Archive for January 12th, 2008


In Hardware, IT, Tech
12Jan 08

It’s been a tick since Ziova cranked out a new media streamer, but its ClearStream CS615 looks pretty promising. Interestingly, this one doesn’t feature any built-in wireless capabilities nor a DVD drive, but it seems as if the firm’s CEO is aiming this unit at folks who didn’t want to go cordless, anyway. You will, however, find USB 2.0 and 10 / 100 Ethernet ports along with a caddy for an internal 3.5-inch HDD, and the support for WAV, H.264, FLAC, OGG, LPCM, WMA, AAC, AC3, DTS, MPEG1/2/3/4, WMV9, QuickTime, JPG, BMP, GIF and PNG files (just to name a few) ain’t too shabby, either. Furthermore, there’s HDMI (HDCP-compliant), S-Video, composite and component video jacks, support for SMB / FTP and a front-mounted LCD to dish out ID3 tags and other pertinent information. The CS615 is slated to land stateside in March for $329, while Europeans and Aussies can expect it to head their way shortly thereafter.

The future of converged devices is with pda devices. Today the fully functionality of pda can be gained be using pda accessories. However these high tech gadgets should be properly protected by using pda cases.



While the corporate IT world has long had access to remotely-controlled power for servers and data centers, it’s pretty cutting-edge stuff for home theater, with PS Audio releasing the first line of Internet-connected power management devices. Ranging in price from $600 to $1,995 and scheduled to release in Spring 2008, the four products in the PowerPlay line differ in number of switchable and isolated plugs, but all offer a web interface to toggle power, schedule reboots, and monitor power quality. There is an RS-232 port for hardwired power control as well as IR blasters for turning devices back on after a reboot. Now you can reboot your TiVo without ever stepping foot in the house.



As the unfortunate trend continues, yet another kiddo has found their Christmas PMP replaced with something that’s, well, not a PMP. In today’s episode, we find a Washington, D.C. girl that unwrapped an iPod earlier this week and discovered that the only Apple product tucked within was the inner packaging. Instead, a clever note was stashed inside (presumably with a paperweight of some sort) that read: “Reclaim your mind from the media shackles. Read a book and resurrect yourself. To claim your capitalistic garbage go to your nearest Apple store.” Oh, and just in case you really needed more than one guess as to where this thing came from, here’s a hint: it was sold by the same retailer who passed on Wii demo units due to “safety” concerns.

[Via TUAW]



After questioning Sony’s ability to deliver their 11-inch OLED TV to market earlier this year, Samsung comes into CES with a pair of Sony trumping TVs. Their 31-inch and 14-inch OLEDs easily best Sony’s 27-inch prototype and 11-inch production sets. Both of the Sammys feature the same amazing contrast which makes us swoon over OLEDs while offering 1080p video in a crazy thin panel. Samsung has no plans to take these production. Then again, with Sony’s XEL-1 already out there, we all know how Samsung hates to be second-best.



After questioning Sony’s ability to deliver their 11-inch OLED TV to market earlier this year, Samsung comes into CES with a pair of Sony trumping TVs. Their 31-inch and 14-inch OLEDs easily best Sony’s 27-inch prototype and 11-inch production sets. Both of the Sammys feature the same amazing contrast which makes us swoon over OLEDs while offering 1080p video in a crazy thin panel. Samsung has no plans to take these production. Then again, with Sony’s XEL-1 already out there, we all know how Samsung hates to be second-best.


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