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Posts with tag multichannel

Four speaker Panasonic wireless sound system creates virtual 7.1 experience

by Darren Murph Jan 8th 2009 @ 4:05AM

Forget making your existing multi-channel system wireless; why not just get a whole new one that's built from the ground-up to operate sans wires. The system consists of four wireless speaker poles with inbuilt subwoofers (or so they say...), which send audio over a 2.4GHz wave. Supposedly, you'll get a 7.1-channel experience from the setup, but you won't be able to confirm or deny that allegation till it ships this Spring.

NTT America talks up IPv6-based Hikari-TV IPTV at CES

by Darren Murph Jan 6th 2009 @ 11:05PM


It has been awhile since we've heard the term IPv6 thrown around over here, but NTT America is looking to put it back on everyone's radar in Vegas. The outfit is all set to discuss Hikari-TV, the first large scale, commercially successful IPTV over IPv6 service, at CES, and we can't wait to give it a listen. For those out of the loop, the Hikari-TV service -- which is operated by NTT Plala -- comprises 76 channels including a number of HD stations, over 10,000 video-on-demand titles and over 13,000 titles in its "karaoke" section. Worldwide, IPTV still has quite a ways to go before it becomes even half as pervasive as traditional coax, but Gartner estimates that worldwide subscriptions to IPTV should be close to 20 million already.

How-to guide breaks down 7.1-channel audio setup procedure

by Darren Murph Dec 16th 2008 @ 9:14AM


Blu-ray player? Check. An AV receiver? Check. Loads of cables? Check. Knowledge of how to hook everything up for maximum impact? Uh, not so much. BigPictureBigSound has hosted up a nice how-to guide for making the most of the multi-channel audio that's just waiting to ooze out of your Blu-ray player. The writeup covers both HDMI and analog approaches, and it breaks it down in five easy-to-digest steps so that you don't get all overwhelmed. Go 'head, give it a look -- it's not that difficult, we promise.

HTIB shootout picks the best at a variety of price points

by Darren Murph Dec 4th 2008 @ 7:20AM


We've already seen one speaker guide pop up this fall / winter, but for those not so keen on piecing together a multi-channel setup themselves, PC World has a solid alternative. It has taken a cold, hard look at seven home-theater-in-box (HTIB) setups ranging from $500 to $3,000 and picked the best one at each price level. We won't spoil anything here, but if you've been looking for some assistance in choosing from the plethora of options out there, this ain't a bad place to get educated.

Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems hands-on

by Darren Murph Sep 4th 2008 @ 10:53PM


Sony's CEDIA booth was stocked with the outfit's latest pair of Blu-ray HTIB systems, and for those looking to dive into the Blu and get into surround sound at the same time, neither set is a bad choice. Each BD deck is actually customized specifically for these packages, and while the innards are likely similar to the those found in the BDP-S550, the inclusion of an internal amplifier makes 'em special. See which speaker style suits your fancy in the gallery below.

Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems do Blu-ray

by Darren Murph Sep 3rd 2008 @ 7:00PM


Sony's BDV-IT1000 HTIB was outed late last month, but that's not stopping the powerhouse from making it official alongside the BDV-IS1000 today at CEDIA. As you likely know, these two are Sony's first offerings in the burgeoning Blu-ray HTIB market, as both packages come bundled with an elusive BD-Live-capable deck (the BDP-S350, we presume?) along with integrated support for the firm's S-AIR technology. Each set packs a pair of HDMI inputs, XMB menu navigation, 5.1-channel surround sound, Digital Media Port (for hooking up your PMP), BRAVIA Sync and even an IR repeater on the IT1000ES. The aforesaid BDV-IT1000ES ($1,999) includes oh-so-slim drivers (pictured after the jump), while the $1,000 BDV-IS1000 includes the same "golf ball-sized" speaks as the HT-IS100. Both sets are shipping next month, or so says the release waiting after the break.

Continue reading Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems do Blu-ray

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best HTIB system?

by Darren Murph Aug 7th 2008 @ 12:00PM


Let's face it -- not everyone has the space nor disposable income to piece together their own multichannel surround sound system, and that's where this week's Ask Engadget HD question comes in. Take it away, Todd:

"I'm currently stuck in a small apartment with a need for surround sound, but I can't go buy a bunch of separates and create a system. I'm obviously in the market for a small but great sounding HTIB. I already own a Blu-ray player, so I'm not too concerned with any built-in DVD / BD players. Which 5.1 (or greater) set out there today offers the best bang for my buck?"

There's no shame in buying your surround sound in a box, so puff out your chest and give this man an answer. Are you pleased with the sound quality / volume / overall performance of your boxed rig? Does your friend's unit sound better? Turn it to 11 and speak up!

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.

SPEED adds Neural-THX Surround to HD broadcasts

by Darren Murph Jul 21st 2008 @ 2:34PM

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.

Analysts predict worldwide multichannel hypercompetition

by Darren Murph Jul 10th 2008 @ 3:17PM


We suppose it's possible that you've missed out on all the fiber expansion going on here in the US, but even if so, you'd probably guess that programming competition in general is heating up. SNL Kagan has published new research that suggests that global multichannel hypercompetition is just around the bend, with 54 of the top 75 markets to see "four or more digital video distribution platforms" by 2013. The study focused on the continued deployment of FTTH, IPTV and DTH satellite, and it also noted that digital terrestrial television (DTT) and hybrid DTT-IP systems were "adding to the competitive mix." It's also no shock to learn that cable carriers are fighting all of this with SDV implementation, VOD offerings, bundle ("triple-play") deals and dynamic electronic program guides. Mmm, competition.

[Image courtesy of AT&T]

Poll: Do you have a multi-channel surround sound system?

by Darren Murph May 10th 2008 @ 12:00PM


With all this focus on HDTV of late, we've been wondering if high-def junkies care nearly as much about their audio as they do their video. Sure, we know video trumps audio in the general public's eye, but we're talking home theater freaks here. Folks who make a point to hang up sheets to eliminate light from a room. Folks who take a vacation day just to calibrate their TV -- you know, people like yourself. Toss your vote in below and feel free to elaborate on your audio setup (or lack thereof) in comments below.

[Image courtesy of Infendo]

Do you have a multi-channel surround sound system?

IDT brings 6-, 8-, and 10-channel HD audio codecs to the PC

by Darren Murph Dec 16th 2007 @ 8:41PM

While home theater enthusiasts don't typically have a hard time finding equipment to support nearly any multichannel audio arrangement they can envision, IDT is hoping to assist those PC users out there experience the same bliss with new multichannel HD audio codecs. The IDT92HD73C, IDT92HD73D and IDT92HD73E feature 6-, 8- and 10-channel stereo channels respectively "enabling simultaneous audio and VoIP capability," and while the 6-channel version should be found on high-end laptops, the 8-channel iteration was designed for use in "ultra-high-end" lappies while the 10-channel codec will likely be used in desktop applications. All three offer up stereo 24-bit resolution with sample rates of up to 192kHz and dual S/PDIF outputs for easy integration with multichannel equipment.

Euro1080 to implement DTS HDTV over satellite

by Erik Hanson Jan 8th 2007 @ 2:37PM

DTS logoEuropean satellite operator Euro1080 announced plans to implement DTS-encoded audio streams into their recently-launched MPEG-4 satellite feeds. Enabling the 5.1-channel audio format broadcast is tech from Coding Technologies, which will put the DTS signal inside the aacPlus feed that will be broadcast along with HDTV picture to Europeans who subscribe to Euro1080 satellite. New set-top boxes to decode the MPEG-4 content are also to be released by electronics manufacturers. American ATSC standards only allow for competitor Dolby Digital's multichannel audio to be encoded, but DTS audio can be found in standard and high-def DVDs




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