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Pioneer's LX01BD Blu-ray home cinema system now available in Europe
Remember that ultra-sleek Pioneer LX01BD HTIB system that was introduced back in June? No? Well, for those in Europe, today's a great day to get caught up. The system, which bundles a Profile 1.1 BonusView Blu-ray player with a 5.1-channel amplifier and an equal amount of speakers, is finally available for sale in Europe. The player boasts two-in / one-out HDMI connections, Deep Color support, 1080p playback and internal DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD processing. If only the reported £2,000 ($3,154) price tag was easier to digest, we might actually be excited.[Via ElectricPig]%Gallery-36382%
Onkyo updates HT-S9100THX HTIB system
Onkyo's HT-S9100THX has been around the block a time or two already, but for those who've yet to pick up the crowd-pleasing set, you're in luck. Said outfit has just released a revamped version of the kit which includes a 7.1-channel AV receiver "designed to conform to THX's demanding Integrated System Plus certification protocols." Additionally, the system now supports THX Loudness Plus technology and includes four HDMI 1.3a inputs for Deep Color compatibility. You'll also find a Faroudja DCDi video upscaling chip, Audyssey 2EQ / Dynamic EQ and support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. As for drivers, you'll get seven two-way speakers (one center, four surrounds, two fronts) along with a self-powered (290-watt) 12-inch subwoofer. The HTIB should be filtering out to shops now for $1,099 (MSRP).[Via Marketnews]
Sony introduces HT-FS1 2.1 speaker system
Remember that HT-CT100 soundbar / subwoofer combo? Alright -- add in a pair of satellites, deduct the soundbar, and you've got yourself the HT-FS1. This new 2.1-channel system packs a total output of 200-watts and includes a built-in AM / FM tuner, HDMI repeater (three in / one out), three optical inputs and an analog audio port. Word on the street has a $299 price tag on this Autumn-bound set (in Europe, at least), though there's no telling if or when it'll head stateside.
Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems hands-on
Sony's CEDIA booth was stocked with the outfit's latest pair of Blu-ray HTIB systems, and for those looking to dive into the Blu and get into surround sound at the same time, neither set is a bad choice. Each BD deck is actually customized specifically for these packages, and while the innards are likely similar to the those found in the BDP-S550, the inclusion of an internal amplifier makes 'em special. See which speaker style suits your fancy in the gallery below. %Gallery-31208%
Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems do Blu-ray
Sony's BDV-IT1000 HTIB was outed late last month, but that's not stopping the powerhouse from making it official alongside the BDV-IS1000 today at CEDIA. As you likely know, these two are Sony's first offerings in the burgeoning Blu-ray HTIB market, as both packages come bundled with an elusive BD-Live-capable deck (the BDP-S350, we presume?) along with integrated support for the firm's S-AIR technology. Each set packs a pair of HDMI inputs, XMB menu navigation, 5.1-channel surround sound, Digital Media Port (for hooking up your PMP), BRAVIA Sync and even an IR repeater on the IT1000ES. The aforesaid BDV-IT1000ES ($1,999) includes oh-so-slim drivers (pictured after the jump), while the $1,000 BDV-IS1000 includes the same "golf ball-sized" speaks as the HT-IS100. Both sets are shipping next month, or so says the release waiting after the break.
Sony debuts Bravia BDV-IT1000 Blu-ray home theater system
Still not satisfied by any of the Blu-ray home theater in a box systems out there? Then perhaps Sony's just announced Bravia BDV-IT1000 unit will be more to your liking. This one boasts 700W of total power, and includes some wireless rear speakers for added convenience, and slim speakers all around that Sony says are made possible thanks to its brand new finger-sized full-range speaker drive units. The Blu-ray player / receiver at the heart of the unit also looks to be capable enough, with it sporting BD-Live readiness, a pair of HDMI inputs, optical digital and analog stereo audio inputs, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD support, and Sony's trademark Digital Media Port to accommodate a range of add-on devices. No word on a price or release just yet, but we're guessing there's at least a decent chance that'll slip out before Sony packs up and leaves the IFA stage.[Via Sony Insider]
Philips intros the CinemaOne iPod / DVD soundbar
We suppose it was just a matter of time before iPod docks and HTIBs achieved some sort of unholy union, and their demonic lovechild has appeared at IFA -- say hello to the Philips CinemaOne. Essentially a mashup of an iPod speaker system, a DVD player, and a soundbar, it's designed to plug in to your flatscreen via HDMI and provide surround audio through five DSP-driven speakers and 4-inch sub, all in a package about the size of a football. The DivX-compatible DVD player seems decent, with 1080p scaling and Dolby Digital and DTS support, but even though the speakers use the same soundbar tech found in Philips' Ambisound line, we've got our doubts that this thing sounds any good -- most soundbars we've heard require a separate large sub to be effective. No pricing or release date yet, but we'd wait to actually hear this thing in person before we started to set aside spare change. Action shot after the break.
JVC's NX-BD3 system enters the Blu-ray HTIB arena
The appearance of Blu-ray HTIB systems under a number of brands is an encouraging sign that the format is at least trying to move into the mainstream living room, and now JVC's thrown its hat into the ring with the 2.1-channel NX-BD3. Of course, simply pulling bits off of Blu-ray discs isn't enough entertainment value these days, so the system also sports DLNA support, a 200-Watt powered sub and a 4x55-Watt amplifier (leaving you two channels to grow into). At £799 ($1,465) for a 2.1-channel setup, you might expect to get the latest and greatest in Blu-ray tech, but Profile 2.0, DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD didn't make the cut -- let's hope some sort of "market adjustment" happens between the time this appears next month and when it crosses the pond.[Via Electronista]
Panasonic's Blu-ray SC-BT100 HTIB system gets reviewed
Make no mistake about it, Panasonic's SC-BT100 is pretty intriguing for those looking to dive head first into the Blu-ray / surround sound game simultaneously. Boasting a 5.1 speaker system along with the DMP-BD50 standalone Blu-ray player, Panny's BD HTIB has a lot going for it on paper. Design wise, reviewers found lots to love, and they also admired the plethora of connection options and simplicity of use. Unsurprisingly, the picture quality was coined "phenomenal," but we wouldn't expect anything less from the BD50. The only real digs on the entire system are the steep price and the lackluster audio quality; highs were said to be "too harsh," and the overall quality was so far below par that it prevented critics at Pocket-lint from offering up a wholehearted recommendation. Maybe your ears will feel differently, though.
SE2 Labs ITC One, now with remote diagnostics
We've spent a little hands-on time with the ITC One uber-franken-HTIB, but Electronic House got some serious quality time with the unit during SE2 Labs' roadshow this past week. So if you've got $25,000 burning a hole in your pocket, but need just a little more detail on how the unit actually works, hit that read link. Still a little uneasy about pulling the trigger? Maybe knowing that SE2 Labs is adding remote diagnostics will ease your mind. For either standard maintenance (firmware updates, etc.) or unexpected problems, a technician can troubleshoot (and hopefully solve) the problem by using the RS-232 and IP connectivity in the ITC One. As SE2 Labs describes it, "...it's like having on-demand access to an A/V professional." Hmmm -- maybe if our friends got these, it would cut down the service calls we field! [Thanks, Chuck] Read - ElectronicHouse ITC One review Read - ITC One remote diagnostics
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best HTIB system?
Let's face it -- not everyone has the space nor disposable income to piece together their own multichannel surround sound system, and that's where this week's Ask Engadget HD question comes in. Take it away, Todd: "I'm currently stuck in a small apartment with a need for surround sound, but I can't go buy a bunch of separates and create a system. I'm obviously in the market for a small but great sounding HTIB. I already own a Blu-ray player, so I'm not too concerned with any built-in DVD / BD players. Which 5.1 (or greater) set out there today offers the best bang for my buck?" There's no shame in buying your surround sound in a box, so puff out your chest and give this man an answer. Are you pleased with the sound quality / volume / overall performance of your boxed rig? Does your friend's unit sound better? Turn it to 11 and speak up!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.
Sony BRAVIA RHT G500 Home Theater TV Stand
Need a home theater upgrade from your TV's audio but don't feel the need to have any of those messy things like speakers laying around? Sony's announced its own HTIB / TV stand, the RHT-G500, a 3.1 channel sound system with three HDMI 1.3 inputs, BRAVIA Sync connectivity and a Digital Media Port for additional access to iPods, WiFi etc. With S-Force PRO Front surround technology (apparently they're not bothering to fake 5.1 without rear channels anymore) Sony Europe didn't see the need to include any further specs or pricing info, though it should fit and BRAVIA LCD from 32 - 40-inches with no problem, unless you consider the lingering feeling you probably would have been better off with a midrange HTIB system a "problem".[Via Slash Gear]
Sony unveils trio of BRAVIA HTIB systems
We'd already been formally introduced to Sony's HT-IS100 HTIB, but it -- along with the DVD-based 5.1-channel DAV-IS50 and the HDD-infused HTD-890IS -- have just been made official over in Europe. The low(er)-end DAV-IS50 arrives with 450-watts of amplification, a slot-loading DVD / CD / MP3 Disc player with 1080p upscaling, built-in AM / FM radio, wireless rear speakers and Sony's own BRAVIA Sync. The HTD-890IS spices things up with a 160GB hard drive, digital / analog TV tuners, a Digital Media Port, support for wireless rear speakers, two USB sockets and one-touch dubbing from camcorders or the HDD to blank DVD media. Mum's the word on pricing, but don't plan on any of the sets being a runaway bargain. %Gallery-29002%
Onkyo launches TX-SR806 / TX-SR706 receivers, HT-S7100 / HT-S6100 HTIB systems
Check it, Onkyo fans -- your main outfit has just revealed two new AV receivers and a pair of HTIB systems, so we're going to get right down to it. Both the $1,099 TX-SR806 (pictured) and $899 TX-SR706 receivers are THX certified and include Faroudja DCDi video processing capabilities, Audyssey room acoustics correction and Dynamic EQ, and Onkyo's Music Optimizer. You'll also find at least four HDMI 1.3a ports and 1080p upscaling. Moving on, we've got the $899 HT-S7100 and $799 HT-S6100 HTIB systems, each of which include a receiver, seven-channel loudspeaker system, a powered subbie and an obligatory iPod dock. Check the read link for more details and ship dates.
Epson's Ensemble HD Home Cinema System now shipping
We're still rather bummed that Epson failed to add in a third option for its Ensemble HD Home Cinema System that included a Blu-ray player, but nevertheless, those interested in picking up a complete -- and we mean complete -- home theater system at once can finally do so. Said package is available with your choice of a PowerLite 1080p or 720p projector, a 100-inch motorized screen, upconverting DVD player, Atlantic Technology 5.1 speaker system, universal remote, every single cable you'll need to hook things up, a wire management track system and all necessary mounting brackets. Ready for the sting? You're looking at $6,999 for the 1080p system and $4,999 for the 720p edition.
Denon releases 'me too' SYS-56HT 5.1 speaker system in Japan
We're typically envious of all the products that get rolled out to the Japanese market early or exclusively, but this is one case where we just don't feel like we're missing out on much. Denon has introduced the SYS-56HT 5.1-speaker system for Japan, and it just fails to get us excited. Of course, this assembly could pump out mind-blowingly-good sound, but somehow we doubt it's anything exceptional. The ¥37,800 ($357) kit is comprised of SC-A56 front/rear speakers and an SC-C56 center channel, each speaker packing a pair of 5.7-cm drivers. The bass is filled out by the DSW-56 subwoofer -- a 16-cm driver backed by a 30-Watt (50-Watt peak) amplifier. Again, this kit probably sounds fine, but it's one SKU we won't be disappointed if it doesn't take up residence in the already-crowded HTIB aisle. [Warning: PDF link][Via Cybertheater]
Pioneer reveals four new HTIB systems, three with Blu-ray players
We've seen a few HTIB systems trickle out from the Pioneer labs of late, but never four at once. Today, the firm has made official a foursome of home cinema systems slated to hit Europe in the fall, so we'll cut right to the chase. The LX03 is the lone system with a DVD / SACD player and USB port, while the others thoughtfully include Blu-ray decks. The LX03BD (satellite speakers included) and LX08BD (no satellites included) feature 500-watts of power, HDMI 1.3 sockets (2 in / 1 out), KURO LINK, an iPod connection and a 7-band equalizer. The LX01BD includes omni-direction speakers, 400-watts of power and pretty much everything else found on the LX08BD. For complete specifications, be sure to give the read link a visit; as for availability, you'll find the LX03, LX03BD and LX08BD systems in October while the LX01BD arrives in November.
Meridian breaks bank, hearts with M810 video system
If pairing the Meridian's lowly MF10 projector with your DSP7200 speakers is just too "entry level" for you, Meridian has a kind of HTIB to show you. The M810 video system (yeah, it's a system) consists of 800 Series electronics, a 7.1 speaker setup built around the DSP7200 speakers, and a new M810 Projector. The term 'HTIB' doesn't really capture this setup accurately, but replace 'box' with 'super-great-audio-video-enclave' and you get the gist of it. The M810 Projector makes use of JVC-sourced 4k D-ILA silicon in conjunction with a 850-Watt lamp to pump out 10-megapixel video. Our friends at CEPro were pretty impressed by the demo; and it'd be just plain rude to the setup crew to say otherwise, seeing as how they spend four days setting up and calibrating each M810 system. Yours for $175,000, home not included. Father's Day has passed, but there's always next year, right?[Image courtesy CEPro]
Onkyo intros WAVIO GXW-2.1HD expandable HTIB in Japan
Once again, Onkyo is teasing us with a Japanese-market HTIB designed with an upgrade path in mind. This really looks like a multichannel version of the company's 2.1-channel HTX-22D, and that's not a bad start. The WAVIO GXW-2.1HD features 5 x 30-Watts for the speakers, with 60-Watts set aside for the integral subwoofer. The pair of included bookshelf speakers feature 8-cm and 2-cm drivers, and the subwoofer is a 16-cm affair. There's a pair of HDMI 1.3a inputs and a single output, and onboard processing includes Audyssey's 2EQ and Dynamic EQ tweaks, DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD; Onkyo has even kindly included DTS Surround Sensation to keep you virtually, um, surrounded until you add in more speakers. All in all, a pretty good way to start your system. Again, it's only for Japan right now, with a price of ¥54,800 ($506 US). [Warning: PDF Link][Via TVSnob]
SE2 Labs looking to expand its dealer network
If you've been intrigued by SE2 Labs' ITC One high-end combo boxes, but can't find a dealer in your area, help may be on the way. The company is going on tour this summer to demo the ITC One to potential dealers around the country. Phoenix and L.A. have already been hit, and Seattle, Atlanta, New York and San Francisco remain on the tour schedule. Naturally, custom installers will be the focus here -- if you're considering one of these units that represent the densest form of HD goodness known, ping your installer. They'll be happy with the $25,000 MSRP (depending on configuration), modular construction, integration and upgradability. You'll probably be less happy with the price, but peeking at the cabinet chock-full of premium components (and the end results onscreen) will ease the pain.
