CES 2008: Panasonic Press Conference - Camcorders a-go-go with SD compact, full High Def and more
If you're in the market for a camcorder in 2008, Panasonic is determined to draw you in. Two new "active" SD models - including one that's waterproof - join two full high definition models and four that are a mixture of hybrid SD/HDD, DVD and miniDV.
The compact SD pair focus on ease of portability and handy holiday features. As such the pictured SDR-SW20 is dust proof, can be submerged underwater up to five feet and is shockproof for drops of up to four feet. The SDR-S7 is ultra-mobile. Both models have 10x optical zoom and 2.7" LCD screens and can be used pistol-grip style thanks to the Sub Rec front-mounted button. The .waterproof model is due next month for around $399.95, with its compact cousin landing in May for $299.95
CES 2008: Panasonic Press Conference - Home Theater and Blu-ray
Panasonic has debuted slim DVD home cinema systems this year, with three new models packing iPod docks, wireless rear speakers, five-disc DVD changers and easy input. On top of that there's a wireless model, the SC-BT100, which has an integrated Blu-ray player. Today was, for obvious reasons, a great day for Panasonic to affirm its Blu-ray support.
The new wireless-ready home theater range comprises of four models including the new Viera Link connectivity system we mentionec being included with the new TVs. Panasonic is not the only company to announce drop-down iPod docks today, but Viera Link should make those even more handy. Other common features are HDMI connectivity, 5.1 channl surround sound, Kelton-designed subwoofers and "Whisper-mode Surround", which boosts bass when the the sound is turned down to ensure full surround sound at any volume level.
CES 2008: Panasonic Press Conference - Viera brand extended, new LCD and Plasma TVs
Panasonic has now extended the brand name Viera to encompass all its Plasma and LCD TVs, and has added extended the LCD line to five models, adding a new 37" screen Full HD model. In addition there is an extensive new range of Plasma full HD TVs.
There are two distinct series within the LCD range, both of which have an improved 1200:1 contrast ratio, Game Mode, SD card slots, HDMI connections and the new Viera Link connectivity feature, which brings control of HDMI-connected Blu-ray, DVD and home theater products under a single remote. The 2008 LCD Viera series consists of two 720p models - one 26", one 32" - with three HDMI ports, and the new 37" TC-37LZ85 which delivers full 1080p quality.
CES 2008: Liveblogging the Panasonic Press Conference
Summary: Panasonic is all about the HD this year, with Viera and developments on last year's Living in High Definition project dominating the announcements. A slew of new announcements includes Viera TVs, camcorders, a Blu-ray home theatre, Lumix cameras and more has come out of this, but there's apparently more to come tomorrow.
Liveblog: It's a so-so start to the day at CES, with LG disappointing the crowds, although JVC has had plenty to say for itself. Hopefully we'll have more exciting news to bring you as the Panasonic press conference is starting to heave with people; the Viera backdrop and prominent screens suggest that the main announcements wll be TV-related. Note: due to iffy WiFi, I'll be posting this liveblog directly after the conference.
CES 2008: 'Black is the new black' - Toshiba announce five series' of black high gloss LCD high definition TVs.
Toshiba may have had some bad news this week, but that didn't stop them from getting excited about their new TVs. Five series' of new tellies were put on show at the press conference, all LCD (which apparently now makes up 84% of the market when it comes to flat screen TVs - at least Tosh backed the winner in one format war, eh?). Ranging from $429 to over $3000, there's supposedly a telly for everyone, all in shiny black high gloss (black is the new black when it comes to tech, apparently). I'll warn you there's a lot of jargon under the cut, but if you want to know more about some of the many new HD tellies to be launched at CES, all the info is coming up...
CES 2008: Toshiba's response to Warner Bros decision to back Blu-ray over HD DVD
News broke yesterday that Warner Bros are backing Blu-ray in the high definition format war, and the HD DVD press conference at CES has been cancelled as a result. It's no surprise then that press packed into the Toshiba press conference this morning to hear what they have to say about the supposed 'death' of HD-DVD. Toshiba CEO Akio Ozaka took to the stage first to explain he was "suprised by Warner Bros' announcement" but it was Jodi Sally, VP of marketing for the Digital A/V department, who really had to mop up the mess and once again let us know that this is not the end for HD DVD. We got it all on video...
Oh yeah, they also launched some new TV's, more on that soon...
CES 2008: JVC Everio Camcorders get a colourful makeover (pink too!)
JVC's Everio range of hard disk camcorders has been given a colourful makeover for 2008, as well as a few tweaks including a touch-sensitive scroll bar.
The four new colours are really two, the sapphire blue and ruby red (which looks pink to me) shown above, as well as diamond silver and onyx black. There will be 30GB and 60GB models, a design that's some 20 percent smaller and more compact than the previous year's ofering, and the aforementioned "Laser Touch" scrollbar. It's capable of snapping higher quality stills than before two, with one model packing 7 megapixels. The 30GB version has an embedded 1.3" hard disk drive, allowing JVC to kep the size down while still getting in a sizeable sensor and lens.
CES 2008: LG's other announcements - new LCD range
After disappointing quite a few with an underwhelming mobile TV announcement, LG did attempt to cheer up the CES-goers with a cameo from Mark Levinson and the launch of a range of new LCD and Plasma TVs.
All 1080p screens were ISF-ready and most were THX certified. In total there will be four new product series' and eight new models for Plasma, six of which are full 1080p resolution units. The PG70 is the flagship group to watch out for, featuring full HD and being free of wires.
CES 2008: LG disappoints with "MPH" mobile television announcement
You had to be up bright and early to get into LG's 8am press conference this morning, but according to Tech Digest's Kat Hannaford, it wasn't worth it. Half an hour of build-up created a general feeling of expectation that some amazing Bluray player might be announced, or that there might be a response to the HD DVD announcements of the last couple of days.
However, the big announcement was actually mobile TV. LG has partnered with Harris Corp to deliver a "Mobile Pedestrian Handheld" (MPH) service, along with a USB dongle for PCs. There's a bunch of mobile phones with integrated MPH due next year, and a basic GPS system too. Howard L. Lance, pictured CEO of Harris Corp., managed to be the first unintentionally funny person of the day with his insistence that "mobile broadcasting will be the application that brings viewers back to many of the local broadcast stations."
JVC's slew of announcements carries on with a new, four-piece 4.1 channel home cinema system with front surround and full connectivity. The DVD receiver has HDMI output with HD upscaling to 1080p and an iPod docking station such as those in the new LCD TV range this system is designed to complement. There's also DivX playback. The "front surround" technology aims to eliminate the need for rear speakers, and there are only three speaker wires to connect for easy peasy setup.
CES 2008: Liveblogging the Philips press conference
Right, I'm here at the Philips press conference, and there are certain things I can already tell we're going to be talking about. There's lots of white, lots of women standing around stroking the technology, and some mood music. It's a bit like being at a spa.
For the duration of 2007, Philips has been getting very involved in the green. It's their new favourite colour. As well as lots of lifestyle pieces, we can safely assume they're going to tell us about the environment.
Right, we're off. We've just seen the Aurea advert. It's... the same.
And there's a new CEO (although the same marketing speak). The new guy is telling us that actuallly, they're over focusing on the technology, and they're now focusing on the consumer. Which is pretty much what they've been saying for the past few years, I think.
CES 2008: JVC launches LCD TVs with integrated iPod dock
iPod docks abounded at CES Unveiled last night, and it seems that even the big hitters are embracing them. JVC has integrated an iPod dock into a range of its JVC televisions, for a start, making video playback on a bigger screen even easier.
Each of the four new models features something they're calling (unsurprisingly) the TeleDock, a flip-down dock at the base of the television set. Three of the models are full HD 1080p sets, too. The screen sizes clock in at 32", 42", 47" and 52", with the smallest being the sole 768p resolution model. The first two will be available in the US from March, with the 42" screen coming in around April and the 52" model around the summer. Pricing is not yet available.
CES 2008: JVC unveils world's thinnest LCD screens
A clutch of JVC announcements hit the wire this morning, leaving Gizmodo speculating if the CES Virtual Press Office had leaked them ahead of time. The full releases are all listed now, including one that touts the unveiling of the current world's thinnest LCD screens.
The flat panel designs are the thinnest to include built-in tuners, with a cabinet that measures 39mm deep across most of the width. The range of super-slim Full HD TVs are lighter and more energy efficient than conventional lines, and at the thickest point are just 74mm thick. Two screen sizes will be available in the US, 42" and 46", and offer 1920 x 1080p resolution.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - WowWee Rovio
Our very own Ashley couldn't quite take his eyes off this playful piece of convergence technology. The Rovio is a wireless, browser-controlled roaming robot; take a closer look below.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - Celestron LCD Microscope
Possibly more of an educational gadget (the ex-teacher in me relished the idea of all children being able to see and not pushing and shoving near delicate equipment), this LCD-monitor packing microscope also has internal memory for video and images of what you're viewing.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview- WowWee Bladestar
After taking in the Tribot, Ashley and I were now hooked on WowWee's stand, diverted by the company's newest flying toy, the Bladestar. It's almost like a helicopter rotor that flies on its own, but as the demo below attempts to show, it's a wee bit cleverer and more sensitive, shall we say, than most.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - Celestron SkyScout Connect
The SkyScout, a handy device for stargazers from Celestron, has been around for a couple of years, helping people identify the blobs in the heavens. Now it has a raft of add-ons, including the Connect, which lets you pinpoint what you want to see and control any one of Celestron's adjustable telescopes.
CES 2008: Wee analyser unveiled at The World's Best Ever Gadget Show
We really do get to see the full spectrum of product announcements here at CES - from the creme de la creme, to the ones involving human waste. A niche category, admittedly, but an important one, nonetheless. This smart wee-collector analysis the patient's urine and sends the results to the nurse in a handy dandy chart, so she can decide whether to pump you full of water, or remove the bottle of vodka from beside your bed.
Sadly, no news as to when exactly we will see this particular piece of technology in our local Dixons, but fingers crossed it won't be long.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - CUE Acoustics Radio, iPod Dock and Speaker
Among the scrum at CES Unveiled, Kat was busy checking out brand new US company CUE Acoustics and its high-end radio, iPod dock and optional satellite speaker.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - WowWee Alive Interactive Pets
Remember the slightly creepy Elvis-bot from last year's CES? Well, the alive range has taken a detour from entertainers now sadly abducted by aliens deceased and gone for lions and tigers and bears instead. Take a look at some video of the interactive critters in action below.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled - The WowWee Robot Collection
I've already given you a video insight into the world of the WowWee Tribot, but there is definitely more to come. What's that? You want to know in advance what you should be coming back to look out for? Well, alright...
1) The WowWee Alive wild cubs
See that picture? That's Tech Digest's Stu Dredge exploring his soft side with these half-cute, half-freakish interactive animal cubs.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - SE2 Labs ITC
There's nothing like Las Vegas to bring out the "my system is bigger than yours" envy, eh? Remember that mindbogglingly expensive and extravagant ITC system from SE2 Labs which Tech Digest wrote about a few months back? It was on show at CES today, and Susi thought she should show you just how large it is. Really. You think your Xbox 360 is a hulking piece of lounge room kit? You ain't seen nothing yet.
Well, we've returned from CES Unveiled, and there's only a few bruises between us as reminders of the scrum that occurred to get to the good stuff. It's traditionally a sneak preview of some of the upcoming products from the smaller manufacturers, as well as the first free drink of the show.
This year, there was perhaps less exciting news stuff than we might have been hoping for, with a definite emphasis on iPod docks/speakers/magic. Having said that, it was, as always, a good opportunity to check out some of the more offbeat products (I particularly enjoyed doing the video for the zero gravity massage chair). But fear not, for tomorrow is Press Conference Day, and that's when the big boys pull out there big guns.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview- Vestalife Ladybug iPod Dock
iPod docks are ten a penny in Shinyville, but there are still enough weird and wonderful designs and innovations to make the occasionally one worth talking about, such as the Vestalife Ladbybug, the speakers of which open up like wings.
It works with any iPod with a dock connector, has a built-in subwoofer and digital amplifier tech, and is powered either by batteries or by plugging it into a wall socket (it charges your iPod in the latter case). There's also ports on the back to plug any audio source in, as well as an AV Out port for iPod video output. It's aimed at the teen market, and is due on sale in February in the US for around $110, and there's also a limited-edition version produced with Element Skateboards that costs $125. No news on UK distribution, sadly, but check out the video after the jump.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled - Viable Video Phone for the deaf or hard of hearing
It's sometimes easy to forget that consumer electronics is about helping everyone, not just having an extra-sparkly bit of kit, so it's great to see innovations like Viable's video phone - designed for the deaf and hard of hearing - at CES Unveiled today.
The newly-established company's put a lot of time and money into developing the phone, which is completely portable and wireless. With a 10.2" touch screen, the unit has a USB port, audio and video inputs and outputs and the usual visual and audio alerts you'd expect for high quality two-way video conferences. At 30fps, it's not too shabby.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - Aquallusion iTube Light Experience lava lamp-style iPod dock
I'm not sure we need something the PR described as a "lava lamp for the 21st century", but we're getting it anyway. The iTube is an iPod / MP3 player dock which has a moving light show to accompany your music, including a strobe setting. We couldn't glean much information about the actual spec of the speakers and because of the chaotic noise it was impossible to tell if it was any good, but they were throwing names like Bose around.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - WowWee Tribot
WowWee's newest addition to its robotics team, due to be formally unleashed in the autumn, is the Tribot. You can see him close up in the video below, but as the sound quality is a little shaky, here are the main points of interest: autonomous robot, 10 minutes of randomly regurgitated content (i.e. he chats to you), games, remote control and an alarm that forces you to run, Clocky-style, after him when it goes off. Take a look.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled - Liquid Image Digital Underwater Camera / Mask
This Digital Underwater Camera/Mask is causing a bit of a Shiny controversy, with a battle currently raging over who wants to look most ridiculous in a video of it. The Liquid Image mask shoehorns a five megapixel digital camera into a swimming mask to give you a handy piece of convergence and let you take snaps of your diving experiences easily.
There are crosshairs on the mask for composing the shot, and with the press of a button the image is then stored on its 16MB ram of internal memory or a Micro SD card. It can also shoot video and works up to depths of 15 metres, substantially deeper than many so-called underwater cameras. It goes on sale in the US any moment now for $99 and the company says that European distribution will follow in the spring.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview - Human Touch Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Quite how Susi managed to kick back and relax amid the furious chaos of CES Unveiled is anyone's guess, but I'm sure this relaxing, buzzing number helped. No, it's a chair. Sick people.
CES 2008: CES Unveiled Video Preview- Sonoro Cube iPod Dock
iPod docks that do other things too seem to be the key theme at CES Unveiled. Here, Susi gets gloved up to see what Sonoro (new to the USA) has on offer.
If you're in the market for a camcorder in 2008, Panasonic is determined to draw you in. Two new "active" SD models - including one that's waterproof - join two full high definition models and four that are a mixture of hybrid SD/HDD, DVD and miniDV.
Panasonic has now extended the brand name Viera to encompass all its Plasma and LCD TVs, and has added extended the LCD line to five models, adding a new 37" screen Full HD model. In addition there is an extensive new range of Plasma full HD TVs.
Summary: Panasonic is all about the HD this year, with Viera and developments on last year's Living in High Definition project dominating the announcements. A slew of new announcements includes Viera TVs, camcorders, a Blu-ray home theatre, Lumix cameras and more has come out of this, but there's apparently more to come tomorrow.
Toshiba may have had some bad news this week, but that didn't stop them from getting excited about their new TVs. Five series' of new tellies were put on show at the press conference, all LCD (which apparently now makes up 84% of the market when it comes to flat screen TVs - at least Tosh backed the winner in one format war, eh?). Ranging from $429 to over $3000, there's supposedly a telly for everyone, all in shiny black high gloss (black is the new black when it comes to tech, apparently). I'll warn you there's a lot of jargon under the cut, but if you want to know more about some of the many new HD tellies to be launched at CES, all the info is coming up...
After disappointing quite a few with an underwhelming 
You had to be up bright and early to get into LG's 8am press conference this morning, but according to 
iPod docks abounded at CES Unveiled last night, and it seems that even the big hitters are embracing them. JVC has integrated an iPod dock into a range of its JVC televisions, for a start, making video playback on a bigger screen even easier. 
This Digital Underwater Camera/Mask is causing a bit of a Shiny controversy, with a battle currently raging over who wants to look most ridiculous in a video of it. The 
