Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

Sometimes even the smallest of innovations can make a big difference. Panasonic, a company that doesn’t normally come to mind when you think of cable makers, has quite literally developed a new twist on the HDMI cable. While current HDMI cables can require up to 9cm (3.54 inches) of space behind a flatscreen TV depending on where the connections are located, the new Panasonic Free Angle HDMI cable features a connector that can be swiveled 180 degrees, requiring only about 3cm (1.18 inches) of space. It doesn’t make a big difference if your flatscreen is sitting on a TV stand, but if you wanted to mount it on the wall, I imagine these would be extremely convenient. The cables should be available this August in either 1.5 meter (4.92 feet) or 3 meter (9.84 feet) lengths.

[ Pocket-lint - Panasonic launches "free-angle" HDMI ]

By Luke Anderson

I spent several years working as a network admin, and can vouch for the fact that having a bad cable can significantly degrade your performance. Of course, since most ethernet cable is the same, it’s really hard to find a crappy cable, unless it has been severely abused. So what, you might wonder, is the point of dropping some extra cash on a premium cable which promises better performance?

The short answer is that there really is no good reason. The long answer is the same, only with more words. Denon is selling Ultra Premium Link Cables which are supposedly crafted from “high-purity” copper, which is supposed to increase performance. Honestly, when it comes to Cat5 (or Cat6) cable, copper is copper. You’re not going to get any better performance because they have “better copper”.

The only thing that I see here that might make this stuff worth more than it’s run-of-the-mill competition is the fact that it is insulated. There are certain factors that lead to interference if your cable isn’t insulated. Of course since most of those factors include draping your cable over an air conditioner, or other device which consumes a lot of power, it’s really a moot issue.

So just how much does this extra-special networking cable run? Just $500 for a 1.5 meter cable. Seems like a steal to me.

[ Denon ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Luke Anderson

When you travel, how many gadgets would you say that you take with you? For me it just depends on where I’m going, but I always have my laptop, Nintendo DS, camera and phone, all four of which need power at some point or another. When I’m staying at a hotel room, there are usually only two outlets at most that are next to each other, which means that I have to go across the room to plug something in. This is why I could use a small power strip to carry around, and Monster has the best one I’ve seen.

Just look at it, it’s the perfect size to throw in your bag, and it gives you that one precious outlet that you always seem to need. You can pick one of these up for just $15, not too shabby.

[ Monster ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Andrew Liszewski

If you’re a musician, a DJ, or have to deal with AV systems on a regular basis you might be interested in the Electronic Musician’s Emergency Adapters kit. It’s basically just a nylon bag full of essential audio adapters you might not think you’ll need, but could end up saving your butt at one point. The idea was originally conceived by electronic musician Liz Mclean Knight, but to be honest anyone who does this type of thing for a living probably already has a similar collection on hand. Liz just had the idea to sell it as an emergency kit. And if you’re curious, here’s a run-down on what you’ll find in the bag.

(1) 1/8” male stereo plug <-> (2x) 1/8” female stereo jack
(1) (2x) mono RCA male plug <-> 1/8″ male stereo plug (6′ cable + hook & loop cable tie)
(2) 1/8″ male stereo plug <-> 1/4″ female stereo jack
(1) 1/8″ (2x) female stereo jack <-> 1/8″ male stereo plug
(2) 1/8″ female coupler
(1) 1/4″ male stereo plug <-> (2x) female stereo 1/4″ jacks
(1) 1/4″ male stereo plug <-> (2x) female stereo ¼” jacks (Y-cable) (2) 1/4″ male stereo plug <-> 1/8″ female stereo jack
(2) 1/4″ female stereo coupler
(2) XLR female jack <-> 1/4″ male stereo plug
(2) XLR male plug <-> 1/4″ male stereo plug
(2) RCA mono female jack <-> 1/4″ male stereo plug
(2) RCA mono female coupler

It even includes a small red LED flashlight attached to the drawstring which should help you find the adapter you’re looking for, even in a darkened theater or club.

While buying all of these adapters separately might actually be cheaper than the $65 they’re charging for the kit, it’s definitely not easier, which is probably the biggest selling point.

[ Electronic Musician's Emergency Adapters ] VIA [ Gear Diary ]