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JVC Shows off 4K Projectors – Promises a Sub $20,000 UHDTV in 2013[teaser]The projectors upscale existing content, but won't accept 4K sources if you happen to have them. [/teaser] Manufacturers are not messing around – they want 4K to be the new hotness and they're not afraid to push out products like crazy. We've already seen a few huge televisions and JVC is filling in the other side of things with their 4K projectors. There's a wide range of projector models available, but most notable are the X55R and RS48, which give you 4K upscaling at $4,999 – significantly cheaper than any of the TVs coming to the market. In fact, the X95R/RS66, which gives you ISF calibration, an upgraded light engine and pending THX 3D certification will run you $11,999. All of JVC's new projectors will be available in November. JVC says that they have 84 inch monitors on the way too – one for business and the other for home theater. The RS-840 home theater model gives you 10 bit color depth, ELED illumination and a slim bezel. Availability is expected in January of 2013 and the price is set for under $20,000. Source: EngdagetPosted Fri Sep 7, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
SIM2 Reveals the CinemaQuattro 4K Projector[teaser]This 3-chip DLP is the first 4K projector to come from SIM2. [/teaser] The folks at SIM2 are known for high-end projectors and that puts 4K right up their alley. In fact, it's a bit of a surprise that it took them this long to announce one. Nonetheless, a SIM2 projector that handles the resolution is now on the way. The new CinemaQuattro 4K DLP 3-Chip Home Cinema Projector packs a trio of 1.38 inch 4K chipsets and Christie technology to help provide the best picture possible. It handles both 2D and 3D content and the Triple Flash 3D tech built in helps to prevent eye strain or discomfort while enjoying 3D movies. "When SIM2 decided to embark on the 4K challenge, it was clear that we had to offer a product with performance as close as possible to a true movie theater experience," says CEO Maurizio Cini. He adds that the inclusion of Christie technology means "our Premiere Dealers will have access to the BEST 4K technology available today, and not a product that is just good enough because it is 4K resolution." Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. Source: Electronic HousePosted Fri Sep 7, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Denon and Marantz Receivers Get Updated with Spotify[teaser]The popular music streaming service hits several connected receivers, offering unlimited streaming to subscribers. [/teaser] Receivers from both Denon and Marantz got an extra little boost today thanks to the addition of the Spotify music streaming service. Spotify says that a quick firmware update will get you up and running, and that Premium subscribers will be able to listen to their music on their receivers. What's not specified is what this means for those that don't shell out for Premium. On smartphones, those that use the app for free can still use the Pandora like radio functionality, but there's no word on whether this will work on receivers. The Denon models updateable to add Spotify are the AVR-4520CI, AVR-3313CI, AVR-2313CI and AVR-2113CI, and AVR-1913. The Marantz receivers eligible for the update are the AV7701, SR7007, SR6007, SR5007 and NR1603. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony's 84 Inch 4K TV is Coming in November at $25,000[teaser]You'll be able to find it in retail locations including select Magnolia Design Centers. [/teaser] Sure, television channels aren't caught up on the whole 1080p front and Blu-rays are still new enough that we couldn't possibly expect a new format to pick up yet. That's not going to stop television manufacturers from bringing us the biggest and best sets they possibly can, especially when they have a chance to really push the limits of technology. The XBR-84X900 from Sony is an incredibly large set at 84 inches and it offers something that you can't get in too many other places – 4K resolution. The new TV even upscales courtesy of the 4K X-Reality PRO engine to help address the lack of 4K content. The newest development is that we'll actually be seeing this massive set at around 60 retail stores, including a few Magnolia locations. It won't come cheap though. The MSRP on this is $24,999. Source: Electronic HousePosted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony's Newly Announced Flagship Sets Priced – Available Now[teaser]The 55 and 65 inch sets will sell for $4,499 and $5,499 respectively. [/teaser] Amid all of the hullabaloo about ridiculously sized 4K and 8K sets, it's easy to forget that high-end TVs for normal folks are hitting the market too. Sony has just announced that its brand new flagship sets are "available immediately" online and at retail. The XBR-HX950 is a LED backlit Internet TV that packs all of the streaming features you've come to expect from a high-end set, including Netflix, Pandora, Blip.tv and of course Sony's own video and audio streaming services. It offers up Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections so you can get your TV online in whatever way you prefer. You'll find plenty of tech inside designed to give you the best picture possible. The XBR-HX950 utilizes the X-Reality PRO engine to provide optimized video quality and 14-bit upscaling, processing and pixel mapping to kick things up even more. The 55 inch version of the HX950 will run you $4,499 while stepping up to 65 inches will cost $5,499. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Atlantic Brings Back Two Popular In-Wall Speakers[teaser]The demand for Atlantic's IWTS-5 LCR and the IWTS-10 LCR is high enough that the company is resurrecting the pair. [/teaser] Generally, when it comes to home theater components, newer is better. A brand new TV can give you a better picture and more options, newer receivers pack features previously unheard of and new Blu-ray players can function as entertainment hubs rather than disc players. Of course, it's different with speakers. While speaker technology is always improving, some are so good that they're still in high demand. The IWTS-5 LCR and the IWTS-10 LCR from Atlantic are a prime example. Though they were discontinued back in 2008, demand from dealers has prompted the company to bring these in-wall speakers back from the dead. Atlantic says that the speakers are slightly changed, thanks to new tweeters and woofers made to mimic the sound characteristics of the originals. "They are essentially the same speakers," says Atlantic VP Lawrence Davis, "but maybe a little better thanks to the new drivers." The IWTS-5 LCR and IWTS 10 LCR are available now at $275 and $475 respectively. Source: Electronic HousePosted Wed Sep 5, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Klipsch Reveals a Two-Way Soundbar with Wireless Sub[teaser]Just three inches deep, the HD Theater SB 3 is made to blend in to your setup. [/teaser] The latest from Klipsch is a horn-loaded two-way soundbar that gives you high efficiency and low distortion speakers without forcing you to sacrifice the look of your room. Known as the HD Theater SB 3, the soundbar packs lightweight aluminum tweeters, new long-throw woofers and Tractrix horns to keep distortion low. The SB3 connects via a digital toslink optical connection, analog L/R or even by a 3.5mm input for your MP3 player, smartphone or tablet. The wireless subwoofer is even simpler – it automatically links up thanks to the wireless technology Klipsch baked into it. "Because of its horn-loaded technology," says SVP Mark Cassavant, "the HD Theater SB 3 is capable of focusing more sound for listeners and perfecting the very purpose of soundbars--dialog clarity that's so often lacking in today's television speakers." Source: eCousticsPosted Tue Sep 4, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Yamaha Announces New High End Soundbars[teaser]Among them is the YSP-4300, which packs 22 speakers and a $1,899 MSRP[/teaser] Soundbars tend to be an audio solution based on a decision of economy and space. Yamaha's newest bars aren't hugely different in size, but they're definitely not made for the entry-level enthusiast. The YSP-3300 and YSP-4300 sport 16 and 22 speakers respectively, all of which have their own amplifiers. They also offer up a feature called Target Mode, which aims sound at a specific sweet spot. Each comes with a 130 watt wireless active sub as well. If you don't want to shell out the $1,899 for the 4300 or $1,599 for the 3300, Yamaha has a more normally priced model for you. The YAS-201 is a low profile soundbar with a 100 watt sub and much less impressive specs than its bigger brothers, coming in at just $449. Source: Electronic HousePosted Tue Sep 4, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Toshiba Reveals an 84 Inch 4K Resolution TV[teaser]Yes, another 84 inch 4K TV. It's impressive to be sure, but doesn't offer up anything the others don't. [/teaser] The problem with brand new tech is that it's only brand new and impressive for so long. We've seen a pair of 84 inch 4K TVs already and though Toshiba's is almost certainly just as impressive, there's a bit of a dip in our excitement. After all, it's practically the same thing. Toshiba's new set is unpriced at the moment, but since its a little more bare-bones than the others, we can expect a set that's a little bit cheaper. One of the nice things about the no frills approach though, is that the set is nice and sleek. No speakers means no extra padding. Source: EngdagetPosted Fri Aug 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Panasonic Reveals a 145 Inch 8K Plasma[teaser]Well that’s just plain awesome. Overkill, of course, but awesome. [/teaser] The folks at Panasonic have a new set that they’ve created just to show off what they’re capable of. The plasma is 145 inches and has an incredible 8K resolution. That’s the standard that the company is hoping will be regular in broadcasts by 2020. According to Engadget’s Joseph Volpe who was able to see it first hand, the set is downright jaw dropping. “In person, the flat screen is truly awe-inspiring,” he writes, “offering such richness of detail that even up-close we weren't able to discern any pixels, while colors appeared balanced and natural.” Like with most expensive new tech, 8K displays will be aimed at businesses first, but we’re looking forward to going all 1984 and turning our wall into a hyper realistic display. Now how do we fit something like this through the door? Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Aug 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: