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concepts
Digital Ruler
This wooden, yet digital, concept ruler combines "values of a traditional ruler, with advantages of a digital interface." I think it still needs lines, but how cool is it that it sets the zero point wherever you start measuring? More » -
diy
DIY List Breathes New Life Into Discarded Analog TVs
In the wake of the digital TV transition that happened earlier this month, Lifehacker has posited upon us a cool roundup of DIY projects that make use of all those abandoned TVs. [Lifehacker] -
gadgets
Panasonic iPod Merge Inflight Entertainment Will Integrate with Your iPhone, iPod, Digital Camera
According to Mary RunwayGirl Kirby—I call her Freckles myself—you will be able to use Panasonic's new iPod Merge inflight entertainment system to access your digital camera photos and fully access your iPod as early as this fall. More » -
camcorders
Pure Digital's Flip Camera's Software For Sharing With the Web, Livingroom and iPhone
At D, Flip camcorders are going to have this new software that allows a user to share their videos with the web, through their iPhone app, or to the livingroom via a coming accessory or set top box partners. I'm not writing this up longer because you all already know how to use youtube. The UI looks nice and simple for moms and dads that are not that tech literate, however. It will support all the previous Flip cameras. [All Things D] More » -
listening test
Why We Need Audiophiles
This is Michael Fremer. He's listening to "Avalon" by Roxy Music on his $350,000 stereo system. It sounds excellent. He's a bit crazy, but if you love music, you need him. More » -
architecture
The Pixel Cloud Skyscraper Is a JRPG Dream Fortress
This digital cloud skyscraper was a finalist in Singapore's recent contest to design a pavilion for the World Expo 2010. And it's nothing short of wondrous. More » -
Analog TV Shutdown
Obama Officially Delays Analog Broadcast Shutdown to June 12
Obama signed the piece of paper that officially delays the digital TV transition until June 12, even though many stations are turning off analog next week anyway (here's a list, thanks Ponies). [Broadcasting & Cable] -
dtv
New DTV Transition Date May Result Converter Box Shortage
Not surprisingly, shifting the DTV transition date to June 12th could mean that converter boxes will run out. More » -
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digital tv
DTV Switchover Screwing Spanish-Speaking Viewers
Spanish-speaking viewers are finding the DTV transition to be particularly difficult because their favorite stations have either switched to digital or are too low power to be viewed outside of analog. More » -
digital tv
Senate Postpones TV Shutdown to June 12
El Señor Presidente talks, and the Senate does: They have postponed the analog switcheroo four more months. The new date for the analog TV shutdown: June 12, pending Congress approval of the move. More » -
dtv
FCC Chief Blasts Obama's Call to Delay Digital TV Changeover
Just last week, President-elect Obama asked Congress to stop the analog TV shut down, due to funding issues and confusion. At CES yesterday, FCC chief Kevin Martin was having none of that at all. More » -
breaking
Obama Asks Congress for Analog TV Shutdown Delay
President-elect Barack Obama has asked Congress to stop the shut down on analog TV broadcasts, due on February 17. The main two reasons: "Inadequate funding" and problems with the converter box program. But there's more. More » -
faucets
X-Touch Mixer Faucet Is Precise and Informative
The X-Touch Mixer faucet trades analog knobs or levers for buttons so you can regulate exactly what temperature the water is. Better, it has a digital readout to show you exactly what temp it is. More » -
smartphones
Samsung Pixon May Be First 8MP US Camera Phone
Compliments of the FCC, we have some confirmation of rumors that Samsung will be releasing the 8MP Pixon M8800L smartphone to the US market. -
tokyoflash
Tokyoflash Denshoku Bars It All To Tell Time
Oh Tokyoflash, how you challenge our perceptions of what a watch should be. The company's newest item, the Kisai Denshoku, looks more like some kind of sound meter, with orange neon bars on an aluminum faceplate. Denshoku is actually one of the easier Tokyoflash watches to read, not that anyone who actually buys these things would use them to tell time in the first place. More » -
digital faucet
Digital Thermostat Faucet Is Exercise In Minimalism
When I was growing up I thought all faucets were going to be like this—all digital, electronic thermostat and sleekly mysterious. Nope: 99% of faucets I use are still the old twist'n'turn and get the bath-temperature wrong variety. Perhaps it's because designs like this one from Italian makers Treemme are slightly impractical: it requires its own largeish mounting shelf, with built-in digital display. Perhaps its because I don't have the big piles of money required to have a designer bathroom. Perhaps its because with that particular sink it looks a lot like a urinal. [Trendir via Craziest Gadgets] -
concept
Digital/Analog Clock Design Meets You Halfway
This Digital/Analog clock design is a pretty interesting take on the old "clock" concept. Shown off a Tokyo Design Week '08, this version displays the hours digit-style while keeping the hand free for minute-pointing. Going half digital is a good start, but here's our challenge to concept designers out there: all digital. Who's with us? [Design Boom] -
watches
Void v.01 LCD Watch: Tokyo Flash For Minamalists
My kind of aesthetic: these half-LCD, half brushed metal watches that get the tech-futurism across without bashing you over the head with binary-encoded time, 60 LEDs, etc. They're available in four colors on Etsy, the eBay for homemade goods, directly from the designer in a run of 500 for $185 each, which isn't bad at all. [Void Watches, Etsy via Technabob and BBG] -
media
Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player Streams from Hard Drives on the Cheap
Western Digital, better known for storage than HD video equipment, looks to have thrown their hat into the video streaming ring with the WD TV HD Media Player. With two USB 2.0 drives working simultaneously, you can plug in your USB storage and stream to your HDTV in 1080p over HDMI or composite. The diminutive box comes with a remote control and what seems to be proprietary browsing software. It's available now from Best Buy for a competitive $130, which is a solid price for an HD streamer even if it's snuck in under the rader a bit. [Engadget] -
dealzmodo hacks
Dealzmodo Hack: Juice Up Your Canon Digital Camera With CHDK
Digital cameras are generally closed platforms, built and programmed under the assumption that they would never be modified. To get more features, you pay more for different firmware, even though the guts are mostly the same. Canon didn't batten down their hatches quite enough. The result is CHDK, a full-featured OS substitute that runs from your memory card and unlocks the tremendous unrecognized potential of most Canon A-series and SD Elphs plus several others—for free. More » -
entertainment
This Week In Digital Streaming: Netflix Joins Vudu Edition
For the past several week's we've been giving you Vudu's new release movie rentals in a handy list. This week, Netflix streaming clips join the mix of our coverage (they aren't teaming with Vudu or something). Given that Netflix has just signed to share Starz content, their formerly disappointing digital library is looking better by the second. Here's all of the latest Vudu and Netflix digital content in a mega list: More » -
Canon SX10
Canon 10MP SX10 Boasts 20x Optical Zoom Lens
Want ultra-zoom? Canon's new SX10 IS, the latest in its SX-series, gives you a whopping 20x optical zoom lens, as well as a 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD screen and a MovieSnap mode for capturing hi-res still images while shooting video. The 10 megapixel camera also boasts the new DIGIC 4 image processor, optical image stabilization, and 24 shooting modes. You can get yours in late October for $400. More » -
flies
High-Speed Digital Imaging Shows Why Flies Outsmart You
Scientist at Caltech have discovered why oh why one of the most basic artifacts on earth, the looming swatter, fails against its winged nemesis, the fly. In fact, using high-resolution, high-speed digital imaging, they have found out what's the secret to the fly's 100 milliseconds evasive maneuvering. Which is why I hate them so much, and fully explains why my favorite videos are the ones of the wingless fly and the legless fly trying to escape (which I guess makes me some kind of a psycho). More » -
canon e1
Canon's E1 Digital Camera is Shiny, Curvy, in Baby Pink and Blue
Canon's clearly trying to add a certain girly appeal to some of its latest digital cameras, since compared to the gruff, black 50D the upcoming E1 is particularly curvy and comes in vanilla, powder blue and baby pink. It's no optical slouch though, despite its simple looks, with 10-megapixels, 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilization, macro mode, ISO80-1600 (with 3200 scene mode) and a 2.5-inch TFT display. It also takes AA batteries for convenience and weighs just 0.35-pounds. Available in September for around $200. [Canon] -
itunes
Get Ready for iTunes Taxes
Digital content makes a lot money—over $130 billion in sales a year—but most of that actually isn't taxed. Yet! Realizing they're leaving vast streams of green untapped, states are getting wise—nine this year have considered digital download taxes, and five of those passed them, for a total of 17 states that tax digital purchases. And don't worry, they're totally coming to a state near you, it's only a matter of time. More » -
netflix
Netflix Streaming Will Always Be Subscription-Based, Never Pay-Per-View
Subscribers hoping that Netflix would get into the pay-per-view space will be slightly disappointed, as its CEO reiterates that they will always be in the subscription business. Reed Hastings says, "We don't plan to enter the pay-per-view segment, where Apple, Amazon, Sony and others focus, or the ad-supported segment, where Hulu, YouTube and others compete," which is probably a smart idea, seeing as all those companies are already crowding each other for the limited amount of room. Best to stay put where you're in good shape. [Hollywood Reporter] -
Sony MDR-NC500D
Lightning Review: Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones
The Gadget: Sony's MDR-NC500D, the "world's first headphones with digital technology for noise canceling." These over the ear noise canceling headphones have three different environmental modes, a monitor mode, internal reachable battery and a case full of accessories and adapters. -
clips
Old School Digital Car Dashboard Roundup Is an LCD Light Show
Motive mag takes a look at the digital dashboards of the 1980s; a time where men were men and electronic car computer technology barely made anything fancier than some green LCDs. Despite this handicap, auto manufacturers came up with some fancy displays, as typified by this predecessor to my own 350Z, a Nissan 300ZX Turbo. Man, we'd like to see more of this kind of digital Knight Rider-esque readout in modern cars, but we have a feeling that the tach on the Prius would look pretty pitiful. [Motive Mag] -
microscope
3R Systems ViTiny Pocket Digital Microscope, for Viewing Pocket Fluff?
Well, it might be for viewing your pocket fluff, if you've got a scientific mind and it's interesting to you. This new 'scope is a little smaller and more portable than ones we've shown before and features 24-90x zoom, a 1.8-inch LCD, 2MB of internal memory and a 300,000-pixel CMOS sensor. If you like exploring the world of the small and wiggly, then you'll have to wait as there's no info on pricing or availability. [Akihabaranews] -
displays
NEC Develops a Heart-Shaped LCD For Justin Timberlake Fans Everywhere
The push towards non-rectangular displays is in full swing now that NEC has developed a more flexible TFT display that integrates the wiring circuits along the perimeter of the LCD glass. As a result, a wider variety of shapes becomes possible—like the heart-shaped prototype pictured above. Despite its prototype status, my guess is that it won't be long before you see little girls everywhere Bedazzling these things and cramming them full of Justin Timberlake photos. I can't wait. [NEC] -
best buy
Best Buy Gives FCC the Finger After Selling Analog TVs
Back in October, the FCC slapped a bunch of electronics retailers with (small) fines for selling analog TVs without the appropriate warning stickers of doom that the sets will officially be antiques on Feb. 17, 2009, when the digital switchover apocalypse happens. Best Buy is on the hook for $280,000. But their lawyers are telling the FCC that it's totally powerless here because they don't have Congressional mojo backing them up. Whatever legal mumbo jumbo is involved, we're glad the FCC laid down the (now sorta) law—we have the feeling it's why Best Buy officially kicked analog TVs in the first place, and the less stuff to confuse our grandmas, the better. [Ars] -
home entertainment
Is It Right That the U.S. Government Spends More on the Digital TV Switch Than Literacy Education?
To be honest, I can't say that I am surprised to hear that the government has allocated $1.5 billion to inform 17 million citizens about the digital TV transition. After all, those uninformed few would undoubtedly take up arms if they missed out on sports broadcasts and NBC's Thursday lineup. However, I was a little surprised to hear that the total proposed budged for literacy education in 2009 stands at a paltry $574.6 million. Once again it seems that our government does not have its priorities in order. That having been said, does this represent a proper allocation of taxpayer money in your opinion? How does broadband access fit into the mix? More » -
digital
Problem: Waterproof Rugged Cameras Are Too Easy to Lose!
Rugged and waterproof cameras are great, but they've got a lot of improving to do in general design before they'll be good in the outdoors. I mean, someone just keep me from losing these things. More » -
pmps
LG T80 PMP Packs in Touchscreen, DVB for Europeans
LG has just revealed the T80 PMP, which has the makings of a promising media player, at least for the Europeans. The T80 boasts a 3-inch, 260k color (420 x 240) touchscreen, supports MPEG, MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV, ASF, JPEG, TXT files, has an FM tuner, integrated microphone and a DVB-T receiver, which blows for anyone outside of Europe. The T80 will endure 5.5hours of video playback or 3 hours of TV viewing on a single charge, comes with a paltry 4GB disk space and assaults your wallet at €299 ($473). If you're hot for the player, consider getting your import on. [Generationmp3 via PMP Today] -
digital cameras
Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF 5.0 Camera Brings Retro Cool, Wallet Bashing
This isn't the first time we have seen a rework of the famous Rollei Twin Lens Reflex camera, but this time the updated MiniDigi AF 5.0 comes in a retro fabulous, red black color scheme. If that wasn't awesome enough, it has a 3MP CMOS sensor, top-down viewfinder, dual-lens, auto focus functionality, 1.1-inch TFT and MicroSD slot. What's the price of this dousing of super cool? About $399 too much—ouch! Jump for the press release. More » -
cameras
Canon Refreshes Powershot Digital Camera Line
Canon's Powershot range just got three new members, all packing 10MP sensors. The SD890 IS (IXUS 970 in Europe), will have a maximum 5x optical zoom and 2.5-inch display. The updated snapper will retail at $399, and boasts face detection, image stabilization and an ISO 3200 mode. The SD790 IS (IXUS 90) will retail at $349; the monetary saving brings a larger 3-inch screen and a lesser, 3x optical zoom. Finally, the SD770 IS (IXUS 85) will have a 2.5-inch display, retail at $299 and offer a smaller 2.5-inch display. Jump for the press release. More » -
question of the day
Analog to Digital TV Transition: Are We Insensitive To Regular Folks? A Reader Responds
Our stance on the analog to digital TV transition is that most people who can afford it should get a new TV, throwing their 1980s Magnavox set out like so much old trash. But are we insensitive to older folks and the less fortunate? A reader weighs in. More » -
multimedia
Celrun TV HD Multimedia Player Supports Almost Every Codec Under the Sun
The Celrun TV multimedia player comes equipped to the back teeth. The HD multimedia player totes Ethernet, WiFi b/g for basic, network accessible storage; digital and analog TV tuners, IPTV support, DVR functionality, 320GB HDD, two USB ports, as well as RGB, S-VIDEO and HDMI outputs. Add to that the ability to playback H.264, WMV, AVI, Xvid, MOV, VOB, MPEG1/2/4 and a whole host of other supported codecs in between, the Celrun TV is certainly a souped up performer on paper. No idea as yet whether we'll see it Stateside, but if it does make an appearance, we'll be sure to let you know. [Akihabara News]



































