Thursday, July 17, 2008

Review by PCMag.com: Samsung YP-S2 "Pebble"



The PCMAG.COM has reviewed Samsung's YP-S2, the Pebble as bellow:
Samsung YP-S2
REVIEW DATE: 07.17.08



** SPEC DATA **
Radio: No
Recording, Voice: No
Recording, Line In: No
Video Recording: No
Music Playback Formats: MP3, OGG, WMA
Audio Battery Life: 9.5 Hr
Storage Capacity: 1 GB
Dimensions: 1.62 x 1.66 x 0.65 inches
Weight: 7.68 oz

** BOTTOM LINE**
Awfully similar to Creative's ZEN Stone in looks, price, and performance, the Samsung YP-S2 is an excellent alternative to the iPod shuffle.


** PROS**
Small and lightweight. Cheap. Gym-friendly earphones. Can create playlists on the go.

** CONS **
Earbuds lack bass. Necklace earphone design not for everyone. Cable-free PC connection is awkward.

** REVIEW **
First there was the
Creative ZEN Stone, and now we have the "Pebble," Samsung's YP-S2 (also known as the S2). I'm not sure why the inexpensive MP3 player market has adopted geological names, but it's true that both the Stone and the S2 are rock-solid devices. A screenless, diminutive MP3 player, the $39 S2 has 1GB of flash memory and some other laudable features, including a button for editing playlists on the go and gym-friendly earbuds. Is it a fantastic player? Well, it's a cheap player, and it does its simple job well.

At 1.7 by 1.6 by 0.7 inches (HWD) and a pebble-esque 0.5 ounces, the device has smooth contours that call to mind the ZEN Stone. A color-coded light on top of the S2 tells you what the player is up to Blue stands for repeat-all mode, green-to-blue-to-magenta means random, and magenta signifies that the S2 is running through a playlist. The controls are on the bottom panel, with each button serving different functions depending on how long you press it and what mode you're in. Power and play/pause occupy the same button, volume up and down buttons double as add-song-to-playlist controls, and there are skip forward and backward buttons as well.
The S2's earbuds stay in place well enough to qualify as gym-friendly, and the cable has an integrated neck strap, as well as a loop for a lanyard. Not everyone will love the around-the-neck design of the earbuds (they look a bit like a necklace), but you shouldn't have any trouble keeping them in place, whether you're working out or just commuting.

Less convenient is the fact that instead of using a cable, the computer connection is achieved with a small adapter that connects the player's 3.5mm headphone jack to your PC's USB port. Folks with crowded USB areas may not like having it there, since the player may block other ports on your computer while it charges or loads content.

The S2 offers support for WMA, MP3, and OGG files. Though this isn't an overwhelming collection of formats, I am glad to see that the Pebble plays nice with OGG tracks. Of course, the lack of a screen means no photo or video playback—the Pebble is simply a music player.

As befitting a simple music player, creating a playlist is a snap. When you hear a song you want to add to your playlist, press the "+" button (in repeat or random modes) and it's added to the list. Switching to playlist mode immediately starts the device playing tracks you've selected in this way. Obviously, we're not talking about managing a bunch of different playlists here, just one that can be created easily. In other words, it's a handy way to create one subset of your music for one specific mood or purpose, like when you're feeling emo, or for when you need a boost to keep you jogging.

There's not much use in obsessing over this device's audio quality. While the included earbuds don't sound great due to a lack of bass presence, they're a big part of the player's design. Replace them with a better pair and you'll likely lose the ability to wear the S2 around your neck. If you don't mind losing this gym-friendliness, however, the recently released Ultimate Ears Loud Enough and Radius Atomic Bass Earphones are decent $40 'phones.

Don't plan on marathon listening sessions with this player; its battery life is as low as its profile. Samsung itself rates the S2's battery life at a modest 13 hours of playback. My test results were even less impressive. I got 9.5 hours of playback—disappointing, but comparable to the ZEN Stone's roughly 8 hours of playback time.

Which is better, the ZEN Stone or the S2? It depends on what's important to you. If price is the key factor, the ZEN Stone is available for less (as low as $35). But for just a little bit more money, the S2 has its cool button for switching play modes and creating playlists. The S2 looks a little snazzier, too. In any case, either player is a better buy than the 1GB iPod shuffle, which sells for $50 and brings only iTunes-friendliness to the table. If you're not locked into iTunes and need a solid, cheap gym player, the S2 and the ZEN Stone are both very good buys.
The article above is from

Silver Award by Accelenation.com: Samsung YP-T10


Samsung's YP-T10 has received a Silver award from Accelenation.com. Its article is described below.
Introduction
Samsung has long been a player in the MP3 market along with the likes of companies such as Creative. However, most of these companies have been relatively unsuccessful in breaking into the market the way that Apple has with the iPod. Now with iPods everywhere, Samsung is trying to attract part of this market with the YP-T10, a slim, video-enabled, digital audio player. How does it stack up?

The Test
Let's go through a list of features offered by the YP-T10.

The Samsung YP-T10 comes in various storage capacities, including 2GB, 4GB and 8GB. The 8GB version was the one tested here. It also comes with a small QVGA screen (320 x 240) for the UI and for playing videos.
Some "extra" features from the basic set include support for FM radio, voice recording as well as Bluetooth compatibility.
The rated battery life is 30 hours for audio and 4 hours for video, which is quite impressive for a digital media player. It also takes only 2.5 hours to charge up the battery. Play speed can be adjusted (i.e. increased by several factors) as well as EQ presets (and user adjustments) courtesy of DNSe.

The YP-10's front is finished with a glass plate to give it a sophisticated and clean look. Under the glass panel, you'll find the QVGA screen along with a light up control pad. The control pad dims off when there is no user feedback. The display does not span the whole front of the player and it is not a touch-screen UI, but nevertheless an interesting concept.
The power button is located on the right hand side of the player. You slide and hold that position to turn it on. Upon power up, you'll be greeted by a cartoon dog appropriately named "Sammy". Afterwards, the keypad lights up with the controls and once the music starts playing, the dog starts jumping around on screen.

As previously mentioned, if there is no user input, then both the keyboard light and the screen turn off to conserve the battery.
The UI on the YP-T10 provides the user with many options to adjust. The "Sound Effect" options allow the user to turn on "Street mode" and adjust "Clarity" for a better experience when out and about.

There also a range of DNSe EQ presets such as: Normal, Studio, Rock, Classical, Jazz, Ballad, Club, Rhythm & Blues, Dance, Concert Hall as well as a User mode. The User mode allows adjustments of EQ, bass as well as 3D.

Play speed can be adjusted anywhere from 0.7x to 1.3x although listening to an MP3 at 1.3x speed sounds like the Chipmunks singing.

In terms of audio quality, the default settings with the provided headphones seem to deliver a rich sound that is better in my opinion to the defaults of other audio players I have tested. The bass is acceptable and the 3D effect is fairly apparent.

The touch pad looks nice although sometimes the response lags a bit and because the keys are close together, people with larger fingers might find it hard to press the desired key.
When holding the player in the hand there is the possibility that one of the keys may be pressed accidentally. A useful feature would have been a keypad lock to reduce the likelihood of this happening.

Transferring files to the player is quite easy with the supplied USB 2.0 cable. You treat the player as a storage device in Windows and drag the files directly to it. The player supports MP3 and WMA.

In terms of video support, the formats are limited to mostly WMV (no DiVX). Even so, some WMV files I downloaded didn't seem to play.
Watching the pre-loaded trailers on the screen gave fluid playback, although watching a movie on a 2.5" screen takes some getting used to.

Conclusion
Although a nice concept, the touch pad still needs to be tweaked for better responsiveness. I'd prefer manual buttons versus these controls because on occasion I found it hard to press the right key. The screen is also quite small for watching video. This could be increased but I guess at the expense of battery life.

Overall, the Samsung YP-T10 offers plenty of features, good storage capacity and a reasonable interface all in a small, stylish package. Support for Bluetooth, direct USB file transfer and audio EQ DNSe, give this player a leg up on the competition. The 4GB version of the YP-T10 is available for around $119 Canadian.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Images of SC-MX20 Digital Camera


Samsung released some impages of Sc-MX20 digital camcorder. Followings are the images. Please note that some colors posted here may not available in some countries. You should check your local electronic shop or shopping mall to make sure what colors are available.












Friday, July 11, 2008

Panasonic Camcorder Exploded

It is a misfortune for Panasonic. One of the Panasonic camcorder has exploded in Korea. I found some sites that posted stories about the Panasoic camcorder explosion. The explosion caused by a battery.

The Panasoic camcorder has been purchased in an electronic shop in Korea 4 ~ 5 years ago. Recently, while being charged for 30 minutes, the the battery exploded. There was a huge explosion sound, pieces were all around the floor, and the bed cover was on fire. While putting out the fire, there was another explosion of the battery. Fortunately, the user and his family could put out the fire.

The user reported this fact to the A/S center in Panasonic Korea. Two of the Panasonic employees visited the user's home and examined the exploded battery. Theny mentioned that the battery was not the orignial one. It was made in China which did not guarantee the quality.
Although "For Panasonic" was written on the exploded battery, Panasonic Korea did not want to be responsible for the explosion because the battery was not original.

The user replied "Although the battery is not original, the battery used the 'Panasonic' name. Then, Panasonic should have followed up to find illegal factories that manufactured such batteries and should have done not to allow them to sell thoes batteries."

As I am one of the consumers, we should be more cautious when purchasing products whether it is officially imported or not in order to get the warrantee.

The "For Panasonic" was written on the battery. Who can distinguish if this is original or not?

Exploded battery
Burned blanket


Followings are the sites that posted the Panasonic explosion stories.






Review by Engadget.com: Samsung announces YouTube friendly SC-MX20

The Crunchgear.com has posted a review for SC-MX20, "Samsung announces YouTube friendly SC-MX20"
Following is the news.


Announced this morning is the next incarnation of the MX10. Say hello to the SC-MX20, Samsung’s latest little vixen of a camcorder. The MX20 features an optimized recording mode for YouTube, a Schneider lens with 34x optical zoom, advanced noise reduction, image stabilization and face detection. This one doesn’t have internal flash storage like it’s older HD brother, the HMX10, but accepts SD/SDHC up to 32GB and MMC+ memory cards. The little guy can shoot up to three hours, shoots at SD and kicks ass with H.264 video compression. Look for it next month in four colors, including red, blue, silver and black for $279.99.

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., July 9, 2008 – Today, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. unveiled the SC-MX20, the successor to the company’s popular SC-MX10 compact digital camcorder. The ideal camcorder for the exploding generation of consumers uploading video content to the Internet, the SC-MX20 features a customized recording mode optimized for YouTube™ or multi-media devices, further simplifying the way users integrate the camcorder into their digital lifestyles.
Featuring a high-performance 680K pixel CCD sensor which delivers a resolution of 720×480, the Samsung SC-MX20 captures video with stunning color and clarity. The new model features a powerful Schneider lens with 34x optical zoom and advanced noise reduction (3-D Noise Reduction) technology to provide superb video quality. It also features Samsung’s improved Advanced Image Stabilization, assuring that consumers will be able to record blur-free memories both near and far, as well as Face Detection, which can automatically detect up to five faces and adjust focus to ensure better composition.
The SC‑MX20 features a slot for SD/SDHC (up to 32GB) and MMC+ memory cards and utilizes H.264 compression for longer record times and enhanced video quality. Samsung’s H.264 technology more than doubles the compression ratio so that it takes less time to send video files via email or upload them onto the Internet.
Thanks to H.264 compression, when in full resolution and when set to fine mode, users can record up to four hours of footage using an 8GB memory card, eight hours using a 16GB memory card, and up to 16 hours using a 32GB memory card. Furthermore, the SC-MX20 features the longest battery life in its class, lasting up to three hours.
For added convenience, and to enhance the consumer’s experience when shooting video, the new SC-MX20 features Samsung’s exclusive swivel hand-grip which effortlessly adjusts for regular and low angle shooting. The camcorder features a large 2.7 inch LCD to help users frame their subjects and review footage even in sunlight.
“The SC-MX20 is a camcorder that offers a host of advanced features at an impressive price point,” said Tony Sorice, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging at Samsung Electronics America. “Sharing many of the same advanced features as our higher-end digital camcorders, including the head-turning design of the SC-HMX20C, the SC-MX20 is sure to stand out from the crowd of ‘me-too’ camcorders.”
The SC-MX20 features a unique shooting mode that allows users to select a resolution and format that are perfect for uploading content to YouTube™ or multi-media devices. By selecting the Web & Mobile mode, the camcorder’s resolution is automatically adjusted to 640×480 (H.264 / AAC / MP4) and optimized for use on Web sites. Unlike other camcorders, users can easily import video from the SC-MX20 and play it on MP3 players and other portable multimedia players supporting H.264, without having to convert the files. The SC-MX20 also comes bundled with CyberLink software for the additional editing and customization of video files.
The SC-MX20 features Samsung’s useful iCheck and iScene modes. iCheck allows the user to effortlessly check remaining battery life and memory capacity with the touch of a button, while iScene allows the user to select up to 10 automatic scene modes for capturing the best footage no matter what environment they may be in.
Appealing to a variety of consumers, the SC-MX20 will be available in four colors, including black, red, white, and blue, all with silver trim. The SC-MX20 will be available in August 2008 with an estimated selling price of $279.99.



Review by Engadget.com: Samsung's $280 SC-MX20 Camcorder


The Engadget.com has posted "Samsung's $280 SC-MX20 camcorder is YouTube friendly."
It is explained below:

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 9th 2008 at 11:02AM

We won't fault you for forgetting all about Samsung's SC-MX20 -- after all, it was crammed deep beneath a host of other Sammy camcorders when announced at CES earlier this year. Nevertheless, we've received a few more vital details about said shooter today, and aside from boasting a 680K pixel CCD sensor (720 x 480 resolution), this one also features a 34x optical zoom, Advanced Image Stabilization, face detection, an SD / SDHC card slot, a battery good for three hours, a 2.7-inch LCD monitor (on a swivel, no less) and ten automatic scene modes for extra good times. Additionally, the unit packs a special shooting mode that captures in a resolution and format perfect for YouTube, so those terrified of converting will surely be breathing a sigh of relief. Expect this one to land next month in red, white, black and blue for a very manageable $279.99.
Gallery:
Samsung's $280 SC-MX20 camcorder is YouTube-friendly

For more information, please link to http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/09/samsungs-280-sc-mx20-camcorder-is-youtube-friendly/







Samsung's new YouTube-friendly camcorder: SC-MX20

Posted by David Carnoy Post a comment


The SC-MX20 will be available in August for $279.99.(Credit: Samsung)

Each month seems to bring a new YouTube-centric digital camcorder and July is no exception: Samsung has announced the SC-MX20, a $279.99 model that's the successor to the
SC-MX10. It'll arrive in stores in August and come in blue, black, red, and white.


According to the news release, the camcorder has a 680,000-pixel CCD sensor that delivers a 720x480-pixel resolution that allows the SC-MX20 to capture video with "stunning color and clarity." That may be a slight exaggeration, but the new model does feature a Schneider lens with 34x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD, advanced noise reduction (3-D Noise Reduction), Samsung's allegedly improved Advanced Image Stabilization, and Face Detection, "which can automatically detect up to five faces and adjust focus to ensure better composition." According to Samsung, the value priced SC-MX20 shares some features found in its higher-end SC-HMX20C, including its design.


What makes the SC-MX20 YouTube-friendly is a special Web and mobile-shooting mode that simply tells the camcorder to shoot video with YouTube-optimized video settings. According to the release, "By selecting the Web & Mobile mode, the camcorder's resolution is automatically adjusted to 640x480 (H.264 / AAC / MP4) and optimized for use on Web sites. Unlike other camcorders, users can easily import video from the SC-MX20 and play it on MP3 players and other portable multimedia players supporting H.264, without having to convert the files." Some CyberLink software is thrown ... Read more