Friday, February 21, 2014

AudioControl New 4K Ultra HD Receivers Now Shipping

AudioControl New 4K Ultra HD Receivers Now Shipping
AudioControl Announces New Concert AVR-6 & AVR-8 Ultra HD 4K 
Home Theater Receivers Now Shipping Worldwide!


Seattle, WA - February 20, 2014
AudioControl, the U.S. award winning designer of home theater processors and amplifiers, today announced that their new Concert AVR-6 and Concert AVR-8 Ultra HD 4K home theater receivers are now shipping to all dealers in North America and Internationally.

AudioControl's new AVR-6 and AVR-8 receivers deliver a visually stunning entertainment experience, designed by a company with nearly 40 years of making some of the best audio and video products in the world.   
Behind the striking contemporary visual design, the Concert AVR-8 benefits from the high-end audio performance that AudioControl is renowned for. Its powerful high-current 7 x 200 watts per channel theater amplifier stable at 4 Ohms creates a truly incredible audio platform that turns watching a movie in your living room, media space or theater into a movie lover's 'nirvana'.

The Concert AVR-8's sister, the Concert AVR-6 also benefits from the same high performing audio and video platform as the Concert AVR-8, powering its seven-channel amplifier, all channels driven at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

AudioControl CEO Alex Camara commented, "AudioControl has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing high performance, quality audio and video products for nearly 40 years. Our new Concert receivers deliver an incredible audiophile experience, combined with the latest in 4K Ultra HD video processing, that results in the ultimate viewing and listening experience for movie lovers, not prepared to compromise on their passion for the highest quality entertainment experience".
The Facts and Features: 
The features of the Concert AVR-6 and AVR-8 Receiver have been designed to deliver a breathtaking experience. Amongst the many features and capabilities of these new receivers are the following:
  • 7.1 Home Theater 4K Ultra HD and 3D advanced surround sound receiver
  • Specialist high-performance receiver for the Custom Install market
  • 7 HDMI inputs; COAX SPDIF x 4; Toslink x 2; RCA Phono x 6; USB Input, Ethernet Client
  • Ability to be configured as a full 7.1 system, or as a 5.1 system with the 2 remaining channels serving a second zone
  • Dual HDMI outputs (ARC compatible), Component x 3, Composite x 4
  • ARC (Audio Return Channel) compatible
  • Zone 2 audio output
  • Proprietary auto room set-up and room correction with equalization
  • HDMI Ultra HD 4K and 3D video pass-through and up-scaling capability
  • Surround modes include Dolby True HD; Dolby Digital Plus; Dolby Digital EX; Dolby Digital 5.1 Dolby Pro Logic IIx; DTS-HD Master Audio; DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete; DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix; DTS 5.1
  • Ability to scale to any resolution standard or high definition sources where required
  • Powerful, Dynamic, Audiophile 200 Watts Per Channel Amplification, All Channels Driven into 4 Ohms (Concert AVR-8).
  • Powerful, Dynamic, Audiophile 100 Watts Per Channel Amplification, All Channels Driven into 8 Ohms (Concert AVR-6).
  • Seven channels of 'cool running' Class H amplification reducing the need for rack fans
  • Compatibility and integration with leading control systems including Crestron, Control 4, Savant and RTI
  • Custom Install control ready with Ethernet, RS232, 12 volt trigger and IR control options
  • AudioControl iOS Control App available free on the iTunes Store (& streaming control Apps)
  • Internet radio and music streaming services including fully integrated FM/DAB/DAB+ in appropriate markets
  • USB supports memory devices and digital audio from iPod®, iPad® and iPhone® devices
  • AudioControl's unique and discrete styling for both rack and non-rack mount needs
  • Programmable Remote control provided
  • AudioControl's 40 Year Focus on audiophile quality, made in the USA and a bulletproof 5-year warranty program.
 

AudioControl is shipping both Concert AVR models exclusively into the Custom Integrator channel. As with all AudioControl Home products, these new models are not available for sale on the Internet or in mass retail. Both models are now shipping direct from AudioControl's design, engineering and manufacturing facilities located in Seattle, USA and come with AudioControl's legendary 5-year warranty. 
About AudioControl
AudioControl is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of the highest quality home theater processors and amplifiers, distributed audio amplifiers, car audio, signal processors and precise analysis products, celebrating nearly four decades of 'making good sound great'. The company's headquarters, including research and development, manufacturing, production, and training facilities continue to thrive in Seattle, Washington heart of the rainforest of the Pacific Northwest.

For more information visit www.audiocontrol.com. Contact your local dealer or rep for more information or call the rainforest at 425-775-8461 for more information on ordering AudioControl products.


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Monday, February 17, 2014

Enerplex Jumpr Max Power Bank and Kickr IV Portable Solar Charger Review

Going green is a huge topic. And it is a good thing. Fortunately, there are some manufacturers that make some great products to support that movements to provide clean energy. Enerplex provides a one/two punch in the Kicker IV and Jumper Max. They charge our portable devices, and do so with solar power.


Features and specs:

Kicker IV:
Power:
6.5 Watts Unregulated
6.0 Watt, 5 Volt System regulated
1.2 Amp Output (STC)
*STC- Standard Testing Conditions
Dimensions:
Product Open: 774mm (30.5˝ ) x 185mm (7.3” ) x 2mm (0.08” )
Product Folded Size: 225mm (8.8˝ ) x 185 mm (7.3” ) x 18mm (0.71” )
Product Packaging: 266.7mm (10.5˝ ) x 190.5 mm (7.5” ) x 50.8mm (2.0” )
Weight:
Product: 290.3g (0.64 lbs.)
Product with Packaging: 368.5g (0.81 lbs.)

Jumper Max:
-10,000 mAh battery capacity
-Input: DC 5V/1A Max (Micro-USB)
-Dual USB Outputs: DC 5V/1A, DC 5V/2A (USB-A)
-Can charge tablets such as the Kindle Fire HD, iPad 3, and iPad Mini
-Can charge multiple devices at the same time!
Jumpr Max Charging Capabilities:
  • Samsung Galaxy S4- 3.4 charges
  • iPhone 5/5S- 6.1 charges
  • Google Nexus 7- 2 charges
  • Kindle Fire HD- 2 charges
  • iPad 3- 1 charge
  • iPad Mini- 1.95 charges
Dimensions:
Product: 123.3mm (4.8˝) x 77.05mm (3.0˝ ) x 17.57mm (0.7˝ )
Product Packaging: 216mm (8.5˝) x 115.3mm (4.5˝) x 32.2mm (1.27˝)
Weight:
Product: 192g (0.42 lbs.)
Product with Packaging: 258g (0.57 lbs.)

Both products come in standard paper packaging and had a clear plastic window to see the product. The products were mostly plastic. Quality of components as well as fit and finish were good. Included with the power bank were manual, cable, and connectors. And the Kicker IV came with the cable, and cloth bands to hold it secure.

I really liked the large power bank. At 10,000 mah, it was good for about 3 charges to my HTC One cell phone, and almost a full charge for my Samsung Galaxy Note 10" tablet. And just bigger than a cell phone, it is not too big in size. It would be a tad bulky in a pants pocket. But it would store well in a purse or a car glove box.

The Kicker IV is an awesome portable solar panel! I really liked the way there were 4 panels. The way it is designed, they fold onto each other to make a more compact size. A single connection on the side is where you attach the cable. One end plugs into solar panel and the other end plugs into the portable device. The solar panel provides enough current that it charges your device as if it was plugged into a wall outlet, and it is enough for small devices such as a cell phone, Nintendo DS or Kindle.

The big one two green punch is using the two devices together. I plugged in the power bank into the solar panel to charge, and left it out in the sun to charge for a day. Once charged, I can use the power bank to charge my portable devices. After the power bank is depleted it is back onto the solar panel, and the cycle continues.  Here in Arizona, we get a lot of sun.  It is a perfect fit here.  I am also an avid camper as an Assistant Scoutmaster.  If you have a cell phone, camera, or GPS in the outdoors and no outlet nearby, the Kicker IV has you covered. And even with a nearby outlet, it's free clean power!

I was very impressed with the performance of both devices. They work absolutely great on their own. And together they provide on excellent portable green power solution! And they are fairly priced at $129.99 for the Kicker IV and a MSRP of $69.99 for the Jumpr Max. Based on their design, features, quality and performance, they have both earned our Highly Recommended award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.enerplex.biz.


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Thursday, February 13, 2014

ANNOUNCING TWO OLYMPUS® M.ZUIKO® PRO SERIES LENSES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

announcing two OLYMPUS® M.zuiko® PRo series LENSES UNDER DEVELOPMENT


Olympus developing Two New Powerful Micro Four Thirds® Lenses that Will Extend the OM-D® and PEN® System for the Professional User

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 12, 2014 — Olympus announces the development of two new M.ZUIKO lenses, adding to its award-winning PRO series line-up, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO (14mm-28mm 35mm equivalent) and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F4 PRO (600mm 35mm equivalent). Both Olympus lenses deliver first-of-its kind performance to the M.ZUIKO PRO series and are scheduled to launch in 2015.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO is the first-ever wide-angle zoom lens in the M.ZUIKO PRO series. This compact and lightweight lens maintains a dustproof and splashproof design to compliment the rugged durability of the Olympus OM-D® E-M1 and E-M5. True to ZUIKO standards, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO features sharpness to the edges of the image and excellent performance for professional use.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F4.0 PRO lens is the first single-focal-length super telephoto lens in the M.ZUIKO PRO series. Like other lenses in the PRO series, this new lens will deliver superb performance, complimented by compact, dustproof and splashproof construction.

When combined with the available M ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO, expected to reach store shelves in the second half of 2014, the M.ZUIKO PRO series will feature four different lenses that cover everything from super wide-angle to super telephoto zoom.


ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a leading provider of digital imaging and audio technology solutions, noted for their precision optics and ground-breaking technologies.

For more than 90 years, Olympus has innovated and developed best-in-class products that expand the boundaries of product design and functionality, empowering consumers and professionals alike to capture their stories. These include:


For more information about Olympus and their award-winning products, please visit www.getolympus.com or connect with us and other fans like you through our social and photographic communities: @getolympus on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and Flickr, as well as at www.penready.com.
*Olympus Image Share is compatible with most smartphones. Please visit http://www.getolympus.com/olympusimageshare for phone compatibility information.

Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

All trademarks and registered trademarks listed herein are the property of their respective holders, in the U.S. and/or other countries.

©2014 Olympus Imaging America Inc.


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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Kingston Digital Ships Fastest SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) Card for 4K and Ultra-HD Video Capture

Kingston Digital Ships Fastest SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) Card for 4K and Ultra-HD Video Capture
 
Fountain Valley, CA -- February 4, 2014 -- Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced its fastest addition to the Secure Digital product line. The new SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) card (Kingston® part #: SDA3/xxGB) allows professionals and consumers to capture 4K and other Ultra-HD video resolutions. The new card is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities.
 The SD Association’s latest specification, UHS-I U3 (Ultra High-Speed Bus, Speed Class 3), guarantees performance of at least 30MB/s read and write, enough bandwidth to record and playback 4K video without interruption. Kingston’s SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Class 3 card provides speeds of 90MB/s read and 80MB/s write, which is up to 9x faster (read) and up to 8x faster (write) than standard Class 10 SD cards. The faster speeds ensure the best video and photo integrity by reducing stutter as well as faster PC upload time especially when using USB 3.0 card readers
            The SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Class 3 is compatible with all SDHC and SDXC host devices. It allows users to capture cinema quality Full HD (1080p), Ultra HD (2160p), 3D, and 4K2K videos on high-performance cameras such as Digital Single Lens Reflex (D-SLR), Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (D- SLM), camcorders and video cameras. In addition to 4K video capture, it can also be used for high-density photograph capture in burst or continuous capture mode, television recording, and live broadcasts.  Users can capture up to 60 minutes of 4K HD video or shoot high-density image files in RAW or JPEG (up to 8,000 24MP images) on a 64GB card.
The SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Class 3 is backed by a lifetime warranty and free technical support. For more information, visit kingston.com/us/flash/sd_cards.

Kingston SDHC/SDXC UHS-I U3 Flash Card Features & Specifications:

·Versatile: Class 10 performance when used in a non-UHS-I capable device
·Compliant: with the SD Card Association specification
·Secure: built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss
·Compatible: with SDHC & SDXC host devices; SDXC cards are not compatible with SDHC-enabled devices/readers
·File format: FAT32 (SDHC 16GB–32GB), exFAT (SDXC 64GB)
·Guaranteed: lifetime warranty, free technical support
·Capacities1: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
·Dimensions: 24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm
·Operating Temperatures: -25°C to 85°C
·Storage Temperatures: -40°C to 85°C
·Voltage: 3.3v
·Performance2: up to 90MB/s read and 80MB/s write, UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3)
 
1 Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston’s Flash Memory Guide at Kingston.com/flashguide
2 Speed may vary due to host and device configuration.
 
Description
Part Number
16GB SDHC UHS-I Speed Class 3 Flash Card
SDA3/16GB
32GB SDHC UHS-I Speed Class 3 Flash Card
SDA3/32GB
64GB SDHC UHS-I Speed Class 3 Flash Card
SDA3/64GB
 
Kingston can be found on:
 
 
About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (“KDI”) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley , California , USA . For more information, p lease visit www.kingston.com or call 800-337-8410.  


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