13
Aug
2007
Engadget: Grundig has certainly won us over with its forthcoming Audiorama speakers. These spherical gems can be placed on narrow stands, hung around, or sat on an end table, as the 360-degree sound emissions should cover the space adequately. Unfortunately, details concerning the power handling, frequency range, etc. are still under wraps, but those feelin’ the vintage vibe can check out a four pack out next February for around €600.
07
Aug
2007
Slashgear: The BooM1 seems to have borrowed the design from Alienware computers. It’s a 2.1 channel audio system for the iPod featuring Bluetooth connectivity for phones with A2DP support.
The BooM1 has a built-in amplifier and bunches of secret acoustic technologies ensuring the best performance. It should be compatible with most models of iPod with a dock connector (including iPod G3, G4, G5, mini, shuffle, nano, video and U2). There’s no mentioning of support for the iPhone. Your iPods will automatically charge when docked (except for the iPod shuffle).
The BooM1 comes in black or white, and it is available for 129 euro.
01
Aug
2007
Ubergizmo: Panasonic has made available its Nano Bass Exciter method that manages to squeeze out high-fidelity bass notes from a pair of compact speakers.
This is made possible by using porous carbon within the speaker enclosure, creating an acoustic environment that is conducive to create rich, low-end sound.
Should the Nano Bass Exciter technology actually catch on, we will soon see cellphones that are able to hold their own against boomboxes, but that would definitely be a bad thing as it will probably startle everyone around you (including yourself) whenever you receive a text message or an incoming call.
31
Jul
2007
Electronista: Accessory maker iHome has developed the iH82, a new set of portable speakers for the iPod. Based on the existing iH80, the base of the unit is essentially the same, but with an entirely optional second speaker for louder, stereo sound. Crucially, the extra speaker does not require its own power supply; it instead takes its power from the dock speaker, which uses a wall adapter or eight C-cell batteries. The dock itself supports fourth- and fifth-generation iPods along with minis, nanos and shuffles. An infrared remote comes standard.
28
Jul
2007
Product Reviews Net: Many manufacturers claim their products can indeed fly to the moon and back, but there is a cause for celebration when products really do as they are described to.
The Everglide S-500 Gaming Headphones are a truly magnificent experience, sounding crisp and fine, really making that gaming experience that little bit better. Of course, we would only recommend these to the hardcore gamer and if you’re looking for a pair of headphones for your gaming system, the Everglide S-500 Gaming Headphones really are for you.
Specs, from Everglide:
» Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
» Transducer: Dynamic
» Normal Impendence: 16 Ohm
» Max Sound Pressure (SPL): 102dB
» Max Power Rating: 100mW
» Weight (w/o cable): 360g
» Cable Length: 3.1m (~10.2 ft)
» Available Color: Carbon Black, White
21
Jul
2007
Slashgear: Where you might want to stick a 2 speaker surround sound system. It seems surround sound virtualization and DVD upscaling are the two popular buzz words for the home theater industry as several products keep popping up involving one or the other or both.
This one has both. The upscaling is good for up to 720p or 1080i. The virtual surround sound is provided via Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround technology.
Other features include 480 watts of power and the option to upgrade with a Bluetooth adapter allowing music to be streamed between another Bluetooth device and this system.
19
Jul
2007
Engadget: The market, bone dry for iPod docks, today gets quenched: Philips has introduced not one, not two, but seven new iPod docks for your listening pleasure (at least in the UK). The models are quite varied, and run the gamut from simple alarm-clock dock with remote, to full on mini-systems with features like “Dynamic Bass Boost”, detachable speakers, and USB connectivity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the models:
18
Jul
2007
Playlist: Years before the iPod was even an idea in someone’s head, JVC was making “executive minisystems” — compact stereos designed to offer reasonably good sound in a package small enough to fit on a desk or shelf. The NX-PS1 is among the latest of these systems (and likely the smallest, at least in terms of the size of the main amplifier section and the satellite speakers). But whereas previous JVC minisystems offered CD players, radios, and even MiniDisc decks, the NX-PS1 has no audio source of its own; it’s up to you to provide the music, in the form of an iPod or other digital media player.
The NX-PS1 comprises four block-shaped components: three diminutive blocks — the main amplifier unit and left and right satellite speakers — and a larger box for the subwoofer. You connect the speakers to the amp using standard speaker cable; 5-foot cables are included for each satellite, along with an 8.5-foot cable that lets you place the sub out of sight and near a wall for increased bass response.
By foregoing a CD player, JVC was able to shrink the NX-PS1′s main unit — which includes various controls and an LCD display — down to a surprisingly small package that will easily fit on any desk, dresser, or bookshelf. But despite its small size, the main unit includes a digital amplifier that provides 50 Watts of total power: 10 to each satellite and 30 to the subwoofer. It also includes an impressive array of inputs — necessary, given that the system provides no audio source of its own. (In this respect, it’s useful to think of the NX-PS1 as a set of self-powered “computer” speakers that just so happens to include playback controls and a remote control.)
14
Jul
2007
Infosyncworld: JVC claims the most recent addition to its headphone portfolio, the HA-NC250, will eliminate up to 85 percent of background noise with its noise-canceling technology. To further block noise, each earpiece employs a double housing structure for an extra sound insulation layer, and the ear pads also attach to the housing. The new headphones also use a 40mm neodymium driver in each earpiece.
The headphones use a single AAA battery for powering the noise cancellation circuitry, and JVC claims the battery will last about 50 hours.
The JVC HA-NC250 headphones will be available in early August for €145.
07
Jul
2007
AVReview.co.uk: Summer may be currently wetter than an otter’s pocket, but Grundig is no doubt hoping things clear up in time for you to play with its new GUPSW5000 outdoors wireless speaker.
Looking like the result of a tellytubby mating with a hoover (if indeed that’s possible), the GUPSW5000 is battery or mains operated, boasts 20 watts RMS of sound and works across a 50 metre range; just hook up the transmitter to your hi-fi system, MP3 player or other device with a line out cable and you’re away. What’s more, it’s splash proof so if those pesky rain clouds return it’ll battle on regardless. And if you’re garden partying at night, the GUPSW5000 emits a blue glow, giving your neighbours a nice target to aim at.
29
Jun
2007
SlipperyBrick: Altec Lansing looks to be going more high end with its speaker systems via yesterday’s unveiling of the Powered Theater Series. Two wireless models make up this new line – the two-speaker PT8051 (approx. 745 euro) and the one-speaker PT7031 (approx. 450 euro).
Both wireless speaker packages take the form of nice looking bar-style speakers. They are designed to match the look of flat panel televisions. The PT8051 supports Dolby and DTS listening modes and is capable of providing surround sound through left, center and right channels within one front speaker as well as left and right channels included in a rear speaker.
The PT7031, meanwhile, makes use of Dolby virtual speaker technology to give you simulated five-channel surround sound.
28
Jun
2007
Digital Trends: Electronics maker JVC wants to bring surround sound out of the realm of super-pricey home theater setups and down to the level where gamers and mere iPod owners can improve their audio experience.
The new inexpensive TH-L1 surround system is designed to appeal to gamers and iPod owners, as well as home theater buffs, who will appreciate the HDMI input and 1080p pass-through.The TH-L1 consists of a main unit, a subwoofer, and five small cubic satellite speakers. The main unit sports two HDMI inputs (for hooking up, say, a game console and high-def video source) and an HDMI passthrough output, along with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. The system pushes 40 watts to the four side channels and 100 watts to the center channel and subwoofer, and offers gamers a realistic sound field which—in surround-enabled games, anyway—may allow them to hear enemies approaching before they can be seen.