Hasta La Gadget!

In the market for a solid mid-range camcorder? Sony’s Handycam 380 packs many of the features you’d need, and it ships with an optional built-in projector, too. The CX380 and PJ380 are nearly identical, with the latter model adding in a 13-lumen projector, including a video input for displaying content from smartphones, tablets, computers, or any other source with an HDMI port — you can watch footage you record through the 26.8mm G lens, just like last year’s PJ260V, but you can also use the device to output flicks, TV shows or presentations, assuming you’re able to locate a dark room with a suitable projection surface. The camcorder carries over many of its predecessor’s features, including an Exmor R sensor that can snap 8.9-megapixel stills, a 55/30x optically-stabilized zoom lens, a 230k-dot 3-inch LCD, 60p captures, a microphone input and 16 gigs of internal storage. This year’s flavor adds an option to shoot in AVCHD or MP4, along with that aforementioned HDMI input on the PJ380 and a Multi Interface Shoe.

These cameras are a bit heftier than Sony’s entry-level models, but they’re still quite comfortable to hold, and the glossy black finish is elegant, albeit a bit susceptible to greasy fingers. There’s a combination SDXC and MemoryStick slot on the bottom of boosting the recording space beyond the built-in 16-gig flash. Both models have audio input and HDMI out ports hiding behind the touch-enabled LCD, while the PJ380 also includes a relatively bright pico projector on the other side of the flip-out display. The cameras felt sturdy and responsive, and the PJ’s projector was bright enough to make out details even in a sun-lit room, despite the tan textured wall we paired it with. Both models are set to hit stores next month, with the CX380 available in black, and the PJ380 shipping in black, white or red. For now, though, you can catch an up-close look in the hands-on gallery just below.

Filed under: Cameras, Sony

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In addition to checking out the Series 7 Chronos at Samsung’s presser, we got a glimpse of the 13-inch Series 7 Ultra, the first Ultrabook in the Series 7 line. It’s available in Core i5 and i7 configurations, and both come with a very bright, 1080p display. Like the larger Chronos, it’s eminently grippable, thanks to a slightly textured brushed-metal finish and comfortably rounded edges. That’s not to say that this machine even approximates chunky — it’s a mere 17mm thick. That’s especially impressive when you factor in the touchscreen. We have no price or availability to share, but when this system does come out, you’ll have your choice of 128GB or 256GB SSDs and up to a 1GB AMD HD8570M GPU. Take a look at our hands-on pics in the gallery.

Filed under: Laptops, Samsung

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Earlier today we showed you the Vizio Tablet PC, the outfit’s first Windows 8 slate. Now we’re back for part deux, starring Tegra and a healthy dose of Jelly Bean. While touring the company’s suite, we found two prototypes: a 10-inch tablet with NVIDIA’s new Tegra 4 chip and a mid-range 7-inch model designed to take on the lower end of the market. Starting with the 10-inch model, key specs (aside from Tegra 4) include a 2,560 x 1,600 display, 32GB of on-board memory, NFC and dual 5MP / 1.3MP cameras. The 7-incher, meanwhile, has 16 gigs of storage, and steps down to Tegra 3 and a 1,280 x 800 resolution. No NFC on that one. Both run Jelly Bean, though — stock Jelly Bean, at that.

Design-wise, both have a rubbery, soft-touch finish, similar to what you’ll find on the Windows 8 tablet we saw earlier. As ever, it makes for a sturdier grip, though unlike on the Tablet PC there’s no beveling on the sides where you can rest your thumbs. Both models have narrow speaker grilles on the back, except the 10-inch model has two, while the 7-incher has one. As with the Tablet PC, the display isn’t IPS, per se, but it does have some unspecified wide-angle viewing technology. Indeed, we were able to follow along with a movie from off to the side and with the tablets lying face-up, but we did notice the colors seemed a little pale. Washed out.

As for Tegra 4, we wish we could tell you more but alas, NVIDIA is still being awfully protective over its technology demos. So, while the folks staffing Vizio’s booth let us watch a movie clip, we weren’t permitted to select other media files or play any games. All in due time, we suppose. Suffice to say, the 1080p movie we watched ran smoothly, but that wasn’t ever really a problem on Tegra 3, was it? In any case, we’ll surely be showing you lots more of Tegra 4. As for this particular tablet? We’re not sure. Vizio hasn’t confirmed whether either of these tablets will come to market, though it says there’s a good chance, particularly for the higher-end 10-inch model. Whatever happens, we’ve got hands-on photos below, along with a video walkthrough of both devices.

Continue reading Vizio shows off a 10-inch Tegra 4 tablet and a lower-end 7-inch slate

Filed under: Tablets

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Right on the heels on Samsung’s CES press conference, we got up close and personal with Samsung’s just-announced work of art, the 85-inch S9 UHD TV. Its size alone is pretty spectacular, but Sammy clearly wanted to make this one a looker. The company calls stand a “timeless gallery” frame, and indeed the set would fit right in with some of the more conceptual pieces at the MoMA. Still, that easel-like design could be a bit limiting for some living rooms, so you can remove the S9 and wall-mount it — though the 2.2 channel audio is built into that frame. Unique design aside, this TV is all about the high-end specs. “Precision Black Pro” display tech is to thank for the high contrast ratio, and colors really do pop — even without Samsung’s grand display of fireworks. Powering all 85 inches of high-def visuals is a quad-core processor, which should also help to up-sample 1080p footage to make better use of that Ultra HD (4K) resolution. No word on pricing or availability yet, but it’s said to be available sometime in 2013, so start saving those pennies. In the mean-time, check out our walk-around video after the break.

Zach Honig and Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

Continue reading Eyes-on with Samsung’s new 85-inch S9 UHDTV at CES (video)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung

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Dish is further reinforcing its promise to deliver content even when you’re not in front of the TV. The new Dish Anywhere app is your portal for live streaming, powered by Sling, along with on-demand content direct from the web. As one of three apps designed specifically with Hopper with Sling owners in mind, Anywhere is tasked with displaying movies and TV shows directly from your set-top box at home. You also have access to the programming guide, and a full remote control for familiar navigation.

We tried out the Anywhere app while connected to a Hopper on the same network. It took a few moments to connect, but once we were linked up, channel flips were speedy and content looked smooth, though it did appear to be a bit softer than HD. Naturally, the feed looked best on an iPhone, with the iPad only serving to magnify artifacts. In short, it’s probably not yet time to retire your TV, but if you spend a lot of your time away from the living room and have the bandwidth to spare, the value proposition of a pricey satellite subscription just jumped up a tick.

Continue reading Dish Anywhere app delivers content on the go, Sling video feed from Hopper DVR (hands-on)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD

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