Tom Norton

JVC Wows the Crowd
Tom Norton  |  Sep 04, 2008
JVC gave a stunning demonstration of its new (and currently shipping) DLA-SH4K projector. No, that's not it in the photo (more on that in a minute) but the DLA-SH4K is claimed to be the world's smallest 4K digital projector (resolution 4096x2400). No price was given, but it's definitely in the "If you have to ask" territory—and from the looks of the images shown, well worth it. With native 4K material, this is the best-looking video image I've ever seen—and this on screen large enough for a small commercial theater.
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Never Cry Wolf
Tom Norton  |  Sep 04, 2008
Wolf Cinema is a new company with a lineup of high-end, 3-chip DLP projectors. The three models (DCX-500, DCX-1000, and DCX-1500—the numbers indicate the lamp wattage) all use Xenon lamps, and the projectors are available either in a black-box, custom form designed to be hidden away, or in a finished case. But you won't find Wolf products (marketed by Sumiko) in your local AV shop; they deal in custom system packages only.
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Wolf Does It All
Tom Norton  |  Sep 04, 2008
You want to show both films and video in your home theater? Wolf offers the Reference System, with two of its "Reference Analog" 35mm film projectors (shown) plus its Reference Digital Projector, for $300,000. The pieces are available separately, in case you are wondering. The required three-phase power installation, and the projectionist, are not included.
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Looking Sharp
Tom Norton  |  Sep 03, 2008  |  Published: Sep 04, 2008
Sharp sees the worldwide market for LCD flat panel televisions growing rapidly in the next year, despite a slower economy in the US, and it's ready to meet the demand. While it has a number of new models, the ones that caught my eye were the Aquos Limited Edition designs. Available in October at prices yet to be announced, these sets will be available in two sizes: 52" (the LC-52XS1U-S) and 65"(the LC-65XS1U-S).
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A Case of Projection
Tom Norton  |  Sep 03, 2008
Panasonic has a new LCD video projector, the PT-AE3000. While it looks identical to its predecessor, the PT-AE2000, it includes a number of new features and enhanced specs. It now claims a dynamic range (peak contrast ratio) of 60,000:1, a light output of 1600 lumens. Features include 120Hz operation with the added frames interpolated (hopefully the interpolation can be turned off!). The most exciting feature is a Lens memory that can save different settings for zoom and focus so that you can do constant height projection on a 2.35:1 screen without using an anamorphic lens. $3500, in October.
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Ask Panasonic and Ye Shall Receive
Tom Norton  |  Sep 03, 2008
Panasonic announced a new A/V receiver, the SA-BX500 ($799) with three HDMI inputs, a bi-amp/bi-wire capability for its 7.1-channels of 130 watts per channel of amplification, and so-called 7.1-channel Virtual Surround mode in a 5.1-channel system.
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Panasonic Sings the Blues
Tom Norton  |  Sep 03, 2008
Hot on the heels of its DMP-BD50 Blu-ray player, which was (it seems, just introduced), Panasonic launches its newer DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55. Even the less expensive DMP-BD35 (no prices or availability dates were announced) is full Profile 2.0 (BD-Live), will decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, and has an SD card slot. The DMP-BD55 adds a number of features, including enhanced audio circuits.
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CES 2009
A TAD Small
Tom Norton  |  Jan 10, 2008  |  Published: Jan 11, 2008

TAD has a new Compact Monitor under development, and while it's still a year or so away from commercial availability, it was on demo at this year's CES. Driven by prototypes of new TAD class A monoblock amplifiers (150Wpc into 8 ohms, 600WPC into 2 ohms), it sounded sensational, with the apparent ability to convincingly replicate the weight and power of a full symphony orchestra, an ability that escapes most loudspeakers.

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CES 2009
THIELnet
Tom Norton  |  Jan 10, 2008  |  Published: Jan 11, 2008

Thiel demonstrated a system that is said to produce audiophile quality audio either through a wireless connection or "wired" via Ethernet. As demonstrated, the package consisted of five full range SCS4D speakers plus an SS1D subwoofer (all powered via class D amps—like most "wireless" systems the individual pieces still require a connection to the AC line) and a dB1 THIELnet Audio Distribution Processor.

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CES 2009
The Dawn of THIELnet
Tom Norton  |  Jan 10, 2008  |  Published: Jan 11, 2008

Thiel's Dawn Cloyd shows off the back panel of one of the powered, wireless Thiel SCS4D speakers that will be the backbone of the THIELnet system.

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