Video unboxing after the cut

Their particular model is the 16GB SSD version, with an MRSP of $549; the unit on Amazon, meanwhile, has a 32GB SSD and is $599.  Both get Intel’s Atom N270 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM and a Broadcom AV-VD905 video decoder for HD playback, together with WiFi b/g/n, gigabit ethernet, HDMI and VGA and a battery rated for up to 4hrs use.

Also in the box is an external WiFi/UWB antenna and an HDMI-toting receiver, which apparently allows you to use the Eee Keyboard with your HDTV from up to five meters away, streaming 720p HD video.  Previous tips have suggested the Eee Keyboard will begin shipping on April 23rd.

Video demo after the cut

That gets you an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD, along with that 5-inch WVGA multitouch touchscreen, WiFi b/g/n, gigabit ethernet and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.  Since the idea is that you hook the keyboard up to your big-screen TV for multimedia purposes, ASUS have also fitted an HDMI output and UWB dongle, along with the usual VGA and trio of USB 2.0 ports.

According to NetbookNews the video below is a demo of the final build of the Eee Keyboard, so hopefully this is what buyers will see when they hook it up to their HDTVs.  They reckon the long-awaited nettop will begin shipping April 23rd, just a few days away.

[via Netbooked]

The receiver base station has now gained an extra port, in the shape of a standard 3.5mm audio output socket alongside the HDMI and VGA ports.  Audio is still carried over the HDMI connection, and since both video outputs are active simultaneously (carrying the same video signal, of course) it means you can feasibly have twin displays each with audio.

Range is still “up to 30ft” though will vary depending on what’s in-between transmitter and receiver, and you’re still looking at maximum desktop resolutions of 1,440 x 1,050.  Unfortunately price has taken a hike too, with the Atlona AT-HDAiR expected to drop in time for the holidays with an MRSP of $219.

Press Release:

Atlona Technologies officially releases the new wireless USB to HDMI or VGA adapter, now with Audio.

Atlona Technologies officially releases the new wireless USB to HDMI or VGA adapter, the AT-HDAIR, now with Audio.

Atlona Technologies has been known for their innovative product lines as well as constantly paving the way for new and updated technology in the AV world. With the introduction of the HDAiR, a wireless USB to HDMI or VGA converter, earlier this year, Atlona has caused quite a stir among computer users looking to integrate their computers into their HD audio video systems. After its release, users from around the world responded to Atlona’s customer survey asking what additional features could make the HDAiR even better. The overall consensus was to add audio support. Atlona has responded by releasing the all new HDAiR with the ability to output audio in both 3.5mm analog, as well as embedded on the HDMI output.

Compatible with both XP, Vista, and Windows 7, this one of a kind device will allow users to connect any USB enabled computer or laptop wirelessly, to any HDTV or projector via VGA or HDMI. This unit wirelessly transmits high resolution signal from a small USB adaptor connected to a computer, to a receiver unit placed next to the display, making it perfect for taking the traditionally personal computing experience and making it a communal experience.
Like the older model AT-HDAiR, this newer model with audio still uses chipsets developed by Wisair to transmit USB protocol over Ultra wide band (UWB) frequencies.

The new AT-HDAiR, is capable of extending any computer wirelessly from the display at lengths up to 30ft with HDTV resolutions up to 720p or PC and VESA resolutions at 1440×1050. Both HDMI and VGA output connections are active at the same time, therefore HDAiR receiver could be used to power up 2 displays at the same time with identical content. The latest addition to this wireless adapter is that is now able to output digital audio through the HDMI as well as a 3.5mm stereo jack. With the addition of audio to this new version, the HDAiR is perfect for viewing continuously popular streaming media from HULU or Youtube, as well as computer based leaning programs such as Rosetta Stone or Lynda online training.

With quick and easy installation, the all new HDAiR with Audio opens up a word of possibilities. For home, business, and educational users providing a cost effective and convenient solution to integrate PC’s and laptops into HD audio video systems.

Atlona’s all new AT-HDAiR with audio is officially available just in time for the holidays with an MSRP of $219.00.

“Last year, Belkin announced FlyWire™, a wireless HD transmitter that delivers high-definition video and audio wirelessly to any TV, anywhere in your home. We realize that its retail price of $1499 would be out of line given the current state of the economy. With that in mind, we’ve opted to halt production of FlyWire. We will no longer be introducing FlyWire to the market at this time. We know there will be some disappointed folks out there, but our end goal is to introduce products that are accessible and that make sense in the current environment.” Belkin official statement 

The FlyWire promised to transmit 108op/24 Full HD video between multiple sources and an HDTV or projector, while still preserving HDCP for copyright-protected content.  Announced all the way back at CES 2008, it was only ever going to appeal to high-end users looking to declutter their A/V rooms.

Wireless HDMI and cable-free Full HD still seem to be a long way off.  A number of PC-to-HDTV systems are either available or in the pipeline – Atlona announced a USB to VGA/HDMI adapter this week, while the ASUS Eee Keyboard nettop has optional wireless HDMI – but standalone setups, especially those supporting 1080p, are still conspicuous by their absence.

[via Engadget]

The HDAiR uses the same Wisair wireless display technology as that company’s own USB Display Adapter, announced back in January.  However unlike the Wisair device, which only output to HDMI, the Atlona Technologies adapter has both HDMI and VGA outputs, offering more flexibility for use with displays, HDTVs and projectors.

You pay for that flexibility, however.  While the Wisair HDMI-only version has an MRSP of $129, Atlona Technologies’ HDAiR is priced at $199.  The companies claim to be working on a range of adapters, such as for printers, input devices and audio receivers, that will be compatible with the existing transmitter.

Video demo after the cut

As you might expect, it’s basically a long, flat netbook, with a custom circuit-board to which ASUS have frustratingly soldered the 1GB of RAM.  Cooling is via heat-pipes to the Atom N280 1.66GHz processor and accompanying chipset, leading back to a 40mm exhaust fan which, Blogeee report, makes little noise.  Other components are more modular, such as the Bluetooth and WiFi adapters and the 16GB SSD.

The battery is a 1,880mAh pack that Blogeee estimate will be good for up to 1hr 40 minutes wireless runtime.  The unit they’ve acquired also has a Silicon Image wireless HDMI transmitter which also takes care of up to 1080p graphics and HDCP certification, though we’ve previously heard that not all models will include it. 

Blogeee end up a little confused about the point of the ASUS Eee Keyboard, suggesting that the storage is too little for a true HTPC while a regular netbook or nettop will provide just as good an internet machine.  We’re still keen to try it out ourselves, but for now we’ll have to wait for the official release.

ASUS Eee Keyboard feature demo:

[Thanks Kat!]

That’s surprising, given that back at CES in January the company seemed to have  a pretty good idea of what the point of the Eee Keyboard was.  Fitted with Wireless HDMI, it can stream HD content either stored on its 32GB SSD or from the internet to a nearby display, with controls and other apps shown on the compact touchscreen.

Still no final word on pricing, but the last we heard ASUS were planning for a $400 starting price – though that doesn’t get you Wireless HDMI, only wired – and two different models.  Each will have a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM and both WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0.  Earlier this month ASUS demonstrated the Eee Keyboard running Moblin, rather than Windows XP as it has been seen using in the past.

Despite sliding in all those LEDs, the new HDTVs are still slimline.  Depth is just 24.8mm, despite the company also fitting in wireless connectivity; it’s unclear from the press release exactly which format LG have selected, but considering they’re boasting zero degradation we’re assuming it’s some type of ultrawideband HDMI. 

The two new sets will be released in July, priced at around $5,500 for the 55LH93 and around $5,900 for the 55LH95.  Smaller 42-inch and 47-inch “full LED” sets will follow by the end of 2009, though they won’t be as slimline as these 24.8mm flagship models.

Press Release:

LG Electronics Announces the Official Start of the Ultra-Slim Full LED LCD TV Era

Seoul (Korea Newswire) June 25, 2009 02:00 PM — LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, today unveiled two new ultra-slim “full LED” LCD TVs in Seoul. The new 55-inch screens –- models 55LH95 and 55LH93 respectively –- lead the market in terms of picture quality, design and convenience.

“These products were designed specifically to target the high-end segment and offer unmatched quality and design,” said LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company President and CEO, Simon Kang. “These new models will change the LED LCD TV market landscape and we expect these devices to reinforce the premium image of LCD TVs in general,” said LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company President and CEO, Simon Kang.

LG’s ambitious new product line offers a brighter and clearer screen than competing products thanks to backlighting that employs a total of 3,360 LEDs –- seven times more than existing edge-lit LED TVs. LG’s full LED LCD models also features a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio through enhanced dimming technology that divides the screen into 240 blocks. And with a refresh rate of 240 Hz, these TVs maintain a vibrant, smooth image even during fast-paced action scenes.

LG’s newest ultra-slim full LED LCD TVs employ patented technology that helps keep the overall chassis thickness down to just 24.8mm. This proprietary technology allows the LEDs to be spread-out horizontally and minimizes the distance between the LEDs and the screen. Another innovation offered for the first time in the new LED LCD TV is the enhanced wireless feature which eliminates the need for image compression. Content can be sent from DVD players, game consoles or home-theater units wirelessly without any degradation.

LG’s ultra-slim full LED LCD TV is priced at around KRW 7 million (approximately US$ 5,500) for the 55LH93 and around KRW 7.6 million (approximately US$ 5,900) for the 55LH95 model which will be launched in July 2009.

LG plans to aggressively expand the LED LCD TV business and is aiming for three to four million unit sales next year. Three different models of full LED LCD TVs will be offered to suit different market segments. The ultra-slim model will be positioned as the premium product with additional products in this category being announced later this year. The company will unveil less expensive 42-inch and 47-inch full LED LCD TVs by the end of the year without the ultra-slim feature.

LG is forecasting that the global LED LCD TV market will grow to 30 million units by next year and to 68 million by 2011, up from 3.1 million this year. LG is aiming to become the world’s second biggest seller of LCD TVs and predicts that the proportion of LCD TVs that feature LED technology will also grow from 2.6 percent this year to 20 percent next year and to 40 percent by 2011.

For that $6k you get 54-inches of Full HD 1080p, a native contrast ratio of 40,000:1, 24Hz Cinematic Playback and THX Certification.  There’s also Neo PDP low-energy panel technology (you’ll probably want to save on power bills after shelling out for the set) and included speakers and stand.

The wireless HDMI box – which is included with the Z1 – not only funnels video and audio from your DVD, Blu-ray or Media Center PC to the HDTV, but has VIERA Link Internet connectivity and a VIERA Link SD card reader too.  That all means that the only cable required to your new wall-mounted $6k Panasonic is the one providing power. 

[via Crave]

In addition, there’s also WiFi b/g/n, an integrated speaker and microphone, and wired ethernet.  The touchscreen can show shortcuts, turning your PC monitor or TV into a photo display, media center or just a computer.

Both audio and HD video are carried by the Ultrawideband HDMI connection, and an external mouse is unnecessary as the touchscreen can be used as a navigation control complete with left and right-click.  No pricing or availability details, nor specific hardware details, were given.