http://www.teardown.com// This channel delivers analysis reports of home networking, notebook computer, information appliance, and entertainment products. These products reflect the growth and co-mingling of always-on Internet access, television, gaming, telephony, and mobile computing for the wired (and unwired) environment of home and work. Significant discounts are available with the purchase of a Channel License . © 2010, UBM LLC en-us Mon, 4 Jan 2010 15:03:00 -0500 Mon, 4 Jan 2010 15:03:00 -0500 Digital Home Channel 60 ]]>The ultrabroadband Motorola SURFboard SB6120 modem is claimed as the world’s first DOCSIS (“Data-Over-Cable Interface Specification”) 3.0 cable modem, and is backwards compatible with DOCSIS 1.x/2.0 networks. Performance of existing cable networks is enhanced through bonding of 4 upstream and 4 downstream channels, allowing service providers the opportunity to offer advanced data and multimedia services at speeds over 100 Mbps in each direction. The SB6120 supports IPv4 and IPv6 for expanded addressing capabilities and advanced encryption services. The modem has a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Port for high-speed wired networks and an advanced tuner supporting 1GHz downstream input. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1583 Jan 4, 2010 15:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1583 ]]>The Cisco-Linksys WET610N is a dual-band Ethernet bridge (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz). Acting as the go-between for an existing wireless network and an Ethernet wired network device, the WET610N provides connectivity for the 802.11 a, b, g, and n protocols. The WET610N supports WEP and WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security up to 128-bit encryption. It has one-touch setup that can be used in conjunction with compatible routers or wireless access points to simplify the setup process. The three internal antennas afford a wide coverage range. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1522 Dec 7, 2009 16:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1522 ]]>During the 3rd quarter of 2009, Netgear released their new dual-band wireless-N router, the WNDR3300. According to Netgear, the router’s bandwidth allows users to simultaneously surf the web, send e-mail, stream HD video, and play online games. Other notable network features include “Push ‘N’ Connect”, which allows users to connect wireless devices to their secure network with a push of the large Netgear button; Quality of Service (QOS), which prioritizes traffic based on the application in use; Double Firewall; Denial-of-Service prevention; Intrusion Detection and Prevention; and WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). Parental features include time-base usage, URL filtering, remote management, and trusted user control. Inside the unit, multiple antenna choices are used to compensate for interference and increase the range of the router. Supported wireless modes are Type 1: 2.4GHz band (802.11n/802.11g/802.11b); Type 2: 2.4GHz (802.11g/802.11b at 2.4GHz) and 5GHz Dual-band (802.11n/802.11a at 5GHz). http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1529 Oct 29, 2009 15:32:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1529 ]]>The WiEx YX510-PCS-CEL is a dual-band CDMA cellular repeater for in-home or in-building improvement of signal strength and call quality. This brief Quick Turn Teardown examines component content and design attributes for a RF function which is seemingly simple in concept but highly-engineered from small-scale components in practice. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1554 Oct 14, 2009 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1554 ]]>Released by Netgear in June 2008, the XETB1001 is a kit of mid-speed wall-plugged Ethernet adapters rated at data speeds of up to 85Mbps. Other Netgear models are available at speeds as low as 14Mbps and as high as 200Mbps. The XETB1001 turns any AC power outlet into an Ethernet connection by connecting one wall-plugged adapter to a router (wired or wireless); the other wall-plugged unit then serves as an Ethernet client for any number of connected devices including PCs, gaming consoles, set-top boxes, TVs, print servers, network storage devices, etc. Netgear’s XETB1001 includes data encryption to provide a secure network. Maximum coverage area up to 5,000 ft2 (460 m2) is claimed. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1520 Oct 7, 2009 13:48:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1520 ]]>Sony continues with the evolution of the PS3 game console with the August 2009 launch of the PS3 slim. While retaining the same basic industrial design of preceding platforms, the PS3 slim introduces some significant internal changes to lower cost and reduce power consumption and weight. This QuickTurn Teardown provides an itemized listing of components in somewhat abbreviated form and an estimate of the hardware cost of goods sold (COGS). Images of all the key subsystems, electronics, and integrated circuits of the PS3 slim are also included in this report. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1528 Sep 2, 2009 13:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1528 ]]>The SV470XVT1A, part of Vizio’s XVT series, is a 47-inch, 1.06-billion-color, 1080p HDTV with 120Hz picture-refresh technology for reduced motion jitter. It has a contrast ratio of 6500:1 and a viewing angle of 178°. The four HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs provided support resolutions of 1920 x 1080, 1366 x 768, 1024 x 768, and 800 x 600. The SV470XVT1A also has an S-Video input, a Computer RGB input, an Analog Stereo Audio for HDMI input, two component inputs, two composite video inputs, an RF input, and one service port. There are three built-in TruSurround XT speakers and six different viewing modes, including modes for different sports and video games. The SV470XVT1A also features both PIP (picture-in-picture) and POP (picture-outside-picture), closed captioning, V-chip, Zoom, Freeze, and independent color adjustments for red, green, and blue. The SV470XVT1A comes assembled to a TV stand where it measures 29.6 inches in height and weighs about 62 lbs, but can be mounted to a wall with stand removal. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1477 Aug 10, 2009 15:34:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1477 ]]>The Samsung LUXIA 7100, or model UN46B7100, is among the first large-format consumer LCD TVs with LED backlighting. The LEDs replace previously employed thin fluorescent tubes which contain phosphors and mercury. Additionally, no lead is used in the manufacturing process, thus the “eco-friendly” manufacture claim. This TV has a 45.9 inch diagonal TFT display that earned the energy star for efficiency - Samsung claims - up to 40% less power consumed than conventional LCD TVs. Physically, the TV measures only 28.3mm (1.11 inches) thick; use of the base-stand bumps depth to 10.75 inches. There is an Ethernet port and a PC input for wireless or LAN connection to the Internet. There are two USB ports and four HDMI inputs. Samsung’s marketing promises “breakthrough picture quality with a Touch of Color.” The 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 1920 x 1080 pixel full HD resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 4ms pixel response time, and 120Hz progressive scan to reduce motion blur – all contribute to a truly bright image with a full pallet of brilliant and muted colors. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1468 Jul 7, 2009 17:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1468 ]]>The Verizon Hub is a home communication center allowing the user to place and receive unlimited calls over the Internet (VoIP), mobile to mobile calling, media and text messaging. Included with the device is a handset with an integrated charging cradle. The Digital Voice Service of $34.99 includes access to the Verizon Network (V Net) services such as VCast, VZ Navigator, and Chaperone with the addition of traffic and weather information. The Hub has a large 7 inch WQVGA TFT display overlaid with a resistive touchscreen and when idle becomes a digital picture frame. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1427 May 22, 2009 18:33:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1427 ]]>Trying to attract the growing number of VoIP enthusiasts, YMAX Communications released the MagicJack, a simple USB device for making local and long-distance calls over an Internet connection. MagicJack connects easily to a regular telephone and can be used to make emergency and 411 calls. The MagicJack software automatically installs on the host PC and once registered, can be connected and utilized on any Windows XP/Vista machine, or Intel-based Mac with a standard phone. Requiring about 80Kbs per connection, the MagicJack works on cable or DSL broadband networks but will not operate with dial-up or satellite-based networks. Features include caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, and call forwarding. The initial cost of a MagicJack is $39.95, which includes both the device itself and the first year of service. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1399 Mar 27, 2009 17:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1399 ]]>ZyXEL’s MAX206M2 is a wireless modem for use in WiMAX networks. Users can connect to the Internet through the modem via one of the Ethernet ports, or connect wirelessly if the modem is connected to a WiFi network. Two additional ports provide for future expansion allowing use in digital telephony as well. As an alternative to cable, DSL, or WWAN, the MAX206M2 provides users with a broadband connection anywhere there is an available WiMax network. As of January 2009, WiMAX deployments are limited to select U.S cities operating under XOHM as part of a Sprint/Nextel-Clearwire joint venture and in Caracas, Venezuela under provider Movilmax. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1350 Jan 27, 2009 17:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1350 ]]>The ASUS Eee Box is designed with a smaller case than the typical low-power desktop computer. Even so, the Eee Box provides all the typical features you’d expect to find on a full-size PC, including a DVI connector for attaching a monitor, speaker, headset and microphone jacks, 2-Gb Ethernet LAN port, WiFi, and SD card reader. There are also four USB 2.0 ports, two of which are dedicated to the included USB keyboard and mouse, leaving two ports for the user. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1228 Jan 23, 2009 16:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1228 ]]>This LCD TV is one in a series of models manufactured by LG Electronics that provide advanced 120Hz HDMI-TV with full 1920 x 1080 resolution. The 120Hz TruMotion specification claims to give a clearer, smoother image, even during fast action sequences. This ensures more stable motion for a crisper picture. LG’s Intelligent Sensor technology not only evaluates the brightness of ambient light, but uses over 4000 sensing steps to evaluate the environment and optimize picture quality. This process improves brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, and white balance. It also saves on power consumption. Also, the 24p Real Cinema feature runs at 24 frames per second, the rate at which a film is originally recorded, while the Clear Voice technology automatically enhances and amplifies the frequencies of the human voice to provide high-quality dialogue during periods of elevated background noise. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1283 Dec 31, 2008 12:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1283 ]]>The Sony DMX-NV1 is a broadband network video receiver that is used to stream free Internet video content, including high-definition, to select Sony television sets without the need for a PC. The NV1 works only on the newer model Sony BRAVIA TVs and features an intuitive on-screen interface to browse and select music videos, movie trailers, uploaded video clips, news, weather, and other video content. The unit comes with both a bracket for mounting on the back of a Sony TV and a stand (shown in photo) for installing inside a cabinet. Compatible access sites include AOL, Yahoo, and Grouper, as well as Sony Picture Entertainment and Sony BMG Music. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1147 Oct 8, 2008 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1147 ]]>The Netflix Player by Roku allows Netflix online movie rental service subscribers the option of movie delivery on-demand by broadband streaming to the home television. A Netflix account with unlimited movie rentals must be attained to utilize the Netflix Player. The Netflix Player set top box represents an extension of Netflix’s earlier direct-to-PC streaming. Connectivity to a home network can either be with wired Ethernet or WiFi. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1173 Aug 28, 2008 13:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1173 ]]>As part of Cisco’s acquisition of Linksys, some new looks come to the end product. The industrial-style blue and gray rectangular box is replaced here in the WRT-110 “RangePlus” with a modern design and sleek finish. The WRT-110 uses proprietary techniques to provide speeds similar to 802.11n, and even claiming compatibility with same, while supporting previous-generation 802.11b/g. Better wireless encryption along with two internal integrated antennas technology can be found in the WRT-110 RangePlus, released in mid-2008. Located on the front of the unit are several status LEDs and at the back, one 10/100 Ethernet input port and four 10/100 Ethernet client ports. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1135 Jul 25, 2008 17:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1135 ]]>The LG Insignia NS-DXA1 DTV tuner converts digital broadcast signals to analog, allowing continued use of analog TVs after the February 2009 deadline for converting to digital equipment. Though pushed back several times, that date appears more certain with affordable converter boxes now on the market. On the face of the converter box is an LED status light, two memorized channel-scan buttons, and the power button. On the back are the standard antenna in/out and A/V jacks. The product is shipped with a handy IR remote, battery included. Other accessories include an RF coax cable, A/V cables, and a user guide. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1100 Jul 1, 2008 17:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1100 ]]>An eMachines bundle purchased for less than $450 in retail channels delivers a Windows-Vista-based PC along keyboard, speakers, WXGA+ LCD monitor, and a Canon Photo Printer. We take a look at the stackup of costs - and competitive market dynamics - which make it possible to provide a low-price and and relatively complete compute experience while still eeking out a small profit. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1149 Jun 16, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1149 ]]>The Acoustic Research ARRU449 adds WiFi connectivity to the Universal Remote to bring progamming information and other visual features right to the controller. With complexity in setup joining a steep street price, the dual-microprocessor design sets a high bar for electronics content in the normally single-chip world of remote controls. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1114 May 20, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1114 ]]>Apple’s Time Capsule is a full Airport Extreme base station using 802.11n technology. It has one WAN and three LAN Ethernet ports, and also includes a 500GB hard drive for backup storage. Backup is provided for Time Machine Mac OS X Leopard computers via the wireless network, and for other computers (Mac or PC) via the Ethernet ports. The unit also has one USB port for connecting a shared printer, additional hard drive, or hub for other devices. The Time Capsule uses WiFi Protected Access (WPA/WPA-2) and 128-bit WEP encryption with built-in NAT firewall supporting NAT-PMP. It operates at frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The unit also has a self-contained power supply and is also available with twice the hard-drive capacity (1.0 TB). http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1048 May 12, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1048 ]]>The SecurityMan NiteCam2 kit gives consumers a self-install video/audio wireless monitoring solution for $100 retail. By using trailing-edge components from largely low-cost Asian suppliers along with corner-cutting radio design, the setup gives you eyes and ears around/outside the house for a budget price. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1090 Apr 24, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1090