Eclectic Electronics

VideoLAN VLC media player v1.0.0 now available for download
Sony introduces VAIO W series netbooks
Yamaha RX-V1065, successor to the RX-V863?

VideoLAN VLC media player v1.0.0 now available for download

Posted: 07 Jul 2009 03:00 PM PDT

VideoLAN’s highly popular all-purpose media player has finally reached version 1.0.0 after a few years. The program can play pretty much anything you throw at it, including 720p and 1080p Matroska (MKV) video files.

This major release fixes numerous bugs that have been plaguing 0.9.x and 0.8.x versions.

You can download VLC media player v1.0.0 via this link (18MB).

About VLC media player

VLC media player is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg, MKV, etc.) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

It can also be used as a server to stream in unicast or multicast in IPv4 or IPv6 on a high-bandwidth network.

It doesn’t need any external codec or program to work.

See also:

Sony introduces VAIO W series netbooks

Posted: 07 Jul 2009 01:30 PM PDT

Sony, today, has introduced a new netbook series which is undoubtedly more affordable than their ultra-portable, the VAIO P.

Sony’s VAIO W series sport a 10.1-inch LED backlit screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768 (other same sized netbooks usually feature a 1024 x 600). Other standard issue hardware includes a 1.66Ghz processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB of hard disk space, built-in WiFi, webcam, microphone and Bluetooth.

Sony’s latest VAIO W series netbook is preloaded with Windows XP Home Edition. Battery life is rated for up to 2 hours use. Take note of the words, up to. That’s pretty disappointing for portable device.

Prices start at $499.99. Colors available are: white, brown and pink. The Sony VAIO W series will be available starting August 2009.

SONY DEBUTS HOT NEW MINI NOTEBOOK IN COOL NEW COLORS

VAIO W Series Ideal for Casual Computing and Staying Connected

SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2009 – Sony today took the wraps off its chic new line of mini notebooks— the VAIO® W Series.

Featuring an ultra-portable design, the W Series is perfect for using as a secondary PC, in any room of the house, for surfing the web, checking e-mail, and social networking.

The W model comes in three vibrant colors— berry pink, sugar white and cocoa brown. A more subtle shade of the exterior hue finishes the inside of the PC while the touchpad is lined with a splash of brightness.

"The W Series lets you quickly look something up online whether searching for a recipe in the kitchen or relaxing on your recliner— there's no need to trudge upstairs to your office," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. "And it's sturdy enough for the kids to use, making it perfect for every member of the family."

The W Series incorporates a high-resolution, 1366 x 768, LED backlit 10.1-inch (measured diagonally) ultra-wide display, making it easy to view two full web pages— no side-to-side scrolling necessary.

The model features an isolated keyboard with springy and responsive keys making it comfortable and easy to use. Its carefully designed touchpad and mouse keys make the PC functional and mouse movements easy to control.

The W Series unit is ENERGY STAR® 5.0 compliant, EPEAT Gold registered and incorporates eco-conscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD. Its corrugated cardboard packaging is comprised of 95 percent recycled content. Sony will also help recycle your old PC (www.sony.com/green; recycling fees may apply).

The model comes with VAIO Media plus Multimedia Streaming software, a media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content across DLNA®-enabled devices throughout your home network. Stream video, music and pictures from your W Series to your compatible primary PC or PLAYSTATION®3 and vice-versa and enjoy your content anywhere in the home including on your big-screen TV.

Easily transfer data, such as photos from your digital camera or music from an MP3 player, to and from the PC with the unit's two convenient USB ports. Incorporated Bluetooth® technology enables peripherals such as a wireless mouse to be utilized without tying up the unit's ports.

A built-in webcam and microphone let you video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party internet service provider is required.

A roomy 160GB hard drive has been included providing ample storage for all your photos, files and videos. It comes pre-installed with Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition operating system.

The VAIO W Series mini notebook will retail for about $500. It is available for pre-orders today online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/w. It will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and at other major retailers around the country starting next month.

[via Sony Electronics: News and Information]

See also:

Yamaha RX-V1065, successor to the RX-V863?

Posted: 07 Jul 2009 11:00 AM PDT

The Yamaha RX-V1065 is another welcome addition to the company’s 2009 line-up of A/V receivers.

It looks to be the successor of the RX-V863 which includes a variety of features such as HD radio, phono input and USB connectivity on the front panel. It also features 4 HDMI inputs along with a power rating of 105w x 7. Other highlights of this receiver include a newly-developed, easy-to-use on-screen GUI, 1080p video upscaling and full support for HD audio codecs, as well as support for XM and Sirius Satellite Radio, iPods and Bluetooth devices.

The model's new GUI on-screen display with eye-catching graphics, including component icons and album art, offers users a seamless means to access the content they want to experience.

The RX-V1065 is also compatible with HD Radio, which provides listeners with crystal-clear, CD-quality sound via existing AM/FM radio bands. Users can take advantage of program-associated text data and the ability to tune into multiple programs from the nearly 2,000 radio stations broadcasting HD Radio content.

Better think hard and clear if you’re choosing between this and the RX-765 because there’s a $350 difference! For features comparison between the RX-V765, RX-V863 and RX-V1065, click here.

The Yamaha RX-1065 7.2 channel home theater receiver has a MSRP of $999.95 and is available now, through various retailers. Amazon already has it for $899.95.

[via Yamaha]