New Products

Sony UHP-H1 Hi-Res-Certified Blu-ray Player
Video is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think Blu-ray, but Sony has gone out of its way to build a player that puts audio and video performance on equal footing—and maybe even gives audio an edge. The Hi-Res Audio–certified UHP-H1 is built to withstand vibration and equipped to play just about any file or disc you throw at it—including SACDs and DSD or 192-kilohertz/24-bit music files. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and supports Bluetooth streaming via Sony’s LDAC codec for “higher-than-typical” bit rates. And it’s no slouch in the video department, either, offering 4K upscaling at up to 60 hertz (though no compatibility with the new UHD Blu-ray Discs). Get Connected: When you’re not connected wirelessly, you can choose between optical and analog inputs or play Hi-Res files via the front-panel USB port. Price: $350

Auro Technologies, the Belgian company behind the Auro-3D immersive-surround format, says it will demonstrate the “first and only truly scalable next-generation audio codec” at CES 2024, which opens in Las Vegas a week from today.

Oregon-based startup Austere has introduced an HDMI 2.1 cable designed to meet 8K UHD specifications.

Netherlands-based Avanca is offering its new Minim Wireless Earbuds at a sizable discount through Indiegogo.

B&O Play, a division of Denmark’s Bang & Olufsen that focuses on portable products, has introduced a sleek take-anywhere Bluetooth speaker designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.

Bowers & Wilkins yesterday unveiled its “best sounding and most luxurious headphone to date.”