High Tech Gadgets and Electronics

Vuzix iWear AV310 Widescreen Video Glasses

Today let’s talk about video sunglasses – maybe the coolest electronic gadget I have come across in ages. If you have ever had to endure long tedious travel by plane, bus or even as a passenger in a car then you have got to give the Vuzix iWear AV310 Widescreen Video Glasses a try.

People that are used to traveling learn how to enjoy flying, including the time it takes and the delays it can involve when things don’t go so smoothly. On a recent flight the fellow sitting next to me was wearing what can only be described as high-tech, space age sunglasses. He had them plugged into his iPod and was completely oblivious to me and everything else going on around him.

Later as we descended I asked what they were. He explained they were widescreen video glasses and when plugged into an iPod it was the same effect as watching a 52-inch high definition television screen. he was kind enough to let me try them briefly and experience it for myself.

It’s difficult to describe but it was quite amazing. I got a short trailer for the video game Call of Duty and the experience was like being in my own personal movie theater. They were comfortable to wear, lightweight and you can plug in the attached earphones and completely cut out the outside world. It really was a great way to aleviate a long boring flight and quite an experience having big screen video right before my eyes.

I asked a few questions after I took them off. He told me that these were Vuzix iWear AV310 Widescreen Video Glasses, they cost about $200, and they work with video game systems, laptops, DVDs and all sorts of other portable devices. Pretty cool and now I own a pair myself – any time I want big screen video entertainment I pull out my High Definition Video eye wear and dissapear into my own private theatre.

I had no idea virtual reality glasses existed but I am now stocking up my iPod with all sorts of videos and no longer dread all those long horrid business trips.

TAGS: iPod, Sunglasses, Video Glasses, Vuzik iWear

High Definition System Components

Many people are led to believe that they will enjoy the HD experience just buy buying a High Definition TV. Well, that’s not the whole story. To truly get HDTV, you will need more than just the television itself. You will need to subscribe to HD programming and buy a few accessories like HDTV tuners.

What are HDTV Tuners?

HDTV tuners are also known as HDTV receivers or HDTV decoders, precisely because those are the two main functions of an HDTV tuner. First, the HDTV tuner receives the HD signals, whether from your cable or satellite TV provider, Blu-Ray player or HDTV-capable video game console, then decodes and processes them so they can be displayed properly on your HDTV. If you do not have an HDTV tuner, you will only receive regular TV signals, which means you won’t get to enjoy the superior picture quality offered by your HDTV.

Is an HDTV tuner different from an HDTV tuner card?

Yes. An HDTV tuner and an HDTV tuner card differ in a few ways, mainly in how they are connected. An HDTV tuner is connected directly to the HDTV monitor while an HDTV tuner card connects to either the USB or PCI port of a computer. Also, HDTV tuners are box-like devices, which is why they are often referred to as Set-Top-Boxes (STBs), while HDTV tuner cards are slimmer and smaller. An HDTV tuner can also be a stand-alone device while you will need to have the computer turned on for the HDTV tuner card to work. In addition, the HDTV tuner is easier to set up and generally more stable than an HDTV tuner card.

Is an HDTV tuner different from an HDTV converter?

An HDTV tuner and an HDTV converter are two different devices. An HDTV tuner is used with HDTVs and simply receives and transmits HD signals. In contrast, an HDTV converter is used with analog or regular TVs and, as the name implies, converts digital signals into analog signals, allowing you to still receive HDTV broadcast signals.

Do I need an HDTV tuner?

The answer to this question depends on the type of HDTV that you have. If you have a full HDTV monitor or an HDTV with a built-in tuner, then purchasing an external one is not necessary. If you have just an HD-Ready TV, though, you will need to buy an HDTV tuner in order to receive signals in High Definition.

What is the average price of a High Definition TV tuner?

The average price of an HDTV tuner ranges from $80 to over $400. This depends on the brand of the HDTV, as well as the features.

How do I install my HDTV tuner?

Installing an HDTV tuner should be relatively easy. The most important thing is to connect it properly to your HDTV. Depending on the type of tuner you have, you should be able to find a port at the back or the side of your HDTV to connect it to. You should also be able to connect it to your antenna or other sources of HD content in order to receive the HD signals for it to transmit to your HDTV. When in doubt, consult your manual.

What HDTV tuner should I get?

Many cable and satellite TV providers offer their own HDTV tuners, which can spare you the trouble of shopping for your own. If yours does not, though, there are many for you to choose from. You can even buy your HDTV tuner online. To know which one, simply consider the features. The brand is important, too, not just so you can be assured of quality, but to ensure its compatibility with your HDTV. Take note that buying an HDTV tuner with the same brand as your HDTV is not required, although it is recommended if possible.

TAGS: HDTV converter, HDTV monitor, HDTV tuner, HDTV tuner card