| This is what native 4K home cinema looks like on Sony's VPL-VW1000ES projector May 17th 2012, 13:00  Why are folks so keyed up about 4K? At first glance, that's the type of question that answers itself: by definition, a 4096-pixel wide image delivers around four times the resolution of 1920 x 1080, and that's a healthy multiple. It's actually of a broadly similar magnitude to the difference between 1080p and old-fashioned analog NTSC video, and nobody these days questions the value of that upgrade. On the other hand, there must come a point where pixels cease to be visible in a home theater environment, such that buying more of them at inflated prices stops being worth it. Sure, 4K can be a big help with 3D footage, because it boosts the resolution to each eye -- something we experienced with the REDray projector. But what about regular 2D material, which is still very much the default viewing option? That question's been nagging at us, so when Sony invited us back for a second look at its 4K projector, the VPL-VW1000ES, this time with full-throttle native 4K source material rather than just upscaled 1080p, we turned up with a tape measure. Read on for what came next. Continue reading This is what native 4K home cinema looks like on Sony's VPL-VW1000ES projector This is what native 4K home cinema looks like on Sony's VPL-VW1000ES projector originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | Insert Coin: Troller 1D, the transforming robot that won't ruin your garden May 17th 2012, 12:01 In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.  A crawling robot that, at the touch of a button, curls up into a wheel and rolls away sounds a bit Robots in Disguise, doesn't it? Still, that's what roboticist Toby Baumgartner needs your cold, hard cash to build. Troller 1D is the first prototype of the modular automaton that uses a series of servos to take it anywhere it needs to go -- but it's not ready yet. The project needs $2,600 to get better servos and add some WiFi and Accelerometer features that'll get the 'bot rolling without any assistance. Once perfected, you'll be able to buy a kit with everything you need to build your own and terrify the local wildlife / your children. Continue reading Insert Coin: Troller 1D, the transforming robot that won't ruin your garden Insert Coin: Troller 1D, the transforming robot that won't ruin your garden originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Kickstarter | Email this | Comments | |
