The Goods
The Age
Thursday October 2, 2003
Picture this
i2i videofone, RRP $799
The videophone is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Unlike 3G mobiles that offer video calling, the i2i videofone works over a standard analog phone line. It is easy to install and you only have to pay local call rates. However, it does have to be plugged into a power socket, even for voice-only calls.
The phone has a 3.5-inch colour screen and the image quality is surprisingly good, especially considering it runs over a phone network not designed to carry live video. Unfortunately, the phone cannot be connected to an ADSL or other broadband line for better resolution; nor can it be used on PABX or other switchboard systems.
The videofone's main limitation, of course, is that hardly anyone actually has one.
www.fonezone.com.au -- Dan Kaufman
Now you're projecting
Hitachi LCD projectors, RRP $2299 for CPS210, $2999 for PJTX10
Hitachi has released two new LCD home-cinema projectors that will appeal to first-time buyers. The PJTX10 is a 16:9 widescreen projector that can project an image of 2.5m from a distance of just 2.6m. The 4:3 format CPS210 can project a 1.5m image from 1.8m. Both are quiet and offer horizontal and vertical keystone correction. The widescreen projector has 854 x 480 pixel resolution and 700 ANSI lumen brightness. The 4:3 model gives 800 x 600 pixel resolution and 1200 ANSI lumen brightness.
www.hitachi.com.au -- Rod Easdown
Stereo? What stereo?
Panasonic SC-EN5, RRP $329
This is a stereo for the space-poor urban dweller. With a small footprint, thanks largely to the vertical CD tray, the SC-EN5 may be just compact enough to find a place on the average cramped desktop or bookshelf. It features a remote control, digital tuner and a timer that allows you to doze off or wake up to your favourite tunes. While it handles CD-R and CD-RW discs, it cannot play MP3s. Although the sound from the slim speakers is better than you might expect, audiophiles cannot tinker with it manually.
www.panasonic.com.au -- Dan Harrison
© 2003 The Age
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