Marantz Introduces New SACD Players – Marantz has introduced four new SACD/CD players, but all play only the two-channel portion of SACDs. The SA-7S1 has a newly-designed all-aluminum transport system and is $6499. The SA-11S1 weighs in at 30 lbs. and is $3299; at a $1999 price point is the SA-15S1, and the entry-level high Marantz SACD player is the SA-8001 at $899.
Vizio Launches HDTVs with Wal-Mart – Vizio, now the top-selling brand of LCD HDTV flat screens in the 20-to-47 inch sizes, has announced that Wal-Mart stores will be selling four of their LCD HDTV models. Vizio is now ranked #4 among brands of flat panel HDTVs in North America and is the fastest growing line. It is also expanding distribution thru Sears and warehouse club channels.
Active AV Industry Sees Many Mergers – In this day and age of corporate conglomeration it’s not surprising to see the larger and more successful high end and video manufacturers being bought up by investment companies and even large AV firms. It’s becoming confusing to keep up. Here’s a quick run-down: D&M Holdings: Marantz, Denon, Snell, Boston Acoustics, McIntosh (audio), ReplayTV & Escient. KKR has taken Harman International and their former public stock private. The lines include: Mark Levinson, Revel, Lexicon, Infinity, Harmon Kardon and JBL. Nortek has: Sunfire, Panamax, Elan, Niles, SpeakerCraft & Omnimount. Klipsch started with Aragon and now also has Acurus, Jamo, Energy and Mirage — the latter two under the Canadian company API.
Outdoor Home Theaters – are the next step in the burgeoning HT penetration made possible by the public’s attraction to flat screen displays. The lure of watching a movie on an outdoor deck or by the pool reminds owners of the magical drive-in theaters of their youth, but with much better sound and pictures. Covered patios, cabanas, or outdoor kitchens, are some of the areas of homes in appropriate warm climates which are being converted to outdoor HT. Of course there are some considerations: The flat screen must be located in the shade. If using front projection, it must be completely dark outside. Equipment has to be protected from water, grease, sun, etc. Speakers should be weatherproof, and if close to the neighbors, pointed away from them.
