Yes, it's only 2-channel, but the new Classe CP-800 preamp may be a taste of the future for such devices. Scheduled to ship in January 2010 for under $6000, it incorporates digital inputs, including coaxial, optical, and USB (asynchronous with proprietary clocking, a significant feature for us audio propeller heads), with on-board D/A conversion. Full support for Apple's transportable iProducts is also included. There are analog inputs as well, which can be set up for direct analog pass-through analog sources—or even as a pass through for the front channels of a full surround system. The outputs can even be programmed to drive one or more subwoofers, together with bass management and parametric EQ. The subs can be set up to operate on some inputs but not others. Both remote control and a graphical user interface with a touchscreen are part of the package.
Infinity's new Classia series speakers are not expected to ship before early next year. It will replace the Beta series. The top of the line is the floor-standing C336.
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I don't count myself a big fan of this widely praised film. It was directed by Steven Spielberg during his "good aliens" period—a period that included the far superior ET: The Extraterrestrial.
There's no question that OLEDs can produce eye-grabbing color as well as great blacks and off-axis performance. Like most displays at shows such as this, color is stretched and enhanced all out proportion. But it shur r purdy.
The folks from SunBrite make the best sun and rainproof TVs I've ever seen. In fact, they make the ONLY sun and rainproof TVs I've ever seen. But then, I don't get out much.
Stewart launched a new cosmetic and convenience option for its retractable, non-masking screens. It's called Cabaret, and is available in a wide range of standard and custom colors, together with decorative lighting (assumably switchable during actual use!.) The convenience part is that the screen case may be cantilevered out from the wall by several inches--enough to mount a flat panel behind it.
Stop the presses. There's a new set of reference high definition discs in town, discs that in technical quality alone very nearly blow anything you've seen so far out of the water. It's the Complete Matrix Trilogy, available this Tuesday (May 22) only in a boxed set of three HD DVDs.
If you don't know the drill, you will soon. That 3DTV from brand A will only work with the glasses from brand A, not from brand B, C, or D. But Monster Cable has an answer. The new Monstervision Max 3D glasses are said to work on any 3DTV.
As usual, video guru Joe Kane was holding forth in his black-curtained lair in the land of Da-Lite , demonstrating his Samsung-derived projectors (sadly, no longer available) and his approved, Da-Lite Affinity screens (which definitely are). Joe is working 24/7 to get his next test disc ready to market, which will include 3D material and 3D test patterns— sorely needed by video pros, calibrators, and users alike.
Tom Norton
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