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Bang & Olufsen launches BeoLab 15 in-wall speakers for stealthier beats (update: ears-on)
Most Bang & Olufsen audio systems' designs virtually beg for attention in the living room. The company's just-launched combo of two BeoLab 15 satellite speakers, a BeoLab 16 subwoofer and an Amplifier 1 is very nearly designed for the opposite. The entire array can hide in the walls or ceiling, and juts out only when it's tilting to direct sound to a specific area. The Amplifier 1's 195W of total output won't produce the most thundering sound, but this is one time when subtlety is arguably the greater value -- it's more about a discreet background tune than making the house rattle. Just be prepared to deal with the value Bang & Olufsen puts on its stealthy Danish design. You'll need to pay $4,595 for the package when it ships this month, and that won't include the costs of putting holes in the drywall. Update: We had the chance to listen to the system for ourselves, and it's no slouch even with power small relative to other luxury systems. The test conditions weren't ideal -- the speakers weren't as separated as they could be, and Bang & Olufsen understandably couldn't get permission to carve into hotel walls -- but the BeoLab 15 handled music from Above & Beyond and the Beatles, among others, with a pleasingly warm sound and solid (but not overwhelming) bass. Those who hate the buzz of motorized components will be glad to know the satellites are virtually noiseless when they move, as well. Head past the break for a close-up of the subwoofer.
Sprint radar imaging system peeps inside walls, floors to detect bombs, tell-tale hearts
Back in 2005, we reported on a little something called the Prism 200, which allowed its holder to essentially see what folks were doing on the other side of a wall. Since then, we've seen plenty of devices that boast the same claims, but it wasn't until recently that the makers of the Prism 200 created a device that can actually see inside those walls. Looking something akin to an old school punch clock, Cambridge Consultants' Sprint in-wall radar imaging system provides 3D renderings of items embedded in walls, floors, and even ceilings. Where as existing X-ray systems require access to both sides of a wall, Sprint's radar setup allows users to see what's going on inside without dual access. As you might imagine, Cambridge is pushing this thing as a security tool, allowing for detection of bombs, drugs, dead bodies -- you know, the usual bad guy stuff. Sprint is currently undergoing testing. Full PR after the break.
In-wall USB charger is as cheap as it is ingenious
What you'll require here is about 30 minutes' endurance, a $10 budget, and a good reason why you'd want to swap some good old versatile wall plugs in for USB-only power outlets. Once you've got all that sorted, it's a quick skip to the source link, where you'll get step-by-step instructions on converting to "the future" of power distribution. And hey, just to help you justify all that expenditure of effort, we've got a whole category devoted to the cornucopia of most awesome devices you can power via USB. Kudos gained for clever design, kudos lost for relatively redundant outcome.
Eurotech introduces Atom-powered in-wall Panel Computers
Why leave all the new computer fun to your desk or lap, right? In an effort to give that barren wall of yours something to cheer about, Eurotech has recently introduced a new trio of Panel Computers, all of which are powered by Intel's less-than-amazing Atom CPU. The Vx-120F-N270 and Vx-150F-N270 are practically identical save for the 12.1- and 15-inch touchscreens (respectively), with each possessing an Atom N270 processor, a fanless design, high-brightness LCD, twin gigabit Ethernet jacks, a front-mounted USB port and an expansion slot for add-on boards. The outfit also debuted the rugged Bx-400F-N270, which should withstand abuse not seen on typical in-wall PCs. Prices have yet to be made public, but you can pretty much bank on your local home automation dealer charging a boatload come mid-September.
Paradigm's new Reference Hybrid Millenia speakers split the in/on wall difference
Oh, what's a well-heeled audiophile who's also a fashionista to do about speakers? If you're in the enviable position of having to decide between top-notch in-wall and on-wall speakers, why not split the difference with Paradigm's new Reference Hybrid Millenia 10 and 20 speakers? These new models literally straddle the divide: part of the speaker is recessed into the wall so you get the benefits of a completely-designed enclosure, and about 1.5-inches protrudes into the room, getting the drivers out-of-plane with the wall without making your speakers envious of that new flat panel during the "thin is in" competition. Well, at least until OLEDs come into the living room. The LCR Hybrid Millenia 10 and 20 sport drivers that enjoy the full benefit of Paradigm's wizardry with materials and design, and come priced at $379 and $529 each, respectively. Would you expect anything less than a great compromise from a Canadian company? Full details and some more pics after the break.
Aperion's Intimus 6-LCR in-wall speaker shows up, extra woofer in tow
You didn't think that Aperion would roll out just the in-wall and in-ceiling variants of its Intimus 6 speakers and leave you searching for primary speakers, now did you? Showing up fashionably late to the party kicked off by the 6-IW and 6-IC speakers comes the Intimus 6-LCR in-wall model so you can flesh out your custom install. The new model adds an additional 6.5-inch woofer, but keeps the aimable silk dome tweeter and adjustment switches from its more surround-appropriate brethren. No free lunch, though; that extra driver means you'll pay a little more for the 6-LCR -- these carry a price tag of $225 each.
BG Radia's BGX-4850 in-wall subwoofer shakes loose a rave review
It's been a while since we heard about BG Radia's THX Ultra2-certified in-wall subwoofers, the BGX-4850, so we were pretty happy to see that AVGuide put them to a review. Word to the wise -- don't scoff at the small 4-inch drivers used in this subwoofer; by packing 48 of those little cones into each module in a kind of boxer style layout (Porsche and Subaru fans take note), the BGX-4850 (combined with a 2,200-Watt amp and a healthy dollop of DSP) turned loose sub-20Hz response that the reviewer ate up. No smudgy, slow, plodding bass here -- quite the opposite, actually. The reviewer said the transient response may outpace some of the primary speakers with which it's paired; something good is going on here. Good enough, in fact, to net perfect 10s for everything but the "value" portion of the competition; somehow you just knew that $7,000 tag would catch a snag somewhere along the way.
Aperion's new Intimus speakers look to stand out while blending in
Just about everybody's hopping in on the in-wall/in-ceiling bandwagon, and as much as audio purists might chortle at the product sector, adding speaker cabinets to keep up with the ever-growing number of surround channels will soon force everyone but the "sweet spot" listener right out of the living room. For those who would rather have flesh and blood (as opposed to MDF) friends soaking up the latest movie with them, Aperion Audio has added in-wall (6-IW) and in-ceiling (6-IC) variants to its Intimus speaker lineup. These new models seem to hold up the value proposition that makes Aperion so popular -- for $149 (each) you get a 6.5-inch woofer and silk dome tweet (both drivers aimable) and tone controls for tailoring the sound to your room.
Ask Engadget HD: Which in-wall speakers for under $1,000?
No two ways about it, we'd all like to have unlimited space and unlimited funds to get our home theater space together, but that isn't always the case. We've dealt with space constraints before, but it looks like Dan has a slightly different consideration: "I recently moved into a new home and space is limited in my new home theater room so i was wondering if you guys could tell me what you think are the best in-wall speakers for under 1000 bucks for the front three. (all ready have rears) little background i have a Onkyo TX-805, PS3, DirecTV HD-DVR, and a 58" Samsung plasma." We've covered a variety of in-wall audio components that might fit his price range, but we want to know which ones you would choose, let us know in the comments. 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.
Jamo launches 18 in-wall speakers across its Custom 400- and 600-series lineups
If you're trying to stay on top of the ever-increasing number of speakers used in the latest surround audio schemes -- Dolby ProLogic IIz moves the count to 9-channels plus a sub (or two) -- in-wall speakers start to look really attractive. Jamo has rolled out its 400- and 600-series Custom speakers for those running out of room, and with 18 SKUs spread out over in-wall and in-ceiling options, there's bound to be a few that fit your needs. With that kind of menu, we'll let you hit the link to find the right speakers for you, but all speakers get Jamo's Decoupled Tweeter Technology, Hard Conical Cones and WaveGuide technologies; and magnetic paintable grilles will help keep things looking tidy. Spring for the 600-series, and you'll also get treated to silk dome tweeters. Pricing spans a relatively affordable range of $299 to $899.
Atlantic Technology ships its NetStreams-enabled in-wall speakers
Atlantic Technology may not have hit the initially-promised Q4 2008 launch for its NetStreams-enabled in-wall speakers, but given the housing slump, that's probably just fine. The three new models -- IWTS-4 LCR-IP, IWTS-7 LCR-IP and IWTS-14 LCR-IP are ready to go now, and just as promised, they can switch hit between standard analog hookup and a NetStreams connection that will keep things digital right up to the cones; to take advantage of the 50-Watts of biamplification built into each speaker, though, you'll need to spring for the NetStreams hookup. Yours for $250, $325 or $450 each depending on whether you opt for the IWTS-4, IWTS-7 or IWTS-14; and don't forget to budget about $60 more for the grilles and frames on the two top-end models.
ELAN kicks off its Elios architectural speaker line with 19 models
ELAN Home Systems is bringing a classic formula to its new Elios lineup of 19(!) in-wall and in-ceiling speakers: innovative construction, new materials and "voicing" by ear. The easy-to-use drywall clamping system and baffles that can be aimed to direct sound into the listening area are nice, but don't really get our non-installer blood pumping. The metallic nano coating used on the tweeters that promises to combine the strengths of both soft dome and metallic drivers, however, does sound interesting. Top this all off with designs that incorporate actual listening during development (as opposed to simulated in a computer), and these speakers might just warrant a listen if you're shopping for some in-wall/ceiling speakers. With 19 models (for now) and prices ranging from $200 - $1,500 per pair, there's probably something that will fit your requirements; pity there's no THX certification at the expensive end of the range, though.
Pragmatic's HideAway amplifier brings zero-footprint audio one step closer
If you've gone through the trouble and expense of putting audiophile-approved speakers in-wall, there's a good chance you're a "separates, no receivers" kind of purist. Carrying out your streamlined install to the next level will require you to put the amplifiers in wall, too, so you might be a candidate for Pragmatic's HideAway Stereo Audio Amplifier 248. Your audiophile side will like the promise of dual monoblock amplifiers in the little 2x3.5x3-inch box, but while you might typically associate monoblocks with triple-digit power, this $550, 15V-powered unit pumps out 48-Watts continuous and 60-Watts peak and Pragmatic specs flat performance from 10Hz to 50kHz. Like all things custom install, you can accessorize here -- volume controls, rack mounts and even a junction box install await your pocketbook.
Tannoy's CVS4 Micro speaker puts some Dual Concentric tech above your head
The small footprint and point-source radiation of a concentric driver setup (tweeter mounted on the dust cap of a mid/woofer) make a lot of sense for installed use, so it's no surprise to see Tannoy -- a longtime proponent of its Dual Concentric drivers -- would use the technology for its CVS4 Micro in-ceiling speaker. The 0.75-inch tweeter is paired up with a 4-inch bass unit in a can-type enclosure for easy in-ceiling installation, even in low clearance installs. Better still, these you can feed these either 70V or 110V and everything will be ok thanks to the built in transformer. Bad news for the bassheads, though -- the low end only reaches to 90Hz.
Paradigm preps PCS subwoofers to put some boom in the CES walls
In light of Paradigm's recent 15-inch Signature SUB 25 subwoofer, you might glance right past the PCS-80R (round) and PCS-80SQ (square) 8-inch models planned for CES release. Since they're in-wall subs, that's kind of the point, but also bear in mind that these new boomers are meant to be used in pairs; so even for the target entry-level applications, these should have decent output. Mounting speakers flush with walls has always been a problem, especially for low frequencies, but Paradigm assures us that the chassis and mounting of the PCS subs in the walls will ensure that nasty wall resonances will be tamed and these should plumb the depths quite nicely, especially when paired with a Paradigm X-300 subwoofer amplifier (with its own EQ). No prices yet, but we're sure details will come forth at the CES unveiling.
Phoenix Gold ships space-saving HDMI 1.3a wall plates
If you're looking to install some fairly permanent HDMI runs, you'll probably want to give these a look. Phoenix Gold has just started to ship its space-saving HDMI 1.3a wall plates, three of which provide 90-degree right angle outputs designed to "minimize the outward depth required by connected HDMI cable." A variety of models are available to suit your specific install needs, with the baseline edition going for $49.99 and the high-end version selling for $69.99.[Via CEPro]
Runco ships $40k 100-inch VideoWall VW-100HD in-wall projection system
Just when we thought everyone was scaling back in order to cater to the poor, cash-strapped consumer dealing in these tough economic times, along comes Runco to help us remember that there's still a market out there for the uber-elite. The outfit's remarkable 100-inch VideoWall VW-100HD 1080p in-wall projection system is shipping just in time for that special someone on your holiday gift list, but you better be expecting something absurdly awesome in return. Not just anyone deserves a $39,995 present, you know. Full release is after the break.
Wisdom Audio ships its high-end Sage L150i in-wall speakers
If you're a sucker for that oh-so-sweet treble offered up by planar magnetic specialist Wisdom Audio but your custom-install project has been held up awaiting the arrival of the company's L150i speakers, it's time to call the drywallers and painters, because they're now available. If you've haven't pulled the considerably heavy $15,000 (per speaker, in case it matters) trigger on the L150i, we're sure that if they're on your short-list, you can probably afford a trip to CES 2009 for the new model's official coming-out party. Each speaker consists of two 76-inch tall, 8-inch wide cabinets -- one for the dozen 6-inch drivers that handle the bass, the other for the ribbon that handles the rest of the spectrum. We remember the quaint days when people would want to show off this kind of speaker, not hide them in the walls, but we think owners will still find plenty to crow about.
SpeakerCraft introduces surface mount Sound Pillows
In-wall drivers are nice, sure, but what if you're not really looking to butcher your wall just to get some sound up there? Enter SpeakerCraft's Sound Pillows, a rather brilliantly designed speaker that can be installed in standard drywall via a "dog frame" or into a junction box if desired. Rather than having to wire things permanently, the Pillows simply snap into the wall plate where it's secured with two push-in tabs. Obviously, this approach also keeps your options open for swapping speakers out or taking them with you when you relocate. Mum's the word on pricing, but you can probably get a good idea by contacting your local dealer.
ELAN ships $3,350 XP-8.4 WiFi touch panel
If Embedded Automation's mPanel is the exception to high priced touch panels, ELAN's XP-8.4 is the rule. Granted, it does feature an 8.4-inch touch screen and it doesn't have to be mounted in your wall, but $3,350 is a lot of scratch no matter how you spin it. The WiFi-enabled device is now shipping (months ahead of schedule, mind you) to dealers, and aside from controlling just about every aspect of your digital home, users can also browse the web (Flash support included!) on the unit itself. It comes bundled with a tabletop docking / recharging cradle with Ethernet / USB ports and a built-in rechargeable battery pack, but it's too bad that the picture above is about as close as we'll ever get to owning one.