Showing posts with label Electronics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Electronics. Show all posts

Monday, October 13, 2014

Sony introduces ICD-TX650 Digital Voice Recorder

The Slim and Stylish ICD-TX650 from Sony
Captures High Quality Audio Recordings

ICD-TX650

(SINGAPORE, 24 September 2014) – Sony has introduced its latest digital voice recorder for today’s business professional, with a focus on the audio quality of recordings. Sporting a sleek and compact body, the slim ICD-TX650 is only as wide as your thumb yet packed with new features that ensure that your recordings are crystal clear, delivering realistic stereo quality during playback.

True to its dedication to achieving the best audio quality and sound, Sony has equipped the ICD-TX650 with a digital microphone enabling high quality digital recording with no loss in audio signal. The recorder’s internal components have been configured for optimal sound recording to achieve a powerful stereo sensation that belies its actual size.



Features that Deliver High Calibre and Reliable Recordings of Business Meetings
“Stereo Emphasis” is a new function available on the ICD-TX650, which allows users to accurately record audio with a sense of realism and depth, for easy recognition of the position of the different speakers in the meeting room. With the compact built-in speakers, audio can be played back on the spot eliminating the need to plug in headphones.

The ICD-TX650 also features one-push recording, a nifty function if you need to record a conversation at a moment’s notice. By simply pressing the “REC” button, recording will start immediately, even if the device is powered off. An operation indicator LED at the top of the device will also light up during recording. The ICD-TX650 can also be configured prior to your meeting to begin recording after a preset number of minutes.


Via its easy-to-see OLED display, users can make use of “Scene Select” so that they can choose the optimal recording settings to suit various scenes. With seven recording scenes available (Shirt Pocket, Meeting, Lecture, Voice Notes, Interview, My Scene 1 and My Scene 2), users can switch between and customise these recording scenes to instantly adjust settings such as microphone sensitivity to match the changing environment.

Easy-to-use and Convenient Playback Features
The following features are available on the ICD-TX650 for playback:
§  Digital Pitch Control (Playback Speed Control): “Digital Pitch Control” enables the playback speed to be hastened or slowed without altering the natural pitch.
§  Easy Search: The “Easy Search” feature enables audio to be fast-forwarded or rewound for a fixed number of seconds during playback.
§  Effect: Special effects can be selected to enhance playback of Pop, Rock, Jazz, and Bass music.
§  Track Mark: The “Track Mark” feature enables audio to be played from any desired position. By simply selecting “Track Mark” from the menu, you can add a track mark at the desired location in the file, whether during recording, playback or when paused. This will enable the audio to be played back instantly from your chosen location.
§  Auto Track Marks: Track marks can also be set automatically at equal intervals of 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes.

The built-in lithium-ion battery can be charged via micro USB for 15 hours of recording. The convenient 3-minute Quick Charge function provides an additional hour of recording.

The ICD-TX650 will be available at selected Sony Stores and authorised outlets from mid-October 2014.


Specifications Sheet
General
Built-in Memory
16 GB
Built-in Microphone
Stereo
Recording Format
Linear PCM/MP3
Playback Format
MP3/AAC/WMA/WAV
Battery Type
Built-In Lithium Battery
Dimensions (mm, w/h/d)
Approx. 20.0 x 102.0 x 7.4 mm
Weight (incl. batteries)
Approx. 29g
Headphone Jack
Yes
Microphone Jack
No
Charging
USB Connection Charging
microB
Quick Charge
3 Min recharge for 1Hr recording
Battery Life for recording
15 Hrs (MP3 192kbps)
12 Hrs (LPCM 44.1kHz, 16bit)
Recording
Max Recording time
715 Hrs (MP3 192kbps)
24 Hrs 15 Min (LPCM 44.1kHz, 16bit)
Frequency response
95 - 14,000 Hz (MP3 192kbps)
95 - 20,000 Hz (LPCM 44.1kHz, 16bit)
Features
Display Type
OLED
Speaker Power Output
90mW
Speaker size
10mm
Recording Features
Scene Select, Low-cut Filter, Voice Operated Recording, Recording Monitor
Playback Features
Digital Pitch Control (Speed Control), Noise Cut (Clear Voice), A-B Repeat, Easy Search, Alarm Playback, Datesearch function
Edit Features
Track Mark, Erase, Protect, Divide, Move File, File Copy, Folder Name Change

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Sony "Feel The Air" Audio Event 2014


Sony picked the right place for their high-resolution audio event at the Timbre @ The Arts House. It was cosy and the atmosphere at the bar were great. The high resolution music was pleasant to our ears while the delicious pizza serving satisfies our stomach. 







At the Timbre @ The Arts House, Sony Audio Event.

Sony staffs both locally and from Japan introduces their latest high resolution audio products. Looking at the latest Walkman, NWZ-A15, I remember my first Sony Walkman, WM-DD100 Boodo Khan in the late 1980s. The new Walkman is so thin and powerful in audio clarity with rich detailed sound. It incorporates a unique S-Master HX digital amplifier which minimise noise and distortion. In addition, the DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) HX technology upscales the quality of compressed sound sources to surpass CD quality.















Latest Sony high resolution Walkman


Next is the impressive MDR-Z7, a premium quality headphone to match today’s finest high-resolution audio sources. It has the biggest 70mm HD driver unit completely envelops the listener’s ear, giving an immense feeling of space. Another headphone XBA-Z5, a hybrid was also a notable product.

World Biggest driver for MDR-Z7 headphone

Sony also introduces PHA-3 headphone amplifier to further enhance the high-resolution audio signals. In addition, Sony collaborated with cable specialist, Kimber Kable to create new MUC cables for better sound playback.



PHA-3 headphone amplifier
















MDR-Z7, PHA-3, MUC cables

Other notable new releases include wearable waterproof Walkman WS610 series, and the new Bluetooth headphones such as the MDR-ZX550BN, wireless speaker SRS-X3 and MAP-S1 (Multi Audio Player System). Not forgetting those expertly crafted high resolution floor standing speakers, SS-NA2ES.

Overall, I was impressed with the sound quality of the new Sony’s products. Over the years, Sony had positioned herself as a leading brand for audio system. Her continuous innovation in search for better quality sound is truly a testimonial of a great company.  


 Wearable Waterproof Walkman W610


Demonstration by Sony staff on their latest High Resolution amplifier and floor standing speakers, SS-NA2ES


Bluetooth Wireless Speaker 










  Japanese developer for MDR-Z7 headphone.

Friday, October 10, 2014

BlueSound Media Launch 2014

While sipping my coffee in the late morning, waiting for the Bluesound launch event in Singapore to start, I was proudly told that I was the earliest participant. Looking around, even though there were many people, I guessed they were the hosts in this event. Feeling great in this late morning, with caffeine poking my brain, I was able to hear and remember every detail just like a high grade recording unit.





Bluesound is an all new brand of wireless, high-performance digital audio, designed and engineered by an alliance of audiophiles, created for all music lovers. The same company that brought you the PSB speakers and NAD electronics, Bluesound (the world’s first fully commercially ready high resolution audio, wireless multi-room solution) is their newest development. It is a 24-bit native, pure-digital multi-room wireless streaming music. There are four systems available which can be controlled by the free powerful controller apps available in iOS and Android.





The system allow listeners the ability to control their own digital music collection and also play content from popular online music services and internet radio in native HD from any room in their home. The key technologies such as web-enabled DirectDigital 35-bit, 944kHz DDFA amplifier, Bluesound is the first truly HD wireless digital music system with a premium, audiophile-grade feature set that music lovers will cherish.

The speaker for the day is John Banks, Director Market Development and Chief Brand Officer. I quote what he said,

“There are lots of systems out there that claim to be ‘HiFi’, but most people don’t even know what that means anymore.  MP3s, earbuds and speaker docks have robbed a whole generation of music lovers from the experience of true high resolution audio – and the inspiration from the sounds that we love. The Bluesound team is dedicated to bringing the inspiring experience of true high fidelity sound to digital steaming. With the introduction of Bluesound, now everyone can hear it.”

It was truly a remarkable speech and I fully agreed with what he shared with us.












 Photo : John Banks explaining the concept behind Bluesound.

The products are as follows:

PULSE
The all-in-one compact streaming music system, is a state-of-art streaming powerhouse, capable of filling any room with crisp clarity and deep textured sound – in high definition. Selling at $999 SGD






VAULT
The Vault is a wireless streaming music player, vault and CD-ripper with a dedicated, acoustically quiet high capacity HDD built right in – allowing music lovers to rip their entire CD collection without any loss of the high resolution. Selling at $1499 SGD






POWERHOUSE
The Powerhouse is an amplified wireless streaming music player with a patented, award-winning premium DirectDigital (DDFA) amplifier at its heart. Selling at $999 SGD





NODE
The Node is a non-amplified wireless streaming music player that finally connects all of your digital music to any existing steam system. Selling at $649 SGD




DUO
The compact DUO powered subwoofer / satellite speaker combination offers precision-tuned digital equalization with the POWERNODE’s DDFA amplifier. Selling at $1250 SGD




Controller Apps
Bluesound’s free mobile apps on iOS or Android devices feature functionality designed specifically for music lovers.




During this event, the speaker from Spotify was also present to enlighten us on how online music services can be available to us.






Personal Opinion on Bluesound
Although my time spent on Bluesound products was rather short but I get to see how Bluesound innovate and provide high quality sound to music lovers. If you have existing favourite amplifiers and speakers, you can use them. Bluesound help you to integrate them wirelessly using today’s technology. Putting music in all your rooms wirelessly does make sense for modern living. One important question I did asked is whether will there be any interruptions of the transmission of the music wirelessly. Well, it will be smooth flowing. For those who do not have their amplifier and speakers set, they may want to consider Powernode with the DUO speakers. The sound was excellent.

All Bluesound product models are now available exclusively through Lenbrook Asia’s authorised retail partners in Singapore. Bluesound is also available for online purchase at www.lenbrook.com.sg. Online purchases come with an extended 6-months Warranty (1.5 years in total) and Next Working Day delivery.

For more information, visit:

Photo Credit and Written By: Derrick See (www.derricksee.net

If you require an event photographer, wedding photographer or any other professional photography services, do email me at see323@yahoo.com.sg . You can also message me at my  FACEBOOK account. To view my photos, click My Flicker Photos