Stories by: Benjamin Russell

"What is your dangerous idea? An idea ... that is dangerous not because it is assumed to be false, but because it might be true?"

A "Sports Camcorder" is what Samsung have dubbed the weather resistant, rubber encased iteration in their Miniket series. The VP-X110's design is essentially that of the other cameras in the series, but with an emphasis on outdoor usage.

Samsung's VP-M110 Miniket camera is an interesting device. Fashionability dominates features. Portability takes precedence over performance. If there truly is a substitute for style, the Miniket doesnt bother looking for it.

The Kenwood DVF-N7080 combines a simple DVD player with an Ethernet port, allowing it interface with your PC at home, and let you play your media collection on your big screen TV. Unfortunately, the Kenwood seems to be aimed at a bit of a dead zone in terms of target audience, as it fails to provide enough simplicity for beginners, but lacks the power to really satisfy advanced users. A relatively dear asking price will further alienate potential consumers.

Much like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N1, the Handycam DCR-PC55 is one of the first digital cameras to utilise a touch-screen LCD. The blending of these two technologies has created a camera that ultimately sacrifices functionality and performance for flashiness and aesthetics. We say ultimately because there are situations where the camera performs very well, but its overall viability, especially for video enthusiasts is seriously limited.

Not since the Centrex CTDV100 have we seen a digital TV receiver that differs from the standard VCR form factor. The Centrex was small, simple, and unobtrusive, and we're pleased to report that the STBICT6300 from ITO follows in the Centrex's footsteps, proving that not all set top boxes have to be large and clunky.

With high definition, digital media becoming ever more prevalent, it's only a matter of time before DVDs become obsolete. When they first started appearing in 1997, the possibility of storing over eight gigabytes of data onto a single disc was almost overwhelming. Now, eight years later, the Digital Versatile Disc is painfully inadequate for the high bandwidth requirements of high definition.

A large and rather bulky unit, the HVR-DX610 DVD/VCR combination recorder from Sanyo nevertheless presents itself as a functional and easy to use device. Without any especially impressive features to recommend it, the Sanyo still manages to distinguish itself through a simple and effective interface, allowing the synergy of VHS and DVD technologies to fully blossom.

Possibly one of the worst products we've reviewed, the Linophir BC-688 Digital MP4 Player delivers performance that ranges from substandard to almost useless in each of its numerous functions. After several days of continuous (and frustrating) use, we were unable to identify even a single redeeming feature on this product.

A fairly standard offering from Voxson, the MP-50 is a small and lightweight mp3 player. Far from anything special, the Voxson is nevertheless an affordable option for those looking for a readily portable music player.

Ever wondered exactly how you'd sound, thrashing away on your air guitar to Deep Purple or Metallica, if you had a real axe slung over your shoulder? Well, pretty soon you might not have to wonder, as a University in Helsinki has come up with a Virtual Air Guitar - a device that will replicate the frantic flailing of your arms as it would sound on a real guitar.