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Sales of Soundbars Double in 2011[teaser]Bundled deals and a reanalysis of marketing targets have helped things along. [/teaser] We haven't heard too much in the way of new soundbars recently, but as it turns out, that doesn't mean the speaker style is waning. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Analysts at Futuresource say that soundbar sales doubled in 2011, thanks in part to heavy promotion and bundled deals with TVs. A change in the target audience of soundbars has helped as well. Originally, soundbar makers were going after high-end users without room for full speaker systems, but now they're aiming at the folks who wouldn't buy a 5.1 setup but still want better sound. Source: TWICEPosted Wed May 16, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Marantz Shows Off Slimline AV Receivers[teaser]Both the 5.1 channel model and 7.1 channel model will be hitting shelves this spring. [/teaser] As cool as it is to see a massive receiver sitting on your shelf, it's not always the most practical way to go. The latest Slimline receivers from Marantz pack everything into a chassis just four inches high. Both the 5.1-channel NR1403 and the 7.1-channel NR1603 offer a front panel HDMI input, and the latter of the two ups the ante with a USB input that supports iPod Direct Connect. With the 1603, you'll be able to stream content via AirPlay, over your home network or even from Pandora. The NR1603 also gives you 1080p upconversion and audio features like MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ – all from Audyssey. Both receivers are due out this spring. The 5.1 channel NR1403 will run you $399 while the NR1603 has an MSRP of $649. Source: Big Picture Big SoundPosted Tue May 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
DirecTV Jumps on the Original Programming Train[teaser] The satellite provider has just picked up 10 episodes of a new drama starring Thandie Newton that will be exclusive to DirecTV. [/teaser] With Netflix and Hulu both launching original content and announcing that more is on the way, it's no surprise that others want to get in on the action too. The latest is DirecTV, which just announced that its ordered 10 episodes of a new drama. The show, 'Rogue,' stars Thandie Newton, who you may recognize from 'M:I-2 and RockNRolla. It revolves around a cop that's trying to deal with the idea that she may have caused the death of her son. The show goes into production in August and will premiere in the summer of 2013. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Tue May 15, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Panasonic and Sony May Join Forces in OLED Development[teaser]The two companies may be working together to catch up on the OLED front. [/teaser] Samsung and LG already have plans to put OLED sets on the market this year, which puts Sony and Panasonic in an unenviable position. The technology is coming and at a not-too-ridiculous price, which seems to indicate that OLED will soon be a legitimate threat on the marketplace. The two companies that are sitting in the backseat of a car that Sony once drove have decided to get together according to Japanese business paper Nikkei. If true, the two will share production techniques and maybe even find a way to bring prices down even more while keeping quality high. Only time will tell. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue May 15, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
McIntosh Announces a Control Center, Amp and Universal Blu-ray Player[teaser]The trio of products can be purchased individually or as a bundle, though the price is the same either way.[/teaser] McIntosh is known for high quality products, classic design and, well, high prices. The company’s new Blu-ray player certainly reflects the last point, coming in at $5,500. It’s a universal player, so you’ll be able to enjoy your SACDs and DVD Audio discs, assuming you’re willing to shell out the cash. The MC8207 power amp gives you 7.1 channels of audio at 200 watts per channel. It delivers full power into both 4-omh and 8-omh speakers and a second zone for those on a 5.1 system. The 8207 runs an even $6,000. Finally, the $6,000 MX121 control center gives you a central point for both your video and audio. It handles 3D, upscales standard definition content to 1080p, and offers up plenty of features for audio. You can play from a USB drive, your home network, or even your iPhone, iPad or iPod through AirPlay. Source: Big Picture Big SoundPosted Mon May 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
The DISH Hopper DVR Skips Commercials Automatically[teaser]It only works on the four major networks at the moment, but more are on the way. [/teaser] The latest DVR from DISH packs a feature that will be welcome by customers, but almost certainly controversial in the business world – it automatically skips commercials. The Auto Hop feature, which is on by default, skips right over the commercials and lets you enjoy your content without having to fast-forward. The Hopper isn't without limits of course. Currently it only works on FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS, and will only skip commercials when you're watching the show the day after it airs. DISH says that the tech will work on other channels, but hasn't said whether there's a plan in place to implement it elsewhere. Source: Electronic HousePosted Mon May 14, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Redbox "10 Days of Deals" Gives You up to $1.00 Off Rentals[teaser]Text the folks at Redbox, get a coupon and then get yourself a cheap Blu-ray rental. [/teaser] Redbox already offers cheap DVD rentals, and their Blu-ray and videogame rental prices aren't too shabby either. Their May celebration called "10 Days of Deals" makes things even cheaper. Simply text the word "May" to the number 727272 and you'll get yourself a random discount that will be good for twenty five cents off a rental, fifty cents off a rental or a dollar off. You've got until May 22nd to keep texting, so if you're only getting a quarter off, you can always hit it up again the next day. And a heads up – this code will be good at kiosks only. Source: RedboxPosted Mon May 14, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Onkyo Creates First Music Service to Utilize Dolby TrueHD 5.1[teaser]It's available now in Japan, and coming to the rest of the world this fall. [/teaser] Streaming music has improved a great deal since it first came onto the scene, and Onkyo is taking it a step further with the e-onkyo music distribution service. It's the first service available that gives you lossless 5.1 channel Dolby TrueHD. The selection is incredibly limited at the moment, with just 100 albums available. Your listening options are limited too – you'll need a compatible Onkyo receiver, like the upcoming TX-NR818 and TX-NR717. "Consumer appreciation of the highest-quality audio playback experiences is increasing," says Dolby Senior VP Michael Bergeron. "Onkyo's e-music service with Dolby TrueHD gives the listener access to 100 percent studio master-quality audio, delivering unparalleled detail and immersion, and reproducing every nuance of the recording or concert event." Source: EngadgetPosted Fri May 11, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Shows Off First Mass-Produced 55 Inch OLEDs[teaser]It looks like they're going to run right around $9,000 later this year. [/teaser] After years and years of waiting, we all but gave up on the possibility of OLED TVs ever reaching the market. Our doubts were unfounded, as it turns out, and OLED is a reality. Samsung's 55" OLED set is expected to release in the second half of this year with a price tag in the 10 million won or $9,000 range. In addition to the picture quality you'd expect from an OLED set, you'll find Smart Dual View technology, which allows you to watch a totally different show than the person next to you, provided you don't mind wearing 3D glasses to watch 2D content. You'll need to rock some headphones too, or else one of you is bound to have a confusing viewing experience. Samsung says that sets from 60" on up to 75" will be coming in the future. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu May 10, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Toshiba Will Launch a 4K Resolution Set in Japan Next Month[teaser]It's not the glasses-free 3D set that's been shown off, but a 2D set at around $9,500. [/teaser] Toshiba's Regza 55XS5 comes out in Japan next month and it's looking quite appealing. It's an edge LED lit set that features a resolution of 3840 x 2160. It packs a CEVO Duo processing engine that handles upconversion of your Blu-rays or TV so you'll be able to take advantage and have something to watch on the set – a nice touch to be sure. Sadly, this isn't the glasses-free 3D toting 55X3 that we've been waiting for. In fact, it doesn't do 3D at all – a bit of a surprise for a high-end TV. Glasses-free 2D just doesn't have the same kind of excitement behind it. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu May 10, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
