Home Entertainment

With the TV heavyweights unleashing a torrent of 3D LCD and plasma TVs on us this year it would be easy to assume that those are the only technologies capable of providing 3D viewing in the home. A small Los Gatos, California-based startup called HDI is out blow such assumptions out of the water with what it says is a superior 3D alternative. By all reports the company’s laser-driven 100-inch 2D/3D Switchable Dynamic Video Projection Television delivers a stunning 3D picture, thanks in part to its boasting the highest refresh rate of any mass-produced television or projector. Read More

Halden-Caviglia has a designed a series of Flat Screen Showcases for home-owners who prefer to steer clear of the minimalist approach to home decorating. For some, that large, sleek and modern-looking TV just doesn’t go with the rest of the furniture. For others, it’s a cheaper option for turning their large screen TV into something more akin to a home theater. Whatever the motivation, the company is attempting to create an entirely new product segment that makes the most of the ubiquitous flat panel TV. Read More

To take full advantage of stereo sound, many consumers will install their AV equipment to suit the room’s furniture – sound and vision pointing to the best seat in the house so you can take full advantage of that stereo “sweetspot”. That’s fine when you’re sitting watching a movie, but what happens you start playing the latest active games on Nintendo’s Wii, Sony’s PlayStation3 and Microsoft’s Project Natal? Researchers at the Technology University of Dresden, Germany, have the answer. Read More

LG has unveiled what is the sure to be the first of many LED TVs to get the 3D treatment. The LX9500 is illuminated by panels of LEDs directly behind the screen for local dimming, with the 55-inch model alone boasting 1,200 of the semiconductor light sources. The LEDs help the TV achieve a 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio while sporting an ultra-thin 22.3mm (less than 1 inch) deep body with a stylish 16mm super-narrow bezel. Read More

If you to watch movies or listen to music without ambient noise, but don't want to fork out huge amounts of hard-earned cash on expensive loudspeakers (only to be told to turn them down so the rest of the household can talk to each other), wireless headphones make a great solution. Sony's latest offering - the MDR-RF4000K digital cordless headphones - include a unique new storage and charging dock and an impressive wireless range of 30m (100ft). Read More

Following its release in Korea late last year LG’s entry into the OLED TV market, the EL9500, is apparently now shipping in the UK. Without any fanfare (or even a picture of the unit) a listing for the 15-inch TV has appeared on Amazon.co.uk with a price of UK£1,970.25 (approx. US$2,962 at time of publication). The listing comes as a bit of a surprise as LG had previously announced that it would start shipping the 15-inch TV in Europe in May 2010. Read More

German high-end audio specialist Vincent Audio has announced immediate availability of its new CD player. Benefiting from noise-reducing component isolation and offering the user the choice of rich vacuum or precise digital reproduction, the C-60 also offers premium XLR balanced output and a highly accurate Philips transport. But serious audio enjoyment does come at a price. Read More

Last year UK broadcaster Sky announced it would launch Europe’s first 3D TV channel. It has now revealed that Saturday April 3rd will be the kick off date, with the broadcast of a Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea. Football fans will be able to don 3D glasses in over a thousand pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland that have already signed up for the 3D service as will residential subscribers with the necessary 3D capable equipment. Read More

XpanD is offering a solution to the frustration of having to potentially purchase numerous sets of brand-specific glasses in order to enjoy 3D content on different televisions and 3D-enabled devices. It's X103 active shutter glasses are said to work on almost all new 3D-ready TVs, no matter the brand. Read More