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Proficient Audio Announces M80 Receiver

by jessica on Mon, 2009-08-10 00:30

Proficient Audio just announced that their new M80 receiver is now in production and is expected to be available in September 2009.

The M80 has everything you need for accurate reproduction of Blu-ray Discs, video games and other media. It features DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD lossless audio, four HDMI inputs, Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing, and seven 130-watt high-current Class AB amplifiers. Best of all, the M80 is priced at $1,250 – not bad for a top of the line AV receiver!

The M80 includes features that custom installers need, such as a full set of line outputs and an optional iPod dock. The M80 also has cool-running amplifiers that are designed to operate in a ventilated equipment cabinet. Menu controls on the front panel let you make setup changes without using a remote control.Read more

Onkyo Releases New HT Series AV Receivers

by jessica on Fri, 2009-08-07 00:30

Onkyo just announced a new line of audio video receivers - the HT Series. The first of these new models, the HT-RC160, is a 7.2-channel receiver with five 1080p HDMI inputs, Dolby ProLogic IIz, and Analog to HDMI video upconversion, and is available now for $549.

Other features include:

WRAT technology and discrete amp construction for cleaner sound
TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding to support the latest Blu-ray technology
Optional iPod Dock / HDradio module via proprietary U.Port

A step-up model, the HT-RC180, is a 7.2-channel THX Select2Plus Certified receiver with networking capabilities, including streaming internet radio from Pandora, Rhapsody and others, will be added to the line later this month with an MSRP of $1049.

iLuv Unveils New Vertical Hi-Fi Audio System

by Justin Hubbell on Tue, 2009-07-28 08:24

iLuv's new vertical CD/MP3 Audio system brings great sound and style into your home with the new iMM9400. The iMM9400 is a modern looking audio system with iPhone3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod, MP3, WMA file playing capability via the universal iPhone/iPod dock adapters or the built in SD card slot and USB port. The iMM9400 will be available in August 2009 at www.i-luv.com for the MSRP of $249.99.

Main Features

Works with iPhone3GS and iPod -Plays and charges via universal dock for iPod
Synchronize time from your iPhone and iPod
4-MP3/CD Audio playback system
2 channel speakers deliver the rich and powerful sound
Plays MP3, WMA files on SD/MMC cards and USB flash memory stick
Listen to slotMusic through SD card slot or USB port
Time function (auto on/off) with snooze capability
Supports subwoofer output jack
Includes iPhone/iPod user friendly remote control, dock adapters and wall mounting kit

Read more

Creative Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes is Available Now

by Justin Hubbell on Tue, 2009-07-21 12:54

The Creative Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes will wirelessly play iTunes, MP3 and all audio from a PC or Mac through powered speakers up to 100 feet away. The Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes including a Creative Wireless Receiver is available today at Amazon.com and Creative.com for only $149.99.

Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes enables speakers to be placed anywhere in the home. Because Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes is only about the size of a thumb drive, the user can just grab it and plug it into the USB connection on a PC or Mac. Connect a Creative Wireless Receiver to speakers or the great-sounding Creative GigaWorks T20W speakers which contain a built-in wireless receiver and the Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes is ready to go.

It uses a proprietary wireless technology based on 2.4 GHz designed specifically for audio so the listener doesn’t have to tolerate dropouts or interference, which commonly plague Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems. Also, it doesn't require a wireless network.

Bose Announces New Wireless Music System

by Justin Hubbell on Mon, 2009-07-20 10:36

The SoundLink wireless music system is a one-piece portable speaker system that allows users to play music from their computer, wirelessly, in and around the home. No software or Wi-Fi connection is required. Just plug the included SoundLink USB key into the computer, select music from iTunes, Pandora, or any other Internet radio or music source and the audio will stream to the SoundLink system via a long-range wireless link that works through most walls and floors. It also comes with an infrared remote control and a lithium-ion charged battery.

The new SoundLink wireless music system comes in Gloss Black, and will be available from Bose beginning August 27, 2009, for a price of $549.95. It will be sold at authorized Bose dealers, Bose retail stores, www.Bose.com or toll free at 1-800-444-BOSE (2673).

Okoro Media Systems Launching New Media Server with Built-in Amp

by Justin Hubbell on Wed, 2009-05-20 13:11

The Okoro Media Systems OMS-AX100 is an ergonomically designed digital media server equipped with a 5-channel, 100 watt per channel, amp. It is designed with HDMI support and low power consumption.

Other specs include:

45watt Dual Core AMD Processor
5.1-channel Intersil D2Audio Audio Amplifier
4GB 800Mhz RAM
500GB low power HD storage
DVD Burner
HDMI, VGA, Component video outputs
Windows Vista Home Premium
Choice of ATI Digital Cable Tuner or NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner
Custom AX100 versions available including with 7.1 Channel Pre-Amp
Signal to Noise Ratio of >105dB with a Frequency Response of ± 0.5dB (20Hz to 20kHz)
For an additional $190, you can get a Blu-ray drive installed

Orders are shipping now at $1,650. Read the full press release here.

Onkyo Debuts U-Port Accessories for iPhone/iPod and HD Radio

April 2009 -- Onkyo recently introduced a line of audio-video accessories, including the first to take advantage of the company's new proprietary Universal Port (U-Port) connection. The U-Port enabled models consist of a dock for iPhones and iPods, and an HD Radio module; the company is also introducing a second dock for iPod designed for non-U-Port receivers.

Onkyo's Universal Port, which was introduced on the company's TX-SR507 and TX-SR607 AV receivers earlier this year, provides a single-cable connection for these new accessories, as well as a wide range of possible future expansions. All necessary connections, including power, audio, video, and control signals, are incorporated into the Universal Port, making it simple for consumers to expand the capabilities of their system in just minutes.

The Onkyo UP-A1 dock and charger for iPod lets users enjoy programming stored on their iPhone or iPod directly through their home theater entertainment system. The dock recharges the portable player, and allows the user to control the device using their Onkyo AV receiver remote control. It is the first Onkyo product to carry the "Works with iPhone" certification, is capable of carrying component video as well as audio signals, and is compatible with nearly every iPod based player, including iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch (1G, 2G), iPod Classic, iPod (4G, 5G), iPod Nano (1G - 4G) and iPod mini. The UP-A1 dock and charger will be available in May at a suggested retail price of $109.Read more

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Sonos Updates Controller for iPhone, Announces New Savings Promotion

by jessica on Wed, 2009-04-15 12:26

Sonos just announced that they have released an update for the Sonos Controller for iPhone. With this update, the free Sonos Controller for iPhone now supports seven different languages (English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish), adds more features to the alarms (wake up to music, go to sleep to music), can playback DRM protected Microsoft WMA files, and can be set up computer-free. Also, since any music purchased from iTunes is now DRM-free, Apple iTunes music can now be played on the Sonos system using the Sonos Controller for iPhone.

In other news, Sonos also announced a new promotion that saves customers up to $199 when any Sonos ZonePlayer (ZP90 or ZP120) is purchased together with a Sonos Controller CR100. To add music to a room with existing audio equipment, the ZP90 and Sonos Controller combo is available for $599 (a savings of $149). For all other rooms, the amplified ZP120 and Controller combo is available for $699 (a savings of $199). The promotion expires May 31, 2009.Read more

Onkyo Turns up the Heat With New Entry-level HTiBs

March 16, 2009 -- Onkyo has introduced two entry-level home theater in a box (HTiB) packaged systems, each consisting of an HDMI-equipped audio-video receiver, five or seven surround-sound loudspeakers with subwoofer, and the top model includes an iPod docking station. When combined with a HDTV video display, Blu-Ray or DVD player, and cable/satellite TV box, these systems provide everything needed for a fully satisfying home theater surround sound experience.

"With the current economic climate, our high-value entry-level HTiB's are doing quite well," said Paul Wasek, Marketing Manager, Onkyo USA. “The addition of Audyssey technologies along with new DSP gaming modes and HDMI connectivity make these systems a real value for the consumer.”

Both systems include 1080p compatible HDMI connections, with HDMI Pass-Thru for optimal high definition video quality, including Deep Color and x.v.Color. For optimum sound quality, sources are connected via optical/coaxial digital connections, using a range of Dolby and DTS processing modes. There are four DSP gaming modes for rock, sports, action, and role-playing sound effects. The HT-S5200 incorporates Audyssey 2EQ™ room correction technology to automatically adjusts the sound character and time delay of each speaker relative to the listening positions, Audyssey Dynamic Volume™ which maintains optimal listening levels and dynamic range and Audyssey Dynamic EQ™ that adjusts the loudness contour on the fly to optimize sound quality for any volume, particularly at low listening levels. The HT-S3200 utilizes Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ technologies. Read more

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Onkyo Introduces the World’s 1st AV Receiver with Dolby ProLogic IIz

March 12, 2009 – As the first installment of its 2009 product line-up, Onkyo has introduced three new home theater receivers, including the world's first to offer Dolby's new ProLogic IIz processing, which can produce sound effects above the listener's head. Theses models, which range in price from $299 to $599, also include an array of advanced HD audio and video technologies from Onkyo, Dolby, DTS, Audyssey, Faroudja, and others that were previously only available at higher price points. They feature up to six HDMI inputs, and include the first AV receiver with a front-panel HDMI input.

With the debut of the new TX-SR607 receiver, Onkyo has the distinction of becoming the world’s first manufacturer to launch a 7.2-channel home cinema receiver featuring the all-new Dolby Pro-Logic IIz mode. Designed to take home cinema sound to new heights (literally!) DPL IIz introduces a vertical aspect to the sound field through the addition of left and right-channel front height speakers mounted above the main speakers. Based on the initial positive reactions to demonstrations of this technology to dealers, Onkyo anticipates good demand for expanded height channel capabilities in future models. Read more