Home Theater Accessories

Let's face it – audiophiles can be a discriminating bunch. They want the best in everything; HDTV, sound system, speakers, even the A/V cables must provide the ultimate listening experience. There's a new line of high-end audio, video, digital, speaker and power cables from Gordon J. Gow Technologies (manufacturer of Tributaries cables) that are sure to please audiophiles worldwide – the Clarus Audiophile Collection.

What makes the Clarus Audiophile Collection so special? For starters, they're made from Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting (PCOCC) – the purest copper in the world. They also feature CNC-machined gold-plated connectors, individually insulated cable strands and precision impedances. In addition, the cables are designed with three different conductor types – solid heavy-gauge conductors, flat conductors and spiral-ribbon conductors. By designing the cables with multiple strand sizes and shapes, clarity is greatly improved for a more enhanced, open sound. Simply put, the Clarus Audiophile Collection is truly in a class by itself. Read more

Tributaries unveiled the new Series 8 Reference Series of interconnect cables at the recent CEDIA 2011 trade show. Replacing the Series 7 and Series 9, the new cables boast a level of performance even greater than previous models, thanks to changes in the construction and an improved grade of copper.

Series 8 models are made with Long-Crystal OFHC copper, which is drawn to reduce the amount of crystals in the copper conductor. By lowering the crystal count, distortion is reduced and signal transfer is improved--resulting in an audio and video cable that delivers a high degree of fidelity and an extremely low noise floor.

"We are thrilled with the performance of the Series 8 cables," said Joe Perfito, President of Tributaries Cable. "The use of new materials and updated construction push the Series 8 to surpass the performance of our previous top performer. We're also proud to say these products are made in the USA, allowing us to offer a superior level of quality control."Read more

Accell has a new MHL to HDML Adapter for use with mobile devices that have MHL technology. The adapter transmits both audio and video allowing you to view pictures, watch movies or listen to music stored in your smartphone on your home entertainment system.

Accell's MHL to HDMI adapter connects an MHL-enabled mobile device such as a tablet or a smartphone, to an HDMI supported TV, projector or display. The adapter connects directly to the USB 2.0 Micro-B port of the MHL-enabled device, and with the use of an HDMI cable, you can connect the MHL to HDMI adapter to your HDTV.

Also, by connecting the smartphone or tablet's charger to the MHL adapter, the mobile device will remain powered while in use. Accell's MHL to HDMI adapter supports all video resolutions and audio formats, including 1080p video and digital audio. It is available now for $24.99 at Accell retailers and distributors.

Buy almost any audio or video component these days and it will be equipped with HDMI output. Unfortunately, most HDTVs (especially older models) don't have enough HDMI input connections to accommodate all of these devices. Accell has your solution. The new UltraAV 5x1 HDMI Switch is a hub for all of your A/V devices. Certified HDMI compliant, it allows you to easily connect up to five HDMI devices to your TV such as a gaming console, Blu-ray player, DVR or projector, and switch between them all.

The UltraAV switch comes with built-in auto-switching technology, which detects the active input and then automatically switches to it. You can also use the included remote control or manual push-button to switch between any of the five HDMI source devices. In addition, it features a built-in signal booster and will work with universal remote controls that are equipped with the "learn" feature.Read more

You can now get the popular digital music service Spotify on Onkyo's home theater receivers in the United States. Until now, the Spotify service was only available overseas – in the UK, France, Spain, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Norway.

Spotify will be available via a firmware update provided by Onkyo for its 2011 network capable receivers beginning with the TX-NR609. Onkyo will also be introducing additional networked Spotify-ready products in the near future. All you need to enjoy Spotify on Onkyo is an internet connection and a Spotify Premium account.

The addition of Spotify offers Premium subscribers instant access to one of the biggest music libraries in the world, in excellent sound quality, thanks to Onkyo's seamless integration of Spotify's high quality streaming.

Spotify is easy to operate via the television screen connected to Onkyo home theater receivers. With a few clicks on your remote control you're given quick, scrolling onscreen access to your own and collaborative playlists as well as Spotify's 'What's New?' and 'Starred' features. Album cover art is displayed onscreen and subscribers can also browse artists, albums and tracks.Read more

You just upgraded your home theater with a new 3DTV, Blu-ray player and surround sound system—the picture and sound is so good it rivals that of a movie theater. You wouldn't plug the new components into a standard, $10 power outlet, would you? No! You need to protect your investment, and Tributaries latest AC protection product— the T10X power extension bar—provides clean, distortion-free power, while at the same time keeps your gear safe from harmful surges.

The UL certified T10X features a total of 10 outlets—six on the front panel four on the rear panel—and can be mounted horizontally across the back of a rack in one of 3 positions. It uses the latest surge suppression technology, X3MOV, to protect your valuable equipment from damaging spikes and surges. The T10X can also be activated via remote turn-on by a component providing a 12-volt trigger output, or it can turn on another component that has a 12-volt trigger input.Read more

Earlier this year, Samsung announced a promotion giving consumers who purchased a 2011 model Samsung 3D TV 2 free pairs of 3D glasses. Apparently, not all retailers have been honoring the promotion. In response, Samsung has launched its own website where consumers can go to request their free 3D glasses.

Here's the deal: For consumers who purchase a 2011 Samsung 3D TV from an authorized Samsung retailer between April 24, 2011 and June 25, 2011, and do not receive 3D glasses from that retailer (either as part of the 3D glasses promotion or as part of a 3D Starter Kit provided by the retailer with select TV models), Samsung will provide two pairs of 2011 3D battery glasses directly to the consumer.

Samsung says that the "two free glasses" promotion will end June 25, 2011. However, they will be announcing details for a new 3D glasses promotion prior to June 26th.

To make a claim, eligible customers should visit www.samsung.com/us/3Dglasses. All claims must be submitted within 90 days of purchase and must include proof of purchase.

Are you getting the sound you want from your subwoofer? If not, did you know that where it is placed can affect the sound quality? Sunfire has a new Universal Wireless Subwoofer Kit which allows you to place your subwoofer anywhere in the room so you can get optimal sound – all without the hassle of running wires under the carpet or through walls. The Kit consists of a receiver and transmitter and is compatible with any third-party manufacturer's powered subwoofer.

To use, simply connect the SDSWITX Wireless Transmitter to your A/V processor and the SDSWIRX Wireless Receiver to your subwoofer (up to 25 feet from the audio source). Place your subwoofer near a power outlet and you're set! The audio signal is then reproduced with 100 percent accuracy using digital signal transmission. For even more bass, one transmitter can support two receivers for two separate subwoofers. Read more

Harman Kardon just released a new iPhone/iPod dock, The Bridge IIIP. Developed as an accessory to the company's "bridge-ready" A/V receivers, the device plays music and video from your iPhone (or iPod), directly through Harman Kardon music systems.

The Bridge IIIP was made to work with iPhone 4, but is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone and most iPod devices. Once connected, it works seamlessly with your system remote control for navigation and for playing your favorite music and video. It features easy-to-read on-screen navigation messages on the front panel of your Bridge IIIP receiver and also doubles as a charger when your iPhone/iPod is docked.

Harman Kardon The Bridge IIIP is currently compatible with the following AVR models: AVR 1650, 2650 and 3650 and is available now for just $129.