sonic

ViewSonic ViewPad 4, hands-on

LAS VEGAS--More products seem intent on blurring the line between smartphones and tablets. The 5-inch screen on the Dell Streak, for example, really threw us into a philosophical tailspin. It was awkwardly large to make calls with, but too small for tablet-style Web browsing and productivity.

In spite of ViewSonic's insistence on calling the ViewPad 4 a tablet, I have no qualms telling you that it's really a smartphone. As the name implies, the ViewPad 4 uses a 4.1-inch screen, putting it behind the 4.3-inch screen used on the Motorola Droid Bionic and other unabashed smartphones. … Read more

CES: ViewSonic introduces large screen LED monitors

LAS VEGAS--When ViewSonic announced last year that it was moving to LED-backlit displays only, it certainly wasn't kidding. It's already announced the VA48m-LED series, so why not throw in one more today?

On Thursday, ViewSonic announced the VX53mh-LED line, available in 21.5-, 23.6-, and 27-inch sizes. Each includes a 1920x1080-pixel resolution, with two HDMI inputs and a single VGA input.

Other specs include a 2ms response time, 30,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio (don't bet on that), and built-in SRS sound.

The VX53mh-LED line with ship with estimated prices of $189 (VX2253mh-LED), $239 (VX2453mh-LED), … Read more

CES: ViewSonic debuts new LED monitor series

LAS VEGAS--This week, I expect every new monitor announcement to include the word "LED" or "WLED" variant in it. This one is no different.

On Thursday ViewSonic debuted the VA48m-LED monitor series. The monitor comes in 19-, 21.5-, and 23.6-inch sizes, each featuring a WLED backlight and integrated speakers.

Key specs:

1920x1080 resolution (1440x900 for the 19-inch) 10,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio (not happening during real-world use) DVI and VGA inputs 5ms response time VESA mountable

The VA48m-LED series will ship in February for the estimated price of $149 (VA1948m-LED), $169 (VA2248m-LED) … Read more

Sears, Kmart launching movie download service

Add another movie-downloading service to mix.

Sears Holdings has inked a deal with Sonic Solutions to offer a Web-based movie download service to both Sears and Kmart customers. According to Sonic, consumers will be able to access movies from the service on the same day they are made available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Dubbed Alphaline Entertainment, today's launch is just part one of a series of moves on the part of the companies to make the service available in several different places. Going forward, Sonic will be bringing the offering to "a broad range of connected devices," … Read more

Rovi to buy Sonic for $720 million

Rovi has agreed to acquire Sonic Solutions for $720 million in a bid to beef up its digital entertainment offerings.

With the help of Sonic's content offerings, including the DivX and Roxio products, Rovi plans to broaden its range of products and services for "content owners, device makers, retailers, and operators" in the digital entertainment market.

Specifically, the company said yesterday that it plans to combine its TotalGuide content discovery service and RoxioNow, Sonic's digital-media delivery platform, which boasts over 10,000 movies and television shows, thanks to content partnerships with Universal, Disney, 20th Century Fox, … Read more

ViewSonic ViewPad 7 review

The ViewSonic ViewPad 7 delivers Android 2.2 on a swift 7-inch capacitive display. But it's not all it's cracked up to be. CNET's Donald Bell offers his full review.

One of the more intriguing underdogs of the tablet wars is ViewSonic--a company known more for computer monitors than portable computers.

But don't let the name put you off. The ViewPad 7, ViewSonic's $450 Android 2.2 premium tablet, is a legitimate contender among 7-inch tablets. Stocked with front and rear cameras and the full suite of Google mobile services (including Market), the ViewPad is … Read more

DivX TV adds new content for LG devices

The DivX TV entertainment-streaming service today added several new content providers--the most notable being Funny or Die.

The service also added Howcast's DIY videos, New York Financial Press' stock exchange updates, and Video Detective's movie trailers, said Sonic Solutions, which owns DivX TV and Roxio.

These content providers join CNET, the Associated Press, and others already available on the platform.

DivX TV, which launched in October, is currently available on a selection of LG Blu-ray players and home theater systems. The service allows people to access "more than 10,000" videos from across the Web, according … Read more

ViewSonic announces Android ViewPads

If you're still not satisfied with the selection of Android tablet options on the market (well, aren't we picky?) the fine folks at ViewSonic are throwing two more options into the ring.

The first is a 7-inch Android 2.2 tablet with the fitting name of ViewPad 7. Due out in late November, priced at $479, the ViewPad 7 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 512Mb of integrated memory and a microSD slot for your own supply. The device pulls the Internet down over Wi-Fi (b/g), but includes 3G capabilities if you want to supply your … Read more

Retro reinvented: Sonic 4 on the iPhone

I grew up with my Sega Genesis, and Sonic was my Mario. I played all the games in high school, and the 2D games still represent the real Sonic to me. Those 3D versions? Not so much.

Sega's newest initiative, Sonic 4, has boldly named itself as the true successor to those old 16-bit gems. Available as a downloadable game for the Xbox 360 and PS3 (check out preGame's coverage here), it has also come to the iPhone, available today on the App Store for $9.99.

Thankfully, Sonic 4 plays pretty wonderfully from the starting gun; right … Read more