Why Boxee Box's TV tuner needs DVR support Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57325881-221/why-boxee-boxs-tv-tuner-needs-dvr-support/#ixzz1ebXWCirI
Boxee is releasing a USB-based tuner for over-the-air TV support, but your HDTV probably already has one built in. (Credit: Boxee) Boxee co-founder Avner Ronen took to the official Boxee blog this morning to announce the Boxee Live TV tuner. It's a $50 TV tuner dongle coming in January that connects to one of the Boxee Box's USB ports and works with either free over-the-air TV signals (which typically include the major networks, plus PBS) or unencrypted Clear QAM cable channels. (There's a useful overview on Boxee's site.) The pitch is that the Live TV tuner makes the Boxee Box an exceptional cable-cutting device, letting you still watch major TV events like local sports and award shows, while catching up on other TV and movie content via streaming video services like Netflix and Vudu. (But not Hulu Plus, which still hasn't been added to Boxee, despite the announcement over a year ago.) The catch? That all sounds great, until you remember that every modern HDTV already has a built-in ATSC tuner that allows you to watch live TV. Sure, the Boxee Box Live TV tuner will save you the hassle of switching inputs on your TV and it will likely have a prettier interface, but $50 is a lot to pay for that convenience. (Especially if you have a Harmony universal remote you can program with a handy "Watch TV" command to effortlessly switch from the Boxee to the TV's built-in tuner.) Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57325881-221/why-boxee-boxs-tv-tuner-needs-dvr-support/#ixzz1ebXWCirI
Blu-ray player holiday buying guide
If you're thinking of picking up a Blu-ray player this holiday season, the buying process can be overwhelming. The differences between different models are often minor; every manufacturer supports a difference suite of streaming-media services and they all pretty much look the same. And a lot of the information you need to make an informed choice isn't readily apparent by browsing the placards at a local retailer. Luckily, you can narrow your choices quite a bit by asking the right questions. We've isolated the most important features, and once you've made your picks, you should be to make an informed choice from just a handful of players. 1. Do you need built-in Wi-Fi? If you don't need Wi-Fi, you'll be able to get by with an entry-level player from a major manufacturer, which will probably cost you a little over $100. If you need Wi-Fi, you'll have to step up to a player that's closer to $150. 2. Are you a gamer? This is an easy one. If you're a gamer, the Sony PS3 Slim is still the best value, since you get a solid Blu-ray player, media streaming, and high-def gaming console in one box. If you're not a gamer, you're probably better off with a standalone player, which is easier to use for nontechies and works with a universal remote without the need for an adapter. 3. Which streaming services do you need? Blu-ray players these days are as much about the streaming services as they are about disc playback. Each manufacturer has its own suite of services, so you want to make sure you get a player that supports the services you'll actually use. It's also worth delving into our reviews to check out the user interface for each manufacturer; we tend to think LG and Panasonic players offer the best overall streaming experience. Beyond these basic questions, we've got a few additional tips to put you on the right path: Skip the extra features Most of the other bonus features you'll see promoted (2D-to-3D conversion, dual HDMI outputs, onboard memory) aren't worth considering. The 2D-to-3D conversion almost always looks bad, the advantages of dual HDMI outputs are minor (unless you have a projector), and onboard memory is only useful for BD-Java extra features that are almost never worth watching. Most Blu-ray players are 3D-compatible already, but there's not enough content available to make it a feature we'd look for. In short, don't put a lot of consideration in these features when shopping. Don't worry about image quality We've tested a lot of Blu-ray players over the years, but nearly all modern Blu-ray players put out a nearly identical image on Blu-ray movies. In fact, only the Philips BDP5506/F7 had noticeably inferior image quality compared with other players this year in our image quality tests. Unless you're dealing with a giant projector screen where you may see some differences with a premium player like the Oppo BDP-83, you'll be perfectly fine with a Blu-ray player from a major manufacturer. Don't let them sell you an HDMI cable in the store We can't say it enough: all HDMI cables are the same, so buy a cheap one from an online retailer. The expensive cables in the store aren't worth it, no matter what your salesperson might tell you. Look out for holiday deals And of course all this advice goes at the window if there's a great deal to be had. At moment I'm writing this guide, the excellent LG BD670 (built-in Wi-Fi, excellent streaming services) is available for just $110 from Amazon--the same price as the Ethernet-only LG BD650. CNET's Blu-ray player resources In addition to our reviews of specific models, there's also lots of great Blu-ray player resources right here on CNET: our best Blu-ray players list, in-depth comparison spreadsheet and direct comparison of the major manufacturers' streaming suites. Don't have time to read all that? The Panasonic DMP-BDT210 and LG BD670 are our favorite Blu-ray players this year, both featuring built-in Wi-Fi and excellent streaming-media services. Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57327896-221/blu-ray-player-holiday-buying-guide/#ixzz1ebX3qbzU
Televisions HDTV holiday gift picks
If you want to make someone really happy this holiday season, buy him or her a TV. It doesn't have to be gigantic, and it doesn't have to be 3D compatible or stream video from the Internet. Of course, if it's any of those things the smile on the face of your gift-receiver might get even wider. Our complete Holiday Gift Guide 2011 collects our favorite TVs of the year in four slideshow-based lists, but the one we think works best for gift-giving is right here: Televisions: Best bang for the buck Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57330633-221/hdtv-holiday-gift-picks/#ixzz1ebWdRdPS
All of these series of televisions come in multiple sizes, some as small as 32 inches and as cheap as $450, and as the holidays progress, we expect their prices to fall even more. If you decide to pull the trigger, be sure to check out some our holiday-specific buying advice before you commit. Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57330633-221/hdtv-holiday-gift-picks/#ixzz1ebWgv9xT
All of these series of televisions come in multiple sizes, some as small as 32 inches and as cheap as $450, and as the holidays progress, we expect their prices to fall even more. If you decide to pull the trigger, be sure to check out some our holiday-specific buying advice before you commit. Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57330633-221/hdtv-holiday-gift-picks/#ixzz1ebWgv9xT
Accessories for your favorite photographer
Stumped by gifts for your photographically inclined BFF or just looking for some inexpensive ways to add to your own creative kit? Here are a few suggestions.
If you're still shooting on a cramped, slow card, now's a good time to ramp up. If you shoot with a pro dSLR or high-resolution camera that generates really big files, maybe you can get someone to buy you one of SanDisk's really fast, high-capacity Extreme Pro cards. Even if you don't see any performance difference in-camera, the type of speed these cards offer (fast read/write times instead of minimum SD "class" standards, for instance) can make a big difference when uploading the photos to your computer via a card reader. If you don't need the speed, but instead want to add some wireless uploading or geotagging capabilities to your camera, Eye-Fi's line of cards also makes my annual list of accessory recommendations.
If you're still shooting on a cramped, slow card, now's a good time to ramp up. If you shoot with a pro dSLR or high-resolution camera that generates really big files, maybe you can get someone to buy you one of SanDisk's really fast, high-capacity Extreme Pro cards. Even if you don't see any performance difference in-camera, the type of speed these cards offer (fast read/write times instead of minimum SD "class" standards, for instance) can make a big difference when uploading the photos to your computer via a card reader. If you don't need the speed, but instead want to add some wireless uploading or geotagging capabilities to your camera, Eye-Fi's line of cards also makes my annual list of accessory recommendations.
Ultrabooks to MacBook Air: Time to step up your game
Having reviewed the first four ultrabook laptops to hit stores, and spent some hands-on time with a just-announced HP version, it's clear Apple's dominance of the superthin laptop category faces a serious challenge. Acer, Asus, Toshiba, and Lenovo all have impressive systems, all under 18 millimeters thick, and all with second-generation Intel Core i-series processors and solid-state drives (SSDs). The key is that these 13-inch laptops start at $799, while the 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299. That said, stack all of these systems together on a table and we'll still pick the Air for general everyday use, as long as price is no object. To date, no one has matched the multitouch trackpad experience of the MacBook, along with its excellent keyboard, and simple sleep/hibernate quick-start states. But, if you're looking for the best value based on system specs, the field is suddenly wide open. Toshiba's Portege Z835 has a slower Core i3 processor (which is still fine for everyday use), but includes a full 128GB SSD for only $799 in a Best Buy retail-exclusive configuration. HP and Acer both have $899 ultrabooks--both with a Core i5 processor and either a 128GB SSD (HP) or 20GB/320GB hybrid drive (Acer).
The Asus Zenbook is the closest in look and feel to the Air, with a similar 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-2557M processor, a 128GB SSD, all-metal unibody construction, and a backlit keyboard, but it starts at only $1,099. Lenovo's IdeaPad U300s is a bit more, $1,199, but it has a particularly sharp design and the best keyboard of the bunch (although it's sadly not backlit). The comparison is easier to make with the 11-inch version of the Asus Zenbook. For $999, you can get the 11-inch MacBook Air, with 2GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD (of which about 49GB is available to users after operating-system files); or you can get a nearly identical Zenbook UX21 with double the RAM, 4GB, and double the SSD capacity, 128GB. What this says to us is that the MacBook Air, particularly the entry-level $999 11-inch version, is starting to look like it's in need of another update. Just as Apple recently updated the components in its MacBook Pro line of laptops, offering more power and space at the same prices, ditching that 64GB SSD in the least expensive Air would be an excellent first step. Even if none of the current slate of ultrabooks is a true MacBook Air killer, many more are reportedly on the way at CES 2012. According to PC Pro magazine, Shawn DuBravac, director of research for the Consumer Electronics Association, told a London tech event, "We expect to see 30 to 50 new ultrabooks launched at CES." In the meantime, here are the current and coming-soon ultrabooks, side by side with the MacBook Air.
The Asus Zenbook is the closest in look and feel to the Air, with a similar 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-2557M processor, a 128GB SSD, all-metal unibody construction, and a backlit keyboard, but it starts at only $1,099. Lenovo's IdeaPad U300s is a bit more, $1,199, but it has a particularly sharp design and the best keyboard of the bunch (although it's sadly not backlit). The comparison is easier to make with the 11-inch version of the Asus Zenbook. For $999, you can get the 11-inch MacBook Air, with 2GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD (of which about 49GB is available to users after operating-system files); or you can get a nearly identical Zenbook UX21 with double the RAM, 4GB, and double the SSD capacity, 128GB. What this says to us is that the MacBook Air, particularly the entry-level $999 11-inch version, is starting to look like it's in need of another update. Just as Apple recently updated the components in its MacBook Pro line of laptops, offering more power and space at the same prices, ditching that 64GB SSD in the least expensive Air would be an excellent first step. Even if none of the current slate of ultrabooks is a true MacBook Air killer, many more are reportedly on the way at CES 2012. According to PC Pro magazine, Shawn DuBravac, director of research for the Consumer Electronics Association, told a London tech event, "We expect to see 30 to 50 new ultrabooks launched at CES." In the meantime, here are the current and coming-soon ultrabooks, side by side with the MacBook Air.
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012
CNET Editors' note: The Download Now link will download an installer file to your desktop. Remain online and double-click the installer to proceed with the actual download. To learn more about AVG products and to ask questions and receive answers from AVG company representatives, please visit CNET's dedicated AVG Forum. Read more: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012 - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2012/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=rb_content;main#ixzz1ebUwDZuv
The bottom line: AVG Free 2012's renewed focus on performance keeps scans zippy, but struggles with slowing down your boot time and too many false positives. Review: The never-ending mantra chanted by security suite vendors sounds a lot like "faster scans, easier to use, better performance," and AVG has released a new version that it says accomplishes all three. Certainly, the scans are faster, it does install more quickly, and some tweaks to the interface have made it easier to view. Two new core security changes will make you safer, too. Faster and lighter land in AVG Free 2012 Read more: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012 - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2012/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=rb_content;main#ixzz1ebV81iHT
The bottom line: AVG Free 2012's renewed focus on performance keeps scans zippy, but struggles with slowing down your boot time and too many false positives. Review: The never-ending mantra chanted by security suite vendors sounds a lot like "faster scans, easier to use, better performance," and AVG has released a new version that it says accomplishes all three. Certainly, the scans are faster, it does install more quickly, and some tweaks to the interface have made it easier to view. Two new core security changes will make you safer, too. Faster and lighter land in AVG Free 2012 Read more: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012 - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2012/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=rb_content;main#ixzz1ebV81iHT
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