JBL's Synthesis is among the finest integrated audio systems available, and it's about to expand with the addition of three new power amps—the S7165 (seven channels, pictured), S5160 (five channels), and S280 (two channels). The S7165 and S5160 each produce 160Wpc into 8 ohms, while the S820 delivers 200Wpc into 8 ohms or 400W in bridged-mono mode, all with a frequency response of 20-20,000Hz with less than 0.03% THD.
When I profiled the <A href="http:// blog.ultimateavmag.com/ultimate-gear/revel_in_luxury/">Revel Ultima2</A> speaker line in my Ultimate Gear blog, there was no matching subwoofer. No longer—CEDIA will witness the introduction of the Ultima Rythm2 powered sub. With 2400W RMS (5400W peak) to power its 18-inch, dual-voice-coil driver, this thing should shake the foundation with vanishing low distortion ad no dynamic compression. I don't know the price yet, but if you have to ask, you can't afford it.
In its continuing quest for perfection, JBL is introducing the K2 S9900 speaker ($22,000 each) for the discerning—and well-heeled—audiophile. This full-range floorstander is an update of the K2 S9800 with greater bass extension down to 33Hz (topping out at 50kHz) and 35 percent more power-handling capacity. The driver compliment includes a 15-inch fiber-pulp cone woofer; 4-inch, horn-loaded, mid/high compression driver; and 1-inch supertweeter.
Among the many LED-illuminated front projectors expected at CEDIA is the Kroma from Projectiondesign. A preliminary spec sheet for this single-chip DLP design claims a peak light output of about 600 lumens, a contrast ratio of up to 7500:1, and a lifespan of over 50,000 hours. Also, there's no need for a color wheel since the red, green, and blue LEDs are activated sequentially, and much faster than any color wheel's filters can move in and out of position, which means fewer—if any—so-called "rainbow artifacts." Pricing and availability were not disclosed prior to the show.
As <A href="http://www.ultimateavmag.com/news/toshiba_to_make_blu-ray_players/">repo... here</A> in July, Toshiba recently decided to enter the Blu-ray fray after its defeat in the high-def-disc format war. At CEDIA, we'll finally see the first fruit of that decision—the BDX2000, which should be available in November for $250. This Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) player offers 1080p/24 output, decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, AVCHD playback, and an SD card slot, into which you must insert a module with at least 1GB for BD-Live operation since the player doesn't have enough onboard memory.
Front projectors are great for generating large images in dark rooms, but they can be pretty noisy and hot. Digital Projection will be introducing a solution for this problem with its CineSkin enclosure, which is designed for the company's Titan projectors. In addition to providing sound isolation and cooling, the CineSkin also integrates DP's TheaterScope anamorphic-lens/sled system for a much cleaner look than such contraptions normally present.
At CEDIA next week, Focus Enhancements will be demonstrating what it calls the industry's only 7.1-channel wireless-audio system. Dubbed Summit, the technology uses the 5GHz band to transmit multichannel audio to powered speakers equipped with compatible receivers. The demo will include a set of Aperion Intimus 5 speakers modified with internal power amps and Summit receivers, and Focus Enhancements is in discussions with many other audio companies to incorporate the technology into their products.
You've never heard of Procella speakers? Neither had I until I got a press release about their US debut at CEDIA. This truly global company started in England, moved to Australia, and is now based in Sweden. The lineup includes three L/C/R/S speakers and three dual-driver, dual-amp, sealed-box subwoofers ranging in price from $1500 to $9000 each. The flagship P815 pictured here combines the P8, which features an 8-inch woofer and 1-inch compression driver at the apex of a custom elliptical waveguide, with the P15 sub, which sports twin 15-inch drivers and 350W amps.
No home theater in this high-def world we live in right now is complete until you upgrade your DVD player for a Blu-ray one, so why not check out this deal on a Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray Disc Player for $182.38 (normally $249.95). Plus more HD and...
The IFA show is going on in Berlin, so there are quite a few product announcements rolling out today. Philips, who showed off their snazzy LED-powered disco TV earlier has also debuted their Wireless HDTV system. The transmitter has two HDMI and two...