Audio News for September 1, 2006

Blu-ray Hardware Falling Behind Software Titles – Five Blu-ray component makers and 14 content providers just met in Tokyo. Almost a hundred various Blu-ray titles were shown, but the player makers were mum about their plans, with only the Samsung player available in the U.S. so far. Matsushita did say they expect to have a player later this month and Sony’s latest launch date is now October. Both HD and DVD recorder situations are entirely different in Japan from North America. In Japan over 10 millions HDTVs are in use and half of the DVRs can recorded DTV programs. The Japanese market is much more focused on recording on DVDs all types.  Sony says they sell 10 DVD recorders to every DVD player domestically. So there is strong interest in a Blu-ray recorder. The other hardware makers – Pioneer, Hitachi and Sharp – only said they could have Blu-ray players by the end of the year.

AMX to Demonstrate Latest Multimedia Servers at CEDIA – The Denver Convention Center will be site of the annual expo mounted by the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), opening September 14.  A showcase of everything in home theater and home automation, the show will feature manufacturers such as AMX, a leader in highest-end advanced residential and commercial automated control systems. The latest AMX home multimedia servers are able to store as many as 16,000 CDs or 750 DVDs. They have eight external audio-only zones and offer Ethernet capabilities. Virtually every electrical device in the home can be integrated into a simple-to-use system operated either by a touch screen or ultra-powerful remote control unit. Such systems typically control lighting, heating, air conditioning, electric blinds, drapes and screens, AV entertainment equipment and CCTV security and door-entry systems. Macros may also be set up to do several tasks at the touch of one button, such as dimming the room lights, closing the blinds, switching on the TV and setting the desired film to play.

Final New York Philharmonic Digital Download of Current Season – DGG has released the fourth and final digital-exclusive recording from the 2005-2006 season of the New York Philharmonic.  Led by Music Director Lorin Maazel, the program includes Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and Berlioz’ Harold in Italy.  First launched in March with a recording of three Mozart symphonies, DG Concerts, as well as a similar series from the Decca label, combines digital downloads with standard CD releases, creating a new model for symphonic recordings.  The Los Angeles Philharmonic will be added soon, along with other orchestras from around the world. The live performances are available at the iTunes Music Store, and listeners have a choice of downloading a movement, a work or the entire virtual concert – at the same price as a standard CD. Classical music producers generally paid little attention to digital downloads but the huge response the BBC received when they offered free downloads of the Beethoven symphonies changed some minds. One of the NY Philharmonic concerts was one of iTunes’ top 40 downloads in its first week on sale.