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This Week in Gear: Crestron Expands Pyng Home Automation to LG TVs, Audio Research Details New Vacuum Tube Amp, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including Crestron's expanded support for LG displays, Audio Research's latest high-end amp, and more.[/teaser] From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed. For this edition, we're covering the arrival of LG display support for Crestron's Pyng Luxury Home Automation Platform, a new study on the benefits of D-BOX motion with VR, Audio Research's newest amplifier, and Screen Innovations latest projector screen. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Crestron Pyng Luxury Home Automation Platform Adds Support for LG Displays Crestron has announced an update for its Pyng Luxury Home Automation platform. As part of the enhancement, the system will now offer IP control support for 3rd party A/V devices, starting with LG's 2017 and 2018 OLED, SUPER UHD, and UHD TV models. "We are very pleased to work with Crestron to broaden our relationship to include IP control of our consumer LG TVs including our category-leading LG OLED, LG SUPER UHD and LG UHD TVs," said David Park, Sr. Product Marketing Manager for LG. "With the rapid growth of AI, the TV has become an increasingly more important player in whole-home solutions. LG TVs deliver the ultimate combination of world-class picture quality and access to the world's leading AI platforms. The addition of the Crestron Pyng Residential platform further builds on value of an LG TV in the connected home environment." The Crestron Pyng platform offers simple luxury home automation set up and control for a variety of components, including audio, lighting, shades, thermostats, door locks, security keypads, occupancy sensors, photosensors, and more. Technology integrators can use the tech to easily develop lifestyle scenes for each room in a user's home, schedule events, and more directly through an iPad. Likewise, homeowners can then easily make changes to scenes, settings, and system schedules. And now control for LG 2017 and 2018 displays will be supported as part of the Crestron Pyng ecosystem as well. "Choosing LG as a launch partner for this enhancement was a no-brainer," said Bob Bavolacco, Partnerships Manager for Crestron. "LG and Crestron have partnered to provide IP control of their displays for several years with great success in the Enterprise market, and when we were looking to extend that into the residential market, the decision to launch with LG was immediate." Pyng video compatibility for LG displays is set to launch this summer. Source: Crestron New Study Highlights Benefits of D-BOX Motion Tech for VR A new study conducted in collaboration with HEC Montreal's Tech3Lab has revealed the benefits of D-BOX motion for VR experiences. According to the research, the tech has been named a main factor in significantly reducing motion dizziness during virtual reality. "Not only does the motion contribute to reducing the dizziness that's common with virtual reality, but we definitely noticed that it also enhances the effect of the immersive experience for users," said Pierre-Majorique Léger, Chairholder of the NSERC-PROMPT industrial research chair in user experience and Co-director of Tech3Lab. During traditional VR experiences, a certain level of discomfort can occur due to a disconnect between what a user's physical body is doing and what a user's brain thinks it is doing. Per the Tech3Lab study, however, when high definition and precise motion are added to the VR experience, it can help "trick" the brain into believing that the experience is really happening, resulting in a reduction or elimination of motion sickness. "As great and promising as VR is, we can now say with all certainty the effect content providers and game developers are trying to capture is incomplete without motion," said Claude Mc Master, President and CEO of D-BOX. "As the study conclusively shows, it's the one element that not only reduces or eliminates the uncomfortable side effects that users have complained about, but it pushes virtual reality into a totally immersive, incredibly believable experience." D-BOX motion tech is currently being implemented into a variety of VR experiences from companies like Fox, Alcon Entertainment, Sony Pictures, Ubisoft, VRC, and Dark Corners Source: D-BOX Audio Research Details New Reference 160M Monoblock Power Amplifier Audio Research has announced its latest audio component. The new Reference 160M (REF160M) Monoblock Power Amplifier is the result of two years of development, and is set to launch in Natural (Silver) and Black finishes for $30,000/pair. "The new REF160M is the apex of the Audio Research design language, and the first step in a new era of products," said Livio Cucuzza, the creative force behind Audio Research's new aesthetic. "With its transparent meter, we are giving shape to the most renowned Audio Research sound characteristic: transparency. As an enthusiast and Audio Research customer, I can say that REF160M is the coolest tube amplifier on the planet!" The premium amp features a refined audio topology, switchable Ultralinear/Triode operation, proprietary auto-bias, output tube monitoring and protection, an advanced power meter, and more. A transparent faceplate is integrated as well, allowing users to see the product's four glowing KT150 vacuum tubes. Two 6H30 driver tubes are included as well, and the system uses solid-state power regulation for increased efficiency, stability, and reliability. The amp is rated for 150 Watts in Ultralinear mode and 75 Watts in Triode mode. Source: Audio Research Screen Innovations Introduces Zero Edge Pro Screen Screen Innovations has announced an updated version of its popular Zero Edge projector screen. The new Zero Edge Pro fixed-frame projector screen offers customers three bezel options: Small (1/2-inch), Medium (1-1/2-inches), or Large (2-inches), giving users more control over how the screen complements their room. And beyond choices for the size of the bezel, the Medium and Large versions also feature twelve designer-selected border color options with an in-lay of hand-wrapped velvet or completely wrapped in velvet. In addition, Zero Edge Pro is available with the company's LED backlighting options as well, including a new IP controlled solution that can be integrated and controlled with Philips Hue Smart Lighting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Screen Innovations has also announced a new XL version of its Black Diamond optical-layer based Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) material exclusively for Zero Edge Pro. In addition, the screen is also available in several other materials, including a new 1.0 gain material dubbed Unity, and acoustically transparent materials like Pure and Slate AT. The Zero Edge Pro and new line of XL ambient light rejecting materials are now available for order in various custom sizes. Source: Screen InnovationsPosted Fri Apr 27, 2018 at 10:30 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Set to Raise Prime Membership Fee to $119[teaser]The online retailer is increasing its subscription fee.[/teaser] During the company's latest earnings call, Amazon revealed plans to raise its annual Prime subscription cost from $99 to $119. The increase is set to go live on May 11. This is the second time Amazon has raised its Prime membership price since the service launched in 2005. An increase from the original $79 fee to $99 was enacted back in 2014. This new $20 increase is likely the result of rising costs related to shipping expenses and Amazon's growing library of original streaming content. Here's a full rundown of current Prime membership benefits per Amazon: Prime Rewards - Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card. Earn 2% rewards on your debit spending with Prime Reload. Prime Delivery - Get FREE Two-Day Shipping on over 100 million items. Prime Video - Enjoy unlimited instant streaming of thousands of popular movies and TV episodes Prime Music - Growing selection of 2 million songs – always ad-free. Unlock even more with Amazon Music Unlimited at an exclusive discount. Prime Reading - Enjoy unlimited reading on any device, with over a thousand books, magazines, comics, articles, Kindle Singles, and more. Audible Channels - Unlimited listening to original audio series and playlists handcrafted for every interest. Twitch Prime - Free game content every month, member exclusive discount on new release video games and loads more. Prime Photos - Unlimited photo storage in Amazon Cloud Drive. Prime Early Access - 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon. Amazon First Reads - Choose one featured early release book for FREE every month with Amazon First Reads. The new $119 annual Amazon Prime pricing goes into effect on May 11. New customers who sign up before that date can still snag the current $99 fee for one year. Meanwhile, the higher price will start applying to renewals for existing memberships on June 16. In addition, Prime is also available for $13 per month, and Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Source: CNNPosted Thu Apr 26, 2018 at 08:30 PM PDT by: -
TCL Releases 2018 6-Series 4K Roku TV Lineup with Dolby Vision HDR[teaser]The affordable displays offer Dolby Vision HDR, wide color gamut support, and full array local dimming.[/teaser] TCL has announced the launch of its 2018 6-Series 4K Roku TV lineup. The collection includes a 55-inch ($650 introductory price) and 65-inch ($1,000 introductory price) model. "Following a very successful 2017, TCL has developed new products that continue to raise the bar for a premium home entertainment experience. These TVs directly reflect the innovation and deep expertise that allows TCL to deliver a superior consumer experience for those who want more from the leading technologies featured in our TVs, like Dolby Vision and the Roku® OS," said Chris Larson, Senior Vice President, TCL. "With improved cinematic picture quality and a sleek new cosmetic design to match that amazing picture performance, the 6-Series is a product that you can be proud of even when it is turned off. We are confident that this line will further solidify TCL’s position as a leader in North America and the global consumer electronics industry." Serving as a successor to the highly rated and affordable 2017 P Series, the flagship 55-inch and 65-inch 2018 6-Series displays feature Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, along with the Roku OS smart TV platform. In addition, the sets use Contrast Control Zone Technology with 96 dimming zones on the 55-inch model and 120 dimming zones on the 65-inch model. Likewise, the panels use NBP Photon technology with LED phosphors to provide Wide Color Gamut support. A new iPQ Engine is implemented as well to maximize coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut and provide accurate color settings right out of the box. An HDR Pro Gamma feature is also offered to maintain details in dark and bright scenes regardless of a room's lighting conditions. Finally, each TV features a bold, brushed metal finish and includes the new Roku TV Voice Remote The 65R617 65-Inch 6-Series 4K Roku TV is now available for a special pre-order introductory price of $1,000 and the 55R617 55-Inch 6-Series 4K Roku TV is now available for a special pre-order introductory price of $650. It is not yet clear how long this pricing will remain active. Source: TCLPosted Thu Apr 26, 2018 at 05:15 AM PDT by: -
Philips Details New 4K Quantum Dot Monitor with HDR1000 Certification[teaser]The new 4K monitor offers up to 1,000 nits of brightness.[/teaser] EPI has announced its latest Philips branded product, the Momentum 43-inch 4K HDR Quantum Dot Monitor. The display is the world's first monitor to receive VESA DisplayHDR 1000 Certification. "As with any new technology there can be confusion out there regarding HDR specs and benefits. VESA's new DisplayHDR standard will make monitor shopping easier by offering consumers a comparable standard to judge HDR picture performance between monitors," stated Chris Brown, Philips Monitors Global Marketing Manager, TPV. "We are very excited to launch the world's first DisplayHDR 1000 monitor, the Philips Momentum 43-inch 4K Display. DisplayHDR 1000 level of picture performance will offer a more intense gaming and entertainment experience. The contrast and color really bring action scenes alive, like we’ve never seen before." The monitor uses a 43-inch panel with 4K UHD resolution and quantum dot technology, enabling wide color gamut capabilities. HDR support is included as well with DisplayHDR 1000 Certification ensuring a peak brightness level of up to 1,000 nits. The DisplayHDR designation is certified based on eight parameters and corresponding tests, including three peak luminance tests, two contrast measurement tests, color testing of the BT.709 and DCI-P3 color gamuts, bi-depth requirement test, and a HDR response performance test. In addition, the display features Ambiglow technology to create a halo of light around the outside of the screen for enhanced immersion with movies and games. The light's color and brightness are adapted to match the content being watched, and users can also adjust the ambience to their liking. Finally, the unit also offers support for MultiView technology, allowing customers to connect two sources at the same time for multi-tasking. For instance, a user could watch a movie from a connected media player on one side of the screen and play a game from a connected PC on the other side simultaneously. EPI's Philips branded Momentum 436M6 is set to launch later this summer for an MSRP of $999.99. Source: EPI via EngadgetPosted Wed Apr 25, 2018 at 07:22 AM PDT by: -
Yamaha Reveals First AV Receivers and Speakers with Wireless MusicCast Surround Technology[teaser]New audio products with wireless surround sound support have been revealed.[/teaser] Yamaha has detailed several upcoming home theater components with support for the company's new MusicCast Surround technology. The lineup includes the 5.1-channel RX-V485 receiver, 7.2-channel RX-V585 receiver, and 7.2-channel RX-V685 receiver, along with the MusicCast 20 speaker, MusicCast 50 speaker, and the MusicCast SUB 100 subwoofer. "For entertainment fanatics who love movies, TV and gaming, nothing beats using an AV receiver to build a true surround sound system," said Robert Goedken, general manager, AV division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "By adding a wireless surround capability to our new line, we’ve made it easier than ever to create an amazing, theater-like experience at home. MusicCast Surround suddenly makes an AV receiver an attractive option for a whole new audience of entertainment fans." Building upon the company's MusicCast wireless multi-room audio platform, the new MusicCast Surround feature on compatible Yamaha RX-V 85 Series receivers enables users to configure 5.1-channel surround sound systems with wired front channel speakers, wireless MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 surround speakers, and a wireless MusicCast SUB 100 subwoofer. When using the MusicCast Surround feature, a direct Wi-Fi connection is made between an RX-V 85 series AV receiver and the MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless speakers, allowing the surround sound audio to stream without having to pass through a user's home router. In addition, all of the new MusicCast Surround products include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, and Spotify Connect, along with access to Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster and thousands of free internet radio stations via the free MusicCast app. Likewise, voice control through Amazon Alexa-equipped devices is provided as well with the free MusicCast skill. The 5.1-channel RX-V485 supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound, while the 7.2-channel RX-V585 and RX-V685 also add support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. 4K 60 FPS pass-through is enabled on all three models, along with HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma, and BT.2020 wide color gamut (WCG) compatibility. YPAO auto-calibration and Cinema DSP are also included on each unit. Meanwhile, the MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50 wireless speakers both offer playback support as standalone audio systems, multi-room systems with existing MusicCast components, or wireless surround speakers with a connected MusicCast Surround-enabled AV receiver. Likewise, two MusicCast 20 speakers can be paired together to enable a stereo mode. And though a single MusicCast 50 is capable of stereo two channel sound on its own, two units can also be paired for an even higher output and wider sound field. Finally, the MusicCast SUB 100 is designed to serve as a wireless subwoofer option for the new RX-V 85 series receivers. Likewise, the device can also be paired with one or two MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 speakers to create a 1.1-channel or 2.1-channel system. Here's a rundown of pricing and availability for the new lineup: • RX-V485 5.1-Channel AV Receiver, $449.95 MSRP, May • RX-V585 7.2-Channel AV Receiver, $549.95 MSRP, May • RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver, $649.95 MSRP, May • MusicCast 20 Speaker, $229.95 MSRP, July • MusicCast 50 Speaker, $499.95 MSRP, July • MusicCast SUB 100 Subwoofer, $549.95 MSRP, September Source: Yamaha via PRWebPosted Mon Apr 23, 2018 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: 'GLOW,' 'The Rain,' and More[teaser]More new shows and movies are heading to various streaming platforms. [/teaser] Netflix. Amazon, and Hulu have released trailers and other details for several of their upcoming series and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Candy Jar (Netflix, April 27) - An introverted high school girl from a working-class background and her wealthy debate team nemesis can't agree on anything, but when they're forced to work together to compete in the state championship, they discover opposites can sometimes attract. Starring Christina Hendricks, Helen Hunt, and Uzo Aduba. Directed by Ben Shelton. The Rain (Netflix, May 4) - The world as we know it has ended. Six years after a brutal virus carried by the rain wiped out almost all humans in Scandinavia, two Danish siblings emerge from the safety of their bunker to find all remnants of civilization gone. Soon they join a group of young survivors and together set out on a danger-filled quest through abandoned Scandinavia, searching for any sign of life. Set free from their collective past and societal rules the group has the freedom to be who they want to be. In their struggle for survival, they discover that even in a post-apocalyptic world there’s still love, jealousy, coming of age, and many of the problems they thought they’d left behind with the disappearance of the world they once knew. Who will you be when the rain comes? Anon - (Netflix, May 4) - Sal Frieland is a detective in a world with no privacy or anonymity; where everyone’s lives are transparent, traceable, and recorded by the authorities; where crime almost ceases to exist. But in trying to solve a series of murders, Frieland stumbles on a young woman known only as the Girl. She has no identity, no history and is invisible to the cops. Sal realizes this may not be the end of crime, but the beginning. Forgive Us Our Debts (Netflix, May 4) - Threatened by creditors, a newly unemployed man agrees to work for a debt collector, but soon discovers his deal with the devil has unexpected costs. Starring Marco Giallini, Claudio Santamaria, and Jerzy Stuhr. Directed by Antonio Morabito. Safe: Season One (Netflix, May 10) - Tom's wife died a year ago and he's bringing up his two daughters, living in a beautiful gated community, with close friends nearby and a new relationship starting. But when his eldest daughter disappears in mysterious circumstances he realises that in fact he knows nothing about the people closest to him - dark secrets about the people he loves and the place where he lives. Bill Nye Saves The World (Netflix, May 11) - Bill Nye – the Emmy-nominated host, educator, engineer, and curator of curiosity – returns with a new season that tackles topics from a scientific point of view, dispelling myths, and refuting anti-scientific claims. But the revelations are real, Bill reminds us, as he neutralizes falsehoods and boosts the truth: “It’s not magic – it’s science!” Each episode of Bill Nye Saves the World entertainingly and enthusiastically dives into a specific topic or concept through lively panel discussions, wide-ranging special correspondent reports and Bill’s very special blend of lab procedure and genuine persona. Equipped with inquisitiveness, chemical-resistant gloves, and his beloved bow ties, Bill’s a magnetic force that’s hard to resist. GLOW: Season Two (Netflix, June 29) - Inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the 80s, GLOW tells the fictional story of Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in 1980s Los Angeles who finds one last chance for stardom when she’s thrust into the glitter and spandex world of women's wrestling. In addition to working with 12 Hollywood misfits, Ruth also has to compete with Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin), a former soap actress who left the business to have a baby, only to be sucked back into work when her picture perfect life turns out not to be what it seems. At the wheel is Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron), a washed-up, B-movie director who now must lead this group of women on the journey to wrestling super stardom. All Night (Hulu, May 11) - After their graduation, the class of 2018 gathers to celebrate their last night together at their local rec center for “Grad Night,” an all-night party with dancing, karaoke, games—and a rule that no one can come in or out for twelve full hours. For most the night signals their last chance to accomplish some high school dream: Nerdy Cody wants to make his mark on the school, and popular Roni wants to finally lose her virginity to her boyfriend Oz. Valedictorian Melinda plans to sneakily sell alcohol to her classmates at the party to pay her tuition, and every-girl Deanna gets ready to finally admit her feelings for her best friend Fig, who only has eyes for Roni. As the night goes on, the kids’ quests overlap, intertwine, and -in some cases- implode. What would you do with your last night in high school? Picnic at Hanging Rock (Amazon Prime Video, May 25) - A gripping reimagining of the Australian novel that plunges into the mysterious disappearance of three schoolgirls and their governess. Starring Natalie Dormer as the enigmatic headmistress of Appleyard College, the six episode limited series follows the subsequent investigation and the event’s far-reaching impact on the students and staff of the college. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. - A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube), Hulu (YouTube)Posted Mon Apr 23, 2018 at 01:40 PM PDT by: -
Dolby and Disney Expand Partnership to Include More Dolby Cinema Titles[teaser]More Disney films are set to hit theaters in Dolby Cinema.[/teaser] Dolby and Disney have announced an extension of their theatrical collaboration. As part of the deal, Disney has revealed an updated list of 20 recent/upcoming titles slated to be presented in Dolby Cinema with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos at select AMC theaters throughout the US. "Dolby and Disney share a rich history and mutual desire to bring the most spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences across the globe," said Doug Darrow, Senior Vice President, Cinema Business Group, Dolby Laboratories. "With the expanded partnership, fans will experience many anticipated movies, including two upcoming Star Wars titles and two titles in the Avengers franchise, in both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound." Dolby Cinema is a premium theater format that uses the Dolby Vision laser projection system to deliver high dynamic range images with expanded colors and enhanced contrast. Likewise, Dolby Cinema also uses Dolby Atmos object-based mixing to create an immersive surround sound experience with overhead audio. In addition, Dolby Cinema at AMC theaters have been designed with comfort in mind, offering reserved recliners with seat transducers. "I've admired Dolby technology since the original Star Wars. Dolby has been consistently innovating ever since, and I’ve tried to take advantage of their genius," noted Brad Bird, Writer/Director of Disney Pixar’s Incredibles 2. "We remixed sequences from two films of mine for their reel to demonstrate Dolby Atmos, and I was thrilled to direct the first film released in Dolby Vision. Dolby Vision is an incredibly bright, sharp image, with a much wider color spectrum than traditional digital imagery. The images have amazing brightness and clarity, yet with richness and detail in the blacks that really pop in both live action and animation. The picture quality is nothing short of stunning." Here's a full list of recent and upcoming Disney titles being presented in Dolby Cinema: - Marvel Studios, Thor: Ragnarok, November 3, 2017- Pixar, Coco, November 22, 2017- Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, December 15, 2017- Marvel Studios, Black Panther, February 16, 2018- Disney, A Wrinkle in Time, March 9, 2018- Marvel Studios, Avengers: Infinity War, April 27, 2018- Lucasfilm, Solo: A Star Wars Story, May 25, 2018- Pixar, The Incredibles 2, June 15, 2018- Marvel Studios, Ant-Man and the Wasp, July 6, 2018- Disney, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, November 2, 2018- Walt Disney Animation Studios, Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, November 21, 2018- Disney, Mary Poppins Returns, December 25, 2018- Marvel Studios, Captain Marvel, March 8, 2019- Walt Disney Animation Studios, Dumbo, March 29, 2019- Marvel Studios, Untitled Avengers 4, May 3, 2019- Disney, Aladdin, May 24, 2019- Pixar, Toy Story 4, June 21, 2019- Disney, The Lion King, July 19, 2019- Walt Disney Animation Studios, Frozen 2, November 27, 2019- Lucasfilm, Star Wars: Episode IX, December 20, 2019 Beyond Disney, a total of 165 Dolby Cinema titles have been announced or released. In the US, AMC currently has 100 Dolby Cinema locations throughout the country. Likewise, more Dolby Cinema sites are located in China, Europe, and the Middle East. For a full list of US Dolby Cinema at AMC locations, click here, and for more info about tickets and showtimes, click here. Source: DolbyPosted Fri Apr 20, 2018 at 07:25 AM PDT by: -
Hands-On with Bluesound Wireless Hi-Fi Multi-Room Speakers[teaser]Last week, High-Def Digest attended a special demo for Bluesound's current lineup of wireless audio products. Held at the Cachet Boutique Hotel in New York City, the event featured several of the company's latest sound bars, speakers, and audio components.[/teaser] Part of the Lenbrook Group of Brands that also includes NAD Electronics and PSB Speakers, Bluesound is now in its second generation of gear and continues to use the 50 years of audio expertise from its related companies to its advantage. Made "by audiophiles for audiophiles," Bluesound's products emphasize sound quality and hi-res music support, offering the convenience of multi-room wireless connectivity without losing the ability to produce studio-master-level audio. And with its latest sound bar model, the company is expanding this approach to movies as well, bringing support for compact, wireless Dolby Digital 5.1 audio to the home theater. Armed with a versatile collection of speakers and components, the demo primarily highlighted two devices: The Pulse Sound Bar and the PowerNode 2 Streaming Amp, while also touching upon a few additional models in the lineup. Here's a rundown of our impressions... Wireless Home Theater Lineup To kick off the demo, Bluesound spotlighted its currently available Pulse Sound Bar, which recently received a price reduction from $999 to $799 for the black model and $899 for the white model. Part of the company's second generation lineup, the Pulse Sound Bar is designed to serve as a users' all-in-one audio hub with robust control and streaming options via the free BluOS App for iOS or Android. The device features 6 Integrated high-performance speakers and 2 Passive Radiators, along with a 120 watt DirectDigital Amplifier DAC. Optical, RCA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with aptX, and USB connectivity are all included as well, though the unit does not feature any HDMI ports or video passthrough options. This omission was made to help simplify setup and focus squarely on audio while letting your display handle all the other work. From a design perspective, the sound bar carries a nice aesthetic with versatile placement options thanks to a kickstand and wall mount brackets. With that said, at 5.5-inches high, the unit is rather tall, which will likely make it a bit tricky to place in front of some displays without blocking part of the screen. Thankfully, Bluesound has a solution for this with its own Universal TV Stand built to house the sound bar and a display (up to 65-inches). Music playback is supported for MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, and OPUS files, along with Hi-Res formats like FLAC, MQA, WAV, and AIFF. Access to free internet radio services like TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, and Radio Paradise is provided as well, and users can stream tracks from platforms like Amazon Music, WiMP, Slacker Radio, Qobuz, HighResAudio, JUKE, Deezer, Murfie, HDTracks, Spotify, TIDAL, Napster, KKBox, and Bugs Music. And while the unit has been designed to provide healthy bass on its own, a wireless subwoofer transmitter is also integrated, allowing users to add a separate Pulse Sub for even more robust LFE. The Pulse Sub uses a 6 1/2” (165mm) Polyproplene cone and is rated for 100 Total Watts Dynamic Peak power and a frequency response of 26Hz - 150Hz. Unlike most traditional subwoofers, the unit features a unique slim, rectangular design for flexible placement beside, behind, and underneath furniture, or even mounted to a wall. In addition, beyond the sub and sound bar, customers can also pair two Pulse Flex wireless speakers with the system to serve as rear satellites, completing a full surround sound setup with wireless Dolby Digital 5.1 compatibility. The Pulse Flex features a custom 3.5" driver and 1" driver. Bluetooth with aptX, Wi-Fi, Toslink, 3.5mm, USB, and headphone connectivity are all included, and the device supports an optional battery pack for portable playback. For demo purposes, we listened to a hi-res streaming track of Beyonce's "Daddy Lessons" through Tidal using the sound bar's music mode. The speaker offered a nice, full-bodied audio profile with rich mids, clean highs, and a surprisingly deep low-end. Stereo separation was also solid, providing an enveloping presence throughout the room. For comparisons sake, Bluesound also paired a wireless Pulse Sub to the system, offering some extra oomph to the track's bass response giving the system an even more robust quality. According to the company, connecting the sub also improves the audio quality of the sound bar itself as it allows the processor and drivers to focus on the mids and highs, alleviating some of the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, as nice as the track sounded, we ran into some pesky Wi-Fi issues in the hotel room used for the demonstration making it a bit difficult to control playback and listen to other tracks. To be clear, this was an issue more specific to the hotel's lackluster connectivity than anything having to do with the sound bar's actual performance, but it still limited how much I actually got to hear. Looking to the future, Bluesound also emphasized its regular software updates for the Pulse Sound Bar, allowing the company to add new features to the device when they become available. On that note, the reps stated that voice control features are a possibility, but they're waiting to see how the technology evolves. The Pulse Sound Bar is now available for a suggested retail price of $799 (black) or $899 (white) -- though Amazon's current listings do not seem to reflect the recently reduced pricing. Meanwhile, the Pulse Sub is available for $599, the Pulse Flex is available for $299, and the TS100 TV Stand is available for $299. Wireless Stereo Components Beyond speakers, Bluesound also offers a collection of wireless audio components, including the Node 2 Streaming Music Player, the Powernode 2 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, and the Vault 2 CD Ripper and Streamer. The Node 2 is designed to connect to an existing stereo or home theater system, adding the ability to access various internet radio stations, cloud music services (like TIDAL, Spotify and Qobu), and a user's own local music library. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with aptX streaming support are integrated, and wired outputs include Analog RCA Stereo with FIXED option, Coaxial RCA, TOSLINK digital optical, Headphone 3.5mm Stereo, Subwoofer RCA, and 12 Volt trigger out. Meanwhile, the Powernode 2 offers the same functionality as the Node 2 plus amp support for driving stereo speakers with tech borrowed from Bluesound's sister company, NAD Electronics. The unit's HybridDigital Amplifier is rated for 60 Watts x2 into 8ohms. Finally, the Vault 2 once again offers similar streaming media player capabilities as the Node 2, but this time with the added benefits of an integrated 2 TB hard drive with the ability to rip CDs in lossless high-res or MP3 formats, and the option to download and store high-res tracks. For demo purposes, I got to listen to the Powernode 2 Integrated Amp in action through a pair of tower speakers from Bluesound's sister brand, PSB Speakers. All of the music was being played from a connected USB device. The first track we listened to was a hi-res FLAC file from artist Shelby Lynne. The song came through with rich fidelity and a nice, intimate quality in the vocals. As the track played I also got to check out the system's beautiful Controller App interface on a mobile device, offering easy navigation, detailed tech info for the song, album art, playlist creation, and other standard bells and whistles customers have come to expect from other similar platforms. For the next track, we listened to Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," first as a standard FLAC file and then as an MQA encoded file. Both sounded quite good with a deep, steady bass beat behind warm vocals -- but I couldn't really detect any major difference between the two. Either way, the music offered a great demonstration of the Powernode 2's hi-res audio support, allowing users to stream a variety of formats from a wide array of sources. The Powernode 2 is now available for $799, the Node 2 is available for $499, and the Vault 2 is available for $1,199. Final Thoughts Though my time with Bluesound's lineup was relatively brief, the company's focus on hi-res playback and wireless connectivity has the potential for a winning combination. The multi-room audio space is becoming an increasingly crowded market with a growing assortment of viable options for casual and quality-minded users alike, but key design and feature perks on the Pulse Sound Bar and Powernode 2 are certainly worth an audiophile's consideration. Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi issues and listening conditions didn't really lend themselves to hearing all of the nuances that might help further separate Bluesound from the competition, but we're hoping to get more one-on-one time with some of these products soon. With that in mind, be sure to check back for more impressions and full reviews in the near future!Posted Wed Apr 18, 2018 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
HEOS Details HomeCinema HS2 Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa Voice Control[teaser]The company's newest sound bar model has been revealed.[/teaser] Denon and HEOS have announced the release of their latest audio device. The HEOS HomeCinema HS2 Sound Bar offers voice control and whole-home audio support. "The HEOS HomeCinema HS2 not only provides outstanding sound for any TV, it also increases the efficacy of the HEOS network, which is currently the most fully featured IoT audio platform in the industry," said Nick Murrells, Technical Category Director, HEOS. "In combining Denon's legendary audio prowess with whole-home audio capabilities, Amazon Alexa and the latest entertainment technologies, the HomeCinema HS2 is an easy choice for consumers who prize great sound, flexibility and ease-of-use." The sound bar features two bi-amplified mid-woofers and two tweeters with four channels of Class D digital amplification, a 400MHz floating point DSP engine, and decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS. In addition, the system includes a wireless subwoofer with dual 5.25-inch drivers and support for horizontal or vertical placement. Amazon Alexa voice control is offered as well via the HEOS Home Entertainment Skill and a separate Amazon Alexa device, allowing users to access music streaming services, change volume, switch tracks, and adjust other controls through spoken commands. Whole-home audio support is also provided, enabling the sound bar to work with other HEOS products. Meanwhile, high-resolution audio playback is supported as well over a wireless network or from a USB device. Bluetooth, optical, and HDMI connectivity are all integrated, and users can control the sound bar with the included remote, their TV's remote via HDMI ARC, a satellite or cable box remote with the IR learning feature, or the HEOS app. Denon's HEOS HomeCinema HS2 Sound Bar is now available for a suggested retail price of $799. Source: Denon via Home Theater ReviewPosted Wed Apr 18, 2018 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Amazon & Best Buy Team Up to Offer New Fire TV Edition Smart TVs[teaser]The retailers are joining forces to sell Fire TV Edition displays.[/teaser] Amazon and Best Buy have announced a multi-year partnership to offer Fire TV Edition smart TVs to consumers. As part of the deal, Best Buy will begin selling new 4K and HD Fire TV Edition displays from Insignia and Toshiba this summer, expanding the lineup's presence to the company's many brick-and-mortar stores. "Amazon and Best Buy have a long history of working together, and today we take our partnership to a new level," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. "These Fire Edition smart TVs by Insignia and Toshiba deliver beautiful visuals and all the movies and TV shows you love, with an experience that gets better every day with Alexa. We could not have a better partner in this endeavor." Fire TV Edition smart TVs feature integrated support for the Fire TV platform, offering access to a variety of streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, PlayStation Vue, Hulu, and more. Likewise, the displays also provide easy access to live over-the-air TV content when paired with an HD antenna. In addition, units include a Voice Remote with Alexa support, allowing customers to launch apps, search for content, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and more through spoken commands. "Our goal is to enrich the lives of our customers by offering them the very best products and services, whether they come to us online, visit our stores, or invite us into their home," said Hubert Joly, Best Buy chairman and CEO. "Our partnership with Amazon is exciting because we believe Fire TV Edition delivers an incredible user experience and further strengthens the growing connection between home theater, home automation and voice control." The first Fire TV Edition smart TV from Toshiba will hit Best Buy stores this summer, and you can sign up to be notified when they become available by clicking HERE. Additional models will then be released throughout the year. Fire TV Edition smart TVs will be available exclusively at Best Buy stores, through BestBuy.com, and from Best Buy as a third-party seller on Amazon.com. Source: Amazon via BusinessWire; BestBuy.comPosted Wed Apr 18, 2018 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
