Samsung Shows Off 110-inch Ultra High Definition TV at CES

Photo credit: Samsung

In the constant innovation of technology, it is the goal of electronic companies to make the devices we have grown comfortable using as obsolete. While not discrediting what they had most recently sold, technology developers simply stride to create bigger and better products. The Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas is regularly one of those exhibitions that make us all realize rapid the pace of advancement moves. Televisions, smartphones and most recently car-based infotainment platforms are represented at the 2013 CES as major as well as up-and-coming brands want to woo us (the consumer) to a new path of technological enlightenment that, of course, involves their solutions.

At the 2013 edition of the CES, Samsung has presented a number of captivating products and innovations focused around home entertainment. Showing off their latest explorations into LED TV, OLED TV technology, the display for Samsung was anchored by the existence of a gigantic television with the promise of bringing the big world into a perspective only our own eyes could envision.

Photo source: Samsung

Bringing to life a 110-inch television screen Samsung advertises as the largest in home entertainment, their S9 UHD TV features a super vivid picture quality making full use of the sheer brilliance of such a display size. Utilizing what is believed to be the next progression to viewing television programs and movies, the concept of UHD (Ultra High Definition) is presenting a picture two to four times more detailed than current HD sets. Featuring the Samsung Precision Black, tones of black and white are even more defined than ever. Samsung Precision Black is combined with Ultimate Dimming that uses groups of hundreds of LED blocks to achieve pinpoint accurate backlight control on the Samsung S9's 110-inch screen.

The Samsung S9 UHD TV also incorporates a quad-core computer processor allowing Smart TV functions to be handled with peak performance. Multiple apps and on-line content choices could be fed through the S9 television for full media immersion for the eyes. The 3-way, 2.2 channels of 120-watt audio will delight ears with sound quality said to be six times greater than a traditional television set.

While large quantity of UHD or Super HD content could take time moving through the consumer pipeline, Samsung has built a proprietary up-scaling engine into the S9 television unit. HD and Full-HD quality picture can be delivered in higher picture detail than perhaps ever seen before.

Hammacher Schlemmer Spotlight: The Full Phrase Talking Translator

Photo Source: Hammacher Schlemmer

A desirable companion for the world traveller is possessing the ability to communicate effectively with the residents of way-off lands. While some of us have acquired the skills to master multiple languages to make negotiating exotic locales, hundreds of millions of other tourists and traveling businesspeople could use some help. While translation dictionary and electronic translators have existed for long time, retailer Hammacher Schlemmer has secured a device that is slated to be a cut-above others.

The Phrase Talking Translator is a pocket-sized electronic that can instantly assist in deciphering 30 different languages. With the capacity of 1.8 million words, The Phrase Talking Translator is also equipped with 210,000 common phrases and sentences. Three times more phrases than the previous generation device, this product would enable easier maneuvering through most common travelling scenarios.

The size of a smartphone or most other pocket devices, The Phrase Talking Translator opens up to a 3.75-inch backlit LCD screen and a QWERTY keyboard for easy interaction by the user. Through integrated speakers, the correct pronunciation of words and phrases will prove helpful in navigating unique regions of the world. Beyond the language translation software, a currency converter, world clock, basic and scientific calculator, a voice recorder as well as six games are loaded in the device.

Priced at $249.95, The Phrase Talking Translator could be the ideal device for future globe-trotters in 2013.

Hammacher Schlemmer Spotlight: The Mind Controlled Movie Director

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A company with origins dating back to 1848, Hammacher Schlemmer was founded as a provider of high quality products that can not be easily found in other stores. One of the first 271 subscribers to Bell Telephone of New York City, the first home delivery parcel service and one of the earlier adopters to on-line shopping in 1986, Hammacher Schlemmer endures despite the influx of large department store chains as well as discount stores that cater to the vast United States consumer population. Hammacher Schlemmer survives and prospers by a continued commitment to bring unusual, obscure yet intriguing products to niche interests. Electric cars, a real-life working replica of the Tron: Legacy Light Cycle and other outlandish items are sold under the Hammacher Schlemmer banner. In recognition of the company's involvement in supplying the marketplace with fun and unique products, I'll happily feature some of the more eye-catching Hammacher Schlemmer items on this blog starting with the Mind Controlled Movie Director.

A device certain to spawn thoughts of science fiction, The Mind Controlled Movie Director actually operates on individual's brainwaves to control pre-programmed interactive movies and games. Through a headset the incorporates electroencephalogram technology, a person's electrical brain signals are translated into control over situation with The Mind Controlled Movie Director. Concentration, relaxation and verbal emotions can affect the outcome of various horror, sports and crime stories. Plot lines and endings are shaped by the signals received from the user's headset.

Used in association with a Mac or PC computer, The Mind Controlled Movie Director also comes with Apps. A pair of arcade games, a brainwave visualizer and meditation journal are included in the $129.95 US device.

Nikon Releases Their Lightest, Smallest FX DSLR Camera

Photo Credit: Nikon

For the consideration of professional photographers, Nikon Corporation revealed their latest product designed to be a winning weapon of choice when snapping important pictures. Utilizing the FX-format shooting technology, the Nikon D600 digital SLR camera is advertised as the brand's most compact example to incorporate the their highest quality CMOS sensor.

Constructed with a body weighing just 760 grams, the Nikon D600 lightweight assembly incorporates magnesium alloy for the top and rear covers. Despite being the smallest and lightest DSLR camera Nikon has created in their FX-format lineup, the D600 is outfitted with much of the company's finest technology found in their higher-range cameras. The EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, allows up to highly impressive, 24.3 megapixel images to be snapped at excellent speeds. A Scene Recognition System equipped alongside the Multi-CAM4800 autofocus sensor performs a highly intelligent analysis of images for the best picture. Up to 5.5 frames per second can be captured through the Nikon D600. The Nikon D600 has the ability to capture Full-HD movies up to 1,920 X 1,080/30p. Recording to SDXC or UHS-I compliant SD memory cards, two slots are available for peaceful image and video recording. A 3.2-inch viewfinder, built-in flash, HDMI interface and compatibility with a NIKKOR lenses are highlights of the Nikon D600 camera.

An optional accessory available for use with the Nikon D600 DSLR is the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter. A technology that allows the D600 camera to be operated remotely by a handheld device running on an Android or Apple iOS. Through a live view display provided through a smartphone or tablet, a photographer can capture photos and have it immediately uploaded to the device allowing for quick postings to blogs or social media sites.

Pricing for the new Nikon D600 DSLR camera is set at $2099.95 US for the body only. A $2,699.95 camera and kit including a NIKKOR 24-85mm VR lens is also posted on the Nikon website.