Sanyo yesterday announced their new Xacti VPC-HD2000 and VPC-FH1 Dual Cameras, which are the world’s first camcorders to record in the next-gen iFrame video format – to speed up the importing, editing and sharing of recordings on your computer.

Also offering 1080p Full HD recording at 60fps and shooting 8-megapixel stills, both the HD2000 and FH1 feature a Super Slow Motion capability too, which can achieve up to an impressive 600fps to freeze fast action with stunning effect.

The iFrame (960 x 540) video capture mode featured on both models simplifies the process of working with recorded video on your computer, as it records in the same format used for editing. This, combined with smaller file sizes, translates into faster workflow and thanks to the use of standards-based technologies, is compatible with both PC and Mac.

Also including 10x optical zoom for photos and 16x advanced zoom / 160x digital zoom for video, the HD2000 and FH1 sport Face Chaser technology to detect up to 12 faces in either stills or movies and a Sequential Photo Mode for rapid-fire photos at up to 12fps.

Despite the obvious design distinctions, the two models differ little in specs. The HD2000 has a 2.7-inch LCD, gets an HDMI interface via a cradle and sports an external microphone input – while the FH1 gets a larger 3-inch display and native HDMI. The displays on both models rotate 285 degrees.

Both the Sanyo Xacti HD2000 and Sanyo Xacti FH1 are available now from Amazon.com priced at $599.99 and $499.99 respectively.

Press release

SANYO Dual Cameras are World’s First with iFrame Video Format
SANYO Camcorders Provide Fast and Easy Video Editing and Sharing Experience

October 13, 2009
Chatsworth, CA, October 13, 2009 – SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO), today introduces its high-end Dual Cameras, the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A, as the world’s first camcorders to offer compatibility with iFrame, a next generation video format designed specifically to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality videos. SANYO’s Dual Cameras have always been at the forefront for compatibility with computers as well as online applications and networking. The two models announced today feature the iFrame video mode, which records in the same format used to edit on a computer, dramatically speeding up the processes of importing, editing and sharing movies across multiple platforms and devices.

These camcorders will be available nationwide through national and regional retailers beginning October 13, 2009, with a suggested retail price of $599.99 for the VPC-HD2000A and $499.99 for the VPC-FH1A.

“SANYO is proud to be the first manufacturer to offer camcorders that are compatible with the iFrame video format. This format offers a major breakthrough in reducing the time it takes for consumers to import, edit and share high quality video,” said Tom Van Voy, General Manager of the Consumer Products Group for SANYO North America. “In addition to this new video format, our Dual Cameras also offer the ability to shoot 8-Megapixel photos as well as a number of video modes, including Full HD 1080P/60fps, making them the perfect choice for sharing high quality movies with family and friends, for video bloggers or budding videographers.”

iFrame is a computer-friendly video format that has been specifically designed to simplify the process of working with video recorded from a camera. With iFrame, the video recorded in the camera is in the same format that will be used for editing, which means that importing video is fast and file sizes are small. This translates to quick and easy editing and sharing of movies across multiple platforms and devices. This new format can also be used with both Mac and PC compatible applications due to the use of standards-based technologies such as H.264, AAC, MP4 and MOV.

The HD2000A and the FH1A Dual Cameras are automatically programmed to default to the iFrame mode for ultimate ease of use and convenience to the user. In addition to the iFrame video format (960 x 540), the cameras can record in High Definition 1080P (1920 x 1080), as well as high speed video formats for slow motion playback.

The two new models are nearly identical camcorders in two different body designs. The HD2000A is in SANYO’s signature vertical form factor while the FH1A is a traditional style camcorder shape (horizontal).

Dual Cameras conveniently record photos and videos to SD/SDHC media cards (sold separately) and are thumb-operable for key functions, with separate video and photo buttons for easy switching between shooting video and photos. Unlike conventional camcorders, there’s no need to switch modes, enabling the capture of those once-in-a-lifetime moments as the cameras can take both stills and videos simultaneously.

Main Features: VPC-FH1A and VPC-HD2000A
These highly advanced cameras not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced) format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the SANYO proprietary CMOS engine, recording is also available in an impressive 1080p (progressive) format, offering ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second. The cameras also offer 8-Megapixel still photos, sequential shooting, and a number of modes including macro photo capability.

Other Features include:
— iFrame video format H.264 960 x 540 (30fps)
— Full 1080p HD Video (60fps)
— 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)
— High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or
1/10 playback)
— 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1A), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000A) for
HD Playback
— 10x Optical Zoom for photos
— 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x
digital zoom) for video
— Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills)
— ‘Face Chaser’ technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos
— HDMI Output (FH1A); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000A)
— Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye
— External microphone input (HD2000A)
— FH1A and HD2000A are available in Black
— Cold shoe mount for external light or microphone (HD2000A)

iMovie, Mac, and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Works with iMovie logo is a trademark of Apple Inc.
The iFrame logo and the iFrame symbol are trademarks of Apple Inc.

For more information about the SANYO:
VPC-HD2000A, please visit http://us.sanyo.com/VPC-HD2000A
VPC-FH1A, please visit http://us.sanyo.com/VPC-FH1A

About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion dollar, leading company for energy and environment, providing solutions for environment, energy and lifestyle applications based on its brand vision ‘Think GAIA.’ SANYO North America’s Consumer Solutions Division (SANYO North America is a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California, is a service and sales division that markets digital projectors, digital still cameras, digital media camcorders, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics. For more information on SANYO, please visit http://us.sanyo.com.

Sources:
Sanyo (Press Release) and Amazon.com
Via: iTechNews

A clever cordless phone by Sanyo called the TEL-LANW60, is able to relay earthquake announcements made by Japan’s Meteorological Agency, alerting you to serious imminent quakes and helping you through the aftermath by transforming into a flashlight.

The handset looks like a fairly regular cordless phone and utilizes a standard telephone line and Internet-connected WLAN to receive emergency alerts. It delivers these alerts to you in the form of a loud announcement, combined with blinking lights and a bright red warning on its 1.7-inch LCD display.

If disaster strikes, the top edge of the phone is equipped with a “simple light machine” which acts as a torch to help you navigate your way out of the building/debris when the power’s down. It isn’t clear how long the battery will last though.

Sounds like a great little device, but one which comes at a cost. It requires an IPV6 Internet connection and a ¥525 ($6.00) monthly charge for the warning service. On top of that, the kit will cost you anywhere from ¥20,000 ($223) -¥40,000 ($446) depending on how many handsets you’re after.

Sources:
Sanyo Product Page (Translated) and Sanyo Press Release (Translated)
Via: Lets Japan

Sanyo today unveiled an electric hybrid bicycle called the Eneloop Bike, which is based on their impressive Eneloop battery technology. The bike has a cruising range of 100km (62 miles) in auto mode which is similar to Panasonic’s regenerative electric bike and uses a unique two-wheel drive system for greater stability.

The hybrid-drive Eneloop has the front wheel powered by the electric motor and the rear wheel by leg power alone, which is supposed to offer more stability when combined. This “Power-up” mode gives an assist ratio of 1:2, so you can do a little peddling for a more natural bike riding feel, but without over-exerting yourself. In this mode, around 70% is power assisted and 30% is powered by the rider.

The 25.2V 5.7Ah Eneloop battery has a “loop charge function” that enables it to instantly switch between powering the bike and charging itself via regenerative braking.

The Eneloop bike will be powered by a 250-watt motor (which has nothing on the 600CC equivalent Kingston TTX01) and will include three speeds and three assist modes (Auto / Power-up / Standard). It will set you back ¥136,290 (~$1,430) when launched in February 2009 and they plan to produce 1,000 per month to meet Japan’s voracious demand.

Sources:
Sanyo (Press Release) and Akihabara

Sanyo has introduced its new second generation waterproof CE52SR1 52-inch LCD monitor which includes technology that enables the display to be used outdoors.

As well as its marine-grade construction which makes it waterproof, the monitor includes a revolutionary technology that enables the screen to be easily viewed in sunlight.

It has Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, 1500:1 contrast ratio, a 1500 cd/m2 on-screen brightness, a 6.5ms response time and a 176-degree viewing angle.

The CE52SR1 is lightweight and consumes less power than plasma models of its size. It uses a “no-holes” ventilation system with a casing made from marine-grade anodized aluminum.

The monitor will be available in October for around $13,995.

Source:
Aving News

Sanyo has released their new PLC-XP200L projector which is possibly a world first using 4 LCDs.

The projector offers a resolution of 1024 x 768 like NEC’s NP905 also released today, but ups the spec with a 2,200:1 contrast ratio and 7,000 lumens.

The addition of a fourth LCD which Sanyo calls a “color control device,” supposedly produces images that are “clearer, richer, and more beautiful” than the output from 3LCD projectors. It achieves this by using the fourth LCD to control the amount of projected yellow light.

The dimensions are 370.0 x 187.0 x 439.9 mm and weighs in at 25.1 lbs minus the lens. The unit will ship in September with a price tag of $9,995.

Source:
Engadget

The new Sanyo Xacti HD1010 1080i Camcorder is a notable update to its previous HD1000 model featuring improved stabilisation and image processing.

The camcorder has more computing power in its video processor than the former model capturing FullHD 1920x1080i at 14Mbps.

The new Xacti features a video mode called Web SHR which enables 300 frames per second (fps) at 448×336 resolution.

Another new feature is its “face chaser” technology for both still shots and video.

The HD1010 has a still shot mode which can capture a continuous 7fps but with a maximum of 4 megapixel resolution.

The camcorder has a focal length of 38 ~ 380 mm for stills and 49.7 ~ 497 mm for video with a 10x optical zoom lens (F1.8 ~ 2.5). For high-sensitivity shooting, the camcorder can provide up to ISO 3200.

The battery can capture about two hours of video and the LCD display mounted above the pistol grip is 2.7 inches displaying around 23 million pixels. The camcorder has a built-in flash and microphone input.

The dimensions are 112.6 × 90 × 54.5mm with a weight of about 311g including battery.

It includes integrated software for video editing and DVD authoring as well as Nero 8 Essentials for Sanyo.

The Sanyo Xacti HD1010 1080i Camcorder will be available in Japan on June 20 and the US in July with a price tag of 120,000 Yen / $799.99.

Sources:
Impress
AkihabaraNews
Sanyo translated press release