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SPEED adds Neural-THX Surround to HD broadcasts
After Neural-THX Surround got around 14.5 minutes in the limelight with its Super Bowl XLII showing earlier this year, the technology has remained far, far away from the press. Now, however, SPEED is vowing to integrate Neural-THX Surround professional products "for its HD programming schedule covering NASCAR, Grand Am, IndyCar, etc." For those unfamiliar with the technology, it goes a little something like this: 5.1 sound from the track is taken in, beamed over stereo channels to minimize bandwidth usage and then decoded by specially equipped receivers for "5.1 surround" in the living room. From what we can tell, the tech should be ready to roll right now, so it's up to you to snatch up an AVR in order to take advantage.
Wii Warm Up: The most important feature
When playing a game, what do you look for most? Is it good visuals or tight controls? Do you think in-game events dictate the worth of a title? Is it the source material and story? When checking out a game, what has to be good for you to stick around? What's the most important feature you look for in a title?
GEAR4 BlackBox micro uses your table to enrich bass notes
GEAR4's BlackBox Bluetooth speaker is splendid for those with ample room in their abode, but where will you turn for lavish sound when space is an issue? Bose? Pish posh. The newly introduced BlackBox micro (sadly) ditches Bluetooth in exchange for a sole 3.5-millimeter auxiliary port, but it does include an integrated SFX gel base in order to use any flat surface to "provide rich bass sounds." Beyond all that fanciful stuff, you'll find another traditional driver kicking out mids and highs, and there's even a USB port for powering it with whatever computer you've got nearby. Look for this one to sneak into stores this August for £20 ($40).[Via Pocket-lint]
Yamaha intros YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector
Yamaha cranked out its pricey YSP-600 sound bar just a few months back, but the company's already looking to put the past behind and move forward with the YSP-3050. The latest in the outfit's long-standing line of Digital Sound Projectors offers up 21 beam drivers, two woofers, 23 corresponding digital amplifiers, three Cinema DSP programs (movie, music and sports), analog-to-HDMI video upconversion, HD upscaling to 1080i / 720p and a 1080p (24Hz and 60Hz) compatible HDMI interface with two inputs and one output. Aside from engulfing you in audio with just a single bar, the unit is also XM Radio / iPod-ready (via the $99.95 YDS-11), and the integrated FM tuner and bundled remote make it even easier to see in your den. You'll also find the firm's propriety automated system calibration (IntelliBeam) along with TV Equal Volume to keep those sudden bursts at bay when it comes time for commercials. 'Tis a shame this piece costs $1,399.95, but if you're tight on space, it just might be worth it. Full release after the break.
Onkyo's TX-SA706X 7.1 receiver is beastly, Mr. T approved
It's too early to tell if gold-colored components really are making a comeback, but you better believe Onkyo's at the forefront of the gilded parade. Shortly after pumping out the TX-SA606X in Japan (and the TX-SA606 in America), the TX-SA706X has arrived to take things one step further. This 7.1-channel receiver delivers a potent 200-watts of juice to each channel and includes five HDMI 1.3 inputs (alongside one output), a frequency response of 5Hz to 100,000Hz, Audyssey Dynamic EQ processing and built-in decoding for Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Granted, such a monster of an AVR won't become your very own with putting a nice size dent in your wallet, but those in Japan can treat themselves on July 19th when it lands for ¥189,000 ($1,781).[Via HDTV Space] %Gallery-26352%
Aperion Audio unveils Bravus subwoofers, Intimus loudspeaker line
Aperion Audio may not be a household name in, well, audio, but it's newest offerings sure warrant a look from anyone mildly serious about sound. For starters, the outfit has completely revamped its Intimus loudspeaker line, now offering up nine models across three speaker series. As expected, the entire crew has been voice and timbre matched, and each speaker possesses the same tweeter so that all Intimus units can be mixed and matched to suit your fancy. Since we know a multi-channel system just isn't the same without a dash of low-end, the Bravus subwoofers were also introduced to handle those duties. The 8D, 10D and 12D units pack twin 8-/10-/12-inch subbies with 150/300/500-watts of power behind 'em. As for pricing, expect the new Intimus line to start at around $149 for a bookshelf, while the Bravus line ranges from $499 to $1,099. Read - Refreshed Intimus lineRead - Bravus subwoofers
AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy
With the introduction of the Air Guitar Rocker, we pretty much bid the art of air rockin' adieu. No longer could we slam our belt buckles in an attempt to whammy a downright nasty Bb chord without feeling ashamed. Thanks to the AirPiano, however, imaginary musicians the world over may have one more chance to garner the respect of innocent bystanders. This instrument, which is truthfully more akin to a theremin than a bona fide piano, enables users to emit beautiful tones without ever touching the "keys." It's even smart enough to sustain a note if you hold your hand over a particular area for an extended time. We don't hand out unwarranted props, but we can't help but tip our hats to this one. Head past the break for a video of what we're gushing over.[Via Hack-A-Day]
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.
Midify board adds MIDI port to Nintendo gaming handhelds
Not like you really need another excuse to use your DS as a MIDI controller, but the hacking fiends over at Division 6 have just made available the aptly-titled Midify board. The tiny creation enables users to add a MIDI port to just about anything, but it specializes in Midifying Nintendo handhelds. It can be installed directly into a GBA, GBA-SP, DS or DS Lite, though it'll play nice with other electronics should you procure a few extra parts. We won't even bother mentioning what all you can do with this, but those already salivating at the thought shouldn't have too much trouble parting with $34.99.[Via Hack A Day]
DS Daily: The sound
We'll be the first to admit it -- we don't listen to most DS games. Unless the music and effects are really great (or essential), we've usually got the sound turned down, and rarely break out headphones. Oddly, we often treat console games the opposite, listening to the music or sounds whether or not they're compelling. Maybe it's just too easy to relax with the iPod while spending time with the DS, or maybe DS games just aren't always as immersive (there can be drawbacks to short-burst gaming, after all). Do you do the same? Fill us in.
Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 HDMI sound card does bitstream output from your HTPC
Earlier this month, ASUS introduced the "world's first HDMI 1.3a compliant audio / video enhancement combo card." Who knew numero dos was so close behind? Auzentech has just announced its very own HDMI 1.3-native PCIe audio combo card, which is built around Creative's X-Fi processor and enables PC users to easily output 7.1-channel audio with no downsampling. Essentially, the Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 "accepts video from either an internal or external connection, mixes it with digital audio, and outputs the combined video and lossless multichannel audio via a single HDMI 1.3 port." Yep, that means Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs are fully supported. The only digs? For one, pricing remains a mystery, but the real kicker is the September release -- talk about a long wait.
Yamaha's Tenori-on goes on sale in America
Thanks for keeping your promise, Yamaha. The almost unicorn-like Tenori-on music maker has at long last gone on sale here in America, offering USers willing to part with $1,200 the chance to get lost inside a cacophonic wilderness. Good luck finding one in stock.[Via CNET]
Cisco set-top-boxes to solve U-verse audio dropouts?
Looks like one of those "souped-up" set-top-boxes could be just what the doctor ordered for ailing U-verse users. It's no secret (not even to AT&T) that many customers have been experiencing intermittent audio dropouts using optical audio connections on the current Motorola STBs. Typically, the glitches occur every 30 seconds to a minute, and the problem seems to reside within the box itself. Reportedly, Tier 2 technical support has advised some subscribers that Cisco boxes are now being dispatched for those dealing with the issue, and of course, AT&T asserts that these units will solve the problem. The latest word on end-user availability is "within [a few] weeks," so hopefully a bona fide fix isn't too far out.[Thanks, Ryan]
Ask Engadget HD: Using a HDTV to distribute audio
Home theaters have almost always been a balance between usability and experience. On one had having surround sound while watching TV is much more enjoyable, but at the same time trying to explain to the significant other how to turn it all on can be a nightmare. And in the spirit of a solution, William writes in:"I've been thinking that the next TV I bought would be the center of my system, with all of the HD inputs connected directly to my TV and the TV feeding digital sound to my multichannel Dolby Digital decoding amplifier. Then I noticed that the TVs SPDIF output doesn't work with HDMI inputs. This seems to me that it's negating the entire purpose of HDMI, using one simple cable. If I connect my DVD player to the TV using HDMI then I don't want to have to string a separate digital cable from my DVD player to my amplifier. I want to connect my TV to my amplifier once, and just use the power button and volume controls on the amp. Is this sort of thing common among TVs with digital sound outputs? Is it some copy restriction issue with the HDMI stuff that the digital sound can't then be shipped to a separate output?"Unfortunately this is very common and we've heard the DRM excuse on this one a few times -- but who knows if it's true. The fact is that the receiver has been the junction point of the HT system for years, and even with HDMI it continues to be. The good news is that if you play your cards right you can still have one remote (non universal) that easily controls everything. The trick is buying equipment -- which might mean replacing what you already have -- that supports HDMI-CEC, and works well together. Using HDMI-CEC, the receiver's remote can send signals to the HDTV via HDMI to let it know when to turn off and on. Furthermore, you Blu-ray player can tell the receiver to change inputs when it is turned on, etc. The bad news is that although HDMI-CEC is a standard, most manufacturers only guarantee compatibility with their products.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.
Scientists create "cloak of silence" -- serial killing will never be the same
Someday in the near future, the act of banging on your neighbor's door at 3 am because he won't stop playing I Can't Go For That at obnoxious volumes will be unheard of. Literally. Scientists have demonstrated a "cloak of silence" in the New Journal of Physics which might be used to build homes, concert halls, or aircraft which are impervious to sound waves. The process works by utilizing "sonic crystals," a meta-material made up of arrays of small cylinders which would channel sound around an object like water flowing around a rock. Says creator Dr. Sanchez-Dehesa, "It's not an unrealistic blueprint - it doesn't demand that we do extraordinary things... this is something that can easily be manufactured." Make it soon, please, we can't stand Hall & Oates.
SRS Labs sneaks TruSurround XT into Sharp, Olevia HDTVs
SRS Labs is on the warpath, and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. Just days after syncing up with Vizio, it now has two more partnerships to brag about: one with Sharp, one with Syntax-Brillian. As for the former, you can now sleep easy knowing that (most) AQUOS LCD HDTVs will come with TruSurround XT built right in. As for the latter, this deal ensures that the all new Olevia 2 Series and 6 Series LCD HDTVs have the same technology, which will supposedly make owners "feel as if phantom speakers are placed around them." We're getting chills just thinking about it.Read - Sharp agreementRead - Syntax-Brillian agreement
Sony's 5.1-channel HT-IS100 HTIB touts golf ball-sized satellites
It's a common issue: you're looking to get a bona fide surround sound system, but you've no room for any monstrous towers or bulky bookshelf surrounds. Enter Sony's latest HTIB, the HT-IS100. Featuring a 200-watt subwoofer complemented by five "golf ball-sized" satellites that get 45-watts apiece, the system supports Dolby Digital / Dolby Pro Logic II / DTS and comes with a handy remote. As for the port selection, you'll find a trio of HDMI and optical digital audio jacks, coaxial digital audio, composite (x2) and stereo outs as well. Unfortunately, there's no telling when the set will be coming Stateside (though launches in North America and Europe are promised), but those in Japan can look for it on June 25th for ¥90,000 ($883).[Via AP]
Creative reveals Fatal1ty-approved Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium
Considering that you've already spent way too much on that totally over-hyped Killer NIC, why not humor yourself further by snagging a sound card with Johnathan Wendel's prints on it. Proving once again that everyone does indeed have a price, famed gamer Fatal1ty has placed his highly respected seal of approval on a new duo of sound cards from Creative. The PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional Series and PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series devices boast the X-Fi enhancements you've come to expect, vivid new designs, unmistakable packaging and the assurance that the latter is the "official sound card of the CGS." As for pricing, the Pro edition is available to pre-order for $149.99, while the CGS model adds in an internal I/O drive and demands $199.99. Hit the read link for more detailed specifications and way too much gloating.[Via CustomPC]
NCsoft Audio Director reveals his old-school secrets
He uses an electric razor on a frying pan for a space ship sound. He uses marbles in his mouth to sound like an alien. No, this isn't a low-budget director in a 1950's monster movie, this is the brilliant work of NCsoft's Audio Director Tracy Bush who uses everyday household items to create the unique sound effects we've heard in some of NCsoft's top games of the last 4 years.If you've ever played Dungeon Runners, you know that along with the wonderful sense of humor in the game, the sound effects are equally as entertaining. The same goes for Tabula Rasa. The Bane drop ships and the horrifying whispers of "Kill them all!" are all part of this wonderfully immersive experience that is just as important as graphics, gameplay or anything else in the game. So the next time you're playing a North American NCsoft title, listen closely to the sound effects and see if you can guess which household item was used in its creation.
Patch 2.4.2 surprised me
Not that it was happening, but rather that it added a really strange sound effect to my Bloodrage and Berserker Rage abilities. My wife described it as sounding like the mutant offspring of an orc and a murloc howling in anguish, and she's not far off. After a while I realized I recognized the sound as being the same one that plays when Horde shamans use Bloodlust. Now, I don't know why, but while I accept the sound when it comes out of an orc, I have a really hard time hearing it when my human pops bloodrage... which he does a lot, since you know, needs more rage and all. This is reminiscent of the previous patch with the unexpected change to Whirlwind (also a sound effect change) and it makes me wonder every time if I just wasn't listening or if it's an actual change. Furthermore, it always makes me stop and think about just how much development work goes on for things like new music in inns, new sound effects, a new pet model... these things all add up and it's a lot of work if you stop and think about it.Have you noticed any other changes, undocumented or just stuff you didn't really think about?
