The first model in the VX300 range , the 65" TH-65VX300E joins Panasonic’s existing large format 3D display products which include the 85”, 103” and 152”.

TH-65VX300 features high-speed drive technology which achieves clear and extremely detailed 3D video, even on the large panels. The built-in "pro quality engine" doubles the colour reproduction  compared  to conventional models. In addition, says the manufacturer, the newly adopted advanced drive technology provides smoother, richer gradation in dark areas (2X the smoothness of conventional model). .

“With this display we’re bringing broadcast-level technology into the home to deliver an exceptional viewing experience that delivers realistic 3D images”, says David Martin, General Marketing Manager for professional displays at Panasonic Marketing Europe, “However, the variety of features and size enable other industries such as post production, retail, design and simulation to use it. We’re continuing to develop technology that appeals to a number of sectors, yet doesn’t compromise on quality.”

The VX300 customisable features for high-end home theatre customers include Colour Gamut which can be selected from five different settings, a Custom feature which allows users to modify the placement of RGB, and adjustment menus such as five gamma curve options, white balance settings, and an advanced memory that allows users to name or save data.  In addition, independent RGB ON/OFF function checks secondary colours or monochrome images.

The TH-65VX300ER will be available later this year.

Go Panasonic’s existing large format 3D display products

This year's CEDIA Home Technology Event (HTE) will have 2 specially-built 3D theatres as part of its 3D Zone, showcasing JVC and Panasonic equipment.

Projectors on show will include Panasonic's D-ILA 3D range, which carries THX 3D certification-- the DLA-X3, DLA-X7 and DLA-X9, each hooked to Bowers & Wilkins surround audio systems.

Pnasonic will exhibit its Life Size 3D screens, the VX200 and UX1 series, as well as its largest plasma display-- the monster 152" TH-152UX1, on its first UK event appearance.

Providing Panasonic with audio is AWE Europe, with Denon 3D blu-ray players and KEF speakers.

Go Home Technology Event 2011

Microsoft releases Windows Home Server's second version, with an evaluation version to be available early this month.

WHS machines are known for being easy to set up and manage-- but the news of the company's dropping the Drive Extender feature did raise some eyebrows.

Microsoft's reasoning goes that as HDD capacities grow, customers won't need to "extend" volume capacity-- hoping machines coming with up to 3TB of storage will be enough.

OEMs are said to be already working on WHS 2011 machines, which should start hitting the market by May.

Go Windows Home Server 2011 Ready for Release

Autonomic's Mirage Media Server MMS-2 wins this year's CEA's Mark of Excellence award as media server of the year.

The MMS-2 the smaller, 2-source younger sibling to Autonomic's 5-source MMS-5; one with the same functionality, but scaled for smaller and secondary locations. It streams both local and online media, from iTunes and Windows Media playlists (with support for most audio formats) to online music services (including Pandora, RadioTime and SiriusXM Internet Radio).

It carries 500GB of internal storage and x2 independent audio outputs-- 5.1 digital and analog (for multi-room distribution)-- and x1 video output (for metadata and photo display).

Like the MMS-5, the MMS-2 automatically synchs and streams content from PCs, Macs and network-attached storage devices to multiple units via secure cloud-based access through wifi and 3G/4G connections.

The server's SKU integrates IP-based control systems from the likes of Crestron, AMX and UMX, while an iDevice app is also available.

Go Autonomic Mirage Media Server MMS-2

From France, country of the tricolore, comes another "tri-ple" idea: the DesignScreenHD screen folds in 3 parts.

As simple as closing a window: you close the left section, then the right, and the last visible panel can be an authentic picture frame on the facade.

With this patented mechanism, the screen surface gently folds and curves within the frame structure to provide a fully tensioned home cinema screen that takes up only a third of the living room wall space.

DesignScreenHD projection screens are equipped with a HD quality screen surface that has a reflective top coating, without directionality. The screens are fully tensioned (strung every 6cm or so) on aluminium fixed frames and give the experience of a dedicated theater room in the living room.

Go DesignScreenHD projection screens

Volfoni exhibits its ActivEyes "intelligent" 3D glasses at CeBIT 2011-- a set the company says eliminates customers' having to choose between active and passive glasses.

The ActivEyes system comes in 2 parts; the glasses (weighing only 29g and usable for passive 3D) and a separate integrated electronics-carrying mini "box" for active shutter TV, which the user connects to the glasses.

The set is compatible with both IR and RF systems, and its batteries last for 30 hours on a single charge. It is compatible with most 3D TVs and monitors, and is also upgradeable via online updates.

A 3D Hub accessory allowing up to 4 users to connect their glasses together will also be availble, together with a Sync module converting IR signals into RF (allowing users to move around the house while not losing their sets' signal).

Go Volfoni ActivEyes