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LG's 240Hz LH90 LED TV series priced, global release dates still a mystery

by Ross Miller, posted Apr 22nd 2009 at 2:03AM

LG's finally put a price on its TruMotion 240Hz LH90 series displays. Available in 42, 47, and 55-inch sizes, the LED TVs boast a whopping 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, THX support, and the ability to play DivX files via USB. If you need to start budgeting early, expect to pay somewhere around ₩3,300,000 (US $2,445) to ₩ 6,400,000 (US $4,742), depending on the model. We know it's destined for an international release, but other than that, unfortunately mum's the word when that date might be.

THX throws its weight in behind Radiient for wireless audio

by Steven Kim, posted Jan 8th 2009 at 6:38AM

Radiient and THX
Very few folks enjoy the installation of multichannel wired speaker setups, let alone the appearance of cables snaking through the living room. Radiient's UWB-based Roomcaster technology for sending audio bits to and fro might just gain a foothold thanks to its new partner, THX. That THX name is a kind of benchmark for quality and definitely resonates with consumers, and with the ability to deliver 8-channels of 24-bit uncompressed audio should make for happy users. Now if only something can be done about the high price of entry, this might have a chance at catching on.

Onkyo updates HT-S9100THX HTIB system

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 28th 2008 at 5:41PM


Onkyo's HT-S9100THX has been around the block a time or two already, but for those who've yet to pick up the crowd-pleasing set, you're in luck. Said outfit has just released a revamped version of the kit which includes a 7.1-channel AV receiver "designed to conform to THX's demanding Integrated System Plus certification protocols." Additionally, the system now supports THX Loudness Plus technology and includes four HDMI 1.3a inputs for Deep Color compatibility. You'll also find a Faroudja DCDi video upscaling chip, Audyssey 2EQ / Dynamic EQ and support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. As for drivers, you'll get seven two-way speakers (one center, four surrounds, two fronts) along with a self-powered (290-watt) 12-inch subwoofer. The HTIB should be filtering out to shops now for $1,099 (MSRP).

[Via Marketnews]

BluFocus beefs up Blu-ray control labs with BD-J / THX certification

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 16th 2008 at 1:23AM

At the front end of this year, we heard that BluFocus was getting a facility going to help studios pumping out Blu-ray Discs to the adoring public make sure no terrible backlashes occurred. Now, the quality assurance specialists are offering up two more critical certifications: THX and BD-Java. What does this mean for you? Hopefully nothing that you can tell, but it's not like we're complaining about one more layer of scrutiny before a flick hits the open market.

JVC issues revised specifications, new details on D-ILA HD projectors

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 25th 2008 at 2:02PM


JVC has pushed out a release today clarifying some of the claims it made back at CEDIA 2008, and by and large, it's things that prospective buyers will want to hear. The company introduced an HD foursome of projectors in Denver earlier this month, but apparently, some of the specifications it included weren't, shall we say, final. Looking specifically at contrast ratio, we see the DLA-HD750 and DLA-HD20 jumping from 30,000:1 to 50,000:1, the DLA-RS10 going from 17,000:1 to 32,000:1 and the DLA-HD350 doubling up from 15,000:1 to 30,000:1. Also of note, JVC is now highlighting the 16-step fixed aperture in the DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 that "helps eliminate extraneous light that can reduce contrast levels and allows adjustment of brightness to suit user preferences." As for updated prices, you can expect to pay around $6,000 for the DLA-HD350, while the DLA-HD750, DLA-RS10 and DLA-RS20 come in at $8,000, $6,000 and $8,000 in order of mention.

LG's 60-inch 60PG60 THX plasma display gets reviewed

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 25th 2008 at 8:47AM


LG first showcased its THX-stamped 60PG60 at CES 2008, thought it just recently rolled off the production line and into homes everywhere. CNET was able to fit one of these suckers into its offices for review, and while it wasn't the perfect 60-inch plasma, it definitely made a positive impression. Critics found the primary colors in THX mode to be "highly accurate," the video processing to be "solid" and the feature set to be "superb." Design and port assortment were also applauded, and overall image quality was respectable. On the downside, the color decoding and grayscale in THX mode was less accurate, and sadly, it produced lighter blacks than other PDPs in its class. All in all, it wound up with an above-average 3.5 out of 5 stars, but unless you're partial to LG (or George Lucas), you may still be better off with a Philips KURO.

Onkyo brings TX-SR876 / TX-NR906 THX Ultra2 Plus receivers to the States

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 16th 2008 at 11:45AM


Onkyo has already introduced the top-end TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 receivers over in the UK, but for USers awaiting word of their stateside release, let us do the honors. Both of the 7.1-channel THX Ultra2 Plus AVRs are now shipping in America, and as for specifications, you're looking at 140- / 145-watts per channel (respectively), audio decoding courtesy of three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips, internal decoding for "every major sound format in use today," and HQV Reon-VX video upscaling to 1080p. The pain? $1,799 and $2,299 in order of mention.

JVC's DLA-HD750 / DLA-HD350 1080p projector hands-on

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 5th 2008 at 6:26AM Featured Story


Fancy that -- JVC's DLA-HD750 / DLA-HD350 both look exactly like we guessed they would. Thte 1080p beamers were pretty sharp, and the glossy black coat looked exceptionally fabulous in person. But we all know pictures speak louder than words, so head on down and get to lookin' yourself.

TiVo HD XL DVR hands-on at CEDIA

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 5th 2008 at 5:36AM Featured Story


Well, what can we say? Here we have a TiVo HD with a subtle "XL" logo there on the bottom left, a more capacious hard drive and a Series 3 remote. That being the case, at least the one parked at CEDIA was outstandingly shiny -- seriously, check it out.

Hands-on with the THX-certified QuietHome door

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 4th 2008 at 5:46PM Featured Story


Here she is: the queen of CEDIA 2008. The first construction material to ever wear the oh-so-coveted THX certification badge. We're not even close to kidding folks -- the Quiet Solutions (formerly known as Serious Materials, evidently) reps were totally gung ho about this $1,495 to $2,495 door, and we just couldn't walk by without giving you a look at what a THX-certified door, um, looks like. Notice the gorgeous brass handles, sturdy (and we mean sturdy) construction and the word "sucker" lightly printed on the rear. Just kidding, we know there's a time and place for this and all, but we couldn't help but chuckle. Oh, and don't run into this thing while perusing the gallery below --face-first into a 220-pound object is no fun.

JVC launches four new Full HD projectors at CEDIA

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 4th 2008 at 10:30AM


With Sony and Panasonic dishing out new 1080p projectors here at CEDIA, we knew JVC wouldn't be long in following suit. Matter of fact, it's launching not one, not three, not five, but four new beamers here in the Mile High City. All four models boast the company's proprietary 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA technology, and the DLA-HD750 (pictured) and DLA-RS20 (30,000:1 contrast ratios) are also THX-certified. Those two are joined by the less spectacular (and less costly) DLA-HD350 and DLA-RS10, which offer up 15,000:1 / 17,000:1 contrast ratios, respectively. Additionally, you'll find an HQV Reon-VX video processor, 2x motorized zoom lens, external 12-volt trigger and HDMI 1.3 sockets across the board. You can check out pricing / availability along with the full press release after the break.

Continue reading JVC launches four new Full HD projectors at CEDIA

TiVo HD XL DVR: 150 hours of HD recording, $599.99, available now

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 4th 2008 at 12:01AM


Aw, snap. Not even 24 hours after we learned that a new DirecTV HD TiVo was on the way, in flies word from Denver that a new standalone TiVo is hitting even sooner -- like, today. The TiVo HD XL will become the flagship unit in TiVo's line by offering up 150 hours of high-def recording space, THX certification, a Series3 premium backlit remote and a bundled HDMI cable. As with the TiVo HD, this one boasts dual tuners for recording two HD programs simultaneously and a pretty similar design, but unlike the TiVo HD, this one will set you back a full $599.99. Those unaffected by the price tag can order one today from TiVo's website, and we're told to expect the box at various other retailers "as early as next week." Full press release after the break.

Continue reading TiVo HD XL DVR: 150 hours of HD recording, $599.99, available now

World's first THX-certified soundproof door debuts at CEDIA

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 3rd 2008 at 3:50AM


Just when you thought nothing else on this planet could ever earn THX certification, here comes Serious Materials to prove you wrong. The image you are inevitably peering at above is the world's first THX-certified soundproof door, the QuietHome. Boasting an STC rating of 51 in a 2.25-inch thick door, it's said to be the only door in the world to stand up to those mighty THX standards. Just for reference, it's noted that typical hollow-core doors have an STC rating of only 15 (and solid-core doors around 27), and we're told that this one will reduce noise between 65% and 85% compared to traditional alternatives. Of course, such a marvelous addition to your home won't run you cheap -- the QuietHome family ranges from $1,495 to $2,495 per door, so you better have dead silence really high on your list of priorities before pulling the trigger (on a silenced Walther PPK, of course).

Onkyo launches TX-SR806 / TX-SR706 receivers, HT-S7100 / HT-S6100 HTIB systems

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 24th 2008 at 9:38AM


Check it, Onkyo fans -- your main outfit has just revealed two new AV receivers and a pair of HTIB systems, so we're going to get right down to it. Both the $1,099 TX-SR806 (pictured) and $899 TX-SR706 receivers are THX certified and include Faroudja DCDi video processing capabilities, Audyssey room acoustics correction and Dynamic EQ, and Onkyo's Music Optimizer. You'll also find at least four HDMI 1.3a ports and 1080p upscaling. Moving on, we've got the $899 HT-S7100 and $799 HT-S6100 HTIB systems, each of which include a receiver, seven-channel loudspeaker system, a powered subbie and an obligatory iPod dock. Check the read link for more details and ship dates.

Panasonic VIERACast internet-enabled plasmas due this summer

by Richard Lawler, posted May 20th 2008 at 1:54PM


After slipping past their original spring release date, Panasonic's PZ850 series of plasmas are no longer the only ones with YouTube support, but those desiring internet features, high contrast ratios and easy-access calibration settings can expect them on shelves this summer. The 46-, 50- and 58-inch versions should all be available in mid-June, with the 65-incher rolling out in August. Other than the IP features (Picasa access is also part of the package) the THX-certified PZ850s support h.264 playback from the SD card slot, RS-232C, 24p native playback, and a variety of display modes and settings to get the picture just the way the director intended, the way you like it, or anywhere in between. Check after the break for a list of prices, and our video hands on from CES 2008.

Continue reading Panasonic VIERACast internet-enabled plasmas due this summer





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