Audio Video News

Trick or treat? No tricks here…only treats—especially for home theater enthusiasts weighing various pathways to object-based surround sound (a.k.a. Dolby Atmos or DTS:X). Here we present three Top Pick-rated options in AV receivers—from low to high to very high, as in drop-dead state of the art for those whose priority is sonic purity at all costs. Speaking of object-based surround, how about a simple soundbar-based system that provides a remarkably convincing Dolby Atmos presentation? You read that right—a soundbar. Rounding out this month’s Top Pick honorees are two headphones that couldn’t be more different: one with elegant, solid-wood earcups, the other a pair of “in-ear monitors” that distinguish themselves as the world’s first ’buds designed for listening to and “mixing” live music in real-time. Mind-blowing? You bet.

Emotiva Audio is now shipping a number of products announced earlier this year, including the entry-level BasX series of amplifiers and preamp/tuners, new Airmotiv speaker models, and the XPA Gen 3 reference amplifier.

Wal-Mart has added a free, ad-supported service to its Vudu streaming platform.

Amazon is on track to have 76.2 million users of its streaming video service, about 3 million more than previously forecast, making it the fastest-growing streaming video service, according to a new report from eMarketer.

Dish today introduced NBA Team Pass, a $119 single-team package that allows subscribers to follow any one of the NBA’s 30 teams throughout the regular season with live access to every out-of-market game.

Sennheiser has opened a pop-up store in New York City’s trendy SoHo section to showcase “unique listening experiences, special events, and a chance to explore the audio specialist’s range of innovative audio products.”

If you buy a SmartCast TV before the end of the year, Vizio is throwing in a free digital copy of Star Trek Beyond.