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Soundbar Reviews
Zvox SoundBase 570 Review
Mark Fleischmann  |  Dec 10, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $300 (updated 1/20/16)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Good sound quality for movies and music
Solid fiberboard enclosure
Bass and treble controls
Learns IR codes from your TV remote
Minus
AccuVoice Dialogue enhancer can sound tinny

THE VERDICT
Simplicity and well-balanced sound make this affordable TV base sound system a natural for those seeking a no-fuss solution to the awful speakers built into flat-panel displays.

The speakers built into TVs continue to be dreadful. But many people find component systems an intimidating solution. According to the folks at Zvox, “there are too many boxes, too many cords, too many remote controls, and too many owner’s manuals in the world today.” If you feel the same, you may be a candidate for a soundbar. If you want your TV to sit atop your audio system, make that a soundbase. Zvox pioneered this product category (they actually trademarked the SoundBase name) and offers models from $250 to $500. The SoundBase 570 ($300, reduced from $350) falls somewhere around the middle.

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Audio Video News
8 in 10 American Homes Now Have Broadband
SV Staff  |  Dec 10, 2015
Eight in 10 American homes (81 percent) now have broadband Internet service, a three-fold increase over the number of homes (26 percent) that had a high-speed connection a decade ago, according to a new study from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG).
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Audio Video News
Bose Adds Spotify Integration to SoundTouch
SV Staff  |  Dec 10, 2015
Bose has announced the early release of Spotify integration for all of its SoundTouch wireless music systems.

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Throwback ThursdayAudio Video News
Flashback 1999: Nailing Napster
SV Staff  |  Dec 10, 2015
In December 1999 the music industry sued (and ultimately shut down) downloading service Napster. Three years later Apple opened the iTunes Music Store, pointing the way to the future of music distribution and turning the recording industry on its ear.
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Ask S&V
Can I Distribute Off-Air Digital TV Wirelessly?
Al Griffin  |  Dec 09, 2015
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q Several months ago, I cut the cord and started relying on over-the-air digital broadcasts for TV, supplemented by a Roku streaming box. Here’s my issue: I get decent reception, but know that it could be better if my indoor TV antenna was located at a higher point in the house. My wife, however, doesn't want an outdoor antenna installed on the roof or in the attic. Running cable from the second floor to the first is also out of the question. Is there a solution similar to wireless speakers that would let me install the antenna and a wireless transmitter on the second floor with a receiver connected to the TV on the first? —Rick Mesick / Simsbury, CT

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The S&V Interview
Steve Forbert Makes No Sonic Compromises
Mike Mettler  |  Dec 09, 2015
The songwriter’s songwriter is one who adheres to an unwavering standard of excellence. His work is honed, sculpted, shaped, and then reshaped until it feels right to share with the world. These are just a few of the guiding principles Steve Forbert followed while composing the 11 original songs that appear on his new album, Compromised (Rock Ridge). “The art of making a recording a finished product is extremely sophisticated,” he observes. Forbert, 60, and I got on the phone recently to discuss the art of songwriting, how you know when a song sounds as good as it can sound, and how to keep challenging yourself creatively.
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New Products
December 2015 New Gear
SV Staff  |  Dec 09, 2015
A micro soundbar from Def Tech, LG's first HDR-capable OLED TV, $300 Atmos-enabled speakers, and more new stuff to ogle.
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Headphone Reviews
PSB Speakers M4U 4 Headphone
Steve Guttenberg  |  Dec 09, 2015

Performance
Build Quality
Comfort
Value
PRICE $299

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Two-way hybrid dual-driver design
User-replaceable cables
Two-year warranty
Minus
Resolution no match for all-armature in-ear designs

THE VERDICT
The PSB Speakers M4U 4 blocks a good amount of external noise, feels comfy, and sounds sweet. What’s not to like?

PSB Speakers’ Paul Barton is a quick learner. After decades designing his company’s speakers, he jumped into headphones with the PSB M4U 2 full-size, noise-canceling ’phones. The M4U 2 was hailed by critics and consumers alike, and his next design for NAD, the Viso HP50, was even better, Barton was clearly on a roll. Now, with the M4U 4, Barton may be the first celebrated speaker designer to ever tackle crafting an in-ear headphone.

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The Connected Life
Ultra HD Blu-ray Is Coming...but Do You Care?
John Sciacca  |  Dec 09, 2015
As 4K TV sales prices continue dropping and sales steadily increase, the public’s demand for true 4K content continues to increase. At this past CEDIA, Kaleidescape announced its new Strato 4K Movie Player as well as the company’s third generation movie store that will offer more than 100 4K downloads at launch. DISH also discussed plans about its upcoming 4K Joey joining DirecTV in offering some 4K content. And with the International CES just a few weeks away, it seems likely one of the big stories from the show will be the launch of new Ultra HD Blu-ray players. But, will anyone care?

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Vote
Will You Buy an Ultra HD Blu-ray Player?
John Sciacca  |  Dec 09, 2015
Panasonic’s DMR-UBZ1 Ultra HD Blu-ray player went on sale in Japan last month.

Ultra HD Blu-ray is looming on the horizon as manufacturers get ready to bring the first players to market. (See John Sciacca’s Connected Life blog.) Do you plan on buying a new Ultra HD Blu-ray player? Choose the scenario that best describes your intentions and we’ll tally up the results.

Will You Buy an Ultra HD Blu-ray Player?
Yes! I’m an early adopter! I buy all of the newest technologies!
6% (141 votes)
I will…but only if the players are between $500-1,000
8% (167 votes)
I will…but only if the players are between $250 and $499
17% (374 votes)
I will…but only if the players are less than $250
10% (220 votes)
I will…but I’m going to wait until there is more content available and the price drops
29% (648 votes)
I will only buy if the Ultra HD movies sell for the same or less than current Blu-rays
12% (265 votes)
I’m done buying discs and will wait until streaming takes off
7% (145 votes)
I don’t care about Ultra High Def or 4K
11% (238 votes)
Total votes: 2198
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