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JVC Unveils HD Everio Camera with Bluetooth

jessica — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

JVC on Friday announced a new HD Everio camcorder with built-in Bluetooth. The 10.6 megapixel Everio GZ-HM550 records Full HD video and takes nine megapixel digital stills. It has 32GB flash memory and an SD/SDHC slot provides additional storage.

But what's really cool about the latest from JVC is the ability to use a smartphone to control the camera (thanks to the built-in Bluetooth). With the installation of a (supplied) app, a smartphone with Bluetooth can be used to record, zoom and play the camera. It can even be used with a GPS device to record location data of where movie and still files were recorded. The data synchronizes with Google Earth when viewing the file on a PC using the bundled Everio MediaBrowser software. The camera can also be used with a Bluetooth headset to monitor the recorded sound or for voice recording.

The JVC GZ-HM550 Bluetooth enabled camera is available now for $799.95.

Read the press release for more info:

BLUETOOTH-ENABLED JVC HD EVERIO CAMERA NOW AVAILABLE

New GZ-HM550 features a 10.6 megapixel CMOS sensor; shoots 9 megapixel stills.

March 19, 2010 - JVC today announced the availability of a new high definition Everio camera with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing the camera to work with a variety of other wireless devices. In addition, the new Everio GZ-HM550 features a 10.6 megapixel CMOS sensor for recording high quality Full HD video and nine megapixel digital stills to its internal 32GB flash memory. An SD/SDHC card slot provides the camera with additional storage.

Among the capabilities the camera's Bluetooth technology offers is control of the camera using a smartphone, geo-tagging of videos and stills and use with a compatible Bluetooth headset.

With the installation of a supplied application, a Bluetooth-equipped smartphone can be used to control the camera remotely, allowing record, zoom and play operations. Use the camera with a GPS device to record location data of where movie and still files were recorded. The data synchronizes with Google Earth when viewing the file on a PC using the bundled Everio MediaBrowser software. The camera can also be used with a Bluetooth-equipped headset to monitor the recorded sound or for voice recording.

Aside from offering built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, the GZ-HM550 provides all the quality and convenience features to appeal to consumers who are looking for a high-performance camera in a compact package. Its 10.62 megapixel Back-illuminated CMOS sensor enables shooting of 1920 x 1080 Full HD videos and real nine megapixel digital stills. The KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS is currently one of the world's smallest and slimmest HD lenses, and offers 16x dynamic zoom without any degradation of picture quality. All this is further supported by new technologies that ramp-up basic image quality, including Super LoLux and Advanced Image Stabilizer. Super LoLux improves low-light sensitivity to capture clear images with precise colors even in low-light environments. The GZ-HM500 is also equipped with both an LED light and a flash for shooting in dark situations. Advanced Image Stabilizer ensures steady images even while walking, and is especially effective when shooting bright scenes from full wide to 5x zoom.

Recorded content is stored on the internal 32GB flash memory, with an SD/SDHC card slot to provide additional storage. And like many other models in the new Everio lineup, the GZ-HM550 offers new advanced shooting functions like time lapse recording and Auto Recording. Time-lapse recording makes it easy to create a sophisticated effect - simply set the camera to record in intervals ranging from one to 80 seconds. When played back, hours-long segments will be reduced to mere seconds. With Auto Record, recording automatically begins when a person enters the picture - a convenient solution for home surveillance, recording wildlife, and more. Also Motor Drive Shooting (nine megapixel stills up to 15fps) and Ultra-Slow Motion Playback by high speed recording (up to 600fps) are available.

Digital files created can be easily shared in a variety of popular formats with the enhanced Everio MediaBrowser software for Windows, which now provides automatic conversion of HD videos for immediate sharing on YouTube at HD or SD resolution. Files also can be directly exported to iTunes and synced with an iPod or iPhone, or burned to DVD, all with just a few mouse clicks using the same Everio MediaBrowser application.

To make it easier for the user to find and play any desired scene, the GZ-HM550 offers Face Flow Thumbnail, a feature that displays thumbnails from a particular section of a video by automatically selecting and zooming into human faces. And to make shooting and carrying easier, the camera has a redesigned grip belt that works in two ways - as a conventional handle-style grip when both ends are snapped in place or as a strap when one end of the belt is released.

The JVC GZ-HM550 Bluetooth enabled camera is available now for $799.95.

For further product information, visit JVC's Web site at www.jvc.com or call 1-800-526-5308. Follow JVC on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JVC_USA.

SOURCE JVC U.S.A.

Boston Acoustics TVee Model 20: Great Sound for a Big Screen

John Lentz — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

We first told you about Boston Acoustics' highly praised TVee Model 20 soundbar/subwoofer loudspeaker system when it was unveiled at CES in January. Worthy enough for a second look, we decided to dig a little bit deeper to tell you more about what this soundbar/subwoofer speaker system has to offer.

With the new plasma and LCD flat panel sets becoming thinner and thinner, there is very little room left inside for the loudspeaker. You would be amazed to know that the loudspeakers in some of these sets are not much bigger around than a quarter. After all, how big can a loudspeaker be and still fit in a ¼" wide LCD panel? That's why you often get a great picture from one of these stylish, thin sets but awful sound. Most people will agree that good sound and a good picture are both important and manufacturers have attempted various solutions to overcome this problem.

Boston Acoustics is well known as one of the top names in the audio field. After much research and development the company introduced its new TVee Model 20, which is perhaps one of the best solutions for getting great sound from your new TV in an unobtrusive and affordable manner. The TVee Model 20 loudspeaker system combines a slim soundbar that can easily fit under most flat-panel sets along with a wireless subwoofer to give you powerful room-filling bass. Great bass makes a huge difference when watching an engrossing TV show or movie, and with the subwoofer being wireless you don't need to have wires running all over the place. All you need to do is plug the subwoofer in any nearby electrical outlet. Simple enough.

Being "the best" includes not only the best sound, but also at the best price. Boston Acoustics delivers a real steal since this new model costs only $299.

How do they do it? The march of technology is a marvelous thing for consumers. Just a few years ago a good laptop computer cost $3000, now you can get one for $600 that will run circles around that $3000 model. The same is true in this case. Boston Acoustics' highly regarded engineering team was tasked with developing a high-quality loudspeaker system while always keeping performance and "value engineering" at the forefront. The team delivered a new type of sophisticated driver technology (with a sophisticated name to match: Hyperbolic High Rigidity Transducer or "HHRT") which enables this price/performance breakthrough. The light and rigid cone uses a new and highly complex shape to reduce distortion, widen the sweet spot, and enhance dynamic performance. The system's wireless subwoofer's 6-inch down firing bass driver complements the rich audio experience delivered by the soundbar's state-of-the-art, full range drivers. The total system power is 100 watts (RMS).

As an added value, the TVee Model 20 also has an integrated remote Learning Function. The Model 20 learns the signal coming from your existing remote. This means that you don't have to add yet another remote control to your collection. Another little touch that's appreciated.

Best suited for displays of 32" and larger, the TVee Model 20 is simple to set up. The soundbar connects to your TV's audio output and can be placed on a flat surface just below the television, or mounted on the wall – your choice.

We have tested a number of soundbars over the last few years that cost up to $1200, but the new TVee Model 20 is the real deal. If you get a chance, be sure to check it out.

JDL

Panasonic's Touch the Future Tour is not to be missed

jessica — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:14:41 +0000

Jeff Samuels, one of the best and most influential PR folks in the business, called to let us know that Panasonic is hosting a 15-city "Panasonic Touch the Future Tour" which kicked off on Monday, March 15 with events in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago and 12 other major cities across the US over the next five weeks.

The tour is free and will give consumers across the US an opportunity to see, hear and interact with the latest cutting-edge home entertainment products, including a chance to experience live the first Full HD 3D Home Theater systems.

With the Panasonic Touch the Future Tour, the latest and greatest new technology will be showcased. An industry veteran and all around good guy, Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, of Panasonic told me "Panasonic really raised the bar in consumer electronics for 2010, most especially in the launch of the world's first full HD 3-D Home Theater System. There has never been a more exciting time for people to take their home entertainment experience to a new level. Many have heard about these great new 3-D products plasmas and we want to give people across the country a chance to see for themselves how much enjoyment 3-D adds to their television experience."

The Panasonic Touch the Future Tour features hands-on demonstrations of Panasonic's 2010 HD 3D Plasma Home Entertainment Systems, but also Panasonic's top rated flat panel VIERA Plasma TVs, , LCD and LED HDTV's; Blu-ray Disc Players, Home Theater Systems; and LUMIX Digital Cameras and Camcorders. The best part of the whole experience is that it is free, but beware, once you see it you may end up spending a little money at Best Buy on some of this great new gear.

"For many people, this might be their first opportunity to experience the immersive world of full HD 3-D," Bob said. "People who have already had the chance to see one of our demos have been amazed at the depth and sense of being there that Full HD 3D delivers. It is something you won't want to miss."

Panasonic's Touch the Future Tour Sweepstakes will award one lucky visitor (18 years of age or older as of March 15, 2010) in each of the cities on the Tour a Full HD 3D Home Theater System featuring a Panasonic Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma HDTV, Panasonic 3D Blu-ray Disc Player and one pair of Panasonic Active Shutter Eyewear. If you are especially lucky, you might just catch Jeff at a few of the tour locations. Don't hesitate to ask "Is Jeff Samuels here?" If you meet him, Panasonic will have a special gift for you. Currently, the tour schedule is listed below, but be sure to visit www.panasonic.com/future for updates.

Tour Dates & Locations

3/15 - 3/17	New York	Penn Pavilion	401 7th Ave at 33rd St
3/15 - 3/17	Chicago	Tribune 445	445 S. Michigan Avenue
3/15 - 3/17	Los Angeles	Hollywood and Highland	801 Hollywood Boulevard
3/20 - 3/22	Boston	Copley Place	2 Copley Place
3/22 - 3/24	Detroit	Detroit Opera House	1526 Broadway
3/22 - 3/24	Scottsdale	Fashion Square Mall	7014 East Camelback Road
3/25 - 3/27	Philadelphia	King of Prussia Mall	North Gulph Road
3/29 - 3/31	Minneapolis	IDS Tower	80 8th Street South
3/29 - 3/31	San Francisco	One Market Plaza	1 Market Street
3/31 - 4/2	Washington, DC	Union Station	50 Massachusetts Ave, NE
4/6 - 4/8	Dallas	Grapevine Mills Mall	3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
4/6 - 4/8	Seattle	Top of the Market	93 Pike Street, Suite 307
4/7 - 4/9	Atlanta	595 North	595 North Ave, NW Atlanta
4/12 - 4/14	Houston	The Warehouse	4108 Dupont Street
4/15 - 4/17	Miami	Ice Palace	59 Northwest 14th Street

J.D. Power and Associates Releases 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study Results

jessica — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:24:47 +0000

J.D. Power and Associates yesterday released its 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study Results. The study surveys owners of 3-year old models that were purchased new and asks them if they have experienced any of almost 200 different problems within the last 12 months. The results of the study help educate consumers when considering the next new or used car purchase. Manufacturers also pay attention, giving them insight into what they need to do to build better models.

Porsche leads the overall rankings, but some big improvements were seen from domestic automaker Ford. All of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands placed in the top 10 of the list with Lincoln showing the most significant improvement, climbing six positions from 2009 to rank second. The redesigned Lincoln Navigator contributed to Lincoln's rank position this year, improving by 61 PP100. Other notable Lincoln vehicles are the Mark LT and MKZ. Both ranked highest in dependability in their award segments:

Entry Premium Vehicle – Lincoln MKZ (97 PP100)
Large Premium MAV – Lincoln Mark LT (120 PP100)

Mercury improves this year by 10 PP100 and remains in fifth place. The Mercury Montego (83 PP100) is the Large Car award recipient.

Ford moves up four rank positions to 8th place with the Freestar (140 PP100) being the award recipient for the Midsize Van category.

Additional Ford segment leaders are:

MKZ – leads Entry Premium
Montego – leads Large car (500 tied in this category with Lucerne)
Freestar – leads Midsize van
Mark LT – leads Large premium (Navigator places 3rd in the segment)

That's not all. Ford also receives several Honorable Mentions:

Mustang – 3rd in Midsize Sporty car
Milan – 2nd in Midsize car
Town Car – 3rd Large premium
Freestyle – 3rd Midsize MAV
Expedition – 3rd Large MAV
F-150 – 2nd Large pickup
Ranger – 3rd Midsize pickup

View the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study Results below or visit www.jdpower.com/autos/articles/2010-Vehicle-Dependability-Study-Results for more information.

Canon Intros Stylish Carrying Case for PowerShot Digital Cameras

jessica — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:20:20 +0000

Canon's PowerShot cameras are known for their box and circle design, and now there is a carrying case designed just for PowerShot digital cameras. Canon joined forces with LeSportsac to create this case featuring an exclusive "square dance" pattern.

The LeSportsac camera case features long straps so you can wear it across the body or over your shoulder, as well as a swivel snap hook strap which converts to a wristlet. The new case also has two zippered main compartments for accessories and an open front pocket.

"We are thrilled to be working with LeSportsac for this one-of-a-kind case for Canon's Digital ELPH cameras," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "We are consistently looking for ways to keep the user experience stylish, but functional, and this exclusive case will help us do just that."

The new LeSportsac camera case for Canon PowerShot Digital cameras is available now only on Canon Shop Direct online store for $38.

Win a How to Train Your Dragon Video Game and Wii Gaming System

jessica — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Gamers, here is your chance to win a How To Train Your Dragon video game and a gaming system! Starting today (Friday, March 19) visit the official website at www.HowToTrainYourDragonGame.com to enter the contest. A new winner will be chosen each day from now until April 7th, so be sure and enter daily! Winners will be able to choose between a Wii Game System with the Wii version of How To Train Your Dragon and a Nintendo DSI and DS version of the game.

How To Train Your Dragon launches gamers into a third-person action-adventure as a Viking hero where they must embark upon an epic quest to become the ultimate dragon trainer. Gamers can play as characters "Hiccup" or "Astrid" on the vast Island of Berk, which features expanded locales from the film including Vikings' Village, Wild Zone, Training Zone and Fight Arena. In this truly larger-than-life adventure, players will train dragons, explore environments and battle in prestigious dragon tournaments as they battle for Viking victory. Plus, gamers can become the Dragon hero of their living room as they square-off with friends and family in endless head-to-head multi-player combat!

How To Train Your Dragon ships on March 23rd for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and Nintendo DS.

What are you waiting for? Head on over to www.HowToTrainYourDragonGame.com for contest rules and to enter!

Harman Kardon Unveils Spring Lineup

jessica — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:33:09 +0000

Harman introduced its spring lineup today, unveiling new home entertainment, in-car and multimedia products.

"In a world that is evolving at light speed, we understand that the products we design bring the highest-quality sound experience to every part of people's lives," said Christopher M. Dragon, director of consumer and field marketing, Harman International. "Whether it's experiencing the heart-pounding car explosion with the newest film at home or waking up to your favorite song in the morning, we are devoted to bringing the same quality no matter where you are and what you are doing."

Harman has two new 5.1 home entertainment offerings, the Harman Kardon HKTS 20 and HKTS 30. Both home theater packages include a dual-driver center-channel speaker, four compact satellites and a 200W powered, 200mm subwoofer.

Harman Kardon HKTS 20 and HKTS 30 – March 2010

Suggested Retail Price: $799 / $999
Available at: www.harmankardon.com

For the mobile bunch comes the in-car JBL MS-8, what Harman calls a "game-changing product for the mobile category." The MS-8 is a system integration digital processor that can optimize any vehicle's sound performance in about 10 minutes. By following a step-by-step procedure, the MS-8 maximizes frequency response, bass performance, dynamics, clarity, detail and stereo imaging from almost any factory-installed or aftermarket component.

JBL MS-8 – May 2010

Suggested Retail Price: $799
Available at: www.jbl.com

In multimedia, Harman has the brand-new Harman Kardon Go + Play Micro, the JBL On Time 200P, the JBL On Time Micro and the JBL On Stage Micro II.

Harman Kardon Go + Play Micro – March 2010

Suggested Retail Price: $399
Available at: www.harmankardon.com

JBL On Stage Micro II – April 2010

Suggested Retail Price: $129
Available at: www.jbl.com

JBL On Time 200P – April 2010

Suggested Retail Price: $249
Available at: www.jbl.com

JBL On Time Micro – April 2010

Suggested Retail Price: $249
Available at: www.jbl.com

Kindle for Mac Now Available

jessica — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:51:14 +0000

Amazon.com today announced "Kindle for Mac," a free app that lets readers enjoy Kindle books on their Mac computers. Kindle books can now be read on the Kindle, Kindle DX, iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, PC and Mac, and soon the iPad.

With Kindle for Mac, readers can:

Purchase, download, and read hundreds of thousands of books available in the Kindle Store
Access their library of previously purchased Kindle books stored on Amazon's servers for free
Choose from 10 different font sizes and adjust words per line
Whispersync technology automatically synchronizes bookmarks and last page read
View notes and highlights marked on Kindle, Kindle DX, and Kindle for iPhone
Read books in full color including children's books, cookbooks, travel books and textbooks

Several features will be added to the Kindle for Mac app soon, including full text search and the ability to create and edit notes and highlights.

Kindle for Mac is available to customers around the world as a free download. To download the free app, visit www.amazon.com/kindleformac.

HTC HD2 Lands at T-Mobile March 24

jessica — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

T-Mobile this week announced pricing and availability details for the HTC HD2 smartphone. The HTC HD2 was first unveiled last month at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Featuring a 4.3-inch touch screen, it has the largest touch screen on a smartphone in the United States. The new HTC HD2 will come ready with access to eBooks, movies, television programs and more.

Additional features include a 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash, GPS with access to turn-by-turn navigation from TeleNav GPS Navigator, a 16 GB microSD card, and is also the first Windows phone with HTC Sense.

The phone will be available in T-Mobile stores on March 24 for $199.99 with a 2-year-contract. The HTC HD2 will also be available for $449.99 with no monthly contract.

Canon Introduces Six New Affordable Projectors for Business, Education Users

jessica — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:36:53 +0000

New features include Improved Lamp Lighting System, Carbon Reduction Meter, Auto Energy Saver and Power-Saving Stand-By Mode

March, 17, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has advanced and expanded its line of affordable LCD Multimedia Projectors with two new WXGA resolution (1280 x 800) widescreen and four new XGA resolution (1024 x 768) models. Compact and lightweight with more convenient user features than ever before, Canon’s new LV-8310, LV-8215, LV-7385, LV-7380, LV-7285 and LV-7280 LCD Multimedia Projectors are ideal for educational and business presenters seeking to display bright, crisp images and videos.

"Canon strives to develop projectors offering superior quality and flexibility to the end-user," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A. "The addition of these new LCD Multimedia Projectors will provide customers with many different options to choose from when deciding what their projection needs entail."

New Features

All six new models share several new and innovative features, such as:

Improved Lamp Lighting System to help reduce power consumption and CO2 emissions by operating the lamp at a lower wattage (without reducing lamp intensity) and also extend the lamp life up to 4,000 hours in Normal Mode and 5,000 hours in Quiet Mode.
Carbon Reduction Meter to calculate and display the amount of CO2 emissions reduced from operating in Quiet Mode.
Auto Energy Saver which automatically switches the projector to Quiet Mode when no input signal is received for one minute. This helps to both save energy and prolong the life of the lamp.
Power-Saving Stand-By Mode to aid in reducing overall power consumption to less than 1W by setting the stand-by mode to “Power Saving”.

Responding to the growing popularity of widescreen notebook and desktop computers, Canon's new LV-8310 and LV-8215 LCD Multimedia Projectors provide native WXGA widescreen resolution (1280 x 800) and an aspect ratio of 16:10. This enables these two new projectors to support WXGA resolution computers without the need for compression and/or unsightly distortion.

Key Features of new Canon LCD Projectors

In addition to the new features cited above, Canon’s new LCD Multimedia Projectors share a wide variety of key features providing optimum performance and convenient operation. One such attribute is high brightness for use in areas, such as classrooms or meeting rooms, where ambient light exists and cannot be controlled, and turning the lights off is not preferred.

The new projectors are rated as follows:

LV-7385: 3500 lumens
LV-8310 and LV-7380: 3000 lumens
LV-8215 and LV-7285: 2600 lumens
LV-7280: 2200 lumens

Each projector also has multiple inputs for a wide variety of computer, video and control sources and functions. The DVI-I interface ensures a digital connection supports the HDCP and high-definition contents available today (HD signals supported include 1080i and 720p). Also included is an RS-232 port and a built-in RJ-45 network port which is most often used by colleges/universities and those managing larger AV systems to connect projectors to an existing network to conveniently control them from a remote location.

Pricing, Availability and Warranty Information

The new Canon LV-8310 and LV-8215 LCD Multimedia Projectors will have a suggested list price of $1,199 and $1,099, respectively. The suggested list price of the new LV-7385, LV-7380, LV-7285 and LV-7280 LCD Multimedia Projectors will be $1,699, $999, $899, and $799, respectively. All of the new models are scheduled to ship in early April and will be backed by Canon U.S.A.'s Three-Year Limited Warranty and exclusive Projector Protection Program ("Triple P"). Triple P is a FREE service program that provides a loaner projector of equal or greater value in the event that a qualifying unit is in need of repair. Triple P is available on all Canon projector models during the Canon U.S.A. Three-Year Limited Warranty period.*

For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com/projectors.

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

* Loaner units based on availability. Program subject to change at any time without given notice. Contact the Canon Customer Support Center at 1.800.828.4040 for complete details.

SOURCE Canon