Home Theater

Sunfire Theater Grand Processor and Amplifiers; Performance with Multi-Room Convenience


Sunfire TGP-401 and TGA-7401

If you are looking to upgrade your home theater system, look no further than Sunfire, a company that specializes in luxury audio/video products.

Their TGP-401 Processor is an audiophile-grade processor featuring three HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interfaces) v1.3a inputs and one HDMI output and is the only pre-amp that accepts the world's most advanced multi-room, multi-zone controller — the ELAN Olé. This 1080p-capable switcher carries uncompressed digital video transmissions between HDMI source components, the TGP-401, and HDMI-compatible display devices. With a user-friendly connector, the HDMI protocol supports standard, enhanced and high-definition digital video on a single cable.

The TGR-401 includes SIRIUS, AM and FM tuners, an eight-channel input for DVD-Audio or SACD, eight balanced XLR outputs, and a video format conversion system that automatically up-converts Composite video to S-Video, and S-Video to Component video. The system's LCD-based remote comes pre-programmed for the TGR-401, has full learning capabilities, and features optional RF capabilities for operating components that are hidden behind cabinet doors.Read more

SpeakerCraft Unveils New Home Theater Receivers

by jessica on Mon, 2009-08-17 13:14


SpeakerCraft SCR910

SpeakerCraft, a company best known for its custom installed loudspeakers, just announced that they are jumping into the home theater receiver market with the introduction of two new A/V receivers.

The new SCR710 is an 80-watt stereo receiver with a high current output stage capable of driving low impeadence loads with authority. This is important for dealers who are trying to do more with less, and can be a cost saver for the consumer. The SCR710 will ship at the end of 2009 with an MSRP of $425.

The second model, the SCR910, is a 7.1 channel receiver with 130-watt per channel power rating, and includes upconverting functions, numerous surround-sound modes and more. SpeakerCraft says that this receiver "will stand up next to any of the finest receivers in the business." The SCR910 will be available at the end of the year as well, with an MSRP of $1250.

Proficient Audio Announces M80 Receiver

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


Proficient Audio M80 Receiver

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 HT-RC160

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.

Marantz Expands its Line of Blu-ray Players


Marantz UD9004

July 31, 2009 – Marantz America, a world leader in advanced home entertainment solutions, is expanding its line of advanced Blu-ray players to include four Profile 2.0 models, all with Ethernet connectivity and features to increase flexibility in both playback and installation. Leading the new lineup is the company's highly anticipated flagship player, the ultimate-quality UD9004 (MSRP: $5,999.99), joined by the high-end universal UD8004 (MSRP: $2,199.99) and two high-value, high-performance players, the BD7004 (MSRP: $799.99) and BD5004 (MSRP: $549.99).

Noted Kevin Zarow, Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, Marantz America, Inc: "Marantz engineered every detail of our new Blu-ray players with both audio and video purists in mind. Whether a customer is looking to add to an existing Marantz home theater system or just looking for an ultimate-quality single-source component, Marantz now offers best-in-class performance at several price levels. With these introductions, we have clearly established our leadership in the growing Blu-ray arena. In fact, we are confident that the superior construction and circuitry of the UD9004 will quickly earn it the reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after Blu-ray players by home entertainment aficionados."Read more

Sonos Introduces New Touch Screen Controller for Sonos Multi-Room Music System


Sonos Controller 200

  • Wireless, full-color Controller features capacitive touch screen for state-of-the-art music control throughout your home
  • Search, find, play and discover a world of music at the touch of a finger
  • Available beginning today for $349 suggested retail price

July 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonos, Inc., the leading developer of wireless multi-room music systems, today launched a state of the art music Controller for the home, the Sonos Controller 200 (CR200). The new full-color Sonos Controller features an ultra-responsive touch screen display making it easy to quickly find and play all the music you want, in any room of the house, and all with the touch of a finger.

"Finding and playing music all over the house needs to be so easy that anyone who walks into a home can pick up the Controller and start playing DJ," says John MacFarlane, CEO, Sonos, Inc. "Sonos has applied our seven years of experience designing wireless music systems for hundreds of thousands of customers in more than 60 countries to deliver the most innovative and intuitive way to find, play and control music anywhere in the home."Read more

Onkyo Upgrades its Premium Audio Components Line

by Justin Hubbell on Mon, 2009-07-27 10:33


Onkyo C-S5VL

Onkyo has added a high-quality two-channel SACD player and an integrated amplifier to its premium stereo components line. These components employ precision-crafted audiophile-grade parts, with exceptional engineering and build-quality to meet the higher sonic aspirations of serious enthusiasts.

The Onkyo C-S5VL stereo Super Audio CD player features high-grade Wolfson digital-to-analog converters coupled with the company's Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC) for smooth, highly dynamic output free of pulse noise. A thermally regulated crystal oscillator and advanced jitter reduction circuitry provide exceptionally stable clock frequency for reproduction of digital sources, including SACD, conventional music CD's, and CD-R/RW disks with MP3 or WMA files. The player features both analog stereo and coaxial/optical digital outputs, too.Read more

Samsung Announces New Home Theater System with Blu-ray

by Justin Hubbell on Thu, 2009-07-23 09:48


Samsung HT-BD3252 home theater system

Samsung has just announced its new HT-BD3252 home theater system that combines a high quality viewing experience with powerful audio and an array of advanced networking options in a boldly designed player that can help convert almost any living space into a premium HD showroom.

This system delivers theater-like sound and exceptional video playback with its integrated Blu-ray player, which supports BD-Live interactive content. Consumers can instantly stream the latest SD and HD content from Netflix and access Pandora's library of online music right on their TV (subscriptions required). Starting in the Fall of 2009, BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand service will become available via a future firmware upgrade.Read more

Samsung Unveils Enhanced Home Theater System with Blu-ray Creating Powerful HD Experience

New HT-BD3252 delivers cutting-edge video playback, HD Sound, and diverse networking

July 21, 2009--Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced the introduction of its new HT-BD3252 home theater system to deliver an enhanced Blu-ray integrated home theater experience for consumers. The new HT-BD3252 combines a high quality viewing experience, with powerful audio and an array of advanced networking options in a boldly designed player that can help convert almost any living space into a premium HD showroom.

"Samsung has been offering Blu-ray video and HD audio as an integrated and powerful home entertainment package for the last two years, and our continuing drive to bring premium and extraordinarily designed products into consumers' homes is underscored by the HT-BD3252," said Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of audio/video and digital imaging marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "The HT-BD3252 builds on the success of the HT-BD1250 and adds several performance and ease of use enhancements including rear wireless speakers and built-in wireless access to the latest streaming and PC-based multimedia content." Read more

Review: Harman Kardon BDP 1

by Justin Hubbell on Tue, 2009-07-21 00:30


Harman Karkdon BDP 1

Availability: Available Now
MSRP: $499

Most Blu-ray players can be purchased for around $200 now. However, at $499, is the Harman Kardon BDP 1 worth its price, still?

Portability

Obviously, this is a standalone Blu-ray player that offers other features. So, with dimensions of 2-5/8" x 17-5/16" x 13-7/8" (66mm x 440mm x 352mm) and a weight of 8.2lbs (3.7kg), this Blu-ray player is rather large. But, it is meant to be stationary anyways, so I cannot fairly judge this player in this category.Read more

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