Multimedia theater goes where you need it
You can turn your family room or front lawn into a multimedia studio with the Epson MovieMate 25, a combination widescreen projector and multiformat DVD player. Equipped with self-amplified speakers and a portable, floor-standing 80-inch-wide screen, the projector can be set up to play movies, slide shows and music in a theaterlike setting indoors or out. The projector provides a crisp resolution of 854 by 480 pixels, a contrast ratio of up to 1,000:1 and a brightness rating of 1,200 lumens for day and evening showings. The sound is delivered through built-in 10-watt stereo speakers and an external 40-watt subwoofer. Video game consoles, cable/satellite tuners and other devices can also be connected to the projector. Cost: $1,199.
www.epsonstore.com
Listen: It’s the lost keys and remote control calling you
Tired of frantically searching for misplaced keys, phones and other essentials? The ISpot Wireless Lost Item Locator can bring order to your life. Tag easy-to-lose items, such as a remote control or portable video game, with one of its four color-coded electronic tags.
Whenever an item is missing, press the corresponding color on the transmitter and listen for the beeping sound coming from your lost item – if, that is, you can remember where you put the transmitter.
Developed by Digital Innovations, the wireless locator costs $50.
www.digitalinnovations.com
Turn iPod into practical tool
You already know how entertaining your Apple iPod can be. With Broderbund’s Media Shop TunePlus software, it can also be downright useful. After installing the software on your PC, you can sync information on your computer and iPod, back up PC files on your iPod and transfer music from your iPod to your PC and vice versa. You also can download podcasts, local weather, sports scores and other news from websites on your PC. The software is compatible with iTunes and Apple’s various iPod models. Cost: $20.
www.broderbund.com
Big boost for portable music
Picky listeners will like the sound of UpBeat Audio’s Boostaroo Revolution. When plugged into the jack on a portable music player, a laptop, a Nintendo Game Boy or other portable device, the portable amplifier and its two-way splitter transform compressed digital music into high-definition three-channel surround sound that can be delivered through two sets of high-end headphones or a pair of minispeakers. About the size of a pack of gum, the 6-ounce device provides big sound by quadrupling the volume output. Cost: $80.
www.boostaroo.com
