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« August 2005 |
| October 2005 »
Major Music Libraries Offered in Microsoft's Windows Media Audio Lossless Format Ensuring Highest Fidelity Available in the Market Today
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2005-- In a major development for consumers, the recording industry, musicians, and the music download business, MusicGiants today announced the launch of the MusicGiants Network, the first music download service to offer high-definition, digital recordings from top music labels EMI Music, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.
The digital music libraries of each label, encompassing hundreds of thousands of recordings, are now available. MusicGiants downloads, priced at $1.29 each and offered in the Windows Media Audio Lossless format, have up to seven times the sound quality of music from any other download services.
"The MusicGiants Network will give music lovers a reason to fall in love with their music all over again," said MusicGiants CEO Scott Bahneman.
MusicGiants is the first commercial download service offering high-definition music files in the Windows Media Audio Lossless format, which provides the sound quality of the original digital recording, demonstrably superior in playback quality to compressed music from existing download services. Ordinary download services provide music at data rates of 128 to 192 kbps (kilobytes per second), while MusicGiants' Windows Media Audio Lossless downloads reproduce music at up to 1100 kbps, delivering the sound quality of the original CD. In addition, MusicGiants uses Windows Media Digital Rights Management (Windows Media DRM) to deliver content. Windows Media DRM is the leading solution for securing digital media, and is supported on the widest range of consumer electronics devices.
"Throughout my career I've had the honor to record with some of the greatest producers and engineers in the world," said Grammy award winning artist Michael Bolton. "It's very exciting and promising to know that there's finally a format such as MusicGiants that will reproduce the musical integrity of our work."
Any PC running Windows XP or device that supports Windows Media Audio Lossless and Windows Media DRM can play the downloaded files. To use MusicGiants, customers must register online, get the MusicGiants Network software via download or CD-ROM, and open an account by paying the $50 annual fee. MusicGiants will then credit the new customer's account with $50 for music purchases.
"MusicGiants is taking digital downloads to a new level of sonic quality that should please even the most discerning audiophile," said Thomas Ryan, senior vice president, Mobile and Digital Business Development at EMI Music North America.
"With its dedicated focus on delivering high-quality downloads, MusicGiants represents an important new addition to the digital music landscape," commented Thomas Hesse, president, Global Digital Business, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. "We're delighted to be working with them as they roll out this innovative new service."
"We are pleased to be joining with MusicGiants to bring this exciting new service to consumers," stated Larry Kenswil, president of Universal Music Group's eLabs. "Universal Music Group is committed to expanding the digital experience for music fans through innovative offerings like MusicGiants."
"When it comes to listening to music, quality is everything," said Dave Fester, general manager of the Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft Corp. "MusicGiants Network is taking a giant leap forward to now give consumers the best digital music listening experience possible."
MusicGiants has also introduced a professional-grade home music player, called the SoundVault, pre-loaded with Windows XP and the MusicGiants Network, and capable of storing about 10,000 songs in high-definition. MusicGiants is marketing its service and the SoundVault through high-end electronics retailers, custom audio/video installers and online.
"We sell premium music for high performance audio systems," said Bahneman.
"From Woodstock to countries all over the world, I've always loved bringing music into people's lives," said Doug Clifford from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. "You probably think I am getting paid to say this, but in fact it is the other way around. MusicGiants sounds so good I invested in the company."
"MusicGiants is raising the bar in both audio and sound management worlds," said Oscar and Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Paul Williams. "There's hope at last for the record romantic who longs for the bright sound of his vinyl past and yet demands the convenience of the download. It'll only take one listen for the consumer to realize there's a brighter sound future available."
While MusicGiants has signed agreements with major labels, it also is inking agreements with smaller companies, including independent labels.
Allwired Technologies is a Authorized Reseller of MusicGiants Network. For more information visit Allwired's MusicGiants information page.
New York – September 27, 2005 – HANNspree California, Inc., creator of a brand new category of design-driven, lifestyle-inspired LCD televisions, announced today the launch of an exciting new line of LCD television sets inspired by beloved Disney characters and films. The line offers seven styles, including models featuring Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, 102 Dalmatians, and Cinderella. The televisions are currently available at HANNspree boutique stores, DisneyShopping.com, The Disney Store and Disney theme parks.
“HANNspree was founded with a clear mission -- to create unique design-centric TVs that will let people express their individuality and passions in fun new ways,” noted Michael Amkreutz, HANNspree Vice President, Marketing and Product Planning. “Our relationship with Disney Consumer Products is a major step in helping us accomplish this. Disney has inspired the imagination of people around the world for many decades, and we’re both honored and excited to be able to incorporate some of that magic into our new line of lifestyle TVs.”
About the complete line of Disney and Disney/Pixar-themed televisions styles:
· Chic featuring Mickey Mouse (SRP: $549.99): Prominently features Mickey and his familiar colors, combining the unique contrast of a smooth-finish front cover and a rubber-textured back panel and stand.
· Retro Radio featuring Mickey Mouse (SRP: $499.99): Harkens back to classic Disney days, with an art deco-inspired design and a combination of metallic and wood-textured materials.
· Coach featuring Cinderella (SRP: $549.99): Inspired by the classic fairy tale, features a fantastical and romantic coach-shaped design, with sturdy crystal wheels and delicate curved lines. Soft clean colors are highlighted by graphics of Cinderella with delicately painted birds on the front; on the back of the set, she’s depicted with her prince for a happy ever after!
· Doggy featuring 102 Dalmatians (SRP: $549.99): Inspired by the beloved Disney film 102 Dalmatians. A bone shaped TV set is covered in spots front and back, it even has a bone-shaped stand. The soft texture gives it the warm feel of Doggy’s body.
· Helmet featuring Buzz Lightyear (SRP: $549.99): Captures the adventure of Toy Story with an adjustable visor that swings up and down to Buzz’s green-tipped boots, which functions as a stand.
· Smile featuring Winnie the Pooh (SRP: $499.99): Depicts Pooh’s smiling face on the front cover. And not only does the cover act as the TV stand, when closed, it resembles a child’s lunchbox making it easy to carry.
· Picnic featuring Winnie the Pooh (SRP: $499.99): Captures the warm, relaxed and happy spirit of Pooh enjoying a picnic, featuring a cloth-textured finish and soft-blue and green roaming plaid. The front bezel features an image of Winnie the Pooh trying to capture a butterfly in his net.
All HANNspree TVs feature a multi-dimensional 360-degree design, offering unique aesthetic appeal from all perspectives, front, back and sides. All sets utilize cutting-edge technical features including best-in-class speakers from leading manufacturers, and high quality LCD screens developed in-house and in association with industrial leaders such as HannStar and Hitachi.
Availability
HANNspree’s Disney themed televisions are currently available at the HANNspree-owned and operated boutique store in Beverly Hills, California, online at DisneyShopping.com and at The Disney Store and Disney theme parks.
HANNspree’s Disney themed products will also be available for purchase online.
About HANNspree
HANNspree was founded in 2002 to shake-up the consumer electronics industry with a bold new approach to television design and manufacturing. Applying state-of-the-art engineering techniques to visionary design concepts, HANNspree is responsible for creating an entirely new category of design-driven, lifestyle-inspired televisions. The company is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan and maintains U.S. sales and marketing offices in San Francisco and New Jersey
Buy Hannspree Designer LCD TVs online from Allwired Technologies
Review From HOME THEATER.
More Information can be found at:
www.definitivetech.com
Begin Review
So I was chatting with Paris Hilton the other day about some arcane aspect of cosmic string theory (OK , all aspects of cosmic string theory are arcane to me)when it suddenly hit me: The slender, silvery beauty of Definitive Technology’s Mythos speakers might actually be a drawback.
I was so disturbed by this realization that, using ancient Latin with such eloquence it would have brought tears to Cicero’s eyes, I cancelled our date to go shopping for the latest opera releases on SACD, returned the new issue of Foreign Affairs that I’d borrowed from her, and headed home to drink a seaweed-and-algae smoothie while meditating on the problem.
There’s simply no doubt about it. The Mythos speakers that Def Tech sent me for review–floorstanding Mythos Fours for the mains, a Mythos Three for the center, and a pair of never-before-seen-by normal-humans Mythos Gems for the surrounds, plus a SuperCube II subwoofer–were drop-dead gorgeous. I’m talking stunning, can’t get-them-out-of-your-mind, wouldn’t-kick-them-out-of-bed-foreating- Limburger-cheese-and Wassacrispbread gorgeous.
The Mythos Four exudes class and style as it presses upward from its elegant glass base. It soars toward the ceiling like a refined cathedral spire built to appease the gods of great sound and stylish décor. The sylphlike horizontal Mythos Three rested lightly atop my TV, looking for all of the world as if it were only temporarily reclining and might, at any moment, choose to soar upward, as well. The Mythos Gems, about as perfectly proportioned as tiny speakers can be, beckoned from their perches in the back of the room.
There’s no law of physics nor any pending Constitutional amendment that I’m aware of declaring that speakers must look average at best and toad’s-butt ugly if at all possible. But our collective puritanical background subconsciously forces most red-blooded Americans to be highly suspicious of any component that even has a whiff of style about it (Apple’s iPod being a giant–or, more accurately, a tiny–exception to the rule). Our feelings run much the same with people. Geeky nerds aren’t expected to be the best dressed guys at the lunch buffet; and, well, I don’t really think Paris Hilton reads Foreign Affairs, either.
Some misguided people are going to dismiss these Mythos beauties as just another collection of pretty faces with no substance to them–and they’d be wrong. Stultifyingly wrong. If Def Tech had just jumped on the rapidly moving lifestyle bandwagon and simply crammed a few basic drivers inside a cabinet cosmetically tailored to appeal to the flat-panel TV-buying crowd, then none of this would matter. The fact is that, while Def Tech most admittedly designed these speakers around a contemporary cosmetic concept, they also used their engineering prowess to breathe silky sonic life into their creation.
Here’s an example of what I’m talking about. Def Tech engineered the Mythos Fours, Threes, and Gems (plus the Mythos Twos, which the company sent me before they had a pair of Gems ready for me to listen to) with the intention that there would be a subwoofer in the system, so there’s no midbass peak designed into the speakers. Some manufacturers use this trick to fool the listener into thinking there’s bass where there is none. In addition to detrimentally altering the sonic balance, such a peak makes it more difficult to smoothly integrate the speakers with a subwoofer.
That’s a rather bold step because, if you put these speakers on a demo wall in a store and compare them with another speaker that’s been voiced with a peak in the midbass, your first reaction is likely to be that the Mythos are a little thin and weak, rather than highly accurate and neutral. But, here again, your thinking would be going in the wrong direction. Add a subwoofer, such as the SuperCube II, and– like a rich socialite with a dark past–these mild-mannered, highly refined beauties turn into adrenaline- pumping, take-no-prisoners competitors that will eat for lunch (belch included) just about any other system in the price range. The system’s blending of bass and beauty is quite astounding. I’ve rarely run into a combination where it was so easy to match the subwoofer to the speakers–or a combination that sounded so natural together. It’s as if they were made for each other (which, now that I mention it, they were). If you’ve long been a fan of Def Tech’s bipolar speakers, this Mythos system has a slightly different sonic character than you might be used to, largely because the Mythos speakers feature a forward-radiating design, not a bipolar one. As a result, the soundstage isn’t as big as that of the larger bipolar towers. There’s something here that’s equally as appealing, though. The Mythos are so intimate in their imaging and precise in their reproduction that they create a sonic portrait with such subtlety and sincerity that, if you could somehow freeze forever such an audible moment, it would be worthy of hanging in the Louvre.
The cabinets’ narrowness, the lack of parallel sides, the excellent internal damping, the PolyStone mineral-filled polymer front baffles, the specially annealed aluminum dome tweeters with silk surrounds, and the Medite planar bass radiators that refuse to let midrange frequencies bleed into the room combine to provide the unfettered, thoroughly unencumbered lightness of being a Mythos speaker. But what it really boils down to is this: How do these slender silos sound when you plunk them on the floor or pop them on the wall next to your plasma? In a word: threedimensional and thrilling. Well, that was three words, but you get what I mean.
Strong yet Subtle
The underlying nature of the Mythos Fours, Threes, and Gems (which, by the way, also fared quite well as main speakers when I paired them with the SuperCube II sub-woofer) is a subtle sweetness and unerring accuracy. The sonic blend of the bass with the midrange vocals, guitars, and harmonica on Blues Traveler’s Truth Be Told DVD-Audio disc is a great example of this; at the same time, the ensemble flawlessly reproduced the maniacally defined antics found on Chesky’s Musical 5.1 Surround Show SACD. In fact, if you don’t think these speakers have what it takes to run with the ugliest but best sounding speakers in the price range, listen to “Music for Cello, Helicopter and Cars” on the Chesky disc. If the system is dialed-in properly, it’ll change your opinion of how good a lifestyle product should be.
All of the aspects that make music sound so good achieve similar results with movies. Master & Commander was much more than I bargained for with this system — especially early in the movie, when you’re lulled into calm by the creaking of the ship and the breaking of the waves just before a hell storm of cannon shots is released. These Mythos are no passive wall- flowers, let me tell you. Seabiscuit, a much less rambunctious movie that relies on subtlety of sound and narration as a large part of its story, was just as engagingly portrayed and just as enjoyable.
Hopefully, the Mythos are an early indication of a paradigm shift in the way manufacturers and consumers think about how products should perform and fit into our lives. I, for one, am certainly ready for this shift. Even if other manufacturers don’t follow Def Tech’s lead, this system is still a mighty fine-sounding and damn goodlooking group of speakers.
For a Definitive Technology dealer near you please visit Definitive's Website http://www.definitivetech.com/.
With Dual Wireless Rear Speakers, Logitech Z-5450 Digital System Combines Power and Cordless Freedom; Logitech Z-4 2.1 Speakers Feature New 3-Driver Design
No more running cables or tripping over speaker wires. Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), a leading manufacturer of multimedia PC speakers, today announced the world’s first THX-certified 5.1 speaker system with digital wireless dual rear speakers. The new Logitech® Z-5450 Digital speakers, ideal for use with the living room entertainment center or the office PC, provide flexibility in setting up an instant surround-sound system. Each of the independent rear speakers can be placed anywhere within 8.5 meters (28 feet) of the speaker system control center, requiring only a power outlet; no unsightly speaker wires running around the room, yet no compromise on quality. With THX-certification and 315 watts of power, these speakers help create a theater-quality movie watching experience and provide enough thump to help people feel like they’re inside the game.
Logitech also extended its award-winning Z-series family of speakers to include the new Logitech® Z-4 speaker system: an affordable and stylish 2.1 system with a new three-driver satellite design that delivers great performance for listening to digital music on a computer or a portable music player.
“Historically, delivering high-quality sound wirelessly has been a major challenge,” said Ray Weikel, Logitech’s director of product marketing for audio. “The Z-5450 speakers master this challenge, while they alleviate the age-old nuisance of pulling up carpet or crawling through a home’s foundation just to hide speaker wire. These are powerful, high-performance speakers that deliver on the promise of the Z-series family name without compromise, yet add a whole new element of wireless flexibility to multimedia entertainment.”
The Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers
Whether in an office, a home theater or a gaming environment, one of the most frustrating aspects of a 5.1 speaker system installation is running the speaker cables for the rear satellites – not anymore. The Logitech Z-5450 Digital system’s two rear speakers each feature their own built-in wireless receiver and power amplifier. All each rear speaker needs is a power outlet. Other wireless systems on the market use a single wireless receiver for the back of the room with speaker cable running out to each of the two rear speakers – creating more clutter than Logitech’s design. Its breakthrough design allows the Z-5450 Digital speaker system to be installed quickly and easily in virtually any room configuration.
The Logitech Z-5450 Digital system uses digital 2.4 GHz wireless technology, with adaptive frequency hopping, to minimize any chance of interference. Any potential performance problems due to interference are virtually eliminated due to the fact that the system intelligently sends redundant wireless transmissions to each rear satellite; if one data stream is lost, a second identical stream is captured. And the Logitech dual wireless speaker solution has very low latency, less than 20 milliseconds, which is imperceptible to the human ear.
For DVD aficionados, music enthusiasts and gamers alike, the THX-approved Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers deliver highly refined 5.1 digital surround sound in any room. The system includes inputs for up to seven multimedia devices, which makes it versatile for use with a PC or in a living room entertainment center. The system features stylish chrome satellites – with optional cloth grills – that have rotating stands, which make them easy to mount to a wall or to position on a table or desktop. The speakers also come with the Digital SoundTouch™ Control Center, which serves as a wireless control center and digital decoder, and provides people with a convenient backlit LCD, making it easy to configure the system for ideal listening settings. The Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers decode a broad range of formats, including Dolby® Digital, DTS®, and DTS® 96/24. The system also comes with a convenient wireless remote control.
The Logitech Z-5450 Digital speakers will be available in the U.S. beginning in September for a suggested retail price of $499.99.
The Logitech Z-4 and Z-4i speakers
The new 2.1 Logitech® Z-4 speakers offer premium sound and a modern design at an affordable price. Each satellite features a sleek new satellite design with three drivers, providing a rich, full-audio experience. The speakers also include Logitech’s patented pressure driver subwoofer technology, which delivers powerful, distortion-free bass.
The speakers come in two colors – high-gloss black (the Logitech Z-4 speakers) and white (the Logitech Z-4i speakers) – each contrasted by cast-metal stands. The systems come with a wired remote control that includes a headphone jack, volume and power controls. Both speaker systems also allow MP3 players, CD players or other portable audio devices to be easily connected through an auxiliary port. The Logitech Z-4 and Z-4i speakers will be available in the U.S. and in Europe beginning in October, for a suggested retail price of $99.99 in the U.S.
We are proud to announce that for the first time in Belgian history the High Fidelity Belgium 2005 takes place on the 12th and 13h of November 2005. It’s a Hifi and Home Cinemashow which is carried by the importers, this opposed to the regional dealershows which are organised a couple of times a year in a couple of Belgian provinces. Now that Belgium exists for 175 years, it’s time to put us back on the map of the ausiovisual world!
This show will be the biggest Belgium has ever known, with no less then 50 presentations and 10 static shows. Because of the sheer size of the show, it is spread amongst two top class hotels in Brussels. The aim of the show is to let Belgium get acquainted with the products that are momentarily available on the market, and this in a pleasant and atmospheric setting. It is also the realisation of the main goal of the organising institution, audioforum.be, thé audiovisual platform in Belgium. To reach this aim as good as possible, the entrance fee is kept as low as humanly possible. To gain entrance to the show and two hotels full of audiovisual pleasure you only need to pay 3 euros or just a little more than 2 pounds sterling.
The first location is the internationally renowned Crowne Plaza Hotel Brussels Airport. At just a stonethrow away from the national airport and close to the Brussels Ring Road, this prestigious five star hotel provides an ideal setting. For the hungry and the thirsty people it has a great bar and restaurant. The hotel has 16 meeting rooms, with a total of more than 900 m² of demonstration space. And if your ears are getting tired, your eyes are in for a feast in the magnificent lobby. In this Hotel we have reserved 14 meeting rooms and room for 5 static shows.
The second hotel is the splendid four star Courtyardhotel in Evere near Brussels. This hotel also is a recent and modern building. This hotel has 13 meeting rooms, with a total of 811 m²? And if you get hungry or thirsty in this place, there is the great Zinc bar and restaurant to spoil your senses with food and drinks. This hotel has the most goodies for the yearning audiophile: no less then 3 Royal Suites, 20 Suites, 13 meeting rooms and 5 static show find place in this hotel. Last but not least, you don’t have to worry about driving from one hotel to another. Audioforum made sure you can enjoy the show as much as possible and therefore a shuttle bus is present to take you from one location to the other.
For the latest show news, the exclusives and the complete report, a separate website is set up, which is online for your reference: www.highfidelitybelgium.be
High Fidelity Belgium 2005 datafacts
• International Hi-Fi & Home cinema show
• Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th november 2005 (10u-19u)
• Entrance fee: 3
• Free busfair between 2 showhotels
• Organisation: www.audioforum.be
• Infosite: www.highfidelitybelgium.be
Showhotels
Courtyard Brussels
Avenue des Olympiades 6
1140 Brussel
Crowne Plaza Hotel Brussels Airport
Da Vincilaan 4
1831 Diegem
Salt Lake City, Utah – September 9, 2005 – Control4, the leader in
IP-based home control and entertainment systems, today announced the
availability of its Home Theater Controller (with included remote),
that will be on display at the CEDIA Expo (Booth #2029) in
Indianapolis, IN from Sept 9 – 11, 2005. The Home Theater Controller
provides the perfect introduction to media and home control that is
easy to install and use. Home automation is now available to a much
broader audience than ever before.
“The Home Theater Controller delivers huge value, creating an
affordable, powerful and easy-to-use media management solution for
consumers for the first time,” said Will West, Chief Executive Officer,
Control4. “Since our company launch at CEDIA last year, we have seen a
tremendous market response for all of our products, especially the Home
Theater Controller. This year, we are demonstrating through our
innovative product line, that the smart home is here today, and is not
just for the wealthy anymore.”
As the central hub of a home entertainment center, the Home Theater
Controller connects to and controls all of the home theater equipment,
eliminating the need for multiple remotes, with a simple one button
on-screen interface. By connecting an iPod, external USB or network
hard drive, the Home Theater Controller can distribute and manage
digital music. Comparable with systems costing tens of thousands of
dollars, it can also be the center of a whole home automation system
bringing the lifestyle benefits of home control starting at $599, with
added lighting control for as little as $99 per dimmer.
Control4, which began shipping products in April of this year, is
the first to deliver 802.15.4 (ZigBee) wireless products that can be
retrofitted into any home to provide reliable, cost-effective home
control. The company is showcasing its entire line of award-winning
home automation products and services at Booth #2029 at the CEDIA Expo.
About Control4
Control4 makes home automation and control a practical option for any
home by combining innovative technology with today’s wired and wireless
networking standards. From home theater control, to complete music and
lighting management in every room, Control4 products provide lifestyle
benefits previously available only in luxury homes. The company is
delivering tomorrow’s lifestyle today, by providing a new breed of home
automation solutions that are affordable, modular and easy to use.
Control4 is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more
information, please visit www.control4.com.
# # #
For more information, contact:
Sheri Jardine
801-741-0202
sheri_jardine@coltrin.com
Indianapolis, IN September 9, 2005 - As Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Elite brand, the company showcases new Elite products as well as an online resource for the specialty retail and custom installation market. The Elite brand was developed as a way to bring new technology to market through specialty retailers that provide the consumer education and installation services desired by early technology adopters. Pioneer today announced new Elite plasmas, a DVD player and A/V receivers that bring technology advances in source, sound and display to the early adopter market. An online resource center at www.pioneerelectronics.com offers detailed product information required by the custom installation market.
The Service and Support menu of Pioneer’s Web site now offers critical product information including IR codes, RS-232C codes, Pronto ccf files and links to third-party control partners that provide Pioneer Elite control modules. This custom installer resource center is an all-in-one stop for installers designing advanced home theater systems for their customers. A dedicated e-mail box at custominstalls@pioneer-usa.com will answer custom installer questions.
“As a founding and current member of CEDIA, Pioneer recognizes the importance of supporting the custom installation market. It is the backbone of our industry, where new technologies can be introduced in a way that ensures eventual long-term acceptance in the mainstream market. We’re pleased to celebrate 20 years of the Elite brand and we fully intend to continue the product innovation that makes Elite one of the most sought after product lines in the market,” said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing and product planning for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Since developed in 1985, Elite-branded products incorporate Pioneer’s newest research and development. To assist the custom installer, they frequently offer features such as multi-room/multi-source capability, RS-232C and third party control support. Distribution of Elite branded products has always been on a limited basis to specialty retailers with the expertise to present the high end line of products appropriately.
Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, CD players and CD recorders, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment™ and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 39,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Allwired and Audio Visions is a Pioneer Elite Authorized Dealer
Indianapolis, IN September 9, 2005 - Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduces a new Elite DVD player designed for the audiophile market that demands excellence in both sound and video performance. The DV-79AVi offers exceptional video processing as well as new structural and design improvements that limit vibrations resulting in a clean and open sound stage for enhanced audio quality. The video circuitry includes Pioneer’s Advanced Digital Direct Pixel drive with full time 10-bit video processing, matching breathtaking sights and sounds.
“Making subtle improvements to how a player is built and the type of circuitry used can make a significant impact on the experience,” said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing and product planning for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Pioneer takes great pride in offering a DVD player that even the most discerning ear will appreciate.”
Audio Quality
The following technical enhancements enable the DV-79AVi to reproduce true-to-life audio and video imagery:
Triple layer chassis
Separate audio transformer with dedicated power supply
Drive transport mounted to the bottom of the chassis
Isolated circuitry
A low center of gravity significantly reducing vibrations
The DV-79AVi has six-channel analog audio output, bass management, Dolby DigitalÔ, DTSÔ and SRS TruSurround. As a result of its i.LINK technology the player can be connected to any of Pioneer’s receivers with i.LINK connections including the VSX-59TXi and VSX-74TXVi.
Video Quality
The DV-79AVi provides an Advanced Digital Direct Pixel Drive supporting full time 10-bit digital video processing. This circuitry allows the player to output the highest quality digital signal from HDMI while also improving the analog signal output which utilizes a 108MHz/14-bit video DAC.
Pioneer’s PureCinema™ progressive scan circuit faithfully reproduces the original film frames using 2:3 pull-down inverse telecine technology with a progressive display. If the DVD does not indicate telecine conversion, the PureCinema circuit will process the signal with advanced motion detection and create the new progressive image.
Users can directly connect the Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi to a television via an HDMI (1.1) connection; its pure digital connection takes away unnecessary processing steps. Pioneer’s Two-Dimensional Resolution Expander technology up-converts traditional DVD video signals to high definition resolution.
The Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi also offers the following outstanding features:
Playback of DVD-Audio and SACD.
Super-Fine Focus Filter with 4:4:4 video up-sampling.
Adjustable video parameters include: Progressive Motion, PureCinema (on, off, auto), YNR, CNR, Sharpness High, Sharpness Mid, Detail, White Level, Black Level, Gamma, Black Setup, Hue, Chroma Level and Chroma Delay. Two new adjustable video parameters for HDMI are: HDMI color and HDMI detail. Once the desired adjustments have been made, they can be saved in one of three available user memory settings.
Three factory video settings (CRT/PDP/Professional).
Trick play processor (smooth scan).
Upgraded graphic user interface for easy set-up navigation.
The DV-79AVi will be available in November for an estimated market price of $1000. A limited quantity of these DVD players will also be available in silver celebrating 20 years of Pioneer Elite.
Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, CD players and CD recorders, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment™ and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 39,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Allwired and Audio Visions is an Authorized Pioneer Elite Dealer
Indianapolis, IN September 9, 2005 - New music options from iPod and XM Satellite Radio are only two of the features that make the new Pioneer Elite A/V receivers the hub of a great home entertainment center. The VSX-74TXVi and VSX-72TXV introduced today by Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. serve as the “brains” behind a great home theater; bringing in audio and video signals from all types of sources and processing them to enhance the entertainment experience. An automatic room-tuning feature in the receivers processes the sound quality so that every seat in the room feels like the “sweet spot.”
As the “brains” of the system, a good A/V receiver must be able to connect every other device in the home theater. Pioneer’s new receivers can connect up to 18 products including DVD players, game systems, satellite and cable boxes, iPod digital music players and XM Satellite Radio Connect and Play™ antennas. The remote control allows the user to simply select the source they want to hear easily instead of toggling through the inputs to find the right source.
“A great receiver completes the HDTV experience by enhancing the overall audio and video quality from each source whether it’s a DVD player, cable, satellite or whatever. In this case, Pioneer offers the option to add two unique sources not traditionally found on an A/V receiver – iPod and XM Satellite Radio,”said Gary Bauhard, director of marketing and product planning for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The auto tuning feature also enhances the sound quality. Since no two rooms are the same, our receivers are smart enough to identify the weaknesses of a room, correct for them, and then create an experience consumers will brag about to their friends.”
Hub of Home Entertainment
iPod – With more than 21 million units sold, iPod is the world’s most popular digital music player. Users can connect iPod directly to the receiver to enjoy music through a home theater sound system. This transforms a primarily personal music player into something that can be enjoyed throughout the home. Instead of using the Click Wheel on the iPod, the remote control on the receiver is used to navigate through playlists, songs, artists and genres. The information can be viewed from a scrolling 14-character display on the receiver or from a full display on the TV.
XM Ready – As millions of people have already learned, XM Satellite Radio offers more than 100 channels of original music programming, sports, news and entertainment. Now, with an XM Connect and Play antenna and a monthly subscription, the same great programming can be enjoyed through a home entertainment center. The XM antenna can be connected to either of Pioneer’s new Elite receivers. The remote control for the receiver is then used to scroll through and select among the many available XM channels.
Auto Room Tuning
Pioneer created its own auto room-tuning feature – Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration – to customize the sound for each individual room. The room tuning processor uses the size, shape and surface of a room to optimize the overall sound quality. It compensates for a room that is big or small, with high or low ceilings, hardwood floors or carpet and more, to accurately bring the music to life. By simply attaching the included microphone and pressing the button, the user activates the auto room tuning for that particular room. The memory settings allow a consumer to tune the room for anything from close quarter combat on gaming systems to lounging in a chair listening to music.
Completing the Experience
Both the Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi and VSX-72TXV offer special features that make them easy to fit into a custom installation. Among these features are:
Ability to play and control audio in up to three different rooms independently.
HDMI connectivity with digital video conversion, although this may not allow transmission of copyright protected material depending on the capability of signal source.
RS-232C and IO ports .
The VSX-74TXVi and VSX-72TXV are available now at an estimated market price of $1,500 and $1,200 respectively. A limited quantity of both receivers are available in silver, celebrating 20 years of Pioneer Elite.
Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, CD players and CD recorders, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment™ and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 39,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Allwired and Audio Visions are Authorized Pioneer Elite Dealers
All-New Speakers Are Specifically Designed to Visually and Sonically Complement Plasma and High-Definition Televisions
CHATSWORTH, CA, September 7, 2005—Anthony Gallo Acoustics (AGA) will display its new Nucleus™ Reference AV, a pair of left and right channels designed specifically to augment plasma and high-definition televisions, at CEDIA 2005 in booth #1541 in the RCA Dome. The new loudspeakers, based on AGA’s award-winning Nucleus™ Reference 3 design, can be used in a variety of ways, including horizontally for a front LCR configuration, as well as in rear areas where vertical speakers may be less desirable.
“These are the perfect speakers to add to any high-end television setup,” states Anthony Gallo, founder of AGA. “Sports junkies and movie enthusiasts alike will see – and hear – their favorite television programs and films come to life. Anytime you can’t get to the game or the movie theater, the Reference AV will bring the action right into your living room.”
The Nucleus™ Reference AV’s can be utilized as main left and right speakers, as the front and rear in a surround system, and as rear speakers to perfectly complement AGA’s Nucleus™ Reference 3's. The Reference AV features AGA’s proprietary CDT™ tweeter, which delivers unprecedented high-end performance, as well as the company’s patented S2 Technology that extends low-frequency response a full two octaves.
Each Nucleus™ Reference AV is shipped with standard wall-mounts included. An optional billet aluminum stand, which allows the speaker 4-1/4" of up and down adjustment, is also available at an additional cost. Aluminum table stands in matching colors are also available.
About Anthony Gallo Acoustics:
Anthony Gallo, who created his first loudspeaker at the age of 14, has been raising the bar in loudspeaker design for more than 25 years. He formed Anthony Gallo Acoustics (AGA) in the early 1990’s in order to bring his creations to the marketplace. His first commercially available product, the Nucleus Solo loudspeaker, went on sale in 1994. The speaker, which contained the unique blend of creative industrial design and top-quality sound components that quickly became an AGA trademark, was an immediate success. Today, AGA’s products are sold in over 40 countries, including a complete line of stereo speakers, home theaters speakers & systems, powered subwoofers and installation accessories to complement their award-winning speaker systems.
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Allwired Technologies is an Authorized Anthony Gallow Acoustics Dealer.
Affordable, Titanium-based Loudspeakers Offer 7.5 Octaves of Linear Bandwidth from a Single 3” Driver
INDIANAPOLIS, September 7, 2005—Anthony Gallo Acoustics (AGA) will display at CEDIA 2005 in booth #1541 its A’Diva Ti and Nucleus™ Micro Ti, the new titanium-based additions to the A’Diva and Nucleus™ Micro series. Based on proprietary driver development for the company’s flagship Reference 3 loudspeaker, the new Ti series speakers benefit from a revolutionary full-range transducer. In addition, the loudspeakers still feature AGA’s patented S2 technology, which enhances low frequencies that go way beyond conventional satellite speakers.
“We designed these new titanium loudspeakers to mimic the incredible dynamics and transparency of our Reference 3 speakers,” says Anthony Gallo, founder of Anthony Gallo Acoustics. “Though they are small, these new Ti transducers are true high-end drivers of a caliber never before seen – or heard – in affordable consumer audio.”
The Ti series offers unprecedented treble extension beyond 22kHz and achieves exceptional bass extension, which is only possible with the company’s patented S2 technology. This S2 technology permits 7.5 octaves of linear bandwidth from a single 3” driver, which uses a pure titanium diaphragm that is strategically damped with paper and suspended on a Santoprene surround.
The titanium/paper coupling combines the smooth and natural sound qualities of organic fibers with the superior treble extension and improved off-axis linearity of titanium. The voice coil, which has been enlarged to 1” diameter for even more dynamic range, is supported by an oversized Neodymium magnet with video shielding for freedom of placement. An under-hung architecture makes for even lower distortion and higher outputs than before.
About Anthony Gallo Acoustics:
Anthony Gallo, who created his first loudspeaker at the age of 14, has been raising the bar in loudspeaker design for more than 25 years. He formed Anthony Gallo Acoustics (AGA) in the early 1990’s in order to bring his creations to the marketplace. His first commercially available product, the Nucleus Solo loudspeaker, went on sale in 1994. The speaker, which contained the unique blend of creative industrial design and top-quality sound components that quickly became an AGA trademark, was an immediate success. Today, AGA’s products are sold in over 40 countries, including a complete line of stereo speakers, home theaters speakers & systems, powered subwoofers and installation accessories to complement their award-winning speaker systems.
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Allwired Technologies is an Authorized Anthony Gallow Acoustics Dealer.
New Unit Features Bridgeable Stereo Amplifier and Dual Channel Active Crossover to Control Multiple Passive Subwoofers from a Single Location
INDIANAPOLIS, September 7, 2005—Anthony Gallo Acoustics will display at CEDIA 2005 in booth #1541 its all new Reference 3 Subwoofer Amplifier (SA), a high-end audio component that features a bridgeable stereo amplifier, a high-quality active crossover and a sophisticated equalization circuit in one single chassis. The numerous control settings allow a user to control and fine tune multiple passive subwoofers, making it perfect for custom installations. When used in its mono feature the Reference 3 SA can generate 600 watts RMS.
“We meticulously designed and manufactured the Reference 3 SA to be a unique, multi-functional amplifier and controller for numerous passive subwoofers,” states Anthony Gallo, founder of Anthony Gallo Acoustics. “Normally, you’d have to be running around the room back and forth trying to get your subs just where you want them, but with the Reference 3 SA, you can tweak your bass sound from one location.”
Unlike many amplifiers, the new Reference 3 SA features dual phase controls, which allow for independent adjustment of the subwoofers. The Reference 3 SA is stable down to two ohms in stereo and four ohms in mono (when bridged). In addition, the unit features some recessed controls that require a screwdriver for making adjustments. This is done to prevent others from altering any carefully calibrated settings.
The Reference 3 SA also includes a continuously variable EQ cut/boost from –3dB to +6dB, which can be employed to extend bass response of AGA’s Reference 3 speaker to 22Hz. This results in true, no-compromise subwoofer bass in full stereo.
About Anthony Gallo Acoustics:
Anthony Gallo, who created his first loudspeaker at the age of 14, has been raising the bar in loudspeaker design for more than 25 years. He formed Anthony Gallo Acoustics (AGA) in the early 1990’s in order to bring his creations to the marketplace. His first commercially available product, the Nucleus Solo loudspeaker, went on sale in 1994. The speaker, which contained the unique blend of creative industrial design and top-quality sound components that quickly became an AGA trademark, was an immediate success. Today, AGA’s products are sold in over 40 countries, including a complete line of stereo speakers, home theaters speakers & systems, powered subwoofers and installation accessories to complement their award-winning speaker systems.
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Allwired Technologies is an Authorized Anthony Gallow Acoustics Dealer.
Allwired Technology recently picked up Definitive Technology
Loudspeakers in order to provide an exceptional line of speakers to our
home theater and hifi customers.
In order to help our customers learn about these speakers, we are
including a review of the BP7002 Thearter System from the September
2004 issue of Sound & Vision.
Allwired Technology recently picked up Definitive Technology
Loudspeakers in order to provide an exceptional line of speakers to our
home theater and hifi customers.
In order to help our customers learn about these speakers, we are
including a review of the BP7002 Thearter System from the September
2004 issue of Sound & Vision.
For more information of Definitive Technology Speakers visit:
www.allwired.com/home-theater/deftech/
www.definitivetech.com
Begin Review:
Looking for a good test DVD for Definitive
Technology’s BP7002 system, I settled on
the swashbuckling Master and Commander.
The commander, Jack Aubrey, portrayed by
Russell Crowe, set sail in 1805 in this
adaptation of Patrick O’Brian’s historically
accurate novel, but the special effects and sound quality
are definitely 21st century. Whether it’s fusillades of cannonballs or the roaring 40s blowing around Cape
Horn, the DVD can test the mettle and endurance of
any speaker system – not to mention the floor, ceiling,
and walls. If the Definitive Tech speakers did their jobs
right, I’d need a Dramamine.
The system consists of a pair of BP7002 front towers,
the hefty C/L/R 2500 center speaker, and the trapezoidal
BP2X surrounds. Unlike the front left/right speakers in your typical home theater systems, the
BP7002s are bipolar, as are the surrounds. Bipolar
speakers typically produce a more spacious sound by
radiating equally (and in phase) from both the front
and back.
All three front speakers have powered subwoofers
built in, eliminating the need for an external sub with
all its connection issues while relieving your receiver or
power amplifier from having to feed the powerhungry
woofers. The sub in the C/L/R 2500 center
speaker fires upward to simplify its positioning, and the
speaker is shielded to prevent its magnets from
distorting the color on direct-view tube TVs. It has the
common configuration of a tweeter flanked by a pair of
woofers, which produces better-defined sound in a
horizontal orientation than a single woofer and tweeter.
You can wire all three front speakers to your ampli-
fier or receiver with plain speaker cable, as I did, allowing
their crossovers to send the appropriate frequencies
to each driver, including the subwoofers. Or you can
connect the line-level subwoofer/LFE (low-frequency
effects) output of your receiver to the center sub and
use speaker connections for the left and right.
While the BP7002 system is relatively sleek, it
could overpower a small room. Fortunately, my 15 x
24-foot home theater proved to be an ideal match. And
even though the system sports 26 drivers in all, I used
a modest 90-watt-per-channel receiver to power the
whole shebang.
MOVIE PERFORMANCE. The trio of
built-in subs, with their powerful Class D amplifiers,
created a deep ocean of bass across the front. Did
someone say, “18-pound cannonball across the bow”?
Adjusting the volume so dialogue was reproduced at a
“normal” speaking level raised the effects levels to the
point where light fixtures rattled and a direct cannonball
hit nearly knocked the wind out of me. Good thing
my room has a concrete floor (beneath thin carpeting)and concrete walls (behind wood paneling).
The bowels of the HMS Surprise sway and bob as
the movie opens. The surround effects completely
enveloped me with the creaking and groaning of the
wooden timbers, the gurgling and rumbling of the sea,
and the various clangs as objects sliding around strike
each other and the ship. This virtual tour ends with the loud clanging of the ship’s bell. The sound of metal
striking metal was as immediate as if the bell was in
my room.
Even with the video off, the Definitive Tech system
left no doubt about the nature of the action and environment.
Being prone to seasickness, I actually felt a
bit queasy. It’s a rare speaker system that pulls off this
kind of illusion so convincingly. The sound was so
completely enveloping that I felt like I was in a large
movie theater rather than in a small home theater where
sound can seem confined to the speakers.
When the officer of the watch sights the enemy and
the drummer beats to quarters, it almost ejected me
from my seat. As the crew makes preparations for the
fight, the sound of cutlery in the galley as it’s swept into
storage seemed as real as upstairs in my kitchen.
Silverware didn’t clank or click – it clattered.
The first 18-pounders crashing into the Surprise’s
deck was a testament to the power of the BP7002
system. As the wood splintered and flew and the
cannonade broadsides dramatically raised the volume,
the speakers reproduced the carnage without a hint
of strain.
No system would pass muster if it failed to
convincingly reproduce voices. The Definitive Tech
passed admirably. Voices sounded smooth, natural,
and believable, although during Master and
Commander I sometimes wished the center speaker
gave them more of an edge to compete better with the
distracting effects.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE. After winning
the battle of standing up to an action movie, the
BP7002 system faced a more musical challenge, starting
with two-channel stereo. (Though I should note that
the violin and cello music in the movie – the two main
characters play these instruments for relaxation – also
sounded natural and authentic.) From Ron Carter’s first
bass notes in McCoy Tyner’s New York Reunion, I
knew the system had mastered music, too.
The bass sounded big without being bloated,
the strings taut but not thin. The high hat sparkled but
never sounded metallic under Al Forster’s brushes.
I’m no piano expert, but I could tell that Tyner was
playing a more defined, tighter, somewhat cooler
keyboard than an ordinary Steinway. The CD’s liner
notes revealed that it was a Hamburg Steinway. The
piano came from the left side in a deep and wide stereo
image that placed the quartet in just the right positions
in the soundstage.
For music in surround sound, I spun the DVD-Audio
release of Neil Young’s classic Harvest. While the
weird mix puts the listener in the center of the action
and makes Neil’s vocals sound a little off to the side,
the BP7002 system brought this 30-plus-year-old
recording to life. The acoustic guitar was crisp, Neil’s
voice was full and natural in all its nasal glory, and
the kick drum in “Heart of Gold” sounded like it was in
my room.
THE BOTTOM LINE. The Definitive
Technology BP7002 system played at realistic volumes
with plenty of reserves, accurately reproducing any
music I fed it and bringing movies to life. Other than
taking up some real estate (especially the large center
speaker) and requiring a trio of wall outlets to power
the built-in subwoofers, it’s hard to fault. If you want
speakers that handle surround sound and stereo equally
well, put this system at the top of your short list. And
while its sound would make any TV seem bigger,
it’s especially well suited for use with a big-screen
projection system or plasma display.
--From the September 2004 issue of Sound & Vision.
For a Definitive Technology dealer near you please visit Definitive's Website http://www.definitivetech.com/.
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