Mark Fleischmann

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CEDIA 2009
Speakercraft Makes Us Nirvous
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 09, 2009
A company best known for architectural speakers moves into multizone technology with a vengeance. Nirv is the name the tattooed folks at Speakercraft have given to a system that operates with the 10-button remote pictured here. The remote's got a mic built into it, for home intercom use, and that barely scratches the surface. The concept is to use a single Cat5 cable to send HD video, HD audio, control, data, paging, and voice anywhere in the home. Any zone can be turned into a home theater and grab content from any source in any other zone. The system learns how you use it. Settings follow users from room to room, including parental controls, indicating unseen depths of moral fiber in people with multiple pieces of body art, or maybe it's just Metamucil. An installer can walk the user through setup, and when that's done, an easy repeatable interface takes over. Dealer cost 10 grand. In addition to the Ruckus speakers already reported on, Speakercraft also announced several new in-wall and in-ceiling models, including the AIM 10, a three-way, 10-inch pivoting unit selling for $8250-1125. Oh, and a debut surround receiver was also announced -- the Vital 910 ($1125). This company was always interesting. Now it's fascinating.
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CEDIA 2009
HK Continues to Embrace Dolby Volume
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 09, 2009
Harman Kardon, the first receiver maker to feature Dolby Volume, has added it to three models. That's good news because Dolby Volume will even out level differences among source inputs and make dynamically extreme movie soundtracks less excruciating. The new models start at $600 and 50 watts times seven for the AVR 1600. Step up to the AVR 2600 for $800 and you'll get 65 wpc, Faroudja Torino video processing, and compatibility with the Bridge III (optional) which brings iPod docking and charging. Step further up to the AVR 3600 for $1200 and get 80 wpc with the Bridge III supplied. We hope to get the latter (pictured) for review.
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CEDIA 2009
Sony Receivers Are Network Savvy
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 09, 2009
Also introduced were two new receivers, the STR-DA5500ES ($2000) with 120 watts time seven and STR-DA3500ES ($1000) with 100 watts time seven. The first model got the most attention, with Control4 IP network control -- so your Sony receiver can now handle lighting, security, and other home automation features -- and DLNA compatibility which provides access to PC-stored music, video, and photos via ethernet connection.
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CEDIA 2009
Sony Is Blu, Like Us All
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 09, 2009
The Sony BDP-N460 is a reasonably priced Blu-ray player, at $250, with built-in software designed to accommodate the Linksys/Cisco Wireless-N Ethernet Bridge with Dual Band (optional). Since a broadband connection is a must for a Blu-ray player with BD-Live capability, this wireless option may make streaming easier, operating in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands. Blu-ray players are increasingly becoming networking machines and Sony doesn't want you to miss any of the internet content provided by its dozens of licensed partners.
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Audio Video News
Toshiba Makes Peace with Blu-ray
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 04, 2009
Toshiba, which worked so hard to establish the HD DVD format as the high-def disc format of choice, has launched its first Blu-ray player just in time for CEDIA.
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Audio Video News
Sherwood Gets Tough on Pricing
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 03, 2009
Looking for sweet a/v receiver deals on the internet? You'll find some, but the Sherwood R-972 and R-904N won't be among them.
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Audio Video News
Court Knocks FCC Cable Limit
Mark Fleischmann  |  Sep 01, 2009
Until recently, no single cable operator was allowed to dominate more than 30 percent of the U.S. market. But a court has thrown out the Federal Communications Commission's market cap, eliminating a rule that's been the law of the land since 1992.
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Audio Video News
Onkyo Receivers Boast 9 Amp Channels
Mark Fleischmann  |  Aug 31, 2009
Normally we don't use the News column for new product releases. But when there's a first, we jump on it, and we're jumping on three new receivers from Onkyo that deliver nine amplifier channels. They also support dual subwoofer outputs, making them 9.2-channel models.
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CEDIA 2009
Paradigm Updates Signature
Mark Fleischmann  |  Aug 31, 2009
We'll start with the new Signature Series, v3, because that's what's in the picture. But that's not the only news from Paradigm. Potentially even more earth-shaking is the all-new Special Edition Series. Not sure where it fits in, but the fact that the enclosures will be wood veneer is suggestive. Also forthcoming are a variety of new subs: Signature SUB 1, Signature SUB 2, DSP, and UltraCube. A 7.4-channel in-wall system will be demoed. Pricing? You want pricing? What is it with you people?
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CEDIA 2009
Procella Will Make U.S. Debut at CEDIA
Mark Fleischmann  |  Aug 31, 2009
The Procella loudspeaker brand will make its U.S. debut at CEDIA. Products will include three L/C/R/surround models, the P6, a two-way, 6.5-inch model ($1499/each); the P8, a two-way, eight-inch model ($2499/each); and P815, which mates a 15-inch woofer to a P8 secured by a mounting bracket ($8999/each). Also shown will be two subs, the 10-inch P10 ($3999) and the 15-inch P15, both with 2 x 350 watt amplification. Oh, and there's a third sub, the P18, with (you guessed) an 18-inch driver powered by 2 x 700 watts ($8999). Procella was launched in the U.K. in 2006 by ex-employees of DTS and its U.S. operations are run by a veteran of M&K.
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