Hasta La Gadget!

The Sony NSZ-GU1 Google TV device we’ve seen pop up in FCC filings has been at least partially revealed today, and it’s called the Sony BRAVIA Smart Stick. The blog post doesn’t specifically mention any Chromecast-style features, but it is an MHL dongle that runs both Google TV and Sony’s own BRAVIA apps. The features are just like Google TV boxes Sony has released before, with a remote (that the FCC filings showed is at least similar to the previous ones) that has QWERTY and voice search support. Additionally, its “picture-and-picture” feature lets users see a browser in one window and TV in another. Since it’s a true Google TV device it can install and run Android apps from the Play Store, but any other details will have to wait until it’s officially announced on Sunday (the truly dedicated can dig into the source code, linked after the break). Of course this does leave one other question: Now that app support is available as a simple plug-in dongle, does that mean Sony is going to ship plain-jane HDTVs and leave the “smart” features for add-on accessories like this one?

Update: @CJ_000 points out the web-based instruction manual is up on Sony’s site, and should answer most questions about how it works. It also lists the pre-installed apps, and at least so far, Hulu Plus is not among them. We’re not seeing any DIAL-related features available to start with, so now we really want to know when it will be available, will it work with TVs other than Sony and how much will it cost?

Update 2: Reader Bryan points out a page in the manual that confirms this accessory is only for 2013 model year (and later) Sony HDTVs.

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Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony

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Source: Sony Blog

It’s rare that we document the arrival of a new projector, but we thought that Epson’s PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 deserved some special attention. It’s the company’s first unit that offers an MHL-enabled HDMI port, enabling you to output video from your Android phone or tablet. Otherwise, the unit offers 1080p 2D/3D visuals, built-in speakers and a 2,000 lumens bulb. It’ll be available at the start of September from Epson’s online store for $999 — a small price to pay to get those Netflix episodes of Breaking Bad splattered over your walls.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Oh, MHL 2.0, we hardly knew ye. The MHL Consortium, that Nokia / Samsung / Sony / Toshiba teamup behind the titular standard, has announced version 3.0, a specification that will be available for download early next month. At the top of the features list here is the ability to transfer at double the bandwidth of its predecessors, a bump that includes support for 4K resolution all the way up to 2160p30. Specification 3.0 offers power charging up to 10W, 7.1 surround sound, multiple simultaneous display support and is backwards compatible with older version. A more detailed rundown of what’s coming can be found in a press release after the break.

Filed under: Mobile, Samsung, Sony, Nokia

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Source: MHL Tech

Remember LG’s EA93, that eye-catching 29-inch 21:9 “ultrawidescreen” monitor we played with at IFA last year? Well, it’s just spawned a couple offspring. Today in Korea, the company launched a TV set and an all-in-one PC which use the same 29-inch IPS panel with the same 21:9 aspect ratio, 2,560 x 1,080-pixel (WQHD) resolution and 178-degree viewing angles.

LG’s new all-in-one PC boasts a standalone TV tuner with instant-on (no booting required) and simultaneous PC and TV operation (PiP and several split screen modes). Details are few, but we know it features an Intel Core i5 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GT640M GPU (3D capable) and HDMI / MHL inputs (to use the display as a monitor). The PC comes pre-loaded with an instant messaging app (and matching mobile version) which lets users watch television while chatting.

The TV set supports PiP and split screen, including a 16:9 plus 5:9 mode (HD broadcast plus connected smartphone), and offers a comprehensive set of inputs (DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI and MHL). Pricing is 1.49 to 2.29 million won ($1,315 to $2,021) for the PC (based on configuration) and 690,000 won ($609) for the TV.

Filed under: Desktops, Displays, Home Entertainment, HD, LG

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Source: LG Korea

Yamaha is going to release a max 192kHz/24bit WAV/FLAC, Airplay compliant 7.1ch AV receiver “RX-V775″ in late May.

It has 6 input/2 output HDMI terminals that are compatible with MHL and 4K Ultra HD/3D movie transmission.

It can be controlled via a smart device by installing a dedicated application called “AV CONTROLLER” on the smart device.

It doesn’t feature Bluetooth, but you can make it Bluetooth compliant by purchasing a wireless audio receiver “YBA-11″ separately which will be out in late May as well.

Price: 88,000 yen
Dimensions: 435W × 171H × 368D mm
Weight: 10.5 kg
Colors: Black, Gold