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Epson Bolsters 1080p 3D Projector Lineup, Prices Start at $799[teaser]Two new projector models have been announced. [/teaser] Epson has detailed the latest additions to its home theater projector lineup. The Home Cinema 2040 and Home Cinema 2045 are both Full HD 1080p 3D projectors. "Epson's new home theater projectors bring the big-screen home at an accessible price point delivering Full 1080p, color and white light output, 2D and 3D performance, and installation flexibility," said Jason Palmer, marketing manager, Epson America. "Equipped with value-add features such as advanced Epson Video processing, built-in color modes and intuitive image correction, these projectors offer powerful tools that enrich the immersive media projection experience." Both models use 3LCD 3-chip technology and offer up to 35,000:1 contrast ratios, and 2,200 lumens of color brightness and white brightness. Likewise, the projectors feature Epson's advanced video processing with Detail Enhancement, an improved iris by New Wing for deeper blacks, and an integrated speaker. In addition, the Home Cinema 2045 model also incorporates wireless streaming support through Miracast and Intel WiDi. Epson's Home Cinema 2040 ($799) and Home Cinema 2045 ($849) will both start shipping in late August. Source: EpsonPosted Wed Aug 5, 2015 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
BDA to Begin Ultra HD Blu-ray Licensing on August 24, Product Announcements Expected for 2015 Holiday Season[teaser]Licensing for the format is about to commence. [/teaser] After finalizing the Ultra HD Blu-ray spec and logo back in May, The BDA is now ready to start licensing the technology on August 24. The upcoming disc format will deliver Ultra HD content to Ultra HD TVs. “Ultra HD Blu-ray enables the delivery of an unparalleled, consistent and repeatable experience that will set the standard for Ultra HD entertainment, the same way Blu-ray Disc did for high definition viewing,” said Victor Matsuda, chair, BDA Promotions Committee. “With the commencement of licensing we would anticipate product announcements from various companies as we approach the 2015 holiday season.” The Ultra HD Blu-ray spec supports up to 3840x2160 resolution video with expanded color gamuts, high dynamic range, and high frame rates (up to 60fps). Support for object-based audio tech like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is also included. Likewise, the format offers an optional digital bridge feature that "enhances the value of content ownership by embracing the notion that a content purchase can enable the consumer to view their content across a wide range of in-home and mobile devices." Finally, the spec also requires that Ultra HD Blu-ray players offer backwards compatibility with current Blu-rays. Ultra HD Blu-ray discs will hold up to 66GB on dual layer discs and 100GB on triple layer discs. Currently, the only way to watch Ultra HD content on a 4K TV is through pre-loaded hard drives or streaming and download services. With its superior storage capacity and compression techniques, Ultra HD Blu-ray promises to deliver higher quality Ultra HD content. An exact release window for the first Ultra HD Blu-ray players and discs has not been announced, but now that licensing is about to begin a holiday 2015 launch is anticipated. Source: BDA via Business WirePosted Wed Aug 5, 2015 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
Western Digital Offers 1TB My Passport Cinema 4K Ultra HD Movie Storage Device for $90[teaser]The new device is specially designed to store downloadable 4K Ultra HD movies. [/teaser] Western Digital has announced the release of the My Passport Cinema. The 1TB hard drive uses VIDITY technology to offer playback of stored video content in up to full 4K UHD resolution with high dynamic range (HDR) on VIDITY-enabled displays through a USB port. "Movie playback from the My Passport Cinema drive provides consumers a hassle-free, immediate experience of premium-quality 4K UHD content on their TVs," said Tony Tate, general manager and vice president of Content Storage Solutions at WD. "The technology on My Passport Cinema also enables consumers to take preloaded 4K UHD content anywhere there is a VIDITY-enabled TV. We are committed to furthering the development of products that make consumers’ interaction with their content a greater experience." The My Passport Cinema comes pre-loaded with several Ultra HD titles that can be purchased from 20th Century Fox, including 'The Maze Runner,' 'Exodus: Gods and Kings,' 'X-Men: Days of the Future Past,' 'The Wolverine,' 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,' 'The Fault in Our Stars,' 'Let’s Be Cops' and 'The Other Woman.' Likewise, customers who purchase a Samsung JS9000 and above 4K SUHD TV model will receive two free unlocked 4K titles. In addition to the pre-loaded selection, customers can also buy and download more Ultra HD titles through M-GO or other VIDITY retailers. Current VIDITY-enabled displays include Samsung’s 2014 HU series 4K UHD TVs and 2015 JU and JS series 4K UHD and SUHD TVs. "The My Passport Cinema drive provides another way for our customers to enjoy stunning premium 4K content on our UHD line up, and additionally, High Dynamic Range content from our SUHD TVs," said Bill Lee, vice president of TV product marketing at Samsung. "Our customers will now have the ability to purchase, own and store newly released content on one device that is easily accessible from our TVs." The Western Digital My Passport Cinema is now available for a suggested retail price of $90. In addition, from August 16 to June 30, the My Passport Cinema drive will be included for free with the purchase of a Samsung JS9000, JS9100 or JS9500 SUHD TV. Source: Western DigitalPosted Tue Aug 4, 2015 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Releases VSX-530-K AV Receiver with HDCP 2.2 Support for $280[teaser]The company's latest receiver is now available. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced the release of its newest home audio component, the VSX-530-K. The model is an entry-level receiver with an affordable price. The VSX-530-K is a 5.1-channel receiver with 140 Watts (1 kHz 1% THD @ 6 Ohms) 1ch Driven or 80 Watts (8 ohms 20 Hz-20 kHz THD 0.08%) 2ch Driven FTC. In addition, the device supports 4K video pass-through with HDCP 2.2 compliancy. Likewise, Bluetooth connectivity with aptX, Phase Control Technology, an ECO Mode, and a front panel USB port are included as well. Finally, the receiver also offers Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio playback. Pioneer's VSX-530-K is now available for a suggested retail price of $280. Source: PioneerPosted Tue Aug 4, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Comcast Readies New Features for X1 Set-Top Box, Including Auto Extend Recording[teaser]Upcoming DVR upgrades have been announced. [/teaser] Comcast has revealed several updated features for its X1 set-top box. The new DVR options have been made with sports fans in mind. First up, is the "Auto Extend" option for recording live events. When a live event supports this feature, users can set a recording to automatically extend in 30 minute increments if the program ends up running longer than originally scheduled. The feature will initially launch for sporting events like NFL Football, MLB Baseball, NBA Basketball, soccer, NHL Hockey, NCAA Men’s Football and Basketball, and NASCAR. Next, is the "Play by Play" option, which will offer selected play highlights in recorded sporting events. In addition, Comcast is also testing a "Welcome Back" feature that will update users on what's new (recordings, trending content, etc.) when they start-up their X1. Finally, upgrades have also been made to the Help menu, including a new row for troubleshooting with an option to restart your device, an option for Remote Setup, and instructions for programming your remote to the TV and other audio devices. Comcast has not announced an exact release window for these new features yet. Source: ComcastPosted Mon Aug 3, 2015 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Sony Details Xperia C5 Ultra & Xperia M5 Mid-Range HD Smartphones[teaser]Two new smartphones have been announced. [/teaser] Sony has revealed two additions to its mobile lineup. The Xperia C5 Ultra and Xperia M5 are both Android smartphones with advanced camera features. "We are pleased to present two new products that highlight Sony’s advances in camera technology," said Tony McNulty, Vice-President, Value Category Business Management at Sony Mobile Communications. "We understand that camera capabilities are important to smartphone users, so we ensured that Sony's existing camera brilliance was once again surpassed in the new Xperia C5 Ultra and Xperia M5 without compromising on other features across design and performance." The Xperia M5 features a 5-inch 1080p IPS display with Sony's BRAVIA Engine 2. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a 64-bit MediaTek Helio X10 Octa-core processor at 2.0 GHz, 3GB RAM, and a 2600 mAh battery. A 13MP front camera and a 21.5MP rear camera with 4K video recording are integrated as well. Meanwhile, the Xperia C5 Ultra features a 6-inch 1080p IPS display with Sony's BRAVIA Engine 2. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 1.7 GHz 64 bit Octa-core processor, 2GB RAM, and a 2930 mAh battery. A 13MP rear and 13MP front camera are included as well. Exact pricing has not been announced yet, but the Xperia C5 Ultra and Xperia M5 will launch in select market starting in mid-August. Source: SonyPosted Mon Aug 3, 2015 at 04:15 PM PDT by: -
Klipsch Demos 'Game of Thrones' in Dolby Atmos on Reference Premiere Speakers[teaser]Klipsch and Dolby recently invited a few home theatre journalists to demo their newly announced Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos speakers. [/teaser] Across the highway from Warner Bros, Dolby's Burbank Lab, Burbank One, is home to Southern California's first Atmos mixing stage; this is where Dolby brought filmmakers and studio executives to demonstrate the technology for theatrical use. Burbank One is also home to the near-field mixing stage where many Atmos-enabled Blu-rays are re-recorded for the home by our good friend, Tim Hoogenakker. In addition to those facilities, Burbank One houses a "home theatre". An odd sensation given that, aside from the mixing and presentation amenities listed above, it's an otherwise standard office building. Dolby's home theatre is a smallish sized room (12' by 15', give or take) with black-out curtains hiding glass windows, angled walls betraying an optimum rectangular design, and a flat 9' ceiling with numerous air conditioning vents. That is to say, this home theatre is often loaded up with the best of the best home cinema gear, but isn't some acoustically perfect environment shielded from the rest of the universe. It's a very good, well-equipped room, but one that mirrors what it's like for many home theatre enthusiasts. It's the perfect, imperfect place to demo the real-world potential for new speakers. State of the Atmos Union The first stop on our tour was a power point presentation regarding current Atmos benchmarks. As you can see in the photo above, Atmos has been, or will be soon, installed in over 1,200 cinemas around the world. Over 300 Dolby Atmos titles have been announced. And there are over 100 Dolby Atmos mixing stages available to filmmakers worldwide. In comparison to Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Atmos released more titles and featured installations in more screens during the first 12 months of the format's global rollout. On the home front, 35+ Dolby Atmos Blu-rays have been released and/or announced worldwide (not all are domestic, US releases). While this weekend you can head to the cinema to see 'Mission Impossible Rogue Nation' in Atmos, next week you can pick up the 'Insurgent' Dolby Atmos enabled Blu-ray at retailers nationwide. Shortly thereafter, Warners will be rolling out 'Mad Max Fury Road' and 'San Andreas' encoded in the object-based surround format. For me, personally, the most exciting Atmos announcement is the re-release of the 'Game of Thrones' Blu-rays. Seasons one and two hit retailers this November, while three and four will follow in the spring. Blu-ray television is something of an anomaly because it's the first time in the history of visual storytelling that the home entertainment release bests an original content release (aka broadcast). Think about it. When we watch features at home, we're chasing that theatrical experience, but it's really hard to put something of IMAX caliber in one's basement. Unless you're Elon Musk. Then there's Television. Even in modern high definition, broadcast and cable presentations are not only limited to 1080i, but the data rate is much smaller than Blu-ray. Blu-ray offers full 1080p, more bandwidth, a more filmic experience, and uncompressed sound. TV Blu-ray is an absolute upgrade and I've been hoping one would make the leap to Atmos. I can't wait. Dolby's last general Atmos comments focused on the release of the first Dolby Atmos enabled video game, 'Star Wars Battlefront', and to note that there have been 31 new Dolby Atmos products in 2015 so far. This includes speaker products as well as AV Receivers, the most affordable costing around $479. I know that's only for a 5.1.2 configuration, but that's entry-level pricing for sure. And thanks to products like Atmos-enabled speakers and add-on modules, it's entry-level pricing for people who can't cut holes in their ceiling. As the gentlemen for Klipsch said, Dolby Atmos has become The Standard for theatrical and home entertainment surround sound. And as Nux from 'Fury Road' said, "Oh, what a day. What a lovely day!" Reference Premiere... Reinvented Following in the footsteps of Premiere II, Klipsch introduced the Reference Premiere Series at CES 2015. Floorstanders include the RP-280F, RP-260F, and RP-250F. Centers include RP-450C, RP-440C, and RP-250C. Surround options include the RP-160M and RP150M monitors, as well as the RP-250S "dual array monopole" surrounds (ie, they look like bi or dipole speakers, but are not). Lastly, sub options include R-115SW, R-112SW, R-110SW, R-12SW, and R-10SW front-firing subwoofers. All dressed up with classic Klipsch bronze or copper colored woofers. But wait, there's more! Three new Dolby Atmos speakers, the purpose of our demo, just joined the Reference Premiere series and, in Klipsch's words, reinvented and redefined the whole line. The RP-280FA is the new flagship floorstander. The "A", of course, standing for Atmos. Klipsch adapted the 280F -- with its dual 8" Cerametallic cone woofers and 1" titanium dome LTS tweeter with the Hybrid Tractrix horn -- and added a Dolby Atmos Elevation Channel. This speaker angles upwards to reflect off ceilings and includes a 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium dome LTS tweeter with the Hybrid Tractrix horn, and Controlled Directivity Technology. They are designed to be a system's front left and right channels, but one could add a second pair to the back of the room for an ultimate 7.1.4 system. It costs $1,200 per speaker, a $525 premium over the original RP-280F. The RP-140SA is Klipsch's Dolby Atmos add-on module. It features a 4.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium dome LTS tweeter with the Hybrid Tractrix horn, and Controlled Directivity Technology. Designed for those who want to add Atmos to an existing setup, Klipsch is so confident in the RP-140SA's performance, they said you could pair it to "any system" (yes, even other brands). Secondly, if mounted on the wall above listeners, the RP-140S can act as a traditional side-surround speaker. These speakers retail for $499/pair. Lastly, we have the RP-450CA center channel. It boasts quad 5.25" Cerametallic cone woofers, and a 1" titanium dome LTS tweeter with the Hybrid Tractrix horn. This speaker costs $850, a $200 premium over the original RP-450C because it has been hand crafted in real wood (not a polymer) and color matched, in black or walnut, to the RP-280FA. Next up, Jay Lawyer, a Klipsch acoustic engineer, was on hand to talk about the new Reference Premiere speakers. He and his partners relayed a good amount of the technical information, but then he mentioned taking a pair of RP-280FAs home with him to test out in a Klipsch 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration. Makes sense, right? Of course engineers take the product home to test. Here's the incredible part: Mr. Lawyer has a vaulted ceiling. Meaning, despite Dolby's recommendation that Atmos-enabled speakers (and add-on modules) are best used with a flat ceiling, Mr. Lawyer tried it out on an angled, way too tall, ceiling with spectacular results. I guess we'll thank Klipsch's control directivity for this, or perhaps these height channel sounds aren't bouncing off ceilings as much as being projected over our heads. I'm not sure. Assuming this is true for other listeners, it could open up Atmos to a whole new field of customers who have been reluctant to upgrade because they can't install in-ceiling speakers and don't have a flat ceiling. Let's see how this develops. [Side note: not the point of this demo, but if you're looking to put together a Dolby Atmos system with in-ceiling speakers, the Klipsch CDT-5800-C II will match the Reference Premiere series well. They cost $400 each and feature an 8" pivoting Cerametallic cone woofer, which you can aim at your listening position. The 6.5" version, the CTD-5650-C II in-ceiling speaker, sells for $350 each. Plus the cost of wiring and installation.] The Art of the Demo After the speaker introductions, it was time to test them out in the Burbank One Home Theatre. Powered by a Denon AVR-X5200W (plus an external amp), we were treated to a 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos configuration. This consisted of two RP-280FA floorstanders, one RP-450CA center channel, dual R115SW subs, two RP-250S side surrounds, and two RP140SA Atmos add-on modules atop two RP-260F floorstanders in the back of the room. This setup costs less than $8,000, which is not cheap by any means, but it's also a system designed to outperform speakers costing well into the double digits. We demoed three clips from three Atmos Blu-rays, though I'm not sure about the time codes or chapter numbers. 'Insurgent' is the second film in the post-apocalyptic YA 'Divergent' series and stars Shailene Woodley. This sequence begins with Shailene charging out of an observation room (cell?), and punching through a glass wall to grab Kate Winslet's character. But as the two women collide, hurtling through the air, the whole world begins to tear itself apart. As Shailene bursts out of a skyscraper and begins to fall and fall, we reveal that she is in a controlled dream, and then watch as she explodes downward into the street below. In short, it's a fantastic demo because it mixes immersion, high fidelity, and rumbling LFE. What struck me most was the tinkling breaking glass. You could pick out each bit of flying debris. Next, as more and more of the buildings imploded and exploded in a combination of hurricane winds and tumbling bricks, the soundstage wrapped around on all sides and directly overhead. Lastly, the whole scene climaxes with a Matrix-esque human thundering into the ground and the resulting shockwave rippling outwards. The Reference Premiere subs were a little too loud for my taste, but they sounded excellent and never distorted. In fact, this system is far more likely to rattle your listening space than their own internal components. 'Unbroken', directed by Angelina Jolie, is a biopic about the amazing Louis Zamperini, an Olympic Athlete and World War II veteran who survived, among many other things, a plane crash and years in a Japanese prison camp. Our demo was the film's opening sequence. It chronicles a bombing run and the subsequent attack on the bombers by a Japanese Zero. Another excellent demonstration and sound mix, this sequence mixes airplane engines and high-speed winds with crystal clear vocals and incredibly accurate sound effects panning. The highlight, despite the real world tragedy of it all, is the aural carnage of strafing bullets tearing through the plane's metal cabin. In Dolby Atmos, the effect is nothing less than total audience immersion. It sounds like there are fighter planes all around you. 'Game of Thrones: Season Two', Episode 9 -- aka 'Blackwater' -- might be the second most famous 'Game of Throne's episode after 'The Red Wedding'. SPOILERS for those who have never watched the show. In this, the second season's penultimate episode, Peter Dinklage's Tyrion has been charged with protecting King's Landing and its tyrant boy king from Lord Stannis Baratheon's fleet of warships. No one believes in Tyrion. Everyone believes the city to be doomed. Until Tyrion loads an empty ship with a green explosive liquid called wildfire. The resulting explosion is an LEF-lover's dream. It's an extended series of smaller explosions and splitting wood and soldier's screaming. The dual Klipsch subs produced a pressure wave felt in the chest (and probably shook ceiling tiles in the offices above and below). The Atmos immersion was all around as well. As POV's changed, as we witnessed the explosion from afar and within, so too did the world around us. It will be fascinating to see how aggressive they've re-mixed this series as a whole, but this once sequence will surely make it on the list of All Time Dolby Atmos Demos. This is the scene you play to convert the uninterested. To Be Concluded... Klipsch Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos Speakers are efficient and powerful. While the 7.1.4 would cost less than $8,000 to replicate, the whole series is versatile, with plenty of options to mix and match and customize more modest budgets, particularly if you stick to one sub and go for a 5.1.2 configuration. And, if you don't own Klipsch, but your brand doesn't make add-on modules for Dolby Atmos, these might be worth a demo of your own (remember, I can describe how things sound to me all day long, but what matters to most is how these speakers sound to you). More time with the series is needed to render a full verdict, but I'm thus far impressed. The Klipsch Dolby Atmos Reference Premiere speakers were crisp and clear and, wow, did they lay on the LFE. Overhead sensations were certainly there. We'll be getting a system in-house to test shortly, so be on the look out for a follow-up, in-depth review. Until then, please know the entire Reference Premiere Series -- including the RP-280FA, RP-140SA, and RP-450CA Dolby Atmos speakers -- is shipping now.Posted Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Hisense Acquires Sharp's US TV Business[teaser]The Chinese company has purchased Sharp America. [/teaser] Hisense has announced the acquisition of Sharp's North and South American TV business. The Chinese electronics manufacturer has paid $23.7 million for the transaction. As part of the deal, Hisense will receive all equity and assets of Sharp's TV factory in Mexico. Likewise, the company now has the rights to use the "Sharp" brand and all its channel resources in North and South America. This will allow Hisense to completely take over Sharp's US display business, including HD and Ultra HD TVs. With the Sharp brand, Hisense hopes to grow its market capacity and awareness, and expects its North and South American revenues to increase by $2 billion. The sale comes in the wake of recent financial troubles for Sharp. More details will be announced during an upcoming Hisense press conference on August 4th. Source: PR Newswire via EngadgetPosted Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Marantz Preps M-CR611 Network CD Receiver for $699[teaser]The upcoming device is an all-in-one, wireless, connected, music system. [/teaser] Marantz has detailed its latest home audio product. The M-CR611 is a Network CD Receiver with a compact design and digital streaming support. The two-network system features 2x60 watts power output, a bi-amping option, and a new acrylic top cover with anti-scratch coating. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are integrated, along with two USB ports, and two digital inputs. In addition, support for Spotify Connect, SiriusXM, Pandora, Apple AirPlay, and several Internet radio stations is provided, as well as playback for music libraries stored on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or computer. Finally, the receiver features support for CDs, FM/AM radio, and 192KHz/24-bit high-resolution digital audio formats including ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF and DSD files. The Marantz M-CR611 is expected to start shipping in August for a suggested retail price of $699. Source: MarantzPosted Thu Jul 30, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Check out this 'Ex Machina' DTS Headphone:X DemoWhile DTS only recently jumped into the object-based sound mixing fray with DTS:X, we've been enjoying the company's DTS Headphone:X format since the launch of the Hans Zimmer's 'Man of Steel' original motion picture soundtrack. [teaser]If you're not familiar with Headphone:X, it is a specially encoded two-channel mix that, when heard through any pair of standard headphones, synthesizes a full 11.1 channel surround sound experience for listeners. [/teaser] Don't believe me? Click over to the DTS Headphone:X page with a pair of your favorite headphones on and watch the third video, which calls out the 11 channel speaker locations. There are also a couple music videos. Pretty cool, right? The problem I've had with DTS Headphone:X thus far is a lack of content. The 'Man of Steel' score sounded spectacular, but the Z App on which it plays is extremely buggy, so I haven't been listening to it very much. Plus, I would also argue that the full sensation of surround sound is better suited to motion picture and television content that feature active surround-panning rather than a movie score's orchestrations. DTS is now including a Headphone:X track on Blu-ray releases featuring DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X. Think of this option as an added benefit for someone who needs to watch a movie quietly, but doesn't want to miss out on the full surround experience. The only downside to this, however, is that you're tethered to your AV Receiver. In my humble opinion, DTS Headphone:X would be perfect for Digital Downloads and streaming, and will hopefully become an audio option in these markets. If you own a copy of 'Ex Machina', 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' or the latest 'Terminator 2' Blu-ray release, you already have access to DTS Headphone:X tracks. For the rest of you, DTS and Lionsgate have provided two DTS Headphone:X clips on the 'Ex Machina' website (click HERE to access -- sorry I can't embed it). Pay special attention to Ava's internal motors in clip one, as well as the automated warning voice as the power kicks out in clip two. Also of note. I should be getting my hands on a new AV Receiver capable of decoding DTS:X in the near future. My plan is to compare the 'Ex Machina' DTS:X and DTS Headphone:X tracks (to see how well Headphone:X compares to the real thing), which should be fun to explore as well. What do you think about Headphone:X, and where would you like to use it more? Let us know in the comments below or in the forums.UPDATE: There's also a cool Imagine Dragons Headphone:X music video available HERE.Posted Thu Jul 30, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
