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Nyrius ORION streaming device review


REVIEW – Devices with wireless capability have become an assumed feature in today’s technology word. However, some wireless capabilities present more challenges than others. The ability to transmit audio and video wirelessly from source to a display has usually been offered with a large price tag attached to it. The Nyrius ORION streaming device promises the same capability but with a reasonable price tag. Let’s see what it delivers.

What is it?

The Nyrius ORION streaming device is a component package consisting of a transmitter and receiver and offers 1080P HD wireless transmission of video and any associated audio between the two components up to a 40′ range within line of sight.

What’s in the box


1 x Digital Wireless HD Transmitter
2 x External IR Remote Extender
1 x Digital Wireless HD Receiver
2 x AC Power Adapters
1 x 5ft HDMI Cable
2 x Screws/Screw Anchors
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Specifications

Supported Video Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p (will support 4K content that has been downscaled to 1080p by source device)
3D Compatible: Yes
Audio Formats Supported: PCM 2CH, Dolby 5.1
Transmitter Ports: HDMI input, HDMI Loop-Through (Output), Micro USB (for power), 2.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Receiver Ports: HDMI Output, Micro USB (for power), 3.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Wireless Range: 40ft (streaming line of sight results in maximum range)
Transmission Frequency: 802.11 a, b, g, n; 5.8GHz (Band 1 & 4)
System Latency: Less than 500ms (average 150ms)
IR Frequency: 30-60 KHz
Wireless Technology: ORION GigaXtreme
Source Compatibility: Any source containing an HDMI output port
Display Compatibility: Any high-definition television or projector with HDMI input
Wall Mountable: Yes, Transmitter and Receiver have built-in keyhole slots
Multiple Receivers: Yes, Maximum of 4
Adapter Compatibility: Nyrius does not recommend using Digital to Analog Adapters with their Orion products. However, HDMI to mini-HDMI/micro-HDMI adapters are compatible
TX/RX Channel: 1 TX / 4 RX

This system consists of one Transmitter and one Receiver device that accept HDMI connectivity. They are identical in size, and measure approximately 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 1″. On the connectivity side of the receiver as shown below there is the HDMI Out port, an IR In port and a micro USB AC adapter port. The HDMI Out connects to an external display.


On the Transmitter as shown below, there is the HDMI In port, the HDMI Out port, an IR Out port, and a micro USB AC adapter power port. The HDMI In port is used to connect the source device to the transmitter and the HDMI Out allows for the direct connection to another monitor/device. This is a loop-through feature.


Both components have the pairing button as seen below that you press to make the connection between them.

Performance

The connection of these devices was straightforward and easy, and within a couple of minutes, I was transmitting wirelessly between my laptop and an external monitor.



When the Receiver is connected to the output display, the screen below is displayed as it awaits a signal from the Transmitter.


The LED indicator on each component lights steady white when the 2 are successfully connected and blinks red when they are not.

There is a slight lag between the source video and the remote display and there tends to be a bit more lag the further away from the source you are. Overall, it works quite well especially within the 20′ to 30′ range that I was able to perform my tests. I tried it on streaming devices, a PC laptop, and a MacBook.

If you are streaming from a media source that is in a different room than your display and you are receiving the audio/video signal with no problem, the IR extender feature allows you to control your streaming/media device like a streaming box from the display, by simply pointing the media device remote and the IR Extender and using the remote as you would when in front of your media/streaming device.

What I like

  • Size of Transmitter and Receiver
  • Operational range
  • Eas of set up and connectivity
  • Consistent connectivity

What can be improved

  • In terms of its specification and what it promises to do, it works as intended.

Final thoughts

The Nyrius ORION streaming device seems to be perfect for sitting on your couch with a laptop or even another streaming device and watching the content on a larger display without having to run wires between the source and the display. The fact that it is able to do so while displaying content at 1080P HD is also a nice feature. While there is a bit of lag, it is not noticeable if the output display is not compared to the input via another display that is connected to the source or the loop-through port, so this is really not an issue. The Nyrius Orion certainly has its niche, and for the features, the price, and how it performed during my tests, it is a good value.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Nyrius website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nyrius.

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Nyrius ORION streaming device review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Loop personal WiFi display review


REVIEW – For a long time, I have been into digital picture frames, and other devices that can play/show high definition video and photos independently. While all of these functions can be easily handled by a tablet, I like affordable devices that I can leave on shelves around my studio or at the corner of my desk and have them showcase some of my work. I already have the large screen monitor on my wall, but a smaller device for my desk would be nice. The Loop seems to offer something interesting that might fit my needs, so let’s see.

What is it?

The Loop is a communication display device that allows you to view and share video, photos, and video chat with anyone with another Loop, anywhere in the world.

What’s in the box


1 x Loop
1 x AC Adapter
1 x Quick Start Guide

Design and features

On the front of the Loop, there is the display screen with a bezel around it that is approximately .5″. The Touch top that is on the top side of the device does not have any visible marks or indication. There is a camera in the center of the bezel at the top of the screen.


At the back of the Loop, there is a carrying handle and the AC jack.


At the bottom of the Loop is the sleep/power button. The micro USB port beside it is not currently used.


On the right side of the Loop, there is the scroll knob and the channel knob below it.


On the left side of the Loop, there is the speaker, the volume up/down buttons and an SD card reader.

Performance

Specifications

Dimensions
Height 7.2 inches / 182 mm
Width 9.5 inches / 240mm
Depth 3.0 in / 78mm
Weight 2.5lbs / 1134 grams

Storage Capacity
Loop comes with 4GB of on-device storage will be expandable in the future.

Display
9.7” inches diagonal
1024×768 pixels
IPS technology
Intelligent dimming

Inputs
Scroll knob
Channel knob
Touch top
Volume buttons

Camera
5 megapixels
70-degree field of view
f2.8 aperture

Audio
50mm speaker

Connectivity
Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n); dual-band (2.4GHz and 5 GHz)
Bluetooth 4.1

Features
Private photo and video sharing
Video chat
Streaming pictures and video
Social media and cloud storage integration
Voice control (coming soon)
Intelligent dimming (coming soon)
Bluetooth speaker playback (coming soon)
SD card reader (coming soon)

Integrations
iOS Photos
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Dropbox (coming soon)
Flickr (coming soon)
Google Photos (coming soon)

Supported formats
All photos and videos that are taken on an iOS device

Image formats supported: .bmp, .gif, .jpeg, .png, .webp
Video formats supported: H.264 AVC – 3GPP (.3gp), MPEG-4 (.mp4), MPEG-TS (.ts, AAC audio only). H.265 HEVC
MPEG-4 (.mp4). MPEG-4 SP – 3GPP (.3gp). VP8 – WebM (.webm), Matroska (.mkv). VP9 –
WebM (.webm), Matroska (.mkv).

Power and Battery
Built-in battery for up to 4 hours of playback
Power adapter for always-on use in the home

Warranty
1 year limited warranty

Requirements
Loop account
Internet connection for continued photo/video updates
Loop iOS app for setting up Loop and adding new content

Android app coming soon

Once you connect the power supply to the Loop and download the app, the setup is easy. You create an account and get right to creating your channels. I created separate channels for my Instagram channel, my kids’ photos, and YouTube videos by selecting the type of pictures I want to see on the display. Once you select the desired channel, the Loop displays the pictures like a slideshow or the videos. It shows all of my Instagram pictures and all of the pictures of my kids/family that I add from my iPhone. I tried the video chat feature between the app on my phone and the Loop and it was nice and clear both in audio and video. As I understand it, you can chat either between the app and the loop or two Loops. You can set up multiple Loops on one account and control them all and share content acting as an Administrator, or you can set up the Loops on separate accounts and then invite each Loop to connect and to share content. A nice feature of this device is that if you have a parent or family far away, you can set up the device to their wifi remotely, and they can see the content you add. This can obviously include family photos and videos, etc.

From the Loop, you can press and hold the scroll knob and the volume button up to 5 seconds to bring up the settings menu, and perform specific functions as seen in the photo below.

App

The screenshots of the app below show the various categories and capabilities of the app and device, as well as some of the available customizable settings.









What I like

  • The display resolution
  • The ability to add channels and therefore add selective content to have at your fingertips
  • The build quality
  • The audio quality
  • The video chat capability

What can be improved

  • Touch Screen capability added as opposed to Touch top even though the design is focused on preventing smudges on the screen
  • The price
  • The size (Thickness)
  • If wifi is disconnected because of a reboot of the router, the Loop does not always reconnect automatically

Final thoughts

In my opinion, the Loop device is an interesting device since it allows you to gather quite a bit of online content in one place and at your fingertips, all according to your preference. It also offers the video chat capability that can be set up and given to someone else in a remote location to chat or to share content. It is well built and the display resolution is great. However, I am very “torn” between recommending the purchase of this device versus a device like a 9.7″ iPad for $329. While the Loop does all that it is designed to do quite well, so do many tablets. While the access to the content that you pre-setup on the Loop is specific and quick, the tablet offers the same content availability and much more. I think that the choice to purchase this device would be based on very specific needs and capabilities, and so I will pass on a recommendation and just say that if this works for you, then buy it.

Price: $249 (Includes current promotion for 15% off)
Where to buy: Loop website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Loop.

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Loop personal WiFi display review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 30, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Vizio debuts three new Dolby Atmos soundbars starting at $499

NEWS – On Tuesday Vizio announced pricing and availability on its 2018 Dolby Atmos soundbars.

The 36-inch 5.1.2 model is the first to hit the market with a price tag of $499.99. The sound system features a total of eight speakers. Five in the soundbar itself (3-front firing and 2-up-firing), two rear satellite speakers, and a wireless subwoofer.

The two larger 46-inch soundbars will be available later this year, presumably just in time for the holidays. They include the 3.1.2 model without rear speakers ($799.99), and the flagship 5.1.4 model ($999.99).

The 5.1.4 system boasts four dedicated up-firing speakers. Two in the front and two more in the rear satellite speakers, for a grand total of 10 speakers.

What is Dolby Atmos?

Simply put with Dolby Atmos, sound moves around you in three-dimensional space, so you feel like you’re inside the action. It uses an object-based system to make it sound like the action is not only happening in front and behind you but, above you as well.

The Vizio Home Theater sound systems are Dolby Vision compatible and support 4K, HDR10, and other HDR standard content.

Along with Dolby Atmos, the soundbars will include Wi-Fi connectivity with Google Chromecast Built-in and Google Assistant integration with voice-control. All three soundbars will also feature two HDMI 2.0 ports (one-input/one-output).

I own a 46-inch Vizio 5.1 soundbar, and I love it, so I’m eager to see what they can do with the Dolby Atmos technology. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to wait until later this year to find out.

Vizio’s 36-inch 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar is available today. For a list of retailers and to learn more about these new soundbars go to Vizio’s website.

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Vizio debuts three new Dolby Atmos soundbars starting at $499 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 19, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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The Kwilt Shoebox Plus just made storing your personal memories even better

NEWS – A few days ago, I tested and reviewed the Kwilt Shoebox. This little device connects to your network via wifi and is controlled via an Android or iOS app. It allows you to transfer all of the photos and video from your Smartphone or tablet to local storage across your network. The Kwilt has a USB port where you can add a flash drive or a USB hub with multiple drives to create virtually unlimited storage. Once your files are transferred, you have the option to either keep the original files on your mobile device or to delete them. The beauty about deleting them is that the Kwilt Shoebox allows you to access your stored files from anywhere at any time via the app. You can also add pictures and videos that were never on your device to the storage attached to the Kwilt, and you can access them via your phone/tablet as well.

I absolutely love the Kwilt Shoebox, albeit that I would prefer if it has a built-in Ethernet port to provide a more reliable connection, and the ability to add multiple drives without having to buy a hub to do so.

I guess the folks at Kwilt must be reading my mind because they just announced the Kwilt Shoebox Plus. This updated version of the shoebox had a built-in Ethernet port, 4 USB data ports for adding storage and still keeps the HDMI port and all of the original functionality.

If you are as interested in the Kwilt Shoebox Plus as I am, you can purchase one for $119 on Amazon or from the Kwilt website.

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The Kwilt Shoebox Plus just made storing your personal memories even better originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Mount a GoPro on a Hot Wheel and record your epic tracks

NEWS – Did you have Hot Wheels cars as a kid? I had a few of the cars, but I wasn’t lucky enough to have any of the track sets that would let me create my own race track setups. But after seeing the Hot Wheel Zoom In, I have a strong urge to order some cars and track. The Zoom In is a specially designed Hot Wheel base that holds a GoPro HERO or HERO5 camera so you can capture first-person video of what it would be like to actually drive on your race tracks. Even better, it’s only $6.99 from Amazon.

The post Mount a GoPro on a Hot Wheel and record your epic tracks appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

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Mount a GoPro on a Hot Wheel and record your epic tracks originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 12, 2018 at 12:32 pm.

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