Humax Foxsat HDR
What we’d like is a level of functionality to match Sky+ HD and, if the Foxsat HDR’s specs list is anything to go by, it might just be the affordable rival we’ve been hoping for.
Three days of HD
For your £300, you get a 320GB HDD, an HDMI output, and twin Freesat tuners – allowing you to record two channels at once. Humax claims you can save 80 hours of HD content or 200 hours of standard-definition TV.
The Foxsat HDR can output a maximum resolution of 720p/1080i via the HDMI connection, and there are also two Scart outputs, a USB input and an Ethernet connection.
As well as the ability to pause, rewind and record Freesat channels, you have an eight-day EPG, series recording, schedule rackings and split recordings.
HD takes priority
There are a couple of standout features too. Should you try to record a programme that’s available in SD and HD – like BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing – the box will prompt you to choose, ensuring you won’t miss any HD content.
Also, if you try to record three channels at once (one too many) the Humax will helpfully inform you of any repeat showings.
Best-in-class Freesat
This is all very promising in theory, and we’re happy to report the practice is just as satisfying. The interface is clean and clear, and navigation is fast and intuitive.
Picture quality? Brilliant: it’s the best Freesat tuner we’ve seen. Standard-definition channels reveal plenty of detail, a balanced colour palette and a punchy image.
Recordings are faithful, too, delivering nigh-on identical versions of HD and SD content.
Where’s our hi-def?
Talking of HD, the BBC HD image looks every bit the step up in quality that we’d expect – making the limited amount of content currently available even more disappointing. We’re currently building our placards so we can campaign to get this changed soon.
Luckily, you also get decent sound quality. Standard-definition broadcasts are a little lightweight but detailed and balanced, while Dolby Digital surround soundtracks via the digital optical output or sent over HDMI, such as on Later with Jools Holland, sound full-bodied and musical. You can record these 5.1 soundtracks to the PVR’s HDD, too.
Should you be smitten with Freesat HD (if you don’t want to pay a monthly subscription, it’s your only HD option), then this is a great way to get it.
Humax Foxsat HDR
What we’d like is a level of functionality to match Sky+ HD and, if the Foxsat HDR’s specs list is anything to go by, it might just be the affordable rival we’ve been hoping for.
Three days of HD
For your £300, you get a 320GB HDD, an HDMI output, and twin Freesat tuners – allowing you to record two channels at once. Humax claims you can save 80 hours of HD content or 200 hours of standard-definition TV.
The Foxsat HDR can output a maximum resolution of 720p/1080i via the HDMI connection, and there are also two Scart outputs, a USB input and an Ethernet connection.
As well as the ability to pause, rewind and record Freesat channels, you have an eight-day EPG, series recording, schedule rackings and split recordings.
HD takes priority
There are a couple of standout features too. Should you try to record a programme that’s available in SD and HD – like BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing – the box will prompt you to choose, ensuring you won’t miss any HD content.
Also, if you try to record three channels at once (one too many) the Humax will helpfully inform you of any repeat showings.
Best-in-class Freesat
This is all very promising in theory, and we’re happy to report the practice is just as satisfying. The interface is clean and clear, and navigation is fast and intuitive.
Picture quality? Brilliant: it’s the best Freesat tuner we’ve seen. Standard-definition channels reveal plenty of detail, a balanced colour palette and a punchy image.
Recordings are faithful, too, delivering nigh-on identical versions of HD and SD content.
Where’s our hi-def?
Talking of HD, the BBC HD image looks every bit the step up in quality that we’d expect – making the limited amount of content currently available even more disappointing. We’re currently building our placards so we can campaign to get this changed soon.
Luckily, you also get decent sound quality. Standard-definition broadcasts are a little lightweight but detailed and balanced, while Dolby Digital surround soundtracks via the digital optical output or sent over HDMI, such as on Later with Jools Holland, sound full-bodied and musical. You can record these 5.1 soundtracks to the PVR’s HDD, too.
Should you be smitten with Freesat HD (if you don’t want to pay a monthly subscription, it’s your only HD option), then this is a great way to get it.
WIN a FREE Tokyo Flash Watch
Hey there, your wrist looks pretty empty, let Newlaunches dress it up for you with a smart TokyoFlash Watch. The only thing you got to do is figure out which watch is it that Newlaunches has selected for you. I will give you 4 clues, which will lead you to the answer, and obviously you can look for the answer here.1. Belongs to one of the latest series.2. A clear strap version of it is available now.3. Comes in 6 colors.
WIN a FREE Tokyo Flash Watch
Hey there, your wrist looks pretty empty, let Newlaunches dress it up for you with a smart TokyoFlash Watch. The only thing you got to do is figure out which watch is it that Newlaunches has selected for you. I will give you 4 clues, which will lead you to the answer, and obviously you can look for the answer here.1. Belongs to one of the latest series.2. A clear strap version of it is available now.3. Comes in 6 colors.
Cybershot DSC-W30
Sony sets the pace for uncomplicated high-performance digital imaging–adding excellence, worth, and creative expression to enhance creative possibilities and expand technology horizons. For a new generation of first-time or step-up digital photographers, the new Sony Cybershot DSC-W30 camera combines compact design and advanced features with the appeal of traditional rangefinder shooting, so everyone can enjoy a camera that’s equally adept at saving their memories and capturing their vision. Quality, convenience, and aesthetic excellence–they’ve been Sony advantages throughout its 60-year leadership in consumer electronics.
Product Detail
Model Name: DSC-W30 Cybershot
Model: DSCW30
Lens Type: Zoom lens
Optical zoom: 3 x
maximum_aperture_range: F/2.8-5.2
Minimum focal length: 6.3 millimeters
Maximum focal length: 18.9 millimeters
optical_sensor_resolution: 6 MP
optical_sensor_technology: Super HAD CCD
optical_sensor_size: 1/2.5″
Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
Red-eye reduction: Y
form_factor: Built-in
Display: LCD display
display_technology: TFT active matrix
Display Size: 2 inches
light_sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 800, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO 80, ISO auto, ISO 1000
video_input_format: MPEG-1
Image types: JPEG
shooting_modes: Frame movie mode
video_input_special_effects: Black & White, Sepia
Exposure Control Type: Beach, Snow, Landscape, Portrait mode, Twilight portrait, Twilight mode
Viewfinder Type: Optical
audio_input: Microphone
Width: 2.03 inches
Depth: 0.9 inches
Height: 0.94 inches
Weight: 0.28 pound
The Canon Digital Rebel XT EOS-350D is one of the latest in Canon Digital SLR series and many experts consider it to be the best entry-level digital SLR on the market. It offers nearly all of the features of the more expensive EOS-20D professional model but for hundreds less. There’s no start-up wait, focusing speeds are rapid, and shot-to-shot times are nonexistent. The Rebel XT can take about fourteen shots in a row at just under 3 frames/second and photo quality is excellent. At 8 MP, it offers plenty of resolution.
I-Bone Conducting Headset for Hard of Hearing
I-Bone Conducting Headset for Hard of Hearing
Special New Chip Increases Cell Phone Battery Life
Lately battery development has focused on creating a more efficient and longer lasting battery. Little thought has gone into how to make these battery dependent devices more efficient and ultimately suck down less energy. After all, a collaboration of both efforts would produce twice the results. Fortunately, a team of researchers from the University of Rochester, headed by Professor Hui Wu, say they’ve developed a circuit for use in cell phones and wireless devices that uses far less energy then today’s.
You’re probably asking yourself how does all this relate to battery life? Well, current wireless devices utilize a clock generated by a circuit called “phase-lock loop��? which enables devices to communicate on exactly the right frequency. Although this “circuit��? is just one of many culprits that sucks down vital battery juice – the transmitter and microprocessor eat more power – it is constantly on. The team’s new circuit, “Divide by Odd Number ILFD (injection locked frequency divider)��? uses far less energy to transmit and reduces energy consumption to a radical 10%.
Special New Chip Increases Cell Phone Battery Life
Lately battery development has focused on creating a more efficient and longer lasting battery. Little thought has gone into how to make these battery dependent devices more efficient and ultimately suck down less energy. After all, a collaboration of both efforts would produce twice the results. Fortunately, a team of researchers from the University of Rochester, headed by Professor Hui Wu, say they’ve developed a circuit for use in cell phones and wireless devices that uses far less energy then today’s.
You’re probably asking yourself how does all this relate to battery life? Well, current wireless devices utilize a clock generated by a circuit called “phase-lock loop��? which enables devices to communicate on exactly the right frequency. Although this “circuit��? is just one of many culprits that sucks down vital battery juice – the transmitter and microprocessor eat more power – it is constantly on. The team’s new circuit, “Divide by Odd Number ILFD (injection locked frequency divider)��? uses far less energy to transmit and reduces energy consumption to a radical 10%.
