Home Electronics Cost Up to 30% Less in Korea – Korea, which is also experiencing its own economic woes, offers TVs, digital cameras and home appliances for up to 30% cheaper than in Japan or the U.S. – due to the plummeting won. For example an LG 42-inch HDTV is $1200 in the U.S. but $1000 in Korea.
Russound AC Distribution System – Russound, who used to specialize in little audio switch boxes (I still have a couple) has introduced their Collage home music distribution system, which provides an alternative for those whose home hasn’t been prewired and after-market custom installation is too expensive. It uses Powerline Carrier (PLC) technology to distribute music, intercom, video surveillance and system control anywhere in a home using the existing AC electrical wiring. Its amplified keypad needs to be connected to AC power from an outlet and doesn’t require an Internet connection. Addition keypads can be installed anywhere you want music or video. They feature a small LCD video display and iPod-type wheel for controlling the system. An external Media Bridge can connect a CD player or other audio source to the system and an iPod dock is available. Another firm – NuVo Technologies – also makes powerline-based multiroom audio systems, one of which has earned the Energy Star award.
Denon Offers Free Blu-ray Player with Receiver Purchase – One of the interesting opportunities in audio and HT theater that has come up due to this economic crisis is Denon’s offer of a $900 Blu-ray player free with the purchase of any of their receivers starting with the AVR-2809CI ($1199). The unit is more of a transport than a complete player but is a perfect match for any of the Denon multichannel receivers.
CEA/CEDIA Bulletin on Home Theater Audio Design – The Consumer Electronics Association and the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association have approved the Home Theater Recommended Practice: Audio Design Bulletin. This new guide will provide a baseline for the design and installation of residential spaces used for hi-performance home theater or multichannel music playback. Following the bulletin will allow contractors to deliver full performance for the equipment and the room – allowing consumers to enjoy the best possible listening experience.
Sony Adds Two Blu-ray Decks – Sony has just introduced two new stand-alone Blu-ray players, featuring 1080p/60p and 24p video output and BD-Live compatibility. The BDP-S560 at $350 has built-in Wi-Fi and can connect to other DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant devices to share digital photos. The BDP-S360 is $300, and both players support Deep Color video output and have Sony’s Precision Cinema HD upscale technology to convert 480i signals to near-HD quality.
