Camera Phones Plaza

It’s not like DVDs are suffering a sudden death now that Blu-rays are finally being embraced. I mean look at CDs, they’re still around, even though most of us don’t need them anymore; music CDs still represent the standard and so do movie DVDs. Nowadays, one could recode HD content and make it fit only a single DVD. LG seems to be pretty interested in such techniques and has just announced the First DivX Certified DVD Player Capable of Playing HD Video.

The press release informs that the sleek player comes in a slim format and can be mounted on a wall. It is known as the DVS450H, and supports the latest DivX codec that allows users to recode HD content so as to fit DVDs instead of Blu-rays, with minimal quality loss. LG’s new player uses a special technology.

"The demand for products that play DivX video has continually driven us to produce solutions that maximize this high-quality experience across a range of product categories," said Dan D.H. Koh, Head of Marketing Strategy Team in LG Electronics' Digital Media Company. "Incorporating support for high-definition DivX video on this DVD player illustrates this in a significant way. We are committed to bringing our customers the very best entertainment solutions and are pleased that working with DivX fulfills this vision."

The player integrates a special “floating” technology that enables DVD playback in both horizontal and vertical positions. That’s why LG recommends the wall mounting option. DVS450H will be available starting October for around $240.

If you haven’t had the chance to switch to Blu-rays up until now, Samsung has prepared something for you. You know how bulky Blu-ray players are and they always tend to cost a small fortune. Well, Samsung’s fifth generation BD-P2500 player comes in a pretty compact size and won’t set you back that much.

DVice informs that the new player is fully compatible with discs that include BonusView, which enables picture-in-picture elements like video commentaries, and BD Live, which connects to the Internet to enhance interactive features. And that’s not all; the player is also capable of HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) processing. HQV upconverts standard-def video from DVD discs so you can enjoy your older movies at near 1080p resolution on your full HD display.

The MSRP of $500 may still seem a bit high for most of us, but I’m sure it will drop towards the end of this year, when the new Sony lineup is expected to launch. Anyway, you won’t be able to get your hands on the BD-P2500 until October, so you still have enough time to save some money for it. Samsung also announced a 7.1 surround sound system to go with this Blu-ray player, but that one will not get too friendly with your pockets.

Ever heard of Ultrasone? I have to admit I haven’t heard of these guys. But hey, they are from Germany and that alone settles the quality issue. The company specializes in sound devices and one of their latest products announced is the PRO 900 headset which incorporates the S-Logic technology.

The press release informs that the PRO 900 features closed-back headphones that boast a classic black design, velvet covered black and silver ear pads and a diamond-cut logo insignia. Two unique features that will certainly improve sound quality are the new 40mm titan-plated driver and a soft USC-Cable that is paired with Neutrik connectors. The headphones also contain MU-Metal shielding (ULE technology) that reduces the amount of radiation directed to the listener by up to 98%, as compared to conventional headphones. Furthermore, the PRO 900 comes in a hard-sided carrying case along with two removable cables (one spiral and one straight) and spare ear pads.

The S-Logic Plus technology integrated in the PRO 900 headphones allowed Ultrasone to reproduce a large soundstage with a more streamlined ear-cup. This sophisticated new technology combines precision dampening with micro-acoustic reinforcement, allowing driver, buffer-board, and spatial parameters to complement one another in an optimal manner. The result is a most neutral sound impression with more vivid perception of voices and instruments.

Here are some specs for the PRO 900 headphones:
• S-Logic™ Plus Natural Surround Sound
• Dynamic principle
• Frequency range 6-42k Hz
• Impedance 40 Ohm
• Sound pressure level 96 dB
• Driver 40 mm Titanium Plated
• Weight 295 g (without cord)

This is a high-end headset and it is expected to be available in September for $599.00.

HD-DVD might have lost the war, but Toshiba, which used to be the greatest HD-DVD supporter, is still avoiding the integration of Blu-ray technology into its products. Toshiba wants to deliver image quality similar to the one offered by Sony's Blu-ray 1080p content without the need of expensive disc players. The latest HDTV from Toshiba, dubbed Ragza ZF, has everything you need to enjoy HD quality content (save for some good speakers maybe).

That’s right, you won’t be needing those expensive Blu-ray players to upscale your DVDs to HD resolution. The new Ragza ZF LCD HDTVs do the upscaling by themselves, with the aid of a cell-processor based system like the ones you have in your PS3. According to Gizmodo, this is the first TV capable of this feat, and if we are to listen to the European executive vice president of Toshiba, it looks like the Japanese company may never embrace the Blu-ray technology. Toshiba wants to further develop alternative technologies that deliver high-res imagery.

Backed by the powerful cell processor, the upscaling system found in Toshiba’s HDTVs uses advanced image-processing techniques, creating interpolated pixels to give the final image near-HD quality. Other features include the Active Vision M100 100Hz HD picture processor, 178-degree viewing angle, 30,000:1 contrast ratio and 10-bit processing. The HDTVs have 40” and 46” diagonals, and the 40” one is already available for $2,390. The 46” model will be released later this year.

It was about time for Altec Lansing to launch some new speaker system. OM, it’s not the most advanced surround sound system you’ve ever seen, it’s not even surround, but it has a set of nice features whatsoever.

Dubbed FX3022, this is Altec Lansing’s first 2.2 powered audio system that integrates a dual 4-inch subwoofer in the base of each speaker. According to Pocket-Lint, this system is meant to set new standards for computer speakers, also including a pair of advanced 1.5-inch drivers to provide "crisp vocals and high frequency detail". Well now, they might provide exceptional sound, but I think the designer went a little bit too far with the looks.

"The FX3022 is a stylishly designed and high performing, powered speaker system ideal for the i-generation and their multi-media lifestyles", said Luc Ackaert, head of the European Consumer Division for Altec Lansing. "Whether listening to music or watching movies online, the FX3022 delivers on sound quality and looks."

The speaker system also allows you to connect iPods and MP3 players via the AUX input jack. FX3022 will be available in black only and is set to hit the European market starting October 1st. The UK guys will be getting their hands on this one first, since the press release mentions a £99.99 retail price.