Archive for category HD
AC Ryan ups ante multifunctional media players
The new AC Ryan Playon! DVR HD offers multimedia playback, network-attached storage, digital video recording and TV tuners in a compact 185 x 158 x 57mm settop box. Based on the Realtek 1283 chipset, it delivers extensive file compatibility that includes MKV for Blu-ray rips and RealNetwork’s RMVB of variable bitrate extension. There’s also the advantage of integrated TV tuners (analog and DVB-T or dual DVB-T). These enable broadcast reception as well as recording up to crisp HD quality and Dolby Digital surround sound, together with convenient Web record scheduling capability.
There’re also composite A/V inputs for users to record content from external devices. The recordings and other media files in the integrated hard drive can be accessed and played back over the Internet via a Web browser, though real-time TV streaming capability is not supported. Other notable functions are a built-in file server, BitTorrent client and high-speed 802.11n Wi-Fi via an optional USB dongle. The highly versatile Playon! DVR HD with hybrid analog and DVB-T tuners will be launched in Singapore at the IT Show 2010 from March 11. Pricing and regional availability are not known for now.
Key specifications
* Music, photo and video playback via HDMI 1.3 output
* Network attached storage with UPnP-compatibility
* Supports internal SATA harddisk up to 2TB and external USB/eSATA drives
* Digital video recording for TV shows up to HD and via composite A/V inputs
* Dual TV tuners (analog and DVB-T or dual DVB-T)
* Networking via Ethernet and optional 802.11g/n USB dongles
* Component-video, composite-video, digital optical audio and coaxial audio outputs
* BitTorrent client
* HTTP/FTP file server
* 1,920 x 1,080-pixel graphical user interface
AC Ryan Playon! HD an all-in-one
The proliferation of inexpensive consumer content creation devices (digital dSLRs and HD videocams) and wide broadband penetration have brought attention to this class of machines. While the previous generations were stuck with standard-definition output, they were not sufficient for today’s full-HD LCD TVs. The latest versions sport high-definition playback along with HDMI ports. Netherlands-based AC Ryan’s Playon! HD, instead of just being a content delivery system, surprises by coming in as a jack of all trades, yet remaining more than competent in its primary function. When it comes to display connectivity, the S$249 (US$177.10) Playon! HD stands with the best of them. AC Ryan has includes HDMI, component, composite and coaxial ports. There’s even an S/PDIF optical audio output for audiophiles. To top it off, you can install a 3.5-inch desktop harddisk and the Playon! HD will act as a NAS (network-attached storage) slong with a BitTorrent client.
NAS has begun to take hold in the consumer space, as most households now possess multiple PCs and a NAS allows digital content to be stored in a central location for retrieval. BitTorrent, a popular file-sharing application, can be set to download files off the Internet without having to connect a PC to the device. This not only saves power since the Playon! HD does not need a monitor,it also reduces wear-and-tear of your system since some downloads can take days or even weeks to complete.
Gefen’s 8 x 8 matrix for serious HDMI networking
The heavy-duty Gefen 8 x 8 Crosspoint Matrix for HDMI 1.3 is obviously not designed for home users at US$3,999. That said, it’s undeniably a beast not only in sheer physical size, but also its capability to route up to eight 1080p video and high-resolution audio feeds to eight independent displays. This can be done in any combination with selected HDMI outputs sharing the same source, while other ports are patched to different inputs. To facilitate complex programming, there’s a built-in LCD display and remote control to get the kit up to speed. Lastly, there’s a serial port on the back to hook up this Gefen to a computer.
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