Monday, April 30, 2018
Friday, April 27, 2018
Thursday, April 26, 2018
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
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Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
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.
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Monday, April 23, 2018
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 Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, 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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Saturday, April 21, 2018
Friday, April 20, 2018
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
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