SmallHD.com New product?

[sirjoe]

I just got this email. Back from when those guys were going to sell the small HD monitors in the sell n traade section; you might remember...

Check it out:



http://smallhd.com/

http://smallhd.com/splashimages/splashimage.jpg

Hi Everyone,

I reluctantly say this is the first official email sent to the SmallHD.com mailing list... which you are on... so here we go...


As many of you know, our website has not changed a single bit since June of 2008. We admit that makes us look like a bunch of slackers... but this neglect is mainly because we've been pouring all of our energy into creating a new product that is far superior to the "XII" showcased on the current site.

As of now, a splash screen has been put up indicating that a new site will go live in the near future, which will reveal everything about the product we've been working so hard on: the "DP1". With subject to some variation, the DP1 will boast the following basic specs:

1) 1280x768 native resolution
2) 8.9" diagonal screen
3) 179 degree viewing angle
4) LED Backlight: 300 nits (brightness)
5) Less than 1.5lbs
6) Dimensions less than 9"x5.5"x1.1"
7) Housing Milled from a Single Block of Aluminum.

We are unable to give out an exact date for the website or product launch at the moment, but from this point forward, we will update you through this mailing list as that time comes closer and closer. As of now, we have successfully created a functioning prototype of the DP1 from plastic. The aluminum versions of the housing are in the works. Being that the LCD display we are using in this product is cutting edge, there are still some programming issues we are working out with our circuit board supplier overseas, and those will be cleared up in the next 3 weeks.

We really appreciate your continued interest in the products we will soon be offering at SmallHD.com. We sincerely apologize for the delays we have incurred, but we assure you that no time is being wasted. We will not release the DP1 (or any product) until it is up to our standards, and every extra day is spent perfecting this new device so that once it is made available, it will be well worth the wait.

Thanks again... You'll hear from us soon...

-Dale at SmallHD.com

[hybridNz]

Can't wait for this...

The hardest thing for them would be the TFT converter from all inputs.

The displays have been getting this small for some time. Thing like the EEE pc 901 have had for the last year or so.

Looks sexys as hell :) Hopefully has a good price to match.

[tiny]

The 8.9" screens in netbooks are 1024x600 - so this is actually higher resolution, which is impressive, because my netbook screen is crisp.

[Gymnut808]

Looks pretty good, although I'd be surprised if it wasn't more expensive than they had originally forecasted.

[Luxaltor]

Wow, that is a lot of pixels! Does anyone know what the price was going to look like?

[sirjoe]

I think it was somewhere around $400 not sure though

[Luxaltor]

I think it was somewhere around $400 not sure though

$400?! :hv20-smilie01:

Wow, if the price stays there... what a deal!

[Rumple]

I just stumbled across this site too...
Was very interested and about to post it up for the board to see, but I find i was beaten to it!

Has anyone heard any more about them?
Do they have an HDMI input?
Any idea of what controller they are using?

If it is $400 or there abouts I'm getting one.

[Rumple]

There was supposed (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sdtv-hdtv-video-monitors/152382-when-smallhd-coming-market-3.html) to be an announcement on the 15th (or thereabouts) about this monitor, but unfortuneately that date came and went.

I am itching to hear more about it. I am this close to buying a Manhatten LCD instead.

[I C]

799.99

Give me a break. That's nowhere close to 400 bucks. Obviously "compared to the other things that are available" it's "a great deal", at least for all you people that think the typical 2000 dollar monitor is a reasonable price.

I'm very disappointed. I've been waiting for this thing for quite some time. Maybe 500 bucks. Maybe. 799? NO FRIGGIN WAY

[Mr. Kubrick]

799.99

Give me a break. .....
......Maybe 500 bucks. Maybe. 799? NO FRIGGIN WAY

You're right.. No WAY




:eek: :hv20-smilie02:

[IanB]

I can't believe 799 is their idea of a good deal.

400 was acceptable, this is just way out there at 799.

Best of luck smallHD. DIY here I come if I need a monitor.
IB

[jbrooks]

Im out on that as well, another reason for me to think gh1.

[zephyrnoid]

Wow! For $450 you could buy my 8.9" DIY kit instead.

[jbrooks]

Wow! For $450 you could buy my 8.9" DIY kit instead.
what is your kit? Is it the manhattan lcd? Are there enclosures for the kit?

[David]

Such a bummer. I emailed Dale about 10 months ago about their monitors and I had been waiting for the $450 version that had been discussed back in July (http://www.hv20.com/showpost.php?p=116991&postcount=6). When I got the email today announcing the $799 price, I just sighed.

I understand that the case looks awesome and all of that, but I'm with others here who think that an $800 pricepoint almost prices them out of the market. Manhattan LCD has raised their prices a bit, but they're still significantly under $799, and now Ikan has a 5.6" model for $600 (http://www.proflixsales.com/products/ikan-monitors/v5600/ikan-5.6-hd-lcd-monitor-w-hdmi.html)! It might not have quite as many pixels as the smallhd one (Ikan is 1024x600 so isn't 'true' 720p) but it's SMALLER AND CHEAPER! I just can't see a reason to pay $200 more for the smallhd one. If I wanted a bigger monitor, I'd spend a couple hundred bucks TOTAL and get a 15" I'm looking for a small, camera mounted one and for now, the Ikan looks like a much better deal.

Oh well.

[Rumple]

799.99
Give me a break. That's nowhere close to 400 bucks.

Where is this info coming from?
I cant see it on the site...

[Luxaltor]

Meh... I had a feeling it was too good to be true.

Here is the email for those who are not on the email list:


DP1 Pre-Order Announcement and Specs

*Go to SmallHD.com for more details

Hi Everyone,

It's been a long time coming, but we're very proud to officially announce that the DP1 and its major accessories will begin shipping on May 25! (Pre-order on May 5 for earliest possible ship dates — See below for details).

As a result, the DP1 becomes the first available HD field monitor under 10 inches to feature either a 720p display resolution or a nearly indestructible, milled-aluminum housing in a package just over a pound and a half.

With some fresh, new improvements, we have finally nailed down every last detail in regard to the DP1 and have posted it in an exhaustive spec sheet on smallhd.com, so we sincerely appreciate your patience with the delays in releasing the enclosed information.

DP1 Specs

Pre-order May 5th ONLY — Save $75

SmallHD is conducting pre-orders in a very unique way.

ALL Pre-orders Must Be Made On May 5th. On May 5th, pre-orders will open to the public, but ONLY for 24 HOURS.

Credit cards will be charged when your pre-order is placed on May 5th. At your request, your order can be canceled and your credit card will be refunded.

By participating, you will save $50 on the DP1, as well as receive the DP1's protective neoprene sleeve accessory (a $25 value), for a total savings of $75.

Additionally, you will get the device before it is made available in early June to those who neglect to pre-order.

The price of the DP1 will be $799 in June. The DP1 Pre-order price is $749.

24-hour Pre-order Information (May 5, 2009)

You will be able to place Pre-orders for 24-hours ONLY. On May 5 at 12:00AM (Eastern Standard Time), the SmallHD.com shopping cart will open up for pre-orders, but will close down exactly 24-hours later (5/6/09, 12AM EST).

This is in an effort to benefit you early adopters by keeping the pre-order process from dragging out and extending the ship date, so don't miss the 24-hour window.

So that you won't forget, reminders will be sent out 1 day in advance of the 24-hour pre-order period to all those on the SmallHD mailing list. (If you got this email, you're on the list). We will also notify you the moment we open the site up to accept pre-orders.

Pre-ordered DP1s will begin shipping on May 25, and will be filled in the order in which they are received. The earlier within the 24-hour period you place your pre-order, the sooner you will get your DP1. All pre-orders will be filled before SmallHD.com opens its doors to regular orders in early June.


DP1 Accessories (Available for Pre-order)

SmallHD Battery — Finally, a 12 volt battery that ISN'T bulky and awkward. Measuring less than 3 x 5 x 1/2 inches, the 26 Watt-Hour SmallHD Li-ion battery will run the DP1 for over 2.5 hours. Get 2 of these for the price of one Tekkeon— with one always on the charger, you'll never run out of power.

SmallHD Battery Bracket — Mobile power is made easy by the SmallHD quick-release battery bracket that mounts securely to the back of the DP1, designed specifically for the SmallHD Battery featured above.

Click-in Sun Hood — Extremely effective, amazingly fast, incredibly compact. The SmallHD sun hood blocks out light and glare like no other. From it's impressively compact state when stored, it requires no more than 10 seconds to install, and even less to pack up when you're finished. Though its constructed dimensions measure 10" x 8" x 7", its packed dimensions measure far less than those of the DP1 itself.

U-Bracket — For all your tilting and pivoting needs. This device doesn't need much explanation, but that doesn't mean it's not extremely useful. It's made of anodized aluminum and includes a threaded steel insert for secure mounting. Rubber pads resist accidental tilting when everything is locked down. A must have for 35mm adapter users without optical image flip (such as ourselves).

Protective Sleeve — Made from neoprene that is 3mm thick, this sleeve gives an extreme level of protection to the surface of the DP1 when it's packed away for travel or storage. This item is included with DP1 pre-orders.


It's Official...

We've given you the specs and set the dates... It's up to you to spread the word. We're looking forward to a very exciting launch. Thanks in advance to all you early adopters out there.


-Dale at SmallHD.com

[1]

LOL, what's even worse is that it appears they are using the "pre-order" money to buy the parts:


SmallHD is conducting pre-orders in a very unique way.


It's not THAT unique, it's called: the Jennzababe (http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=19059&highlight=jennzababe), or zboy2K (http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=23929) method! :hv20-smilie01:


A shame, the product looks nice, but their business model isn't. Let's hope they, and their customers, do well...

[Sminc]

Meh... I had a feeling it was too good to be true.

Here is the email for those who are not on the email list:

Oh dammit. Damn damn dammit. I really wanted it to be 400 or under. $800 dollars just ruined one of my dreams... good luck selling these :(

(A Disappointed) Sminc

[1]

Did they say $400 at one point, did they?

I guess their [anticipated] manufacturing costs went through the roof.

[Sminc]

Did they say $400 at one point, did they?

I guess their [anticipated] manufacturing costs went through the roof.

And through every layer of atmospheric gasses the Earth has to offer...

[1]

:hv20-smilie81:

[sblfilms]

It is amusing that $800 is seen as too much without anybody having tested the unit. $800 puts it squarely between the budget priced units like Ikan and Manhattan, and pro units like what Panasonic, Sony, and RED make.

If it's performance is in between those, the price is justified.

I'm eager to see how this long awaited monitor performs.

[1]

$800 is a lot indeed, for a product that is NOT reviewed yet, and has certain Jennzababe/Zboy2k issues.

To further the fiasco, siniarch from Carrion LCD fame, is also MIA, and is feared to have gone Jennzababe on the DVX community.
(just as a reference the Carrion went for almost double the smallHD)

[CycleWriter]

It's not THAT unique, it's called: the Jennzababe (http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=19059&highlight=jennzababe), or zboy2K (http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=23929) method! :hv20-smilie01:

I smell a Wikipedia entry!:hv20-smilie84:

[Sminc]

I smell a Wikipedia entry!:hv20-smilie84:

I'll make additions to Urban Dictionary!!! :hv20-smilie77:
-----
Jennzababe (N) "Jen-zuh-babe"
A Person (male/female) who will runaway with your money (and never talk to you again), after you agree to buy a false (or a soon to fail) product. Specifically something to help an Indie Filmmaker/Videographer.

see zboy2K
-----

:hv20-smilie79: Sminc

[sblfilms]

Why does it matter if no product has shipped. SmallHD thinks their product is worth $800 and in roughly 4 weeks production units will start dropping and the end users will let us know. Saying it defacto is not worth it when it's a mid-range priced unit with high(er) end specs is just ridiculous. The performance of the unit will tell the story.

[Maxwell]

Wow! For $450 you could buy my 8.9" DIY kit instead.

Seriously.

[Dale Backus]

This is Dale from SmallHD...

I just want to clear up a thing or two - i typically stay out of people's way when it comes to this stuff, but i couldn't resist.

The 400 dollar price that got leaked mid last year or whenever it did was when we were doing the 12" version, and that was for our prototype units that we were trying to offload. The 400 dollar price was never intended for the new, 8.9" product, the DP1 - that is impossible. If someone wants to volunteer their lives and build these things and sell them for no profit, then it's possible. For any company to survive and make an actual 1280x768 monitor of good quality, when you take into account all the expenses involved in manufacturing these, customer support, labor, overseas fees, returns, etc etc etc theres just no possible way.

Go out and find me a comparable monitor in terms of resolution and build quality by an actual company for anywhere near our price and come back. I personally, have fought TOOTH AND NAIL to keep the price at the 800 dollar mark. Everyone internally and externally that has been around the development of this has urged me to raise it substantially, believe me, we're not making loads of cash. I'm sorry we can't beat the DIY price, i wish we could - it's just not possible today. Maybe in the future when cost of LCDs fall.

Sorry to ruin any dreams - i really am. Good luck and thank you to those of you who have been supportive.

And BTW - the notion that we need your money to build units is false.

Dale

[1]

Saying it defacto is not worth it...

And who EXACTLY was saying that in this thread? :hv20-smilie50:

I think the displeasure came from persons expecting one price, and the thing being offered for double that. It's not that it's not "worth" it, but that it's more than [some] persons can afford.
A Mercedes might be "worth" it too; doesn't mean we can all afford it though! :)

Also, the fact that they obviously need money to finance the initial production is not confidence instilling! :hv20-smilie01:

Added (as I see Dale's post):


The 400 dollar price that got leaked mid last [snip] was when we were doing the 12" version [snip].
The 400 dollar price was never intended for the new, 8.9" product [snip]

Then you should of probably cleared up that misunderstanding!
Or didn't you because it would of killed the buzz? :hv20-smilie24:

Anyways, I think you might have a real fantastic product. Will be glad to hear of more specs/reviews, etc. on this site.
Sorry to give "you" a hard time but we simply got jennzababed a few too many times! :)

[sblfilms]

And who EXACTLY was saying that in this thread?


"I'm very disappointed. I've been waiting for this thing for quite some time. Maybe 500 bucks. Maybe. 799? NO FRIGGIN WAY"


"You're right.. No WAY"


"I can't believe 799 is their idea of a good deal.

400 was acceptable, this is just way out there at 799. "


"Im out on that as well, another reason for me to think gh1."


"I just can't see a reason to pay $200 more for the smallhd one."


"$800 dollars just ruined one of my dreams... good luck selling these "


Those are all saying it is not worth the price of admission.

[Dale Backus]

Then you should of probably cleared up that misunderstanding!
Or didn't you because it would of killed the buzz? :hv20-smilie24:



Wasn't even aware that it was so hard pressed in the minds of people on this forum in particular until recently... also the pricing was just finalized recently. But it's all cleared up now...

Thanks for the kind words though..

[sblfilms]

Anybody who thought it was $450 wasn't paying attention. I usually just lurk and read on this forum, and I knew this was going to be $700+. Definitely looking forward to some reviews.

[fishops]

Wow! For $450 you could buy my 8.9" DIY kit instead.

Really? Could we?

[1]

Those are all saying it is not worth the price of admission.

Well, actually, you then obviously have a different comprehension of the English language than I do.
IMO, there is a difference in stating that one will not spend x amount of money on a product, and stating that said product isn't worth it.
Something can be "worth it" but beyond someone's reach or willingness to spend. I thought I made that clear with my Mercedes analogy.
Darn, I need to re-read my "Analogies for Dummies" book again.

Although I will concede that some of your quotes did indeed make that very claim, so you were right with your initial statement. :hv20-smilie77:

[Rumple]

Really? Could we?

Its hard for me to tell if your taking the piss or being serious fishops, do you not rate the ManhattenLCD then?

This is a genuine question, not a retort or attack.

[Rumple]

Ikan has a 5.6" model for $600 (http://www.proflixsales.com/products/ikan-monitors/v5600/ikan-5.6-hd-lcd-monitor-w-hdmi.html)!

I looked into that Ikan monitor... Not very bright or high definition (not talking about the resolution). Which is a shame, as I was hoping to find a decent 5-7" monitor.

Anyone think of any 5-7" monitors with HDMI?

[fishops]

Its hard for me to tell if your taking the piss or being serious fishops, do you not rate the ManhattenLCD then?

This is a genuine question, not a retort or attack.

Sort of both. Zephyrnoid is famous around here for talking up his "inventions" and "professional credentials" yet never actually producing anything substantial. If he really has a $450 DIY LCD kit for sale, good for him, but I think we're all a bit sick of hearing about his wildly successful business that may or may not exist.

If he was talking about the Manhattan LCD kit, well he should have been more clear.

[sj1972]

I looked into that Ikan monitor... Not very bright or high definition (not talking about the resolution). Which is a shame, as I was hoping to find a decent 5-7" monitor.

Anyone think of any 5-7" monitors with HDMI?

Did you actually see the v5600 ?

S

[Rumple]

I have seen video of the v5600 in operation, but as its so new I am having issues finding info or proper in depth reviews of it.

[zephyrnoid]

Sort of both. Zephyrnoid is famous around here for talking up his "inventions" and "professional credentials" yet never actually producing anything substantial. If he really has a $450 DIY LCD kit for sale, good for him, but I think we're all a bit sick of hearing about his wildly successful business that may or may not exist.

If he was talking about the Manhattan LCD kit, well he should have been more clear.

Just caught this. Yes. Manhattan LCD Kit. Clear enough I hope :hv20-smilie77:

[Rumple]

I have seen video of the v5600 in operation, but as its so new I am having issues finding info or proper in depth reviews of it.

I did my own review:
http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=25211

In case anyone wants an alternative.

[zephyrnoid]

Really? Could we?

I have it with YOUR name on it waiting for PP. I'll even trow in the Neilsen Frame as enclosure for you to drill out the connection ports.

[leteeci]

Well..

So, I will be the first one to say that I consider DP1 worth 800$ if all the technical claims stays..

I am an owner of DIY enclosured 10.9' LCD and building it, is not that simple and cheap..

I also own Manhattan LCDHD109A and I would be happy if it would be a little smaller, 100% durable build and color corrected..

And let's don't speak about how those screens reflects sun-light..

I would buy DP1 for 800$, but consider shipping cost and import duties..probably it won't happened so fast..

Cheers

[Piewee]

Any reviews on this product yet?

[Piewee]

Hi,

Did anyone buy one from these guys yet?

[ReLogic Studios]

Just caught this. Yes. Manhattan LCD Kit. Clear enough I hope :hv20-smilie77:

It makes me sad that Manhattan LCD is not advertising honestly...

I checked out one of their monitors, and the specs said:

"8.9 LCD is real HD (1024x600)"

See what they call it? "Real HD", that would suggest that the resolution is true HD, right? It's strange then that the minimum HD resolution is 1280 by 720 pixels...

I find this misleading.

[Piewee]

Humzz...Looked at their web-site says ordering will begin 1st of July. Still not sure weather I'll get on or not. Will wait for reviews first I guess...

[Duke]

The parts alone on my DIY HD monitor ran $400, so there is no way they could offer it at that price.

[Piewee]

Wat do you mean? The price they ask is to low? If so, doesn't that mean it's a fair price?

[leteeci]

Well..

So, I will be the first one to say that I consider DP1 worth 800$ if all the technical claims stays..

I am an owner of DIY enclosured 10.9' LCD and building it, is not that simple and cheap..

I also own Manhattan LCDHD109A and I would be happy if it would be a little smaller, 100% durable build and color corrected..

And let's don't speak about how those screens reflects sun-light..

I would buy DP1 for 800$, but consider shipping cost and import duties..probably it won't happened so fast..

Cheers

I bought it slightly used for 2/3 of price..

100% satisfied.. It is not small and light like Ikan v5600 but it have TRUE resolution and it is very durabe built.. I like akkus, also!!!

:hv20-smilie70: