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Sony announces "Internet TV" HDTVs, Blu-ray player with Google TV

On Tuesday night, Sony took the wraps off its "Internet TV" line of products which integrate Google TV software. The good news, at least for those considering an HDTV with integrated Google TV, is that the pricing is much lower than previously rumored. However, the set-top box with integrated Blu-ray player is still a little on the pricey side.

Sony is launching four new Internet TV HDTV models later this month, including 24", 32", 40", and 46" sizes and all with 1080p native resolution. All the models feature integrated WiFi, four HDMI ports (no mention of component or composite input), four USB ports, an unspecified Intel processor, and an RF QWERTY keyboard remote that first appeared on an episode of ABC's NightLine last week. All the models also feature LED edge backlighting except for the 24", which gets old-school CCFL backlighting.

Pricing for the models is just slightly higher than the going rates for similar 1080p HDTVs, starting at $599.99 for the 24" model. The 32", 40", and 46" models will retail for $799.99, $999.99, and $1399.99 respectively.

Sony is also launching an Internet TV Blu-ray player for those who already have an HDTV and don't already have another Blu-ray player or PS3. The device includes all the features of Sony's integrated Internet TVs in a standalone device for $399.99. While the addition of a Blu-ray player is nice for those that don't already have one, we still wonder how well these early set-top boxes will be able to compete with less expensive devices from Apple, Roku, Boxee, and others.

All the products are available to pre-order now direct from Sony Style or Best Buy. Sony said the products will be in Sony Style store shelves on October 16 and at Best Buy stores "shortly after."

Feel The Freedom

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910

A webcam typically isn't good enough to stand in for an actual camcorder. But Logitech wants to change that with the HD Pro Webcam C910, which can record video at full 1080p resolution. It also features a Carl Zeiss glass lens, dual stereo mics, and a cleaner mount design than last year's Logitech Webcam C600($69.99, ). As a result, it's our new Editors' Choice forwebcams.

Design, System Requirements, and Video Quality

The C910's main body measures 3.8 by 1.0 by 1.6 inches (HWD); the dual-hinged mount extends back a few inches more. The entire unit is made of black, glossy plastic. I had no trouble fitting it to the top of a 23-inch Asus desktop LCD; the hinge adapts to fit a thinner laptop lid as well. The stereo mics flank the Carl Zeiss glass lens, and are approximately three inches apart. That's actually enough for some semblance of stereo sound recording (more on that later). A five-foot USB cable is permanently attached, and the package also includes a foldout guide and a software CD. Finally, the C910 includes free codes for downloading Magix Video Easy and Magix Photo Manager 9, which aid in editing photos and videos.

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To get started, Logitech recommends a 2.8GHz, single-core Pentium 4 PC runningWindows 7, Vista, and XP (SP2 or higher). For HD video recording or live chats, the company recommends a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo chip or faster, with 2GB of RAM and a free USB 2.0 port. You'll also need 1MB/sec upload speeds from your cable or DSL modem. I tested the C910 on a custom Intel Core i7-860 PC with 6GB of RAM and 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate Edition.

As a rule, webcams don't exactly excel when it comes to high-quality images. Recorded videos usually look washed out compared with a properdigital camera or camcorder. Keeping that in mind, the C910's video quality looked pretty great in 1080p HD mode. Images were sharp and smoothly animated, and roughly equivalent to what you'd get from a second-generation Flip MinoHD ($229.99, ). Something to note: recorded images default to 720p (to change to 1080p, you need to go toQuick Capture > Video Recording mode, and then choose Controls > Resolution).

Logitech's automatic light correction balanced out light sources well. Some very bright rooms looked a little pale and washed out, but it's the best quality I've seen from a webcam to date. I noticed some compression artifacts in recorded video. The effect isn't that visible in Logitech's bundled video app, which reduces the live video size. But the recorded files themselves were larger; when I played them in Windows Media Player, the compression was more obvious. Logitech confirmed that there's no way to turn the compression off, at least with the bundled software, although they company is looking into it for a future release. On the plus side, you can share videos almost instantly via Facebook or YouTube with a single click.

Audio Quality, Other Features, and Conclusions

The stereo mics exhibited fairly impressive frequency response in my tests. Voices sounded loud, warm, and clear. The built-in noise canceling circuitry filtered out the sound of a large fan in the background. You can also turn on a typical array of video effects, including animated alien heads, neon splashes, and optical distortions. When I tried some of these, I found it pretty easy to crash the program, at least on the Windows 7, Core i7 PC I tested the C910 on.

For HD video chats, Logitech bundles its Vid HD software; it works in 720p, not 1080p, though. With Skype and other major IM programs, video chats drop back to 640 by 480 pixels when using the C910, though the impressive picture quality remains. (Note: Skype is working on certifying a few webcams for HD chat.) The C910 also takes 10-megapixel snapshots; test photos were sharp and detailed, but they lacked the color vibrancy and contrast you'd get from a dedicated digital camera with a larger lens.

Most desktop and laptop PC owners will balk at dropping $100 on a webcam since you can get a desktop model for as little as $20 or $30 these days, and most new-model laptops have them built-in. But if you can spend the money, the C910 delivers full HD video that looks and sounds excellent; you get what you pay for here. Two lower-cost options: the $70 Logitech Webcam C600, is less expensive and also offers good video quality, although it's a bit more ungainly and can't record at 1080p resolution. Microsoft's LifeCam Cinema ($79.95, ) also delivers sharp video recordings, although its light balance isn't quite as good, and its built-in monophonic microphone lacks noise-canceling circuitry.

Lenovo IdeaCentre B500

The Lenovo IdeaCentre B500 ($1,399 direct) eschews trendy features like a touchscreen and HDMI inputs in favor of rock solid 3D, HD, and multimedia performance. You won't miss the touchscreen once you put this entertainment-oriented system on your desk and rock out to World in Warcraft while simultaneously listening to music and watching a Blu-ray movie. Granted, you'll pay a couple of hundred dollars more for the B500 than its rivals, but in this case that premium is worth it.

Read the Lenovo IdeaCentre B500 full review

Lenovo

http://www.lenovo.com

• Price as Tested: $1,399.00 Direct
• Type: Multimedia, Digital Entertainment System
• Processor Family: Intel Core 2 Quad
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage Capacity: 1000 GB
• RAID: No
• Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce GTS 230M
• Primary Optical Drive: Blu-Ray Disc
• Monitor Type: LCD Widescreen
• Screen Size: 23 inches

HMX-S15 32GB SSD Full HD Camcorder w/ WiFi

Shooting stunning video is easy with the Samsung HMX-S15 camcorder. Watch the footage in beautiful full high definition on your HDTV and in 1920x1080i resolution. You’ll see breathtaking images in bold color and get remarkably close to the action with 18x optical zoom. Plus images are blur-free thanks to the optical image stabilizer.

Full HD 1080p Playback

Now you can enjoy your homemade movies in brilliant high-definition resolution. 1080p up-conversion lets you take full advantage of your HDTV or HD monitor by sending high resolution signals to it. Simply connect your camcorder to either of them with an HDMI cable and you’ll see lifelike, vivid visuals and crystal-clear details.

Smart OIS

Shoot your high quality masterpieces with the high performance lens and with our Smart Optical Image Stabilizer, which improves on existing OIS by allowing the camera lens to shift over a wider range of motion. This allows the camcorder to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake. Have unsteady hands? Calm your nerves. The S10 delivers movies that are clear, sharp and totally focused every time.

USB Charging

With the S15, you're not restricted to charging with a DC adaptor. You can just as easily plug it into any USB port to get the boost you need. And it certainly comes in handy if you forget to pack the adaptor or can't find an outlet. Plus, it charges as you work.

3.5" Touch Screen

You'll never miss a shot with the 3.5" touch screen LCD display. Catch more of the action and guarantee that the entire image is recorded.

Intelli - Studio

For the modern mobile lifestyle, the Samsung S15's Intelli-studio software is built-in, giving you the freedom to play, edit and share files on any PC. As soon as the Samsung S15 is connected to a PC via USB, Intelli-studio runs automatically.

Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi/DLNA)

Ditch your cable connection with the HMX-S15BN camcorder. It lets you transfer videos and photos to your PC or TV through a Wi-Fi connection.

SSD

Everything you thought about traditional camcorders is now obsolete. With super storage, super speed, and super security, the SSD (Solid State Drive) outperforms other camcorders with ease, allowing you the freedom to make memories that last more than a lifetime.

D-Link Wireless Internet Photo Frame (DSM-210)

Price: $260 list

The 10-inch D-Link Wireless Internet Photo Frame () displays images from memory cards and its 1GB of internal storage, as well as from photo-sharing Web sites or a UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) server on your own network. It also has motion detection that turns the frame on or off, depending on whether or not someone’s in the room.