This year (2008) Metalworks Studios celebrates 30 years of excellence as the undisputed leader in the recording studio business in Canada. Established in 1978, Metalworks Studios was originally the creative workspace for legendary rock group and Canadian Hall of Fame inductees Triumph. Metalworks Studios has since expanded into an internationally renowned six-studio, recording, mastering and DVD facility.

Canada’s consummate world-class studio facility has been recognized for an unprecedented eleven consecutive years as Recording Studio of the Year (1998 - 2008) at the prestigious CMW Canadian Music Industry Awards.

“Metalworks is the gold standard for recording in Canada”, says Randy Lennox, President-CEO -Universal Music Canada.

Metalworks Studios has prospered for 30 years by recording international artists such as Prince, David Bowie, Christina Aguilera, Guns ‘N Roses, NSync, Tina Turner, and Bruce Springsteen. Canadian superstars that have recorded at Metalworks include Rush, Nelly Furtado, Anne Murray, Barenaked Ladies and Feist. In addition, Metalworks has hosted recording sessions for the newest generation of Canadian artists such as Metric, City & Colour, Tokyo Police Club, Protest the Hero, and Alexisonfire, and continues to support in the development of many new and exciting Canadian artists.

Metalworks Studios has also worked on major motion picture releases such as Disney/Pixar’s animated feature, Cars (nominated for 2 Oscars), Sony Pictures’, Silent Hill and Miramax’s box office hit, Chicago (winner of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture). In conjunction with these films, Metalworks’ state-of-the-art studios have hosted A-list actors such as Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Renee Zellweger for work on various motion pictures.

Metalworks Studios has maintained an unsurpassed level of excellence over this time and is regarded as one of North Americas premiere facilities. After 30 years, Metalworks Studios continues to evolve and reinvent itself as the industry changes, providing the latest, cutting edge technology and equipment for recording, mixing, mastering and DVD authoring. It is little wonder that gold and platinum record awards from record companies like EMI, Sony-BMG, Warner Group, and Universal line the corridors at Metalworks Studios.

The success of Metalworks Studios has also been the inspirational impetus in the creation of Metalworks Institute, Canada’s leading entertainment arts school. Students travel from all over the world to learn and study from some of the industry’s foremost experts, who draw upon Metalworks’ thirty years of industry success. Metalworks Production Group is yet another creative and evolutionary step forward for the Metalworks group of companies, providing services in the areas of live production, sound and lighting. Together these companies embrace multiple facets of the entertainment industry – from recording, to live event production, to education.

www.metalworksstudios.com

source: Nik Duncan

Well, these certainly aren’t ment to turn any audiophile heads, but maybe they would be a good gift in these hard times for the iPod generation.  $50 for some stylish speakers isn’t going to break the bank and might be either a good gift or a stocking stuffer.  The speakers boost the ability to charge your iPod or other USB players, oh, and they also “glow”.   I could see hooking these up to the alarm on your iPod.  Awake up to music, and since it is dark outside, you’ll have a little morning light!

i.Sound® Ice Speakers Boast Big Sound in Compact, Crystal Design

Inspired by Ice Cubes, New Speakers Offer Unique Look.

Torrance, CA (PRWEB) October 27, 2008 — i.Sound®, leading provider of high quality accessories for iPod®, iPhone™ and other audio devices, introduces the Ice Speakers as the newest addition to their established line of high quality speaker units. These crystal clear, compact speakers glow with illumination from blue LED lights and are compatible with any audio device that uses a 3.5 mm audio jack including all iPod models.

The first and only speakers of their kind, Ice Speakers are tiny, transparent speakers that glow with ultra-bright blue LED lights when in use, making them the most stylish units on the market. The crystallized PC Plastic forming the speakers’ housing is the clearest plastic available, and the substantial weight for the speakers’ diminutive size hints at the superior audio technology housed within.

The Ice Speakers’ convenient features complement the cutting edge design: The miniature size and the deluxe travel case allow users to easily take them on the go, whether to work, school or from room to room. The included AC adapter is also compatible with iPod and other MP3 players’ original USB cable, so users can charge their devices in between play time. This extra feature ensures that users are ready to combat low battery life at any time.

Read the rest at PRWeb.com

source: PRWeb.com and I.Sound.net

Update:: Check out Popular Blu-Ray Players as of Feb ‘09 an updated article

We’ve Pulled Together the Best of Slightly Older, which means cheaper, Blu-ray Players for Your Dollar in these hard times.

Why read five different reviews at eight different sites?
What we’ve done is scavenged the web of editors top picks, from CNET to ZDNet and given you a one stop web review experience.

How to Choose a Blu-ray Player:

Update:: Check out Popular Blu-Ray Players as of Feb ‘09 an updated article

Sony PlayStation 3 80gig - 499

Specs: Memory / Storage - RAM Installed ( Max ) 256 MB - Storage BD-ROM - Hard Disk Drive Yes - HDD Capacity 80 GB Video - Video Output NVIDIA RSX - Video Memory Installed ( Max ) Video adapter memory - 256 MB - GDDR3 SDRAM - Integrated - Max Resolution (external) 1920 x 1080 Connectivity - Connectivity Features IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth Connections - Connector Type 1 x SPDIF output, 1 x PlayStation 3 AV output, 1 x HDMI output, 1 x Network, 4 x USB - Expansion Slots Total Memory Stick, CompactFlash Card, SD Memory Card

CNet.com says: Swanky design with quiet operation; all games in high-definition; PSP-like, easy-to-use interface; plays Profile 2.0 high-definition Blu-ray movies in addition to upscaling standard DVDs; built-in Wi-Fi; 80GB hard drive; HDMI output with 1080p support; no external power supply; free online gaming service. PCWorld Says: the PS3 remains quite a deal if you want to play high-def Blu-ray movies and aren’t wedded to getting a stand-alone home-theater-style device. Even factoring in the cost of the remote, you’re getting a versatile, reasonably priced Blu-ray Disc player that can handle all of the latest BonusView and BD-Live content. Plus, you could use the machine to play games, browse pictures, and surf the Web, too. DigitalTrends.com Says: Highs: Amazing audiovisual performance; Blu-ray drive; future-proof hardware; backwards compatible. Lows: Price; no force-feedback; weak launch lineup; smudge-prone exterior; a few technical glitches

Read more details and find out prices here.

Panasonic DMP-BD55 - $399

Specs: - Sound Output Mode   Surround Sound DVD - Media Type CD, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD, BD-RE, DVD-R, DVD+R, BD-ROM, DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL, CD-R, DVD+RW, BD-R - Built-in Audio Decoders DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD - Media Load Type Tray - Upscaling Yes - Output Resolution 1080p, 480p, 576p, 1080i, 720p Connections - Connector Type 1 x 7.1 channel audio line-out - Rear, 1 x HDMI output  - Rear, 1 x Ethernet - Rear

WhatHiFi.com says: It has the performance you’ve dreamed of, all the features you’ll ever need. The DMP-BD55 offers unbelievable value for money. … The DMP-BD55 is also an excellent DVD-spinner, doing a great job extracting fine detail from the transfer of Iron Man. The desert landscapes that serve as a backdrop for Tony Stark’s capture show excellent clarity and definition, especially where the rocky outcrops are concerned. TechRadar Says: The provision of 7.1 analogue audio outs on the DMP-BD55 fulfills a niche requirement of some users who would like to connect analogue outputs to their amplifiers, but so far have been limited to 5.1 channels by the spec of previous BD spinners. CNet Says: The Panasonic DMP-BD55 is the best standalone Blu-ray we’ve tested and it’s a good choice for those with older receivers, but most people will get the same performance out of the cheaper DMP-BD35.

Read more details and find out prices here.

Samsung BD-P1500 - $250

Specs: - BD-ROM, CD, CD-RW, DVD-RW, CD-R, DVD, BD-R, DVD-R, BD-RE - Built-in Audio Decoders Dolby Digital, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD - Supported Digital Audio Standards PCM - Upscaling Yes - Output Resolution 1080p, 480p, 576i, 576p, 480i, 1080i, 720p - Additional Features BD-Live, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning - Connector Type 1 x Digital audio output - Rear, 1 x Network - Rear, 1 x HDMI - Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio output - Rear, 1 x USB - Rear, 1 x Component video output - Rear

CNET.com says: Relatively inexpensive compared with other standalone units; very good image quality on most Blu-ray Discs; onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and bit stream output for all high-resolution audio formats; Ethernet port for firmware updates; Samsung claims it will update the unit to add Profile 2.0 support and onboard DTS-HD Master Audio decoding in the future.Does not currently support Profile 2.0 or have onboard DTS-HD Master Audio decoding; Blu-ray image quality could be better Engadgethd.com Says: And since the PS3 sells for the same — unless you find the BD-P1500 on sale — we wonder who’d prefer the BD-P1500 over Sony’s multifaceted console. The good news is we don’t have anything exceptionally bad to say about the BD-P1500; in fact, it works as advertised in every way. So if you’re in the market for a standalone player, and don’t care can wait for BD Live and DTS-HD MA decoding, this is currently the player to beat.. UltimateAVmag.com Says: As much as each generation of Blu-ray players improves, it’s still hard to beat the overall price versus features and performance of the PS3, especially if you don’t care that the PS3 can’t deinterlace 1080i. Even so, what the Samsung brings to the table is critical for audiophiles like myself. The biggest plus is the BD-P1500’s ability to send Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstreams

Read more details and find out prices here.

Philips BDP7200/37 - $275

Specs: Playback Media - CD-R/CD-RW , DVD-Video , DVD-R/-RW , CD , DVD+R/+RW , DivX , DVD , BD Video , BD-R/RE 2.0 , BD-ROM Disc Playback Modes - A-B Repeat , Angle , Disc Menu , Pause , Repeat , Resume Playback from Stop , Skip , Search forward/reverse , Slow Forward , Standard Play , Zoom Picture Quality Enhancements - Video upscaling Video Enhancement - Progressive Scan , Video Upscaling Sound System - Dolby Digital Rear Connections - Analog audio Left/Right out , Analog audio Multi-channel out , Component Video output , Composite video output , Digital coaxial out , HDMI output

CNet.com says: Unique design; can output Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio in bit-stream format; excellent video quality in 1080p/24 mode; Profile 1.1 compliant. No onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; subpar image quality on Blu-ray Discs in standard 1080p mode pcadvisor.co.uk Says: Minor complaints aside, the Philips BDP7200 distinguishes itself by delivering terrific image and audio quality at a comparatively low price - in the US, at least. Support for BonusView, too, makes this model a great choice, so it may be worth waiting unt PCMag.com Says: Enjoy the thrill of full high definition pictures delivered by the BDP7200. Indulge in every detail, silky smooth action and vivid colors with Deep Colour. Current DVD favorites can also be enjoyed, with upconversion to 1080p via HDMI. This new BD player boasts a stylish design with unbeatable sound and picture quality that takes Blu-ray Disc interactivity to a new dimension.

Read more details and find out prices here.

LG BD300 - $399

Specs: - Media Type   BD-ROM, DVD+R, CD, CD-RW, DVD-RW, CD-R, DVD+RW, DVD, BD-R, DVD-R, BD-RE - Built-in Audio Decoders Dolby TruHD - Supported Digital Video Standards H.264, MPEG-2, AVCHD - Supported Digital Audio Standards WMA, PCM, MP3 - Upscaling Yes - Output Resolution 1080p, 480p, 480i, 1080i, 720p - Digital Audio Format Dolby Digital output, DTS digital output - Additional Features BD-Live, JPEG photo playback, BonusView, Progressive scanning

CNET.com says: Good image quality on film-based Blu-ray Discs; Netflix Internet streaming; Profile 2.0 support; onboard Dolby TrueHD decoding. The LG BD300 deftly combines Blu-ray and Netflix streaming in a single box, although there are better standalone players without Netflix. Circuit City User bpaskin Says: This Blu-Ray player has everything in a cost effective package. I ordered online as soon I as I saw it was available. Setup was extremely easy. The Netflix setup was easy, as well. It does require the user to signon to their account on a computer andenter a code that pops up on the screen.

Read more details and find out prices here.

Update:: Check out Popular Blu-Ray Players as of Feb ‘09 an updated article

HiddenWires is reporting on a new projector from Chilin, and Taiwan OEM/ODM supplier that features Luminus PhlatLight LED instead of a lamp, but cooler than that, it is liquid cooled. Chilin claimes that is have a >100,000:1 Contrast Ratio and delivers a 128% NTSC color gamut.

Can wait to read some reviews on this baby!

Chilin Technology Introduces Lamp Free 1080p Projector with Liquid Cooling Technology

Taiwan OEM/ODM supplier sets to impress the custom home theater channel.

Chilin Technology, a leading ODM/OEM manufacturer and supplier of high end home theater projectors is pleased to announce the first liquid cooling LED light source home theater projector. In partnership with Luminus Devices and Texas Instruments, this projector features Luminus PhlatLight LED in place of a conventional UHP lamp, as well as the latest Texas Instrument 1080p (1920×1080) DMD technology. In order to optimize the performance of this new light source, the projector requires a thermal management system that breaks with tradition. To this end, Chilin introduces the1st Lamp Free Full HD Home Theater Projector with liquid cooling into the market.

With 600 ANSI lumen and >100,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Chilin delivers an unbelievable 128% NTSC color gamut, which is - 80% greater than that achieved through conventional UHP projectors. Integrated with Chilin’s tradition of superior optics and color management performance, the picture quality and color performance is simply unbelievable.

read the rest on HiddenWires.com

source: HiddenWires

http://www.chilintech.com.tw/

Here is a little article that started me thinking about what are sound audio business principles?  Dr Tien gives an example in the article where stretching a date to reward a loyal customer who is a little late to cash in on a reward is more important than sticking to the dates printed on the coupon.

This is a more than just good customer service, this is smart business.

Recently I ordered some equipment from two different retailers in one day.  Later that day on the commute home long 80 up to Oakland I got a call from one of the retailers saying the credit card address had an issue.  I had rescently moved and new new info didn’t match the old that I had forgotten to update with the credit card company.  This issue was resolved in minutes.

The second company, didn’t call, didn’ ship the equipment, didn’t process the transaction, didn’t email, didn’t do anything.  Nothing, like they could care less about the sale.

It is obvious which retailer I will shop from again and which I won’t.

What about you? What are sound business principles that you run your shop by or continue to shop somewhere because of.

source: business.asiaone.com

Oh Goodie! Look it is a speaker system not for the iPod droves. Acoustic Energy, not seen selling here in the states for a while, have introduces a Bluetooth speaker system with 20 Watts of power and detachable speakers. The speakers will have to stay with-in about a meters range from the base unit. The design is nice and simple, and this will be great speakers system for the Google G1 cell phone.  Without a doubt better speakers for video and music.

Good product? What do you say? Maybe a for x-mas?

Acoustic Energy Introduces British High End Sound To The Multimedia Audio World

Honored High-End Loudspeaker Manufacturer Returns To The U.S. Market With Stunning Bluetooth Speaker Achievement –

BOSTON, MA, October 21, 2008 – Acoustic Energy, an award-winning U.K.-based designer and manufacturer of audiophile-grade loudspeakers, has returned to the U.S. market with an exciting new wireless option for today’s music listening lifestyles.

The company’s AE-29 Bluetooth Speaker brings Acoustic Energy’s renowned high fidelity performance to the new world of PC and cell phone audio sources.

“Today’s audio market is ripe with exciting new opportunities and Acoustic Energy isn’t resting on its laurels,” says Moses Gabbay, Managing Director, Acoustic Energy Ltd. “We’re building on our momentum and our reputation by bringing today’s PC, mobile
phone and PDA music sources into the fold of high performance audio. People who hear their favorite music through our new AE-29 Bluetooth Speaker are quite amazed at how good their music can sound.”

read the rest on ecoustics.com…

source: Ecoustics

Hey this is awesome,  Dolby is doing the work for you!  By figuring out a psycho acoustic model of human hearing to control perceived volumes from across different inputs.  I can only imagine how useful this will be.  What do you AR readers fill, something that will get your extra $$$ when choosing your next receiver?

Here is a little brief on it with the rest of the article over at http://hiddenwires.co.uk

Dolby showcases new audio/video receivers featuring Dolby Volume and Blu-ray Disc players featuring Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus (23/10/2008)

CEDIA US Expo 2008

At CEDIA, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) showcased two new audio/video receivers that feature Dolby® Volume: the Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD and the Arcam FMJ AVR600.

Dolby Volume is a unique and innovative approach to delivering consistent volume levels across a wide variety of content, channel programming, or input sources. Using a psychoacoustic model of human hearing, Dolby Volume analyzes, measures, and controls perceived volume levels, providing an outstanding listening experience at any volume setting.

more…

source: http://hiddenwires.co.uk

www.dolby.com

Fusion may look cute, but beneath a sleek, narrow casing lies a surprisingly technological beast ready to bring music to life. Fusion combines the convenience of the iPod with a fully integrated micro hi-fi system. A powerful 2.1 amplifier delivering a weighty 30 Watts per channel is matched to a bespoke iPod dock, hi-fi quality CD player, and DAB/FM tuner which work in perfect harmony. Fusion represents a major development for Cambridge Audio as it launches a range of highly compelling integrated products specifically tailored to the digital music generation.

As well as complete iPod integration, Fusion takes command of a plethora of other media. Front mounted USB and SD card connections make it incredibly simple to access digital music from a wide range of devices. As well as hi-fi playback of LPCM CDs, the slot-loading CD player is also MP3 and WMA compatible and both the CD player and memory card interfaces support track and artist information display from those file types.

Designed in conjunction with Cambridge Audio’s award-winning S30 bookshelf loudspeaker to provide the perfect stereo set-up, Fusion offers incredible value for money.

The full function, ergonomic Navigator remote handset is a style icon in its own right and gives control of the iPod dock, CD player, tuner and storage card content – all from the comfort of a sofa.

Coming late 2008.

Please note, may not be available in all markets.

See more on Cambridge Audio…

source: www.cambridgeaudio.com

Sherwood Home Audio to Deliver Affordable Blu-ray DVD Player

Sherwood America Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high performance audio and video electronics, introduces its first Blu-ray DVD player, aimed at consumers that have been waiting for affordability and optimum performance. Sherwood’s BDP-5003 offers function and features at an irresistible $299.95 price.

Read rest of article here…

source: ecoustics.com

visit: http://www.sherwoodusa.com/index.html

Pro Audio Company Gives First Public Showing of High End HiFi Product

Denver, CO - October 10, 2008 — Sonic Studio, LLC, in conjunction with their representative VRS Audio Solutions, provided the first public showing of their new ultra–fidelity music server, Amarra. Taking place at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in the mile high city of Denver, VRS staged demonstrations of the newest member of the growing media server class in their demo room.

Based on Sonic Studio’s legendary line of professional linear PCM products, Amarra is an integrated software and hardware alloy that leverages Sonic Studio’s storied history in pro audio with the industry’s longest running digital audio workstation. Amarra’s hardware is drawn from the exclusive FireWire–attached, Series 300 line of DSP I/O Processors while the software derives from soundBlade, Sonic Studio’s high end production application.

Unlike prior audio server products, Amarra runs on the stable, secure and friendly Macintosh operating system. To ease user interaction, Amarra also coordinates with iTunes, the industry standard for asset acquisition, storage and playback. Able to play uncompressed audio files up to 192 kHz, Amarra is architected to accommodate future enhancements as technology and the server market advances.

Amarra is a whole new concept in music servers. The same technology that produces the master files used by record labels large and small for music distribution on Compact Disc, DVD-Audio and for download, is also used to create a music server that handily bests all others in fidelity, the foundation of any audiophile product. Amarra provides the highest quality playback, coupled with the convenience of iTunes, the world’s most popular music delivery system. Soon to be available through select dealers, more information about Amarra is available at www.amarraaudio.com. For more on Sonic Studio, visit www.sonicstudio.com.

About Sonic Studio
Sonic Studio, LLC is the premier manufacturer of ultra–fidelity PCM and DSD content creation systems. Sonic Studio’s Emmy award–winning NoNOISE II suite is the leading audio restoration toolset for archivists, record labels, videographers and forensic investigators while their product lines for Red and Scarlet Book premastering define the state of the art. Sonic Studio’s digital audio workstations and software are in use at major studios, record labels, broadcast and post production facilities worldwide. Based in Marin County, California, Sonic Studio has an international network of distributors and channel partners who share their commitment to quality and service.

soundBlade, Series 300, amarraaudio.com, sonicstudio.com and the
Sonic Studio logo and type are trademarks of Sonic Studio, LLC in the
United States and other countries. All other trademarks, trade names,
service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective
companies. 081013v1r1

source: Oliver Masciarotte | Seneschal