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Do Lossless DTS-HD MA Soundtracks Stay Lossless?
Al Griffin  |  Jan 12, 2017
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I have a question about playing 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks on a 5.1 speaker system. I understand that my receiver will mix the back rear channels into the surround channels, but will that cause the playback to lose the lossless quality DTS-HD Master Audio was designed to deliver? —Len Shift

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A/V Veteran
My Big Fat, Super-Duper CES Wrap-Up
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 11, 2017
Now that I have your attention…CES 2017 is in the history books. While I haven't yet heard the final attendance, I'm certain that somewhere north of 150,000 people were jockeying for position when I visited the Las Vegas Convention Center, the heart of the event. It's also supplemented by several other venues, including the Venetian Hotel, traditionally the site of the specialty (i.e., high-end) audio exhibits.

The video high point of the big show for me was Sony's CLETIS (Crystal LED Integrated System)...

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4K TV ReviewsOLED TV ReviewsTV Reviews
LG OLED65E6P OLED Ultra HDTV Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 11, 2017

2D Performance
3D Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $4,000

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding blacks and shadow detail
Nearly flawless off-center viewing
Attractive price (for OLED)
Minus
Still expensive

THE VERDICT
Yes, LG’s OLED UHDTVs do have shortcomings, including their inability to get as bright as the best LCD sets. But OLED’s significant advantages more than compensate and have made these TVs, including the superb OLED65E6P, the new golden goose in the Ultra HD landscape.

I vividly remember plasma displays, and I mourned their passing. But even before 4K came along, LCD TVs—with their brighter images, lighter weight, lower energy consumption, and, toward the end, cheaper prices—were putting a full-court press on plasma technology.

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Audio Video News
New Philips TVs, BD Player Embrace Dolby Vision
SV Staff  |  Jan 11, 2017
Philips-branded 4K/Ultra HD TVs introduced last week at CES will support Dolby Vision high dynamic range processing, according to P&F USA, exclusive licensee for Philips televisions and home video products in North America.
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Audio Video News
Screen Innovations and Sony: Perfect Together?
SV Staff  |  Jan 11, 2017
Screen Innovations is not in the business of reviewing projectors but recently made a video demonstrating the $25,000 4K/high-dynamic-range ultra-short throw projector Sony introduced at CES with its Zero Edge ST screen.
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The S&V Interview
Glenn Hughes, The Voice of Rock, Continues to Resonate
Mike Mettler  |  Jan 11, 2017
Glenn Hughes is known as “The Voice of Rock” for good reason. The bassist/vocalist’s long and storied C.V. reads like a playlist that’s been culled from the best British-bred AOR from the ’70s right up to the present day, including the likes of Trapeze, Deep Purple, and Black Country Communion. I called Hughes to discuss the latest twist on his writing process for his new solo album Resonate, how also being the album’s producer enabled him to stretch creatively, and how spinning vinyl and streaming music are very different listening experiences.
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A/V Veteran
Hisense Makes High Sense
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 10, 2017
In addition to its Laser Cast short throw projectors (shown further down in the blogs), Hisense brought along a wide range of flat screen LCD sets. The flagship H10 range consists of the 70H10D 70-incher ($6000) and an upcoming 75H10D ($TBD)...
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CES 2017A/V Veteran
Outlaw Audio Previews THX-Certified Monster Sub
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 10, 2017
Snuggled into a corner of a THX hospitality suite was this jumbo subwoofer, soon to be available as Outlaw Audio's flagship. The ported design employs a newly developed 13-inch driver and is said to extend to below 20Hz and meet all THX specifications. With a shipping weight of around 130 lbs, it's projected to sell for around $1,500, give or take.
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CES 2017A/V Veteran
New Classé Amps Are Class A (Up to 25 Watts)
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 10, 2017
Classé introduced its new two-channel Delta preamp ($9,000), Delta stereo amplifier ($10,000), and Delta monoblock amp ($9,000 each). The amps are rated at 250wpc/8 ohms for the stereo version and 300wpc/8 ohms for the monoblocks and said to remain in class A up to 25W. The preamp includes both analog and digital capabilities, together with available parametric equalization and tone/tilt controls.

On the home theater front, the new Rotel RAP-1580...

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CES 2017A/V Veteran
Pro-ject on the Up and Up
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 10, 2017
Pro-ject is a big name in turntables, particularly turntables that are relatively affordable (as high-end turntables go). The VT-E BT ($499), however, just might be more of a conversation piece than a statement product. The photo here isn't misleading; the record actually sits vertically, with a clamp in place...
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