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The 404 741: Where there seems to be a bear on my head (podcast)

Fan-favorite guest Stoopid Andy returns to The 404 for a very special appearance. Contrary to his nickname, Stoopid Andy isn't nearly as dumb as you might think. In fact, we spend most of the episode in awe of his recent hacking of a DLP TV to display 3D content. Pretty impressive, huh? Not that we recommend attempting such a thing, but Andy points us to this thread at AVS Forum for guidance.

Of course this conversation leads us into a heated debate over 3D in general, examining the merits of whether it's a legitimate and practical form of entertainment. We're curious to hear what you think. Let us know by leaving a voice mail (866-404-CNET) or e-mail the404 [at] cnet [dot] com.

Tasteful pornographers everywhere rejoiced when news of a Playboy app for the iPad was announced, but to their disappointment, word has hit that it won't include any of the artsy photographs the publication is known for.

Finally, we'll talk about the technology behind smoking--namely the e-cigarette--an invention Stoopid Andy claims was his idea back in 1998.

Episode 741 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio | Subscribe in RSS video… Read more

CES: Texas Instruments trots out tiny new DLP Pico HD chip

LAS VEGAS--The early class of "pocket" pico projectors hasn't taken off as quickly as some people expected, largely because the image quality hasn't been good. Texas Instruments hopes to kick-start the category with a new DLP Pico HD chipset that will make its way into products shipping later this year.

The company says the new chip delivers "stunning" HD (WXGA) video and images on "nearly any surface, with more brightness and greater energy efficiency than ever before," and that it will usher in "a new era for portable high-definition entertainment." … Read more

TI reveals new, teensy projector chip

BERLIN--Gadgets such as cameras, portable game consoles, and mobile phones that have tiny digital projectors are still a relative rarity, but Texas Instruments hopes a new chip will help change that.

The company unveiled a new DLP Pico chip for such devices here at the IFA electronics show, a model called the nHD that's about the size of a raisin. It can be used to project images with a resolution of 640x360 pixels, TI said.

The new model features a better contrast ratio of 1000:1 for darker blacks, a richer color gamut, and lower power consumption, according to … Read more

Cheap big-screen 3D: Acer's new Nvidia Vision 3D-compatible projectors

Later this year, TV manufacturers will begin releasing their new 3D TVs. No, the 3D price premium won't be outrageous, but you're still going to have to pay a lot of money for a very large TV (65 inches), which is probably what you want if you're looking for a truly immersive 3D experience.

The other alternative is to go for a 3D-ready projector that can cast a very large image on your wall. Acer's touting just this concept with a pair of new affordable DLP projectors equipped with Nvidia 3D Vision technology: the H5360 ($699) and X1261 ($579).

Both models offer "advanced" lamp technology with illumination of up to 2500 ANSI lumens and a 3200:1 contrast ratio. The H5360 offers native 16:9 720p video (1,280x720) while the step-down X1261 delivers XGA resolution in a 4:3 format.

The specs:… Read more

Joe Kane projector by Samsung reviewed, lauded

Samsung, with the help of video guru Joe Kane, again delivers outstanding performance in the high-end front-projection DLP category with the flagship SP-A900B. This 1080p resolution, one-chip DLP projector sports the latest Dark Chip 4 chip from Texas Instruments, but otherwise appears virtually the same as the SP-A800B that CNET projector reviewer Kevin Miller loved last last year.

The new chip results in superior black levels, which also increase the contrast ratio of the projector substantially. The 900B retains the same superb color found on its less expensive brother, along with its other stellar image quality characteristics, and as a … Read more

Mitsibishi rear-projector goes big for less

If the heyday of the gigantic-screen rear-projection HDTV is over, somebody needs to tell Mitsubishi. The company is the sole remaining proprietor pushing out 60-inch-plus TVs too thick to hang on the wall and too inexpensive to merit a cameo on MTV's "Cribs." Its 2009 lineup features two series of what it calls home theater TVs--to differentiate from its flat-panels--and the WD-737 is the cheapest.

The main reason for buying this TV is to get as much screen for as little money as possible, and the WD-737 series fulfills that role admirably. It can't match the … Read more

Digital cinema is looking 'Up'

I went to an opening-day screening of the new Disney/Pixar film "Up," on Friday. I had a great time and not just because of the movie. There was an interesting technology story, too.

The Camera 7 theater in the Silicon Valley city of Campbell recently installed four new digital cinema projectors. They're the best on the market today: Sony's SRXR220, which lists for about $200,000 with the usual required accessories.

Sony also has a slightly less expensive model, the SRXR210, for smaller screens. What puts these projectors ahead of the competition is their native … Read more

Mitsubishi keeps DLP alive with 2009 models

Rear-projection HDTVs have been waning in popularity with the waxing of flat-panel plasmas and LCDs, but Mitsubishi's new lineup of DLP models proves that the technology will be available in stores for at least another year.

In 2008, Samsung and Mitsubishi were the only two companies selling rear-projection behemoths and, due to lack of demand, we only reviewed one model from each company: the Samsung HL61A750 and the Mitsubishi WD-65735.

The LED-powered Samsung was clearly better, but that company has not announced any new DLP models for 2009, although it will continue to sell its 2008 models. I asked Samsung's reps last week about the company's DLP plans but they refused to provide any information, and I have a hunch they won't announce any new models this year, or ever.

That leaves the market for gigantic-screen HDTVs wide open for Mitsubishi. DLP-based models are generally less expensive and more efficient than LCDs or plasmas of a similar screen size, and despite sagging sales, rear-projection may still have legs, especially in a down economy. Mitsubishi's betting it does, and the price is right. It's least expensive 2009 model, the 60-inch WD-60737, lists at $1,500--the same as the 61-inch Samsung commands at Best Buy today and a lot less than any plasma or LCD in that size range.

Mitsubishi announced two new series of big screens, starting at 60 inches and going up to a new size peak: a colossal 82 inches.… Read more