Denon’s RCD-CX1 is a marvel of miniaturisation but at £1,900 with speakers, this is bookshelf-sized electronics for the price of a serious, floor-to-ceiling hi-fi tower

Being a Denon, this isn’t just a flash toy for City boys. Over the past five years, hi-fi components have shrunk as fast as any other type of electronics, so the idea of gigantic ‘separates’ is becoming obsolete.

Components that would have practically broken your back five years ago can now be crammed into near-portable units, thanks to the increasingly huge number of logic gates – or switches – you can fit onto computer chips.

Hence the RCD-CX1, which packs in a 75W-per-channel amplifier and entices the bearded hi-fi buffs with the ability to handle Super Audio CD – a hi-def, surround-sound audio format beloved of audio’s lunatic fringe.

Denon’s signature electronics are all present – just smaller – from the vibration-suppressing CD loader to the firm’s trademark AL24 digital-audio processing for high-resolution audio.

It also has separate power sources for its analogue and digital parts, ensuring low interference between the player and the amp.

That was one of the benefits of having separate units.

As well as CDs and SACDs – and if you haven’t made the leap to the hi-def disc format yet, honestly, don’t bother – the RCD-CX1 can also play CDs of MP3 or WMA files, although you may not wish to sully its circuitry with anything less than lossless music. It also has an AM/FM radio built in – no DAB, oddly.

To really splash out, pair it with Denon’s mahogany-backed AH-D5000 headphones, a snip at £500 – but if you can afford the RCD-CX1, then stumping up the extra cash probably won’t be a problem. denon.co.uk

source: Rob Waugh www.dailymail.co.uk | Denon

IRVINE, Calif., Aug 26, 2008 — A leader in creating innovative mobile computing products, Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the launch of its affordable and powerful projector, the TLP-XE30U. Covered by Toshiba’s three-year standard limited warranty1, the 3,000 ANSI lumen mobile projector offers improved image quality with 3LCD technology and innovative features, such as “blackboard” wall color adjustment and quick-power shutdown, for the price of $1,119 (MSRP).

“Toshiba has added the TLP-XE30U to its award-winning lineup of projectors to make presentation solutions more affordable for business professionals, educators and home digital entertainment enthusiasts,” said Jane Poon, product marketing manager, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “Toshiba constantly strives to provide our customers with the highest quality projector technology at the lowest possible price, the TLP-XE30U 3LCD projector is backed by a with a three-year standard limited warranty1.”

The Toshiba TLP-XE30U projector includes the following leading-edge technologies:

– “Blackboard” Function: This feature allows presentations to be made on non-screen surfaces, such as a painted wall or a blackboard, for ultimate mobility. Users simply select a wall color, such as green, black, brown, blue or beige, and the projector automatically corrects the color for a clearer display in almost any environment.

– Quick-Power Shutdown: Some projectors require that the fan stops completely before unplugging the projector to save on wear and tear of the lamp. The Toshiba TLP-XE30U projector can be powered off once disconnected from the outlet with no cool-down time required.

– Automatic Vertical Keystone Correction: This feature instantly projects a square image even when the projector is placed at a steep offset angle of plus or minus 30 degrees to the screen.

– One-Touch Auto Setup: The TLP-XE30U projector comes with a fully loaded remote control that ensures worry-free, professional presentations even in the most unforgiving environments.

– Digital Zoom: This feature allows the user to focus on the highlights of the presentation by resizing the images.

The following are some of the Toshiba TLP-XE30U projector specifications: TLP-XE30U Projector Specifications (MSRP $1,1192)

– Display Technology: 0.63″ 3LCD
– Aspect Ratio: 4:3
– Native Resolution: XGA 1024 x 768
– Brightness: 3000 ANSI lumens
– Contrast Ratio: 600:1
– Projection Method: Front, rear and ceiling
– Color Reproduction: Full 16.7 million colors
– Projection Screen Size: 33-300 inches
– Projection Distance: 3.8-28.9 feet
– Input Terminal: RGB: 1 x D-sub 15 (can be used for computer input out component video) Video: 1 x S-video; 1 x RCA for composite video RGB Audio: 1 x stereo mini-jack — Output Terminal: RGB: 1 x D-sub 15 terminal Audio: 1 x Stereo mini-jack
– Input Signal Format: Video: NTSC, PAL, SECAM Color Difference: HDTV/DTV (480p/480i/576i/576p/720p/1080i/1080p), DVD
– RGB: VGA, SVGA, XGA (true), WXGA/SXGA/UXGA (Compressed)
– Other Terminal: RS-232C: 1 x RS232 (mini DIN8 pin)
– Weight: 6.2 pounds
– Warranty: Three-year limited warranty on parts and labor. One-year limited warranty on the lamp or 500 hours, whichever comes first1. limited warranty on the lamp or 500 hours, whichever comes first1.

The Toshiba TLP-XE30U 3LCD projector is currently available through Toshiba’s authorized distributors, dealers, VARs, mail-order outlets, retail stores and www.explore.toshiba.com.

Green Statement: Toshiba strongly believes in corporate social responsibility and is committed to taking certain actions to help protect the environment. Toshiba has set an environmental goal to double its ecological efficiency by 2010 while currently manufacturing its products to meet the Restriction on Hazardous Substances3 standard (RoHS). All Toshiba projectors are RoHS-compatible, reducing harmful environmental effects by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry leading portable computers; projectors; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and telephony equipment and associated applications.

TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, which is a global leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems, as well as major infrastructure systems. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 198,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $76 billion. For more information on Toshiba’s leading innovations, visit the company’s Web site at www.toshiba.com.

1 The terms and conditions of Toshiba’s standard limited warranties are available at www.warranty.toshiba.com.

2 Reseller prices may vary. MSRP means “Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price.”

3 RoHS. This product is compatible with European Union Directive 2002/95/EC. See RoHS legal footnote at www.info.toshiba.com.

(C) 2008 Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including without limitation product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice.

SOURCE: MarketWatch | Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

M-Audio Unveils Flagship Studiophile DSM Reference Monitors

By Marketwire:

LOS ANGELES, CA — (Marketwire) — 08/25/08 — M-Audio, a part of Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), and a leading provider of creative tools for musicians, today unveiled the Studiophile® DSM1 and DSM2 reference monitors with built-in DSP for powerful sound processing. Developed in collaboration with professional audio DSP technology leader Digidesign — also an Avid company — the DSM series extends M-Audio’s legacy of cutting-edge monitor acoustics, transducer technology and amplification. The collaboration makes world-class reference technology accessible to a broad array of creative and professional environments.

M-Audio engineers worked closely with Digidesign to bring their expertise to the Studiophile DSM series. The monitors feature a powerful onboard DSP engine, which provides clear and accurate audio imaging by compensating for phase differences between the two drivers at the crossover point. The onboard DSP also manages a number of functions that enable users to tailor each speaker to their unique space and placement needs, for optimal monitoring in any environment. The custom-voiced components ensure hours of accurate listening without fatigue. The professional analog and digital inputs support studio-grade audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, in order to reveal every detail of music created with a digital audio workstation.

“The DSM monitors are a logical next step as we expand our position as a leader in the studio monitor market,” said Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “We’re really pleased with the result of this collaboration between M-Audio and Digidesign — the quality of the DSM series speaks for itself.”

Studiophile DSM1 and DSM2 Features:

– 1″ Teteron soft fabric, high-frequency dome with Neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling — accurate to 27kHz

– custom low-frequency driver with anodized aluminum cone provides exceptionally low distortion (6.5″ on DSM1, 8″ on DMS2)

– onboard DSP manages the complex, 4th-order digital crossover for pristine imaging

– DSP-based EQ and Acoustic Space Controls optimize monitor for difficult acoustic environments

– bass-reflex port delivers controlled extended bass response

– high-density cabinet yields good damping and reduced acoustic interference

– professional digital inputs (up to 24-bit/192kHz): S/PDIF and AES

– balanced analog inputs: XLR and 1/4″

– bi-amplified with Class D power amps: 100 watts (low frequency) and 80 watts (high-frequency)

The Studiophile DSM1 and DSM2 monitors are currently expected to ship in the fourth quarter of 2008 and carry an MSRP of US$649.95 per unit and US$749.95 per unit, respectively. For comprehensive product information, visit m-audio.com/DSM1 and m-audio.com/DSM2.

About M-Audio

M-Audio, a part of Avid Technology, Inc., is a leading provider of innovative tools for today’s computer musicians and audio professionals. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the company was founded with the goal of democratizing music production by making powerful, easy-to-use technology accessible to a broad creative community. The company’s award-winning and comprehensive product line includes PCI-, FireWire- and USB-based audio interfaces; USB/MIDI keyboard controllers and digital pianos; microphones, preamps and reference monitors; and DJ tools. M-Audio has received numerous industry accolades, including Music Trades’ “Company of the Year” and “Fastest Growing Company” distinctions. For more information, visit www.m-audio.com.

About Avid Technology, Inc.

Avid is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, 3D animation, gaming and broadcast professionals — as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid®, Digidesign®, M-Audio®, Pinnacle Systems®, Sibelius®, Softimage® and Sundance Digital®. The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid products. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid’s products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid received an Oscar® statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid® Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. For more information about the company’s Oscar, Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning products and services, visit www.avid.com.

© 2008 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements and availability are subject to change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Avid office or reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, M-Audio, Studiophile, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Softimage and Sundance are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

U.S. media contact:
Mark Williams
M-Audio
626-610-2513
Mark_Williams@m-audio.com

Lisa Pistacchio
Avid Corporate
650-731-6823
lisa_pistacchio@avid.com

Copyright @ Marketwire

source: Marketwire

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ — SANYO, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of LCD and DLP presentation systems introduces a new Full HD LCD projector for popular residential applications, such as home theaters and media rooms. While the PLV-Z700 is SANYO’s entry-level projector it is equipped with a state-of-the-art Full 1080p HD 3LCD panel, the most advanced lens-shifting technology in the industry, a new variable iris, and SANYO’s 3D color management system. The PLV-Z700 will be shipping in October 2008 with a MSRP of only $1,995.00.

“Our entry-level Full HD projector addresses the increased interest in projection systems for home-based entertainment systems due to the rapid growth of high resolution material, from Blu-ray discs, HD game consoles and digital camcorders,” says Mark Holt, the Vice President and General Manager for SANYO’s Presentation Technologies Division. “SANYO recognizes this trend toward affordable higher quality video and the PLV-Z700 is capable of projecting large, beautiful images anywhere and now for more Americans.”

The PLV-Z700 is one of SANYO’s least expensive projectors designed for residential installations, offering a Full HD panel providing 1920 x 1080 resolution from high definition sources such as Blu-ray discs, HD camcorders, a wide variety of video on-demand services plus paid TV services from cable and satellite companies, in addition to terrestrial-based HD broadcasts.

Outfitted with an extremely versatile lens-shifting function, the PLV-Z700 can effectively adjust the equivalent of 3 screens vertically and 2 screens horizontally. Combined with the 2x zoom, which allows for an extremely long or short focus, it is possible to create a large screen projection virtually anywhere, even in small rooms such as dens or bedrooms.

The new variable iris offers rapid adjustments that control the amount of light projected on the screen every 1/60th of a second. By permitting ultra, fast-acting lens adjustment, the PLV-Z700 is capable of providing the most optimal light level at all times. Factor in a high contrast ratio of 10,000:1, along with the more advanced variable iris; this projector is capable of creating incredibly rich, and deep black color reproduction. The iris noise has been reduced to ensure greater enjoyment and cinematic-like immersion in quiet or silent scenes of a movie.

The PLV-Z700 also incorporates SANYO’s 3D color management system that address changes in color phase and color level to obtain perfect color reproduction. This new color management system was designed to optimize the potential of Deep Color via the projectors two HDMI 1.3 inputs. Other features include an electronic shutter that protects the lens from dust when not in use and a whisper quiet fan, rated at only 21dB. Five video modes (Brilliant Cinema/Creative Cinema/Natural/Living/Dynamic) provide pre-calibration for
various genres of video material.

Other Specifications
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Color range: 1.07 billion (10 bit)
Brightness: 1,200 ANSI lumens (Dynamic Video Mode)
Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 (Dynamic Video Mode)
Projection Lamp: UHP 165W
Screen Size: Minimum 40″, Maximum 300″ (with projection distance of
approx 4-60 feet)
Projection Lens: Manual Zoom 1-2.0x (f=22.6-45.3mm, F2.0-F3.0)
Video Modes: 5 (Brilliant Cinema/Creative Cinema/Natural/Living/Dynamic)
Noise output: 21 dBA (Cinema Black Mode)
PC I/O: Mini D-sub 15-pin, analog RGB
Video Input: HDMI x 2 (ver1.3b w/Deep Color), Component (Y/Cb/Cr) x 2,
Composite (RCA) x 1, S-Video x 1
Dimensions: 15.75 (W) x 5.75 (H) x 13.6 (D) inches
Weight: 16.5 lbs

The PLV-Z700 will be shipping in October 2008 with a MSRP of $1995.00 and SANYO will be premiering it at the IFA 2008 Show in Berlin, Germany from August 29 to September 3.

About SANYO

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion-dollar global leader in providing solutions for the environment, energy and for lifestyle applications based on its brand vision ‘Think GAIA’. SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California, markets digital projectors, digital still
cameras, digital media camcorders, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics and HD televisions. For more information on SANYO’s complete line of projectors please call 888-495-3452 or visit http://www.sanyoPROJECTORS.com.

source: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.

TOSHIBA “BREATHES NEW LIFE” INTO DVD WITH XDE™ TECHNOLOGY

WAYNE, NJ - AUGUST 18, 2008

XDE offers enhanced picture performance from standard DVDs

Link: www.toshibaxde.com

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/dvd/product.asp?model=xd-e500

Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. (“Toshiba”) today announces its new video enhancement technology for DVD with the introduction of the XD-E500. XDE, or “eXtended Detail Enhancement,” is more than just DVD upconversion. XDE takes DVD picture quality to a whole new level.

In addition to providing upconversion from 480i/p up to 1080p, XDE offers user selectable picture enhancement modes that allow for greater detail, more vivid colors and stronger contrast that bring standard DVD quality closer to the HD experience. XDE technology lets consumers enjoy their existing DVD libraries in a whole new way.

“Consumers have embraced the DVD format like no other technology and invested in large libraries of their favorite movies. As the market moves towards high definition, XDE lets them experience their existing DVD library and the tens of thousands of DVD titles in a whole new way,” said Louis Masses, Director of Product Planning. “XDE offers consumers a simple solution to add on to their HDTV purchase. XDE works with existing DVDs to deliver a near HD experience with enhanced detail and richer colors. Toshiba is delivering to consumers what they want – a high quality experience at an affordable price.”

XDE Flexibility In addition to upconversion from 480i/p to 1080p, XDE technology offers consumers the ability to customize their viewing experience to their liking with its picture mode settings. With these three selectable settings – Sharp, Color and Contrast – users can get the most out of their DVD movie-viewing experience on their terms.

• Sharp Mode offers improved detail enhancement that is one step closer to high definition. Edges are sharper and details in movies are more visible. Unlike traditional sharpness control, XDE technology analyzes the entire picture and adds edge enhancement precisely where it’s needed.
• Color Mode makes the colors of nature stand out with improved richness. Blues and greens are more vivid and lifelike. Color Mode combines the improvement in color with the detail enhancement of Sharp Mode and is ideal for outdoor scenes.
• Contrast Mode is designed to make darker scenes or foregrounds more clearly visible without the typical “washing out” that can occur with traditional contrast adjustment. Recommended for dark scenes where detail may be difficult to notice, Contrast Mode is also combined with Sharp Mode to provide a clearer viewing experience.

In an effort to reach a broad spectrum of consumers from around the world, Toshiba’s new XDE technology and the exciting experience it delivers, will be featured in an extensive print and online advertising campaign. This includes placement on NBCOlympics.com, a site that signifies strength, performance, diversity and unity among many. A new Web site, www.toshibaxde.com, will be launched to help educate consumers on the benefits of XDE technology and how it works so they can experience the best of what this new technology has to offer and enjoy their DVD movies in near HD quality.

XDE will be launched today onboard the XD-E500 1080p/24fps Upconverting DVD player. Featuring XDE technology, the XD-E500 also incorporates key features found on today’s upconverting standard DVD players such as HDMI-CEC, DivX certification, JPEG capability, MP3 and WMA playback and much more in a slim, high-gloss cosmetic design to complement today’s HDTV. The XD-E500 is shipping this month with an MSRP of $149.99 and can be found at authorized retailers nationwide.

For more information on XDE please visit www.toshibaxde.com or www.tacp.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba is a pioneer in DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com.

source: Toshiba | Nicole Lawler - BRODEUR