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On Gear Live: Video: Google Maps Navigation feature walkthrough

Bleeding Edge TV 319: Apple TV 3.0 walkthrough

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Apple, Features, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Software, Videocasts, Videos

Yesterday, released 3.0, the first “major” release for the device in about two years. The company has often referred to the Apple TV as a hobby, as opposed to a real business. That said, there are a few nice additions that can be found in the Apple TV 3.0 update, so we give you a full walkthrough of the device, giving you a sampling of some of the new hotness.

Some of the standout features are the obviously redesigned home screen. Instead of the centered grid, you get a full screen menu that makes it easier to navigate right to the content that you want. I mean, it’s nice, but it seems to be the biggest visual upgrade to the device, which we think is in need of a hardware refresh. You also score Genius DJ playlist abilities, nice for parties and such, but I rock a system, so it doesn’t really appeal to me personally. Same goes for Internet radio, but it is there as a feature, and it’s nice. The one we like is the addition of iTunes Extras and iTunes LP content. We are fans of the iTunes LP, so being able to see it on an HDTV, which is where we think it shines, is also “nice.”

If you are picking up on a trend, you win. This whole 3.0 business is, in a word, “nice.” It isn’t anything more than that. It brings the Apple TV in line with other Apple products, allowing it to do things that other devices can do, and it gets a UI refresh, and the Helvetica font. All well and good, but let’s hope that next time around we get some decent new hardware. In any event, hit the play button for the full tour.


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Bleeding Edge TV 243: Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin iPod/iPhone dock

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Short Bytes, Accessories, Apple, Cell Phones, CES, CES 2008, Design, Features, Handhelds, Home Entertainment, Music, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts


Bowers and Wilkins has long been known for their stunning audiophile loudspeaker and home theater equipment so it’s no surprise that their foray into the / speaker dock territory is an impressive one. The new Zeppelin dock features a subwoofer and two midrange/tweeters all in a single compact unit. The odd football shape does indeed bring to mind it’s airship namesake with a look that is sure to draw a second look for passers by. The downside - it’s $600; or $200 more than you spent on the iPhone that goes in it.

In the video we show off the product, and even demonstrate how it handles an iPhone taking a call while in use. Amazingly, there is no GSM interference to be found. Definitely a plus.


CES 2008 Video: Logitech Harmony ONE Remote, diNovo Bluetooth keyboard

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Accessories, CES, CES 2008, Features, Handhelds, Home Entertainment, Household, Podcasts, Videocasts, Wireless / WiFi


At , showed us some cool gadgets to enhance your home entertainment system. First was the diNovo Mini Palm-Size Keyboard, a little larger than an eyeglass case, which controls either your media-center PC or a computer hooked-up to a TV, depending on your setup. For example, you can use the diNovo to scan through the photos on your laptop—and display them on your TV. Plus, it’s Bluetooth-enabled ...in case you’d like to type and send a text to your bud’s phone without reaching for your cell.

We also loved Logitech’s newest Harmony One remote control with touch screen. Just hook it up to your computer via USB, and the accompanying software helps you program all your devices (and more) to the remote. This one will be available at the end of January for $250 USD.


CES 2008 Video: The new Sharp AQUOS LCD HDTV line

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Broadband, CES, CES 2008, Features, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Podcasts, Science, Videocasts


We visited at and checked out their TV specifically for gamers. It’s the GP3 Series of 1080p LCD TVs, with a 6 millisecond response time, which reduces lag time between your beloved console and the TV. It’s even available in 3 cool colors: Red, White or Black. Available for $1500. We also checked out their D64 Series of LCDs, 20% lighter and thinner than the previous D62 Series. Sizes range from 32” - 65” and are available now.

We loved AquosNet, an internet service in which up-to-the-minute, customizable information (weather, stocks, sports, traffic, Hollywood news and more) appears on the side of the TV screen at the push of a button. AquosNet is free with the SC94 and D74 Series.


CES 2008 Video: A Look at Toshiba’s CES SNB HDTV Regza line

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Short Bytes, CES, CES 2008, Features, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Movies, Podcasts, Videocasts


Toshiba launched a bunch of new Regza LCD HDTV‘s, including the Regza Super Narrow Bezel (SNB) line. We give you a peek at their booth, as well as some of their HD DVD offerings as well.


Bleeding Edge TV 196: My DVR Expander TiVo Storage Booster

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Accessories, Features, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Hot Deals, Podcasts, Product Reviews, Storage, Videocasts


We know that everyone could use a bit more storage capacity in thier Series3 or TiVo HD units. Luckily, Western Digital has released My DVR Expander - a 500GB eSATA disk that is perfect for bumping up your TiVo’s storage capacity. We show you how it works in this episode.

As for the My DVR Expander unit itself, here is an overview from Western Digital:

Instantly add up to 60 hours of high-definition TV or up to 300 hours of standard-definition TV to your eSATA-enabled DVR. You’ll have plenty of room to save your programs longer and never miss your favorite shows.

Key Features
Easy to set up, easy to use - Just plug it in to the external SATA (eSATA) port on your DVR and start recording even more TV shows, sporting events and movies. eSATA port must be active.

Compatible - My DVR Expander has been tested for compatibility with Scientific Atlanta 8300 Series, and has been TiVo verified compatible with TiVo® Series3 and TiVo HD DVRs. Check with your cable service provider to confirm compatibility with their system.

Quiet and Cool - A unique no-fan passive cooling system and special hard drive design makes it quiet for the living room or bedroom.

Low-intensity LED - Designed with a soft amber LED indicator, ideal for the living room or bedrooms.

As we note in the video, once you hook up and activate the My DVR Expander, if you ever choose to disconnect it from your DVR, you will lose all the content that is stored on it.


Bleeding Edge 075: CES 2007 Video: The Monorail Interview

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Short Bytes, CES, CES 2007, Features, Home Entertainment, Videocasts


While on the monorail coming back from CES we interviewed Larry. He’s here in Las Vegas for CES because he is a home theater enthusiast. He wants to know if Blue-ray or HD-DVD will win in the format war - what do you think?


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