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Yamaha announces feature-packed RX-Z11 home theater receiver
Normally home theater receivers aren't considered anything special, content to switch inputs and power speakers, letting the plasma flat-panel take all the glory. But Yamaha has thrown all the goodies and features into the RX-Z11 receiver, with THX Ultra2 Plus certification for quality assurance, five HDMI 1.3a inputs and two outputs, four component inputs and two outs, and support for five audio and two video zones. It also supports the newest audio codecs, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio. To finish off the features, the receiver also supports terrestrial HD and XM satellite radio, network capabilities and internet radio, and includes an iPod dock for external media. The RX-Z11 comes out in November, for an undisclosed (but surely expensive) price.
THX developing automated audio-video adjustment tech
Little known fact: THX was founded by Star Wars director George Lucas in 1983 to help theater owners adjust their auditoriums for maximum impact -- and in doing so became an iconic brand for AV technology, even if no one really knew what THX is or does. Well, the company is now using that expertise to take on a new home theater challenge: automatically balancing audio and video levels. While THX-certified receivers, screens, and speakers are nothing new, what THX has under development could help ensure even the least technology-savvy users get the most from their gear. While details are slim at this point, think about how HDMI connectors can send technical details between source units and televisions to set optimal resolutions or audio formats. The project, code-named Blackbird, will supposedly work with the equipment directly on a movie-by-movie basis to adjust levels and tweak all those many options and levels you set and forget. Now, if we can just get this tech to do something about people connecting their high-def sets up correctly in the first place.
Sharp's 65 and 52-inch AQUOS T-Series: world's first THX certified LCDs
Even though Runco announced their development plans first, Sharp appears to be the first to market with a THX certified television. In fact, they've got two: a 65-inch and 52-inch LCD for Sharp's new AQUOS T-series. That THX logo is meant to ensure the best match of brightness and contrast with video processing for a home theater level of video reproduction. Interestingly though, the rated 350cd/m2 brightness and 2,500:1 contrast is step down from the AQUOS R-series' 450cd/m2 and 3,000:1. Sharp's explanation? They expect these panels to be used exclusively in the darkest of home theaters. Er, ok. As to the rest, you'll get a 1,920 x 1,080 120Hz ASV panel with 3x 1080p HDMI (plus 3x Japanese D5), 1x DVI, 2x Firewire, IrSS, and Ethernet. Both will be ready in Japan come September when you'll need ¥1,417,500 (about $11,599) for the LV-65TH1 or ¥840,000 (about $6,873) for the LV-52TH1. While we have a sneaking suspicion they'll be worth it, we'll be waiting for the reviews before dropping that kind of dough. [Via Impress]
Planar dives head first into high-end home theater market by acquiring Runco
Joining the growing array of recent acquisitions is Planar and Runco International, as just today Planar has written a check for $36.7 million to take on the assets of privately-held Runco International, Inc. Planar, while not a household name in the home theater biz, managed to hold its own amongst competitors in the HT market, and while the majority of its products catered to the mid-range consumer, we suspect that picking up Runco was the easiest way to launch into the high-end realm. As expected, it looks like the Planar, Runco, and Vidikron brand names will remain as they are, and just as Planar will continue to sell through its current network of distributors, it sure sounds like Runco will remain a niche offering rather than bleeding over towards the mainstream.
Onkyo's new receivers feature both XM and Sirius satellite radio
Onkyo has the loot for you if you want to hear Oprah and Howard back-to-back, with announcements of five receivers featuring both XM and Sirius satellite radio compatibility. The TX-SR575, TX-SR705, TX-SR805, and TX-SR875 models all support both formats for your radio jones, while the high-end TX-NR905 model also adds support for HD Radio digital broadcasts and an Ethernet jack for Internet radio and multimedia streaming. The receivers all have the usual collection of video ins and outs, and sport 1.3a HDMI connectors with Deep Color capability for switching between sources up to 1080p resolution. No pricing or dates were announced for the TX-SR575, but the TX-SR805 will ship in May for $1099, the TX-SR875 in June for $1699, the TX-SR705 in July for $899, and the TX-NR905 in August for $2099.Read - Onkyo THX Certified ReceiversRead - Onkyo TX-SR575
Runco now shipping world's first THX-certified projectors
We first peeped these units way back at CEDIA '06 and now are glad to report that Runco is shipping the world's first THX-certified projector lineup. These bank account breaking units are the first 1080p HD product to sport the new THX Certified logo that guarantees that the second mortgage you took out to buy one of these was worth it. The Video Extreme lineup (VX series) includes the VX-22d, VX-44d and VX-55d 3-chip 1080p DLP projectors along the new VX-2000d and VX-6000d single-chip 1080p DLP projectors. This series can be configured and customized to fit any clients/owners needs/wants and start around 11 grand but can easily climb all the way above 110K. It has been awhile that Runco can be considered cutting edge but we are thinking the THX Certified logo will beg to differ now.[Via Home Toys]
Razer introduces Mako 2.1 ground plane speaker system
Razer has recently introduced the Mako 2.1 speaker system at CES, whose claim to innovation is its ability to use a desk surface to increase output as well as smooth-over sound response. Unsurprisingly, Razer is keen to cite its device's THX-certification: specifically it features THX's Ground Plane and Slot Speaker technologies which create a sound space that's more spacious than usual. The slightly more solid specs on the Mako are as follows: 50 Watts per channel, a frequency range of 30-20,000 Hz, and an amplified headphone jack on the wired remote control. If you take a step back to the fluffy specs, you'll see -- but probably not care -- that it also has something called "ClassHD" technology that scales power in sync with the music. As we've said time and time before, we're not audiophiles, so we'll just out our view on the Mako 2.1 and be done with it: this is one odd looking speaker system.[Via Fareastgizmos]
Runco now shipping its THX certified, 1080p Video Xtreme projector lineup
Runco -- those folks who make the mesmerizing projectors that only A-class celebrities, former Gizmondo execs, and foreign leaders can afford -- are offering yet another bevy of luscious PJs for us to drool over. Touted as the "world's first 1080p HD video display products to achieve THX certification," the Video Xtreme lineup of DLP projectors have survived the rigorous testing necessary for any product to get that oh-so-coveted THX logo slapped on it, and now they're all ready to jazz up your home theater (and drain your wallet). Each model boasts Runco's own CineWide (with or without AutoScope) technology, which reproduces 2.35:1 films with "unparalleled accuracy," eliminating those pesky black bars without taking a hit in the quality department. They also sport the firm's DHD controller, HDMI inputs, and a variety of CinOptx zoom lenses to fit nearly any application. You can grab this highly prized goodness for just $16,995 if you shoot for the low-end VX-2000d, while the more luxurious units will run you $34,995 (VX-6000d), $44,995 (VX-22d), $79,995 (VX-44d), or $99,995 (VX-55d).
THX @ CEDIA - THX certification for video displays
How often have you heard this uttered: "How good is the noise reduction on this HDTV? Looks good to me." Not anymore. Runco worked with THX to produce the same type of certification process that's in place for audio, but this time it is for video and thus producing the world's first THX-certified display. Any type of display, expect CRTs, can earn this esteem'd title but it isn't easy. The actual requirements are revealed to manufacturers only after signing a NDR, but THX is working on a white paper with general information. What we learned from the Runco press event though was that wasn't easy producing a product that met THX's two requirements. One of 'em involves overall performance like brightness and contrast along standard measurements. The second part deals with all the processing. i.e. noise reduction, motion adaptive measurements, cadence, deinterlacing, jagger performance and the big one at this level of primary and secondary color accuracy. This cert can be award to any level of display, but it ain't easy. Runco current has eight products in the works with three in production. We just wonder how long it is till this type of technology filters down to the general public.
TiVo Series 3 HD Box officially announced
As we predicted, the TiVo Series 3 HD Box has finally been officially announced today, with availability coming "mid-September" according to the press release (or October?) -- but as we already know, you can order one from TiVo.com immediately. Like we've reported countless times before, dual CableCARDs enable the recording of two different shows in HD simultaneously, and the whole package has THX certification. And yes, our pricing was spot on: $800 for this bad boy. Oh, and don't forget to check out the new television commercial, featuring the little TiVo guy bouncing around and getting out of a limo, transitioning to the ever-popular Shanan presenting the features of the Series3 -- you know, the one who looks like she's straight out of the Broadway musical Cabaret.Read- Official Series 3 press releaseRead- Promo vid
Creative's ProGamer system goes wireless
Maximum PC has posted a review of Creative's latest contribution to 5.1 gaming, the GigaWorks ProGamer G550W. Creative has improved upon the original G550 system by making the rear channels cord-free, and including a wireless remote control that can also be used with select ZEN and MuVo MP3 players.The ProGamer G550W retails for $400, but can be had for as little as $305 online. Visit Creative's product page for more information.
