Acer TouchScreen display - T230H

Acer, the third largest vendor in the worldwide PC market, has announced a new touchscreen display hot on the heels of the Windows 7 launch. The new T230H is Acer's first touch-activated display solution offering touch-enabled possibilities made available via Windows® 7. It boasts a 23-inch touchscreen encased within a sleek and clean cut height adjustable design, enabling full control and instant motion from your fingertip. Other technical specifications include a 2ms response time, a 80,000:1 contrast ratio and  300cd/m2 brightness.

The T230H is said easy to use and optimizes the speed of your scrolling, searching, and viewing of images. The large digital Widescreen delivers powerful graphic performance with Full HD resolution, fully compatible with the latest blu-ray devices, digital broadcasting and on line media. It comes with both Analog (VGA) and Digital (HDMI + DVI with HDCP) inputs.

(source: http://us.acer.com/acer/)

WHDI makes HDMI cables invisible for the Living Room

WHDI (Wireless Home Digital Interface) is a standard created by Israeli company AMIMON. The company refers to WHDI as a video modem technology that can send HD video signals around the entire home, not simply within a room. WHDI bears similarities to 802.11n and uses 5GHz narrow band technology. AMIMON began shipping silicon in 2008, and has announced design wins with Sharp, Sony, and Mitsubishi for digital TVs.

While other big names are still taking a wait-and-see approach, GONBES TECH of China, has already started mass production and shipping their GBS-330 based on the WHDI technology for the Chinese audio-video market. The new GBS-330 promises wireless video transmission at 1080p/60Hz quality for multi-rooms up to 30m range with a lag time less than 1ms. It also supports HDCP 2.0 and encrypted content.

According to IT168, a well-known IT review site in China, the review on the GBS-330 looks all positive and promising. The review has covered the gaming on PS3 and Blu-ray movies playback and their conclusion is that the GBS-330 has brought the WHDI technology to reality and basically no manual settings are required as it works out of the box. The SRP of the GBS-330 is RMB4000 or US$550.

The main selling points of WHDI are that you don't have to invest in an expensive 10m~20m HDMI cable and you still can enjoy equivalent picture quality while reducing cable clutter.

(source: http://www.wirelessdesignasia.com/article-10558-wirelesshdvideotransmissionwhdi60ghzuwbandwifiinthemixforthenextgenlivingroom-Asia.html, http://mst.it168.com/a2009/1019/762/000000762814_5.shtml, http://www.gonbes.com/about.asp )

Acer releases S243HLbmii LED back-lit Monitors

Acer has just released its newest 24-inch 1920 x 1080 FULL HD widescreen LCD display, the S243HLbmii. The new display's main selling point is the adoption of LED back-lit that promises a 65% reduction in energy consumption while providing a dynamic contrast ratio up to 8,000,000:1, a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m² and a response time of 2 ms (GTG). Display input connectivity includes one D-Sub and and two HDMI.

Good news is that it also comes with two 1W-speakers. It is now available in Japan for 33,000¥.

(source: http://lcd.it168.com/a2009/1023/789/000000789346.shtml)

ZOTAC's new ION ITX-F-E Mini-ITX

ZOTAC has expanded its ION series of mini-ITX motherboards with the new ION ITX-F-E. The new ION ITX-F-E features an Atom N330 1.6GHz Dual-Core processors, a PCI Express x16 slot, MCP7A-ION Chipset, an integrated GF9400M graphics processor, Onboard 802.11n WiFi (mini PCIe), Coaxial and Optical SPDIF, etc. and supports up to 4GB 667/800 MHz DDR2 for high performance and energy efficiency.

Unlike the previous version which relies on a 90w external adaptor for power supply, the new ION ITX-F-E comes with a 20Pin ATX connector.

(source: http://global.hkepc.com/4175)

Benq LED back-lit LCD Monitors

(pic taken from http://global.hkepc.com/4171)

BenQ, a top global display provider in both CE and IT industries, is trying to lead the charge in LCD revolution with their new V Series Eco LED Widescreen Displays starting with the launch of their 24” LED widescreen and the world’s first 21.5” LED widescreen, namely the Full HD 1080p V2400 Eco and Full HD 1080p V2200 Eco respectively. Both new V Series models feature "Eco" mode for 30% less power-consumption without compromising visual enjoyment and come with HDMI 1.3 and D-Sub input.

BenQ freshens up the design of the V2400/2200 Eco with a snow white ID that symbolizes purity in construction and calls to mind the purity of Nature. The shell is 28% recycled plastic, held to the highest standards set forth by EPEAT (a program of the Green Electronics Council) and PC3R (an organization that promotes reuse, reduction, and recycling of PCs and PC displays). To promote recycling, no chemical coating or printing of any kind taints the shell’s pristine whiteness. Instead, the BenQ logo and button markings are engraved, making the unit more recycle-friendly. Complimenting the avant-garde style of the V2400/2200 Eco is a cool multi-function round holder designed into the base of the monitor, offering a handy spot for knickknacks, an optional business card holder, or even serving as a mini plant pot.

The V2200 ECO and V2400 ECO are availabe in Asia immediately. The SRP for the V2200 ECO and Benq V2400 ECO are HK$1699 and HK$1999 respectively.

(source: http://www.benq.com/press/News.cfm?id=2471&cat=0)

HP releases Compaq L2105tm touchscreen monitor

HP, the world's leading PC company, has announced a new multitouch display hot on the heels of the Windows 7 launch. This new touchscreen LCD monitor, Compaq L2105tm, boasts a 21.5-inch, 1080p multitouch screen with one finger scrolling and two finger mousing capabilities.

HP calls the Compaq L2105tm the first "Windows 7 certified" monitor, meaning that this is a plug-and-play gadget and its asking price is $299.

(source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/hp-unleashes-compaq-l2105tm-touchscreen-multitouch-monitor/#continued)

iMac All-in-one Desktops

Apple has just anounced yet another new iMac series, the 21.5-inch and 27-inch Full HD16:9 displays. Both are with edge-to-edge glass covers nearly the entire front of the enclosure, all you see is the display, nothing gets between you and what’s onscreen. Movies, TV shows, websites and photos.

 
Unlike other All-in-one PCs, the new iMax All-in-one Desktops use LED backlighting that provides remarkable brightness and energy efficiency. And as the LED backlight doesn’t take up much space, the iMac enclosure remains thin even with all the high-performance components inside.

  (source: http://www.apple.com/imac/design.html?cid=CDM-US-DM-P0008665-154238&Email_PageName=P0008665-154238-c1&Email_OID=685325&cp=154238&sr=em)

AMD's 45W-TDP 4-core processors

AMD has just announced several new AMD Athlon™ II processors, including two 4-core series with a TDP of 45W, that offer outstanding performance and low power consumption solutions. The 45W-TDP 4-core CPUs are the Athlon™ II X4 (605e) at 2.3 GHz and Athlon™ II X4 (600e) at 2.2 GHz respectively. 

These new processsors make perfect HTPCs that address the market shift to power efficient, and yet powerful enough for next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home and play.

(source: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091019006622&newsLang=en)

Panasonic's 85-inch TH-85PF12U plasma display

Just when we think that the plasma display is losing out to LCD, Panasonic has released the 85-inch TH-85PF12U HD plasma display recently as the new flagship for their Premiere Plasma Series. It is only 3.9” thick, 286lbs, and energy efficient, while still delivering HD content with a dynamic contrast ratio up to 2,000,000:1. Included also is the ability to display approximately 6,144 steps of gradation, which is more than enough to account for deep-level blacks and the accurate colors representation needed to enjoy and appreciate modern video content. Signature to the TH-85PF12U is its multi-function slot architecture, developed to handle nearly any video input signal a user may desire to access: HDMI, component, PC, etc.

The 85-inch TH85PF12WK should be a hit with well-heeled videophiles who cannot accommodate a front projection system.

(sources: http://www.productwiki.com/panasonic-th-85pf12u/)

Samsung 24" LCD Syncmaster P2450H with HDMI (actual pictures)

The Samsung's P2450H is made for multimedia and optimised for HD content with a fast 2ms rapid response time and 70,000:1 Dynamic Contrast. Below are some actual pictures:

(total white)

(total black-light leaks at the top and bottom edges)

(viewing from different angles)

(still pic looks good)

(HD movie playback)

(source: http://lcd.it168.com/a2009/0928/748/000000748893_10.shtml)

Acer has just launched an upgraded version, the R3610-U9012, of the popular ion-based AspireRevo series for consumers in the U.S.

The AspireRevo R3610-U9012 is an extremely compact, one-liter tiny PC powered by a dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor (as opposed to an Atom 230 in the older version). This is an energy-efficient compact PC packs enough power to serve as an entertainment center and you can attach it to a TV or LCD for additional space savings.  

Connectivity features of the AspireRevo R3610-U9012 include Gigabyte Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n wireless as well as an HDMI port, eSATA port, VGA port, and multi-in-1 digital media card reader. It also comes with HD audio support, a 160GB SATA hard drive and 2GB DDR2 memory.

The Acer AspireRevo R3610-U9012 Nettop is available for a MSRP of $329.99.
 
(source: http://hothardware.com/News/Acer-Unveils-AspireRevo-Nettop/)

Acer Aspire Z5610 All-in-One PC

Acer, the third largest vendor in the worldwide PC market, has answered the all-in-one desktop demand via their Acer Aspire Z5610-U9072. The new series is an all-in-one desktop PC featuring touchscreen functionality and Windows 7 Home Premium targets at the entertainment hub market for the home.

Engineered to eliminate clutter and maximize workspace, the Z5610 packs a stunning 23-inch HD display, ATI Mobility Radeon™ graphics and Intel^® Pentium^® Dual Core processing.


Featuring 1920x1080 pixel resolution, the 23-inch HD 16:9 TFT display enhances games, internet surfing and more with ultra-sharp, colorful imagery. With multi-touch, users can intuitively interact with the PC using multiple fingers as they would a mouse. They can open and close programs, browse online newspapers, flick through photo albums and shuffle files and folders, using nothing but their hands.

Besides, the Acer Aspire Z5610 provides a fast network connection with 802.11b/g/Draft-N wireless and Gigabit Ethernet. It also has a built-in HD webcam and microphone for videoconferencing with family and friends.

According to the source it will be available this Q4 at online retailers for an attractive price of $899.99.

(source: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091014006442&newsLang=en)

NVIDIA's Ion 2 may be available in Q4

According to www.slashgear.com, NVDIA will unveil its Ion 2 chipset before the year's end. The second-generation platform is said to feature much faster graphics, over twice the shaders, a smaller die, and support the Intel-compatible processors such as Atom, together with the VIA Nano.

NVIDIA have confirmed that they plan to launch their second-generation Ion 2 chipset sometime in 2009. The  confirmation is said came from NVIDIA’s head of chipsets.

So it is good news for those who wanted to have a faster Ion-based PC.  

(source: http://www.slashgear.com/nvidia-ion-2-confirmed-for-2009-launch-0959788/)

Sony unveils new Touch-Screen HD PC/TV

Sony just unveiled yet another new all-in-one touchscreen PC - the VAIO L-series HD PC/TV. The new series is equipped with a 24-inch Full-HD display and comes with a Blu-ray drive. And with built-in DVR capabilities and up to 500GB of storage, you can create a personal entertainment library with up to 50 hours of HD television.

The VAIO L-Series comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce series graphics, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and other standard accessories. In short, you can use the VAIO L-Series as a multimedia hub for your PC, HDTV, Blu-ray player and DVR in one compact and stylish device. You can position the model virtually anywhere in your home and access the Internet, email or home network.

(source: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/sony/sony-delivers-new-touch-screen-hd-pc-tv)

Gateway One ZX6800 and ZX4800 all-in-one Touchscreen PCs

'All-in-one' PCs with 'touchscreen' support are really getting more attention nowadays especially when Win7 is just around the corner. To me, 'All-in-one' PCs with 'touchscreen' support is the simplest way to set up a Media PC in the living room as you can use the touchscreen as your multimedia control panel.

Besides the DELL Studio One 19 which features a built-in 18.5" display with multi-touch screen functionality, Gateway also unveil two new all-in-one touchscreen PCs run Win7.

The ZX6800 comes with a 23-inch 1920 x 1080 touchscreen and runs an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.33GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 1GB graphics card, a 1TB hard-drive and 64GB SSD (for apps and OS); there’s also WiFi b/g/n, gigabit ethernet, a DVD burner and eSATA port. A hybrid TV tuner and 5.1 surround sound outputs take care of entertainment.

Meanwhile the ZX4800 comes with a 20-inch 1,600 x 900 display and uses a Pentium dual core 2.1GHz CPU, 4GB of RAM, Intel GMA X4500HD graphics, a 750GB hard-drive and the same connectivity of its faster counterpart.

The Gateway One ZX6800 and ZX4800 will be available in late October or early November priced at $1,399.99 and $749.99 respectively. 

 (source: http://www.slashgear.com/gateway-one-zx6800-and-zx4800-multitouch-win-7-all-in-ones-0659424/)

O!Play HDP-R1 - The Easiest Way to Enjoy HD Content in the Living Room

ASUS just popped up yet another standalone HD media player - the O!Play HDP-R1. This new device comes with an eSATA and LAN and is said can offer hassle-free multimedia playback with just one click. It supports almost all the popular codecs and file extensions you could find on the internet: MPEG1/2/4,RM/RMVB,VC-1,H.264, .mp4, .mov, .xvid, .avi, .divx, .asf,. wmv, .mkv, .rm,.rmvb, .flv, .ts, .m2ts, .dat, .mpg, .vob, MP3, WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, AIFF, JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF and subtitles in SRT, SUB, SMI & SSA formats, so you do not have to worry about the compatibilities of file format.

And you do not have to carry the physical storage from study room to living room as it can stream HD content from your PC or NAS.

(source: http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=sPkRGUeRrpiVYl5K&templete=2)

Sharp's New LED AQUOS LX Series Unveiled

According to http://www.sharp.co.jp/, their latest LED AQUOS series featuring LED backlit is scheduled to be released soon. The new LED AQUOS line-up includes 60”, 52”, 46” and 40” models offering a stunning 2000000:1 contrast ratio while providing up to 30% decrease in power consumption.

(pic taken from http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/090929-a.html)

NMP-1000

QNAP has just launched a new NAS that combines the functionality of a HD media player. As the use of digital contents is becoming increasingly popular, this is an easier way to share and enjoy your video collection and favorite music on your home theater besides htpc. The new QNAP NMP-1000 NAS is capable of playback the videos, photos, and music on the internal hard disk. It also supports network playback of the digital contents from the PCs or NAS on your home network. The player can be seamlessly integrated with TV and stereo system for playing your digital collections in the living room or anywhere at home.

Featured with HDMI 1.3 output, SATA HDD interface, Gigabit network interface, and network sharing features, the NMP-1000 supports various file formats including the high-quality H.264 MKV, M2TS, and FLAC. It claims it can deliver smooth playback of Full HD video and high-definition audio.

(source: http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=117)