Acer has injected some of their nettop DNA into a new network-capable media player, the Acer Aspire RevoView. The STB is capable of Full HD playback from local storage – either on memory card, USB drive or in the user-accesible 3.5-inch hard-drive bay – or streamed over the network via the RevoView’s ethernet port.
Ports include two full-sized USB 2.0, HDMI, 10/100 ethernet, S/PDIF optical digital, component and composite, along with a miniUSB port for hooking the RevoView up to a PC and treating it as an external hard-drive. There’s also a multi-format memory card reader on the front.
Up to 2TB drives can be installed inside, and the RevoView will work with UPnP/DLNA streaming sources. The compatible file types and codecs includes MKV, MP4, H.264 and ISO – there’s a full list in the gallery below – and the STB itself is expected to go on sale in the UK on November 8 for £119.99 ($194).
Press Release:
Acer Aspire RevoView – the best TV companion
London, 3rd November 2010 – The new Aspire RevoView is an HD DLNA certified media player that can playback media content from all DLNA certified devices that helps you share and enjoy your digital media. Featuring network capability and Full HD 1080p playback, it makes watching digital content on a high-definition TV easy and intuitive. There is no need of complex devices settings, burning DVDs or connecting a computer to the TV: Aspire RevoView connects directly to your TV via an HDMI port, plus it seamlessly integrates with your surround speaker system for an immersive entertainment experience.
Four easy steps are all you need to enjoy digital content on your TV with the Acer Aspire RevoView:
1. Save your created or downloaded content to an USB storage device or memory card
2. Plug USB device into the Aspire RevoView or insert memory card in the slot
3. Connect the Aspire RevoView to your TV
4. You are ready to enjoy your HD content on TV!
It can get even easier than that. The Aspire RevoView can be equipped with an internal swappable 3.5” HDD for seamless media exchange. The HDD tray can be shared with the 2010 Aspire M Series desktop PCs, allowing you to easily share and enjoy your downloaded or created content. The RevoView really bridges the gap between the computer and entertainment world.
An Ethernet port provides direct access to the Internet allowing you to watch online videos via YouTube or enjoy your or your friends Flickr or Picasa photo slide-shows in the comfort of your living room.
There’s no end to the fun thanks to the extensive digital media support: the Aspire RevoView makes it easy for everyone to store, play and share their media with no concern for compatibility.
A user friendly interface brings together all available media, permitting to effortlessly navigate through music, video and photo collections. Content can be displayed by folder, list or thumbnails and it can be sorted either alphabetically or by date. Plus, you can playback content from USB connected mass storage and memory cards as well as optical disks.
For seamless operation, the Aspire RevoView comes with an handy 26 keys remote control permitting to easily work media playback functions from afar and to swiftly navigate through the user friendly media center. What’s more, main functions, such as videos, photos and music are quickly accessible through dedicated hotkeys.
Aspire RevoView can also be used as an USB external hard drive where you can store your growing digital libraries and can be used as a back-up drive. A fully featured media player, Aspire RevoView combines high storage capacity, a compact design and seamless playback functionalities.
The Aspire RevoView will be available from the 8th November with RRP starting at £119.99 inc Vat.
There’s plenty of argument over what distance you should be sitting from an HDTV in order to make the most of Full HD resolution, so we can only imagine the heated debate over Ortus Technology‘s new Full HD MID-scale panel. The 4.8-inch display runs at 1920 x 1080 resolution for a whopping 458 pixels per inch; in contrast, Apple’s lauded Retina Display manages a “mere” 326 ppi.
There’s no information on the company’s site about the new panel at present, but it’s believed to have viewing angles of 160-degrees and be constructed using Ortus’ proprietary HAST manufacturing system. That uses a combination of low-resistence wiring, super-narrow bonding and better quality optics to reduce the distance between individual pixels as well as to increase aperture for better brightness (or, conversely, allow for normal screen brightness with 30-percent lower backlighting requirements).
HAST has allowed Ortus – which is a collaboration between Casio and Toppan Printing – to produce a 546ppi display, though it runs at 960 x 540 rather than the Full HD of the newest panel. The company is also planning 6.5-inch 960 x 540 OLED displays running with a TFT substrate.
Watch out Flip Video and the rest of the pocket camcorder crowd; Samson’s new Zoom Q3HD not only has twin capsule microphones for recording stereo sound, but they’re so fierce they need to be safely kept in a cage. The Samson Zoom Q3HD shoots up to 1080p Full HD video in H.264 format and has the same condenser microphones as the company’s H4n Handy Recorder.
There’s also auto-gain control with two user-selectable settings, an integrated USB cable and a preloaded copy of HandyShare for editing footage together with adding effects like reverb and normalizing the audio levels. Alternatively an HDMI output lets you plug the Q3HD straight into your TV.
The bundled 2GB SD card is good for up to 45 minutes of HD video, or you can swap it out for up to a 32GB SDHC for up to 7hrs recording. The display is a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 panel. No sign of pricing or availability.
Kodak’s recent line of digital imaging products might not make for the most inspiring of spec-sheets, but they’ve got the sort of bargain price-tags mainstream users are looking for. We caught up with the Kodak PLAYTOUCH Full HD camcorder, the Kodak EasyShare M590 camera and 10-inch PULSE wireless digital photo frame to see what your money gets you.
Kodak are pretty proud of the EasyShare M590, what with it being the thinnest point-and-shoot with an all-internal 5x optical zoom, though at 0.6-inches it’s certainly not the slickest digital camera around. Still, the zoom gets you nice and close, and there’s a 14.5-megapixel sensor inside too. Style-wise it’s a little on the bland side, but the straightforward button layout does at least mean there’s little in the way of user confusion. It’s priced at $199.95.
As for the PLAYTOUCH, it’s more expensive – at $229.95 – which could hurt in a market where cheaper point-and-shoot camcorders are already under attack from 720p-capable cameraphones. Still, the capacitive touchscreen is responsive and bright, and the build quality is good; Kodak’s simple UI should make for a relatively straightforward experience with non-techy users, as well.
Finally, the Kodak 10-inch PULSE, a WiFi-enabled digital photo frame. The company was showing the new model next to the original 7-inch version, and while the difference might not sound much on paper, in practice you get far more viewing pleasure. At $199.95 it’s reasonably competitively priced, and Kodak’s wireless sharing feature is easy to use.
Nikon has outed its D7000 DSLR, a 16.2-megapixel camera with 6fps shooting, a 39-point AF system and full HD 1080p video capture (with continuous autofocus). The Nikon D7000 effectively replaces the D90, promising improved low-light performance and the new EXPEED 2 engine with its 14-bit Analog / Digital conversion.
There’s also a native ISO range of 100-6400 (extendable to 25,600), dual SD card slots, 3D autofocus tracking and an HDMI output, all wrapped up in a chassis that uses magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and is dust-sealed. The viewfinder offers 100-percent coverage, and there’s a 3-inch 920k dot LCD on the back, too.
Meanwhile our old friend Chase Jarvis has been playing with the D7000 for the past few months, and has been putting the new Nikon through its paces. He shot the Full HD video you can see below using the D7000, and you can check out his sample pictures here.
The Nikon D7000 will go on sale in mid-October, priced at $1199.95 for the body only or at $1499.95 for a body and lens outfit that includes the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. The company also has two new pro-level lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G and AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II.
Press Release:
Evolution Of The Revolutionary: The Nikon D7000 D-SLR Is The Preeminent Digital Camera For Demanding Photo Enthusiasts
The D7000 Offers Creative Freedom with Advanced Features Such as a New 16.2-Megapixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor, Six FPS Shooting, 39-Point AF System and 1080p HD Movie with Full Time Autofocus
MELVILLE, NY (September 15, 2010) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D7000 digital SLR camera designed to fulfill the needs of passionate photographers who demand exceptional performance, reliability, and unprecedented levels of control and versatility in a compact form factor. Engineered as an ideal balance of durability and functionality, the D7000 D-SLR features a multitude of new enhancements and updated Nikon technologies, which results in stunning photos and amazing full HD (High Definition) movies.
Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D-SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full-time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.
“The D7000 D-SLR creates a new class of Nikon camera by delivering exceptional quality, control and an innovative feature set; this is a camera that enables D-SLR users to achieve a true expression of their creative vision, while concentrating primarily on image quality above all else,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “When you combine the innovation of the agile D7000 with the exceptional and robust line of NIKKOR lenses and accessories, the potential for D-SLR photographers and filmmakers is limitless.”
Unparalleled Performance From Unrivaled Technologies
With its new 16.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon’s new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D7000 D-SLR delivers superior image quality with low noise. The EXPEED 2 image-processing engine combined with a 14-bit Analog / Digital conversion brings a new level of even tonal gradations while managing color, contrast, exposure, and noise resulting in brilliant image quality. EXPEED 2 also manages the D7000’s speedy 50-millisecond shutter response, blazing AF speed and rapid six frame-per-second (fps) burst speed for up to 100 images.
The D7000 D-SLR features an all-new 39-point AF System, which includes nine center cross-type sensors that operate with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses. The 39 points in the new Multi-CAM 4800DX AF module work together to provide superior subject acquisition and fast tracking capabilities, allowing photographers to confidently capture a player stealing third from the sideline to fast-moving wildlife. Additionally, photographers can activate dynamic or single point AF, configurable in combinations of 9, 21 or 39 or a 21-point ring to match a variety of shooting styles and situations. Photographers can activate 3D tracking, which continuously follows moving subjects within the 39 AF points, highlighting the activated AF point in the viewfinder.
Utilizing Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, the camera analyzes subject information from a database containing more than 30,000 images to optimize focus, exposure and white balance. To assist in creating amazing imagery, the Scene Recognition System reads data from a groundbreaking 2,016-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter RGB sensor that examines the scene’s brightness and color data then optimizes the camera’s performance prior to the actual exposure. Another revolutionary Nikon first, this system interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i-TTL flash output. Additionally this new sensor allows for a new “Ambient” white balance setting which can be activated to allow warm rendering in Automatic White Balance.
Nikon Continues the Low-Light Fight
The D7000 D-SLR continues Nikon’s tradition of providing photographers the confidence to shoot in low-light, knowing they will capture high quality low-noise images. The camera’s native ISO range of 100-6400 affords the versatility to photograph in challenging lighting conditions, such as when indoors or in the evening. The ISO range can be expanded to a Hi-2 setting of 25,600, which was previously found only in Nikon FX-format territory. The resolution of the camera renders a pixel size of 4.78 µm, which allows more light to be gathered, resulting in a correctly exposed image that has less noise and finer grain.
Full 1080p HD Movies with Advanced Video Features
Building upon the popular D90 D-SLR, the Nikon D7000 captures breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full-time autofocus and manual exposure control. To keep critical HD focus, users can choose to engage a variety of AF functions, including face priority to track up to 35 human faces, subject-tracking and normal or wide-area autofocus.
Advanced movie features also allow exposure adjustment on the fly while recording. The D7000 D-SLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions, and can record 1080p at a cinema-like 24 fps, or a web-friendly 720p at either 24 or 30 fps for up to 20 minutes per clip. Once recorded, users are able to edit and trim video clips in the camera to save time in post production. Whether utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results.
To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated by a single dedicated switch, and HD video recording is achieved by pressing a single button. The D7000 D-SLR also incorporates a built-in HDMI output CEC compliant (Consumer Electronic Control) that allows users to connect it to a HDTV and playback with most HDTV remote controls.
By adding versatile NIKKOR lenses to the equation, photographers can create a variety of photo perspectives to video such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field, and recording in low-light conditions. Combining the D7000 D-SLR with NIKKOR lenses also delivers the sharpness essential for HD video, and Nikon’s innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate the effects of camera shake.
No Compromise: Enhanced Build Quality, Durability and Usability
The compact design is lightweight enough for a full days use, but has a reassuring heft that hints at Nikon’s reputation for reliability. The durable camera body consists of a magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR is dust and moisture sealed and features Nikon’s dust reduction system to remove image-degrading particles from the image sensor. Among the well laid out ergonomics, users will immediately notice a new Mode Dial that eschews traditional Scene Mode icons for more advanced manual functions and two user-defined settings (U1, U2) to adapt to a users shooting style on the fly. Placed under the control wheel is a Release Mode dial, which allows access the burst modes, timer, or the Quiet Shutter, to soften the cameras operation when shooting in sensitive environments such as a ceremonies or nature.
When framing lush landscapes or tight telephoto shots from afar, users will appreciate the large, bright glass pentaprism optical viewfinder has approximately 100% frame coverage and approximately 0.94x magnification. The three-inch, 921,000-dot super-density LCD monitor with 170-degree viewing delivers bright, crisp image playback and precise Live View and movie shooting.
The D7000 D-SLR features twin SD card slots with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card compatibility that offers several recording options including designating separate NEF (RAW) JPEG and movie files. The built-in i-TTL Speedlight flash offers coverage for lenses as wide as 16mm and has Wireless Commander support so users can choose how to light their subjects. The D7000 was designed to provide maximum performance with minimized power usage and also employs a new EN-EL15 battery which enables up to 1050 shots when fully charged.
Nikon Technologies That Empower and Inspire
The D7000 D-SLR contains many features aimed at empowering the user with creative freedom including the ability to process RAW images directly in the camera, and add in special effects using the retouch menu. Among the many editing options are color filters, distortion control for a fisheye effect, perspective control for a miniature effect, or a new color sketch filter that creates a sketch-styled image. As always, manipulated images are saved as copies while the original is retained.
The Picture Control system also allows the choice for Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape settings to apply a personal look and feel to their pictures, and it’s versatile Scene Modes let them choose from Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results even in challenging conditions.
Price and Availability
The D7000 D-SLR camera will be available throughout the United States beginning mid-October 2010 at an MSRP* of $1199.95 for body only and $1499.95 for body and lens outfit that includes the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
*MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
It’s been a few months since Panasonic teased us with their Micro Four Thirds camcorder, the AF100, and they’ve only just got around to officially announcing the thing. The AF100 – or its AF105 Japanese sibling – can use standard DSLR and MFT lenses or, with an adapter, cinema and prime lenses, shooting up to 1080/24p 24Mbps video to a pair of SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
There’s also XLR audio inputs, an HD-SDI output, USB 2.0 and a remote control port, together with a stereo microphone, HDMI and three different audio outputs. Both a viewfinder and a flip-out LCD display are fitted, and there are a choice of optional grip handles.
Unfortunately Panasonic’s VW-CLT1 3D lens won’t be supported, according to the company’s press release. Still, with their focus on 3D tech, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a Micro Four Thirds 3D lens alternative for the AF100/AF105 sometime soon. The camcorder is expected to drop in December 2010, priced at 837,900 yen ($9,967).
We’ll admit, we were so intrigued by ViewSonic’s ViewPad 7 and ViewPad 100 last week, we didn’t spot their MB-P702 PMP/ereader at the booth. According to imp3, the 7-inch slate may look like yet another tablet, but actually it’s a whole lot more focussed than the similarly-sized ViewPad 7. No Android, no web browsing or Google Maps; just 1080p HD video playback with an HDMI output.
There’s a fair amount of codec support, as you’d expect, with the MB-P702 handling RM, RMVB, AVI, MOV, WMV, MKV, VOB and other video formats together with MP3, WMA, APE and FLAC Lossless in audio. Ebook files in PDF, TXT, EPUB, CHM, HTML, PDB and UMD can be viewed, and the MB-P702 supports handwriting annotation of PDF files.
The display runs at 800 x 480 resolution, which seems a little on the low side given the size, and you can show photos and play any of 256 preloaded games. No word on pricing, but we’re guessing ViewSonic will be positioning the MB-P702 considerably lower than the sub-£350 ViewPad 7.
Samsung’s HMX-T10 camcorder is certainly light and pocketable, but it sure does feel cheap. The company’s new Full HD camcorder shoots 1080p to SD/SDHC memory cards and was announced at IFA 2010 this morning; in the hand, the plastics simply don’t live up to the spec sheet.
Inside there’s optical image stabilisation and a 3-inch touchscreen, but from the outside you might think it was a bargain webcam. The display is reasonably bright and clear, with Samsung’s normal iconography and menus, and the touch layer is decent. Hardware controls are therefore minimal, and fall into place under your fingers well.
We haven’t had the chance to see the video quality from the T10, so it’s hard to judge it at this stage, but we hope Samsung decide to bundle a case in the box. Expect the T10 to drop later in the month, priced at $299.
Samsung’s latest Full HD camcorder has been revealed, the Samsung HMX-T10, with a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen, 20-degree slanted lens for easier shot framing, and a Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor promising twice the sensitivity of a regular CMOS. Meanwhile there’s also optical image stabilization and 4.7-megapixel (interpolated) shots, plus a 10x zoom.
Storage is via SD/SDHC memory card, and while Samsung expect most people to shoot in the Smart Auto mode, they do bundle a copy of intelli-studio 2.0 for later editing.
The whole thing measures 54 x 56.5 x 115.5mm and will be available in white, black and red. The Samsung HMX-T10 will arrive later this month, priced at $299.
Press Release:
Samsung’s New Full HD Camcorder Reinvents the Way Users Record Memorable Moments
Samsung HMX-T10 features a 20-degree slanted lens for unprecedented user comfort
IFA – BERLIN, Germany – September 2, 2010 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today unveiled its groundbreaking HMX-T10 camcorder. The full HD HMX-T10 features an innovative and pioneering 20-degree Slanted Lens that ensures that the user can truly enjoy their recording experience without any discomfort to their arm or wrist, a common occurrence in standard camcorders currently on the market.
The HMX-T10 is part of Samsung’s next-generation line up of compact digital camcorders that make it easier than ever for consumers to shoot and capture in high-quality, full HD video. Small enough to carry anywhere and everywhere, the HMX-T10 provides unmatched portability and simplicity for capturing and editing video content on the move, without compromising on quality.
The HMX-T10 has a stylish finish and slim design to make it a camcorder to be proud of, while incorporating features for maximum fun and usability, such as a bright 2.7-inch touch screen LCD and the ability to capture still images and video footage at the same time. And, due to its compact nature, the HMX-T10 can be carried with ease in any environment to capture those all-important movie moments – from a friend’s birthday party to that memorable family holiday at the beach.
“The HMX-T10 offers not only a stylish, compact design and fantastic recording quality at an affordable price, but also demonstrates the thoughtfulness and innovation Samsung brings to making movie and image capturing a truly enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Mr. SangJin Park, President of Samsung Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “The HMX-T10’s convenient features, such as the 20-degree Slanted Lens, perfectly encapsulate the innovative and easy-to-use nature of our camcorder range, as well as our aim to remain at the cutting edge of innovation and design.”
Quality Recording Capabilities
Despite the compact design of the HMX-T10 camcorder, it offers innovative, cutting-edge shooting capabilities to guarantee the highest quality photos and videos. The camcorder boasts full HD technology for all video footage to ensure crystal clear recordings and 4.7 megapixel still images, plus Optical Image Stabilization so that whatever is captured remains blur-free. Consumers never have to hesitate when it comes to creating quality movies with this groundbreaking point-and-shoot Samsung camcorder.
To enhance the consumer’s experience and achieve professional recordings, the HMX-T10 incorporates an advanced BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor which provides twice the sensitivity of conventional CMOS sensors. This innovative feature dramatically reduces image distortion and delivers clear video and images, even in low light conditions.
Innovative and Easy to Use Design and Features
The HMX-T10 camcorder comes equipped with an innovative 20-degree Slanted Lens, making it easy to handle and ensure that quality images are captured and recorded through a convenient experience for the user. Further enhancements to the overall recording experience can be found through the camcorder’s Smart Auto functionality, to make shooting all the more straightforward, plus its 2.7-inch Touch Screen LCD, meaning consumers can enjoy a clear and detailed view of the footage, and edit their videos instantly. The HMX-T10 also comes with intelli-studio 2.0 software, allowing for seamless managing and editing of movies and images.
Price $299.00
Sensor 5.1M BSI CMOS (Effective : 2.07M)
Lens 10x
LCD 2.7-inch 230K Touch
F.No F1.8
Video Resolution 1920×1080 60i
Photo Resolution 4.7 Megapixels
Image Stabilisation OIS
Size 54X56.5X115.5MM
Storage SD/SDHC Slot
Special Features
BSI CMOS
Compact Design
Smart Auto
20-degree Slanted Lens
Full HD Technology
Smart OIS
Of all Panasonic’s 3D goodies today, the gadget we were most interested in was the HDC-TC750 camcorder with its optional VW-CLT1 3D lens. We grabbed some time with the camcorder after the company’s keynote, to see whether the first 3D HD consumer model really lived up to its top billing.
In the hand, while the lens – which screws onto the TC750′s lens thread, as would a regular filter or other adapter – does add to the length of the camcorder, its relatively light weight keeps it from feeling end-heavy. Shooting 3D video – or photos – is as straightforward as for 2D, and Panasonic will be bundling all the appropriate software for post-processing.
Panasonic tell us that the VW-CLT1 is all-optical; that is, it uses a set of prisms inside to funnel two optical pathways to the TC750′s sensor. That means you can still use the optical zoom and all the camera’s in-built image stabilization. The SDT750 can shoot 960 x 1080 resolution 3D footage, or – with the lens taken off – 1080/60p HD 2D footage. You can then hook it up via HDMI or USB (or whip out the SD card) for showing off your content.
While we can’t really fault Panasonic’s hardware approach, we do think adoption of the HDC-TC750 and VW-CLT1 pairing might be slower than they expect. For a start, you – or whoever you’re sending the footage to – need a 3D-capable TV in order to enjoy it, and that comes with a significant price tag but also the barrier of requiring glasses. The actual footage itself showed more blur than Panasonic’s professional models – though considering they shoot 3D in Full HD that’s perhaps no surprise – and there’s still a sense of looking at a stack of staggered images rather than a true 3D vista.
Nonetheless, if you’re in the market for a 3D HD camcorder and you don’t want to step up to a pro model, you don’t have much choice at the moment. Its $1,400 price tag is still hefty, but there’s plenty to like about the TC750.
