Blu-ray’s multichannel capabilities are exciting many performers. DTS’ Marketing VP Tom Dixon said that the hi-def picture quality, 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless surround sound, and BD-Live feature create a triumvirate of persuasive reasons for consumers to upgrade to Blu-ray. Their CES presentation even included an 11.2 channel system, with extra height speakers. The impact of the HDMI standard is that expensive and multiple confusing analog cables are no longer required, since HDMI carries both the hi-def video and the multichannel audio to the receiver, processor or HDTV. It is making a breakthru with consumers for its convenience and simplicity to get into surround sound. CE makers hope that the multichannel receiver – not the computer – will become the brain of most home entertainment systems, connecting for digitally-distributed content plus integrating seamlessly with physical media players, TVs and cable boxes via HDMI. Several firms are even working on achieving high quality surround sound with portable devices. One said “We can make an MP3 player sound like a home theater system.” Good luck.
The Tape Project Announces Second Release Series – The specialized high end open reel tape subscription service delivered ten reissue albums on two-track 15 ips, quarter-inch tape on 10 1/2-inch double reels at $200 each in its first series. The titles covered American roots, blues, jazz and classical genres. Series Two will have more jazz titles, some powerful classical albums and “grab you” R&B albums. Among the albums will be The Staple Singers, Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane, Nojima Plays Liszt, Thelonius Monk’s Brilliant Corners and Respighi’s Church Windows and Poema Automnale with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Only certain out-of-production decks, such as the Technics RS-1500, can be used for playback of the reel tapes, and a special European EQ is required, necessitating either an outboard repro preamp made by Bottlehead or a DIY kit. New heads optimized for two-track rather than quarter track are also advised. More at www.tapeproject.com
CEA 2009 Forecast – The Consumer Electronics Association announced its forecast of the coming year at CES. Though attendance was somewhat down, the 2009 CES introduced 20,000 new products and had 300 new exhibitors. Despite the economic downturn the CE industry continued to grow. Final shipment revenues for 2008 were up 5.4% over 2007. The big revenue driver for the industry is digital TV displays – 15% of total industry shipment dollars. DTVs will approach 35 million this year, an increase of nearly 6% over last year. LCD displays remain the top choice. Blu-ray revenues are projected to surpass $1.2 billion. The majority of U.S. homes now have an HDTV, and consumers look to add hi-def content thru Blu-ray players, home audio systems and gaming devices.
