AudioVideo News

March 17, 2009—Apple today previewed its iPhone OS 3.0 software and announced the immediate availability of a beta software release to registered developers. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,000 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) including In-App Purchases; Peer-to-Peer connections; an app interface for accessories; access to the iPod music library; a new Maps API and Push Notifications. Apple also announced over 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer including cut, copy and paste; MMS;* landscape view for Mail, Text and Notes; stereo Bluetooth; syncing Notes to the Mac and PC; shake to shuffle; parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store; and automatic login at Wi-Fi hot spots. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release will also include a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps, as well as Spotlight search across the iPhone or iPod touch.

“The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike. It will keep us years ahead of the competition,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software and SDK include over 1,000 new APIs and are available today for all iPhone Developer Program members to use for development and testing of their apps for iPhone and iPod touch. Included in these APIs is the ability to leverage the incredible purchase model of the App Store within apps. In-App Purchases will allow developers to offer subscription content and provide the ability to sell new content and features in a simple and secure process. Developers can also more easily create peer-to-peer games for iPhone and iPod touch by using Bluetooth.Read more

March 17, 2009--Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has expanded its notable line of LCD Multimedia Projectors with a first-ever native WXGA-resolution (1280 x 800) widescreen model, a 3,000 lumen XGA model and a 3,500 lumen XGA model. These projectors share an impressive set of user-friendly features, improved ergonomic design and attractive pricing – making them ideal for both educational and business environments.

“These three new Canon LCD Multimedia Projectors incorporate several of the same outstanding user-friendly features as Canon’s exceptional REALiS LCOS Multimedia Projectors,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A. “We are pleased to be able to offer this level of control and convenience on our LV-Series Multimedia Projector line for both portable and installation applications.”

The new Canon LV-8300 Multimedia Projector provides a native WXGA-resolution and aspect ratio of 16:10 which allows it to support data and imagery from widescreen notebooks and desktop computers. As a result of the projector’s native widescreen format, this model supports popular WXGA-resolution computers in their native format, avoiding the need for compression and/or unsightly distortion. Read more

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

March 16, 2009--Monster, the world's leading manufacturer of high-end cables, AV accessories, and power conditioning products, just announced that within the next few months its line of high-quality headphones will integrate full support for Apple’s exciting new third generation iPod shuffle with VoiceOver. Monster’s lineup, including its popular Beats by Dr. Dre family of high-definition headphones, highly acclaimed Turbine In-Ear Speakers and new upcoming models, will provide users with a convenient on-cord control that gives them access to their iPod’s playlists and also lets them adjust play, pause and volume functions – all while hearing their iPod shuffle “speak” to them. Monster will also soon introduce a special adapter for adding iPod shuffle VoiceOver control to any headphone.

“Monster's iPod products are all about helping users maximize their musical experiences,” noted Kevin Lee, Little Monster and vice president of Marketing Strategy and Business Development. “We created our entire headphone line because we truly believe that sound matters to the enjoyment of music. We’re thrilled to be able to complement the new iPod shuffle with easy-to-use control features built into our headphones so customers can enjoy the high-quality Monster audio experience they’ve come to expect.” Read more

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

March 12, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, recently introduced the successors to last year's award winning DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55 players, as well as presenting the world's first Blu-ray-VHS dual player. All three of the new Blu-ray players -- DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80, DMP-BD70V -- combine high quality images with enhanced networking functions, including VIERA Cast's improved internet functionality that provides access to Amazon VOD's huge selection of titles. Continuing its commitment to producing products that stress ease of use, the 2009 line of Blu-ray Disc players continue to incorporate VIERA Link, allowing the consumer to operate their audio/video components, via HDMI, with one remote. And, in keeping with Panasonic's pledge to reduce the planet's carbon footprint, the new Blu-ray players have been designed to reduce power consumption. The 2009 Panasonic Blu-ray line will be available in April. The DMP-BD60 will have a SRP of $299.95; the DMP-BD60 $399.95; the DMP-BD70V $399.95. Read more

March 12, 2009 – In today’s business world, companies rely on their wireless service to keep operations running smoothly. That’s why Verizon Wireless is introducing Friends & Family® for Business on March 15 to give businesses even greater control over their wireless spending. Friends & Family for Business lets companies create a calling group made up of up to 10 numbers employees call most. The minutes used when placing or receiving calls from anyone in the calling group are considered Mobile to Mobile calls and do not count against the business’ plan minutes. Businesses can include the landline or wireless numbers of colleagues, clients and vendors who have yet to switch to the nation’s largest, most reliable network, and they can add or remove any of the numbers as frequently as needed.

“Business customers can help their bottom line with Friends & Family for Business,” said Rob Miller, vice president of marketing for Verizon Wireless. “The feature gives businesses the flexibility to create their own calling plan. If a project is complete and there is no longer a need to call a certain vendor, they can simply remove that vendor’s name from the Friends & Family group and add a new contact – even if the number is to a landline or a person using another wireless carrier.” Read more

March 10, 2009 - Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division, known for award-winning, high-quality presentation and display products, has introduced the HL2750U, its newest SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 pixels) resolution high-brightness LCD projector. The HL2750U is designed for easy-install applications that require high, accurate pixel details and vivid colors such as CAD/CAM, geographical and tactical mapping, and virtual simulation.

“The HL2750U is perfect for high-level briefings or meetings where a large amount of detail needs to be clearly magnified,” said Wayne Kozuki, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Product Division. “Even the smallest details appear crisp and clear so viewers get a better understanding of what they see.”

The HL2750U has a lightweight design of only 10.8 pounds and supports different lens sizes (long- and short-throw) for versatile installation options. It blasts 3100 ANSI lumens for a bright, clear image even in high-ambient light settings such as large classrooms or meeting rooms with windows. Read more

March 9, 2009 – With less than 100 days remaining until all full-power analog television broadcasts are switched off across the nation, experts urge budget-minded viewers to consider an Energy Star-rated digital-to-analog converter box as the ideal way to keep their favorite channels after midnight on June 12.

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, which manages the government's digital TV coupon program, the Zenith DTT901 converter box consumes less energy in "on mode" than any other converter eligible for the $40 federal government discount coupons. The Zenith DTT901 also performs better than the guidelines of the Energy Star program, which stipulates conservative energy use in both the "on mode," when the box is in use, and in the "sleep mode," when the converter box is not in use. Read more

March 5, 2009 -- Palm, Inc. and Alltel Wireless today announced that the Treo Pro smartphone is available today at Alltel Wireless retail stores and online at alltel.com. Treo Pro is a sleek, full-function smartphone that offers business users the ease of use and robust features they demand while providing the reliability and manageability IT departments require. With Wi-Fi, GPS and Windows Mobile 6.1, Treo Pro helps busy professionals stay connected on the go so they can structure their lives around their priorities without sacrificing work productivity.(1)

Treo Pro is loaded with support for EV-DO Rev. A data speeds, Wi-Fi for data, and GPS capabilities.(1) Users can browse the web and send and receive emails at quick, mobile wireless broadband speeds. Treo Pro is the first Palm phone available with Internet Explorer Mobile 6, with options for either a mobile-optimized or desktop-like browsing experience. Its thin design blends a flush, high-resolution color touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard with a removable battery that packs up to five hours of talk time and enough strength for the business user’s needs, offering a powerful yet effortless mobile experience. Read more