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Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3 -- official, real, and in our hands
Yeah, sure, we knew the Harmony IR-to-Bluetooth remote adapter was coming down the pike, but even with FCC filings and official confirmation of the device from Harmony, the PS3 owners among us are breathing a small sigh of relief now that we've got our hands on a unit that prove it will make it to market. We have a love/hate relationship with the PS3's Bluetooth remote control -- the range and total non-directionality of it are great, but having a separate remote control just for the PS3 is a real stick in the eye of our couch potato lifestyles. There are a few choices for solving the PS3 remote control conundrum, but on first blush this unit has three things going for it: support from a big name like Logitech (of course including codes in the Harmony database), it does not eat up one of your PS3's USB ports, and it handles switching the PS3 on and off (not unique, but some other solutions don't). We'll give the IR-to-Bluetooth converter a full rundown in due course, but follow us past the break for our initial impressions, an official fact sheet and a link to a Q&A section on the Logitech blog.
Denon outs 2009 line of Blu-ray players, AV receivers and headphones
Ready for loads of succulent new audio / video equipment that you can likely only afford in your wildest dreams? Fantastic. Today in NYC, Denon has decided to introduce a whole fleet of new kit, so we'll get right down to the nitty gritty. Oh, and we're on hand at the premiere, so expect some hands-on shots shortly. DBP-2010CI ($699; shipping in July) - Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player, onboard Ethernet, BD-Live / BonusView support, DivX HD playback, support for AVCHD, Anchor Bay Technologies VRS processing, upconversion and IP scaling to 1080p/24, RS-232c support, HDMI / component / composite video outputs DBP-1610CI ($499; shipping in July) - Same as above sans Anchor Bay chip and RS-232c Nine new AV receivers, priced from $379 at the low-end to $1,999 at the high; shipping between May and July 2009 ASD-51W ($299.99) and ASD-51N ($249.99) network-enabled iPod docks, both shipping in August. Both items also allow for Rhapsody streaming, Internet Radio streaming and Napster support. AH-NC600 ($199), AH-C710 ($149) and AH-C360 ($49) in-ear headphones, all of which will ship by July Full press releases and details for each are posted just past the break, and yes, it's overwhelming.
Marantz KI Pearl SACD player and integrated amp -- audiophile tested, Ken Ishiwata-approved
One reason we keep a place in our hearts for high-end audio is that there is still room for a single designer's vision, and this is no more apparent than in components with designer initials etched right into the faceplate. Right in line with NAD's stereo components wearing Bjorn Erik Edvardsen's initials, Marantz has issued the KI (Ken Ishiwata) Pearl stereo SACD player (model SA-KI) and matching integrated amplifier (model PM-KI). As with any signature gear, top-notch build is expected, and the Marantz KI Pearls don't disappoint; toroidal transformers, copper plated chassis and hand-picked components make the grade. Of course, you also expect high prices, and the KI Pearl pieces also deliver on that front -- the limited run of 500 pieces (each) of the SACD player and integrated amp will go for £2,499 ($3,769) each, and no US availability or pricing has been released yet. Painful, yes, but you might take some small comfort in knowing this is exactly the kind of gear that will appreciate in value. Audio geeks can go past the break for more glamor shots.
Ask Engadget HD: Best power and line conditioners for a big home theater?
Alright, this one will separate the serious home theater heads from the rest. While a dedicated mains and UPS may be the way to go for some, a need for clean power distribution should make James' question a consideration for any high end setup: "What do you recommend for power and line conditioners for large home theater systems? Monster units are the only ones I'm familiar with, but i know they're not the most liked company around these parts. Suggestions?" James, we hear you. You need a solution where better cabling might provide actual benefit and don't want to finance next weeks crush-the-little-guy lawsuit, we've all been there. We haven't covered a lot of power conditioners around these parts so why don't you let him know what's providing controlled AC to your system?
Agilent readies first automated WirelessHD test system
The biggest question about all that wirelessly connected AV equipment coming our way in the near future (other than how much extra will it cost) is how well it will all work together and under what conditions. Agilent says its CTS-1000 automated test system is up to the task of sorting things out for WirelessHD hardware, measuring frequency, power, bandwidth error rate and other stats to make sure equipment makes the 60 GHz grade before its stamped with the WiHD logo. Pictured above is just one piece of the system, the Infinium 90000A Series Oscilloscope, a better look at things can be had for an easy $350,000 - $500,000, depending on setup, available now for early implementers (we assume Panasonic has one) and June 1 for everyone else.
Analyst sees Wii HD in 2010
Really need to know when Wii games in 720p or higher resolutions will finally be officially available? In lieu of having no idea whatsoever, let us substitute the (slightly better?) option of dates pulled out of the air estimated by noted industry analyst Michael Pachter. He doesn't see any new consoles from the already-HD camp until 2013, with the long rumored Wii HD due in 2010. We know, 480p maximum output is the only thing keeping you from a fit, balance boarded lifestyle and also hope to see a proper high definition console from Nintendo as soon as possible, check the read link for all the financial details and reasonings why next year could be the year.[Via Joystiq]
Rotel's new 15-series components show stereo some love
Not everyone has jumped into the multi-channel audio arms race, and the last time we checked, the majority of music was available in two-channel stereo format. Rotel has introduced a new set of 15-series components for just such stereo lovers. At the head of the stream is the RCD-1520 slot-loading CD player with a toroidal transformer and segmented power supply that promise not to gum up the Wolfson DACs with noise. The RC-1550 (pictured) and RC-1580 stereo preamplifiers do their level best (pun intended) to embody the "straight wire with gain" ideal; pair them up with the 2x200-Watt RB-1582 or the 2x120-Watt RB-1552 amplifier. Finally, if you're after all-in-one convenience -- or not into expensive interconnects -- there's the RA-1520 integrated amplifier that wraps a preamp and a 2x60-Watt amplifier in one tidy package. This is Rotel gear, so you know prices aren't cheap; but then again, if you're still chasing after stereo gear, you probably are used to that. Full details -- including an "Engadget-effect" macro shot -- after the break.
Source announces Warpia wireless USB-to-HDMI adapter
We've been waiting for an inexpensive wireless USB-to-HDMI solution for what seems like forever now, and it sounds like we'll finally have some options soon: Source R&D has just announced that it's going to be shipping the Warpia Wireless USB Adapter set at the end of May for an estimated $129-$149. Just like the Atlona AT-HDAiR, the Warpia kit is just a rebranded OEM unit from Wisair, so most of the same caveats apply: max resolution is 1400 x 1050, range is about 30 feet, and HDMI and VGA are the only output options. Still, we can't really think of a better way to do some quick'n'dirty Hulu watching, so we'll be on the hunt for one of these soon -- keep an eye out.P.S.- Yes, we hope image quality is better than this totally bunk press pic on the Warpia site.
MSI intros new motherboard with True Blu-ray audio support
If you're building out your own HTPC rig, add the new MSI X58 Pro-E motherboard to the list of contenders for your dollars. The board packs an Intel X58 Northbridge / ICH10R Southbridge combo alongside Realtek ALC889 audio to deliver "True Blu-ray" audio. It's not terribly clear exactly how the marketing-speak plays out, but between the 24-bit, 192kHz audio specs and our cynical selves, we'd wager that this is all about sending Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA downstream via LPCM rather than bitstream. All things considered, that's not a bad way to go (and not without precedent), but we'd really like bitstreaming support for HTPCs that's a little more streamlined than the current offerings; we want to see the fancy logos we paid for in our receivers light up, after all!
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 HD video compares upscaling methods
We've already had a peek at the various sprite filtering modes that can be optionally employed on Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom 2 port for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but as usual, one truly need to get a look at the game in motion to judge. Check out Joystiq's YouTube HD footage (embedded after the break) and see if that type of thing has any noticeable effect on the action.
Audioholics peels back the lids on the current crop of ICEpower-based amplifiers
Typically devoid of fancy lights, knobs, and switches, amplifiers typically don't get a lot of marketing hype; heck, most people who own a receiver aren't even aware of the amplifier section. Bang & Olfusen's Class D ICEpower switching amplifiers wrinkle that a bit -- the compact footprint, light weight, energy efficiency and impressive specs are enough to make the newer technology marketable as, well, new. Sadly, from Audioholics' examination of many samples, it also looks like the newness stopped there and several manufacturers have slapped crazy price tags on an essentially "reference design" implementation. There's plenty of good technical info about the test bench performance of these amps in the link, but with several happy ICEpower users it's hard to say that the subjective performance is unsatisfactory; the wide price range for essentially the same amp is what's troubling. If nothing else, let it serve as a cautionary tale of not falling for the latest thing just because it's the latest thing -- when you're shopping for an amp, take your ears along with your wallet.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2's HD upgrade explained
Making us a little more comfortable with the slow death of S-Video is the news that the Sega Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. With its introduction to the HD console era, Capcom's had to make some changes to the classic, although it isn't getting a full frame by frame rework like Super Street Fighter II HD Remix, producer Rey Jimenez blogged about some of the updates, including the three options for sprite filtering seen above to keep things sharp in 1080p. Also new for 2009 is widescreen support (the stages are still the same size) with notes from two prominent player promising "the same game, only prettier." The only real question now is which game is next?
802.11n to dominate the wireless HD wars, says In-Stat
Industry watchers In-Stat didn't mention which variant of WiFi based HD streaming it expects to win out, but just based on the install base 802.11n should be the leader. UWB? DOA. WHDI and WirelessHD? Too expensive, too power hungry, too new. WiFi isn't perfect however, requiring codec support on either end to work with HD video but that's not expected to hold back the 25 million TVs with wireless hardware In-Stat sees shipping by 2013, but for the rest of the details you'll need $3,495 for the research report or a time machine.[Via TG Daily]
Fujitsu's MB88395 HD-over-Firewire controller hits the road
HD video is headed for your auto, and just like your home, you need to be able to soak up those pixels from more than one seat. To keep manufacturers from having to pull HDMI cables through the door panels and running boards, Fujitsu has the MB88395 controller (catchy name, right?) for streaming your entertainment around the cabin over a DTCP-protected 1394 network. At the heart of Fujitsu's silicon is the SmartCODEC, which can take a decompressed 1280x720 pixel video stream at 885Mbps and compress it down to 249Mbps with only a couple of milliseconds of delay. Never mind that Blu-ray only spits out a maximum data rate of 54Mbps, the analog hole comes through again -- just like in the home. Don't you just love copy protection?
ZillionTV's ZBar and ZRemote crash down in FCC's database
While a nationwide launch of the ad-based ZillionTV streaming service isn't expected until Q4 of this year, it's good to see that things are obviously on track. Just today, both the ZBar and ZRemote (shown after the break) -- two crucial hardware components to the system -- have splashed down in the FCC, giving those who just can't shove enough set-top-boxes under their television hope that one more is destined for US shelves. Granted, an FCC appearance doesn't guarantee an immediate market presence, but obviously the beta testing and collaboration with ISPs has been going well.Read - ZBar filingRead - ZRemote filing
Epson launches next-gen Ensemble HD Home Cinema System
Considering that Epson's highest-end HTIB is nearly two years old now, we'd say an update was definitely in order. Today, the outfit has just taken the wraps off of its next-generation Ensemble HD Home Cinema, which gets updated by way of including the PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 or Home Cinema 6500 UB. As with the prior kit, these two also include a motorized 100-inch screen, integrated surround sound, AV controller with built-in DVD player, universal remote and all virtually components needed for installation. The only thing that's glaringly absent is a Blu-ray player, which -- at this point -- is completely and utterly inexcusable. At any rate, those content with treating themselves to upscaled DVD can fork out $4,999 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 720p, $6,499 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 6100 and $7,999 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 6500 UB.
Goldmund asks "What recession?," releases Telos 5000 amplifier
Way to flaunt it, Goldmund -- while people are losing their homes, the company has introduced its flagship amplifier that costs as much as a house: the $189,600 Telos 5000. Look, we're sure the stereo (yeah, only two channels) sound coming out of this 5,000-Watt, 650-pound testament to a bloated ego sounds just great, but this kind of gear is what gives audiophiles who want something better than a HTIB a bad name and makes just about everybody else mutter "more money than sense." If you're just curious and hit the link, that's cool; but if you've got this kind of money, might we suggest paying for live musicians to follow you around instead?[Via BoingBoing]
Netgear's MoCA coax-ethernet adapter kit now available, explained with bizarre cartoon
Netgear's coaxial-hijacking adapter kit MCAB1001 MoCA is now available. The pair of devices, which turns your cable outlets into a home networking solution with transfer speeds up to 270 Mbps, is retailing on the company's online shop for a penny under $190, and if you'd like to watch an infomercial on how it works, chock full of oddly-chosen metaphors and trippy visuals, we've got the perfect read link for you just below.Read - Product pageRead - "MoCA in a Nutshell" video
Qtv launches console IPTV platform on the PlayStation.... 2
In one of the more unexpected developments from NAB 2009, Qtv is pushing its streaming media player platform for consoles. Not an altogether radical idea we know, but what's different here is a plan to launch first on the PlayStation 2 and move to newer hardware later. From the makers of the Qcast technology behind the GameShark Media Player, Qtv includes YouTube and access to streaming video from other sources, plus pictures, music and video (DivX, h.264, XviD & more) from USB devices or networked computers. The PS2 may not be the first HD set-top box we thought of, it does have the highest installed base. The Qtv player launches later this year and will be available on Mac and PC as well for "less than $50," although thanks to the free 30-day trial the hardest part may be remembering where we left our PS2s.
D-Link finally ships the DXN-221 Coax Ethernet adapter
It's taken almost a year, but D-Link is finally shipping its DXN-221 Coax Ethernet network adapter. The MoCA-certified box does exactly what it says -- it turns your existing coax cabling into a giant Ethernet network without interfering with TV signals, allowing you to get hardwired network speeds anywhere in your house without having to run Cat6. A pair will set you back $239 at retail, but it looks like D-Link is selling them direct for $156.[Via HotHardware]
