Audio Video News

Predicting a sharp increase in demand for plasma display panels (PDPs), <A HREF="http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/">Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co. Ltd</A>. has entered a partnership with Tokay Industries, Inc. to build another PDP plant in Osaka, Japan, according to a May 21 announcement.

Media servers - components designed to provide instant access to a large number of audio, and in some cases video, files stored in a central location - are hot. If you've never had a chance to use one, you might wonder what all the fuss is about. If, on the other hand, you've been fortunate enough to experience the ability to listen to any track of your music collection (or different tracks simultaneously in a multi-zone system), then you know what a joy it can be. It sounds silly, but using a system with such easy access to music can be incredibly addictive. It's even nicer to have instantaneous access to your entire DVD collection (with appropriate copyright respect, of course).

Following in the footsteps of April, May also brought us seven Top Picks—a drop-dead gorgeous 4K OLED TV, three different yet exemplary TV speaker systems, Sony’s first Ultra HD Blu-ray player, a modern wireless speaker hidden in a retro body, and the latest wireless gear from Yamaha. Which of these will make your short list?

Founded in 1979 and based out of Berlin, MBL is best known for its unique Radialstrahler omnidirectional loudspeakers. The company has entered insolvency proceedings in Germany, but the doors are still open. MBL states that "Nothing will change for MBL‘s customers, sales partners and service providers: sales will continue without restriction, orders will be accepted and processed reliably."

Federal lawmakers believe the response to hurricane Katrina was hampered by communication problems among public safety personnel and are pushing for legislation to speed up the transition to Digital TV, which will free up precious analog spectrum for emergency responders.

McIntosh today announced a portable decoding amplifier designed to bring quality sound to on-the-go music lovers and listeners who want to improve the sound of PC-based music libraries.

McIntosh has been making audio equipment for 60 years. It's become well-known for its amps, pre-amps, and other components. However, it's only ever made individual parts for home audio systems; it's never made a complete, listen-out-of-the-box...