Audio Video News

A next-generation flat-tube display called FED may give videophiles much of what we had hoped for from the frustratingly delayed SED.

A couple of years ago this just wouldn't have seemed possible. But here it is: Epson has introduced the PowerLite Home Cinema 1080p, which as the name suggests is a 1080p front projector. And the price is $2,999. You read that right. $2,999.

Exhibitors at Home Entertainment 2007), the High Performance Sound & Imaging Show, are gearing up for one of the most important international events of the year! HE 2007 will take place May 11–13, 2007 at the Grand Hyatt New York, conveniently located in Grand Central Station in New York City. This historic centrally located venue will provide the perfect setting to showcase the latest in home audio/video entertainment products, and this year's event marks the show's seventh visit to the Big Apple.

HD DVD might be taking another leap ahead on the interactivity front. The most recent firmware update for Toshiba's first-gen HD DVD players adds "support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs." Those of you who can get your HD-A1 or HD -XA1 player to an Ethernet connection can download the update from the 'Net, or you can contact Toshiba to get the update on a disc.

Circuit City announced last week that it would fire 8.5 percent of its retail-floor staff and hire replacements at lower pay. Savor the insane panache of the press release: "The company has completed a wage management initiative that will result in the separation of approximately 3,400 store Associates. The separations...focused on Associates who were paid well above the market-based salary range for their role. New Associates will be hired for these positions and compensated at the current market range for the job." Said CEO Philip J. Schoonover: "We are taking a number of aggressive actions to improve our cost and expense structure, which will better position us for improved and sustainable returns in today's marketplace."

Axiom Audio says its new EP400 powered subwoofer is designed for maximum bass output in smaller rooms. The sub itself is relatively small, measuring 13.75" high and 10.5" wide, but it's supposed to be capable of generating an in-room SPL of 116 dB and a low-end response of 23 Hz. The sub was designed primarily for use in small rooms, such as bedrooms, dens, or home offices. (It's probably not appropriate for bathrooms, where you really don't want to see another bottom end.)

Sony issued a press release last week announcing that the latest James Bond film, <I>Casino Royale</I>, has hit another milestone, surpassing 100,000 units shipped to retailers. This follows that same title's debut in the top ten in DVD sales at Amazon, and both feats are firsts for either HD format. In addition, according to Sony this early success also puts BD ahead of where DVD was at its inception.