November 22, 2007

The Gadget Guru

The Gadget Guru’s Holiday Wish List

By James Stout
Special to the Times

Panasonic TH-50PZ700U Plasma TV
Panasonic raises the Plasma Display bar with an affordable 1080p set that doubles as an art and photo gallery.
In addition to exceptional rendering of TV and movie content, the TH-50PZ700 adds Gallery Player which allows you to purchase and download High Definition Art and Photography for display on your set at home or in the office. Panasonic even includes a sample image set. There’s also a slot to allow your photos captured on or
copied to an SD card to be shared on the screen. Panasonic has a real winner with this latest plasma offering. www2.panasonic.com.

Sharp AQUOS LC-46D64U LCD TV
Sharp, a perennial leader in LCD displays, gives you more TV in less pace while incorporating the latest innovations for picture quality. The LC-46D64U, also available in 42 and 52 inch sizes, shaves 3-4 inches off the width of most 46 inch sets, making this ideal where space is limited. The Slim-line design includes a 1080p full HD display, extraordinary blacks, extraordinary responsiveness to fast moving action, and an elegant look. There are more inputs than you’ll likely need with 3 HDMI connections, a PC port, and side inputs for cameras and game. This is LCD TV at its finest. www.sharpusa.com.

Onkyo SR-TX605 Audio-Video Receiver
The Onkyo SR-TX605 rewrites the rules for receiver price performance. Other receivers with this feature set cost up to 60 percent more. It supports all the latest High Definition connections while upconverting legacy inputs from VCRs, camcorders, and others to High Definition quality. It also supports all the new high resolution audio formats found on Blu-ray and HD-DVD disks. Combine XM and Sirius satellite radio support to iPod connectivity, and you have an affordable workhorse to drive your home entertainment system. www.onkyousa.com

Optoma HD80 1080p DLP Front Projector
The Optoma HD80 is currently the lowest-priced 1080p DLP front projector on the market.

At the top of its curved white case you will find a control panel for switching inputs and navigating menus, but Optoma obviously skimped on installation features to hit the HD80's low price. Inputs on the HD80 include two HDMI, one DVI, and one component-video. There's no VGA connection, but you could use the DVI input for a PC. Of the three color-temperature settings, Warm delivered the most accurate and natural-looking color. The lamp life is rated at 3,000 hours in standard mode. www.optomausa.com.

OPPO DV-980H universal DVD player
How can consumers avoid high definition DVD format wars from Blue Ray and HD? The new OPPO DV-980H universal DVD player delivers a stunning picture and immersing sound for today's home theaters. Advanced video upconversion technology brings standard definition DVDs to life with 1080p "Full HD" clarity. The newest player from Oppo of Mt. View, California renders Super Audio CD, DVD-Audio, HDCD and regular CD enveloping acoustics with the highest fidelity. Complemented with 7.1-channel surround audio, high-resolution picture slide show and a convenient USB 2.0 port, the DV-980H helps you rediscover the treasures in your home theater. The 1080p output is a pixel-perfect match for 1080p TVs. Highly recommended. www.oppodigital.com.

Canon’s PowerShot SD870 IS

Canon PowerShot SD870 IS
Ultra compact digital camera perfection has arrived in the form of the SD870 IS. Until recently, ultra compacts have been a compromise between convenience and functionality. The whole category has made great strides, particularly with Canon predecessors, but now you can enjoy a 3” display, a wide angle lens to capture more of your family and friends, a longer zoom, advanced face detection capability, and the best low light photos of any small camera. But wait, there’s more. Canon has greatly improved its video capability to the point where you may not need a camcorder. In silver or black, the SD870 IS makes a real fashion statement. Your friends will be envious. www.usa.canon.com.

James Stout, owner of Bay Area Gadgets, creates home entertainment and home office solutions for valley residents. Your questions and comments are welcome at 408-393-4779
or by email at james@bayareagadgets.com.