Actually, with the USB port right on the back, this wheel could make for a pretty snazzy DIY add-on to existing hardware. If only it were mini USB, the modders could really have some fun. Pick yours up for $20. [Brando]

And remember, mother there's only one, so treat her right!

Fools! [Firebox via Toyology]

This whole concept of this show depends on humiliating its participants. The producers, though, must have caught on to something more: everyone on this show is pretty annoying. Shrewdly, then, ISJGS smashes them into wooden doors. Thanks, ABC!

If this challenge is a metaphor, I'm a little lost. Even more lost, though, are the contestants, who apparently don't fully grasp that they are on a show called I Survived a Japanese Game Show, asking questions like "Where do they come up with this shit?" Stay tuned for more game show gadgetry next week. [ABC]

TOSHIBA SATELLITE PRO LAPTOP ENHANCES INTEL CENTRINO 2 PROCESSOR WITH BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
First Satellite Pro With EasyGuard Technology, Docking Capabilities and Business Card Reader

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the expansion of its Satellite Pro family with the Satellite Pro® S300 laptop. This affordable laptop PC with Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology1 is packed with the key essential business features to increase productivity plus Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, built-in docking capabilities and Webcam with business card reader software.

“The Toshiba Satellite Pro S300 laptop delivers the essential feature sets our customers need and more for an improved mobile computing experience at an incredible price point,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “The design of the Satellite Pro S300 laptop is a direct reflection of customer feedback, providing mobile professionals with innovative and reliable computing performance that gives them the freedom to work or explore when they need and want.”

• Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology: Based on the latest 45nm mobile architecture, this new technology provides mobile professionals with higher performance, advanced connectivity3 and long battery life4 while on the go. The Satellite Pro S300 also uses Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD to provide up to three times better graphics performance5.

Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials
• EasyGuard Technology: Available for the first time in the Satellite Pro lineup, Toshiba integrated its fourth-generation EasyGuard Technology. Toshiba’s proprietary, value-add series of hardware and software enhancements is designed to better protect and secure the notebook during everyday computing. Components include HDD Protection, a spill-resistant keyboard6, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Express Port Replicator: Toshiba’s Satellite Pro S300 is the first Satellite Pro laptop with built-in support for docking, giving users quicker access to a traditional desktop console and better cable management. This enhances the desktop experience plus mobile users can easily get up and go at the touch of a button.
• Webcam with Business Card Reader Software: Toshiba expanded the functionality of the standard 1.3 megapixel Webcam by integrating macro functionality with business card reader software to allow users to scan business cards and store them digitally.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: This port enables the high-speed transfer of files between the laptop and an external eSATA hard drive with transfer rates that are up to five times faster than standard USB 2.0. High-speed data transfer is
ideal for data backup.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port7: The Satellite Pro S300 features four Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge select mobile devices such as, cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs whether the computer is on, off, in sleep
mode or hibernation mode.
• Green Attributes: The Satellite Pro S300 is ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and has achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). The Satellite Pro S300 series is available with a one-year standard limited warranty8, which includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations.

As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible9, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in and recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

TOSHIBA ADDS NEW INTEL CENTRINO 2 WITH vPro TECHNOLOGY TO FLAGSHIP BUSINESS LAPTOPS
Tecra M10, Tecra A10 Provide a Superior Balance of Performance, Mobility and Security for Business and Education Users

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the Tecra® M10 and Tecra® A10 laptops with Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM technology1. These new laptop PCs feature Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, Webcam with business card reader software and common motherboard designs.

“The Toshiba Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 provide the real-world mobile computing features that our business customers need most — in the office or while traveling,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “These new laptops give Toshiba’s customers the clear competitive edge and deliver Toshiba’s mission of creating innovative laptop PCs that improve the productivity and lives of our business customers.”

Toshiba’s Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 include the following leading-edge technologies:
• Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM Technology: This new micro-architecture helps keep mobile workforces, managed and secure. With hardware-assisted remote isolation, diagnostics and repair, IT professionals can manage their mobile workforce wirelessly, even if the system’s operating system is unresponsive.
• EasyGuard Technology: The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 are Toshiba’s first laptops to incorporate Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard technology, including HDD protection, spill-resistant keyboard5, SmartCard reader, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Webcam with Business Card Reader Software: Toshiba expanded the functionality of the standard 1.3 megapixel Webcam by integrating macro functionality with business card reader software to allow users to scan business cards and store them digitally.
• Common Motherboards: To better reduce the cost for customers and simplify the deployment of new laptops, the Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 feature a common motherboard and image, allowing companies to qualify both systems by qualifying one. This value-added feature also helps to lower the cost of service and support.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: With an increased emphasis on data backup and protection, Toshiba incorporated an eSATA port to enable the high-speed transfer of files between the laptop and an external eSATA hard drive with transfer rates that are up to five times faster than standard USB 2.0.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port6: All Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 feature Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge select mobile devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs whether the computer is on, off, in sleep mode or hibernation mode.
• Solid State Drive Option: Toshiba offers a full Build-to-Order configurability on these Tecra series, allowing customers to add a 64 or 128 GB solid-state drive8 for enhanced reliability.
• Green Attributes: The Tecra M10 and A10 are ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and have achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).

The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 series are available with a one- or three-year standard limited warranty9, which includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations. As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible10, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in and recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

[Toshiba]

The case, which hooks up to the back of your SUV, also has a built in CD stereo and Sirius Satellite Radio, a battery charger and a 12-volt power adapter. A locking door ensures that those dickwads at Alpha Gamma Phi won't try to make a grab for your beer while you're gone. Party-A-Cargo offers three different versions of its frat-friendly fun box, ranging in price from $2,895 to $3,795. [Born Rich]

Lisa, who grew up watching them will probably write about how shitty and tacky and how culturally out of context the show is on her blog. But we did enjoy when the host would make fun of the Americans in Japanese. See, it's better because everyone is making fun of everyone.

I just hope next week's contraption is a little bit crazier because that's what does it for me. What did you guys think of the show? If anyone knows the crew members who design and build these contraptions, please email me. I want to quit my job and work on these sets! [ABC]

You can get Beast With a Billion Backs here, and expect to see the third DVD, Bender's Game, out towards the end of the year, as it is currently in post-production. [YouTube and Wired]

With that amount of bricks, and knowing how long my Falcon is taking, I'm not surprised that it took 600 hours for the entire team of professional Legoland model builders to assemble this beast. [Giz's Lego Trip]

The obvious worry is that such a system will just be a pile of components, cobbled together with little regard for usability and ergonomics. The ITC One is not that. The company has combined an Xbox 360, Wii, Apple TV, iPod dock and a DVR with various audio/videophilic hardware in a relatively graceful manner, packing everything into an attractive aluminum case. Space is at a premium in this setup, so most of the internal components are stripped of their shells, and in some cases augmented (optical audio out is bypassed to connect straight to the S/PDIF connectors on the Xbox and Apple TV, and the Xbox gets a new heat sink and fan).

Most of the hardware is plugged into a central supply, which ITC claims saves 50% power at idle and 33% during use over an equivalent traditional cabinet of hardware. Networking is shared, and the systems can be controlled with face-forward LCD or the all-in-one remote, which is simple and well designed, with motion sensitivity, 4-6 month battery life on 2 AA batteries with an Apple-esque charge indicator. It's also got a brilliant alarm that beeps when you press the "lost remote" button on the primary unit (honestly, this should be everywhere).

For $25,000 though, we expect more than a clean build and clever remote, and there are some departments where the ITC One disappoints. First, Blu-ray is not standard. Seriously . If you are the kind of person who is planning on dropping this much cash on a home theater setup you probably expect to be able to play the dominant HD format. A BR player will be available as an upgrade, but you'll have to say goodbye to your precious Wii to make space.

Second, it seems like a massive chunk of the hardware cost is for overpriced (and over-hyped) A/V hardware. The Vidikron upscaler, power conditioning hardware and aforementioned optical out bypass are all perfect examples of the cost-ineffective gimmicks that plague home theater today. You could buy all of the core hardware (Xbox, DVR, Apple TV, etc.) in here for less than $5,000, and it'd be pretty hard to justify the $20,000 premium for the slick presentation and under-the-hood hardware improvements.

It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into the ITC One, and it took some inspired designing and engineering to cram all of this hardware into an attractive, usable box. The strange decision not to include Blu-ray by default (or even at all, at until they finish engineering it) leaves the One crippled, and the pervasive A/V hypeware pushes the price way out of reach for just about anyone, into the realm of professional theater installs. The ITC One is available now.

[SE2 Labs]

While Femisapien's no Uma Thurman with those blades, the range of motion and the accuracy of the robot's pose-programming does mean this is going to be one cool toy to play with.

Interestingly Geek Alerts is saying that Femisapien will be available in the US soon for $99, which is at odds with the $175 we mentioned earlier. Guess you'll have to wait to find out how much you'll pay to do robotic reconstructions of scenes from Zorro. [Geek Alerts]

One of neato aspects of the iPhone 3G's engineering is that it crams a whole bunch of wireless stuff, like 3G, Wi-Fi and GPS into just two antennas, which are integrated into the "metal ring around the camera, the audio jack, the metal screen bezel, and the iPhone circuitry itself." But that doesn't mean it's always going to get a solid GPS signal (same with most phones), like when it's indoors or between skyscrapers. So it uses assisted GPS, also known as aGPS or A-GPS, like most phones with "GPS," though it can mean a couple different things.

In the iPhone's case, it means location is determined with a combo of GPS, Wi-Fi and cell towers, depending on what's available—and all that data is crunched by the "assistance server." There are several benefits to A-GPS. It's wayyy faster for one. With vanilla GPS, to get a lock, you need several strong signals for a decent length of time. With A-GPS, the assistance server tells your phone where the closest satellites are and does the serious computational legwork, cutting down the number of frequencies the phone has to scan and the numbers it has to smash, making the whole process a lot faster. Also, the server can take paltry, choppy ones and make use of 'em. And this all makes it a lot more battery friendly too.

The nicest thing about the iPhone 3G's setup is that the you-are-here circle indicates how accurate the assistance server's guesstimation is, like when it derives your location in less than ideal conditions. Unlike some phones' A-GPS, Apple implies iPhone's A-GPS will still work without a cell signal (it "finds your location via GPS or by triangulating your position...") in case you're camping or just in the boonies. (Update: As commenters have pointed out, an issue would be getting the Google maps, which need to be downloaded via cell or Wi-Fi. A third-party app from TomTom or such with locally stored maps would solve that problem, so main issue is still the chip's capabilities to work without assistance.)

It's unknown how hard the GPS is going to punch the battery life. The iPhone turns it on and off "quickly and automatically" when needed. But we anticipate it'll sock it pretty good when the chip's actually active, especially for decent stretches—like during live tracking, possibly, but we think it might power on the receiver only at needed intervals to save juice, doing the rest of the crunching internally or by other means if they're available (like cell towers).

Okay, so the only hands on time we've had with the iPhone's GPS apps comes from Brian's brief time with it, and that did reveal a couple quirks. (Well for one, it couldn't quite find him.) Maps and photo geotagging both asked him for permission to use his location, which kinda bugged him, but since he got the first demo, I'm relatively certain it only does that the first time you use the phone, like the E911 option.
In case you're wondering about the live traffic info, that's been Google mojo for a while.

Hopes for a more robust or simply different navigation app from one of the majors like Garmin, TomTom or Telenav are foggy right now. TomTom says they've got one running already, but there's also a weird clause in the SDK that would seem to prohibit other GPS apps. On the other hand, big companies could talk to Apple directly (and very probably are) to get their apps okayed on the iPhone, which would be smart for both parties. It'll make the iPhone an even more serious GPS device, and it'll give the established makers a piece of the pie they fear losing. But we'd still like to see some sweet (and free) homebrew stuff too. [Giz Explains]

Something we missed, or you still wanna know? Send any questions about 3G, GPS, G-spots or anything else to tips@gizmodo.com, with "Giz Explains" in the subject line.

Because when the A5 isn't being flow around...wherever people fly these days...its wings can fold up (manually or automatically) for storage in a large garage—which makes a lot of sense for a plane that features a dash that more closely resembles a car than a jet.

But maybe the best part is that the A5 comes with a parachute for the whole plane. So if you are too nervous/inebriated to land, just let the wonder of cloth do the work for you, landing you safely on someone's roof (and subsequently their living room). Order yours today for a refundable $5,000 deposit. [ICON via popmech]

Update: Robert from Robots Rule tells us that it's just a localized version of the Femisapien, which we've covered before.

Grabbed the tip and pull, collapsible umbrella in the form of units. Hardcover looked like a bottle of enjoyment as well as the smooth opening and closing / wet umbrella on the receipt in the bag immediately and round, and also glad to have a Jacuzzi-whirlpool! Afterlife as a unique design is also recommended.

So... uh... if I use this thing I'll be happy to sit in a jacuzzi and contemplate the uniqueness of heaven? Wow. That's quite a sales pitch!
Anyway, the Is.a.Brella from Ofess is available in many color combos for around $27, but that's in Japan and there's no info on whether you can get it over here. [Sixem.com and Impress]

Tenga Demo Video (Safe):

In fact, the two men were representatives from Tenga who spent the $20 entrance fee in order to conduct a "little research" into their new product. So, if you want to go pro with your masturbating hobby, you are going to need to get yourself a Tenga cup and practice, practice, practice. But that is what it takes to be a true champion—blood, sweat, and semen. So get cracking guys! We need to bring this title home to the USA next year! [SF Weekly via 3yen and Fleshbot]

If true, that'd make it incredibly, stupidly cheap as far as major megapixel, full-frame cameras go, putting it more in prosumer than pure pro territory, somewhere between Canon's 5D and Nikon's D300, and way below either company's pro cams. Let's not hold our breaths yet, though. [DP Review via Photography]

But they were wrong.

According to The Register, while Apple does not plan to continue modifying/improving P.A. Semi's PowerPC-based processor architecture, Apple has employed a number of veteran P.A. Semi staff members just for the task of supplying the current chips for years to come.

To us, it seems pretty logical, as if Apple is simply honoring the existing contracts/promises of P.A. Semi. Then again, it's just such a strange move from such a painstakingly marketed company—Apple and the military certainly make for strange bedfellows. More on this point from The Register:

While the information is limited at this point, we believe the military interest in PA Semi's low-power chip may have forced Apple's hand here. Uncle Sam hates to design new missiles only to have the guts ripped out by some dude in a mock turtleneck.

Each episode will begin with two hidden cell phones ringing at opposite ends of a major city. Contestants who answer the phones will get to go on a timed mission for a cash prize. While they're racing through the city, a helicopter will track their every move. Kind of like that scene in the Bourne Ultimatum where Matt Damon's trying to get that journalist dude to follow his instructions—but sexy. Also nobody's going to get their heads blown off.

What? You think this sounds unbelievably lame? You're not lovin' it? Well buddy, cry me a river, because last time I checked, I was Justin Timberlake and you weren't. I get to do things like make out with Scarlett Johansson and have four cellphone channels devoted to my life. I think I would be the king of knowing what's lame and what's not. Where is the love, man? God, you guys are such dicks (in a box). [Reuters]

Outside of the obvious design features, this "square against air" electric motorcycle includes a hydraulic system that lowers the body to the ground when idle and then raises it up when in motion. Again, this bike is only a concept, so don't expect to see it on the street anytime soon. [Non-Object via Yanko Design]

"Your car could know a heck of a lot about you," says Clifford Nass, things like where you go, what speed you drive, what music you listen to. And, of course, companies will pay for that info, but Nass is also wondering if your car could speak back to you, would it result in you driving more safely, or even cheer you up if you were depressed?

Nass' research is interesting to insurers, of course, because if your car could detect that you consistently drove too fast or were often angrily swearing at the traffic while you wrenched at the wheel, they might be tempted to up your premiums. But Nass also sees our future cars being like dumber versions of KITT, behaving more like a co-pilot and actually speaking back to us. Perhaps pointing out that there's a pedestrian in the road ahead, or warning you that you're driving too aggressively.

Some of Nass' results are fascinating:
•Depressed drivers drive better when their car reacts as if it too is depressed
•Cars that speak in complex sentences tend to make you pay attention, rather than zoning out
•Older drivers prefer younger voices
•The car's voice is important: BMW had to recall Series 5 cars because male German drivers didn't listen to its female voice
•Drivers feel closer to the computer if they believe it's embedded in the car, rather than a remote device.

That last one seems like an extension of our personification of cars: I've named every one of my cars, and I bet you guys do too. And while a talking, monitoring, advice-giving car may be some people's idea of a nightmare, you can see that the idea has potential for improving safety: "You can imagine how much it costs for anti-lock brakes. But what if you could simply change the voice in the car?" points out Nass. What do you think, guys? Talking cars FTW? ... or KITT-like cars as nightmare? [Physorg]

Panasonic SC-BT100
Wireless Home Theater System with Integrated Blu-ray Disc Player

Product Features
High Quality Picture
Combining a PHL Reference Chroma Processor with advanced P4HD imaging technology, Panasonic's original digital consumer electronics integration platform, UniPhier® reproduces crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful
to the original movie. UniPhier® reflects the advanced encoding and authoring technologies developed by Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory (PHL) in collaboration with film industry professionals. With UniPhier® at its heart, the SC-BT100 provides a level of image and sound quality that meets Hollywood's stringent demands - so you experience movies just the way they were meant to be experienced.
*UniPhier is a trademark/a registered trade mark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

PHL Reference Chroma Processor
The PHL Reference Chroma Processor up-samples (4:2:0 to 4:2:2) the color information in decoded video signals. Using unique Panasonic technology, this innovative circuit faithfully reproduces the fine details and nuances of Blu-ray video streams that have been recorded with high quality image compression system. It generates images with all the clarity and depth that BD-Video movies have to offer.

P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD)
P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel. So that it can render progressive images superbly, expresses motion smoothly, and draws crisp diagonal lines.

Deep Color
The SC-BT100 is Deep Color ready, which means they can reproduce images with 12-bit, 4,096-step gradation. You enjoy exceptionally rich, natural-looking colors, with smooth, detailed gradation and minimal color banding.
*The TV must also be Deep Color compatible. Other TVs will display 8-bit, 256-step grada

1080/24p Playback
The SC-BT100 provides 1080/24p output. It reproduces movie images from a Blu-ray Disc in their original 24p form, with no need for conversion. You see movies in the same format used in movie theaters.
*24p stands for 24 frame/sec.
*1080/ 24p supported TV is required

Premium Sound Quality
Kelton Subwoofer
Thanks to a Kelton subwoofer, the SC-BT100 outputs deep, thunderous bass sounds that make viewing Blu-ray Discs a truly awesome entertainment experience. The Kelton subwoofer has two internal chambers. A drive unit mounted in the rear chamber vibrates the front chamber, causing a large, 10-inch Passive Radiator in the front chamber to vibrate and produce bass sounds. Because the front chamber functions as an acoustic filter, there is minimal unwanted noise. The thinness and high compliance of the passive radiator help achieve an extremely clean, powerful and responsive bass sound.

Bamboo Diaphragm Speaker
Use of rigid, low-density bamboo in the woofer and tweeter cones of the center and front speakers helps achieve a highly responsive sound. This system reproduces sounds from sources in high definition audio formats of Blu-ray disc with stunning clarity and fidelity.

Bamboo Paper
Sound Velocity (m/s) 2380 1900
Specific gravity 0.37 0.40

Vertical Symmetrical Configuration
The SC-BT100's front and center speakers feature a vertical symmetrical configuration, with the tweeter in the center and the woofers arranged directly above and below it. The sound seems to emanate from a single point. This reproduces a sound so clear and transparent that when you're listening to an orchestra, for example, you can easily pinpoint the location of each instrument.

Whisper- mode Surround
In the past, when you were watching a movie late at night with the volume turned down, the surround effect would be lost. Not with Whisper-Mode Surround. It compensates for the sound pressure level of the low-frequency component (which contains the signals that affect the surround effect), so you're enveloped in a rich surround sound even when watching movies at low volume.

Compatible for New All Audio Codec*
The SC-BT100 is compatible with the newest Dolby®TrueHD and DTS-HD™ 7.1-channel surround sound formats. Sit back and enjoy the incredibly rich, clear and faithful surround sound these high-data formats make possible.

New Medial Friendly
Integrated Universal Dock for iPod®
Just slip your iPod® into the built-in cradle and enjoy. With the BD theater system's awesome picture and sound quality, you'll love listening to the music and watching the images on your iPod®. There are no iPod® or USB cables to connect, so it's super easy and your room stays tidy and uncluttered.

iPod® Music / Video Capability
iPod® Music Playback and iPod® On-Screen Display for Music Menu
Panasonic's BD theater is a great way to listen to the music on your iPod®. The list of songs on your iPod® can be displayed on the TV screen, and you can use the remote control from the home theater or a VIERA TV to select and play them.

iPod® Video Playback
Use the iPod's screen to select a video, then sit back and enjoy awesome large-screen viewing and thunderous surround sound.
*To enjoy iPod® Video contents, please connect your home theater sound system with composite video cable.

Enjoy Multi Channel Contents of Set-top Box
Connect a set-top box to your BD theater with an optical audio cable, and you can view cable programs and other content on your large-screen TV, while enjoying 5.1-channel surround sound.
*The video output of the set-top box must be connected to the TV, and the set-top box must be connected to the SC-BT100 via an optical audio cable.

HD Networking with SD Memory Card
Linking with an HD Camcorder
The SC-BT100 can play back AVCHD-format images shot with an HD camcorder, such as the Panasonic HDC-SD9. Images recorded onto the camcorder's SD Memory Card are output directly from the SC-BT100's HDMI terminals in their original, high-quality 1920 x 1080 resolution. The SC-BT100 also provides an AVCHD Direct Navigator function that makes it easy to search for particular scenes.

Linking with a Digital Camera
The SC-BT100 can play back JPEG still images on an SD Memory Card, such as those recorded with a Lumix DMC-FX55 digital camera. The SC-BT100 can output the images to 1920 x 1080 resolution - ideal for a full-HD TV - and output them via the HDMI terminal* Using the Slideshow playback feature, you can play a music CD at the same time you're showing the photos, so viewers enjoy both beautiful images and your favorite music.
*JPEG and other still image sources converted to 1920 x 1080 resolution, while of high quality, will exhibit somewhat lower subjective image resolution than true, native 1080p full HD sources.

Easy to Use & Set-Up with VIERA LinkTM
New Seamless GUI
As the types of media continue to increase, the VIERA LinkTM capability continues to evolve. The newly enhanced VIERA LinkTM displays a menu on the TV screen, making it easier to operate the connected equipment. For example, you can display a menu with a list of the movies or music stored on your iPod®, and use the VIERA remote control unit to select one and begin playback.

Auto Theater Setup
When you connect your BD theater system to a VIERA TV via an HDMI cable, the TV settings (menu language, aspect ratio, and so on) are automatically loaded into the home theater system. This saves you the trouble of making those settings manually.
・VIERA LinkTM is a new name for EZ SyncTM.
・Not All 2008 VIERA LinkTM features are compatible with all 2006/2007 EZ SyncTM products.

Blu-ray Global Site
http://panasonic.net/blu-ray/

Blu-ray DiscTM Home Theater Sound System
SC-BT100

1. Premium Sound Quality with Full Audio Codec for Blu-ray Disc
2. High Quality Picture with Full-HD 1080p and Premium Live Experience for 7.1ch Surround with 5 Speakers
3. Enjoy Your iPod® Music and iPod® Video*1 with Integrated Universal Dock for iPod®*2
*1 iPod Video function is limited in case of connection to TV through composite Video output.
*2 Made for iPod, iPod® not included.

Home Theater Receiver
• Home Theater Mode: Total Output Power of 1250W
Front: 250W x 2 (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
Center: 250W (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
Surround: 125W x 2 (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD)
Subwoofer: 250W (100Hz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
• Home Theater Mode: Total Output Power of 472W
Front: 104W x 2 (120Hz - 20kHz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)
Center: 101W (120Hz - 20kHz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)
Surround: 34W x 2 (120Hz - 20kHz, 3 ohms, 1 % THD)
Subwoofer: 95W (45Hz - 120Hz, 6 ohms, 1 % THD)
• Digital Amplifier
• Whisper-mode Surround
• H.Bass
• Surround Enhancer
• Real Center Focus
• EQ (Flat, Heavy, Clear, Soft)
• Subwoofer Boost
• Subwoofer Level Control
• Quartz-Synthesized Digital Tuning System (AM/FM)
• AV Remote Control
• ENERGY STAR® Qualified

[BD Features]
Video Features
• PHL Reference Chroma Processor
• P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD)
• Precise Pixel Generation
• 16-Level Motion Detection with Pixel-Based Motion Adaptive
• Diagonal Processing
• Detection of 3:2 Pull-Down Progressive Processing
• i/p Conversion for 1080p* Playback
• Up-Conversion to 1080p* Playback
* HDMI connection required.
• 1080/24p Playback
• Deep Color
• 148.5MHz/12bit Video D/A Converter
• Digital Noise Reduction (3D-NR/ Integrated NR)
• Picture Mode (Normal, Soft, Fine, Cinema, User)
• Picture Adjustment (Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, Color, Gamma Correction)
• Advanced Progressive Scan* (4:4:4 Signal Processing/4:3 Shrink Function/Letterbox Zoom & Shift)
* To enjoy a progressive scan picture, a TV with progressive scan capabilities must be used.
• Variable Zoom
• Multi-Format Playback (Blu-ray Disc, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW*1, DVD-R*1, DVD-R Dual Layer*1, +R*1, +R Double Layer*1, +RW*1, CD, CD-R/RW*2, MP3*3 and JPEG)

Audio Features
• Built-in Dolby®Digital Plus, Dolby®Digital True HD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio and Linear PCM
• Dolby® Pro Logic® II ( Movie, Music) (for Disc/iPod®/Digital In/FM/AM/AUX)
• DTS Neo :6 (Cinema,Music) (for Disc/iPod®/Digital In/FM/AM/AUX)
• 192kHz/24bit Audio D/A Converter
• Dynamic Range Compression

Other Media Features
• iPod® On-Screen Display for Music Menu
• iPod® Music Playback
• iPod® Video Playback
• High Definition Movie & Picture Playback via SD Memory Card Slot

Input/ Output
• 1 HDMI Terminal with VIERA LinkTM
• 1 Digital Input (Optical)
• 1 Component Video Out
• 1 Video Out
• 1 Wireless Rear Terminal
• 1 Analog Audio Input for AUX
• 1 Phone Out

Speaker System
• 5 New Satellite Speakers
• Wall Mounting Holes

Front:
• 2-1/2" Woofer x 2, 2-3/8" Cone Tweeter (Bamboo Diaphragm)
• Magnetic Shielding for Home Theater Use

Center:
• 2-1/2" Woofer x 2, 2-3/8" Cone Tweeter (Bamboo Diaphragm)
• Magnetic Shielding for Home Theater Use

Surround:
• 2-1/2" Full Range Speaker

Subwoofer
• 10 inch Passive Radiator /6-1/2 inch Woofer (Kelton Type)

*1 Discs recorded and finalized on DVD video recorders/cameras.
*2 This unit can play CD-DA format audio CD-R and CD-RW. It may not be able to play some CD-R or CD-RW due to the condition of the recording.
*3 For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for personal use. Playability may vary depending on conditions and discs.
*Energy Star is a U.S. Registered Trademark

Interestingly, they moved away from using another RED camera because of the size and the fact that they can be as fussy as 35mm film cams. So there's definitely a pro market for $3000 pocket-sized Scarlet beyond the obvious prosumer angle—it's small, cheap and shoots at an insane res. The other takeaway is that consumer cams have really gotten to be pro, or nearly pro level, which is a great thing for the rest of us. Though Crank 2 might not be. [Collider, Thanks Steve!]