Ah, the splendor of the high-end table radio. SoundWorks i765 is a fab-sounding 2.1-channel system with built-in DVD/CD player plus a radio with improved AM and FM tuners over all previous models. It also now docks, charges, and provides video pass-through for all of the latest iPods, which allegedly is a very complicated affair.
The best truly tiny satellite we've ever heard is the One|Sound Model 2.2 from CDT Audio. Mounted to the wall, the two-inch mid-tweeter handled everything above 200Hz with confidence and ease--we actually thought, at first, that the surprisingly coherent sound came from larger models sitting below. To really show how small these things are, we started pulling stuff out of our pockets to indicate scale. We're guessing CDT will do well by appealing to the existing audience for the almost equally small Bose Jewel Cubes--which are sold only as part of an integrated system and thus operate at a competitive disadvantage.
The UltimateAVmag.com editors are getting ready for CES 2007 and will be reporting live from the show starting Monday, January 8. Join Shane Buettner, Tom Norton, and Randy Tomlinson as they file their reports and photos.
One of DXG’s latest HD camcorders records H.264 video in 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 fps, has a 3” LCD screen, uses SD cards with support for higher capacity cards, takes up to 8MP digital still pictures, and uses rechargeable NI-MH AAA batteries (included) or standard alkaline AAAs (you’ll have to buy those yourself). Of course, you might have to take out a loan in order to afford the DXG-569V HD at its estimated street price of...$149.
If $149 was too much for you to pay for being able to record your foolish antics in HD, DXG also offers the new iPod-knockoff-like DXG-567V HD 720p camcorder with a 2” LCD screen and 2X digital zoom available for $129. At this price, I’m thinking of starting a “One HD camcorder per child” project.
High-end gaming PC overlords Alienware showed off an ENORMOUS curved LCD screen here in Las Vegas, tentatively named... Alienware Curved Display. It's even more impressive in person, wider than any consumer-available screen I've ever seen, with a curve that does a better job filling the user's field of vision for a more immersive experience.
In addition to spreading their technology message and announcing new software partners (Disney!), the D-BOXers brought along their top-of-the-line products, including a motion-enabled loveseat and this little beauty, a recliner with a third actuator for up-and-down-movement, or "heave," hence my raised thumb to illustrate. The heave literally adds another dimension to the interactivity that the chairs bring to DVDs and Blu-rays. If you ever see the D-BOX roadshow truck in your neighborhood, be sure to take a seat.
Datacolor is promoting their Spyder TV hardware and software by providing FREE hands-on training classes at the Sahara Hotel (Suite 2244) at 10AM and 2PM daily. Spyder TV products are designed to automate and simplify video setup for the end user seeking the best possible picture from his or her display. Calibration essentials include optimizing all user controls both with and without DataColor instruments. Nearly every display technology is represented. Instruction is provided by Gregg Loewen and Michael Chen, two of the most experienced ISF calibrators in the world. More advanced instruction with Spyder TV Pro and ColorFacts software is also being provided for installers and industry professionals.
Definitive Technology's Mythos STS mini-tower is a smaller version of the original Mythos, with both distinguished by their built-in powered SuperCube subs. Also in the extruded aluminum enclosure are two 4.5-inch mids in cast-magnesium baskets, an aluminum tweeter, and the 5x10" SuperCube sub along with its two 5x10" passive radiators. Sounded gorgeous with an African chorus floating over the listening room like a diaphanous multicolored mass of clouds. Price: $1499, five hundred less than the original Mythos. Also new are a pair of soundbars, the SSA-50 ($1099) and SSA-42 ($799). The chief difference between these and DefTech's previous soundbar products is that the new ones handle not just three but five channels (with external sub). The demo revealed discernible rear presence and panning. If not as good as discrete speakers, it was certainly darned good.
As the proud parent of Denon and Marantz D&M Holdings came away from CES with a pair of UAV awards. Denon's AVR-5805 was the best AV receiver we saw and heard, while the Marantz VP-11S1 remains the top 1080p projector we've seen in 2006 or any other year.
Although specific products and dates weren’t attached, Denon had a static technology demonstration that revealed that AVRs in its 2007 line will feature integrated Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless audio over HDMI 1.3. These AVRs will be loaded with compelling features throughout the line including advanced video processing at the high-end and myriad connectivity options for portable music players and streaming content. In addition, a separate pre/amp and power amplifier system was shown as well.
Sony's VGX-XL3 VAIO XL3 Digital Living System is essentially a computer with a horizontal form factor, a Blu-ray read-write HD optical drive, a CableCARD enabled HDTV TV tuner, HDMI connectivity, and Windows' Vista operating system. Since Vista has not been released yet, this hasn't either.
2007 is shaping up to be an insane year in next-gen HD on a disc. There's been so many significant announcements to follow, I didn't even have time to post on Disney's impressive Blu-ray lineup for the first half of 2007. There are some very impressive catalog titles coming in, and here they are.
Sony's press conference. Somewhere out there, Sir Howard Stringer is announcing the release of the XEL-1, an 11-inch-diagonal OLED TV that's just 3mm thick. The XEL-1 sports two HDMI inputs and a MemoryStick slot for photo viewing, and it's available now for the wee little asking price of $2,500.
At a low-key reception this morning, NXT showed off some recent introductions of their flat-panel speaker technology, including this Gateway all-in-one computer that incorporates the NXT’s SoundVu technology. It’s a flat speaker panel that’s clear enough to be used to cover an LCD screen on a computer, and amazingly the vibration of the panel does not affect the view of what’s underneath.
CES 2008
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