Tapas
01-10-2005, 07:56 PM
I returned last night from the CES2005 show in Las Vegas. My head is still spinning from all the information I gathered during the past four days. Every year this show keeps getting bigger and better.
Let me mention the highlights.
1. PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
The Pocket PCs have won. They have eclipsed the Palm OS both in features and number of users. I checked with all the manufacturers of Pocket PCs, and the best one to get is the Dell Axim X50v.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1756.JPG
It comes with a PXA270 624MHz processor, 640 x 480 resolution 3.7” TFT screen, has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth plus a Compact Flash slot and an SDIO slot. Dell was having a show special for $399. It was a steal of a deal. I purchased this after comparing all the Pocket PCs in the Microsoft Booth.
The closest competitor is the HP HX4705.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1759.JPG
This model lists for $649. It is more expensive and bulkier than the X50v.
If you want a PDA with a camera, phone, and a slide out keyboard, your best option is to get the i-mate PDA2K Pocket PC
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2419.JPG
2. PMD (Portable Media Device)
The craze this year was the Portable Media Device – a gadget that you can carry in your pocket to view downloaded movies, music and photos. The best one with the sleekest design on the market is the Samsung Yepp YH-999 model.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2428.JPG
Microsoft was showing off all the new features in Windows Media Player 10.
3. DLP Technology from Texas Instruments.
This year, TI proved the industry without a shadow of doubt that DLP is the clear winner in display technology. They showcased a 70 inch flat panel DLP monitor with 1080P (progressive scan) resolution. The sharpness, color accuracy, grayscale, contrast ratio was beyond par. In short, this was the perfect picture of the show.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1897.JPG
Most viewers are stunned when they first view a DLP set at 720p or 1080i. This 1080p chip takes DLP technology to a new level or realism. If you are in the market for a big screen HDTV, look for a DLP set that supports this 1080p chip. If you can overlook the bulk and weight of a rear projection CRT set, then your best option is the Mitsubishi Diamond 65813 HDTV.
If you want to install a front projector, there are several high-end DLP projectors offered by Runco. You can use any of the Faroudja scalers to get a film like image. However, we are talking mega bucks. On the other hand, the DWIN Transvision 4 will get you a spectacular 720P DLP image for just $6495 list. In my opinion, this is the best bang for the buck front projector. It will be available in a few months. Take a look at this screen image I took from the Transvision 4. You can easily judge the sharpness of the text.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2173.JPG
4. Plasma and LCD TVs
Samsung and LG displayed some of their largest and brightest Plasma and LCD monitors. Take a look at this 102 inch Samsung monster!
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1825.JPG
This one is the world’s best 80 inch plasma:
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1835.JPG
How about the sharpness on this 57 inch LCD monitor by Samsung?
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1833.JPG
5. Multiple monitor systems
It is becoming more and more common to use multiple monitors with computers. Here is a 3 monitor setup by Viewsonic
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2206.JPG
Here is a 6 monitor setup
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2201.JPG
6. Universal DVD-Audio/SACD players
Several manufacturers were offering truly universal format players for all types of CD/DVD discs. Here is Yamaha’s new DVD-S2500 universal player
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1774.JPG
7. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) support
All audio/video components will eventually adopt this standard. A single HDMI cable handles all the high-bandwidth video, including 1080p and multi-channel high resolution 24bit/96KHz audio transfer with copy protection. It greatly simplifies hookup of AV gear. Compare the tangle of cables with a conventional system shown here:
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2398.JPG
Now, this is the HDMI version. Simplicity and elegance at its best!
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2395.JPG
Even though Yamaha’s flagship receiver, the RX-Z9 does not support HDMI yet, it will next year. The RX-Z9 is the best bang for the buck surround sound receiver.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1772.JPG
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1773.JPG
If you want to get better sound than the RX-Z9, you would have to move up to the Lexicon or Meridian processors. They cost 2 to 5 times more.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1990.JPG
Yamaha showed their DPX-1200 front projector
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1764.JPG
8. mLAN products by Yamaha
Just like HDMI is destined to simplify the world of home audio, mLAN is making waves in the pro-audio world. A single high-speed IEEE 1394 FireWire cable blessed with Yamaha’s mLAN protocol can transfer multi-channel high resolution audio and MIDI – in both directions. Take a look at this Yamaha O1X connected to the Yamaha Motif-ES6 synth via a single mLAN cable.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1931.JPG
The O1X is the single solution to your computer laptop studio. It is a control surface, Audio/MIDI interface, digital mixer and effects processor in one handy unit. A second mLAN cable connects the 01X to a laptop running Cubase SX
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1934.JPG
If you were to set up a home studio today, the 01X will be a perfect buy. You can read all about this on www.01xray.com
9. High Quality Samples
Sampled instruments are popping up everywhere. The Garritan String Library is one of the finest in the world. I met with Gary Garritan, the owner. He made me an incredible deal on the Garritan Personal Orchestra Collection. I can hardly wait to try them out.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1967.JPG
The Yamaha CVP 300 series has an incredible set of built-in samples of natural instruments. The quality of the natural voices surpasses those found in professional synths. I wish Yamaha would include an mLAN port to make it easier to integrate this device into a studio environment. Inclusion of an HDMI connector would make it simpler to hook this up to a high-end home theater.
I swung by twice around the Yamaha Booth. I missed CountJS. I met with Tom Folenta, founder of MIDItianment.com
Here is Tom and his band performing on stage:
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1784.JPG
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1786.JPG
The Yamaha Booth was pretty impressive
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1762.JPG
10. Format wars between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVDs
Toshiba showed their HD-DVD recorders
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2484.JPG
Sony touted their Blu-Ray machines. They are calling their format BD-DVDs
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2307.JPG
I guess both will benefit it they agree to converge into a single format. The BD-DVDs promise to hold as much as 100GB per disc, far exceeding the capacity of HD-DVDs.
I did not have time to check out the high-end audio exhibits at Alexis Park this year. This show needs to be expanded to 5 days. The show will grow even bigger next year and spill over to the Sands Expo center. There is just too much to see. I took over 1000 photos. Got myself a 4 year subscription to PC Magazine for an unbelievable show special of $40. If you come to the CES next year, you will enjoy surprises like these and a lot more.
This is one show that every consumer must attend. It is well worth it. Best of all – it is 100% free!
Tapas
Let me mention the highlights.
1. PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
The Pocket PCs have won. They have eclipsed the Palm OS both in features and number of users. I checked with all the manufacturers of Pocket PCs, and the best one to get is the Dell Axim X50v.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1756.JPG
It comes with a PXA270 624MHz processor, 640 x 480 resolution 3.7” TFT screen, has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth plus a Compact Flash slot and an SDIO slot. Dell was having a show special for $399. It was a steal of a deal. I purchased this after comparing all the Pocket PCs in the Microsoft Booth.
The closest competitor is the HP HX4705.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1759.JPG
This model lists for $649. It is more expensive and bulkier than the X50v.
If you want a PDA with a camera, phone, and a slide out keyboard, your best option is to get the i-mate PDA2K Pocket PC
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2419.JPG
2. PMD (Portable Media Device)
The craze this year was the Portable Media Device – a gadget that you can carry in your pocket to view downloaded movies, music and photos. The best one with the sleekest design on the market is the Samsung Yepp YH-999 model.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2428.JPG
Microsoft was showing off all the new features in Windows Media Player 10.
3. DLP Technology from Texas Instruments.
This year, TI proved the industry without a shadow of doubt that DLP is the clear winner in display technology. They showcased a 70 inch flat panel DLP monitor with 1080P (progressive scan) resolution. The sharpness, color accuracy, grayscale, contrast ratio was beyond par. In short, this was the perfect picture of the show.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1897.JPG
Most viewers are stunned when they first view a DLP set at 720p or 1080i. This 1080p chip takes DLP technology to a new level or realism. If you are in the market for a big screen HDTV, look for a DLP set that supports this 1080p chip. If you can overlook the bulk and weight of a rear projection CRT set, then your best option is the Mitsubishi Diamond 65813 HDTV.
If you want to install a front projector, there are several high-end DLP projectors offered by Runco. You can use any of the Faroudja scalers to get a film like image. However, we are talking mega bucks. On the other hand, the DWIN Transvision 4 will get you a spectacular 720P DLP image for just $6495 list. In my opinion, this is the best bang for the buck front projector. It will be available in a few months. Take a look at this screen image I took from the Transvision 4. You can easily judge the sharpness of the text.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2173.JPG
4. Plasma and LCD TVs
Samsung and LG displayed some of their largest and brightest Plasma and LCD monitors. Take a look at this 102 inch Samsung monster!
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1825.JPG
This one is the world’s best 80 inch plasma:
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1835.JPG
How about the sharpness on this 57 inch LCD monitor by Samsung?
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1833.JPG
5. Multiple monitor systems
It is becoming more and more common to use multiple monitors with computers. Here is a 3 monitor setup by Viewsonic
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2206.JPG
Here is a 6 monitor setup
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2201.JPG
6. Universal DVD-Audio/SACD players
Several manufacturers were offering truly universal format players for all types of CD/DVD discs. Here is Yamaha’s new DVD-S2500 universal player
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1774.JPG
7. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) support
All audio/video components will eventually adopt this standard. A single HDMI cable handles all the high-bandwidth video, including 1080p and multi-channel high resolution 24bit/96KHz audio transfer with copy protection. It greatly simplifies hookup of AV gear. Compare the tangle of cables with a conventional system shown here:
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2398.JPG
Now, this is the HDMI version. Simplicity and elegance at its best!
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2395.JPG
Even though Yamaha’s flagship receiver, the RX-Z9 does not support HDMI yet, it will next year. The RX-Z9 is the best bang for the buck surround sound receiver.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1772.JPG
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1773.JPG
If you want to get better sound than the RX-Z9, you would have to move up to the Lexicon or Meridian processors. They cost 2 to 5 times more.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1990.JPG
Yamaha showed their DPX-1200 front projector
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1764.JPG
8. mLAN products by Yamaha
Just like HDMI is destined to simplify the world of home audio, mLAN is making waves in the pro-audio world. A single high-speed IEEE 1394 FireWire cable blessed with Yamaha’s mLAN protocol can transfer multi-channel high resolution audio and MIDI – in both directions. Take a look at this Yamaha O1X connected to the Yamaha Motif-ES6 synth via a single mLAN cable.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1931.JPG
The O1X is the single solution to your computer laptop studio. It is a control surface, Audio/MIDI interface, digital mixer and effects processor in one handy unit. A second mLAN cable connects the 01X to a laptop running Cubase SX
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1934.JPG
If you were to set up a home studio today, the 01X will be a perfect buy. You can read all about this on www.01xray.com
9. High Quality Samples
Sampled instruments are popping up everywhere. The Garritan String Library is one of the finest in the world. I met with Gary Garritan, the owner. He made me an incredible deal on the Garritan Personal Orchestra Collection. I can hardly wait to try them out.
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1967.JPG
The Yamaha CVP 300 series has an incredible set of built-in samples of natural instruments. The quality of the natural voices surpasses those found in professional synths. I wish Yamaha would include an mLAN port to make it easier to integrate this device into a studio environment. Inclusion of an HDMI connector would make it simpler to hook this up to a high-end home theater.
I swung by twice around the Yamaha Booth. I missed CountJS. I met with Tom Folenta, founder of MIDItianment.com
Here is Tom and his band performing on stage:
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1784.JPG
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1786.JPG
The Yamaha Booth was pretty impressive
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG1762.JPG
10. Format wars between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVDs
Toshiba showed their HD-DVD recorders
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2484.JPG
Sony touted their Blu-Ray machines. They are calling their format BD-DVDs
http://www.land.state.az.us/alris/transfers/keys/CIMG2307.JPG
I guess both will benefit it they agree to converge into a single format. The BD-DVDs promise to hold as much as 100GB per disc, far exceeding the capacity of HD-DVDs.
I did not have time to check out the high-end audio exhibits at Alexis Park this year. This show needs to be expanded to 5 days. The show will grow even bigger next year and spill over to the Sands Expo center. There is just too much to see. I took over 1000 photos. Got myself a 4 year subscription to PC Magazine for an unbelievable show special of $40. If you come to the CES next year, you will enjoy surprises like these and a lot more.
This is one show that every consumer must attend. It is well worth it. Best of all – it is 100% free!
Tapas