Finally, Sony is stepping up the mini-stereo concept nearly into the year 2007 with its latest offerings, the NAS-D55HD, NAS-M75HD, and NAS-M95HD hard drive-based sound machines. The new models offer a number of “digital age” conveniences, like the ability to rip CDs or MDs directly to the hard drive, a nice big LCD screen, two USB ports for connecting to your computer and / or favorite media player, and ethernet jacks for incorporating the stereo into a network. The models come in 80GB or 250GB varieties, with either a “digital amplifier” (the NAS-D55HD) or a “full digital S-Master” amp (NAS-M75HD, NAS-M95HD), and 20- or 26-watts of raw, bone-crushing power per channel. Sony has also introduced the NAS-C5, apparently a wireless “hub,” which can connect to the new audio systems (amongst other Sony products) to distribute their playback to varying sets of speakers. The stereos are going to available October 20th and November 10th for Â¥60,000 to Â¥120,000 ($530-1100), and the NAS-C5 will be available on November 21st for Â¥30,000 (or around $260).

[Via Gizmodiva]
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from engadget

This hack has been floating around the internets for a little while now, but it looks like Canon users have just recently begun to catch on to its charms, and its fairly significant benefits. For those not up to speed, the so-called CHDK firmware hack promises to unlock several advanced features of Canon’s DIGIC II processor, not the least of which is support for RAW shooting, something normally reserved for higher-end cameras. Other hidden features including a live histogram, a “Zebra mode,” a DOF calculator, and even a calendar, text reader, and games, among other things. While the hack should work with any DIGIC II-based camera “in theory,” there’s apparently only eight cameras that are officially supported, including the A610, A620, A630, A640, A700, A710, S2 IS, and the S3 IS. Of course, as with any firmware hack, you should proceed at your own risk, but those daring enough can find all the information they need by hitting up the read link below.

[Via Gadget Lab]
from engadget
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NEC has three new LCDs ready for market, the 19-inch LCD19WMGX, 22-inch LCD22WMGX, and 24-inch LCD24WMCX. There’s HDCP and HDMI across the board, with 1680 x 1050 pixels on the 22-inch and 1080p resolution on the 24-incher, along with DVI plugs for boring old desktop work. Each of the new AccuSyncs runs with a 5ms response time, and there’s a 1,000:1 contrast ratio on the 1440 x 900 19-inch, while the bigger two do 2,000:1. Prices are at $280 and $380 for the small ones, which are available now, while 24-inch will hit later this month for $550.

[Via Electronista]

Read – LCD19WMGX
Read – LCD22WMGX
Read – LCD24WMCX

from engadget