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Rotel debuting 15 Series of receivers, amplifiers and more

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 28th 2008 at 4:43PM


Rotel really only comes out to speak to the press once a year, and it always seems to happen right around the September time frame as CEDIA draws near. This year, the high-end brand will be introducing a smattering of new products in the newly created 15 Series. For starters, we've got the flagship RSX-1560 7.1-channel AV receiver, which offers up 100-watts of Class D power per channel, four HDMI 1.3 inputs, 1080p / 24Hz Faroudja video processing and assignable 12V triggers to boot. It'll also be trotting out the RSX-1550 AVR, the RSP-1570 surround processor / preamplifier, the potent RMB-1575 amp and a number of other home components detailed in the read link. The whole crew should be available by Q4, and if you're scouting the stratospheric price tags, they're down there in the PDF as well.

Velodyne gets ready to rumble at CEDIA with new subwoofers

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 28th 2008 at 3:32PM

Velodyne sure has been keeping quiet of late, but now we know why -- it's been saving it all up for a CEDIA extravaganza. From the top, it'll be introducing the Optimum-8, 10 and 12 subs, which feature up to 1,200-watts (RMS) of amplification, interactive front panel displays and an automated, one button 7-band equalizer. Moving on, we've got the in-wall SC-600, Class D-powered DEQ-R (in 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-inch models) and the small(er) Impact line, which boasts a 6-inch forward firing driver and an 8-inch down-firing passive driver. Expect prices and availability to surface within a few days.

Sanyo uncorks $1,295 720p PLV-Z60 projector

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 28th 2008 at 2:07PM


As the pre-CEDIA releases continue to roll, we've got yet another projector from Sanyo. The PLV-Z60 offers up a native 720p resolution, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,200 ANSI lumens, 3D color management system, 12-bit processing IC for video decoding, scaling and gamma curve generation and a 2x optical zoom. You'll also find VGA, HDMI (x2), component (x2) and S-Video connections, and you can find the PJ itself next month for $1,295. [Warning: PDF read link]

Stewart Filmscreen's Media Décor covers your flat-panel with art

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 28th 2008 at 10:22AM


If those other flat-panel concealers have left you wanting more, have a look at Stewart Filmscreen's alternative. The Media Décor deployment system "lowers a piece of custom artwork over a fixed Stewart projection screen (or flat-panel TV) when they are not in use," giving those with wall-hung sets the ability to see something other than a black expanse when glancing above the mantel. The device is available in sizes large enough to cover screens up to 110-inches diagonal, and of course, the entire thing can be remotely controlled for extra wow. If this sounds like just the thing to burn through that wad of disposable income you've recently happened upon, give Stewart a call to find out pricing details based on size. [Warning: PDF read link]

Sony intros TA-DA5400ES and TA-DA3400ES AV receivers

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 27th 2008 at 4:20PM


We thought we had seen all of Sony's 2008 ES lineup, but boy were we distinctly incorrect. Sony Japan has today revealed a trio of newcomers, two of which we've never seen before. The TA-DA5400ES packs a 120-watt x 7 channel internal amplifier, six HDMI inputs (and 2 outputs), six optical audio jacks and three sets of component inputs (among others). As for the STR-DA3400ES, the wattage steps down to 100-watts per channel and the port selection isn't nearly as robust; the STR-DG820 is already available in the States, making us believe this one's just an overseas re-release. Anywho, feel free to check out the full specifications in the read link below, and you can look for these to land (at least in Japan) this November.

[Via SonyInsider]

Ask Engadget HD: To TiVo, or not to TiVo?

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 27th 2008 at 12:00PM Featured Story


For as much grief as television providers get for their lackluster set-top-boxes / HD DVRs, we wonder why everyone doesn't own a TiVo? Actually, that'd be Tyler who's wondering:

"I'm using an HD DVR provided by my cable company, and most times, it works well enough. I've heard that TiVo boxes are superior, though I'm having a tough time justifying the additional monthly cost. I'd love to hear some pros and cons from current / former owners, as well as whether or not they think it's worth it."

Time to take a stand for your box, TiVo owners. What makes it so worthwhile? Is now a good time to buy one?

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.

DLO introduces HomeDock HD Pro: its latest upscaling iPod dock

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 27th 2008 at 7:01AM


One thing's for sure: DLO's pretty attached to its HomeDock brand, and evidently it could care less about just how confusing these naming schemes are to customers. Let's clear some cobwebs real quick -- this isn't the HomeDock Pro, nor is it the HomeDock HD. Rather, it's the HomeDock HD Pro, a glorious combination of the two (or something). Aimed at home theater enthusiasts and home installers alike, this upscaling iPod dock takes stored content to 720p or 1080i over HDMI, and you'll also find an HDMI extension socket, optical digital audio port, RS-232 control connector and IR output for supporting universal remotes. Expect this one to set you back $399 when it arrives this fall. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading DLO introduces HomeDock HD Pro: its latest upscaling iPod dock

Epson releases MovieMate 55 projector with built-in DVD player

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 27th 2008 at 6:06AM


We're not at all pleased by Epson's refusal to reveal the native resolution of its MovieMate 55, but judging by the $699 estimated street price, we'd bet it's no better than 1,024 x 768. At any rate, the 8.4-pound unit is designed more for sleepovers and summer camps than home cinema applications, as it boasts a built-in DVD player rather than a Blu-ray unit (and the resolution to match). You'll also find a pair of 8-watt speakers, 1,200 ANSI lumens, E-TORL lamp and a built-in handle for good measure. Snag one for the youngin' this October at resellers all across the land.

Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 26th 2008 at 2:01PM


When we heard of Polk Audio's Atrium Sat 30 and Sub 10, we can't say we envisioned those two objects you see pictured above. Debuting at this year's CEDIA, these two units combine to create a new outdoor speaker system "that adapts seamlessly into any exterior landscape." The Sat 30 resembles an outdoor light fixture (or one of those "plants" on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids), while the Sub 10 was crafted to resemble a "plant stand or pedestal table." Both devices are sealed from water and are hopelessly ugly in and of themselves, but if you're looking for something to blend right into your flora, look no further. The pair will begin shipping in January 2009 for $179 (Sat 30) / $329 (Sub 10). Full release after the break.

Continue reading Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10

HANA Entertainment Box looks to pass along HD content over coax

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 26th 2008 at 3:11AM

Coaxial cabling has long since been viewed as a premiere option for passing along high-def content within the home. After all, in most places it's already neatly installed within the walls. The High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance (HANA) has announced its intentions to release a HANA Entertainment Box reference design based on the new (UWB-based) 1394 Over Coax standard; products based on said design will enable consumers to "download HD content from any broadband connection or HD cable set-top-box and watch it in any room in their home with a coax jack and a remote control." HANA is hoping to have the reference design and initial prototypes out the door in Q4, though we wouldn't hold our breath.

Chief / Sanus to debut automatic motorized TV tilt mount

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 25th 2008 at 8:25PM


You know what time it (almost) is, so you'll be prepared to handle a whole new breed of TV mounts as well. With CEDIA upon us, Chief Manufacturing and Sanus are both rolling out the same automatic motorized tilt mount, though it'll be dubbed LT15 for Chief and CM8 for Sanus. Put simply, this was designed for folks who want / need to mount their set higher than eye level. Upon receiving a signal via optical cable that the set was turned on, it automatically tilts the unit downward in order to give everyone a better view. Surprisingly, the asking price on this is just $299, which -- all things considered -- isn't half bad.

Wall-E Blu-ray details seep out, it's unsurprisingly getting the royal treatment

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 25th 2008 at 3:39PM


To say that Wall-E was a hit for Disney would be grossly understating it, and that's evidenced by the robust Blu-ray release that's being primed for a November 18th release. Unsurprisingly, Disney and Buena Vista Home Entertainment will be releasing this one just before the holiday shopping season really gets going, and we have a hunch it'll probably do some record smashing of its own. The 3-disc BD package will include Digital Copy, Burn-E with Boards (PiP), Cine-Explor with director Andrew Stanton, Axoim Arcade: retro suite of video games with a twist and a few Blu-ray exclusive features including at least one that taps into BD-Live. So, are you going to hand over $40.99 (MSRP) to hear that sweetheart utter "EEEEEVVVAAAAAA!" once more?

RTI busts out V6 / A8 matrix switchers and CP-1680 audio amp

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 25th 2008 at 2:22PM


These are primarily for the pros, so we'll keep it short and sheet. RTI is getting set to unveil a trio of new products at CEDIA, the first of which routes eight analog audio and eight composite video sources to eight individual zones. Needless to say, that's the A8 Audio Distribution Matrix Switcher we're referring to. The V6 Video Distribution Matrix Switcher can switch six component and composite video sources between six varying zones, while the CP-1680 Multi-Channel Audio Amplifier provides audio through 16 channels at 80-watts each. Pricing has yet to be divulged, but feel free to venture on past the break for the whole release.

Continue reading RTI busts out V6 / A8 matrix switchers and CP-1680 audio amp

Avoca unveils VIP Music Edition residential music control system

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 25th 2008 at 9:25AM


As the run-up to CEDIA continues, the no-names are coming out in force. Avoca is looking to make a splash in the residential music control system sector with its VIP Music Edition. A stiff $3,990.00 (and up) will buy you a sleek VIP Music Player, a wireless VIP Music Companion (read: a remote) and the company's own Say it-Play it control interface, which enables you to simply speak what artist you'd like to hear and have it played back instantly. The integrated CD player can automatically rip and store lossless copies of your jams, and the on-screen interface enables you to sift through and find whatever you're looking for. The system is all set to snag some limelight in Denver, though prospective buyers can find it at dealers right now. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Avoca unveils VIP Music Edition residential music control system

US patent office supports Tzero, rejects Pulse~LINK patent

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 25th 2008 at 3:05AM

While it was Pulse~LINK winning the last (but obviously not final) round of this multi-year tiff, the tables have turned once more. Tzero Technologies has just announced that the US Patent Office "issued an office action rejecting all claims of US patent number 6,970,448 asserted in a lawsuit brought by Pulse~LINK against Tzero in June 2007." This decision, coupled with a stay issued by the district court, will evidently bring the lawsuit to a close "for the foreseeable future." We're told that the legal struggles between the two are now officially over, but we're admittedly hesitant to believe it.




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