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Showing posts with the label tv

Microdrones' flying robot films African wildlife, finds peace with nature

Sit back, relax and grab a cold one, because you're about to take an aerial tour of the Serengeti, courtesy of that flying drone you're staring at. Developed by Microdrones, this MD4-100 quadrotor was recently sent off to Kenya, where it gathered footage for a TV nature documentary produced by TBS Japan. By hovering over the terrain, the craft was able to get relatively up close and personal with zebras, elephants and other wildlife, without creating the same kind of disturbance that heavy duty, camera-laden trucks can wreak. Presumably, that's because the animals have no idea what to make of a flying robot, though part of us wants to believe there's some sort of full-circle, techno-evolutionary dynamic at work here, momentously bringing bot and beast together in some sort of pre-apocalyptic symbiosis. But that's just us. Hover past the break to see the video for yourself. IEEE Spectrum microdronesGMBH (YouTube)

Samsung Smart View shrinks Smart TV down for your Galaxy S II

We're not sure how many of you happen to own both a Galaxy S II  and  a Samsung Smart TV but, if you do, you'll probably want to download Smart View from the Android market. Like now -- don't worry, we'll wait. This handy app lets you stream content from your set to your smartphone over WiFi, and can even be used as a controller for games from the Samsung app store. Unfortunately, you're limited to either mirroring the content shown on the TV or watching an optional second stream from a Sammy-branded Blu-ray player but, hey, at least you won't have to miss a single second of  Game of Thrones  just because that box of Cheez-Its keeps whispering your name. Like any good TV-connected app, Smart View can also act as a remote with a program guide and the ability to change channels, and even more functionality is promised for the future. Eventually, it will make its way to Galaxy Player, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Tab owners but, while you wait, check out the gal...

NHK develops ultra high-def camcorder with single 33 megapixel sensor (video)

As still cameras go, a 33MP sensor is rather insignificant, considering you may already be walking around with 200 megapixels on your shoulder. When it comes to camcorders, however, this is the real deal, especially when each and every one of those 33 million pixels is captured by a single, ultra high-def sensor. NHK's research arm, which developed the cam, unveiled it at the company's technology open house in Tokyo. This seems like the perfect imaging device to show off Sharp's 33MP Super Hi-Vision TV, but that display must have been on duty at another booth. Also, the Sigma DSLR lens was focused on a still life, without any mention of frame rate, so we're a bit skeptical as to whether this thing is fully functional at this point. Either way, it's still just a prototype, so you won't be shooting your home videos in quasi-IMAX resolution just yet. In the mean time, jump past the break for that motionless video demo. DigInfo

Mitsubishi officially prices 2011 HDTVs including a 92-inch DLP and 75-inch LaserVue

Other manufacturers may say they're living large with their latest HDTVs, but Mitsubishi's "Go Big" slogan is supported by the biggest displays available for 2011. It's finally revealed details on the models, with new features including a clearer screen and 16 speaker soundbar with support for a wireless subwoofer on its top of the line 840-series that includes the 92-inch model (pictured above) we saw at CES. The other big addition for 2011 is support for Mitsubishi's iOS remote control app in the LaserVue TV as well as the 740 and 840 series DLPs. If you don't need those features, a built in IR emitter for 3D glasses or Stream TV Vudu Apps then look at the lower end 640-series rear projection sets. Still, no matter what the trim level, the new Mitsubishi is strictly a 73-inch and over TV manufacturer so it's definitely going to be big, whether it's the 840 series that ships in July or any of the other models that will be available this month. Sp...

Belkin's ScreenCast TV WiDi adapter hits the FCC

Looking for another way to add some WiDi to your TV? Then you can now also add Belkin's ScreenCast TV adapter to the list of options that are available or imminent. It recently turned up on Belkin's own website with a "coming soon" message, and it's now just hit the FCC, which could mean that "soon" is actually really soon. As for the device itself, it's about as straightforward as you'd expect, with just an HDMI port and some RCA inputs 'round back, plus support for full 1080p video and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound streamed from a WiDi-capable Windows 7 laptop. Look for this one to set you back $129 when it lands at retail. FCC ,  Belkin

Screen Grabs: Cisco Cius plays bad cop on NCIS: Los Angeles (video)

Screen Grabs  chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to  screengrabs at engadget dot com. Cisco may be aiming for the business crowd, but if we hold to  NCIS: Los Angeles ' golden standard of real-world gadget application, the Cius tabletphone is going to revolutionize interrogation. "I ain't telling you nothin ' copper, not  noth -- oh, is that a Cisco Cius you have there?! Yeah okay, I did it." Gee, isn't technology just fabulous? Hit the break to see Nell and Eric execute the future of tablet-based criminal interrogation.

Nielsen estimates show first drop in TV ownership in 20 years, Mayans nod approvingly

The Nielsen Company has announced that its estimated number of TV households for 2012 is dropping to 114.7 million (96.7 percent), down from 115.9 million (98.9 percent) the year before which is the first time it's gone down in two decades. While some will say this marks the end of theTV era as we've known it, there are a couple of factors to take into account, starting with how the numbers are gathered -- Nielsen only counts TVs that are capable of tuning into at least one channel. If you've cut the cord and gone all internet / Blu-ray / DVD without putting up an antenna or never upgraded for digital broadcasts (as some rural or low-income homes have not) then your TV doesn't count. After reviewing the numbers and watching  Apocalypto  twice we still can't tell if this means it's already over for linear TV or if it's more of a temporary bump due to an uncertain economy like it was in 1992. Of course, the fact that we rented the movie on iTunes may be tell...

Hisense unveils new consumer WHDI accessories, cable haters rejoice

Hisense is still betting on the WHDI horse for wireless HD. The standard's standard-bearer AMIMONannounced its chips would be powering a new line of accessories from the Chinese manufacturer at the Global Sources Electronics & Components World Expo (GSECWE?), including a transmitter for laptops (above), a case for iPhones, and a receiver for TVs (both below). Obviously beaming a round  Super Mega Worm  to your big-screen is enticing, but we're sure you're most excited by the ability to stream Hulu from your laptop to your TV while reclining on the couch. And if you've got a 3D set, fret not, WHDI can push polarized pixels thanks to support for HDMI 1.4a. Sadly, info on pricing and availability is nonexistent, but we wouldn't expect to find these in your local Best Buy. Yet.

Motorola's SocialTV app will turn your Xoom or Atrix into a communicative couch companion

Whether you look at stats or your own limitless experience, you know very well that humanity spends too much time staring at tubes, screens, and other unnatural visualizers. Motorola isn't really here to fix that ailment, but at least it's converging the uses of some of those device classes with its introduction of a SocialTV Companion Service. Designed to turn your smartphone, tablet or laptop into a, you guessed it, TV companion device, this new software serves up social networking, complimentary content, real-time chat, TV show ratings, and interactive (as opposed to what, non-interactive?) games. Basically, since you spend your TV-watching time idly browsing away on your Xoom anyway, why not fuse the two things together and "generate some incremental revenue" for your service provider in the process? We presume the new SocialTV stuff will be rolled out in app form, Moto doesn't dish up those details or give us a launch date. If only we had an app...

Britain's oldest working television goes up for auction

What's 75 years old, made of wood, and largely the result of some secret military radar research? The Marconiphone 702 television pictured above, which is believed to be the oldest working television in Britain, and possibly the world. It was tracked down by a collector a few years ago, and is now set to go up for auction on April 19th at Bonhams in London, where it has an estimated sale price of £5,000 but is expected to sell for "much more." That will buy you a 12-inch screen that actually has its image reflected on a mirror in the lid, along with most of the original parts -- only about 30 percent have been replaced to get the set functional again. It can even receive digital channels with the aid of a Freeview box. Head on past the break for a glimpse of it in action. DVICE The Telegraph