New Products

The historic cold of Winter 2021 is almost behind us at last. As a new season beckons and we anticipate what “spring cleaning” might look like in a world moving quickly toward post-pandemic status, it’s a good time to take stock in all facets of your life, including the home entertainment setup that helped push you through the darkest days of COVID-19 isolation. Many of us took time during lockdown to upgrade our AV systems with bigger screens, better sounding audio gear, a new turntable, or perhaps a more functional setup. To help keep the wheels of progress turning, we present a sampling of the latest A/V news, which as it turns out is dominated by a gaggle of interesting speakers from brands old and new.

In the weeks following CES 2021, we’ve witnessed a flurry of new product announcements. From a couple of nostalgic audio products to an outdoor entertainment setup and wireless speakers guaranteed to make your neighbors envious, here’s a look at some of the new gear coming your way.

Polk Audio has launched its latest soundbar, the $249 React. The 2.0 model supports Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 virtual surround sound and, according to Polk Audio, is the most advanced Alexa-enabled sound bar available today. It can also be mated with the company’s React Sub ($199) and SR2 surround speakers ($199/pair) to create a full wireless surround system.

Denon today introduced the Sound Bar 550, a compact soundbar that uses a six-driver array to deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks. It further supports the company’s HEOS Built-in platform for multiroom audio streaming.

The Virtual CES 2021 TV news is starting to roll in. First up, LG, which has announced it will release a series of “QNED” Mini-LED TVs as its 2021 LCD TV lineup’s flagship offering. There will be 10 new 4K and 8K Mini-LED models in all, with screen sizes up to 86 inches.

Samsung has announced that a 110-inch version of its MicroLED TV will be available globally starting in Q1 2021. According to the company, the prefabricated sets combine surface mount technology with new production techniques borrowed from its semiconductor division that make MicroLED TVs easier to manufacture in a range of screen sizes. Samsung’s announcement indicates that it plans to offer similar displays with smaller screen sizes in the future.

France’s Focal, maker of speakers ranging from affordable home theater models to high-end exotica, has introduced an updated version of its Aria 936 floorstander, the Aria K2 936.