Audio News for September 5, 2008

Scarlet Home Theatre Introduced in Arabia – The partnership of South Korean manufacturer LG Electronics and longtime audio guru Mark Levinson has brought about the HT953TV flagship home theater system for 2008, introduced so far only in the UAE.  Five 1000-watt RMS speakers feature multiple drivers in parabolic housings with tapered integrated pedestals. Using LG’s exclusive Virtual Sound Matrix Pro technology, the five speakers produce a virtual 10.1-channel sound effect, without distortion or exaggeration of the original sound. The Scarlet home theatre system is designed to fit into all types of decor and boasts a piano-black high-gloss touch panel control. LG’s Simplink allows users to control all components with a single remote. The local 576i SD signal is upconverted to a 1080p signal and up to 15 types of analog connections can be converted to HDMI digital. Connectivity with iPods and other sources is provided by several USB options, including a host port, USB direct ripping, and playback of USB memory sticks saved on mobile digital devices. The system supports playback of DivX, the various DVD formats, MP3, WMA and JPEG formats.

Philips Introduces CinemaOne Compact HT Unit – The new Philips CinemaOne home theater system – just introduced at the Berlin IFA Show – packs a DVD/CD player, a five-channel amp, a 4-inch-driver “subwoofer” and an iPod dock into a small round box 10.75 inches diameter and 6.75 inches high.  The unit upconverts standard-def video to 1080p, and connects to displays using HDMI. Addition devices can be connected via USB using Philips own DPS technology which “restores” details lost in MP3s.  No price yet, but it’s designed to appeal to those on small budgets.

Logitech Acquires Ultimate Ears – The privately-held small company making a variety of ear buds – including some custom super-expensive models – has been acquired by Logitech International.  The deal involved $34 million in cash. UE was founded in 1995 by the primary audio engineer for the rock group Van Halen, when he was asked to produce in-ear monitors for the band.

Harmon First to Include Dolby Volume Technology in AV Receivers – Dolby Laboratories’ Dolby Volume feature is being incorporated for the first time in the new Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD AV receiver.  The circuitry improves the listening experience by leveling out the volume from any source and program material,  while maintaining optimal sound quality at any listening level. It uses a psychoacoustic model of human hearing to analyze, measure and control perceived volume levels, and complements all the Dolby surround codecs.  With the great variations in TV commercials and program material, as well as the level changes in audio sources such as the netcasters and CD/DVD changers, Dolby Volume should be a very useful technology for many.

In addition the AVR 7550HD is the first receiver using Texas Instrument’s newest DA710 processor in a dual-DSP implementation – providing exceptional high-quality audio processing and unsurpassed multichannel sonics. The 32-bit ability of the DA710 allows it to support not only Dolby Volume, but also Dolby TrueHD, Logic 7 surround enhancement, and other applications. The 7.2-channel receiver will be available January 2009.