Consumer Electronics Daily News

Enhanced Vision Introduces the Acrobat HD

For the last five years, Enhanced Vision's popular Acrobat CCTV has been a mainstay in classrooms, offices, and homes, providing visually impaired individuals with effective up close and distance magnification. Taking this proven solution one step further, they've now introduced the Acrobat HD, giving the low vision community extraordinarily sharp high definition images while retaining the same features and compact flexibility as its predecessor.

The standard definition Acrobat has a 480i camera, similar to many closed-circuit televisions on the market, but the Acrobat HD ups the ante to a crisp and cool HD 720p, giving consumers a beautiful display. With images this sharp and vibrant, blurry letters and light glare are not a problem, even at high magnification levels.  True color representation and better text readability offer the user a more enjoyable reading experience. High quality visuals and sleek portability make this the ultimate low vision solution. 

Clarity
With high definition being the new standard for desktop magnifiers, the Acrobat HD delivers industrial grade visuals capable of picking up tiny, minute details from the smallest microchips, to imperfections in fine jewelry, or the inner workings of a delicate pocket watch. The Acrobat's Sony HD camera eliminates the glare and distortion that would degrade an image with increased magnification, allowing the user to zoom all the way in without a loss in quality. Conversely, it can be refreshing to adjust the magnification on a busy picture and discover details that were invisible to the naked eye. 

Field of View
The large 27" screen holds a clear, sharp image even at magnification levels up to 90x.  A large field of view easily fits the entire 6 column width of a large newspaper; Users no longer have to keep moving the paper or book around, making the experience effortless and relaxing. This is the first time Enhanced Vision has offered a 27" flat screen CCTV, providing low vision users with a viewing area capable of fitting large or even multiple documents, all with room to spare.

Flexibility
The Acrobat HD is available in long or short arm options, offering flexibility for almost any situation or environment. The Sony HD auto focus 3-in-1 camera can be moved around for up close or distance viewing, making this an ideal low vision solution for schools and offices. Point the camera at yourself for a mirror image, making grooming and putting on makeup easier than ever. Carrying cases are available for the 22" and 24" Acrobat HD, providing convenient pick up and go portability.  Powerful magnification with vibrant clarity, along with flexibility and convenience, make Acrobat HD the definitive desktop CCTV.

NanoTech Entertainment Releases Inside NanoTech Channel

NanoTech Entertainment today announced the availability of its new channel, Inside NanoTech.  The channel features monthly updates including: interviews with members of the staff providing details into the products and projects that they are working on, interviews with key customers discussing their success stories using NanoTech products, interviews with business partners and demonstrations of NanoTech products and technology.

CEO Jeffrey A. Foley stated, "We are excited to announce the availability of the Inside NanoTech channel.  Viewers can watch the channel on a variety of platforms including Roku, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PC and Mac. We are launching the channel featuring three interviews from the recent Amusement Expo 2013 show in Las Vegas. We plan on updating the channel with several new videos each month, including interviews with board members that will be published this month."

We've received a lot of feedback from the investment community and have compiled those questions for the interviews we are taping," continued Foley. "The channel is based on our NanoFlix technology and will continue to evolve with more features as the platform does, including an ever expanding list of platforms that are supported. We truly believe that we are at the beginning of the next generation of content delivery and that NanoFlix is the future of television."

The channel is available for Roku users at https://owner.roku.com/add/insidentek.  The channel can be viewed from mobile devices and web browsers at http://www.nano-flix.com/inside. 

Sony Unveils 2013 Home Audio Product Line

Sony Electronics introduced its 2013 Home Audio product lineup today, highlighting the STR-DN1040 Audio/Video Receiver and the HT-CT660 Soundbar. Available in June, both products boast of Sony's legendary commitment to quality sound, and are packed with connectivity and accessibility features. Both the STR-DN1040 receiver, priced at $599, and the HT-CT660 soundbar, priced at $399, will be available at Sony Stores and http://store.sony.com, as well as retailers nationwide.

"Our rich audio legacy leads consumers to expect continued innovation and performance from Sony audio products," said Neal Manowitz, Director of Sony Electronics' home audio group. "The newest AV receiver in our line has the simplest, most user-friendly interface, which when combined with a world first and only AVR feature set of built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, raises the bar with respect to usability, and does so with knockout sound performance. Likewise, the new soundbar extends the Sony line and brings theater-like, high-definition sound to any room in the house, with Bluetooth ease and convenience."

A Receiver Built for Sound – and More

The STR-DN1040 AV Receiver delivers premium home theater performance with 7.2 Channel 1155 Watts (165 W x 7) of power and ten HD inputs (8 HDMI in), and features a newly redesigned chassis, an increased power transformer as well as Sony-designed capacitors and audio-grade transistors. "Just like a musical instrument, this AV receiver is specially tuned to bring out the very best sonic performance," said Aaron Levine, Product Marketing Manager of Sony Electronics' Home Audio group. "There is a sonic performance reason for every part, every material, and every assembly technique put into this receiver."

Even at low sound levels, features such as sound optimizer maintain the nuances of the complete sound field, perfect for watching effects-laden motion pictures. Sony's innovative High Definition Digital Cinema Sound™ (HD DCS) adds auditory depth for dramatic cinematic sound that faithfully reproduces the movie theater experience. Spectacular sound is further produced through support of Dolby® TrueHD, Pro Logic IIz and dts® HD enhanced audio codecs. For outstanding picture performance, video signals can be converted up to 4K Ultra HD HDMI®. Complementing the sound performance is ample connectivity for HD and 4K Ultra HD devices, supporting both new and legacy connectivity.

Wi-Fi enables the STR-DN1040 receiver to easily access streaming media sources, and has integrated applications for Sony Entertainment Network's Music Unlimited, Pandora®, Slacker®, vTuner®, and more, as well as capabilities to seamlessly stream music from DLNA® enabled PCs. The receiver also has built-in AirPlay and Bluetooth, allowing it to wirelessly receive the broadest amount of music from phones, tablets and computers. Users can also operate the receiver with the free Media Remote™ app available for both iPhones® and Android™ phones.

Also available in June is the STR-DN840 AV receiver, a 7.2 channel, 1050 Watt juggernaut with the same connectivity convenience of built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay. With six HDMI inputs, 4K pass-through, sound optimizer and more, the STR-DN840 is aggressively priced at just $449.

A Soundbar to Bring Boom to Any Room

Designed to bring the TV experience back to life, the HT-CT660 Soundbar is a 330 Watt system producing exceptional audio marked by rich, natural sounds and incredible clarity. The 2-way, 4-driver mica reinforced speaker system delivers exceptional sound clarity with detailed highs and lows, with big sound and minimal distortion, all complemented by a wireless subwoofer that brings feeling back to the low end, along with an added convenience of being able to be placed anywhere in the room. The three HDMI inputs allow easy connection to up to three devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray Disc players and cable or satellite boxes, while delivering superior high-definition picture and sound quality. Movies are presented as directors intended, with Dolby® TrueHD and dts® HD Master Audio modes the reproduce high definition sound for uncompromised quality.

Sony's S-Force® PRO Front Surround 3D technology synchronizes sounds to match the motion and depth of images on screen so viewers enjoy a fully immersive, simulated 3D surround experience without the bother and clutter of surround sound speakers. Connecting the HT-CT660 soundbar with mobile devices such as phones and tablets to stream music is as simple as one touch of any Near-Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth enabled device. And with Bluetooth standby mode, you can start streaming and enjoying music without having to turn on any additional components.

Home Theaters to Bring Cinema to the Home

Sony also unveiled its complete home theater lineup, including the BDV-N8100W and BDV-N7100W "home theaters in a box." Both products feature 1000W, 5.1 channel 3D Blu-ray disc full HD 1080p playback, with built-in Wi-Fi to stream Netflix, HuluPlus, Pandora, the Sony Entertainment Network and more and wireless rear surround sound speakers. Additionally, NFC or Bluetooth-enabled devices connect seamlessly with one touch. The BDV-N8100W system also features three-way, 47-inch floor standing speakers for exceptional sound clarity and definition, with the upper portion of the speaker separable and ideal for wall-mounting installations.

Priced at $699 and $599 respectively, the BDV-N8100W and BDV-7100W home theaters in a box are available now at Sony stores and online at http://store.sony.com, as well as electronics retailers nationwide.

Panasonic Announces Availability, Pricing For Streaming Media Players

Panasonic announced today pricing and availability of its first-ever line of streaming media players which were unveiled last month at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show.  The line-up features two models -- the DMP-MST60 and the DMP-MS10 featuring VIERA Connect and IP VOD respectively.

Panasonic's 3D-capable streaming media player, the MST60, features Panasonic's proprietary connected TV platform, VIERA Connect^TM, which enables owners of VIERA Connect-enabled Blu-ray disc players, streaming media players and home theater systems to turn any TV into a smart TV with access to a wide range of internet-based video-on-demand content and applications covering everything from news and fitness, social networking, music and online shopping and gaming.  The MST60 also includes a web browser with cursor for easy maneuvering. It is now available with a suggested retail price of $99.99.

The Panasonic MS10 includes built-in WiFi and contains access to IP VOD, giving users the ability to stream many of their favorite TV shows, movies and music from a variety of popular applications including Netflix, Hulu™ Plus, CinemaNow, Vudu, and YouTube™. It is now available with a suggested retail price of $79.99

Both of Panasonic's streaming media players also include external HDD Playback and the MST60 also features a 2D-3D conversion function and Miracast -- a new display mirroring feature which enables users to transfer and display photos, videos, movies, music, and video games from their smartphone and tablet devices (Android 4.2 operating system or higher) to their HDTV screen with the swipe of a finger. 

 

Panasonic Announces Pricing And Availability Of 2013 Home Theater Lineup

Panasonic, today announced pricing and availability for the new 2013 lineup of home theater systems. The new SC-HTB770, SC-HTB370, SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 home theater system models have been crafted with the consumer's needs in mind. Compatible with various TV sizes, the new lineup offers superior sound quality with stylish and flexible layouts.

The 2013 Panasonic home theater systems will be available in March 2013 with pricing as follows: SC-HTB770 SRP $399.99, SC-HTB370 SRP $299.99, SC-HTB70 SRP $199.99, SC-HTB65 SRP $179.99.

The new 2013 SC-HTB series of home theater systems offer options for the entire home. The latest lineup can be paired with screens ranging from 42-65 inches, allowing consumers to choose the ideal system based on the size of their televisions. Equipped with wireless or built-in subwoofers and Bluetooth® capabilities, all four models promote an easy, customizable setup and eliminate messy wires in the living space.     

The SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 models offer a unique, sleek solid bar design for free and flexible layouts.The SC-HTB65 provides users with two-way placement -- by rotating the bar 90 degrees, users can opt for a wall-mount setup or a TV-sized stand. Similarly, the SC-HTB70 allows for four-way, multi-angle positional placement enabling a user to set the speaker to the most suitable angle regardless of whether it's placed on a top or middle shelf. A built-in sensor automatically detects the bar direction and switches the directional characteristics to suit the layout.  With an anti-vibration integrated subwoofer inside the speaker unit, the SC-HTB70 provides high-quality, clear sound playback in each of its four layouts. 

Both the SC-HTB770, which will be available in both black and silver, and SC-HTB370 models sport a luxurious, stainless mesh design that complements the decor of any room in the home. With a versatile and stylish design, users can choose a modern horizontal layout for a wall-mount setup or TV-sized stand, or detach to create two separate freestanding vertical speakers for a classic tabletop style. In addition, while providing flexibility in layout, the SC-HTB770 features a 3.1-channel speaker for vivid sound localization and crisp and clear sound sensation. 

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Crackle Unveils cRoll

Crackle, Sony Pictures Television's multi-platform entertainment network, announced today that, together with innovative video advertising technology platform Innovid, they are launching cRoll. cRoll is the first interactive video ad unit that provides a consistent creative experience across all screens and devices: online, iOS mobile/tablets, Android mobile/tablets, connected TV's and game consoles.

The first campaign to use this new technology is for Disney's feature film "Oz The Great and Powerful," and features a video pre-roll ad with a persuasive call to action that invites viewers to dig deeper into the film. When viewers engage, a slate takes over the screen providing additional information about the movie, including an image gallery carousel with character bios.  All cRoll units are permission-based, never interrupting the viewer experience and provide measurable engagement metrics to advertisers. Disney's ads will be placed in Crackle's feature films, television shows and original content channels.

"As a fully ad-supported network and with Crackle's unparalleled distribution across all platforms, we were really invested in creating a solution that would allow advertisers to take advantage of everything Crackle has to offer," said Eric Berger, Executive Vice President, digital networks and general manager of Crackle.

"We believe that the convergence of video and TV should allow marketers to capitalize on the visual power of sound and motion with the interactivity of the web," said Tal Chalozin, CTO and Co-founder of Innovid.  "cRoll is an innovative media capability that transforms linear TV into an immersive experience. We're thrilled to be breaking new ground with our colleagues at Crackle and Disney."

About Crackle
Crackle, Inc. is a multi-platform next-generation video entertainment network that distributes digital content including original series and full-length traditional programming from Sony Pictures' vast library of television series and feature films in addition to the libraries of other studios. Crackle is one of the fastest growing entertainment destinations on the Internet, mobile and over-the-top devices, offering audiences high-quality programming in a variety of genres, including comedy, action, sci-fi, horror and music. Crackle reaches an impressive audience through its diverse online, mobile, connected TV and game console distribution network. Crackle is available in the US, Canada, UK, AU, Latin America and Brazil. Visit Crackle's site at www.crackle.com or find Crackle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crackle.

About Innovid
Innovid delivers immersive advertising anywhere. Founded in 2007, Innovid provides visionary marketers with the tools to create, deliver and measure video campaigns, in any format, on any screen, publisher or ad network. Innovid's Ad Server was developed to address the issues specific to video ad serving and simplify the process for agencies and marketers.  Bringing a new dimension to online video, Innovid's iRoll reimagines the possibilities for interactive engagement across multiple screens.  For more information, visit www.Innovid.com.

WD Introduces Versatile Media Player For Streaming Fans

 WD^® today unveils WD TV^® Play™, a versatile media player that streams popular Internet channels, as well as personal photos, music and movies from other networked devices in the home, directly to an HDTV. Priced at just $69.99 USD, WD TV Play expands upon the existing WD TV family of products, offering an engaging new app-based user interface to allow customers to easily personalize their entertainment experience.

With the Wi-Fi^® connected WD TV Play media player, customers can easily stream hit movies, view the latest viral videos, catch up on TV shows and stay connected to social networks through apps such as YouTube^®, Netflix^®, Hulu Plus™, VUDU^®, SlingPlayer^®, Spotify^®, Pandora^® and Facebook, among many others. Unlike many other streaming media players, WD TV Play also lets customers enjoy a variety of media they already own, such as photos, music and videos. Customers can play content located on any computer or network attached storage that has a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) server, such as the My Book® Live™ personal cloud storage, as well as from any directly connected digital camcorder, camera or USB drive.

Simple to Setup and Easy to Use
WD TV Play's high-speed wireless or Ethernet connections support Full-HD 1080p video streaming. The setup process is simple and intuitive so that customers are up and running in minutes. Once connected, customers navigate a familiar-feeling app-based user interface to play their entertainment or personalize their home screen with favorite apps. Customers can also set their favorite app to automatically play when WD TV Play is turned on, perfect for listening to music and running a slideshow of photos.

WD TV Play's new remote control features pre-programmed buttons, giving customers one-touch access to their favorite apps. Customers can also download the free WD TV Remote™ app to turn their iPhone^®, iPod touch^®, iPad^®, or Android™ compatible mobile device into an advanced remote control. WD TV Remote connects over the home wireless network and works with multiple WD TV media players in the home.

"We are excited to bring popular Internet channels and the ability to play personal media from other connected devices in the home, to budget-minded customers," said Scott Vouri, General Manager for WD's connected life solutions group. "Those features and our new, easy-to-use interface make WD TV Play a product that brings smart-TV benefits to a wide range of people."

Price and Availability
WD TV Play is currently available online at www.wdstore.com starting at $69.99 USD MSRP.

MobiTV to Deliver Super Bowl Via Live Stream

As the east and west coast prepare to battle it out on the grid iron this Sunday, sports fans across the nation are readying their TVs, smartphones and tablets for live game day streams to keep up with the action. MobiTV will be giving fans across the nation the opportunity to live stream the big game to a variety of connected devices and experience enhanced viewing that goes beyond the confines of big box television.

2013 marks the second consecutive year that MobiTV will deliver live streams of the football season's biggest event on connected devices. Striving to deliver a 99.99 percent uptime, MobiTV's TV everywhere solutions enable partners to extend a high quality of experience to their end-users wherever and whenever. MobiTV's full end-to-end platform provides viewers access to live TV inside and outside of the home with any connected device including set top boxes, smart TVs and every operating system and mobile platform.

"When providing live content to a diehard sports fan or enthusiast, the quality of connected media services is key to delivering an enriched customer experience," said Charlie Nooney, Chairman and CEO at MobiTV. "To achieve this quality experience with live delivery is extraordinarily difficult; but MobiTV's end-to-end platform has continually demonstrated its expertise in delivering personalized content delivery to mass concurrent users while also optimizing for network efficiency."

Defining the industry standard for delivery of live mobile content since 2003, MobiTV has been delivering breaking news and live sports to customers' viewers for more than 10 years. The company has successfully powered live streaming of some of the most-watched sporting events in recent years including 2010's March Madness, World Cup and Winter Olympic games, the NBA and NFL seasons, and more than 30 of the 2011 NCAA Bowl Games on the ESPN Mobile channel. For more information, visit:www.mobitv.com.

Epson Introduces First Portable Interactive Projector for K-12 and Higher Education

Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide, today introduced the BrightLink® 436Wi – a fully integrated, portable short-throw interactive projector. Building on the success of Epson’s current line of BrightLink ultra-short throw projectors, the BrightLink 436Wi is the first interactive, short-throw Epson® projector that can be moved from room to room.

Offering advanced connectivity options and dual pen support2, the BrightLink 436Wi can project onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface. Similar to the current ultra-short throw BrightLink models, the new BrightLink 436Wi boasts built-in annotation technology that allows teachers and students to instantly interact directly with a projected image from a variety of sources beyond the PC, including tablets, document cameras, Blu-ray players, VCRs, and more.

With the BrightLink 436Wi, teachers are free to connect existing multimedia devices already in their classroom, over their network or even PC-free and keep writing. “Interactivity in the classroom continues to grow, and now with the mobile design of the BrightLink 436Wi, educators have the ability to utilize interactive technology from classroom to classroom, or wherever it is needed,” said Heather Litus Johnston, Product Manager, K-12 Education Projector Marketing, Epson America, Inc. “This new BrightLink projector also offers more freedom by enabling teachers to interact and annotate with content from virtually any device in the classroom.”

The BrightLink 436Wi works with Epson’s existing and optional short throw wall mount or can be easily set up on a tabletop or hard surface, as no wall mount is required, giving schools the option to easily move the interactive solution from classroom to classroom using the included carrying case. There is also an optional pen extension, making it easier for students and teachers to reach anywhere on the board while helping to reduce shadowing.

This cost-effective BrightLink model offers 3,000 lumens of color brightness and 3,000 lumens of white brightness3 and delivers a large interactive learning area with variable image sizes from 53 to 116-inches diagonal (WXGA). The Epson BrightLink 436Wi includes HDMI connectivity and joins the BrightLink line to deliver several options to meet a variety of classroom installation needs.

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ADAM Audio debuts TENSOR MK2 passive speakers at 2013 International CES

Following the success of ADAM Audio’s critically acclaimed original TENSOR Series, the company is introducing the new TENSOR MK2 fully passive line of loudspeakers at 2013 International CES.

Marked by a new and different approach in terms of driver technology and cabinet design along with the finest available components, the new MK2 models feature ADAM’s proprietary X-ART tweeter to ensure the same exceptional performance as its active models.

The MK2 passive models also include newly redesigned bass drivers that use an advanced honeycomb cone to provide a much higher stiffness to weight ratio and lower mechanical loss. Combined with a larger magnetic system, the bass drivers offer a 4dB improvement in efficiency. All of these elements have been combined together with new crossovers engineered to achieve the best sonic reproduction possible.

Cabinet construction for TENSOR MK2 now employs a 25mm solid aircraft aluminum front plate mounted to a heavily damped enclosure for maximum isolation. The damping is created using carefully designed cabinet structures and a sophisticated matte made of small cells filled with tiny steel balls similar to shot. The cabinet’s heavy mass works with the energy absorption properties of the steel balls to greatly reduce unwanted sound from the cabinet.

TENSOR MK2 features specially engineered machine mounts to isolate the cabinets from the floor as much as possible and further minimize vibration. The new Alpha and Beta models also use isolation mounts between the head unit and the base to increase resonance control even more.

A newly redesigned active line will follow the TENSOR MK2 passive loudspeakers later in 2013.
For more information about ADAM Audio USA, visit the company at The Venetian, Suite 30321/30323, call 516-681-0690, or click to www.adam-audio.com.