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Pioneer's VSX-819H, VSX-819AH and VSX-1019AH officially available

by Steven Kim, posted May 27th 2009 at 7:14AM

Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K receiver
Much to the unofficial surprise of owners who have been using Pioneer's new receiver models since early this month, they're now officially available. If you've been holding out for seamless integration between the receiver and your iPod/iPhone devices (you do have more than one, right?), you'll take some comfort in the "Works with iPhone" and "Made for iPod" labeling on Pioneer's VSX-819H, VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH (pictured) models that come in at $299, $399 and $499, respectively. In a nod to lifestyle convenience, Pioneer's press release skips over the HT specs for these receivers and plays up the Advanced Sound Retriever and Auto Level Control features that promise to put some life back into your lossy encoded music. We're a little sad to see the HT side of things didn't get more ink -- these units offer good complements of features, especially at their respective price points; if you've been playing with one of these, let us know what you think below.

Myvu Crystal review

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Apr 24th 2009 at 2:41PM Featured Story



We have to admit we were initially apprehensive about the new Myvu Crystal personal media viewer. You see as much as we love the idea of a display that can be worn like glasses, we can't help but think they make you look like a dork. But as soon as we put them on and leaned back, we quickly realized that we've looked like a dork before, and for worse reasons. In fact our initial impressions after using them at CES was so good, that we decided to try 'em out and see if the novelty wears off after an hour or if they serve a real purpose.

Continue reading Myvu Crystal review

iTunes 8.1.1 update adds support for HD rentals, but where are they?

by Richard Lawler, posted Apr 6th 2009 at 5:11PM


Consider the "where are the HD rentals in iTunes?" question partially answered, now that 8.1.1 has brought the advertised functionality to the desktop according to its own release notes. Some iPod and iPhone sync issues have also been addressed, but we know what the people want. Unfortunately, even after installing the update none of the $5 rentals in high definition are anywhere to be found, only SD. The wait continues.

Vuze brings online video to game consoles, portable media players

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 23rd 2009 at 1:09PM


Sheesh -- this is dangerously close to getting out of hand. We've got Hulu, boxee, ZeeVee and Vuze (amongst others) all vying for your attention in the wide world of broadband video, but it's the latter dishing out a potent new offering with its latest version. Today, Vuze has announced a new iteration of its online video portal application that integrates playback with iPhone, iPod, AppleTV, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 devices. So far as we can tell, no other competitor offers that much integration (read: direct Mac / PC-to-device transfers) across so many products. Of course, none of this matters if you aren't a fan of Vuze itself, but you can surf on over to download it (gratis, naturally) in order to test the waters.

URC's PSX-2 iPod dock enables control via universal remote

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 28th 2009 at 4:09PM


These days, it's pretty tough to find an iPod dock that differentiates itself from the crowd. Then again, Universal Remote Control isn't your average iPod accessory maker. Designed specifically for the custom install crowd (but aimed at anyone who appreciates tight home integration) is the PSX-2 Personal Server. Put simply, this doodad enables users to control their iPod like never before by providing users a method of "exploiting all of the iPod's features, including some obscure and rarely-used ones," with any ole IR remote. The device provides "hundreds of discrete IR codes that cover virtually every iPod function, and even functions that aren't available on the iPod itself, such as commands for each of the iPod's EQ settings and the ability to perform alpha searches." Sure, it'll set you back $399, but that's a small price to pay for giving your universal remote one more reason to hang around.

Gallery: URC's PSX-2 iPod dock enables control via universal remote

URC's PSX2 lets any universal remote navigate on the iPod

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 11th 2009 at 10:08PM


Universal Remote Control has showcased a new iPod accessory here at CES well ahead of its official debut at EHX Spring, and supposedly it'll enable any universal remote to navigate anywhere on an iPod with a single button press. The package includes an iPod dock that connects to the TV, essentially enabling users to kick back and serve up tunes and videos without needing an iPod-friendly controller. Reportedly, it even allows users to do things not originally intended on the iPod thanks to an elaborate macro setup. A few more details are included in the read link, and we get the crazy idea that this is just the thing URC needed to get into the mainstream mind.

Panasonic officially outs the iPod-lovin' VIERA X1 HDTV

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 8th 2009 at 1:32AM

Panny wasn't about to let JVC unleash a new range of iPod-friendly HDTVs without hitting back with a few of its own, so that explains the four new HDTV / iPod entertainment systems. The 19-inch TC-L19X1, 26-inch TC-L26X1, 31.5-inch TC-L32X1 and the 37-inch TC-L37X1 all come bundled with a universal iPod dock that does exactly what you think it would: bring iPod-based media onto your TV while charging your PMP. Pricing and availability? Take a wild, wild guess.

JVC announces Full HD LCD TVs, new line of iPod-friendly sets

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 7th 2009 at 12:35PM Breaking News


Just in case you haven't seen enough from JVC today, how's about a look at nine new TVs? From the top, we're look at four newcomers with 1080p panels -- the LT-32J300, LT-42J300, LT-46J300 and LT-52J300 -- all of which tout a dynamic backlight, the company's own Smart Picture technology, there HDMI inputs and a new cabinet with a snazzy new bezel and a black glossy finish. Moving on to more Apple-friendly pastures, we've got an all new TeleDock line that spans from 31.5-inches to 46-inches. All five models come with an integrated iPod dock for playing back portable media and recharging your player, and the whole crew should be in stores by April. Check the links below for all the minutiae.

Read - JVC's new Full HD line
Read - JVC's TeleDock line

Fraunhofer IIS to push MPEG Surround as next big downloadable audio format

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 5th 2009 at 5:52PM


Watch out, MP3 -- you've got a formidable opponent creeping up on you. All kidding aside (yes, we were kidding), Fraunhofer IIS is hoping that at least four people will turn from their MP3 / AAC addictions and embrace yet another one of its audio formats at CES, which is simply christened MPEG Surround. Harald Popp, head of the Multimedia Realtime Systems department at the company, has asserted that the firm believes that "MPEG Surround will become a major online distribution format when downloading music, movie and TV content," noting that it offers "the music industry a way to sell iPod-compatible surround content through the existing stereo download infrastructure." We suppose the multi-channel aspect is at least somewhat noteworthy, but we still see a hard road ahead for it to gain "global acceptance" in 2009.

Audioengine puts wires out of work with AW2 wireless iPod adapter

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 8th 2008 at 8:37AM


Earlier this year, Audioengine rolled out the practically universal AW1 wireless audio adapter, and we certainly enjoyed our time with it. Now, the outfit is making the anticipated leap to iPod-dom with the sequentially named AW2. Put simply, the kit contains two main pieces: a transmitter that plugs easily into your dock-connecting 'Pod and a USB-based receiver with a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack. The system operates on the WiFi frequency band and promises no dropouts, static or interference from CB radios whizzing by your domicile. We should mention, however, that you'll pay quite dearly for the privilege of beaming your tunes sans cables, though it's available now for those who don't mind at $169.

[Via GadgetReview]

JVC's iPod-lovin' LT-47P789 LCD HDTV gets in-depth review

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 2nd 2008 at 11:40AM


It's nearly time for JVC to drop yet another iPod dock-infused HDTV on us at CES 2009 (just a guess, is all), but for those looking for the model first introduced in January 2008, here's a bit of introspective. If you'll recall, we already heard pretty positive things about the 42-inch version of this same set, but AV Revolution took things much, much deeper with its look at the 47-inch LT-47P789. We'll save the details for those who care, but the long and short of it is this: in the case of this particular unit, "neither the TV's performance nor the TeleDock implementation is as good as it could be." That said, the street price of around $1,500 isn't half bad, and while it won't put a smile on the face of a videophile, it should function just fine as an "everyday or second-room TV" for those who can't seem to escape their iPod.

GenevaSound Home Theater speaker stand packs 700-watts, loves your iPod

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 23rd 2008 at 11:31AM


We can't imagine that legions of audio enthusiasts are scouting a booming 2.1 sound system that doubles as a TV stand, but if you're one of the few, GenevaLab has your number. Introduced nearly three years to the day after we originally saw the iPod-loving Geneva Sound System is the GenevaSound Home Theater, a rather large piece of furniture that packs a 2.1 system (including a 12-inch subwoofer), inbuilt 700-watt amplifier, space for a SACD / DVD / Blu-ray / LaserDisc player, an integrated iPod / iPhone dock, a CD player / radio and a black or white motif. You'll pay dearly for the privilege of owning one, though, and if you're unclear on the definition of "dearly," try $3,999.

[Via iLounge]

Marantz's IS301 wireless iPod dock elegantly cuts the cord

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 21st 2008 at 4:19PM


Wireless iPod docks were all the rage back in 2006 (seriously, we remember nerds camping out for them), but the trend sort of petered out as 2007 emerged and focus turned to more important matters. Now, Marantz is looking to bring it all back in style with the IS301, a Lucullan wireless iPod dock that transmits both audio and video sans cabling and includes a port-filled receiver for tight-knit home theater integration. Practically every dock-connecting iPod (no iPhones allowed, at least not officially) will work fine here, and there's also Bluetooth 2.1 support for receiving and beaming tunes from BT-enabled devices. Expect the bundle to storm Japan in January for ¥26,250 ($277), after which we Americans will drop down on bended knee and plead for a US version.

[Via Impress]

Gallery: Marantz's IS301 wireless iPod dock elegantly cuts the cord

Krell's S-300i integrated amplifier is iPod / iPhone-friendly

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 19th 2008 at 8:32PM

Like it or not, the iPod has become a de facto standard for portable media, and it's only logical that even high-end audio manufacturers cater to the demands of the market. To that end, Krell Industries has baked in native iPod / iPhone support into its latest integrated amplifier, the S-300i. Said amp features a fully balanced, Class A preamplifier circuit with a stereo amplifier rated at 150-watts per channel into 8-ohms and 300-watts per channel into 4-ohms along with a 750 VA toroidal transformer and 38,000 microfarads of storage capacitance. The iPod / iPhone interface taps audio from the fully differential output included in the devices, and the bundled remote is made of solid aluminum. You'll also find three unbalanced RCA inputs, a balanced XLR input, a jack for the iPod / iPhone cable and WBT speaker cable terminals -- 'tis a shame it'll cost you $2,500, huh?

[Via CEPro]

Sony caves, will offer iTunes film download in Pineapple Express

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 12th 2008 at 6:19AM


It's a momentous occasion, folks. Sony -- the outfit known for boldly sticking to its proprietary guns when perfectly acceptable options are widely available -- is finally showing that it can reach across the aisle to get things done. All politics aside, the January-bound Pineapple Express will include a downloadable version from iTunes. We're told that this is the first time in which a Sony Pictures Home Entertainment release has included such a thing, and yes, a traditional digital copy for PCs / PSPs will also be bundled with the DVD / Blu-ray. Which is just about as cool as killing your arch enemy with a Daewoo Lanos.

[Via HomeMediaMagazine, image courtesy of SPHE]




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