Sony's car audio booth at CES had a number of new and not-quite-ready for primetime technologies on display along with a new double DIN head unit, the WX-GT90BT. It is compatible with Sony's App Remote, which lets users control their compatible Android-powered smartphones through the car radio and vice versa through the dedicated app.
Over at the JVC booth at the CES show in Las Vegas, the company had its latest head units on display that feature MirrorLink connections for Android and Symbian-powered phones. This allows users to control their smartphone and access content from them on the new KW-NSX600 and KW-NSX700 head units. The former sports a fixed 6.1-inch touchscreen, while the latter gets a motorized 7-inch touchscreen, both sporting WVGA resolutions.
JVC has unveiled a number of camcorders at CES, a number of which features Wi-Fi connectivity. The premium Procision GC-PX100 is said to be designed for fast-moving action filming, while the eight-model Everio line includes entry-level and mid-range camcorders using a new 2.5-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor.
JVC this week announced an upcoming 3D HDTV it's due to release later this month, the 55-inch JLE55SP4000. Its 1080p, 120Hz panel uses passive 3D technology and the set ships with four pairs of the required, lightweight, and battery-free glasses. The HDTV also has Wi-Fi and supports Internet apps, with the process made easier thanks to an included remote that has a QWERTY keyboard.
JVC has announced two new ProHD handheld cameras designed for broadcasters and the release of the first handheld 4K camcorder at the NAB show today. The GY-HM600 and GY-HM650 are what JVC calls “next-generation handheld ProHD” cameras suitable for mobile broadcasting, and the previously announced GY-HMQ10 is a camera which allows for realtime capture, record, and display of 4K video.
For those who like to make their electronics serve multiple purposes, JVC Japan has just introduced an iPod and iPhone dock that doubles as a nightstand. Called the N-BX3, it sports a glass top that measures 11.8 by 4.3 inches across and is nearly 20 inches tall. Two 30W satellite speakers reproduce sound, and a shelf pulls out for docking users' iOS devices.
JVC has announced the world's first handheld 4K camcorder, the GY-HMQ10. The GY-HMQ10 uses JVC's on-camera Falconbrid Large-Scale Integration processing to deBayer RAW images from the camera's 8.3 million-pixel CMOS sensor in real time. Unlike other 4K cameras, such as RED's Scarlet-X 4K camera system, the GY-HMQ10 can output live 4K via four HDMI terminals to a monitor or projection system with almost no latency. JVC claims the camcorder is the first to be able to capture, process, display and record 4K images in real time.
JVC chose Monday to bring one of its most unique cameras to the US. The GC-PX10 is meant to stand as the best of both moving and still imagery. Through its use of the Falconbrid chip from the TD1, it can record 1080p video at a full 60 frames per second but can still snap 8.3-megapixel shots in mid-video with the relatively large 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor.
JVC is releasing a high performance camcorder, the Everio GZ-HM670. The video camera features the company's Falconbrid video processing engine, its newer, hybrid processor to handle both stills and video at very high speeds. It's based on a 40nm design and can handle up to 8.3 megapixels at 60 frames per second.
JVC's UX-VJ3 simultaneous iPad and iPhone dock introduced in Japan earlier this month is now available in the US. Along with having enough space for Apple's tablet, the iPhone/iPod touch mount is rotatable and allows use of the device in either portrait or landscape depending on the app.
JVC Japan on Tuesday brought out a pair of new docks for iPods, iPads and iPhones that can accommodate an iPad and one of the smaller devices at the same time. The UX-VJ3 relies on connected sources to play back content but also has AM/FM tuner, while the UX-VJ5 adds a CD drive. Both share a video output, PC and auxiliary audio input and a power rating of 30W across the two speakers.
Sharp has teamed up with Japanese broadcaster NHK on a prototype 85-inch LCD set that is the first to support a native 7680x4320 resolution. The much denser image lets it receive NHK's recently tested Super Hi-Vision broadcasts without losing any detail. Super Hi-Vision offers 16 times the resolution of 1080p HDTV, and NHK plans on sending out trial broadcasts in 2020.
Ortus Technology on Friday showed off the world's smallest truly HD 3D-capable display. At 4.8 inches and 1080p, the screen has a seemingly "pixel-free" 458 pixels per inch in 2D like an earlier screen but now has the option of 3D. A circular polarizer film known as Xpol can show separate pictures for the left and right eyes on alternating lines of the screen.
JVC today claimed a milestone as the first to ship a camcorder for the mainstream with 3D in HD. The GZ-TD1 should be in stores now and should cost $1,700 for its 1080i 3D shooting. The camera comes with 64GB of flash storage built-in and an SDXC slot for more.
JVC this morning unveiled a new camera that theoretically gives the best of moving and still photography. The GC-PX1, previously shown as just a concept at CES, can shoot 1080p video at a rare 60 frames per second, hitting the peak 36Mbps bandwidth quality of the AVCHD (H.264) spec. It nonetheless has a traditional camera grip and can snap 10.6-megapixel photos with full manual controls.
Among the hands-on tests we had at CES today included JVC's unique GS-TD1 3D camcorder. The first-ever mainstream 3D, 1080i-capable video camera is relatively bulky compared to traditional 2D camcorders but is surprisingly compact versus the usually pro-grade models that capture those images. The demo unit was mounted to a counter and thus wouldn't let us gauge weight, but we suspect it's just heavy enough to sometimes need two hands to keep steady.
JVC announced two new HD 3D camcorders, including the GS-TD1, which it claims is the world's first full HD 3D camcorder for the consumer market. The GS-TD1 records with two lenses and two 3.32-megapixel CMOS sensors, each at 1920x1080i resolution. The camcorder can also record in 3D side-by-side format in both 3D and conventional 2D video. The GS-TD1 has 3D optical 5x zoom, automatic stabilization system to give depth to 3D images, and 3D stereo sound.
JVC this week announced it will soon introduce the first LSI chip technology in its consumer camcorders. The 40nm chip will bring with it high-speed processing of HD video, the ability to shoot in HD in 3D, and high-resolution 4K images that are nearly four times higher than 1080p images. LSI technology is also less power hungry and expensive by hosting all these features on one chip.
Dell provided a surprise today by beating green advocate Apple in a report card for electronics recycling from the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. The Texas PC builder earned the highest grade, B, as it not only took back every product through the mail for free but had a widening network that included Goodwill and Staples. It also had the highest volumes and tried hard even in US states where requirements were loose.
Sony's Walkman line has temporarily passed the iPod for sales in Japan once more, researchers at BCN claimed today. Basic players like the S640 helped Sony creep past in August with 47.8 of sales where Apple dropped to 44 percent. While the Walkman overtook the iPod briefly a year ago, the new figures mark the first time Sony managed to hold an overall lead for the month.
JVC this morning reworked its Picsio camcorders to give them new interfaces and refresh the features. The GC-FM2 and GC-WP10 replace the usual back buttons with a three-inch touchscreen that can show on-screen controls and full-screen playback. Although it uses a less-precise resistive panel, the screen choice allows input even with gloves.
After missing its original March target, JVC on Tuesday said it had started shipping the Everio GZ-HM1. It captures at a native 1080p but specializes in capturing in low light; its 10.6-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor works in lighting as dim as four lux and can use light sensitivity as high as ISO 6,400. As a semi-pro camera, the HM1 gets manual controls over aperture, bracketing and shutter speed where useful.
JVC on Monday introduced a new flagship camcorder in its ProHD line, the GY-HM790. The latest offering builds upon features of the company's GY-HM700 device, integrating three 1/3-inch CCDs capable of shooting in 1080p, 1080i, 720p, or 480i formats. The camera is said to offer improved picture quality, reaching beyond the GY-HD250 model.
JVC picked an unusual Friday timeframe to start shipping the Everio GZ-HM550BUS, its first camcorder with Bluetooth. The short-range wireless gives the 1080p60 camera unique control features. With an installed app, a smartphone can record and zoom like a remote control; it can also use A2DP headphones for wireless audio and geotag video with a Bluetooth GPS receiver.
JVC today used the post-CES cycle to add a new HD camcorder to its mix. The Everio GZ-HM340 is one of JVC's least expensive video cameras to shoot widescreen 1080i while still using more compact and shockproof flash memory instead of a hard drive. It brings 16GB of built-in flash memory and has an SDHC card slot to add as much as 32GB more; the included storage gives it room for about 1 hour 20 minutes of full bitrate AVCHD (H.264) footage.
JVC has released a new range of headphones at CES (CES Booth 8219) this week. The new HA-NC260 noise-canceling headphones have new circuity that monitors outside sounds and eliminates up to 90 percent of background noise, including feedback. Each earpiece has a dual housing structure for better sound insulation and memory foam cushioned ear pads help isolate background noise. The pair uses a 40mm neodymium driver in each earpiece.
JVC has announced five new options for docking an iPod or iPhone to play music over external speakers. The SP-A130 is a compact, portable speaker available in four iPod nano 5G colors. It features a sliding cover and stand and uses two one-inch speaker drivers each powered by 160 milliwatts. An active/passive mode switch provides the choice of powering the speaker with its own amplifier or by the connected device. The SP-A130 is powered by two AAA batteries, and arrives in March in black, silver, pink and blue for $30.
JVC has launched a new flagship in its 2010 Everio HD camcorder line, the GZ-HM1. The new HD camera improves on low light performance, has better image stabilization and provides higher still image quality compared to the previous generation. It features a 16x zoom lens, a new 10.62-megapixel 1920x1080 CMOS sensor that can deliver a true 10MP still image at up to ISO 6400. It provides 64GB of internal flash memory with an external SDHC card slot.
Two years after launching its FX-500 wood grain earbuds, JVC today unveiled an upgrade, the HP-FX700 set. The new earbuds have better sound quality thanks to a hybrid dual cone, with a peak output of 104dB at 1mW. Frequency response range is rated at between 6Hz and 26,000Hz at 16Ω.
JVC on Wednesday introduced a new iPod dock with built-in speakers that has a unique wraparound design and supports virtual Dolby surround sound. The XS-SR3 can hold iPods and iPhones either horizontally or vertically, depending on whether the user wants to listen to music or watch videos. Four clips are included to hold different models of iPods.
On Monday, JVC introduced two new soundbar surround sound speaker systems, including the first wireless system, the TH-BA3, along with the slim but wired TH-BS7. The former is completely wireless between the subwoofer and rear speakers, and is rated at 280 watts across its 5.1 channels. The sound bar has four speakers, with the two outboard ones acting as the front right and left channels, with the two in the middle being the center channel. It also houses the power amplifier, surround decoding, system controls and the transmitter for the wireless surround speakers.
JVC chose to add one more camcorder to its range at the very end of the year with a unique entry, the Everio GZ-HD620. Billed as both the lightest and smallest camcorder with a hard drive, it weighs just under 0.6 pounds despite its 120GB hard drive and is both 4.5 inches long as well as 2.5 inches tall. It still promises a full feature set with 1920x1080 widescreen recording in AVCHD (H.264) and a new CMOS sensor that records in light levels as low as 4 lux.
JVC entered into the low-cost Blu-ray player field on Wednesday through the XV-BP11. It recognizes only Blu-ray Profile 1.1, omitting Internet features, but also measures just 1.5 inches tall. It still carries a front-panel USB connection for plugging in and viewing content from camcorders, digital cameras and USB thumb drives. It natively recognizes AVCHD (H.264) video used in HD camcorders along with recorded Blu-ray, CD and DVD discs.
JVC has introduced its latest home theater audio system in Japan. The 1.2-inch thick system, made up of the AX-FT amplifier and SP-FT speakers, is thin enough to be hung on a wall or stood up on its stand on a bookshelf. The amplifier is rated at 4x20W and supports both Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats but will also play AAC audio files.
JVC on Tuesday exported its first-ever pocket camcorder to US shores. The Picsio GC-FM1 is one of the few cameras its size to record in 1080p (albeit 4:3) at a full 30 frames per second with image stabilization. It also has a 720p, 60FPS shooting mode and a toggle to switch to 8-megapixel still image shooting. All movies are captured in H.264 (AVCHD) in a format that can be immediately sent to iMovie, iTunes or YouTube without being transcoded first.
JVC has introduced its latest digital camcorder first in Japan, the PICSIO GC-FM1. The company's first attempt at a pocket camera like the Flip, it measures just 5.8 by 2 by inches in size but packs an 8-megapixel still photo sensor that records video at 2.03 megapixels. The latter gives it 4:3 ratio 1080p (1440x1080) video at 30 frames per second in the H.264 (AVCHD) format on SD and SDHC memory cards. The GC-FM1 sports a 2-inch LCD screen, while an HDMI output lets users view their videos on HDTVs at full resolution.
JVC today brought over an Americanized version of one of its more advanced flash-based camcorders. The Everio GZ-HM400 is an upgraded version of the earlier X900 with a barrel-shaped body, a sharper 10-megapixel sensor and an improved 10X optical zoom lens. It can shoot 1080i video at the full 24Mbps bitrate of AVCHD (H.264) and brings familiar special features like 600FPS slow-motion shooting and 9-megapixel still shots.
At the currently ongoing CEDIA home theater show in Atlanta, JVC has introduced its DLA-RS4000 Reference Series 4K home cinema projector along with a pair of 4.1-channel sound bar home theater systems. The projector can reproduce a 10-megapixel image and offers 4K resolution, or 4,096x2,400 pixels, which is more than four times that of 1080p. The projector is both ISF and THX certified, and can produce 3,500 lumens of brightness from its Xenon lamp, with 8 settings for lamp power.
JVC on Thursday introduced a 46-inch 3D LCD HDTV, the GD-463D10, along with a 32-inch LED-backlit HDTV, the LT-32WX50. Both are ultra-thin, with the former just 1.5 inches (39mm) thick, while the latter is 0.25 inches (6.4mm) thick. The GD-463D10 is technically a monitor as it lacks a tuner, but can be used to reproduce 3D images thanks to the Xpol polarizing filter on the screen itself paired with the included battery-free eyeglasses.
JVC this morning added a new, high-end HD camcorder to its mix. The Everio GZ-HM400 shoots the same 1080i widescreen, H.264 video as the GZ-X900 but has a more conventional form factor and has a sharper 10.2-megapixel sensor for shooting higher resolution photos. A new 10X Konica-Minolta lens also reduces chromatic aberration and is accompanied by extra controls to the left of the lens.
JVC has released a new series of foldable headphones, called the Black series, and two new in-ear headphones, the HA-EBX85 and HA-FX20. The Black series is available in two models, the HA-M750 and HA-S650, that are both over-the-head style headphones and use large driver units with carbon compound diaphragms for their bass reproduction. The two Black series headphones also have carbon bodies with anti-resonance properties to improve their sound clarity.
JVC has announced the upcoming release of two mini-systems, the NX-TC3 and NX-TC5. Both sport a 4.3-inch touchscreen, which can display photos or videos from a connected USB thumb drive. Each is also equipped with an iPod dock, a CD player and an AM/FM tuner, supplemented by 512MB of internal memory, to which music can be ripped. Only the TC5 can rip music to an external USB device however, or load MiniDiscs.
At the CEDIA expo, JVC for the first time in Europe showed off its ultra-thin LED backlit HDTV with a 100Hz refresh rate. The 32-inch LT-32WX50 is just 0.28 inches (7mm) thick and weighs just over 11lbs. Capable of reproducing 1080p video, the LT-32WX50 also has a high 4,000:1 static contrast ratio and covers 90 percent of the Adobe RGB color space.
JVC today shipped an LCD TV it bills as the first specifically geared towards digital SLR photography. The Xiview LT42WX70 emphasizes color accuracy first and covers both all of the sRGB color gamut used for HDTV but 96 percent of the Adobe RGB space as well; the trick promises a relatively accurate display that can be used for quick photo proofing or just as a means of viewing images at a large size. About 52 different visual settings, as well as consistent 2.2 gamma, help calibrate the display to achieve its intended effect.
JVC Japan has recently announced it will soon begin shipping its D-ILA 3 (Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier) 8K and 4K video front-projector that is capable of throwing up 8192x4320 resolution images, or more than 35 megapixels. Other specifications of the D-ILA 3 include 10,000 lumens of brightness and a 5,500:1 contrast ratio from its 3,000W bulb. A special fiber optic interface was developed for the projector, though it also sports an HDMI interface. It weighs a massive 370lbs.
JVC has recently announced the upcoming launch of its 46-inch LCD monitor in Japan that is capable of displaying three-dimensional videos at 1080p resolution. The GD-463D10 monitor is just over 1.5 inches thick on its edges, the monitor is meant for business uses and ships with two pairs of polarized glasses to make it possible to view 3D images. The new LCD works on Xpol's stereoscopic 3D technology for flicker-free 3D content. Images for the right eye and left eye are sent out by alternating lines of pixels in the display.
JVC this afternoon picked PMA as the venue to launch the Everio X line of camcorders. Starting with the GZ-X900, the range stresses both HD video capture as well as unusually strong still image photography in the same device. The X900 can record widescreen 1080i video in AVCHD format but is also capable of shooting 9-megapixel native images and can shoot consecutive images at up to 15FPS. A mixed shooting mode also lets the camera take 5-megapixel shots while recording 1080i movies, potentially taking still photos up to the SDHC card's storage limit at the slowest 4 frames per second.
JVC today rolled out a pro-grade HD camcorder designed explicitly for videographers using Apple's Final Cut Pro editing suite. The GY-HM700 is the only 1080p camera to capture directly in the MOV format used by QuickTime and so lets producers send raw footage directly to Final Cut without the software having to first transcode or otherwise alter the material before it enters the pipeline. Editors can even trim video while it's stored on the camera, JVC notes.
JVC Mobile at CES introduced a unique car audio head unit known as the KD-AVX77. The 5.4-inch wide touchscreen unit forgoes nearly all buttons for its control interface. Instead, the device also has a proximity sensor that can register a user’s moving hand in front of it to exit its screen saving mode. As the controls are virtual, users can switch the positioning of commonly used functions such as the volume controls. The head unit can play back DVDs as well as CDs, displaying movie content on its display, which is nearly ideally suitable for widescreen movie playback, where the black lines on top or bottom of the image are removed.
JVC is promoting three new home theater systems at CES, the TH-G31, G41 and G51. All three feature 5.1-channel surround speakers, with power rated at 1,000W; these attach to a receiver which decodes DTS and Dolby Digital input, while providing HDMI video output and 1080p upconversion. A front-facing auxiliary input allows additional connections. The G31 is the simplest of the three, providing no extra improvements.
