Sony announced on their blog the new NEX-VG10 digital camcorder. This is the video camera they teased everyone with back in May. It uses the same sensor as the NEX-5 and NEX-3 and will use the same e-mount lenses. It will also support the mount adaptor that will let you use the catalog of A-mount lenses for Sony’s Alpha DSLRs.

The sensor is almost 20 times large than the standard camcorder sensor, and should yield some incredible low-light video. It captures 1920 x 1080 video at up to 24Mbps and will come standard with an 18-200mm lens.

The supported memory card format is Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD (including SDHX and SDXC). They say that it will record up to four hours of HD footage on a 32 GB card. It’s a shame they did not go Compact Flash with this setup.

It is set to come out in September for $2,000. That is a lot for a camcorder, but this camera will do some pretty phenomenal things.

Here is the video:

Filed in categories: News, Video Reviews

Tagged: Lens, Video

Sony Announces NEX-VG10 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 14, 2010 at 5:17 pm.

Remember the days of mobile phones that looked like you were carrying around a brick with a whip antenna sticking out of the top? Sadly, I do….

Remember day dreaming that it would be great having a watch that can communicate with others like James Bond or even Dick Tracy did back in the day? Well, that was then and this is now. That dream is now a possibility thanks to the SpecialOPS cell phone watch from Phenom.

The SpecialOPS is an unlocked GSM phone that uses a SIM card and is littered with goodies. It has a built-in FM radio, it has an MP3 player, Bluetooth, a 1.3 MP camera and can play videos. You can also send and receive text messages as well as shoot video. That take Mr. Bond.

It comes with a stylus that you use to navigate around its touchscreen LCD display. Although the screen is only 1.3 inch it is still easy to navigate around using the stylus. You can use the stylus or use the keypad on the side of the watch to dial out.

The SpecialOPS has a crisp and clear speaker so the phone quality is fantastic. I could hear the caller crystal clear and they could hear me clear as well. This means that the microphone on it works well too. The speaker was loud enough without sounding blown out. The Bluetooth on it works great too. It paired effortlessly to my handsfree headset without any problems. The included headphones worked equally as well.  And they are the headphones I like. Not the ones with one long wire and one short wire. So using it for phone calls and listening to MP3 music was nice.

The SpecialOPS cell phone watch comes with a 1GB MicroSD card, battery, stylus, USB cable charger, and headphones.

On Phenom’s website they have other models of cell phone watches so check them out and see which one is right for you. They also offer accessories on their site as well.

The SpecialOPS from Phenom goes for a moderate price of $395.00. Not bad for a gadget with all the features it offers.

Oh, and it tells time, too.

Filed in categories: Reviews, Video Reviews, Watches and Clocks

Tagged: Cellphone, Watches and Clocks

SpecialOPS Cell Phone Watch Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 29, 2010 at 1:00 pm.

It seems like there’s a new media center/player introduced every week, so there must be some interest out there.  I had the opportunity to try out the Cirago CMC2000 TV Platinum unit, one of the latest offerings from this Company.  If you want to record video, stream music and photos or listen to Internet radio, this could be your unit.  We’ll give it a test drive and try to find the pluses and minuses.

Before we begin there are two things you should know;  this is NOT a DVR and there is a steep learning curve associated with the product.  Also, you may wish to reference John’s review of the CMC1000, a similar product in the same line.

Features:

• One button and scheduled recording in MPG format, from cable/satellite boxes through the AV input.  Time shifting function (pause)
• Video Playback supporting VOB, IFO, MPG 1/2, AVI MPG-4, DAT and Mpeg-2 TS: up to 1080i
• Music playback of mp3, OGG and unprotected WMA
• Photo supports JPEG and BMP
• Card reader support of SD/MMC/MS/MS pro
• Works as portable hard disk using USB 2.0
• Network via ethernet & Wlan streaming playback and NAS.
• Internet radio
• Built-in HDMI interface
• Either 500MB or 1TB hard drive (mine came with 500MB)
• S/PDIF Output
• Ethernet lan port or optional wireless USB adapter.

Upon opening the package my first impressions were very positive.  To begin with the device is solidly built.  It felt like it could take some abuse, which probably isn’t an issue in most households, but when you have twin 1 1/2-year-old grandsons running around, bullet proof is an asset.  Secondly, it comes with all the cables you’ll probably need.  Included are A/V, composite, HDMI and a USB cable.

The front panel of the device is aesthetically pleasing having only a power switch and slot for the memory cards.  This does however, point out a shortcoming.  The USB ports are on the back, making it cumbersome to insert devices.  I suppose it’s a trade-off between looks and functionality.  I’ll let you be the judge.  I found a couple of USB extension cables and used them to route the USB ports around the side of the unit.

With the exception of the memory card reader, all connections are on the back.  The mini USB connector is used when the device is accessed as an external USB drive.  The 2 USB host ports are used for external devices and the optional wireless dongle.  I didn’t check out the optical output because I don’t have anything that uses optical yet.

It’s important to understand how the hard drive in the CMC2000 is configured.  The above window is taken from my laptop which has accessed the unit from the USB device port.  Disk 1 is the CMC2000 drive as seen by the laptop and in this case shows drives E: and F:   Both of these drives are accessible from the laptop or via NAS.  The additional disk space is used by the CMC2000 to store recorded video from the AV port and is not accessible except by the CMC2000 during playback.  In order to use the recorded video on a PC or MAC, it has to be copied, via a menu function, to the Fat32 section of the disk.

As I said, this is not a DVR, because there is no tuner in the unit.  Because I don’t have a cable or satellite box at this house, I went into the archives and came up with a VCR, which has a built-in tuner.  I thought this would be great because now I had the opportunity to back up some of my ancient VHS tapes that were starting to deteriorate.  I plugged the AV out from the VCR to the CMC2000 and hooked the unit to the TV via HDMI.  And lastly, I attached an Ethernet cable from the device to my LAN.  The user interface won’t win any design awards.

I found my 1995 VHS edition of the Stars Wars Trilogy and fired it up in the VCR, pressed record on the CMC2000 and………COPY PROTECTED!  What the.. Apparently the CMC2000 has logic precluding the copying of purchased video.  To see if this was the case with DVDs also, I borrowed a player and attempted the same thing with a legally purchased DVD and again… COPY PROTECTED.

OK, so you can’t copy commercial videos, but it will copy videos you’ve recorded.  I gathered several tapes I had from my camera recording days, and easily transferred them to the hard drive.  The process involves selecting video in and initating playback on the VCR.  When playback begins, hit record on the CMC2000 remote.  Now you can turn off the TV or switch to a different input and watch something else.  To insure I don’t record a bunch of dead time, I use the OTR feature and press the record button several times incrementing the amount of time record will go on in 30 minute segments.

Using the VCR I recorded live TV.  The process is the same for recording from a tape, but in this case select a channel on the VCR and record continuously or set the number of minutes.  Remember, the CMC2000 will only record what is coming through the AV port, so if you change the channel on the VCR while recording the recorded material will change.

You can also setup to record at different times and days.  The CMC2000 will switch on at the correct time and date, but has no control over the input.  So, in my case, I have to ensure that the VCR is on and set to the channel I wish to record.  I believe cable/satellite boxes do have a timer function, so this would not be a problem.

After your video is recorded, there are several options for editing the file.  You’ll notice the Copy to FAT32 partition function I mentioned before.

The browse selection on the main menu enables searching through the internal hard drive, 2 USB attached devices, a memory card plugged into the front slot or via the lan to one of your attached computers.  When accessing a PC via the LAN, I played videos, photos and music located on it.  I did have some minor problems connecting though, but experimenting with passwords and firewalls allowed me in to all 3 systems.

The Internet radio feature of the device is probably the least useful.  Finding stations was a pain and the descriptions were useless.

The CMC2000 can be accessed as a USB drive and shows up as two devices, in the above case E: and F:.  This provides a fast and easy way to transfer multimedia content to the media center or use the device as external storage.

New to the CMC2000 is the NAS function.  Out of the box this feature is not available.  You are advised to download a utility at Cirago’s web site, but they failed to tell you the file name or where to find it.  I sent an email asking for help and after several days with no response,  I stumbled upon an .rar file, on their web site, that looked promising.  Not having an .rar decompressing utility, I had to find that.  Inside the file was a SYS folder which I put in the root of the HDD1 CMC2000 partition.  It seemed to do the trick.  I have noticed that recently Cirago has listed downloads under the CMC2000 product information and there is now a .zip file with the SYS folder.  Perhaps they read my email after all

After several weeks of using the CMC2000 I am both frustrated and amazed.  Frustrated because the documentation is sparse and the printed book that came with the device is unreadable.  The screen shots are for people with better eyes than me.  I suggest you give the printed manual a toss, and download the PDF from their web site.  It is more readable.  Plus there’s one issue that’s driving me nuts.  Apparently there is a conflict between my Visio TV remote and the CMC2000.  Toggling some buttons on the TV remote turns off the CMC2000.

I am amazed by what this device can do.  From the video recording and editing capabilities to the multiple ways of accessing the device.  I admit, it appeals to my inner geek and may not be suitable for everyone.  However, for about $173 you get a 500MB external USB hard drive that can record and edit video, plus it’s a network streaming device and acts as a NAS sever on the LAN.  The CMC2000 is the Swiss Army Knife of Media Centers.

Filed in categories: Reviews, Video Reviews

Tagged: A/V, Entertainment

Cirago TV Platinum CMC2000 Network Multimedia Center Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 11, 2010 at 11:15 am.

I typically blather on only about the really good stuff or the blatantly bad stuff.  And most people do not believe me; and that’s OK.

But to my amazement they took to this one.  They asked questions.  And they went to the web site. They even tried out different manufacturers and some even got their own.

This time they believed me.  I had found something worth evangelizing about and they agreed. Maybe I can’t save the planet with most of my recommendations, but maybe I can convince a few of my buddies at work to invest in something that will keep them going for a long time. And with a little help from a company that provides a product that can help them do so, maybe they can help save the planet.

I’m speaking of the P-90X physical workout DVDs produced by BeachBody. You’ve probably seen it advertised prolifically on cable TV.  P-90X consists of a set of DVDs in a workout regimen that, if you believe the infomercials, and do the workouts, will turn you into a Mr. or Ms. Universe in 90 days (the “90″ in P-90X).

P-90X revolves on the philosophy of “muscle confusion”, whereby you work your muscles towards a plateau and then “confuse” them by working them out with different routines. That is its main gimmick used to differentiate it from other workout infomercials.

The primary product of P-90X are the set of DVDs each with a complete workout, most of which are about 55 minutes long.  The kit also comes with the obligatory nutrition guide (yeah right), worksheets to keep track of your progress (yeah right) and my kit also came with the “recovery” drink.  I promptly discarded the nutrition guide and recovery drink. I did use the worksheets to help keep track of my resistance levels used during the 90 days, though.

The workouts consist of very intense muscle-focused resistance workouts and a few cardio and “core” workouts.  None of them require special equipment other than a chin-up bar and a set of dumbbells or resistance bands (which can be substituted for the chin-up bar; a nice swap if you are traveling or have no place to install a chin-up bar).  It also includes a yoga DVD, which I (and a few of us around the office) have found to be the best yoga workout compared with other yoga videos that we’ve tried.  And I think the yoga workout can make the most difference in your physical fitness and stamina, especially if you have a somewhat static job or are over forty.  A 12-minute DVD is also included devoted entirely to an abdominal workout.  While this “Ab-Ripper” DVD doesn’t require you to do crunches, you will be on your back in uncomfortable positions and I found that it hurt my legs more than gave me an abdominal workout.  The Plyometric workout is one to stay away from if you have problems with your joints.

An advantage about P-90X is that as you become stronger, you can increase the resistance used during the workouts; you do not have to buy more equipment.

The resistance bands come in three different strengths and you can purchase them as well as a chin-up bar right from the BeachBody site so that you can have all your equipment arrive at the same time.  I can’t really recommend the bands or the chin-up bar from the site, though.  The bands are much too thick to pull over my head and worse, the handles snap off if pulled with even an average amount of force.  I had to glue my handles onto one of the bands (which means I cannot swap the bands out for a different degree of resistance) with Gorilla glue. Also, the handles do not swivel so when you are pulling on them (say, in a bicep curl) they can dig into your skin and can be pretty uncomfortable.  I’d instead buy a set at a local sports store so you can return them if they are not satisfactory.  As for the chin-up bar, it is nothing special and you might be better off purchasing that locally too if you want one. Remember that it could be a challenge to find a place to install a chin-up bar so you might just want to use a set of bands for a trial period.  I managed to hack up my bar in my basement using two-by-fours.

Resistance bands' handles can dig into your skin

Handle glued to keep it from snapping off

Chin-up bar installed on 2x4 s between rafters

One interesting if not entertaining aspect about the DVDs is that they are not scripted.  So when you are sweating out this or that move during a particular grueling section and are beginning to curse and become despondent, it is not uncommon for similar type of emotions to be emitted from the participants in the videos.

I’ve been using the P-90X system now for over a year (well past the 90 days) and I’m still using it and still don’t look like a universal figure and I still can’t do all of the exercises in all of the videos. But my back doesn’t hurt as much these days, I find I can do heavy work on my ranch without delayed muscle soreness the next day, and the last time I went SCUBA diving I could stay down for 40 minutes rather than the pre P-90X record time of 20 minutes.  I’m of the belief that exercising is like brushing your teeth: you really need to do it (almost) every day and you need to consider it essential for your well being.

But exercising is abhorrent to most of us and so are most work out videos, contraptions, and books that glamorize physical fitness with glib marketing ploys.  We know better.  P-90X is a little different in the loathsome department, though.  Although it still glamorizes the physical fitness that can be achieved and uses the spin of “muscle confusion” to re-market the term “cross training”, these DVDs have several distinct advantages over many of the other exercise regimens in which I’ve imbibed.  And these are logical advantages which I think is the reason I’m still using them:

1)      They are limited to an hour long

2)       They do not require any specialized equipment

3)      You can do the workouts on the road

4)      There are 12 different workouts

5)      They are a produced in a play-n-go manner; meaning you do not have to futz with the DVD player to “pick” a workout and then navigate through menus during your work out; just pick a DVD and run with it.  (By the way I found this to be the biggest nuisance on other non-P90X workout DVDs, i.e. having to parse through a set of menus to find a workout.)

6)      There is no disco music and a dancing man telling you to “do this” and “now do this a million times” (they are not boring nor repetitive, in other words)

Is there anything magical about the workouts?  I don’t think so.  But for some reason these DVDs are different; they are real people pushing themselves without the need for froo-froo disco music in the background nor the need for heavy specialized equipment.  And I’m still doing it.  And I really like stuff, but I really hate exercise.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, Video Reviews

Tagged: Fitness

BeachBody P-90X Workout DVD Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 29, 2009 at 10:14 pm.

Here is my quick look video review of the InMotion iM9 iPod speaker system from Altec Lansing.

Video Notes

Below are some close-up pictures of the iM9.

Here is the front face and enclosed docking port/chamber.

The top has the volume controls, eject, and power buttons.

The back has audio out, composite out, iPod dock connector, auxiliary input, and DC power ports.

The battery housing is in the bottom of the iM9.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged: Headphones, iPod

Altec Lansing InMotion iM9 Quick Look Video Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 18, 2008 at 6:44 am.

Here’s my quick look video review of the Dodge Charger Wireless Roadmice Mouse from Roadmice.

Features

3 button mouse
800 DPI
Headlights glow Blue when mouse button is pressed

Video Notes

I found out after the fact that the ‘haunted’ cursor problem was due to not using a mouse pad… I’ve not used a mouse pad for years and it didn’t even occur to me to use one with this mouse…

Sites or products mentioned in video:
Zibra Open It! Shears Review
Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse Review
MSI Wind Netbook Review

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Laptops and Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged: Cordless, Mouse, Wireless

Roadmice Wireless Mouse Quick Look Video Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 31, 2008 at 7:15 pm.

This week’s video quick look review comes from the Gadgeteer Kid. He takes a look at the Rechargeable Desktop Mini R/C Ferrari FXX Enzo car from Brando’s Toy Shop.

Features

The Mini RC Ferrari FXX Enzo is officially licensed by Ferrari
Scale 1/43
Effective Control Distance is about 10M
Full Function Remote Controller (6 Ways Controls)
Fast Charging Station (3 Minutes Fast Charging)
HxWxD(approx.): 25mm x 30mm x 65mm
Required 6 AA batteries (not included)

Filed in categories: Geek Toys, Video Reviews

Tagged: RC Toy, Toy

The Gadgeteer Kid’s Video Quick Look at the Mini R/C Ferrari FXX Enzo Set from Brando originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 14, 2008 at 8:45 pm.

Here’s my quick look video review of the MacBook ProTouch keyboard protector from iSkin.

Video Notes

Available for the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

Simple, no adhesive static cling style design.

Protects keyboard from food crumbs, finger grease, etc. Not designed to protect against spills as liquids could flow under it.

Made of Microban, a silicone material that inhibits the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria.

Washable.

Doesn’t hinder typing, but does make typing feel spongy and softer.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, Miscellaneous, Video Reviews

Tagged:

iSkin ProTouch MacBook Keyboard Protector Video Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 31, 2008 at 10:30 pm.

Here’s my quick look video review of the LapStrap laptop carrying strap.

Video Notes

Allows you to carry your laptop like a shoulder bag.

Great for getting through airport security points and handy for students going to and from classes or business people going to and from meetings inside a building.

Available in Adult and Youth sized straps.

I would only recommend using this with a laptop that has a lid that latches closed. Not one that just uses a tight hinge to keep the lid closed.

This strap won’t protect your laptop, so it’s best used for short distance transport where you’re out of the weather and also not in danger of someone trying to steal it (subway, busy city street, etc.).

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged:

LapStrap Laptop Carrying Strap Video Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2008 at 9:00 pm.

Here’s my quick look video review of digital photo keychains from Wholesale Keychains.com.

Hardware Specifications

1.5 inch keychain: 1.5 inch 128×128 LCD display, 4.8 MB internal memory which can store about 72 pictures, 5.5×4.1×1.2cm
TAO keychain: 1.4 inch 108×80 CSTN LCD display, 8 MB internal memory which can store 62 images, 1.8×1.8x 0.5 in

Features

Both keychains recharge via regular mini USB cable.
Both keychains require you to install a small application on your PC or Mac in order to copy images to the keychain.
The 1.5 inch keychain is PC only, while the Tao keychain has both PC and Mac apps (Mac version is a download on the TAO website).

Video Notes

Click thumbnail to see full size screen shot

On the left side, is a screen shot of the PC application for the 1.5 inch keychain and on the right side is a screen shot of the Mac application for the TAO keychain.

Price:1.5 inch keychain $19.99, TAO keychain $34.99. Engraving $5.99.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged: Digital Photo Frame

Digital Photo Keychains Video Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 26, 2008 at 4:33 pm.

This week’s video quick look review comes from the Gadgeteer Kid. He takes a look at the Disney Pixar Cars, Lightning McQueen 13″ TV/DVD Player Combo.

Features

13″ color screen
TV
DVD player
Remote control
Parental lock feature
17.0 x 16.0 x 16.9 inches

Video Notes

Jacen mentions that the TV can play video games. To clarify, you can connect your video game consoles to the TV using Red/White/Yellow composite cable.

You can find this TV at various online retailers such as Walmart. Price is around $150.00 – $200.00

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged: A/V, Audio, Device, Video

The Gadgeteer Kid’s Video Quick Look at Disney Pixar Cars, Lightning McQueen 13″ TV/DVD Player Combo originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 19, 2008 at 4:34 pm.

Here’s my quick look video review of the Tool-Light.

Features

3 tweezer tools: needle tip, chisel tip and gripper tip
LED flashlight with 3 additional sets of batteries

Video Notes

At this point, the Tool-Light is so new that it isn’t posted on their website yet.

Orders can be placed over the phone by calling (818)255-1482 x 105 Attn: Ani.Or, customers can send an email to info@tweezlight.com and they can take email orders as long as you provide your name/phone # and email address for them to get back to you. The Price is $19.95 + $6.95 S/h.

Filed in categories: Gear, Home Tech, Video Reviews

Tagged: Tool

Video Quick Look at the Tool-Light originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 13, 2008 at 4:25 pm.

Here’s my quick look video review of the Snap Capp, which was sent to me by Convenient Gadgets & Gifts.

Features

4 per package (Blue, Green, Red and Purple)
Plastic re-closable spout for 12 and 16 oz. aluminum beverage cans

YouTube link for a higher quality version of this video

Video Notes

I did a follow up test with the second Snap Capp that was sent to me, to see if it also had an issue with drips when turning the can sideways. The results were the same what I showed in the video.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, Travel Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged: Kitchen

Video Quick Look at the Snap Capp originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 6, 2008 at 10:00 pm.

Here’s my quick look video review of the DoneRight Timer from Tuscan Concepts Inc..

Features

5 separate timers
Buzzer and visual alarm cues

Click thumbnail to play video

Video Notes

Sites or products mentioned in video:
Chef’s Quad-Timer Professional Review

Zibra Open It! Shears Review

Can be found for sale on Amazon.com and Target Online retailers.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, Video Reviews

Tagged: Kitchen

Video Quick Look at the DoneRight Timer Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 23, 2008 at 8:22 pm.

This week’s video quick look review comes from the Gadgeteer Kid. He takes a look at the SX700R Motorola TalkAbout Walkie Talkies.

Features

12 mile 2-way radios
2 watts of power
NiMH rechargeable
Doesn’t require an AC adapter

Click thumbnail to play video

Video Notes

This is an older model, but you can still find them on various discount sites…

Read more about these and other Walkie Talkies at Motorola.

Filed in categories: Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged:

The Gadgeteer Kid’s Video Quick Look at the Motorola TalkAbout SX700R Walkie Talkies originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 8, 2008 at 3:49 pm.

Here’s my quick look video review of the Signature Mini USB drive from SimpleTech.

Features

Available in 120GB up to 320GB capacity
Compact design
Comes with Windows and Mac backup software
Doesn’t require an AC adapter

Click thumbnail to play video

Video Notes

Read more about this drive at SimpleTech.

Screenshots of the backup software (Mac version):

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Laptops and Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged: Hard Drive, USB

Video Quick Look at the SimpleTech Signature Mini USB Drive originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 2, 2008 at 6:30 am.

Here’s my quick look video review of the iPhone Fashion Sleeve from Boa Design.

Features

Soft Seamless finish
Form-fitting Fat-Free construction
Ultra-Luxe lining
Less than 1mm thin

Click thumbnail to play video

Video Notes

Links mentioned in video:
Boa Design

Sena iPhone UltraSlim Pouch review

Sorry about the fact that I kept playing to the the LCD viewfinder instead of the actual camera lens. I promise to do better next time. )

Filed in categories: Gear, Video Reviews

Tagged: Case, iPhone

Video Quick Look at the Boa Design iPhone Fashion Sleeve originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2008 at 1:00 am.