Recently Published AV News
Darling: Hollywood’s Hip Hi‑Fi Restaurant
Darling is a new West Hollywood restaurant featuring elevated wood-fired food, craft cocktails, and a Hi-Fi listening lounge that features vintage Tannoy speakers and Accuphase amplification.
Sony PS3 Upgradable to 3D Blu‑ray and Gaming
The Sony PlayStation 3 is being set up for another huge transformation, one that will further its reputation as the "buy it once, use it forever" Blu-ray player. A firmware update will make it 3D.
Vizio Brand Redux, Featuring Beyonce and The Internet
Vizio, the once budget TV maker has used the pricey Superbowl XLIV ad-space and Beyonce to rebuild its brand. The new Vizio wants to transform into a leading-edge, Internet connectivity.
Netflix in 1080p and 5.1 Surround Sound ‑ Not so Fast!
A flurry of activity went on today as Cnet broke a story about Netflix adding 1080p and 5.1 audio to its entire streaming library later this year. Turns out it wasn't entirely accurate... we'll wait.
Super Bowl XLIV Uncompressed Feed: Will You Get The Immaculate Reception?
Super Bowl XLIV will be transmitted to CBS in pristine, compression free HDTV thanks to Level 3 Communications Inc. Unfortunately most Cable and Satellite TV won't see this year's Immaculate Reception
Apple iPhones it in with iPad
Apple's iPad announcement has been met with disappointment among tech-press. The biggest disappointment with iPad, besides its unfortunate name, is not about features... it's the interface.
MagicJack Casts A Spell On Your Cell Phone
The wizards at YMAX Corporation, the company that created MagicJack, have a new trick up their sleeve – they want to turn into Skype. Unfortunately, YMAX's sudden rise, is a case of growing too fast.
Nintendo Wii Scores Netflix… But Why?
Nintendo Wii picks up a new feature, Netflix streaming. The biggest question here is... why? We hope Mario and company hasn't changed the gaming first philosophy. Still, Wii users get a nice bonus.
Denon Upgrades AVR‑3310CI and AVR‑990 to DSX
The AVR-3310CI and AVR-990 (both retailing for $1500) join the ranks of the AVR-4310CI and AVR-4810CI with Audyssey DSX. The upgrade will be available on Feburary 1st at a cost of $100.
Denon Covers the Olympics... Again
When you are looking for audio quality control, who do you look to? Well, if you are NBC Universal and you are covering something as important as the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, you look to Denon.
Wireless Power and Electricity Coming Soon!
Chinese manufacturer Haier decided to steal the show at CES this week by showing off a 32-inch TV set at CES that is running completely wirelessly. And when we say completely... we mean COMPLETELY.
Monster Introduces Noise Making/Power Line Conditioning Home Theater Plug?
Monster is introducing the PowerNet 1G power line conditioning home theater plug that may actually make a little of its own digital noise as it sends high speed networking over your home's power lines
2009 Consumer Excellence Awards
Audioholics is ready once again to accept entries for the 2009 Consumer Excellence Awards that it will deliver to manufacturers for products that push the limits of consumer excellence.
NBC Grinching Christmas Rockefeller Center telecast?
The union that represents NBC’s producers, writers and technicians today vowed to pull the plug on the network’s "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" telecast in response to a failed union negotiation.
Microsoft Bans 1 Million Xbox 360 Pirates
Over 1 million Xbox Live players around the world lost their ability to access their online accounts when Microsoft dropped the bomb on suspected "pirates". The ban is linked to the console hard drive
iMac 21.5" and iMac 27" Mini DisplayPort to DVI Converter
Last 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 for the iMac - perfect for Blu-ray.
Game Demos Included on Future Blu‑ray Releases
Sony has decided to start offering game demos on Blu-ray movie releases playable only on the PS3. First first combo will be the sci-fi flick District 9 paired with the game demo for God of War III.
AVRant #150: HT Guys on AV Rant
AV 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. If you’re not already listening, you should.
eD Upgrades Classic Subwoofers
eD 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.
PS3 Gets Netflix
The PS3 will get Netflix streaming service via a disc next month. The question for the PS3 version of Netflix is whether or not HD streaming will be offered and the user-friendliness the interface
New Roku XR Promises Upgrades
Roku is releasing a new box soon dubbed the Roku XR. New features include 802.11n wireless support and a USB port plus streaming content from Revision3, Flickr, ROKU Channel Store, TWIT, and Pandora.
Trick or Treat ‑ We Vote Treat!
Halloween 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.
JVC Ultra Thin Speaker System to Debut in Japan
Thin is in. 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? They're THIN!
BluFocus is Certified by the Blu‑ray Disc Association
Blu-ray Disc Association gives BluFocus its blessing as a certfied standards testing center.
Squeezebox Gets Apps
Logitech really seems to be stepping up with this newest Squeezebox update. Everything from the graphics and loading screens down to the wallpapers available are new. Not to mention the apps.
Gaming with a 3D Vision
The best reason for going to a 3D trade show is finding a product that demonstrates why the third dimension is worth having. Which could be the tagline for Ubisoft's James Cameron's Avatar: The Game.
eD Considers WAF
Elemental 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 …
Epix Unveils Online HD Movie Service
Epix, 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.
Roku gets into Baseball
Roku has announced a new partnership with MLB.com. Cost of Roku + MLB - $135 (first year, $35 a year after) - for DirectTV - $159 a year, every year. You do the math.