The next frontier in television technology is here and heading to retail outlets next year.

Just don’t forget your glasses.

Sony and Panasonic say they will release home 3-D television systems in 2010; JVC is not far behind. All of Mitsubishi’s current model Home Theater TVs are 3-D ready and are offered in screen sizes from 60 inches to 73 inches. A 3-D standard format does not currently exist for Blu-ray or DVD prepackaged media, however.

Some analysts compare the 3-D transition to the switch from black-and-white to color television and the shift from standard- to high-definition images. It won’t happen overnight, but the new technology will take hold, they agree, and could give electronics retailers, manufacturers and distributors a boost akin to when flat-panel televisions really took flight five or so years ago.

read more about upcoming 3D TVs on rtohq.org…

source: rtohq.org

Peabody, Mass. - Boston Acoustics replaced the middle series in its three-series component-speaker selection, shipping a six-SKU Reflection series designed to complement flat-panel displays and to bring select flagship-series technologies to lower price points.

The RS 334 floor-standing speaker at $699 (street price) each tops out the Reflection series of component speakers with rounded edges and scratch-resistant piano-black finish.

The company also launched a co-promotion with sister brand Denon, offering consumers up to 25 percent off a combined purchase of any six Boston Acoustics speakers and select Denon electronics.

With Reflection’s launch, Boston Acoustics turned over all three of its component-speaker series over an 18-month period, said Joe Stinziano, sales and marketing senior VP.

read more about the RS 334 and the Reflection Series on Twice.com…

source: Twice.com

www.bostonacoustics.com

Conveniently brings better sound to laptop users (and anyone else who hates wires.)

Today Klipsch hass added wireless technology to its ProMedia 2.1 computer speakers. The original ProMedia 2.1 system was introduced in 2000, and over the years it has become one of the highest praised, best-selling products Klipsch has ever produced. But given the increase in laptop and notebook usage, company officials decided to put a fresh spin on the classic setup by introducing a wireless version.

The new ProMedia 2.1 Wireless looks and sounds like the THX®-certified original, only the Klipsch logos are silver instead of copper. “The ProMedia is still the defacto 2.1 standard for computer speakers. It’s been known to put some home stereo systems to shame, and we want to keep it that way–with or without wires,” said Don Inmon, Klipsch director of product development for personal audio.

The real difference between the two designs lies within a USB wireless transmitter that plugs into the computer’s USB port. “Only a few simple steps are required to get the ProMedia Wireless up and running. Just plug, play and enjoy the full sonic impact of your music, movies and games without being tied down,” said Inmon. “No router or installation software is needed.”

Inmon, however, notes the misconception that many consumers have about wireless audio. Often times, when people see the words “wireless” and “speakers” together, they assume the entire sound system is wire and cable free. However, no such speaker system exists–unless it runs off of batteries. “Speakers need a power source to drive them and that source needs to connect to electricity,” he says.

more info and photos on eCoustics.com…

source: eCoustics.com

www.klipsch.com

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Amplifiers

Units: About 2,300

Distributor: Krell Industries LLC, of Orange, Conn.

Hazard: The amplifiers were designed to operate at a temperature warm to the touch. However, a component input device can fail and cause the amplifiers to overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Krell has received 50 reports of the amplifiers overheating including reports of smoke and electrical fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Krell power amplifiers with model numbers KAV-250a, KAV-250a/3, KAV-500i and KAV-1500. The amplifiers are used to provide power to a loudspeaker in a home audio playback system. The Krell logo is printed on the front of the amplifier.

Sold by: Authorized dealers and distributors of audio equipment nationwide from January 1997 through February 2001 for between $3,000 and $8,000.

Manufactured in: USA

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the amplifiers, and contact Krell to schedule the free installation of replacement fuses.

Customer Contact: For additional information contact Krell at (888) 436-6055 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.krellonline.com. Consumers can also email the firm at service@krellonline.com.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 436-6055
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

source:  U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
via: audioREVIEW forums

Limited Edition Earphones Are World’s First Audio Hardware To Bear Official Miles Davis Name

* Created in Conjunction with the Miles Davis Family
* Feature Sleek Styling Designed to Capture the Essence of the Man and His Music
* Engineered to the Most Demanding Sonic Specifications

Monster Miles Davis Tribute In-Ear Headphones
Monster, renowned for its many advanced consumer electronics accessories and fast becoming one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance headphones, is proud to announce the upcoming introduction of the world’s first audio hardware product to bear the official name and signature of legendary trumpeter Miles Davis — the new “Miles Davis Tribute” high-performance in-ear headphones. Created in conjunction with Miles Davis Properties, LLC, the new headphones are being offered in a individually numbered limited edition. Adding value to this limited edition release, purchasers of the Miles Davis Tribute headphones will also be able to enjoy free of charge the official 50th Anniversary boxed set of the artist’s seminal album Kind of Blue, featuring two music CDs, a DVD and a 24-page booklet.

Miles Davis Tribute headphones feature a striking gold/brass finish based on the actual trumpet played by the artist, featuring a Miles Davis silhouette and gold-etched signature on the earpiece. The headphones are complemented by an attractive “kind of blue” cord and uniquely designed “musical instrument” carry case. Designed in every way to capture the essence of the renowned musician’s style, the Miles Davis Tribute headphones are tuned to reproduce the subtle nuances of music, with advanced sonic technologies engineered to deliver reference-quality audio.

find out more on eCoustics.com…

source: eCoustics.com

Panasonic to Show Full HD 3D Home Theater, Expanded tru2way(R) Solutions at Cable-Tec Expo 2009 Emphasis on Full HD 3D TV, Growing Interactive Cable TV Applications

DENVER, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Panasonic will demonstrate prototype Full HD 1080p 3D televisions and will exhibit an expanded range of tru2way solutions, including tru2way-based broadband cable set-top boxes and its tru2way-intergrated consumer VIERA HDTVs at this year’s Cable-Tec Expo® — the
cable industry’s engineering show of the year — beginning today through October 30 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

In addition to the Panasonic booth (#14053), the company’s presence will be supplemented by a Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater-equipped tractor trailer exhibit from its nationwide 3D tour fleet to demonstrate 3D for show goers. The Full HD 3D system, which will reach the market next year, utilizes 1080p Plasma display technology and a modified Blu-ray Disc player to deliver a truly immersive 1080p Full HD 3D experience of entertainment and other programming in the home.

“Panasonic believes that the Cable-Tec Expo, with its more than 10,000 cable industry professional attendees, provides the perfect opportunity for us to highlight the impact of Full HD 3D and to give cable engineering, operations and management leaders the chance to experience first hand the powerful and exciting possibilities of 3D. Full HD 3D is anticipated to be widely deployed in 2010, creating new revenue opportunities for the industry,” said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic Corp. of North America’s Chief Technology Officer. “It also provides Panasonic with an occasion to demonstrate our commitment to tru2way, including exhibiting our expanded range of interactive cable solutions — both current and next-generation tru2way digital set-top boxes and the design for a new tru2way digital Set-Back Box which converts VIERA TVs into tru2way-capable receivers.”

At Booth #14053, Panasonic will feature a lineup of next-generation tru2way-based broadband cable set-top boxes all of which offer a smaller footprint and are more energy efficient than earlier models. Panasonic will also demonstrate tru2way-enabled VIERA Plasma TVs, their NovaTouch(TM) system, an innovative touch-based remote control designed to navigate next generation cable program guides, and a prototype of Panasonic’s new tru2way Set-Back Box, which can transform Panasonic VIERA HDTVs into tru2way-enabled receivers.

In addition, at Booth #14044 Panasonic will feature its highly acclaimed Toughbook® mobile computers that allow cable technicians, engineers and supervisors in the field or on the workbench to solve problems quickly and efficiently with exceptional reliability.

About Panasonic
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America markets a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Detailed information about Panasonic’s environmental stewardship may be found in its Panasonic Report for Sustainability 2008 (www.panasonic.net/csr/reports) and Environmental Data Book 2008 www.panasonic.net/eco/rpt/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at
www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

® — tru2way is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

Chris De Maria, Panasonic, +1-201-348-7182, demariac@us.panasonic.com; or
Blayne Murphy, Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9763, blayne.murphy@cohnwolfe.com

source: PRNewswire

www.panasonic.com

ITOK Media Limited, renowned Hong Kong manufacturer of high end but not high priced audio products, has launched its new Trends Hi-Fi product - Trends TA-10 amp and PA-10 Pre-amp Combo. Integrating Trends TA-10.2P SE Power Amplifier, Trends PA-10 SE Tube Pre-Amplifier and Trends Audiophile Audio Cable to bring audiophiles and music lovers the outstanding Hi-Fi Systems in affordable prices.

“As we all know, Trends TA-10.1 is widely considered the best sounding and the best value among Class-T amps! This potent little handful is quickly becoming a global audio phenomenon.” said says David Ho, the marketing director of Trends Audio. “Meanwhile, Trends PA-10 Tube Pre amplifier provides nice dynamic range, and a crisp clear open presentation
favouring the midrange”.

read more on eCoustics.com…

source: eCoustics.com

www.trendaudio.com

Units Sold During 2003 to 2007 May Cause Shock Hazard

Belkin SurgeMaster Surge Protector
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

* Name of Product: SurgeMasterâ„¢ Surge Protectors
* Units: About 68,700
* Importer: Belkin International Inc., of Compton, Calif.
* Hazard: The molding of the plastic 360 degree rotating plug, which allows for easy cord movement, can crack or detach from the plug assembly, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
* Incidents/Injuries: Belkin has received seven consumer complaints about cracking of the plug molding. No injuries were reported.
* Description: This recall involves the SurgeMasterâ„¢ Surge Protector, models F9G930-10, F9G930v10, F9G930-10-W and F9G930-10-SN, all manufactured in 2003. The model number and date of manufacture are located on the underside of the unit. Grey models F9G930-10-GRY and F9G930fc10G-CL are not a part of this recall.
* Sold by: Independent distributors nationwide and the internet by belkin.com from September 2003 through December 2007 for about $50.
* Manufactured in: China
* Remedy: Consumers should stop using these power strips immediately and contact Belkin for a new replacement unit.
* Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Belkin toll-free at 800-952-1465 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.belkin.com/recall.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

source: eCoustics.com

Monitor Audio, the UK owned and managed global specialist in hi-fi loudspeaker design & engineering has enhanced its web service with a host of new features and six territory specific websites. http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk

Feature highlights include a fascinating historical timeline which charts the growth of the company from launch in 1972 to the strong global brand that it is today. The timeline also shows the huge number of technical innovations originating from Monitor Audio over the last 37 years. It can be viewed here
http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/biography/timeline

The timeline follows the release of the revolutionary MA3 speaker
in1974 which firmly established Monitor Audio’s audiophile credibility into the present day with the groundbreaking & critically acclaimed Airstream 10 DAB/internet radio.

Another new feature is designed to help customers visualise the range of award winning products before they buy. Customers can now view products with 360 degree rotational imagery. The Airstream
10 360 degree view can be seen here http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/products/airstream/airstream-10/360-view

Six country specific websites are now available for the USA http://www.monitoraudiousa.com Canada, http://www.monitoraudio.ca France, http://www.monitoraudio.fr Germany, http://www.monitoraudio.de Poland, http://www.monitoraudio.pl and the Netherlands, http://www.monitoraudio.nl
with more planned over the next six months. Each has been specifically designed to engage the local audience & feature the most relevant product ranges.

Michael Johnson, the Marketing Manager for Monitor Audio is clear about the need to
keep the company ahead of the field as the company widens their worldwide appeal.

“Effective communication is key, it’ll open any door to new opportunities and with our ever growing global presence, the websites are quite often the first port of call for would-be customers. It is our obligation to make our websites as accessible, interesting and informative as possible. I believe we deliver on this, and the results prove it”, he said.

About Monitor Audio
Monitor Audio is a wholly British owned designer and manufacturer of high quality and award winning range of loudspeakers.

Since 1972 Monitor Audio has been world’s leading exponent and innovator of metal driver technologies. It is world-renowned for exemplary performance, construction and finish.
Whatever your taste and budget, you’ll discover a Monitor Audio product that, with a combination of superior design and build, answers your desire for great sound. Since hi-fi was in its infancy, Monitor Audio has dedicated all their technical expertise, innovation and craftsmanship to the creation of world-class loudspeakers, which says everything about the brand and the people who own it.
For more information on the complete range of Monitor Audio loudspeakers,
contact Monitor Audio Ltd, 24 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex. SS6 7XL. Tel: +44 (0) 1268 740580, Fax: +44 (0) 1268 740589,

E-mail: info@monitoraudio.co.uk, www.monitoraudio.co.uk
For more press information, contact Mick Thorburn on 0034950 453340 or contact him by email mick@thorburnmedia.co.uk

source: pr-inside.com

Waterfall Audio launches SERIO compact glass 2.1 and 5.1 loudspeaker systems

Glass loudspeaker expert Waterfall Audio has launched a groundbreaking new hi-fi loudspeaker concept that’s set to offer the ultimate in discrete, compact audio. Called SERIO, the diminutive satellite speaker features Waterfall’s striking glass design expertise, whilst offering high-performance sound. SERIO has been carefully crafted for both hi-fi and AV applications and comes with three mounting options: on-wall, tabletop and stand-mount. It is also available in three body colours: black, white and silver with matching grilles;(orange and green ‘fashion’ grilles are also available.)

SERIO is not just about innovative aesthetics, however. Waterfall has incorporated its patented Heatstream technology into the design, which offers incredible levels of power handling from a compact speaker unit. By cleverly coupling the speaker’s voice coil to the unit’s aluminium body, the speaker’s Atohm drive unit can efficiently dissipate enough heat for the high-power demands of high-quality audio and intensive home cinema soundtracks. SERIO is, therefore, the ultimate discreet, high-quality satellite loudspeaker.

read more on HiddenWires.com for system specs and prices…

source: HiddenWires

image source: avforum