Monday, March 2, 2009

Plasma TV


I'm not sure I would call this a gadget but I felt it was worth a review.

Panasonic TH-50PZ850U

50" VIERA® 1080p plasma HDTV


Picture controls to suit both novice and expert
HDTV picture quality keeps improving, yet few models display their full potential without a professional calibration. The TH-50PZ850U delivers a gorgeously clean, natural-looking picture without requiring you to make a lot of adjustments. Simply choose the "Studio Reference" picture mode to see colors the way the director originally intended — the way they look on reference monitors in editing rooms. A separate "Pro" setting lets you further fine-tune picture controls like brightness, contrast, and tint.

Panasonic's most advanced plasma screen design
The TH-50PZ850U uses Panasonic's most advanced 1080p plasma panel technology. It can reproduce 5,120 shades of gray — 25% more than last year's models — for naturally seamless colors. Picture contrast is outstanding too, with notably deep black levels. This TV's 24p Cinematic Playback mode optimizes 1080p video from a Blu-ray player — it doubles the original playback frame rate to 48 frames per second, just like most theater projectors do. You'll feel even more like you're sitting in a theater.

Have more fun with videos and photos — without touching your PC
Panasonic included direct Internet access so you can connect the TH-50PZ850U to your broadband Internet connection and use Panasonic's easy VIERA CAST interface to view videos at YouTube™ and photos at Google's Picasa Web Albums™.

And "850-series" plasmas include advanced memory card playback. You can view high-res AVCHD™ video recorded with one of Panasonic's high-definition SD™ card camcorders, or display digital photos you save to SD with a digital camera. Simply insert the card into the TV's front-panel slot and sit back while the whole family enjoys beautifully lifelike home movies or the latest vacation pics in the comfort of your living room.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

New Flashlight


I got a new flashlight for Christmas and thought I would share it with you. This is the 2nd Fenix light I got as a gift and I love it. The guys over at www.brightguy.com carry the line and have the best prices around, check them out. This light is small but carries a big punch, I carry it in my front pocket and barely know it's there.

The Fenix LD01 Q5 LED flashlight is a perfect personal flashlight. Measuring just under 3" long the Fenix LD01 easily fits in your pocket and can be attached to your keychain. It's the flashlight you'll reach for time and again. With 3 brightness levels and up to 80 lumens in high, you can select the right amount of light for any task.

Operation of new Fenix LD01 with Cree Q5 LED:
Turn the head of the flashlight clockwise for on. A counter clockwise turn will then switch it off. To switch between brightness levels, turn the flashlight on then off. Within 1.5 seconds after being turned off, twist the head on again and it will be switched to the next brightness level. Sequence of output levels: Medium > Low > High.

Features of Fenix LD01 Q5 LED Flashlight:
• Cree® Q5 LED
• 3 brightness levels:
Medium - 27 lumens for 3.5 hours
Low - 10 lumens for 8.5 hours
High - 80 lumens for 1 hour
• Digitally regulated for more constant brightness over the life of the battery
• Powered by a single AAA battery, alkaline, Ni-MH or lithium; battery NOT included
• Made of aircraft grade aluminum with durable Type III hard anodized finish
• Toughened ultra clear glass lens with AR (anti-reflective) coating
• Slightly textured reflector gives a smooth, even beam
• Waterproof to IPX-8* Standard (not dive rated)
• Reliable twist switch for constant on/off
• Includes pocket clip, spare O-ring and split ring

*Submerged in 2 meters of water for 30 minutes