Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Holiday Deals: Free Vudu, Books, and Other Gadget-Buy Extras]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Vudu


You're buying so many tech gifts this year, so wouldn't it be nice of those companies actually gave you a present in addition to their products? Yes, we thought so, too.

We saw an interesting deal between Sharp and new video-on-demand service Vudu, where the purchase of a new Aquos LCD display gets you a free Vudu set-top box and $50 in download credit. You'll put that to good use, for sure.

But instead of melting your brain on all that video, wouldn't it be nice if you actually read a book now and then? Click your way to Sony's site, where you'll find a deal that will put 100 classic books in your hands when you buy one of its Readers, a competitor to the Amazon Kindle. The books offered include such classics as Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' and H.G. Wells' 'The Time Machine.'

Finally, if you're looking for an audio experience, buying the Microsoft Zune will garner you a $20 gift card from Best Buy or $15 in downloads from Amazon.com.

Let's see, that's video, words, music... looks like we've covered our bases.



Related links:

SwitchedHoliday Deals: Free Vudu, Books, and Other Gadget-Buy Extras originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday DealsHoliday Gift GuideHolidayDealsHolidayGiftGuidesony-reader zune vudu sharp aquos microsoft amazon best-buySony-readerZuneVuduSharpAquosMicrosoftAmazonBest-buyMon, 24 Dec 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Computer Monitor Pick: Samsung Syncmaster 245T]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/our-computer-monitor-pick-samsung-syncmaster-245t/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/our-computer-monitor-pick-samsung-syncmaster-245t/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/our-computer-monitor-pick-samsung-syncmaster-245t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


It's crisp. It's colorful. It's widescreen and it swivels. Plus, the Samsung Syncmaster 245T has HDMI inputs in addition to standard DVI and analog inputs. A 24", better-than-1080p TV, computer monitor and swivel head all for $800? Looks sweet to us.

Related Links:

SwitchedOur Computer Monitor Pick: Samsung Syncmaster 245T originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[For the Traveler: Samsung P2, a Real iPod Killer]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/for-the-traveler-samsung-p2-a-real-ipod-killer/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/for-the-traveler-samsung-p2-a-real-ipod-killer/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/for-the-traveler-samsung-p2-a-real-ipod-killer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,




Samsung P2
$250, samsungusa.com

Most so-called iPod-killers hardly live up to the name, much less Apple's digital audio player, but Samsung's P2 is pretty darn close. The size of a pack of Dentyne, and yet boasting a three-inch, 16:9 touchscreen, the P2 is a perfect alternative for iTunes haters, or just somebody who's got a lot of WMA or cell-phone-music-store-purchased tunes on their PCs. The elegant and kinetic onscreen interface is playful and surprisingly responsive, which makes browsing for everything from pictures and non-iTunes songs (Napster, Rhapsody, and the like) to TV shows purchased from Amazon Unbox and Wal-Mart a pleasurable cinch. Oh, and volume goes up to 11.

SwitchedFor the Traveler: Samsung P2, a Real iPod Killer originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideiPod KillersIpodKillersSamsung P2SamsungP2Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[For the Video Hound: Vudu]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Vudu
$399, vudu.com

About as big as a Mac Mini, the Vudu box gives you access to over 5,000 movies for rent or purchase. Vudu uses the same peer-to-peer technology that pirates use to illegally swap movies online, but for good purposes like letting you watch a movie instantly even though it's not done downloading. The service just started offering HD movies you'd actually want to watch - like the 'Bourne Ultimatum' - but the mostly standard definition (SD) movies on offer still look stunning since the box upscales video to quasi-HD quality, while the ergonomic remote is the most responsive to come along since Tivo.

SwitchedFor the Video Hound: Vudu originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideVuduSun, 23 Dec 2007 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Home Theater in One Piece (ok, two): Boston Acoustics TV2]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/22/home-theater-in-one-ok-two-piece-boston-acoustics-tv2/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/22/home-theater-in-one-ok-two-piece-boston-acoustics-tv2/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/22/home-theater-in-one-ok-two-piece-boston-acoustics-tv2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Surround sound home theater systems sound awesome, but all those wires and speakers can clutter a small room. The TV2 from Boston Acoustics might not deliver surround sound, but it does pack much more punch than your TV's built-in speakers as our very own Tom Samiljan demonstrates here.

Related Links:

SwitchedHome Theater in One Piece (ok, two): Boston Acoustics TV2 originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Best TV Pick: Pioneer Kuro Elite 50-Inch Plasma HDTV]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/our-best-tv-pick-pioneer-kuro-elite-50-inch-plasma-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/our-best-tv-pick-pioneer-kuro-elite-50-inch-plasma-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/our-best-tv-pick-pioneer-kuro-elite-50-inch-plasma-hdtv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


For the videophile who's been really, really good this year, there's no better way to say "I love, but I'd like you to stop talking so much" than by giving the top-of-the-line Pioneer Kuro Elite 50-inch PDP-5010FD. With picture quality so pristine that, from 3.5-feet you can see the film grain -- but not the pixels -- this TV will leave anyone speachless.

SwitchedOur Best TV Pick: Pioneer Kuro Elite 50-Inch Plasma HDTV originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flat panelsflat-panelsFlatPanelsHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuidePioneerPioneer KuroPioneerKuroplasmaplasmasFri, 21 Dec 2007 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Live NCAA Games On Your Cell Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/19/live-ncaa-games-on-your-cell-phone/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/19/live-ncaa-games-on-your-cell-phone/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/19/live-ncaa-games-on-your-cell-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In a move destined to give gadget heads with gridiron proclivities a reason to rejoice, Verizon has announced that its V Cast customers will have access to live, full-length NCAA college football bowl games on their cellular phones this season. While the major BCS championship bowls will not be offered, subscribers with V Cast-outfitted phones will be able to view 24 of the less-heralded contests, starting with the Poinsettia Bowl on December 20, which pits Utah versus Navy. BetaNews and the Silicon Alley Insider report that ESPN Mobile TV, CBS Mobile and Fox Mobile will provide live coverage of the games through Qualcomm's MediaFLO mobile broadcast service.

An indication that competition among service providers is in the streaming video sphere, the announcement is also another example of companies trying to outdo each other by offering exclusive, premium content. We also see it as a sign of the times, as consumers clamor for their cell phones to be do-it-all computers rather than relatively simple communication devices. But, alas, that notion is the stuff of a different post, as we leave you with a question: Will you be streaming the Auburn/Clemson Chic-fil-A Bowl or the Georgia Tech versus Fresno State Roady's Humanitarian Bowl?

From Verizon (via BetaNews and Silicon Alley Insider)


Related Links:

SwitchedLive NCAA Games On Your Cell Phone originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowl gamesBowlGamesexpire-images:2008-12-18footballMobiel AppsMobielAppsMobile TVMobileTvNCAASports TechSportsTechV CastVCastvideoWed, 19 Dec 2007 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Pick: Burton Sleeper Hoodie Holds Gadgets and More]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/gift-pick-burton-sleeper-hoodie-holds-gadgets-and-more/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/gift-pick-burton-sleeper-hoodie-holds-gadgets-and-more/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/gift-pick-burton-sleeper-hoodie-holds-gadgets-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,





HYPE CHECK: BURTON SLEEPER HOODIE
.

What it is: Burton's Sleeper Hoodie is designed for the busy air traveler, but should be a big hit with everyone from bands who spend weeks at a time tour buses, to those of us who like to catch a nap on the bus on our way to work. Inside the neck rests an inflatable neck pillow; blow it up, and you've got immediate, built-in head support. (Much better than resting your head on the corner between the seat and the window, much less the person next to you.) It's also got hidden compartments for your MP3 player (lower left), passport (inner left), and even your earplugs (it comes with a pair). It even has thumb holes in the sleeve cuffs for those with cold hands, and zippers under the armpits (with mesh in between) for when you get all hot and bothered (like during the spaghetti scene of 'Lady and the Tramp'). There's more: a light shield pulls down to block out the glare of the sun-like reading lights your neighbor refuses to turn off (if not fully block out those fluorescents lining the cabin wall), and a headphone port for wiring your music inside the shirt. It feels like something to add to your essential travel arsenal -- and since it looks and feels like a regular hoodie when disengaged, you can even where it when you get wherever it is you're going. As long as it's not Tahiti.

Why it's different: Most sweatshirts don't do anything other than zip up. This one does about everything except cook you breakfast.

What it costs: $100

What we like: For those that travel long distances, this thing is a lifesaver. It's incredibly versatile and feature-packed, and this sort of combination of technology and fashion is long overdue. The ability to adjust your temperature actually works in practice -- finally avoid sweaty armpits during boarding, and the thumb holes really do keep your palms warm, no matter how high they decide to crank the AC. The whole thing just feels very well thought-out and designed.


What we don't like: Rather than the wrap-around style neck pillow that they sell in airports, the inflatable pillow in the neck is more of a log-shaped affair. It still works - even without anything to lean against, you can just rest your head on either of your shoulders - but the full wrap-around action would have been even better. Also, while the design is great if you're into big graphics (we love the line-art airplane), it's perhaps not the most subtle thing in the world - this thing might not fly with the over-50 business set (pun intended).

Does it live up to the hype? Yes. We love it. It's an incredibly useful piece of gear for those of us that take long trips (or perhaps lots of short ones, requiring sporadic naps), and feels like it will last many, many hours of airtime. It's a heavy-duty sweatshirt, and for $100, you can't really argue with the comfort and peace of mind it give you - even when sandwiched between two fatsos (loudly eating sandwiches) on your flight from LA to London.


Gallery: Burton Sleeper Hoodie -- Up Close




Related Links:

Switched Reviews the Gibson Robotic Guitar
Is the Amazon Kindle Really the iPod of Books
Best Headphones for the Gym

SwitchedGift Pick: Burton Sleeper Hoodie Holds Gadgets and More originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>High-Tech ClothingHigh-techClothingHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideMon, 17 Dec 2007 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Negative YouTube Clip Assails Huckabee Campaign]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/negative-youtube-clip-assails-huckabee-campaign/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/negative-youtube-clip-assails-huckabee-campaign/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/negative-youtube-clip-assails-huckabee-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The power of so-called New Media is again on display as a YouTube political attack ad makes mainstream media headlines. Wired reports that a 58-second video vilifying Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has generated 47,955 hits since Thursday on the popular video Web site. The ad, made by 29-year-old Republican Keith Emis, criticizes the former governor of Arkansas for paroling incarcerated serial rapist Wayne Dumond, who murdered Carol Sue Shields upon his early release.

Emis collaborated with a friend who specializes in video production on the YouTube clip. The video recounts the circumstances surrounding Shield's death, beginning with a close-up of her mother, Lois Davidson, who grimly states that her daughter "won't be home for Christmas this year." Emis denies that he created the video to discredit Huckabee on behalf of another Republican candidate that he may support, like Fred Thompson, as some have suggested.

The YouTube piece marks the increasing influence of internet-based media on traditional media and, consequently, the American political arena, having prompted the Huckabee campaign to respond on the campaign Web site and on CNN (and posting the rejoinder on YouTube). Indeed, some pundits say the allegations that Huckabee pressed for Dumond's premature release may prove to be politically damaging. Others argue that his clean image as a Baptist Minister will not be tarnished by a Web-based media assault. Regardless, it is clear that the supremacy of traditional media in capturing the news and informing and influencing the public is being challenged by the all-access nature of the Internet.

Then again, pundits have been saying the Internet is making a big difference in elections for 10 years, but has the Internet ever really elected a president, or has it just created hype around candidates who eventually lose? Time will tell whether the Internet decides who won the 2008 presidential election.

From Wired

Related Links:

SwitchedNegative YouTube Clip Assails Huckabee Campaign originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArkansasDavidsonDumondElectionHuckabeeNew MediaNewMediapoliticsYoutube adYoutubeAdMon, 17 Dec 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's New YouTube Feature Lets You Upload and Add GPS Tags]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/13/helios-new-youtube-access-upload/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/13/helios-new-youtube-access-upload/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/13/helios-new-youtube-access-upload/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Helio Ocean with new YouTube app



And you thought everything was going to High Def in a handbasket? Here's more evidence we live in a lo-fi world: a more YouTube-capable experience is out from Helio, maker of the Ocean, an already cool mobile communications device (the word "phone" just doesn't cut it) that provides video, GPS and a whole slew of other features in addition to making calls.

Many mobile phones already let you watch YouTube clips and some even let you upload to the site but Helio's new YouTube application, available only on the Ocean so far, lets users log in to access more "core" features available on YouTube, such as ratings and access to personal videos. Plus, there's no fee for using the feature, which is always nice.

Best of all, the application lets you upload captured video, GPS tag it, and then share it. You can also browse, rate, comment and subscribe to other YouTube users' channels.

From what we've seen so far, this is certainly the most robust YouTube offering on a cell phone, particularly since it takes advantage of the Helio Ocean's new built-in GPS and high-speed 3G uploading and downloading capabilities. Take your video obsession with you wherever you go, assuming you actually have one of these babies. Do you?


Related Links:




SwitchedHelio's New YouTube Feature Lets You Upload and Add GPS Tags originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HelioHelio OceanHelioOceanMobile AppsMobileAppsThu, 13 Dec 2007 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[LG Claims New Hybrid HD Disc Player is Out (But Shelves Are Empty)]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/12/lg-claims-new-hybrid-hd-disc-player-is-out-but-shelves-are-empt/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/12/lg-claims-new-hybrid-hd-disc-player-is-out-but-shelves-are-empt/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/12/lg-claims-new-hybrid-hd-disc-player-is-out-but-shelves-are-empt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The LG Super Blu Player BH200

LG Electronics announced it is putting its second-generation hybrid high definition disc player on retail shelves, making good on a promise made in September at the CEDIA trade show to have the new devices ready for the holidays.

The LG Super Blu Player, officially known as the BH200, will carry a $999 price tag and is capable of reading high-definition discs in the two competing formats currently on the market, Blu-ray and HD-DVD. (Blu-ray is supported primarily by Sony and Panasonic while HD-DVD is the darling of Toshiba and Microsoft.) The player also works with standard DVDs.

Until the consumer electronics industry can settle on a single high definition format for discs -- something we don't expect to happen anytime soon -- a dual format player is the only solution for movie aficionados who just have to have the latest movie in HD.

While Samsung has announced its new hybrid player will be out soon for $200 less, during a visit to LG's headquarters in scenic Palisades, N.J., marketing vice president Allan Jason pointedly explained the value in LG's offering. "It's one thing to say you have a better price on a product. It's another to actually have product on store shelves," he said. LG says the BH200 is available at retailers nationwide, however a quick check of Best Buy's Web site shows product is sold out there and at its stores across the country -- even in Minneapolis, Best Buy's home town. Same goes for Circuit City online and at its retail locations, even in its Richmond, Va., backyard.

Kudos to LG for having a popular product. Too bad for those of us not fast enough to the store to grab one.

From BetaNews.


Related Links:

SwitchedLG Claims New Hybrid HD Disc Player is Out (But Shelves Are Empty) originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raybluraybreaking+newshddvdhdtvLGtopWed, 12 Dec 2007 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon Wireless 'Swiveling' Flipshot Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/07/verizon-wireless-swiveling-flipshot-phone/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/07/verizon-wireless-swiveling-flipshot-phone/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/07/verizon-wireless-swiveling-flipshot-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Verizon Wireless recently released the FlipShot by Samsung, a snazzy new 3-megapixel (MP) camera phone with swivel 'technology.' The crisp 240x320 pixel phone display swivels 180 degrees to allow for different viewing angles and easy sharing of multimedia with friends. To activate the camera, you just open the clamshell halfway and swivel the display 90-degrees towards you and begin shooting (similar to the Nokia N93 camera phone). The pictures can be resized from the high-end of 2048x1536 to the low end of 160x120 for ease of sharing videos through text messages and MMS (multi-media messaging), or you can even print them wirelessly using PictBridge. Most phones coming out from Verizon these days support the EV-DO high speed data networkm, and the FlipShot is no exception. You can stream music and video from Verizon's V Cast Music and Video service or even quickly download songs that catch your fancy. You can then store your downloaded songs and video on up to 4 -gigabytes (GB) of memory via the MicroSD slot provided (card sold separately of course).

The FlipShot is also quite reasonably priced at $199 with a 2-year contract with Verizon Wireless, and is sure to be appreciated by creative types and amateur shutterbugs everywhere.

From BetaNews.com

SwitchedVerizon Wireless 'Swiveling' Flipshot Phone originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expire-images:2008-12-6HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideFri, 07 Dec 2007 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Gateway 30-Inch LCD XHD3000 High-Definition Monitor]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/01/gateway-30-inch-lcd-xhd3000-high-definition-monitor/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/01/gateway-30-inch-lcd-xhd3000-high-definition-monitor/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/01/gateway-30-inch-lcd-xhd3000-high-definition-monitor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


For those who need screen real-estate for High-Definition graphics manipulation (or maybe just some home video- or picture-editing), the new $1,700 Gateway XHD3000 LCD 30-inch monitor is perfect -- it's not only huge for a computer monitor, but it also up-converts video to 1600p, a startling four times higher than standard 720p high-definition video. With state-of-the-art connections, including HDMI, VGA, DVI, composite, S-Video and six USB ports this monitor can handle any kind of source you might want to plug into it. The HD Picture-in-Picture technology lets, say, shutterbugs be productive on Adobe Photoshop while they catch up on their woefully long classic movie list. Although this baby hooks up to surround sound systems quite easily, it's not really required, since it since comes with an eight-speaker soundbar at the bottom that emits a 3-D-like sound. Ideal for creative multi-taskers.

From Gateway Computer

SwitchedGateway 30-Inch LCD XHD3000 High-Definition Monitor originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Computer MonitorsComputerMonitorsCreativeType,Under$2000GatewayHD MonitorsHdMonitorsHDTVHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideLCDSat, 01 Dec 2007 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 HD Webcam]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/01/gift-guide-logitech-quickcam-pro-9000-and-skype-hd-video-callin/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/01/gift-guide-logitech-quickcam-pro-9000-and-skype-hd-video-callin/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/01/gift-guide-logitech-quickcam-pro-9000-and-skype-hd-video-callin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Now that Skype and Logitech have unveiled upgrades to their video calling software, it's time to start videocalling over the Internet in High-Definition. With the QuickCam Pro 9000 and its snazzy Carl Zeiss lens, travelers can finally make those 30--frames-per--second calls to their buddies (or significant others) and do lightning-fast karate moves with no frozen frames! It's small and compact, which makes it ideal for the traveler's laptop. And even though it shoots and displays in state-of-the-art HD, the QuickCamPro 9000 is virtually dummy-proof, since it has built-in face-tracking technoloogy to keep you focused in the center of the frame. It's a steal at $99.

From Logitech


SwitchedLogitech QuickCam Pro 9000 HD Webcam originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expire-images:2008-11-30Gadget Hound, Under $100GadgetHound,Under$100HDHolidashwebcamsSat, 01 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Onkyo HT-SP908 Home-Theater-in-a-Box (HTIB)]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/25/onkyo-ht-sp908-home-theater-in-a-box-htib/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/25/onkyo-ht-sp908-home-theater-in-a-box-htib/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/25/onkyo-ht-sp908-home-theater-in-a-box-htib/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Onkyo HT-SP908 Home Theater in a Box (Video Junkie, $1,000 and Under)

The movie buff in your family would certainly appreciate the new HT-SP908 Home Theater In a Box (HTIB) from Onkyo. Bonus points if said film fanatic also happens to have a soft spot for over-the-top tech. The feature list on the receiver alone makes this package a steal in the $750-$850 price range.

First of all, it's the first HTIB system to have state-of-the-art HDMI 1.3 connectors, which allow for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio playback (the latest and greatest versions of those sound processing standards). The built-in upscaling for all video sources makes sure regular DVDs, standard def TV shows, and home videos look HD-esque and top notch. It's also XM and Sirius satellite radio ready (you just need to get a subscription), and it has an integrated iPod dock. The included DVD player handles not only your standard DVDs and CDs, but also Windows Media, DivX, MPEG 4, and MP3 files. And let's not forget about the 7.1 90-watt-per-channel wall-mountable speakers.

This HTIB can handle just about anything you throw at it, just look at all those logos!

Essentially, it's a state-of-the-art home theater system for less than $1,000! Any one who wouldn't appreciate getting this for the holidays is obviously not playing with a full deck.

From Onkyo.

SwitchedOnkyo HT-SP908 Home-Theater-in-a-Box (HTIB) originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$1,000 and Under$1,000AndUnderholidashholiday gift guideHolidayGiftGuidehome theaterHomeTheateronkyovideo junkieVideoJunkieSun, 25 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod Classic 160-Gigabyte]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/24/ipod-classic-160-gigabyte/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/24/ipod-classic-160-gigabyte/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/24/ipod-classic-160-gigabyte/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Real video hounds want lots of space for their movies, shows, and podcasts, and Apple's latest $349 iPod Classic 160 Gigabyte(GB) truly delivers: It'll hold 40,000 songs, 25,000 photos, or 200 hours of video, all while having a smaller form factor than its predecessors. Sure, it's no iPod Touch with it's big screen and slim form, but that sexier arriviste only has 16-gigabytes of memory, hardly enough for much more than a few hours of video. Capacity aside, the revamped and upsized iPod classic has a lot of other new additions besides size: Apple has added a handy search function, as well as Cover Flow, which allows you to flip through 3-D album-art renditions of your music and video library. If the video hound in your life orders at least a couple of TV shows or video podcasts off of iTunes a week, he or she will be delighted with the 160-gigabyte iPod Classic (at least until the next and bigger iPod classic comes out).


From Apple

SwitchediPod Classic 160-Gigabyte originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Holiday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideiPodiPod ClassicIpodClassicPortable VideoPortableVideoUnder $500Under$500Video JunkieVideoJunkieSat, 24 Nov 2007 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[EyeClops]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/gift-guide-eyeclops/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/gift-guide-eyeclops/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/gift-guide-eyeclops/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The EyeClops ($50) is a great concept: Essentially an electronic hand-held microscope that plugs into your TV, and displays whatever you're pointing it at onto the big screen -- magnified 200 times over. There are some limitations if you're using it with a TV (namely, having to be tethered to the TV and view things around the house); however, those armed with a video camera (with a composite video jack) will find it much more versatile. Going out into nature and filming grass, tree bark, and butterfly wings up close, recording it, and taking it back home for big-screen viewing is pretty awesome. No matter how old you are.


From Jakks

SwitchedEyeClops originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$50 and under$50AndUnderEye-ClopsHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideKidstoysvideo junkieVideoJunkieWeirdMon, 19 Nov 2007 19:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Sling Media Slinbox SOLO]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/sling-media-slinbox-solo/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/sling-media-slinbox-solo/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/sling-media-slinbox-solo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Slinbox SOLO
If the video junkie in your life is constantly buying and renting DVDs, downloading movies and videos, it's time you help bring his or her video-watching habits world-wide. With the $179 Slingbox Solo, you can watch and control any video source you have at home -- a DVR, cable, satellite, or DVD player -- anywhere in the world. Yes, we said anywhere. You can play back video on a laptop or even cell phone from virtually anywhere, as long as your device is connected to the Internet or data connection (if it's a cell phone). The SOLO is also HD compatible, carries no extra fees, and it looks cool as all get-out in its shiny black exterior. Trust us: your video maven will love you for this.

From Sling Media

SwitchedSling Media Slinbox SOLO originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:58:00 EST