Gimme That Old-Time (Apple) Religion: Researchers
Apple's fans are so devoted that they have been called a "cult." A pair of researchers at Texas A&M have gone still further. The professors, Heidi A. Campbell and Antonio C. La Pastina have written a paper that says the sheer adoration and lack of fault-finding by Apple fans isn't a cult, but a religion. The iPhone, after all, has been nicknamed the "Jesus Phone," and long before the researchers used that term in their own paper. According to the researchers, it's this devotion to the church of Apple that
Read More ...
Internet Explorer 9 Beta Due Slated for September
Most of us here behind the scenes roll through the Web with Firefox or Chrome, but for those of you still clinging to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, you'll have a new browser to play with in September. That's when the Redmond software juggernaut will push out the first fully fledged beta (as opposed to that highly limited Preview release floating around) of its next-gen browser, Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner said during a financial keynote. We have little reason to doubt Turner's time frame
Read More ...
Toshiba Intros CELL-Equipped REGZA 3D HDTVs
With Sony leading the 3D push in the home, you shouldn't be surprised that Sony already has a couple of 3D HDTV models headed to market. But when a market leader like Sony makes a move, it only takes a small amount of time for the "other guys" to catch up and do likewise. That's exactly what has happened here, with Toshiba adding some much needed competition to the 3D HDTV market. Currently, these sets are all rather expensive and few size/model options exist. We still aren't convinced that 3D has a place in
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Hacker Figures Out How To Make ATM Spew Cash, Tells The World About It
In need of extra cash? Who isn't, right? If you're a smart hacker, you may be able to make a small fortune by simply tricking an ATM or two into spitting out money for you. We know that sounds crazy, and it certainly is, but it's true nonetheless. At the annual Black Hat conference -- where hackers and security experts gather to make public certain loopholes in order to encourage companies to fix them -- Barnaby Jack was able to demonstrate how he could trick an ATM into spitting out all of its cash, and more.
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Google Implementing Licensing Server To Protect Android Apps From Piracy
If you're an Android app developer, and you have been troubled in the past by ill-willed people stealing your apps and then hosting them online for others to download, it's evident that Google is listening to your squealing. Apple's App Store has been seen as relatively secure when it comes to copy protection on apps; while it's theoretically possible to jailbreak your iPhone and then download/install illicit applications without paying, it's definitely an arduous process that many don't care to even get involved
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Redbox Goes Blu: Blu-ray Discs For $1.50 Per Night Now Available
Redbox. Just saying the name brings a smile to most faces, particularly those movie lovers with a box or two nearby. We have heard in the past that the company is planning to compete with Netflix and is still in a "beta phase" when it comes to pricing, but now we're learning that Redbox is going Blue. Or, we should say "Blu." The company made famous for putting $1/night DVD kiosks into grocery stores, Walmart stores and just about any other retail location where they were allowed has just expanded their services
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Hacker Figures Out How To Make ATM Spew Cash, Tells The World About It
In need of extra cash? Who isn't, right? If you're a smart hacker, you may be able to make a small fortune by simply tricking an ATM or two into spitting out money for you. We know that sounds crazy, and it certainly is, but it's true nonetheless. At the annual Black Hat conference -- where hackers and security experts gather to make public certain loopholes in order to encourage companies to fix them -- Barnaby Jack was able to demonstrate how he could trick an ATM into spitting out all of its cash, and more.The hacker spent two full years perfecting the ruse, which applied to the ATMs found often in front of convenience stores. The goal was to find a way to take control of the ATM by "exploiting weaknesses in the computers that run the machines," but unlike malicious hackers, his goal was to make this information public so that companies making them would take notice and close up these holes for thieves to exploit.Â
His demonstration was one of the most widely viewed at the show, mostly because it affects a wide variety of ATMs and has the potential to really cause a lot of havoc. This is definitely an easy way to snatch cash -- far easier than robbing a bank -- and if this information fell into the wrong hands, it could really spell trouble. He was supposed to showcase this last year, but out of a fear that ATM makers couldn't close the loopholes in time, he delayed it until this year and spent the last 12 months finding even more holes.
He noticed that "the physical keys that came with his machines were the same for all ATMs of that type made by that manufacturer," so there's an easy way to get inside right there. Once you're in, he used the key to "unlock a compartment in the ATM that had standard USB slots. He inserted a program he had written into one of them, commanding the ATM to dump its vaults. — He hacked into the machines by exploiting weaknesses in the way ATM makers communicate with the machines over the Internet."
Follow the link below for the full report; it's definitely an interesting read.
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Sacrificing the purchase of a rig for the better good...
Now, I promise Super Dave that I would tell this story so I thought this forum would be appropriate for me to talk about it.
My father owns a horrible P4 1.5ghz PC that only contained 256 RDram. It was so slow that it couldn't keep up with flash heavy sites at times. It was very frustrating for him when he went to read Korean newspapers online since it was bombarded with many ads that is flash enabled.
I decided to save up money and buy a computer for him. He was worse off than the computer I have which was a P4 3.2ghz prescott with a 1 gig DDR ram.
This was the computer I wanted to buy for him: An Asus Eb1501 B0167 EeeBox
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5618600&CatId=4928
It had a built in rom drive. It was very small and convenient for him.
However, I wanted to save more money before I could make the purchase So I thought the best alternative at the time was to buy a compressed air can to clean the PC. Now, I haven't clean my father's PC inside for years. Therefore, I thought the cleaning would have some type of benefit.
Unfortunately, it made it worse. After cleaning the PC, it wouldn't start at all. I checked for loose parts or any possible damage, but I couldn't find it. I did this for couple of hours after cleaning the PC. I was very frustrated. It was then that I decided to go computer shopping right away (a month before Father's day). I researched on my computer and found that the Asus Eb1501 was the perfect machine for him.
My options were limited to only a brick-and-mortar store since I did not have a credit card. I went to the nearest electronics store (Futureshop, Best Buy, Canada Computers and Tigerdirect in Canada). Sadly, none of those stores have the computer in stock.
I went back to Canada Computers and explored what my next move should be. Then a thought occur to me. Why am I going so cheap on my father, who has never asked anything from me on Father's day?
You see, my father is a man who doesn't ask anything from me. He just have this faith that I'll pull through. It's not lazy parenting since he does discipline me when necessary.
As I was reporting my father the situation via cellphone at work, I told him that I am buying him a customized computer (monitor and keyboard not included).
The specs included: a Coolmaster CM 690 II, A Corsair 450 psu, a 2 gig Mushkin DDR3 ram, WDBlack drive, an Asus Motherboard microatx, an EVGA Geforce GT 240, a dvd-rom drive and a Core i3 530.
Total cost: $717.17
My father picked me up with the parts I purchased. He asked me how much it cost, and I politely replied "it's none of your business". :)
I really wanted a new computer of my own. Nevertheless, I sacrificed my own intentions to buy one for my father so he can relax at home. I may have gone overboard, but I wanted to do this for him for a long time and decided to buy parts based on longevity.
I plan to purchase a computer next year since I have to put other priorities in front of it (i.e. buying a suit and other intangibles). I do hope I win one from Hothardware, but I don't expect to because I have to earn it. Besides, it is possible there are people in the forums who are more less fortunate than me.
Below is the insides of my computer that contains poor ventilation and a Geforce 6600gt card that has a broken fan.
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/2687/compinside.jpg
specs: p4 3.2 ghz, 1.5 WD green EADS, 80 gig WD Drive, Pioneer DVD+RW, Enermax PSU, 1 gig DDR ram, a semi-broken Asus microatx (USB ports is on the fritz by acting like 1.1 instead of 2.0 when it is a 2.0, can't load windows properly after multiple tries, sometimes disable mouse due to USB) and a GeForce 6600 GT with a broken fan.
Hope you enjoy my story
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Swedish Youth Group Says WOW is Like Cocaine
In what is sure to cause great debate (and probably a healthy stream of jokes and parodies as well), the founder of a Swedish youth organization is singling out World of Warcraft as a very addictive game. How addictive? He has labeled World of Warcraft as "the cocaine of the computer games world." This claim comes from Sven Rollenhagen, founder of the non-profit youth group, Stiftelsen Ungdomsvård (The Youth Care Foundation), located south of Stockholm, Sweden. Rollenhagen founded the group in 1991, and it provides support for youths living at home, from sources such as social workers, psychologists, physical training, teachers, and doctors, as well as offering opportunities such as outdoor adventuring, internships, and mentoring. The organization's target group is adolescents and young adults who are at risk from substance abuse, criminal activity, computer game addiction, relationship issues, family problems, school difficulties, depression, burnout, or neuropsychiatric diagnoses. After perusing the organization's site using Google Translate (which is how much of the information in this paragraph was gleaned), we discovered that the group "also works with adult computer game addiction and its relatives."
The organization is accusing World of Warcraft as being so addictive, "based on the experiences of gamers and their parents who have been in contact with the group." Rollenhagen told the Swedish newspaper, Metro: "There is not a single case of game addiction that we have worked with in which World of Warcraft has not played a part." These findings are being rolled up into a report that the organization plans on publishing. It is unknown at this time, how much of these findings are based on scientific study or on anecdotal observations. It is also unknown at this point if Rollenhagen's comments are a true indication of how much the report specifically skewers World of Warcraft, or if his comments were meant to be more attention getting, while the report actually focuses more on general games addiction, without necessarily singling out any one game title.The group's Website offers the following signs of games addiction--not necessarily specific to World of Warcraft (the below text is via Google Translate):
1. tolerance increase ie the player plays more and "cooler" game more often
2. abstinence: the player becomes restless, irritable, depressed, etc. when the game "absence"
3. negative consequences for the school, internships / jobs: truancy, missed tests, lower grades, dismissal from jobs ...
4. serious conflicts with family and friends: a fight about noon time, other responsibilities, etc.
5. focus and the admission unit on computer games, even during non-playing time reading, talking and thinking player in the game
6. the player lying about game times and other games around to calm environment
7. disturbed daily rhythm, evident in the night, sleeping on days
8. lack of interest in old hobbies and friends
9. deterioration of health and fitness due to sedentary indoor
There has been no official statement issued yet from Blizzard Entertainment, publisher of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), World of Warcraft, to address this issue--nor is it know if there will even be one. However, with over 11.5 million gamers playing World of Warcraft, there is a large-enough pool statistically for at least some players to also be true game addicts. In the United States, computer game addiction is not currently recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) or American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a formal diagnosis--although the APA did consider adding "video game addiction" into the next edition (to be published in 2012) of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); but the recommendation to add it was ultimately rejected, citing that more research was still needed. English-language, Swedish news site, The Local reports that "according to the Swedish National Institute of Public Health (Folkhälsoinstitutet), the problem with computer game addiction is large in Sweden although there is currently no medical diagnosis of the condition."
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There have been sporadic new stories of people who either died or harmed themselves while playing World of Warcraft. Also, back in 2005, a story of an infant who died while her parents were at an Internet Café for several hours playing World of Warcraft was making the rounds on the Internet. Poking fun at World of Warcraft, South Park devoted an entire episode ("Make Love, Not Warcraft") in 2007 to spoofing players' propensity to become truly obsessed with the game. The behavior of a number of the South Park characters in that episode exhibited more than a few of the symptoms from the The Youth Care Foundation's list of signs of games addiction.
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Internet Explorer 9 Beta Due Slated for September
Most of us here behind the scenes roll through the Web with Firefox or Chrome, but for those of you still clinging to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, you'll have a new browser to play with in September. That's when the Redmond software juggernaut will push out the first fully fledged beta (as opposed to that highly limited Preview release floating around) of its next-gen browser, Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner said during a financial keynote.We have little reason to doubt Turner's time frame for IE9. Following the release of the first developer preview back in the middle of March, Microsoft has been pumping out updated test builds every 8 weeks.
There's still no word on when the final version of IE9 will ship, but when it does, XP users won't be invited to the launch party - only Windows Vista and Windows 7 users need apply.
For those of you wanting to get a sneak peek, you can test drive the developer preview right here. By doing so, you'll find that Microsoft has put a lot of work into promoting HTML5 and JavaScript performance, two areas browser makers have been fixated on in recent times.
What browser do you use to race through cyber space?
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Gimme That Old-Time (Apple) Religion: Researchers
Apple's fans are so devoted that they have been called a "cult." A pair of researchers at Texas A&M have gone still further. The professors, Heidi A. Campbell and Antonio C. La Pastina have written a paper that says the sheer adoration and lack of fault-finding by Apple fans isn't a cult, but a religion.The iPhone, after all, has been nicknamed the "Jesus Phone," and long before the researchers used that term in their own paper. According to the researchers, it's this devotion to the church of Apple that keeps users defending its products, even in the face of overwhelming evidence of a real flaw. Apple, it seems, can do no wrong.
Fox News spoke to one of the researchers:
"The religious-like behavior and language surrounding Apple devotion/fandom is an example of 'implicit religion,'" Prof. Heidi Campbell, one of the authors of the study, told FoxNews.com. Implicit religion can happen when the use of, say, technology becomes a substitute for belief and behaviors once attached to religion and religious practice, she said.That's all true, but most would prefer to label such behavior as "fanboyism." Android users have been shown to be pretty vehement in defense of their own products. The possibility of a Church of Apple has been lampooned before by both the Simpsons and Futurama, however.
That, according to the authors, explains why fans still believe when the leader of the Church of Apple, Steve Jobs, blames consumers for the poor reception of the company's cell phone (clearly, users are holding their phones incorrectly). In fact, they flock to buy the device despite its serious design flaws.
- Apple's creation story epitomizes the humble garage origin of its technology -- not unlike the humble manger of Jesus' birth (of course, plenty of other companies were started the same way)
- Apple CEO Steve Jobs is perceived as a messianic leader who was fired but rose again to save the company.
- Apple has traditionally had an evil archenemy, the Devil, as represented first by Microsoft and now by Google.
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Toshiba Intros CELL-Equipped REGZA 3D HDTVs
With Sony leading the 3D push in the home, you shouldn't be surprised that Sony already has a couple of 3D HDTV models headed to market. But when a market leader like Sony makes a move, it only takes a small amount of time for the "other guys" to catch up and do likewise. That's exactly what has happened here, with Toshiba adding some much needed competition to the 3D HDTV market. Currently, these sets are all rather expensive and few size/model options exist. We still aren't convinced that 3D has a place in the home long-term, but there's nothing like competition to make things easier for consumers to swallow.Toshiba's new 3D REGZA HDTVs are the first 3D HDTVs to include the "Cell" Broadband Engine, which is designed for super high-performance multi-media crunching. The three new LCD TVs, the CELL REGZA 55X2, CELL REGZA SLIM 55XE2 and 46XE2, all offer comprehensive 3D capabilities, including 3D Super Resolution (which upgrades 3D content to "HD") and a 2D-to-3D conversion engine that takes standard, flat content into 3D-esque content. It's hard to say how effective that will be, but we're sure people will give it a shot while we wait for 3D content to really take off.
he new CELL REGZA 55X2 offers viewers a dynamic contrast ratio of 9,000,000:1, and integrates a Mega LCD panel specially designed to interface with the CELL REGZA's high luminance LED. These sets also offer up to 3TB of internal storage (think of it as an internal DVR), and when connected to a REGZA Blu-ray Disc Recorder (available only in Japan for now), the TV can record shows directly to blank Blu-ray Discs.
This high-end sets will start shipping in August, but with prices of at least $6,000 for the smallest model, we doubt too many people will be jumping to buy one on the first day.
Toshiba Unveils CELL REGZA LCD TV Series with Superior 3D Capabilities
-Toshiba's Real Time 2D3D Conversion Technology -
28 Jul, 2010
Tokyo-Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today unveiled the latest additions in its line-up of CELL REGZA LCD TVs integrating the Cell Broadband Engineâ„¢1, designed for superior multimedia processing, and the advanced CELL Platform. The three new LCD TVs, the CELL REGZA 55X2, CELL REGZA SLIM 55XE2 and 46XE2, all offer comprehensive 3D capabilities2, including 3D Super Resolution Technology that upgrades 3D content to superior near high definition content, and 2D3D Conversion Technology3 that allows users to enjoy 2D content as high quality 3D. The CELL REGZA SLIM 55XE2 and 46XE2 will be available from the beginning of October, and the 55X2 from the end of October in the Japanese market.
As 3D TV moves into the spotlight, Toshiba has made sure that its new CELL REGZA TVs offer an unsurpassed 3D experience. 3D Super Resolution Technology, takes 3D content separately delivered to the left and right eye through the side-by-side system4, the system most widely adopted for 3D broadcasts, and brings it to near high definition quality in 3D. In addition, Toshiba's 2D3D conversion technology captures and analyzes image composition and movement in 2D content and converts it to 3D with precise rendering and natural, high definition images.
Superb 3D is complemented by state-of-the-art picture quality. The new CELL REGZA 55X2 offers viewers a dynamic contrast5 ratio of 9,000,000:1, and integrates a Mega LCD panel specially designed to interface with the CELL REGZA's high luminance LED. This combination assures 3D images with stunningly bright whites, while the wide dynamic range achieved by backlight luminance adjustment delivers deep, detailed blacks.
CELL REGZA TVs also offer unrivaled image-enhancing capabilities that utilize the arithmetic processing capabilities of the CELL Platform. The new TVs adopt "CELL REGZA Block Noise Clear", an HD distortion removal technology that delivers clearer HD TV program, and also supports quadrupling of the effect of ClearScan 2406, a four-times scan frame rate that improves processing of fast action content for a clear, crisp picture.
The new CELL REGZA TVs continue to offer storage capacity of a 3-terabyte (TB)7 hard disk drive. A 2TB hard disk drive dedicated to the CELL REGZA's "time-shift machine 2," 8 which can simultaneously record up to eight channels of digital terrestrial broadcasts. In the earlier model, the CELL REGZA 55X1, a maximum recording time of approximately 26 hours was fixed for each channel. With the new models, recording times will change depending on the channels9 that are set-up for simultaneous recording. Also, easy operation of playback of recorded programs includes "Jump to the start" function, which allows viewers to playback a program that is still being recorded using the time-shift function.
When connected to a REGZA Blu-ray Disc recorder10, the CELL REGZA TVs can record programs directly11 to a Blu-ray disc as they are recorded to the hard disk drive using standard recording, not the time shift function.
Toshiba will continue to advance the CELL REGZA series as the cutting-edge of TV technology that draws on synergies between its semiconductor and storage device technologies. The company will continue to expand the line-up, to create and deliver new value to the market and to anticipate and respond to various user needs. For overseas markets, LCD TVs that build on the CELL REGZA concept and that meet market demands in the U.S. and Europe will be rolled out in due course.
Background to Development
As Japan approaches the end of analogue broadcasting in 2011, demand for digital TVs continues to increase. The market has now entered a period of diversifying customer requirements, as initial requirements for HD images and slimmer TVs are joined by demands for playback of high image quality 3D content, a recording function supporting simultaneous viewing and recording of multiple programs, and access to broadband content. In response, Toshiba developed the CELL REGZA integrating the Cell Broadband Engineâ„¢ and its innovative CELL Platform. Utilizing the arithmetic processing capabilities of the CELL Platform, Toshiba has now developed the second generation of CELL REGZA LCD TVs, the 55X2, 55XE2, and 46XE2, which offer advances in picture quality, recording function and network capabilities.
Key Features of the CELL REGZA
1. CELL Platform Super Resolution Technology achieves near high definition images
The CELL Platform supports the most advanced version of Toshiba's super resolution technology. Faithful image reproduction includes enhanced edge detail and color saturation, and also extends to better rendering of video from the Internet.
·3D Super Resolution Technology: Self-congruency captures edge detail
The Side-by-Side system is applied to high-definition broadcasts, including CS digital broadcasts, BS digital and SKY PerfecTV! HD, for the broadcasting of 3D contents. The Side-by-Side system divides each frame into two and delivers a 960-pixel image to each eye. To achieve HD output to match that of the 1,920 pixels of the Full HD panel, the images delivered to each eye must be doubled in size. Toshiba's innovative "3D Super Resolution Technology" upgrades 3D content delivered through Side-by-Side system to near high definition image quality. Within 3D Super Resolution Technology, "Reproduction technology" reproduces faithful images of the edge detail and image texture of the lower resolution image from the original and detects areas that can be improved during the process of enlarging the size of the image. "Self-congruency" then reconstructs the edge of the picture with more detail and greater realism. It samples successive patterns with the same intensity around the edge of images, and then copies pixels from these more defined areas to other parts of the edge. The result is more precise detail and more realistic near high definition 3D images.
·2D3D Converting Technology
Toshiba's 2D3D conversion technology CELL TV allow users to enjoy various 2D content as high quality 3D. The 2D3D conversion technology is based on an algorithm that combines high speed with high precision. It allocates depth by capturing the characteristic of the input image and by detecting and recognizing vectors of movement of several objects.
·High Luminance Mega LED Panel (For CELL REGZA 55X2)
CELL REGZA integrates a Mega LED panel specially designed to interface with the CELL REGZA's high luminance LED. Together they achieve outstanding picture quality that is further enhanced by the CELL Platform. A peak luminance of 1,000cd/m2 (the display's highest level of brightness and the maximum yet achieved in the industry) assures stunningly bright whites, while the wide dynamic range achieved by backlight luminance adjustment delivers a dynamic contrast ratio of 9,000,000:1, assuring deep, detailed blacks. The LED block array function divides the display into 512 (16 x 32 blocks) areas. This increase enables much closer management of image contrast and brings out image detail to the full.
·AutoView Function for 3D
When looking at 3D content through 3D glasses, the color contrast, brightness, impression of the outline of imaged object, and image gradation, all change. The 256 point 16 bit output gamma table and complete 3D color management that have been integrated into the CELL platform realize more faithful color reproduction. Also, the brightness of TV and color contrast of the surrounding area will change when looked at through 3D glasses. Optimum picture quality is achieved by automatic fine-tuning of backlighting and white balance in response to the changes in color contrast and brightness. Moreover the "X2" model, by utilizing the Mega LED backlight's peak luminance of 1,000cd/m2 realizes brighter 3D content. The 3D glasses integrate Toshiba's crosstalk control technology, and controlling the on-off switching of the backlight and the open-close of the shutter in the 3D glasses minimizes crosstalk12 and image blurring, providing clearer, more solid 3D images.
·CELL REGZA Block Noise Clear
The new CELL REGZA comes with HD distortion removal technology that removes distortion of HD images based on analysis of 8 x 8 blocks of pixels. It estimates the strength of block distortion, the maximum luminance of the surroundings and maximum image inclination, and then reproduces original images, all in real time.
·Quattro High Speed Clear
Along with the four-times faster 240Hz LCD panel that improves reproduction of fast moving video images, Toshiba's "Quattro High Speed Clear" frame complementary technology controls blurring and realizes crisp, clear images. "Quattro Motion Clear" technology inserts three frames containing the same image to complement an original image with a frame rate of 60Hz, including digital terrestrial broadcasting, and so realizes smooth rendering of video images. By detecting the movement across an area 30 times13 wider than Toshiba's current LCD TVs, "Quattro High Speed Clear" creates a complementary frame, also in response to the fast movement. For original sources that have a frame rate of 24Hz, such as movies, "Quattro Motion Clear" produces and inserts nine complementary frames.
·Quadrupling the effect of ClearScan 240 (CELL REGZA 55X2)
Toshiba's ClearScan 240 defines the standard for blur-free fast moving images, but with the CELL REGZA the company sets the bar even higher. By combining the four-times faster panel and its 240Hz scan rate with its new Backlight Scanning technology, Toshiba now achieves four times the effect of ClearScan 240 scanning, making action scenes crisper than ever.
2. Support for Multiple recording and playback functions
·Time Shift Machine 2
Another feature of CELL REGZA is its 3-terabyte (TB) storage capacity. A 2TB HDD is dedicated to the CELL REGZA's "time-shift machine 2," which can simultaneously record programs from up to eight channels of digital terrestrial broadcasts. In the earlier model, the CELL REGZA 55X1, a maximum recording time of approximately 26 hours was fixed for each channel. With the new models, recording times will change depending on the channels that have been initially set-up for the simultaneous recording. For instance, if time shift recording is set for two channels, they can record up to approximately 102 hours of programs. An additional 1TB HDD supports standard recording of selected programs. Also, easy operation of playback of recorded programs includes "Jump to the start" function, which allows viewers to playback a program that is still being recorded using the time-shift function.
·REGZA Link Recording
Connecting a Blu-ray Disc recorder "REGZA Blu-ray" 10 via an HDMI cable with LAN cable function allows the CELL REGZA LCD TVs to record programs directly11 to the Blu-ray disc as they recorded to the 1TB HDD using standard recording, not the time shift function.
·Other functions
-Simultaneous connection of up to 8 USB hard disk drives14
-Supports the playback function for recorded programs used by SKY PerfecTV! HD15
-"Roaming Navigation" that supports relevancy-based searches
-"Recommendation Service", an on-line service that allows viewers to see rankings of programs aggregated from programs recorded to the Blu-ray Disc recorders and HD recorders connected to the service.
-Double recording function16 that allows simultaneous recording of 2 programs to the 1TB HDD simultaneously in standard recording mode, while watching digital terrestrial broadcasts.
3. Network functionality
Support for Opera browser
A browser supporting full HD, based on the Opera17 browser and co-developed with Opera Software. Access to on-line content includes provides full support for viewing YouTube18 videos at near HD level quality. In addition, CELL REGZA supports:
- Broadband service
- DLNA19
4. CELL REGZA Audio System 2
CELL REGZA's picture quality is complemented by a specially designed audio system and multi-amplifier system that delivers vibrant, full-bodied sound far surpassing that of current TV sound systems.
-CELL REGZA Speaker Unit is developed with Foster.
-Double woofer unit, soft dome tweeter unit; passive radiator resinous slim enclosure.
5. Others
·Screen Size: 55X2: 55-inches, 55XE2:55-inches, 46XE2: 46-inches
·Hard Disk: 3TB (Built-in)
·Dimensions:
55X2: Monitor: 129.2 x 91.6 x 35.5cm (W x H x D) (including stand)
(Monitor only: Depth 5.0cm)
Tuner: 43.6 x 10.9 x 38.7cm (tentative) excluding external projection
55XE2: Monitor: 129.2 x 91.6 x 35.5cm (including stand)
(Monitor only: Depth 2.9cm)
Tuner: 43.6 x 10.9 x 38.7cm (tentative) excluding external projection)
46XE2: Monitor: 110.0 x 79.3 x 28.8cm (including stand)
(Monitor only: Depth 2.9cm)
Tuner: 43.6 x 10.9 x 38.7cm (tentative) excluding external projection)
For further information, visit http://www.toshiba.co.jp/regza/
(The above web site is in Japanese)
6. Focus on Environmental Considerations
Mitigation of global warming
- Power consumption is controlled by maintaining optimum image brightness.
- The TV automatically goes into stand-by mode if no command is received from the remote controller for approximately three hours.
- Stand-by mode operates when the TV is set to external input and no signal is received for approximately 15 minutes.
·Effective use of resources
All CELL REGZA components that use over 25g of plastics indicate the materials used and are designed for recycling. Moreover, polylactic oil and fat of plant origin are used that contributes to the reduction of oil resources and reduction of CO2 emission.
·RoHS20 and J-Moss21 (Green Mark)compatible
CELL REGZA contributes to moves toward environmentally conscious products by observing the requirements of the EU's RoHS and Japan's J-Moss.
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Redbox Goes Blu: Blu-ray Discs For $1.50 Per Night Now Available
Redbox. Just saying the name brings a smile to most faces, particularly those movie lovers with a box or two nearby. We have heard in the past that the company is planning to compete with Netflix and is still in a "beta phase" when it comes to pricing, but now we're learning that Redbox is going Blue. Or, we should say "Blu."The company made famous for putting $1/night DVD kiosks into grocery stores, Walmart stores and just about any other retail location where they were allowed has just expanded their services in a big way. Since launch, Redbox has been allowing consumers to pick up standard DVDs for around $1 per night, even expanding the renting service online and allowing users to reserve them over the phone (via apps, of course). But today, the DVD is being joined by the Blu-ray. It took Redbox some time to finally adopt, but now that Blu-ray is the definite DVD replacement, they're rolling out BD rentals with availability at approximately 13,300 kiosks nationwide.
The company has announced pricing at $1.50/night for all Blu-ray Discs (plus applicable tax), and while just 13,000 boxes are getting BDs today, they expect to have those discs in their entire network of approximately 23,000 kiosk locations by the fall. If you want to find out if your local box is BD-ready, visit this link with your ZIP code: www.redbox.com/bluray.
Redbox Launches Blu-ray Rentals
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DVD Rental Kiosk Leader Now Offering Popular Blu-ray Titles at an Affordable Price
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Redbox, the popular DVD rental kiosk provider, and wholly-owned subsidiary of Coinstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTR), today announced it has started rolling out Blu-rayâ„¢ titles with availability at approximately 13,300 kiosks nationwide. Redbox will rent Blu-ray Discs® at $1.50 per night plus tax and the company expects to have availability across its network of approximately 23,000 kiosk locations by the fall. Â
"Offering Blu-ray rentals is an exciting opportunity for redbox to expand our product offerings and build on the relationships that we've established with millions of consumers nationwide," said Mitch Lowe, president, redbox. "Redbox is a convenient, affordable home entertainment provider and we're delighted to offer consumers their favorite movies on the increasingly popular Blu-ray Disc format." Â
According to a recent report by the Digital Entertainment Group, sales of Blu-ray players increased 103 percent in the first half of this year. The sale of almost two million set-top players during this time has increased the total number of Blu-ray players sold to an estimated 19.4 million, resulting in more consumers entering the Blu-ray rental market. Â
"The Book of Eli," "Bounty Hunter," "Brooklyn's Finest" and "Green Zone" are among the Blu-ray titles currently available at redbox® kiosks. The number of Blu-ray titles and copies will vary by kiosk and location with new titles being added each week. Consumers can visit www.redbox.com/bluray to find a nearby redbox location and to check Blu-ray availability in their area. Consumers can return their Blu-ray rentals to any redbox location as part of the company's rent-and-return anywhere® policy. Â
Each fully automated redbox kiosk holds 630 discs, representing up to 200 titles, including standard definition DVDs and Blu-ray Discs at select locations. Consumers simply use a touch screen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. For added convenience, customers can visit www.redbox.com to select their movie online or via the iPhone® app from redbox and pick it up immediately at the redbox location of their choice.
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