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Kaleidescape releases Cinema One DVD movie server, appeals to the toddler film buff set
Despite the legal hoopla related to its DVD ripping practices, Kaleidescape is still releasing high-end media servers designed to save the rich (and now their spawn) from the hassle of opening a movie box. The Cinema One is its latest and most affordable creation to date, but still costs a hefty $4,999. For the most part, the server is just a cheaper replacement to 2009's Mini System, that can store up to 225 DVDs or 2,500 CDs for instant access. It also sports the same hassle-free setup, but adds a new wrinkle in the form of kid-friendly features. Specifically, a junior remote is included in addition to the standard version, which triggers a simplified system UI anytime it's used. While we're all for toddlers being able to watch their favorite content too, at this price we'd have rather seen support for Blu-rays and dare we say Netflix streaming. Then again, we aren't in the best position to judge the value of a digital babysitter. For more shots of the kiddo UI and remote check out the gallery below, otherwise read the full PR after the break. %Gallery-109199%
Sigmatek's HFDL-1080 brings an LCD to the mini-system desk party
The niche product segment dedicated to "executive desktop" solutions will be getting a new entry in the "hi-fi with articulated LCD" category in late April (€159) thanks to Sigmatek's HFDL-1080. This piece of desk jewelry comes with a DVD spinner, DVB-T and ATV tuners and an articulated 7-inch LCD. We're guessing the "1080" in the product name is just a byproduct of the predecessor's "HFDL-1070" moniker and not a spec, but for what it's worth, the HFDL-1070 came in at 500 lines of resolution, so the new model will at least meet ED spec. More to the point, we seriously doubt you're going to notice a dramatic difference between HD and ED on a 7-inch display; and shouldn't executive types be focused on work while at their desks anyways?
Kaleidescape intros "whole-home" Mini System, cuts prices on other systems
Our hearts were aflutter at the sight of a new Kaleidescape product today, but alas, it wasn't the fabled Blu-ray player we were hoping for. Instead, we're getting the cutely named Mini System, which bills itself as a complete multi-zone entertainment server for those with oodles of cash and a thing for ease-of-use. The device is the company's first to combine the player and server functionality into one unit, and it's also the firm's first product to ship with a remote control. With installation "as ease as an ordinary DVD player," the system contains space for DVD and CD storage as well as a main "Player" zone and two music zones; those wishing to expand things can tack on more Mini Systems or additional Players / Servers. Said system is available as we speak for a somewhat reasonable (by Kaleidescape standards) $7,995, and the 1080p Player, 1080p Mini Player and Disk Cartridges for the 1U, 3U and 5U Servers will all fall to $2,995, $1,995 and $995 (respectively) on March 16th in the United States.
Sony intros bevy of Bluetooth / A2DP-enabled stereo systems
Apparently Sony has hopped on the "more the merrier" bandwagon, as its steady stream of new kit continues to roll out. The latest set of releases sees a few new wireless boomboxes, presumably crafted for those who aren't keen on wrapping a set of Bluetooth-enabled cans around their dome in order to hear their tunes. The low-end CMT-BX5BT mini system touts wooden stereo speaker cabinets, an AM / FM tuner, built-in CD / MP3 disc player, ID3 tag support, external LCD, 15-watts of amplification, bass reflex system, 30 station presets, and a musical alarm clock to boot. The CMT-HX7BT ups the ante by adding satellite radio readiness and a 50-watt S-Master digital amplifier, while the flagship CMT-DH7BT packs all of the aforementioned niceties plus an integrated DVD player. Closing out the pack is the ZS-BT1 wireless boombox, which seems to be tailored more for portable / outdoor use considering its A2DP support, shuffle feature for CDs / MP3s, ten-key remote control, and Mega Bass technology. The CMT trio will all be available in April from $150 to $300, while the $150 ZS-BT1 won't land until August.[Via Pocket-Lint] %Gallery-1831%
Pure Digital's DMX-25 DAB mini system handles MP3 / WMA
While it had been a few ticks since Pure Digital gave you DAB listeners out there anything new to chew on, the Euro-based radio maker is back with yet another mini system designed to blast out tunes from the comfort of your living room. Encased in the firm's traditionally simple, classy design, the DMX-25 handles both DAB and FM signals and boasts dual 10-watt amplifiers, 4-inch mid-range drivers, 1.5-inch tweeters, scrollable text, RDS support, an LCD display, CD / MP3 / WMA compatibility, and two 3.5-millimeter line-in jacks for your DAP of choice. Furthermore, users will find the SD card slot and USB port handy for loading up flash-based media, and the wireless remote should keep you planted while scrolling through the stations. Still, all this functionality in such a decorative package won't exactly run you cheap, as you'll be ponying up £129.99 ($254) for this setup when it lands in April. [Via Digital-Lifestyles]
iLuv unveils iss314 sound system for Samsung's Yepp T9
While there's plenty of alarm clocks and mini stereos tailored to work seamlessly with your iPod, all those other DAPs seem to come out with the short straw. iLuv's making sure at least one other alternative gets some accessorizing love, as the firm has just announced its second dedicated speaker system for Samsung's Yepp T9 in the past week. While the iss277 touts an iHome-esque alarm clock design, the iss314 sports a circular speaker area with the T9 slot residing front and center, providing a convenient look at the current track title and a charging port to boot. The device also boasts an aux input for any other musical input, as well as a dedicated subwoofer output for adding the low-lows that these mini systems oftentimes lack. While we're not sure when you South Koreans will see this on store shelves, the 33-watt sound machine will run you 139,000KRW ($150) whenever it does.
Denon's D-F103HRDAB Network Hi-Fi rocks DAB, CDDB capabilities
There's nothing like a good upgrade now and then, but when it comes time to throw down for yet another Denon product, your wallet can't help but cringe. Nevertheless, the firm is upping the ante on its D-F103 digital mini system by adding DAB radio functionality as well as CDDB Gracenote support. Sure, the system still touts the same FM and internet radio reception abilities, support for AAC, MP3, and WMA, and it can rip CD tracks directly to its hard drive, but thankfully Denon figured out that coloring the speakers in the same tone as the device itself was a bright idea. The device is also compatible with the ASD-1R iPod interface, and sports USB connectivity to play tunes from your ultraslim flash drive. Reportedly, users can even add WiFi via an "optional adapter," but we're not sure how much this subtle luxury will cost you. For £1,000 ($1,950), you can snap up the full monte -- FS-103 HiFi speakers included, or you can forego said drivers for a pair of your own if you've only got £850 ($1,658) lying around.[Via ShinyShiny]
JVC's EX-A10 with "sake-soaked" wood cone speakers
Mmmm sake, nectar of the gods; if it wasn't for our interns being constantly embalmed in the stuff we might have seen the merits of slathering it onto our speaker cones -- no, really. In an apparent moment of clarity, JVC has seen fit to do just that with their new compact EX-A10 "home theater" system with unique "sake-soaked" wood cone speakers. It seems that after 20 years of trying, it was a deep tub of sake which finally enabled JVC to press acoustically-rich birch into speaker cones without splitting the wood. Besides the organic goodness, this desktop mini-system features JVC's K2 and CC Convertor technologies found in their top-end AC receivers which are said to improve sound quality for both CDs and compressed MP3 and WMA files and of course, an AM/FM tuner and alarm clock like any self-respecting shelf-system should. Now, don't get too hung up with all that "home theater" talk. Sure, it plays DVD video (and audio) discs, but the EX-A10 only manages two-channel decoding of Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound signals. It does, however, offer analog and optical audio inputs and component, S-Video, and composite outs for TV hook-up. Available now for a gimmicky-rich $1000 bills.
