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Runco shows up at CEDIA with loads of projectors and flat screen in tow

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 11th 2009 at 12:32PM


Following CEDIA tradition, Runco (oh yes, they were actually here) had plenty to show off, with new projectors and LCDs, apparently enough that we needed two separate rooms for the press conference. We switched rooms to experience the company's new QuantumColor LED-lit Q-750i, combining Luminus Platlight technology with its own engineering to create what it says is unsurpassed performance and unrivaled customization. Its showcased a few new color management wrinkles, customers can have a shot at making green grass pop without skewing other elements starting in November for around $15k. The company also had in store new Crystal Portfolio LCDs, some featuring its OPAL technology for outdoor situations, and a new round of LightStyle series projectors, for the kind of folks who only want to spend five or seven grand on a PJ, while the VideoXtreme line falls somewhere between that and the $100k+ crowd. Also mentioned? The company plans to keep selling its plasmas, even though a certain someone (cough, Pio) has exited the market. Peep the read links for all the details and jaw dropping prices.

Read - Runco Unveils the Future of Home Theater Projection (QuantumColor)
Read - Runco Introduces Five New Performance LCD Displays
Read - Runco Reveals Its Most Affordable VideoXtreme Projectors
Read - Runco Sets a Projector Benchmark with its LightStyle Series

Ask Engadget HD: Best outdoor projector setup?

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 8th 2009 at 2:10PM


It's that time, even HDTV watchers want to get outside and enjoy the summer -- but how do we get our HDTV kicks outside? We've reached out for suggestions on outdoor flat screen televisions, but our friend Alpha Kanu wrote in with a slightly different question:

"I was just curious to know whether you guys have any recommendation for me in terms of a very good out door projector for showing movies in a tropical climate. In addition to that do you know of any compatible system like a DVD, Blu-ray or VHS and DVD that can work with it? Thanks for your answers."

So, there you have it, anyone picked up an outdoor projection screen and 1080p PJ to go along with their fireworks show last weekend? If you've got any experience or suggestions, drop a line in the comments.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Pantel PAN-420 outdoor LCD upgrades resolution

by Richard Lawler posted May 6th 2009 at 3:44PM


Got a need for an HDTV that can handle anything nature throws at it? Pantel's updated the 42-inch model of its waterproof outdoor line of LCDs, so the PAN-420 is now 1080p. The contrast ratio and other specs seem the same, but the extra pixels will cost you, with an MSRP of $4,999 so the real question is exactly how close will this be mounted to the hot tub / grill / Slip-n-slide to make the higher res worthwhile? Full PR is after the break.

Update: While the PAN-420's current MSRP is higher than when it debuted a year ago, it had since been raised to the $4,999 mark, so all those extra pixels shouldn't cost you a penny more than the 720p version did yesterday.

Continue reading Pantel PAN-420 outdoor LCD upgrades resolution

Pantel debuts outdoor TV mounts for outdoor HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Feb 17th 2009 at 4:39AM


It just makes sense, doesn't it? Outdoor mounts for outdoor TVs! Pantel, which has grown in popularity thanks to its ability to crank out televisions which are immune to rain / Kool-Aid / etc., has just announced that it will soon launch its line of weatherized outdoor flat panel mounting solutions and accessories. Users looking for a matching mount to pair up with their waterproof set can find a variety of options including a ceiling mount stand ($749.00), wall mount stand ($499.99), mobile floor stand ($999.99), a floor mount stand ($949.99) and a table top stand ($349.99 to $1,499.99). Hey, we never said they'd be cheap, just that they'd last a while.

AmpliVox SW915 portable audio system lets your neighbors in on the party

by Steven Kim posted Jan 26th 2009 at 10:08PM

AmpliVox SW915 portable audio system
We've seen theater toys that let you take movie night outdoors, but if you've ever tried to hear the audio coming out of tiny cabinet-mounted 5-Watt speakers in the big wide world, you'll know the sound needs a little help. Enter AmpliVox's SW915 portable audio system, which you can roll out into the lawn before turning its 250-Watts of audio loose on your neighborhood. The compression driver and dual 6.5-inch woofers promise to cover 30,000 square feet, and you can even plug in a microphone to cover karaoke or daily rant duties. No doubt about it -- you'll quickly know where you stand with your neighbors.

Pantel expands line of waterproof Mirror TVs, lowers prices

by Darren Murph posted Jan 17th 2009 at 7:19AM


Pantel has apparently decided that three waterproof Mirror TVs simply aren't enough, so it's expanding the family to four while lowering prices across the board. As of now, users looking for an outdoor HDTV that can withstand the elements can find a 20-, 26-, 32- and 42-inch solution from Pantel, all of which posses 1080p native resolutions, twin 10-watt speakers and optional touchscreen upgrades. As for pricing, they're running $1,999.99, $2,999.99, $3,499.99 and $4,499.99 from smallest to largest, which ain't half bad for a set that you can pour soda on while your favorite team gets pummeled.

Samsung's brightest 70-inch outdoor LCD meets the suddenly-blinded masses

by Richard Lawler posted Nov 12th 2008 at 8:06AM


Say hello to the brightest LCD panel entering mass production - Samsung's 70-inch super bright digital information display will be burning out retinas near you next year. Taking local dimming LED backlighting to a new application, it features 200,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000nit (cd/m2) brightness -- as much as four times brighter than the HDTV on your wall and topping the previous 1,500nit champ -- more than capable of displaying information or advertisements in bright sunlight or dim environments. The 1080p panel already nabbed a CES Innovation Award earlier today and will be sampled (in Las Vegas, surely) before the year is out, but you may want to grab some shades now just in case.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best outdoor HDTV?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 29th 2008 at 12:00PM Featured Story


Granted, it's not the most fitting time to ask this question in the majority of North America, but they always say the best sales are in the off-season. Have a look at Jonathon's request regarding outdoor sets:

"We just put in a new deck and pool this summer, and now I'm looking for HDTV options for the outdoors. Ideally, I'd like a set that could withstand the rain and elements so I'm not stuck hauling it in and out each time we want to use it. Obviously, I'm trying to spend the least amount possible while still getting a good product, but I've had zero experience with those rugged, waterproof HDTVs. Anyone out there who could help?"

We know a few of you have splurged on a set to sit by the pool, so let's hear it! Are you happy with your Runco / Pantel / etc.? Had any problems with it standing up to the elements? Chime in below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

SpeakerCraft introduces outdoor OG speakers for pool owners, lawn mowers

by Darren Murph posted Oct 23rd 2008 at 1:29AM


The speaker-in-a-rock was hot stuff back in the day, but now, it's pretty played out. SpeakerCraft has applied its jungle influences to the OG outdoor speaker, which is modeled after an exterior landscape lighting fixture and can be hidden away in flower beds, under bushes or in between statues of Tiki Men. The unit itself includes a 3-inch full-range aluminum cone driver, but it seems as if you'll need to phone up your nearest SpeakerCraft dealer for pricing information. Full release after the break.

Continue reading SpeakerCraft introduces outdoor OG speakers for pool owners, lawn mowers

Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10

by Darren Murph posted Aug 26th 2008 at 2:01PM


When we heard of Polk Audio's Atrium Sat 30 and Sub 10, we can't say we envisioned those two objects you see pictured above. Debuting at this year's CEDIA, these two units combine to create a new outdoor speaker system "that adapts seamlessly into any exterior landscape." The Sat 30 resembles an outdoor light fixture (or one of those "plants" on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids), while the Sub 10 was crafted to resemble a "plant stand or pedestal table." Both devices are sealed from water and are hopelessly ugly in and of themselves, but if you're looking for something to blend right into your flora, look no further. The pair will begin shipping in January 2009 for $179 (Sat 30) / $329 (Sub 10). Full release after the break.

Continue reading Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10

Bresnan Communications adds Outdoor Channel HD

by Darren Murph posted Aug 13th 2008 at 8:30AM

Bresnan Communications, the 13th largest cable operator in the US, has fittingly added Outdoor Channel HD to its lineup in Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. Given the areas in which it serves, it makes sense to offer up an outdoor-oriented station in high-def, which Randy Brown, senior vice president of affiliate sales and marketing, completely agrees with. Let us guess -- fishing will be the most watched sport.

SunBriteTV reveals 3220HD / 4610HD all-weather outdoor LCD HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Jul 20th 2008 at 8:58AM


CEDIA 2008 is still over a month away, but the pre-expo news is already starting to trickle out. SunBriteTV, the firm responsible for last year's 46-inch 4600HD all-weather outdoor LCD, has just announced that it will be bringing two new ones to Denver this year, though there's no word on whether a dunk tank will also be in tow. The 32-inch 3220HD (1,366 x 768 resolution; 1,500:1 contrast ratio) and 46-inch 4610HD (19,20 x 1,080 resolution; 2,000:1 contrast ratio) both feature "corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum exterior that protects the internal components from extreme weather and temperatures ranges," not to mention an interior heater to keep things toasty when it's snowing outside. The two sets are actually becoming available as we speak for $3,295 (3220HD) / $5,495 (4610HD), while a third unit -- the 23-inch HD-ready 2310HD -- can also be acquired now for "just" $1,995.

Pantel's 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs now shipping

by Darren Murph posted Jul 6th 2008 at 5:19PM


Unlike Sanyo, Pantel has a pretty good idea of when outdoor displays will sell: summertime. That being the case, Pantel has jubilantly announced that its 20-, 52-, and 65-inch models are all shipping. Each display boasts a "weatherproof" enclosure that keeps the panel within safe from unpredictable weather. These units were designed to withstand water, extreme heat / cold, wind and dust, and judging by a few unofficial tests, they'll hold their own against sugary beverages as well. Grab yours now for $2,999, $9,999 or $25,999 (respectively) and make your way over to the deep end.

Sanyo's 52-inch 1080p CE52SR1 LCD sheds water

by Darren Murph posted Jun 18th 2008 at 1:34PM


Oh sure, waterproof LCD TVs have been available for ages, but Sanyo's making the choice of which outdoor display to buy simple with the introduction of its CE52SR1. You see, unlike many alternatives, this waterproof set packs a 1080p Full HD panel, meaning that you can enjoy your Blu-ray films in full-res glory while slouched in a beach chair beside your pool. Furthermore, the display is daylight readable and features a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, 6.5-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles, a slew of inputs and a frame constructed from marine grade anodized aluminum. Unfortunately, the summer in America will be long over before you can actually drop $13,995 in order to claim one, but October isn't too far out, now is it?

Eighteen 70-inch 1080p LCDs to advertise along Las Vegas strip

by Darren Murph posted Jun 4th 2008 at 2:06PM


You've got to have some serious firepower to attract eyes in Las Vegas -- after all, there's already enough neon in place to keep the average tourist distracted for hours. That being said, Samsung thinks it has what it takes, as it's teaming up with Outdoor Promotions in order to install eighteen 70-inch 1080p LCD panels "on prominent bus shelters spanning the Vegas strip from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on the south side to the Rivera Hotel and Casino at the north end." The units will all be sunlight-readable and boast 2,000 nits of brightness along with localized audio. We're told that advertisements put up on the beastly sets will shuffle every 7.5- to 15-seconds in a continuous loop, and while the initial 18 are slated to go up in October, another 20 are planned for early 2009 (pre-CES, pretty please?)

[Image courtesy of IntelligentEconomy]




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