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Audio News for March 28, 2017

by | Mar 28, 2017 | Audio News

Denon S Series AV Receivers for Home Theater –  Denon will have a new series of AVRs for from $279 to $579 next month.  The idea is to make home theater easier now. The entry level AVR has 4K with HDR compatibility, Bluetooth streaming, and 140 watt per channel. The top of the line includes built-in HEOS, object-oriented surround sound processing, Wi-Fi and 185 watt per channel, along with several additional features. Electronics All Over Your Home Could Be Spying on You – A Canadian sex toy manufacturer handing over $4 million in settlement of a privacy lawsuit last week when a customer discovered that its Bluetooth-controlled, app-connected vibirator secretly collected highly sensitive personal data on the person. WikiLeaks has claimed that powerful surveillance tools once only deep inside the CIA could be designed to turn any connected device into a tool to spy on its owner. Hackers have been targeting so-called smart devices for years. They often use the webcam attached to a device to spy on their victims.  One DIY trick users have employed is to cover their computer or gaming system’s built-in webcam with a piece of tape, so the hackers aren’t able to see much of […]

Audio News for Tuesday, November 8, 2016

by | Nov 8, 2016 | Audio News

75% of Japanese Want Hacker Protection for Devices – Japanese consumers are very concerned about hacker attacks on the smart electronics in their homes. Most want an automated update service that prevents unauthorized access to data in devices over the Net. Electronica Trend Index 2020 surveyed 7000 consumers in seven countries and the Japanese consumers were the most aware of the data risks associated with smart electronics. But many Japanese also see smart electronics as a way to reduce risk in many areas of their lives. 79% favor alert systems making it safe for older people to stay in their own homes longer. And 74% want a car that autonomously alerts police and reports its location when stolen. New Google Home is a Winner – It competes with Amazon’s Echo and may be a better deal, but the sound from it is terrible. It is a Wi-Fi speaker that reacts to voice commands like Echo, but with shocking accuracy. The vast Net knowledge of the search giant is part of its free Google Assistant app that comes with their Pixel smart phone. It is a personal and customized helper. It’s very small (smaller than the Echo), looking like a futuristic […]

Audio News for Tuesday August 16, 2016

by | Aug 16, 2016 | Audio News

Dolby Cinema Construction Accelerated – 100 Dolby Cinema theater venues will be completed by the end of this year by AMC Theaters and Dolby. Each venue will be capable of projecting Dolby Vision and using Dolby Atmos immersive sound. The Dolby Vision laser projection system in the theaters delivers high dynamic range (HDR), with richer colors, ultra-deep blacks, and a contrast ratio that exceeds other image technologies. Dolby Atmos complements the enhanced visuals with 3D object-oriented sound that can seem to come from anywhere, including overhead. It makes dialog, music and sound effects more realistic, adding to the sense of immersion. There are currently 22 Dolby Cinema locations in U.S.  The public response to the combination has been enthusiastic nationwide. Latest Editions on Streaming and on Blu-ray – HBO Now has The Get Down Part 1, Hulu has Tonight With John Oliver: Season 3, and Netflix is featuring Barcelona, the fine 1994 film. Don’t miss Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life? on Netflix in November. On Blu-ray you can see In The French Style, starring 19-year-old Jean Seberg. If you like serial killer fare you will love Road Games, starring Andrew Simpson as a British hitchhiker in rural France. […]

Audio News for April 5, 2016

by | Apr 5, 2016 | Audio News

Guide to Immersive Sound – It’s getting quite complex what with Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on the scene and your having to install new height speakers. (The last one has been vaporware until just now.) The former 7.1 horizontal system with two center back speakers was a big mistake, and Auro 3D requires a different speaker set up than the other two. The idea now is to have “object-oriented” sounds rather than channel-based audio, that take the surround experience to an entirely new level. The small speakers that sit on top of your present speakers and direct sounds to bounce off the ceiling are not as good as height speakers near the ceiling or ceiling speakers. You are expected to have four ceiling channels, not just two, with all three of these.  Aperion says if you do a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup, you’ll really enjoy the films Gravity, John Wick and San Andreas. They have an excellent Guide to Immersive Sound here which answers most of the questions of those preferring music in surround. Wireless Home Theater Audio Now a Reality – B & O, Klipsch and Enclave Audio all now have wireless audio systems for home […]