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Yamaha Introduces YAS-105 Ultra-Thin Soundbar for $250[teaser]The new soundbar is designed for ultra-thin TVs. [/teaser] Yamaha has detailed the latest addition to its home audio lineup. The YAS-105 is a single-body soundbar geared toward complementing thin-bezel displays. "The YAS-105 follows in the footsteps of our best-selling sound bars and now offers a completely reimagined aesthetic design," said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "The latest TVs have an incredibly small amount of space under the screen and it's challenging to make a sound bar that is thin enough to not block any image yet still sounds great. The YAS-105 answers this challenge beautifully." With its low profile design, the YAS-105 can be placed horizontally in front of a display or vertically on a wall. The soundbar features two full-range drivers, two high-frequency tweeters, and two built-in subwoofers with bass reflex ports. Advanced Bass Extension Processing is included as well, along with Dolby Digital and Air Surround Xtreme technology for virtual 7.1 surround sound. Finally, the device also offers Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music. Yamaha's YAS-105 will start shipping this month for $250. Source: YamahaPosted Wed Jun 24, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Lenovo Preps ideacentre Stick 300 HDMI Computer Dongle for $129[teaser]The upcoming HDMI stick turns any display into a computer. [/teaser] Lenovo has announced pricing and availability for its ideacentre Stick 300. More than just a standard media stick, the compact dongle can plug directly into a TV's HDMI port to add full mobile PC features. "We've looked at the computing needs of travelers, business people and families, and realized that a truly portable and affordable solution would be a significant benefit to users of all kinds," said Jun Ouyang, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Desktop and Visuals, Lenovo. "Our goal with the ideacentre™ Stick 300 is to give those users a sense of freedom and enhanced mobility, while packing a serious punch in a small device." The ideacentre Stick 300 can turn almost any HDMI compatible display into a Windows PC. The stick is powered by an Intel Atom Processor Z3735F running Windows 8.1 (upgradable to Windows 10 starting July 29), and features 2GB of memory and 32GB of storage. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 support are included as well, making the dongle a perfect media hub capable of adding web browsing, video streaming, and word processing to connected TVs. Lenovo's ideacentre Stick 300 will be available in July for a suggested retail price of $129. Source: LenovoPosted Wed Jun 24, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Denon Unveils Two More A/V Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, Prices Start at $599[teaser]Two new receivers have been detailed. [/teaser] Denon has announced the addition of two new models to its In-Command series of A/V receivers. The AVR-X2200W and AVR-X1200W both feature integrated Dolby Atmos support and upgradeable DTS:X support. The AVR-X1200W is a 7.2 channel network receiver with 80W x 7ch (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08%THD). Meanwhile, the AVR-X2200W is a 7.2 channel network receiver with 95W x 7ch (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08%THD). Both models feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and high-res audio playback. In addition, HDMI 2.0a connections with HDCP 2.2 compliancy and 4K Ultra HD pass-through are included as well. Finally, the receivers offer built-in Dolby Atmos support and future DTS:X support via an upcoming free firmware upgrade for 5.1.2 speaker configurations. Denon's AVR-X2200W ($799) and AVR-X1200W ($599) are expected to start shipping in July. Source: DenonPosted Wed Jun 24, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Releases Echo Smart Speaker for $180[teaser]The voice controlled speaker is now available for all customers. [/teaser] Following a previous invitation only launch, Amazon is now selling its Echo speaker to all shoppers. Echo is a cylindrical speaker system with 360° omni-directional audio and voice-controlled commands, offering instant information and music. "The customer response to Amazon Echo has been incredibly positive, and we've been working hard to build more as quickly as possible. We are grateful to our early customers for their incredible engagement and for providing us with invaluable feedback to help shape Echo as it evolves—with their help, we've been able to add features like Audible, Pandora, home automation, sports scores, calendar, and more," said Greg Hart, Vice President, Amazon Echo. "We're excited to get Echo into the hands of even more customers and continue to invent new features and experiences." The speaker is an always-on device that uses Wi-Fi to connect to the cloud through Amazon Web Services. After waking Echo with the wake word "Alexa," the speaker provides similar functionality to Siri or Ok Google on Apple and Android devices, allowing customers to ask for information, music, news, weather, and more. Likewise, thanks to its cloud integration, Echo actually adapts to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences over time. The speaker features Far-field voice recognition that uses seven microphones to pick up customer's commands. A 2.5-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter are integrated as well, offering 360° omni-directional audio. The Amazon Echo is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping to customers on July 14 for $180. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
Onkyo Details RZ Series A/V Receivers with DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Support[teaser]Two more receiver models with next-gen audio support have been revealed. [/teaser] Onkyo has announced two new additions to its home audio lineup. The TX-RZ900 and TX-RZ800 are network A/V receivers with built-in Dolby Atmos and upgradeable DTS:X support. Both models are 7.2 channel receivers with 4K video playback and HDCP 2.2 copyright protection. The RZ900 uses a high-current Toroidal transformer to power three-stage inverted Darlington amplifier circuitry, while the RZ800 uses an EI transformer. In addition, the receivers are THX Select 2 Plus-certified, and feature separate power amp and processing blocks. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay connectivity are integrated as well. Finally, the rear panel offers dedicated outputs for height speakers, allowing customers to use 5.1.2 immersive audio configurations. Onkyo's TX-RZ900 ($1,599) and TX-RZ800 ($1,299) will start shipping later this summer. Source: OnkyoPosted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Set to Offer Showtime Streaming for $9 Per Month[teaser]Showtime's streaming service will be available through Hulu. [/teaser] Hulu and Showtime have announced a partnership that will allow Hulu subscribers to add Showtime streaming to their service. The Showtime add-on will be available in July. Showtime streaming will allow users to subscribe to Showtime directly through Hulu without the need for a cable or satellite contract, giving cord-cutting customers access to live content, on-demand programming, and all of the network's popular movies and shows, including 'Homeland,' 'Masters of Sex,' 'Shameless,' and 'Penny Dreadful.' Showtime on Hulu will work through the Hulu app on iOS gadgets, Android devices, Apple TV, Roku players, game consoles, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, computers, and select smart TVs. A current Hulu subscription costs $8 per month. The Showtime add-on will cost an extra $9 per month. Meanwhile, Showtime streaming will also launch directly through Apple products, Roku players, and PlayStation Vue for $11 per month. Sources: Hulu Blog, HuluPosted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 12:15 PM PDT by: -
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Yamaha Reveals New Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Support[teaser]New receiver models have been detailed. [/teaser]Yamaha has announced several additions to its Aventage line of A/V receivers. The collection features a total of six new models, including three that support Dobly Atmos and DTS:X."Our AVENTAGE AV receivers offer the last word in high-end entertainment, audiophile listening and superb video with wide connectivity to online music services, mobile devices and components throughout the home," said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "This new line offers intuitive and precise control which allows you to easily enhance your entertainment experiences in a way that really excites the senses." All six models offer 4K Ultra HD playback with HDCP 2.2 copyright protection, Bluetooth connectivity, and Yamaha's Compressed Music Enhancer. In addition, The Aventage receivers include high-res audio support for DSD (Direct Stream Digital; 2.6 MHz / 5.6 MHz), AIFF, WAV, FLAC and Apple Lossless audio. Finally, Spotify Connect, Pandora, and vTuner internet radio are integrated as well. Below prices reflect current Amazon discounts.RX-A550 5.1 Channel Receiver - $500, July RX-A750 7.2 Channel Receiver - $650, June RX-A850 7.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos - $900, July RX-A1050 7.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - $1,200, July RX-A2050 9.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - $1,600, July RX-A3050 9.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - $2,000, August Source: YamahaPosted Mon Jun 22, 2015 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
Sony Announces Pricing for X900C & X910C 4K Ultra HD TVs, Models Start at $2,499[teaser]The ultra-thin displays will hit stores next month. [/teaser] Sony has finally revealed pricing and availability for its X900C & X910C series Ultra HD TVs. The new models will now join the company's previously released 2015 4K lineup. The X900C and the X910C both feature ultra-thin profiles and nearly frameless designs. The X900C measures just 0.2-inches thin and the X910C is now the thinnest 75-inch television ever made. In addition to their impressive size, the displays also feature Sony's X1 processor engine, the X-Reality PRO Picture Engine for 4K upscaling, and TRILUMINOS technology for wide colors. Finally, the sets include the Android TV platform and offer support for PlayStation Now gaming as well. The 55-inch Edge Lit LED XBR-55X900C ($2,499) and the 65-inch Edge Lit LED XBR-65X900C ($3,999) are now available for pre-order. Both models will start shipping in July. Meanwhile, the 75-inch Edge Lit LED XBR-75X910C ($5,499) will be available later this summer. Source: SonyPosted Mon Jun 22, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 54% off Optoma Projectors![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select projectors! [/teaser] Just in time for Father's Day, Amazon is running a special sale on Optoma projectors. Optoma EH415 Full 3D 1080p DLP Projector - Currently $1,095 (52% off). Optoma W415 Full 3D WXGA DLP Projector - Currently $1,006 (47% off). Optoma X304M XGA Full 3D Portable DLP Projector - Currently $742 (54% off). Optoma DH1011 1080P Full 3D DLP Projector - Currently $659 (49% off). Optoma DH1009 Full 3D 1920x1080 DLP Projector - Currently $614 (49% off). Optoma ML750 WXGA 3D Ready Portable DLP Projector - Currently $565 (49% off). Optoma W316 Full 3D WXGA DLP Projector - Currently $489 (46% off). Optoma S316 Full 3D SVGA DLP Projector - Currently $293 (53% off). Optoma S310e Full 3D SVGA DLP Projector - Currently $279 (50% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Jun 19, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Releases SC-91 Elite A/V Receiver with Dolby Atmos Support[teaser]The company's latest Atmos receiver has been revealed. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced the release of its newest Elite series receiver. The SC-91 is a Dolby Atmos enabled A/V receiver with 4K video pass-through. The 7.2 channel receiver features a Class D3 amplifier, a SABRE ES9006S Premier Audio DAC, and is rated at 130 Watts per channel (8 ohms, 1kHz, THD 0.08%, 2ch Driven FTC). In addition, the device offers MCACC Pro calibration and support for 4K/60p/4:4:4 video signal transmission with HDCP 2.2 copyright protection. High-resolution music playback with support for 192 kHz 24-bit 2ch WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, and 96 kHz 24-bit Multi-channel WAV, FLAC files is included as well. Finally, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also integrated. Pioneer's SC-91 Elite A/V receiver is now available for a suggested retail price of $1,100. Source: PioneerPosted Fri Jun 19, 2015 at 03:30 PM PDT by:
