D-Link MovieNite DSM-310 Streaming Media Player

D-Link today announced the Apple TV look-alike MovieNite streaming media player (model DSM-310) that delivers instant access to an unlimited amount of 1080p HD movies and TV shows, and personalized Internet radio straight to any TV. Easy to setup and even easier to use, MovieNite offers a range of home entertainment content available via one-click of the remote, including: VUDU, Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Picasa, as well as the ability to view mydlink-enabled network cameras. .

MovieNite features a simple three-step setup, built-in wireless and Ethernet connectivity for quick connection to a home network, HDMI output to stream HD movies up to 1080p, and composite audio/video connections to turn any analog TV into a Smart TV. Simply plug the MovieNite into a TV and power outlet and set up MovieNite using the onscreen menu and user-friendly one-button instant navigation remote control.



Features

• VUDU -- Enjoy the hottest new releases and largest HD library with a cinema-like experience at home with no monthly subscription fees (simply pay for what you watch)
• Netflix -- Instantly watch thousands of TV shows and movies under monthly subscription
• YouTube -- Discover and watch video clips from the Internet and share your favorite online videos on the big screen
• Pandora -- Listen to free Internet radio, personalize your stations and discover new music

MovieNite also offers additional streaming capabilities, including the ability to conveniently view live mydlink-enabled network cameras on a TV using the mydlink app to monitor your home and keep an eye on your kids or pets, as well as online photo sharing with the Picasa app. And, a free MovieNite remote app is available for iPhone and Android allowing consumers to control MovieNite using the smartphone remote app.

Availability and Pricing
The D-Link MovieNite Streaming Media Player (DSM-310) is available now for $59.99 at Walmart. See more media players.

Epson PowerLite X15 LCD Projector

Epson announced the PowerLite X15, a 3,000 lumens 3LCD XGA Projector for classrooms or small businesses. It replaces the PowerLite 92, and delivers bright images with white light output and advanced connectivity.

The PowerLite X15 delivers an advanced feature set, including HDMI digital connectivity to connect to the latest devices for high-quality video and digital audio. The projector also features USB Plug 'n Play for instantly projecting video and audio from a PC or Mac computer via a USB connection. In addition, the projector offers easy setup with Easy-Slide technology, an intuitive horizontal keystone adjustment slide control bar that allows teachers to place the projector off-center from the screen and easily make the necessary horizontal image adjustments with the touch of a finger.

"The PowerLite X15 delivers a huge bang for the buck," said Heather Litus Johnston, product manager, K-12 Projection Marketing, Epson America, Inc. "Designed with education in mind, the PowerLite X15 offers brightness, connectivity, reliability, and ease-of-use at a very affordable price -- making it easy to enhance any classroom with high quality imaging."



Features

• Setup Flexibility: ±30 degree horizontal keystone slide and automatic vertical keystone correction provides easy and convenient setup in virtually any classroom setting; Quick Corner allows the four corners of an image to be moved independently for a perfectly rectangular image; 1.2x optical zoom provides flexibility to suit the space without sacrificing image quality
• Extended Lamp Life: Using Epson's exclusive E-TORL lamp technology, the lamp life can last up to 5,000 hours in economy mode, helping to maximize presentation time
• Convenient Control: Direct Power On and Off allows for an installed projector to be powered on and off with a flip of a wall switch; Instant On and Instant Off enables presenters to avoid delays when starting and finishing presentations and be up and running in only five seconds; A/V Mute Slide instantly turns off the sound and images to create a quick pause in the presentation, conserving lamp life and energy and helping to save costs
• Advanced Connectivity: Connect directly to the EPSON DC-06 document camera for added versatility via USB or multiple computers via the two VGA ports; audio out and monitor out ports connect to external speakers and monitors for enhanced sound and presenting ease; RS-232c support offers connection to an AV control device
• Closed Captioning: Built-in closed captioning decoder makes presentations accessible to students with hearing impairments at no added cost and helps meet ADA section 508 compliance
• 3LCD Technology: Features the latest 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations; 3LCD technology provides an energy-efficient light engine which efficiently uses available lamp light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness

Price and Availability
The EPSON PowerLite X15 will be available in May 2012 for $599.

Sceptre E425BV-FHDD 3D LED LCD HDTV

Sceptre introduced the E425BV-FHDD 42-inch LED 3D HDTV featuring superb image quality, two passive 3D glasses and surround sound capabilities.

Sleek and stylish, the new E425BV-FHDD creates the ultimate 3D home viewing experience by utilizing passive 3D glasses, which eliminates the eye strain and headaches often associated with 3D viewing. In addition, passive 3D glasses, unlike active shutter glasses, do not require recharging or battery replacement.

Housed in an elegant design with piano black finish, the new 3D HDTV can swivel up to 60 degrees and is wall mountable, giving viewers the ability to perfectly customize and adjust their 3D viewing experience while remaining flexible enough to become a living room centerpiece or a painting-like masterpiece in a space efficient bedroom.

"The new unit seamlessly switches between 2D and 3D programming without any loss of quality, allowing users to enjoy a 3D movie at home without breaking the bank," stated Cathy Chou, Vice President of Operations, Sceptre.

The new 3D HDTV is Energy Star 5.3 compliant, the highest current effective rating according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, and has an estimated LED backlight life of over 50,000 hours, resulting in superb efficiency and costs savings.

Features

• Model: E425BV-FHDD
• Active Screen Size: 42"
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen
• LED Backlight Life: 50,000 Hours
• Frame Rate: 60 Hz
• Brightness: 360 cd/m2 (2D mode), 160 cd/m2 (3D mode)
• Contrast Radio: 3,5000:1 (typical)
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Response Time: 6.5 ms
• Signal Compatibility: 1080P, 1080i, 720P, 480, 480i
• Built-in Speakers: 10 watts per Channel x 2
• Ports: 5 HDMI, 1 USB
• Weight: 32 lbs with stand
• Additional Characteristics:
  • 3D Comb Filter and De-Interlace Technology
  • Auto Dynamic Contrast Enhancer
  • Surround Sound with Sound Equalizer
  • Automatic MPEG Noise Reduction
  • Wall Mountable 400x400mm

Price and Availability
The Sceptre E425BV-FHDD is available now for $799.

Wacom Bamboo Stylus duo Pen for Tablets

Wacom announced Bamboo Stylus duo, a new dual-purpose stylus for the iPad and Android tablets, which combines a proven capacitive pen tip for on-screen input at one end of the Stylus with a premium ball-point ink pen at the opposite end for use on traditional paper. With an elegant design and quality craftsmanship, Bamboo Stylus duo is the ideal tool for writing, drawing or doodling in both a digital and analog world.

The Bamboo Stylus duo, with its simple clean shape and satin textured metal body, serves the needs of the analog and digital user with just one tool. At one end of the Stylus, there is a smooth best-in-class responsive pen tip for on-screen usage, while the other end houses a high quality inking pen for traditional writing and drawing. The pen cap can conveniently be attached to either end of the pen.

The multitalented Bamboo Stylus duo and the colourful range of Bamboo Stylus solo -- with only a rubber tip -- enable note-taking, annotating and drawing to creating visual communication aids such as mind maps, charts and sketches. Whether using a digital or traditional medium, the user experience is intuitive and natural.

Features

• Easy access to both touch screen and traditional paper with just one tool
• Natural experience with both stylus and refined ball-point pen
• Enhanced stylus user experience with an authentic and intuitive note-taking app (Bamboo Paper)
• Material finish
• High-value plated metal
• Satin texture and elegant color scheme (platinum silver / black)
• Soft rings for a smooth and precise fit of the cap on both tip ends
• Smooth and soft conductive rubber tip (6mm)
• Black ball-point ink cartridge, 0.7 mm ball-point size
• Balanced and optimized pen weight: 24g
• Replaceable standardized stylus tip -- compatible with all Bamboo Styluses
• Replaceable standardized inking pen cartridge

Wacom also announced the introduction of Bamboo Paper, the free digital notebook app that recently passed the 2.5 million download mark on the iPad, for the Android market. Bamboo Paper allows users to create and share handwritten notes, doodles and sketches on their mobile devices. In combination with Bamboo Stylus, Bamboo Paper becomes the perfect companion for all touch screens. The app will be available as a free download from the Google Play Android market place in May. More features, such as multiple notebooks, will be added in the coming months.

Availability and Pricing
Available at Wacom's eStore in April 24, 2012, Bamboo Stylus duo is priced at $39.95 (USD). Bamboo Paper for iPad and Android, will be available as a free download from Apple's App Store and the Google Play Android market place respectively beginning in May 2012.

Yamaha YHT-397BL, 497BL, 597BL, 797BL, 897BL HTiB Systems

Yamaha introduced five new 5.1 home-theater-in-a-box (HTiB) systems priced from $449.95 to $849.95, which offer cutting edge performance and convenience features not often seen in value-level systems. All models feature receivers with front panel USB ports for direct connectivity to iPhones, iPods and USB drives, as well as five high-performance speakers and powerful 100-watt subwoofers. The top-end models, YHT-897BL, YHT-797BL and YHT-597BL include a network receiver with Airplay and free control app for iOS/Android/Kindle Fire smart phones and tablets, as well as direct connectivity to iPads and the company's proprietary CINEMA DSP 3D for enveloping home theater experiences. AirPlay compatibility enables music to be streamed wirelessly from the latest versions of iTunes stored on Macs, PCs and compatible Apple iPad/iPhone/iPod touch devices. These systems also deliver music content from Internet radio and DLNA-certified devices.


YHT-897BL

The free Yamaha AV controller app available for iOS (iPad/iPhone) and Android devices offers control over these AV receivers and access to music stored on smart phones and tablets. With the popularity of the Kindle Fire, Yamaha developed a native app that is now available from the Amazon Appstore as well. The App is designed to provide a portrait or landscape mode interface, depending on the device, for easy visibility and use.

Each of the systems are future proof, offering 4K video pass-through from yet-to-be-introduced source components that will deliver content with four times the resolution of 1080p. They also provide 3D video pass-through with Audio Return Channel (ARC).


YHT-797BL

For easy system operation while viewing movies or television, the systems offer advanced multi-language on-screen displays that overlay onto HD and 3D video signals to depict system control and setup prompts. Data, such as song titles, from connected iPads, iPhones, iPods or USB drives is shown on the receivers' attractive on-screen displays. Connected devices can also charge automatically for later use on the go.


YHT-597BL

All of the new systems offer a full complement of HD Audio format decoding, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. CINEMA DSP 3D (YHT-897BL, YHT-797BL, YHT-597BL) and CINEMA DSP (YHT-497BL and YHT-397BL), with 17 DSP programs, enables users to adjust the listening experience precisely to their preferences. SILENT CINEMA makes it possible to hear large-scale surround sound through ordinary headphones.

Yamaha also integrates its improved YPAO system calibration into its HTiB systems that ensures more accurate room measurements by confirming the subwoofer is fully responding before making audio adjustments. Four SCENE Mode buttons automatically power on the appropriate components and make system adjustments for specific entertainment options.
Price and Availability
Yamaha YHT-397BL → $449.95 available (April 2012)
Yamaha YHT-497BL → $479.95 available (April 2012)
Yamaha YHT-597BL → $649.95 available (May 2012)
Yamaha YHT-797BL → $799.95 available (May 2012)
Yamaha YHT-897BL → $849.95 available (May 2012)

HTC EVO 4G LTE Smartphone

HTC announced the next-generation EVO 4G LTE smartphone will be available exclusively from Sprint in Q2 for $199.99 with an unlimited data plan. The new smartphone focuses on exceptional improvements in camera technology, audio and voice quality on both the network and device.

HTC EVO 4G LTE is built on Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, integrated with HTC Sense 4. HTC EVO 4G LTE boasts brilliant features, including a vibrant 4.7-inch HD display, HD voice capabilities, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, large 2000mAh embedded battery and dual-cameras (8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.3-megapixel front-facing) with instant capture capability. HTC EVO 4G LTE brings back the fan-favorite kickstand built into the smartphone's refined, slim design.

With the launch of HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint becomes the first U.S. carrier to announce plans for a nationwide HD Voice network beginning in late 2012 as part of Sprint's Network Vision program.

HD Voice is the next-generation evolution of voice quality and the future of voice communications for mobile phones. The service will provide fuller, more natural-sounding and less fatiguing voice quality and should reduce troublesome background noises often found in a cafe or on the street. Users should expect to identify voices and hear every word better than ever.

HTC EVO 4G LTE is Sprint's first device with HTC's Authentic Sound experience integrating Beats Audio. The technology enables customers to hear music the way the artist intended with unique audio tuning that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs.

HTC EVO 4G LTE incorporates Beats Audio across the entire phone experience, including playing music stored on the device, streaming from a favorite service, watching a movie or YouTube video, or playing the latest hot game. HTC Sync Manager software also lets users easily get their music on the device from their PC, and it works with current programs, including iTunes.

Photography Features

• The on-screen photo and video buttons are right next to each other so users don't have to switch modes. This allows the user to take video and still photos concurrently.
• It makes the whole idea of "video mode" or "photo mode" irrelevant. While shooting a video, the user can just tap the shutter button and it captures a still image of that exact moment. Still images can also be captured during video playback.
• HTC EVO 4G LTE's camera has a super-fast start-up and auto-focus time. With the fast auto-focus, users can easily stay with a moving object or person, taking numerous pictures just by holding the shutter button.

In addition, HTC ImageSense technology combines hardware and software advancements to the camera lens, sensor and software, including integration of a new custom HTC ImageChip, to take great photos even in adverse conditions. The best-in-class f/2.0 camera lens lets in 44 percent more light than the lenses used on most camera phones. The Smart Flash also adjusts the flash strength based on how far away the object is, so users won't get photos where everything looks washed out.

Style and Design
Crafted from aluminum spaceframe in an anodized black finish, HTC EVO 4G LTE delivers cutting-edge function and style in a thin and distinctive design. The smartphone's 4.7-inch display and 80-degree viewing angle makes it easier to share pictures and video with others. The multiposition kickstand allows users to watch videos hands-free.



Price and Availability
HTC EVO 4G LTE will be available in the second quarter for $199.99 (excludes taxes and surcharges). The availability date will be announced later, but pre-orders will begin Monday, May 7, 2012.

3 Ways to Spruce Up your Android’s Security

Our androids are the pride and joy of our lives. It’s not just a phone, it’s our picture album, our email inbox, our video collection, our appointment book and god knows what else. The plethora of things that we manage to use our android for is amazing – and scary. How do you make sure that you keep all that data safe? Better yet, how do you make sure that all that data stays safe if your phone is stolen or lost? You can pretty much idiot proof your phone from theft and loss in three different ways. You can resolve all such issues via android monitoring app.

[Photo via Flickr]

Beef up your passwords

In case you lose your phone or someone takes it the first order of business should be to make sure that they don’t get their hands on any of your data. Apps such as Keeper can help create passwords that are extremely secure. You don’t have to type your passwords over and over again and avoid someone stealing them. The app can help keep your phone safe from hackers as well and keeps all your records encrypted. If you can’t keep someone from taking your phone then at least make sure that you keep them out of your phone.

Get an anti-theft app

If someone manages to swipe your phone while it has an app like the AntiDroid Theft or Cerberus on it, then they won’t be able to run that far. If they manage to change your sim with another for their own use, the app will tell you. In addition, it’ll also turn your phone’s camera into a spy cam so you can use their own pictures as evidence that they’ve got your phone. With the app on your android you won’t have to worry about figuring out where the phone went, at least. It’s easy to use so if you’re not a tech geek you won’t have to worry about finding your way around the three different options. Cerebrus will additionally let you swipe your phone’s memory clean so the phone thief won’t be able to access your private data.

Monitor your own phone

You can monitor your own phone with something like the android monitoring app. Yes, most people use them to spy on other people. A growing number is now turning to the app to try and keep their own data safe. Essentially the android monitoring app works by transmitting emails, texts, pictures, videos, appointments and a whole host of other things from the phone to an online account for the installer’s review. But if you end up installing it yourself what this basically does is keep your data safe for you. So if you manage to drop your phone into the toilet at least you won’t have to worry about frank’s birthday bash pictures going down the drain. In addition, if a thief makes away with your phone you can simply track the jerk all the way to his grandmother’s garden with the GPS tracking option you get from the app.