http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:55 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/imac-27-mini-displayport-dvi-converterLast month Apple released its new 21.5" and 27" iMacs. On their newest 27" iMac, Apple introduced the ability to use the included mini DisplayPort as a video INPUT such that the iMac could be used as a display for digital video sources such as Blu-ray players or other devices. Of course, immediately it was discovered that this simply didn't work with any known cables or configurations on the market. Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapters didn't work. Neither did mini DisplayPort to HDMI. This brought some calls of false advertising, but others seemed to largely insist that it was simply a compatibility issue that was going to be resolved with the proper connections.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:55 -0000/news/industry-news/imac-27-mini-displayport-dvi-converterIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/god-of-war-iii-district-9-demoSony has decided to start offering game demos on Blu-ray movie releases playable only on the PS3. First first movie/demo combo will be the sci-fi flick District 9 paired with the game demo for God of War III. Enthusiasts have long suggested to their family and friends the PlayStation 3 as one of the better and most affordable Blu-ray players. Lately, prices of Blu-ray players have been coming down but the PS3 is still one of the better options out there. While these demos will only be playable on the PS3, it is a value added offering which may help drive sales.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0000/news/industry-news/god-of-war-iii-district-9-demoIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/avrant-150-ht-guys-on-av-rantAV Rant co-host and Audioholics Associate Editor Tom Andry had the opportunity recently to pair up with Braden and Ara of the HT guys for a joint podcast. Tom talks with the guys about them, their gear, and their show. If you’re not already listening, you should. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:05:00 -0000/news/industry-news/avrant-150-ht-guys-on-av-rantIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/ed-upgrades-classicseD takes two of their classic subs (the A2-250 and A3-250) and adds new construction materials and design, new amps, and new finish options. They are switching from the standard MDF to their new favorite material EFS (Environmentally Friendly Substrate), increasing the internal volume of the two subs slightly providing slightly more low end extension. The A2 and A3 will also be offered in not only a matte finish (rather than the bumpy "ruggedly handsome" finish that really looked like it was designed for the back of a truck) but also can be wood veneered at a premium.Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:35:00 -0000/news/industry-news/ed-upgrades-classicsIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/ps3-gets-netflixMicrosoft has been touting their exclusive relationship with Netflix ever since the partnership was announced at E3 2008. But that's about to change. According to a post on the Playstation blog, the PS3 will get the popular streaming service via a disc. The real question for the PS3 version of Netflix is whether or not HD streaming will be offered and the user-friendliness the interface.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:50:00 -0000/news/industry-news/ps3-gets-netflixIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/new-roku-xr-promises-upgradesWhile there has been no official announcement, Roku is releasing a new box soon dubbed the Roku XR. Engadget (who we swiped the picture from - we think the dust lends it that air of authenticity) has revealed that it will have 802.11n wireless support and a USB port (probably for streaming movies/music/pictures). Over on Revision3, they let slip that not only will their content be available on the new box, but a glance at the video revealed possible support for Flickr, ROKU Channel Store, TWIT, and Pandora. This adds to the already available streaming services from Netflix, Amazon OnDemand, and MLB.com.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:05:00 -0000/news/industry-news/new-roku-xr-promises-upgradesIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/trick-or-treat-we-vote-treatHalloween is just days away. Goblins, skeletons, and strange people in bright yellow Pikachu outfits will soon be the norm walking around your neighborhood begging for candy along the moonlit streets. It is with that pleasant thought that we thought we'd bring you what we feel are some of the best Halloween "treats" you're likely to see all year. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:55:00 -0000/news/industry-news/trick-or-treat-we-vote-treatIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/jvc-ultra-thin-speakersThin is in. It's in displays, it's in super models and now it's in speakers thanks to Victor JVC. At a stunning 31mm (1.2 inches) thick, these speaker promise to maintain those clean lines with your new uber thin flat panel display. How do they sound? Who cares? Did you see how thin they are?Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:50:00 -0000/news/industry-news/jvc-ultra-thin-speakersIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/blufocus-certified-by-blu-ray-disc-associationHave you ever stuck a brand new Blu-ray title into your player and instead of movie watching bliss; you’re thrust into the darkened hell of system-menus and firmware-updates? Welcome to the ugly world of Blu-ray incompatibility. A company called BluFocus has just achieved recognition from the Blu-ray Disc Association as a Blu-ray Movie Play Verification and Testing Center. Hooray!Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:10:00 -0000/news/industry-news/blufocus-certified-by-blu-ray-disc-associationIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/squeezebox-gets-appsLogitech really seems to be stepping up to the plate with this newest firmware update. Everything from the graphics and loading screens down to the wallpapers available are new. Not to mention the apps. Users will probably spend a lot of time rediscovering their Squeezeboxes.Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:50:00 -0000/news/industry-news/squeezebox-gets-appsIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/gaming-3d-visionThe 3D Entertainment Summit held in Universal City California was about all things 3D. That included Ubisoft's new game based on the James Cameron 3D movie which should delight 3D gamers. Through panels and discussions, ways and means were talked through in order to find insight and a reality for creating 3D among the viewing public. Also discussed were methods for extending the 3D experience so as to go beyond that of just the movies. One of the ways that 3D can be extended is in its use in video games - but in a way that is different than the type of technology that has gone on before. Just as 3D has improved its over time, so too are the latest elements in producing 3D seen as impacting the overall gaming experience at home through stereoscopic 3D gaming.Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:45:00 -0000/news/industry-news/gaming-3d-visionIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/ed-considers-wafElemental Designs, the company that has arguably caused more spousal conflicts than any other single online subwoofer manufacturer, has finally decided to give their customers finish options over the standard black. Say hello to veneers on select subwoofer offerings.Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:17:54 -0000/news/industry-news/ed-considers-wafIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/epix-unveils-online-hd-movie-serviceEpix, the new premium channel from Viacom/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Lionsgate, has upped its commitment to online content by promising to deliver 3,000 movies to subscribers through EpixHD.com. Epix Megaplex will be a high-speed web option available to Epix’s distributors and will include many films which have never before been digitized, including selections of crime dramas, mob movies and musicals. Service is expected to be able to stream at up to 720p resolutions (using around ~3MB/sec).Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:14:06 -0000/news/industry-news/epix-unveils-online-hd-movie-serviceIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/roku-gets-into-baseballRoku has announced a new partnership with MLB.com. MLB.com has offered a streaming service for the baseball fanatic called the MLB.TV Premium subscription. This allows you to watch games that are out of market or just not being shown in your area. With the Roku partnership, you can watch live games delayed approximately 90 mintues from their air time. Cost of Roku + MLB - $135 (first year, $35 a year after) - for DirectTV - $159 a year, every year. You do the math.Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0000/news/industry-news/roku-gets-into-baseballIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/the-skinny-on-playstation-3-slimWe can understand why cell phones are so anorexic. Mobile technology should slip into your pocket. But now Sony has put its PS3 game console through a rigorous weight-loss program and it can’t be healthy. Gone is the George Forman Grill look in favor of a PS3 that is so slim it looks like the DVD player someone got trampled for at Wal-Mart. Setting up Sony’s new skinny model will be like going on a date with Lindsey Lohan; it can’t stand up vertically on its own without falling over. Let’s examine the effects of PS3’s recent weight-loss.Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:25:00 -0000/news/industry-news/the-skinny-on-playstation-3-slimIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/truce-official-toshiba-to-make-blu-rayThe change of heart comes after, initially, Toshiba President and CEO Atsutoshi Nishida said the company had no plans to bring a Blu-ray player to market. It took a year and a half for Toshiba to recover enough to have the fortitude to swallow its pride and join the rest of the industry. The company spent the intervening time foundering about with grandiose plans to make HD out of SD using augmented DVD players and televisions with Cell processors.Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:20:00 -0000/news/industry-news/truce-official-toshiba-to-make-blu-rayIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/is-this-the-end-of-dvd-copyingAt time when content seems to be pushing towards Blu-ray, it seems almost surreal that California courts are undoing a two-year old ruling that paved the way for content owners to finally back up their DVDs to hard drives and push forward into the digital millennium. To say that this has been a week of setbacks for the industry as a whole is an understatement.Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:56:01 -0000/news/industry-news/is-this-the-end-of-dvd-copyingIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/studios-win-first-round-against-realdvd-backup-softwareRealNetworks suffered a real setback when a California District judge ruled against it on Tuesday. The combined force of several studios brought a lawsuit against Real for its DVD copying software RealDVD. Although the case has yet to go to trial a temporary injunction has been extended preventing the sale of the $30 retail software. RealNetworks has determined that calling upon fair use is a fairly useless argument in the face of the DMCA.Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:35:00 -0000/news/industry-news/studios-win-first-round-against-realdvd-backup-softwareIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/xbox-live-update-netflix-browsingDon't miss out on the new Xbox LIVE update coming tomorrow (August 11, 2009). The new update is a fairly big one and will allow users to download full Xbox 360 games and play them without a disc. You'll also be able to "party watch" movies online through Netflix. The Netflix system will also receive a much-needed overhaul, allowing users to search and update their Watch Now queues right in the interface - without having to leave the Xbox 360 and use a web browser. Avatars also get an overhaul with both props and "premium" content for those who like to spend money on outfitting animated icons with the latest fashions... but seriously, anyone who does this needs help. The August 11th update also allows every piece of game content on Marketplace to be rated, so you can add your personal ratings and see what others think is cool. We provide the full breakdown of features.Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:55:21 -0000/news/industry-news/xbox-live-update-netflix-browsingIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/alien-prequel-ridley-scottTwentieth Century Fox is resuscitating its "Alien" franchise. The studio has hired Jon Spaihts to write a prequel that has Ridley Scott attached to return as director. Spaihts got the job after pitching the studio and Scott Free, which will produce the film. The film is set up to be a prequel to the groundbreaking 1979 film that Scott directed. It will precede that film, in which the crew of a commercial towing ship returning to Earth is awakened and sent to respond to a distress signal from a nearby planetoid. The crew discovers too late that the signal generated by an empty ship was meant to warn them.Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:15:00 -0000/news/industry-news/alien-prequel-ridley-scottIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/hegel-comes-to-the-usHEGEL Music Systems is an esoteric brand well known in such circles. HEGEL prides itself on not only it's innovative technology, but also that it assembles locally. Starting this month HEGEL, will bring their line of DACs, CD transports, Preamps, Amps, and Integrated Amps to the US. While HEGEL has been shipped internationally for years, this is the first time they will be assembled and warehoused in the US reducing shipping times and prices.Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:55:00 -0000/news/industry-news/hegel-comes-to-the-usIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/win-speakers-in-the-audioholics-forumAudioholics strives to keep you in the loop as far as new gear and the latest reviews. Now we are bringing you the chance to win speakers from two great manufacturers. Aperion Audio has just introduced their new Intimus Outdoor speakers and are giving you the chance to win a pair. If you are more of the indoor type, Ram Electronics is giving away a pair of Audioengine 2 Monitors in our forums.Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0000/news/industry-news/win-speakers-in-the-audioholics-forumIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/toshiba-roman-blu-ray-later-yearAh, the glorious days of the format war, ending in surrender but never a truce signed. Toshiba ceded the war but said they would never make a Blu-ray play. Well, the truce may finally be signed.Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:15:00 -0000/news/industry-news/toshiba-roman-blu-ray-later-yearIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/star-trek-blu-ray-dvd-release-detailsWe got the skinny on the Blu-ray and DVD details for the new JJ Abrams Star Trek movie release. Thanksfully, the Star Trek Blu-ray release seems to maximize the audio potential with Dolby TrueHD surround sound. We're also glad to see an abundance of extras - so much so, in fact that even the Blu-ray is coming out as a 3-disc set (the DVD will be available as both a dual disc and single disc set). Both formats are going to be released on November 17, 2009 and we reveal the disc breakdown.Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:05:01 -0000/news/industry-news/star-trek-blu-ray-dvd-release-detailsIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/blockbuster-stream-movies-samsungBlockbuster announced today that they are embedding streaming technology into select Samsung televisions, home theater systems and Blu-ray players to enable consumers to access Blockbuster's growing library of premium digital entertainment. The new services will be available next quarter ("in the Fall" according to the release info). Additionally, as part of the agreement, Blockbuster OnDemand will have preferred positioning on the Blu-ray interfaces. We're a tad skeptical - read why.Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:16:47 -0000/news/industry-news/blockbuster-stream-movies-samsungIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/netflix-captures-lcd-tv-market-sony-braviaNetflix, currently the largest online movie rental service, announced a partnership with Sony Electronics that will enable Netflix subscribers to instantly watch movies streamed from Netflix on Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs. Netflix streaming will also work on previous BRAVIA models if they are compatible with Sony's BRAVIA Internet video link module.Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:52:15 -0000/news/industry-news/netflix-captures-lcd-tv-market-sony-braviaIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/army-two-weapon-design-contestThis week EA launched a weapon design contest for their new Army of Two: The 40th Day game. From now until July 12, gamers can submit their new mack-daddy weapon design via the game website. The winner's weapon will be included as a special unlockable pre-order item in the Xbox 360 version of the game. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:33:07 -0000/news/industry-news/army-two-weapon-design-contestIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/belden-blue-jeans-cable-shatter-hdmi-recordOK, well it's not exactly something Guinness was excited about, but Belden did manage to run 1080p/60 signal through an unamplified 100-foot run of HDMI cable. That's about 30 meters for anyone majoring in metric-to-SEA conversion ratios - and far beyond what is considered possible in terms of unamplified HDMI capabilities. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:57:52 -0000/news/industry-news/belden-blue-jeans-cable-shatter-hdmi-recordIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/cablevision-wins-battle-remote-dvrA Supreme Court victory for Cablevision Systems Corporation will translate into a huge win for all Cable TV companies. Hollywood, recording studios, sports leagues and the Screen Actors Guild have all lost their bid to block a new remote-DVR technology. Soon, consumers will have a digital set-top-video-recording option at their disposal - remote-storage. It’s essentially the same conventional DVR, such as TiVo, that lets you record or time-shift programming.Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:13:37 -0000/news/industry-news/cablevision-wins-battle-remote-dvrIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/nht-is-backNow Hear This wants you to know it’s coming back to business. The much-loved American speaker manufacturer’s hiatus only lasted a few months – about as short lived as the death of a comic book Superhero before being brought back to life by a miraculous plot-wrinkle. But the comeback for NHT as it relates to its dealers is sure to have a few plot-twists of its own.Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:35:00 -0000/news/industry-news/nht-is-backIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/elemental-designs-a7-450-updateA little bit back Elemental Designs took some time to redesign their A7-450 powered home theater subwoofer. With this redesign they moved forward with the idea of using the power provided by the LT/1300, featuring B&O Ice power module design, and matching it up with a custom hand built 18” driver built right in Iowa. This move, fueled by the desire to advance the platform in a new direction led to a few interesting design changes.Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:39:36 -0000/news/industry-news/elemental-designs-a7-450-updateIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/redbox-threatens-netflix-in-video-rental-iii-rise-of-the-vending-machinesNetflix has long been recognized as the top online video-rental business. Despite competition from perennial business-model imitator Blockbuster, the competition continues to be stymied. But wait – one decidedly low-tech business Redbox, is growing at such a rapid pace it poses a serious threat to Netflix. This relatively new competitor has been quietly laying red vending-machine boxes all over America, over 15,000 by its latest count and its growing fast.Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:35:00 -0000/news/industry-news/redbox-threatens-netflix-in-video-rental-iii-rise-of-the-vending-machinesIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/axiom-audio-ep800-subwoofer-first-reviewHometheater.com.il, an Israeli home theater website has published a review on the Axiom Audio EP800 flagship subwoofer. Penned by Itai Hazum, the review is rather in-depth, and if you can handle the Hebrew-English translation via Google Translate, you can glean some pretty cool info about the new product.Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:20:00 -0000/news/industry-news/axiom-audio-ep800-subwoofer-first-reviewIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/sencore-spectracal-calmanSencore, Inc. and SpectraCal, LLC announced a strategic partnership to develop and market a combination of SpectraCal CalMAN video calibration software with Sencore ColorPro calibration features. The new Sencore ColorPro by CalMAN Professional Display Calibration Software (try saying THAT in one breath!) is designed as a comprehensive software measurement and management tool for professional display calibration.Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:05:00 -0000/news/industry-news/sencore-spectracal-calmanIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/lg-netflix-hdtvLook ma, no boxes! You won’t you need a set-top-box or computer to stream web-enabled movies to your Home Theater system anymore. The shelf-space and connection conscious mages over at LG have seen to it that you don’t need a box to get streaming content like Netflix into your living room. LG has just introduced two Ethernet-HDTVs with more on the way this summer.Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:22:45 -0000/news/industry-news/lg-netflix-hdtvIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/last-call-for-analog-tv-signalsReady or not the analog deadline is almost here. Although many TV networks have already switched to digital broadcasts there are still many hold-outs among major networks that have kept analog service. It seems the government is serious about Friday’s deadline. Even President Barack Obama promises it’s for real this time.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:25:00 -0000/news/industry-news/last-call-for-analog-tv-signalsIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/hdmi-1-4-cables-specAfter a couple of teaser press releases, one at CES and one just a short while ago, the HDMI Licensing organization has released the final version of the HDMI 1.4 spec. This is the first major HDMI spec revision since 1.3 was issued back in June 2006, and there's been a lot of speculation as to what it would contain. The spec document itself is available for download at www.hdmi.org. However, since it's 425 pages long, we'll take a short spin through it to see what's there, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the new spec upon our products: HDMI cables.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:05:00 -0000/news/industry-news/hdmi-1-4-cables-specIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/destination-audio-speaker-packageOccasionally we come across a hot deal and we want to let you know about it. Destination Audio is a sister company to RBH and EMP - both of which are known for their high bang-for-buck offerings. Well, they are at it again with a few new 5.1 deals. Now, while supplies last, you can get a pair of their F300T towers (sister to the RBH TK-5CTs), a pair of F300R bookshelves (sister to the RBH TK-5Cs), and a R300C center channel with a 10" Velodyne Impact-10 subwoofer for $999 or a 12" Velodyne Impact-12 for $1049. This is too good of deal to pass up.Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:05:00 -0000/news/industry-news/destination-audio-speaker-packageIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/xbox-360-natalMicrosoft has been on a roll at E3 2009: Dropping bombs and shooting stars all in the name of Xbox 360 has been Microsoft’s game this year. Microsoft’s press conference dropped jaws with shocking announcements: Spielberg pitches Natal. Beatles reunite to talk about Rock Band. Microsoft promises 1080P resolution for Xbox 360 movie streams. James Cameron even talked about an upcoming game by Ubisoft called Avatar. Microsoft even took time to rub salt in Sony’s wounds by nabbing a PS3 exclusive. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:30:00 -0000/news/industry-news/xbox-360-natalIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/e3-2009-nintendoTis the season for gamers to be jolly as E3 '09 is in full swing. This week Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo all had their big press releases bragging about themselves, their games, their upcoming peripherals, and basically trying to convince all of us that their console is the best. This is a summary of what Nintendo revealed.Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:05:00 -0000/news/industry-news/e3-2009-nintendoIndustry NewsNews & Opinion