[CES 07] Thomson RCA Does MP3, Video-Cam-to-Internet, and Analog
January 8th, 2007 — By Christopher JonesRCA All Over AV Map for 2007
One of the oldest consumer electronics companies in the world, Thomson RCA is here to show that old dogs can learn new tricks – and lots of ‘em.
The company’s new products for 2007 are positioned primarily as inexpensive solutions for capturing and playing audio and video, both on the go and in the home. On the audio side, Thomson’s Acoustic Research brand is introducing a new 2.1 speaker system for iPods that uses a vacuum tube amplifier to give it a hi-fi look and warmer sound.
The blackVault AR4131 works with any dockable iPod, and also has an auxiliary input that any MP3 player (or other audio source) can use. The vacuum tube is visible through the front window of the subwoofer, which has wooden cabinets with a high-gloss black enamel coating. The system will be available in February for $199.
A new line of RCA MP3 players is highlighted by the Jet Stream, which features wireless headphones for people who want to lift weights or go jogging without wires dangling from their ears. With 12 hours of playback time, a 1.5-inch OLED screen, 1GB of storage, and FM radio, this MP3 player is loaded, and has a reasonable $149 price tag.
On the video side, RCA announced its new Small Wonder (EZ201) video camera, an easy-to-use device with built-in software for compressing and uploading video clips to the Web, or sending via email. The Small Wonder connects directly to a TV for viewing, and individual clips can be transferred to a computer via the built-in sliding USB arm.
Improving on a similar device introduced in 2006, the Small Wonder now has 60 minutes of (flash memory) recording time, which can be expanded further with an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. With a new flip out 1.5-inch LCD display, you can playback clips right on the camera, and watch the action as you shoot.
In related news, the company introduced the RCA Memory Maker, a new DVD docking and recording system for the Small Wonder which will be available later this year for an undisclosed price. Available this spring, the Small Wonder will cost $129.
Thomson is also focused on the analog video world, and has a line of new products available for people who don’t upgrade their TVs when broadcasters switch from analog to digital broadcasting in February, 2009. The new RCA DTA800 Digital TV Adapter will receive over-the-air ATSC standard-definition and high-definition terrestrial broadcasts with a standard antenna, and convert the signals into analog for display through a TV set’s analog connections. Available this year, pricing for the DTA800 has not been announced.
A new combo drive recorder, the DRC8335 has both DVD and VHS recorders in one box, with both analog and digital TV tuners to record standard analog cable TV, analog broadcast TV, and digital broadcast TV. The device also features one-touch recording from VHS to recordable DVD, and includes a DV-in port for direct control and recording from most digital camcorders. It’s available in April for $249.99.
The final TV-centric product RCA announced is the Laptop Teleceiver (MPC4000), which can turn a desktop or laptop computer into a TV receiver with personal video recorder capabilities. The small (deck of cards) USB device is able to receive and record off-air HDTV, as well as analog (NTSC) TV programming, and uses the PC hard drive to store recorded programs. The Laptop Teleceiver will be available in April for $199.
