I don’t know what it is about these retro-futuristic watches from Japan, but for me they conjure up images of 1980s color vector video games like Tempest or Quantum.
The limited-edition Scope 2 watch uses a special multi-color (RGB) LED display to tell the time. Depending on the model you choose, either a red or green horizontal hairline signifies an hour, while a contrasting colored “target” surrounds the current 5 minute interval, and four tiny dots which reside on a separate circular nub indicate individual minutes. Sound a bit confusing? Maybe this diagram will help sort things out for you:
Better, no? If you do manage to figure out anything other than the fact that it’s about 20 minutes after something or other, let me know.
At this point, the only place you can get the Scope 2 is from Japanese watch seller Seahope for ¥21,000 (appx $207 USD) but I’m HOPEful (get it?) that they’ll make their way to the western hemisphere soon.
Written by technabob on October 17th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on japan and led and metal and retro and rgb and stainless steel and tempest and time and timepieces and vector and video games and watch.
Here’s a cool hack which uses an old oscilloscope to play an accurate game of the arcade classic, Tetris.
Engineer Lars Pontoppidan created Scopetris using an AtMega32 micro-controller to drive the beam of an oscilloscope to mimic the game play of the classic Soviet puzzle game.
Lars had to create custom circuitry and programmed the beam to produce a similar visual result to that of those old vector graphic games. The game is controlled using a traditional Atari 9-pin digital joystick.
Unlike some lesser oscilloscope beam hacks which use simple video games like Pong, Lars really went all out to create a game with the relative complexity of Tetris. Using his significant programming prowess, Pontoppidan programmed the circuit to manage each individual as an independent object, allowing it to behave very similarly to the original arcade classic.
Kudos to Lars for an outstanding scope hack.
[via Hacked Gadgets via MAKE]
beam, hack, oscilloscope, russia, tetris, vector
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Written by technabob on February 15th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on beam and hack and hacks-mods and oscilloscope and retro and russia and tetris and vector and video games.
Etch-a-Sketch is finally coming into the 21st century. The Wired Etch-a-Sketch is the digital version of the classic toy that has entertained children as well as bored adults for the past several decades. The TV Etch-a-Sketch takes the toy to the next level.
It has a wide variety of new modes, like Cool Drawing Tools, Trace A Pic, Super Sketch and Connecting the Dots. The controller has the two classic Etch-a-Sketch knobs to keep the nostalgic feel of the original. What about shaking it and clearing what you’ve drawn? That’s the most classic part, after all. Yes, it has that feature too. Just shake the controller and the screen will clear.
You can get one for just $13. Looks like a great upgrade for the classic toy.
[Deluxe TV Etch A Sketch] VIA [Dvice]
Written by Conner Flynn on January 21st, 2008 with no comments.
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If you like to be the one in control at all times, I present to you your new watch. This watch will allow you to control TVs and other devices from many popular brands - Sony, Panasonic, Philips etc. from up to 5 meters away. Just aim the watch at the appliance and channel surf.
Some features include: An LED Back Light, Time and Date mode, Auto-Week, Auto-Calendar up to the year 2049, 12/24 Hour formats, 8 digits Calculator, Alarm and hourly time signal, 1/100 second stopwatch with split Volume, and channel switching and power ON/ OFF remote control for several remote control TV, VCR, DVD, VCD, SAT.
Perfect for those covert or not so covert little pranks, like turning other people’s TV’s off for instance. You can dominate TV’s with this new watch for just $21.99.
[Gizfever] VIA [Geek Alerts]
Written by Conner Flynn on January 14th, 2008 with no comments.
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Sharp towed to CES this week its usual interesting line up of cutting edge consumer electronics. A shining example of this is its AQUOS SE94 series flat panels which, among other features, are Internet-enabled. This particular family of Sharp televisions ranges in size from 46 to 65 inches and is priced between around $3,200 and $11,000.
The Sharp AQUOS SE94 series can, when connected to an Ethernet port, let you access a Sharp service which provides “customized Web-based content as well as real-time customer support directly on the AQUOS television.” The company, working with Web based content providers, says you’ll be able to configure widgets which let you get information like the local weather forecast as well as enjoy your favorite comic strip via your remote control.
For more details on these new Sharp televisions, check out the full press release after the jump.
SHARP’S “SPECIAL EDITION” 1080P AQUOS® LCD TVS CHANGE THE FACE OF FLAT PANEL TV WITH TOP NOTCH SPECS, SOPHISTICATED STYLING AND INTERNET-BASED SERVICES
Premium Widescreen LCD TVs Boast High Contrast Ratio and Internet Content
LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2008 – Reinforcing its position as an innovative leader in the LCD TV industry, Sharp is introducing a new series of limited-distribution, “Special Edition” Full HD 1080p AQUOS® models that offer ultra-high performance, advanced connectivity, and trend-setting, contemporary style. The AQUOS SE94 series, which includes the 65-inch LC-65SE94U, 52-inch LC-52SE94U and 46-inch LC-46SE94U, combines a best-in-class picture quality with a distinguished new “Cornerstone” design. Equipped with the most advanced version of Sharp’s true 16:9 1080p (1920 x 1080 resolution) Advanced Super View (ASV) Panel, the new SE94 series features the groundbreaking AQUOS Net capability, a service that is able to give customers instant access to customized Web-based content as well as real-time customer support.
“With its stunning picture and gorgeous design, the AQUOS SE94 series is truly the new `cornerstone’ of the AQUOS line of LCD TV’s,” said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “The included AQUOS Net service makes the television so much more. Not only can consumers access Internet-based content, but they can receive enhanced service on their television via an Internet connection.”
Cornerstone Design
The SE94 series’ distinguished “Cornerstone” design sets these models apart from the competition, combining a stunning, new textured finish with eye-catching corner accents and detachable bottom speakers to match modern home décors. As with the AQUOS D64 series, the SE94 series features a slim-line design that’s 28% slimmer than the previous generation and 9% lighter*. The units also include a detachable table stand for wall mounting flexibility.
AQUOS Net
When connected to an existing Internet connection through the unit’s Ethernet jack, SE94 users can access AQUOS Net, a revolutionary service that is able to provide customized Web-based content as well as real-time customer support directly on the AQUOS television. Sharp intends that SE94 owners will be able to configure “widgets” to check the local weather forecast, get stock quotes or even follow their favorite comic strip, while watching television, all directly from the TV’s remote control. Sharp is working with Web-based content providers to deliver reliable, constantly updated information.
Through AQUOS Net, consumers will also have access to unparalleled customer support for their television, including the ability to have dedicated Sharp advisors connect remotely to their TV to assist in adjusting the TV’s settings and optimizing picture quality for the best viewing experience. This interactive tool, known as AQUOS Advantage Live, is easily accessible from the AQUOS Net Portal Website. In addition, AQUOS Net provides consumers with instant access to important information about their television. Consumers can find FAQ’s that explain HDMI™, HDTV and other TV technology-related features, as well as view the user manual directly on the AQUOS LCD TV. A “What’s New” page will also be available, outlining exciting new products and news from Sharp.
Ultimate Picture Quality
The Advanced Super View Panel on the SE94 series provides an incredible Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 27,000:1, for exceptional detail in both light and dark scenes. Sharp’s proprietary Fine Motion Advanced technology offers 120Hz frame rate conversion, doubling the traditional 60Hz driving speed, for even finer video performance. Sharp’s new proprietary 10-bit ASV panel provides more accurate color and the industry-leading 4ms response time ensures flowing motion in fast-action scenes. These new models also incorporate Sharp’s proprietary 5-wavelength backlight system that provides deeper, more vibrant reds and truer greens than previously possible. With viewing angles of 176 degrees, consumers can experience the superior picture quality from virtually anywhere in the room.
The SE94 series includes a number of 1080p-compatible inputs including three HDMI™ (version 1.3 with x.v.Color™) and two component video inputs. The units also house an RS-232C port for custom installations and a dedicated PC input. The SE94 series TVs incorporate ATSC, QAM and NTSC tuners, giving consumers access to analog and digital programming available over the air and via cable TV providers.
Additional features include a 3D-Y/C digital comb filter to help eliminate dot crawl and the moiré effect, which occurs when viewing a superimposed set of lines or dots, and Sharp’s OPC Power Save feature, which automatically adjusts luminance to room brightness and lighting conditions.
For those consumers who wish to connect their AQUOS Net-enabled TV to a source in another room, Sharp will soon be offering Power Line Communications (PLC) adapters as an easy-to-install solution. Available in March will be the HN-VA100U (1-port adapter), HN-VA400U (4-port adapter), and the HN-VA401SU (Starter Kit bundling the 1-port and 4-port adapters). All adopt the HomePlug A/V standard for universal compatibility and reliability.
Pricing and Availability
* The LC-65SE94U will be available this month for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $10,999.99
* The LC-52SE94U will be available this month for an MSRP of $4,199.99
* The LC-46SE94U will be available in February for an MSRP of $3,199.99
Written by Nino Marchetti on January 11th, 2008 with no comments.
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Soyo, a developer of consumer electronics products, is showcasing at CES a new line of televisions being branded under the venerable Honeywell label. These televisions are known as the Altura LCD HDTVs and will come in a variety of sizes ranging from 42 to 82-inches (damm!).
The Honeywell Altura LCD HDTVs share a variety of features in common, including full HD 1080p, SRS TruBass and TruSurround, Dolby Digital ProLogicII Sound and MTS/SAP, a/v stereo and a dynamic contrast ratio of 120,000:1. You can read more about this line up of Honeywell televisions via the full press release after the jump.
SOYO Inc. (OTCBB:SOYO), an innovative provider of computer and consumer electronics products, today announced the Honeywell line of Altura(tm) LCD HDTVs, the first TV produced under the Honeywell Brand name. The Honeywell line of Altura(tm) LCD HDTVs feature full HD 1080p resolution and will debut at CES in January 2008. This line of HDTVs were designed to fit into the consumer and commercial markets, and are made of steel with a brushed aluminum bezel for a durable, elegant and unique flat-panel design. The 57 inch, 65 inch and 70 inch models will be on display at SOYO’s booth, #7922, in the Central Hall at CES.
The Honeywell line of Altura(tm) LCD HDTVs include the following features:
— High definition native resolution 1920×1080 with response times of
4ms (57 inch and 65 inch) and 3ms (70 inch) for crystal clear
images and crystal clear action viewing.
— Guide depicting how to choose the best HDMI cable for the Honeywell
Line of Altura(tm) LCD HDTVs.
— SRS(r) TruBass and TruSurround, Dolby Digital ProLogic II(r) Sound
and MTS/SAP, AV Stereo.
— Connector options including: Three HDMI inputs, One VGA, One
S-Video input, Two Component Inputs, One Composite Input, One Audio
Stereo Input, One SPDIF Optical Input, One Audio Input (RCA), One
Audio Output (RCA), and One set of 5.1 Audio Output.
— Menu available in eight languages: English, Spanish, French,
Italian, German, Greek, Portuguese and Dutch
— Universal Remote compatible with most DVRs, DVD players, BluRay/HD
DVD Players and VCRs
— Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 120,000:1
— V-Chip for Parental Control
The MSRPs for the Honeywell Line of Altura(tm) LCD HDTVs are US$5,999 (57 inch) and $7,499 (65 inch), respectively. The 70 inch MSRP is to be determined.
Ming Chok, CEO of SOYO said, “We have worked very hard to prepare the Honeywell Line of Altura(tm) LCD HDTVs for CES. We feel these HDTVs bring innovation and quality to the market, as well as provide the consumer with a full feature product. We are very excited and anxious to debut the Honeywell Line of Altura(tm) LCD HDTVs at CES.”
Honeywell Altura LCD HDTVs
Written by Nino Marchetti on January 8th, 2008 with no comments.
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JVC continued its announcements of new CES releases as it unveiled what it is calling the world’s thinnest LCD TVs with built-in tuners. These new LCD televisions consist of the 42-inch LT-42SL89 and the 46-inch LT-46SL89.
Both models offers 1920 x 1080p resolution and feature a cabinet that across most of its width measures 1.5 inches (39mm) deep, with a maximum depth of 2.9-inches (74mm) at the panel’s center. Also part of this new design is a thinner bezel. These models also weigh less and consume less power than many conventional LCD TVs.
Other features found on the LT-42SL89 and LT-46SL89 include a direct-mount configuration, LCD panel backlighting and a wide viewing angle. These models are expected this summer, with pricing to be announced at that time.
JVC LT-42SL89 and LT-46SL89
Written by Nino Marchetti on January 6th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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For those that want the easy way to connect their video-capable iPods to the television for video viewing, JVC has just announced from CES its new line up of P-Series LCD TVs with integrated iPod docks. These models have no specific pricing announced yet.
The new P-Series consists of the the 32-inch LT-32P679 (pictured), 42-inch LT-42P789, 47-inch LT-47P789 and the 52-inch LT-52P789. The LT-32P679 is a 768p model, while the others offer 1080p resolution. All sport an integrated iPod dock, letting users interact with an on-screen menu for selecting music or video. The included remote control offers a “circular keypad with a control scheme that mimics the iPod’s control wheel.”
The feature set of the P-Series continues, with HDMI inputs, multiple aspect ratio viewing modes for iPod videos, iPod charging, surround sound and built-in speakers. Expect the P-Series to debut at various intervals between March and this summer.
JVC P-Series
Written by Nino Marchetti on January 6th, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on PDA/Smartphones and Wii Fit and vector.
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