Audio News for June 27, 2007

72% of Online Adults Listen to Audio on Their PCs – A new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reveals that with the high penetration of computers in the home today (now about 82%), more U.S. consumers are using their home PCs and Macs to listen to audio content rather than using their CD or DVD player, TV or tuner. 86% of these users reported they were satisfied with their computer-sourced audio experience, but more than a third cited the need for improved sound quality.  In fact, when forced to select between having a large number of data-reduced audio files and having a high quality audio experience, 47% opted for quality over quantity. 77% of the users listen to music on their PCs an average of nine hours per week. Physical media (CDs) remain the primary content source, but the Internet and digital files also are significant sources. Only 9% of the PC-audio users had their PC connected to their home audio systems.  A CEA spokesman observed, “The next step is to allow consumers to see the benefits of connecting their PC to their existing home audio system for a more enjoyable home audio experience.”

Portable Stereo System for PC Users – Sony’s latest portable stereo system, the Vaio VGF-WA1 Digital Music Streamer, follows the CEA’s advice given just above. Looking like a black retro toaster, the compact unit plays digital music streamed wirelessly over a home network. It has stereo speakers and a Wi-Fi receiver, is compatible with popular digital audio codecs including MP3, WMA, AAC and ATRAC, and can be managed thru iTunes and Windows Media Player. There is a stereo input mini-jack and the unit runs anywhere in the house for up to four hours on its built-in battery. It has touchscreen controls, a remote control, and an alarm clock function. Cost: $500.

Getting Your Home Audio Equipment Online – shouldn’t be a dicey situation any more. There are a number of sites which offer genuine bargains, technical advice and other services which you may not find at a local dealer – especially those of the big-box type. Some of the manufacturer-direct sites feature either B-stock or refurbished components at a fraction of the brick-and-mortar stores. Outlaw Audio has been one of the leaders in online-only audio retail. Oppo Digital has the most reasonable pricing in DVD/CD players, considering their high performance. For speakers direct, try Orb Audio, Acoustech, Ohm, Aperion Audio or Axiom. Harman/Kardon has refurbished receivers at their site, and for general audio gear deals you might try Crutchfield and/or One Call.  And if it’s a great table radio you’re after: Tivoli Audio and/or Cambridge Soundworks.

Blu-ray Promotion in Europe – The Blu-ray format appears to be winning out in Europe even better than in North America. Software titles now outsell HD DVD by a clear two-to-one ratio, and one million PS3 consoles have been sold across Europe. It is now possible for the format to gain rapidly in mainstream European markets. Several hardware and software makers have pooled their resources to push Blu-ray in European markets.