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HTC 7 Surround slides into Best Buy for $550 unsubsidized, Omnia 7 appears at T-Mobile UK
Micro surround speaker bar in a Windows Phone sound like your cup of tea? Best Buy's taking your HTC Surround pre-orders right now for handsets that'll ship on November 8th, and cost a penny under $550 on the off-chance you're looking to buy off-contract. Hey, you can even call it the T8788 if you want -- we won't tell a soul. Get a good look at the phone right here, in our launch hands-on. Should you live in the United Kingdom, you can order a Samsung Omnia 7 instead -- T-Mobile UK's got the Super AMOLED phone ready to rumble for the price of free on £35-and-up tariffs. See that handset in action here. [Thanks, Sanders L.]
White Samsung Fascinate and Sony Ericsson X10 joining Dell Streak in Best Buy this month
Let's be real: almost every phone looks better in white. Okay, so that's strictly a matter of personal opinion -- but if you're a white phone kind of person, turn your attention away from the forever-delayed iPhone 4 and toward a couple that are launching shortly thanks to some new details from Best Buy. Turns out Verizon's white Fascinate and AT&T's white X10 are both scheduled to hit on October 24, alongside the Dell Streak -- not in white, by the bye -- followed by the HTC Surround on November 8 (which we already knew). Any of 'em can be yours for a $50 deposit. Update: We've been told that the white Fascinate and X10 will be exclusives for Best Buy, at least at first. [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Windows Phone 7 launch guide
Windows Phone 7. We came, we saw, we took lots and lots of photos. Today, Microsoft unleashed its global domination plans on the world, and we wanted to give readers some insight into what happens now, what happens next, and what the more distant future holds for Redmond's smartphone play. As we saw today, the WP7 push is going to happen in multiple countries (more than 30), on multiple carriers (more than 60), and involve lots and lots of hardware. Ten devices to start -- all announced today -- and a slew of others likely to follow. Overall, the first approach of Windows Phone 7 into the marketplace looks strong. Microsoft has built a surprisingly solid new OS (which we previewed in-depth back in July), has a strong set of carrier relationships in place, and is introducing hardware that if not revolutionary, is certainly competitive. So, where are the holes in the plan right now?
HTC 7 Surround first hands-on! (update: video)
We just got a quick look at the HTC 7 Surround for AT&T, running that brand-spanking-new Windows Phone 7 OS you've been hearing so much about. The phone has a kickstand to help it show off its standout feature: a slide-out "Dolby Surround Sound" speaker. Stand by for more impressions and video, but for now check out the gallery below. Update: Video is live! Here are some thoughts: We were impeded by the security device holding the phone down, but from what we could tell the Surround is a quality device -- we'd expect no less from HTC. It is built of plastic, but it pulls off that certain premium look and feel. Like we noted in the family post, however, the slide-out speaker seems like an expensive addition when you consider the thickness it's adding. Once we get a chance to play back some media and be "blown away" by the Dolby Surround we'll be able to tell if you if it's truly worth the tradeoff. Somehow we're in doubt. Overall the phone comes off as a slightly inspired design in a sea of fairly uninspired designs (at least in the US). HTC HD7 this is not.%Gallery-104771%
Samsung Focus, HTC Surround, and LG Quantum all outed a bit early on AT&T's Windows Phone 7 site
These details aren't supposed to be live yet, we presume, but AT&T's just posted full information on its Windows Phone 7 lineup over on its site. We've got the Surround from HTC, the Samsung Focus, and the LG Quantum -- and as expected, they're a slider (sorta), a slate, and a full QWERTY slider, respectively. The Surround is touted as featuring Yamaha speakers in its slide-out surround sound arrangement with 16GB of onboard storage, the Focus is "slender and light" with a 4-inch Super AMOLED display that we imagine is ripped straight out of its Captivate stablemate, and the Quantum's listed with a 5 megapixel camera. All three are listed as "coming soon," so we'll have to hold tight and see whether we get any release dates today. [Thanks, Shane C.]
Exclusive: Galaxy Tab, red / white BlackBerry Torch and Samsung Focus hitting AT&T in Q4
Mmm, delicious. That's the feeling we're left with after being inundated with yet another round of AT&T leaks, this time giving us insight at a few flagship devices on tap for the carrier's holiday push. First up is the Galaxy Tab -- an Android 2.2-based tablet that we had previously heard rumored for AT&T's airwaves. Thanks to a branded snapshot from the carrier's internals, we can confirm that the Tab will indeed be sold on Ma Bell, and it (along with three other new Android devices) will ship "prior to December." Moving on, we've got even more confirmation that the Samsung Cetus (i917) will be one of the operator's first Windows Phone 7 devices, and it looks as if a heretofore unheard of Samsung Focus and HTC Surround will be joining it. Better still, we've got it on good authority that three other WP7 handsets will be splashing down alongside those others in time for the holidays. As for the remaining BlackBerry loyalists, AT&T will be tempting you with a trio of limited run Torch motifs coming in "mid to late November," with an all-white version, red / black model and olive colored edition on tap. We'll be keeping an ear to the ground for more, naturally. %Gallery-102059%
Denon S-5BD combines a receiver with a Blu-ray deck, costs too much
We're not sure why you'd want to spend $1,799 on a 5.1-channel receiver with an integrated Blu-ray deck when you can mix-and-match plenty of terrific 7.1 receivers and BD players separately for far less, but hey -- it's CES and Denon's introducing the S-5BD in case you do. Sure, it'll do BD-Live and do two-source, two-zone audio distribution with 3 HDMI inputs and an optional iPod control dock, but you know you're doing something wrong when you have to buy a separate amp to use the 7.1-channel analog outputs. Denon, you have made us shake our heads in confusion. Congratulations. In return we offer you this gift of PR after the break.
Ask Engadget HD: How do I get the best audio from my PS3, without HDMI?
Once you've actually decided what hardware to purchase, avoided the perilous purchasing decisions involved in finding cables, but actually setting it up can trip up the newbies among us. Suck is our friend David's problem, trying to figure out if lossless audio is a possibility for his HDMI-less receiver: "I read your article and I would like further advice. I have the brand new PS3, which I'm going to use with a 1080p Sony Bravia - the video is fine..HDMI to the tv. The problem is that I have an ONKYO THX 7.1 system (really 5.1), and there is no HDMI, so I plan on using an optical audio cable from the PS3 into the receiver. How do i get the best sound? Will the PS3 decode the trueHD (or whatever it is) and send the full spectrum of sound across the optical to the receiver? Will NOT having the HDMI to the receiver affect my sound, or will the PS3 internal decoding send a perfect lossless sound to my non-HDMI receiver?" Just in case our HD 101 explanation wasn't enough (First off, S/PDIF transmission -- over either optical TOSLINK or coax -- does not have the bandwidth to carry Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA signals. If you connect your Blu-ray player to your receiver with optical or coax, the audio will "fall back" to Dolby Digital, DTS or two-channel PCM -- lossless, but only two channels,) any tips on how David can get the highest audio quality possible out of the equipment he has? Of course, if you think replacing one of the components is a better choice, that's always an option as well. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Ask Engadget HD: How do I hook up surround sound without cables running everywhere?
Sometimes a move can necessitate rethinking one's home theater setup, which was exactly the case for our friend Amani. A shift from a room with carpets to run wires underneath to hardwood floors has him wondering what the easiest and neatest way is to hook up the rear speakers: Ok, here is my dilemma. I used to have carpet in my main area where my TV is and surround sound is. Speaker wire would run under carpet. I just got hard wood floors installed so now there will be wires all over the place for my sound. What creative options do I have to set back up my surround sound but perhaps eliminate the wires or use wireless.connection to connect my speakers. I need help because I can't have speaker wire all over my pretty new floors! Thanks So is the best route to drill right into the walls, some kind of invisible speaker cable, or is there a good wireless speaker setup that doesn't involve falling back to a HTIB? Let us know how you solved this kind of problem and save Amani some heartache and time.
Audyssey DSX surround sound takes the speaker-count war to 11
You might think the future of surround audio lies in sophisticated DSP-driven single-box soundbars or even crazy wireless headphones, but Audyssey Labs knows the truth: what you really need is more speakers. Up to 11 of 'em, to be exact, as part of the company's new Dynamic Surround Expansion system. Like the 9.1 channel Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DSX focuses more on the audio in front of you, since that's what your ears are tuned to differentiate the best -- in addition to the left, right, and center channels, DSX includes two speakers mounted up high at a 45-degree angle, and two speakers placed farther out to each side to create width. Add in the two surround back channels from a traditional 7.1 rig and presto -- you're up to 11. Yep, that's a lot of speakers, especially if your loved ones already think a standard 5.1 system is an eyesore. On the other hand -- 11 freaking speakers. DSX-enabled receivers are expected to arrive by summer, just in time to close the shades and spend all day indoors watching movies.[Via Sound and Vision; thanks Will]
Atlantic Technology's 1400 SR-z speakers aim for the high notes
No strangers to switchable bipole/dipole speakers, Atlantic Technology has jumped into the Dolby ProLogic IIz fray with the 1400 SR-z speakers. If the inclusion of a 'z' right in the name isn't enough to tell you that these will work with the Dolby wizardry to make your ceiling disappear, then the compact form factor will at least get you thinking about the idea. The pair of 3.5-inch drivers in each speaker are switchable between bipole and dipole dispersion, however, which should make these a fine choice for just about any surround speaker location. Look for them in the last half of May with an MSRP of $425 per pair, which sounds a little pricey to us for channels that don't need much bandwidth, but imagine what these might do with the overblown "stadium" surround mode on your receiver.
Sony's 5.1 RHT-S10 speaker gets detailed
Surely you remember Sony's all-in-one media stand (optional) / surround sound system combo from CES, right? If not, Sony's giving you a reason to recall, as it's just unveiled a full list of specifications and a swank new picture of its RHT-S10. The unit boasts 350-watts of total power (50-watts x 5 + 100-watts x 1), a subwoofer pre-out, HDMI control, a digital media port, FM tuner, coaxial digital audio input, a trio of optical audio inputs, two composite audio inputs and a power save mode. You'll also notice a digital amplifier capable of understanding Dolby Digital and DTS along with News, Standard, Cinema, Sports, Music and Personal Audio sound modes. Sadly, pricing / availability remain a mystery.[Thanks, Lawrence]Update: Sony pinged us to say that it will be out in May for $800, and a wall mount kit will be bundled in.
Sony debuts Sound Wall media stand-surround sound combo
Craving the custom install look, but not willing to tear down walls to get it? Sony has debuted the Sound Wall RHT-S10 stand for all your HT gear, and it's packing 5.1 surround sound to boot. The free-standing unit has a TV mount, amplifier and subwoofer all built in. Hang the display, route any wires behind the unit and plug everything together at the A/V rack in the base and you're all set. But hey, what about the rear channels in this 5.1 system? Those rear signals are mixed in with the fronts -- combined with Sony's S-Force Pro, they claim you don't need those pesky channels any more. We're skeptical, but they've packed in some good features: 350-Watts of digital amplification, 1080p24 passthrough, BRAVIA sync (CEC) and Sony's Digital Media Port for bringing your other media devices to the party.
Vizio intros Jive surround for LCDs
If you've got a Vizio slim bezel "Black Tie" LCD, and are looking to surround yourself in sound, the company has a treat for you. The company is rolling out its Jive SV5.1 Enhancement Kit. This bit of kit adds the all-important center channel, rear channels and a (2.4 GHz) wireless sub to your LCD's existing front channel so you can brag up your 5.1 surround system. That sub unit packs a 70-Watt RMS, 560-Watt peak amp in it for the Jive speakers. Vizio didn't break your checkbook with that LCD, and they won't with this surround system, either: expect a price around $299 when the system ships in July.
iTrax.com delivers DRM-free HD Audio downloads
Just in case you don't have enough digital download choices, here comes iTrax to give you another. This site, however, deviates from the beaten path by offering up DRM-free HD Audio tracks for those with more discerning ears. Granted, the music selection is quite limited, but for the albums that are available, users can download individual songs or entire records in a variety of encoding formats / mixes. Among the options are MP3, Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless and even uncompressed PCM 96/24, and most songs can be downloaded in 2.0 stereo, 5.1 "stage" and 5.1 "audience" perspectives. Currently, the available music all stems from AIX Records, but more options are purportedly on the way, and if you're curious about pricing, most albums look to run you anywhere from $9.99 to $24.99, depending on quality / mix.
Polk Audio announcing SurroundBar50 at CEDIA '07
Settling for the tiny, paper stock speakers flat panels come with is almost as bad as running coax from your cable box to your HDTV, so we are glad to see Polk Audio adding to their offerings. Polk intro'd their original 42-inch SurroundBar (pictured) two years ago to an empty market, but now quite a few manufacturers produce so-called "sound bars." Their latest, SurroundBar50, is designed with 50-inch flat-panels in mind, as the speaker is 51-inches long and mountable either above or beneath the set via the included mount. The extra real estate enhances the virtual surround field as well as providing more internal volume and producing deeper bass. The official announcement isn't happening until Polk Audio's CEDIA press conference on September 6th, but expect the SurroundBar 50 to land at $1,099 this October. We know these virtual surround speakers aren't as good as the real deal, however, don't knock these speakers till you hear 'em in person, as they're a solid alternative to a room full of speakers.
Samsung's FX with surround sound
Some of us are still just trying to get our hands on a decent phone with A2DP -- or heck, even an honest-to-goodness 3.5mm jack would do -- but Samsung's looking to take it to the next level by integrating 5.1-channel audio into its new "FX" handsets, the SPH-M4500 and SCH-M450. The sliders don't actually surround you with five speakers and a subwoofer (wouldn't that make for an interesting form factor?), but rather mix the channels down to a stereo virtual surround effect for your listening pleasure. The 5.1 action comes into handy for the FX's DMB tuner and music player, which can draw off internal memory or microSD expansion. Add WiFi, front-facing VGA and rear 2-megapixel cams, and we have yet another Korean superphone on our hands with no hint of a global release.
HD DVD reviews updated with Dolby TrueHD, firmware update warning
So far only only a few HD DVDs have rolled out with a Dolby TrueHD lossless audio soundtrack, and with good reason, the only players on the market didn't support it. But now, thanks to the just-released 2.0 firmware, Toshiba HD-A1 owners everywhere can enjoy advanced audio. According to High-Def Digest, as long as you have a receiver that accepts audio via HDMI or analog 5.1 inputs (but not S/PDIF, sorry) you should be ready to go. Of course this is only worthwhile if there is a noticeable difference and by their report, there is with improved quality and surround sound effects. We look forward to more TrueHD enhanced releases, although you have to wonder what this will do to potential HD DVD/DVD combo releases that don't have the space for the movie and uncompressed audio. Given the benefit, the possiblity of bricking your HD DVD player during the update is but a miniscule risk (take any discs out before updating via the Ethernet port or it's to Toshiba customer support you must go.)
High definition DVD audio breakdown
Erik mentioned this during the podcast earlier, and I thought some of you might find it interesting. TWICE has an article up listing the various audio options that will be available on both HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs and players. All HD-DVD players must include support for two-channel Dolby True HD, 5.1 DTS HD, and 5.1/6.1 Dolby Digital Plus. Blu-ray players are required to support Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 and 5.1 PCM.More information on the HD-DVD audio codecs is available from the DVD Forum, and info on Blu-ray codecs at Blu-ray.com. They also mention what sort of feature upgrades we can expect, at least in respect to audio second-generation HD-DVD players will add features like 7.1 analog connectors and HDMI 1.3 outputs. As much as we talk about MPEG-2 and h.264, are you taking audio options into account with your next purchase?
NBC to Broadcast Winter Olympics in HD, 5.1 surround
Dolby is kind enough to let us know that if any figure skaters should happen to be clubbed in the kneecap, we will be able to hear their plaintive wails in full 5.1 surround sound. I certainly hope the Winter Olympics broadcast is better than the Summer Olympics. While it was very high quality, it was worthless because it was a day behind. Yeah I watched every moment of it in on both broadcasts thanks to my dual tuner DVR because I'm an addict. However, if I want to see two men in tights lay down on top of each other and slide down a hill I'll go see Brokeback Mountain then I should be able to see it live and in HD.
