Blu-ray, DVD, HDTV, Video info and more at WesleyTech.com

Hulu coming to Playstation 3

Earlier today, Hulu announced the subscription service Hulu Plus. Most of the information in the press release wasn’t news to readers of WesleyTech as we’ve reported on this news previously.

What is news is the revelation that Hulu will finally be available through other devices besides computers and laptops. Hulu will soon be available on the Sony Playstation 3, certain Samsung Blu-ray Disc players and TVs, and a Hulu app will be available to iPhones and iPads. Access will also be forthcoming on the Microsoft Xbox 360.

What is disappointing is Hulu Plus will still have ads. The service will cost $9.99 per month, and what it offers is access to complete seasons and bonus content unavailable to the fee-free service. It will also offer high-definition content for the first time ever from Hulu. Video will be available at up to 720p.

Are you interested in paying for additional Hulu content?

Steer clear of “universal” 3D glasses

With a wave of 3D products coming to the market, it’s difficult to know what is compatible with the new specs. While Blu-ray Disc players from one brand are compatible with televisions from another brand, the same is definitely not true for the required 3D shutter glasses.

XpanD has been a leader in third-party 3D glasses. They claim they work with any manufacturer’s IR sync signal, the problem lies with the color tinting associated with television manufacturer glasses.

Each brand has a unique shade on their lens, and the television (while in 3D mode) corrects for this shading. HD Guru tried out the XpanD glasses and found they will give different experiences based on different television brands.

Mitsubishi and Samsung lenses add a green tint, and Panasonic and Sony have an amber tint. With the universal glasses, people would look like either purplish or bluish respectively.

It may be possible to set up a custom color setting on your TV to make up for this tinting effect, but you will have to have a TV which can save multiple custom settings.

In related 3D glasses news, Toshiba is now manufacturing liquid crystal panels for 3D glasses.

Victorinox Dual Pro X Swiss army knife review

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Victorinox Swiss Army. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was recently sent the Victorinox Dual Pro X red Swiss army knife to review. Victorinox is the original Swiss army knife manufacturer, so their knives carry quite a good reputation. You can’t get a more authentic Swiss army knife than a Victorinox.

Who hasn’t heard of a Swiss army knife? I remember seeing them often as a kid, with the smooth red sides and the swiss cross emblazoned across the surface. There seemed to be an almost infinite number of little tools and trinkets that you could pop out from inside of a Swiss army knife.

The Dual Pro X continues the Swiss army knife tradition, with improved features, such as the nylon non-slip grip.

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – the package

The Dual Pro X came shipped in a small, simple box that the knife fit into snugly. The box contained the Dual Pro X knife itself and an instructional paper.

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – specifications

Here are the product details, as listed on the manufacturer’s website:

Size: 111 mm | 4 3/8 inch

One-Hand Locking Blade
One-Hand Serrated Locking Seat Belt Cutter
Phillips Screwdriver
Can Opener with
-Small Screwdriver
Bottle Opener with
-Large Locking Screwdriver
-Wire Stripper
Reamer
Key Ring

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – the knife

With the Dual Pro X completely compacted, it measures just 4 3/8 inches and easily fits into a pocket.

With both knives extended simultaneously, the Dual Pro X measures approximately 10 3/4 inches. With just the large blade extended, it measures approximately 7 3/4 inches.

Here’s an even better photo of the knife, straight from the manufacturer.

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – video demonstration

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – testing it out

I went to work testing the Dual Pro X Swiss army knife, in both indoor and outdoor situations.

Inside, the Dual Pro X was a very useful tool that helped me get my surround sound system installed in my living room. I used all of the Dual Pro X screwdrivers (small flathead, large flathead, Philips), the knife, the wire stripper and a few of the other tools as well.

Below is a photo of one of my wall-mounted Polk Audio surround sound speakers, which I used the Dual Pro X to get installed.

Outside, the Dual Pro X Swiss army knife has helped me with my gardening and other work. Specifically, it has recently helped me prune and trim my tomato plant in my backyard garden.

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – Positives

Made from quality materials
Manufactured by the creator of the original Swiss army knife
Modern design
Non-slip grip
Easy to use and operate
Includes many useful tools
Large knife
Knives are sharp
Knife locking mechanism works well
Collapses into a small size for easily storing in your pocket
Lifetime limited warranty

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – Negatives

Priced higher than other Swiss army knives
Philips screwdriver tool can be difficult to use in cramped areas due to perpendicular locking position

Victorinox Dual Pro X knife review – Summary and conclusion

After using the Victorinox Dual Pro X Swiss army knife over the last few weeks, I’ve had almost 100% positive experiences with it. And although it might be priced higher than some other utility knives, this is a top of the line product, with a large knife and made with “first class steel”, according to the manufacturer. The non-slip grip works well and all of the tools included are useful. All of the individual tools can be extracted and lock into positions that make them easy to use.

I’m happy to have the Dual Pro X as the newest multi-tool in my toolkit. I will most certainly be using it for countless jobs around the house and it will definitely be accompanying me on camping trips.

More from Victorinox

Check out swissarmy.com to view more of the Dual Pro X. Fan (Like) the Victorinox Swiss Army Facebook fan page and participate in Share the Adventure for a chance to win great products and compete for a $25,000 Ultimate Adventure.

XShot 2.0 review – camera accessory

The good folks over at XShot were kind enough to send me their XShot 2.0 camera accessory to review.

The XShot 2.0 is a unique camera accessory that functions as an arm extension, allowing you to easily take photos of yourself and others without the need to ask someone else to take the photo.

XShot 2.0 review – retail package

The device arrived in a clean looking hard plastic retail package that had to be opened with scissors.

The package included the XShot 2.0 itself, an attached lanyard and a cardboard insert that provides specifications and instructions.

Let’s take a look at the features and specifications as described by the manufacturer.

XShot 2.0 review – Features

• Durable Metal Shaft
• Lightweight
• Extends to 37” / 94 cm
• Closes to 9” / 22.9 cm
• Fits all compact cameras
• Fits easily in pocket
• New support for heavier cameras
• New variable length positioning

XShot 2.0 review – Specifications

• XShot Weight: 5 oz (142g)
• Extends to: 37″ / 94 cm
• Closes to: 9″ / 22.9 cm
• Max Camera Weight: 1.25 lb (570 g)
• P / N: XS2379

XShot 2.0 review – testing it out

After removing the XShot 2.0 from the packaging, I started playing around with it and testing it out. Instructions are included on the cardboard insert inside of the package, but in reality, it’s instinctively easy to use and doesn’t really require an explanation.

I’ve used the XShot 2.0 to take both photos and videos, using both my Canon SD960 IS camera/camcorder and my Flip Mino HD compact camcorder. Each time I’ve used the XShot 2.0, it has performed wonderfully and allowed me to produce stunning content.

Below is a photo that I took using the XShot 2.0, during our recent trip to St Thomas.

This is definitely one of my favorite photos from the entire vacation. The funny thing is that we actually had someone else snap a few photos of us from across the table before we took this one. When we looked at the photos later, it was no contest, the photo taken with the XShot was by far superior to the photos taken from across the table.

Below is a video demonstration of me using the XShot 2.0 on Sapphire Beach on St Thomas Island, in the US Virgin islands. It was a bit windy the day that I recorded this video, so please excuse the audio noise caused by the wind.

As you can see from the video, the XShot 2.0 can help you capture some excellent videos of yourself, including 360 degree spins to help your viewers get a fully immersive view of your location and surroundings. If you record videos of yourself, then the XShot 2.0 can be an invaluable tool to utilize.

XShot 2.0 review – Positives

Easy to use
Light weight
Take your own photos & video without asking others for help
Extends your reach
Capture unique angles and perspectives
Gets rid of the annoying extended arm seen in many self photos
Compacts down to 9″ to easily fit in a pocket or bag
Rubber non-slip grip & lanyard helps to prevent drops
Easily record video while you turn 360 degrees
Keeps a camera up high to record video or take photos above water

XShot 2.0 review – Negatives

A bit large for a pants pocket

XShot 2.0 review – Summary and conclusion

In my experience using the XShot 2.0, there are virtually zero negatives to be found with the product. The only VERY minor complaint is that it doesn’t quite fit comfortably in a pants pocket, which could result in it being left behind on some occasions. It looks like XShot is already aware of this though, as they’ve now released a new, even more compact version named the pocket XShot, which should comfortably fit in a pocket.

You might also get some strange looks from others while using the XShot, but that can be a good thing! Using the XShot has sparked conversations with strangers and passerby’s, who want to know more about why I have a stick attached to my camera.

The bottom-line is that the XShot 2.0 makes a fantastic addition to any photographer’s toolkit, from the seasoned professional photographer down to the every day, point-and-shoot casual photo snapper. I highly recommend the XShot 2.0, it’s a wonderful accessory that will undoubtedly allow you to capture better photos and better video.

You can pick up the XShot 2.0 on the XShot website.

James Bond collection on Blu-ray only $100

Just in time for Father’s Day, Amazon.com is offering the 11-disc James Bond collection on Blu-ray Disc for the extremely low price of $99 (down from $269.99).



Follow this link and use the code AMZNBOND at checkout to receive the special price.

Blu-ray firmware resource

Let’s face it, updating firmware is a pain. With Blu-ray Disc players, firmware updates have become even more oppressive. It is not uncommon for a manufacturer to release a firmware update before their players even hit store shelves. With practically every Fox Home Entertainment release, like Avatar for example, many players have to be updated just for the one movie.

Fortunately, the Blu-ray Disc Association has teamed up with the manufacturers to provide a resource to find the latest updates for your player. Visit http://www.blu-raydisc.com//en/technical/updates/en.html and find your player to see if you could use an update, and for instructions on how to do this.

Not every manufacturer is listed yet, so hopefully this will grow. Better yet, let’s hope we can get rid of painful firmware updates altogether.

Redbox adding Blu-ray rentals

Even with the limited space within a rental machine, Redbox is making room for Blu-ray Discs to appear within the next few months.

Along with a new agreement from Universal Studios and 20th Century Fox, to include new movies 28 days after street date, is a partnership to provide Blu-ray Disc versions of popular movies. Rentals will incur a $1.50 rate per day.

Redbox rental kiosks account for 23% of the rental market, with 40 million DVDs renter per month. Owners of Blu-ray players hold 16.9% of Redbox customers.

Source: Home Media Magazine