Home Theater AV News
Audioholics have our eyes and ears on the industry. We always provide you the latest audio or video related product scoop and bring it to you first. Stay glued to this section of the site for up to date product announcements or industry gossip.
JBL Synthesis Readies 36‑Channel SDP‑80 Home Theater Processor

JBL Synthesis is preparing to launch the SDP-80 home theater surround processor supporting 36 channels of immersive audio and will use the excellent Trinnov Optimizer EQ room correction solution.
Masimo Sells Sound United to Harman/Samsung, Creates Audio Empire?

Masimo is selling its audio division, including Denon and Bowers & Wilkins, to Harman (Samsung) for $350M, creating an audio empire and ending its $1B investment in Sound United amid investor backlash.
Kaleidescape Joins 8K Association, Netflix Adds HDR10+

Kaleidescape joined the 8K Association. This is the first hint that Kaleidescape has ambitions to offer 8K content in the near future. Meanwhile, Netflix has begun streaming content in HDR10+.
SVS 7.4‑Channel Reference System Chosen For T.H.E. Film Festival

SVS will be the exclusive audio partner for T.H.E. Film Festival. The company will provide a $25K 7.4-channel system with the brand’s flagship Ultra Evolution speakers and 17-Ultra R|Evolution Subs.
Global Tariff Fears Cause Panic in Audiophile Industry at AXPONA 2025

The audiophile industry panicked at AXPONA 2025 as new global tariffs up to 145% hit. How will rising costs reshape the future of buying high-end audio gear? The impact may be bigger than you think.
Victrola Acquires KLH Audio

Turntable pioneer Victrola has bought loudspeaker manufacturer KLH Audio. KLH was a major HiFi player in the middle of the 20th century, and the company was relaunched in 2019. Read on to learn more.
Samsung UWB May Revolutionize Lossless/Wireless Headphones: But For Who?

Samsung patents its plan for Ultra-WideBand headphones and earbuds. Could this be start of true lossless & hi-res portable audio streams? Or does Samsung have a different purpose in mind?
The Best Loudspeakers We Heard at AXPONA 2025

The 2025 Axpona show proved hi-fi is alive and well despite prognostications to the contrary . Check out our report on some of the most interesting and best-sounding loudspeakers.
Immersive Lunar Documentary By Tom Hanks Blasts Off At Space Center Houston

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks is a new immersive documentary playing at Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston renovated and upgraded its IMAX theater to prepare for the new movie.
HARMAN Becomes NASCAR Technology Partner, Will Deliver Audio Upgrades at Racetracks

HARMAN is now an official NASCAR Technology Partner. The company will provide gear from JBL Professional and other iconic brands to deliver “best-in-class” sound at NASCAR racetracks.
Simon Fraser University Acoustics Lab Features 128‑Channel Immersive System!

Canada’s Simon Fraser University has built a cutting-edge acoustics lab with a 128-channel system. The new lab is devoted to “immersive communication” and spatial acoustics processing.
Epson Granted Default Judgement in Deceptive Advertising Lawsuit

Epson has been granted a default judgment in its lawsuit against projector brand Dr. J for misleading claims about brightness. Dr. J was ordered to pay damages and cease sales. Read on for more info.
Audiophile Directory Aims To Be The ‘Zillow’ Of The HiFi Industry

Audiophile Directory (AD) is a new website and search engine designed to be the go-to resource for HiFi shoppers. In essence, AD aims to do for audio enthusiasts what Zillow did for home-buyers.
US Air Force Adopts Spatial Audio For F‑16 Headsets

Danish aerospace company Terma will supply proprietary 3D-Audio system to the USAF fleet of F-16 aircraft. The spatial audio system helps pilots make faster and better-informed decisions with sound.
Is Spatial Audio The Future Of Live Music?

Polygon is putting on the UK’s first spatial audio music festival on May 2nd in London. They designed a dome-shaped 12.1.4 outdoor concert venue to provide a true immersive experience to live events.
Sony’s Blu‑ray Exit Doesn’t Matter — Here’s Why

Sony is exiting the blank media business, but this doesn’t signal Blu-ray’s death. Reports claiming otherwise are misleading—Blu-ray remains relevant for AV enthusiasts despite Sony’s move.
Dirac Live Now Available on Select Bluesound Node Streamers!

The latest Bluesound Node and Node Icon streamers, are now officially Dirac Live Ready. Owners can buy a calibration kit from Bluesound and a device-specific license from Dirac’s website.
‘Purple Rain’ Returns To Theaters in Dolby Cinema

The 1984 Prince movie Purple Rain returns exclusively in Dolby Cinema theaters for one night only, on March 5th 2025. The newly-restored film features Dolby Vision picture and Dolby Atmos sound.
Ford Seeks Patent For Multi‑Vehicle Audio System

Ford applied for a patent for a “multi-vehicle audio system.” The patent describes using multiple autonomous vehicles to provide audio for outdoor parties, movies, music festivals,and more.
New Study Examines Effects Of Noise And Sound In The Workplace

Danish audio company Jabra sponsored a study on the effects of noise in the workplace. Respondents said that noise and sound quality affects their well being and makes it hard to work.
Onkyo Readies Icon Series Electronics and Creator Series Powered Speakers

Onkyo is staging a two-channel comeback in 2025. The Icon Series of HiFi electronics includes the Icon P-80 Network Preamplifier, Icon M-80 Power Amplifier, and Icon A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier.
Audio Cu Replaces AVR and Speaker Cables for Dolby Atmos Certified Sound

AUDIO Cu is trying to revolutionized home theater audio by using power line technology to deliver high-resolution Dolby Atmos sound, eliminating the need for complicated wiring setups or even AVR's!
Walmart Buys Vizio

Walmart’s acquisition of Vizio is now complete. Walmart’s plans for Vizio include leveraging Vizio’s SmartCast Operating System to help expand Walmart’s retail media business.
Sonos CEO Patrick Spence Steps Down

Sonos CEO Patrick Spence has left the company after 8 years at the helm. After last year’s disastrous app rollout, the Board of Directors is looking for new leadership for the company.
New Partnership To Make Dirac Live Integration Easier For Audio Manufacturers

A new partnership integrates Dirac Live room correction into the Peerless Flow DSP platform, enabling home and pro audio companies to integrate Dirac Live seamlessly and efficiently.
Samsung & Google Unveil Eclipsa: A New Royalty Free Immersive Surround Audio Format!

Eclipsa Audio, a new immersive format developed by Samsung & Google, will be supported by Samsung’s 2025 TVs and Soundbars. Unlike Atmos, Eclipsa Audio is open-source & royalty-free. Should Dolby worry?
Denon Joins Audio Foundry, Debuts Dirac‑Enabled Automotive Sound System

Denon has joined the Audio Foundry, an automotive audio technology collaborative. The system uses Dirac to optimize its 22 speakers inside a Tesla Model Y at CES 2025. Read on to learn more.