Sony Introduces 3D-Compatible AV Receivers – Sony has announced its first AV receivers capable of supporting 3D audio and video. They feature HDMI 1.4 3D pass-thru technology, hi-def connectivity, and compatibility with all the latest Blu-ray audio formats – offering a simple solution to control any hi-def or 3D-capable home theater. The 7.1-channel STR-DN1010AV receiver has 110 watts power per channel @8 Ohms, full 1080/24p support, four HDMI inputs and three component inputs. It passes 3D video from connected devices thru to a 3D-compatible HDTV while decoding the hi-res surround audio codecs. It can upscale analog video to 1080p via HDMI and has wireless second zone capability for up to ten additional rooms. A Digital Media Port input allows connection of an iPod or iPhone, and the piano black gloss finish matches Sony’s Blu-ray players and TVs. The 1010 will be available in June for about $500. Other less-featured models are the 810, 710 and 510.
Sharp To Offer 3D Video Projectors – Sharp will release two 3D-ready video projectors in May, which can display images up to 300 inches in size and can also be used for standard 2D content. Both the PG-D2500X and PG-D2710X incorporate DLP Link technology and support both 60Hz and 120Hz XGA and SVGA sources. They provide 1024×768 native resolution, HDTV compatibility, and extensive connectivity. Active shutter 3D glasses support the DLP Link system are required for 3D viewing.
Kleer’s Wireless Audio Technology Acquired by SMSC – Kleer creates technology for headphones, home theater speaker system, portable AV players and automotive sound systems. Most of their assets have been acquired by SMSC, a smart mixed-signal connectivity solutions provider. The transaction brings a robust high-quality audio and RF capability to wireless portable audio devices and sound systems without compromising audio quality or battery life. The technology also has strong interference robustness and Wi-Fi coexistence. Products from several vendors already offer Kleer technology, including Sennheiser, TDK, DigiFi, and CyFi. (CyFi makes speaker systems for bicycles!)
IPTV Cloud Services Launched in Australia by MatrixStream – (This item will be lost on most readers unless they grasp what “cloud computing” is. So start here.) MatrixStream is a managed IPTV provider which uses the cloud platform solution to deliver true 1080p HD video to viewing audiences over the Internet. As part of setting up its service with broadband providers around the world, MatrixStream has partnered with video service provider VSP to bring Australia their first hi-def IPTV Managed Cloud Internet Service. Any Australian TV viewer with a broadband connection can now view live TV in Full 1080p HD with 5.1 surround sound, without the jerkiness or buffering often associated with Internet video. The new IPTV service is accessed via an HD set-top box and on selected Blu-ray players and Internet-connected HDTVs. Many Australians have been concerned about penalty charges when they exceed certain bandwidth limits, but the new service allows users to stream all they want without incurring any additional charges.
