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New Receivers from Pioneer Hit Shelves This Month[teaser]Depending on the model, you'll find AirPlay, Internet Radio, video processing and even an automatic subwoofer phase control. [/teaser] Pioneer's newest receivers all sport March shelf dates, but that's about all that the rest of the line has in common with the baseline VSX-522. If you're looking for a receiver on the cheap that boasts a front USB input, high resolution audio playback and Pioneer amplification, the VSX-522 will get you there for $249. Stepping up gets you plenty more. The $379 VSX-822, $449 VSX-1022 and $599 VSX-1122 all boast DLNA certification, built-in Apple AirPlay, Internet Radio, and Control App for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The 822 offers 5.1 channels while the others jump to 7.1 and 7.2 respectively. The 1122 takes things up another notch by introducing Pioneer's Advanced Video Adjust as well as 1080p/24 video conversion and Stream Smoother to clean up your streaming video and low bit rate files. It gives you automatic phase control as well, ensuring more accurate sound by delaying the sound from the subwoofer appropriately. Source: eCousticsPosted Tue Mar 20, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
TCL Shows Off a 110 Inch 4K 3D LCD Touchscreen Display[teaser]The Chinese company says this will help China surpass other countries in TV manufacturing. [/teaser] When we hear about massive and exciting new TVs, somewhere in the subconscious of our minds, a wall is being measured and a room is being arranged to allow for a bigger set. When it comes to the latest from TCL, our subconscious goes off to find a new apartment that can fit such a gargantuan screen. TC L's new set is... well look, it's just everything. It's a 3D capable 4K display that allows multi-touch control, which is just about all you can expect from a screen. Though oddly, it doesn't have LED backlighting. "The successful launch of the world's largest 110-inch screen once again proved TCL's research and development capabilities," says TCL boss Li Dongsheng. "Not only will TCL benefit from the development of this breakthrough technology, all TV manufacturers in China and overseas, will be able to capitalize on this revolutionary product design." Gu Zhihua, the director of the flat-panel display center at Fudan University, presented at TCL's release and said that "China will replace Japan and South Korea as the world leader in TV display screens in terms of manufacturing and R&D in three to five years." Source: TWICEPosted Tue Mar 20, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon and Google Stream Two Movies Before Theatrical Release[teaser]One of them, 'The Hunter,' actually looks pretty good. [/teaser] It's strange the way things work sometimes. Studio reactions to premium VOD what let users watch movies before released in theaters were incredibly negative, except for Magnolia, which is letting Amazon and Google have early access to 'The Hunter,' starring Willem Dafoe, Frances O'Connor and Sam Neill. The movie was released on Australian theaters last year and is going to be coming out in the states next month. If you don't feel like going out though, you can watch it now through Google Play or rent it on Amazon. It's not too crazy expensive either – a 48 hour rental will cost you $9.99. Google is also renting the film 'Dark Tide' which stars Halle Berry and looks absolutely dreadful. It's neat and all, but not exactly the kind of film that's going to draw a huge audience. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Mon Mar 19, 2012 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Gives a Peek at the Testing Process for Android Devices[teaser]Needless to say, there’s a lot going on. [/teaser] The folks at Netflix have decided to let folks in on just what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to Android. The rollout to Android devices was initially quite slow and still isn’t at the point that everyone would like it to be – especially folks that own incompatible Android phones. There’s quite a bit of coding that has to happen to make each device work, since Android devices use different hardware, have different screen sizes and even different operating systems. Netflix uses an automated system on an array of devices to run their tests and they even make efforts to ensure that the service works on phones and devices with custom ROMs. You can find the full details over at the Netflix Tech Blog. (via Engadget)Posted Mon Mar 19, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Atlona Launches the LinkCastAV Wireless HDMI Extender[teaser]Using multiple extenders, you can connect up to five devices at a time. [/teaser] Wireless HDMI solutions have the potential to be incredibly cool, but they do lack a bit of functionality if you’re planning on connecting more than one display. If you want to switch your signal from the living room to the kitchen, and then off to the bedroom, you’re generally out of luck. Atlona’s new LinkCastAV extender has the potential to support up to five different displays. You’ll have to buy an additional wireless receiver for each one, but once you’ve set that up it’s as easy as a remote click to switch to your preferred TV or projector. Atlona assures that you’ll experience absolutely no lag when using the extender, making it optimal for playing games and enjoying 3D content without having to worry about losing frames. The LinkCastAV is available now at $299. Source: eCousticsPosted Fri Mar 16, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Yamaha Introduces an Entry Level AVR with 4K Pass-Through, Front Panel USB and More[teaser]The $299 model brings new features to the forefront. [/teaser] Over the last few years, entry-level receivers have been coming closer and closer to their big brothers – at least in terms of features. Yamaha’s newest, the RX-V373, introduces new technologies and offerings formerly available only in higher priced models. The RX-V373 introduces 4K pass-through, but not upscaling like higher end projectors are expected to offer. It makes sense of course – if you have a 4K capable display, you should really be able to swing more than $299 for a receiver. The 5.1 channel RX-V373 also offers subwoofer level adjustment to ensure that your .1 doesn’t get out of control. The sub isn’t the only thing that you’re able to adjust though. The Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Analyzer – YPAO to its friends – automatically adjusts your audio to better fit the room. The RX-V373 ships this month and is currently available for preorder on Amazon. Source: TWICEPosted Fri Mar 16, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
HBO is Negotiating to Lift iCloud Ban[teaser]We could soon be seeing titles from Universal and Fox come to Apple’s cloud service. [/teaser] When Apple announced the iCloud tie-in for the new Apple TV, they also had to admit that things weren’t exactly perfect. At launch, Warner, Fox, and Universal content were all banned from iCloud streaming to Apple TV. The whole thing comes down to an exclusivity deal between HBO and those three studios, but the cable channel is in talks to allow the streaming to happen. It’s already gone through with Warner, so they’re just waiting on Universal and Fox. It’s expected that things are going to be worked out in the next few weeks, so you won’t have to wait for long to get that full functionality. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Adds 3,000 Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, and Science Shows to Prime Instant Video[teaser]That’s right Amazon Prime subscribers, you can finally get your Shark Week on. [/teaser] Over 3,000 documentaries and show episodes from the Discovery Channel, Learning Channel – now known as simply TLC because of the very small amount of educational programming it actually has – Animal Planet and Science have all been added to Amazon Prime Instant Video. That’s a massive amount of new programming and it brings the total number of titles available on the service to over 17,000. Titles new to the service include ‘Mythbusters,’ ‘Deadliest Catch,’ and, of course, everything wonderful that Shark Week brings every year. And of course, an Amazon Prime subscription get you more bonuses too, like free two-day shipping and the Kindle lending library. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Sharp is Shipping its 60 and 70 Inch 6-Series LEDs Now[teaser]A smaller 52" model is set to release later this month. [/teaser] It's been a big month for TV releases already. We've seen new sets from Samsung and Panasonic and now its Sharp's turn to enter the mix with two massive LED backlit sets from its new 6-Series. Most manufacturers have been putting out their smallest first, but Sharp is leading with the impressive 60" and 70" 6-Series sets, which come in at MSRPs of $1,999 and $2,999 respectively. The 6-Series boast LED edge lighting, 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced Technology, built in Wi-Fi and the new SmartCentral interface. You'll also find a pair of USB ports and the new narrow bezel design. The LC60LE640U and LC70LE640U are available now on Amazon for significantly less than the MSRP.Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Intel is Working on an IPTV Service[teaser]According to reports, it could launch as early as 2012.[/teaser] IPTV is something that’s been talked about for years, but never fully realized in any significant way. The success of streaming services like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon show that customers may be ready to embrace an internet based solution. Intel is sure hoping so, as the company is planning its own IPTV solution that may be launching as early as the end of this year. Nothing is set in stone yet, but Intel is setting up to compete directly with both cable and satellite companies with the new service. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by:
