Astromech Droid

Those who are familiar with the term used as the title for this article, would probably also be interested, if not downright excited, about the prospect of a real-life R2-D2 to provide technical support around the home. But why? (you may ask) would you need an astromech droid? After all, we are not in a galaxy far, far away; we have no need of an on-board robot for space travel; we don't have the need to interpret computer terminals (since Microsoft is so reliable and easy to understand!); and we don't need anything to serve drinks on a Hutt's sail barge.

However - there is a far more pressing matter around the typical domestic home: multimedia. This is the age of photographic and audio digital trickery. Things are rapidly advancing and no home seems complete without a computer, television, games system, DVD player, digital camera, iPod, etc. Well, our household is no exception. Despite, or perhaps because of, a fleeting spell of puritanism - I wanted more control over my family's exposure to the mass media through the television. However, getting rid of the box was never an option; we love movies too much (the wholesome type, as well as mindless violent ones)! Some priestly advise mentioned a projector to make the movie experience more special, thus moving away from the "turn on, tune in, cop out" approach. Much debate on the dangers of television ensured, but an exciting game of international rugby convinced our household to renew the TV licence!

Anyway, back onto R2D2 (affectionately referred to as 'Artoo'). How could he possibly help the situation? Well, in case you missed it, for some time Nikko Electronics (the well known makers of scale replica radio-controlled cars) have been working on a prototype limited edition product: an R2D2 Projector and Multimedia Centre! Of course, any Star Wars fan would go weak at the knees, proclaiming "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope" (of affording such a gadget). But even normal people would perhaps see the attractiveness of such an invention.

I am thus proud to be one of the first to test-drive this baby. Fresh from the factories of Malaysia, came in international express delivery, a huge 15kg box with a formidable little cylindrical robot inside. Number 63/4000 European models. This guy is quite something. What immediately strikes you is the attention to detail: this is an exact replica (in manageable half-scale) of the "overweight glob of grease" who almost single-handedly saved an entire galactic republic in the Star Wars saga(!) Every little panel seems to open up, with flashing blue lights and R2's characteristic bleeps reminding you of the care and attention that has gone into the design.

On his front is an iPod docking bay, which pops out, springs round, ready to cradle and charge anything from a Nano 1st generation up to a 5th generation video iPod, and even the new iPod touch. A 20 Watt 2-way 4 speaker system located in Artoo's underbelly ensures that a crisp sound emanates without having to wire up a speaker system. Artoo can also transmit a signal on FM frequency, making it possible to hear through radios all around your house.

Without being at all noticeable, a slot in Artoo's chest accommodates a DVD/CD slot, allowing all manner of digital media to be played. This includes music CDs, but also DVD movies, and more obscure formats such as JPEG, MPEG-4, WMA, MP3, VCD, etc. This fully supports digital out and surround sound if required, with outputs accessible from a concealed panel in Artoo's back. But what use are these video capabilities without the top notch feature of it all: A Texas Instruments DLP Projection system. Reminiscent of the projecting power of the real R2D2 (without the holographic ability), any image can be projected up to 6.6 metres in size. With a resolution of 1024 x 768, this is an impressive, although not fully High Definition picture. The contrast ratio is typically 1800:1 with 1500 ANSI Lumens of brightness. I really don't understand what all these terms mean; but my experience of playing what few DVDs we haven't packed up in boxes show, is an impressive bright and vibrant picture. A fairly dark room, like any projector, helps the experience greatly. But this is a powerful piece of kit, even requiring all Artoo's head ports to be opened up to aid ventilation with cooling fans (which makes him look like a blasted Artoo from the final film on Endor, but thankfully without the carbon scoring).

Adding to the fun of projecting movies, there is another compartment on Artoo's front which flips open to reveal memory card slots (SD, MMC, Smart media) and a USB port. No longer do photos have to be viewed on a tiny little camera screen, before they are uploaded to a computer or printed. Instant slide shows!

And of course there are various inputs at the back of Artoo. All are concealed with little flippable panels - including the power cable (AC mains is required to use the projector). These inputs support most things, with S-video, RCA video and audio ports (the yellow, white and red ones) and DVI-I for High Definition media, including of course laptop computers (making Artoo a good friend in the work place for important presentations... If you can maintain your professionalism). It would be nice if the High Def format were supported with an integrated BluRay/HD DVD drive; alas this would undoubtedly push prices up, but its absence makes the long term prospect of R2 shaky, as the DVD format will gradually become obsolete. Who knows how quickly that will be. At least with the DVI-I port he will always be compatible with the next generation of machines. It goes without saying that an 80- page instruction manual details a huge amount of settings and features, making compatibility and flexibility a priority.

But who are we kidding? We just want to have some fun with Artoo, right? Well, unplug him from the mains and flip his power onto 'RC' setting, and we have a fully controllable and portable robot. All his movements (forward, backwards, spinning, head rotate, incline) are controlled by the infra-red controller (the same way a TV is controlled). This makes for slightly clumsy controls, and not as accurate or precise as radio-controlled vehicles. Also, the lack of an autonomous mode, which is entirely feasible in this day and age, and indeed utilised in another Star Wars R2D2 product, makes for a bit of a disappointment.

However, the integrated controller makes up for it: a replica of the millenium falcon spaceship from the Star Wars Trilogy: with lit cockpit and boosters, and a docking stand which plays noises sampled from the films ("Han Solo, captain of the Millenium Falcon"!) A quick press on the boosters and a full control panel pops out, with all the features and settings of the R2 unit in one place. Failing this, there is also a basic control panel that pops out of Artoo above his DVD slot, to enable playing of movies.

The first thing that shocked me about Artoo when I turned him on were the shrieks he kept making at me! I was worried that he wasn't happy, despite all his lights and twinkling. It turns out he has some special safety sensors, some on his legs to stop him getting trapped, and one on his head to prevent obstructions to the projector. Thankfully, these sensors can easily be turned off if Artoo's shrieks become tiresome. Or, you could use him as a bedroom alarm (but perhaps not a burglar alarm: judging from his pitiful performance in Star Wars Episode II and the simple fact that HE HIMSELF would be liable to get stolen!!)

It all leaves little doubt: this is no toy, but a hardcore piece of 21st century gadgetry. I hope we can have lots of fun with Artoo, especially as we move house in the next few weeks. In his new abode, there will be less cardboard boxes to navigate around, and more DVDs on display to enjoy. Who knows, maybe there will even be a nice white wall somewhere for him to project things onto. One thing I do know: there is now a higher insurance premium!