TVs require not just a higher scan rate to display content in 3D, but special built-in hardware to decode and handle 3D signals. However, Marvel Digital’s 3D converter box lets users of non-3D televisions watch content in 3D using old-school anaglyphic 3D technology. Instead of red and blue glasses, Marvel uses amber and blue glasses to view 3D content.

Now before you get all excited about watching that Avatar 3D Blu-ray disc on your older TV, it looks like this box can either produce simulated 3D visuals – from 2D sources, as well as display any content that’s in 3D “side-by-side” format. I’m pretty sure Blu-ray discs are encoded in sequential format, so those probably won’t work, but I suppose you could give it a whirl if your disc player supports 3D. On the plus side, DirecTV and XBox 360′s standard 3D format is “side-by-side,” so you should be able to watch this content in 3D.

In addition to supporting analglyphic 3D, the box will also work with proper 3D TVs (and passive or active shutter lenses) to simulate 3D from 2D content, but many sets already offer this capability. To use the 3D converter box, simply place it inline with your HDMI connected device, and it should take care of the rest for you. It offers full support for HDMI 1.1 through 1.4 specs, and can pass-through 1080p HD video. Keep in mind that “side-by-side” 3D cuts resolution in half, though.

I’m tempted to order one of these just to see how well it works, since my TV doesn’t support 3D. Priced at just 60 bucks, it’s not much of a risk. If you’re interested in giving it a whirl for yourself, you can order the 3D converter box from Marvel Digital.

If you have this issue too then you want to check out the CableJive dockBoss+ cable. The cable is an interesting offering that plugs into the Apple 30-pin dock connector on your docking whatnots and then has a micro USB plug for charging your Android device and a headphone plug that shoots the tunes out to your device.

Naturally, there are some caveats. For instance, you won’t be able to get all the integration the devices offer with the iPhone. The controls and remote won’t work is what I mean. You will need to control your tracks on the Android device. The Cable Jive dockBoss+ cable ships September 28th, and sells for $29.95 (USD).

The concept design was created by designer Olivier Meynard, and at first glance just looks like an old-school record player. But look to the right of the silver-platter and tone arm, and you’ll see a built-in iPhone dock.

With a press of the surface-mounted button, the turntable would play and then send its audio to the iPhone to record it into a digital file. The design also calls for a built-in amp and speakers, so it could work as a standalone audio system. At this point it looks like the iPhone turntable is just a design concept, but from the looks of the photo below, we can only assume that Olivier is working on a functional prototype.

[via Yanko Design]

The VideoEFX takes content from your 2D video sources and instantaneously converts it into 3D for viewing on 3D-enabled sets. Now Samsung has a similar feature built into some of their higher-end sets, but at least in the demo I saw at the show, the VideoEFX did a much better job creating the illusion of 3D from 2D content. The box has three HDMI inputs, and a single HDMI output you can connect to your TV, so you can hook up your game console, Blu-ray player and satellite or cable box and add 3D to all of them. For times when you want to watch native 2D or 3D content, just into bypass mode.

I’m not exactly sure how it works its magic, but I watched a game of Halo: Reach, as well as a live football game, and live video from the booth – each processed by a prototype of the device, and was quite impressed as to how much depth it adds to those 2D image sources. While I’m reasonably certain it’s physically impossible for it to really discern 3D data points, the effect is compelling enough that you might want one of these if you’ve got a 3D TV and are looking to increase your content library instantly. It’s certainly way better than you’d think , especially when you look at the quality of their cheezy flyer:

…your desktop publisher called and he wants his copy of Aldus PageMaker 3.0 back. The VideoEFX hasn’t been released yet, but when it hits, it’ll sell for about $399 (USD).

[Image #2 Credit: Engadget]

A new device has been revealed called the XIM3 that will let you put a mouse and keyboard on the Xbox 360. The thing will allow you to program the console to accept the control input from the PC peripherals. I might actually play shooters on a console if I had one of these.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Apparently, this is the follow up to the XIM2 that has been out for a while. I have never heard of that device though. The new XIM3 claims to be easier to program and has a LCD screen that the previous device lacked. Pricing is unknown, but it won’t be cheap considering that the original was about $150.

[via Engadget]

As you may have guessed from its looks, the Tape Express is also a portable cassette tape player. So if you just can’t let go of your tapes even after recording their contents, you can still use them with the Tape Express. Pop in a couple of AA batteries and take it with you wherever you go, just like old times.

You can get the Ion Tape Express at Firebox for £50 (approx. $80 USD). Nostalgia guaranteed.

[via popgadget]

Octava’s HDMI converters are equipped with their ClearEye technology that improves HDMI quality by compensating for transmission degradation caused by “attenuation and propagation speed” over cables. Did you get that? If so, please explain it to me, because I sure as hell did not. Of course, don’t expect ClearEye to may your crappy 480p signals look like 1080p – that would take a true miracle.

You had me at “converts standard component to HDMI” Octava. The Component/VGA to HDMI Converter is available for pre-order at Octava’s website for $200 USD; the wonder device will be available starting May 11.

[via hometoys]

While it won’t handle transfers of DIVX, MiniDisc or SelectaVision Videodiscs, the BetaMaxHD will convert between two of the most undoubtedly out-of-fashion consumer media formats money can (or can’t) buy.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

I’m not sure how I missed this one back on April Fools’ Day, but I thought it was too good to not mention.

I think I’ll stick with my cassette to 8-track tape converter.