Author: Andy Merrett
Is LG's double-sided reflective display a prototype for next-gen book readers?
Though LG seems to be about to pull out of the OLED business, it has been pushing another new technology which could be very useful for powering the next generation of digital readers and other mobile devices.
At the International Meeting on Information Display, it’s shown off a 15-inch double-sided reflective display with a resolution of 512 x 384 pixels, and a 13.3-inch reflective display with 1,280 x 800 resolution. These ECB-mode displays could be used in mobile devices that can be used easily in bright light/sunlight…
Ofcom hands out terrestrial high definition licences to Channel 4 and ITV broadcasters
Though we’ve been pretty sure that all the major terrestrial broadcasters would have a place on the new high definition Freeview, Ofcom today brought that a step closer to reality by awarding licences to Channel 4/S4C and the ITV channels across England, Scotland, Ulster, and the Channel Islands.
Channel 4 and S4C (the Welsh language version, with a wide selection of its own programming) put in a joint bid, promising a wide variety of films (over 150 hours worth on peak-time 4HD in the first year), a range of drama, comedy, science programmes and documentaries, plus popular US imports like Desperate Housewives, and specific sports and kids programmes on S4C…
Sharp claims world first: HDTVs with integrated Blu-ray recorders
Sharp will launch a range of high definition LCD TVs with integrated Blu-ray recorders in the Japanese market next month, claiming a world first.
While it’s not uncommon to see flat panel TVs with built in DVD and Blu-ray players, this is the first time a Blu-ray recorder has been added to a production TV.
The AQUOS DX range will come in a range of screen sizes from 26- right up to 52-inch, all full 1080p high definition, and ranging in price from around £1,100 to £2,900 (at current Yen to UK pound exchange rate). Though the integrated drive will allow playback of Blu-ray, and recording TV programmes directly to disc, there won’t be a built-in hard drive — so no DVR functionality…
Marantz launches high-performance amp and CD player
Marantz has announced its latest high-end amplifier and separate CD player.
The PM8003 stereo amplifier can deliver up to 200 watts across two channels, has an oversized bespoke toroidal transformer, is made with hand-selected components including Shottky barrier diodes and Marantz’s Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules.
Functions include Source Direct, which bypasses the tone control circuitry, and Amp Direct, which allows the PM8003 to be used solely as a power amplifier…
Tech Trumpet: iPhone Bloom
It’s time for another edition of Tech Trumpet.
This week, I have been mostly playing with “Bloom” for the iPhone. Developed by Brian Eno and Peter Chilvers, the application offers an audio-visual experience simply by touching the screen or letting the instrument play itself.
“Bloom is an endless music machine, a music box for the 21st century. You can play it , and you can watch it play itself,” says Eno…
Apple launches LED Cinema Display designed specifically for MacBook
Apple wants you to treat your new MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air to a fantastic display, and so it’s revamped its Cinema Display just for the new family of notebook computers.
The crystal clear 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen monitor has iSight camera and speakers built in, and comes with a three-in-one cable with a MagSafe power connector, Mini DisplayPort, and USB connection…
Apple beefs up MacBook Air with more storage and better graphics, but it's still thin
The original MacBook Air launched just over eight months ago, claiming to be the thinnest and lightest laptop available.
It came with either 80GB hard drive or 64GB solid state drive (at a price), 2GB of RAM, 13.3-inch widescreen display, and Core 2 Duo processor.
Today, Apple unveiled its successor, offering more memory and beefier graphics for around the same price. It’s still bank-account-drainingly-expensive, but chic always costs…
Apple unveils new 13-inch MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro
Apple has taken the wraps off two new notebooks: the 13-inch MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro.
The 13-inch MacBook features a precision aluminium unibody enclosure — in other words, it’s constructed from a single solid piece of metal and is much thinner than its predecessor. Not as thin as the MacBook Air, of course, but not bad at 2.41cms.
The ultra-thin 13.3-inch LED backlit display is bright, yet the whole unit is thinner than its outdated LCD relative. It can display up to 1,280 x 800 resolution…
Microsoft offers memory cards and subsidised hard drives to low-end Xboxers
Owners of spec-challenged Xbox 360s hoping to get onboard the new Experience are being handed a lifeline by Microsoft. The company has graciously decided to give away free 512MB memory cards, or dirt cheap 20GB hard drives, to anyone with a pitiful Xbox having less than 128MB of storage space.
Active Xbox users can get the hard drive for £12.99, while inactive ones must pay £19.99…
Maplin offers up seven inch portable LCD TV
Maplin has announced its latest portable gadget, ideal if you don’t want to miss telly while on the go.
The set can receive both analogue and digital channels, committing 1,250 of them to memory (should you be able to find that many channels) for quick recall…
