Philips LHH1000 CD Player

Though one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world, Philips until recently has been content to hide its American face behind a bevy of other brand names: Magnavox, Sylvania, and Philco (all originally US companies but now part of the Philips empire). Audiophiles will be most familiar with the company's inexpensive Magnavox CD players, but when Philips decided to move up market with their audio products, they decided to launch the Philips brand here in the US with a range of CD players, a CD-Video player, a number of integrated amplifiers and receivers, a cassette deck, and two loudspeakers.

The LHH1000, which was launched at the recent Las Vegas CES, represents the top of that new Philips line. Made in Japan by the Philips-owned company that manufactures much of the product sold under the Marantz brand (footnote 1), the LHH1000 is a two-box CD player

Externally, the LHH1000 came as a bit of a surprise to these jaded eyes, over-familiar with plain black or brushed-aluminum boxes. Each enclosure is finished in an almost white, anodized finish, with greenish-gray endcaps (made from zinc alloy, I believe) painted with a nubbly, crackle finish—an attractively utilitarian styling with shades of military-surplus radio equipment, nicely set off by subdued blue fluorescent readouts. Internally, the units are constructed to audiophile standards. The transport uses Philips's top CDM-1 mechanism, which is fabricated from diecast aluminum, compared with the plastic CDM-4 mechanism which appears in less expensive and less well-specified players. The loading tray, too, which is made from metal, has a reassuringly solid feel to it.

The only obvious front-panel controls are Play, Stop, and Track Select (forward and back). A swing-down front-panel carries all the programming controls—including Philips's Favorite Track Selection—and less-often-used playback controls (although I do feel that Pause should be on the main panel). However, as with most CD players, all commands will be most often used from the remote control. The player is fitted with one optical and two coaxial outputs, each carrying the standard, multiplexed-stereo, serial data stream. An adaptor is provided to enable the LHH1001 to play 3" CD singles.

Read more »

Sharp LC40L650X LCD TV

Sharp's LC40L650X LCD TV misses out on the advanced features found in more expensive televisions but for watching Blu-ray, DVD and broadcast television it does an acceptable job. Its USB input plays back a range of files, and it has good picture quality for a budget television.

Sharp's newest mid-range LCD TV is the LC40L650X, a 40in screen with traditional CCFL backlighting. We think it's slightly too expensive at its recommended retail price for the features you get, but you might be able to find it on sale. It's an LCD television with good picture quality and a useful USB media playback mode, but we don't like the slightly long delay when changing channels.

Read more »

Wireless Keyboard

Shuffling off the cloying and irksome derangement while typing facilely on a neatly devised keyboard has made many people feel the pinch for an adequate solution. Probably for this, Genius topped off the wires and formed the latest 2.4GHz wireless keyboard and mouse combo ‘SlimStar 8000’.

Designed to serve consumers with peerless comfort, the decently crafted combination emerges to be ideal for users who rifle through traits like simplicity, functionality and good looks. The incorporated anti-interference function now puts forth reliable 2.4GHz transmission and longer operational distance.

Users may appreciate the stylish SlimStar 8000’s form of a full-size keyboard and 1200dpi optical wireless mouse. For impressive tactile feedback, the innovative keycaps have been fitted precisely, while the ultra-slim design provides additional comfort.

Read more »

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910

Logitech today announced that its flagship Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 is now Mac-compatible, so users can make HD video calls and and Full HD video recordings on a Mac computer. The newest Logitech HD webcam is not only plug-and-play ready with iChat, Photo Booth and FaceTime, but with the latest Logitech software for Macs, Mac fans can now experience Full HD 1080p video recording and one-click uploading to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, as well as seamless integration with the editing and management functions of iPhoto and iMovie. And for dazzling video calls in HD 720p, Mac enthusiasts can now enjoy the fast, free and easy-to-use Logitech Vid HD for Mac.

Compatible with All Major Video-Calling Clients

But the newest Logitech webcam is compatible with much more than just Macs. In addition to Apple applications such as FaceTime, iChat and Photo Booth, the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 will work with virtually every major video-calling client, including Skype, Yahoo! Messenger and Gmail Voice and Video Chat.

If you have a Mac computer, the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 is easy to set up. There’s no need to purchase additional hardware - simply plug in the webcam and you’ll be ready to make video calls on iChat and Face Time - as well as use the C910 webcam with Photo Booth and even QuickTime.

The newest Logitech webcam also works with Windows-based computers. And if you’ve already purchased the Logitech Webcam C910 webcam for your PC, and you also have a Mac, your webcam is now ready for making HD video calls on Logitech Vid HD with your Apple computer.

HD in Every Way — From Video Calling to Stereo Sound

To bring you closer to the people you care about, the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 lets you record video in stunning Full HD 1080p and make video calls in fluid HD 720p on Logitech Vid HD. It also features premium autofocus (even in extreme close-ups up to 7 cm) and crystal clear, stereo audio with two mics — one on either side of the webcam lens — so your video will always be razor sharp.

But Logitech did not stop at top-of-the-line performance. At just 25 millimeters, the exceptionally thin C910 webcam adds a modern minimalist touch to any MacBook, iMac or Mac Pro.

Read more »

Nikon Digital Camera D3100

Nikon have now upgraded their D3000 camera to a brand new kitted out model the “D3100 SLR” and for those who like the latest up to date gadgets, this brand new, compact, lightweight model.

According to Charlie Sorrel at Gadget Lab, the D3100 will come with some fantastic new improved features. Features such as the facility to shoot videos using full 1080p H.264 video in an impressive AVCHD wrapper. With the new 14.2 mega pixel DX sensor and learn-as-you-grow guide mode, what more could be simpler? Users will benefit from this as images can be sampled using certain settings.

The new D3100 will no doubt give razor sharp pictures using the unique “Fast 11-point Auto focus system”, and to change your photo setting to portrait, landscape, child or sports to name but a few can be adopted using the “picture control” button.

Read more »

Samsung ST6500 Digital Camera

Tech giants Samsung as well as developing some of the best TV’s, mobile phones, laptops and so on, have just announced one of their new up and coming digital cameras, that of the ST6500. With so many cameras already on the present market and new additions which were explored at the recent CES 2011, its no wonder you may be sitting there thinking “not another camera, what can this one possibly offer me that the others can’t.” Here at OSM we wanted to give you a run down of listed specifications, release date along with price to tempt you.

In appearance, the new ST6500 camera’s USP includes a curved design, the lens can be angled at 7 degrees with a more adaptable designed fit, which is hoped to steer people away from the bulk standard designs as well as making it easier to take that perfect image.

In the way of specifications, the latest camera packs a full listing from a 16 megapixel sensor, 5 times zoom 26mm wide angle lens, 720p HD Movie settings which as Gizmodo states puts it behind other compacts such as Panasonic or Canon, HD Shooting and HD Playback, Magic Frame capability allowing you, the user to make up your very own postcards and posters from the 12 templates already set into the device, Smart Touch 3.0 User Interface which consistently works alongside the wide 3.0 inch multi-touch LCD touch screen, Smart Auto feature that basically adjusts your camera’s settings to give you that perfect image if your caught unawares!

Read more »

Samsung ST30 Digital Camera

Just a while back, we reported about the Samsung ST30 digital camera which precisely bundles together an internal battery charging system, a 28mm lens and 3x power optical zoom. The company moves one step ahead with the latest ST95, ST90 and ST65 cameras.

Crafted with slim attributes, these new compact solutions tout to be highly portable and promise to enhance the overall style factor. The ST95 and ST90 come along with a 26mm wide lens while the ST65 sports a 27mm wide lens. Apart from all this, these models flaunt 5x optical zoom to capture vibrant and crisp images.

“Today’s launch reinforces Samsung’s ability to balance our consumers’ needs for style and design while still maintaining high performing innovative features,” commented Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics.

“We know that our customers are passionate about compact and sleek design and following the global success of the ST60 and ST70, we have upgraded and streamlined the optical performance within the slim-line outer body to meet these demanding requirements. The design has been carefully considered to ensure it meets the requirements and usability needs of our customers for the best camera experience,” added Hyunho Chung.

The ST95 comes fitted with a 16MP sensor whereas the ST90 and ST65 with a 14MP sensor. The interesting Smart Auto system selects from 16 different landscape and portrait modes to intuitively choose the most desired settings. These models boast of 720p HD movie recording, HD shooting and HD playback movie capabilities.

Read more »