Tag Archives: led

Blacklyte: From home decor to smart gaming accessories @ CES 2024

February 21, 2024CES 2024, Gadgets, Toys & Gamingces2024, chair, desk, gadgets, gaming, led, lightPLUGHITZ Live

Blacklyte gaming chairs and desks Blacklyte, a brand that initially started as a home decor company, has broadened its product line to include gaming peripherals such as gaming desks, gaming chairs, and lighting. The company stands out from traditional furniture companies by developing its own software and algorithms to interpret in-game data, synchronize it, and convert it into light signals displayed on the desk.

Smart gaming desk with customizable lighting

The Blacklyte Atlas Desk is versatile, catering to various uses including gaming competitions, education, streaming, music, and other forms of entertainment. The company’s experience in the home decor industry inspired the creation of this product. To cater to their specific needs, Blacklyte designed their table from scratch. After a year and a half of testing, they developed a patented layered sandwich design that maximizes strength, lightweight, and magnetic capabilities. The table is magnetizable, allowing for easy attachment of accessories, extendables, cable management, and corner lights.

As they developed their products, they encountered challenges with synchronizing games and music with traditional LED lights. This led them to devise algorithms that go beyond merely reacting to voice commands. They analyzed games and created a graphic algorithm to read and interpret game data, which is then translated into lighting effects on the desk.

A unique aspect of Blacklyte’s Atlas Desk is its software, which reads the game being played and interacts with the lights accordingly. While the company keeps the details of their algorithms confidential, they have collaborated with pro gamers and universities to test and refine their product. Feedback and customization suggestions from these testers have helped Blacklyte optimize the lighting effects. They have also worked with psychology majors from the University of Toronto to design lighting that enhances performance and improves daily use. For instance, the desk can be set to a morning mode with energizing blue hues to wake up the user or a rest mode with warmer tones to facilitate sleep.

Light therapy for various applications

Ambient lighting in airplanes changes to help passengers sleep or wake up. This concept is similar to how the Atlas Desk by Blacklyte uses light therapy to create different moods and enhance the gaming experience. The company is working with psychologists to extend their system of light therapy for to increase a player’s abilities, both in-game and in the real world.

The importance of light and color in our everyday lives, affecting our mood and energy levels, is a key focus of Blacklyte’s Atlas Desk. It takes the concept of sunrise alarm clocks a step further by integrating light cues into the workspace. This customizable lighting can serve as a gentle reminder to adjust one’s activities and help maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

In conclusion, Blacklyte’s Atlas Desk offers a unique and customizable lighting experience for gamers and other entertainment enthusiasts. By developing their own software and algorithms, the company has created a desk that syncs with games, music, and other forms of entertainment. The desk’s design, including its layered sandwich construction and magnetic capabilities, adds functionality and customization options.

With the collaboration of pro gamers and psychology experts, Blacklyte has optimized the lighting effects to enhance performance and daily use. This innovative product demonstrates the potential of integrating technology and design to create a more immersive and personalized gaming experience.

The Blacklyte Atlas Desk is not yet available, but is coming soon. The desk will retail for $1,099 and will be available from the company’s website, as well as their retail partners. To learn more about the Blacklyte Atlas Desk or any of their other products, check out their website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Neewer illuminates content creation with lighting and sound @ CES 2024

January 29, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Photography, Videoces2024, gadgets, led, light, microphone, podcasting, youtubePLUGHITZ Live

Neewer lighting and audio equipment Cost-effective lighting and audio equipment are essential for content creation, be it for YouTube streaming, podcasting, or other types of media production. Brandon Wolfe, the director of public relations for Neewer, shares the company’s commitment to offering budget-friendly lighting solutions. These products empower creators to display their skills and creativity to a global audience.

Affordable lighting gear

Neewer offers a range of lighting products that are not only affordable but also powerful enough for content creation. One notable feature of their lights is their full RGB capability, which allows for a wide range of colors and lighting effects. Additionally, these lights have both hot and cold options, providing flexibility for different lighting needs. The lights also come with cold shoe mounts, allowing users to easily snap them together to create a larger lighting setup.

What sets Neewer apart is its innovative approach to lighting. They have designed their lights to be modular, similar to Lego blocks, enabling users to build and customize their lighting grids according to their specific requirements. This flexibility is especially useful in situations where the lighting conditions are challenging or when more powerful lighting is needed.

Furthermore, Neewer has also taken into consideration the convenience of its users. For instance, their small stick lights are not only mountable but also magnetic, allowing them to be easily attached to metal surfaces. This feature makes them ideal for on-the-go situations, as they can be separated and stored in pockets when not in use.

New audio equipment for creators

In addition to lighting gear, Neewer has also ventured into the audio department with their new Lavalier microphones. The dual microphone set offers two mics with standard and magnetic clips, allowing you to attach them to any clothing. They each offer the ability to connect a wired microphone to them, allowing for a more versatile experience.

The receiver can connect to nearly any device in a variety of ways. It can connect to a phone via USB-C or Lightning, or to a camera using the line-out connection. Being able to swap the receiver between devices with ease means being able to use it for different styles and scales of production. You can also monitor the receiver with headphones.

As with other mics in this category, Neewer is working on accessories to allow you to repurpose the mics. For example, other products in the category offer the ability to turn it into a handheld microphone. These products are not yet on the market, but are in development.

These microphones have received positive feedback from reviewers and influencers for their exceptional performance. Despite their high quality, Neewer has managed to keep the price point of these microphones at an affordable $129, which is significantly lower than competing brands in the market.

The affordability of Neewer’s lighting and audio gear is a significant differentiator for the company. While other brands may offer similar products, they often come with a much higher price tag. Neewer aims to eliminate the barrier of entry for creators by providing high-quality gear at an accessible price point. They believe that showcasing one’s talents should not be limited by the size of their wallet.

Conclusion: Neewer helps creators with affordable lighting and audio gear

In conclusion, affordable lighting and audio gear, such as those offered by Neewer, are essential tools for content creators. These products not only provide the necessary illumination and sound quality but also offer flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Neewer’s commitment to offering high-quality gear at accessible prices allows creators to focus on their craft without worrying about breaking the bank. With Neewer’s lighting and audio solutions, creators can confidently showcase their talents and creativity to the world.

The lighting products shown range from $26 to $200 and the CM28 microphone costs $129. To pick up your own Neewer products, head to their website or Amazon store.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Dynavisual’s innovative displays can be worn and synced @ CES 2024

January 23, 2024CES 2024, Computers, Sportces2024, cloud, gadgets, led, screen, sportsPLUGHITZ Live

Dynavisual synchronized displays LED technology for wearable displays is a groundbreaking innovation that is revolutionizing visual communication. Flexible, bright, animated LED displays are a revolutionary technology that is transforming the way we think about visual communication. These displays, developed by Dynavisual, offer a flexible and expandable solution for integrating LED screens into various textiles, such as clothing, hats, vests, and coats.

How do Dynavisual displays work?

The CEO of Dynavisual, Maria Fernandez, explains that their IoT platform consists of both software and hardware components. The hardware is a bendable and very flexible LED display that can be easily integrated into different textiles. This means that almost anything can be visualized on these displays, making them incredibly versatile.

One of the key features of Dynavisual’s LED technology is its brightness and power. The LED screens are three times more powerful than a handy screen, making them highly visible even in bright environments. To support this power, the screens require two lithium batteries, similar to those found in mobile phones. These batteries can be charged using USB-C, making the screens rechargeable and sustainable. With four batteries inside, the screens can last for an impressive eight to ten hours, even when operating at maximum power. This extended battery life makes the screens ideal for use at events, sports stadiums, and other venues where continuous display is required.

The display screens can be made in any size, with one focus being on integrating them into clothing. This allows for a unique and eye-catching visual experience, especially in a stadium where the hats of the audience members can be the main focus. The aspect ratio of the screens can also be customized, allowing users to decide the size and shape of their display.

Dynavisual’s LED technology also offers the ability to integrate data and connect to the cloud. This opens up possibilities for gathering information from users and analyzing data for insights. The company envisions partnering with sports garment companies like Nike and Adidas to integrate their LED technology into clothing items. This would not only provide a unique visual experience for spectators but also allow for data collection and analysis.

The potential applications of Dynavisual’s LED technology extend beyond the sports industry. The podcast mentioned the music industry as another field where the technology could be utilized. For example, spectators at a concert could wear LED screens that display visuals synchronized with the music, creating an immersive and dynamic experience.

Syncing screens for a unique experience

One of the most impressive features of these displays is their ability to connect thousands of individual screens together to create a mega screen. Fernandez gives the example of a stadium, where 100,000 people can each have a small section of the screen. When they stand together, the entire message or image is revealed. This creates a truly immersive and engaging visual experience for the audience.

In terms of video quality, Dynavisual displays at 40 frames per second, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. The CEO mentions that if these displays were used in a stadium with TV cameras broadcasting, the viewers would have a perfect view of the content.

Testing and release plans

Dynavisual has already tested this technology on a smaller scale and is now seeking partners to help scale it up. They are looking for investments, collaborations with manufacturers to create products using their technology, and partnerships with advertising agencies, football clubs, sport clubs, and event agencies.

While the technology is not yet available for individual purchase, it is primarily targeted towards corporations and organizations. The software platform that accompanies the displays is flexible and can easily be adapted to meet different needs. It is cloud-based, allowing users to upload videos and schedule them to play at specific times, similar to a digital sign.

Conclusion

Overall, flexible, bright, animated LED displays are an exciting innovation in visual communication. Dynavisual’s technology offers endless possibilities for showcasing messages, images, and videos in creative and engaging ways. With the ability to connect multiple screens together to create a mega screen, these displays have the potential to transform the visual experience at events, stadiums, and other large-scale venues.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Monster Smart Illuminessence is bringing color to light @ CES 2022

February 11, 2022CES 2022, Gadgets, Homeces2022, gadgets, illuminessence, led, light, monsterPLUGHITZ Live

Monster Smart Illuminessence home lighting It’s no secret that the world is getting brighter and more color, thanks in part to companies like Xtreme Cables and the Monster Smart Illumenessence line of LED products. Unline most major rands, the Illuminessence product line is designed to be fun, durable, and inexpensive. In fact, when compared against other major brands. the Illuminessence products regularly come in under their competitors. Plus, the lineup has a number of unique products and partnerships.

Individual LED pixels

All of the new products coming out in the Monster Smart Illuminessence are designed with individual LED pixels. This means that, unlike most LED products that can only produce a single color across the entire body, the new products can target each LED with its own color. This OC-controlled LED design means that advanced patterns, similar to what can be found on the Prism and Digit, are now possible across the Illuminessence family.

New Products

Neon Flux+

The Neon Flux+ is an upgrade to the previous Neon light strip. The original Neon is unique because it has a diffuser along its body making it so that you cannot see the individual LED pixels. Instead, it appears as one single light strip. With the new Neon Flux+, you get all of the benefits of the Neon with two big additions: memory wire and individual LED pixels.

The memory wire gives you the ability to use the strip to create all kinds of things, from a Christmas tree to writing. The concept was born when Jennifer Garrett, the Director of Design, tried to write something on her wall with an original Neon. The experience wasn’t ideal because it required a ton of individual holes to spell out “Design.” She wanted a better experience, and so was born the Neon Flux+.

Bistro Lights

The Bistro Lights are designed to be used outdoors. In the summer, they can be used as lighting around your pool or patio, while during the holidays, can be turned into your Christmas lights without having to take them down and put them up. Like all of the new items, each light can be controlled independently, giving you the ability to create some truly spectacular party effects.

Razer Chroma integration

This is, by far, the most exciting addition to the ecosystem for the year. The Monster Smart app is coming to PC, and it will work in conjunction with the Razer Chroma system. With this integration, you’ll be able to extend your gaming and entertainment experience beyond your screen. All of the Smart Illuminessence products will be compatible with the system, allowing you to even extend the lighting into other rooms.

The most exciting ability, of course, is the option to map out your lighting so that the colors on your screen can be mirrored externally. In the example in the booth, Jennifer was showing a Prism, Light Bar, and Arc all working together to replicate the colors from the screen onto the wall and desk.

Summary

Many of the Monster Smart Illuminessence products are available now, with more coming this year. The Monster Smart desktop app with Razer Chroma support is expected to launch in May 2022. To learn more about the products or purchase one for yourself, you can head to the company’s website or to Walmart.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Showcase PCs: The art of gaming through holograms @ CES 2022

January 26, 2022CES 2022, Computersces2022, computer, desktop, gadgets, holographic, led, rgbPLUGHITZ Live

Showcase PC Holographic Cases There is no doubt that gaming PCs have come a long way in terms of both performance and aesthetics. Showcase PCs represent the pinnacle of this trend, taking the idea of turning the gaming PC into an art form to its logical conclusion. The custom 3D and 4D designs create a truly immersive experience, transporting you into the game itself.

What are Showcase PCs?

Showcase PCs are gaming PCs that have been transformed into works of art. They feature 100% unique, custom-made designs that set them apart from anything else on the market. The holographic effects create an immersive experience that truly immerses you in the game world.

Currently, the trend in gaming PCs is the extreme RGB setup, or “unicorn vomit” as it is affectionately referred to in our offices. Everything in, on, and around the computer has the ability to light up and, with platforms like Razer Chroma, work in unison. This includes the case, RAM, drives, cables, mice, mousepads, keyboards, webcams, and even your chair.

But, what if you could take that extreme RGB and kick it up? That is exactly what Showcase PCs are – the next generation of PC art. Using fans, which a gaming PC already has a lot of, you can create holographic text, images, and even animations in and on your PC case. Add to that more traditional LED lighting and you can extend the experience of the image and animation.

Why Choose a Showcase PC?

There are many reasons to choose a Showcase PC. Firstly, they look amazing and will add an extra level of style to any gaming setup. Secondly, the holographic effects create an incredibly immersive experience that will take your gaming to a whole new level. Finally, Showcase PCs are available at a more affordable price point than other high-end gaming PCs.

The simple installation (known as 3D) includes a holographic screen on the inside of the side panel of the case. But, if you really want to make your case unique, you can have a second, smaller screen on the top (known as 4D). The best scenario is to use these two in conjunction, having your animation move from one to the other. One example we saw was a fish swimming through the case and then jumping out of the case over the top and back into the “water” below.

How Do I Get One?

There are a couple of ways to get a Showcase PC. The first, and will be the first to launch publicly, will be to purchase a complete, pre-built system. You’ll be able to choose from existing bundles, including everything you need to get started, or customize the specs of the computer and decide whether you want the single internal screen (3D) or both the internal and external screens (4D).

Soon, you’ll also be able to purchase self-installation kits to upgrade your existing PC case or spice up a new build.

Summary

To learn more about Showcase PCs, see more videos of them in action, or to purchase your own, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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KONO SHOU: the Eye-catching Display That Attracts Consumers @ CES 2022

January 25, 2022CES 2022, Entertainmentces2022, display, gadgets, ledPLUGHITZ Live

KONO SHOU Holographic Display If you’re looking for an attention-grabbing display that will help increase sales and attract consumers, look no further than KONO’s SHOU! This unique device is perfect for any business wanting to make a big impression. Its eye-catching design is sure to grab the attention of passersby, and its waterproof construction makes it perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

What is the KONO SHOU?

The KONO SHOU is a unique device that was created to help businesses increase sales and attract consumers. It’s known for its eye-catching display that grabs a consumer’s attention inside and outside of stores, as well as at trade shows or pop-up events. There are two versions of the device: one which can be controlled by Bluetooth with an app and an advanced model that can be centrally controlled nationwide through telecommunication networks using NB-IoT.

How Does the KONO SHOU Work?

The base technology for this product has been around for a long time. Theme parks have offered a rudimentary version of the tech for years. They came in the form of a spinning device onto which you could program words and short phrases. When you spin the device around, the LEDs on the front would light up in the right frequencies to spell out whatever you had entered. That is the same general idea here.

There are obviously a few major differences. The first is that you are not required to spin a device in your hand. Instead, the LED matrix exists on a pair of fan blades that spin on their own using a motor. The second major difference is that the LEDs are not on the tip of the fan blades, but across the entire front. This gives the device the ability to create large, uninterrupted images.

The third major difference between the KONO SHOU and the devices from theme parks and fairs is that the LEDs can change colors. In the past, they were generally only available in red. With these devices, they can change on the fly, giving the image designer a lot more flexibility in what they want to produce.

The fourth and most important difference is that it’s not just static words and phrases that can be shown across the display. Instead, you can show images and animations as well. When paired with its large size, this makes for an incredible visual – animated items literally floating in the air.

Who is KONO SHOU for?

The KONO SHOU is for any business that wants to make a big impression. Its eye-catching design is sure to grab the attention of passersby, and its waterproof construction makes it perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Whether you’re looking for a way to increase sales at your store or want to draw in more customers at a trade show or pop-up event, the KONO SHOU is a great solution!

Summary

The KONO SHOU is expected to be available at the end of February 2022. To learn more about the product or to contact them about purchasing one, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Monster Smart Illuminessence brings the color to your home @ CES 2021

January 27, 2021Accessories, CES 2021, Gadgets, Homeces2021, gadgets, led, light, monsterPLUGHITZ Live

Monster Smart Illuminessence LED decoration One of the companies that have been a consistent guest for us at CES has been Monster. We’ve talked about headphones, earbuds, speakers, and more. Last year, we had the opportunity to speak about one of the newer additions to the Monster family – Monster Smart Illuminessence. This new line of LED products has become incredibly popular, with Jennifer Garrett’s reveal of the products being our top viewed interview of 2020. So, of course, we had to have her back to show us what’s new for 2021.

In the totally new category, Monster Smart Illuminessence has a couple of really cool products. First, we’ve got The V – a clear acrylic tent with fully controllable LEDs embedded. It is able to do all of the cool swirling animations of its bigger cousins, Prism and Digit. It will come in a pack of six with a charging base. Because it is acrylic, you can use it to write on with dry-erase markers for place settings, table decorations, and more.

Next is the Arc, another device featuring the swirling LED animation capabilities. The Arc, however, is designed to be a combination lamp and headphone stand. It also includes a 10-watt Qi-certified wireless charger. In addition to the multicolor LED capability, the Arc is able to be used in warm white and reading light modes, making it a great companion for a nightstand or desk. Following along is the Studio, a ring light with similar capabilities to the Arc. It will also add the ability to be used as a clock.

2021 will also see upgrades to some of the existing product lines. Jennifer showed us a Midnight Edition of both the Digit and Prism. These devices look and function like their original counterparts, but with a dark body. The darker body mutes the lighting to an extent, but also allows it to fit into a mare natural or darker environment than the current white body.

The biggest upgrade comes to the Neon, which is an indoor/outdoor LED strip with a diffuser. The current version of the Neon can do a single color at a time but the second edition, dubbed the Neon Flow, will implement the same kind of animation as the other products in the lineup.

The company is hoping to launch these products in the Summer of 2021. For more information on the current Monster Smart Illuminessence product line and follow the journey of future products, check out their website, and for help with setting up these products, check out our How To videos.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Adjustable spread and color temperature LED light panels from GiSTEQ

May 13, 2014Cameras, CES 2014, Photography, VideoDSLR, GiSTEQ, led, led light, lighting, photography, videographyDaniel J. Lewis

Looking for LED light panels that you can adjust according to your preference? GiSTEQ presents a photo/video lighting solution with adjustable spread and color temperature LED light panels at the recently concluded CES 2014.

Unlike any other light panels, GiSTEQ’s LED light panels allow you not only to adjust the intensity of the light, it’s also a little different. The Flashmate F-198C lets you go from daylight balance to tungsten balance without a filter. So if you are an event photographer, you don’t have to worry about the lighting in the reception because you can easily match the lighting through the LED light panel. This also works for podcasters who records at different times of the day. Whether you’re shooting at night and needs a good lighting or during the day and needs a good lighting to balance the sun, GiSTEQ’s LED light panel will be a great addition that will help make your podcast better.

If you want your subject to stand out from the background and wanted a hair light, GiSTEQ’s Flashmate F-198A allows you to adjust your spread from a spot to a wide by simply adjusting the dial. This gives you more control of the light regardless of the condition of the natural lighting in your surroundings.

The color control model, Flashmate F-198C is available at $179. The light angle model, Flashmate F-198A however, is being sold at $149. Each model has 200 LED lights with about 5 mm of round soft-light LEDs. For more information about these LED lights that allows you to adjust the color temperature and address the spread of the light, visit GiSTEQ now.

Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.

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Meet Luci: The Inflatable, Solar-Powered, LED Lantern

April 1, 2013CES 2013, GadgetsCES, CES2013, CESTPN, gadgets, lantern, led, luci, mpoweredPLUGHITZ Live

Luci Lantern by MPOWERED — Luci, a solar-powered, inflatable, LED lantern by MPOWERED

Meet Luci. She’s an inflatable, portable, extremely lightweight, life-saving solar-powered LED lantern. Why life-saving? Well, for starters, for every lantern we purchase here, one Luci will be donated to a developing country to literally give them light. Founder and CEO of MPOWERED, Jacques-Philippe Piverger, talks about Luci and how she proved to be an effective tool not only during the power outages in NYC but even in developing countries that usually depend on dirty and costly fuel for energy. Luci has been such a success, in fact, that she’s reached the top spot in Amazon’s outdoor and camping category, after just only two months of being on shelves. It was really a pleasure talking to Jacques-Philippe as you could really feel the passion for his product and for the cause during the interview. It’s one of the many great things about Eureka Park at CES.

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Video by Nicholas DiMeo of F5 Live.

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