SRS Audio Toolbox Especially for iTunes – SRS Labs develops technology for audio and communications that optimizes the listening experience, based on research into the human auditory system. They have introduced a new audio toolbox plug-in for iTunes, with separate versions for the Mac and PC platforms. The Mac version is iWow, and for PCs it is Audio Sandbox. Both versions create a surround sound experience for music, movie, videos and games, using just two speakers. Users can extract and position dialog or vocals in the foreground or background of a stereo mix. Another feature is the restoration of recordings which sound muffled due to data loss from audio format compression. The optimal listening area is expanded vertically and horizontally, and the ear can perceive maximum bass end without distortion or overdriving of speakers or headphones. The software is available for a free trial period at the www.srslabs.com site, and is $20 after the trial.
Pioneer Powers Speakers Thru AC Lines – Pioneer Home Audio has introduced the MT-01 Power Line Sound System, which links together up to six networked speakers around the home via regular AC lines in the walls. A Sound Station control unit has two USB ports, a digital input and two analog audio inputs. Motion sensors turn on the speakers when someone enters a room, and it comes with a remote control. Both large and small speakers are available for the system.
Panasonic Announces Blu-ray Player – Panasonic Electronics announces their DMP-BD10 Blu-ray player, which will be available next month, together with a Blu-ray speaker system and receiver. The three units are designed to be paired with Pioneer’s new 1080p 65-inch plasma display due later this fall. The Blu-ray player performs IP conversion at the pixel level and uses a 296MHz, 14bit video D/A converter with 4x oversampling for 1080i/720p output. Noise-shaping video processing shifts video noise to an unused band to boost the signal-to-noise ratio. The player also upconverts standard DVDs to 1080p using HDMI. It will retail for $1499.95.
Pioneer Powers Speakers Thru AC Lines – Pioneer Home Audio has introduced the MT-01 Power Line Sound System, which links together up to six networked speakers around the home via regular AC lines in the walls. A Sound Station control unit has two USB ports, a digital input and two analog audio inputs. Motion sensors turn on the speakers when someone enters a room, and it comes with a remote control. Both large and small speakers are available for the system.
Panasonic Announces Blu-ray Player – Panasonic Electronics announces their DMP-BD10 Blu-ray player, which will be available next month, together with a Blu-ray speaker system and receiver. The three units are designed to be paired with Pioneer’s new 1080p 65-inch plasma display due later this fall. The Blu-ray player performs IP conversion at the pixel level and uses a 296MHz, 14bit video D/A converter with 4x oversampling for 1080i/720p output. Noise-shaping video processing shifts video noise to an unused band to boost the signal-to-noise ratio. The player also upconverts standard DVDs to 1080p using HDMI. It will retail for $1499.95.
Pioneer Has First 1080p 50″ Plasma – While continuing in popularity with thin flat-screen devotees, plasma panels have been behind in the resolution department, with no 1080p models to match with the higher definition of both new hi-def DVD formats. Pioneer has filled the need with their PRO-FHD1 50″ plasma monitor with 1920×1080 resolution. Materials originally shot on film can be displayed at 72 frames per second – exactly three times the rate of 24fps movies – thus solving the problems connected with previous 3:2 pulldown schemes to improve film display. 1080p front projectors are also coming on the scene; Marantz is one of the first with their VP-11S1 DLP model.
