Home Theater and Consumer Electronics News - September 2004
NOTE: This page is an archive for previously posted news stories from September 2004 - Since most of the links are now inactive, they have been removed. However, the headlines and summaries are still posted to historically document the news headlines from the dates listed.
09/30/04
...Wood Cone Speakers Featured In New JVC Desktop Audio System
After twenty years of research and a bottle of Japanese Rice Wine, JVC has announced a revolutionary loudspeaker with a cone made of sheets of birchwood. This innovative speaker technology is featured in the new JVC EX-A1 compact DVD micro audio system. This first-of-its-kind wood cone speaker is said to produce a more natural and even response over all audio frequencies. For all the details on JVC's wood cone speaker and the EX-A1 compact system, check out the report from Audio/Video Revolution.
09/29/04
VSDA Computes Video Piracy Costs
The controversy over the rights of movie studios and others to copy-protect their products and the fair-use rights of consumers to record video for personal use has been going on since the introduction of the Sony BETAMAX in the late-1970's. However, the growth of video piracy is a real problem that affects both the video industry and the consumer in terms of increased costs to both. The VSDA (Video Software Dealers Association) has revealed some estimates on the effect of illegal internet video downloads and other forms of piracy on both the video rental and sell-through markets.
09/28/04
DTS Added As Mandatory Audio Format For HD-DVD and BluRay
Last week it was announced that Dolby Digital Plus and MLP Losseless will be required audio formats to support the next generation of DVD ( See report ). This week DTS (Digital Theater Systems) technology was added to the audio requirements of both the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVD formats. This should hasten the arrival of the new generation of DVD into the marketplace. For additional details, check out the announcement from DTS Online.
09/27/04
Pioneer Elite Prototype Receiver 160Wx7
If you are curious about new AV receivers that are planned for the consumer market in the next year or so, you might be interested in checking out Pioneer's latest prototype (featuring a whopping 160WPCx7 amplifier section and USB inputs for PC audio) that was displayed at the CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) trade show recently. For details and photos, check out the report from Audioholics.
09/26/04
Emmy Awards Go to Programs Broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1
Although the television stars seem to get all the "attention" by the viewers and the press during the televised Emmy ceremonies, the really important achievements in television technology seem to get little press. This year, the really important technical Emmy awards were given for the increasing contributions of Dolby Digital sound to television broadcasting. For all the details, check out the report from TV Technology.
09/25/04
Mitsubishi Pulling Out Of Large LCDs
Bucking the trend towards larger LCD television and monitor displays, Mitsubishi announced that it is retreating from the technology for most large screen applications, favoring the production of smaller LCD displays for industrial applications. It would seem that Mitsubishi has gone "bonkers". However, with new companies entering the LCD television market every month, it may be that Mitsubishi sees the fragmentation of market share may be too costly to overcome. It must be pointed out that Mitsubishi was the first major consumer electronics maker to pull out of the CRT television market over six years ago, just as tube-based televisions took their extreme nose dive in prices and profitability. That decision enabled Mitsubishi to concentrate its resources in projection televisions, carving out a sizable market share in this, more profitable, category. For additional details on the Mitsubishi announcement, check out the report from CNET/Reuters.
09/24/04
Dolby Technologies Mandatory on both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc...
Video and audio standards for the coming HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVD formats go through final tweaking as Dolby Digital Plus and MLP Lossless (which is licensed by Dolby Labs) are both adopted as the audio formats that will be required in pre-recorded software for the new high definition DVD formats. This combination of audio encoding schemes is projected to provide top notch audio quality that will complement the high definition video components of both the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVD formats. For complete details, check out the press release from Dolby Labs.
09/23/04
Senate Panel Votes Against Digital TV Deadline
Once again, the deadline for conversion of all analog television signals to digital-only has been postponed as the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee seems to have rejected a hard deadline proposal from its chairman, Senator John McCain (R-Arizona).
09/22/04
Marantz Introduces Three New Plasma Displays
Plasma Televisions continue to be in the news as Marantz introduces three new flat panels which include two HD-compatible units and one EDTV unit. The two HD-compatible Plasmas (PD5050D and PD4250D) feature 50 and 42-inch screen sizes with a native pixel resolution of 1366x768 and 1024x768 respectively. The PD4230V EDTV has 42-inch screen with a native pixel resolution 853x480. All three units also feature 3:2 pulldown progressive scan detection and HDMI connections for HD sources. For more details, including additional features, pricing, and availability, check out the report from Audioholics.
09/21/04
LG Introduces 71-Inch Plasma Television
LG certainly lives up to its motto "Life's Good" as it introduces its LG MW-71PY10 71-inch 16x9 Plasma television. Featuring a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080, the MW-71PY10 can deliver full HDTV quality without downscaling. Only Samsung has shown a larger screen Plasma television, at 80-inches. For additional information on features, pricing and availability, check out the report from Audioholics.
09/20/04
Tara Labs Raided - Over 42,000 Cables Seized
The controversy over job outsourcing takes on an interesting twist as well-known audio/video cable manufacturer Tara Labs, is accused of fradulently mislabeling its products as being made in the U.S.A. As part of its investigation, law enforcement agents raided a Tara Labs facility collecting what it claims is evidence to bolster its case that Tara Labs actually makes its cable products overseas. For full details on this, check out the report from Audio/Video Revolution.
09/19/04
Sony Describes HD Product Plans
Regardless of a somewhat rocky road of delays, lack of coordination between television programmers and manufactuers, and sometimes confusing direction from the FCC, HDTV is here to stay and Sony wants to insure that it is a dominant force in the HDTV landscape for years to come. Current and forthcoming HDTV products from Sony include a new consumer HD camcorder and the pressing forward of Blu-Ray DVD recorders. For a further look at Sony's HD product and marketing strategy, check out the report from PC World.
09/18/04
Yamaha’s Announces Their 3rd-Generation DPX-1100 DLP Video Projector
Musicians recognize Yamaha as a World leader in the manufacturing of quality musical instruments, while Yamaha's audio products are very well received in the consumer eletronics community. However, Yamaha has also firmly established itself as a leader in the video projector market. Its latest video projector, the DPX-1100, represents the latest in home theater projection technology. Housing a Texas Instruments HD2 16x9 DLP chip, the DPX-1100 delivers 1280x720 native resolution, 800 lumens, and 4,000:1 constrast ratio. Connectivity options include an HDMI interface, as well as the familar Component, S-Video, and standard composite video inputs.
09/17/04
Japan Turns Petals Into Audio Speakers
There are many innovative loudspeaker designs, from traditional "boxes", to horns, to flat panels, and more. In what may be the weirdest loudspeaker design so far, a new gadget has appeared in Japan that actually enables certain types of plants to fulfill the function of a loudspeaker. Does this mean that environmental activists will soon decry the current use of wood and other materials in loudspeakers in favor of a more "green" approach - or will some one claim that this is "plant abuse"? The product may or may not end up being nipped in the bud, but the thought of sweet smelling sound does have an interesting aesthetic appeal.
09/16/04
FOX Sports Ushers In HD Area
Being the last major television network to jump on board the HDTV bandwagon, FOX has to make up a lot of ground in terms of offering a strong HDTV programming schedule to its viewers. However, making up ground seems to be what FOX is committed to as it plunges headfirst into offering a high definition broadcast schedule that includes current NFL regular season and playoff games, including the next Superbowl, as well as NASCAR racing. Additional primetime programming is also being included. FOX is broadcasting in the 720p format, supported by Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. For additional details, check out the announcement posted by Audioholics.
09/15/04
Panasonic's Onyx HDTVs
Panasonic ups the ante on high performance Plasma televisions with the introduction of its new Onyx XVS series. Each set in this line features a very slim 4-inch depth, refined color and motion processing, and a separate outboard tuner that houses all the circuitry and connections. All units house both HDTV and NTSC tuners, as well as Cable Card slots for easier accessibility to cable services. The new sets come in sizes of 42, 50, and 65 inches. However, these Plasma televisions do carry a high price tag. For additional details on features, pricing, and availability, check out the report from Stereophile Ultimate AV.
09/14/04
Marantz, Dolby Show Off at CEDIA
The Annual CEDIA (The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) trade show was held this past week and included an abundance of new home theater product announcements. Marantz was no exception with the introduction of several DVD players including its new flagship DV-9500. The DV-9500 incorporates both DVD-Audio/SACD compatibility with HD-upscaling via an HDMI connection. Marantz also introduced several new AV receivers that incorporate Dolby Headphone technology, as well as Dolby ProLogic IIx processing. For additional details on both the Marantz and Dolby product announcements, check out the report from Stereophile Magazine
09/13/04
Yamaha Introduces Two New AV Receivers
It seems that every few months, manufactuers are cranking out new AV receivers with more power and features. Yamaha's latest two entries definitely illustrate this trend. The RX-V1500 and RX-V2500 both feature 7.1 channel capability, with expansion to 9.1 channels ulitizing their Zone 2 output capability. In addition, both units feature Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing and Dolby Digital, DTS, etc... as well as Yamaha's YPAO automatic room equalization system. Also included on both units is video processing for 720p and 1080i sources, as well as composite and S-Video upconversion to component video outputs. The RX-V1500 features an output of 120WPCx7 while the RX-V2500 features an ouput of 130WPCx7. For additional information on other feateures, pricing, and availability, check out the following post by Audioholics.
09/12/04
THX Launches Home Theater Room Certification
If you want to build your own ultimate home theater room, but don't know where to start, now you can get help from THX LTD. THX has been setting standards in both commercial and home entertaiment for some time, with is certification programs for DVDs, home theater components, and commercial movie theater installations. At this year's CEDIA (The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) trade show, THX has announced a new program to certify custom-built home theater rooms. It is hoped that this new program will aid home building contractors, installers, and consumers to achieve the best possible results when designing a home theater room, by establishing some uniform performance standards. For all the details, check out the announcement from THX LTD.
09/11/04
DirecTV to Have 1000 HD Channels By 2007
In a bold committment to advance the acceptance of HDTV, DirecTV is planning to launch four new satellites in the next three years in a specific strategy to provide comprehensive HDTV service, both local and national, to its subscribers. This move may be great news for consumers, but not-so-good news for its competitors; DishNetwork, VOOM, and local cable services. For additional details, check out report from Audio Video Revolution.
09/10/04
Panasonic DVD Recorder Gets Connected
2004 is definitely the year of the DVD recorder as consumers are buying these units either in addition to, or as replacements, for their VCRs. DVD recording is about to get even more enticing as Panasonic has just announced its new DMR-E500H. This unit features a DVD-R/-RAM recorder combined with a massive 400GB hard drive. In addition, this unit can be programmed to record TV shows via a Cell Phone or a PC. The 500H will be available in Japan later this Fall at first, but should make its way to U.S. shores later this year or early next. Panasonic also announced another new DVD recorder. The DMR-E250V combines a DVD recorder with both a VCR and a 160GB hard drive. For additional details on both new DVD recorders, check out the report from .
09/09/04
Plunge In LCD Prices Expected To Slow
If you have been lusting for an LCD flat panel television, now might be a great time to buy. The reason; although the price of LCD televisions have dropped significantly this past year, it is expected that the coming holiday shopping rush may generate enough demand to slow continued price drops on the popular units until after the first of the year. For additional perspective on this, check out the report from Reuters/CNET.
09/08/04
Highest Resolution Camcorder: Sony HDR-FX1
With High Definition DVD recorders expected to arrive on store shelves in 2005/2006, one of the questions is what will consumers be able to record on them. Well, here is an idea; record HD home camcorder videos to High Definition DVD. Check out Sony's newly announced HDV camcorder that can record full 1080i HD video using standard miniDV tapes. This product arrives on the heals of a similar HDV camcorder now available from JVC.
09/07/04
The Star Wars Trilogy DVDs
The much anticipated Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes 4, 5, and 6) are finally coming to DVD on September 21, 2004, but if you are expecting to see the original versions of these great films, or the 1997 special editions, you may be disappointed as George Lucas has done more "tinkering" for this much anticipated DVD release. For some details on the new changes, check out the report from Home Theater Magazine.
09/06/04
Are we our DVD collections? Even if we don't watch?
Do you end up buying a DVD and never actually get around to actually watching it? According to a above report by USA Today, as many as 10% of our DVD collections never get watched. I can think of a few DVDs I purchased in the last year or so that I haven't watched yet, how about you?
09/05/04
Rotel Bows Flexible 2-Channel Receiver
Two-channel Stereo fans rejoice! Rotel has announced a new two-channel audio receiver that may be just the right solution for die-hard stereo fans. The RX-1052 features include an impressive 100 watt-per-channel amplifier, A/B speaker option, three zone line outputs that allow the 1052's preamp section to supply audio feeds to remote amplifiers in other rooms, two record/monitor loops, AM/FM tuner, and a dedicated phono input for the connection of a turntable.
09/04/04
NEC Introduces Two New Widescreen Showcase Series Home Entertainment Projectors...
NEC made a big splash this past year with its popular mid-range HT1000 DLP video projector. Now NEC enters the budget video projector market with two new models, the HT410 an HT510. These new units feature 16x9 aspect ratio, 1000 ANSI Lumens, and a 1200:1 contrast ratio. In addition, the 410 features a native pixel resolution of 854x480 and the 510 has a native pixel resolution of 1024x576. Both projectors are priced under $2,000. If you are considering a video projector purchase for your home theater, check out my article Video Projectors - What You Need To Know.
09/03/04
Ed Wood Dressed And Ready
After a recall earlier this year, due to legal issues over supplementary content, the much anticipated "official" DVD release of "ED Wood" will finally be on store shelves and, hopefully, in the hands of consumers on October 19th. This DVD is a must have for home theater enthusiasts. Not only does the film feature an excellent cast, including Johnny Depp and Martin Landau, but Tim Burton's excellent use of Black and White photography makes this film a visual standout.
09/02/04
NBC Sets New Olympic Record...
Despite criticism over its overly tape-delayed Olympic HDTV broadcasts, NBC managed to pull off a ratings gold medal with over 200 million U.S. television viewers watching some or most of the games in either standard or HDTV. For additional details, check out the report from The Hollywood Reporter.
09/01/04
Sanyo To Jointly Develop HD-DVD With Toshiba, NEC
As the date to the introduction of recordable high definition DVD gets closer, the battle between the two major formats, BluRAY and HD-DVD, continues to heat up as Sanyo lends its support to the HD-DVD camp, which is headed up by Toshiba and NEC. For the latest update, check out the report from Forbes.
For additional News Stories check out my Home Electronics Industry News Archives.
