Sony has just informed Euroland that its Qriocity on-demand ecosystem will be showing up in the continent's wealthier regions this fall. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK will get a chance to savor the Video On Demand option, which will form the vanguard of a wideranging content streaming service, available on Sony networked devices -- yes, that includes the do-it-all PlayStation 3. The heavyweight movie studios behind the venture include 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, MGM, NBC Universal, Paramount and, of course, Sony's moviemaking arm. But you already knew that, given that the whole enchilada's been available to American gringos since April. All Qriocity participants will get to use a new Music Unlimited service, which is launching by the end of the year with as yet undetermined pricing. Plans are also afoot to offer Qriocity on third party devices, but until then you'll wanna make sure to have one of them newfangled web-connected Bravia TVs or any of the litany of Blu-ray players and home theater setups Sony is busy promoting right this minute.

Continue reading Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service extends into Europe, 'Music Unlimited' coming by year's end

Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service extends into Europe, 'Music Unlimited' coming by year's end originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you'd have asked us back in 2008 to predict what new features a successor to Meridian's Ferrari co-branded F80 compact entertainment system would have, things like HD video playback in the form of an HD DVD or Blu-ray player, an HDMI connection and iPod integration would have been no-brainers. So forgive us if we're less than impressed now that the M80 has arrived, sporting what appears to be only a minor exterior make-over and the companion i80 iPod Dock packaged in as a bonus. Is it nice to get both products for less than its Italian sports car-taxed predecessor? Sure. But we'd really like to see more from Meridian than a few pieces of hand-tooled English leather supporting its still bankruptcy-inspiring $2,995 MSRP.

Continue reading Meridian launches M80 high-end compact entertainment system, we yawn

Meridian launches M80 high-end compact entertainment system, we yawn originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony releases entry level SCD-XE800 SACD player in Japan, 10 years too late originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you've been waiting for new audio gear that features HDMI 1.4 and leverages its new features like the ability to pass Full 3D HD and an auto return channel, here are two new ones. The most interesting of the new lineup is the SC-ZT2 wireless audio system (pictured above) which uses two wireless speakers to render the same surround sound as a 7.1 system -- or so Panasonic says, but we'll have to take their word on the sound quality, but no doubt it looks cool. It is available now and retails for $999. Also new to the lineup is the SC-HTB10 and SC-HTB500 sound bars. The 500 features a separate subwoofer and will be available in August for $349, while the 10 has an integrated sub and will be available this month for $199. More pictures and the full releases after the jump.

Continue reading Panasonic's new sound bar and surround sound system are 3D ready

Panasonic's new sound bar and surround sound system are 3D ready originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This probably isn't going to get you on or off of the Denon bandwagon by itself, but the company has just announced several of its networked receivers are officially compatible with Windows 7. We fell in love with the ease of Play To during our initial review, and the AVR-4310CI, AVR-3310 CI, AVR-990, AVR-4810CI (pictured above) of the 2009 line have run through the necessary testing to add this sticker to the collection of logos featured prominently on the front. If iPod docks are more your style, the ASD-51W and ASD-51N are promised to fit in just as seamlessly, with an additional indication that all of the company's (unnamed) upcoming 2010 models will earn the same designation.

Continue reading Denon's present (& future) receivers are Windows 7 Compatible

Denon's present (& future) receivers are Windows 7 Compatible originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yamaha's YSP-5100 and YSP-4100 soundbars (or Digital Sound Projectors, as the sophisticates would say) emerged early last month over in Japan, but then CES happened. In a stellar effort to jog our memories, the company has just announced that both units will be on sale here in the States prior to January's end, and while each comes with a laundry list of features, the MSRPs are downright shocking. Both bars offer up 40 beam drivers, two woofers and a dedicated amplifier, while the 5100 adds a pair of tweeters. They're also equipped with HD Audio decoding (TrueHD DTS-HD Master Audio, etc.), 1080p-compatible HDMI sockets (4 in/ 1 out), internal upscaling, a UniVolume feature to maintain a consistent volume level between different sources and an integrated FM tuner. Sounds nice, but the internal yAired wireless technology must be the icing on the cake, as the $2,199.95 (5100) / $1,899.95 (4100) price tags clearly have some sort of premium baked in.

Yamaha's cinema-lovin' YSP-5100 and YSP-4100 soundbars ship this month with breathtaking price tags originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If Lexicon is your favorite brand then here's a shocker, the company figured if it isn't broke, then don't fix it and grabbed an Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player and in cased it into a high end chasis and listed it for $3500 -- a $3000 case, wow? We know this type of thing goes on all the time in the world of electronics, but wow, this is just unbelievable. The folks at Audioholics didn't believe it either, so they stripped the two players down and did some bench testing to reveal that indeed both were identical -- other than the case that is. Now to be fair, we realize that companies like Lexicon probably sell this to distributors for $1000 and the rest is all retailer markup, and of course Lexicon insists it has made upgrades beyond that of the Oppo, but come on, this is just wrong.

Lexicon busted passing Oppo off as a $3500 Blu-ray player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's a little bit of color for you. The gang at Retro Thing have brought our attention to a republished 1983 Stereophile review of the Sony CDP-101, the first-ever CD player. The results were that the audio quality was promising but not stellar, and the $1,000 (!) cost of entry for the device made it even less alluring. Knowing how history unfolded, we can't help but chuckle a bit at the worry that CDs would in the near-term become obsolete by another physical disc medium, but hey, we can't blame them for not being psychic. Just think, one day our own reviews will be discovered for the future to laugh about -- paying over $500 for a device that doesn't do multitouch on its native apps? What's up with that? Find yourself 15 to 30 minutes of quiet time and hit up the source link for a blast from the past.

1983 review of Sony's first-ever CD player unearthed: hindsight's a beautiful thing originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Olive and Thiel team up for a high end, high priced audio server

Olive and Thiel team up for a high end, high priced audio server originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're always leery of "world's first" claims, but we've definitely never seen an AV receiver with a ginormous port on the front. The unorthodox device you're inevitably peering at above is one part of the two-piece YHT-S400, which looks to provide cinema-like sound in areas where space is hard to come by. The 31.5-inch long soundbar measures just 2-inches high and is designed to fit in front of most 32- to 50-inch HDTVs without blocking the screen, while the accompanying "first-of-its-kind subwoofer-integrated receiver" provides the power, the bass and the connectivity. A trio of HDMI inputs are included, and HD audio signals from Blu-ray Discs are accepted via linear PCM transmission. It's up for grabs now at $599.95, and if you're hoping to add iPod or Bluetooth support, Yamaha's YDS-11 and YBA-10 adapters are fully compatible.

Yamaha YHT-S400 sound system packs ultraslim soundbar, sub-infused receiver originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been a little over a year since we first checked out a live director's chat session on Blu-ray with Gullermo del Toro and Hellboy II, and now Warner is prepared to take the next step by letting interested fans hear their questions answered rather than simply reading text for the duration of the movie. the first release so honored? Terminator: Salvation and its director McG. Everything's set to go off at 9 p.m. est, with only a copy of the movie, BD-Live connected player, registration on Warner's website and an appetite for yet another sequel in an action movie franchise that topped out two movies and almost as many decades ago. A chance to see if Blu-ray's interactive potential can ever pay off means we're in, interested parties can sign up at the read link below, if you can't make it check back later, we'll try and grab some audio.

Continue reading Terminator: Salvation's McG hosts the first audio Blu-ray director's chat session tonight

Terminator: Salvation's McG hosts the first audio Blu-ray director's chat session tonight originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yeah, so we made that word up -- what of it? Olive's decidedly pricey Opus No. 4 is receiving an update today, and while you'll easily recognize the looks, this new slab will be called by its new name: 4HD. According to the company, this 2TB music server now features 24-bit sound and a 192kHz sample rate courtesy of the Burr-Brown PCM1792A DAC, which should provide right around 250 times the resolution of a typical CD. As expected, a gigabit Ethernet port and 802.11n WiFi module are both included in order to get your machine on the home network, and a free iPhone / iPod touch application is available to give you full control via your handheld. The pain? $1,999, or $200 more than the aforesaid Opus No. 4. But hey, at least a dozen of Chesky Records' best HD tracks are included gratis! Riveting, no?

Continue reading Olive 4HD makes the audiophile's music server more audiophilic

Olive 4HD makes the audiophile's music server more audiophilic originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Polls, Receivers, Speakers

Just how far audiophiles will go to experience sensory nirvana -- and whether it's all in their mind or in their ears -- is a subject that can be discussed forever, but for now we'll try to break down just how much it means to you. We know the vast majority of the Engadget HD community is already surround sound equipped, but how far do you go to get the absolute top notch experience? Drop the details of your setup in the comments below, especially whether you think you've done enough or have even further to go in the audio quality arena.

Poll: How important is surround sound to you? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just how far audiophiles will go to experience sensory nirvana -- and whether it's all in their mind or in their ears -- is a subject that can be discussed forever, but for now we'll try to break down just how much it means to you. We know the vast majority of the Engadget HD community is already surround sound equipped, but how far do you go to get the absolute top notch experience? Drop the details of your setup in the comments below, especially whether you think you've done enough or have even further to go in the audio quality arena.

Filed under: Polls, Receivers, Speakers

Poll: How important is surround sound to you? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware

Anyone stumbling into a Best Buy looking for some sort of wireless speaker solution has probably been ushered over to the Rocketfish section, but up until now, only a few devices have been available. Now, the Best Buy staple is introducing an all-encompassing system that aims to cut the (speaker) cable to all of your speakers. The wireless whole home audio system, which is obviously only available at the yellow-tagged retailer, is comprised of a Wireless Amplified Audio Receiver, a Wireless Sender / Receiver, a Wireless Outdoor Speaker and a Wireless HD Audio Starter Kit, which includes both a sender and receiver. The whole rig is designed to work with standard connections for speaker line and line level inputs, so most any speaker assortment should play nice. All told, the devices combined can send up to five sources to nine receivers throughout the home, but not surprisingly, there's no mention made of the presumably lofty price tag.

Rocketfish wireless whole home audio system cuts the cord on all your speakers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Speakers, LG

If you've somehow managed to hold out from joining into the HTIB revolution, the time for caving is upon you. LG has just tapped Sir Mark Levinson to engineer the acoustics behind its latest bundle, the HB954SP. Packing a 5.1-channel sound system that includes 1,000 total watts of power, a quintet of oval drivers and a ported subwoofer, the system gets direction from a BD-Live-enabled Blu-ray player that's actually a fair bit more stylish than the tried-and-true black rectangle. You'll also find a pair of HDMI inputs, an iDock function for charging and controlling your iPod / iPhone right from the BD deck, 1080p upscaling of traditional DVDs, touch sensitive controls, a USB port for loading up external media and an optical audio input. There's nary a mention of price, but it should splash down this November for a hefty premium.

LG's 5.1 HB954SP Blu-ray HTIB system makes room for your iPod or iPhone originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry

Even dedicated theaters like those IMAX uses (well, at least some of them are dedicated) need a little help when it comes to achieving the best sound. Take a look across the consumer AV receiver landscape and you'll see that various flavors of Audyssey's MultEQ technology is pretty popular for measuring and correcting the artifacts that arise in real-world rooms. Small wonder then, that MultEQ (no doubt a pro variant) has been selected by IMAX to help iron out problems with in-theater sound. Who knows, maybe we were distracted by the armrest-gripping visuals, but we've never had a complaint about IMAX sound. Still, we'll take any improvements we can get once the technicians start running through IMAX theaters with mics and test tones in 2010.

IMAX taps Audyssey MultEQ for room-correction originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats, Players

See that? That's a $3,200 CD player, which will be impossible to justify for pretty much anyone not featured on Joan Rivers' newest TV show. Designed and produced by Grant Fidelity, the CD-1000 Impression II packs a high-end Sanyo CD drive, tube analog output, tube headphone amplifier and a rather basic display screen, while the "anti-vibration aluminum chassis" tries as hard as it can to look both unorthodox and absurdly expensive. It's hard to say if your burnt MP3 discs will actually sound better on this thing (okay, so they won't), but at least you can rest easy knowing that shipping on this 50 pound beast is completely gratis.

[Via OhGizmo]

Grant Fidelity's $3,200 Impression II weds CD player, tube amp and overkill originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Players, Sony

Slowly, ever so slowly we're beginning to learn about the internal differences between Sony's new PS3 Slim and its chubby ancestry. We already knew that it supported BraviaLink while talk of "faster gaming" was introduced (suspiciously) yesterday; something that remains very much in doubt until we can confirm. Now we hear that the fatboy gone slim will bitstream Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio direct to your receiver. Hear that audio nerds? Bitstream. See the HDMI chip on previous generations of the PS3 couldn't bitstream the new(ish) high def codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. As such, the PS3 had to decode it internally before sending it over to your receiver via LPCM. A process that could garble the lossless audio depending on your setup. Even though the vast majority of people will never notice the difference (or even care), PS3 Slim owners can still kick back in smug satisfaction each time the TrueHD or DTS-HD MA indicators light-up on their receivers.

PS3 Slim bitsreams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio, at last originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Receivers, Others

Just in case its home market was feeling a bit jealous over the US release of the TX-NR807 and TX-SR707 AVRs, Onkyo Japan has brought the DTR-70.1, DTR-50.1 and DTR-40.1 receivers to its Integra lineup. The 250-, 230-, and 190-Watt ratings in the PR need some extra salt, as they're "6-Ohm, 1-channel driven" specs. That said, Onkyo receivers haven't been known to run out of gas; we just wish the specs had a little more real-world applicability. On a happier note, the DTR-70.1 and DTR-50.1 feature Reon HQV video processing and ISF calibration, and all three models get Dolby ProLogic IIz and Audyssey DSX surround processing in addition to network streaming capabilities from the "mere" Onkyo line. If you're waiting for the stateside arrival of these AVRs, there's much more info to be teased out of the machine translations below.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Read - Onkyo Integra DTR-70.1
Read - Onkyo Integra DTR-50.1
Read - Onkyo Integra DTR-40.1

High end Onkyo fans in Japan get Integra DTR-70.1, DTR-50.1 and DTR-40.1 receivers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Receivers, Others

More than a few people have been interested in Onkyo's x07 receiver updates, and now the newness has come to the TX-SR707 and TX-NR807 models. The outgoing TX-SR706 and TX-SR806 models are well-specced to begin with, and thankfully Onkyo didn't mess with that formula. As you can guess from the "NR" designation, the $1,099 TX-NR807 adds in network streaming (including Pandora, Rhapsody, DLNA and Windows 7) to the 135-Watt/channel output. If you can do without the networking and only need 100-Watts, the TX-SR707 will save you a couple hundred bucks. Both models are THX Select2 badged, Faroudja scaling, and let you pick how to use your rear surround outputs by including both Dolby ProLogic IIz and Audyssey DSX processing. Like we said, Onkyo knows how to fill up the spec list, so head past the break for the full PR details.

Continue reading Onkyo TX-NR807 and TX-SR707 receivers keep the updates rolling

Onkyo TX-NR807 and TX-SR707 receivers keep the updates rolling originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

We didn't think anything would top Goldmund's $190,000 Telos 5000 amplifier, but we should have known better. Bloated excess knows no bounds, so coming in at a cool $1,000,000 per side, we've got Transmission Audio's Ultimate speakers. Each channel consists of six, 7-foot high panels (one supertweeter ribbon, two tweeter/midrange ribbons, one 24x8-inch woofer, and two 10x15-inch subwoofer); taken together, a stereo pair of the Ultimates will eat up a modest 37-foot swath of your living room airplane hangar. Even people with more money than sense like convenience, though, so the Ultimate takes a page from the HTIB crowd and bundles in six 500-Watt dual-mono amplifiers and a preamp. At these prices, you'd think Transmission Audio could afford some bandwidth, but the company website has been stripped of photos at the moment, so hit the read link for more eye candy.

[Via CNET]

Transmission Audio Ultimate speakers -- $1M for the best monophonic sound ever originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

We gave the sound quality Audioengine packed into its powered A2 speakers big thumbs up, but because there's different strokes for different folks, the company has added the more conventional P4 passive speaker to its virtual shelves. Whether you want to use a "spare" receiver, don't want to pay for an onboard amp, or think you can match up a system better than Audioengine's engineers, the P4 might be for you. No blow-molded plastic here, these $249/pair two-ways weigh in at 6-pounds each and have a 4-inch kevlar mid/woofer and a 0.75-inch silk tweeter. The price is right between Audioengine's powered A2 and A5 speakers, but we suspect the performance is closer to the bigger A5s. Available in black, white or bamboo, and with threaded inserts on the back and bottom, you could sprinkle these throughout the homestead. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Passivists rejoice, Audioengine P4 bookshelf speakers now on sale

Passivists rejoice, Audioengine P4 bookshelf speakers now on sale originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Onkyo has introduced two new 7.1-channel home theater systems that it claims deliver leading edge AV processing and surround sound reproduction for HDTV and Blu-ray.
The HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each feature powerful AV receivers with 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, 130 watt-per-channel amplification, processing for every major audio format on the market.

Filed under: Receivers

Take one sagging economy, add in advancing technology, bake them with some economies of scale and serve up to consumers hungry for this newfangled digital, HD AV craze -- it's a winning formula. When it comes to AV receivers, however, the pool is so crowded that picking a winner in the entry level category (remember that sagging economy) is daunting enough to push people to HTIB simplicity. The truth is that there's no single "best" entry-level receiver, but Audioholics has gone through the trouble of putting appropriate models from Denon, Yamaha, Harman Kardon, Onkyo and Pioneer into a feature comparison grid. The answer that emerges on which receiver is the "best" is a definite "it depends" -- you basically get to pick two out of three: audio features, video features and price. So the bad news is, you've got some choices to make; the good news is, you've got some choices to make.

Audioholics overviews entry level receiver choices originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats, Other hardware

We haven't heard from Olive in a white hot minute, but hey, given the price of its wares, maybe it just decided to take the whole recession off. At any rate, the boutique outfit is sashaying back onto the scene with the Opus No. 4, the newest member of its long-standing Opus Hi-Fi Digital Stereo family. As with the models that have come before, this ultra high-end music server packs loads of internal storage (2TB if you're counting), giving you enough room for around 6,000 CDs stored in the lossless FLAC format. There's also a handy, full-color display on the front that probably won't get much use, and 'round back, you'll find a WiFi adapter (for wireless music streaming, you dig?), optical / coaxial digital audio outputs, a left / right analog output, a USB socket and an Ethernet port (for more of that streaming stuff). Look good? You bet. Does it look $1,799 good? That's debatable.

Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Speakers, Others

It's no secret we were holding out hope for speaker and electronics manufacturer NHT to make a comeback, but we didn't expect it's happen this soon. The iconic audio company powered things down at the end of March, and now co-founder Chris Byrne bringing the company back with a new factory-direct web-centric business model that will skip right over the middleman to the tune of as much as 30-percent savings. There's no substitute for a live demo, especially for audio, so authorized dealers will still have showrooms; but orders will still come factory-direct to consumers. Sounds reasonable, but we're curious about how much of a slice dealers take, and how they get credit for sales they generate in exchange for not having to carry any stock. Still, we've got to give credit to NHT for trying to get the crusty audio market moving in a new direction and hope this thing catches on so we can see some of the eight new product concepts currently in the works at NHT.

Now hear this -- NHT is back originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Movavi has announced an expansion of its popular online video conversion service.
The upgraded Online.movavi.com service now enables users to fine tune a number of conversion parameters – codecs, resolution, video and audio quality, bitrate, and other key elements demanded by more sophisticated users.

Filed under: Reviews, Speakers, Others

The $350 price point for soundbars is a kind of sweet spot -- it's a fairly modest price, but companies have to deliver dramatic increases in quality over built-in TV audio. From reading Home Theater Mag's review of VIZIO's VSB210WS setup, it sounds like the brand will deliver the goods to value-conscious (an who isn't these days?) audio shoppers who don't want or need a full-blown multi-speaker surround system. The 2.1-channel VSB210WS soundbar+sub combo picked up both SRS TruSurround HD and TruVolume, and while it sounds like the TruVolume was a little too obvious about its on-the-fly volume adjustments, TruSurround HD got a nod from the reviewer. But more than signal processing, it was the fundamentally good sound quality that took the cake -- it's always better to deliver good quality stereo than poor multi-channel. Hit that link for the full details.

Home Theater Mag welcomes VIZIO's VSB210WS soundbar to the audio fray originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Audyssey's Sub Equalizer may be targeted at the pro market, but if it's good enough for the pros, some enterprising home enthusiast will find a place for it in their home setup. Much like the Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit we just reviewed, the Audyssey Sub Equalizer will do its level best to get that pesky subwoofer properly integrated with the rest of your system -- except it'll work with subs of a non-Paradigm variety. For those who can't fit some upper-tier Denon, Onkyo/Integra, or NAD electronics into their signal chain, this little piece of kit brings the well-regarded MultEQ XT technology to your low Hertz. Available July 1, but with this being targeted at professionals (and looking the part, we might add), we've got a feeling that the price won't be wallet-friendly.

Audyssey's Sub Equalizer aims to tame the pro bass originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers, Others

Especially these days, a witty sense of humor and a quarter won't even get you a cup of coffee, but Klipsch is giving funny-makers a shot at some its S4 headphones and a HD Theater 300 speaker setup. That's right -- those snarky remarks you normally give out for free can now score you some gear! Here's the bracket breakdown -- four caption contests will be run (each lasting two weeks) and the winning entry from each caption contest will win a pair of S4 in-ears; and a random entry from the final four will score a HD Theater 300 speaker system. Long odds and lots of competition, so now's the time to break open that war chest of audiophile taunts you've been building up. Full PR release after the break.

Continue reading Klipsch rewarding wisecracks with sweet gear

Klipsch rewarding wisecracks with sweet gear originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: DVRs, Others

This isn't one of our polls but it's a worth question: TiVo users, do you leave your unit's distinctive bleeps and bloops on, or turn them off? Our friends at TV Squad want to know, claiming that once they turned off the menu's audio cues the DVR seemed hollow and lonely. So let us know if you keep the sounds on, Sex & the City style, even if it's just to lord them over your cable DVR owning friends, stuck timeshifting in silence.

How do you like your TiVo, with bleeps & bloops or without? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 18 May 2009 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Players, Others

One reason we keep a place in our hearts for high-end audio is that there is still room for a single designer's vision, and this is no more apparent than in components with designer initials etched right into the faceplate. Right in line with NAD's stereo components wearing Bjorn Erik Edvardsen's initials, Marantz has issued the KI (Ken Ishiwata) Pearl stereo SACD player (model SA-KI) and matching integrated amplifier (model PM-KI). As with any signature gear, top-notch build is expected, and the Marantz KI Pearls don't disappoint; toroidal transformers, copper plated chassis and hand-picked components make the grade. Of course, you also expect high prices, and the KI Pearl pieces also deliver on that front -- the limited run of 500 pieces (each) of the SACD player and integrated amp will go for £2,499 ($3,769) each, and no US availability or pricing has been released yet. Painful, yes, but you might take some small comfort in knowing this is exactly the kind of gear that will appreciate in value. Audio geeks can go past the break for more glamor shots.

Continue reading Marantz KI Pearl SACD player and integrated amp -- audiophile tested, Ken Ishiwata-approved

Marantz KI Pearl SACD player and integrated amp -- audiophile tested, Ken Ishiwata-approved originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 09 May 2009 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry

We've been steering around stories related to the woeful state of the economy -- and even trying to add some sunshine of our own -- because, frankly, writing about an endless string of companies hitting hard times is just depressing. But the bankruptcy of Source Interlink, parent company of Stereophile magazine, strikes a nostalgic chord for us. Our introduction to the crazy audiophile world came through the folio-sized pages, but recent glances at magazine racks show a slimming magazine and a move towards the nosebleed price regime of the high-end. We don't think that the growth in consumer audio -- and (gasp) convenience -- is at odds with high performance, and one magazine is hardly a bellwether for an entire market; but it's clear that manufacturers need to do more than put high-grade finishes and price tags on their goods to enjoy a healthy business that can survive changing trends in today's market. But we'd love to hear your thoughts -- what's your take on the health of high-end audio?

Stereophile mag's parent company hits hard times originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 03 May 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Speakers, Tuners, Others

If you don't have plans for this weekend yet and you're in the neighborhood of Livonia, MI, maybe pencil in some time to check out Audio Karma Fest. It sounds like it's going to be quite the playground for audio- and videophiles, with demos of the really expensive stuff from some high-end brands. For example, McIntosh will be showing off the limited-run Classic System and unveiling its MR88 AM/FM/XM/HD tuner. Paired up with McIntosh equipment will be some high-ticket speakers from sister company Snell; and if you want to boost your speaker design chops, you can't do a whole lot better than sitting in on a Joseph D'Appolito seminar. Also getting the "for your eyes only" treatment is the US unveiling of the Marantz UD9004 universal Blu-ray deck. Hit the links for more detailed info on what vendors are bringing to the party; playground admission is $25.

Read - McIntosh at Audio Karma Fest 2009
Read - Snell's lineup
Read - D'Appolito seminar
Read - Marantz demos

Audio Karma Fest going down in Livonia, MI this weekend originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 01 May 2009 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Features, Blu-ray, Players, Receivers, Sony

If you read Engadget HD, it's safe to say that you're ahead of the curve when it comes to home audio/video. You do your homework before picking out gear, and you know that the PS3 can deliver Blu-ray audio bliss courtesy lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA tracks. One look at all the configuration options in the PS3's XMB (Xross Media Bar) interface, however, and you might find yourself wondering how to unlock the those audio codecs. In this installment of HD 101, we'll briefly cover the reason for the confusion and then go through setting up your PS3 for lossless audio step-by-step.

Continue reading HD 101: How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3

HD 101: How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats, Players, Pioneer

We're not sure about how well the SACD (Super Audio CD) format is doing in Japan, but if it's anything like it is here in the US, then the iPod input on Pioneer Japan's PDX-Z10 SACD player will be a welcome addition to those audiophiles who actually want a wide selection of content. To be fair, the PDX-Z10 packs a fair bit of audio utility into its sleek chassis, with a 2x50-Watt amp, USB input, and an ethernet port for DLNA access to media stored around your local network. The PDX-Z10 is set for a late May release, but the ¥150,000 ($1500) pricetag is going to relegate this piece of gear to the executive offices. Again, we're not intimately familiar with the Japanese market, but we're scratching our heads over how Pioneer could shutter the Kuro displays, but keep a light on for SACD.

Pioneer gives its PDX-Z10 SACD player an iPod boost originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Features, Blu-ray, Players, Receivers, Sony

If you read Engadget HD, it's safe to say that you're ahead of the curve when it comes to home audio/video. You do your homework before picking out gear, and you know that the PS3 can deliver Blu-ray audio bliss courtesy lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA tracks. One look at all the configuration options in the PS3's XMB (Xross Media Bar) interface, however, and you might find yourself wondering how to unlock the those audio codecs. In this installment of HD 101, we'll briefly cover the reason for the confusion and then go through setting up your PS3 for lossless audio step-by-step.

Continue reading HD 101: How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3

HD 101: How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Polls, Media streamers, Other hardware, Speakers

The growing number of "zone 2" speaker taps on the latest generation of receivers is all the evidence you need that multi-room audio systems are big with consumers. Cynics might argue that 7.1 channels of sound pretty much saturated the living room, but a study from the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) says that people with multi-room audio covering more than two rooms are happy with their setups. A whopping 85-percent of those folks would take the plunge all over again, and with more than half of them using their systems daily, it's easy to understand why. With prices on multi-room audio moving down -- especially with after-market solutions -- we're hoping lots more people jump into this product sector and join that happy 85-percent.

Multi-room audio owners are all smiles with their purchase originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ArcSoft today announced a plug-in for its universal high-definition multimedia player which it says brings most standard-definition video to near HD quality.
Called SimHD, ArcSoft's in-house upscaling technology uses NVIDIA CUDA parallel computing architecture to upscale standard DVD movies to up to 1,920 x 1,080.

Filed under: Industry, Reviews, Receivers

One welcome trend in AV receivers is the addition of more features at lower price points. Modern, full-featured AV receivers are signal processing powerhouses, and we've come to expect HDMI switching, video processing, on-screen UIs and room correction as de rigeur features. Everyone loves these conveniences, but there's a catch -- in many cases, sound quality is what's getting left behind in the transition. Audioholics has put its hand to enough receivers to know this, and without crying foul, the linked article does a good job of keeping you informed of the tradeoffs. Bottom line -- software-laden silicon keeps getting cheaper and lighter, but the (largely analog) componentry used for audio amplification doesn't. So if your latest receiver is lighter, cheaper and sports a longer spec list, you have a good idea where designers trimmed; and it's not the S-Video ports. The differences may not be audible, but if current trends in audio are any indicator, the limit of what is "good enough" is headed for market testing. Meanwhile, take your ears along with the spec sheets if you're shopping receivers.

As receivers pack more features per dollar, Audioholics questions the trade-off originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Other formats

It's hard to tell if this is a coincidence or not, but just hours after the Blu-ray Disc Association granted the DRA audio coding technology approval for use on Blu-ray flicks, Dolby has come forward to proudly proclaim that its TrueHD and Digital Plus audio technologies can now be used by select Chinese firms. TCL Technoly Electronics, MIT Technology and Lite-On have all been given the green light under license to use Dolby's tech on Blu-ray Disc products, though it does seem a bit curious to us that only these three were selected. Maybe those other guys didn't pass the "apt-to-ape" test?

Dolby gives Chinese Blu-ray makers access to TrueHD / Digital Plus originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Hope you won't be confused by two more HTIB systems from Onkyo, 'cause they're coming at you fast and furious. Starting things off is the 7.1-channel HT-S5200, which packs 1,200 total watts of power and includes a 10-inch, 290 watt subwoofer. Said setup is Sirius-ready and features an HDMI-equipped audio-video receiver, four DSP gaming modes, Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology and Audyssey Dynamic Volume to keep levels, um level. The lower-end HT-S3200 consists of a 5.1-channel, 660 watt system that bundles in the HT-R370 receiver and includes a trio of HDMI pass-through inputs, DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing and an 8-inch subwoofer. Both rigs are available now in black or silver for $599 and $379 in order of mention.

Onkyo intros 'entry-level' HT-S5200 and HT-S3200 HTIB systems originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Players, Others

If you're lovin' that post-modern / art deco look that Emotiva has going on, and you're a sucker for all things audiophile, we've got just the thing to make you $399 poorer. Said outfit has just revealed that its ERC-1 reference CD player will be arriving next month, and aside from the unmistakable design, it'll also bring along Burr Brown OPA2131 Op-amps, an Analog Devices 1955 DAC and a 24 bit-processor. You'll also find (well, you will if you crack things open) separate and sealed power supplies for each working mechanism, which supposedly ensures noise-free listening. Oh, and then there's the glowing blue CD slot, which is totally worth four bills in and of itself.

Emotiva's ERC-1 reference CD player ships next month for $399 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry

We've heard of some crazy audio watermark plans in the past, designed to prevent people from making copies of Hollywood blockbusters, and as the audio industry finally moves away from its protective restrictions, the film industry seems to just keep working on more. The latest, created by Professor Noboru Babaguchi and his colleagues at Osaka University in Japan, is a means to apply spread-spectrum audio waveforms to a film's multi-channel soundtrack, enabling pirate seekers to determine exactly (well, to within 44 centimeters) where the bootlegger was sitting when he or she committed his or her felonious deeds. Interesting, sure, but unless all theaters worldwide start assigning seats by name it's useless. Beyond that, there's nothing stopping an intrepid recorder from stashing a mic a few feet to the left or the right, thus implicating an idle popcorn-muncher. Will these flaws keep this technology from being implemented? Don't count on it.

[Via Slashdot]

Audio watermarks let the MPAA know where a recording was taken, but not by whom originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Misc, Speakers

We can already envision the flame fest on this one, so we'll just cut to the chase. Jonathan Berger, professor of music at Stanford, has been conducting some pretty interesting tests on incoming students, and he's been recording results that'll surely make audiophiles cringe. He has been asking his students to listen to tracks in MP3 format as well as in formats of much higher quality, all while asking them to select the one they like best; increasingly, youngsters have been choosing the sizzling, tinny sounds of MP3 over more pure representations. The reasoning may have more to do with psychology that audiology, as many conclude that generations simply prefer what they're used to. Ever known someone to swear that vinyl sounds best, pops and all? So yeah, what we've really learned is that MP3 is more of an "acquired taste," but those still attempting to build their SACD collection should be genuinely afraid of the future.

[Via techdirt, image courtesy of iasos]

Survey shows increasing preference for MP3 by youngsters, audiophiles weep originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

We've heard some pretty positive things about SVSound in our day, so it's definitely a pleasure to see the outfit introducing something new for home theater junkies with the STS-01. The so-called "slim tower" joins the growing S Series family, bringing along a 7-inch wide enclosure that packs a ClearSilk F2 ferrofluid-cooled tweeter and four newly enhanced soft-dome 6-inch poly-cone woofers. The company asserts that the masterfully refined crossover system and stellar imaging will satisfy even the most demanding ears, and you can find out yourself when these ship this summer for $849 per pair (make that $749 per pair if you get in early!).

[Thanks, Sean]

SVSound adds STS-01 tower to S Series lineup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

The economy has made for a bumpy ride since the CES preview, but holding true to its promise of a February release, Acoustic Energy got official with its Radiance series of loudspeakers this weekend. Now officially available and holding the prices at their initially announced levels, the lineup that serves as the company's HT-specific flagship series consists of the floor-standing Radiance 3 ($3,000 per pair), stand-mounted Radiance 1 ($1,200 per pair), Center ($800) and Subwoofer ($1,200) models. If you're in the market and get some audition time with these, let us know what you think of that tweeter/woofer blending DXT Lens feature on the primary speakers.

Acoustic Energy lives up to promises on its Radiance speakers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Replacing the well-regarded Servo-15 and Seismic 12 subwoofers, Paradigm has brought in the SUB 12 and SUB 15 to bring joy to your HT room. Borrowing some tech from the positively scary Signature SUB 25, the two new models are able to do away with the servo feedback-control while posting better performance across the "three Ls" -- louder, lower-frequency and lower-distortion. How does extension to 12-Hz on the SUB 15 and 16-Hz for the SUB 12 sound to you? Yeah, we thought so. Still, those last few hertz cost some money -- $1,999 and $2,799 for the Sub 12 and SUB 15, respectively. Still, few things in your HT will put a stupid grin on your face like bass you feel in your gut. Check the press release after the break and alert the neighbors before you pick one up.

Continue reading Paradigm's SUB 12 and SUB 15 subwoofers promise to dive deep, make a big splash

Paradigm's SUB 12 and SUB 15 subwoofers promise to dive deep, make a big splash originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers, Others

You might not have noticed from the press shot of the LEKTOR LCR on-wall speakers, but the Danish DALI company's coated paper woofers have a deep red color to them. Based on the review at Audioholics, the treated paper used in the foorstanding LEKTOR 8's 8-inch woofers isn't just for show. Striking a contrast to what we've heard from other, more well-known Danish speaker companies (like, say, Dynaudio), the LEKTOR 8s turned in a big and bassy performance. That's not a slight on either company, and it's nice to know that you can have both Danish styling and bigger sound if that's what you're after. The wood grain vinyl wrap was the highest quality the reviewer had ever seen, and the metal accents definitely give the LEKTOR 8s a touch of class you'd expect at $1,800 per pair. Hit the link for the full review and seek out a nearby dealer if your interest is piqued.

DALI's bold-sounding LEKTOR 8 speakers garner a positive review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers, Others

[Via Impress]

Kenwood takes a note from Bose with DTS Surround Sensation CD system originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

One look at the Caruso speakers from Opera Loudspeakers and you know the punchline -- sure they're fat, but will they sing? Details on what's packed in each handcrafted box is suitably sparse, as these are clearly intended for the silly-rich who want something that's expensive, showy and fits in well with the decor of the prospective owner's abode -- something keeps pulling us towards a Fifth Element Mondoshawan theme (we'll let you judge if that's good or bad). Caruso praised the four side mounted 8-inch woofers, and based on the pics, we're guessing that after that there are four 5-inch mids and five 2-inch tweets (four rearward facing). Lots of cabinetry, lots of wood and lots of money; can you say "ostentatious flagship?" Paired up with the Caruso name, the €28,000 ($35,000) sticker brings Pagliacci to our minds.

[Mondoshawan image courtesy Gung Ho Sci Fi]

Opera's Caruso speakers bring tears, laughter originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Oh sure, those space-age speakers are cute and all, but it's the sharp points and long lines that set apart the true modernists. NBS Cables has a full line of high-end speakers within the E. V. A. and Butterfly crews, mostly shaped like pyramids and rectangles. A whole setup will run you around $200,000, though we're sure NBS would be happy to sell separates if you need to take things one at a time. You know, just in case you haven't won the lottery within the last decade or so.

[Via CNET]

NBS Cables delivers speakers for the rich, geometrically inclined originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Eclipse is up to speed with this whole high-end gig, so it's no shock to see the company outing a new pair of speakers meant for millionaires and Martians over in Japan. The TD712zMK2 loudspeaker sports a 12 centimeter driver, playback frequency of 35Hz to 26kHz and a stand that just might be more sturdy than the beams holding your apartment up. Of course, with a starting price of ¥325,500 ($3,539) per speaker, that's totally to be expected.

[Via Impress]

Eclipse rolls out ultra-pricey TD712zMK2 space speakers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Receivers, Others

NAD Electronics has introduced the C 725BEE stereo receiver for those who either have an audio-only system separate from their HT gear or still aren't sold on the whole discrete multichannel thing. Let's face it -- despite the great sound quality possible on recordings that go past the Red Book audio standard, chances are that most of your audio library is still sourced from two-channel CDs. Content is king, so there might be a place for this 50-Watt receiver with an analog stage that must be something special, because NAD saw fit to add its designer's (Bjorn Erik Edvardsen) initials right on the model name. Promising the sound quality of separate amplifier/preamp gear, the C 725BEE includes NAD's Soft Clipping and Power Drive circuitry, and as expected from the brand, the modest 50-Watt rating belies the 200-Watt peak short-term output. The $799 might be well worth it if you spend a lot of time sitting in your listening den's sweet spot.

NAD intros the C 725BEE stereo receiver for those sticking to 2-channel originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others

Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 is only apt to be actually experienced by those with more disposable income than sense (or just loads of cash and a taste for finer things, actually), but even us laypeople can get a quick peek at this $5,900 music server / controller thanks to the wonders of YouTube. Hop on past the break to see what you're missing out on. Or what you're headed out to pick up today, you lucky, lucky individual.

Continue reading Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 music server / controller demoed on video

Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 music server / controller demoed on video originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Players, Others

Bust open the piggy bank, because Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 will officially hit North American shores this month. For a mere $5,900, you can get into the two part system -- the black box BeoMaster 5 socket unit with 500GB of storage and internet connectivity and the drop-dead gorgeous BeoSound 5 master unit for cueing up your favorite tunes. Not sure what song to put on deck? No problem -- leave it to Bang & Olufsen's MOTS (More Of The Same) intelligent playlist technology to pick a mathematically perfect match. Sorry, but this setup is anything but "more of the same." Beat matching not included, but we still want one.

Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 hits US shores originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Ports

Notice something missing from your Xbox 360 ever since the NXE went live? Some HDMI-connected gamers lost all audio after the update, and a fix is finally on the way. According to Major Nelson, it's due to arrive February 3 at 2:00 a.m. PST in a mandatory dashboard update that should address the issues experienced with some HDTVs. That problem with your idiot friend always triggering the witch while playing Left 4 Dead? Still unaddressed.

Xbox 360 HDMI audio fix arrives tomorrow morning originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Others

Have you been waiting for Denon's DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray player to fill that gaping hole in your equipment rack left when sold your SACD, DVD-A and Blu-ray decks on eBay? Be prepared to wait a little longer than expected -- the Japanese launch, originally set for January, has been moved out by a couple of months due to a "delay in the launch of production." That means the February US release is right out, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the European availability slip from its March date either. It looks like sister company Marantz's BD8002 will have to serve D&M Holdings' kilobuck Blu-ray player market for a while longer. Hit the link for the bad news, made worse by machine translation.

[Via Electronista]

Denon delays Japanese delivery of its DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray deck originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

MartinLogan isn't the kind of company that rolls out new speaker models every month, so it's notable when new introductions are made. The Kansas-based electrostatic manufacturer has borrowed some tech from its $25,000 flagship CLX loudspeaker and brought them to its relatively more affordable $13,995 Summit X model, making it the first to inherit the CLX's XStat transducer, PoweredForce woofers and Vojtko crossover design. That's a lot of trademark names, but the take home message is a panel that reaches down to 160Hz before the dual 10-inch woofers that can reach down to 24Hz and still keep up with the fast electrostatics are blended in. Still north of our budget, but we can dream, right?

MartinLogan stakes out high ground with its Summit X speaker originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats

Man, what a difference a year makes. In 2008 we saw that Super Bowl XLII would be aired in 28 countries around the world, and this year that number is increasing substantially to 230. A grand total of 61 international broadcasters will televise the game in 34 languages, with the high-def signal going to 19 broadcast partners in 152 countries. DTS also notes that its Neural Surround technology will be tapped in order to deliver "5.1-channel" sound to international viewers through "any consumer surround sound system." The live action kicks off at 6:00PM ET this Sunday, and given the abundance of partners, you should be able to catch it (even in HD) almost anywhere in the world.

Super Bowl XLIII airing in 230 countries, over half in HD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others

It's a month or so late, but those eager to get their hands on a new music server from the labs of CasaTunes are probably willing to forgive the brief delay. The multi-room device, which was announced last September at CEDIA, is finally shipping to those interested. Dubbed the CasaTunes XL, it comes stocked with a capacious 250GB hard drive (which, honestly, sort of pales in comparison to WD's newest 2TB monster), touchscreen controls and the ability to shuffle between up to nine different sources. A few different model options are available, but you can get started for as low as $1,499.

CasaTools ships CasaTunes XL Multi-Room Music Server originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers

Generally speaking, loudspeakers should enjoy a relatively long life in your system. That's doubly true for budget bookshelf models -- you can pick up a pair for front channel duty when you start out your HT system, migrate them to rear-channel surround duty on your first speaker upgrade, and then move them to another room when you dive into whole-home audio. Audioholics took seven budget (and a couple of higher-priced) bookshelf speakers and had a showdown based on sound quality alone in a series of head-to-head matchups. We won't spoil the outcome for you, but it turns out that you can score some good performance for not a lot of dollars -- and that's always good news, right?

Audioholics puts nine bokshelf speakers head-to-head originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Audiophiles who love the typically "dry" sound of British speakers will be familiar with the Spendor name. The company's BC1 and SP1 models are old-school audiophile classics, but Spendor has rolled out a new flagship ST model that at least looks great next to those bland-looking (but great sounding) boxes. The front inlay on the ported cabinet looks indulgent, no matter whether you opt for the ebony, zebrano or aluminum look and then the 7-inch Kevlar woofer, 7-inch polymer mid-bass and 1.1-inch tweeter finish off the package. The 58Hz - 20kHz response on the $8,995 per pair speaker isn't much to crow about, but then again, it really doesn't tell you how the speaker sounds in real life, either. Chances are if you're shopping this speaker, you've already formed a short list based on things that aren't on spec sheets.

Spendor breaks out its statement ST speaker originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: DIY, Misc, Cables

Installers and DIYers, take note -- AudioQuest has just solved one of HDMI's biggest challenges. Reportedly, the company has created the world's first HDMI cables and connectors that can be terminated in the field while still retaining the integrity of HDMI. Essentially, this solution calls for installers to split the 19 HDMI wires into two groups -- one of ten and one of nine -- in order to make each bundle one that can be crimped. Additionally, AudioQuest's design relies on solid conductors instead of stranded wires, which are supposedly better suited to keep signal integrity and geometry stability. Testing proved that these field terminated cables were able to maintain an optimal 100 Ohms throughout the connector, which is arguably even better than what's offered in the outfit's traditional soldered cables. Of course, HDMI Licensing still has to decide whether or not the new method is fit for certification, but you can bet that AudioQuest will be pushing its point hard in the near future.

AudioQuest cooks up field terminated HDMI cables originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Displays, Speakers, Others

Emo Labs didn't stir up too much commotion while CES was going on, but apparently it did have a tiny presence in Vegas. The crew at Technologizer was able to listen to a sneak preview of the startup's Edge Motion technology, and if the demo is indicative of the end result, we could be onto something special. Much like NXT's SoundVu tech that seemed to fizzle out about as quickly as it hit the scene in 2005, this system creates a so-called invisible speaker by "using arrays of motors to wiggle the edges of a clear membrane." Gurus at the company are hoping to have it integrated into panels of TVs by the end of this year, though it'll be a bit longer before the same can happen on space-constrained laptops.

Emo Labs concocts its own invisible speaker technology originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers, Others

We've had a pair of the THIEL SCS4 speakers pulling front-channel L/R duties in our setup for a month now, long enough to burn in and take full measure of them. During that time, a theme of "wonderfully unremarkable" kept turning up in the scribbled listening notes. That's no slight on these speakers; in fact, it's a very high compliment. Follow us past the break for our full rundown of THIEL's entry-level model.

Continue reading THIEL SCS4 speaker review

THIEL SCS4 speaker review originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Klipsch isn't exactly known for hovering around in the bargain bin, but given the current worldwide economic situation, it's pumping out a new trio of 5.1-channel speaker systems that are quite affordable given the specs. Starting at the low-end, we've got the HD Theater 300 (shipping in April), which packs mid-range surrounds (2.5-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch MicroTractrix Horn-loaded textile tweeter in each) alongside a down-firing 6.5-inch subwoofer. Moving on up, there's the HD Theater 500 (shipping in March), which swaps in an aluminum dome tweeter in the surrounds and an 8-inch subbie. The top-end HD Theater 1000 (shipping next month) includes 8.6-inch tall surrounds that support wall mounting and a 10-inch earth shaker. As for prices? Try $399.99, $599.99 and $899.99 in order of mention.

Klipsch intros HD Theater 300 / 500 / 1000 5.1 speaker systems originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others

So far as we can tell, this is the first major product introduction from Sooloos since it was acquired by Meridian Audio Limited in December 2008. For those who've already plunked down for one of the company's music management devices, you'd be better off holding your ears and scrolling down with haste. For everyone else, you should know that Sooloos's Source, Twinstore and Ensemble units will now be available in a 2U rackmount enclosure for -- get this -- no additional cost. The mountable iterations will include internal fans for heat dispersion and a front-panel power switch, though functionally everything will remain the same. Pays to wait sometimes, huh? The full release (prices included) is after the break.

Continue reading Sooloos delivers RackMount media server models at no extra cost

Sooloos delivers RackMount media server models at no extra cost originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Haven't you heard? Wireless subwoofers are all the rage right now, man. Polk Audio is following the lead of Infinity and a gaggle of others by introducing the PSWi225, a "portable" cord-free subwoofer that can be added in to any home theater / stereo setup with utmost ease. The earth-shaker supports RF wireless signal transmission and delivers a 40Hz to 180Hz frequency response from the floor-firing enclosure. The unit itself measures in at 12- x 13- x 12-inches and houses a rugged long-throw Dynamic Balance co-polymer driver with Butyl Rubber surround. Curiously, there's no mention of the speaker size, though we are told that an active crossover system is included for those who like to fiddle. Check it this March for $399 (MSRP).

Polk snips the cord on PSWi225 portable wireless subwoofer originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Given the space constraints faced by so many individuals these days, it's no shock that more and more are turning to faux surround solutions to get their "multi-channel" fix. The latest outfit to dive headfirst into the soundbar arena is Monitor Audio, which is bringing its R-One-HD to market in black, silver and white finishes. Said bar includes left, center and right channels, with the L / R channels housing a 4-inch MMPII bass driver and a 1-inch C-CAM gold dome tweeter. Users are encouraged to add a Radius HD powered subwoofer to really fill things out, but who knows how much more your budget can stretch after dropping $800 for this thing alone.

[Via AudioJunkies]

Monitor Audio jumps in the soundbar game with $800 R-One-HD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Itching for brutal honesty? It's pretty difficult for us to get all riled up over a $2,200 soundbar, Bowers & Wilkins logo or not. Yeah, B&W swears that this thing is so good you won't even need a subwoofer for the best faux surround sound experience of your life, but for over two large, we can certainly think of a few alternatives. Nevertheless, the "groundbreaking" audio bar, which we caught in the wild at CES, has now been officially unwrapped, and there's a needlessly long-winded press releases telling us so just after the break. For those adamant that this will change their life, it should start shipping around March.

Continue reading Bowers & Wilkins officially unveils $2,200 Panorama soundbar

Bowers & Wilkins officially unveils $2,200 Panorama soundbar originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Other hardware, Players

Traditionally, Blu-ray decks have relied on multi-core chips to process and decode that succulent audio that tickles your eardrums, but Tensilica has a better idea. In an effort to shrink the amount of components within a BD deck and to offer up "significant cost savings and a simplified programming model," it has recently demonstrated DTS-HD Master Audio Lossless decoding on a single-core SoC. The outfit's HiFi 2 Audio DSP can handle codecs from both DTS and Dolby, and apparently it's already filtering into select players. Too bad you'll probably never know if your deck has one without rolling up your sleeves and breaking out the screwdriver.

Tensilica proves Blu-ray audio decoding can be done on a single core originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Other formats, Internet

When NIN was forced to abandon its film plans for Lights in the Sky, we thought the already-filmed parts were headed for the wrong can, but Trent Reznor has decided to break from the "take my ball and go home" attitude by putting the footage up online. Opening up a public domain wellspring for fans to create some great content, the 400GB of unedited HD data from three shows (Victoria, Portland and Sacramento) is available as a torrent. Don't fire up that download just yet -- Reznor warns that beyond the drive-crushing size of the content, this is totaly unproduced and not really the sort of thing for casual viewers seeking a finished product. For those of you with serious editing rigs and a yen for film production, clear off some space on the RAID and hit the link for torrent details.

NIN crowd sources concert film with 400GB of raw HD footage originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

The press release doesn't get too specific about details, but THIEL is already lining up upgrades to its IP-based, multiroom zoet audio system. Sometime in 2009 after the April launch of the zoet db1 system, expect to see HDMI (8 inputs, 2 outputs) and wireless connectivity making way onto the options sheet. Don't let these future upgrades keep you from picking up the first version, though, as they will be retrofittable to early adopters (for a fee, of course). Unfortunately, we can only guess what the upgrade pricing might be. This system is based around powered versions of THIEL's SCS4 (the SCS4D), so we'll make two guesses -- it will sound good, but it won't be cheap. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading THIEL adds HDMI and wireless to its zoet multiroom audio system

THIEL adds HDMI and wireless to its zoet multiroom audio system originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Speakers, Others

Very few folks enjoy the installation of multichannel wired speaker setups, let alone the appearance of cables snaking through the living room. Radiient's UWB-based Roomcaster technology for sending audio bits to and fro might just gain a foothold thanks to its new partner, THX. That THX name is a kind of benchmark for quality and definitely resonates with consumers, and with the ability to deliver 8-channels of 24-bit uncompressed audio should make for happy users. Now if only something can be done about the high price of entry, this might have a chance at catching on.

THX throws its weight in behind Radiient for wireless audio originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Panasonic

Forget making your existing multi-channel system wireless; why not just get a whole new one that's built from the ground-up to operate sans wires. The system consists of four wireless speaker poles with inbuilt subwoofers (or so they say...), which send audio over a 2.4GHz wave. Supposedly, you'll get a 7.1-channel experience from the setup, but you won't be able to confirm or deny that allegation till it ships this Spring.

Four speaker Panasonic wireless sound system creates virtual 7.1 experience originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats, Receivers, Speakers, Panasonic

Panasonic intros a pair of new DVD theater in a box solutions originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Ports, Receivers, Pioneer

No question, the little iPhone / iPod compatible bit is included just to stir up a buzz, but it's hard to say that the inclusion doesn't make Pioneer's latest line of AV receivers a touch more desirable than models past. Here at CES, the firm is delivering four new AVRs, all with "high resolution audio" and HDMI 1.3 repeaters. The higher-end VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH models both feature Pioneer's proprietary Hybrid Amplifier Technology II (P.H.A.T.), Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD decoding, 120-watts x 7, KURO Link and multi-zone pre-outs, while the latter unit steps it up with a Faroudja 1080p video scaler. Those with smaller budgets / appetites can opt for the 5.1-channel VSX-519V or VSX-819H (pictured above), which include 110-watts x 5, fewer ports and less awesome extras. The foursome will hit shelves in April for $200 to $500 depending on model; full rundown is after the break.

Continue reading Pioneer breaks out iPhone-friendly, multi-zone AV receivers

Pioneer breaks out iPhone-friendly, multi-zone AV receivers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Displays, Other hardware, Players, Speakers, Samsung

Samsung's comin' at us hot and heavy from the desert, and if those two BD players already got your ears perked up, here's a little more for your future home theater. Up first is the HT-BD8200 Blu-ray soundbar, which -- as the name implies -- is actually a soundbar with a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player baked right in. The bundle also includes a wireless subwoofer and promises 5.1-like sound despite being just 2.6-inches deep. Moving on, we've got the 2.1-channel HT-BD2700 and 5.1-channel HT-BD1250 Blu-ray HTIB systems, which offer up 400- and 1,000-watts of power, respectively along with WiFi support. Per usual, dollars and ship dates remain a mystery, but the more we look at those glossy black coats, the harder we find it to be patient.

Samsung delivers HT-BD7200 / HT-BD1250 Blu-ray HTIB systems, HT-BD8200 BD soundbar originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Other formats, Pioneer

Technical Audio Devices (TAD), a subsidiary of Pioneer, has a little something to show audiophiles that may lure them away from their CD transports yet -- a new 2-channel audio format for Blu-ray discs that it unapologetically claims "rivals 2-channel analog sound." We're not sure if that means reel-to-reel or vinyl is in the crosshairs, but the company is putting its apparently-unnamed format up for demo at CES. The demos are being hosted by none other than audiophile classic Sheffield Labs recording engineers Bill Schnee and Doug Sax, who have picked out some choice cuts to be played on pro-level TAD Compact Reference monitors and associated electronics; no word on if whiskey is part of the demo.

Pioneer's TAD shows off a new Blu-ray audio format at CES originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others

We knew that Cisco would be invading the home audio space in '09, but we didn't know it'd be so quickly (and under the Linksys name). Here at CES, the outfit has unveiled the admittedly complex Wireless Home Audio system, which utilizes Ethernet / 802.11n / DLNA in order to stream audio over multiple zones throughout the home. The kit is actually comprised of some very specific components, so let's not waste any time, eh? There's the Conductor DMC350 Wireless-N Digital Music Center, Director DMC250 Wireless-N Music Player with Integrated Amplifier, Player DMP100 Wireless-N Music Extender, Stereo Speaker Kit DSPK50, DMWR1000 Wireless-N Touchscreen Remote, iPod docking station and the DMRIR500 IR Remote. For details on the specific kits, which should go on sale this quarter for $300 and way up, give the read link a peek.

Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Getting bass out of a soundbar that conveys proper theater impact is asking for a bit much, so Polk Audio has wisely chosen to add a standalone subwoofer and name the package the SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater (IHT). Of course, soundbar shoppers are likely concerned about stringing wires across the living room floor, ceiling, or what have you, so Polk has added a wireless connection between the SurroundBar and the 6.5-inch subwoofer. Nice and tidy, and it'll ship this month for a buck under $600.

Polk adds some oomph to its SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Other formats

Watch out, MP3 -- you've got a formidable opponent creeping up on you. All kidding aside (yes, we were kidding), Fraunhofer IIS is hoping that at least four people will turn from their MP3 / AAC addictions and embrace yet another one of its audio formats at CES, which is simply christened MPEG Surround. Harald Popp, head of the Multimedia Realtime Systems department at the company, has asserted that the firm believes that "MPEG Surround will become a major online distribution format when downloading music, movie and TV content," noting that it offers "the music industry a way to sell iPod-compatible surround content through the existing stereo download infrastructure." We suppose the multi-channel aspect is at least somewhat noteworthy, but we still see a hard road ahead for it to gain "global acceptance" in 2009.

Fraunhofer IIS to push MPEG Surround as next big downloadable audio format originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, Other formats

Tired of buying those overly compressed MP3 files online are ya? If so, have a look at the new music service from Bowers & Wilkins. Said outfit, along with Peter Gabriel, is pushing the B&W Music Club, which is hailed as the subscription service for audiophiles. Essentially, those with incredibly discerning ears can pay an annual / monthly fee to have access to "one specially commissioned album each month, recorded in dedicated live sessions at Real World Studios near Bath in the UK." The albums are available in Apple Lossless or FLAC formats and provided without any DRM baked in. In an interesting twist, B&W is providing free studio time and mixing sessions for artists who'd like to have their tunes offered up, which could open up opportunities for little known musical geniuses to get exposure. Check the read link for all the fine print, but here's the tidbit you're really after: $39.95 for six months, or $59.95 for a year.

Bowers & Wilkins and Peter Gabriel push audiophile B&W Music Club originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, Speakers

Those Xtreme-loving audiophiles at Tritton are heading to CES next week and bringing with them a wireless 5.1 surround sound bar / subwoofer combo designed specifically with gamers in mind. Their presser touts how easily it connects to the Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in addition to an iPod, MP3 player, PC, and that's unfortunately all the information we've got for now -- no pics, release date or price in sight. Additionally, they're also showcasing new Bluetooth accessories and Dolby 5.1-equipped gaming headsets. Hopefully we'll be able to fill in the missing details in just a few days.

Tritton showing off gaming soundbar, headsets at CES 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Peachtree Audio had a small presence at CEDIA last year, but it's looking to really catch some ears at CES 2009. The company will be showcasing its very first speakers -- the DS4.5 -- in Vegas here in just a few days, which aim to please audiophile-grade computer users or those in need of pristine sounding "mini monitors." Each of the speakers contain a 4-inch woofer and a silk-dome tweeter, and they were designed to match cosmetically with the company's line of integrated amplifiers with built-in USB ports. Speaking of amps, the two speakers are set to be sold in a bundle with the Decco for around $1,199. These puppies better sound like solid gold for that -- just sayin'.

Peachtree Audio showcasing first speakers at CES 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cables, Other hardware, Ports, Switches, Others

Gefen knows all too well how easy it is for new wares to get lost in the shuffle at CES, so it's opting to disclose its freshest gear a few days beforehand. This year's show will see four new devices in particular, so we'll start from the top. The Digital Audio Decoder with Dolby will be used to combine older, analog-based audio systems with digital devices of today by converting 5.1 audio to L/R analog audio. Next, the Volume Controller is a completely elusive "fully automated solution which equalizes audio to maintain the same levels consistently." The 2x1 Digital Audio Switcher makes it easy to hook up two TOSlink cables to one AV receiver, while the 1:2 Digital Audio Splitter does the opposite by splitting a single TOSlink signal into two streams. The full spill is just after the break.

Continue reading Gefen's CES bounty squealed about early

Gefen's CES bounty squealed about early originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats, Players, Others

Oh, brother -- yet another high resolution audio format to worry over. Just when you thought you could pick up Denon's forthcoming universal Blu-ray player and be done with it comes HRx. The format, which is hyped up by Reference Recordings and is literally high-res WAV files toasted onto DVD media, cannot be played back in traditional DVD / DVD-Audio decks. Instead, you'll need PS Audio's PerfectWave Transport Memory Player. Until now, folks (all three of them) have simply been ripping the files onto PCs or music servers for playback, but the item you see above will indeed handle CDs and HRx DVDs, the latter of which delivers 24-bit, 176kHz sound. There's no mention of a price or eventual release date, but something this specialized just can't be cheap. We mean, it just can't be.

PS Audio debuting world's first HRx disc player at CES originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, Displays, Speakers

We should've seen this one coming, because whatever Dolby can do, SRS can do one better -- something like that. Anywho, SRS is debuting its own volume controlling technology today by way of Vizio's snazzy new 55-inch XVT HDTV and VSB210WS soundbar / wireless subwoofer kit. In SRS' words, the tech is an "advanced, intelligent volume control solution that delivers a remarkable TV viewing experience by eliminating irritating fluctuations in volume." Oh, and if you're not exactly looking to buy either of those products, don't be shocked to see this stuff flooding across Vizio's line in short order; Ken Lowe, the company's VP and co-founder has been quoted as saying that he believes "all of [Vizio's] TVs should have SRS TruVolume going forward." And we all know the VP gets what he wants.

SRS TruVolume debuts in Vizio's XVT HDTV and soundbar originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers, Others

The Klipsch Icon V speakers were created in cooperation with Best Buy, so of course the big blue and yellow box has them on its shelves, but Audioholics put them to the test to see how they fared in a more real-world setting, away from the car stereos and boomboxes. The review was pretty favorable overall -- in home, the speakers pumped out a lively sound that was a treat for movies and games, but the the horn-loaded tweeters plus a lean midrange weren't exactly a ticket to sonic bliss when listening to music at louder volumes. Still, build quality was solid, and at least you can listen to these in an everyday store (you do stop by Best Buy every day, right?), so let your own ears be the judge. Just make sure that what jumps off the shelves as "detailed and extended" doesn't wind up "screechy and fatiguing" to you in the long run.

Klipsch's Icon V speakers get tested, deliver on movies and gaming originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: DIY, Misc, Blu-ray, Receivers, Speakers

Blu-ray player? Check. An AV receiver? Check. Loads of cables? Check. Knowledge of how to hook everything up for maximum impact? Uh, not so much. BigPictureBigSound has hosted up a nice how-to guide for making the most of the multi-channel audio that's just waiting to ooze out of your Blu-ray player. The writeup covers both HDMI and analog approaches, and it breaks it down in five easy-to-digest steps so that you don't get all overwhelmed. Go 'head, give it a look -- it's not that difficult, we promise.

How-to guide breaks down 7.1-channel audio setup procedure originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, Speakers

Remember that patently insane IOSONO holographic audio system that was demonstrated last month? The very first one has been installed in the US of A. As part of the multi-million dollar renovation of the Museum of Tolerance / Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, a 308-channel IOSONO sound system was installed in the Peltz Theater. According to Electrosonic project manager Steve Calver, said system is the "crown jewel" of the place, as it adds "308 independent audio channels and five subwoofer channels, which are entirely hidden within the architectural elements of the theater." The purpose? To distribute sound as perfectly as possible to every seat in the house. Additionally, HD video capabilities were added courtesy of a Christie high-def projector, and there was even an undisclosed Blu-ray player tossed in for good measure. So, when's the next showing of, um, anything at this place?

IOSONO installs first 308-channel surround system in the US originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Like some kind of post-Diwali, pre-Christmas gift-delivering sprite, UPS dropped off a pair of boxes from THIEL at Engadget HD. We'll be putting a pair of dark cherry SCS4 speakers through their paces over the coming weeks, but we wanted to share some preview photos with you before we dive into the audition. THIEL has been a longtime fixture in the audio high end, stretching way back to the days of two-channel, and even though the SCS4s carry the smallest price tag in the company's lineup ($990 each), they've definitely got high end pedigree. Our initial impressions turn up a solid front-ported cabinet (even if it's without THIEL's familiar sloping baffle) with top-notch veneer, perforated metal grilles held in place by magnets, a coincident driver assembly (aluminum dome 6.5-inch mid-woofer and 1-inch tweeter) for true point-source radiation and deluxe all-metal binding posts. Oh yeah, they sound nice, too -- but we're not saying more on that front until we've lived with them for a few weeks. Pics after the break.

THIEL SCS4 speakers unboxed originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Super exotic, top-of-the-line speakers offered up by manufacturers are certainly fun to dream about, but most of us will lay claim to more value-conscious models. Canton knows this, and has rolled out new technology to its GLE line of speakers. The new models got rolled out at CEDIA, but now Canton has shared the official update details. Most significant are improvements in the silk dome tweeter -- it sounds like a completely new unit -- but the aluminum midrange and woofer drivers have seen refinements as well, and even the front baffles have been given a curved profile for improved performance. Six speakers across the line have received attention, from the $1400 (per pair) floorstanding GLE 490 right down to the $529 wall-mountable GLE 410.

Canton refreshes its GLE speaker lineup originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cables, Other hardware, Ports, Speakers

Earlier this year, Audioengine rolled out the practically universal AW1 wireless audio adapter, and we certainly enjoyed our time with it. Now, the outfit is making the anticipated leap to iPod-dom with the sequentially named AW2. Put simply, the kit contains two main pieces: a transmitter that plugs easily into your dock-connecting 'Pod and a USB-based receiver with a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack. The system operates on the WiFi frequency band and promises no dropouts, static or interference from CB radios whizzing by your domicile. We should mention, however, that you'll pay quite dearly for the privilege of beaming your tunes sans cables, though it's available now for those who don't mind at $169.

[Via GadgetReview]

Audioengine puts wires out of work with AW2 wireless iPod adapter originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Other hardware, Receivers, Speakers

Sure, it's impossible to find anything electric that hasn't been graced with an iPod dock anymore, but according to NPD Group, unit sales of MP3-docking speaker systems -- a catch-all that includes iPod-dockified clock radios and tabletop radios -- actually rose while other audio gear suffered. From our HT-centric viewpoint, sales of HTIB systems came up 16-percent short while AV receivers slid 8-percent. But the loss-leader by a long way was the compact stereo segment -- the 36-percent setback on sales goes to show that when people are concerned about hanging on to their jobs, outfitting the cubicle or office with new gear moves way down the priority list.

[Image courtesy PodcastingNews]

PMP docks keep things afloat as other audio gear sinks originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Others

So, there's good news and bad news. The good? Denon's US version of the DVD-A1UD (coined the DVD-A1UDCI) is priced considerably lower than the yen-to-dollar conversion led us to believe. The bad news? It's still $3,800. For those that that missed it, Denon's calling this the world's first universal Blu-ray player, and folks looking for a premiere unit to handle Blu-ray, DVD, SACD and DVD-Audio can satisfy their every desire in February 2009. Better hope that Christmas bonus comes through.

Denon prices DVD-A1UDCI universal Blu-ray player for US market: $3,800 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers

We've already seen one speaker guide pop up this fall / winter, but for those not so keen on piecing together a multi-channel setup themselves, PC World has a solid alternative. It has taken a cold, hard look at seven home-theater-in-box (HTIB) setups ranging from $500 to $3,000 and picked the best one at each price level. We won't spoil anything here, but if you've been looking for some assistance in choosing from the plethora of options out there, this ain't a bad place to get educated.

HTIB shootout picks the best at a variety of price points originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cables, Other hardware, Ports

Wait just a second there, vaquero. We know you're invigorated, but you should probably attempt to digest the price tag here before blowing a gasket in excitement. Bel Canto -- not known for trickling out low-end gear -- has just introduced the $495 USB Link 24/96, which presumably does an impeccable job at converting high quality USB audio (up to 24-bits and 96kHz) to S/PDIF via a single 75-ohm BNC cable. The unit works natively in both Windows and OS X, comes bundled with a Stereovox XV2 BNC / BNC S/PDIF cable (with RCA adapter) and gets all the juice it needs from your powered USB socket. Now, if only five unclaimed bills weren't so difficult to obtain...

Bel Canto's USB Link 24/96 converts USB audio to S/PDIF originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware

Not much has changed about the 17-inch Sooloos Control:One touchpanel you see above, but what is different about the newly announced Ensemble System is the lowered barrier to entry. Sure, the kit still demands a stuff $7,900, but that nets you the aforementioned screen and the combined storage / playback Ensemble server. In other words, this neat little package includes everything you need to digitize your CD collection and integrate it into your current home entertainment setup. The server itself includes an optical drive and USB port for importing tunes, 1TB of storage space and compatibility with other control systems including Crestron remotes and Apple's iPod touch / iPhone. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Sooloos intros $7,900 Ensemble music management system

Sooloos intros $7,900 Ensemble music management system originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDTVs may seem wafer thin already but don't expect the drive for even slimmer models to stop anytime soon.
The Zoran Corporation has just announced a pair of new HDTV processors that should help set manufacturers shave a tad more off their future sets.

In his interview with hdtv.biz-news Oliver Breidenbach, CEO and co-founder of Bonix Software, explained how he believed that BonixTV is a “game changer” providing tools to create “TV-style” quality recordings at an affordable price.
Jordi Duran has had the opportunity to play with the application and here you have his first insights.

There aren't too many firms out there posting awesome Q3 reports, but DTS is one of the rare exceptions. Recently, the firm reported a net income of $2 million on revenues of $14 million, though $1.6 million of those revenues were in the form of royalties. CEO Jon Kirchner was quoted as saying that "overall, we remain cautious about the near-term industry outlook, but we continue to believe in the attractive long-term prospects for the Blu-ray format and for our business." Guess that's assuming Blu-ray adoption picks up in Q4 and beyond, huh?

DTS posts profitable quarter, expects bright future thanks to Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boinx Software has launched a new tool for video podcasters that turns a Mac into a live video recording studio.
Called BoinxTV, it's an audiovisual mixing application that allows one person to edit high quality recordings live.

Filed under: Industry, Other hardware

NuVo Technologies and Exceptional Innovation have apparently found it within their hearts to team up in order to provide better integration between wares; after all, there's at least a decent chance that anyone with a remarkable home automation system is using kit from both of these firms. Starting now, NuVo Grand Concerto multi-room audio Control Pads now can also control Life|ware home automation scenes, meaning that Control Pads can now dictate Life|ware-connected lighting, shades, climate, security, etc. What's it take to bring the couple together? A $399 NuVoNet Adapter (NV-NNA) and Life|ware's Visual Project configuration tool, both of which are available now. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading NuVo Technologies beefs up integration with Life|ware

NuVo Technologies beefs up integration with Life|ware originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers

We can't say we've personally listened to each set of speakers recommended by Sound & Vision in its mammoth speaker buyer's guide, but the well traveled author makes a good case for believing in him. If you've been toying with the idea of picking up a new multi-channel and / or stereo setup, this is a fantastic way to get straight to the short list. You'll find the top seven speakers / systems in four major categories -- 5.1, compact, subwoofer and two-channel -- covering different price points to fit your budget. No spoilers here -- dig into the read link and have a listen, er, look.

Speaker buying guide points out the top seven in each class originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

In-wall drivers are nice, sure, but what if you're not really looking to butcher your wall just to get some sound up there? Enter SpeakerCraft's Sound Pillows, a rather brilliantly designed speaker that can be installed in standard drywall via a "dog frame" or into a junction box if desired. Rather than having to wire things permanently, the Pillows simply snap into the wall plate where it's secured with two push-in tabs. Obviously, this approach also keeps your options open for swapping speakers out or taking them with you when you relocate. Mum's the word on pricing, but you can probably get a good idea by contacting your local dealer.

SpeakerCraft introduces surface mount Sound Pillows originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Misc, Speakers

We've seen some pretty intense multi-channel audio rigs, but 380 speakers? At the SMPTE 2008 Tech Conference and Expo in Hollywood, IOSONO introduced its holographic audio solution for cinemas -- a fitting complement to the bevy of 3D films just around the bend. Reportedly, the system can be adjusted on a per-room basis and expanded between 200 and 500 drivers; the location of each speaker is "measured with a laser and used to calibrate the exhibition player software." The drivers are arranged in three rows, with the top and bottom being woofers and the middle consisting of tweeters. As you'd expect, the solution envelops the auditorium completely, and up to 32 unique sound objects can be placed within the 3D virtual sound space. There's no mention of how costly this will be to theaters (or exceptionally weather home theater owners), but we can only hope to hear it in more cinemas shortly.

IOSONO showcases 380-speaker holographic audio solution originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Speakers

Seriously, is there anything carbon nanotubes can't do? We've got shock absorbers, flexible displays, atypically small eating utensils and now, film-like speakers. For times when NXT flat drivers simply aren't thin enough, a team of Chinese researchers have reportedly found a way to create sound from a thin sheet of carbon nanotubes. The film, which could be stretched and placed on PMPs, HDTVs or even clothing, can generate sound when "zapped with a varying electric current." Great, the perfect recipe for a new wave of Milli Vanilli copycats. A video of the tech can be seen after the jump.

[Via Physorg]

Continue reading Carbon nanotubes could be used in film-like flat speakers

Carbon nanotubes could be used in film-like flat speakers originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Receivers, Speakers

Onkyo's HT-S9100THX has been around the block a time or two already, but for those who've yet to pick up the crowd-pleasing set, you're in luck. Said outfit has just released a revamped version of the kit which includes a 7.1-channel AV receiver "designed to conform to THX's demanding Integrated System Plus certification protocols." Additionally, the system now supports THX Loudness Plus technology and includes four HDMI 1.3a inputs for Deep Color compatibility. You'll also find a Faroudja DCDi video upscaling chip, Audyssey 2EQ / Dynamic EQ and support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. As for drivers, you'll get seven two-way speakers (one center, four surrounds, two fronts) along with a self-powered (290-watt) 12-inch subwoofer. The HTIB should be filtering out to shops now for $1,099 (MSRP).

[Via Marketnews]

Onkyo updates HT-S9100THX HTIB system originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers, Others

Paradigm has a long history of offering speakers that provide a big slice of audiophile-approved sound at reasonable prices. Its speakers aren't the cheapest and they can't be found at every big-box retailer, but chances are that if you seek out a Paradigm dealer, you'll be rewarded with some great-sounding gear at a fair price. Follow us past the break to see how much of the high-end Paradigm delivers with its latest entry-level offering, the Cinema Gaming speaker system.

Continue reading Paradigm Phantom Cinema Gaming speaker system review

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

The speaker-in-a-rock was hot stuff back in the day, but now, it's pretty played out. SpeakerCraft has applied its jungle influences to the OG outdoor speaker, which is modeled after an exterior landscape lighting fixture and can be hidden away in flower beds, under bushes or in between statues of Tiki Men. The unit itself includes a 3-inch full-range aluminum cone driver, but it seems as if you'll need to phone up your nearest SpeakerCraft dealer for pricing information. Full release after the break.

Continue reading SpeakerCraft introduces outdoor OG speakers for pool owners, lawn mowers

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Filed under: Industry, Displays, Others

Okay, so we're kidding. Sort of. Believe it or not, Audiovox actually was a very minor player in the LCD flat-panel industry, but no more. In an effort to counter "what is shaping up to be the worst economy in decades," CEO Patrick Lavelle decided to pull the plug on the LCD business and show 8% of his employees the way out for the final time. It's all good for the company though, because every worked-to-the-bone parent in America will be snapping up one of its Homebase Digital Message Centers.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Others

We're still retaining a slight bit of disbelief here, but the long teased BeoSound 5 controller could be awfully close to a formal release. Judging by scads of cryptic (and probably diluted) hints and just two images (one above, one after the break), we're led to believe that this here device will sit atop one's table and enable users to flip through multimedia and play back tunes through their Bang & Olufsen gear. The sell, obviously, is the design. Truth be told, this thing looks like something a few years ahead of its time at first glance, but considering just how ridiculous (that's a compliment, we'll have you know) the BeoCenter 2 looked over four years ago, we'd say this is just par for the course with B&O. Here's hoping some more concrete information flows forth shortly.

[Thanks, JK]

Continue reading Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 controller in the wild?

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

KRK Systems is introducing a new set of studio monitors that can only be taken seriously by hipsters, youngsters and folks infatuated with loud colors. Available exclusively at Guitar Center, the 6-inch Rokit5 G2CB features a high-gloss yellow cabinet along with the traditional yellow Kevlar cone, and otherwise boasts the same specifications as the Rokit G2 (save for some "enhanced voicing"). The Special Edition Rokit Studio Monitors can be had right now at GC locations for $299 per monitor.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers, Others

We sure hope you're an iPod owner if you're looking seriously at any one of Yamaha's latest mini audio systems, 'cause every last one of them packs an inbuilt dock front and center. Kicking things off is the MCS-1330, which features 60-watts of amplification, an integrated CD player, two speakers and a few other inputs for non-Appleites. The MCR-330 and MCR-230 only seem to differ in connection type, with both units packing 40 total watts of power and a USB socket. The CRX-430 finishes things off with 50-watts of RMS juice and a built-in CD player. The whole lot should ship by early December and will range in price from around $300 (CRX-430) to $1,233 (MCS-1330).

[Via TechDigest]

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VUDU has launched a new video format that rivals Blu-ray.
Called HDX, it delivers full 1080p at 24 fps to screens 40 inches and up via web distribution using VUDU’s TruFilm compression technology.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Let's say the state of your HDMI setup is a divided along video and audio sides, with your audio equipment lacking enough HDMI connections (if you have any at all). In its never-ending drive to cover every conceivable signal switching/splitting/converting/extending need, Gefen has a Digital Audio Decoder little black box just for you -- it lets you send in one HDMI audio+video signal, and spits out audio on HDMI and analog connections out back, along with a HDMI video passthrough. If the thought of trusting your audio decoding to Gefen is too much to bear, might we suggest you just try enjoying a movie or two before putting up all your audiophile-approved but HDMI-less gear up on eBay?

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Set-top boxes

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Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers

ZVOX is bringing a new Z-Base 550 model (ZVOX415 pictured) to its lineup of one-box home theater systems that fit oh-so-nicely right underneath your new flatscreen. The Z-Base 550 is meant to compliment 32-inch to 47-inch displays with its combination of a 60-Watt amplifier, 3x2-inch primaries, 5.25-inch subwoofer and PhaseCue virtual surround processing in one chassis so all you have to do is supply an audio signal and enjoy. Personally, we'll stick with old-fashioned discrete speakers littered throughout the room; but if your setup demands a more streamlined approach, you've got until November to save up $500 for a 30-day trial with the Z-Base 550.

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Filed under: Blu-ray

As more and more music releases head to Blu-ray, we've got one more coming to stores next month. Elton John's The Red Piano collection will hit stores on October 28th and will include a single Blu-ray Disc and two audio-only CDs. The discs will include 14 song performances from the Red Piano show and a documentary about the making of The Red Piano show. Fans can check it shortly for $29.99 (MSRP).

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers

For audiophiles, it's a perpetual challenge to find a portable speaker that carries even half the tunes of your assuredly expensive towers at home. Soundmatters has attempted to halt your looking, however, with the recently-unveiled foxL. This portable speaker, which is also available in an entirely-more-delectable Bluetooth flavor, was recently put to the test by Sound & Vision, and the reviewer came away more than impressed. Put simply, no system this small -- at least in the critic's mind -- ever came close to "sounding this good." In testing, he found that the frequency response of the foxL "looked like that of a well-engineered, $2,000-per-pair bookshelf speaker," and honestly, when the biggest complaint is that it can get too loud for the average hotel room, you pretty much know you've got a winner on your hands.

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Filed under: Speakers, Sony

Remember that HT-CT100 soundbar / subwoofer combo? Alright -- add in a pair of satellites, deduct the soundbar, and you've got yourself the HT-FS1. This new 2.1-channel system packs a total output of 200-watts and includes a built-in AM / FM tuner, HDMI repeater (three in / one out), three optical inputs and an analog audio port. Word on the street has a $299 price tag on this Autumn-bound set (in Europe, at least), though there's no telling if or when it'll head stateside.

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Filed under: Blu-ray

Universal Music Group's longtime support of the Blu-ray format finally gets some teeth November 24, when The Police: Certifiable, a live set recorded in Buenos Aires, hits the shelves. To draw attention to its 25 releases scheduled for the rest of this year (and 20 more due in January), Music Week says it and other format backers are sponsoring a Music on Blu-ray event September 25 in London to get the ball rolling. 109 minutes of Sting & friends celebrating their 30th anniversary? We're there, again.

[Image courtesy of Wikipedia]

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Much has been made of the role the high cost of Blu-ray Discs has played in hampering the high def format's uptake.
Yet if reports from Engadget are borne out, VUDU is shortly to offer HD downloads " equal in quality to Blu-ray movies"

Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Players, Others

Generally speaking, we've always found NuVo Technologies' products a tad too pricey for what they are, but who are we to think for everyone, right? All of its mainstream gear was in attendance, from the NV-M3 music server to the Essentia E6G to the all new Renovia. Give the whole fam a look in the gallery just below.

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Filed under: Cables, Ports, Others

Taking your HDMI signals a few hundred feet isn't a problem if you're kosher with dropped a few Benjamins on an extender, but AudioQuest has a better idea -- just make a cable that can take said signals further. The Series 10 HDMI cable is making its grand entrance at CEDIA this year, and thanks to some fancy Advanced Critical Twist Geometry and a proprietary conductor alloy, it can pipe 1080p content up to 35-meters (115-feet) from the source "virtually error-free." Pricing and availability weren't mentioned, but considering how much you'll save by not having to buy an extender, we'd expect these strands to be mighty pricey. Full release after the break.

Continue reading AudioQuest's Series 10 HDMI cable takes 1080p 115-feet with no extender

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Filed under: Industry, Misc, Other hardware, Others

Here she is: the queen of CEDIA 2008. The first construction material to ever wear the oh-so-coveted THX certification badge. We're not even close to kidding folks -- the Quiet Solutions (formerly known as Serious Materials, evidently) reps were totally gung ho about this $1,495 to $2,495 door, and we just couldn't walk by without giving you a look at what a THX-certified door, um, looks like. Notice the gorgeous brass handles, sturdy (and we mean sturdy) construction and the word "sucker" lightly printed on the rear. Just kidding, we know there's a time and place for this and all, but we couldn't help but chuckle. Oh, and don't run into this thing while perusing the gallery below --face-first into a 220-pound object is no fun.

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Filed under: Misc, Other hardware, Others

You've got to love the Brits, don't you? According to Cambridge Audio, this is a "digital to analogue converter," which we can't help but read aloud with a charming accent. At any rate, the same company who just announced its plans to enter the Blu-ray realm is also looking out for its primary crowd: the audiophiles. The October-bound DacMagic upsampling DAC is billed as a relatively affordable way to upgrade any PC, network music device, gaming console, etc. to "truly high-end sound quality." The £199.95 ($353) device boasts a variety of connections including S/PDIF, Toslink and USB along with "Adapted Time Filtering (ATF) upsampling technology developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland which converts 16-24 bit audio data to 24 bit/192kHz." For more technical goop, jump on past the break.

Continue reading Cambridge Audio intros DacMagic upsampling digital-to-analog converter

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Filed under: Misc, Other hardware

Just when you thought nothing else on this planet could ever earn THX certification, here comes Serious Materials to prove you wrong. The image you are inevitably peering at above is the world's first THX-certified soundproof door, the QuietHome. Boasting an STC rating of 51 in a 2.25-inch thick door, it's said to be the only door in the world to stand up to those mighty THX standards. Just for reference, it's noted that typical hollow-core doors have an STC rating of only 15 (and solid-core doors around 27), and we're told that this one will reduce noise between 65% and 85% compared to traditional alternatives. Of course, such a marvelous addition to your home won't run you cheap -- the QuietHome family ranges from $1,495 to $2,495 per door, so you better have dead silence really high on your list of priorities before pulling the trigger (on a silenced Walther PPK, of course).

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Filed under: Misc, Other hardware, Others

Need another option for streaming multiple jams to multiple places? Enter CasaTunes, which is debuting a pair of devices along with accompanying software today at CEDIA. The CasaTunes XLi sits neatly within just about any desktop PC, and when connected to a CasaTunes XLa or third-party amplifier (plus speakers, natch), users can stream five separate sources of music to up to six rooms. Yeah, as in it'll manage which tracks are being pumped to which rooms. The entirely more professional CasaTunes XLe (pictured) is a rack-mount version of the XLi that adds support for 12 rooms and can be scaled up to support four boxes (or 48 rooms). There's built-in support for playing back songs coated with Microsoft's DRM, though there's no mention of any others. As for pricing / availability, expect the XLi to ship in September for $999 while the XLe departs sometime in Q4 for $1,699. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading CasaTunes pipes multiple audio streams to multiple rooms

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

The speaker manufacturers are out in full force in the run-up to CEDIA, and Canton's making sure its voice coils are recognized, too. For starters, the company is introducing its Reference family of speakers consisting of four models (including the Reference 3.2 floorstander, going for $16,000 per pair). It's also looking to snag a sliver of the soundbar market with the CD 90 SB, which packs a trio of speakers and comes in black or silver for $650. Finally, the outfit will be demonstrating its upgraded Ergo and GLE lines, each benefiting from updated driver technology and finish options. Follow the links below to satisfy your curiosity about any of the aforementioned wares.

Read - Canton upgraded lines
Read - Canton Reference 3.2
Read - Canton CD 90 SB

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

PSB is noticeably proud of being based in Canada, but its patriotism is just slightly overshadowed by the pride put forth in the construction of its new Imagine line of loudspeakers. On course for a CEDIA debut, the Imagine crew consists of the Imagine T three-driver tower, Imagine B two-way bookshelf, Imagine C dual-woofer center channel and the Imagine S dual-two-way surround. The new family is available as we speak, though they aren't for the short-on-cash crowd; the C alone is $800, while the floodstander rings up at two large per pair. Full release (with all the juicy details) is just after the break.

Continue reading PSB pushes out Imagine loudspeakers, leaves nothing to the imagination

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Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Cary Audio Design's Cinema 11v video processor was shown off at last year's CEDIA, but it's finally getting its debut party at CEDIA 2008 next week. Don't think the unit hasn't been busy, though -- in the interim, it's been doing some kind of sci-fi time travel shenanigans and picked up a "2008 Product of the Year" award. Leaving aside the issue of general availability, we thought there were plenty of days left in the year. The Faroudja DCDi-powered unit promises to be the "highest-performing video scaler/switcher/processor available," which we think the folks at Silicon Optix might take issue with. The Cinema 11v certainly looks a treat (in a simple way), and sports six HDMI 1.3 inputs and a pair of outputs that can pump out a 120-Hz, 1080p signal sourced from composite, component, RGB or HDMI inputs.

[Via Widescreen Review]

Read - Cinema 11v wins award [PDF link]

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Players, Recorders, Others

There aren't too many audiophile firms that really take a whole-systems approach, but Naim has been at it for years. The firm is adding new models to its whole-home audio systems, but sadly for us, the pricing is pretty much the same -- too expensive. New to the NaimNet music server lineup are the NS01 ($6,800), NS02 ($7,900) and the NS03 ($9,575). For your dollars, you get one-touch CD ripping, an easy-to-use UI, database information from AMG, support for six simultaneous streams and storage of your precious bits on mirrored 400GB drives. Oh yeah, and the system will offer up non-DRM'ed music files on your plebian networked or USB-attached devices, too. Having spent some time with Naim equipment, we're not complaining about the functionality or build quality, but these prices make us consider Sonos, Slim Devices, Apple, or even sprinkling dedicated PCs throughout the house.

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Filed under: Receivers, Others

The Audioholics store has lifted the lid on the new Marantz SR4003 receiver. Right up front, you'll notice the design borrows from Marantz's Reference series of components, so now you can satisfy your champagne-like tastes without breaking your beer-like budget. Joe Six Pack won't feel robbed by the feature set either -- the SR4003 is a seven-channel, 80-Watt number with a triplet of HDMI 1.3a inputs and a single output. With some 16,000-microfarads in the amplifier section's capacitor banks, those are pretty generous 80-Watts, too. Of course, there's an array of video upconversion and autocalibration niceties for you, too. For Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, you'll have to use LPCM, but something had to be cut out to fit the budget. In all, the generous package of specs behind the nice-looking face and a $550 price sound like a good formula to us.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Others

As the run-up to CEDIA continues, the no-names are coming out in force. Avoca is looking to make a splash in the residential music control system sector with its VIP Music Edition. A stiff $3,990.00 (and up) will buy you a sleek VIP Music Player, a wireless VIP Music Companion (read: a remote) and the company's own Say it-Play it control interface, which enables you to simply speak what artist you'd like to hear and have it played back instantly. The integrated CD player can automatically rip and store lossless copies of your jams, and the on-screen interface enables you to sift through and find whatever you're looking for. The system is all set to snag some limelight in Denver, though prospective buyers can find it at dealers right now. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Avoca unveils VIP Music Edition residential music control system

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Others

Happy surprise -- there's no need to wait for next month's CEDIA show to get details on Yamaha's BD-S2900 Blu-ray player, since Audioholics released them from its own stockroom. The online store that goes alongside the site has them in stock and ready to ship next week. The pricing is a good example of "under-promise, over-deliver" joy as well -- the MSRP on the deck is $1,200, but you can get one on your doorstep for just a nickel under $1,000. That's still not cheap, especially for a Profile 1.1 unit, but we don't expect many potential buyers are seriously weighing the BD-S2900 against a Funai NB500 (or one if its variants), or even a PS3. If you want to get in on some gloating in the comments, break out that credit card and prepare a spot in your equipment rack!

Read - Audioholics announcement
Read - Yamaha BD-S2900 store page

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Filed under: Misc, Cables

Faults notwithstanding, powerline is still mighty scrumptious in theory. Evidently NuVo Technologies agrees, as it's cranking out what's possibly the planet's first whole-home audio system that relies on existing A/C wiring. The Renovia can deliver audio and metadata throughout the house by simply tapping into the power wires already within your walls, and in case you couldn't guess, it's using the HomePlug 1.0 specification in order to do so. The central hub has AM, FM and Sirius-ready tuners already on board, and owners can plug in a pair of iPod docks along with two analog sources to boot. In case that's still not enough to get your drool a-flowin', it'll also stream "virtually any digital content on the network via NuVo's Music Port module." There's no word just yet on an MSRP, but judging by NuVo's past, we'd assume that it'll be somewhere between grossly and obscenely overpriced.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers, Sony

Man, we didn't even know the Muteki moniker was still in existence. Nevertheless, Sony has just added a big, bad member to said congregation with the LBT-DJ2i XROSS FADE. This rather beastly music system packs 450 total watts of power, a CD player, AM / FM tuners, a line-in jack, a pair of 2-way shelf speakers, a dual 7-inch subwoofer enclosure and the ability to convert CDs / radio to MP3 files. And that's just the beginning. Aspiring DJs will also find a bundled cross-fader with monitor cue and a built-in two-channel mixer, and the iPod-lovin' interface ensures that you'll never have to touch your PMPs once they're mounted. There's also a USB recording function to save mix sessions to a USB device in ATRAC MP3 format. Too bad this setup will cost you half a grand when it ships next month. Check the full release after the cut.

Continue reading Sony expands Muteki family with DJ-style LBT-DJ2i XROSS FADE music system

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Filed under: Receivers

Besting its DTR-5.9 sibling, the new DTR-6.9 AV receiver from Integra has earned itself the THX Select2 Plus certification. In fact, it's the first Integra model to meet that spec, which among other things means that the DTR-6.9 packs THX Loudness Plus wizardry for those of us who value our hearing and don't listen at reference levels all the time. As you'd expect from the Onkyo roots, the feature set is solid: 7x100-Watts, four HDMI 1.3a inputs, Faroudja scaling, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA and Audyssey MultiEQ. And because it's an Integra, you also know that custom installers get some niceties as well: multizone audio that can tap into a pair of the 7-channel amplifier section, 12-volt triggers and remote control via ethernet, RS-232 and HDMI. All in all, a nice tidy package for $1,000.

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Filed under: Reviews, Blu-ray, Players, Speakers, Panasonic

Make no mistake about it, Panasonic's SC-BT100 is pretty intriguing for those looking to dive head first into the Blu-ray / surround sound game simultaneously. Boasting a 5.1 speaker system along with the DMP-BD50 standalone Blu-ray player, Panny's BD HTIB has a lot going for it on paper. Design wise, reviewers found lots to love, and they also admired the plethora of connection options and simplicity of use. Unsurprisingly, the picture quality was coined "phenomenal," but we wouldn't expect anything less from the BD50. The only real digs on the entire system are the steep price and the lackluster audio quality; highs were said to be "too harsh," and the overall quality was so far below par that it prevented critics at Pocket-lint from offering up a wholehearted recommendation. Maybe your ears will feel differently, though.

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Information is beginning to emerge about Sony's first device harnessing the new standard for wireless high-definition video connectivity – WHDI.
The DMX-WL1T will allow uncompressed 1080p HD video and audio signal to be transmitted to any Dmex compatible Sony Bravia HDTV.

Filed under: Speakers

We don't normally associate Boston Acoustics with high-fashion design, but its new Vista speakers definitely change that opinion. There will be six speakers in the range by the end of the year, so you should be able to put together a package with the desired amount of "surroundedness." To lead things off, the company will bring out the VS 336 floorstander ($1,700 each), VS 325C center channel ($900), VS 240 bookshelf ($400 each) and the VPS 210 subwoofer ($1,700). All these models have different-sized cones to fill in the bass end of their coverage, so let's hope the crossover and voicing act to create a strong family resemblance between speakers. A pair of additional models will be added to the lineup in November at the $700 price point -- the VS 224 L/C/R and VS 260 bookshelf. Okay, so we can tick off "good-looking" and "reasonable price" -- if these check out sonically, we think Boston has all the ingredients for a successful speaker family on its hands.

[Via AudioJunkies]

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Filed under: Other hardware, Ports, Switches, Others

It's nearly that time of year again folks -- the hunt for the playoffs begins, school gets back in session and Gefen goes absolutely berserk. It's already gearing up for this year's CEDIA Expo in Denver by revealing details about an 8x4 HDMI Matrix -- which "allows up to eight high-definition video sources to be accessed at any time from any one of four HDMI displays" -- and a self-explanatory 4x4 Component Audio over CAT5 Matrix. Furthermore, the outfit is introducing the 1:2 and 1:4 Component Audio over CAT-5 Distribution Amplifiers, which "enable audio / video systems using the component format to split and deliver two or four identical signals." Pricing remains up in the air, but all that should be cleared up here in just a few weeks.

Read - HDMI Matrixes, etc.
Read - Distribution amplifiers

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Filed under: Reviews, Receivers

For most folks, it's hard to think of any $5,500 receiver as a "value purchase," but as we've seen before, "value" can get pretty slippery at the high end. Audioholics has put up a very detailed review of Denon's flagship AVR-5308CI receiver, just to test the value of the unit. If you want need a reference-quality centerpiece to your HT setup, we'd be hard-pressed to disagree with the analysis. First, think of the unit as a top-of-the-line Denon AVP-A1HDCI preamp/processor and a seven-channel amplifier that share a power cord, all in one tidy (and massive) chassis. Now consider the $7,500 price tag on that AVP-A1HDCI -- that's $2,000 more than the receiver, and you still have to shell out for an amplifier (or seven). Of course, maybe after the first $5,500, you won't feel the additional $2,000. Somehow we don't think that's true -- check your bank balance and hit the link for the review, not necessarily in that order.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

Look out, Yamaha / Polk / Vizio / et al., you've got another rival heating up the surround bar game. Destined to hit CEDIA 2008, soundmatters' SLIMstage40 checks in at a luscious 3.3- x 3.4- x 39-inches in size and features 170-watts from eight internal amplifiers. The device houses four Linear Magnetic Drive main / satellite speakers and a trio of down-firing Extreme-Energy subs that are assisted by six mass radiators. Furthermore, you'll find three digital audio inputs (two optical, one coaxial), three analog inputs, a headphone jack, LED-backlit panel, an RS-232 port and an IR remote. Folks interesting in dabbling in faux-surround can snag one now for $899 to $1,199, depending on whether you spring for the bundle including the SUBstage100 subwoofer.

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Filed under: DIY, Other hardware, Speakers, Others

For home theater owners that love audio as much as (if not more than) video, unwanted noise is a real downer. Thankfully, the sound engineers at SoundSense completely agree, and now the company known for its acoustic dampening solutions is delivering a Noise Cancellation System that reportedly eliminates all that excess noise when you fire up your speakers and amplifiers. Put simply, the process simply utilizes a small microphone and speaker; the "noise-canceling speaker emits sound with opposite qualities of the noise source, thus eliminating distracting sounds." We've no idea how costly said solution will be, nor if it will be easy for novices to use, but don't hesitate to give SoundSense a call and see what it'll take to zap the interference lingering in your HT.

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Filed under: Speakers, Others

As much as we love soundbars for cramped spaces and areas where full-blown multi-channel setups just aren't feasible, we've noticed that any decent one usually costs a wad. Thankfully, the firm known for astounding consumers with low-priced flat-panels will reportedly be doling out a soundbar of its own this fall. According to CNET, Vizio will be releasing a faux-surround system with a wireless subwoofer for the low, low price of $299. There's no mention of the specs just yet, but even if it just sounds slightly above average, it'll probably be worth three bills. Keep an eye out for this one to land in September (possibly at CEDIA?).

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Filed under: Receivers, Speakers, Others

Check it, Onkyo fans -- your main outfit has just revealed two new AV receivers and a pair of HTIB systems, so we're going to get right down to it. Both the $1,099 TX-SR806 (pictured) and $899 TX-SR706 receivers are THX certified and include Faroudja DCDi video processing capabilities, Audyssey room acoustics correction and Dynamic EQ, and Onkyo's Music Optimizer. You'll also find at least four HDMI 1.3a ports and 1080p upscaling. Moving on, we've got the $899 HT-S7100 and $799 HT-S6100 HTIB systems, each of which include a receiver, seven-channel loudspeaker system, a powered subbie and an obligatory iPod dock. Check the read link for more details and ship dates.

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Filed under: Reviews, Other hardware, Speakers

Before you unload $2,995 on anything, you're likely going to want the opinion of someone who has had a chance to try things out beforehand, no? Working under that assumption, we present to you a review of Meridian's stratospherically priced F80. Proudly called "the most expensive tabletop music system in the history of the civilized world," this unit was seen as a "model for all tabletop systems," with the reviewer even begging everyone else to look at this before starting up design on yet another ho hum alternative. The critic also noted that this unit pulled off what he thought was impossible: "identifiable left- and right-channel sound from a system that measures only 16-inches wide." As expected, the F80 was indeed the "best" he had ever heard in this category, but the omission of an iPod dock was a sore spot. For those with more disposable income than they know what to do with, this one seems a surefire winner; for everyone else, it's not worth going into debt over.

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Filed under: Sports

After Neural-THX Surround got around 14.5 minutes in the limelight with its Super Bowl XLII showing earlier this year, the technology has remained far, far away from the press. Now, however, SPEED is vowing to integrate Neural-THX Surround professional products "for its HD programming schedule covering NASCAR, Grand Am, IndyCar, etc." For those unfamiliar with the technology, it goes a little something like this: 5.1 sound from the track is taken in, beamed over stereo channels to minimize bandwidth usage and then decoded by specially equipped receivers for "5.1 surround" in the living room. From what we can tell, the tech should be ready to roll right now, so it's up to you to snatch up an AVR in order to take advantage.

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Filed under: Misc, Other formats, Other hardware, Sony, Internet

Though we suspect this is totally normal judging by the fact that not all HD flicks available via Apple TV have 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound, it is a wee bit disappointing. One particular tipster wrote in to express his frustration with Sony's recently launched PlayStation Video Store, noting that his HD movie rental featured only stereo sound. When contacting Sony on the matter, a Store specialist informed him that no refunds were allowed and there was no way to determine how audio was packaged prior to downloading. So yeah, if multi-channel audio is paramount, you may want to think twice about emptying your wallet in the PS Store.

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Filed under: Reviews, Speakers, Others

During our trip to CEDIA last year, we were pretty astounded by just how well a soundbar could sound when placed in the right environment. Definitive Technology's pricey Mythos SSA-50 won't save you much (dollar wise) compared to a mid-range surround system, but it's probably the form factor that has you captivated. Sound & Vision were able to take this bugger in for a listen, and during testing, reviewers noted that they actually forgot to pay attention to it and simply enjoyed the experience. To us, that's a pretty positive remark. Furthermore, critics noted that it "could replace a lot" of 5.1 systems, and given the ease of installation, it ended up looking mighty attractive. Hit the read link for the full review, but only if you don't mind being talked into a purchase.

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China is now a step away from adopting the Blu-ray Disc format, which, when it happens could be the spark that leads to the global rise of Blu-ray.
First, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has announced that DigiRise Audio (DRA), a locally-developed Chinese audio codec, has passed an important technical evaluation, and is now on its way to being adopted into the format.
Then it was announced that CESI Technology Co. Ltd, a contributor member of the BDA, has been designated as the first official Blu-ray Disc Test Centre in China.

Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray

For those burned by either DVD-Audio, SACD or HD DVD (or, heaven forbid, any combination of the three), you're probably taking a rather defensive approach to Blu-ray audio. Now that said format is the sole king of high-definition media (in the physical realm, anyway), it's just a matter of time before firms start pushing out full-fledged audio discs while trumpeting the incredulous sound quality. After all, with 50GB of space, you can fit an awful lot of high-resolution audio on there. We've already seen the first BD record released and we already know that Neil Young's entire archive will soon be loosed on the format, but are the puzzle pieces aligned for Blu-ray audio to take off? From our standpoint, we're still hesitant to say yes. With CD players still dominating dashboards and BD drives still a long ways from being commonplace in computers, BD audio is apt to remain a niche good for years to come. Even still, do you think it has what it takes to overcome?

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Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers, Others

A couple of months back, we asked about options for hooking up rear surround speakers without running wires. For those still on the hunt (and located in the UK), here are two more options. Crystal Audio's TR-100 frees a pair of speakers from wires by providing two transmitters and two receivers, each which pack 100-watts of power. The more affordable TR-60 powers a pair of speakers from one receiver, giving each driver a touch less power. We're told that the units can handle uncompressed wireless transmission of audio and that delay latency is "inaudible to the human ear," but unless you can find these in a local shop to demo, you'll be shelling out £399 ($791) / £249 ($493) in order to see hear for yourself.

[Via Telegraph]

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Filed under: Speakers

It looks like Niro is trying out new design ideas from its "1.1" soundbar+sub products, as evidenced by the its new Speherical Surround system. There are three speaker cabinets, covering the large-medium-small spectrum: a subwoofer module (200-mm driver with 50-Watts), a bass module (three 90-mm drivers, each with 30-Watts of amplification) and a so-called "top speaker" (two 60-mm drivers, each powered by 30-Watts). Thankfully, the pictures give us some idea of how this is all supposed to get set up: the subwoofer goes off to the side of the display and the other two boxes are aligned with the display -- bass module below and "top speaker" above. If faced with the prospect of this "2.1" system, we'd personally opt to cram one additional speaker cabinet into the room and go with a 3.1 L/C/R/sub setup (and use a more conventional 2-channel virtual surround scheme), but that's just us. If this Niro setup gets your fires stoked, you'll be able to handle Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS and AAC formats with the processing module for only €600.

[Via Cybertheater]

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Onkyo, the A/V manufacturer that backed the high def DVD format and sold around 2,000 players, is to launch its first BD player later this year.
The company had flagged up its intention to let bygones be bygones and join the other “side” shortly after Toshiba announced that it would concede the format war last February.
It discontinued production of its HD DVD players, while assuring existing customers they would continue to receive full product support and service.
A company statement also said it’s R&D team had “maintained a parallel development programme for the competing Blu-ray technology”.

Filed under: Speakers, Others

Yamaha cranked out its pricey YSP-600 sound bar just a few months back, but the company's already looking to put the past behind and move forward with the YSP-3050. The latest in the outfit's long-standing line of Digital Sound Projectors offers up 21 beam drivers, two woofers, 23 corresponding digital amplifiers, three Cinema DSP programs (movie, music and sports), analog-to-HDMI video upconversion, HD upscaling to 1080i / 720p and a 1080p (24Hz and 60Hz) compatible HDMI interface with two inputs and one output. Aside from engulfing you in audio with just a single bar, the unit is also XM Radio / iPod-ready (via the $99.95 YDS-11), and the integrated FM tuner and bundled remote make it even easier to see in your den. You'll also find the firm's propriety automated system calibration (IntelliBeam) along with TV Equal Volume to keep those sudden bursts at bay when it comes time for commercials. 'Tis a shame this piece costs $1,399.95, but if you're tight on space, it just might be worth it. Full release after the break.

Continue reading Yamaha intros YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector

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Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others

Hope you like the shiny, because Tranquil PC is bringing lots and lots of it with its latest home music server. The AVA RS3 comes in two flavors, one of which packs 2 x 500GB drives while the other includes a pair of 1TB HDDs. The unit also boasts a fanless design to keep things quiet, and just in case your music library isn't all converted to .wav files just yet, it possesses an internal optical drive to handle direct-to-HDD ripping. Expect these to ship out in around a fortnight for £549 ($1,092) / £699 ($1,390).

[Thanks, WHSuser]

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Filed under: Speakers, Pioneer

Pioneer's not just focusing on the video side of things, oh no, it's also throwing a bone to the audio lovers in attendance. Designed to complement the EX series of drivers, the S-4EX bookshelf and S-8EX center channel were each constructed with the same heralded technology as used in last year's S-3EX tall boy speakers. When coupled with said boys, you've got yourself a complete multi-channel system consisting of EX drivers from top to bottom. Specs wise, each speaker can handle 160-watts of unadulterated power, and furthermore, you'll find a 3cm Ceramic Graphite tweeter dome, 16cm bass driver (2x in the center channel), ultra rigid cabinet construction and beech high gloss veneer or dark teak matte finishes. As usual, mum's the word on pricing / availability.

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Filed under: Speakers, Pioneer

We've seen a few HTIB systems trickle out from the Pioneer labs of late, but never four at once. Today, the firm has made official a foursome of home cinema systems slated to hit Europe in the fall, so we'll cut right to the chase. The LX03 is the lone system with a DVD / SACD player and USB port, while the others thoughtfully include Blu-ray decks. The LX03BD (satellite speakers included) and LX08BD (no satellites included) feature 500-watts of power, HDMI 1.3 sockets (2 in / 1 out), KURO LINK, an iPod connection and a 7-band equalizer. The LX01BD includes omni-direction speakers, 400-watts of power and pretty much everything else found on the LX08BD. For complete specifications, be sure to give the read link a visit; as for availability, you'll find the LX03, LX03BD and LX08BD systems in October while the LX01BD arrives in November.

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The idea that one movie could transform a technology from niche to mainstream may seem extreme.
Yet that is what Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios home entertainment, is suggesting will be the effect of the yet-to-be released new thriller starring Angelina Jolie.
The studio executive believes the film’s highly visual nature could be the trigger to mass sales of Blu-ray devices.
James McAvoy plays an average guy who’s recruited by Jolie to become a contract assassin.
Kornblau said he thought Wanted, which is released in US cinemas on Friday, could do for HD disks what The Matrix did for the standard-def DVD.

Filed under: Misc, Other formats, Speakers

Just weeks after Corel held a trophy high proclaiming that its WinDVD 8 had landed DTS-HD Master Audio certification, CyberLink is finally able to do the same. Except with its own breed of playback software, PowerDVD. For audiophiles the world over, you can now stop pacing in wonder of when said application will finally have this honor bestowed upon it, as that 7.1-channel goodness you've come to expect from DTS-HD MA can now be fully enjoyed on PowerDVD. Break out the Champagne? No? Okay.

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Filed under: Cables

Okay, it's not "self-healing" or anything like that, but Honeywell has added subwoofer interconnects to its Crystal Series of HT cabling products. Subwoofer cables are pretty standard fare, but we've got to give credit to Honeywell for not over-inflating the marketing hype. With the low bandwidth requirements and run lengths that tend to be on the long side (and often next to power cords), shielding is probably the most important design consideration for subwoofer interconnects; and true to form, that's exactly what the press blurb emphasizes. The 100-percent foil shield combined with a 95-percent tinned copper braid should do a good job of keeping the hum out. The cables come complete with the requisite 24-karat gold plated RCA terminations in 5- and 10-meter lengths. No info on pricing -- hopefully the lack of marketing hype around the product nets some savings at the register.

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Media PCs, Other hardware, Ports, Speakers, Others

Earlier this month, ASUS introduced the "world's first HDMI 1.3a compliant audio / video enhancement combo card." Who knew numero dos was so close behind? Auzentech has just announced its very own HDMI 1.3-native PCIe audio combo card, which is built around Creative's X-Fi processor and enables PC users to easily output 7.1-channel audio with no downsampling. Essentially, the Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 "accepts video from either an internal or external connection, mixes it with digital audio, and outputs the combined video and lossless multichannel audio via a single HDMI 1.3 port." Yep, that means Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs are fully supported. The only digs? For one, pricing remains a mystery, but the real kicker is the September release -- talk about a long wait.

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Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers

If a few more companies get into these speaker-lamp combo designs, it just might define a whole new product category. Yamaha's YST001 speakers, however, offer up a couple of features that make them better suited for HT use. First and foremost, the cabinet design and front-facing drivers on these are a natural fit for the HT arena. Second, the lighting is rearward-facing, so using a pair of these speakers for front channels will bring an adjustable backlight to your display -- good news for those who want to produce better perceived contrast. From our mangled Japanese translation, the YST001 seems to be a combination of Yamaha's NS-M125 bookshelf speakers and a speaker stand with integrated lighting from Koizumi. Nice idea -- and the design seems to have avoided the gimmick of dynamic, colored backlights -- but ideally we'd like to see the speakers positioned closer to ear level. Read on for a couple of gallery shots.

[Via CyberTheater]

Continue reading Yamaha's YST001 shimmies into the speaker-lamp niche

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Filed under: Industry, Displays, Speakers

Turns out that not everybody is lawyer-angry with Vizio right now. The company has entered a partership with SRS Labs that will give it access to SRS's portfolio of audio technologies. Fruits of the partnership will start showing up in Q2 of 2008, when Vizio starts making SRS TruSurround XT available in three models: a 42- and 46-inch LCD, and a 50-inch plasma. Not exactly new, TruSurround XT is all about virtual surround sound; that audio we sometimes find phasey and unnatural to the point where it decreases our involvement with the content. But Vizio and SRS have data to back up their strategy: a Consumer Electronics Association poll showed that 76-percent of all flat panels are used without any external audio. We're used to being a minority opinion, but we don't understand the widespread fear over multiple discrete speakers in the room, especially with the rash of stylish HTIB systems now available. If you're in that 76-percent crowd, we suppose virtual surround is better than mono; but you're missing out.

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Filed under: Speakers

Look at this -- another 2-channel stalwart company that has made the transition to the living room-as-theater world. Klipsch has introduced its Icon W speaker lineup, a traditionally designed (and we think, quite handsome) series that fills in the approximately $2,500 price point for a 5-channel (sans sub) setup. Klipsch has always been associated with horn-loaded drivers, and the tradition continues with the 1-inch Tractrix Horn tweeter deployed across the lineup. And here's something we like -- a naming convention that makes sense. The floorstanding WF-34 and WF-35 (pictured) floorstanders add in three of the 4.5-inch and 5.25-inch woofers, respectively. The WC-24 center channel and WS-24 surrounds use two of the 4.5-inch woofers; we'll let you guess the driver compliment on the WB-14 bookshelf model. Look for these at your local Magnolia store, with "per pair" prices from $499 on the WC-24 center to $1,499 on the WF-35.

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Filed under: Speakers

Corner placement of your speakers can bring some serious challenges, which makes the design of JBL's new Control NOW speakers all the more interesting. The quarter-torus shape is designed to fit right into the nook between two perpendicular walls -- perfect for those rear surround channels. The speakers feature JBL's Bi-Radial 0.75-inch horn tweeter flanked by two 4-inch drivers, and deliver a respectable 80Hz - 30kHz response. What could be better than a pair of these speakers? Multiple units that can are merged into half, three-quarter or even full rounds, that's what! Available, um, now at $249 each, with a ready-for-outdoors NOW AW model arriving next month for $30 more.

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Filed under: Receivers, Others

It seems like just yesterday that we were looking longingly at the DTR-5.8, and lo and behold, Integra has already dished out the DTR-5.9 to take its place. Apparently the unit is being aimed squarely at custom installers, but who's to say you can't snatch one up and do a little "installing" yourself? The mid-range unit packs the same HDMI 1.3a repeaters and high resolution audio processing as the DTR-5.8, but there's two more HDMI inputs, 1080i upscaling over HDMI and Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ loudness compensation technology added in on this bugger. If you're curious about power, you'll find seven-channels piping out 90-watts per into 8-ohms or 110-watts per into 6-ohms. Check it out right now for around $800.

[Via eCoustics]

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Filed under: Speakers

If the THX badge on Klipsch's announced in-ceiling speakers moved them out of your price range, the new SweetSpot lineup from Earthquake Sound might be a better fit. Based on the company's name alone, you might think it only produced subwoofers; not so, dear reader. The SS-82W and SS-62W in-ceiling models boast 8- and 6-inch drivers, respectively, and promise to keep the sound focused rather than spraying it everywhere like some other in-ceiling solutions. We'll give credit for this to the angled baffle and swiveling 1-inch tweeter and leave aside the fact that a tightly focused delivery might negatively impact surround channel performance. There are also tonal adjustments for the mid-bass and treble to help dial in performance. Claimed response covers 30Hz - 30kHz, and the SS-82W is available for $399 per speaker (no pricing info yet on the SS-62W).

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Filed under: Receivers

Because it covers just about every price point in its receiver lineup and doesn't want to leave anybody feeling slighted, Denon is bringing updates to 10 models in the heart of its offerings. The company is emphasizing bang-for-your-buck in the AVR-589 ($299), AVR-689 ($399), AVR-789 ($599), AVR-889 ($749), AVR-989 ($1199), AVR-1909 ($649), AVR-2309CI ($849) and AVR-2809CI ($1199). It's a good-looking refresh: on the video side, the emphasis on more HDMI 1.3a inputs and 1080p video upscaling. On the audio side, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding, Audyssey room tuning (MultiEQ) and volume regulation (Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume) get sprinkled through the lineup liberally. All this goodness should be finding its way to your dealer soon; expected availability is July. If you're in the market for a new receiver, hit the link for the details and decide if you want to wait on these new models or score a deal on the outgoing ones.

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Filed under: Speakers, Sony

If Sony's diminutive new HT-IS100 HTIB is still too large for your hole in the wall, the HT-CT100 is probably your last hope at "surround sound." The sound bar itself is designed to be mounted beneath one's flat-panel and packs a trio of drivers which receive 50-watts each. As for the subbie, it gets a respectable 100-watts of its own. The system handles Dolby Digital / Dolby Pro Logic II / DTS signals and comes with three HDMI / optical digital audio jacks, a coaxial digital audio port, analog audio connectors and a remote to boot. Not a clue if this one's coming to America (though we have all ideas it will in time), but those in Tokyo can snag one in mid-July for ¥50,000 ($491).

[Via Impress]

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Filed under: Speakers, Sony

It's a common issue: you're looking to get a bona fide surround sound system, but you've no room for any monstrous towers or bulky bookshelf surrounds. Enter Sony's latest HTIB, the HT-IS100. Featuring a 200-watt subwoofer complemented by five "golf ball-sized" satellites that get 45-watts apiece, the system supports Dolby Digital / Dolby Pro Logic II / DTS and comes with a handy remote. As for the port selection, you'll find a trio of HDMI and optical digital audio jacks, coaxial digital audio, composite (x2) and stereo outs as well. Unfortunately, there's no telling when the set will be coming Stateside (though launches in North America and Europe are promised), but those in Japan can look for it on June 25th for ¥90,000 ($883).

[Via AP]

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Samsung has unveiled the first ultra HD 82-inch LCD panel at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2008 International Symposium in the US.
The company rolled out the monster with an ultra definition (UD) resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate - double the pixel count of Full HD, which stands at 1920 x 1080 pixels.

Video is refreshed at 120Hz – currently the highest refresh rate on LCD TVs – which makes fast-moving video less blurry.
Kim Sang-soo, executive vice president of Samsung’s LCD Technology Center, said: “I personally hope the next-generation ultra-high definition level in the LCD panel market will open soon, with increasing consumer demand for clear viewing in households and public spaces, he said.
Samsung also exhibited an 82-inch LCD e-Board using Ultra-HD technology.

Filed under: Speakers

[Via AudioJunkies]

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