Archive for the 'Technology' Category

Sony, the brainchild behind SACD has announced a new, improved variant of the conventional audio CD called Blu-spec CD.

Let’s get it out of the way since many people are probably thinking the same thing. Blu-spec CD is not a Blu-ray disc. Traditionally, an infra-red laser is used to author and master CDs. In contrast, Blu-spec uses blue lasers to master and author CDs. This is the same process used to master Blu-ray movies. However, unlike Blu-ray movies, you don’t need a dedicated Blu-spec player. Blu-spec CDs will play in any CD player.

The advantage to mastering audio CDs with blue lasers is that it causes less distortion in the optical read-out process, resulting in higher fidelity and an all around better sounding disc.

Sony will release about 60 Blu-spec CDs in Japan in December, before shifting focus to the United States and the rest of the world.

I can’t wait!

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a system that delivers voice communication over the Internet. An interesting concept for sure. Many people are switching over to VoIP networks, or at the very least are somewhat aware of it.

For those interested in a VoIP technology, a perfect candidate is the ooma Core VoIP System.

So what are the benefits of something like the ooma Core VoIP System, over the conventional landline?

• Unlimited US calling with no monthly fees
• Caller-ID, call-waiting, and voicemail at no extra charge
• Low-cost international rates starting at a penny per minute
• The ability to hear messages from any ooma device, phone, or computer
• A new number from any calling area in the US
• The option to keep your phone number for a one-time fee of $39.99

Considering how much the typical landline costs these days, the ooma Core is a smart choice for the tech-savvy, frugal consumer. Heck, you don’t have to be tech-savvy, just be frugal.

Here’s a cool product that people have been buzzing about. It’s the Castgrabber.

CastGrabber is a device that downloads podcasts automatically to an iPod or MP3 player without the use of a computer. It charges the iPod or MP3 player battery, and synchronizes with any PC media library on your home network. Simply plug the CastGrabber into any network and it automatically downloads podcasts of your choice into your iPod or MP3 player. It only takes a few minutes.

CastGrabber is also very easy to set up. If you can operate iTunes or a basic Internet browser, you already know everything you need to operate a CastGrabber.

You can select podcasts through iTunes software for iPods or via the Internet using your browser for all the other mp3 players on the market.

Sounds rad!

ATI Radeon just announced the HD 4600 Series Graphics Cards. The two cards announced are the HD 4650 and the HD 4670. These cards are meant to offer state of the art performance, at rock bottom prices. According to ATI, these cards are for the masses and are capable of delivering up to double the performance of the competition at the same price.

These cards use the leading technology found in the award winning HD 4800 series. The two cards in the HD 4800 series are the ATI Radeon HD 4850 and the ATI Radeon HD 4870.

HotHardware just gave the HD 4670 a glowing review. Check it out here.