Amadana SAL Pocket Video Recorder

Japanese manufacturer Amadana has released its SAL pocket video recorder that not only records your favorite memories in MPEG4 format, it is also able to capture 3-megapixel stills with its CMOS image sensor. All these are crammed into a tiny body that measures 54mm x 95mm x 12mm, tipping the scales at a mere 85 grams to make this one of the more pocket friendly devices to date.

Too bad the 2GB internal memory cannot be augmented by any memory card slot, leaving the USB port as the only means to transfer data over to your computer once it is filled to the brim. No idea on pricing though, but this looks set to be a Japan-only device.

Yamaha’s Latest Home Theater Systems

Yamaha has refreshed their entire home theater in a box (HDIB) line with the YHT-791 ($850), YHT-591 ($650), YHT-491 ($550) and YHT-391 ($450).

Here’s a quick summary of the systems:

YHT-791
• 7.1 Channels (90W x 7)
• 10-inch, 100-watt YST II sub
• Four HDMI Inputs
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MasterAudio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio

YHT-591
• 5.1 Channels (105W x 5)
• 10-inch 100W YST II sub
• Four HDMI Inputs

YHT-491
• 5.1 Channels (100W x 5)
• Tower speakers
• 8-inch, 100W sub
• Two HDMI Inputs

YHT-391
• 5.1 Channels (100W x 5)
• 8-inch, 100W sub
• Two HDMI Inputs

All systems are compatible with Yamaha’s $100 iPod dock and $130 Bluetooth receiver.

Seagate Free Agent Theater HD Media Player

The Free Agent Theater HD Media Player uses composite, S-Video and component video inputs, coaxial out for Dolby Digital surround sound. Its integrated dock is for the FreeAgent Go, what Seagate says is the world’s thinnest external HDD, but there’s a USB port for other storage devices, in case you’re fresh out of FreeAgents. Its on-screen interface can display either file/folder trees or previews and thumbnails. And because of the Theater HD’s dual-channel video converter, you can upconvert all your video files to 720p or 1080i. There’s no 1080p support, and besides, there’s no HDMI, though Seagate says something like that will come along later this year.

As for the on-screen UI and accompanying remote, there are also easy one-touch buttons that will allow you to perform simple tasks automatically, such as starting a slideshow of photos and music, simultaneously, with just one button. Even DVD files, ripped onto your external hard drive, can be played simply by going to the DVD’s folder and clicking the play or menu button on the remote, without having to hunt for the actual video file. Seagate says the system supports MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 formats, and DIVX files with video resolutions for NTSC, PAL and HD up to 1080i, and that it even supports subtitles. It does not, however, handle H.264.

Available on March 4, the Seagate FreeAgent Theater HD will sell for $130.  It is also bundled with a 250GB FreeAgent Go drive for $230, or better still, a 500GB model for $280.

Philips Cinema LCD TV

Philips is pretty active today, and here is yet another product released by them – the widescreen Philips Cinema 21:9 LCD TV. At that aspect ratio, you can expect a true blue cinematic experience right in the comfort of your living room, although you will first have to part with €4000 for it when it is available sometime later this June throughout Europe. Detailed specifications are currently unavailable, although we’ll do our level best to bring them to you once we’ve uncovered them.

iPod / iPhone Speaker Dock from Vestalife

This is the other Ladybug-like new product from Vestalife. The shape and the absence of built-in subwoofer in the features list are the only differences from the Firefly. From the picture I can see that the red color is a bit more subtle but I need to check on the real product. There is no information about pricing and availability yet, we might know more next week during MacWorld and CES.

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