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CES 2017: Klipsch Showcases New Heritage, Reference, and Stream Wireless Series Audio Gear[teaser]Several new audio products have been revealed.[/teaser] Klipsch as unveiled its latest audio gear lineup. New products include the Forte III Heritage Speaker, the Heritage Series Headphones, new Reference Subwoofers, the R-25PF, and more. "The Klipsch showcase of products illustrates our commitment to incorporating luxury materials, such as real wood veneer and tactile spun copper switches and knobs, blended with the acoustics and the classic design legacy of Paul W. Klipsch," said Paul Jacobs, president and CEO of Klipsch Group. The CES 2017 lineup includes two new table top speakers and a pair of powered floorstanding speakers dubbed "The Fifteens." Likewise, the company is showcasing the new Forte III Heritage floorstanding speaker, and The One, the Three, and the Sixes from the Heritage Wireless collection as well. In addition, the Heritage lineup now also features several headphone options, including a flagship model with Klipsch's first semi-open headphone design. "In a sea of plastic headphone options, Klipsch Heritage Headphones are crafted from machined metal, milled wood, and hand-selected full grain cow hide. Klipsch Heritage headphones deliver the style and legendary sound of Klipsch’s 70 year legacy," said Steve Jain, VP and general manager, Klipsch. Meanwhile, the R-25PF powered floorstanding speakers are designed for simple setup and offer an integrated phono pre-amp, Bluetooth wireless technology, digital optical, analog RCA, and USB audio inputs. New Reference Series subwoofers are also on display with support for the easy-to-use Klipsch LowControl app for iPhone and Android. Finally, the company is also debuting the Klipsch Stream Wireless Powergate Max 180W digital amplifier with 192kHz / 24-bit ESS DACs and DTS Play-Fi support. For more details on Klipsch's CES 2017 lineup, click here. Source: KlipschPosted Sun Jan 8, 2017 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: Hisense Readies 2017 Ultra HD TV Lineup, Including First 4K Laser Cast TV[teaser]Several upcoming display models have been detailed.[/teaser] Hisense has announced more information about its 2017 Ultra HD TV lineup. The collection includes several displays with the company's award-winning ULED technology, a Roku TV model with Dolby Vision, a state-of-the-art true 4K Laser Cast TV, and more. "At Hisense, we continually strive to push the boundaries of TV technology and design," said Jerry Liu, Chief Executive Officer of Hisense Americas. "After a year of standout growth, 2017 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us, and we look forward to bringing even more consumers together in the living room." The Ultra HD TV lineup will include the H10D, H9D Plus, H9D, H8D, and H7D Series, offering HDR support and Hisense's smart TV platform. In addition, the company is also releasing the new R6 and R8 Series Roku Ultra HD TVs, the latter of which includes Dolby Vision support. Finally, Hisense is also set to launch its 100H10D Series 4K Laser Cast TV which uses a short throw projector and offers HDR support. Click here for impressions of some of the models featured in the lineup from the company's earlier launch event held back in October. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability per the press release: Hisense 100H10D Series – 4K Laser Cast TV (Summer 2017) HDR compatible 5.1 Sound Channel 82% NTSC Motion 120 Ultra short-throw projector technology 5.1 Channel Sound (wireless rears and subwoofer) $12,999.99 Hisense H10D Series – 4K Smart ULED® TV (Early 2017) Ultra HD Premium™ Quantum dot wide color gamut Full array local dimming Motion 480 UHD upscaler Smart TV with full web browser Dbx-tv® award winning sound Bluetooth 4.0 audio output 70" $2,999.99 75" $5,999.99 Hisense H9D Plus Series – 4K Smart ULED® TV (Early 2017) HDR compatible Wide color gamut Edge-lit local dimming (50", 55", 65") Direct-lit local dimming (75") Motion 240 UHD upscaler Smart TV with full web browser 4K media player Dbx-tv® award winning sound Bluetooth 4.0 audio 50" $999.99 55" $1,299.99 65" $1,999.99 75" $2,499.99 Hisense H9D Series – 4K Smart ULED® TV (Early 2017) HDR compatible Wide color gamut Edge-lit local dimming Motion 120 UHD upscaler Smart TV with full web browser 4K media player Dbx-tv® award winning sound Bluetooth 4.0 audio 50" $699.99 55" $899.99 65" $1,299.99 Hisense H8D Series – 4K Smart TV (Early 2017) HDR compatible Direct-lit local dimming Motion 120 UHD upscaler Smart TV with full web browser 4K media player Dbx-tv® award winning sound 50" $549.99 55" $649.99 65" $999.99 86" $5,999.99 Hisense H7D Series – 4K Smart TV HDR compatible Motion 120 UHD upscaler Smart TV with full web browser 4K media player Dbx-tv® award winning sound 43" $399.99 50" $499.99 55" $599.99 65" $899.99 4K Hisense Roku TV R6 Series Runs the Roku OS HDR 10 compatible 4K spotlight channel 4,500+ streaming channels 450,000+ movies and TV episodes Roku search across 150 top channels Live TV pause Private listening and voice search via Roku mobile app Headphone jack (wired) R6 43" $399.99 R6 50" $449.99 R6 55" $549.99 R6 65" $799.99 4K Hisense Roku TV R8 Series All the features of the R6 Series plus: Dolby Vision Direct-lit local dimming R8 75" $1,999.99 Source: Hisense via PR NewswirePosted Fri Jan 6, 2017 at 01:45 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: Onkyo Details SBT-A500 Network Soundbar with DTS:X & Dolby Atmos[teaser]The new immersive audio soundbar ships this month.[/teaser] Onkyo has announced the launch of its latest soundbar model. The SBT-A500 Network Surround Soundbar System will be available this month for an MSRP of $999. Onkyo's SBT-A500 is a three-piece system with a low 2.1" profile soundbar, a slim Network A/V Receiver, and a wireless subwoofer. The soundbar features precision drivers with two speakers each for the left, right, and center channels, plus single height speakers for overhead sound with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object based immersive audio formats. In addition, the system includes dual-band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity with Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi technology, AirPlay, and FireConnect multi-room distribution. Four HDMI inputs are integrated as well, including a 4K/60p with Audio Return Channel TV connection. Likewise, customers can use the Onkyo Controller app for wireless casting with easy access to included TuneIn, TIDAL, and Pandora, and system remote controls for each zone. Finally, the system also offers a 40-preset FM tuner, AV sync function, L/R tone controls, and DTS Neural:X and a Dolby Surround up-mixer for producing 3D sound. The Onkyo SBT-A500 Network Surround Soundbar System is currently on display at CES 2017 in the Venetian Bassano Room #2601. Outside of the new soundbar, Onkyo also recently announced upcoming Chromecast built-in support for several existing audio components. Chromecast built-in tech allows customers with Chromecast-enabled AV products to use their mobile devices to stream music, radio, or podcasts, and control the audio from anywhere in the house using Cast-enabled mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows laptop, and Chromebook. Chromecast built-in functions will be activated through firmware updates starting this spring for select Onkyo gear. Click here for the full list. Source: OnkyoPosted Fri Jan 6, 2017 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: P&F USA Announces New Philips Branded Ultra HD Blu-ray Player with Dolby Vision Support[teaser]The company's newest Ultra HD Blu-ray player has been revealed.[/teaser] P&F USA has announced its latest Philips branded Ultra HD Blu-ray player model. The upcoming BDP7502 Ultra HD Blu-ray player will offer Dolby Vision HDR support through a software update scheduled for later this year. "HDR is a significant advancement in picture technology that delivers tangible improvements in image quality, but Dolby Vision goes further and transforms an HDR picture into something that is truly stunning," said Karl Bearnarth, executive vice president, sales and marketing, P&F USA, Inc., the exclusive North American license partner for Philips consumer televisions and home video products. "Dolby Vision is not just greater dynamic range and wider color gamut; it is also smarter pixels that deliver the best possible viewing experience for consumers." The BDP7502 is set to include Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback with Dolby Vision (via future software update), along with integrated HEVC and VP9 decoders for playing Netflix and YouTube 4K content, 4K upscaling for non-4K sources, and support for Dolby Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio. Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Ethernet, USB Multimedia, and HDMI 2.0a HDR video output and 1.4a audio output connections are included as well. Dolby Vision combines high dynamic range mastering and an expanded color palette to produce enhanced brightness and contrast along with more life-like colors on supported discs, players, and displays. The format is supported by several streaming services and TV models from VIZIO, LeEco, LG, TCL, Sony, and Philips, including Philips' newly announced 6000, 7000, and 8000 Series Ultra HD TVs. In addition, Lionsgate, Universal, and Warner Bros. have all announced plans to release Ultra HD Blu-ray discs mastered in Dolby Vision. Specific titles have not been announced yet, but the first Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are set for an early 2017 release. The Philips branded BDP7502 is set for release in the Spring for a suggested retail price of $300. Source: DolbyPosted Thu Jan 5, 2017 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: Pioneer Releases Elite FS-EB70 Network Soundbar System with DTS:X & Dolby Atmos[teaser]The new soundbar system offers immersive audio support.[/teaser] Pioneer has announced the launch of its Elite FS-EB70 Network Soundbar System. The device is now available for a suggested retail price of $1,000. The Elite FS-EB70 is a 3.1.2 ultra slim soundbar system with six-channel Class D amps with a dedicated power supply, wide-dispersal speakers, and custom top-mounted drivers that can bounce sound off the ceiling for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio. In addition, the system includes a compact wireless subwoofer. Here's a full rundown of key features per the press release: Surround Sound - Upward firing speakers conform to the Dolby Atmos standard for overhead sound reproduction of object and channel based content. In-ceiling speakers or additional modules are not required.- A Dolby Surround upmixer, which decodes and directs sounds to all of the speakers in the sound bar including up-firing capabilities to provide a higher sense of immersion from all channel based content.- Dolby Audio™ includes new Surround Enhancer technology, a mode that wraps sound around the listening position by means of virtual rear speaker creation.- DTS Neural:X™ mixes standard 5.1 sound for convincing replication of object-audio soundtracks by retrieving spatial cues from the soundtrack.- Dialog is mixed as a separate element in DTS:X™ so dialog volume can be raised or lowered independently to other sound elements. Multi-Room & Streaming - Multi-room wireless audio functionality and streaming capabilities include FireConnect™*1, DTS Play-Fi® technology*2, Chromecast built-in*2, AirPlay® as well as Bluetooth® wireless connectivity*3 and dual-band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi®.- Supports all leading subscription services Spotify®*4, Pandora®, TIDAL, DEEZER, and TuneIn. Easy Calibration - Premium MCACC*5 technology calibrates phase, reverb, frequency, and output for optimal sound at the listening position by ensuring that directional sounds of all frequencies arrive simultaneously so the listener is presented with a studio-faithful object audio image. The built-in Reflex Optimizer precisely aligns the height-channel phase. Hi-Res Connections - Four 4K/60p Ultra HD-ready HDMI® inputs connect various media players including those capable of High Dynamic Range*6 and BT.2020*7 video, and routes signals to a compatible TV via a single HDMI cable.- HDMI output features Audio Return Channel (ARC) with CEC/CEC Multilink. Your home entertainment system can be configured to switch on and off automatically with the TV.- Format compatibility includes Hi-Res Audio and 2.8 MHz/5.6 MHz DSD network audio*8.- Analog RCA or optical digital inputs are perfect for legacy gear and a USB input supports audio playback of a variety of music formats, including hi-res audio stored on USB memory devices*9. Pioneer's FS-EB70 soundbar system is now shipping. Likewise, the device is also currently on display at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Source: PioneerPosted Thu Jan 5, 2017 at 12:45 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: P&F USA Reveals New 2017 Philips Branded 4K Ultra HD TVs with Dolby Vision Support[teaser]The new 4K displays start at just $650.[/teaser] P&F USA has detailed its latest lineup of Philips branded 4K Ultra HD TVs. The 2017 collection includes the 6000, 7000, and 8000 series. In addition, all models will feature Dolby Vision support out of the box. "We are excited to partner with P&F USA to provide consumers more ways to experience Dolby Vision today," said Giles Baker, senior vice president, Consumer Entertainment Group, Dolby Laboratories Inc.. "Dolby Vision transforms your TV experience with dramatic imaging that goes above and beyond generic HDR, delivering a spectacular experience that brings entertainment to life before your eyes." The 8000 Series will be available in 49-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch sizes. The series features Dolby Vision HDR, wide color gamut, BrightPro Plus backlight, Micro Dimming, 240 Perfect Motion Rate, 4K upscaling, dual band 802.11ac wireless LAN with MIMO antennas, HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2, and Sonic Emotion Premium sound. In addition, the sets include Chromecast built-in support and Google Home compatibility. Meanwhile, the 7000 Series will be available in a 98-inch model. The TV features Dolby Vision HDR, Philips NetTV, BrightPro backlight, Macro dimming, 240 Perfect Motion Rate, 4K upscaling, wireless screen casting, dual band 802.11ac wireless LAN with MIMO antennas, HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2, and Sonic Emotion Premium Sound. Finally, the 6000 Series will be available in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 86-inch versions. The displays feature Dolby Vision HDR, NetTV, BrightPro backlight, Macro dimming, 120 Perfect Motion Rate, 4K upscaling, wireless screencasting, dual band 802.11ac wireless LAN with MIMO antennas, HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2, and Sonic Emotion Premium sound. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability for each series: 6000 series 43PFL6902 43-inch class Spring 2017 $649.99 50PFL6902 50-inch class Spring 2017 $799.99 55PFL6902 55-inch class Spring 2017 $899.99 65PFL6902 65-inch class Spring 2017 $1299.99 75PFL6902 75-inch class Summer 2017 $2499.99 86PFL6902 86-inch class Summer 2017 $3999.99 7000 series 98PFL7902 98-inch class Summer 2017 $19,999.99 8000 series 49PFL8922 49-inch class Fall 2017 $999.99 55PFL8922 55-inch class Fall 2017 $1199.99 65PFL8922 65-inch class Fall 2017 $1699.99 Source: DolbyPosted Thu Jan 5, 2017 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
CES 2017: Pioneer & Onkyo Prep Chromecast Built-in Support[teaser]The casting tech will be added to AV products from both companies.[/teaser] Onkyo and Pioneer have announced plans to support Google's Chromecast built-in technology. The feature will be added to several network-enabled AV and stereo receivers, sound bars, and wireless speakers. "We expect that the current trend of multi-room entertainment will continue to expand," said Nobuaki Okuda, Chief Technology Officer. "We are pleased to support Chromecast built-in with a broad range of products that meet the demand from our global customers." Chromecast built-in tech allows customers with Chromecast-enabled AV products to use their mobile devices to stream music, radio, or podcasts, and control the audio from anywhere in the house using Cast-enabled mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows laptop, and Chromebook. Chromecast built-in functions will be activated through firmware updates starting this spring for select Onkyo and Pioneer products (see list below). Here's a full rundown of Pioneer and Onkyo devices set to receive Chromecast built-in support: Pioneer Elite A/V Receivers - VSX-LX101 - VSX-LX301 - SC-LX501 - SC-LX701 - SC-LX801 - SC-LX901 Pioneer A/V Receivers - VSX-S520 - VSX-831 - VSX-1131 Pioneer 2-Channel Components - XC-HM86 - SX-S30 Pioneer Mini Stereo System - X-HM76 Pioneer Sound Bars System - FS-EB70 - Pioneer Wireless Speaker - MRX-3 Onkyo A/V Receivers & Pre-Amp - TX-NR555 - TX-NR656 - TX-NR757 - TX-RZ610 - TX-RZ710 - TX-RZ810 - TX-RZ1100 - TX-RZ3100 - PR-RZ5100 Onkyo Home Theater Systems & Sound Bars - HT-S7800 - SBT-A500 Onkyo Wireless Speaker - NCP-302 Beyond the Chromecast built-in announcement, Pioneer and Onkyo are currently showcasing several products at CES 2017. The lineup includes the MRX-3 and NCP-302 wireless multi-room speakers, Pioneer's next-generation XDP-300R digital audio player, Onkyo's DP-X1A digital audio player, the Onkyo SBT-A500 Network Surround Sound Bar System, and the Pioneer Elite FS-EB70 Network Sound Bar System with 360 degree DTS:X and Dolby Atmos surround sound support along with full 4K Ultra HD HDR 10 passthrough. Source: Pioneer, OnkyoPosted Thu Jan 5, 2017 at 11:45 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: LG Readies UP970 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player with Dolby Vision HDR[teaser]The company's first Ultra HD Blu-ray player has been revealed.[/teaser] LG has announced its first Ultra HD Blu-ray player model. The new Dolby Vision-capable UP970 Ultra HD Blu-ray player is now on display in LG's booth at CES 2017 from January 5-8 in Las Vegas. "The LG UP970 Dolby Vision-capable Ultra HD Blu-ray player is an excellent example of our commitment to offering an amazing home HDR viewing experience to our customers," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "We are proud to have an innovation partner such as Dolby to enhance our OLED and Super UHD TVs with their superior technology." The UP970 is set to include Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback and 4K streaming, along with Dolby Vision HDR (through a future firmware upgrade) and HDR10 support. Likewise, the player offers 10-bit color and Rec. ITU-R BT. 2020 color gamut support. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity are included as well. Here's a full rundown of features per LG: - Enhanced dual format HDR compatibility with support for the generic HDR format (HDR10)- Robust portfolio of movies and episodic content in Dolby Vision- Support for 10-bit color and Rec. ITU-R BT. 2020 color gamut, as well as playback of high-efficiency video coding (HEVC)- Compatible with a variety of leading sound formats, including Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio, for a truly cinematic audio and video experience- HDMI 2.0a port for Ultra HD video output and an HDMI 1.4 for audio output that can connect with hi-fi devices The Dolby Vision process combines high dynamic range mastering and an expanded color palette to produce enhanced brightness and contrast along with more life-like colors on supported discs, players, and displays. The format is currently supported by several streaming services and TV models from VIZIO, LeEco, and LG, including LG's newly announced 2017 OLED lineup and 2017 SUPER UHD TV lineup. Likewise, TCL's new 2017 Roku TV lineup, and Sony's new 2017 BRAVIA OLED A1E Series and X930E/X940E Series Ultra HD TVs will feature Dolby Vision support as well. In addition, Lionsgate, Universal, and Warner Bros. have all announced plans to release Ultra HD Blu-ray discs mastered in Dolby Vision. Specific titles have not been announced yet, but the first Dolby Vision Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are set for an early 2017 release. Pricing for the LG UP970 Ultra HD Blu-ray player has not been revealed yet, but according to Forbes, the player could launch as early as March. Outside of LG, Panasonic just announced three new Ultra HD Blu-ray players, the DMP-UB400, UB310 and UB300. Likewise, Samsung revealed its M9500 second gen Ultra HD Blu-ray player as well, and Sony detailed the UBP-X800, its first consumer Ultra HD Blu-ray player model. Of the models announced so far, only the upcoming LG UP970, Philips BDP7502, and the recently released Oppo UDP-203 have confirmed plans for Dolby Vision support. Source: LG, ForbesPosted Thu Jan 5, 2017 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: Sony Introduces New Soundar Lineup, Including Dolby Atmos Model[teaser]Several new soundbar systems have been announced.[/teaser] Sony has revealed its upcoming 2017 soundbar lineup. The collection includes the HT-ST5000, HT-CT800, HT-MT500, HT-MT300 and HT-CT290 soundbar. The flagship HT-ST5000 is a 7.1.2ch 800W soundbar system with Dolby Atmos tech, Hi-Res Audio support, and twelve advanced speakers, including an upward firing pair for overhead sound. In addition, the device features three HDMI inputs, one HDMI ARC output, a USB input, Bluetooth, NFC, digital optical, and analog connections. Likewise, the soundbar offers 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) passthrough via HDMI HDCP 2.2, along with multi-room capability and Google Home compatibility. "With the combination of Dolby Atmos and our original audio solution S-Force Pro Front Surround Technology, HT-ST5000 will provide consumers the powerful, best sound experiences for the home just by connecting one device," said Yoshinori Matsumoto, Senior General Manager, Sony Video & Sound Products Inc. . "HT-ST5000 is a soundbar, with a very compact design, that can be easily placed in front of TV and we are confident that our customers will want to upgrade their system with Dolby Atmos to deliver the ultimate home theater entertainment." Meanwhile, the HT-CT800 is an ultra slim soundbar with Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio format support and 4K HDR compatibility with HDCP 2.2. Likewise, users even have the option to use compatible Sony wireless speakers with the soundbar as additional discrete rear surround sound speakers. Next up, the HT-MT500 and HT-MT300 soundbars provide slim, compact designs with soft angles and wireless subwoofers that can be placed under a user's sofa. In addition, the HT-MT500 also includes Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and hi-res audio playback. Finally, the HT-CT290 features 300W total output power, a space-saving design, Bluetooth, and wireless subwoofer, along with a virtual surround sound mode. Pricing has not been announced yet, but the Sony HT-ST5000, HT-CT800, HT-MT500, HT-MT300 and HT-CT290 soundbars are set for release in Spring 2017. Source: Sony, DolbyPosted Thu Jan 5, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
CES 2017: Sony Announces UBP-X800 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player[teaser]A new consumer model Ultra HD Blu-ray player has been detailed.[/teaser] Sony has announced its first Ultra HD Blu-ray player designed for the consumer market. The UBP-X800 now joins the company's previously announced ES Series UBP-X1000E Ultra HD Blu-ray player designed for custom installation. "With this new lineup of products, consumers – especially home theater enthusiasts – have the opportunity to create a truly immersive audio and video experience in their home," said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics. "With Sony's expertise throughout the entire process, from the studio to the living room, Sony Electronics is uniquely positioned to provide customers with the best possible listening and viewing experience. Just as some of our sound products are tuned by some of the best audio engineers in the business, select video and home theater products, like the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, are developed with collaboration from our colleagues at Sony Pictures." The UBP-X800 offers Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, DVD Video, DVD Audio, CD, Super Audio CD, Blu-ray 3D, and BD-ROM media playback through its Sony developed Precision HD drive, along with support for 4K streaming and almost any format available via USB. In addition, the device is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) playback and wide color space BT.2020 support. Likewise, the player includes Hi-Res Audio playback at up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD 11.2MHz. 4K upscaling and Bluetooth connectivity are included as well. Pricing has not been announced yet, but the Sony UBP-X800 will be available in Spring 2017. In addition to the new Ultra HD Blu-ray player, Sony also just announced its new 2017 BRAVIA OLED A1E Series and X930E/X940E Series Ultra HD TVs. Source: SonyPosted Thu Jan 5, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by:
