AudioReturnChannel
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JVC announces ACR-equipped TH-BC3 sound bar
Sound bars are nothing revolutionary, but JVC's newly announced TH-BC3 packs a few features worth mentioning. At the top of the list is the inclusion of an HDMI 1.4 enabled ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows for simplified wiring since audio can travel in both directions through the HDMI cable. Additional connectivity options include one analog input and two digital audio inputs (optical and coaxial) plus a subwoofer pre-out. A slick push-open iPod / iPhone dock is another nice edition especially when combined with a composite video output. In terms of more general specs, the device features 30 watts per channel, a built-in FM tuner, and SRS StudioSound HD which is basically a branded complication of SRS TruSurround HD and SRS TruVolume. SRS TruVolume is designed to eliminate volume changes when switching sources while TruSurround HD can convert up to 6.1 channels of audio for playback over two speakers. JVC says the speaker will be available in February for $249. If that's above your budget, the TH-BC1 is essentially the same product minus the ARC and iPod dock and will be available this month for $149.
Sharp has 70-inch 3D LCD, soundbars and new Blu-ray players on deck for 2011
Sharp intends to keep its position in the large LCD market with the help of two new lines which both top out at 70-inches -- finally. The LC-70LE732U 3DTV sits at the top of the LE835 series which is also set to be available in sizes ranging as small as 40-inches and is expected in February. No word on what any of these sets will cost ya, but they will all feature built-in WiFi and a wide range of streaming options including VUDU and Netflix, as well as other internet apps like Flickr, Facebook and Twitter. The trio of new 3D Blu-ray players, the BD-H25U, BD-H35U and BD-H75U, will also ship this February with many of the same network and streaming options as the TV, but will also be IP controllable for home automation fans. Meanwhile there are five new soundbars on tap starting with a USB model, the CP-USB500, for great sound on the go and ending with the HT-SL70 which can pass 3D signals via HDMI 1.4a and even supports an audio return channel. %Gallery-112757% %Gallery-112760%
Onkyo's top of the line receivers get a HDMI 1.4a makeover this fall
Say hello to the high end of Onkyo's receiver line, now refreshed with the newest tech already featured in its lower end and midrange receivers earlier this year. Beyond the eight 3D-capable HDMI 1.4a inputs, DLNA 1.5 (Windows 7 Compatible) and streaming support that we've come to expect from any 2010 home theater equipment, the TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 receivers include THX Certification, 9.2 channel audio, two HDMI outputs, HQV Reon VX video processing and powered audio output for up to three different rooms. Still, the best information from the press release (after the break) is that the upgraded components haven't increased prices from last year -- the TX-NR3008 has an MSRP of $2,099 while the TX-NR5008 will add on upgraded transformers, capacitors and extra USB for $2,699 when both ship this August. %Gallery-96614%
Panasonic's new sound bar and surround sound system are 3D ready
If you've been waiting for new audio gear that features HDMI 1.4 and leverages its new features like the ability to pass Full 3D HD and an auto return channel, here are two new ones. The most interesting of the new lineup is the SC-ZT2 wireless audio system (pictured above) which uses two wireless speakers to render the same surround sound as a 7.1 system -- or so Panasonic says, but we'll have to take their word on the sound quality, but no doubt it looks cool. It is available now and retails for $999. Also new to the lineup is the SC-HTB10 and SC-HTB500 sound bars. The 500 features a separate subwoofer and will be available in August for $349, while the 10 has an integrated sub and will be available this month for $199. More pictures and the full releases after the jump.
Sony intros 3D-capable STR-DN1010 A/V receiver
Sony's already introduced 3D TVs and 3D Blu-ray players, and it's now finally followed those up with a 3D-capable receiver for those who need to pass through 3D video while internally decoding high res audio. That model, the STR-DN1010, is naturally a 7.1 A/V receiver, and boasts 110 watts of power per channel, along with four HDMI ports (including one with Audio Return Channel plus three component), support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, upscaling of any video source to 1080p, support for Sony's S-AIR wireless system, and a Digital Media Port to accommodate iPod docks and other accessories, among other standard fare. Look for this one to land in June for $500, along with three other new non-3D models (the STR-DH810, STR-DH710 and STR-DH510) that will run you $400, $300 and $230.
NXG Technologies is first with HDMI 1.4 cables for the 3D HDTV you don't own yet
Cancel that next-day air shipment from Panasonic Japan, those in need of cables today that are compatible with the 4K and 3D displays of tomorrow can get NXG Technologies Black Pearl Series HDMI v1.4 cables. Not installing cables inside a wall or under a floor? You can probably wait for more reasonably priced (or not so reasonable, if that's what you prefer) alternatives. At around $44.95 for 1m up to $380 for a 20m cable, these available-to-dealers-only connectors promise (despite lacking certification, promised once testing is completed) to future proof custom home theater installations for beyond-1080p resolution, HDMI Ethernet Channel, Audio Return Channel and other HDMI 1.4-only features that should start rolling out in HDTVs, receivers and other equipment early next year.
3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off
The new HDMI 1.4 spec adds a host of new features (and, most likely, a lot of new ways to get scammed on cable purchases) but for those excitedly anticipating Audio Return Channel, HDMI Ethernet Channel and 3D over HDMI should know Silicon Image has announced its first line of chips supporting them. Destined for HDTVs, receivers, Blu-ray players and the like, the new port processor and transmitter have the extremely specific sample delivery date of "second half of 2009" so while we certainly don't expect to see any actual hardware until well into next year, keep an ear to the ground if you're considering an upgrade before then.
HDMI 1.4 officially detailed: Ethernet / Audio Return channels, 3D, 4K x 2K support
We already heard that HDMI 1.4 was just around the bend, and now HDMI Licensing has come forward with all of the official details surrounding the specification. Unfortunately for AV enthusiasts, it seems as if we're taking two steps forward and three back, and we get this sinking feeling that HDMI 1.5 will be here before we know it. At any rate, the main additions to the format are an Ethernet channel, audio return channel, 3D over HDMI, 4K x 2K resolution support, a micro HDMI connector (around half the size of the existing HDMI Mini plug) and an automotive connection system. All fine and good, right? Sure, until you get to the part about having to choose between five different HDMI 1.4 cables, something that the suits at Monster just had to have a hand in. For a detailed look at what you'll need to study up on before buying your next HDMI cable, clinch your fists and hit the read link.
