Author Archives: David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

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Preview of the Polaroid XS80 Action Camera at the Las Vegas Bestbuddies Friendship walk!!

We received a Polaroid XS80 to test and review recently. So far it works well, is easy to use and has great video quality. I only wish that it had an external microphone slot, another cool addition would be a screen. I am impressed by it, the included mounting hardware is decent. It offers great quality for the price.

Polaroid XS80 HD 1080p 16MP Waterproof Sports Action Video Camera With Mounting Kit

According to Polaroid it offers:

  • Professional sensor with low-light performance.
  • Very light, weighs just 3.9 oz.
  • Vibrates: Confirms functions when visual confirmation isn’t practical.
  • G-Sensor (Auto Rotation) for “which end is up” assurance.
  • Waterproof up to 30 feet / 10 meters
  • Distortion-Free ultra wide angle lens provides 120 degrees of coverage.
  • Aerodynamic design and shock-proof exterior minimizes wind noise.
  • Single button record that’s easy and ready for action.
  • Video options: 1080p, 720p.
  • Still image options: 16MP, 5MP, 3MP, 1 x or 3x (burst) Shooting Mode + Time Lapse.
  • Full helmet mount included.

Here are a few test videos from the Best Buddies Event recently in Las Vegas, we will post other event videos from it as well as time goes by:

 

 

 
Video #1–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is another–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is the third one–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

The video quality is quite nice!! I would recommend this to anyone who needs a solid easy to use video solution especially for extreme sports!

Here is a link to Polaroid’s site–>http://www.polaroidstore.com/products/sport-and-action-video-cameras/polaroidxs80-hd-1080p-16mp-waterproof-sports-action-video-camera-with-mount.htm

Here is one to Best Buddies in Las Vegas as well–>https://www.facebook.com/bestbuddies.nv

To return to our main page click here–Home>

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My Review: Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones

Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS

I ran into the folks from Audio-Technica recently at CES 2014. After a bit of time I finally have the opportunity to test and review  2 of their headphones. This review covers their in-ear model the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones.

Introduction:

I have been testing some over the ear headphones recently for a variety of manufacturers’s with several more coming down the pipeline. I am all about the music, am working on establishing a foundation for autism and the arts and music if I ever get funding. I am a hyper functioning autistic tech and autism blogger, my 3 kids and I as well as my wife are rather fond of music and the arts.

I like Audio-Technica for the quality of their products and their history in music.

According to Audio technica:

Audio-Technica—Audio pioneer in high-performance sound design 

Established in 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. Initially known for state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges, A-T now creates high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use. 

Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for live sound tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, house-of-worship venues, and more. A-T microphones are chosen for critical government installations such as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Audio-Technica microphones and wireless systems are also selected for major broadcast music events, including the GRAMMY® Awards and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. 

Design:

In regards to in-ear headphones I am impressed by the design and build quality of the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones . The one I received are black, but they are available in a variety of colors as seen here–>

 

They ought to appeal to a variety of users from business folk, to teens to seniors as well.

The headphones are some of the better designed in ear headphones that I have so far had the opportunity to test.

They also have a built in microphone for those of us who have to do the occasional conference call or who want to use them to talk on your smartphone when a blue tooth headset is unavailable.

These fine sonic fuel in ear headphones due to their interesting and innovative connection to ones ears, are likely to be useful while at the gymn, riding a bike, watching a movie or listening to music.

Quality:

As mentioned previously, I like their design quality.

As far as audio quality I tried them and a few of our other people to test them too, as well as one of my teen-agers.

For jazz, blues, light rock, most folk music the sound quality was nice. For my son’s dubstep or rap type music, the bass performance was not as good as some of the over the ear speakers that are going to be reviewed from Audio-Technica soon.

 

In terms of their usefulness, Audio-Technica provides 4  different sized ear tips and 3 different C-tips (and a pouch to keep it all in) so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that fits for you.

Personally I have large ears, so the connectors that came with the box work well for me and kelp the headphones in my ears most of the time.

I would agree with Audio Technica in regards to their statement with regards to Sonicfuel headphones:

 

Music is your energy for life – the fuel for your heart and soul. SonicFuel™ headphones are specifically designed for active, daily use, to power you forward by delivering extraordinary comfort, style and an immersive listening experience that never sounds artificial, processed or filtered. Just pure sonic goodness for the high-octane tempo of your life. 

The ATH-CKX5iS SonicFuel in-ear headphones feature stay-in-place fit, providing unique comfort in addition to optimal sound. The C-tip configuration nestles within the ear where it locks in place for extra stability. A 360˚ rotating eartip adjusts to the unique angle of your ear canal for personalized fit and improved sound isolation. 

In-line volume and microphone controls (on compatible smartphones) allow you to control music & phone calls without missing a beat. 

Wrap Up:

If you are seeking very nice in-ear headphones that sound good, look nice, and stay in your ears, these ought to be near the top of the list. They retail for about $ 50. If these are this nice, I am curious how their higher priced in-ear headphones sound. I would definitely recommend these headphones and found them to be very nice.

I was provided with a set of the Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iSBK headphones for the purpose of this review and these are the headphones featured in some of the images above, the photo of the different colored headphones is a stock image. As always, this represents my true and honest opinion.

To check out Audio-Technica’s website and products please click <here>!!

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Rabbit TV Makes Big Move by Launching Turnkey Content Partnership Program

<strong>Rabbit TV Logo</strong>

  LONDON, ENGLAND, March 19, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ — Amidst TV Connect in London and just weeks away from NAB in Las Vegas, FreeCast’s Rabbit TV makes a historical announcement – it will now begin enabling content producers to tap into its millions of viewers through a newly branded ‘Rabbit TV Content Partnership Program.’

In an unprecedented move, the company will be taking an ‘all-inclusive’ approach to content sourcing, pulling in producers on all levels and allowing them to incorporate their content into the new web-based platform on all devices, regardless of their current video on-demand or live delivery methods.

While countless ITV vendors are offering software solutions to get producers’ content online for a monthly service fee, they are missing the two main elements: audience and paying advertisers. Rabbit TV’s Content Partnership Program provides both and allows producers to keep 100% of revenue with no startup costs.

The company’s explosive growth in the last 12 months has laid claim to a third-place position in the overall Web TV marketplace behind leaders Netflix, whose model is driven by licensing, and Hulu, which relies on partial revenue share from advertisers. By design, both of these premium distributors limit the amount of content available to the consumer.

Rabbit TV, on the other hand, has spawned a third business model by aggregating ALL the content, including a massive electronic programming guide featuring over 100,000 freely available selections coupled with the latest pay-per-view and premium channel choices, creating a potentially unlimited content offering for consumers.

“We want to deliver a single TV viewing proposition online. Regardless if it’s TV shows in syndication, popular movies that are recycling through the networks, or the consumer’s insatiable appetite for new and interesting content, we continue to build our network of unlimited channels that dwarfs the selection of any cable or satellite system,” says FreeCast CEO William Mobley.

Rabbit TV is sold at 30,000+ major retailers including Walmart, Target, Sears, Office Depot, Walgreens, CVS and many others. The company recently announced that it will begin selling web-based subscriptions to Rabbit TV Plus online in the coming weeks.

More information:
Company – http://freecast.com
Network – http://rabbittvgo.com

 

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Tech Review: Bell’O Digital Headphones BDH-821

Overview:

The BDH-821 are over-the-ear headphones that can be used with Android and iOS devices. They include in-line volume controls and a 24k gold-plated plug. The name is not fancy but the headphones are quite nice. I ran into Bello Digital at CES 2014, and was intrigued by their products. We now had the opportunity to test their over the ear headphones. We are looking forward to testing and reviewing other products in the future as well.

Summary of the Devices:

From my perception, I found that  BDH-821 are  nice quality,  are well designed, solidly constructed   and have a  moderate price. The BDH-821 appear to offer nice construction with attractive black and chrome accented parts as well ( they also are available in white & chrome). The headphones can be folded and they come with a nice microfiber travel bag. The bad seems capable of being used as a cleaning cloth for ones’ phones, and tablets.  I had one of my teen age sons test them out for durability and he commented on the nice fiber wrapped cord, which is tangle resistant and of suitable length to make their use convenient.

Here are a few images of the headphones to allow you the reader to take a look at their impressive styling, design, and overall appearance too. As it has been said, a picture is worth a thousand words.

In term of the audio quality I found that they sounded good for most type of music. In terms of the bass response they sounded nice to me. In terms of offering the best quality and bass response on the market, I would say that they are very good for the price point.

Though they are well made, I think that the connectors between the part that goes over ones head and the headphones could get damaged especially for the teen age crowd or someone who would use them quite often.

DSCN1026 DSCN1027 DSCN1028

 

My opinion:

Bello is know for making very nice home theater furniture, and are not really the first name that comes to mind for headphones. Despite the fact that they are new to making headphones, I am impressed by their first foray into the market. They sound good, look nice, and easy to take, throw in your bag and use at your leisure.

I really like the over the ear type headphones like these to the in the ear type, though the in-ear type are sometimes easier to take on the road.

The headphones are well designed and look good, but are not overly pricey or fancy either so that you ought not to get mugged on the bus or at the airport or walking up the street like some of the big name player’s products like Beats Audio.

I tested the head phones, as did other members of our team as well. Overall we were impressed by them and would definitely recommend them to anyone for listening to most type of music, watching movies, or doing conference calls since they can be used for conversations as well since they offer a decent built in microphone. It would seem that they can be used for pc gaming as well since they sound good and allow players to communicate while gaming. My teen age son also tested them and he really likes them for his dub-step music.

 

About Bell’O Digital

Bell’O Digital is a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics products including stereo headphones, audio/video cables, TV wall mounts, surge protectors, electronics cleaning products, and much more. Bell’O Digital is a division of Bell’O International Corp, an award-winning manufacturer of A/V furniture and consumer electronic accessories for over 25 years. Bell’O products are sold in leading retailers throughout the United States and worldwide. Continuing in this tradition, Bell’O Digital designs and manufactures award-winning, premium quality accessories with an unparalleled commitment to details, aesthetics, and performance. From the soft, supple and lightweight ear cups of our stereo headphones, to the high speed reliability of our HDMI cables, to the high capacity security of our power surge protectors, our engineers take exceptional pride in developing products with the consumer in mind.

Bell’O Digital products extend well beyond looks and performance, bringing you exceptional value as well. Compare the features and prices of Bell’O Digital audio/video accessories to any other brand, and we believe we’ll not only exceed your expectations, but deliver a new standard in electronic accessories excellence.

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Q & A With Sharp on its Super HDTV Q+ Series Tech from HD Guru

Sharp LC-UQ17U 580

 

Here is an interesting article from HD Guru in regards to Sharp’s new q+ tv’s–>http://hdguru.com/q-a-with-sharp-on-its-super-hdtv-q-series-tech/

We asked Sharp Electronics a number of very specific questions regarding its new Q+ technology, which incorporates over 16 million sub-pixels compared with the 6.22 million found in traditional 1080p LCD sets.

On a related note, Sharp also just announced that it’s now shipping the less expensive SQ series sets which uses the same Q+ tech as the company’s UQ Series models.

SQ Series info plus a Q&A with Sharp on its new Q+ tech after the break.

 

Sharp SQ Series:

Sharp LC-60SQ15U (60-Inch) $2399.99 Retail Now $1891.42 Amazon direct

Sharp LC-70SQ15U (70-inch ) $3399.99 Retail  Now $2622.38 Amazon direct

 

Features:

Full HD / Built in Revelation Upscaler for HD Content / Able to play 4K content / 240Hz Panel 3D Ready (3D Glasses not included) / SmartCentral 3.0 / TV-Web Split Screen / Silver-Brushed Plastic Thin Bezel / Wallpaper Mode / 4 HDMI Inputs (4K Ready) and 2 USB Ports / Bluetooth Audio

 

Sharp’s UQ Series have all the SQ Series features and add:

THX Certification / Super Bright Technology / AquoMotion 960 with 240Hz Panel /Active 3D with Two Bluetooth 3D Glasses Supplied / Titanium-Brushed Solid Aluminum Bezel / 4 HDMI Inputs (4K Ready) and 2 USB Ports / 15W Subwoofer

Today’s Amazon Deals on Electronics

Best Buy’s Hottest Deals

 Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems

Best Selling Blu-ray Players

Q&A with Sharp regarding its new Q+ panels and models

Q: Your press release states that the new Q+ LCD panels have an effective horizontal resolution of up to 3840 pixels. Can you clarify this?

A: Q+ can render a single brightness tone in multiple ways. This allows Q+ to increase horizontal resolution with just four subpixels. Q+ subpixel areas are used independently to create separate color values. Content is intelligently scaled to take advantage of this additional resolution. As a result, Q+ TVs are able to take a 1920 x 1080 resolution screen and make an effective resolution ofup to 3840 x 2160.

Q: Is the Q+ LCD panel 8-bit or 10-bit (like Sharp’s native 4K LCD panel)?

A: Sharp’s AQUOS Q+ Series TVs use 10-bit panels (Sharp is the first LCD panel manufacturer to make this claim for its 2014 products—ed.)

Q: Any plans to upgrade the firmware on Q+ Series TVs with HEVC so the Netflix app on Sharp’s Smart Central 3.0 can decode 4K streams?

A: HEVC decoding is not included in Q+ models. Users will be able to stream 4K content via an external device that accepts HEVC decoding. Sharp is evaluating the consumer demand for HEVC decoding and will incorporate it into future models as appropriate.

Q: Will Q+ model review samples be available?

A: We expect to have review units within a few weeks. (HD Guru has requested a review sample, so readers stay tuned-ed.)

 

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

 

Copyright ©2014 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark

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Fairlight Launches EVO.Live – A New Paradigm In Audio Live Production

Image EVO.Live 36 Faders (1)

SYDNEY, Australia – At NAB 2014, Fairlight will introduce EVO.Live – a new generation digital audio mixing system for the most demanding on-air and live productions. Built on Fairlight’s leading-edge audio processing and control surface technologies, this new system comes with true live credentials, offering the best possible price/performance value and unique operational features.
The mixing console’s compact, modular design creates the perfect mixing environment for OB trucks, performing arts venues, house of worship and broadcast facilities. The console is available in different chassis or table-mount configurations from 12 to 60 faders. The ergonomic control surface design with touch TFT monitors offer immediate access to all critical live functions with excellent visualisation. The system maintains full redundancy with automatic takeover on any component failure.
Fairlight’s interactive control surface includes unique Picture Keys which self-label instantly for each task performed, displaying the right commands and functions at the right time. In addition, Fairlight’s new iCan (Integrated Control Across Network) technology provides the operator with an easy to use editor to design fully customised layouts.
The console incorporates complete Dual-Operator functionality allowing each audio engineer to independently access their own set of faders, solos, channel selections and monitoring controls.
Audio processing takes place in Fairlight’s FPGA-based Crystal Core audio engine ensuring very high channel and bus counts, lowest latency and purest sound quality. Comprehensive Mix-Minus, advanced comms, extensive metering and flexible bussing are meticulously implemented. The compact 2U Live Audio Processor includes an extensive range of built-in I/O. Adding a second hot-swappable FPGA- based engine with dual-input power supplies guarantees the highest system reliability. A wide choice of modular remote I/O is also available to meet the demands of any application.
The power of EVO.Live reaches beyond live production, with full recording facilities, off-line preparation via laptop, a built-in cart machine for flying in sound effects, and control extensions to lighting systems, third party DAW and sound library databases.
After the live event has completed, EVO.Live can be entirely reconfigured, turning into Fairlight’s industry- leading post production system featuring audio editing, full video integration, plug-ins, automation and sophisticated 3D surround panning.
Jean-Claude Kathriner, CEO of Fairlight commented “Fairlight, as the brand trusted by high-end audio professionals for over 30 years, is proud to extend its state-of-the-art technology to the live production industry. EVO.Live includes an array of innovations that will benefit customers in terms of productivity gains, reliability and especially value for money. The intuitive level of customisation of the user interface and its unique ability to switch between live and post modes will change audio production forever”.
EVO.Live will be on display at the Fairlight booth C1459 at NAB 2014 in Las Vegas (April 7-10).

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Mad Catz® Announces New Range of Xbox One™ Licensed Headsets

Tritton® Pro+ True 5.1 Over-The-Head Gaming Headset, White

Mad Catz® Announces New Range of Xbox One™ Licensed Headsets

First TRITTON® Headsets Expected to Ship Summer 2014

San Diego – March 11, 2014 Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/ TSX: MCZ) announced today a new range of licensed audio headsets for Xbox One under the TRITTON gaming audio brand, expected to start shipping summer 2014.

“We’re excited to announce our upcoming range of headsets for the Xbox One platform,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “Over 45% of our sales are derived from gaming headsets, and we believe the addition of Xbox One headsets will make a significant contribution to our return to growth and profitability in fiscal 2015.”

 

About Mad Catz

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands.  Mad Catz products cater to passionate gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows® PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices.  Mad Catz distributes its products through its online store as well as distribution via many leading retailers around the globe.   Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia. For additional information about Mad Catz and its products, please visit the Company’s website at www.madcatz.com

Social Media

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Information in this press release that involves the Company’s expectations business prospects, plans, intentions or strategies regarding its future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “goal,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause the Company’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include  the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company’s licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company’s current products; first-party price reductions; availability of capital under our credit facility; commercial acceptance of new in-home gaming consoles; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; unanticipated product delays; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these and other factors, risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company’s most recent annual report, and any subsequent quarterly reports, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators.  The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Mad Catz, the Mad Catz logo and TRITTON are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., its affiliates and/or subsidiary companies.  All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.

Mad Catz Communications:

Alex Verrey

Global PR and Communications Director

[email protected] or +44 (0) 1633 883 133

Karen McGinnis

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected] or (619) 683-9830

Investor Relations:

Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, Jim Leahy

J C I R

[email protected] or +1 (212) 835 8500

xxx

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Less than 100 days to E3, what to expect according to Lazy Gamer!!

Less than 100 days to E3, what to expect according to Lazy Gamer!!
With 100 days to go until E3 what are we going to be shown? (via Lazygamer)

We’re still trying to book our E3 excursions this year and while we said last year that we would be far more professional this year it appears we lied. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get to be excited about what is going to be revealed in 100…

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Titan Fall Beta according to the folks at Best Techie!

Titan Fall Beta according to the folks at Best Techie!
Our Takes on the Titanfall Beta (via BestTechie)

We have several gamers here at BestTechie, and over the past few days, a few of them took part in Respawn’s Titanfall beta. Shawn did so on the Xbox One, where the beta was actually open to anyone with the console. Both Brian Hough and Landon played…

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