Audio Video News

Chinese consumer electronics giant TCL (The Creative Life) yesterday introduced a 48-inch 1080p LED-backlit LCD HDTV that will be sold exclusively through Sam’s Club stores nationwide and online at SamsClub.com for $449 starting in early March. The model is the first in a 2014 lineup of TVs with screen sizes ranging from 23 to 55 inches due out later this spring.

Architectural audio specialist TDG Audio has announced that the newest model in its Signature Series of in-wall subwoofers is now shipping.

Last week, <A HREF="http://www.ifire.com/">iFire Technology</A>, a subsidiary of Westaim, announced it has entered into a $25 million strategic partnership agreement with <A HREF="http://www.tdk.com/">TDK</A> for technology collaboration and production of iFire-based flat-panel displays. iFire claims to be developing an inorganic electroluminescent display technology, with applications targeting consumer markets and the automotive display sector.

Don’t be fooled by the ’60s-vibe of Teac’s AI-503, introduced on the eve of the Axpona Audio Expo in Chicago.

Two-thirds of U.S. adults — 170 million people — are planning to spend an average of $478 on tech gifts this holiday season as overall tech spending reaches a record breaking $96.8 billion, according to the Consumer Technology Association’s 24th annual holiday outlook forecast.

The changeover from analog to digital television was once envisioned as a smooth, peaceful process. The reality has proven to be rocky and contentious. The broadcast standard has been debated continuously since the beginning, continuing as the first generations of digital television transmitters and receivers went on the market. In March of this year, the Advanced Television Systems Committee, under pressure from Sinclair Broadcasting Group and others, began a review of the technical standards that it recommended in 1996, with the possibility of changing the modulation scheme for DTV. If the ATSC finds that a change is needed, the FCC could require its implementation. Any changes could adversely affect the desirability of products now on the market or in production.