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Audio Video News
New AV Gear Worth Checking Out
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 02, 2020  |  0 comments
No question, new product introductions dropped off from what we usually see during springtime but they didn’t grind to a halt. Dozens of products were announced during the historic COVID-19 lockdown that transformed the life of every American for more than three months and continues to threaten our return to normalcy. As we prepare to celebrate the founding of this great country, we pause to take look at some of the gear AV companies have rolled out in recent weeks, including a few you may have missed. Here’s to hoping that the current wave of flare-ups is short-lived.
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The Connected Life
Voice Control: The Good and the Bad, Part 1
John Sciacca  |  Jul 02, 2020  |  1 comments
If George Orwell had lived to see millions of people voluntarily shelling out money to have listening devices installed inside of their homes, he’d likely shout, “I KNEW IT!” With untold R&D dollars having been poured into the development of voice assistants by Amazon, Google, and Apple, one of the most exciting developments in the home-control world over the past few years has been the addition of voice commands to systems. And while voice control is fantastic for doing some things, the experience comes up a bit short for others.
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Soundbar Reviews
Sonos Arc Soundbar Review
Rob Sabin  |  Jul 01, 2020  |  1 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $799

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding music and movie sound
Impressive rendering of height information
Solid bass for standalone soundbar
Minus
May require latest eARC HDMI connection for Atmos
No DTS decoding

THE VERDICT
The latest home theater offering from Sonos delivers an impressive Atmos experience from a standalone soundbar. Add the company's Sub and bookshelf speakers as surrounds for even more intense audio immersion.

The new Sonos Arc soundbar is the company's fourth home theater product and the clear result of an evolution. Its first soundbar, the Playbar (currently $599 and being closed out), debuted in 2013. But with only a single optical input intended to ease installation and no HDMI port, it was already outdated on Day 1.

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A/V Veteran
How to Position Speakers for the Best Sound
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jun 30, 2020  |  1 comments
I recently responded to a question from a reader on proper speaker placement, a complicated subject that can never be given enough attention. It involves not only how you or I might prefer to position the speakers, but also possible veto by the décor committee. Here are some tips on where to put speakers for the best possible sound.
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New Products
Denon Launches 8K-Compatible S-Series A/V Receiver
Al Griffin  |  Jun 30, 2020  |  0 comments
Denon has announced a new 8K-compatible addition to its affordable S-Series family of A/V receivers, the 7.2-channel AVR-S960H ($649). The new model, which will arrive in July, follows the company’s recent update of its premium X-Series AVR line earlier this month.
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New Products
JBL’s New HDI Series Loudspeakers Now Available
Al Griffin  |  Jun 30, 2020  |  0 comments
The JBL HDI Series speaker line that we first reported on at CEDIA Expo 2019 is now available. The new speakers feature the company's patented 2410H-2 compression driver compression driver technology and High Definition Imaging waveguide and are available in a trio of striking finishes including painted high-gloss black, satin walnut wood veneer, and satin gray oak wood veneer.
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Signals
Evaluate Your System with the Rolls Royce of Playlists
Ken C. Pohlmann  |  Jun 29, 2020  |  0 comments
Playlists. In the world of audio, especially when it comes to critical listening and system evaluation, there is nothing more important than playlists. Those sonic references play a critical role in designing and evaluating an audio system’s performance. And when that system is in a $500,000 vehicle, it’s even more important to get it right.
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band From Texas
Mike Mettler  |  Jun 26, 2020  |  0 comments
Picture
Sound
Extras
ZZ Top ain't been nicknamed That Little Ol' Band From Texas for nothing, you know. But just in case you don't, please bear witness to this highly informative 2019 Banger Films documentary, which delves Rio Grande-deep into the true origins of this tight-knit blues 'n' boogie trio. (Incidentally, said trio also happens to comprise the longest-running unchanged lineup in rock history—51 years and counting, as of presstime.)
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New Products
Bowers & Wilkins Unveils 700 Series Signature Loudspeakers
Al Griffin  |  Jun 26, 2020  |  0 comments
British manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins has introduced Signature versions of loudspeakers from its 700 Series: the floor-standing 702 Signature and standmount 705 Signature. With upgraded crossovers and a luxurious cabinet finish, both models “represent the apex of current Bowers & Wilkins design, engineering and manufacturing processes.”
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Audio Video News
Best Gear of June 2020
Bob Ankosko  |  Jun 25, 2020  |  0 comments
June ushered in the relaxing vibes of summer, hope for a future free of COVID-19, and several more Sound & Vision Top Picks for your consideration. From a unique “soundbar” for turntable-based music systems to wireless earbuds worthy of your attention to an outstanding five-piece home-theater speaker system and a subwoofer built for inveterate tweakers, there’s a little something for everyone. Here’s to reconnecting with friends and family (in person!) and revisiting vacation plans as we get on with our lives.
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