Home Entertainment Prices Tumble – Slashing prices seem to be the rule as electronics manufacturers and retailers fight the sluggish economy, fierce competition for sales and rapid progress of technology. This should be good news to consumers interested in the latest home entertainment technology. The top-of-line Panasonic Viera HDTV last year had a higher price than this year’s equivalent model with 3D. A combination of over-supplies and slow sales means that consumers now can get some pretty good deals, even before the holidays. Even though 3D programming and discs haven’t become widely available as yet – in the expected chicken-and-egg situation – the good news is that 3D TVs use the very top-of-line HDTV components, so they are the best buy for either 2D or 3D viewing.
While LCD, LED and plasma 3D TVs have become mass-market commodities, there are beginning to be less expensive overhead video projectors, including some using the low-cost passive 3D glasses used in movie theaters, and also offering excellent 2D images if the room can be darkened sufficiently. There are also consumer-grade 3D camcorders coming out. It is wise to select electronic items that are DNLA compliant (Digital Living Network Alliance). These devices can work with one another over a home network, whether wired or wireless. Computer prices are also falling, and smaller and more powerful are the watchwords there. Many are finding that the iPad or BlackBerry Torch can supercede their usual bulky laptap for away-from-the-office work.
False Claims of Power-Saving Gadget Exposed – An Australian Federal Court has found that Auscha Corp., makers of the Enersonic Power Saver device have made misleading claims and the power factor correction capacitor device does not actually reduce the real electrical power consumed by a domestic user. Therefore users did not save money by using the power saver, as advertised. The company was ordered to stop making such products, to publish a corrective notice on its website, send a letter out to customers of the device, and pay a contribution toward court costs. A spokesman said “These actions demonstrate [our] concern to ensure that consumers are not misled into believing that products will save them money on energy costs when this is untrue.”
New Fuji Camera Captures 3D Stills and Video – Fujifilm’s new Real 3D W3 is said to shoot 3D HD video complete with playback via direct connection to most 3D TVs using mini-HDMI cable. It also shoots HD 3D stills. Two Fujinon 3x optical zoom lenses (35mm-105mm equivalent) and twin ten-megapixel CCD sensors provide the option of viewing 3D images on the large built-in LCD screen without special glasses or on the larger screens of 3D HDTVs using their 3D glasses. The widescreen LCD display is 3.5 inches with 1150K resolution, and also displays 2D images. The camera retails for about $600.
Delete All Files When Scrapping Computers or Home Electronics With Hard Drives – Hackers can recover your data, even if you used so-called “erase all data” software on your hard drive before junking it. Deleted files and reformatted drives can be recovered causing serious security problems. Some printers and fax machines contain hard drives. Data thieves may be able to get to your credit card numbers, customer information, any document you print or send. And don’t forget the drives of home music servers. Check with the manufacturer on how to completely wipe the disk clean. And keep in mind the hazardous and toxic materials contained in most electronic equipment and dispose of them properly.
