Going mobile

As a keen gadget geek myself I’ve been keen to make the site easier to read on mobile devices so I’m pleased to say most mobile browsers can now enjoy a scaled down version of this site just by visiting our usual web address: seenit.co.uk.

If all works according to plan, users of mobile devices should automatically be shown a simpler version of the site to ensure rapid loading on PDAs, mobiles and smartphones. We’ve successfully tested it various mobile Windows and Blackberry devices - please let us know how it works for you.

(Some testers have reported the magic code isn’t detecting the iPhone - probably because Apple’s disappointing entry into the mobile phone world doesn’t report its browser as a mobile version.)

PS: For anyone looking to offer the same type of setup the functionality comes courtesy of a nifty plugin for the Wordpress engine which powers the site.

Xbox 360 Upgraded to 60GB

All new XBox 360’s are to ship with 60BG hard drives as standard from 15th August, manufacturer Microsoft announced yesterday. The software and games giant also confirmed that there would be no increase in the price of the consoles despite the 300% increase in storage capacity.

“No one device offers the depth and breadth of entertainment that Xbox 360 can deliver and we know consumers need increasingly more and more space to store the amazing digital entertainment content we provide” said Microsoft’s Neil Thompson.

The Xbox 360 retails for around £199.99

Humax PVR-9150T Freeview+ Recorder (Review 2)

Ok, so my first experience with this model wasn’t great but I was sufficiently impressed with what I did see that I vowed to re-review it once the box was swapped for a working model and I’m pleased to say I’m delighted with the PVR-9150T.

The box carries the Freeview Plus branding meaning it complies with the latest standards from the Freeview service. For around £150 you get some impressive features including series link, the ability to record two programmes whilst watching a previously recorded show and a nifty feature which alerts you to any conflicts in your recording schedule and, where available, advises of alternate showings of the conflicting programme.

A nice touch is that you can also record two channels and watch a third one ‘live’ provided it’s on the same multiplex that you’re recording from.

Prior to the PVR-9150T I was using a five-year old Pace Twin which offered a basic repeat timer which could record the same channel at the same time on any selected day but had no ability to know if the desired programme was delayed, this led to some frustrating instances of missing shows, it also offered a (now) paltry eight hours recording time so this model felt like a vast upgrade.

As previously said, the box is simple to set up and will auto-tune on first boot. The programme guide loads in reasonable time and is nice and clear so it’s easy to read from a distance. The remote has been kept as simple as possible with less commonly used buttons hidden under a pulldown flap which should help to avoid confusing less technically aware users.

I found text and interactive services to be fast loading, something my old Pace was dreadful for and it’s nice to finally be able to delete unwanted channels from the lineup.

My initial issues aside this is a great box and should be high on the list of models to consider for anyone looking to move up from an older or more basic digital recorder or those looking for their first recorder.

News @ the Till: Waterstone’s To Sell Sony Ebook Reader

Book retailer Waterstones has tied up with Sony to offer Reader - the electronic giant’s ebook device.

Smaller than a hardback the device can hold up to 160 ebooks on the internal memory (there’s also the optional to expand capacity with a Memory Stick or SD Memory card) and is expected to be available to pre-order from Waterstone’s stores, waterstones.com and sonystyle.co.uk from 24th July.

Full story available at News @ the Till

Freesat integrated Televisions

Panasonic have just launched a new range of televisions with Freesat HD built in, which means viewers will be able to watch high definition programmes without subscriptions or the need of a set top box. Once the equipment has been purchased and installed there are no further fees or charges involved.

Having the tuner built in will mean the overall picture quality will be improved over that of a seperate receiver, and because unlike the launch of freeview, the operating systems and specifications of the tuners have been agreed from word go so consumers won’t be stung by manufacturers or broadcasters moving the goal posts a year or two down the line.

There are around 80 TV and radio channels available from launch with 2 channels available in HD (for a set number of hours per day, but this will increase very soon). Within the next twelve months the number of channels available will increase to around the 200 mark. The BBC will also be offering their iplayer service via Freesat in the coming months.

For those of you who have already bought HD ready TV’s you don’t have to miss out as you can add a Freesat box to convert your existing set. Freesat also offers a viable option for people who happen to live in areas where freeview will not be available after the digital switch over.

Panasonic’s integrated sets will start off at 42″ with a 46″ and a 50″ version to follow by the end of august.Freesat televisions