AC Ryan follows on its Playon series with the Fluxx media player-- its first player with Intel's Atom CE4150 processor.

The Flux carries a 1.2GHz processor, 400MHz Extreme graphics, 1GB DDR3 RAM and 2GB NAND flash memory. An optional internal HDD expands storage to 2TB.

Wifi and ethernet connections allow for networking and internet capabilities-- from local access content over network to internet through internal browser. It also supports keyboard and mouse control through x2 USB ports, as well as control through Android or iPhone smartphone.

A/V outputs include HDMI, Composite, YPbPr component and SP/DIF.

Go AC Ryan Fluxx

Mashed Pixel proposes customers should replace all their remote controllers with its Surc iPhone app and case combination.

After installing the free app, users slip their iPhone (either 3G, 3GS or 4) into the case. The case carries an IR transmitter and turns the iDevice into a universal remote.

The app should have settings for a large number of devices and connects to most IR-connected devices and appliances. Through a Surc account users can also backup all their remotes and settings.

The Surc case should be available by early 2011, while for the curious the Surc app is already on iTunes.

Go Surc

Philips promises remote controls with direct pointing and 3D gesture control with uControl.

The system consists of an infrared camera and RF transmitter (embedded into remote controller) and an infrared LED beacon unit offered either as a separate device or built into STB or TV. Thus the system is similar to Nintendo's Wii controller-- and is used in the same way.

The company offers the technology to 3rd parties and says the firmware is easily embedded in standard button-based remotes.

Does uControl represent Philips' shift away from its recently shut down Pronto line? Possibly. Philips wants to push uControl for every class of device-- TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, even PCs and game consoles.

Go Philips uWand

Go Philips Turns Off its Pronto Remotes

HDMI-enabled mobile phone shipments grow to over 1 million in 2010, In-Stat reports.

This growth is partly thanks to the increase in phones able to capture 720p HD video.

However HDMI must convince more phone vendors and OEMs to include the additional port in their devices-- HDMI faces competition from new interfaces like Mobile High-definition Link (MHL).

Currently HDMI-enabled CE accounts for over 350m device 2010 device shipments.

In-Stat predicts HDMI device shipments will increase by 20.8% annually through 2014-- increasingly gaining traction in mobile PCs, graphics cards and PC monitors.

Meanwhile DVI will start its inevitable decline from 2011 (its last year of growth according to In-Stat) as it faces competition from HDMI and DisplayPort.

Go In-Stat: Mobile Phones with HDMI Ports to Ship in Millions in 2010

Call it a Kaleidescape-for-All as Kaleidescape launches Cinema One, an out-of-the-box DVD movie server that provides instant viewing and management of your customer's movie collection.

This is the company's first system priced below £4200 MSRP, as Cinema One hopes to bring the Kaleidescape experience to a broader set of customers.

Cinema One is a single component movie server capable of storing 225 DVDS or 2500 CDs - but installs as easily as an ordinary DVD player. Linus Wong, Director, Product Marketing at Kaleidescape tells us Cinema One is based on and replaces the Kaleidescape Mini System.

It's ideal for the retail market, in his opinion, because it eliminates the need for storage configuration.

But there's more to this story than widening the market and price point (although scaling technology down to a 40-50% reduction is impressive).

Cinema One creates a new market by meeting the needs of parents with young children by automatically switching to a simplified user interface when the Child Remote is used.

"We have found that families tend to have the largest collections of DVDs, since most children’s content is in that format," says Kevin Dawson, MD of Dawsons Group, a leading high-end custom audio and video retailer in UK for residential and marine projects for over 30 years. "Cinema One is an excellent fit for this market since it enables even toddlers to select and start their own movies – without the delays and complexity caused by menus, trailers, and advertisements."

Wong tells us the interface is so well-done for kids that 2- and 3-year olds can navigate their favorite films. While toddlers can find and play their own movies, parents have complete control over available content and access.

Go Kaleidescape Cinema One

The 2 broadband home management companies, iControl networks and uControl, enter a definitive merger agreement.

No doubt who's in charge though-- not with "iControl Networks" as merged company name and uControl's Austin HQ to serve as division office.

The 2 companies' CEOs are to join forces as co-CEOs.

The combined company launches with serveral service providers and should announce additional deployments soon.

Go iControl and uControl Announce Merger Agreement