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CES 2010
Thiel Legacy Enhanced by Olive Server
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2010
This marriage of high-end speaker company and high-end media server is one of the most exciting things at the show. The speaker is thiel's SCS4D stand-mount, an IP-based speaker with 32-bit DSP, 200 watts of internal Class D power, and 6.5-inch coaxial driver array. Its tightly focused and well-balanced sound is a stunning example of the Jim Thiel legacy. The Olive media server can rip or burn via slot-load CD drive, has 2TB of storage, and in the back are both analog and USB inputs, so you can add more source components to this self-contained system. Server's wi-fi but speakers need an ethernet connection. Starter system with one zone is $7900, additional zones (basically more speakers) $5250 per zone.
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CES 2010
Epsilon Can Be Active or Passive
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2010
Epsilon is a French company founded in 1938. While these globular objects can serve as passive speakers, the active version is more interesting. It's got 100 watts of ICEpower amplification and connects wirelessly. Look for it in the third quarter for whatever the U.S. equivalent of 1200 euros will be then (currently a bit north of $1700).
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CES 2010
CDT Imaginatively Configures Sat Systems
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2010
CDT's great-sounding mini-sats can be configured in many ways. Our favorite is the 5.1-channel set featuring six sats (two for the center channel) and sub. Unfortunately there isn't an official price attached to it. Want height effects without height processing? CDT suggests you put two sats above the screen and link them to your system with an outboard crossover and attenuator. Yeah, the idea seems weird, but we heard it and it sounded great. Price $350. Two sats and sub go for $500. The new So-Na-Wall flat speakers cost $800/pair.
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CES 2010
Listener Listens
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2010
Job one at the CES Venetian audio exhibits is listening. This listener was doing his job in the NVS Sound room.
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CES 2011
DEG Awards
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jan 08, 2010

One of the highlights of CES for me is the DEG (Digital Entertainment Group) awards event, at which content providers, hardware manufacturers, and retailers are recognized for their excellence and innovation. There are three awards for hardware—Sight (video displays), Source (Blu-ray players and the like), and Sound (electronics and speakers). As a side note, I've suggested more than once to the DEG that the Sound category should be split into two—Sound (electronics) and Speakers. Otherwise, one or the other type of product goes unrecognized each year, yet both are essential for a complete home-entertainment experience.

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CES 2010
iR for iPod
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 08, 2010
NewKinetix Re (the e is supposed to have a line over it, but I don't know how to generate that character - basically because I'm alphabetically challenged) is a plug-in accessory for an iPhone or iPod touch that turns either device into an IR remote control. Other such IR-enabling products already exist, but as far as I can tell the NewKintetix unit is the first one that does not require a separate box to generate the IR signal. One can be yours soon for $49.95.
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CES 2010
Video Hat Trick
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 07, 2010  |  First Published: Jan 08, 2010
The TV Hat people say it's "the next revolution in video viewing". That's quite a statement for a modified baseball hat that includes a pouch for most sizes of portable video players and a built-in magnifying glass to make the picture seem larger. Some important warnings:
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CES 2010
You Should See the Matching Sofa and Love Seat
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 07, 2010  |  First Published: Jan 08, 2010
I heard TiVo was going to be big this year, but I didn't realize this is what they meant.
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CES 2010
Panasonic Infinite Black
Tom Norton  |  Jan 07, 2010  |  First Published: Jan 08, 2010
Panasonic's new "Infinite Black Pro" technology will appear in many of the company's new 2010 sets this year (from the G-series up), including all the 3D models. A new filter has been devised which is said to minimize reflective light and increase through-the-glass transmittence from the pixels. A native contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 is claimed.
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CES 2010
Panasonic Bigger on 3D
Tom Norton  |  Jan 07, 2010  |  First Published: Jan 08, 2010
Panasonic has two samples of its 152" (diagonal) plasma at the show. This one is showing 4K source material in 2D on the 4096 x 2160 pixel screen (that's 17:9, slightly wider than standard widescreen). The set is made from a full; Panasonic plasma mother glass, in its latest generation. This 2D picture was stunning. No price was announced, but if you have to ask...
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