wonders

New RCA Small Wonder video cams now available

The latest iteration of RCA's Small Wonder video cameras is now available. Along with Creative's just-released $99 Vado, the new trio of Small Wonders is competing with Flip Video's popular budget cams, which--by some estimates--have snagged up to one-eighth of the overall camcorder market.

We liked how previous Small Wonder models had a flip-out LCD, and we're happy to report that two of the new models sport this feature. It's also worth noting that all the models have some form of removable memory, which means you can always carry around an extra card with you to store more videos. Alas, RCA hasn't gone with a rechargeable battery--but the new models are pretty affordable. Two come in at less than $100, while the splash-resistant Traveler model comes in at $149.99.

There was some talk at CES about the EZ300HD, a Small Wonder that would allegedly shoot at "HD" resolution (1,280 x 720). However, that model hasn't materialized yet.

Here's the lineup: … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Today we get some love from an arcade racing classic along with everyone's favorite caveman boy in distress.

Cruis'n USA (1996, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points): While many would argue that Cruis'n USA doesn't do its arcade counterpart justice, there's still plenty of racing to enjoy without the need for a roll of quarters. Enjoy three difficulty levels as you enjoy scenic races across the country. Wonder Boy (1987, Sega Master System, 500 Wii points): In Wonder Boy, you'll play as Tom-Tom, a caveman child forced to free his kidnapped girlfriend. Collect fruit … Read more

Animal Collective vs. Stevie Wonder

Getting legal clearance for samples and covers can be a real problem. For samples, if the copyright owner of the sampled song discovers you've used it without permission, they can sue to receive a portion of the proceeds--even if the sample's unrecognizable. Even getting permission doesn't always save you, as the Beastie Boys discovered. An article in a recent issue of SSA explores the issue in detail and concurs with Beck's assessement in 2005 that the legal issues with sampling will basically kill the practice in mainstream commercial music.

Covers generally require permission from the publisher, … Read more

Favreau: Technology has transformed indie film landscape

If you ever feel your comments in online forums are nothing but a droplet in the vast Sea of the Web, take heart. They may change the course of the next Hollywood blockbuster.

Actor, writer, and director Jon Favreau gave a shout-out to our friend the Internet Saturday, saying fans had a direct impact on his upcoming movie with their posts online. Favreau held a panel discussion to support Iron Man, a live-action movie based on the Marvel superhero, at the WonderCon comic book convention held in San Francisco over the weekend. When he wanted to cast Robert Downey Jr. … Read more

RCA Small Wonder line gets four new models

RCA is updating the Small Wonder line with four new YouTube-ready digital camcorders. All of the cameras ship with easy-to-use software that allows users to edit, upload, and share their clips via Box.net or YouTube. Aimed at those consumers who want a tapeless, hassle-free way to capture video on the fly, RCA is offering four different models including one top-of-the-line camcorder that shoots in 720p. All Small Wonder camcorders allow for memory expansion--some via SD, others through a microSD slot. As you can see from the picture, the EZ205 has a flip-out screen, but the press material we were … Read more

RCA's new Small Wonder camcorder now available for small price

You might remember hearing about the RCA Small Wonder EZ201 just a few months ago at CES 2007. It's the follow-up to RCA's inexpensive, extremely simple digital camcorder, the Small Wonder EZ101. It's finally shipped--just in time for Mother's Day.

The $130 camcorder's predecessor fared poorly in our tests, scoring a disappointing 5.6. Thankfully, this new version makes several improvements over that version, including twice as much on-board memory (capable of recording 60 minutes of video compared to the EZ101's 30 minutes), an SD card memory slot, and a flip-out 1.5-inch LCD … Read more

The 45 makes a comeback

iPod cases have become such a commodity that we can't even say they're a dime a dozen anymore--that almost seems too high. (Unless we're talking about an iPod trunk, though that's a different story.)

But we had a soft spot for this one, as it brought back old memories from junior high and our first stereo. 45 iPod Cases is an outfit that recycles old 45-rpm records and brings them into the digital age to adorn the iconic music players of the 21st century. Outblush says the cases are fashioned from plexiglass, cork and felt, in … Read more