Monday, April 30, 2018

Amazon Debuts Smart Home Services, Security Package Tiers

Pioneer Rounds Out Elite Series with $699 AVR

Pioneer today introduced a new $699 addition to its Elite family of AV receivers.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/pioneer-rounds-out-elite-series-699-avr

‘Die Hard’ Gets Remastered in 4K for 30th Anniversary

Twentieth Century Fox is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1988 action classic Die Hard with a remastered 4K/Ultra HD Blu-ray release of the film, a limited-edition Steelbook version, and a box set featuring the five-film series — all due out May 15.


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Crestron Home Automation Now Supports 3rd Party AV

Crestron has announced that its Pyng home automation platform will support IP control of third party AV devices, including LG’s 2017 and 2018 OLED, SUPER UHD, and UHD TV’s.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/crestron-home-automation-now-supports-3rd-party-av

Friday, April 27, 2018

The Big Picture: How Big Is Big Enough?

The Technology changes, but the goal remains the same.

In prepping for the May print issue’s focus on front projection, I found myself philosophizing on the value of having a big image for viewing movies, TV serials, and sports. Not just big, but really big.



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/big-picture-how-big-big-enough

3 Smart Home Spruce Ups for Summer

Earth: One Amazing Day

Picture
Sound
Extras
Remember those A Day in the Life of… coffee table books that gave us glimpses of Hollywood and the Soviet Union and the like over a single 24-hour span? Imagine that same dynamic applied to some carefully selected, human-free locales across the globe, and you start to get the idea behind Earth: One Amazing Day. This sequel to the 2007 nature documentary Earth takes us from the pre-dawn hours well into the night, revealing visions of flora and fauna we’ve likely never seen before. (Giraffe smack-down!)


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/earth-one-amazing-day

TCL Announces Pricing for 2018 Flagship TVs

TCL, the Chinese consumer electronics brand that has been aggressively pursuing the U.S. market in recent years, has announced pricing and availability for the flagship 4K/Ultra HD TVs it previewed at CES in January.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/tcl-announces-pricing-2018-flagship-tvs

Thursday, April 26, 2018

GoldenEar Technology Invisa Signature Point Source In-Wall Speaker System Review


In-Wall Speaker System
Performance
Build Quality
Value

SuperSub X Subwoofer
Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $7,250 as reviewed

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Rotatable pleated tweeter for horizontal orientation
2½-way design
High performance-to-cost ratio
Minus
Horizontal installation requires modification of wall stud

THE VERDICT
With the Invisa Signature Point Source in-wall speakers, GoldenEar Technology has introduced an in-wall speaker with a performance-to-price ratio that rivals in-room competitors.

Just as not everyone prefers to eat turkey on Thanksgiving, there are some people who don’t like to have tower speakers standing at attention (and drawing attention) in their family’s living room. At our family’s traditional Thanksgiving chow-down (at Christmas, we have a ho-ho-hoedown), we serve baked ham as an alternative to the delicious, funny-looking bird the rest of us enjoy. (Those who don’t like either choice get bread and water.)



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/goldenear-technology-invisa-signature-point-source-wall-speaker-system-review

New Yamaha Receiver Supports Wireless Surround Speakers

Entertainment enthusiasts know that the best way to build a reliable, versatile and great-sounding home theater surround system is to use an AV receiver with wired speakers. For many, this is still a go-to solution that works seamlessly. For others, it presents a dilemma: How to get wires to the back of the room for surround sound speakers without having unsightly exposed cables. Running speaker wire through walls can be a headache, and for those who rent their homes or have plaster walls, it’s simply not feasible. Now Yamaha gives home theater fans a choice: wired or wireless surrounds.

Three New 4K Yamaha Receivers

Yamaha is introducing three new 4K AV receivers—the 5.1-channel RX-V485 and 7.2-channel RX-V585 and RX-V685—two new speakers, the MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50, and the new MusicCast SUB 100 subwoofer. Each of these products features a new wireless technology called MusicCast Surround. An enhancement of the company’s MusicCast wireless multi-room audio system, MusicCast Surround allows a user to build an AV receiver-based 5.1-channel surround sound system with wired speakers for the front channels (Front Left, Center, Front Right) and wireless speakers for the surrounds (Surround Left, Surround Right). It also supports the option of using a wireless subwoofer.

Rivaling the sound quality of a wired system, MusicCast Surround technology brings for the first time a wireless surround capability to Yamaha AV receivers, appealing to a broad range of customers at a variety of price and performance levels.

The RX-V 85 series AV receivers are also capable of supporting wired surround speakers for those who prefer a traditional setup or a speaker configuration with more than 5.1-channels. They also feature a host of other upgrades from last year’s line.

MusicCast Surround builds on the Yamaha MusicCast wireless multi-room audio system which enables music enthusiasts to stream their favorite tunes from almost any audio source over a Wi-Fi network to MusicCast-enabled products throughout the house. In comparison, when the MusicCast Surround mode is employed, a direct Wi-Fi connection is made between an RX-V 85 series AV receiver and the MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless speakers so that the surround audio streams do not have to pass through the user’s home router.

Audio Streaming Services Supported

All of the new models come fully-loaded with wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect. They support numerous built-in streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster and thousands of free internet radio stations, all accessible via the free MusicCast app. They also all feature voice control via Amazon Alexa-equipped devices, such as the Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers, through the use of free MusicCast skills available on the Alexa Skills Store.

Key features and Benefits of the New Products:

RX-V 85 Series 4K AV Receivers: All three receivers deliver life-like images to connected TVs with up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The receivers also pass through high dynamic range (HDR) video in the HDR 10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma formats with BT.2020 wide color gamut (WCG) compatibility. The RX-V685 offers dual HDMI outputs for rooms incorporating both a flat-screen TV and a video projector.

All three models support HD Audio decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master AudioT sound tracks, while the RX-V585 and RX-V685 also support object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:XT  decoding, which adds height effects through overhead speaker channels.

MusicCast Speakers: The compact MusicCast 20 and high-performance MusicCast 50 wireless speakers can be used as standalone audio systems, or with existing MusicCast components for multi-room audio linking, or used as wireless surround speakers with MusicCast Surround-enabled AV receivers.

Two MusicCast 20 speakers can be paired in stereo mode. A single MusicCast 50 delivers stereo sound by itself, while using two MusicCast 50 speakers yields even higher output and a wider sound field.

In a MusicCast Surround configuration, only a single MusicCast 50 is needed to produce two surround channels, but two units may be used for better performance. The MusicCast 50 delivers the highest performance of any MusicCast speaker, and features a lower profile than competing models in its performance class to fit more discreetly in more places at home.

Subwoofer: The MusicCast SUB 100 can be paired wirelessly with the new AV receivers as an alternative to a wired subwoofer, allowing for easy placement anywhere in the room. It can also be paired with either a single or two MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 speakers for 1.1-channel and 2.1-channel systems.

Pricing and Availability

The three RX-V 85 4K AV receivers will be available in May:

  • RX-V485, $449.95
  • RX-V585, $549.95
  • RX-V685, $649.95

The following two MusicCast speakers will be available in July in a choice of black or white:

  • MusicCast 20 at $229.95
  • MusicCast 50 at $499.95

The MusicCast SUB 100 will be available in September in a piano black finish for $549.95

The post New Yamaha Receiver Supports Wireless Surround Speakers appeared first on Electronic House.



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Flashback 1968: The Bose 901 Speaker System

Julian Hirsch’s review of the Bose 901 in 1968 helped set off one of the greatest and longest-lasting audiophile debates.

There may be no singular product in modern audio history that has generated more accolades, derision, or pure controversy than the Bose 901 loudspeaker. Introduced in 1968 by a then four-year-old concern named after its MIT-educated founder, the 901 neither looked, nor sounded, like any speaker that had come before it. With its pentagonal cabinet that faced eight of its nine identical 4-inch, full-range drivers at the reflecting wall behind the speaker, its designer Amar Bose sought to have it mimic the way we hear in concert halls and imbue its sound with a giant soundstage and spatial realism that was unsurpassed.



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/flashback-1968-bose-901-speaker-system

Can I Use Ceiling Speakers as Surrounds in an Atmos Setup?

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I want to install a Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 speaker configuration using ceiling speakers for both overhead height effects and the left/right surrounds. How would you recommend I go about positioning the speakers? —Tuck Seng



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Live TV Streaming Services Are the New TV Providers

It is now possible to stream almost any TV show using dedicated apps. HBO Go, NBC, and other “TV Everywhere” apps provide unlimited access to stream new TV series’ episodes and movies if you already subscribe to the channel and sign in with the cable, satellite, or telecom provider. With more and more people switching to live TV streaming services, apps can now be authorized if you subscribe to the channel on Hulu Live TV, Playstation Vue, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and others, though not all channels are offered by all live TV streaming services.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/online-live-tv-streaming-services-are-becoming-our-new-tv-providers

Denon Unveils Budget AVRs with Alexa Voice Control

Denon today announced the addition of six richly featured yet affordably priced models to its X- and S-Series of AV receivers.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/denon-unveils-budget-avrs-alexa-voice-control

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Q Acoustics Goes for ‘Bigger Sound’ With New 3000i Speaker Series

U.K.-based Q Acoustics has announced a new speaker series that builds on the company’s 3000 series by borrowing technology from the $5,999 flagship Concept 500 speaker, winner of the 2017-2018 EISA Award for Best Floorstanding Loudspeaker.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/q-acoustics-goes-%E2%80%98bigger-sound%E2%80%99-new-3000i-speaker-series

April 2018 New Gear

AEmotiva DC-2 Desktop DAC
Supercharge your desktop rig! That’s what you’ll be able to do with the DC-2, an update of Emotiva’s reference-quality DC-1 digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Emotiva CEO Dan Laufman calls the new half-height DAC a “no-holds-barred converter for any enthusiast whose music library is stored on a computer or hard drive.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/april-2018-new-gear

Cary Audio Rethinks its Solid-State Amplifiers

Cary Audio, a company known for its tube amplifiers, has introduced two solid-state power amplifiers that offer “dramatically improved performance and current-handling capacity” over its previous solid-state models.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/cary-audio-rethinks-its-solid-state-amplifiers

Smart Speakers and ‘The Art of War’

Sun Tzu was a Chinese general and military theorist living in the 6th century B.C. He was the author of The Art of War, a treatise on military strategy and tactics. In addition to its profound military importance, his work has influenced many other competitive enterprises. I imagine that business executives are studying Sun Tzu right now, as they plan for one of the greatest corporate wars of all time.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/smart-speakers-and-%E2%80%98-art-war%E2%80%99

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Rampage in A Quiet Place

Back in the Jurassic age movie theaters routinely offered double features. That practice has long since disappeared, but you can recreate it by seeing two movies on the same day. It takes some doing to get the schedule right, with perhaps a half hour between the end of the first film and the beginning of the second—just enough time to see a man about a dog. Of course it will cost you for separate tickets, and you’ll want to be sure you can get good seats for both films.

Then there’s the challenge of making a good pairing...



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/rampage-quiet-place

Philips Monitor Achieves HDR1000 Certification

Philips has announced that its new 43-inch Momentum 436M6 4K/Ultra HD monitor, due out this summer for $1,000, is the first to achieve DisplayHDR 1000 certification from the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/philips-monitor-achieves-hdr1000-certification

HGTV House Hunters Gem: 1980s House Ready to be Automated

The location, the view, the layout—all three checked off the must-have list when a recent HGTV House Hunter was introduced to this 1,360-square-foot home in San Clemente, Calif. Situated within walking distance to the ocean, the 3 bedroom house also had “good bones.” The only thing missing was smart home technology. But this didn’t prevent a purchase. Familiar with home technology, the home buyer knew that many features could be easily integrated into the residence, so jumped at the opportunity.

Smart Tech Punch List

Top on his list were smart shading and lighting systems—controls that would work seamlessly together to manage natural and artificial light to enhance the home’s décor.

To update the 1980s home with modern amenities, the new owner selected three solutions from Legrand: QMotion motorized window shades, Vantage Equinox keypad and lighting control system, and adorne smart light switches.

QMotion motorized roller shades were installed throughout the home to provide easy management of natural light and to help reduce heat build-up and glare in the bedrooms and living area. The owner was able to choose from a wide assortment of fabrics so that the shades complemented the room design.

Stylish Keypad and Switch Controls

To control the roller shades, as well as the home’s lighting, a Vantage Equinox LCD keypad was installed. The owner

uses it to create special lighting scenes that alter the levels of multiple lights with a single button press. In seconds the ambiance of the room can be set and changed on a whim. The same level of control is available from a companion mobile app on smartphones and tablets.

Supplementing the keypad and mobile app for shading and lighting control are customized adorne light switches and power outlets. Most of the rooms feature switches and outlets covered in a satin nickel wall plate, which suits the home’s clean modern aesthetic. However, the switches and outlets in the guest bedroom and office received special attention, featuring pewter faceplates in the guest bedroom and oil rubbed bronze in the office. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the outlets, the faceplates provided additional functionality through the inclusion of built-in USB ports.

2 Weeks from Start to Finish

The entire smart tech update was completed in two weeks. The shading solution was installed by a local home systems integrator; the electrical work was handled by a local licensed electrician. No new wiring was required, which simplified the installation, which made this House Hunter even happier with his decision to smarten up his house.

The post HGTV House Hunters Gem: 1980s House Ready to be Automated appeared first on Electronic House.



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‘Paterno’ Starring Al Pacino Due for Download

HBO has announced that Paterno, the recently released film about the downfall of legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, will be available for digital download on May 7.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/%E2%80%98paterno%E2%80%99-starring-al-pacino-due-download

New Yamaha AV Receivers Boast Wireless Surround

Yamaha aims to simplify home theater installation by offering a wireless surround option for three new budget AV receivers.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/new-yamaha-av-receivers-boast-wireless-surround

Wearable Technology: The Future is Scary, But Also Fascinating

Monday, April 23, 2018

Sharp Expands Distribution of 8K TV

Momentum is starting to slowly build for the next generation of super high-resolution 8K TVs.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sharp-expands-distribution-8k-tv

SVS PC-4000 Subwoofer Review


Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $1,800

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding bass response
Onboard parametric EQ
Useful remote and smartphone app Uncommon form factor
Minus
Lacks auto-calibration
Uncommon form factor

THE VERDICT
If floor space is an issue but you still want subterranean bass response, the PC-4000 is the perfect choice.

SVS has been a staple in the home theater industry for 20 years now, and I’ve been a proud owner of one of the company’s PC-Ultra cylindrical subwoofers for the past 13-plus years. When I was introduced to the brand, I remember taking a lot of heat from my wife for putting a “scratching post” in our family room. When she heard it for the first time, though, she realized that no cat in its right mind would ever go near the beast!



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/svs-pc-4000-subwoofer-review

Next Level Acoustics Unveils Super Soundbar

Boston-based Next Level Acoustics has introduced a high-performance soundbar that can be customized to match TVs with screens starting at 70 inches and projection screens up to 200 inches (diagonal).


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/next-level-acoustics-unveils-super-soundbar

The FTC Says If You Break It, You Should Be Able to Fix It

By now, even the most ecologically minded person has probably had their fill of Earth Day articles and blog posts. Bear with me, though, because this post is only tangentially related to Earth Day and eco-sensibilities. Instead, it's more about getting your hands dirty with the innards of an electronic gadget or component after you've removed or cut the "WARRANTY VOID IF SEAL BROKEN OR REMOVED" sticker on the device's outer casing. I've done it plenty of times before...


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/ftc-says-if-you-break-it-you-should-be-able-fix-it

HEOS Soundbar Controlled by Amazon Alexa Voice Commands

Adding to its selection of wireless multiroom audio products, the new Denon HEOS HomeCinema HS2 Soundbar provides users with a host of features for both home theaters and whole-house audio setups. One of the most exciting capabilities of the soundbar is its compatibility with Amazon Alexa. This gives users the ability to use voice commands to adjust volume, change tracks, and access music streaming services including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Tidal, and others.

Related: Polk Audio Also Offers a Amazon Alexa Voice Controllable Soundbar

“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,” says Nick Murrells, technical category, HEOS.

“In combining Denon’s legendary audio prowess with whole-house 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.”

As a wireless whole-house audio zone, the soundbar offers homeowners access to a variety of music streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, TIDAL and more.

The soundbar also provides access to music stored on a network, allowing users to listen to their favorite tracks stored locally.

HEOS HomeCinema HS2 Soundbar Decodes Surround Sound

The HS2 supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS surround sound decoding.

Internally, the unit incorporates two Class D bi-amplified midrange drivers and dual tweeters that are controlled by a 400MHz floating-point digital signal processing (DSP) engine.

The soundbar’s DSPs support several listening modes, including “Movie Mode,” which enhances certain movie scenes, and “Music Mode,” which widens the soundstage.

HEOS Sounbar Comes with a Subwoofer

Additionally, a companion wireless subwoofer employs a pair of 5 1/4-inch subwoofers to help augment the soundstage. The subwoofer can be placed horizontally or vertically to help it blend into a variety of home environments.

The HS2 wireless soundbar also incorporates a choice of optical or HDMI inputs and outputs to provide system installation flexibility.

On top of its Amazon Alexa voice control capabilities, the HS2 soundbar also provides IP control capabilities, and control/automation system integration from companies such as Control4CrestronRTIURC, and Elan Home Systems.

Pricing and Availability

The HEOS HomeCinema HS2 is available at Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, Magnolia AV online and top audio specialists nationwide, and retails for $799.

The post HEOS Soundbar Controlled by Amazon Alexa Voice Commands appeared first on Electronic House.



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Samsung Unveils HDR Upgrade for LED Cinema Screen

Samsung has teamed with the Ymagis Group, a Paris-based company specializing in digital technologies for the film industry, to enhance the high dynamic range (HDR) performance of the Cinema LED Screen it introduced last year.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/samsung-unveils-hdr-upgrade-led-cinema-screen

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Lights Off, Fan On: Automating Home Theater Ambiance

The snappiest way to adjust the ambiance in my home theater is to touch an icon on my phone to start the ceiling fan a-twirling. Touch another icon, and the fan’s room light turns off. Getting the fan’s speed right may require another tap or two. It should be fast enough to dry TV viewers’ brows but not so fast as to cause paper plates and napkins to fly off the coffee table.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/lights-fan-automating-home-theater-ambiance

Friday, April 20, 2018

Apple Launches Trade-In/Recycling Program

In advance of the annual Earth Day celebration on Sunday, Apple has announced a GiveBack program that lets you trade in eligible devices for an Apple Store gift card or recycle them if they’re not eligible for credit.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/apple-launches-trade-inrecycling-program

Groundhog Day

Picture
Sound
Extras
Phil Connors, a TV weatherman from Pittsburgh, is dispatched to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities where he’s teamed up with a young and annoyingly cheerful producer and a smart-aleck cameraman. With impending offers from other stations, Connors has short-timer’s disease and isn’t what you’d call a pleasant guy to be around. In fact, he’s a first-rate pain in the rear whom his coworkers want to spend as little time with as possible.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/groundhog-day

10 Top Notch Outdoor Speakers for the Ultimate Backyard Bash

Homeowners want to party outside… using technology… according to the Houzz 2018 Landscaping Survey, which found that over half of homeowners (51 percent) spend more time entertaining outside after completing landscaping projects.

The Houzz survey of 750 consumers also shows technology plays a role in making the yard entertainment-ready.

Of the nearly one in five homeowners (18 percent) who added or upgraded entertainment systems during their landscaping projects, three in five (59 percent) opted for a new television, followed by wired and solar speakers (48 percent and 42 percent, respectively). One in 10 homeowners also added wired and solar charging stations (14 percent and 11 percent, respectively).

Related: How to Choose an Outdoor TV

 

Here are 10 great outdoor speakers to get the party started:

 

 

Ambisonic Systems Model 6.5HD-AW-L

The Model 6.5HD-AW-L incorporates a 6-inch planar magnetic ribbon driver arranged in a true coaxial configuration with a 6.5-inch composite cone woofer. The passive 6.5HD-AW-L is rated as an 8-ohm product that dips just below 6 ohms. The 89dB efficient speaker is rated to produce a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. Ambisonic houses the drivers along with an advanced 12dB Butterworth crossover network in an all-weather, trapezoid-shaped composite IP-65 rated enclosure. The speaker ships with a mounting bracket. ambisonicystems.com

 

 

Coastal Source 3-Way Ellipse Speaker

The 3-Way Ellipse Bollard and 3-Way In/Above Ground Bi-Amplified Full Range Speaker features an 8-inch subwoofer to provide full-frequency response. Coastal Source designed the solution for use in direct-burial applications where directional sound is desired from a product featuring a simplistic contemporary style.

The speaker utilizes a larger driver area compared to traditional products to deliver improved efficiency, according to the company. coastalsource.com

James Loudspeaker Omni Planter Speakers

Built with all-aluminum, powder-coated construction, the Omni Planters are offered in standard and custom colors to facilitate placement in a range of settings. Custom configurations are also available, including units without rear-firing satellites for corner placement or against a wall placement. The products’ tamper-proof brackets and hardware support their installation into commercial settings. jamesloudspeaker.com

 

Klipsch PRO-500-T-RK

Klipsch designed its PRO-500-T-RK rock speaker to address smaller environments. A mechanically reinforced fiberglass cabinet has been employed so that the speaker delivers years of worry-free use in all types of weather conditions. Internally, the speaker utilizes a 5-inch IMG woofer, along with a Tractrix horn-loaded 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. Klipsch says the rock speaker produces 105-degree dispersion, and offers 8-ohm and 70/100-volt compatibility. klipsch.com

 

 

 

Peerless-AV Xtreme Outdoor Soundbar

The newly updated, versatile SPK-080 outdoor soundbar from Peerless-AV is an active loudspeaker that incorporates 200 watts of power. It has a rated frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. In addition to its audio capabilities, the SPK-080 carries an IP65 rating for its enclosure, and it comes with the company’s universal mounting hardware. Other features include built-in Bluetooth and a 12-button IR remote control. peerless-av.com

 

Russound XZone 70V Streaming Audio Amplifier

Russound was one of the first companies to identify the potential of 70-volt speakers for outdoor applications.The XZone70V Streaming Audio Amplifier streams content from local networks, cloud services, and incorporates other features such as Apple AirPlay.

 

Sonance Landscape Series

Sonance has been a leader in outdoor audio systems for a long time. Supporting its market position is the company’s Landscape Series, which features low-frequency extension from the LS10SUB in-ground subwoofer. Sonance says the sub is part of a family of scalable solutions for building complete outdoor systems. The LS10SUB has a 10-inch woofer and 100-watt transformer. Complementing the sub is the LS47SAT two-way loudspeaker, designed for placement under plants and in trees. The LS47SAT features a UV-resistant enclosure along with a 25-watt transformer, and it is compatible with 70-volt systems. sonance.com

 

SoundTube Weather Resistant Surface-Mount Speakers

SoundTube’s SM52-EZ, SM52-EZ-WX, SM82-EZ-II and SM82-EZ-II-W speakers incorporate polypropylene woofers; 5.25-inch in the SM52-EZ and SM-52-EZ-WZ models, and 8-inch woofers in the SM82-EZ-II and SM82-EZ-II-WX. All four models include soft-dome tweeters, and SoundTube’s BroadBeam Ring technology. The speakers carry IP65 ratings, which means the speakers are dust tight and capable of withstanding water jets pointing directly at them. More specifically, the WX models are IP65 rated out of the box, and the standard models meet IP65 criteria when the port plugs are installed. The speakers offer 70/100-volt and 8-ohm bypass. soundtube.com

 

Stealth Acoustics StingRay Outdoor Speakers

StingRay outdoor speakers from Stealth Acoustics are IP68 rated for high environmental durability. The speakers produce a hemispherical radiation pattern to cover a wide listening area, according to the company, as well as extended bass response. The line includes the StingRay 8, the small-format StingRay 6, and the StringRay 430 above-ground subwoofer. The speakers also offer customized finish options to help them blend into a variety of environments. stealthacoustics.com

 

Terra AC Five Series

Terra’s AC Five Series — which includes AC Five 1, AC Five 2 and AC Five 3 speakers —is suitable for outdoor 70-volt projects. The Five 1 employs a ¾-inch tweeter and a 5.25-inch midrange driver; the Five 2 has a 1.1-inch titanium dome tweeter and a 5.25-inch midrange driver; and the Five 3 utilizes a 1.1-inch titanium dome tweeter and a pair of 5.25-inch midrange drivers. terraspeakers.com

 

The post 10 Top Notch Outdoor Speakers for the Ultimate Backyard Bash appeared first on Electronic House.



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CEDIA Shares Expertise on HDMI 2.1 in 2 White Papers

CEDIA, the Indianapolis-based trade association that represents companies involved in the design, manufacture, and installation of connected home technology, has released two white papers on HDMI 2.1— one focusing on the features and capabilities of the upgraded spec, the other on passive and active cable requirements for ultra-high-speed connectivity.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/cedia-shares-expertise-hdmi-21-2-white-papers

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Amazon and Best Buy to Launch Line of Smart TVs

If you thought Amazon and Best Buy were the archest of arch rivals in the rapidly shifting world of retailing, brace yourself: The e-tail and retail powerhouses yesterday announced a collaboration to bring a new line of smart TVs to market in the U.S. this summer.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/amazon-and-best-buy-launch-line-smart-tvs

Game of Thrones: Season 1 Heading to 4K Disc

HBO has announced that Season 1 of the smash-hit series Game of Thrones, the most successful franchise in the network’s history, is scheduled for release on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray June 5.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/game-thrones-season-1-heading-4k-disc

How Do I Determine an Ultra HD Blu-ray’s Aspect Ratio?

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q My home theater system is based around a Sony VPL-VW675ES projector and a 2.4:1 aspect ratio screen. (I really like ultra-wide Cinemascope images.) Outside of reading the excellent disc reviews in Sound & Vision, is there a way to determine a film’s aspect ratio before buying it on Ultra HD Blu-ray? — Rod McClaskey



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The Importance of a Home Systems Installer to a High-Tech Smart Home

Smart devices and systems can have a profound impact on every part of your home. But with so many smart home options available today—from automated lighting and shading to whole-house music and home control systems– deciding exactly which types of technology to add can feel overwhelming—and confusing as you determine the best way to have these features integrated into your home.

Related: 10 Smart Home Devices to Buy with Your Tax Return

To simplify the task of smartening up your living space, and save yourself from possibly making a series costly mistakes, it’s wise to hire a home systems professional to handle the selection and setup of your smart devices. If the addition of tech will coincide with a remodel or new build, they are able to work with designers and architects to ensure that the technology will coexist nicely with the layout and cosmetics of the home. They understand the options, and based on your needs—including budget–can recommend products that will add value and enjoyment to the space for years to come.

Related: Award-Winning Smart Home Remodel

Not sure what to look for in a home systems installer? Here are six necessary traits a good installer embodies that will help make your home more comfortable, convenient, and functional.

Listening Skills. Like any good contractor, a quality home systems installer knows that he must work closely with many people—designers, builders, homeowners, etc.—to ensure a pleasing end result. He must be willing to listen to everyone’s ideas and suggestions and fully understand each party’s needs, wants, and expectations. Regular meetings and close correspondence with key people on the project should be expected.

Depending on the scope of the project, a home systems installer will collaborate with contractors even before the home is built or remodeled. Everything from the layout of the room and the construction of cabinetry to the make and model of appliances and fixtures can have an impact on his home technology plan. Any modifications of the design of the room should be communicated so that the technology can be integrated in a way that suits the style and function of the space.

Proper Certification. Adding smart lighting, automation, audio/video components and other technologies to a home is a huge undertaking, which is why organizations like the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) exists. A visit to the CEDIA website can identify qualified home systems installers in your area. CEDIA is a national association that requires its members to complete regular and rigorous training in all disciplines of smart home design and integration. By hiring a CEDIA-qualified and trained installer, you’ll have the assurance that the work will be completed in a professional and timely manner, and that the end-result will be precisely what you envisioned.

Good References. You wouldn’t hire an employee without first checking his or her references, so do the same when hiring a home systems installer. Ask to see your prospective installer’s portfolio and have him walk you through a similar project that he has completed. In many cases, a home systems installer will have his own private showroom that you can visit to see a variety of systems in action, usually in a setting that resembles a real home. Here, you will be able to gauge the quality of his work.

Creative Thinking and Problem Solving. The installation of smart systems should not follow a cookie cutter approach. Just as no two families or homes are exactly alike, nor should the systems that help run the household. A home systems installer must be able to determine the unique requirements of a project and devise solutions that suit the space and the needs of the homeowners. A good home systems installer will document details about each phase of the project, and be willing to deviate from the plan when necessary.

Speaks Your Language. Technologies for the home are, well, fairly technical and complex. You need an installer who can explain how the systems work and their key benefits in terms you can understand. If not, you might be sold on something you really don’t need, or worse yet, fail to fully utilize them.

Post-Installation Support. A home systems installer’s job is far from over after all the smart tech components have been set up. For most people, it takes some practice to master the operation of many of the technologies that can enhance a kitchen or bathroom. A home systems installer should provide a thorough walk-through to explain how the technologies work within the space and teach you how to use them. If anything minor needs to be changed, like the brightness level of the lights, a home systems installer will gladly accommodate requests. Finally, a home systems installer will supply you with detailed documentation of the products used, warranties, and his contact information for any questions or concerns that may arise.

The post The Importance of a Home Systems Installer to a High-Tech Smart Home appeared first on Electronic House.



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SI Unveils Custom Option for Popular Zero Edge Screen

Screen Innovations (SI) has introduced a customizable version of its popular Zero Edge screen that gives enthusiasts the power to create a projection screen that fits their unique space and looks the way they want it to.


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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Pioneer Ships Close Cousin to $499 Elite Series AVR

Pioneer today announced the availability of the VSX-933 7.2-channel AV receiver, a slightly less expensive close cousin to the Elite series VSX-LX103 introduced just a few weeks ago.


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Projector Primer: Closer Than It Looks

With new ultra-short-throw and cheaper 4K projectors appearing on the market, your path to the ultimate home theater experience appears to be shrinking.

Last year in our annual front projection update (May 2017, available at soundandvision.com), we wrote about how the category wasn’t about to be left behind on the 4K, Ultra HDTV revolution. Nothing in this business stands still, of course, and we’re happy to report that “front projection’s reinvention,” as we dubbed it last year, is moving into yet another phase. Not only are 4K-compliant projectors more readily available, better performing, and in some cases much cheaper, we’re also seeing a batch of fresh ultra-short-throw home theater projectors reaching the market in 2018. So what does this mean for you if you’ve always dreamed about sitting back in front of that giant 100-inch screen? Read on to find out.



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New Invisible HDMI Cable Preserves Room Décor

Cabling: You love it for its ability to connect home theater equipment together, but hate it for the way it intrudes on the décor. Inneos has resolved this conflict by developing an HDMI 2.0 cabling solution that’s virtually invisible, and it’s made of super thin optical fiber. This is good news for people who want to enjoy 4K content in all its glory, as fiber cable boasts bigger bandwidth than standard HDMI cable.

The InvisiCable In Room Solution from Inneos features the following:

  • Complete turnkey solution – Everything needed to connect 4K video across distances up to 75 feet
  • Ultra-sleek, nearly invisible fiber optic cable
  • Real 4K bandwidth (18Gbps uncompressed)

“The promise of video over fiber is not just about incredible bandwidth over longer distances,” states Todd Whitaker, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Inneos. “It’s about making big ugly HDMI cable messes simply disappear.”

The InvisiCable In Room Solution includes 75 feet of InvisiCable on a magnetic Magic Disk.  The Magic Disk is only 2.75” in diameter and weighs less than 3 ounces.  It comes with a small tape backed, metal plate used to affix the magic disk virtually anywhere.  It also includes a set of Real4K Optical Adapters.

Samsung employs invisible cabling to connect its QLED TVs to a connector box, but Inneos points out that this is a proprietary solution. (https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/qled-tv/style/). By contrast, InvisiCable uses standard HDMI 2.0 connectors and works with any HDMI source and display.

The optical fiber that comprises InvisiCable offers other benefits besides good looks and performance. According to Inneos, it’s also easier to install than traditional HDMI cables.  “They are heavy, and they take up a lot of space.  When customers order them, they must make sure they choose the exact right length because longer length cables cost more and there is nowhere to store the bulky excess cable.  If the cable is too short, then the installer has to pull it back out, re-order the right length, and start over. The result is a lot of non-value-added labor,” according to Inneos.

The Inneos InvisiCable In Room solution retails for $799.

The post New Invisible HDMI Cable Preserves Room Décor appeared first on Electronic House.



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Jim Kerr Sustains Simple Minds with a ‘Walk Between Worlds’

When the time comes to record new music, veteran bands often run the risk of being trapped trying to replicate their past successes to a sonic T by playing it safe and serving up a relatively pale companion to the recognizable sound they’ve established over their careers.

It’s something that was clearly permeating the brainwaves of Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr and his songwriting foil, guitarist/keyboardist Charlie Burchill, as the pair began to construct the tracks that would comprise their new studio album, the aptly named Walk Between Worlds (BMG)...



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Tributaries Expands 18Gbps-Certified HDMI Lineup

Tributaries has announced the addition of a 5-meter passive cable and 40-meter hybrid optical cable to its lineup of 18Gbps HDMI cables.


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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Survey: Tariffs on TVs From China Would Cost U.S. Consumers Millions

The Trump administration's proposed tariffs on television sets from China would increase the price Americans pay for TVs, costing U.S. consumers an estimated $711 million over the next year, according to a new study commissioned by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and National Retail Federation (NRF).


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Double the Fun: Twin Home Theater Systems

This project—two theaters from two clients who live right next door to each other—started three years ago. Both clients are friends and movie lovers, watching flicks several times a week. While the two theaters look different—one has a grey and black interior, the other uses an orange and red color scheme—the core technology is nearly identical. “Some clients don’t even go into their home theaters once a month, but these guys love movies, and that made this a very special and passionate project for us,” says Ram Ragulan, owner of Astrum Entertainment Group, of Ridgewood, N.J.

Related: Check out this award-winning home theater from the Electronic House Home of the Year Contest

Hungry for More Power

When considering what tech would go into the theaters, a Meridian regional sales manager told Ragulan about how the company is now using Display Technologies screens for a special theater where they stack nine to 12 Meridian loudspeakers behind a screen. They call it a Tri-Stack system. The acoustically transparent screen allows loudspeakers to be positioned behind the screen without any compromise in audio reproduction.

“We flew with the two clients—both who drive Range Rovers and love the Meridian systems in their cars—to Michigan to hear a live demo of the Meridian DSP640 loudspeakers. They loved the way it sounded, but both wanted more power. That’s when Meridian recommended the Tri-Stack system.”

 

 

Stacked Speakers Behind the Screen

The Meridian Tri-Stack arrangement in both home theaters consists of nine DSP520 in-wall Meridian loudspeakers. Each left, center, and right channel has three loudspeakers stacked up in a column in a wall specially built by Astrum to go behind the 14-foot 2.35:1 Display Technologies screen. The wall is four inches deep, and all nine loudspeakers come with their own backboxes, so Ragulan and his team were able to mount them in the wall and put the screen directly in front of it.

“The Display Technologies Screen has one of the very best black levels, which gives an amazing depth to the image. We were able to put all the loudspeakers behind the screen with zero loss of sound, thanks to the special woven screen, and installation was easy because of the way the screen material stretches, tucks and untucks. To access the loudspeakers, we can take screen material from the front instead of un-mounting it, which is very convenient.”

 

Designed for Audio Perfection

While the images are stellar, the highlight of both theaters is the audio. Ragulan took advantage of the complimentary Meridian Design & Specification Service, and Meridian came to the site more than 10 times to make sure the project was on track, taking a special interest in how the Tri-Stack system works.

“The staging of the front was elevated to a sweet spot in the center row, with the third row being a bench with a bar. We’ve done quite a few Meridian theaters, but this one is the best.” Complementing the nine DSP520 in-wall loudspeakers are two subwoofers located in the front stage, giving the room plenty of bass response to complement the Meridian Tri-Stack system.

 

All-Digital Audio Start to Finish

Thanks to their DSP design, no external amp was required, as the DSP520s are an all-digital design with amps built in to each speaker. “From the cost side of things, doing a system like this versus traditional loudspeakers is a wash,” says Ragulan. “Because with a traditional system you have to buy conventional speakers and spend money on amplifiers. Meridian’s built-in amplifiers simplify everything, and it’s also the best approach using the Meridian DSP technology to elevate the soundstage. We can bring it to whatever the client wants it to be. That’s normally not easy to do unless you purchase a very expensive audio processor.”

Best Home Theater Audio in 20 Years

As far as the sound goes, the clients are just as impressed as Ragulan. They feel like even though the power is present, it’s subtle and neutral, and never overwhelming, even at high decibels. “The advantage of the Tri-Stack system is that there is more power to the front stage, and also more isolation when the sound moves smoothly between the left and right side of the screen. The vocal clarity is the best I’ve ever heard. The soundstage is also big, which would not have been able to be accomplished without a coning effect from traditional speakers and amplifiers,” says Ragulan. “It’s the first time I’ve experienced a sound like this in 20 years being in this industry.”

The post Double the Fun: Twin Home Theater Systems appeared first on Electronic House.



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