Audio Video News

Pioneer’s latest headphone has an unusual twist. The “Hi-Res-capable” SE-MHR5 ($300) includes a four-pole balanced 2.5mm cable in addition to a standard 3.5mm cable. The cable is designed to provide greater signal separation when used with an amplifier that has a balanced output.

The success of Amazon’s voice-controlled Echo speaker/personal assistant apparently has AV companies scrambling.

Onkyo has announced plans to introduce four AV receivers in April and May.

Sono Luminus has announced that Crossing Over, the new album by the Skylark Vocal Ensemble, is the label’s fifth release to be recorded and mixed in Auro-3D surround sound.

Tributaries has introduced an active fiber optic HDMI cable that has been certified by DPL Labs to transport HDMI signals at data rates up to 18Gbps over cable lengths up to 98 feet. The cable is said to be the first to receive such certification.

LG today announced pricing and availability for the Super UHD TV series it previewed at CES 2016 and said all models will support the HDR10 and Dolby Vision high-dynamic range (HDR) formats. Dolby Vision will be added via a firmware update in Early April.

The 2016 lineup, featuring IPS 4K Quantum display technology, 10-bit color processing, and LG’s webOS smart TV platform, comprises nine models with 55- to 86-inch screen sizes. Models with 55-, 60- and 65-inch screens from the UH7700 and UH8500 series will be available later this month at prices ranging from $1,800 for the 55UD7700 to $3,000 for the 65UH8500.

LG said 65- and 86-inch models in the flagship UH9500 series will be available later this spring at $4,000 and $10,000, respectively. The 75-inch 75UH8500 is also slated for later introduction at $5,000.

The company said it is working with Amazon Video, Netflix, and VUDU to offer HDR content streaming via its webOS interface.

Most major studios have announced support for Dolby Vision and Dolby estimates as many as 100 titles could be available by the end of 2016.