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Intelligent Headset delivers 3D audio for better zombie games, we go hands-on (video)
Okay, so maybe the marketing material could be improved a bit. Personally, we wouldn't have gone with Intelligent Headset: The first Intelligent Headset, but the product should speak for itself -- assuming, of course, that you have a chance to actually try it on. The headphones are location-aware, thanks to a number of sensors that let it know which direction you're moving your head in. From there, the sound is tailored so you hear things differently, depending on where you're pointed. This could mean the same thing from different angles or entirely sounds depending on where you're facing. In the below video, you'll see an example of a tourism app that shows the direction in an icon on a map. Turn your head and you hear different voices in different directions. Better still was the zombie game we played. Put the headphones on and you'll hear the undead approaching you from different sides. Face toward the invisible brain eater and press the button on the side of the ear to fire your shotgun. Easier said than done. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Roku-ready receivers
Onkyo's CEDIA booth served as a way for it to show off all manner of new audio technology including this funky iLunar dock (above), which uses tech developed by Swiss audio company Sonic Emotion to create a "3D sound field" from stereo sources. We couldn't get much of a feel for it on the show floor with the wide open spaces and noise, but according to Onkyo, its six full-range drivers and downward-firing subwoofer combine to send sound in all directions, resulting in a stereo experience no matter where the listener is seated in smaller rooms. There's more details on that, as well as a few other mini audio systems and a new amp in the gallery and press releases after the break. One other development we noted was the Roku Streaming Stick-ready branding popping up on Onkyo receivers since its partnership was officially revealed, and there was even a dongle conspicuously front mounted right there in the booth. We're still for a release date and pricing, but it looks like hardware partners are ready to go.%Gallery-164751%
4K, 84-inch 'ultra' HDTV from LG is ready to start shipping now in Korea, worldwide next month
Just in time to completely blow away that puny flat screen you nabbed for your dorm room, LG has announced its 84-inch ultra high definition LCD TV is ready to ship in South Korea. The company put its first UHDTV up for pre-ordering last month, at a price of 25 million won, which currently converts to about $22,105 US. The 84LM9600 does 3D with LG's Cinema 3D passive glasses technology, however its ultra high pixel count means you're still watching in 1080p even with the resolution loss since it starts at 3,840 x 2,160, and also features "3D sound" with integrated 2.2 channel speakers. The bad news of course is that finding actual 4K res content is practically impossible, despite recent work on standards and even some testing by broadcasters. Still, plug this into a BDP-S790 Blu-ray player, certain PS3 apps or just output the latest video you've shot and it should be worth the price of admission, assuming you're one of the (presumably) well-heeled Korean VIP customers that managed to snag one so far. If you're not then don't worry -- the press release (included after the break) reveals you'll have your chance once they start shipping worldwide in September, we plan to get our eyes on a production model at IFA 2012 in Germany.
LG home theater system adds vertical speakers for 9.1 surround sound
While 3D video is already running rampant throughout the latest HDTVs, another new bullet point feature is 3D sound, and naturally LG's newest home theater systems have it. LG will have four new home theater systems on display this week at CES, but the first one it's showing off is the BH9420PW, which uses "3D Sound Zooming" to match the positioning of sounds with 3D video being displayed on one of LG's TVs. It achieves this thanks to four upright speakers added to the traditional 5.1 layout and algorithm that detects depth of effects being watched in 3D. According to LG, this makes for a wider sweet spot than usual, but as always we'll let our ears be the judge. There's a few more details in the press release after the break along with a couple more pictures to tide you over until the press conference kicks off at 11AM ET, January 9th.
Sony MDR-DS7500 headphones promise 3D sound, will play nicely with your 3D glasses
Are you settling for non-3D sound to go with all of your 3D movies? You should be ashamed of yourself. Thankfully, Sony's looking out for you. The company's new MDR-DS7500 headphones promise 3D surround sound, thanks in part to the inclusion of Dolby Pro Logic IIz technology. The headphones have a number of different sound settings, serving different audio needs, including Cinema Mode, Game Mode, and Voice Mode. Also, that extra padding assures that they'll play nicely with your 3D glasses. The headphones will be hitting Japan on October 10th, running ¥49,350 ($643) for the full package and ¥24,675 ($321) for additional headphones. Extra dimensions don't come cheap, after all.
LG HX906TX home theater system promises 3D sound, enviable Super Bowl acoustics
Looking to enhance the audio in your man (or lady) cave? Then you may want to check out LG's new HX906TX 9.1 cinema sound system -- a ten-speaker package claiming to deliver "truly 360-degree sound." It's designed to make you feel like you're at the center of the audio (even if you're really at the far end of the room smooshed between two people on the couch) -- the way you might hear in a concert hall or really large bathroom with great acoustics. LG says it uses a DSP algorithm to pump audio vertically and horizontally using 3D reflectors, extending sound upwards and filling in the gaps. You'll also get added features like Blu-ray playback, WiFi Direct and Smart TV connectivity to smartphones and tablets using an app, although there's no word yet on pricing or availability. PR after the break.
3D virtual sound shown off on mobile device, dance party ensues (video)
Nothing beats the head banging bliss of being in the front row of a concert, but if you left your Mötley Crüe t-shirt at home today, you may want to check out this new 3D audio technology from KDDI Labs. By reducing the amount of characteristics required to map a sound field, KDDI has made it possible to fry your eardrums three dimensionally on a smartphone. Since the virtual sound is recorded with multiple mics, users can move around the gig in real-time to hear music from any angle. Using the software, (and hopefully soon, a web-based app), virtual concert goers can cut out certain vocals or instruments, making it perfect for a mobile karaoke inferno. Rock out to the video after the break.
