Friday, February 27, 2015
Bryston Introduces the Mini A Loudspeaker
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Posted by Jeff Roy at 5:08 PM 0 comments
Labels: News
Thursday, February 26, 2015
AudioControl Launches Architect Model 2660 Power Amplifier Driving 16 Channels in Industry Leading 2U Chassis
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Posted by Jeff Roy at 7:07 PM 0 comments
Labels: News
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
ASUS Announces the Fastest USB 3.1 solutions for Motherboards
ASUS Announces the Fastest USB 3.1 solutions for Motherboards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fremont, CA (February 23, 2015) - ASUS today announced the world’s fastest and first complete line-up of SuperSpeed+ USB 3.1 solutions, including a range of motherboards with built-in USB 3.1 and two ASUS USB 3.1 Cards. The latter are the new PCI Express® (PCIe®) expansion card with either dual Type-A sockets or reversible Type-C, that fits quickly and easily to bring breakneck speeds to existing PCs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joe Hsieh, ASUS Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Motherboard and Desktop System Business Unit, said: “As the world’s number-one motherboard brand, we lead by providing the very latest technology for ASUS customers to enjoy. We worked closely with ASMedia Technology Inc to maximize USB 3.1 performance on both ASUS motherboards and our USB 3.1 Card products, ensuring that ASUS customers enjoy the very fastest data transfers from the new standard — and before anyone else!” ASUS motherboards with dual 10Gbit/s USB 3.1 sockets and 2X-faster performance Twelve ASUS motherboards have dual Type-A USB 3.1 ports built in for instant 10Gbit/s connectivity. Products with two USB 3.1 sockets onboard are signified with a ‘/USB 3.1’ suffix and include X99-Pro/USB 3.1, X99-A/USB 3.1 (Transfer Express), X99-A/USB 3.1, X99-E WS/USB 3.1, Z97-Deluxe/USB 3.1, Z97-Pro (Wi-Fi ac)/USB 3.1, Z97-A/USB 3.1, Z97-E/USB 3.1, Z97-K/USB3.1, Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1/USB 3.1, B85M-G Plus/USB 3.1 and B85-Plus/USB 3.1. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Easy-fit ASUS USB 3.1 Card with dual Type-A ports or reversible Type-C The ASUS USB 3.1 Card is the world’s first USB 3.1 expansion card that fits swiftly into any PCIe x4, x8 or x16 slot to accelerate existing PCs to deliver lightning-speed transfers of up to 10Gbit/s. Available in two models, with either dual Type-A sockets or reversible Type-C, the new PCIe card is compatible immediately with all ASUS X99 and Z97 chipset-based motherboards and will be compatible soon with more ASUS motherboards via a simple BIOS and driver update. The USB 3.1 Type-A Card (Dual) is also included with two new motherboard bundles with a ‘/U3.1’ suffix — Rampage V Extreme/U3.1 and X99-Deluxe/U3.1 — preconfigured and ready to go. Both USB 3.1 PCIe cards are available to purchase individually. Exclusive ASUS USB 3.1 Boost for fastest-ever USB 3.1 data transfers All ASUS USB 3.1 solutions include the ASUS USB 3.1 Boost utility for the very fastest USB 3.1 data transfers. This ASUS-exclusive technology automatically pushes USB 3.1 performance even further, with sustained sequential read/write speeds of up to speeds of up to 854.6/863.9MB/s — figures achieved by ASUS engineers in our own labs. AVAILABILITY & PRICING ASUS USB 3.1-integreted motherboards, ASUS USB 3.1 Type-A (Dual) and ASUS USB 3.1 Type-C cards will be available at ASUS authorized resellers soon: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ASUS USB 3.1 motherboard line-up* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1. Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. *Availability may vary by region | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Full specifications are available at www.asus.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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About ASUS ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the world’s best-selling, most award-winning, motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets and smartphones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,256 awards in 2013 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC™. ASUS has more than 12,500 employees around the globe with a world-class R&D team of 3,800 engineers. Company revenue for 2012 was approximately US$14 billion. |
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Posted by Jeff Roy at 6:04 PM 0 comments
Labels: News
Saturday, February 21, 2015
OPPO Releases HA-2 Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC
- Ultra-slim Design - Stacking the HA-2 on top of some smartphone models is often still thinner than other portable headphone amplifier models alone.
- ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC - ES9018-K2M DAC chip delivers high-resolution performance with extremely low noise and distortion.
- High-Resolution Audio – The HA-2 supports PCM audio up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, DSD audio up to 12 MHz (DSD256 or DSD4x). No Camera Connection Kit required for high-resolution playback from iOS devices.
- Multiple Devices Support –The HA-2 supports multiple device types for digital-to-analog conversion via USB: iPod / iPhone / iPad, smartphones with USB OTG feature, PC and Mac computers.
- Rapid Charging – The HA-2’s internal battery can be quickly charged in about 30 minutes with the patented rapid charger.
- Mobile Power Bank - The HA-2 functions as an external battery pack to charge mobile devices.
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Posted by Jeff Roy at 9:01 AM 0 comments
Labels: News
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Alpine Electronics Now Shipping 9-Inch Restyle Dash Systems for Ram Trucks and Toyota Tundra
Vehicle specific systems now available for trucks from four major automakers
Torrance, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2015) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping two new X009 Restyle Dash Systems. The new models are the X009-RAM for select Ram trucks and the X009-TND for the Toyota Tundra, and both have been Alpine engineered for functional and cosmetic integration with the trucks.
The Alpine Restyle dash systems are based on the X009, a multi-function system with audio, video and navigation features and a distinctive 9-inch touch screen. Each system is paired with a vehicle specific dash kit that matches the color, finish and shape of the factory dash. The kits feature back-lit hard keys which replace the factory radio knobs and match the instrument cluster lighting. Each system consists of the X009, matching dash kit and all necessary accessories for plug-and-play installation including an Alpine/vehicle specific harness, antenna adapter (if necessary) and a two-way, data driven vehicle interface module.
“Alpine Restyle launched in 2014 and we are really gaining traction with the addition of models for Ram trucks and the Toyota Tundra,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “The X009 is a unique system that offers aftermarket features with factory look installation for the ultimate truck upgrade.”
The X009-RAM is compatible with select 2013-up Ram trucks (not compatible with models that have the factory 8.4-inch screen). The X009-TND is compatible with 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra trucks. The new models join the three currently available X009 systems: X009-FD1, for select Ford F-150 trucks with the base radio system; X009-GM, for lower dash radio styles on select 2007-2013 GM trucks and 2007-2014 GM SUVs; and X009-U, for custom installations. Coming this spring are models for 2007-2013 GM full size trucks with upper dash radio (X009-GM2), select 2013-2014 Ford F-150 trucks with MyFord® 4.2-inch screen (X009-FD2) and 2011-up Jeep Wrangler (X009-WRA).
In total, the Alpine Restyle truck and SUV dash systems will be compatible with over eight million vehicles available from the applicable makes, models and years.
Included iDatalink® Maestro Module
The X009-RAM and X009-TND retain many factory vehicle controls and features through the included iDatalink® Maestro module. Customized vehicle information (battery voltage display, check engine codes, etc.) can be viewed on the screen. Examples of factory features that can be retained include steering wheel controls and premium audio amplifier integration (retained features and customized vehicle information vary by vehicle model).
Robust Feature Set
The X009-RAM and X009-TND come with a robust set of features, including:
· Audio features: Audio sources include HD Radio™ technology, Pandora internet radio control from iPhone® and Android™ smartphones and “Made for iPod and iPhone” compatibility with USB access. The models are also SiriusXM-Ready™ when used with the SiriusXM SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, subscription required).
· Video and Navigation Features: The X009 Restyle dash systems have a full WVGA high-resolution screen and an HDMI input for connectivity to HDMI-enabled mobile devices (separate adapter required). The Dual Zone video control lets drivers use a source in the dash while the back seat passengers enjoy a separate video on the rear seat screen (optional screen sold separately). Alpine’s proprietary navigation interface includes pre-loaded maps of the United States, Canada and more than seven million Points of Interest (POIs). Main landmarks, buildings and terrain details for major cities are depicted in 3D and driving directions are delivered through text-to-speech announcements. The system comes with free lifetime HERE Traffic RDS service.
· Bluetooth® Wireless Technology: The X009 comes with Alpine’s advanced Bluetooth® wireless technology. Ease-of-use features include secure simple pairing (SSP); phone battery, cellular signal level and received message icons; and call waiting. The MediaXpander® technology provides improved sound quality for audio streaming.
· Alpine TuneIt® App for Sound Tuning: The X009 dash systems are compatible with the free Alpine TuneIt® App which provides customized sound tuning through an iPhone or Android smartphone. The app allows for vehicle specific adjustments to sound settings (like Time Correction, Parametric EQ and Crossover), or users can choose from the pre-made settings in the database. The app also notifies users of incoming activity on their Facebook wall through an on-screen pop-up notice. A separate version of the app with a text-to-speech (TTS) feature is available for $3.99, which allows users to have the message read back via text-to-speech.
· “My Favorites” Customizable Settings: The My Favorites feature lets two individual users customize quick-access screens with up to 80 shortcuts to their most used features. Shortcuts can be created from audio sources, navigation commands and phone settings.
· Drive Assist Compatibility: The X009-RAM and X009-TND are compatible with Alpine’s front and rear view camera systems and have a visual parking guide which overlays markers onto the rear view image when it’s projected on the in-dash screen.
Availability
The X009-RAM and X009-TND are available now, visit www.alpine-usa.com for a store locator. Other X009 models already available are the X009-GM (for select GM trucks and SUVs, SRI $3,000), X009-FD1 (for select Ford F-150, SRI $3,000) and the X009U (for custom installations, SRI $2,700). The X009-FD2, X009-GM2 and X009-WRA will be available this Spring.
X009-RAM
9-inch Restyle Dash System for select Ram trucks (2013-up; not compatible with factory 8.4-inch screen equipped models)
· 9-inch WVGA touch screen
· Audio, video and navigation feature set
· Superior quality hard keys that match the factory dash lighting
· Alpine TuneIt® App integration
· My Favorites feature offers up to 80 shortcut soft keys
· HD Radio™ receiver built-in
· SiriusXM-Ready™ (SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required)
· BT Plus Bluetooth® wireless technology with audio streaming
· Free lifetime HERE Traffic RDS
· HDMI input
· Dual Zone video control for separate front and rear video sources
· Retains select factory installed features with included iDatalink® Maestro Module:
· Steering wheel controls
· Premium audio amplifiers
· Rear view camera
· Vehicle Settings menu
· Visual parking assist with existing or aftermarket rearview camera display
· On-screen climate display
· On-screen vehicle information
· Tire pressure display
· Battery voltage display
· Door status
· Read/Reset check engine codes
· User customizable gauges
· SRI: $3,400
X009-TND
9-inch Restyle Dash System for Toyota Tundra trucks (2007-2013)
· 9-inch WVGA touch screen
· Audio, video and navigation feature set
· Superior quality hard keys that match the factory dash lighting
· Alpine TuneIt® App integration
· My Favorites feature offers up to 80 shortcut soft keys
· HD Radio™ receiver built-in
· SiriusXM-Ready™ (SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required)
· BT Plus Bluetooth® wireless technology with audio streaming
· Free lifetime HERE Traffic RDS
· HDMI input
· Dual Zone video control for separate front and rear video sources
· Retains select factory installed features with included iDatalink® Maestro Module:
· Factory SiriusXM tuner integration
· Steering wheel controls
· Media player
· Premium audio amplifier integration
· On-screen vehicle information
· Battery voltage display
· Door status
· Read/Reset check engine codes
· User customizable gauges
· SRI: $3,300
Notice: Product information is based upon current information at the time of press, but cannot be guaranteed. All designs, features, specifications and delivery dates are subject to change without notice.
TuneIt and MediaXpander are registered trademarks of Alpine Electronics, Inc. PANDORA, the PANDORA logo, and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc., used with permission. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. “HD Radio” is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation. iPod®, iPhone®, and Made for iPod® and iPhone® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Alpine Electronics, Inc. is under license. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. iDatalink is a trademark of Automotive Data Solutions, Inc. Chevrolet and GMC are registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. Ford, F-150 and MyFord® are registered trademarks of Ford Motors Corporation. Ram and Jeep are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. Toyota and Tundra are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation. HERE is a registered trademark of HERE Global B.V. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that provides consumers and leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies.
Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing safe, comfortable and eco-friendly automotive electronics products.
For more information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com. Reach us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlpineElectronics and Twitter: http://twitter.com/alpineusa
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Posted by Jeff Roy at 5:58 PM 0 comments
Labels: News
Sunday, February 8, 2015
GunVault NanoVault Nano 100 Storage Safe Review
Theft happens. It can be either a GPS stolen out of your car that was mounted on your dash, an ipod that you had sitting on your car seat. It could also be by the hands of some teenagers that broke into your house looking for items of value for a quick grab and run. You never know when something like this can happen. And a little bit of protection can go a long way. Enter the NanoVault Nano 100 by GunVault.
Features and specs:
NV100 SPECIFICATIONS
NV 100 | NV 300 | NV 200 | |
---|---|---|---|
Gauge | 20 | 18 | 18 |
Exterior Product Dimensions HxWxD (inc. keypad and lock) | 1½" x 6" x 8¼" | 1¾" x 6½" x 9½" | 1½" x 6½" x 9½" |
Interior Product Dimensions | 1½" x 5¾" x 8" | 1½" x 6¼" x 9¼" | 1½" x 6¼" x 9¼" |
Weight Of Item | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Hold # of Unique Fingerprints | N/A | N/A | N/A |
# of User-Selectable Access Codes | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Mountable? | |||
Protective Foam Liner? | |||
Spring Loaded Door? | |||
Audio Low Battery Warning? | |||
LED Low Battery Warning? | |||
Interior Courtesy Light? | |||
Motion Detector With Audio Alarm? | |||
Tamper Indicator? | |||
Computer Block Access After Repeated Invalid Entries? | |||
Security Cable Included? | |||
Backup Override Key? | |||
1,500 Lb Security Cable Usable? | |||
External AC Power Supply? | |||
Battery Type & Quantity | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Batteries Included? | |||
California DOJ Approved? |
NV100 REVIEW
- Easy to operate Key Lock System
- 20 Gauge steel construction
- 1.25" thick memory foam interior
- Compact size allows storage virtually anywhere
- Includes a 1,500 lb tested security cable
The Nano 100 is part of the Nano Series of products, and is the entry level of that series, with an MSRP of only $36.99. The build quality is good as is the quality of materials used. It is mostly made of 20 gauge steel with a black finish. Fit and finish was also very good. There is not a lot to it other than the steel used, and the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism was also well made for the price. Overall fit and finish was very good. And this is just their entry level product.
Using the Nano 100 was very easy. And it is quite versatile. It can be used in the home, and bolted down with the included security cable. It can also be used in your car and bolted down there as well. I will admit that the included security cable is not very thick. A large wire cutter would take care of it in short order. But it's not designed for protection against a professional thief. It does have a tight fit when it is locked, to guard against being pried open. And as you can see it is big enough to hold a ipod, external hard drive or gps, and a little more. Or a handgun and couple other small items.
All in all I would say the Nano 100 is a great product, especially for the price. It doesn't do a whole lot, but it doesn't claim too either. It gives a level of protection that can be very helpful in a small and portable package. And for many, that is all that is needed. Whether you are looking for something small and basic like the Nano 100, something fancier with Biometrics, or larger, GunVault has something for you. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.gunvault.com
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Posted by Jeff Roy at 2:48 PM 0 comments
Labels: Accessories, Gadgets