Audio Video News

On May 22, <A HREF="http://www.fmi.fujitsu.com/apt/aptMain01.asp.">Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc.</A> (FMI) announced the latest addition to its line of Plasma Display Panels, a 32"-diagonal unit less than three inches thick and weighing less than thirty pounds. The new PDP will make its official debut at the <A HREF="http://www.sid.org">Society for Information Display</A> (SID) Conference to be held June 3&ndash;8 in San Jose, CA.

Ever since Internet usage began to take a sizable chunk out of the TV viewer's channel surfing time, industry pundits have been predicting that it was only a matter of time before we started watching TV via the web. But as limited bandwidth issues continue to slow the web's video streaming appeal, TV manufacturers are beginning to piggy-back web features onto the traditional television.

Last week <A HREF="http://www.laserpacific.com">LaserPacific Media</A> (LP) announced what it terms a "significant" technology milestone that it says will accelerate the efficiency and cost effectiveness of high-definition post-production services. The company reports that its new High Definition SuperComputer Assembly system creates <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/shownews.cgi?374">24P High Definition</A> programs as pure digital data and not digital video as do other current systems.

Canada's Classé Audio Inc. has long been known for building audiophile equipment. With the rise of home theater, the company expanded its offerings with multichannel amplifiers, DVD players, surround processors, and other product to enhance the experience of movie lovers everywhere.

Venerable loudspeaker manufacturer JBL has added an impressive new series to its home theater offerings. The TiK line embodies an entirely new design, one that JBL is calling the "bending trapezoid," for its gently curving sides and truncated-cone appearance. The company has devoted special attention to chamber construction and resonance suppression, in addition to developing a new set of drivers. TiK speakers are new from the ground up.

<I>James Caviezel, Dennis Quaid, Andre Braugher, Elizabeth Mitchell, Noah Emmerich. Directed by Gregory Hoblit. Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1. 119 minutes. 2000. New Line Home Video N5058. PG-13. $24.98.</I>

This summer, Bedford, MA-based Lexicon, Inc. will introduce two new digital controllers that will assume the lead in the company's audio product lineup. The MC-12 and MC-12 Balanced Digital Controllers feature "leading-edge audio processing technology, and a unique new industrial design," according to a May 14 announcement.