I had one of these on a test bench a few months ago to diagnose a strange wireless issue. The entire sony tv range had an issue with our Cisco AP1242 and 1142 range. It would work perfectly with no encryption, or wep (may as well be no encryption), but would not authenticate for longer than a few seconds with WPA or WPA2 with any combination of encryption.

I logged the fault with Sony and didn’t really get anywhere besides people asking me to reboot my wireless access point – I guess Sonys customer base don’t generally bundle with Cisco wireless. A few weeks ago a firmware update – PKG3.309GAA which resolved the problem. I am confident the issue is resolved.

In my opinion, sony Bravia has the best Smart TV offering on the market, and now that the wireless issues are resolved, in my eyes this tv is now a smart buy.

IT featured 4 hdmi, 2 usb and comes with 2 pairs of 3d glasses, and of course its FULL HD

The NX series has a built in wireless adapted, saving you around $100.

you should be able to pick one up for around $1599.

its a 2.5″ portable, so it pulls power from USB, its 320GB so its about the middle of the road at the moment in terms of size. its USB2 so its a generation behind (USB3 is current) – not that it really matters as most computers haven’t caught up with USB3 just yet anyway.

Max Tranfer rate is 480 MBps , and features TurboUSB which buffao claims boosts speeds up to 37%. as I’m unable to find any technical doco on how it works, I can’t really comment here, although lab testing does prove that it is faster (up to 20% in testing). The downside is it means installing a driver for the hard disk (not required to use the drive, although you will need it to take advantage of TurboUSB).

1 year warranty – fairly standard for an external portable hard disk

WOW are selling this for $49 with Free Delivery,  putting it in the same price point as a USB flash drive, but with 10x the storage for around the same price and really not much larger

all in all – last generation, but the price is right.

Buy Now!

Well, it ticks all the right boxes – 3D, FULL HD (1080P) LED, 4x HDMI, 5* energy rating. It includes a pair of 3D glasses (important to note, some don’t which will set you back another ~$100) and transmitter, which is three quarters of what you need to watch a 3D blu-ray (the last being a 3d compatible blu-ray player… like a Playstation3).  It also features a 3D simulator, to give a feel of depth to non-3D content. How well this works really depends on the media being viewed.

It includes a media player, like you’d expect from any recent TV nowadays, that will play from WIFI (upnp media servers or online content like youtube or ABC iView).

Like any TV in this market, the first thing you’ll need is to plug it into a worthy sound system before you’ll be able to enjoy high quality movies like they were supposed to be experienced, but as outlined in previous articles, this can be done at fairly low cost.

All in all, great telly for the family lounge room, and at $1399 its priced well for a LED/LCD FULL HD TV.

Model

Picture

• Display Resolution Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080)
• Video Processing BRAVIA Engine™ 3
• Motionflow™ PRO 100Hz with Image Blur Reduction
• Backlight Module Dynamic Edge LED
• OptiContrast Panel Yes
• Live Colour™ Yes
• 24P True Cinema™ Yes
• Intelligent Picture Yes
• MPEG Noise Reduction Yes
• Viewing Angle 178°
• Screen Format TV: Full / Normal / Wide Zoom / Zoom / 14:9, PC: Normal / Full 1 / Full 2
• Picture Mode Vivid / Standard / Custom / Cinema / Game-Standard / Game-Original / Graphics / Sports / Photo-Vivid / Photo-Standard / Photo-Original / Photo-Custom
• 3D Yes (requires optional 3D Transmitter and 3D Glasses)

Audio

• Sony Original Surround S-Force Front Surround
• Sound Mode Dynamic / Standard / Clear Voice
• Surround Mode Cinema / Music / Live Sports / Game
• Stereo System NICAM, A2
• Audio Output Power 10W (8W x 2)

Terminals

• HDMI™ / Audio In 4 (2 Side/ 2 Rear)
• USB 2.0 1 (Side) : Photo (JPEG, RAW), Music (MP3), Video (AVC, AVCHD, MPEG4, DivX, MPEG1)
• Ethernet Connection 1 (Rear)
• Component / Audio In 1 (Side, Composite Input Common Use)
• Composite / Audio In 2 (1 Side, Component Input Common Use)/ 1 Rear)
• HD15 PC Input / Audio 1 (Side)
• Digital Audio Output(s) 1 (Rear) Optical Digital Output
• Audio Out 1 (Rear)
• Headphone Out 1 (Side)
• 3D Sync Yes

Other Features

• BRAVIA Sync Yes
• DLNA Photo (JPEG), Music (MP3, LPCM), Video (MPEG2, AVCHD)
• Photo MAP Yes
• Picture Frame Mode Yes
• PhotoTV HD Yes
• XMB™ Yes
• Clock Yes
• Sleep Timer Yes
• On/Off Timer Yes
• Teletext Yes (1000 pages)
• PAP (Picture And Picture) Yes (1 tuner)
• PIP (Picture In Picture) Yes (PC Input)
• OSD Language English, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Persian, Vietnamese, Thai, French, Russian
• Swivel / Tilt Yes / Yes (0°/6° Upward Style)
• Simulated 3D Yes

Entertainment

• BRAVIA Internet Video Yes
• BRAVIA Internet Widgets Yes
• Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Integrated

ECO Features

• PC Power Management Yes
• Light Sensor Yes
• Power Saving Modes Yes
• Energy Saving Switch Yes (1 Rear)
• Idle TV Standby Yes
• Printed Materials Recycled Paper (more than 70%)

General

• Power Requirements AC 220-240V, 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption 137W (In operation)
• Standby Power Consumption Approx. 0.2W (Normal Standby)
• Dimensions (W x H x D) with Stand Approx. 994 x 673 x 290 mm
• Dimensions (W x H x D) without Stand Approx. 994 x 641 x 64 mm
• Weight with Stand Approx. 22.6kg
• Weight without Stand Approx. 19.2kg

Supplied Accessories

• Remote Control RM-GD010
• Batteries 2 x AAA

This LED/LCD TV features an edge backlit 12,000:1 (dynamic) 1200:1 (panel) contrast ratio, but only has a panel resolution of 1366×768 (so it’s not a FULL HD panel). At $595 it’s quite a good deal – but at the same price point as a 42-50″ 1080P plasma. If power savings and gaming is something you’re interested in then this toshy might be a better buy, but for the most I’d say put the extra money into a 40″ 1080P  LED.

onto the spec..

Screen Size 32”
Number of HDMI Inputs 3
MEPS Rating 6 Stars
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Dynamic Contrast Ratio 12,000:1
Panel Contrast Ratio 1200:1
Brightness 400cd/m²
Resolution 1366 x 768
Viewing Angle 178°
CineSpeed™ (Response Speed) 9ms
Signals
Digital Receiving System DVB-T
Analogue Receiving System PAL (I, BG, DK)
Colour System PAL 50Hz / 60Hz, SECAM, NTSC 3.58/ 4.43
Video Signal 480i/480p (60Hz), 576i/576p (50Hz), 720p (50/60Hz), 1080i (50/60Hz), 1080p (50/60Hz)(through HDMI input)
RGB Signal
VGA: 640 x 480 (60/72/75Hz) Yes
SVGA: 800 x 600 (60/72/75Hz) Yes
XGA: 1024 x 768 (60/70/75Hz) Yes
W-XGA: 1280 x 768 (60/75Hz) Yes
W-XGA: 1360 x 768 (60Hz) Yes
S-XGA: 1280 x 1024 (60/75Hz) Yes
HDMI
REGZA-LINK (CEC) Yes
Visual
Major Technology Meta Brain Pro
Picture Viewer (JPEG) Yes
3D Colour Management Yes
Noise Reduction (except PC) DNR / MPEG NR
Comb Filter 3D Y/C (PAL & NTSC)
Audio
Sound System Full Digital Audio Operation System
Stereo System Dolby® Digital
Audio Player MP3 Yes
Audio Output 10W x 2
Connection
USB Yes
PC Input D-Sub 15-Pin + Mini Jack (Audio Common use with HDMI1)
Digital Video Output Composite Video + RCA Audio
Digital Audio Output Optical
Headphone 3.5mm Mini Jack
Features
Photo Frame Yes
Teletext Yes
Electronic Program Guide 8 Day**
Program Timer / Reminder Yes
Parental Control Yes
Timer On / Sleep
PC Mode (Auto Just Scan) PC/HDMI Input Yes
On Screen Display Language English/French/Mandarin
Picture Modes 6 Modes
Hotel Mode Yes
Eco Mode (Auto Power Down) Yes (4 hours)
Remote Control CT-90329
No Signal Auto power off Yes
Operation Keys 7 Keys (Side)
General
LED Backlight Type Edge
Automatic Voltage Regulator 220-240V/50Hz
Power Consumption (W) 77
Standby Power Consumption (W) 0.5
Dimensions (W x H x D) without Stand 775.4 x 479 x 36.7
Dimensions (W x H x D) with Stand 775.4 x 518.5 x 208.2
Dimension (W x H x D) mm – Packed 899 x 599 x 173
Weight (Net) without Stand 9.9kg
Weight (Net) with Stand 11.5kg
Weight (Net) kg – Packed 15kg
Warranty* 2 Years Parts & Labour (37″/96cm or above – pick up and return within 15km of a Toshiba Authorised Service Centre)
Wall Mount Details H200mm X W200mm , M6

Panasonic have created a feature packed 58″ telly which is currentl y going for around $1600. Reviews around the internet are great, no real flaws. Touts 2,000,000:1 contrast and 3 HDMI input. Weighs in at 46kg with a 5 star energy rating and native 1080P (FULL HD).

Price $1489 with free delivery as at 25/03/2011

Manual |  Buy

Specifications

• Screen Size (cm viewable)  147
• Screen Size (inches viewable)  58
• Screen Type  Plasma
• Panel Type  Progressive Full-HD Plasma Panel
• Panel Technology  Neo Plasma
• Panel Aspect Ratio  16:9 (Widescreen)
• Aspect Ratio Control Modes (TV/AV modes)  4:3, 4:3 Full, 14:9, 16:9, Just, Zoom1, Zoom2, Zoom3, DTV: 16:9 & 4:3 Full
• Aspect Ratio Control Modes (PC mode)  16:9, 4:3
• Comb Filter  Yes
• Progressive Scan  Yes
• TV Tuner Receiving System  DVB (Digital), PAL-B/G (Analogue)
• Tuner Type  Integrated SD/HD DVB-T 7MHz Australia, PAL B/G
• Electronic Program Guide (EPG) Support1  Yes – 7 Day
• Colour System  PAL, NTSC
• Picture In Picture (PIP)  No
• CATV/Hyperband Tuner  Yes
• Stereo  PAL 2CS Stereo
• Horizontal Resolution (pixels)  1920
• Vertical Resolution (pixels)  1080
• Contrast Ratio:1 – Dynamic  2000000
• Picture Adjustment Modes / Film Modes  Normal, Dynamic, Cinema, Eco, Game
• Colour Temperature Control  Normal, Cool, Warm
• Picture Quality Improvement Functions  24p Film Playback, Sub Pixel Control, Motion Pattern Noise Reduction, C.A.T.S. (Contrast Automatic Tracking System), Video Noise Reduction
• Audio Output Power – Total (Watts RMS)  20
• Speakers  2
• Audio Features  Virtual Surround Sound, Bass/Treble, Balance, Headphone Volume
• Auto Timed On/Off Switch  Off Only
• On Screen Display Languages  English
• DTV Parental Guidance Info  Yes
• Remote Control  Standard
• SD Card Slot  Yes, SDHC Compatible, SDXC
• Component Video Input  1
• Applicable Component Video Input Signals  576i @ 50Hz (15.63KHz), 576p @ 50Hz (31.25KHz), 720p @ 50Hz (37.50KHz), 1,080i @ 50Hz (28.125KHz), 480i @ 60Hz (15.73KHz), 480p @ 60Hz (31.47KHz), 720p @ 60Hz (45KHz), 1,080i @ 60Hz (33.75KHz)
• HDMI Input/Output  x3
• Applicable HDMI Video Input Signals  576i @ 50Hz (15.63KHz), 576p @ 50Hz (31.25KHz), 720p @ 50Hz (37.50KHz), 1,080i @ 50Hz (28.125KHz), 1,080p @ 50Hz (56.25KHz), 480i @ 60Hz (15.73KHz), 480p @ 60Hz (31.47KHz), 720p @ 60Hz (45KHz), 1,080i @ 60Hz (33.75KHz), 1,080p @ 60Hz (67.5KHz), 1,080/24p @ 24Hz (27KHz)
• USB port:  1
• PC Input  Yes, 1x VGA (15 pin Mini D-sub)
• Applicable PC Input Signals  4:3 ASPECT RATIO:, 800×600 @ 60 Hz (37.88KHz), 800×600 @ 75 Hz (46.88KHz), 800×600 @ 85 Hz (53.67KHz), 1,024×768 @ 60 Hz (48.36KHz), 1,024×768 @ 70 Hz (56.48KHz), 1,024×768 @ 75 Hz (60.02KHz), 1,024×768 @ 85 Hz (68.68KHz), 1,280×1,024 @60 Hz (63.98KHz), Macintosh 13 inch 640×480 @66.67Hz (35KHz), Macintosh 16 inch 832×624 @74.54Hz (49.72KHz), Macintosh 21 inch 1152×870 @75.06Hz (68.68KHz)
• A/V 1:  Audio/Video-in
• A/V 2:  Audio-in, Video-in, Component Video Input [Y, Pb, Pr]
• A/V 3:  Audio/Video-in
• Digital Audio Out  Optical Terminal, DVB-T Only
• Monitor Out  Stereo L&R [RCA], Video (CUBS) [RCA]
• Headphone Jack  Yes, 3.5mm Stereo, Side
• Pedestal Stand  Supplied as Standard
• Swivel Stand Operation  No
• Weight (kg)  48.5
• Dimensions (mm) Without Stand – Height  882
• Dimensions (mm) Without Stand – Width  1424
• Dimensions (mm) Without Stand – Depth  104
• Dimensions (mm) With Stand – Height  933
• Dimensions (mm) With Stand – Width  1424
• Dimensions (mm) With Stand – Depth  387
• Standby Passive  0.4

Manual | Buy |

TV is generally reviewed as being a great buy ( especially @$998 (25/3/2011 @WOW) however the audio quality is lacking. I recommend that all TVs intended to used for viewing movies / tv at any length be upgraded with at least a small home theater system anyway, so for me that isn’t a big deal.  The TV itself is stylish, and for the price it will be difficult to find a cheaper LCD.

Features

• Full HD New ASV Super Lucent LCD Panel from Sharp Kameyama LCD Plant
• Fine Motion Advanced 100Hz for smooth reproduction of fast moving images
• 1080/24p signal input for the original movie frame rate processing
• Dynamic contrast ratio 50,000:1
• SRS TruSurround XT for theatre-like sound
• Bass Enhancer for reinforcing bass sound
• X.V. Colour via HDMI terminals
• Aquos link for one touch control of Aquos Blu-ray player
• 7 day EPG (Electronic Program Guide) enables you to search for a program
• Advanced OPC (Optical Picture Control)
• Digital amplifier for reproducing clear sound
• Swivel stand

Connectivity

Dimensions

With stand: 1113 x 773 x 325 mm
Without stand: 1113 x 706 x 100 mm

Weight

Display with stand: 21.5 kg
Display without Stand: 18.5 kg

Contrast ratio

Resolution

Manual | Buy |

The LTV47FHDWD is a FULL HD (yes, 1920×1080) LCD TV, available for around $700AUD which is a bargain. 2 HDMI ins, digital tuner, 1 DSUB, and a 5000:1 contrast ratio. On the downside its not 3D, but for the money who’s complaining really? Vivo offer lower priced home entertainment products than the leading brands, but they still offer a great feature set and the build is of a high quality.

Buy Now

Get your iPad here
Get your AR Parrot drone here

Get your iPad here

Get your AR Parrot drone here

The AR Drone is a fun and exciting “quadracopter” (four rotor helicopter??). Parrot historically have stuck of WIFI gear, but seem to be moving into consumer electronics of late – and by the huge amounts of this drone sold – it seems we’ve welcomed them into the consumer electronics market.

The AR Drone is affordable (around $350 delivered) although I highly recommend purchasing an additional battery or three as there is nothing worse then driving all the way to the park for only 15 minutes of fun. This is an issue we’ve gotten around with an inverter and some higher runtime batteries.

The drone comes with both an indoor and outdoor shroud, so you can fly this inside (and I recommend you do, until you get the hang of it) and the foam shroud protects the rotors from any furniture/walls/people it might encounter. The indoor shroud slows it down but also helps the maneuverability while inside.

Outside they are fast. very fast. but special care should be put into avoiding obstacles until you become a little more sure of their seemingly endless capabilities.

Now.. why do I have two? well, if you damage a motor, it costs around $50 to get another. A drone has 4. (thats $200 so far). the indoor hull is $40, the props are $12 and the crossbar $35. thats $287, and you get another battery and charger (worth $102). thats $387 value for around $350. not to mention spare nav board, cameras, mainboard and a bunch of extra tags. Absolutely worth it. My friends have a drone as well, so we’ll harvest the spare for parts until we run out and get another.

I can’t recommend this product enough. its fast, fun and really draws a crowd.  at $350, it’s cheap for what it is.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the drone is that Parrot have opened the SDK up to the development community, which means anyone who has a drone can write software for it .