BeatZKey!FM

Published in Entertainment by paul_smart on 9 June 2004
Perhaps not the most informative title but that’s what it’s called. There is a radio but that’s only a very small part of the whole package, and indeed also the weakest bit.
PEEG is a neuro technology system which induces brainwaves that help to relieve stress and uneasiness. It also lead to deep sleep, well-balanced mind and body. It gives you a chance to improve your competence and performance as well.
The Nova range of TV cards both PCI and USB are not brand new but the current deal with ShowShifter is. So new that the two elements are priced in different currencies.
This radio is both DAB and FM. It looks solid as indeed it needs to be if it is to be used in the kitchen and during a substantial part of my tests that is exactly where I used it.

Smart SCART

Published in Entertainment by paul_smart on 6 Apr 2004
If like me you have more SCART devices than sockets on your TV then this device is for you. If like me you have a bad back contorting yourself to insert SCART leads is not high on your list of joyful experiences then again this device is for you.
Use the iPod for running? A great carry case for the iPod that holds it snug and can either strap to arm for running or belt via one of those clip things:)
The number one reason I'd rather own a car over my scooter would be the lack of a stereo. That's right, music on the move to alleviate the monotomous boredom of regular journeys. Will my new personal DAB radio liven up my two wheeled adventures?!
A lot of fuss is made about the iPod when there are other machines about that are as able to deliver, and cost somewhat less. The Rio Karma is small in size and large in capacity. The clincher is that it has far better battery life.
How many of us have DVD’s or CD’s that are either unplayable, skip or stutter. The conventional isopropyl alcohol and gauze no longer solves the problem. The answer could be not to far away

Rio Nitrus MP3 Player

Published in Entertainment by paul_smart on 9 Feb 2004
When MP3 players first came out 32MB was considered large, Rio were there then, now at last they can be a good size and Rio are still there with the 1.5GB Nitrus.
This cheap game for adults has an added benefit when used with children.
A lot of fuss has been made about the iPod even to the extent they were unavailable just before Xmas. There are other similar devices one is the Philips HDD100.
After several years using a previous Philips MP3/CD player I was quite excited to buy this new one - and hoping for even slight improvements in the skip control logic. I was quite surprised by the results.

Ipod Part 2

Published in Entertainment by mbosano on 16 Dec 2003
The second installment relating to the Apple Ipod...

Hauppauge Win TV Express

Published in Entertainment by paul_smart on 15 Dec 2003
Some recent PC’s have a TV card – normally provided at a price – here you can have one for less than £30, you also get Teletext, Window in Windows and a personal PVR.
Apple Ipod? You must have heard of it? Well following a long seduction process from press and media i have taken the plunge...
This is a somewhat different MP3 player, the neck strap has volume and track controls built into it, change them by just pressing the fabric of the strap.

Aureon 5.1 Fun Games

Published in Entertainment by mfereday on 3 Nov 2003
If you promise to keep it to yourself I’ll let you into a secret. I can remember when the only choice you had for your listening pleasure was limited to mono sound. Those were the days. Now, thanks to advances in technology, we can immerse ourselves in a surround sound environment using multiple speakers. Whether it is music or gaming, the capability is now within everybody’s reach for an enhanced audio experience.

3974 archos av32Archos AV320

Published in Entertainment by paul_smart on 30 Oct 2003
Donato among others has cast envious eyes over the Archos A300 series units. So here is what I thought when I got a pre production model earlier this year.
Relaxing at home and listening to the radio is a lot of people’s idea of real leisure, however in the evening even some FM channels are less than perfect.
Flat Panel 5.1 speakers good quality sound, a great sub woofer, these six components plus the ubiquitous remote control make up the Philips Acoustic Fusion A3 610 offering.
The ARCHOS VIDEO AV380 is the first handheld MP4 video player series on to the market place. This specific one has a staggering 80Gb storage capacity!

Creative Labs MuVo NX

Published in Entertainment by paul_smart on 21 Sep 2003
Certainly the smallest and lightest MP3 player I have ever used, the good news does not end there as you can also record to the unit using the built in microphone.
I bought my Phillips 'Expanium 300 Series' MP3 CD player about a year ago, so this is long term review. In summary - I couldn't have asked for more from my money!

Mod Tech DAB reciever (for PC)

Published in Entertainment by pault on 15 Sep 2003
This is a great toy if you listen to the wireless and need to record. If you have not yet discovered Digital Audio Broadcasting read on.