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Sony unveils waterproof universal remotes for deep-sea TV addicts

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Aug 31st 2009 at 5:23PM

If you're very clumsy (or you love watching TV in the bathtub) Sony Japan has just the thing for you. The Rimotokomanda RM-PZ3SD universal remote comes in a palette of soothing colors, works with a wide variety of sets (including those by Panasonic / National, Toshiba, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Victor / JVC, Sanyo, Aiwa, Sharp, Funai / PRECIOUS, NEC, Fujitsu, Pioneer, Philips, and, of course, Sony), and offers at least a modicum of water-resistance for wet-handed TV viewing (we'll leave that part up to your imagination). To be unleashed on the Japanese buying public "soon" for ¥2,468 (around $26). More pics after the break.

[Via Boing Boing]

Continue reading Sony unveils waterproof universal remotes for deep-sea TV addicts

Sanyo ships Xacti VPC-FH1, VPC-WH1, VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10 camcorders

by Darren Murph posted Apr 2nd 2009 at 9:01PM


Sanyo's line of Dual Cameras -- which are described as camcorders at heart with formidable still capture capabilities -- is now shipping to select retailers in the United States and Mexico. The crew is comprised of the VPC-FH1, which handles 1080p at 60fps along with 8 megapixel stills, and the VPC-TH1, which shoots at 720p and sports a 30x optical zoom. Also included is the waterproof (up to ten feet, anyway) 720p VPC-WH1 and the otherwise vanilla VPC-CG10. As for pricing? Try $499.99, $299.99, $399.99 and $199.99 in order of mention.

Gallery: Sanyo ships Xacti VPC-FH1, VPC-WH1, VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10 camcorders

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.

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.

Liquid Image's new underwater digital camera masks debut at CES

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jan 5th 2009 at 4:52PM


Looks like Liquid Image -- those wacky underwater digicam folks -- are going to be hitting the ground running at CES with not one, but two HD underwater digital camera masks. Meant for serious professionals (and well-heeled Jacques Cousteau wannabes), the Pro HD350 shoots 720p video, sports 64 MB flash storage, supports microSD / SDHC cards (up to 32GB) and is rated to a depth of 330 feet. Taking things down a notch, the Scuba Series 320 (MSRP around $215) is the other 720p video cam. Featuring the same 64 MB internal memory and 32 GB microSD / SDHC support, this guy is rated at 115 feet. Bringing up the rear is the VideoMask 310, a 640 × 480 / 30 fps video camera, sporting 16 MB internal memory, 8GB microSDHC card support, and is rated to a depth of 33 feet. It is expected to list at $159, while the Scuba Series 320 will list for about $215. The Pro HD350 hasn't been priced just yet; all three cameras take 5 megapixel photos and will get debuted at CES this week.

[Via Helmet Camera Central]

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.

Pantel intros waterproof indoor / outdoor TV consoles

by Darren Murph posted Sep 13th 2008 at 12:03AM


We already knew that Pantel was fixin' to loose a new water-shunning "mirror" LCD HDTV this fall, but apparently that's just not enough for these guys. In addition to that, it has also introduced Q4-bound indoor / outdoor weatherproof consoles that house a 42-inch LCD HDTV, built-in lift mechanism, wireless capabilities and integrated speakers to boot. Each system is equipped with 802.11a technology to deliver audio and video sans wires up to 150-feet, though pricing details are being kept on the low. Hop on past the break for all the specifications you need (and a few you probably don't).

Continue reading Pantel intros waterproof indoor / outdoor TV consoles

Pantel readies trio of weatherproof Mirror TVs

by Darren Murph posted Jul 26th 2008 at 9:41AM


Just because you haven't been remotely interested in seen a mirror TV in, oh, years, doesn't mean that companies aren't still interested in exploiting the niche. Take Pantel, for instance, who is totally stoked about debuting a trio of 'em at CEDIA 2008. Set to launch in 20-, 32- and 42-inch flavors, the Mirror TV line is aimed at folks looking to add a multipurpose display in their bathroom, shower or sauna. The 20- and 32-inch editions arrive with a 720p panel, while the 42-incher checks in with a full 1080p resolution. Price wise, you're looking at $1,200 for the little guy, $2,755 for the 32-inch sibling and $5,800 for the mack daddy.

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.

Fully waterproof 70-inch 1080p LCD HDTV goes great in yachts

by Darren Murph posted Jun 26th 2008 at 12:11PM


Not that 70-inch LCD HDTVs are anything new, but a "fully waterproof" one just might be. Have a look at MarineAV's LCD70: a 1080p behemoth that features a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 600 cd/m2 brightness, 8-millisecond response time, 178-degree viewing angles, a slew of inputs and VESA mount compatibility. We're told that the panel is actually a Samsung, which leads us to believe that MarineAV simply snapped up a few of these bad boys and added the water protection itself. Worth the £27,995.95 ($54,664) asking price? Depends on your perspective, we'd imagine.

[Via CNET]

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?

Pantel reveals 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted May 31st 2008 at 8:55AM


You've already seen what kind of chaos Pantel's weatherproof HDTVs can live through, and now it's unveiled a trio of new panel sizes to complement the 32- and 42-inch variants already available. Set to debut at InfoComm 2008, the 20-inch PAN-200, 52-inch PAN-520 and 65-inch PAN-650 really help to flesh out the lineup. Aside from shedding water, dust, snow and Play-Doh (among other foreign objects), you'll find a 1,366 x 768 (PAN-200) or 1,920 x 1,080 (PAN-520 and PAN-650) resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, an anti-glare screen and a single HDMI port. The 20-incher checks in with a 700:1 contrast ratio, while the larger two offer 2,000:1, and the whole lot boasts an 802.11a wireless video package that claims to work up to 150-feet. Looking for prices? Try these on for size: $2,999 / $9,999 / $25,999 from smallest to largest.

Pantel / Aquatic AV weatherproof LCD TVs get torture tested, survive

by Darren Murph posted Apr 15th 2008 at 11:23PM


Neither Pantel's 32-inch PAN320 nor Aquatic AV's 17-inch AQ-LCD17S-1 boast HD panels, but these units can do some things even the mighty Kuro can't. Those sadistic (and oh-so-lucky) souls over at Sound and Vision Magazine were able to grab hold of the duo and indulge in an afternoon of torture -- all without fear of negative consequences. After blasting each set with a water hose, dousing 'em in Kool-Aid and even piling on the dirt, neither missed a single scene. Of course, they will set you back $3,950 and $1,999, respectively, but at least you won't be cooped up inside all summer, right? Hit the read link (and slip on the goggles) for the full report.

Pantel ships 32-inch PAN320 / 42-inch PAN420 waterproof LCD HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Mar 28th 2008 at 9:11AM


We know, the mere thought of going and putting chlorine into that pool makes you want to lock yourself in the closet, but Pantel's looking to give HD junkies with water-lovin' kids a reason to look forward to the summer. The 32-inch PAN320 and 42-inch PAN420 LCD HDTVs each boast a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,600:1 contrast ratio, a fairly beastly bezel and a thing for shedding water. You'll also find an anti-reflective glass and apparently, it comes with some sort of wireless capabilities integrated in. Unfortunately, having an HDTV that will gladly take a cannonball splash won't come cheap, as the 32-incher will demand $3,950 while the bigger brother checks in at $4,450.

[Via SlipperyBrick]

RTI develops waterproof universal remote control

by Matt Burns posted Aug 31st 2007 at 4:33PM

Water resistant HDTVs are one thing but what happens when the pool party gets out of control and the remote takes a swim? RTI has a solution that offers as much programming options as those other universal, LCD-equipped remotes, and this one can take a shower. Don't think that the waterproof attribute classifies this remote as a gimmick 'cause it still packs in the gadgetry: LCD screen, RF communication, macros and back-lighting. If your one of the lucky few that have outdoor, or bathroom, HT/HDTV system, dropping $499 on this bad boy would be well justified.

[full pic after the jump]

Continue reading RTI develops waterproof universal remote control





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