Onkyo Announces Its First Multichannel Audio Separates
August 31, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics, Home Theater
Onkyo plans September shipments of a trio of Onkyo-brand THX-certified audio components that include the brand’s first multichannel preamp-processor, first multichannel component amplifier and a next-generation THX-certified Blu-ray player.
The nine-channel amp and 9.2-channel pre-pro are the brand’s first multichannel component-audio separates, a spokesman said. The brand has offered stereo separates before.
The pre-pro and amp were at CES this year, are the THX Ultra2 Plus-certified PR-SC5508 A/V preamp/processor at a suggested $2,199 and the Ultra 2 Plus-certified A-MC5500 none-channel amp at $1,699. The new THX-certified BD-SP808 Blu-ray player at suggested $599 will replace a THX-certified model already available.
The 3D-ready preamp/processor features 3D-capable HDMI 1.4a inputs and outputs, HQV Reon-VX video processing, 1080p up-scaling, ISF Video Calibration, DLNA 1.5-certified networking, Windows 7 compatibility, and Internet radio capabilities that include VTuner-aggregated stations as well as streaming of Pandora, Rhapsody, Mediafly, Slacker, Napster and Sirius Internet Radio. The component also features Audyssey’s new MultEQ XT 32 room-correction technology and Audyssey’s Dynamic Surround Expansion (DSX) post-processing technology, which adds front-height speakers and a pair of image-widening left-right speakers to traditional 5.1-speaker setups.
Other features include eight HDMI inputs, dual USBs, two balanced line-level XLR audio inputs, and nine XLR preamp outputs to drive the matching PA-MC5500 nine-channel power amplifier.
The nine-channel PA-MC5500 amp is 8-ohm rated at 150 watts per channel and up to 400 watts dynamic power into 3 ohms. It features Onkyo’s Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) design philosophy.
The Onkyo BD-SP808 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player has DLNA 1.5-certified networking, access to video-on-demand services, Marvel Qdeo video scaler, and Profile 2.0 BD-Live features such as picture-in-picture and web-sourced firmware updates. An SD card slot allows playback of downloaded web content or stills and video from a digital camera. HDMI Source Direct mode enables the player to output video in native resolution for optional external processing. It’s does not support 3D discs.
LG’s Product Showcase for IFA 2010
August 29, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Audio, Home Electronics, Home Theater, Projectors, Televisions
At IFA this year, LG is out to show participants how it’s staying ahead of the 3D curve.
Showcasing a range that includes everything from the very latest in Nano Full LED and Plasma TVs, to Home Theater Systems and Blu-ray Disc Players, to the only complete selection of 3D projectors, LG is embracing the 3D revolution.
LED and Plasma 3D TVs
The top of the range is LG’s new LEX8, the world’s slimmest (0.88cm) and narrowest bezel (1.25cm) Full LED TV. In a world first for the TV industry, the LEX8 adds NANO Lighting Technology to LG’s FULL LED backlighting to produce pictures that are brighter, clearer and smoother than ever before.
Also on show are the new LEX9, which boasts the biggest LED LCD screen yet at 72 inches, and the LX9500, the world’s first Full LED 3D TV, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.
The LEX8, LEX9 and LX9500 also come with TruMotion 400Hz, which provides an ultra-fast screen refresh rate for better viewiong of 3D images.
LG PX950N
Next to the 180-inch Plasma 3D TV prototype, LG is also displaying the PX950N, its first Plasma 3D TV and the first TV in the world to receive 3D THX Certification. The 600Hz Max Sub-field Driving ensures smooth viewing of even the fastest action sequences.
The Plasma set’s self-illuminating pixels enable a wider viewing angle, meaning viewers can see complete, smooth 3D images wherever they choose to sit or even lie down in the living room. In addition, the PX950N supports the Multi Picture Format (MPF) function, enabling users to connect their 3D cameras to the TV and view their 3D pictures directly on the big screen.
The PX950N also provides connectivity through NetCast, DLNA certification and a wireless AV link.
3D Blu-ray Home Theater Systems
LG HX995TZ
Delivering top sound quality, LG’s HX995TZ and HLX55W offer a perfect platform for 3D movies and immersive, cinematic sound, along with the connectivity options of NetCast and DLNA.
Leading the way is the HX995TZ, a top-of-the-range Blu-ray Home Theater System whose exquisite wall-mountable design blends right in with practically any environment. With 1,100 watts of output, the HX995TZ delivers a truly room-filling sound. For consumers looking for the 3D Home Theater experience on a slightly smaller scale, LG also offers the HX995DF, with 2.1 Ch and 560 watts of output.
On the Compact side is LG’s HLX55W 3D Blu-ray sound bar. Comprising of a single black bar with a vertical Blu-ray Disc Player in its center, the HLX55W delivers 3D Blu-ray playback accompanied by 430-watt audio output and 4.1 Ch full surround sound. Rounding out the home theater systems is the new HX900, LG’s first Real 3D Sound Home Theater System, which embraces a completely new concept in home audio to produce a sound as deep and life-like as any 3D image.
3D Blu-ray Disc Players
LG BX580
LG has also updates its Blu-ray player line with three 3D-friendly models, the HR550, the BD590 and the BX580.
Along with Blu-ray Disc playback that is equally outstanding in 2D or 3D, the HR550 comes with built-in DVB-T/C/S tuners that eliminate the need for a digital set-top box. The tuners also make it possible for viewers to record a show or movie on one channel – including in 3D – while simultaneously watching a Blu-ray disc. For people who don’t need so much storage space, the BD590 offers all the same superb functions as the HR550, with the sole exception of built-in HDD.
The BX580 lets users enjoy a variety of 3D content in the Blu-ray format, while retaining outstanding 2D playback as well. In common with the HR550, the BX580 is also equipped with the superb connectivity options of NetCast and DLNA.
3D Projectors
Increasing the 3D options still further, LG’s two 3D projectors – the only selection to offer both Dynamic and CINEMA 3D.
The world’s first one-body, dual-engine CINEMA 3D projector transmitting full HD pictures, the CF3D can project an exceptional 2D or 3D picture with a diagonal span that stretches up to 200 inches. With TruMotion 100Hz practically eliminating image blur and 3D Auto Picture Calibration creating optimal brightness and color, the CF3D delivers a crisp, stunning blur-free picture. The CF3D also comes with six free pairs of glasses, meaning users can comfortably watch its wall-covering 3D projection in the company of family and friends.
Next is the BX327, a Dynamic 3D-type (DLP Link 3D Technology) 3D Projector with a diagonal span of up to 150 inches. Delivering brightness of 3,200 ANSI-lumens and the superb colors and contrast of 0.55” DMD, the BX327 also produces a sharp 2D or 3D picture with crisp, perfectly aligned edges. Also, among projectors using DLP Link 3D Technology, the BX327 is the only one with HDMI, meaning users can enjoy 3D images without 3D compatible graphic cards.
Hints of Samsung Line-Up for IFA 2010
August 29, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Audio, Home Electronics, Home Theater, Projectors, Televisions
Samsung will be showing its latest line-up of 3D products including their 65” Full HD 3D LED TV, the 8000 Series, featuring the company’s most recent wave of widgets, DLNA support and Samsung AllShare, or the SP-A8000 a 3D capable video projector.
Samsung will also display a wide range of other 3D goodies including the HT-C9950W, an elegant Stainless steel 3D 7.1 Ch Home Theater as well as the BD-C8900, a 3D BD Player/Recorder with 500GB of internal HDD. Both models comes with Wi-Fi in order to access to VOD and other online services.
Western Digital’s New Livewire Powerline AV kit
August 24, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Home Electronics, Home Theater, Networking
Western Digital has introduced the Livewire Powerline AV kit, a HomePlug AV-compatible networking system that sends data throughout a home via electrical outlets. The system provides a way for users to configure a high speed network without running wires or relying on Wi-Fi signals.
The company claims its Livewire kit is capable of supporting connection speeds of up to 200 megabits per second in ideal conditions. The bandwidth can be used to share a broadband Internet connection between multiple computers, while also transmitting 1080p video to a television.
The kit ships with two Livewire adapters, each fitted with four Ethernet ports that can be connected to Internet-compatible TVs, storage systems, computers, or other devices. Data is automatically protected using 128-bit encryption, without requiring users to remember a password.
WD’s Livewire Powerline AV kit is now available with an MSRP of $140
Portable Blu-ray Player Leads New 3D Products from Samsung
August 12, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics, Home Theater, Televisions
We thought what Samsung showed off at CES when it came to 3D products would last the whole year. We were wrong! Samsung recently showed off its next round of 3D capable hardware in New York City. The good news is that you can even get many of these items today.
Leading the list of new 3D toys from Samsung is the BD-C8000, which they claim is the first portable Blu-ray player with 3D capability. It has a 10.3-inch screen, that is 2D only; WiFi, 1GB of memory; HDMI 1.4; a 3 hour battery and all of Samsung’s DLNA and widget technology in its netbook style case. The BD-C8000 has a suggested retail price of $499 and is available now.
Samsung’s officially launching the 50-inch PN50C490 we saw last month that does 3D on a flat panel display in 720p for less than $1,000.
Other introductions include three additional stand-alone Blu-ray players and three new Blu-ray home-theater systems.
The BD-C7900 features two HDMI outputs for connection to multiple HD sources and to experience a full 1080p picture and digital surround sound.
Samsung noted the two HDMI outputs also allow for support of legacy receivers, so there is no need to upgrade to a new HDMI 1.4 receiver; the user can simply connect his receiver to the HDMI 1.3 output for surround-sound audio. There is also built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity to Samsung Apps and the company’s proprietary AllShare, which allows people to wirelessly sync digital devices so that they can enjoy music, movies and photos directly from their Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-certified PC, camera and mobile devices to their Samsung TV screen.
Suggested retail is $399; it’s available now.
The BD-C6800 Blu-ray player also includes built-in Wi-Fi and AllShare as well as the ability to playback media files from DLNA-certified devices. Suggested retail is $279; it’s also available now.
The third Blu-ray player in the line-up is the BD-C5900, which has a $229 suggested retail and is available now. Samsung said all three decks deliver “a premium experience with both 2D and 3D content and allow consumers to future-proof their living rooms when they are ready to purchase a 3D HDTV.”
Among Samsung’s Blu-ray home-theater introductions is the HT-C9950W, priced at $1,799 and set for October delivery. With a modern metallic finish, the unit is described as a “perfect complement” to Samsung’s 9000-series LED TV.
The 7.1-channel 3D surround-sound system consists of four floorstanding speakers, two satellite speakers, one center channel unit, an anti-vibration subwoofer, iPod/iPhone dock, two HDMI inputs, and a dongle for wireless Internet connectivity to access new content via Samsung Apps, or use Samsung’s AllShare technology.
The HT-C6900W and HT-C6600 Blu-ray home-theater introductions are designed as home-theater packages “for small spaces,” the company said.
The HT-C6600, priced at $599, features a Blu-ray player with built-in 3D, support for HDMI 1.4, access to Samsung Apps and a Wi-Fi dongle for wireless connectivity.
The Samsung HT-C6900W ($699) offers all the features of the HT-C6600, plus wireless rear speakers, built-in Wi-Fi, and a two-way center-channel speaker for enhanced sound quality, the company said.
Panasonic Adds to 3D Blu-ray Player Line-up
July 27, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Home Electronics, Home Theater
Panasonic announced today the expansion of its line of Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players to include the DMP-BDT100. The DMP-BDT100 will be available in August and pricing will be announced at a later date. The BDT100 continues the commitment to excellence established by the BDT350 which made its US debut at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, where it received the esteemed Innovations Award for 3D technology.
“From the beginning, Panasonic has led the way into the 3D era with end-to-end solutions ranging from our critically-acclaimed Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma TVs and 3D Blu-ray Disc Players, to professional 3D camcorders and our work with Hollywood studios on the authoring of Full HD Blu-ray 3D video content,” said Richard Simone, Vice President, Panasonic Networking Group. “The addition of the BDT100 3D Blu-ray Disc Player to our line-up marks one of many planned expansions of our 3D offerings designed to give consumers more options and greater access to the immersive world of 3D entertainment for the home.”
The BDT100 outputs full HD 3D imagery to compatible HD displays. The player also handles a wide variety of audio standards, and upconverts all standard definition video formats to 1080p, the highest-possible video resolution. In addition to producing superb picture and audio quality, the DMP-BDT100, like the BDT350, also features Viera Cast, Panasonic’s proprietary internet functionality, which brings a variety of streaming services including NETFLIX, Amazon VOD, Pandora, Twitter and YouTube Videos into the living room. Wireless LAN capability eliminates the need to connect a LAN cable, so the DMP-BDT100 can be used without having to worry about the length of the cable.
Users can also watch 2D images (JPEG) and movies (AVCHD/MPEG2) from digital cameras and camcorders via the integrated SD card and USB slot, as well as 3D Content shot by a Panasonic HDC-SDT750 Camcorder. Ease of use remains a major consumer concern and the BDT100 addresses the issue of boot up time by reducing the time to 0.5-second.
For more information on Panasonic’s Full HD 3D technology, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.
More DLNA Certified Blu-ray Players Now Available
July 27, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Home Electronics, Home Theater
The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) today announced that the number of DLNA Certified Blu-ray players has nearly doubled in 2010, bringing the total to 105. DLNA member companies, including: JVC, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung and Sony have all received certification for their Blu-ray players, continuing their commitment to help consumers easily manage, share and enjoy their digital content throughout their lives.
The Digital Entertainment Group (DEG), an industry-funded, non-profit corporation that compiles quarterly sales data on home entertainment, has been tracking the increasing popularity of Blu-ray players in the home. According to DEG, overall household penetration of Blu-ray compatible devices has now reached more than 18 million homes in the U.S. A recent Digitimes Research study found that global sales volume of Blu-ray players will increase to 40 million units in 2011 and further to 52 million units in 2012.
“DLNA Certified Blu-ray players are helping to bring new forms of entertainment to the home screen,” said Donna Moore, executive director of DLNA. “As the role of the TV in the digital home evolves, consumers’ expectations are changing along with it. Fifty-one Blu-ray players have become DLNA Certified since the beginning of the year, offering a level of interoperability and ability to share photos, movies and music between devices.”
Devices such as Blu-ray players are helping to redefine the digital living room. They are no longer just devices for viewing optical media, but are becoming broadband media devices that are integrated with a number of video-on-demand services.
DLNA Certified Blu-ray players adhere to DLNA Interoperability Guidelines and have met rigorous interoperability tests. They join the more than 7,500 DLNA Certified products in an extensive range of device categories including: personal computers, mobile devices, televisions, digital cameras, network attached storage devices and printers. For more information about DLNA, see www.DLNA.org.
Netflix To Launch Streaming of Movies and TV to Canada
July 19, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics, Home Theater, News, News/Events
Netflix today announced it will expand into Canada this fall offering unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed instantly to TVs and computers for one low monthly fee. The Canadian launch will mark the first availability of Netflix outside the United States.
Canadian Netflix members will be able to instantly watch a broad array of movies and TV episodes right on their TVs via a range of consumer electronics devices capable of streaming from Netflix, as well as watching on PCs and Macs.
In addition to representing its inaugural international market, Canada will also mark the first streaming-only service promoted by Netflix.
At the time of launch, the Netflix Canadian service will be available in English only, but the company said it expects to add French language capability over time.
Canadians interested in Netflix can go to www.netflix.ca and sign up to receive an email from the company when the service launches in Canada this fall.
Sony’s New ES AV Receivers and Blu-ray 3D Player for 3D
July 7, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Audio, Home Electronics, Home Theater
Sony Tuesday announced the upcoming release of three different Elevated Standard AV receivers, as well as a new Blu-ray Disc player, all of which are 3D-ready and aimed at the specialty AV channel.
The receivers are the STR-DA5600ES, STRA-DA4600ES, and STR-DA3600ES, and will be available in August and September at approximate prices of $2,000, $1,100 and $800. The Blu-ray player, model number BDP-S1700ES, will arrive next month at around $400.
The models feature Sony’s Digital Media Port for simple connection to an iPod and other digital music players, and are both XM and Sirius ready.
Full Custom Control
Sony’s 2010 ES AV receivers feature IR input jacks and two-way serial control. They also offer control over IP which allows installers to easily integrate the receivers into the leading home automation systems including Control4, Crestron, AMX, Savant, Ultimate Remote Control, RTI, and others. Sony has worked closely with leading control companies and is a Control4 Certified Partner, an AMX Device Discovery Partner, Crestron Integration Partner, and a Savant Excellence in Audio and Video Partner.
The new models offer 3D pass-through and flexible multi-room features. They can connect to a home broadband network through an Ethernet port offering easy access to digital photos, music and videos from Digital Life Network Alliance (DLNA) sources. They also function as an Ethernet hub featuring four ports that connect other network devices.
Additionally, the Ethernet connection provides access to both Shoutcast Internet Radio and Rhapsody Music Service, and offers easy access to firmware upgrades via the Internet. The STR-DA5600ES model also functions as a DLNA Live Audio Server that can stream music to other DLNA clients.
ES Quality
All Sony ES products are supported by a five-year limited manufacturer warranty, a ninety-day advanced exchange program (2-3 day expedited replacement unit), and a dedicated installer support line to San Diego-based CEDIA trained product experts.
The models will be available through authorized Sony ES dealers and custom installers across the country. For further information on the products, please visit www.sony.com/es.
Model Specifications
STR-DA5600ES 7.1 Channel Network Multi-room AV Receiver
Available in September for about $2,000
130 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, .09% THD
DCAC EX Speaker Auto-Calibration with Speaker Relocation (distance and degree) and Automatic Phase Matching (APM)
3D pass-through
Integrated four port Ethernet switch
Second zone CAT5e output
DLNA Client and Live Audio Server
iPhone/iPod Touch remote control application
Quick Click feature for multi-room source control (with iPhone/iPod touch app)
On-screen graphical user interface with overlay (main and second zones)
H.A.T.S. clock synchronization for HDMI and DSD
Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI
Control system integration via control over IP, RS232 or IR
PC set up manager
Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
Shoutcast Internet Radio and Rhapsody Music Service
Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced audio codecs
STR-DA4600ES 7.1 Channel Network Multi-room AV Receiver
Available in August for about $1,500
120 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, .09% THD
3D pass-through
Integrated four port Ethernet switch
Second zone CAT5e output
DLNA Client
iPhone/iPod Touch remote control application
Quick Click feature for multi-room source control (with iPhone/iPod touch app)
On-screen graphical user interface with overlay (main and second zones)
Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI
Control system integration via control over IP, RS232 or IR
PC set up manager
Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
Shoutcast Internet Radio and Rhapsody Music Service
Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced audio codecs
STR-DA3600ES 7.1 Channel Network Multi-room AV Receiver
Available in August for about $1,100
100 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, .09% THD
3D pass-through
Integrated four port Ethernet switch
DLNA Client
iPhone/iPod Touch remote control application
Quick Click feature for multi-room source control (with iPhone/iPod touch app)
On-screen graphical user interface with overlay (main and second zones)
Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
Control system integration via control over IP, RS232 or IR
PC set up manager
Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
Shoutcast Internet Radio and Rhapsody Music Service
Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced audio codecs
STR-DN2010 7.1 Channel Network AV Receiver
Available in August for about $800
110 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD
3D pass-through
Integrated four port Ethernet switch
DLNA Client
iPhone/iPod touch remote control app
On-screen graphical user interface
Wireless second zone audio (S-AIR multi-room capability)
Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
Shoutcast Internet Radio and Rhapsody Music Service
Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced audio codecs
BDP-S1700ES Blu-ray 3D Player
Available in August for $400
Full HD 1080p single-disc Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD, SA-CD player
Blu-ray 3D capable
BRAVIA Internet Video and Sony’s Qriocity
IR input jack on rear panel for easy control system integration
Built-in Wi-Fi Wireless (802.11n) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch and Android remote control – free app.)
Photo/music/video playback via USB and DLNA
DVD upscaling to 1080p with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling
Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding
Built-in 1GB Memory
Blockbuster On Demand Comes to Philips Blu-Ray
July 6, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics, Home Theater
The latest Philips Blu-ray players will feature Blockbuster On Demand. The Philips’ 5320 and 7320 Blu-ray models.
“With Blu-ray, consumers can experience a cinema-like quality in the comfort of their living room,” said Todd Richardson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for P&F, exclusive licensee for Philips consumer televisions and home theater in North America. “Philips Blu-ray players, combined with Blockbuster On Demand, offer consumers a one-of-a-kind home theatre experience with the added convenience of not having to run out to rent a movie.”
The Blockbuster On Demand service provides comprehensive on-screen search and browsing capabilities, as well as full details, ratings, trailers, and other information about each movie directly on the television. This allows for in-home movie watching experience without having to pay a monthly subscription