a stunning appearance that stands out on a sales floor, and will accentuate any home décor.

The top of the line SV670 should be available this month in both 46- ($2,299) and 55-inch ($2,999) sizes along with the 42-, 47-, and 55-inch ZV650s. The 40-, 46-, and 52-inch Xv648 will hit stores in August starting at $1,099.

TOSHIBA BRINGS INDUSTRY-LEADING PICTURE QUALITY TO HOME THEATER WITH ITS FIRST SERIES OF LED TV

Toshiba introduces LED TV incorporating FocaLight technology with Local Dimming, and ClearScan 240 motion enhancement, demonstrating best-in-class picture performance

Digital Downtown, New York — June 10, 2009 — Toshiba America Consumer Products L.L.C. (“Toshiba”), a market leader in LCD TVs, today announced that it is now shipping its premium REGZA^® HDTV Series, including the highly acclaimed ZV650 LCD TV, and state-of-the-art SV670 LED TV. These new series combine the most advanced picture technology with stunning designs, creating a highly immersive viewing experience that improves and extends home entertainment in new and exciting ways.

As a leader in technology, Toshiba designed its new REGZA line of premium LCD TVs to elevate the viewing experience to the next level by using its unmatched processing power to create all-new levels of picture quality. In addition, next-generation connectivity and industry-leading cosmetic design were added to create a new REGZA experience.

REGZA models set themselves apart with a litany of cutting-edge picture technology features such as the new FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming for superlative picture contrast, ClearScan 240 motion enhancement with Backlight Scanning for amazing picture clarity with fast-motion video, and the enhanced REGZA Engine with PixelPure 5G 14-bit video processing, Resolution+ super resolution technology, and AutoView histogram controlled automatic picture adjustment.

In addition to picture quality enhancements, these new REGZA series also offer a comprehensive suite of next-generation connectivity features including a USB port, SD card Slot, 4 HDMI inputs with InstaPort and REGZA-LINK, IR Pass-Through Port, and high-resolution PC input.

To ensure that the sound quality is as enjoyable as the picture quality, Toshiba has also included new Dolby Volume sound leveling, and Audyssey EQ. Toshiba is the first TV company to incorporate new Dolby Volume, a technology that solves a real-world problem by utilizing human psycho-acoustic algorithms to ensure a consistent volume level, even during commercials or when changing channels.

“Toshiba LCD TV market share has seen a meteoric rise from just 4.1 percent in November 2007 to 11.4 percent in April 2009,”* said Scott Ramirez, vice president of Marketing at Toshiba. “For 2009, we developed and incorporated a wide range of advanced, robust technologies to create an all-new level of REGZA LCD TV. We didn’t just make LED TV; we innovated by utilizing superior Local Dimming. We didn’t just utilize higher frame rates; we innovated by adding new Backlight Scanning Technology. We didn’t just wrap everything in high-gloss black; we innovated by creating the stunning new Deep Lagoon Design with Infinity Flush Front. The new REGZA is more than our dealers and consumers expected, and the response has been nothing short of amazing.”

REGZA XV648 – Deep High Contrast in All Light Conditions

A new addition to the 2009 REGZA lineup, the XV648 Series offers extra features that truly make a difference. Extra room light can lower the contrast on some TVs, but Toshiba’s new CrystalCoat™ technology stops ambient room light reflections from washing out the picture, creating 30 percent better contrast in bright rooms.** In addition, Dolby Volume technology ensures a consistent volume level when changing channels or during commercials. The result is improved picture and sound quality for an enhanced home theater experience.

The REGZA XV648 will be available in 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch screen sizes.

REGZA ZV650 – Clarity in Fast Motion

The ZV650 Series takes things to the next level with enhanced fast-motion picture quality, next-generation connectivity, and unique cosmetic design.

Toshiba’s new ClearScan 240 technology combines 120 frames per second with advanced Backlight Scanning Technology to create a 240Hz effect. Far superior to 60 Hz or standard 120 Hz systems, ClearScan 240 provides amazing picture clarity with fast-motion video that is perfect for sports enthusiasts and action movie buffs. This new system also helps the ZV650 series attain its high 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, combining amazing picture clarity and incredible picture depth.

In addition, Toshiba wants to make connecting source devices and watching content simple and flexible. Therefore, the ZV650 incorporates an expanded array of connectivity features including a USB port for playback of digital video, audio and picture files, an SD card slot for playback of digital picture files by simply taking the SD card from the camera and inserting it into the TV, four HDMI Inputs with InstaPort for faster switching and REGZA-LINK for two-way device control, an IR Pass-Through Port to control source devices that may be hidden in a cabinet or closet, and a high-resolution PC input that allows you to use the TV as a big-screen PC monitor for multimedia or gaming.

REGZA ZV650 is available in 42-inch, 47-inch and new 55-inch screen sizes (measured diagonally at 42 inches, 47 inches and 54.6 inches respectively).

REGZA SV670 – The Toshiba LED Difference

The SV670 Cinema Series LED TV Series is the next generation of REGZA, and the next generation of LED TV. While some LED TVs utilize standard edge LED, the SV670 incorporates superior FocaLight Full Matrix LED with Local Dimming. The full matrix creates better brightness uniformity. More importantly, the local dimming allows deep blacks without sacrificing peak white brightness for an all-new level of picture quality with a previously unattainable 2M:1 dynamic contrast.

A new level of picture quality deserves a new level of design, so the SV670 series is the first to incorporate the Deep Lagoon Design with the Infinity Flush Front. Inspired by nature, Deep Lagoon evokes the image of sand disappearing below the surface of calm shores. The unique Infinity Flush Front then adds an edge-to-edge anti-reflective front panel, reminiscent of an infinity pool. Together, these new design elements create a stunning appearance that stands out on a sales floor, and will accentuate any home décor.

The SV670 is available in 46-inch and 55-inch screen sizes (measured diagonally at 46 inches and 54.6 inches respectively).

Pricing and Availability:

REGZA XV648 Cinema Series LCD TV Series

40XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,099.99)

46XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,499.99)

52XV648U (available August 2009, MSRP $1,999.99)

REGZA ZV650 LCD TV Series

42ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $1,299.99)

47ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $1,699.99)

55ZV650U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,399.99)

REGZA SV670 Cinema Series LED TV Series

46SV670U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,299.99)

55SV670U (available June 2009, MSRP $2,999.99)

For full product details and more information on the SV670, ZV650 and XV648 as well as other REGZA products, please visit http://www.REGZA.com.

The Sander Mulder concept clock is an example of this. It’ll provide you with an approximate time based on the poem that is printed around the edge of the clock. The bad news is that it’s a concept item and may never actually make it to retail.

[via Make]

Samsung, your viral videos are getting pretty good. And this definitely beats the gerbils. I mean, LED rigged sheep? That’s amazing. Oh, and your new LED TVs aren’t too shabby either. If you’re into 29mm thick TVs that are free of lead and mercury with reduced power consumption and faster refresh rates.

via Digital Chosun

Apple’s 24-inch LED Cinema Display now doubles as a touchscreen, thanks to Troll Touch. You put a little slip over the screen, and then plug the slip into a USB port. Voilà, you’ve got a touchscreen LED Cinema Display!

The luxury of using iTunes and Safari with your fingers will cost you, mind. Try $2,299 for a whole Troll Touch solution (that’s a Cinema Display plus the cost of the overlay). That, or you can pay $1,399 for Troll Touch to upgrade your existing Cinema Display.

Fire up Windows on your Mac then play Crayon Physics Deluxe with a touchscreen.

Don’t get too excited, Trust Fund kiddies. This massive display probably will not be available for your purchase but my goodness, wouldn’t GOW2 be sweet on it. The 180-inch 3D LED video wall is destined for commercial use considering four of these can be connected together to make a gigantic 360-inch screen. LEDs make up each pixel and are arranged at a pitch of 6mm. Even though this display is an LED-based system, LCD 3D source material can be used which should make for some cheap parlor tricks, but sweet advertising nether the less.

The fancy LED Apple display is shipping now. Right now it only works when connected to a MacBook or MacBook Pro or MacBook Air as a result of it using the new mini DisplayPort interface.

Ars has one of those “unboxing” deals that the kids love so much these days, alongside its first impressions of the device.

Apple wants $899 for the display, which is just shy of Absolutely Insane for a 24-inch monitor.

via Cult of Mac

Sexy, just plain sexy. Too bad it’s just a concept.

The high intensity light LEDs produce has been found to reduce winkles as much as Botox by a German study. Allegedly, the light removes the sub-surfaces moisture and therefore improving the skins elasticity. LED light bulbs are still kind of pricey to be used around the house, but hopefully someday, just having the bulbs installed will reduce the common housewife’s incessant need for cosmetic surgery. I’m just joking ladies, but wouldn’t it be nice to have your light bulbs slow the aging effect passively?

Computer components bedazzled with LEDs seem to indicate speed in the same way that stickers on the back of rice-burners do. So with that fact in mind, the Lexar Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR3 memories with LEDs highlighting the memories activities must be super fast. I kid, I kid as the PC3-10600 DDR3-1333MHz memory shouldn’t be sluggish by any means. The modules will be available in 1GB and 2GB, or 2GB and 4GB kits and will certainly complement your gaming rig’s theme nicely.

Environmentally friendly products are all the rage these days and Dell’s determined to help with LED back-lighting. Never mind that retooling production lines and importing the “green” material generally carries a higher carbon footprint than the current material, but still, it’s nice to feel like Captain Planet sometimes.

Dell’s plan involves transitioning all laptop displays to LED backlighting over the next 12 months as LEDs deliver significant energy savings (i.e. increased battery life too). The first batch will be the Latitude E-Family this December and will continue ’till the company reaches 100% conversion. Once again, I am all for Green technology as long as it provides benefits and doesn’t hind innovation - this Dell commitment is a great example of a good Green plan.

There is absolute no way on this green earth that I would ride a bike with these LEDs on any street with the exception of maybe a deserted Montana road or in a sleepy Vermont town. Sure, the LED-powered wheels might bring a smile to some folks, but somehow I don’t think everyone is going to be smiling with you. The images come from a single LED device, dubbed the Joyrider, affixed to the spokes and controlled by microchips to correctly display the face, but the muggers aren’t going to care ’bout that when they are bashing your cheery face into the curb. 

Waldemeyer via dvice

The old saying “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” still applies today with racing technology. Ceravision ran a BMW, outfitted with the firms microwave-powered headlamps to demonstrate, not only the bulb’s extreme brightness, but also the lamps durability verse conventional electrode bulbs that tend to burn out under racing’s extreme conditions.

If these bulbs can survive hours of thrashing by a BMW ’round Silverstone, they will last forever in your Accord. Plus, the lights use significantly less energy than even a LED-based system that, of course, means less draw on the vehicle’s electrical system. No telling when we will see these in mass production as the company is currently seeking manufacturing partners, but the bulbs lower power consumption makes them perfect for tomorrows hybrid and battery powered cars.

Wired takes on the NIN “Lights in the Sky” tour and gives us a glimpse at the systems involved. The group has always integrated special effects into their performances, but after you read this in-depth article, you’re going to have a more profound respect. From the sounds of it, most of what goes on isn’t a prerecorded loop, but rather, as Renzor calls it, another instrument. The system is controlled by lasers watching specific on stage body movements that gives the musicians live control over the visualizations and even allowing drummer Josh Freese to control a virtual drum sequencer on the screen. The whole thing makes for one sic effect. You have to check out both the above video and the one after the break showing off the drum sequencer.

from Ken Wilson on Vimeo.

Delta Electronics took the IFA global stage and announced the companies first LED-powered DLP projector. The initial specs sound good – expect one, keep reading – 1080p, large color gamut, and 20,000 hours on the LED unit. The company didn’t announce pricing yet, but it will be at CEDIA next week so I’ll hit ‘em up with some questions then.

Before I ask about price though, I want to know the brightness in terms of lumens. It curiously wasn’t announced and that one spec is the reason major projector players haven’t produced LED models yet. LED units tend to last longer than metal halide bulbs, but they also tend to not be as bright. Hear me right though, I’m not dogging the projector just yet, as I would love to see a demonstration and receive a full white paper on the unit before I do.

Delta via i4u