CES 2008

So what is XstreamHD? Think HD PVR (1080p, 7.1 audio) with built in satellite decoder. Add in whole-house distribution via dedicated media receivers/gigabit ethernet. Toss in video on demand for the latest movies, sprinkle with 500GB of upgradeable storage and some really nice extras, and you have a pretty compelling product.

So let’s break that down. The XStreamHD system could be described as a media server but it’s much, much more. They’re selling a complete system that delivers 1080p content to your home via satellite and distributes it internally to wherever it’s needed. It’s completely PC independent, you just hook it up and go.

It’s pretty cheap too. For $399 you get XStreamHD server and one media receiver (price of the satellite dish has yet to be determined). The satellite beams 1080p content with 7.1 surround directly to the server, which sits out of the way in the garage (or wherever). The media receiver takes care of displaying the HD content on whatever TV it’s connected to.

The system will feed up to 4 media receivers at the same time in 1080p, each potentially watching something different.

The video-on-demand content is HD and they’re finalising various deals with content providers to ensure you can pre-order the latest movies for the day of release. The server will download the movies via satellite and store them so you can view them as soon as they’re available.

There’s more: If you have content in mpeg or H.264 format you can store it on the server and use their system to distribute it around the house. You can do the same with audio too - and they support my favourite lossless audio format FLAC, as well as MP3.

Got a PS3 in the game room? XStreamHD is DNLA certified, so it will use a PS3 for playback if you want.

The display adapter has a few tricks up it’s sleeve too. It’s fanless, meaning it’s completely silent. It also has a USB connector for your MP3 player so if you do have your music stored centrally and plug in the player, it will automatically convert your high quality music into MP3s.

The one downside I see is that the whole system runs over ethernet, meaning you have to run CAT5 around the house. This is unavoidable; it’s just not possible to do what they do with any other current technology. Personally I don’t have a problem with this, but I can see it being a stumbling block.

They’re launching in the USA in Q4 this year and have plans to come to Europe after that.

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Why should not being able to walk stop you enjoying the great outdoors? That’s the question that led Brad Soden to develop the TankChair. It will do 5 MPH, over or through terrain that a normal wheelchair won’t even look at. It will even climb stairs!

Each one is custom made to order and you’re looking in the region of $15,500. There’s a waiting list, so ordering now will get you delivery around mid February.

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Microsoft considers offering a Blu-ray player for the Xbox 360	Nyko Intercooler Available for the Consoles Three	LG Rolls Out Three Cool Phones	zControl from Actiontec
How do you make a FPS more realistic? Simulate the bullet hits!	Spykee now has a family	Executive Webcams	Ridata Yego Drive
BOB Screentime controller	Dreamflyer brings a new dimension to flight simulation	Soundolier Wireless speakers and… lamps?	Always travel with a toothbrush (a clean toothbrush)
Tribot from WoW Wee	Logitech diNovo Mini	Skull Candy iPhone FMJ	New Apple Xserve: First 8 Core Verson
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Even though the Microsoft Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii, and Sony Playstation 3 are constant at odds, they do have one thing in common: they all get hot. Not hot like you can’t keep them in stock, but that is true for the Wii.

I’m talking about general heat given off. The Xbox 360 has this phenomenon known as the “four rings of death”. It is named so because once you see these glowing little rings on the outside of your Xbox 360, you are going to have to send it back to Microsoft. I don’t believe that the other two consoles have this serious overheating problem, but they do get hot, especially in proximity to other video/audio devices.

Fortunately, a company known as Nyko is doing a little something to fix these heating problems with a product called the Intercooler. All three of these devices attach easily to the back of the console devices, and “increase air flow away from console from optimal operating temperatures”.

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While visiting the LG booth at CES, I got to check out the three highlight phones from the company. Some of these phones have received some CES awards for Innovations, and they are something to talk about.

The Voyager, for example, is breaking new ground as the first handset with an interactive touchscreen and a full QWERTY keyboard. Not only that, it has a cool retractable antenna for V CAST, as well as full HTML internet browsing. It also has dual speakers, a 2.0 megapixel camera/camcorder, and is Bluetooth capable.

The Venus is another pretty little number with two screens with interactive touch navigation. It also has a music player, 2.0 megapixel camera, and a microSD. Like the Voyager, it is Bluetooth and V-Cast ready.

The Shine is unique with a metallic finish, and is available in silver, red, and black. The screen is viewable from all sides, and has the 2.0 megapixel camera and Bluetooth capability.

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I had a chance to meet with the nice people from Actiontec, who showed me their latest device, the zControl.

The zControl is a “home management system” that allows you to control devices in your home such as the lights, powered shades, garage doors, even your thermostat!

Actiontec showed me the menu, and it is a control panel that allows you click your devices on and off. Not only that, there were settings that can do an all-off, all-on, or whatever you wish. For example, if you want the lights dimmed for a more romantic or relaxed setting, just set it up and click it into being.

Not only can you control your home devices from your computer, but you can control them from any computer. All you need is an Internet connection, and you can even monitor your home via (non-included) IP cameras. In fact, I am told that you can even use your cell phone as a controller. That will come in handy when you get home, and turn your lights on with your cell.

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You know you’ve got a winning product when everyone who tries it comes away with huge grins and can’t stop talking about the experience. Which was exactly what happened at the TN Games booth today. The FPS Gaming vest is a new gaming peripheral aimed at the first person shooter market. Looking like a flack jacket, the vest will actually "punch" you when you get hit. Not only that, but it punches where you get hit too. It doesn’t bruise, but you definitely know you’ve been fragged and where the shot came from.

Now for the fun part. At the show they’re demonstrating a prototype helmet to add on to the system. When I first heard about this I had a few reservations. I mean, you don’t normally say "yes" to someone when they say "Hey, wear this helmet that will hit you in the head".

It works though, and works well. Playing the demo game I got taken down by an alien, and the fatal shot came straight to the back of the head. Ouch…

Gaming hardware is dead in the water if it doesn’t have title support, which is why TN have developed drivers for a bunch of common games including Crysis, Half Life 2, Medal of Honour and F.E.A.R.

The vest without helmet is available now from the TN Games website for $169 which seems pretty good value to me for the experience. The helmet is still prototype and there’s no final price or availability yet. You need a USB connection and presumably some sort of power for the air compressor.

The unintentional model in the photo is Adam from VeniceTheMenace.com, who had the misfortune to be there as I was walking around with the camera!

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We reported on Spykee last year at CES, well this year he is not alone, he now has his own little family.

First off is Spykee Cell who you control via your mobile phone using Bluetooth, he does such fun things as moving his head and has various lights and sounds. It also incorporates a camera so he can take pictures and transfer them to your phone. Next up is Miss Spykee, the female robot with 2 moods, friendly or mean, interaction with Miss is via voice recognition. Miss Spykee offers advice and can also be used as a universal IR remote control to operate your other appliances. Along similar lines to Miss is Spykee Vox but instead of giving advice he fights with sounds and lasers

All of the Spykee products work as docks for your iPod and as with the original Spykee they come in kit form that you’ll need to build your self. Prices start at $149 and are due for release October 2008.

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