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Multiple consoles and gaming headsets: Ask the Editors

Hi Jeff,

I've read almost all your reviews about the gaming headsets that give you wireless surround sound, but there's a problem for us gamers who own more than one console. How do I hook up both my Xbox 360 and PS3 to one wireless gaming headset? Is it even possible?

Thanks, Paul, Chicago

Hi Paul,

Thanks for writing. Accomplishing this isn't impossible, but it's certainly an issue we think gaming headset manufacturers need to become more aware of. We've received dozens of similar questions with gamers anxious about having to finagle a way to get more than one source into a wireless gaming headset transmitter.

We'd love to see a device that allows for more than one digital input, though we are fans of Logitech's F540 system, which accepts up to three analog sources. However, if you're using something like the Turtle Beach X41s, Astro A40s, or Tritton AX 720s, you'll have to manually swap out the digital audio cables each time you want to switch consoles. Not only is this an arduous process, but if you're like me, most of these ports and wires are not conveniently accessible without some serious furniture moving.… Read more

Sony goes to the matte with cheapest 2011 3D LED

Sony's KDL-EX720 series represents the least-expensive model in the company's 2011 TV lineup with 3D and a 240Hz refresh rate--both bullet points that the less-expensive KDL-EX620 series lacks. It's also Sony's highest-end 2011 TV to use a matte-screen finish--not a bullet point, but something we really appreciate. The latter helps improve image quality in bright rooms, but overall the EX720's strongest suits have little to do with the picture. Those include miserly power use, extensive Internet content options, and a competitive price compared with other active 3D-compatible LED-based LCD TVs.

Read the full review of the Sony KDL-EX720 series. … Read more

Stylish analog clock

Desktop Clock-7 from Style-7 is a free analog desktop clock. It's a very simple program that displays only the system's time settings, not the time in world cities nor the temperature nor. It's just a good, old, round clock face with hour, minute, and second hands and a central date display that can show a custom text logo instead. Desktop Clock-7's chief advantage is its stylishness, with clean black-and-white graphics and highlights and shadows that give the clock face a realistic look.

Desktop Clock-7 opened in the lower right-hand corner of our desktop with a compact … Read more

Facevision releases budget Skype-certified HD Webcam

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LAS VEGAS--A year ago, Facevision introduced the first Skype-certified HD Webcam, the FV TouchCam N1, that was capable of streaming high-definition video over the Internet, turning video chat into a much better experience. It was one of a few HD Webcams at the time.

For this reason, the FV TouchCam N1 was rather expensive, costing around $120 when first released (it now has a street price of about $100).

Today, the company announced and demonstrated at CES 2011 a new version of the Webcam that offers the same capability but at a significantly lower cost, the TouchCam V1 720p HD … Read more

Get a 720p HD pocket camcorder for $39.99

I remember when camcorders were big-ticket items. Buying one was an investment, something you usually did when the first kid came along.

Now, they're $40. And they capture higher-resolution than those $600 tape-based behemoths of yesteryear. What, me bitter?

Today only, Woot has the Sylvania HD1Z 720p pocket camcorder for $39.99 (plus $5 for shipping). It's available in your choice of five snazzy colors, and it's new, not refurbished.

In fact, it's really new: Woot is actually launching the HD1Z today, so don't try checking the prices elsewhere or looking for reviews. You won'… Read more

HD Webcam shoot-out: 720p Webcams compared

Paired with free video chat programs like Google Chat or Skype, Webcams are the best way to stay in touch with friends and family from anywhere around the globe. There's a good chance the computer you have now already has a Webcam built in, but a 720p HD upgrade can't hurt, especially for less than $100.

We've rounded up four HD Webcams for your consideration, and though both Logitech and Microsoft offer wide-screen lenses and one-touch uploads to social networks like YouTube and Facebook, our favorite out of the group is the Logitech C510, a solid device … Read more

Get a 32-inch HDTV for $258

I'm ba-ack! Thanks for posting so many great deals while I was away last week. I may have to take vacations more often!

Today's deal is one of the best I've ever seen: Target has a Sylvania LC320SL1 32-inch LCD HDTV for $258.30. That's after applying coupon code TOEY738U, and not including sales tax in most states. (Here in Michigan, for example, my out-the-door total was $273.80.)

That's the lowest price I can recall on a 32-inch TV, particularly one that's not refurbished. Mostly you still see them selling in the $399 … Read more

Get an Insignia 720p camcorder for $24.99

Huh. This Cowboom place is really knocking out the deals these days. On Monday it had a dirt-cheap GPS, and today it's just about the cheapest HD camcorder I've ever seen.

Check it out: the refurbished Insignia NS-DCC5HB09 720p pocket camcorder for $24.99. Shipping adds $5. This deal is today only.

As I noted Monday, Insignia is Best Buy's house brand. In my experience, some Insignia products are solid, others just so-so.

The camcorder looks fairly solid, at least from a spec standpoint. It records 1,280-by-720 video on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included) and … Read more

Get a Creative Vado 720p camcorder for $59.99

The last time I wrote about the Creative Vado HD pocket camcorder, it sold out in what seemed like minutes. Let's try again, shall we?

Creative, by way of Amazon, is offering the Vado HD 8GB "B-Stock" pocket camcorder for $59.99. That's after applying coupon code BLVF5JPR at checkout, and not including around $6 for shipping.

Update: Sorry, folks. As I suspected, this sold out fast. Good deals always do.

In addition to the camcorder itself (which is the fire-engine red model), you get a carrying case and an AC adapter for easier on-the-go charging. (… Read more