News Archive
Fri 14 April 2006
Before you get too excited about this, these two gold bullion-esque Onkyo devices are only available in Japan at the moment. Introducing the HDC-7 and the TX-SA540, the former is a ViiV based Windows Media Center with a Pentium D820 (2.80Ghz), 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 400GB SATA HDD, HD support and a multi DVD burner. The TX-SA540 is a 7.1 AV amplifier sporting 7x100W, Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES et Dolby Pro-Logic II, VLSC support and is 100% compatible with the HDC-7. Combining the two together they are a complete HD Video and Audio system.
For more on Media Center PCs and Viiv see: One box to rule all other boxes
Thu 13 April 2006
Japan finally catching up with Disney technology.
Announced today by NTT Communications, a few cinemas in Japan will have a device which will release appropriate smells during critical parts of a film. Debuting in Japan on April 22nd with the film “The New World”, starring Colin Farrell. Apparently, the equipment will be internet controlled and will release fragrances during seven different scenes of the love story. Reminds me of a ride in Disney World, (minus the love-scene detail) which did the exact same thing, and worked really well actually.
A better device in my opinion however would be one that electrocuted people who talk all the way through films or get too interactive with the whole experience and shout at the characters on screen. Perhaps I’m being too British and should start clapping at the end of movies like the punters did when I went to see ‘Independence Day’ many years ago in a small Manhattan cinema. One memory I will never be able to discard.
Thu 13 April 2006
SMS Smart-Home security you can afford.
For those who work long hours or who worry about their home while they’re on holiday, the Sentinel SafeScout is the snitch that not only works as an alarm but also monitors your house and sends images via sms text to your phone when there has been a security breach. The best thing about this system is that it costs a measly $199 and a monthly fee. Scoot over to the product page by clicking on the image for the whole low-down.
Related article: Moat & Drawbridge
Wed 12 April 2006
Colour touchscreens are so last year don't ya know
To be honest I'm slightly bored with colour touchscreens making walls look like the dashboard of a boyracer's XR3i. Perhaps TAU Cerámica and Lartec are starting a new trend with their tactile tile that allows users to interact with elements of the house through simple contact with representational drawings. The tile comes in different materials and colours, thus fitting any decorative scheme, and, though at present prepared for wall use, a model could be created specifically for floors. The Braille text is a nice touch making it accessible to all users. Its domotic functions include control of blinds, lighting and heating, and allow personalised atmospheres to be set up according to the tastes of each user. For exampled the “bulb” icon would turn the different lights of the house on or off, the “radiator” icon could programme the temperature of the heating and set the on and off times. Still at concept stage but the entire system should cost around £2500.
