Gizmodo: vidikron

Extreme Hi-Tech Log Cabin Would Make Al Gore Cry (Gallery)

Wilson Rothman — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:55:44 EST

Ahh, the great outdoors. Wouldn't it be nice to get out to the woods, to a log cabin far from the things of man? Naturally, you'd still need motorized Lutron Sivoia QED window shades, a "corporate-style" phone system from Panasonic, a whole-house music system and an AMX home control system to bring it all together. Oh and...

...a Meridian sound system with Vidikron Vision 90 DLP projector and a 130-inch screen for the home, I mean cabin, theater. And what about two kitchens, one for you and one for your guests? After all, you're not a caveman. Speaking of caves, it might pay to replace some of the natural rocks around the property for high-end speakers that just look like rocks, am I right?

So how much for this 10,000-square-foot relax-o-dome located (I believe) near Fort Collins, CO? You know the drill: If you have to ask, you'll never know. For more shots of decadence, hit EH's article. [Electronic House]

Sharp Aquos R Series Gets THX Video Certification

Wilson Rothman — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:54:45 EDT

Remember when we told you about the first THX-certified flat panel, a $20,000 Vidikron plasma? Well, it's about to get company, from the likes of Sharp, no less. According to Electronista, Sharp has unveiled the Aquos R series, the first LCD certified by THX for theater-grade image quality, with a THX Movie Mode to make sure you're getting what you paid for. For now, this only applies if you live in Japan and have the Yen equivalent of $6,900 for the 52 incher or $11,500 for the 65 incher. But word is that US versions of the Aquos will be along by and by. [Electronista]

First THX-Certified HDTV Flatscreen Ever: The $20K Vidikron PlasmaView VP-6500VHD

Brian Lam — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 07:30:40 EST

Vidikron, sister company of Runco, is one of those wonky companies just breaching the mainstream with their lower end sets (when buying a Sony set just feels boring). Part of what makes em great is that every one that leaves the factory calibrated. And this 1080p, 65-inch plasma is their best and the first flat panel ever to receive the old THX badge of honor.

It has the highest contrast ratio, deepest black levels, brightest picture, and most accurate color. It has an external video processor, and standard inputs, but only two HDMI ports (many sets rock three these days). And like the Pioneer Pro monitor CNet likes so much, it doesn't come with speakers. But people who buy $20K TVs don't listen to in-set speakers.

I'd love to see it in person, frankly. That will have to wait until I have a first born child I can harvest for black market baby organs. It's a very profitable trade, you know. –Brian Lam

VP-6500VHD [Vidikron]