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Sharp Debuts New Ultra HD TVs[teaser]Two new 4K models are coming later this year. [/teaser] At CE week in New York, Sharp demoed its latest 4K display series. The UD27 line will come in 60-inch and 70-inch models and both will feature a resolution of 3840x2160. "Over the last three years Sharp has led the transformation of the home viewing experience with the introductions of 60", 70", 80" and 90" class screen sizes and unique picture quality technologies such as Quattron and Q+," says John Herrington, President, Sharp Electronics Marketing Corporation of America. "Our new Sharp AQUOS 4K Ultra HD LED TV couples the most popular large screen sizes with the finest high resolution picture technology." The UD27 displays feature Sharp's SmartCentral 3.0 Smart TV platform. SPECTROS Rich Color Display technology for a wider color gamut, an AquoDimming option for enhanced contrast, and the company's Revelation Upscaler. Likewise, the televisions are expected to include THX 4K picture certification. HDMI 2.0 connections are integrated as well and the TVs will support the HEVC (H.265) codec for 4K streaming. Sharp's 60-inch LC60UD27U ($2,999) and 70-inch LC70UD27U ($4,499) are expected to start shipping in September. Source: Sharp via Business WirePosted Fri Jun 27, 2014 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Reveals Speaker Base System[teaser]The Andrew Jones designed audio system is made to sit under a user's television. [/teaser] Pioneer has detailed it newest audio device, the SP-SB03. The Speaker Base serves as a TV stand, replacing a display's integrated audio with a higher quality solution. "Consumers deserve to have the best entertainment experience at home, but unfortunately sound produced by today's TVs just doesn’t cut it, which is why the Speaker Base was created," said Chris Walker, director of AV marketing and product planning for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Andrew's design delivers an audio experience that rivals if not exceeds traditional speaker bars without the need for a dedicated subwoofer." The SP-SB03 features a composite wood cabinet construction, and two custom 4-inch woofers, two 3-inch mid-range drivers and two 1-inch soft dome tweeters. In addition, each driver is powered by an individual amplifier that can each deliver up to 28 watts of power. Finally, the Speaker Base also includes Dolby Digital decoding, a 3D Audio Expansion Mode for a wider soundfield, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming. Pioneer's SP-SB03 Speaker Base will start shipping in October for a suggested retail price of $350. Source: PioneerPosted Thu Jun 26, 2014 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Bolsters 4K TV Lineup[teaser]An extra-large 4K model and two new Ultra HD display series have been announced. [/teaser] Samsung has revealed several new Ultra HD television models. The new lineup includes an 85-inch display and two brand new 4K TV series. "As the UHD TV market leader, we're seeing excellent category growth and adoption among consumers who are looking for the highest resolution and best-in-class picture quality Samsung UHD TVs offer," said Joe Stinziano, Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. "We're excited to introduce another super-sized model and two entirely new series to our UHD TV family. Whether it's a flat or curved UHD TV, Samsung continues to provide consumers the broadest selection of UHD TVs for any home." First up, is the 85-inch UN85HU8550 ($9,999). The display features a 2160p resolution with smart TV functions, UHD dimming, and Precision Black. The HU8550 series also comes in a wide range of smaller sizes, including a 65-Inch model ($3,298) and a 55-Inch model ($2,298). Next, is the newly announced HU7250 series. The TVs feature curved screens for a more immersive viewing experience. In addition, the displays include Samsung's UHD upscaling technology, UHD dimming, smart TV functions, and a Quad Screen Multi-Link feature that allows users to segment the TV into four 1080p screens at once. The HU7250 series will come in a 55-inch model ($2,200) and a 65-inch ($3,300) model. Both are expected to start shipping in August. Finally, Samsung also detailed the new HU6950 series. The flatscreen displays offer many of the same features found in the company's more expensive flagship models -- including smart TV features, Ultra HD dimming, and Quad Screen Multi-link -- for a more affordable price. Models will be available in 40-inches ($1,000), 50-inches ($1,500) and 55-inches ($2,000) later this month. Source: Samsung via Business WirePosted Thu Jun 26, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Details Atmos Audio Products[teaser]Three new elite receivers and two new elite speaker models with Atmos support have been announced. [/teaser] Pioneer has unveiled its upcoming Atmos-enabled line of home audio products. The collection will include three A/V receivers and an Andrew Jones designed speaker system, all geared to create a 5.1.4-channel Atmos soundfield. The Atmos receivers include the Pioneer Elite SC-85 ($1600), SC-87 ($2,000) and SC-89 ($3,000). Each model offers 9.2-channels of audio and HDMI 2.0 connections with 4K pass-through. The receivers will be upgradeable to Atmos decoding through a firmware update by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the Elite SP-EBS73-LR bookshelf ($749 for a pair) and SP-EFS73 floorstanding speakers ($699 each) feature an additional 4-inch driver mounted on the top of the device designed to simulate overhead sound effects. An elite SP-EC73 Center Channel ($399) and an Elite SW-E10 Powered 10-inch Subwoofer ($599) will also be available to complete the Atmos surround sound system. Pioneer's Atmos-enabled receivers and speakers are expected to start shipping in August. Source: Pioneer, TWICEPosted Wed Jun 25, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Google Introduces Android TV[teaser]The upcoming software platform promises lots of entertainment options for your living room. [/teaser] At its Google I/O developer event in San Francisco, Google officially revealed the latest evolution of its Android platform. Android TV is a software OS geared toward set-top boxes, consoles, and smart TVs, offering users a robust collection of entertainment services and features. The platform will provide content from the Google Play Store and other partners including Netflix and Hulu, giving customers personalized recommendations and advanced search options. Likewise, users can control Android TV through smartphones, tablets, and smart watches. Content can also be transmitted to televisions from mobile devices, similar to the way that media is currently cast from the Chromecast. Finally, the company is also adding Google Play Games support complete with controller options. Google is partnering with several companies, including Sony and Sharp, to develop smart TVs with Android TV integration. Likewise, ASUS and Razer are working on Android TV set-top boxes with a heavy emphasis on gaming. Source: Google, The VergePosted Wed Jun 25, 2014 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Releases New SoundPlate[teaser]Pricing and availability for the compact sound system have been announced. [/teaser] LG is demoing its latest SoundPlate audio system, the LAB540W, at CE Week in New York. The stylish device is designed to sit under a user's television. "TVs may get the most attention from consumers looking to enhance their home theaters, but at LG we know that great sound is also at the heart of the home entertainment experience," said Tim Alessi, head of new product development for LG Electronics USA, which is a Platinum Sponsor of CE Week 2014. "We designed our SoundPlates to be a turnkey solution with great sound quality and smart TV functionality for added value, and we packaged it in a compact, stylish design." With its sleek design, the LAB540W is designed to be paired with 32 to 55-inch flat screen TVs. Measuring just 39.5mm high, the SoundPlate features 4.1 channel, 320 watt audio and an external wireless subwoofer, offering a compact size without sacrificing powerful sound. In addition, the SoundPlate includes an integrated 3D Blu-ray player, Smart TV functions, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. The LAB540W is now available for a suggested retail price of $600. Source: LG via PR NewswirePosted Wed Jun 25, 2014 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Sells Majority of A/V Business[teaser]The Japanese electronics manufacturer is selling a large chunk of its audiovisual business. [/teaser] According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Pioneer has agreed to sell the majority of its consumer electronics business to Baring Private Equity Asia. In addition, another portion of the company will be sold to competing A/V manufacturer Onkyo. The deal will give Baring Private Equity Asia a 51 percent stake in the company. Meanwhile, the remaining 49 percent will be divided between Pioneer and Onkyo, though the exact breakdown between the two has not been specified. Likewise, the cost of the sale has not been disclosed. Despite the purchase, Onkyo and Pioneer will continue to sell their products under their own separate brands. The deal is expected to be finalized in late August. The agreement is likely a result of Pioneer's struggling A/V sales which accounted for only about one fifth of its revenue last year. Pioneer will now focus on car electronics. Source: The Wall Street JournalPosted Tue Jun 24, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Launches More 4K Displays[teaser]The company has announced two more Ultra HD TV collections. [/teaser] Joining the previously detailed UB9800 series, LG has started shipping the UB9500 and the UB8500 series 4K TVs. The mid-range and value models all offer a resolution of 3840 × 2160. "LG is serious about making Ultra HD TVs a reality for consumers now. That's why our new lineup offers a broad variety of series, class sizes and prices," said David VanderWaal, head of marketing for LG Electronics USA, named the Official Ultra HDTV of CE Week. "With a Smart TV platform as simple and robust as webOS and IPS panels that deliver ultra wide viewing angles, LG's Ultra HD TVs have the most comprehensive features available to American consumers." The UB9500 series features LG LED Plus edge lighting with Local Dimming and each set uses an Ultra IPS panel with 1500 UCI. Likewise, the TVs offer H.265 decoding for 4K streaming and Smart TV+ webOS support. A 35W 2.1 channel speaker system is integrated as well. The 55-inch 55UB9500 ($2,499) and the 65-inch 65UB9500 ($3,499) are available now. Meanwhile, the value priced UB8500 series also features LG LED Plus edge lighting with Local Dimming and Ultra IPS panel technology, but this time with 1200 UCI. H.265 decoding and Smart TV+ webOS support is included as well, and the TVs come with an integrated 20W speaker system. The 49-inch 55UB8500 ($1,499) and the 55-inch 55UB8500 ($1,999) are now on sale at Amazon. Customers who buy a qualifying LG 4K TV will also receive a free 12-month subscription to Netflix. LG's 2014 Ultra HD lineup is now on display at CE week in New York. Source: LG via PR NewswirePosted Tue Jun 24, 2014 at 12:07 PM PDT by: -
Companies Announce Dolby Atmos Receivers & Speakers[teaser]Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon, and Marantz have all unveiled new Atmos capable audio products. [/teaser] Following the recent announcement of upcoming Dolby Atmos support for Blu-rays and streaming media services, several home audio companies have now detailed new receivers and speakers that support the technology. "We've been at the forefront of every technology available for the home theater environment and we’re making a point to have the Dolby Atmos technology into the latest products that will captivate and transport audiences with multi-dimensional sound," said Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Pioneer plans to release Dolby Atmos-enabled Andrew Jones-designed Elite speakers and Elite SC series A/V receivers that will be Dolby Atmos upgradable by a firmware update by the end of the year. Full details on the new Atmos products will be unveiled at the 2014 CE Week show on June 25. Likewise, Denon has also detailed two upcoming 9.1 A/V receivers, the AVR-X4100W and AVR-X5200W, that will include Atmos support. Pricing has not been revealed but the receivers are expected to ship in September. Meanwhile, Marantz has announced the 9.1-channel SR7009 Atmos receiver and the 11-channel AV7702 preamp processor. Again, pricing has not been detailed, but the products are due to arrive in September and October respectively. Finally, Onkyo is getting in on the Atmos wave as well, launching its upcoming TX-NR1030 ($1699) and TX-NR3030 ($2399) network A/V receivers, and flagship PR-SC5530 Network A/V Controller ($2499) with Dolby Atmos support in August. The company will also release the HT-S7700 and HT-S9700THX HTiB systems and SKS-HT693 and SKH-410 speaker packages with Dolby Atmos support, but pricing and availability have not been announced yet. In addition, the currently available TX-NR636, TX-NR737, and TX-NR838 network A/V receivers will receive an Atmos firmware upgrade in September. Sources: Pioneer, Onkyo, TWICEPosted Mon Jun 23, 2014 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
Dolby Atmos Coming to Home Theaters[teaser]The immersive theater technology is finally heading to your living room. [/teaser] Dolby has announced plans to bring its Atmos audio technology to home theaters. The exciting tech has been available in select cinemas since 2012, adding support for up to 128 discrete audio tracks and 64 speakers to many popular films including 'Godzilla' and 'Gravity.' With Dolby Atmos, home theaters will gain the added benefit of audio effects the sound like they're coming from above the listener. This can be accomplished by installing speakers on your ceiling, or from purchasing special Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers that simulate overhead sounds from traditional placement. Dolby is currently working with several studios and production companies to help design home theater Atmos soundtracks for TV and films. Atmos mixes should start appearing on Blu-ray discs and streaming services in the fall, and all existing Blu-ray players that conform to the full Blu-ray spec will be able to support the technology. Likewise, Atmos-enabled receivers and speakers will be announced from a variety of partners soon. Source: DolbyPosted Mon Jun 23, 2014 at 03:30 PM PDT by:
