Tag: review

Specs-80 PLUS Gold 500W SilverStone FX500

The OEM behind the fx500 platform is Channel-Well Tech (CWT), a company that has developed and marketed several Flex-ATX platforms for 1U systems in the past. However, none of them were as powerful as this variant. The textbook filtering floor is cluttered and protected right behind the AC outlet, which is not a surprise due to the lack of space.
There is only one heat sink of significant size inside the power supply, which is used to cool the two transistors that form a typical primary inversion stage of the middle bridge. The primary APFC capacitor is a 400V/220µf electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Nippon Chemi-Con and is supported by a very large coil that takes up almost as much volume as the main power transformer.

The conversion step on the secondary side is also simplistic, with only one pair of MOSFETs generating a single 12V line. the other voltage lines are generated by DC-DC converters mounted on secondary boards. Almost all secondary capacitors are solid-state polymer products and are supplied by apaq, a Taiwanese manufacturer. The wires are soldered directly near the edges of the main PCB. The power designer clearly had no hope of turning this platform into a modular design without increasing the length of the unit – there is simply not enough space for connectors.

In terms of quality, the SilverStone FX500 is a well-designed and manufactured power supply. Channel-Well Technologies is one of the renowned OEM projects often found in advanced PC power supplies and SilverStone has ensured that the FX500 is assembled with excellent quality components, the combination of which should result in a highly reliable product. Considering that these platforms were originally intended to power 1U servers 24/7, the longevity of the FX500 is virtually assured.

However, the performance of the SilverStone FX500 left us with mixed feelings. On the plus side, the electrical performance of the power supply is very good, especially after taking into account the huge space constraints that designers have faced. It provides good feed quality and the efficiency is high as advertised. However, thermal performance is virtually incomparable to more typical ATX power supplies, and as you would expect from such a compact power supply, thermal stress became an issue when the unit was operating inside our hot box. This is a borderline case for most users, since few people like to hang out in rooms above 40 degrees Celsius, but it will show how the cooling power supply is right on the edge of the knife. However, the SilverStone FX500 PSU was able to operate normally even when its internal temperature was very high, but it eventually stopped when forced to stop from its protection circuit.

In terms of performance, the FX500 has an 80 PLUS Gold efficiency rating, which means that it is able to deliver power with a minimum of 87% efficiency at 20% load, 90% efficiency at 50% load, and 87% efficiency at 100% load. This high efficiency rating helps to reduce waste heat and lowers electricity bills.

The FX500 features a fully modular cable design, which allows for easier cable management and better airflow within the system. It also includes a single +12V rail design, which provides stable and reliable power delivery to the system components.

The SilverStone FX500 is a high-quality power supply designed for small form factor systems, and its 80 PLUS Gold efficiency rating and fully modular cable design make it a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient power supply.

Unfortunately, the thermal counterpart, noise, has proven to be a major concern, and we believe this is the Achilles heel of the SilverStone FX500. Simply put, the power supply is noisy, which usually excludes its use in any type of home computer. Most people will find that the noise generated by the 40 mm fan is intolerable even when the system is idling, and under high loads it is also noticeable through the headphones.

PSU SilverStone FX500

Ultimately, this type of noise would not be a problem for server applications, but it is one of the main deciding factors for home users. That’s why we think it significantly limits the market potential of the SilverStone FX500; there just aren’t many scenarios where a solid power supply fits into the consumer space. In the meantime, we hope that SilverStone can learn from the FX500 and that future Flex ATX implementations can better balance its power and thermal performance and ultimately provide quieter power supplies to home PC manufacturers. Photo: SilverStonetek

SilverStone FX500 specs:


Color	Black (Lead-Free Paint)
Combined +3.3V & +5V	90W
Combined +12V	500W
Input Voltage	90 ~ 264 Vrms
Input Frequency Range	47Hz ~ 63Hz
PFC	Active PFC (PF>0.9 at full load)
Efficiency	87%~90%（20% to 100% loading）
MTBF	100,000 hours
Operating temperature	0°C ~ 40°C
Protection	Over Power Protection Over Voltage Protection Short Circuit Protection Over-Temperature Protection
Connectors	1 x 24 / 20-Pin motherboard connector（350mm） 1 x 8 / 4-Pin EPS / ATX 12V connector（450mm） 2 x 8 / 6-Pin PCIe connector（350mm / 150mm） 4 x SATA connector（350mm / 150mm / 150mm / 150mm） 3 x 4-Pin Peripheral connector（350mm / 150mm / 150mm） 1 x 4-Pin Floppy adapter connector（150mm）
Cooling System	Single 40mm silent fan
Form factor	Flex ATX
Noise Level	20 dBA minimum
Dimension	81.5 mm (W) x 40.5 mm (H) x 150 mm (D) 3.21″ (W) x 1.59″ (H) x 5.91″ (D)
Weight	0.96 kg
Certification	80 PLUS Gold
Other	GPU Support list Compatible with ATX12V v2.4

October 22, 2021

Review & specs: Fujifilm GFX 100S

The Fujifilm GFX 100S camera arrives with dual high-speed SD card slots that can be used for data backup or additional storage space, a USB port for charging and files transfers, mic and headphone slots and a micro HDMI port. The battery is borrowed from the X-T4 and is not as big as the ones on some other GFX bodies, but it provides a acceptable 460 shots on a charge. There is no preference for a vertical battery grip just like the GFX 50S – but that’s a reasonable tradeoff for the radical bodyweight reduction.
The GFX 100S seriously provides on image quality, starting with its remarkably great low-light efficiency. You might not count on that from a digital camera with a 102-megapixel sensor. Nevertheless, those pixels are spread around a huge 43.9 x 32.9 mm sensor area, so the pixel pitch is basically the very same (3.76 microns) as the 61-megapixel sensor on Sony’s A7R IV.

The GFX 100S from Fujifilm is a compact camera that rivals Panasonic’s full-frame, 45-megapixel S1R in size but surpasses it with a sensor that’s 70 percent larger and more than double the resolution. Alongside its increased capabilities, Fujifilm has enhanced its speed, incorporating features typically found in modern mirrorless cameras such as eye-detect autofocus and in-body stabilization. The real question is how it compares to recent models like the Sony A1 and Canon R5. To find out, I took it out for a test and also lent it to a pair of professional photographers who were interested in purchasing this particular model.

Compared to its predecessor, the GFX 100, which weighs a hefty 1,400 grams (just over 3 pounds), the GFX 100S is significantly smaller and lighter, coming in at 900 grams (just under 2 pounds), a reduction of 35 percent. It’s also two-thirds the height and slimmer in profile. The primary reason for this reduction is the removal of the vertical grip and accompanying controls.

Fujifilm has developed a new in-body image stabilizer (IBIS) for the GFX 100S that is much smaller than the one found in its predecessor. Despite the size reduction, it has managed to improve performance, providing 6 stops of shake reduction compared to the previous 5.5 stops. This enhancement is crucial as medium format camera sensors can be sensitive to hand shaking. With the IBIS activated, I was able to capture sharp shots at relatively low shutter speeds, even down to an eighth of a second or so.

The GFX 100S features a 3.2-inch rear touch display with a resolution of 2.36 million dots. The display can tilt down, up, and to the side, offering a high-resolution view and a range of adjustments. While it lacks a flip-out display, it’s worth noting that this camera is not primarily intended for vlogging or shooting selfies.

It comes equipped with dual high-speed SD card slots that can be used for backup or extra storage, a USB port for charging and data transfers, mic and headphone ports, and a micro HDMI port. The battery used is borrowed from the X-T4 and is not as large as the ones found in other GFX bodies. Nevertheless, it still delivers a reasonable 460 shots on a single charge. Although there is no option for a vertical battery grip like the GFX 50S, this tradeoff is justified considering the significant reduction in weight.

Fujifilm has enormously improved the video features of its camera line-up over the last several years, and the GFX 100S model is certainly no exception. With a intelligent line-skipping setup that takes benefit of the full sensor width, it’s perhaps the most effective medium-format camera for video.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S is a 102MP medium format digital camera with an image stabilized BSI-CMOS sensor. This image stabilization is scored at up to 6.0 stops, and can operate in sync with in-lens stabilization to manage this overall performance. It offers a hybrid autofocus system with almost 100% coverage and a multi-shot mode for capturing 400MP images of static subjects. It shoot a DCI or UHD 4K video with internal shoot at up to 400Mbps or a option of 10-bit 4:2:2 or 12-bit Raw output over HDMI. The lightweight body is weather-sealed, has an OLED info displays on the top, and a fixed 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder. Its dual-hinged 3.2″ LCD can tilt for both equally landscape and portrait photos. The camera has 2 SD card slots and ports for a mic, headphones and remote control. Photo: FUJIFILM

The full sensor width allows for a razor-fine detail of field and wonderfully smooth bokeh. The disadvantage is that it’s not quite as sharp as fully downsampled video, meaning you’re going to see some moire (rainbow patterns) and aliasing (jagged diagonal lines).
The video is a touch comfortable, but it is easy to operate in post regards to the 10-bit and RAW functions. The large sensor also offers it a special, IMAX-like top quality you may not find on any other digital camera. As with the photos, colors are precise with fine skin shades and tones thanks to Fujifilm’s newest color technology. It’s not intended to be used as a video camera, of course, but it’s good for periodic video use along with photographs.The Fujifilm GFX 100S camera is also faster than almost all of its medium-format competitors. Most notably, it provides the best image quality accessible for photographers who need that and don’t mind the not so quick general performance. For $6,000, it’s really a steal for that kind of purchaser.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S camera is the most compact, the very least expensive solution to achieve image quality beyond what full-frame can at this time offer. You lose quite a few responsiveness and overall flexibility in return for that, but as an image-making tool the GFX is outstanding. It’s also a remarkably capable video camera but its more compact battery risks becoming more limiting than it is for stills capturing. Exceptional in the studio room and beyond.

Fujifilm GFX 100S specs:

Model name		FUJIFILM GFX100S
Lens Mount		FUJIFILM G mount
Image sensor		43.8mm×32.9mm Bayer array with primary color filter
Number of effective pixels		102 million pixels
Sensor Cleaning System		Ultra Sonic Vibration
Image Processing Engine		X-Processor 4
Storage media		SD Card (-2GB) / SDHC Card (-32GB) / SDXC Card (-2TB) / UHS-I / UHS-II / Video Speed Class V90*1
File format of still image	DCF	Compliant with Design rule for Camera File system (DCF2.0)
	JPEG	Exif Ver.2.32 *2
	RAW	16bit / 14bit RAW (RAF original format)
	TIFF	8bit / 16bit RGB (In-camera Raw Conversion Only)
Number of recorded pixels		［L］〈4:3〉 11648×8736 〈3:2〉 11648×7768 〈16:9〉 11648×6552 〈1:1〉 8736×8736 〈65:24〉 11648×4304 〈5:4〉 10928×8736 〈7:6〉 10192×8736 ［M］〈4:3〉 8256×6192 〈3:2〉 8256×5504 〈16:9〉 8256×4640 〈1:1〉 6192×6192 〈65:24〉 8256×3048 〈5:4〉 7744×6192 〈7:6〉 7232×6192 ［S］〈4:3〉 4000×3000 〈3:2〉 4000×2664 〈16:9〉 4000×2248 〈1:1〉 2992×2992 〈65:24〉 4000×1480 〈5:4〉 3744×3000 〈7:6〉 3504×3000
Sensitivity	Still Image	Standard Output: AUTO1 / AUTO2 / AUTO3 / ISO100~12800 (1/3 step) Extended Output: ISO50 / ISO25600 / ISO51200 / ISO102400
	Movie	Standard Output: AUTO / ISO200~12800 (1/3 step) Extended Output: ISO25600
Exposure control		TTL 256-zone metering / Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted
Exposure mode		P (Program AE) / A (Aperture Priority AE) / S (Shutter Speed Priority AE) / M (Manual Exposure)
Exposure compensation	Still	-5.0EV~+5.0EV　1/3EV step
	Movie	-2.0EV~+2.0EV 1/3EV step
Image stabilizer	Mechanism	Image sensor shift mechanism with 5-axis compensation
	Compensation Effect	6.0 stops based on CIPA standard Pitch/yaw shake only *With GF63mmF2.8 R WR lens mounted
	Digital Image Stabilization	Yes (movie mode only)
	IS MODE BOOST	Yes (movie mode only)
Shutter type		Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter speed	Mechanical shutter	P mode: 4sec. to 1/4000sec. A mode: 30sec. to 1/4000sec. S/M mode: 60min. to 1/4000sec. Bulb: up to 60min.
	Electronic shutter	P mode: 4sec. to 1/16000sec. A mode: 30sec. to 1/16000sec. S/M mode: 60min. to 1/16000sec. Bulb: up to 60min. *The Electronic Shutter may not be suitable for fast-moving objects or handheld shooting. Flash can not be used.
	Mechanical + Electronic shutter	P mode: 4sec. to 1/16000sec. A mode: 30sec. to 1/16000sec. S/M mode: 60min. to 1/16000sec. Bulb: up to 60min. *The Electronic Shutter may not be suitable for fast-moving objects or handheld shooting. Flash can not be used.
	Electronic Front Curtain Shutter	P mode: 4sec. to 1/4000sec. A mode: 30sec. to 1/4000sec. S/M mode: 60min. to 1/4000sec. Bulb: up to 60min. Electronic front curtain shutter works until 1/1250sec. When using the electronic front curtain shutter, the continuous shooting supports CL only
	Electronic Front Curtain Shutter + Electronic Shutter	P mode: 4sec. to 1/16000sec. A mode: 30sec. to 1/16000sec. S/M mode: 60min. to 1/16000sec. Bulb: up to 60min. Electronic front curtain shutter works until 1/1250sec, Mechanical shutter works until 1/4000sec. The Electronic Shutter may not be suitable for fast-moving objects or handheld shooting. Flash can not be used. *When using the electronic front curtain shutter, the continuous shooting supports CL only
	Movie	DCI4K/4K: 1/4000sec. – 1/4sec. FHD: 1/4000sec. – 1/4sec. *Cannot choose slower shutter speed than framerate with LongGOP recording.
	Synchronized shutter speed for flash	1/125sec. or slower
Continuous shooting		CH Electronic shutter 2.9fps (JPEG: 64 frames, Compressed RAW: 23frames, Lossless compressed RAW: 18 frames, Uncompressed RAW: 15 frames) CH 5.0fps (JPEG: 42 frames, Compressed RAW: 16 frames, Lossless compressed RAW: 15 frames, Uncompressed RAW: 14 frames) CL 2.0fps (JPEG: Endless, Compressed RAW: 45 frames, Lossless compressed RAW: 22 frames, Uncompressed RAW: 16 frames) Electronic Front Curtain Shutter support CL only. Recordable frames depends on recording media. *Speed of continuous shooting depends on shooting environment and shooting frames.
Drive Mode	AE Bracketing	2 frames / 3 frames / 5 frames / 7 frames / 9 frames *by 1/3EV step, up to ±3EV steps
	Filmsimulation bracketing	Any 3 types of film simulation selectable
	Dynamic Range Bracketing	100% / 200% / 400%
	ISO sensitivity Bracketing	±1/3EV / ±2/3EV / ±1EV
	White Balance Bracketing	±1 / ±2 / ±3
	Focus Bracketing	AUTO / MANUAL
	Multiple Exposure	Yes (Max. 9 frames) / Additive / Average / Bright / Dark
	Pixel Shift Multi Shot	Yes
Focus	Mode	Single AF / Continuous AF / MF
	Type	Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF)
	Low-light Performance	Contrast: -2.5EV / GF80mmF1.7 attached Phase Detection: -5.5EV / GF80mmF1.7 attached
	AF frame selection	Single point AF: 13×9 / 25×17 (Changeable size of AF frame) Zone AF: 3×3 / 5×5 / 7×7 from 117 areas on 13×9 grid Wide/Tracking AF: Yes (AF-S: Wide / AF-C: Tracking) All: Yes
	Face/eye detection	Yes
Flash	Sync. Mode	1st Curtain / 2nd Curtain / AUTO FP (HSS) When SHOE MOUNT FLASH is set TTL (TTL AUTO / STANDARD / SLOW SYNC. ) / MANUAL / MULTI / OFF
Hot shoe		Yes (Dedicated TTL Flash compatible)
Viewfinder		EVF: 0.5 inch OLED Color Viewfinder, Approx. 3.69 million dots Coverage of Viewing Area vs. Capturing Area: Approx. 100% Eyepoint: Approx. 23mm (from the Rear End of the Camera’s Eyepiece) Diopter Adjustment: -4～+2m-1 Magnification: 0.77x with 50mm Lens (35mm Equivalent) at infinity and Diopter set to -1.0m-1 Diagonal Angle of View: approx. 38° (Horizontal angle of view: approx. 30° ) Built-In Eye Sensor
LCD monitor		3.2 inch Tilt-Type(Three Direction) Touch Screen Color LCD Monitor Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Dots: Approx. 2.36 million dots
Touch Screen Mode	Shooting Mode	AF, Focus Area, OFF, Double Tap Setting, Touch Function Setting, EVF Touch Screen Area Setting
	Playback Mode	Swipe, Pinch-in / Pinch-out, Double-tap, Drag
Sub LCD monitor		1.80 inch Monochrome LCD Monitor Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Dots: 303×230-dot
Movie recording	File format	MOV: HEVC/H.265, Linear PCM (Stereo sound 24bit / 48KHz sampling) MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Linear PCM (Stereo sound 24bit / 48KHz sampling)MP4: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, AAC
	Movie compression	All Intra / Long GOP *All Intra can be used with following settings. DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400Mbps Full HD(2048×1080) / Full HD(1920×1080) 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p　200Mbps
	File size Frame rate Bitrate Recording time	[DCI4K(17:9)] 4096×2160　29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p　400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps　Up to 120min. [4K(16:9)] 3840×2160　29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p　400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps　Up to 120min. [Full HD(17:9)] 2048×1080　59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p　200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps　Up to 120min. [Full HD(16:9)] 1920×1080　59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p　200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps　Up to 120min. For recording movies, use a SD memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher. For recording movies in 400Mbps, use a SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher. Recording movies in 400Mbps can be done with DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p. Recording time can become short depending on the temperature and/or shooting conditions.
Film simulation mode		19 modes (PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Classic Chrome, PRO Neg.Hi, PRO Neg.Std, Classic Neg., Nostalgic Neg., ETERNA/Cinema, ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS, ACROS ACROS + Ye Filter, ACROS + R Filter, ACROS + G Filter, Black & White, Black & White + Ye Filter, Black & White + R Filter, Black & White + G Filter, Sepia
Monochromatic Color		Yes
Grain Effect		Roughness: STRONG, WEAK, OFF Size: LARGE, SMALL
Color Chrome Effect		STRONG, WEAK, OFF
Color chrome Blue		STRONG, WEAK, OFF
Smooth Skin Effect		STRONG, WEAK, OFF
Dynamic range setting	Still	AUTO / 100％ / 200％ / 400％ ISO restriction: DR100%: No limit, DR200%: ISO200 or more, DR400%: ISO400 or more
	Movie	100％ / 200％ / 400％ ISO restriction: DR100%: No limit, DR200%: ISO400 or more, DR400%: ISO800 or more
White balance	Auto	White Priority / Auto / Ambience Priority
	Custom	Custom1 – 3
	Color temperature selection	2500K～10000K
	Preset	Fine / Shade / Fluorescent Light-1 / Fluorescent Light-2 / Fluorescent Light-3 / Incandescent Light / Underwater
Clarity setting		±5 steps
Self-timer		10sec. / 2sec.
Interval timer shooting		Yes (Setting : Interval, Number of shots, Starting time, Interval timer shooting exposure smoothing)
Wireless transmitter	Standard	IEEE802.11b/g/n (standard wireless protocol)
	Encryption	WEP / WPA / WPA2 mixed mode
	Access mode	Infrastructure
Bluetooth®	Standartd	Bluetooth Ver. 4.2 (Bluetooth low energy)
	Operating frequency (Center frequency)	2402〜2480MHz
Terminal	Digital interface	USB Type-C (USB3.2 Gen1x1)
	HDMI output	HDMI Micro connector (Type D)
	Others	ø3.5mm, stereo mini connector (Microphone) ø3.5mm, stereo mini connector (Headphone) ø2.5mm, Remote Release Connector Hot shoe Synchronized terninal
Power supply		NP-W235 Li-ion battery (included)
	Battery life for still images	Normal Mode: Approx. 460 frames *When GF63mmF2.8 R WR is set
	Actual battery life of movie capture*3	4K: Approx. 60min. (29.97p) Full HD: Approx. 65min. (59.94p) *Face detection is set to OFF
	Continuance battery life of movie capture	4K: Approx. 95min. (29.97p) Full HD: Approx. 110min. (59.94p) *Face detection is set to OFF
Dimensions		Width: 150.0mm Height: 104.2mm Depth: 87.2mm (Minimum Depth) 44.0mm
Weight		including battery and SD memory card: Approx. 900g excluding battery and SD memory card: Approx. 819g
Operation Environment	Operating Temperature	-10°C – +40°C
	Operating Humidity	10% – 80% (no condensation)
Starting up period		Approx. 0.5sec.
Accessories included		Li-ion battery NP-W235 AC power adapter AC-5VJ Plug adapter USB cable Shoulder strap Body cap Hot shoe cover Cable protector Owner’s manual

August 6, 2021

Review: Philips Screeneo S4 1080p HDR DLP Short Throw Projector

Philips Screeneo S4 Full HD projector uses DLP technology . The projector does accept Ultra HD sources, but it downscales it to Full HD. HDR10 is also on the list of supported formats.
It is supplied with an LED light source that should be good for 1,800 lumens. A huge benefit is the lifespan of the LED lamps, they last up to 30,000 hours. The projector also takes only a couple of seconds to start, not like classic UHP lamps, they are almost immediately at full brightness.The Screeneo S4 menus did not show too many options for editing the image, and that is noticeable we also during the image processing tests. De-interlacing is outstanding, but the projector has problems detecting less popular movie and video frame rates. For that reason, you should provide progressive video (720p, 1080p, 2160p) to prevent kicking and combing results.
The Full HD image does not have the finest vertical resolution, and in the built-in image presets the sharpness is a little bit too high, so you can there sees false detail. Because the projector has no options to eliminate noise, that extreme sharpness can also accentuate noise. Play your favorite songs directly on the projector. Use your Screeneo as a Boombox by connecting your smartphones or any other Bluetooth device to have fun with great sound.
The Screeneo S4 has excellent assets, but the finish leaves much to be desired. The mixture of an older Android TV version and the Aptoide application store definitely does not provide a problem-free user experience, even though the issues are pretty much never a deal breaker. The clunky menu layout and limited image settings limit the maximum image quality you get from the projector. Yes, the projector supports HDR, but the colors are not always a good choice because of the intense colors. You don’t get ideal Full HD fine detail, possibly because of to a average lens. Lastly, there is a lot of competitors in this segment and for this reason the price looks like a bit too high for all of us.On the other hand, the projector however has a lot to offer. It is sleek and stylish and powerful, and an superb option if you want to take it with you to friends or families. Despite the difficulties of the operating system, the built-in media players and streaming services are good value. The LED light source provides a generous portion of light, the projector has a solid contrast and the image is optimized for use in ambient light. A large white-colored wall is all you need to produce an intensive image.
A 94 ” image from just 2.5 metres away
If you’ve always wished a projector but have been put off by the space taken up, you need to check out the Philips Screeneo S4. This short throw projector is designed to work well in regular-sized rooms. Simply place on a bracket, shelf or piece of furniture and enjoy instant big screen entertainment – whatever the size of room.

Turbo size your image – up to 160 inches
Placed the projector close to 4.5 metres from the screen and you’ll get to enjoy super-sized images. At this distance, the screen size is a great 160 inches, giving truly cinematic pictures.
The perfect picture – right out of the box
Offering Auto Keystone and Auto Focus, the Screeneo S4 projector provides you a exceptional picture – right out of the box. Digital zoom lets you size the image to fit and 4-corner modification makes it simple to get the ideal fit – even if the projector is off centre.
HDR10 for advanced colour and contrast
With HDR10 and HLG compatibility, the Screeneo S4 projector is the ideal match for your UHD Blu-ray player, games console and other HDR video sources. HDR not only offers deeper blacks, brighter whites and more vibrant colours, but also subtler images, too. So what looks like an area of solid black on an inferior projector, is shown to have shade and texture, previously unseen.Stereo speakers
Although a projector’s built-in sound system will never match that of a soundbar or soundbase, the Philips Screeneo S4’s is better than most. Where most projectors use a simple, mono speaker, the Screeneo S4 uses stereo system speakers. Capable of producing a unique, full-range sound they’re an easy match for most TVs. Photo: Philips
Android OS for smart TV
In a complicated world of catch-up TV, Android OS makes sense of it all. Using a very clear, intuitive interface, Android lets you effortlessly switch between Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube and many other services. The Android OS system lets you download just the apps you need, tailoring your choice of apps to your exact needs.
AirMote for effortless control
For quick navigation, the provided AirMote, gesture controller, lets you pick and select what you want to watch with a simple point and just click.
Connect up your devices
When it comes to device compatibility the Screeneo S4 scores again. As well as the standard HDMI – which is suitable for most video sources – the Screeneo S4 also has connections for optical digital and USB. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are typical, as well.
Bluetooth bonus
As well as being a practical projector, the Screeneo S4 also makes a nice Bluetooth speaker. Just pair your smartphone, tablet or other gadget and play your music out loud on the stereo speaker system.
Discover the much bigger picture, in comfort, with the Philips Screeneo S4 .

Philips Screeneo S4 Specs:

Brand Philips

1080p Full HD Ready Yes

HDR Yes

BBC iPlayer Yes

Digital Audio Output Yes – Optical

USB 2

Weight (KG) 1.8

Component No

DLNA Compliant Yes

Remote Control yes

Bluetooth   Yes

Dimensions WxDxH (mm) 192 x 192 x 110

HDMI   1

Wi-Fi Built In yes

Carry Bag No

Maximum Screen Size 160″

Projection Technology DLP

Fan Noise   NA

Throw Ratio 1.2:1

Lens Shift   No

S Video No

Pixel Resolution 1920 x 1080

Contrast Ratio 100,000:1

3D TV   No

Speakers Yes (Stereo)

Gesture Control Yes – AirMote

HDR Format   HDR10, HLG

Power Consumption – Standby 0.5

July 29, 2021
Integrated Amplifier Review – Rotel Michi X3

In front of the power amplifier area is a preamp that makes use of a 100 step rotary encoder for volume level and one more for input selection. At first look the Rotel Michi X3 looks to be a quite minimalist design and style in the manner of European competitors, with no form of bass or treble adjustment but that is not the case. The X3 has got bass, treble and balance adjustment but they are all in a menu driven system. This makes the front panel neat but it does necessarily mean that if you are an inveterate tweaker; the sort of person that has ideal configurations for different albums, this may not be the amplifier for you.

The glossy black glass on the front panel looks elegant with the black matte chassis. With only two round knobs (the input selector and volume knobs), a recessed on/off button, a headphone port, and a Michi logo on the middle top, the front panel looks exceptionally clean. The display is only noticeable when the display is on. The product’s overall rough feel and sophisticated appearance are further enhanced by the sophisticated design elements, like ridges around the knobs’ sides and curved edges on the massive metal heatsinks that cover both of the product’s left and right sides. Overall, the product has excellent build quality.
If you have a lot of different sources although, the Rotel Michi X3 should be at the top notch of any shortlist. It arrives fitted with a balanced input on an XLR connection, three RCA line inputs and a relocating magnet phono level. There are then no less than 8 digital inputs; three optical, three coax, an Apt-X capable Bluetooth connection and USB inputs for connection to a PC or Mac and straight attaching thumb drives. Decoding is set up via AKM DAC of unspecified nature and this gives the X3’s USB input 24/384kHz and ‘DSD through DoP support’ (strangely with no figure provided although the X3 has been able to work with DSD128 while under analyze). All of this is output to two pairs of speaker terminals, a pre-out and a 6.35mm headphone socket.

What the X3 will not do is work as a network audio device. The Ethernet connection on the backside has a similar role to some other Rotel integrated amplifiers, AV receivers and processors and that is to offer a control point for the X3 rather than an additional source. As ever before, something like the SOtM SMS-200 will provide a network control point for the USB input if you would like so this isn’t truly much of a detractor to the total overall performance. In a ideal world, the phono stage would certainly offer moving coil support, but it is not like you don’t have inputs to connect a separate unit to if you wanted.

The Michi X3’s volume may be fixed so that it can be used as a pass through when combined with other preamps or home theater components. In fact, all inputs have the option of being fixed or variable for unmatched versatility. Two 12-volt triggers, a network port, an external remote jack, an RS232 connector, and a USB power port should not be overlooked. It is obvious that the amp’s creators placed a strong emphasis on sound quality, but it is also obvious that they paid close attention to every aspect of its usability.

Two sets of speakers and headphones are supported as well as two mono subwoofer outputs, two pre-outs, and outputs for two sets of speakers and headphones. The final of them is the one that should be given the most thought if you want to bi-amp suitable loudspeakers by adding a second power amplifier (like the S5). In reality, the Michi X3 is not designed to be used only as a preamp because there is no way to turn off the power amp portion, which can clip if the pre out is wound up too much, as PM discovered during lab testing.

It abounds with attractive design details as well. The heatsink is external but rather than having the fins exposed, there’s an outer surround to them which means that picking out the X3 up is rather much less not comfortable than most competitors. The remote control handset is also outstanding to use as it sits in the hand magnificently but, thank to being made of metal, it feels substantial. The scroll search for inputs is just about quick enough to obviate the need for direct input selection too. It is also superbly created. Granted that Rotel bolts a £350 amp along with extraordinary thoroughness, you can surmise that the X3 gives away nothing to anything I have personally tested, including the devices forcing on ten grand. Photo: Rotel
As mentioned before, the Rotel arrived here with me having little real idea of what it was really going to be like. The sound quality has been covered already but it’s really worth absolutely nothing that the other thing that has come across in its time on test is not sonic but it is almost as perceivable as the audio efficiency. This is an amplifier that has been designed from the outset to be something that shows what Rotel is capable of when it feels like it. Each aspect of the design and specs is a carefully considered triangulation of what else is accessible and to produce an amplifier that stands comparison to just about any of them.

And, fine detail niggles aside, it really does just that. Just like all units with digital inputs, the value proposition of the Rotel is partially going to depend on how much equipment you actually have but viewed as an almost full system in a box, the extensive specification and consistently enjoyable performance is one of the most compelling mixtures available anywhere near the cost point. It’s been a while between Michi generations but the top quality is there for all to see and the Rotel Michi X3 comes really recommended as a final result. Video: YouTube/Rotel HiFi

MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT

350W/Ch (4Ω)

CONTINUOUS POWER OUTPUT

200W/Ch (8Ω)

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD)

<0.008%

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

Line Level Inputs: 10Hz – 100kHz (+0dB, -0.4dB)

Digital Inputs: 20Hz – 20kHz (0 ± 0.4dB)

Phono Input: 20Hz – 20kHz (+0dB, +0.4dB)

S/N RATIO (IHF “A” Weighted)

Line Level Inputs: 102dB

Digital Inputs: 102dB

Phono Input: 80dB

INTERMODULATION DISTORTION (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1)

<0.03%

DAMPING FACTOR (20Hz – 20kHz, 8Ω)

350

CHANNEL SEPARATION

>55dB

INPUT SENSITIVITY

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 340mV

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 540mV

Phono Input (MM): 5.2mV

INPUT IMPEDANCE

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 100kΩ

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ

Digital Inputs: 75Ω

Phono Input (MM): 47kΩ

INPUT OVERLOAD

Line Level Inputs (RCA): 3.5V

Line Level Inputs (XLR): 5.5V

Phono Input: 60mV

PREOUT LEVEL

1.9V

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

100Ω

TONE CONTROLS

±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz

COAX/OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUT SIGNALS

SPDIF LPCM (Up to 24-bit/192kHz)

PC-USB

USB Audio Class 1 (up to 24/96)
USB Audio Class 2 (up to 24/384)*

*Driver installation required

DSD and DoP support

April 26, 2021
Review: ViewSonic X10 4K UHD DLP Projector – top quality

Get high-quality cinematic pictures, wherever you are, with the ViewSonic X10-4K.
The high-quality 4K HDR projector that is also portable
Although 4K HDR projectors are now widely available, finding a compact, portable one like the X10-4K is not easy. This compact and lightweight 4K projector features a transport handle and short-firing lens, making it ideal for transportation from room to room or even outside.
Big details – 4K UHD
With Ultra HD 4K resolution, this ViewSonic 4K projector brings content to life with striking detail, color, and contrast for a fully immersive viewing experience. At 8.3 million pixels, the X10-4K is not only incredibly detailed, but also allows you to sit closer to the screen without losing image clarity. Improved HDR – ViewSonic X10 4K
Working in combination with 4K UHD resolution, high dynamic range (HDR) and Rec.709 standards make the picture even more natural. HDR reveals details within shadows and subtle textures within colors that previously looked solid. With HDR, pictures are simply more realistic than ever.
Super brightness for all room lighting conditions
With a super bright 2400 ANSI Lumens, the ViewSonic X10-4K not only offers vivid and bright colors, but can also be used in many lighting conditions. Even in daylight conditions with curtains or curtains open, this ViewSonic 4K projector can produce a watchable and detailed image, thanks to its sensational brightness.
Harman Kardon Quality Integrated Audio
With the sound of Harman Kardon, the built-in speaker system delivers crisp, incisive sound. Equipped with analog (3.5 mm) and optical digital outputs, you can also easily connect to a wide range of soundbars, AV and Hi-Fi systems for a large increase in sound quality.
Inputs include HDMI, audio, SC card slots, and more. You will be able to connect to multiple sources without exchanging cables around and there are two HDMI ports! There are two 8W Harmon Kardon speakers built with bluetooth, so the sound will be perfect for your home theater. 709 standardizes the format of HD television. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity is also available! Don’t worry about replacing lamps as the LED light source offers 30,000 hours!Combining stunning 4K resolution with smart streaming and portable design, the ViewSonic X10-4K projector delivers a cinematic experience from anywhere in your home. With a lightweight design, easy-to-carry handle, and a short-range lens, this projector easily moves from room to room and even outdoors to the courtyard. No matter where you look, the images remain vivid and clear thanks to 2,400 LED lumens of brightness, Support with Rec. Crisp 709 and ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution.
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream from your favorite content providers, while support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant provides the convenience of voice control. With built-in Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers and up to 120″ projection screen sizes, this compact 4K projector delivers an immersive, large home entertainment experience.
The luxurious leather textures and metal surface combine in perfect harmony on the ViewSonic X10-4K, heralding a new standard for premium home entertainment devices.
Enjoy the crisp details of the real 4K Ultra HD with Full HD 4x clarity. With 8.3 million pixels projected onto the screen, all 4K movies, games, sports, and streaming content have life in incredibly sharp detail. In addition, the power consumption of the X10-4K is only 35% of a 4K UHD TV, which is greener and more affordable.
With 2,400 LED lumens, the lampless X10-4K can project light images without blur for up to 30,000 hours of use, a significant upgrade over a traditional lamp-based projector and is mercury-free!
Adopting second-generation LED technology, the X10-4K integrates red, green and double blue LED light sources, which efficiently improve luminance and color saturation.
HDR10 (High Dynamic Range) highlights as many details as possible in the brightest and darkest parts of an image to improve color and contrast ratios and a better overall viewing experience. Photo:ViewSonic
Smart TVs and built-in Wi-Fi
Equipped with a built-in Smart TV interface, it’s easy to stream a wide range of TV shows from popular content providers. Built-in Wi-Fi provides access to popular apps, such as Netflix and YouTube, through the Android Aptoide store.
Voice-compatible
Suitable for use with both Amazon Alexa devices and the Google Assistant, you can connect the ViewSonic X10-4K projector to your voice-control smart home. Once connected, operate the basic functions simply by talking to your voice assistant.

Dual HDMI, HDCP2.2 and USB charging
With two HDMI connections, compatible with both HDMI2 and HDCP2.2, the X10-4K is well equipped to handle input sources. Three USB sockets connect a wide range of multimedia devices. There is also a USB power output on a USB, perfect for keeping your smartphone or tablet charged during use.

Don’t compromise on image high-quality from a portable projector – the ViewSonic X10 4K matches both – to perfection.

Native Resolution: 3840×2160
Brightness (LED Lumens): 2400 LED Lumens
Contrast Ratio: 3000000:1
Display Colour: 1.07 Billion Colours
Light Source Type: LED
Light Source Life (Normal): up to 30000
Lamp Watt: RGBB LED
Lens: F=1.8, f=8.5mm
Projection Offset: 100%+/-5%
Throw Ratio: 0.8
Image Size: 30″ – 200″
Throw Distance: 0.5-3.5m (100″@1.77m)
Keystone: V:+28°/-40°
Optical Zoom: Fixed
Audible Noise (Normal): 30dB
Audible Noise (Eco): 26dB
Local Storage: Total 16GB
(12GB available storage)
Resolution Support: VGA(640 x 480) to
4K(3840 x 2160)
HDTV Compatibility: 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2160P
Horizontal Frequency: 15K-135KHz
Vertical Scan Rate: 23-120Hz

Audio-in (3.5mm): 1
HDMI: 2
(HDMI 2.0, HDCP 1.4/2.2)
SD Card: Micro SD (64GB, SDXC)
USB Type C: 1 (5V/ 2A)
USB Type A: 2
(USB 3.0 Reader*1,
USB 2.0 Reader*1,
share with power)
RJ45 Input: 1
(Internet & Alexa control)
Wifi Input: 1 (5Gn)
Bluetooth Input: 1 (BT4.0 / audio in)

Audio out (3.5mm): 1
S/PDIF: 1
Speaker: 8W Cube x2
USB Type A (Power): 2
( USB 3.0 – 5V/ 2A,
USB2.0 – 5V/ 1.5A,
share with Reader )
Bluetooth Output: 1 (BT4.0)

February 4, 2021
Review: Hisense 50U7QFTUK -Excellent TV, good value, enhanced picture clarity…

Quality TV, bright vivid colours, crystal clear picture- new 4K Hisense 50U70QFTUK.

ULED TV – the guarantee of an excellent image
Hisense 50U7QFTUK uses a range of high-end technologies to deliver class-leading image quality. Quantum Dot Colour is closer to the original than ever before, with over a billion realistic colors. Full Array Local attenuation controls individual areas of the screen for darker, lighter contrast, providing excellent contrast. Wide Colour Gamut maximizes the range of colors for greater color diffusion.

HDR10 maximizes HDR potential
For a very high-quality image, HDR10 offers HDR SCENE mastering per scene for the truest and most accurate HDR image technology to date. With HDR10, each scene is optimized, which means that the maximum amount of detail is displayed, even in the brightest or darkest moments. This Hisense 50U7QFTUK TV is also compatible with standard HDR10 and HLG formats. HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma HDR) is a standard user-generated and broadcast format that is set to become the standard for transmitting 4K signals.

Dolby Vision for dramatic images
In addition to supporting HDR10, the 50U7QFTUK also supports Dolby Vision, a leading format in Hollywood and theaters around the world. Dolby Vision also adjusts the image to take full advantage of the features of each screen and presents an image optimized for each scene in specially mastered content.

Be a winner with the game mode
For fast-paced action, adventure and sports games, the game mode reduces the entry delay to less than 20 ms. This ensures faster reaction times, allowing you to stand in front of the opposition.

Easy Smart TV, with VIDAA U 4.0
The latest version of VIDAA Smart TV makes Smart TV even more intuitive. The newly designed launcher provides a customized view of the apps you use the most. Content tracking previews the recommendations for the latest programs and movies for the selected application. There’s also a touch and a shortcut for more apps than ever before. These now include Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Rakuten TV and Freeview Play, all at the touch of a button.

Integrated Alexa
For simple voice control, the VIDAA U Smart TV interface also supports Alexa. Search for TV content or use any Alexa ability, simply with voice control.

Freeview Play to catch up on TV
Freeview Play makes TV easy to date. Find BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4 and Demand 5 programs along with over 60 TV channels and up to 15 HD channels. Just swipe back in the TV guide to watch the shows you missed in the last 7 days. Just make sure your TV is connected to the Internet and ready.

Dolby Atmos compatible sound
Dolby Atmos offers a great step forward in immersive sound. With a more engaging sound, you get involved in the action. Just pair with dolby Atmos-compatible with the media and get ready to be surrounded! Taking advantage of Atmos, the 50U7QFTUK also comes with an advanced parametric equalizer. This allows you to adapt the sound to the exact preferences.

Fully connected
Featuring four HDMI jacks, the Hisense 50U7QFTUK has everything you need to connect the sources. All of these outlets are HDMI 2.0 version with HDCP 2.2, so this TV supports UHD Blu-ray players and 4K HDR streaming services. Other connections include twin USB jacks, perfect for connecting media devices and playing music, photos and videos. Start an optical connection for an audio/base bar and you have everything you need on an HDR TV.Photo:Hisense

Enjoy a more focused TV experience, with Hisense 50U7QFTUK (Price £599.00).

Hisense 50U7QFTUK specs:

Brand Hisense

4K Ultra HD Yes

HDR Yes

BBC iPlayer Yes

Pixel Resolution 3840 x 2160

Contrast Ratio 4000:1

Scart Sockets No

Speakers Yes

Power Consumption- Normal Use 126

Energy Efficiency Rating B

Packaging Dimensions WxHxD 1236 x 790 x 145

Netflix 4K Streaming Yes

Power Consumption – Annual 184

Power Consumption – Standby 0.5

Dimensions excluding stand WxHxD (mm) 1112 x 645 x 79

Dimensions including stand WxHxD (mm) 1112 x 704 x 250

Screen Size 50

Motion Processing 2500PCI

LED Backlight LED – Full Array

Stand Yes – Fixed

Wall Mount Required VESA – 300 x 200

Maximum Stand Width (mm) 784

Panel Bit Depth 10 bit (8 + 2 FRC)

HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Peak Brightness 700

Quantum Dot Yes

Analogue Tuner Yes

USB Video Playback Yes

USB Recording Yes

Headphone Socket No

Wireless Connection Yes

Full Web Browser Yes

ARC – Audio Return Channel Yes

Touch Screen No

Voice Activated TV Yes – Alexa

Quad Core Processor Yes

Twin Tuners No

HDMI 2.0 Yes

Screen Resolution 4k_ultra_hd

Panel Frequency (Hz) 50Hz

Local Dimming Yes – Full Array

Camera No

Gesture Control No

Digital Audio Output Yes – Optical

USB 2

Weight (KG) 12.8/13.1 (Without/With Stand)

Component No

DLNA Compliant No

Remote Control yes

Bluetooth Yes

Smartphone control Yes

HDMI 4_HDCP2_2_4

Unlock the beauty of QLED with the 4K HDR Certified Hisense U7Q series by 2020. Get closer to reality with Quantum Dot (QLED) technology with over a billion realistic colors for smoother, redder, greener, bright blue shades
Compatible with all the latest HDR 10, Dolby Vision™ and HLG formats to deliver brighter, more detailed scenes with improved contrast levels. Inspired by film technology, Dolby Vision HDR technology™ offers reflections up to 40 times brighter and black 10 times darker than the standard dynamic range, resulting in stunning brightness, color, contrast, detail and dimensionality. With the addition of HDR 10 support, dynamic metadata ensures that each frame adapts to zoom in on the director’s vision. Experience striking contrasts with independently controlled mitigation areas, allowing precise details in darker scenes and breathtaking brightness. Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) enjoys a wide spectrum of colors for greater realism – seeing roses in bright reds, lush lawns in bright greens and deep oceans in bright blue.
Redefine the sound of your living room with Dolby Atmos®, immersing yourself in the action with powerful audio flowing around you for a full cinematic experience.

This is U with Hisense’s latest Smart TV operating system, VIDAA U 4.0. Personalized, intuitive and smart, access all your favorite entertainment and built-in apps from Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Freeview Play. Use the remote with shortcut buttons for all these services that get those should see frame sets faster. Freeview Play allows you to enjoy the biggest shows, live and on demand, all together in one place and all for free. With over 70 TV channels, 15 HD channels and seven players on demand, including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5, this is a lot of something for nothing.

Increase your chances of winning with an entry delay of less than 20 ms! For action games or fast-paced sports, the reduced delay ensures faster reaction times that can be replicated on screen. See how the action runs smoothly with Smooth Motion. Screen blur and delay are reduced, clarity is improved, giving a smooth image and smooth action.

September 20, 2020