AVerTV Hybrid Volar MAX is a long name to describe the multitude of functions the USB TV tuner does. The USB based TV tuner stick has the ability to receive HDTV, Analog TV and FM radio on any Windows XP or Vista computer or laptop.

Unless you need specific subscription channels, you no longer have to put up with cable or satellite costs to get the High Definition TV everyone is craving for. The AverTV Hybrid Volar MAX does it all. For video quality, playback and speed consider this:

“The AVer MeidaCenter provides users more joy from Clear QAM digital cable TV. Advanced real-time H.264 recording compression significantly reduces CPU loading and the amount of hard disk space needed for recording. The optional 320×240 resolution enables users to save and playback video on an iPod.”

Don’t hold doubt either, the AVerTV Hybrid Volar MAX can truly present the details of HDTV in 720p/1080i resolution. With an exclusive Vista MCE Video Gaming Plug-in, the AverTV Hybrid Volar MAX resolves the (more…)

 Is that a PMP in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Sorry, that’s all I could think of for this super mini video player that sports a 2.4″ or 2.8″ full-size bright high-res LCD display. The device can be expanded with a memory card (T-Flash or MicroSD) but comes with 2GB built-in. The battery life will let you play video for 3-4 hours and audio for 6-8 hours.

The device is so simple but really combines many features people look for in a PMP including simplicity of transferring video to the device (supports USB mass-storage mode for easy transfer of video on any OS), expandability memory, charging via USB (when traveling I hate bring extra chargers) and can play FM Radio, Text, Pictures, Games and Videos. (more…)

So many have asked the question: How do you make DVD rentals easier than running down to the video store. Well, we’ve seen NetFlix with their rapid shipping and quick turn times and Blockbuster on their heels. These big-boys are now turning to on-line download and “content on demand.” It all sounds nice, but even with great bandwidth and streaming video you still have a fundamental problem. You must watch those vidoe’s on your TV.

PortoMedia of Ireland has a different take on DVD rentals. How about rent movies on flash memory?

May seem a little crazy, but think about it. Once you have that content on flash, the ability to watch video on any portable device, be it a laptop, PDA or other device makes enjoyement of that DVD when and where you want it …well…ideal.

So what is the process?

“PortoMedia is setting up kiosks that will let consumers download movies to a flash memory key or portable hard drive. The kiosks will be packed with hard drives that can hold 350 to 5,000 titles. Users then plug in a memory device from the company, enter a PIN code, and buy or rent a movie. When consumers get home, they simply slide the memory device into a dock their viewing device and enjoy.”

If you are not on board with the idea of PortoMedia, don’t worry - you are not alone. Others, like Ziff-Davis, have doubts, but consider this: (more…)

Not that a Mr Burns USB webcam should make anyone’s short list for Valentine’s Day, I did find this on Amazon while shopping for my better half. For a whopping $44 you can enjoy this mediocre 640 x 480 plastic webcam which coincidentally shows off your love for prime-time cartoon shows. Not to pass judgment on those types.

For those of you who caught interest because of the geeky phrase “USB webcam” you might want to try this for a more rewarding purchase.

Simpson’s Mr Burns USB Webcam Amazon Link.

Our good friends at GizmosForGeeks cruised through CES’08 this year and one of their highly recommend products was the Pinnacle Video Transfer unit from Pinnacle Systems.  The point of this device is making the record, copy and transfer of your favorite video (TV, DVD etc) to your iPod [or other hand held device] quick and easy.

As seen here, USB is the answer for plug-n-play connection and the Video Transfer box gives three settings for video quality.  Your setting choice will dictate the file size and resolution quality.  The video input options include S-video or Composite video.

The Gizmo guys had a moment to demo the unit and reported the unit was easy to use, compact and simple in operation.

The Pinnacle Video Transfer box will be available later this month for just $129. (more…)

No, I’m not a “player” but the iPlayer is a nice piece of technology for cocktail conversations. The iPlayer is a standalone video player which can run content from a number of different flash media cards or USB drives. In addition, the iPlayer may be connected to either your TV or monitor.

The iPlayer has the ability to quickly and easily share photos, music and movies on your TV or monitor.

Sure, for the home user this might not be the ideal USB gadget for viewing your favorite content, BUT if you are running a business and doing trade shows the iPlayer is clearly worth a second look. The iPlayer makes it easy to set up a video displays without needing a PC or TV. With the combination of the iPlayer and monitor (flat screen I’d assume) you could have a slick looking trade show presentation in little time. (more…)

Capture the everyday moments that happen anywhere, and share them with family and friends everywhere. That’s the idea behind the new Flip video camcorder. It’s portable, simple to use, and amazingly affordable. Shoot anything. Share everything.

Never Miss Another Moment

Flip Video’s simple, one-touch recording feature and compact size make it the ideal choice for capturing videos on the go. No bulky gear, charger, or memory card needed.

Flip camcorder functions
View, Share, and Save Videos With Built-In Software

Flip Video makes sharing videos incredibly simple. Watch your movies instantly on TV using the included cable. Or, connect Flip Video directly to your computer through the built-in USB arm. The simple on-board software makes it easy to view, edit, and share your favorite videos.

• Email videos and greeting cards with ease
• Publish directly to YouTube and Grouper
• Organize and archive your videos

Capture Still Photos and Make Custom Movies

With Flip Video’s on-board software, you can easily edit video clips, capture still photos from your videos, or create custom movies set to music.

Product Description

Simple to use, pocket-sized camcorder with one-touch recording and digital zoom. Holds up to 60 Minutes of TV-Quality video on 1 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required. Flip Video is equipped with a convenient USB arm that plugs directly into your computer for easy sharing and archiving. Flip’s built-in software lets you easily email videos, share them on YouTube and Grouper, edit your footage, and capture still photos from video. System Requirements: Windows: PC with USB port and Windows 2000 / XP/ Vista. Mac: Macintosh with USB port and Mac OS X.

Looking for other USB video camera items?