Sony has just announced a Bluetooth-enabled wristwatch that can control many of its mobile phones.

The MBW-100 Bluetooth, designed by watch-specialist Fossil, is certainly stylish and the OLED display allows you to see who is calling you from that phone in your pocket. This might not sound like the most useful feature, since you cannot answer the call via the watch like some uber-cool secret agent, but it does allow you to access your music.

The watch will let you play, pause and skip to the next track in your phones music library. This is quite handy and will save you becoming another hapless victim of phone/music player theft. The watch is compatible with the following Sony Ericsson models: K610, K610i, K618, K790, K800, V630, W710, W850, Z610 and Z710

The key question though is whether or not it is worth £200. More

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 29, 2006 in Active Home, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (1)

Microsoft has announced that the long-awaited HD DVD drive add-on for the Xbox 360 games console will cost £130 in the UK, when it launches in mid-November. The price is line with the EUR199 price tag for France and Germany but £25 more expensive than the US, which is nearly always the case with gaming consoles, games and peripherals.

Still, at £130 is it vastly cheaper than the first dedicated Blu-ray players which will set punters back by a cool £600 and higher. Even the cheapest dedicated HD DVD player from Toshiba will cost consumers around £400. The HD DVD drive add-on will let you watch high definition HD DVD movies on your TV.

For a limited period, the drive will come with  a HD DVD copy of the movie “King Kong” as well as the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 28, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Games, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Lord of the Rings is not the smallest book in the world to have to lug around on holiday and with the Sony Portable Reader set to launch next month, you may not have too anymore.

Picture being able to carry around up to 80 books in one slim, electronic reader that is just half an inch thick and weighs 9oz. The reader is built using E-Ink Electronic Paper and spots a 6in screen. Although it only has 64Mb of memory, that’s enough for 80 books but there is a slot for both SD Memory cards and Memory Stick media whichmeans this number can be greatly increased.

Formats supported include BBeB Book, Adobe PDF, TXT, RTF, Microsoft Word, BBeB Book (Marlin) MP3, AAC7, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BM.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is good enough for 7,500 page-turns and can be juiced up again in four hours. It will cost around £200. More

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 27, 2006 in Active Home, Books, Music, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (1)

Now that fridges have been connected to the Internet and LCD TVs have been built into cupboards, it was only a matter of time before someone took another stab at another kitchen appliance: the humble microwave.

Daewoo’s approach is to give it voice recognition. The Voice Recognition Microwave is not just vapour-ware though with Daewoo planning to launch it to the masses next year. It stores up to 40 voice commands and will take commands from anyone that talks to it. That should be fun in a kitchen filled with screaming kids.

You can tell it what food you have put in and it will calculate the time and setting itself before getting down to some serious nuking. Via Bornrich.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 26, 2006 in Active Home, Food and Drink, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (1)

Prices are really starting to get competitive now in the high definition (HD) projector space and Hitachi is out to show that creating a high-def home cinema doesn’t have to break the bank.

The company is set to launch its newest HD projector, the PJ-TX300, next month with a price tag of around £1,400. A successor to PJ-TX200, the new model comes with a massive contrast ratio of 10000:1, up from 7000:1 for its predecessor. It has a brightness rating of 1200 Lumens from its 150W bulb and its 10-bit digital video processing can handle over 1 billion colours.

The projector is based on LCD projector technology and the use of a Super Focus ED x4 lens should help eliminate the ‘chicken wire’ effect noticed on cheaper, LCD-based projectors. The resolution is 1280x720 and there’s the all important HDMI input.

Even better, the lens can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally which makes positioning this in any living room a piece of cake. It is expected to launch next month.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 25, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Games, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Using the power-lines as a networking system is becoming increasingly popular as a method of streaming content around the home. This good-looking system from Pioneer is the MT-01 which can stream music and radio around the house using your electrical system.

The system comes with a Sound Station hub, one large 2 x 25W network speaker, a small 5W network speaker and keyring remote control as standard but can support up to six speakers. The Sound Station has 5 inputs: two USB terminals (type A and B), one front audio input and two analogue inputs.

Features that are quite useful include the ability to be able to stream two different music sources to different rooms and a novelty motion-tracking sensor on the satellite speakers which will crank up the tunes when it detects you entering the room. Somehow, if you have kids or pets, you might find yourself disabling this particular feature within a couple of days. Not cheap though at around £470.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 22, 2006 in Active Home, Music, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (1)

With most games now coming with Dolby Digital surround as standard, it was only a matter of time before someone started making surround sound kits for consoles. Pioneer has just unveiled its HTP-GS1, a well-specified and good looking surround sound setup for your Xbox 360.

It comprises five speakers and a subwoofer/receiver with a claimed 600W of amplification, to really annoy the neighbours. It’s been built to look like the Xbox 360 so that it fits in and the remote control also allows you to control the console since it has the Xbox Guide button, the cursor and enter buttons, and the Y, X, A, and B control buttons.

Setup should be easy since it features a auto-setup system called Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) which will bounce sound around your room before adjusting itself for the best results.

It supports DTS and Dolby Digital surround formats and there are a very useful three digital inputs. Dolby Pro Logic II is also supported for analogue or 2-channel stereo sources. No price s or availability yet but we expect it in November. More.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 21, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Games, Music, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yamaha introduced the world to the first truly stunning one-speaker surround system when it launched the YSP-1 back in mid-2005.

There then followed the stripped down YSP 800 last September and now we have the overhauled, YSP-1100. The long, flat speaker has been designed to fit neatly underneath large, flat-panel TVs and can deliver a full-surround sound experience without needing a ring of speakers and wires cluttering up your living room.

Inside are 40 speakers with individual amps and two subwoofers. Movie dialogue is heard from the front while other sounds are created by the speakers firing the sound around the room to create the surround effect. The IntelliBeam feature allows the speaker to be set up quickly and correctly for whatever room it’s placed in.

There are five sound settings: 5-Beam Mode, Stereo Mode, 3-Beam Mode, Stereo+3-Beam Mode and My Beam Mode. The YSP-1100 boasts a wider soundstage than its predecessors so it should work better no matter where you are sitting the room. There’s even a considerate Night Listening Enhancer mode that allows dialogue and quiet passages in movies to be to be heard clearly, even at low volumes. Your neighbours will love you but at around £1,000, will your wallet?  More

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 20, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Music, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (1)

Epson has launched the MovieMate 30, a combined projector/DVD/music player for those that want to save a bit of space in the living room.

It’s a bulky unit designed to provide some home cinema thrills without breaking the bank. Following on from the MovieMate 25, the 30 features a new silver look and VGA input for broader connectivity to PCs and laptops.

It comes with an adapter cable for attaching component video sources such as high definition cable, satellite receivers or off-air HDTV tuners. However, this is not a high-definition projector. It’s a 480p projector which means it’s DVD quality and is based on 3LCD technology.

It houses a JVC DVD/CD player and in-built 10Watt speakers. This won’t set your living room on fire but can be handy as a stop-gap if you haven’t gone for a surround sound set-up yet. It can throw out 16:9 widescreen movies up to 12-ft wide from 12-ft away. A 80in image is capable from just over 6-ft away. The brightness is a claimed 1,200 Lumens. On sale now, it costs £700. More

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 19, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

JVC has taken the wraps off a prototype speaker system called the 'Pulsating Sphere' which will make listeners feel as if the sound is coming from everywhere.

The company says the results so far are ‘very close’ to the ideal sound source and it has lodged 17 patents. This technology uses the entire surface of the Pulsating Sphere speaker as an emitter. What you end up with is a very compact, 12-sided ball speaker that measures just 10cm across.

The sound coverage is uniform in every direction in a range up to 10 kHz varying less than +/-1 dB, which the company claims is an unprecedented natural sound field.

JVC plans to show off the new speaker in the coming weeks and will start selling it worldwide in the first half of next year. More details here.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 18, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Music, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our review of Sony's new Bravia KDL-40V2000 LCD TV is now online - and it's a TV that overall we thought was impressive.

The picture was sharp in what is the second biggest LCD screen in Sony's V series.

Also this week, we put live our reviews of the Sling Media's Slingbox and Sony's LocationFree. Both allow you to watch your home TV from anywhere in the world provided you have a computer and internet access.

The Slingbox definitely has the edge over the Sony, in our opinion. You can read why in our review, but to give you a flavour, it's down to the quality, price and software.

Posted by Rob Jones on September 15, 2006 in | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sony is pushing the LCD size envelope with the introduction of two 52in HDTVs at this week’s CEDIA 2006 show. Both the 52in KDL-52XBR2 and KDL-52XBR3 models boast native 1920 x 1080 full high-definition resolution panels, come with a generous three HDMI inputs with 1080p capability each, and use Sony’s floating glass design.

Like the previously announced BRAVIA XBRs, the new 52in models include the Engine Pro high-def video processing system which can also upscale standard-definition signals to 1080p. In real terms, the result will be noticeably better than your standard picture but just not true high-def.

In addition to the HDMI inputs, there’s a PC input, two high-definition component, one S-video and three composite inputs. The KDL-52XBR3 comes with a glossy, piano-black finish and will cost around £4,000 while the KDL-52XBR2 comes in silver and will cost roughly £3,800.

Both will ship in November. More on both TVs here.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 15, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nintendo has just announced launch dates for the much-anticipated Wii console with the US expected to get it on Nov 19^th and Japan on December 2^nd.

Typically, no European launch dates have been given yet but are expected sometime tomorrow – we’ll keep you posted. True to its word, Nintendo has priced the Wii well below its rivals, particularly the over-priced PS3, which has been delayed over here until March.

The Wii in Japan is expected to cost around £115 and £133 in the US. Nintendo said that there will be 25 new games available for Wii before the end of the year and that it expects to ship 4 million units, also by year’s end. Games will cost an average of £30-£40 - again cheaper than both Xbox 360 and PS3 titles - while Nintendo is also planning to allow downloads of 30 ‘classic’ games for between £4-£8 each.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 14, 2006 in Active Home, Games, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Logitech is taking the idea of the universal remote control to a new level this week with the introduction of the Logitech Harmony 1000 multi-function remote.

Most universal remotes are designed to allow you to do away with the seven remotes you already have dotted aroundthe living room to control your DVD player, TV, Hi-Fi, AV set-up etc. The Harmony 1000, however, will take over from them and also let you control your lights, curtains, home cinema screens and anything else that can be controlled via infra-red.

Setting up the control is simple - Logitech claims - via the 3.5in screen and the Internet, where Logitech holds a database of 175,000 controllable products. Just key in your model numbers and you are ready to rock.

An optional Logitech Harmony Wireless Extender means you can extend the use of the remote to devices around the home in other rooms. Due out in the month or so, the Harmony 1000 will cost around £300 – a fraction of the price of similar controllers – while the Extender costs around £90. More.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 13, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Music, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (3)

You can always leave it to Loewe to come up with something different when it comes to TVs. From those that sparkle with inset diamonds to others you can personalise yourself, Loewe likes to be unique.

The Loewe Artistic Display at the recent IFA 2006 consumer electronics show is certainly something to behold, especially if 1970s fashion is your bag. Apart from the massive high-defintion LCD screen, you have the peppermint stand which is more than just decorative. It houses speakers and subwoofer and if the 1970s are just that bit too loud in looks, you can customise the stand veneers and TV panels to suit your own tastes.

There’s no price on this because, frankly - like us - if you have to ask you can’t afford it. Knowing Loewe, it will be expensive, and then some. More photos at Aving.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 12, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Panasonic has rolled out its latest high-definition projector for the home cinema market.

The TH-AX100 720p is based on LCD projection technology and boasts a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, similar to the existing PT-AE900E. However, the key difference is in the brightness. Whereas the PT-AE900E had a brightness rating of 1,100 Lumens, its successor sports a rating of 2,000 Lumens, making it ideal for playing movies in rooms that cannot be made completely dark.

The contrast ratio is a high 6000:1, up from 5500:1, and there’s a HDMI input for hooking up to high-definition devices like set-top boxes and Blu-ray or HD DVD players. Other connectivity options include the standard S-Video and component inputs.

It’s due in early October. There’s no price yet but expect it to cost in the region of £1,000-£1,200. 

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 11, 2006 in | Permalink | Comments (0)

JVC, the clever company that decided to put hard disk drives inside camcorders with its Everio range, has quietly previewed its first full, high-definition Everio.

There’s not a lot of detail yet in terms of availability and price but the new model (pictured) will be capable of shooting video in 1920 x 1080 resolution. It’s a 3CCD model and can record in either 50Hz or 60Hz to stay compatible with most HDTVs out there.

If it’s anything like the existing models it will have either a 30GB or 60GB hard disk drive, although with full HD recording, something a little bigger might be on the cards.

In addition, it is being designed with the home user in mind so the controls won’t require a degree in film-making.

Due out next Spring, the new Everio will be a welcome addition to the award-winning series that took the long overdue step of removing mini-DV tapes and DVDs from the camcorder equation.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 8, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Samsung has unveiled a new 40in LCD TV sporting LED backlight technology which can double the screen life of your TV.

The LED technology, which already scooped a prestigious award from the European Image and Sound Association (EISA), results in richer colour reproduction thanks a colour range that is 46 per cent broader than existing models. Samsung says the use of LEDs can double your TV’s screen life compared to the use of existing CCFL panels. And for those concerned with the environment, you’ll be glad to know that the LEDs are a lot greener since they do not use Mercury.

The LE40M91 TV is a 100Hz set, which should result in much more image clarity and less image blurring or ‘ghosting’ when watching fast-motion video, like sports. The TV itself has a high-def resolution of 1366x768, a high contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and two HDMI inputs. No price or availability yet.

Posted by Martin Lynch on September 7, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (4)

In an aggressive move to boost its rankings in the plasma TV market, Hitachi has announced that it will reduce prices by 20 per cent in the coming months.

This is a significant price cut, but not as much as the 30 per cent that was promised in recent months but, who’s complaining? Plasma TVs are coming under increased competition from LCD TVs, which are increasing in size and getting cheaper – although not as cheap as plasma. Competition is fiercest in TVs under 40ins. The price cut should help boost sales and will hopefully, for consumers, spark a price war with other plasma manufacturers.

Speaking to Reuters, Hitachi vice president Makoto Ebata said he expects sales of plasma TVs above 40in to be strong. He said:

“Panels are getting bigger and demand for high-definition plasma TVs is strengthening. We are aiming for 30 per cent of the global market for high-definition plasma TVs.”

Hitachi was ranked as the fifth largest producer of plasma TVs in 2005, according to DisplaySearch, beind Matsushita, LG, Samsung and Philips.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 6, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (1)

With the arrival of the PS3 console boasting Blu-ray drives in November, the rival HD DVD camp have been rushing out the news at the world’s largest consumer electronics show, IFA 2006, in Berlin.

The HD DVD Promotion Group listed much of what potential buyers can expect in the coming months, including the recently announced Toshiba players, the entry level HD-E1 (£400) and the higher-end HD-XE1 (£600). In addition, it said that Studio Canal will launch 10 titles in November and an additional 15 by next March, including The Piano and Million Dollar Baby.

Paramount, Universal and Warner Home Video announced more than 25 titles including Constantine, Lethal Weapon, Goodfellas and MI:3. That brings the total to around 40 HD DVD movies by the end of the year and this will rise to over 55 by March.

That said, the arrival first real HD DVD players and movies for Europe will coincide with the launch of the much-anticipated PS3 console. With massive sales expected, it looks like HD DVD has left its European push a little too late.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 5, 2006 in Active Home, Film, Games, Television, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Audio specialist Denon has used this week’s IFA 2006 consumer electronics show in Berlin to launch a new mini hi-fi with a 40GB hard disk drive (HDD).

The D-F103 is capable of storing up to 10,000 songs and can rip tracks from inserted CDs and store them on the HDD. The system also comes with a USB port for transferring tracks between portable devices and an even more handy Ethernet jack for hooking the system up to a PC for some streaming.

There’s a useful offline database CD containing 350,000 Gracenote CD Database (CDDB) titles so that the system will display even untitled tracks that you have ripped. If the CD you just ripped isn’t there, then the Ethernet jack will let you find what you need at the Gracenote Web site which boasts track-listing information for nearly every CD on the planet – about 4 million CDs.

Last week, Wharfedale launched a similar system through Argos, with a price tag of £200. However, Denon being Denon, will be asking you to dig that bit deeper for a wallet-crushing £900 when this ships later in the month.

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 4, 2006 in Active Home, Music, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sharp has kicked off proceedings at IFA 2006 in Berlin, the world’s biggest consumer electronics show, with the launch of two, new high-definition (HD) projectors for the home.

The full high definition XV-Z21000 (pictured) is based on DLP technology, has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a high contrast ratio of 12,000:1. It comes with two HDMI inputs, DVI, component and S-video connections. Due in October is it priced (euros only at the moment), at EUR 10,000 (£6,735).

The high-def XV-Z3000 DLP projector is also HD-ready with a resolution 1280 x 768 pixels and a contrast ratio of 6500:1. It has one HDMI input and is shipping now. It is priced at EUR 2399 (£1,600).

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Posted by Martin Lynch on September 1, 2006 in | Permalink | Comments (0)