Even as private telecom operators are slugging it out in the ongoing ‘pricing strategy’ , state-run telecom operator BSNL seems to have pushed the limits of the ‘first mover’ advantage of rolling out 3G services. The company launched an extremely aggressive pricing of 30 paise per minute for local and 50 paise for STD video calls, making it as cheap as the current pricing existing in the market.
BSNL’s 3G service, launched in Chennai on Friday evening, will be available on both pre-paid and post-paid connections. 3G will make available other facilities like mobile live TV and high-speed internet with download speeds up to 3.6 mbps. Customers will be able to watch 24 television channels at present . BSNL plans to add other facilities like video streaming and video-on-demand soon.
With BSNL offering these services at such low rates through a ‘promotional plan’ for a period of one year, the 3G pricing strategy too looks to have been set. The 3G spectrum auctions is set to take place this fiscal. “We expect one lakh customers to subscribe to our 3G service in a month-and-half ,” A Subramanian, chief general manager, BSNL, Chennai , said during the launch of the service. BSNL has already rolled out 3G in about 240 cities and towns in India.
Panasonic’s latest digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-FZ35 is one power-packed device as it helps up the ante for ordinary consumer level digital cameras to step slightly into the world of DSLRs. This shooter will come with AVCHD Lite, boasting High Definition (HD) video recording capability alongside a powerful 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom LEICA DC lens that allows you to shoot both picture perfect videos and images.
Meant to take over where the popular FZ28 left off, the FZ35 will come with motion zoom capabilities in order to put the 18x zoom to good use. Panasonic has also decided to turn the FZ35 into a true blue hybrid device by modifying the operational layout by including a dedicated video record button, letting one switch seamlessly between still and motion images without missing a beat. Some of the new manual controls and creative options include Creative Movie Mode, My Color Mode and High Dynamic Mode.
This 12.1-megapixel shooter will feature an upgraded POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) that boasts twice the repression power compared to the conventional image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S., and with ultra high-speed Auto Focus (AF) thrown into the fray, you can capture action scenes as they happen. Expect the LUMIX DMC-FZ35 to hit the market this September in black color only, for $399.99.
Transcend Information Inc (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, has announced that its popular MP320 digital music player is now available in a stylish new pink version – MP320R in India. Created with fashion-conscious female consumers in mind, the fresh new MP320R has a glossy eye-popping color scheme that emphasizes individuality and unique personal style.
Mr. Austin Huang, Regional Head – Sales, SAARC & APAC, Transcend, said, “The MP320R’s shiny precious jewel-inspired design not only gets people’s attention, but also easily blends well with any fashion look. Hidden behind the player’s mirror-like fascia is a vivid dual-color OLED screen that allows text content such as song titles and lyrics to easily be read at any angle – even in broad daylight. Aside from its great looks, the MP320R is a versatile combination of a digital music player and a portable storage device.”
Chic Looks & Smart Design: Thanks to its built-in USB connector, the MP320R operates just like a USB flash drive, making it easier to transfer music, clips, pictures, documents and other files from any computer- without the hassle of carrying around bulky cables. In addition, the MP320R is compact (85.5mm x 25.5mm x 13mm) and lightweight (just 29g), so it can be worn around the neck or conveniently carried in a purse or pocket all day long.
A Dazzling Set of Versatile Functions: The versatile MP320R boasts an array of useful functions, such as A-B repeat and variable playback speeds that can be excellent tools for reviewing important meetings, foreign language lessons, or academic lectures. Other value-added features include a recordable FM radio, voice recorder and a world clock.
Above all, the MP320R is a great sounding music player with support for MP3, WMA, WAV, and even WMA-DRM10 protected music. As far as sound output is concerned, the MP320R offers superb audio playback quality and comes with 7 built-in equalizer modes, including a user-adjustable EQ mode for a more personalized listening experience.
The MP320R is capable of displaying 13 different languages, and also comes bundled with a unique software application that allows users to temporarily lock their computers and password-protect personal files.
With its scrumptious pink guise, Transcend’s feature-rich MP320R music player makes it easy to enjoy music on the go and store data while looking good at the same time. Currently available with 4GB, capacity, the versatile MP320R is backed by a two-year warranty and the comprehensive support of Transcend’s industry-leading global service network.
Product Features • MP3 Player – supports MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM10 (subscription music) and WAV music formats • Recordable FM Radio with 20 station presets • Advanced Digital Voice Recorder • Karaoke-style lyrics display • Dual-color OLED screen displays clear text at any angle and in any light • VAD (Voice Activity Detection) for high quality gapless audio recordings • A-B repeat function allows you to continuously replay a designated section of a track • Variable track playback speeds • Supports 13 languages including menus, song/album title, artist name and lyrics(English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Simple Chinese, Traditional Chinese) • USB flash drive capabilities for data transfer and storage • Included software can be used to lock your computer and password-protect your files • 7 Equalizer effects, including a customizable USER EQ setting • Internal rechargeable Li-ion battery provides over 15 hours of continuous music playback • Built-in USB 2.0 connector for easy computer connectivity and fast file transfers • Real Time Clock displays local and world times
In India, Transcend has launched its new digital music player named MP860. Transcend MP860 digital music player features 2.4-inch QVGA TFT display, microSD/microSDHC card expansion slot, FM radio with 20 station presets, built-in microphone with direct line-in recording and eleven different equalizer effects. Playback of the music can be done without earphones with the help of the integrated speaker while the sing-along feature comes with synchronized lyrics display.
“Indian people have an insatiable appetite for music and they want it to be available to them all the time. As such, Transcend, keeps improving upon its digital music players range and we have launched our new MP860 player in the Indian market. The new MP860 player features an elegant design with a carefully crafted shape and a smooth finish making it look real stylish.
It is comfortable to hold and has a pleasant tactile feel. Currently available in two capacities, 4GB (Black) and 8GB (White), Transcend’s versatile MP860 is a definite must-have digital music player and can fulfill the portable entertainment needs of consumers in all segments,” says Austin Huang, Regional Head, Sales, SAARC & APAC, Transcend.
MP860 digital music player supports MP3, WMA, WAV, WMA-DRM10 as well as FLAC and OGG file formats. The eleven equalizer effects contain the user-customizable options that tailor the sound output to suit the users’ specific music styles and tastes. MPEG4 SP (XVID) and FLV movies on the player’s 2.4 inch screen can be played by the users.
Numerous photos, music and videos can be shared with the help of the microSD/microSDHC expansion slot along with 8GB internal memory. Moreover, music can be recorded from the external devices like the CD player with the help of the in-line feature.
Page-by-page text file reader, power-saving screen savers, auto-shutoff function, internal rechargeable Li-Polymer battery, USB 2.0 port and karaoke-style synchronized lyrics display along with support for 13 different languages are the other features of this media player. User-friendly navigation buttons and intuitive interface is also supported by it.
Transcend MP860 digital music has a two year warranty and comes with 4GB and 8GB capacities is available for Rs.5500 and Rs.6500 respectively.
A series of LCD HDTVs dubbed LH55 is launched recently by LG. LG LH55 series is a great combination of enhanced 240Hz technology that ensures an enhanced viewing experience with its sleek and modernized figure. Firstly, LG LH55 series was announced at International Consumer Electronics Show, this year.
LG HDTV’s LH55 delivers smooth and natural images along with the improved response time with the TruMotion 240Hz and a unique scanning backlight technology. In the older version of the TV’s a twofold process of MEMC to insert pseudo data into the image in order to increase the response time was used.
Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing and strategy, LG Electronics USA, Inc, says, “As the first of our flagship LCDs to be introduced this year, the LH55 offers consumers something better – unsurpassed motion detail for watching sports or movies and playing video games. With TruMotion 240Hz, the LH55 processes fast-moving pictures at lightning speed for a beautiful viewing experience that requires less picture processing and earns the new Energy Star(R) 3.0 rating”.
The enhanced color and contrast of the images at off-axis viewing angles and the increased response time, rendering superior performance is viewed due to the Super In-Plane Switching (S-IPS) panel. This series provides a contrast ratio of 80,000:1. Picture Wizard, Invisible Speaker System, Clear Voice II and AV Mode II are the LG core technologies are also included in the LH55 LCD HDTV.
TV hosts have rated this energy star as an Intelligent Sensor that detects the surrounding light and accordingly adjusts the color and brightness. Standby power consumption is eliminated by the mechanically on/off switch. LH55 also provides a 10-point white balance adjustment so that users may customize the color management system according to their viewing needs. It is also certified by ISFccc.
LG LH55 series consists of 37 inch screen priced at $1,399.95 (approx Rs.66, 992), 42 inch screen priced at $1,799.95 (approx Rs.86, 135), 47 inch screen priced at $2,099.95 (approx Rs.1, 00, 450) and 55 inch screen priced at $3,899.95 (approx Rs.1, 86, 550).
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