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Sony Releases New Portable Speaker Systems[teaser]The SRSX5 and the SRSX7 Portable Wireless Speaker Systems are now available for purchase. [/teaser] Sony is now shipping its latest portable speaker options, the SRSX5 and the SRSX7. Both models offer 2.1 channel sound with a mobile design, built-in battery, and robust audio streaming support through wireless Bluetooth technology. The SRSX5 offers 2.1 sound with 20 Watts of power and two full-range 1-1/2 inch drivers. The integrated 2-3/8 inch subwoofer features dual passive radiators that will output 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Battery life is rated at 8 hours. Meanwhile, the SRSX7 features 2.1 audio with 32 Watts of power and two full-range 1-7/8 inch drivers. The integrated 2.4 inch subwoofer also features dual passive radiators with a response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Battery life is rated at 6 hours. In addition to Bluetooth, this model includes Wi-Fi support as well. The SRSX5 is now shipping for a suggested retail price of $200, but Amazon currently has it on sale for $173. The SRSX7 is now shipping for a suggested retail price of $300. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Mar 18, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon's Streaming Device Could Be a Dongle[teaser]Amazon's rumored set-top box might actually be a streaming stick similar to Google's Chromecast. [/teaser] According to a report from TechCrunch, Amazon's upcoming streaming video device will come in the form of a dongle rather than a traditional set-top box like the Apple TV. Instead, the rumored stick will resemble Google's Chromecast and Roku's HDMI streaming stick. Previous reports indicated that the streaming device would likely use a modified version of Google's Android OS and allow users to play video and music from a variety of sources including Amazon's Prime Instant Video and MP3 library. The rumored dongle is being designed by Lab126 and TechCrunch's sources also claim that the stick will be able to stream full PC games. Amazon has yet to officially announce the potential device, but earlier rumors hinted at a March release. Likewise, images of an alleged Amazon console controller leaked last week, and it's possible that these items are related, bringing the company's streaming video and gaming plans together. Stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more details as they become available. Source: CNETPosted Mon Mar 17, 2014 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Onkyo Details 4K A/V Receivers[teaser]Two new home theater receivers with HDMI 2.0 support are coming soon. [/teaser] Hot on the heels of Pioneer's recent announcement, Onkyo has revealed its own lineup of 4K ready HDMI 2.0 A/V receivers. The upcoming slate includes the TX-NR535 and the TX-NR636. The TX-NR535 is a 5.2 channel receiver while the TX-NR636 offers support for 7.2 channels. Both devices are 4K/60 Hz and 21:9 compatible, making them a perfect fit for Ultra HD TVs and PC gamers. Likewise, both models are designed with custom high-current architecture with "a massive customized transformer, extra-large capacitors, and discrete low-distortion amplifiers." Built-in Wi-Fi and Blutetooth connectivity is included as well, allowing users to stream high-res music from their mobile devices and services like Spotify, Deezer, AUPEO!, and TuneIn. In addition, the TX-NR636 offers support for the HDCP 2.2 DRM copy-protection standard which will be used for future 4K content. This model also uses Onkyo's Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry on the front and center channels, and two 32-bit DSP engines. The Onkyo TX-NR535 is expected to launch later this month for a suggested retail price of $499. The Onkyo TX-NR636 will be available in April for a suggested retail price of $699. Source: OnkyoPosted Mon Mar 17, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Home Theater Roundup[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering discounts on select projectors, HDTVs, receivers, and Blu-ray players! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several home theater items. Current deals include discounts on: BenQ W1500 1080P Wireless Projector - Currently $1398 (13 percent off its retail price of $1599). Denon AVR-E300 5.1 Channel AV Receiver - Currently $299 (34 percent off its retail price of $450). Samsung BD-F5700 / BD-FM57C Blu-ray Player (Manufacturer Refurbished) - Currently $58 (42 percent of its retail price of $100). oCOSMO 40-Inch 1080p Roku Ready HDTV - Currently $299 (25 percent off its retail price of $400). As always, these deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more deals and special promotions!Posted Fri Mar 14, 2014 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Prime Subscription Fee Increases to $99[teaser]The online retailer has raised its Amazon Prime fee by $20. [/teaser] After discussing a possible price increase back in January, Amazon has finally made it official. The cost for a Prime membership is now $99 a year, a $20 increase from the previous $79 fee. Likewise, the company's Student membership price will increase as well, going up $10 to $49 a year. This is the first time Amazon has increased Prime membership since the service launched in 2005. The $20 increase is likely a result of rising fuel and transportation expenses and the costs of running Amazon's growing library of streaming content. First word of a possible Prime subscription hike came a few months ago, with rumors indicating a rise as high as $40. Amazon Prime benefits include free 2-day shipping, unlimited access to streaming movies and TV shows, and one free Kindle book to borrow each month. The new Amazon Prime pricing goes into effect on March 19. New customers who sign up before that date can still snag the original $79 fee for one year. Likewise, existing customers who have a renewal date before April 17 can also receive another year for the lower pricing. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Mar 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
DTS-Sponsored Study Shows Audio Has Biggest Influence on Enjoying Mobile Video[teaser]DTS recently sponsored the "Sound Matters" neurological study, which was run by a company called Neuro-Insight in New York. The purpose of the study was to see whether increasing audio quality using DTS Headphone:X, or increased video resolution was more important to the audiences watching "mobile content" on a smartphone or tablet. [/teaser] As you can see in the above video, Neuro-Insight invited one hundred 18-35-year-old men and women, who regularly watched audio visual content on smartphones or tablets, to participate. As the participants watched four pieces of content at various audio and/or video resolutions, Neuro-Insight used their proprietary SST technology to monitor the participants brain activity along five different metrics: Long-term memory encoding: A measure of how much the brain is remembering Engagement: A measure of content’s personal relevance The Hedonic Index: A measure that equates broadly to how likeable an experience is Emotional Intensity: The strength of any emotional response Attention: Measures how much visual attention is being paid to the content The Sound Matters Results Audio matters more. Overall, when participants upgraded from standard-quality audio to Headphone:X, the particpants' Hedonic Index jumped an average of 42 percent, which means the test subjects were enjoying the content that much more. To break it down, the study used 280p, 480p, and 1080p video content. When Headphone:X was added to 280p, the Headonic Index rose by 29 percent; with 1080p, there was a 35 percent increase in enjoyment. However, in that 480p mid range (common for many YouTube clips), the Hedonic Index rose by a whopping 66 percent. As for increasing video resolution, the "impact of changes in video quality on tablets was statistically insignificant." "Headphone:X audio was the clear winner in this study," said Pranav Yadav, CEO of Neuro-Insight. "When we switched to enhanced audio, the patterns of brain activity seen were similar to those seen when we eat something we find enjoyable, hear a funny joke or, for that matter, anticipating the ‘high’ associated with an addictive drug. Increasing the video quality did not achieve the same results or reactions." So why should you care? Frankly, my dear HDD Reader, you're probably already an audio enthusiast. You probably already know how a wonderful surround sound mix can turn an ordinary Blu-ray into the one you can't wait to show your friends. I'm also guessing many of our readers aren't particularly big fans of watching mobile content away from the home cinema. But here's where this DTS-sponsored study catches my eye: Bandwidth. When you ramp up from 480p to 1080p on your tablet, you need a dataplan-sucking 77 percent more bandwidth, but neurologically speaking, you're only enjoying the content about two percent more (again, we're talking on a hand held tablet, not your plasma or projector). For only a 15% increase in bandwidth, you can use an audio application like DTS Headphone:X and enjoy your content -- music, movies, and games -- by upwards of 66 percent. Imagine yourself on the never-ending transcontinental flight, the train ride into work every morning, the extended family dinner with that one drunk uncle who never shuts up… In these situations, you can't bust out the Blu-ray 3D, nor can you fire up your Xbox One or PS4 to immerse yourself in discrete multi-channel sound. But, assuming more content is encoded in the format and the app(s) improve, you can fire up a DTS Headphone:X to hear upwards of 11.1 surround sound from the headphones you already own. I would think, for casual movie and viewing, and even more so for the mobile gaming communities, the benefits are clear. I guess you could say the study is both surprising, in the sense that they were able to quantify the experience so clearly, but also not surprising at all because who doesn't love high-quality audio over digitally compressed garbage. DTS, you're preaching to the choir here, my friends. We constantly talk about how "sound is at least half the experience." Well, thanks to DTS and Neuro-Insight, we can revise this for small-screened mobile applications: Sound Matters… more than video.Posted Thu Mar 13, 2014 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
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Toshiba Announces New HDTVs[teaser]Several new HDTVs have been detailed for 2014. [/teaser] Toshiba has revealed its upcoming HD display lineup, headlined by the L54, L64, and L74 series. All of the models feature LCD 1080p panels with LED backlights and smart TV capabilities. The L54 series will be available in 40 and 48-inch models and uses edge LED backlighting and active shutter 3D technology. In addition, the sets offer 2D to 3D conversion and AMR+ 4002 tech for smooth motion during fast paced content. Meanwhile, the L64 series comes in 42 and 47-inch variations and features the company's more robust Smart TV Cloud service which includes a PVR (Personal Video Recording) feature. Unlike the L54, the L64 uses direct LED backlighting but does include 3D support. Finally, the L74 series will debut with 42, 47, and 55-inch models and combines many of the benefits of the L54 and L64 series. The TVs feature the Smart TV Cloud service, direct LED backlighting, passive 3D capabilities (with four included glasses), and Toshiba's advanced CEVO picture and audio technology. Exact pricing and release dates have not been announced yet, but the L54, L64, and L74 series are expected to launch in the second quarter of 2014. Source: Toshiba L54, Toshiba L64, Toshiba L74Posted Wed Mar 12, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Introduces HDMI 2.0 Receivers[teaser]The home theater company has detailed a new lineup of A/V receivers with support for the HDMI 2.0 spec. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced five new home theater receivers including two elite models. All of the upcoming components feature full support for the recently announced HDMI 2.0 standard, offering increased bandwidth, higher frame rates, superior colors, and 4K resolutions. "We're incorporating the latest technologies into our products, like HDMI 2.0, so consumers are always prepared for the next big buzz in home video entertainment," said Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "The new HDMI format is a new spec that passes high frame rate, high resolution video playable on 4K televisions, and we’re ready for it with these new receivers." The upcoming wave includes the VSX-824 5.2-channel receiver and the VSX-1024 and VSX-1124 7.2-channel receivers. All models are Roku Ready certified, allowing users to plug in a Roku stick for access to a growing library of streaming content. Likewise, the receivers feature several internet radio options including Spotify, PANDORA and vTuner. Each model also includes support for Pioneer's Advanced MCACC calibration process. In addition, the VSX-1124 uses the ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit) for high quality sound reproduction, and also features playback support for 96kHz 24-Bit 5.0 and 5.1-channel FLAC and WAV files, and 4K video pass through at up to 60 frames per second. Meanwhile, Pioneer is also releasing two entry-level elite receivers, the VSX-44 and VSX-80. Both models are 7.2-channel receivers geared toward custom installers and include many of the same specs and features listed above. "Our Elite products have always been about the custom installer, offering them a variety of features that make the installation and setup process of advanced home theater systems much easier," said Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Integration of features such as reliable RS-232 control over IP and multi-zone capabilities makes a big difference in saving them valuable time and labor." The VSX-824 ($399), VSX-1024 ($499), VSX-1124 ($599), VSX-44 ($500) and VSX-80 ($700) will all be available for purchase by the end of the month. Sources: Pioneer Home Audio, Pioneer ElitePosted Wed Mar 12, 2014 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Launches 2014 TV Lineup[teaser]The company is preparing to release a massive collection of 68 new television models. [/teaser]LG has announced the release of its 2014 television lineup. The extensive collection includes HD, Ultra HD, and OLED displays that feature sizes as large as a whopping 105-inches."We are extremely confident that our state-of-the-art ULTRA HD and OLED TV models will establish a new benchmark this year," said Hyun-hwoi Ha, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "With our strong competitiveness in display technology including ULTRA IPS, CINEMA 3D and the unrivalled simplicity of the webOS Smart TV platform, we are optimistic that in 2014, LG will be the one to watch in the TV industry."With a total of 68 models, the massive lineup offers options for all buyers with exciting new technologies and features. LG's Ultra HD models use IPS panels with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, ensuring superior color accuracy and impressive viewing angles with minimal distortion. In addition, the sets all feature 4K upscaling capabilities and LG's Cinema 3D technology to minimize flicker in 3D content. The company's 2014 Ultra HD collection includes a 49-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and giant 105-inch curved-screen model. Building upon its previously released 55EA9800 curved-screen OLED and its 55EA8800 flat-screen OLED, LG is also offering a new slew of OLED displays, renewing its commitment to the burgeoning technology. The upcoming lineup includes 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch sizes in both 1080p and 4K models. Exact release dates and pricing have not been announced yet, but LG's 2014 lineup is now rolling out to the Korean market. A US launch is expected later this month. Stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more details as they become available. Source: LGPosted Tue Mar 11, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Research Reveals Dramatic HDTV Growth among US Homes[teaser]A new study reveals that 77 percent of US households now own an HDTV, while smart TV adoption is minimal and awareness for 4K displays remains low. [/teaser] According to a survey of 1,231 United States households conducted by the Leichtman Research Group, the majority of American homes now feature HDTVs, with 77 percent owning at least one HDTV. Likewise, 46 percent own multiple high definition displays. While these high numbers might not come as a surprise to many, just five years ago these stats were significantly lower, with just 34 percent of households owning at least one HDTV and a paltry 11 percent owning multiple displays. Furthermore, even when one factors in households that don't own any high-def televisions, 59 percent of all TVs in US homes are now HDTVs. This number was only 18 percent in 2008, demonstrating a dramatic growth in consumer adoption and mainstream appeal. In addition to HDTVs, the study also revealed some surprising facts about Ultra HD awareness and smart TV ownership. Based on the same study, only 14 percent of US homes have an internet connected smart TV, and connected smart TVs make up just 7 percent of all televisions used in US households. And while HDTV adoption is now in the majority, 4K awareness remains low. According to the survey, 30 percent of US adults are aware of Ultra HD technology, and of that 30 percent, only about one-third have seen a 4K TV in person. Even more telling, just 15 percent of those who have heard of Ultra HD and 28 percent who have seen one, are actually interested in buying a display. While these numbers reveal a relatively slow start for Ultra HD, considering the steady and dramatic growth that HD has seen in the last five years, consumer interest could certainly take off as manufacturers continue to push 4K adoption. Source: Leichtman Research Group via TWICEPosted Tue Mar 11, 2014 at 10:30 AM PDT by:
