Architecture: Waterflux Art Museum Is Clearly an Alien Cockroach Nest

Horrific yet incredibly intriguing is the only way I can describe this spiked and gelatinous alien nest that mimics the landscape around it. Fortunately, it won't hold any eggs waiting to snatch human bodies. In reality, it's an art museum and alpine ice research station that will be completed next year in the Swiss alps. The construction of the building will use a computer numerical control drilling machine, which will manufacture 180 pieces out of 2,000 cubic meters of wood. The pieces will be assembled on site.

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
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• JVC's new Everio camcorders feature HDD and microSDHC recording, YouTube
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LCD retrofitted onto Nintendo GameCube - Video

Right, so we've spotted some fairly gorgeous LCD-into-GameCube integrations before, and we've even seen a couple that came dangerously close to making us laugh, but it's rare to find a respectable LCD infusion on video. Thus, we present to you Liuhuparta's own GameCube mod, which weds a Sony PSone LCD screen, an integrated Wavebird receiver, loads of wiring / spray paint / blue LEDs and a pinch of TLC with a classic black GC console. Hop on past the break to see portions of the build process and a brief demonstration of it in action.




[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: diy, finland, gamecube, hack, lcd, mod, nintendo, video ]

• Nikon D3x DSLR preview roundup
• Black Friday Giveaways : Universal Remote's URC Digital R50 over at Engadget HD!
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• Hands-on shots of Creative's Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder

ViBook looses DisplayLink USB-to-DVI adapter with support for six-screen spanning

DisplayLink USB monitors are starting to trickle out a little more frequently now, but USB graphics cards based on the tech are still somewhat rare -- we've seen a couple, but VillageTronic's ViBook box is the only one that comes with software to span an image across up to six screens at once. That's right, the bundled VT MultiDisplay software will let you create a single giant Windows desktop out of six 1600 x 1200 22-inch displays if you buy enough of the $130 dongles -- Mac users can do the same with four screens. The dongle can be outfitted with a VESA cradle that allows it to hide discreetly behind your monitor, and while we don't know what the upper limit of graphics performance is, we do know that we'd kill for a gigantic 4800 x 3600 workspace. Weekend project, anyone?


[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: displaylink, usb graphics, usb to dvi, usb to vga, UsbGraphics, UsbToDvi, UsbToVga, vibook, villagetronic ]

• Nexto ND-2725 video backup: has Sean Penn met his match?
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ASUS rolls out four new VH-series 16:9 LCD monitors

It's sometimes easy to forget that ASUS actually makes a whole host of non-Eee branded products, but the company has reminded us of is roots today with four new VH-series LCD monitors, each of which boast the desirable-to-some 16:9 aspect ratio. Those include the 18.5-inch VH192 model, the 21.5-inch VH222 and VH226 models, and the 23.6-inch VH242, the first of which packs a 1366x768 resolution while the latter three all offer full 1080p. All four also boast ASUS' "Smart Contrast Ratio" technology to deliver numbers from 10,000:1 to 20,000:1, and all but the low-end VH192 include an HDMI port, along with built-in speakers and, of course, the usual VGA and DVI ports. The VH226 also distinguishes itself a bit further with a slightly better 2ms response rate and a glossy finish. No word on a price or release date for any of 'em just yet, but we'd expect to start seeing them show up any day now.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: asus, lcd, lcd monitor, LcdMonitor, vh-series, vh192, vh222, vh226, vh242 ]

• Sharp introduces PG-F255W 720p DLP projector for under $1, 000

Sony Claims They're Not Working on PSP2

I've always liked the PSP hardware, but iterations like the PSP-3000 are failing to excite me. I just need something new. Unfortunately, Sony claims to not be working on a PSP sequel at this time. From SCEE President David Reeves:

No, there are currently no plans for a PSP2. I go to Tokyo quite a lot and no one has referred to it...We just launched the PSP-3000 so we are still focused on this generation of the platform.

Reeves goes on the discuss the platform's dichotic hardware success and software failure, admitting that even Sony's own development teams aren't creating titles for the PSP. Though, it's pretty hard to believe that not one person in all of Sony is doing ANYTHING toward a PSP2 development. As much as I'd like to see a new PSP, the things I'd want (touchscreen, 3G media downloads and 100% remote play compatibility over a universal digital PS3/PSP library) are just outside the reach of anything currently affordable to consumers or implementable by Sony.


[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
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Sony's 240Hz BRAVIA KDL-52XBR7 HDTV reviewed: extra Hz not worth the $

Here it is, the review you've been waiting for. Are all those Hz worth all those dollars? If you believe CNET, the answer is "sadly, no." The 52-inch KDL-52XBR7 was all the rage upon its arrival, promising slick visuals and a dejudder processor that would wow, stun and awe. Unfortunately, it seems the set hasn't exactly lived up to expectations, as the deep black levels, accurate color temperature and color decoding, comprehensive complement of inputs and beautiful body weren't enough to overcome the breathtaking $4,200 price tag. Furthermore, the 240Hz refresh rate was found to offer "only minor improvements to picture quality," proving our fears of it being more about marketing than performance absolutely correct. Bottom line? Take your dollars elsewhere -- chances are, you won't miss the Hz.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 240Hz, BRAVIA, hdtv, KDL-52XBR7, LCD HDTV, LcdHdtv, review, reviewed, sony ]

• Casio's EX-FH20 reviewed : perfect for YouTube slow-mo junkies, nobody else

Dell's UltraSharp 1909W does an awkward barrel roll into the realm of availability

Just when you thought Dell had every possible gap in its lineup of well-priced LCD monitors filled, here comes the UltraSharp 1909W to completely blow your mind. Featuring a 1440 x 900 19-inch panel, the 16:10 display boasts the mid-range sort of specs we've come to know and love, like a 5ms response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 300 nits of brightness. On other unexciting fronts the display does VGA and DVI -- no HDMI here, folks -- and includes four USB plugs for bringing some crapgadget to your otherwise mundane existence. Luckily, the price is right: $239, sure to drop rapidly as the inevitable 1909X/Y/Z make their way onto the scene.

[ Via: Electronista ]
[ Tag: 19-inch, 1909w, dell, lcd, ultrasharp, ultrasharp 1909w, Ultrasharp1909w ]