Transfer Your Vinyl Records to PC the Easy Way

If you are over a certain age :o), then more than likely you will have a catalog of vinyl records that you would love to transfer to your PC. Sony have just introduced their PS-LX300USB turntable, that makes this process; simple and painless.

Just plug the turntable into your PC using the USB cable and the included Soundforge Audio Studio software takes care of the rest. Once onnyour PC, you are then free to listen to them on your mp3 player of choice.

The PS-LX300USB turntable will retail for around $150

ads from Shopzilla

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Altec Lansing T612 Speaker Dock Reduces iPhone Interference

Here is one more speaker dock to add to your list; this time for the Apple iPhone. The Altec Lansing T612 gives you the additional satisfaction of knowing that feedback should be a thing of the past, due to its internal GSM shielding. Once you receive a call on your iPhone, the T612 stops the music and restarts as soon as you re-dock the iPhone. Complete with a handy remote, the T612 looks like a good option for those looking for an iPhone speaker dock.

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iLive iT188B Speaker Bar for the IPod and iPhone

The speaker docks for the iPod just keep on coming and coming. Here is the latest offering from iLive. The the iLive iT188B, as you can see is a speaker bar that should accommodate your iPod or iPhone. It comes with built in dual subwoofers and includes auxiliary input, dual A/V jacks, and video out. You will also find an AM/FM radio with clock.

The iT188B sound bar should be available in April

Source: SlipperyBrick

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Yamaha YPS 3000 Soundbar

Pure audiophiles will steer you away from soundbars, but not everyone wants or can accommodate a full 5 or 6 speaker system into their lives. This is where the Yamaha YPS 3000 comes in.

The YPS 3000 packs 2 HDMI inputs, Neural Surround Dolby Pro-Logic DTS 5.1, SRS TruBass, a Compressed Music Enhancer for MP3s, their 3rd Generation IntelliBeam with optimizer microphone and is compatible with Apple iPods.

Measuring in at 35.5 x 6 x 4.5, the YPS 3000 reproduces its sound with its digital amplifier that individually drives 21 sound beam drivers and two woofers to deliver true multi-channel surround sound.

The YPS 3000 should retail for just under $1000 at Amazon (affiliate link)

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OutCast by SoundCast Wireless Outdoor Speaker

If you are looking for an outdoor speaker for your next BBQ party, then the OutCast could be for you. This is an ‘all weather’ speaker system that features an 8” downward firing woofer, four 3” high frequency drivers in an omni-directional array, a 100 watt digital amplifier and the Soundcast receiver.

Fully charged the Outcast can pump out your tunes for 10 hours and can also be powered by AC while charging the batteries. The included iCast transmitter allows you to stream music direct to the speaker from your iPod or you can use the direct input to play tunes from any mp3 or audio device.

Controls on the speaker give you; volume, on/off, and mood lighting.

The OutCast as the name suggests is not discreet, and for $699 would you want it to be?

Source: SoundCast via Ubergizmo
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Squeeze Box Duet Fills Your Home with Music

Logitech have just released their Squeezebox Duet network music system. The system allows you to listen to music stored on your PC on any audio system in your home (provided you have one of the receivers connected to the audio system). Not only can you listen to your stored music, the Squeezebox Duet allows you to listen to internet radio and also subscription music services.

The system comes I two parts; the controller and the receiver. The receiver is connected to your PC via WiFi and the receiver to your entertainment system by standard audio cables. A simple wizard then sets up the system and you are good to go. Just browse your music collection using the controller and the 2.4 inch color display and play your desired tracks or radio station.

The Squeezebox Duet network music system is retailing for $399. Additional receivers will be available for $149

Source: Logitech

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Christmas Countdown Day 4 Samsung BD-UP5000 HD DVD and Blue Ray Player

Just like back in the day when the VHS and Betamax pitched consumer against consumer; history is repeating itself in the current DVD format war. If you are still undecided between HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray HD discs; then why not take a closer look at The Samsung BD-UP5000.

The Samsung BD-UP5000 gives you 1080p, 1080i and 720p HD native resolutions and will playback both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray HD discs. It also features:
HQV video upconversion processing (720p/1080i/1080p)
1080p 24fps playback on Blu-ray and HD DVD
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio support
HDMI version 1.3, Component Video, S-Video and Composite video outputs
16.9 x 3.1 x 12.8 inches ; 9.3 pounds

The only downside to the Samsung BD-UP5000; will not be available for Christmas Day. It will be available at the beginning of Jan 2008 for around $800 You can always print off a picture of the Samsung BD-UP5000 and wrapped it up…

Holiday Gift Idea: 3.5 Stars

Related Posts:
Christmas Countdown Day 1
Christmas Countdown Day 2
Christmas Countdown Day 3



Source: TFTS

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XPS One from Dell Now Available

For those of you looking for an ‘all in one’ PC but do not want to jump to a Mac. You might be glad to know that you can now purchase the Dell XPS One. Dell has certainly made the XPS One look stunning with its bezel-less 20" display, smoked glass base, and motion sensitive controls that glow when your hand gets close; but then again so is the Apple iMac. So what do you get for your money?

The base system retails for $1499 and gives you:
20 inch widescreen display with Intel® Core 2 Duo E4500
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 2 DIMMs
Hybrid Analog/Digital TV Tuner with Remote Control
Integrated Video
250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
16X Slot load CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
8-in-1 Media Reader Included

Obviously you can customize the system as with all Dell systems and if you dig a little deeper say to $2399, you can upgrade to:
20 inch widescreen display with Intel® Core 2 Duo E6550
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2400 Video Card
500GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
Blu-ray Slot Load Drive (BD/DVD/CD burner w/dbl layer BD write capability)

My only question with all of these ‘all in one’ systems is. What happens when your screen dies?

Source: Dell

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The AeroBlast and AeroSpin Vacuums from Panasonic

OK, so it’s not the latest Panasonic TV and you can not make hands free calls on it. But someone over at Panasonic spent a lot of time to bring you their new line of upright cyclonic bagless vacuum cleaners; yes, vacuum cleaners.

The AeroBlast MC-UL975 and AeroSpin MC-UL675 and MC-UL671 are the latest vacuum cleaners from Panasonic. All three models have been designed (according to Panasonic) to make cleaning easy, efficient and effective.

Each one comes with 12 amp motors, anti-static dirt cups and automatic filter cleaning systems (which are supposed to ensure they operate at full power without dirt clogging the filters). The top of the line MC-UL975 features a dual motor system for more thorough carpet cleaning, more accurate agitator speed for different surfaces and a longer lasting belt. The model also features a cleaning system that activates when the unit is turned on.

As you would expect they also come with a myriad of cleaning attachments.

The AeroBlast MC-UL975 is not cheap at $699.99, with the AeroSpin™ MC-UL675 and MC-UL671 coming in at a more reasonable $249.99 and $199.99 respectively.



Source: Panasonic Press Release

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Marvel Comics Now Online

Marvel comics have made 2,500 of its back issues available online to subscribers and 250 issues available free of charge (for a limited time period). The subscription service will give users access to first issues of titles including The Amazing Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk.

There will be a 6 month delay for new issues and users will only be able to view the comics online – downloading will not be possible. The comics will be available in various formats to view; including frame by frame navigation.

If you are a Marvel fan this might be a good place to start if you need to catch up on past issues. I’m actually surprised it has taken so long for this to happen. It seems pretty logical to me to have the comics available online.

Check out Marvel Comics Online

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Bi Metal HA-FX300 Ear Buds from JVC

JVC has just released a premium ear-bud; the HA-FX300. The HA-FX300 uses an aluminum evaporation diaphragm to reproduces high-frequency detail more accurately than conventional cellulose or polymer-based diaphragms. These ear-buds also come with JVC’s new Bi-METAL structure where the drive unit is housed in a stainless steel base wrapped in a high-specific-gravity brass ring to eliminate vibration and energy loss.

The HA-FX300 also uses an aluminum housing and oxygen-free copper (OFC) that minimizes transmission loss. The ear-buds come with three different sized silicon rubber earpieces and a pair of memory foam earpieces for a customized fit.

The HA-FX300 will retail for around $99.95 and are available in black, red and bronze.

Source: JVC

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Creative HD50 Stereo are Small and Loud

Creative have just announced the GigaWorks HD50 stereo speakers. The GigaWorks HD50 come with titanium super tweeters, two-inch diameter high-definition drivers and built-in BasXPort technology.

The HD50 has been designed to channel sound waves to flow from the inner chamber of the speaker to the soundstage which should improve bass and give a more natural sound.

Measuring just 9.1cm x 7cm x 14.1cm, the HD50 speakers are small in statue; big in sound.

Source: Creative

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Toshiba HD A2 Below $100 at Walmart

There are still a few weeks to go before ‘Black Friday’ but Walmart are determined to offer a few bargains before then. If you have not decided whether you are a HD or Blu-Ray person, then this weekend’s deal at Walmart might persuade you. This Friday, November 2, you can pick up the Toshiba HD-A2 for the ridiculous low price of $98.87. They are almost giving the thing away.

At this price you could probably afford both formats…

Source: Walmart

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Razer Mako 2.1 THX Certified Speaker System

In the market for a new set of gaming speakers?
You might want to hang on, until the Razer Mako 2.1 is released sometime in December. Developed by Razer in conjunction with THX Ltd, the Razer Mako 2.1 is one of the first desktop speaker systems to incorporate the THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker technologies, as well as ClassHD Digital Amplifier Technology that provide omnidirectional audio effects for all your gaming and desktop needs. Plus the system looks pretty cool.

The THX Ground Plane produces downward-firing audio that should eliminate audio distortion that normal desktop speakers suffer from.

Specs:
THX-certified quality and performance
ClassHD™ digital amplifier technology with digital DSP control
Higher efficiency curves, improved SNR and EMI, and lowered distortion levels
Patented THX® Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker™ technologies
Downward-firing design with optimized acoustic enclosure
All-in-one remote control pod with touch-sensitive LED dial
3.5mm auxiliary input minijack
3.5mm headphone minijack
RCA audio input
Response limits: 40~18,000Hz ± 2dB (30~20,000Hz ± 6dB)
Total system power: 300W RMS

The Razer Mako 2.1 should be available before Christmas with a price still to be determined.

Source: RazerZone

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Lenovo 3000 Y410 Laptop Retailing Now

Lenovo have just introduced a new model to their 3000 series of laptops aimed at the home/home office market. The Lenovo 3000 Y410 is a 14.1 inch laptop that features home entertainment features such as:

Dolby Home Theater audio with a sub-woofer
Play CDs without booting the system
Shuttle Center media player
1.3-megapixel Webcam
VeriFace software (face recognition security feature)

The Y410 also includes:
14.1-inch display (1,280x800 resolution)
Integrated Intel X3100 graphics
160GB hard drive (5400rpm)
DVD Burner

The Y410 will only be available at select retail stores (Office Depot, Micro Center, and Staples) and will retail in the range of $700 - $1000

The Y410 appears to be well priced and should compete well with the likes of Dell , HP, Toshiba etc..

Source: Lenovo

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Wakeup with a Boynq

Fed up with the same old alarm clocks that double as an iPOd dock, then check out the Boynq Wakeup; it’s a little bit different. The Boynq Wakeup has three integrated LCD displays indicate the time, radio stations, and input channels in a soft white light. The intensity of the displays can be adjusted to suit your own preference. Remove the handy remote to reveal an iPod charging dock that is compatible with the full range of iPods.

Compatible with all iPods (and iPohone), the Wakeup comes with 2 x 10W RMS Stereo Speaker that have a frequency range of 20Hz-20KHz, an FM radio and line in / out ports to compliment the built-in equalizer. The controls on the unit are easy to use and control the adjustable alarm volume level, including sleep function as well as the very popular snooze button. The included full function remote is also a nice touch.

More Features:
FM radio with autoscan and 9 memory presets
Wake up to your iPod, radio or alarm
Full function remote (even for snoozing)
Build in iPOd dock for charging and synching
Base and Treble equalizer
Stereo line in for iPod Shuffle and other mp3 players
Stereo line out
Dimensions 10.2 x 8.1 x 10.2 inches

The Boynq Wakeup looks rather cool and is currently available through Amazon for around $129



Source: Amazon

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Griffin Evolve Wireless iPod Speaker System

Now this is a cool looking iPod speaker system. Not only does it look cool but the speakers are actually wireless, so you can place them anywhere you want (as long as it is within 150ft of the base station).

The Evolve system comprises an iPod (and speaker) charging base and two cube shaped removable speakers.

Specs:
Twin full-range speakers with 4" aluminum drivers; built-in matched Class D amplifiers; 20W total power.
Wireless design transmits up to 150' for flexible speaker placement options.
Base unit docks and charges your iPod as it transmits digital stereo sound to the speakers.
Auxiliary audio in lets you easily connect an MP3 player or other digital audio device.
Magnetic shielded speakers can be used on or near a TV or monitor without picture distortion.
Easy-to-use volume and play controls via included remote.
Delivers up to 10 hours of play from built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Includes AC adapter, remote, iPod dock inserts.
Inputs: right/left auxiliary audio.
Outputs: right/left audio, composite video, S-video.

Griffin claims that the Evolve is compatible with all the latest iPod models; including the iPod Touch.



Source: Griffin Technology

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LG's First 32 inch Plasma TV

LG have just announced that they plan to sell their first 32 inch Plasma TV globally in November. The LG 32PC5RV should be an affordable alternative for buyers who prefer plasma TV’s over LCD’s.

The LG 32PC5RV’s 16:9 aspect ratio has a response time of 0.001 ms and can be connected to the usual devices such as DVD players, home theater systems and HDMI or component ports, such as LG’s SIMPLINK

No word on pricing at this point. But if you are in the market for a new 32 inch TV; this is worth considering.

Source: LG Press Release

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HDMS S1D Digital Photo Album from Sony

Wondering how and where to store all those digital photos that you have scattered throughout your hard drive? Sony believes it has the answer for you. The HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album features an 80GB hard drive (which should hold up to 50, 000 high res photos) and connects to a High Def TV via HDMI.

Your photos can be transferred to the HDMS-S1D via flash memory card formats, CD, DVD, USB or Ethernet. Once loaded onto the system, you can manage your various collections using the supplied remote and system interface.

Photos can be organized by date, special occasions such as birthdays and travel (using pre-selected icons), or into as many as 3,000 different photo albums– enough for every major family milestone.

The included x-Pict Story HD software creates professional quality slideshows means you do not need to use a separate PC. The x-ScrapBook application uses face detection and event-clustering technology to make scrapbook-style layouts of photos with common traits.

The HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album will retail for about $400

Source: Sony Press Release

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Q Home FX Wireless Headphones Offer True 5.1 Surround Listening Pleasure

LTB Audio systems, Inc. will soon be shipping their True 5.1 Surround Sound wireless headphones; the Q-Home-FX system. The Q-Home-FX uses a 6 speaker chamber to deliver the directional audio effects from movies Hi-Def TV and games. The headphones wireless is effective up to around 90 feet from the transmitter.

The Q-Home-FX is fitted with LTB’s Safebase technology that limits base frequencies below 100db.

Specs:
Digital antenna diversity guarantees drop-out free reception.
CMOS headphone amplifier for superior sound quality.
Range of 100+ Meters.
Rechargeable Lithium Polymer batteries included for receiver
Headphone

Multiple speaker units for front, rear, center, and subwoofer channels.
Channel Selection on headset
Power on/off with indicator, Volume up/down
Lightweight, extremely comfortable to wear

2.4GHz digital radio transmission
Integrated Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic decoder for DVD, Game system, HDTV, TV, Stereo
10 mW transmitting power, 10dBm
Eight selectable RF channels via Tactile switch.
Capable of transmitting to unlimited receivers

LTB will release the new Q-Home-FX wireless headphone system this November

Source: LTB Audio

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