Our initial impression:
"Sharp's LC-45GX6U easily will be the largest LCD flat panel on the planet when it's released later this summer. And unlike similarly sized plasmas, the set's 1,920x1,080 pixels will allow HDTV content to be displayed at its native resolution, with a progressive-scan image that's theoretically twice as good as the interlaced images on other displays."
Our hands-on verdict:
The flagship model of Sharp's Aquos LCD line remains elusive--we haven't gotten up close and personal with this one yet. But our experience with the
Aquos LC-32GD4U bodes well indeed. Despite a smaller screen (32 inches) and lower resolution (only half as many pixels), the 32GD4U remains CNET's top-rated LCD flat panel of 2004.
Our initial impression:
"DirecTV takes the digital video recorder to the next level with the TiVo-powered HD DVR. The 250GB drive holds 30 hours of high-def programming or 200 hours of standard TV."
Our hands-on verdict:
Adding high-def capabilities and multiple tuners to an already superb satellite digital video recorder was a no-brainer. We're not quite finished kicking the tires on the HD TiVo, but our initial impressions are positive. For 2005, we'd like to see DirecTV activate the
networking features found on standalone TiVos. An even larger hard drive--and a smaller price tag--wouldn't hurt, either.
Our initial impression:
"The DB390 employs a separate amplifier that receives the audio information broadcast from the main receiver, eliminating that run of cable across the living room. Sure, you have to plug in the rear amp, and sure, wires run from it to the speakers, but come on...it's a practical use for Bluetooth!"
Our hands-on verdict:
We were right to identify wireless speaker systems as a trend in home audio for 2004, but the lackluster HT-DB390 wasn't the best standard-bearer for the technology. The
Pioneer HTD-630DV and the
Sony DAV-FR10W do a better job of delivering credible surround sound while cutting down on cable clutter.
Our initial impression:
"Both serious videographers who need a compact camcorder for the road and general consumers who want the superior color rendition of a three-chip system will benefit from Panasonic's PV-GS200."
Our hands-on verdict:
We were right on the money with this one: the PV-GS200's color reproduction was top-notch, and it provided the sort of solid feature set and ample manual controls usually reserved for more expensive prosumer camcorders. If not for its subpar image stabilization, the GS200 would've been Editors' Choice material.
Our initial impression:
"The $400 SV-AV50 model is a 2-megapixel digital still and video camera. It is a portable digital audio player, which plays both MP3 and AAC files. It is a voice recorder. And you can even capture your favorite TV show with it for playback on the 2-inch foldout LCD."
Our hands-on verdict:
The D-snap rolls a digital camera, a video camera, an MP3 player, and a portable video player into one ultracompact device, but its middling performance and limited functionality in each area kept this jack-of-all-trades from replacing any of our dedicated devices. We'll put our money toward a similarly equipped smart phone, such as the
PalmOne Treo 650, instead.
Our initial impression:
"This tubular-shaped unit sits atop stereo equipment and connects to a PC via an Ethernet port; to enable wireless capabilities, you'll need to invest in an 802.11b card. Its remote control enables you to browse and select music by artist, title, album, or genre--no TV required."
Our hands-on verdict:
The Roku SoundBridge didn't just get by on its good looks. This digital audio receiver was one of the first streaming devices to support Windows Media Connect music server, so you can finally play secure WMA files purchased from the various Microsoft-friendly online music stores. Unfortunately, while it works seamlessly with Apple's iTunes software, it can't stream songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store. But at least Roku saw fit to throw in the Wi-Fi card at no extra charge.
Our initial impression:
"Why bother ripping DVDs when you can rent or purchase movies specially formatted for the Zen Portable Media Center? The device benefits from Microsoft's OS experience--the GUI is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to deal with audio, video, and photos on the go."
Our hands-on verdict:
With its intuitive onscreen interface, big and colorful screen, and good battery life, the Zen Portable Media Center is a solid--if bulky--multimedia portable for those who wish to take their Windows-friendly A/V files on the road. But for maximum flexibility and features, the
Archos AV420 is still the leader of the portable media player pack.
Our initial impression:
"The iPod Mini faces tough competition from the new Archos Gmini 220. This $349 device boasts a large 20GB hard drive, rivals the iPod Mini in size, and even features a CompactFlash slot to archive your digital images sans PC."
Our hands-on verdict:
The diminutive Gmini 220 bests the audio-only features of the ubiquitous iPod with some impressive built-in capabilities, including line-in recording, voice recording, and photo wallet and photo viewing functionality. But the clunky interface and Musicmatch-only file transfers had us longing for the elegant simplicity of Apple's category-leading combo of iPod and iTunes.
Our initial impression:
"The most compelling notebook at the show is the Sony VAIO X505, which tips the scales at a scant 1.7 pounds--the lightest notebook on the planet, Sony says. It's less than an inch thick; comes with a Pentium M 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, and a 10.4-inch screen; and is crafted with a carbon hybrid material."
Our hands-on verdict:
The X505 gives new meaning to the word ultralight. Yes, its battery life is lackluster, and its trim lines require an external optical drive, but those are acceptable compromises for a PC that's barely the size of a magazine. Indeed, if having the thinnest and lightest laptop PC in the world has always been your dream, the VAIO X505's $3,000 price tag should hardly be a stumbling block.
Toshiba 0.85-inch hard drive
Our initial impression:
"This year's CES saw quite a few 2GB and 4GB MP3 players that use Hitachi's new 1-inch drives. But later this year, Toshiba's even smaller 0.85-inch drives could steal Hitachi's thunder, providing the same capacities at an even smaller size."
Our hands-on verdict:
Toshiba didn't start producing this microscopic hard disk until just a few weeks ago. Not to be outdone, Samsung is cranking out identically sized drives as well. But we'll have to wait until CES 2005 to see actual products that incorporate these mighty mites. (Can you say "iPod Mini-er?")
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