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Auzentech's HDMI 1.3 X-Fi HomeTheater still coming soon, for $249.99

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 11th 2009 at 12:38PM

Still waiting for an alternative to the ASUS Xonar HDMI 1.3 audio card? Auzentech knows your pain and promises its Creative-powered X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 sound card is on the way in "mid-August." Rather than waiting for actual shipping hardware to lay down your cash, you can, of course, pre-order right now and know that someday bitstreamed or PCM lossless audio from your HTPC will be a reality, though an all-in-one video and audio card is still our most fervent wish. The cost? $249.99, but owners of X-Fi Prelude and X-Meridian sound cards can slash $50 from that price, hit Auzentech's site for the dirty details.

Marantz preps BD5004, BD7004 Blu-ray players, NR1501 amplifier for launch

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 15th 2009 at 7:49PM


We questioned the strategy of Marantz delivering a nearly $800 Bonus View Blu-ray player last fall, but it appears ready to settle things with customers who believe in its superior construction and components and want a few newer features (though access to streaming movie services is still missing) with two BD-Live compatible players on the way in August. Both support AVCHD, DivX, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD bitstreaming and more, with the BD7004 adding 7.1 analog outs, internal TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding, an Anchor Bay Reference Series video processor and additional reinforcement against vibrations. Look for the BD5004 (pictured above) for $549 and the BD7004 at $799. In the interests of matching equipment, announced along with the BD7004 in Japan is the 7.1 channel NR1501 amplifier due this month, supporting the latest HD audio formats in a 105mm x 367mm deep resin and fiber reinforced design for ¥60,000 ($635), check for additional pictures after the break.

Continue reading Marantz preps BD5004, BD7004 Blu-ray players, NR1501 amplifier for launch

Okoro Media Systems's OMS-AX100 amps up your boring HTPC

by Tim Stevens posted May 20th 2009 at 7:58AM

Okoro Media Systems's OMS-AX100 amps up your boring HTPC
For some there's nothing better than the warm glow of indicator lights coming from a huge stack of home theater equipment. Others, though, prefer consolidation, and that's what Okoro Media Systems's upcoming OMS-AX100 will offer: an HTPC with an integrated 5.1 channel amplifier from D2Audio (a 7.1 version also avail). With 100 watts per channel you can plug your non-powered speakers right into the unit and, through HDMI and component inputs, connect other sources, too. However, with only one of each, you're going to have to choose favorites among gaming systems. Orders can be placed now to ship in June, and a base Windows Vista-equipped machine with 500GB of storage, 4GB of memory, and an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e 2.6GHz processor will set you back $1,650. A Blu-ray drive bumps the price another $190, which seems like a worthy upgrade -- if only because you might have a hard time finding an empty input for an external one.

[Via eCoustics]

Audyssey DSX surround sound takes the speaker-count war to 11

by Nilay Patel posted Apr 30th 2009 at 4:11PM


You might think the future of surround audio lies in sophisticated DSP-driven single-box soundbars or even crazy wireless headphones, but Audyssey Labs knows the truth: what you really need is more speakers. Up to 11 of 'em, to be exact, as part of the company's new Dynamic Surround Expansion system. Like the 9.1 channel Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DSX focuses more on the audio in front of you, since that's what your ears are tuned to differentiate the best -- in addition to the left, right, and center channels, DSX includes two speakers mounted up high at a 45-degree angle, and two speakers placed farther out to each side to create width. Add in the two surround back channels from a traditional 7.1 rig and presto -- you're up to 11. Yep, that's a lot of speakers, especially if your loved ones already think a standard 5.1 system is an eyesore. On the other hand -- 11 freaking speakers. DSX-enabled receivers are expected to arrive by summer, just in time to close the shades and spend all day indoors watching movies.

[Via Sound and Vision; thanks Will]

Sony rolls out new AV receivers for 2009

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 2:37PM


Along with new Blu-ray players and HTIB systems, Sony's bumped up the specs on its latest receivers, including S-AIR wireless audio support on its 7.1 channel STR-DN1000 and STR-DH800 models. The $500 STR-DN1000 has similar features to last year's line, with 110 watts per channel, Digital Media Port, 1080p/24 x.v. Color support, four HDMI inputs and Sirius radio service support, while S-AIR can be added through the $50 EZW-T100 transmitter and $120 AIR-SA10 speaker systems. The STR-DH800 drops the piano black finish, icon driven menu system and $100 from the price of the higher end model, both expected on shelves in June. The STR-DH700, STR-DH500 and STR-DH100 also offer slightly less power, features and HDMI inputs for $200 and $150, respectively, when they go on sale later this month. Hit the read link to get more details on each, there should be something for everyone to like (unless you prefer an ES model.)

Panasonic's DMP-BD35 / DMP-BD55 Blu-ray players hands-on

by Darren Murph posted Sep 4th 2008 at 11:09PM Featured Story


Sharp wasn't the only company showcasing a new duo of Blu-ray players at CEDIA, as Panasonic decided to whip up a couple as well just for kicks. The DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55 were made official during IFA, but not until now has Panny shown them off to the wide-eyed public. As with the aforementioned Sharp duo, this pair is also hard to distinguish from one another at first glance. Unfortunately, neither are really worth sweating, but you can have a look below if you just refuse to believe that.

Panasonic DMP-BD35 & DMP-BD55 Blu-ray players officially official, still unpriced

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 28th 2008 at 5:09AM


Say hello to the successors of the short-lived Panasonic DMP-BD50, the new DMP-BD35 (above) and DMP-BD55 (after the break) check off every feature we can think of for a new Blu-ray player, complete with a slim profile (49mm high on the BD35) and hopefully low, low price thanks to a 45nm 3rd-generation UniPhier processor. Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD MA audio support, with internal decoding or bitstreamed output in full 7.1 (plus 7.1 analog audio outs on the DMP-BD55) on top of fully BD-Live / Profile 2.0 compatible hardware finally promise no-compromise hardware for Blu-ray buyers. Release dates and pricing information? Your guess is as good as ours, for now.

Continue reading Panasonic DMP-BD35 & DMP-BD55 Blu-ray players officially official, still unpriced

PS3 2.40 / 2.41 update adds Blu-ray upscaling, audio playback tweaks

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 11th 2008 at 3:31PM

The latest PlayStation 3 2.4x firmware update added more than just the long-awaited in-game XMB access. Upscaling from Blu-ray discs is now supported, allowing the system to deinterlace 1080i to 1080p on its own, if you have a homemade BDAV formatted disc recorded in less-than-full HD. Retail Blu-ray flicks are BDMV formatted, so for certain discs not in 1080p (mostly concerts), they'll still be played only in their native resolution. Also included is upscaling, frame noise reduction and block noise reduction for video played off the PS3 HDD or external storage media, and DTS-ES and DTS 96/24 compatibility on Blu-ray discs. AVSForum posters are also reporting some DTS-HD 7.1 discs now map to their speakers properly, but as we've seen, your experience may vary.

Read - PS3 2.41 System Update
Read - PS3 Firmware 2.4x- Master Thread

Onkyo's TX-SA706X 7.1 receiver is beastly, Mr. T approved

by Darren Murph posted Jun 30th 2008 at 11:44AM


It's too early to tell if gold-colored components really are making a comeback, but you better believe Onkyo's at the forefront of the gilded parade. Shortly after pumping out the TX-SA606X in Japan (and the TX-SA606 in America), the TX-SA706X has arrived to take things one step further. This 7.1-channel receiver delivers a potent 200-watts of juice to each channel and includes five HDMI 1.3 inputs (alongside one output), a frequency response of 5Hz to 100,000Hz, Audyssey Dynamic EQ processing and built-in decoding for Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Granted, such a monster of an AVR won't become your very own with putting a nice size dent in your wallet, but those in Japan can treat themselves on July 19th when it lands for ¥189,000 ($1,781).

[Via HDTV Space]

Harman Kardon intros AVR 354, AVR 254 and AVR 154 receivers

by Darren Murph posted May 30th 2008 at 8:54AM


If you were wondering yesterday how a peripheral could be bundled in with an unreleased item, we've got your answer today. The Bridge II, which was unveiled less than a day ago, will indeed be packaged with the AVR 354 receiver, which was introduced more recently alongside the AVR 254 and AVR 154. The 354 / 254 are both 7.1-channel units, with the former packing 75-watts per channel and the latter 50-watts per channel; the 154 is a 5.1 device with 30-watts per channel. You'll also find HDMI 1.3a capability, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding (top two only) and a new graphical on-screen menu. Price wise, the AVRs will set you back $899, $649 and $399, respectively, and while the first two are available now, the 154 won't arrive until July. Oh, and for you stereo lovers out there, the HK 3490 (2 x 120W) and HK 3390 (2 x 80W) are all new as well.

[Via Digital Trends]

Poll: Do you have a multi-channel surround sound system?

by Darren Murph posted May 10th 2008 at 12:00PM


With all this focus on HDTV of late, we've been wondering if high-def junkies care nearly as much about their audio as they do their video. Sure, we know video trumps audio in the general public's eye, but we're talking home theater freaks here. Folks who make a point to hang up sheets to eliminate light from a room. Folks who take a vacation day just to calibrate their TV -- you know, people like yourself. Toss your vote in below and feel free to elaborate on your audio setup (or lack thereof) in comments below.

[Image courtesy of Infendo]

Do you have a multi-channel surround sound system?

Hannah Montana makes a 3D first on Blu-ray

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 5th 2008 at 2:21PM


Concerned you might not be able to experience the Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour properly in your home theater? Worry no more, the biggest 3D movie ever is making a HD first, when it hits Blu-ray August 19 it will include 2D and 3D viewing options. If 1080p 3D video isn't enough, the live concert flick also features uncompressed 7.1 PCM audio, a tour documentary and two bonus tracks. No word if it will come with requisite glasses or anything else necessary to get that extra D With a movie that did unprecedented numbers at the box office, this is sure to be one of the year's biggest releases and with never-before-seen options, might be a good reason to share the home theater with your favorite 'tween.

Hi-Def disc audio demystified

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Oct 15th 2007 at 8:34AM

HD Audio formatsWe gave this a go some time ago, but compared to the job Hi-Def Digest did, ours is pathetic. Not only do they go into detail about what every audio format available for both HD disc formats is all about, but they go on to give examples of discs that include them, and to top it all off, how to enjoy them. It's more complicated than you think because not every player or connection method supports every audio format. To be honest it's far more complicated than it should be and we wonder how anyone could make heads or tails of this mess without being very dedicated. Lucky for us, Joshua Zyber is up to the challenge and his article should help clear things up for just about everyone.

Latest Yamaha receivers boast HDMI 1.3a / Ethernet / 1080p upscaling

by Darren Murph posted Aug 6th 2007 at 8:16PM


Shortly after Sony unveiled its newly revamped ES lineup of AV receivers, along comes Yamaha with a powerful new duo of its own. The RX-V3800 (140-watt x 7) and RX-V1800 (130-watt x 7) each support lossless Dolby Digital TrueHD / DTS-HD and feature Yamaha's Cinema DSP processing engine, video upscaling to 1080p, HDMI 1.3a, and an Ethernet connection that enables consumers to "access internet radio stations, music files stored on a PC, and the company's MusicCAST audio system server." Furthermore, the units are also compatible with your iPod and XM radio via optional adapters, include Burr-Brown 192kHz/24bit DACs, and will be on display at next month's CEDIA expo. As expected, neither of these devices can be classified as cheap, as the less powerful RX-V1800 will demand $1,299.95, while the higher-end RX-V3800 rings up at $1,699.95.

Integra's DTR-5.8 receiver does HDMI 1.3a, XM / Sirius

by Darren Murph posted Jul 13th 2007 at 11:29AM


If you've been scouting a leading-edge AV receiver with just about every amenity out there (including HDMI 1.3a), Integra's latest offering is likely to fit the bill. The DTR-5.8 sports a standard black enclosure, twin HDMI 1.3a inputs (and one output), built-in decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus lossless, and a Faroudja DCDi chip for de-interlacing 480i signals. Home automaters will adore the range of control options, including a bi-directional RS-232 port, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. This two-zone, 7.1-channel unit even boasts a 90-watt-per-channel amplifier and XM / Sirius compatibility, but you're looking at a stiff $800 if these luxuries just can't be done without. Click on for a shot of the rear.

Continue reading Integra's DTR-5.8 receiver does HDMI 1.3a, XM / Sirius





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