Part 2
By Terry Currier
DVD read/writers Keyboards LCD Monitors Miscellaneous products Photo Printers
For coverage of: Digital
cameras, PDAs, Phones, Watches
For coverage of: Navigation
aids, Networking, Scanners, Speakers, Storage, Tablet
PC, Wireless Network
HP www.hp.com
Two
models the DVD300i which is internal and writes DVD+RW. Writing speed is
4X DVD and 16X CD-ROM/RW. Read speed is 8X DVD and 40X CD-ROM,
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price
(MSRP) is $300. It will write a DVD in 15
minutes. The DVD300e is an external drive with USB 2.0 or Firewire interface.
It will write up to 4X DVD+R and up to 16X for CD-ROM. Rewrite speed is 2.4X
DVD+RW and 10X CD-RW. Read Speed is 8X DVD and 40X for the CD-ROM. The MSRP is
$400. Both come 2Mb of buffer memory, and a one-year hardware and software
warranty from date of purchase. Software they include are; ArcSoft
Showbiz DVD:
Incorporate your video footage, photos and music into DVD titles. Veritas DLA: Drag and drop files to CD
or DVD. Veritas RecordNow:
Create data or music CDs. Veritas
Simple Backup: Reliably back up, protect and restore files. HP Memories Disc Creator: Create a
photo slideshow or album disc that can be viewed on your PC or TV. Cyberlink PowerDVD: Play DVD movies on
your PC
Norcent www.norcent.net
The LHNT-DR1600 is a 16X DVD-ROM with speed up to 21600KB/second.
For CD-ROM it is 42X and reaches 6300KB/ second. It supports the format of DVD
-R/RW. Interface is E-IDE/ATAPI, data buffer size is 512KB. The CD-ROM will
write up to 748MB while the DVD will do 4.7GB single layer and 8.5GB on double
layer. Norcent used to do only OEM business but has decide to market their own
brand. Prices I was quoted are very competitive for all their products.
Panasonic www.panasonic.com
The DMR-HS2 DVD/Hard Disk Recorder combines a DVD-RAM and
DVD-R recorder with a 40GB hard disk drive. It features simultaneous record and
play, automatic recording, on-disc editing, and PC card slot. MSRP is $1,000.
It can
record a maximum of 52 hours (in the EP mode) of video on its hard disk drive,
12 hours on a 9.4GB double-sided DVD-RAM disc, and 6 hours on a DVD-R disc.
The sleek
DVD-LV65 PalmTheater™ portable DVD player
can play back DVD-Video discs, video and audio CDs, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, and
CD-R/-RW discs. It features a bright, freestyle 5-inch, LCD screen, built-in
stereo speakers and a built-in battery recharger, which provides approximately
2.5 hours of playback time. Additionally, an SD Memory Card slot lets users
enjoy a wide variety of stored media wherever they go.
Pioneer www.pioneerelectronics.com
The DVR-A05 DVD/CD-R/RW computer drive is a powerful, fast
DVD recording tool. Its 4X recording speeds for DVD-R will record a 4.7GB DVD-R
disk in about 15 minutes. The 2X recording speeds for DVD-RW lets you burn a
DVD-RW in about 30 minutes. It can also handle 16X CD-R and 8X CD-RW with fewer
under-runs and over-runs, with a large buffer memory size of 2MB and a unique
loss-less linking feature. Separate lasers are used for DVD and CD writing and
reading, also for better accuracy.
Pioneer has created two new DVD recorders. Due out in the summer
of 2003 the DVR-002H will let you play a DVD while recording onto its 80GB
drive. The hard drive lets the user copy video to it and then transfer to a
DVD. A one hour video can be transferred to DVD-R in 2.5 minutes. It has a
firewire connection on the front panel entry price expected to be $1,000. The DVR-001
has no hard drive but is an entry level DVD recorder with a manufacturer’s
suggest retail price of $625. Both come with a 181 channel cable TV tuner for
instant one-touch recording from the TV onto a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc, to make
recording easy. Pioneer is working on a blue ray DVD writer/reader that will
do 23GB, no word on when it will come out.
DV-C505 is a 5-Disc DVD/CD/Video CD Changer. Its Twin-Wave
Laser Pickup allows playback of DVD, DVD-R/RW (DVD Video Format), CD (including
MP3s), CD-R/-RW, and Video CD. Comes with Dolby Digital and DTS surround
processing and a 192kHz/24-bit D-A converter. Advanced control features include
Still Play, Still/Step Play, and Slow Motion Playback (some exceptions on Video
CDs). MSRP is $249.
Sharp www.sharpusa.com
Recordable DVD (model DV-RW2U) delivers one-touch digital
video recordings onto re-writeable DVDs for storage and long term archiving in
a digital format. As an integrated product it offers progressive output and
plays back DVDs, CDs and MP3. The
enhanced Disc Navigation System with thumbnail display provides the user
with a Title Menu, allowing the user to instantly choose what he or she wants
to watch from the recorded table of contents. Available in March 2003 at an
MSRP of $800. The combination DVD/CD
Player (model DV-SL20U) is a progressive-scan player with a built-in CD player.
It will play CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW and even MP3 files with 3D surround sound,
available in April at an MSRP of $180.
Sony www.sony.com
The DRX500ULX for $430
is an 4X external DVD±RW drive. It does all the popular DVD formats in a single
drive. It burns DVD+R, DVD+RW, and even CD-R/CD-RW
discs. They include Sonic Solutions
MyDVD Video/Video CD authoring software for turning your home movies into DVDs or
Video CDs for easy sharing, and Veritas Simple Backup. External USB
2.0/i.Link Interface for easy connectivity 
Sony’s DRU500AX $350
is a internal DVD±RW Drive. Like the DRX500ULX it burns
DVD-R/-RW, DVD+RW/+R, and even CD-R/CD-RW discs. It is a 4X DVD+RW Drive. They
include the same software.
Auravision www.eluminx.com
The EluminX Illuminated keyboad was being used in the press room at CES. It has a low profile with the the keys almost level, and they internal lighting so they are visible in the dark or low-lit work places.
Memorex www.memorex.com
They introduced their RF7000 Wireless EZ Touch Keyboard and Optical Mouse combo. They will work up to six feet without direct line of sight with two channel radio frequency. After numerous changings of batteries on my wireless mouse I loved that the Memorex mouse recharges in its holder. The Suggested Retail Price is $80.
Zboard 
You buy the "cover" keys for the keyboard. They go for different programs such as a keyboard for Photoshop which has the short cuts printed on the keys. Helps you learn it quicker. There are others for Microsoft Office, and games.
Norcent www.norcent.net
New LCD monitors and
a LCD television were
introduced at 2003 CES. The 14, 15, 17, and 20-inch
monitors feature a TFT Active matrix display screen, while the 15-inch
(diagonal) TV has a high resolution panel that offers over two times more
pixels than standard LCD Televisions. The units feature XGA resolution (1024 x
768), a high contrast ratio of 350:1, and no electromagnetic wave emission,
assuring that no signal distortion and no harmful radiation is released. Each
comes with built-in stereo speakers and OSD digital control for all functions.
Optional features include composite video and S-video inputs, a USB connection,
and a TV tuner. Choice of colors: Pearl gray, beige, or black/ Silver. A flat
stand with flip-down capabilities is included. All have two 2 watt speakers
attached.
The 20" LCD TFT monitor
display size is 17” with a resolution of 1280 X 1024 pixels. It accepts input
from VGA, NTSC /PAL/SECAM system (3 in 1), RCA jack & S-video mini-din jack.
Contrast Ratio is 400;1, Brightness: 250 nits, Refresh rate: H/30
80KHz,V/56-76Hz.
Four new plasma models were introduced at this year's show.
The units are equipped with a built-in digital visual interface (DVI) allowing
direct digital-to-digital video connectivity with PCs equipped with a DVI video
display adapter. The selection includes a 32-inch XGA, 42-inch WVGA, and two
46-inch models, one WVGA, the other XGA. Each space-saving unit is less than 4
inches in depth. The 46-inch plasma monitors also feature SRS® Labs WOW™
technology. This sound enhancement combines three advanced sound technologies
into one. The resulting technology significantly improves the width, height,
and depth of any stereo image, producing an enriched audio experience. Other
features found in selected Norcent plasma monitors include high contrast ratios
of from 850:1 in WVGA models to 1800:1 in XGA units, picture-in-picture, a
greater than 160-degree viewing angle, and special color rendering technology
available in both NTSC and PAL
systems.
Pioneer www.pioneerelectronics.com
Their
PureVision plasm screens include a pure color filter to decrease external light
reflectivity. Advanced Continuous Emission Display Technology eliminates the
false contours that can appear in close up of faces. All of their plasma modesl
are able to be viewed up to an angle of 160 degrees. PRO-1000HD is a 50-inch
plasma able to display 1280x768, and weighs 102 pounds. PRO-800HD is 43-inch
able to display 1080x768 and weighs 84 pounds. Front two selectable screen modes
are wide, full, and zoom. PDP-5030HD is 50-inch can put up 1280x768 pixels.
PDP-4330HD is a 43-inch display and can do 1080x768. The last two selectable
screen modes are cinema, full, and zoom.
Sampo
The LME-17S3 is a 17" Ultra Thin LCD HDTV Display that
works in Dual-Modes (TV & PC). With RGB inputs and outputs, it's simple to
connect your PC and turn the LCD-TV into a computer monitor. Compatible with
your cable television or any other-the-air antenna, this LCD_TV can receive up
to 181 channels. Maximum resolution is 1280x1024 pixels, with an extended 160
Degree viewing angle. The monitor can receive and display both 720p and 1080i
HDTV signals. Weight is 16 lbs, and Contrast Ratio 450:1.
PME-50X6 is a 50"
High Resolution Plasma display with built-in 3D digital comb filter which converts
analog NTSC
signals into a digital signal for more accurate processing,
eliminating cross-color interference for superior NTSC video performance. You
can watch two programs simultaneously by splitting the screen in half. Two
high-definition component video inputs with auto-detection capabilities will
automatically synchronize the display to match the incoming signal source
without manual intervention. Comes with a internal 7-watt (3.5 watts x 2) audio
amplifier and built-in speakers sufficient for multimedia applications. Built-in
SRS® sound processor simulates surround effects with only two speakers. An
optional television tuner module turns this display into a standard TV
receiver. The onboard digital scaling engine can accept various PC and HDTV
signals and digitally map the signals to fit within 1024x1024 pixels. Compatible signals include PC resolutions up
to 1280x1024 and HDTV signals including 720P and 1080i. Output Color 256 RGB
Levels, 16.7 million colors, and a viewing angle up to 160 degrees. Warranty
1-Year parts and labor.
Sony www.sony.com
DeluxePro™ 15” Flat Panel LCD SDM-X52 is a Flat Panel-Active
Matrix TFT with a native resolution of 1024 x 768 combined with anti-glare
coating for high contrast images. Digital & Analog Input Digital connection
maximizes video performance. Pixel pitch: 0.297mm, Colors: 16.19 million, Contrast Ratio: 400:1
(max.), Response Time: Rise 10ms, fall 20ms. Normal power operation is 28 watts
(max.).
DeluxePro™ Series 17” SDM-X72 has a native resolution up 1280 x 1024 are
combined with anti-glare coating for high contrast images. Digital & Analog
Input - Digital connection maximizes video performance, dual inputs provide
multiple computer support. Stereo speakers with headphone jack. Pixel pitch:
0.264mm, Colors: 16.2 million, Contrast Ratio: 400:1 (max.), Response Time: Rise 30ms, Fall Time: 30ms. Normal power use is 40 watts
(max.).
The PREMIERPRO™ 18” SDM-P82/B has a native resolution of 1280 x 1024 combined
with anti-glare coating. Digital &
Analog Input, and automatic image adjustment. Pixel pitch:0.280mm, Colors:16.77
million, Contrast Ratio:400:1 (max.), Response Time (Rise/Fall):50ms. Power normal use is 58 watts (max.).
ViewSonic www.viewsonic.com
The VX2000 is a
20" HDTV-ready LCD with a metallic-on-black design. With a
20.1" screen it features SuperClearMVA™ technology and full multimedia
capability for the ultimate in full-motion video. Fast video response time, wide
viewing angles (I could see it very well at about 160 degrees), ultra-high
600:1 contrast ratio and 250-nit brightness create exceptional screen realism.
In addition, OptiSync™ technology (multimode
input technology supports both digital (DVI) and analog (VGA) signals) provides
dual analog and digital inputs for system flexibility. Optimum resolution is 1600x1200
scalable resolution from VGA up to 1600x1200. Displays HDTV 1280x720p format
with advanced scaling options. Bezel-integrated speakers and built-in
microphone.
The stylish 17"
VX700 is loaded with high-tech features. Comes with SuperClearMVA™ technology,
an ultra-high 500:1
contrast ratio and XtremeView 170° viewing angles for deep,
true-to-life colors. Once in motion, ultra-fast video response time keeps
images vibrant. Bezel-integrated 3-watt speakers give you a full multimedia
experience without detracting from the sleek design. Full 17" viewable
screen with OptiSync™ technology, 1280x1024 optimum resolution, and 250 nits of
high brightness.
For a 15" LCD
look for the ViewSonic VX500+. With a sleek metallic-on black design and
UltraBrite™ technology, your 
video, DVD, graphics and gaming applications burst
off the screen with vibrant, bright colors. Videoconferencing is easy with the
bezel-integrated microphone and speakers. With OptiSync™ technology you have
digital (DVI) and analog (VGA) input configuration options. Full
15" viewable screen, 1024x768 optimum resolution, 300 nits of ultra-high
brightness, and 500:1 high contrast ratio. Sleek metallic
soft-touch buttons utilize capacitive sensors to respond to the
slightest touch for easy adjustments. AutoTune™ Function automatically monitors
video input and optimizes display settings without requiring user adjustments. All of them come with a three-year limited
warranty, 24/7 free technical and customer support.
CorAccess www.coraccess.com
With their new Mobile Companion it will let you monitor
local expressway traffic, display digital photos, and keep an eye on your home
security cameras. You can do all this and more from a single, full-color,
wireless control center stationed anywhere in the house. You can also check
your online stock portfolio, grab a dinner recipe, and control your thermostat,
lighting and home alarm system from the same screen. This 8.5” high-tech home appliance sits upright,
easel-style, requires no wires, consolidates all home media and premise
management as well as Internet surfing on one easy-to-use touchscreen. AutoMate
gives you a simple graphical interface that can be controlled by touch to arm
or disarm your security system, dim your lights, and much more. The system
retails for under $2,000.
Distinctive Technologies - www.pcpinpoint.com
PC Pinpoint Family of Products and Services, announced a
partnership with The TAG Group, Inc., which stands for “Techs and Geeks” (TAG),
that combines state-of-the-art automated remote tech support with onsite
service, anywhere in North America. This partnership provides “cradle-to-grave”
service for hardware, software and consumer electronics devices.
First, Web and server-based PC Pinpoint tests PC components and
automatically identifies and fixes the most common hardware, software and
consumer electronics problems. Second, Self-Help tutorials provide users with
simple instructions that educate and empower them to personally repair problems
that are not solved automatically. Third, when problems are not fixed by the
first and second steps, customers can at any time contact 24/7 live technical
support via telephone, Web chat, or e-mail to work with technical support
specialists until problems are completely resolved. Fourth, when hardware,
software and consumer electronics products require onsite support, users can
contact PC Pinpoint and TAG will send an onsite tech to resolve problems.
If onsite repair or replacement is required, TAG relies on
tested and qualified independent support professionals capable of handling all
problems for nearly every hardware, software, networks and consumer electronics
device on the market. These technicians have all the
diagnostic data and machine history they need to focus on immediate problem
resolution.
iCEBOX www.icebox.tv
The first product available in the Beyond™ Connected Home
Initiative is the Westinghouse™ branded iCEBOX™, a
web-enabled kitchen
entertainment center that provides busy families with quick and easy access to
information, communication and entertainment (I.C.E.). The new iCEBOX™
CounterTop will be available at retail stores in the second quarter of 2003.
Beyond™ will also showcase several new items in the product line, including a
web-enabled clock radio known as "HomeHub", and a microwave, bread
maker and coffee maker which can be managed or automatically updated by the
HomeHub.
InterVideo www.intervideo.com
WinDVD Recorder is a software product that lets the consumer play DVDs and record virtually any kind of video – from camcorders, DV cameras or TV – straight to DVD or CD. By providing both recording and playback functionality, WinDVD Recorder is a software replacement for a VCR. WinDVD Creator is for recording DVD in a simple step-by-step process. From the camera to the DVD it is simple drag and drop editing. WinDVD Platinum plays DVDs on your computer like it’s a theater. It can give the user 5.1 surround sound with only two speakers. Download and play DivX movies from the Internet.
SmartDisk www.smartdisk.com
PC photoshow lets you create musical slideshows you can share with everyone, with up to 20 photo transition effects. Open PC Photo Show and explore your digital photo collection in a familiar Windows style. Simply drag your photos to the slide sorter window and put them in the order you'd like them to be shown. You can adjust this order later using the drag-and-drop or simple Up and Down arrows. Add captions, and music (choose from WAV, MP3 and MIDI files.) You then can create files (.EXE) which are a simple way to share your slide shows with friends and family. You can also create a screen saver of your slide show complete with music.
Zap Car www.zapworld.com
Yes it is not very big, but I did see someone 6 foot 4 inch get out of it and said he had enough room. There was a lot of interest in this car as the gas prices started climbing. You can go over 200 miles per charge, and it takes only one hour to recharge it. This company mainly develops batteries for use in devices. They have a Electronic Motorbike with the top speed of 30 MPH, and a range of 25 miles.
HP www.hp.com
The Photosmart 230 color inkjet printer lets you preview
your photos before you print using the color LCD display. Just select color,
size and format and print borderless 4x6-inch photos in brilliant color - up to
4800 x 1200-optimized dpi color printing on premium photo papers. Print
directly from your digital camera memory card - no PC required. Direct photo
printing supports CompactFlash SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Secure Digital, and
MultiMedia memory cards. USB connection to compatible PCs and Macintosh computers
Sony www.sony.com
Sonys new DPP-EX5 photo printer makes printing digital
photos a no hassle, fun and rewarding experience. Using Sonys established dye-sublimation
technology the DPP-EX5 creates smooth, continuous tone photographs with color
richness that rivals any printing technology. By fusing layers of color dye
into high quality photo media and coating with Super Coat 2, a unique Sony
laminate, your finished glossy or matte photos are fade resistant, water
resistant and even fingerprint resistant. Easy to use pushbutton controls
produces durable, fade and water resistant print in 90 seconds. Prints high quality
4x6" or 3.5x5" borderless color, monochrome, sepia or paint photos on
demand . With a built-in photo editor allows color adjustments, cropping and
creation of custom prints, personalized messages, calendars and more. Print direct
from Memory Stick or via USB interface from PC or Mac.
For coverage of: Digital
cameras, PDAs, Phones, Watches
For coverage of: Navigation
aids, Networking, Scanners, Speakers, Storage, Tablet
PC, Wireless Network
 |
Winners is a member of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG) is an international, platform-independent, nonprofit corporation (incorporated in Washington, DC) devoted to helping user groups throughout the world. Almost 400 user groups are members of APCUG. http://www.apcug.net/ |