The modding world is severely overran with me-too steampunk hack jobs, a fact that we find particularly disheartening. But every so often, we stumble upon a diamond in the rough such as this: a masterpiece of steampunk theater that truly exhibits dedication to the craft. Australia's own Mad Uncle Cliff set aside a copious amount of time over a number of weeks in order to construct this beauty, which includes a full-fledged PC, speakers and LCD (obviously). Check the read link for the build saga, and don't forget to pay your respects before leaving.
[ Via: Slashgear ]
[ Tag: display, diy, lcd, lcd monitor, LcdMonitor, mod, monitor, steampunk ]
Steampunk monitor mod is almost too pretty to use
USC develops flexible, transparent TFT prototype for high-tech temporary tattoos
USC researchers have demonstrated a low-temperature (and therefore relatively inexpensive, apparently) process for printing transparent TFTs on flexible material able to bend up to 120 degrees which allows for embedding LED to build see-through displays. The prototype disc shown above is 5 inches in diameter and contains around 20,000 nanotube transistors. The researchers suggest the technology could be used for e-paper, smart tags, and artificial skin, as well as an affordable heads-up display that could be put into car windshields. Our suggestion? Couple it with transparent playing cards for the ultimate poker-cheating experience.
[ Via: OLED-Display ]
[ Tag: invisible, tft, transparency, transparent, transparent tft, TransparentTft, usc ]
Castrade's CV-MP01 LCoS VGA projector fits in a wine glass
See there? It really fits in a wine glass, which means this diminutive PJ is well suited for any random underground movie marathons you've got rolling around in the back of your mind. The LCoS-driven beamer can only output in VGA (640 x 480) and packs just ten lumens of brightness, but with a shell this small, we're willing to forgive most of the obvious drawbacks. You'll find an obligatory AV input as well as built-in speakers, but there's no mention of a price just yet. In fact, call us when you've managed to get 1080p out of something this size -- then you'll have our full, undivided attention.
[ Via: FarEastGizmos ]
[ Tag: Castrade, CV-MP01, LCoS, led, led projector, LedProjector, projector ]
Nanovision Mimo UM-710 hands-on and impressions
The Mimo UM series USB monitors have been on our radar for a while now, so we were excited to get our hands on one and put it through the paces. The company sent us the base model UM-710, which sports the same 7-inch, 800 x 480 display as the rest of the line. Also available are the UM-730, which includes a webcam and a mic for, and the UM-740, a touchscreen variation of the 730. Read on for our brief impressions after spending a few days with the mini-display.
When we got the monitor out of the box (complete with the cheery words "Good Friend!" printed on its inner flap), the first thing we noticed was the monitor's plastic housing. Not that we were surprised, but this isn't a particularly robust piece of hardware. The monitor stand, however, has some heft to it -- although the monitor itself probably won't survive a fall off a high ledge, as long as it's screwed to its base and placed on a steady surface it's unlikely that anything beyond a direct hit is going to send it crashing to the floor.
As for the display itself, the picture was bright and crisp. When viewing an image with a black border, we did see quite a bit of light leaking out of the edges of the screen, but this wasn't at all noticeable with items that took up the whole 800 x 480 display. We did basically everything one can do with a computer monitor -- used it for a dedicated IM display as we went about the important business of blogging, used it as a digital picture frame for a couple hours, watched Serpico on it, even took Ableton Live and Propellerheads' Reason for a drive, utilizing the extra desktop (you can never have too much desktop) so we wouldn't have to keep toggling through the various open windows. The UM-710 was more than capable than fulfilling all of our needs.
We know what you're asking: "Why do I need a 7-inch monitor?" Well, a lot of you probably don't. And for a lot of you, it would be nice, but not worth shelling out $129.99. But for people who work with a number of apps on a daily basis and find desktop space to be at a premium -- especially those of us for whom two monitors is still not enough -- this guy is definitely worth a second look.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: mimo, mimo um, MimoUm, mini display, MiniDisplay, nanovision, tiny display, TinyDisplay, UM-710, usb ]
AOC takes wraps off of 22-inch LED-backlit V22 Verfino display
AOC has been slowly but surely delivering solid, cost-efficient HDTVs / displays in the run-up to CES 2009, and while the 2230Fm HD3 and 2230Fh that it'll be showcasing aren't entirely new, the V22 Verfino (pictured) definitely is. All three of the aforementioned units are part of the outfit's new Gamer Certified displays series, with the newest of the bunch packing a LED-backlit 22-inch panel (1,680 x 1,050), 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a 2-millisecond response time and an HDMI input to boot. There's no price set just yet on the early 2009-bound screen, but judging by AOC's history, we'd wager that it'll be priced attractively. Full release and specifications are after the break.
Gallery: AOC takes wraps off of 22-inch LED-backlit V22 Verfino display
AOC's New Displays Take Gaming to Another Level
The AOC Gamer Certified Series of displays offers the fastest response times and everything gamers need to get the most out of their gaming experience
Fremont, CA, 2008 – AOC has launched their Gamer Certified series of displays designed to offer the latest in graphic technologies geared toward today's high definition, fast moving games.
AOC's Gamer Certified displays allow gamers to view hd games the way designers intended. All AOC Gamer Certified displays offer high contrast ratios and industry leading 2ms response times with DCR (dynamic contrast ratio) control, HDMI inputs and gaming modes for adjusting them to meet gamer needs on any HD game, whether it be on a console or PC.
For Gamers who need the latest:
AOC's 2230Fh leads the way with a 22" display, 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 2ms response time wrapped in a sleek designer bezel. AOC's 2230Fh is the gaming monitor of choice by the Underground Gaming Series Tournament and received rave reviews for its performance, design and price point.
For Gamers who want more:
AOC's award winning 2230Fm HD3 display offers the same gaming experience as the 2230Fh, but adds a 4-in-1 memory card reader and built-in multi-media player for playing movies with NO PC REQUIRED. It has created a new category as a multi-functional display useful for business applications, gaming, movies, or showing off digital photos directly on an HD display.
The Next Step for extreme Gamers:
AOC is breaking into the WLED market with their V22 which will launch early in 2009. This ultra-thin display offers HDMI inputs, 100,000:1 contrast ratio and industry leading 2ms response time. This display is for gamers who demand the best in graphics and performance, but also prefer a display that offers the latest in thin display technology at an affordable price.
"AOC's Gamer Certified series of displays are all designed to offer the fastest response times for eliminating ghostly images and high contrast ratios truly show the detail of today's HD games," said Robert Velez, Marketing Manager for AOC. "With our experience as one of the world's largest display manufacturers AOC is able to take proven technologies and offer them for an affordable price. We believe that gamers should be able to play on displays that allow them to get the full experience when playing HD games as the game designers intended; crisp, clear and blur-free," added Velez.
Product Specification Highlights (for all AOC Gamer Certified HD Displays):
• Contrast ratio – 12,000:1 through 100,000:1
• HDMI inputs
• 2ms ultra-fast response time
• Dynamic contrast ratio control
• 22" dispalys
About AOC Gamer Certified Displays
AOC's Gamer Certified (GC Series) displays allow you to immerse yourself in games the way their designers intended. GC Series displays offer brilliant design and performance with industry leading 2 ms response times, dynamic contrast ratio control and gaming modes for the ultimate gaming experience. You won't miss a beat as every visual element comes alive with crisp graphic detail, high contrast ratios and no ghostly images slowing down the action.
AOC, Clearly How Games are Meant to be Played
About AOC
AOC is a leader of HD display technology for Monitors, TVs and Multi-functional Displays backed by over 40 years of design and manufacturing experience. AOC has earned a reputation for selling user-friendly, technologically advanced displays with every aspect of AOC's business focusing on the development of products that fit seamlessly into consumers' digital lifestyle.
AOC, Clearly HD
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: aoc, Gamer Certified Displays, GamerCertifiedDisplays, gc series, GcSeries, hdtv, lcd, lcd hdtv, LcdHdtv, led, led-backlit, monitor, v22, v22 Verfino, V22Verfino, Verfino, WLED ]
- Mvix quietly reveals media playing / recording MvixPVR
- Alioscopy's 40-inch 3DHD autostereoscopic LCD headed for CES: no glasses required
TRENDnet rolls out 7-inch digital photo frame / camera monitor
Well, it looks like the ol' softies and TRENDnet have finally found a way to liven up the family photo slideshow a bit: 'round the clock security camera footage! To make that possible, the company's new 7-inch TV-M7 photo frame connects to your home network and is able to detect any wireless TRENDnet security cameras also connected to the network, which can be displayed on their own or four at a time on the screen. Otherwise, the device looks to be a fairly standard photo frame, with it packing 512MB of built-in storage and a memory card slot for further expansion, along with a remote control, a built-in speaker, and all the usual media playback functionality. As you might expect, however, you won't get this one for the price of your usual 7-inch photo frame, with it running a somewhat hefty $262.99.
[ Via: Chip Chick ]
[ Tag: digital photo frame, DigitalPhotoFrame, photo frame, PhotoFrame, security, security camera, SecurityCamera, trendnet, tv-m7 ]
- Viewsonic introduces 24-inch, 1080p VT2430 LCD tv
- Epson trots out tiny ST120 HTPC, finds room for Blu-ray / tv tuner
- Pioneer shows off 16-layer 400GB Blu-ray Disc, affirms compatibility with current players
Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display review
Prior to October 14th of this year, Apple hadn't updated its Cinema display line in years. Literally. There's no doubt that this refresh is entirely overdue, and we still hold that Apple should've taken the opportunity to refresh its now-archaic 20 and 30-inch counterparts. All that aside, this writeup is about the new 24-incher, a LED-backlit beauty that doesn't mind being called glossy and is clearly partial to notebooks. The screen packs the same 1,920 x 1,200 resolution that was on the 23-incher it replaced, but ditches that DVI connector in favor of the newer, less widely adopted DisplayPort. So, is the newfangled screen worth $899? Read on to find out.
Design
Design wise, the new LED Cinema Display isn't a far cry from Apple's prior (er, still current, kind of) line. It's relatively sleek, completely fashionable and 100% Apple. It's simply silver and black, and it meshes well with the motif found on the outfit's latest laptop line. The "cheese grater" grille on the bottom of the screen -- which enables the "2.1" sound system to cut through -- is a nice touch, though you'll probably never look at it after giving it a peek upon the initial unboxing. We've never been a fan of the Cinema Display base, and we're no closer to falling in love now. The inability to adjust it north and south (it simply tilts down and back) is a real pain for us. Sure, you can remove the base entirely and mount it on a VESA-compatible arm, but seriously, who's doing that? In all honesty, the angle is just about right for most, but it's a niggle we can't help but point out.
'Round back, you'll find a large, mirrored Apple logo, a recessed port for the AC adapter and another port that's filled with a tri-prong cable (USB 2.0, MagSafe power and Mini DisplayPort). There's the obligatory Kensington security slot and a trio of usb 2.0 sockets too, but that's sadly where the connectivity options end. No HDMI input, no possibility for a breakout box, nothing. In other words, you can forget about hooking your Xbox 360 up to this thing when it's not handling your desktop activities. Needless to say, we were a bit bummed to see additional video inputs completely omitted, but strangely, not at all surprised.The recline on the base is nice and smooth, and it always held solid whenever we changed its position. Oh, and yeah, it's pretty striking to look at. Just make sure you have a good duster, as the glossy screen pulls dust out of places you never knew existed.
We generally wouldn't bother with mentioning a monitor's audio qualities specifically, but Apple has clearly given this screen something worthy of talking about. Audio is delivered automatically over USB 2.0 from one's laptop to the screen, and while we can only chuckle at the ".1" part of the "2.1" audio system, the quality is darn impressive. When hooking up your notebook, audio is instantly ported from the lappie's speakers to the monitor's speakers when the USB connector of the tri-prong cable is hooked up, and the clarity is superb. It gets plenty loud for desk use, and it does a noteworthy job of dispersing sound in a way that envelopes the user. In other words, it actually sounds like stereo, not just a puny tweeter doing its best to crank out full-range monaural sound.
Visuals
So, the $64,000 question -- does the thing even look good? In a word, yes. In a couple of words, absolutely yes. The LED backlight is responsible for delivering a striking, bright and incredibly crisp image that looks good while playing back fast-moving action or just displaying your mundane desktop. It's actually rather scary how bright this thing gets, so don't worry about being able to see it in broad daylight. Those familiar with the display on the new MacBook Pro are fully equipped to understand the LED Cinema Display, as the qualities between the two are practically identical. Whites are starkly white, blacks are decidedly deep and overall, it's just enjoyable to look at. Visually, we really don't have any complaints worth harping on.
Now, about that glossy coating. We mentioned that it's bright enough for use in an office surrounded by open windows, but sadly, you'll see every decoration in said office just as frequently (via reflections) as your see your applications. Particularly in bright light, the glossy coating doubles as a mirror, and while you can certainly look through and adjust your eyes to tone it out, it's a quality that's distinctive enough to make mention of. In fact, if you're not already comfortable with working on highly glossy displays, we wouldn't buy this one without a trip to the Apple Store to see it for yourself. Sure, the colors certainly "pop" more thanks to the glossy panel, but we still prefer matte when it comes down to it. Again, this is completely subjective -- you owe it to yourself to check it out and see if it's a bother.
On a related note, the viewing angles on this monitor were nothing short of terrific. We could see everything on the screen from practically every angle that you'd ever find yourself at, and we had no complaints from a small group that we rounded up to watch a 1080p movie trailer.
Usability
Apple makes no bones about the fact that this monitor was built with MacBook / MacBook Pro / MacBook Air owners in mind. It's a notebook owner's display, if you will. We didn't fully appreciate the convenience of an included MagSafe power adapter until we began moving from one floor to another. Not having to unplug and tote your AC adapter with you when moving to "desktop mode" is a really, really nice touch. You simply plug the monitor into the wall, connect the MagSafe / USB 2.0 / Mini DisplayPort adapter to your unibody MacBook (or Pro / Air), and you're ready to go. You can even connect it with the lid closed and operate in "lid closed" mode should you choose. Everything was extremely snappy in terms of connecting / disconnecting from the display; our MacBook Pro immediately adjusted to its new friend when the tri-prong cable was all hooked up, and it didn't lag up when things were suddenly unplugged on a whim.
Wrap-up
The 24-inch LED Cinema Display is a well thought-out product. It's the first display that isn't ashamed to be built for notebook owners, and the simple inclusions that make it unique are incredibly handy and entirely useful. A built-in power adapter (MagSafe) and integrated speakers that don't sound horrendous are two features we quickly learned to appreciate, and the visuals weren't too shabby, either. That said, we've got plenty of beef with this thing. The move to Mini DisplayPort is fine, but charging $29 for a Mini DisplayPort to DVI (or VGA, as a separate adapter) is kind of ludicrous. Leave it to Apple to equip its new display with a single output format; if you want to use any port that's been remotely popular in the past few years, you'll be coughing up some extra -- a lot extra if springing for the $99 Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter.
Also, why not provide a few auxiliary inputs here? This would be a killer multi-faceted display if it would openly accept HDMI, VGA, component or even S-Video from alternate sources. These days, folks are looking for utility in the devices they buy, and we're not so sure a one-trick-pony display is going to be all that compelling when there are literally dozens of similarly sized alternatives that welcome standalone game consoles, DVD players and cameras / camcorders. Don't get us wrong, this device is exceptional at being a computer monitor, and the price isn't at all absurd given its size and LED backlight, but we're still left yearning for a tiny bit more in the connectivity department.
Our bottom line? Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display is a winner, but it's a winner with reservations. If you're totally kosher with Mini DisplayPort, and you don't mind the omission of additional inputs, and you're confident the glossy panel won't turn you off, you'll be hard pressed to find a better LED-backlit screen at this size and at this price point -- particularly if you're a MacBook / MBP / MBA owner.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 24-inch, apple, Cinema Display, CinemaDisplay, features, hands-on, LCD, LCD monitor, LcdMonitor, LED, LED Cinema Display, LedCinemaDisplay, monitor, pics, pictures, review, reviewed ]
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