SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — SHARP expects to launch its 120Hz full HD LCD TV ‘AQUOS E Series’ in Japan market, which features 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 176-degree viewing angle and 450cd/m2 brightness.

Supporting AQUOS Family Link, the E Series comes with four different sizes including 37-, 42-, 46-, and 52-inch. It is expected to be available on 1st March. No words on pricing yet.

DETROIT, USA (AVING Special Report on ‘NAIAS 2008′) — Mazda held a press conference during NAIAS 2008.

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — GM Korea today launched its luxury sports sedan ‘All-New CTS’ which is powered by a new 3.6L direct-injection V-6 VVT engine delivering an estimated 304 horsepower and 37.8 kg?m torque at 5200rpm.

The 3.6L direct-injection engine will be the top-level engine option for the 2008 CTS, joining the existing 2.8L V-6 and 3.6L V-6. Designed to operate with regular unleaded gasoline, the new 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 produces power similar to many V-8 engines, but with much better fuel economy.

With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. The application of gasoline direct-injection technology on the 3.6L VVT engine contributes greatly to a …

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — A 19-inch Ripple Monitor ‘RP-19WA’ is released in Korea market, which is designed with high-glossy black color. Supporting 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300cd/m2 brightness and 5ms response speed, the wide monitor offers a built-in speaker, 1,440 x 900 resolution and 15pin Dsub/DVI connector. It is available for 189,000(KRW).

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — Alphascan launches its upgraded 22-inch LCD monitor ‘Prestige(model: J2250W/J2252D/ J2252HC)’ supporting 4,000:1 contrast ratio in Korea market.

Designed with high-glossy black color and slim bezel, the J2252HC features glare panel, a HDMI port and HDCP(High bandwidth Digital Content Protection).

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — Sony unveiled its compact digital camera ‘CyberShot W Series’ featuring its enhanced face detection function in US market.

(Picture: CyberShot ‘DSC-W170′ model)

Supporting up to ISO 3200, 5X optical zoom lens and a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, the two model ‘DSC-W170′ and ‘DSC-W150′ adopt 11.1M- and 8.1M CCD sensor respectively. They are expected to be available in US market in April, and suggested price is 300(USD) for DSC-W170 and 250(USD) for DSC-W150.

(Picture: CyberShot ‘DSC-W150′ model)

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) — iriver released its AMOLED mp4 player ‘Clix+’ supporting DMB function in Korea market.

Enabling users to enjoy DMB, it features 2.2-inch QVGA display and video playback with 30fps. It supports MPEG4 and WMV9 file formats and various video files can be converted automatically using ‘iriver Plus 3′. It adopted a direct-click interface and it is 12.8mm thick.

Suggested price is 278,000(KRW) for 8GB, 218,000(KRW) for 4GB, and no words on pricing for 2GB yet.

By Andrew Liszewski

On my side of the pond, security companies rely on the fear of thieves breaking into into your home and stealing your prized possessions to sell security systems. But based on the AlertMe website, in the United Kingdom the fear of a bear breaking into your home and stealing your marmalade is just as concerning. (Paddington!!) So AlertMe is another broadband compatible security system that will let you know about any problems no matter where you happen to be. (As long as you happen to be somewhere near a cell tower.)

The system includes motion sensors, door and window sensors, a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm detector and even a set of keyfobs for tracking who’s at home and who’s away. All of the sensors and detectors communicate with a central hub, which in turn sends the information to the AlertMe website servers. In the event of a break-in or other problem the system will automatically alert you via a text message, at which point you can either respond with your cellphone or by accessing your home’s account on the AlertMe website.

The AlertMe starter kit which includes a collection of sensors, detectors, keyfobs, the base unit and other accessories sells for about $790. On top of that there’s also a monthly service fee of about $23. It might seem expensive to some, but for the peace of mind of having a bear-free home, I think it’s worth it.

[ AlertMe ] VIA [ Shiny Shiny ]

Security

By Andrew Liszewski

I’ve written about Livescribe and their venture into the smartpen market before, but today the company officially revealed the Pulse (as it’s now known), as well as new features and pricing info. As you’re probably already aware, the Pulse falls into the category of smartpens that rely on special dot paper in order to track and record a user’s handwriting. While I’m still not thrilled with the idea of being limited to only using this dot pattern paper, Livescribe will at least allow you to print your own instead of having to buy special notebooks all the time like with Leapfrog’s FLY Fusion.

The Pulse can also record audio and sync it to what’s being written on paper. The pen itself includes a built-in microphone, but for better quality recordings you can also use a special ‘3D Recording Headset’ which is basically a pair of earbuds with embedded microphones better suited for large rooms or noisy situations.

As for pricing, a 1GB version of the Pulse which can record 100 hours of audio and 16,000 pages of text will sell for $149. A 2GB version which doubles that capacity will also be available for $199. At the moment both pens can be pre-ordered from the Livescribe website and are expected to ship sometime in March.

[ Livescribe Pulse Press Release ]

Innovation