1080P Front Projection Goes LED

H9080HD Redefines Home Theater Viewing Experience Through Performance and Features

ORLANDO, FL, June 17, 2009 – Vivitek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of environmentally innovative visual display and presentation products, introduces the H9080HD Home Cinema projector to the professional audio/video industry. The world’s first 1080p, LED home cinema projector delivers next-generation video processing performance for demanding home theater enthusiasts and professional installers.

The Vivitek H9080HD home cinema projector offers an amazing 100,000:1 contrast ratio and a brightness of 800 lumens. With full HD 1080p (1920x1080) resolution and advanced image processing technologies from Gennum, the H9080HD redefines the home theater viewing experience. As an LED-based projector, the H9080HD provides stunning image quality unmatched by traditional lamp-based projectors.

The LED light source is estimated to provide up to 20,000 hours of operation in normal viewing conditions, which equates to running a traditional projector 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for just over 2 years without changing a lamp. The Luminus PhlatLight™ RGB LED module replaces the traditional lamp and color wheel system, and in turn, increases picture quality, expands the color spectrum and maintains 1080p resolution.

“The H9080HD is the flagship product in Vivitek’s home theater line-up. Packed with features and all digital connections, it brings the magic of the movies to your home,” said Christopher Yang, Sr. Product Manager at Vivitek. “The H9080HD is a paradigm shifting, powerful and high-performance projector that creates unbelievable pictures and smooth playback from various video sources.”

With a built-in 1.3x zoom with manual lens shift (+/-120% vertical and +/-30% horizontal), the H9080HD projector allows installers to create the perfect image. Add in a Dynamic Iris to automatically adjust black levels, the H9080HD is a home theater dream projection system. It also comes with a wide variety of connectivity options including HDMI 1.3, RS-232c, Component, Composite, S-Video, VGA and BNC connections for the latest video sources.

The Vivitek H9080HD incorporates low-energy and low-power consumption features, including the lamp-free, LED light source. It is also mercury-free, with a dust- and filter-free, sealed engine design that eliminates constant filter disposal and cleaning. The non-motion interior of the projector allows for quiet and cool running, which makes it ideal in a home theater setting.
Availability/WarrantyThe Vivitek H9080HD will be available in July 2009 through authorized Vivitek dealers and distributors for MAP of $14,999. The projector carries a three (3)-year limited warranty on parts and labor.

About Vivitek CorporationVivitek manufactures an extensive line of visual display and presentation products including projectors and digital signage displays. The company’s line of digital projection and display devices incorporates the latest innovations and technologies to deliver superior products for it partners, customers and channels. Vivitek products are sold through authorized dealers, distributors, retailers and system integrators. Vivitek believes in the active responsibility in both its manufacturing and business processes and programs. For more information, please visit www.vivitekcorp.com.
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DLP® and BrilliantColor™ are registered marks of Texas InstrumentsVivitek® is a registered trademark of Vivitek Corporation

New Epson Pro Cinema Projectors Announced

Epson’s Latest 1080P Pro Cinema Projectors Bring Custom Installers High-Performing Home Theater Solutions

PowerLite Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB Offer New Levels of Image Quality, Detail and Performance

ATLANTA (CEDIA Expo 2009, Booth 3353) – Sept. 8, 2009 – Epson America today announced two native 1080p 3LCD™ home theater projectors designed for custom installers and home theater buffs, the PowerLite® Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB. These projectors feature the latest 3LCD chips with D7 technology for amazing color and detail, and significantly higher contrast ratios – the Pro Cinema 9100 achieves a 36,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the Pro Cinema 9500 UB attains an unprecedented 200,000:1 in its classi. With professional-level color tools including ISF calibration and color isolation, the Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB offer professional installers full-featured solutions.

Available for $2,599 and sub-$4,000 respectively, the Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB offer state-of-the-art image quality and performance in each of their respective categories with enhanced color reproduction capabilities and 3LCD technology to deliver bright and natural color, crisp image detail and reliability. As Epson’s flagship home theater model, the Pro Cinema 9500 UB brings several technology enhancements to the market, including a new dual-layered auto-iris to control light reduction rates, Super-resolution™ technology for enhanced picture quality and improved FineFrame™ technology.

“Epson understands the needs of the custom installation channel and is committed to providing high-quality products that meet the needs of dealers in today’s competitive market,” said Marge Ang, senior product manager, Epson America. “These latest Pro Cinema projectors have been packed with a range of value-add features and technology refinements that allow custom installers to build a customized high-performance, home entertainment system for their discerning customers.”

Epson Pro Cinema 9100
The Pro Cinema 9100 offers a high-value, customizable home entertainment experience. The projector includes ISF Day and Night modes for switching between picture modes and lamp output, as well as Epson’s Color Isolation system for fine-tuning of color saturation and hue without the need for blue and red optical filters, making set-up and calibration quick and simple. With a contrast ratio of up to 36,000:1 and brightness of 1,800 lumens color and white light outputii, this projector offers amazing big-screen image quality. Housed in a stylish black and silver design, the Pro Cinema 9100 features an exclusive Dynamic Iris system which contributes to the improvement in contrast. It controls light on a frame-by-frame basis at up to 60 times per second, making it ideal for fast-action movies with frequent scene changes.

Epson Pro Cinema 9500 UB
The flagship Pro Cinema 9500 UB offers custom installers the ultimate in image quality, combining Epson’s C2Fine® and UltraBlack™ technology with 3LCD and D7 technology to produce superb black levels and vivid images. The projector also features a dual-layered auto iris to control light reduction rates more effectively, contributing to its astounding contrast ratio – up to 200,000:1. With brightness of 1,600 lumens color and white light output, the projector delivers deeper blacks and crystal clear detail.

Adding to its high-quality performance, the Pro Cinema 9500 UB features Epson’s improved FineFrame technology for smoother frame interpolation, sharper video quality and the elimination of judder for viewing sports and fast-action movie scenes, and playing video games. Epson has also added new Super-resolution technology to sharpen blurry images or low-resolution pictures. This new technology is ideal for high-definition content, addressing broadcast signal noise reduction or improving the quality of poor DVD transfers.

The Pro Cinema 9500 UB also features new real color reproduction capabilities for more natural and precise colors, while Epson’s 12-bit 3LCD driver technology and a built-in Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX video processor and PW390 scaler ensure a smoother picture. It also includes pre-set color space selection to set color gamut according to geography and source material, a feature typically found only on high-end high-definition broadcast monitors. And, with an optional external anamorphic lens (available from Epson) and “vertical stretch” picture mode, the Pro Cinema 9500 UB enables anamorphic viewing without an external processor for a full theatrical image – projecting true 2.35:1 and 2.40:1 ultra widescreen images without the black bars above and below the picture.

Shared Features of the Pro Cinema Line – Epson’s Pro Cinema projectors share a range of value-add features designed to further enhance performance, image quality and total cost of ownership, including:
3LCD Technology: Delivers bright and natural color, amazing detail and road-tested reliability; uses an advanced, 3-chip optical engine for full-time color without the possibility of color break-up.
Cinema Filter: Delivers larger color space for improved color fidelity.
Fujinon OptiCinema™ Multi-Lens Optics System: Projects clean, precise edges with consistent image quality across the entire screen.
E-TORL® (Epson Twin Optics Reflection Lamp): Provides optimum light uniformity and increased light output for screen sizes larger than ten feet with exclusive 200 watt high efficiency design; uses less energy for up to 4,000 hours of lamp lifeiii; both models include a spare lamp.
ISF Certification: Allows installers and calibrators to fine-tune picture quality and match output with front projection screens.
Input Selections: Features two HDMI 1.3a inputs with Deep Color support, high definition component video input, S-video input, composite video input, and VGA-type RGB input (D-sub 15).
Installation Options: Includes ceiling mount, reversible front panel Epson logo for various mounting positions, rear panel cable cover to hide wires and cable hook to ensure connections remain secure.

Availability and Support
Available in October and November respectively, the Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB can be purchased through authorized Epson projector dealers and select retail outlets. Both models come with Epson’s industry leading service and support, including a three-year limited warranty with toll-free access to Epson’s PrivateLineSM priority technical support, 90-day limited lamp warranty, and free two-business day exchange with Extra CareSM Home Service.

About Epson America Inc.
Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC) and is a leading provider of digital imaging products that exceed the vision of its customers. The company’s extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs are renowned for their superior quality, functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency. The Seiko-Epson organization is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and was recently added to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

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Note: Epson, C2Fine, E-TORL are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite and PrivateLine are registered trademarks, FineFrame, OptiCinema and UltraBlack are trademarks, and Extra Care is a service mark of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

iHome entertainment projectors under $4,000iiLight output varies depending on modes (color and white light output). White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard.iiiLamp life will vary depending upon mode selected, environmental conditions and usage. Lamp brightness decreases over time.

Epson Announces New 1080P Home Theater Projectors

Epson Adds Two High-Performance 1080P Projectors to
Award-Winning Home Theater Lineup

Feature-Packed PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB Offer Home Theater Enthusiasts Unsurpassed Image Quality and Affordability

ATLANTA (CEDIA Expo 2009, Booth 3353) – Sept. 8, 2009 – Epson America today announced two 1080p front projectors, the PowerLite® Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB, expanding its award-winning line of 3LCD™ home theater projectors. Featuring D7 technology for brilliant color and detail, and higher contrast, the Home Cinema 8100 reaches a 36,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the Home Cinema 8500 UB achieves an unprecedented 200,000:11. The Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB also offer the latest in real color reproduction capabilities for more natural and precise colors, delivering an outstanding viewing experience for home entertainment and AV enthusiasts.

With pricing of $1,599 (plus an additional $100 rebate at launch) and sub-$3,000, respectively, the Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB offer consumers affordable high-definition 3LCD home entertainment, delivering bright and natural color, crisp image detail, and unsurpassed light efficiency and reliability. These 3LCD projectors use an advanced, three-chip optical engine for brilliant color and image quality without the possibility of color break-up, unlike DLP projectors that generate images using a spinning color wheel with a white segment.

“Epson is committed to leading the market when it comes to home theater performance and value,” said Marge Ang, senior product manager, Epson America. “These new models take advantage of Epson’s latest technology to offer consumers the highest-performing1080p solutions available at their respective price points.”

Epson Home Cinema 8100
The value-packed Home Cinema 8100 features an improved contrast ratio of up to 36,000:1 (double that of previous models) and higher brightness – 1,800 lumens color and white light output - for outstanding image quality in dark or lighted rooms. The projector’s exclusive Dynamic Iris system contributes to the dramatic contrast improvement, allowing light to be controlled on a frame-by-frame basis at up to 60 times per second, making it ideal for fast-action movies with frequent scene changes. Designed for home entertainment and AV enthusiasts on a budget, this projector offers high-quality home entertainment for enjoying movies, video games, sports, and more.

Epson Home Cinema 8500 UB
Along with the latest D7 chip set, this high-quality projector adds Epson’s C2Fine® and UltraBlack™ technology for superb black levels and vivid images. Further boosting black levels, the Home Cinema 8500 UB includes brightness of 1,600 lumens color and light output and new dual-layered auto iris technology, allowing for an impressive contrast ratio of up to 200,000:1. As a result, the projector controls light intensity more effectively, causing dark images to appear even darker and blacks to appear even richer and deeper.

The projector also features Epson’s new Super-resolution™ technology to create a sharper, more detailed picture resolution ideal for broadcast signal noise reduction or enhancing the quality of poor DVD transfers. Super-resolution technology improves the resolution of a blurred image, allowing consumers to fully enjoy high-definition quality at all times. Epson has also added new real color reproduction capabilities, which delivers more natural and precise colors, allowing viewers to experience the true-to-life colors filmmakers intended.

To ensure sharp, clear images, the projector features Epson’s 12-bit 3LCD driver technology and a built-in Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX scaling and de-interlacing video processor. This processor reduces mosquito and block noise and augments multi-level contrast enhancement to further improve picture quality. The Home Cinema 8500 UB also features enhanced FineFrame™ technology resulting in smoother frame interpolation, sharper video quality and the elimination of judder.
Shared Features of the Home Cinema Line – The Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB share features designed to improve image quality and total cost of 3LCD projector ownership, including:
Cinema Filter: Delivers larger color space for improved color fidelity.
Fujinon OptiCinema™ Multi-Lens Optics System: Projects clean, precise edges with consistent image quality across the entire screen, expanding installation flexibility.
Pre-set Color Modes: Features seven color modes (Dynamic, Living Room, Natural, Theatre, Theatre Black 1, Theatre Black 2, x.v.Color) for optimal viewing in any environment.
E-TORL® (Epson Twin Optics Reflection Lamp): Provides optimum light uniformity and increased light output for screen sizes larger than ten feet with exclusive 200 watt high efficiency design; uses less energy for up to 4,000 hours of lamp lifeiii.
Advanced Dust Filtration System: Ensures efficient power use, reduced cool-down periods, lower fan speeds, quieter operation (only 22 db), and 98 percent efficiency for longer filter life.
Input Options: Features two HDMI 1.3a inputs with Deep Color support, high definition component video input, S-video input, composite video input, and VGA-type RGB input (D-sub 15).

Availability and Support
The Epson Home Cinema 8100 will be available in late-October and the Home Cinema 8500 UB will be available in November through authorized Epson projector dealers and select retail outlets, and come with Epson’s industry leading service and support. Pricing for the Home Cinema 8500 UB will be released at that time. This includes a two-year limited warranty with access to Epson PrivateLine® priority toll-free support, 90-day limited lamp warranty, and free two-business day exchange with Extra CareSM Home Service.

About Epson America Inc.
Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC) and is a leading provider of digital imaging products that exceed the vision of its customers. The company’s extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs are renowned for their superior quality, functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency. The Seiko-Epson organization is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and was recently added to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

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Note: Epson, C2Fine, E-TORL are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite and PrivateLine are registered trademarks, OptiCinema and UltraBlack are trademarks and Extra Care is a service mark of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.
iHome entertainment projectors under $4,000.iiLight output varies depending on modes (color and white light output). White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard.iiiLamp life will vary depending upon mode selected, environmental conditions and usage. Lamp brightness decreases over time.

Mitsubishi Announces New Home Theater Projector HC6800

MITSUBISHI DIGITAL ELECTRONICS AMERICA ANNOUNCES
NEW HC6800 DIAMOND SERIES PROJECTOR AT CEDIA 2009
High-Contrast, High-Definition Projector Available Exclusively through System Integrators
and Leading Home Theater Retailers
IRVINE, Calif., September 8, 2009 — Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation
Products Division, known for award-winning, high-quality, high-definition presentation and
display products, today introduced its newest Diamond Series projector designed for the finest
high-definition home theater environments.
Mitsubishi’s 1080p HC6800 Diamond Series high-contrast projector offers quality and value for
end-users. This new projector is designed for easy installation and is available exclusively
through custom home theater systems integrators and leading retail channels such as Best Buy’s
Magnolia Home Theater.
“The HC6800 brings more features to the Diamond Series and projects movie images even more
crisply,” said Wayne Kozuki, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s
Presentation Products Division. “It offers a fantastic combination that gives easy installation and
incredible picture quality with a touch of a button.”
Mitsubishi’s new Diamond Series projector features convenient motorized vertical and
horizontal lens shift that makes installation quick and easy. Users simply project a test pattern
grid onto their screen and line up the image with the fast track, then fine tune using a step-bystep
tracking process.
The HC6800 projector boasts an amazing 30,000:1 contrast ratio that increases depth and detail
in dark scenes, and its 1500 ANSI lumens provides all the brightness demanded by dedicated
home theater environments.
The HC6800 follows Mitsubishi’s Diamond heritage with its high speed automatic iris uses
polarization to create one of the highest contrast ratios available in a projector of this caliber.
Rich details, deep blacks and great depth and dimension are obvious in dark scenes such as those
in classic film noir and action films. This improved iris creates a quick black-to-light image shift
that provides dynamic, smooth transitions between light and dark scenes and sharp overall details
in dark video images.
The HC6800 Diamond projector complements Mitsubishi’s flagship home theater projector, the
HC7000, both on display in Booth 2701 at CEDIA 2009 in Atlanta, September 10-13, 2009. The
new HD HC6800 is designed for home theater aficionados who want to recreate a professional
movie theater experience. The projector’s sleek and highly stylized design features a rich matte
black cabinet finish. Like Mitsubishi’s other home theater projectors, the HC6800 model is one
of the quietest projectors on the market, so viewers hear a movie instead of distracting fan noise.
Viewing widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio films is easy with this new projector; it boasts
Anamorphic Lens Modes 1 and 2 support. In the past, users needed an expensive lens railing or
tracking apparatus to install or remove an anamorphic lens, depending on the desired 2.35:1 or
16:9 film aspect ratios. With the HC6800, users simply position an anamorphic lens
permanently in front of the projector lens and select the appropriate Anamorphic Mode 1 or
Mode 2either 2.35:1 or 16:9 aspect ratios—for the corresponding movie format. It’s an
economical, user-friendly design that saves time and effort while providing the ultimate home
theater viewing experience.
Two HDMI™ version 1.3 inputs provide easy set-up options for multiple video inputs. The
projector’s 3 LCD technology delivers amazing color, detail and road-tested reliability. Using a
durable, advanced three-panel design, Mitsubishi’s HC6800 projector produces rich and vibrant
colors with extraordinary details for outstanding picture quality.
“The new HC6800 projector demonstrates our continued commitment to Mitsubishi’s top-ofthe-
line home theater Diamond Series of projectors,” said James Chan, senior director,
marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “It adds a
new level of product quality and excellence for our home theater channel customers and endusers.”
Pricing, Availability, Limited Warranty
Mitsubishi’s HC6800 is competitively priced and will be available this month through authorized
Mitsubishi dealers such as Best Buy’s Magnolia Home Theaters. Each projector comes with
Mitsubishi’s two-year limited warranty on parts and labor plus a one-year limited warranty on
the lamp.
About Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Presentation Products Division
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division markets an extensive
line of professional presentation, front-projection high-definition home entertainment, and rearprojection
video wall cube display systems and digital signage monitors that are designed with
DLP or LCD technology. Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America is known for its high-quality
accurate color reproduction technology. Products are sold through authorized distributors,
resellers, retailers and system integrators throughout the United States and Mexico. Mitsubishi
Digital Electronics America is located at 9351 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, Calif., 92618. For more
information, please call 888-307-0312 or visit http://www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com
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DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

Panasonic PT-AE4000U Preview

Check out the video preview of the upcoming Panasonic PT-AE4000U. Hopefully more info will be coming soon.

http://www.avforums.com/tv/index.php?videoid=127

Atlantic Technology and Solus/Clements Intruduce Bass Technology

Atlantic Technology and Solus/Clements Introduce Revolutionary H-PAS™ Bass Technology
H-PAS™ technology allows speaker designers to achieve targeted bass performance with 50 percent smaller cabinets, smaller drivers, and lower costs. Atlantic Technology will be licensing H-PAS to other manufacturers.
NORWOOD, MA (8/24/09) -- Atlantic Technology and Solus/Clements, two highly respected US loudspeaker manufacturers, today announced that they have joined forces to develop, market, and license a revolutionary new loudspeaker design protocol capable of delivering deep, low-distortion bass response at output levels unobtainable through conventional bass-alignment techniques. In particular, this technology will allow speakers with smaller cabinets and drivers to achieve levels of performance normally associated with much larger speaker systems. Proof of concept prototypes will be demonstrated at the CEDIA Expo in Atlanta, Georgia from September 10 through September 13, 2009.
The new patent-pending system, called H-PAS™, (Hybrid Pressure Acceleration System), combines elements of several speaker technologies: bass reflex, inverse horn, and transmission line. Using a unique cabinet design, these technologies are cascaded one to another to pressurize and accelerate low frequencies. In addition, the signals travel through a passive resonance/harmonic distortion line filter. The final result is the ability of an H-PAS design to deliver extended deep bass with exceptionally low distortion.
H-PAS does not require the use of special drivers, any kind of on-board electronics or outboard equalization -- it is a purely passive system, completely compatible with all amplifiers and AV receivers.
The inventor of the technology is Philip Clements of Solus/Clements Loudspeakers, a 30-year plus CE industry veteran and loudspeaker designer. For the past eight months, Clements has worked closely with Atlantic Technology to develop a range of compact designs using H-PAS protocols. Clements has contracted with, and appointed Atlantic Technology as the exclusive licensing agent for the technology, and will now continue its development together with Atlantic.
The H-PAS demonstration model that will be on display at the CEDIA Expo utilizes two 4 ½-inch drivers in an enclosure of approximately 1.4 cubic feet to produce bass that extends to 29 Hz (-3dB) at Sound Pressure Levels that exceed 105dB. Bass harmonic distortion is under 3%. Comparable performance in a conventionally designed loudspeaker system would require bass drivers of at least triple the size in an enclosure at least twice as large.
“Until now, I would have considered it virtually impossible to achieve such high levels of bass performance and quality in such small enclosures," said Peter Tribeman, the president of Atlantic Technology. "With higher performance from smaller cabinets, and hence the potential for lower manufacturing and shipping costs, we believe H-PAS has applications in almost every corner of the loudspeaker business, ranging from large floorstanding towers to desktop computer speakers."
"This new system," Tribeman continues, "is the first ever to break the famous Iron Law of loudspeaker design, which states: 'deep bass extension, compact enclosure, or good efficiency … pick any two at the expense of the third'. For the very first time, due to Phil Clements' breakthrough design, we can have them all.”
Atlantic Technology anticipates shipping its first H-PAS product, the H-PAS-1 floor-standing speaker, in the 4th quarter of 2009. Solus/Clements will also deliver an H-PAS 6-1/2-inch tower and bookshelf model to be available early next year. Additionally, Atlantic Technology will be licensing H-PAS technology to other manufacturers. The new system will be demonstrated by appointment to interested parties at Atlantic Technology’s CEDIA Expo booth 3001.
From its inception in 1989, Atlantic Technology's mission has been to produce home entertainment products that exemplify the very best in both performance and value. The company specializes in complete high-performance multi-channel speaker systems, state-of-the-art home theater electronics components, and products for custom audio/video installation. For more information on Atlantic Technology and its many fine products for home theater and custom audio/video installation, visit www.atlantictechnology.com or call 781-762-6300.

Onkyo Release Info on their high end TX-NR5007, TX-NR3007, and TX-NR1007.

Onkyo Debuts 3 Networked, Multi-task AV Receivers
Onkyo's versatile new high-end network-capable AV receivers jump from seven to nine channels, adding two new amps that can be used for Audyssey DSX and Dolby ProLogic IIz expanded soundstage processing, added multi-zone capabilities, or to provide increased power to the main loudspeakers.


Onkyo's 9.2-channel TX-NR5007 (left, with open front panel) and TX-NR3007 (right).Additional photographs available in the online press release. Click any photo for 300 dpi JPEG image files.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/24/09) -- Onkyo has introduced three network- and internet-radio-capable, 9.2-channel THX Ultra2 Plus certified A/V receivers that deliver all the power, processing, and features to support cutting edge home theater and whole-house entertainment. The three new models, the Onkyo TX-NR1007, TX-NR3007, and top-of-the-line TX-NR5007, will all be shipping to dealers before the end of September.
"With nine amplifier channels, dual independent subwoofer outputs, and up-to-the-minute networking and AV processing, the flexibility of the 'double-0' series is unprecedented," said Paul Wasek, Marketing Manager, Onkyo USA. "You can have a full-tilt 9.2-channel theater using Audyssey DSX or Dolby ProLogic IIz, or a great five-channel theater with added power to the main speakers or to additional stereo zones - the list of possibilities is a long one. These receivers take home theater to the current frontiers of networking, audio, and video performance."
All three new receivers include a rear-panel Ethernet port, and provide advanced networking capabilities with streaming for Pandora, Rhapsody, vTuner, and Sirius Internet Radio services. Each receiver is Windows 7 compatible, and carries DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) 1.5 certification, ensuring optimal compatibility with other network-enabled equipment throughout the home.
The two top models in Onkyo's TX-series AV receivers, the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007, feature eight and seven HDMI 1.3a inputs each, respectively, including one on each front panel. Video processing, including upscaling of all video inputs to 1080p/24, is handled by an advanced HQV Reon-VX chipset. The less expensive TX-NR1007 features a total of six HDMI inputs on the rear panel, and 1080p upscaling via Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing. All three models include dual parallel HDMI outputs, allowing for display of current programming on dual monitors, simultaneously or independently, for increased setup flexibility. These models also include powerful ISF Certified Calibration Controls (ISFccc) for independent optimization and fine-grain adjustments of a full range of video sources, including day, night, and custom modes for each input.
Audio processing duties in each new model is handled by a trio of TI Aureus ™ DSP chips, and is compatible with every major surround format currently in use. Premium quality Burr Brown DACs—32-bit in the case of the TX-NR5007--in conjunction with Onkyo's exclusive VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) are employed for digital-to-analog conversion. In addition to audio decoding, the receivers include a full suite of acoustic setup and optimization technologies from THX (Loudness Plus) and Audyssey (MultEQ XT, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume) that custom tailor audio output to ensure optimal system performance in any environment and at any listening level. Additionally, the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007 are the first Onkyo Receivers to include Dolby Volume, which maintains listening volume at a consistent level regardless of changes in the source material, such as commercials, or when switching from one source to another, such as TV to DVD.
The nine power amplifiers can be configured for a variety of different purposes. One option is for a full 9.2-channel theater system that includes independent left and right subwoofers, and two additional 'height' or 'stereo-wide' speakers when using Audyssey DSX or Dolby's Pro Logic IIz processing. The system can also be configured to power two independent stereo zones in addition to a five-channel theater set-up. Two channels can also be combined with the front left/right channels to increase power to the main speakers via bi-amplification or, in the case of the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007, in a bridged configuration. Finally, in the TX-NR5007 two channels can be tasked to power a second pair of main speakers for dedicated two-channel listening, allowing for independent 7.2-channel home theater and stereo audio speaker setups in a single room.
The TX-NR5007 is rated at 145 watts per channel, and its power supply features a massive toroidal transformer and a pair of 22,000 microfarad storage capacitors to handle even the most dynamic source material. Both the TX-NR5007 and the 140-watt-per-channel TX-NR3007 feature separate power supply transformers for audio and video processing and reproduction. All three receivers, including the 135-watt-per-channel TX-NR1007, feature a push-pull amplification topology, with three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and the company's highly regarded WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) for highly dynamic and linear response throughout the audible spectrum.
The TX-NR5007, TX-NR3007, and TX-NR1007 each include Onkyo's exclusive Universal Port, allowing for one-cable expansion with the company's HD Radio tuner and/or iPod dock unit. Each model is firmware updatable via Ethernet or (on the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007) front panel USB port. All three include Onkyo's new bidirectional and customizable preprogrammed remote control that dramatically simplifies the process of programming all the components in your system.
The Onkyo receivers will be available in September at suggested retail prices of $2,699 for the TX-NR5007, $2,099 for the TX-NR3007, and $1,599 for the TX-NR1007.
Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit http://www.onkyousa.com/ or call 800-229-1687.

Onkyo seems to have hit a sweet spot with the TX-NR807

Onkyo Debuts Mid-Price THX Select2 Plus AV Receiver With Streaming Internet Radio Capabilities and DLNA 1.5 Networking Compatibility.
With the growing market for advanced internet radio services like Pandora, Rhapsody, Sirius Internet Radio, and vTuner, consumers increasingly seek to integrate their home entertainment systems with the internet.

Onkyo TX-NR807 AV receiver. Additional photographs available in the online version of this release. Click any photo for 300 dpi JPEG image file.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/10/09) -- Onkyo has introduced and begun shipping its first network-capable home theater receiver configured for Pandora, Rhapsody, and Sirius' streaming internet radio services. The new Onkyo TX-NR807 also capable of playing computer music files from networked PCs, is fully compatible with the Digital Living Network Alliance's DLNA 1.5 consumer electronics interoperability specification, and sells for less than half the price of the company's previous network-capable model. With THX Select2 Plus certification and state-of-the-art processing from Dolby, DTS, Audyssey and Faroudja, the Onkyo TX-NR807 offers high definition audio and video performance. The TX-NR807 and non-networking TX-SR707, also introduced today, are Onkyo's first receivers to offer Audyssey DSX soundstage extension processing in addition to Dolby Pro Logic IIz height-capabilities.
The Onkyo TX-NR807 connects directly to the internet or a home network via a rear-panel Ethernet port. The receiver's on-screen user interface allows users direct access to Pandora, Rhapsody, Sirius Internet Radio, and vTuner streaming radio services, or to access MP3, WMA, FLAC, Lossless, Ogg Vorbis, and AAC files from any computer or storage device on the network. The receiver is Windows 7 compatible, and its Ethernet port can also be used for firmware updates.
The TX-NR807 also includes Onkyo's new Bi-Directional Preprogrammed RI Remote Control which will impress anyone who has ever been frustrated by the trial-and-error manual data inputs and paper listings usually needed to program associated TV's, disc players, cable boxes, and other components. Onkyo's new system allows users to select from a on-screen list of compatible products, and then automatically transmit the codes from the receiver to the remote control. The remote also offers up to four macro programs for simultaneous activation of multiple components and feature sets.
As a premium home theater receiver, the TX-NR807 is also the perfect match for high definition video displays with Blu-ray players and other HD sources. It has six HDMI 1.3a inputs, 1080p video upscaling of all sources using the powerful Faroudja DCDi Cinema processor chip. On the audio side it has a full suite of surround processing, including lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
The Onkyo TX-NR807 is one of the first receivers to incorporate Audyssey DSX technology, which allows the back surround channels to be retasked for front-wide speakers to expand the width of the sounds stage, or for front height speakers to provide vertical ambience effects. The receiver also includes Audyssey MultiEQ room calibration technology, plus that company's Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ processing. Dolby ProLogic IIz processing is also included to provide an alternate implementation of height channel technology.
The TX-NR807 has seven powerful 135-watts-per-channel Onkyo WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) amplifier sections for high output and low distortion, offering a dynamic power rating of 300 watts into 3 ohms. It has an extensive array of analog and digital inputs and outputs, including an MM/MC phono input. Its multiroom audio capabilities are similarly extensive with Powered Zone 2 and 3 capabilities, multiple DC triggers, bidirectional RS-232, and Onkyo's exclusive Universal Port for connection of an optional iPod Dock and HD Radio tuner.
The Onkyo TX-NR807 is now shipping to Onkyo dealers and will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,099.
Onkyo Debuts TX-SR707Onkyo has also introduced the TX-SR707 THX-Select2 Plus home theater receiver, which has the same advanced high definition audio and video processing features as the TX-NR807, but uses a 7 x 100 Watts power amplifier section, Powered Zone 2, conventional preprogrammed remote control, and has no networking capabilities. The Onkyo TX-SR707 is currently available with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $899.
Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning product that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit http://www.onkyousa.com/ or call 800-229-1687.

Sansa slotMusic Player Review by Jerry Tubbs

What I Love/Hate about the new "Sansa slotMusic Player."

SanDisk...you know them...they make the memory card that turns your digital camera into a Photo mat booth (for pics) or a film studio (for vids). They turn your phone into a data warehouse of addresses, appointments, applications and "tune"-age. They make thumb drives so dense that you can carry the digital equivalent of a set of encyclopedias on your key ring.

When you make something (memory cards) in a way that is so ubiquitous, why do anything else? And after my trial run with the new SanDisk Sansa slotMusic Player...I'm still asking that.

Don't get me wrong, I love MP3 players, but after 10 years of having one...I'm spoiled, and as much as I love SanDisk products, it's a love/hate relationship with this one.

I love that fact that is pocket-sized, this one will remind you of a Zippo lighter......and like the coolest Zippo lighters...the slotMusic player comes with a graphicswrap...in my case the sample was the artist "Akon", but it would be easy to imagine getting a wrap with your favorite artist on it.

I hate the fact that it's got a wrap on it instead of a display! What tune am I on...hello??? Guessing what track I'm on went the way of the dodo bird when I finally listened to my last cassette tape in..hmmm...1985?

I like the fact that it's battery powered...I hate MP3 players that have rechargeable batteries that develop a "memory" and can't be replaced. Nothing worse than a 30 minute treadmill run ahead of you and your Mp3 player dies in the first minute...with this player I can snap in my own rechargeable and carry a spare!

I love the ear buds....normally hate them because they fall out of my ears constantly...but the set that came with these are oversized...so they friction fit my ears. First time I've been able to wear ear buds AND be in motion without constantly re-inserting them.

I hate the fact that the sound was so-so....hey folks, you are dealing with perfectly reproduced digital music...make sure the "speakers' can handle it.

I love the fact that the controls were so simple...on/off, skip forward/skip back and play/pause. But hate 'em as well...I was listening to an artist that was new to me, and a compilation that was new to me...so I didn't know Track 1 from Track 13...without a display I had to rely on an eerie sense of Déjà' Vu when I had tried to skip to the next song unsuccessfully 3 times in a row.

And finally, I love/hate the one the thing SanDisk does so well....the reason for theSansa Media Player to even exist...the Micro disk that stores all your tunes and makes the player play.

I love that this Micro card is less than 1/2 the size of a postage stamp and thinnerthan an ATM card, this mighty midget carries an IMPRESSIVE 1 gig of memory. And SanDisk anticipated my next question, and provided a USB convertor, so I was able to slip the chip out of the player and in to my computer...where I discovered a photo gallery of the artist, full length videos, all the songs AND...about 400 Megs of left over memory, to boot.

I also hate that the Micro card is so small. In fact, for the first time, I can sympathize with women who lose the back to their earrings...drop this card on a dark carpet and you’re in for an all out "down on your hands and knees" search for hours.

I love the fact that the Micro card comes in its own plastic carrying case...thesecards are so small and so thin, you want to protect them.

But, I also hate that the Micro card comes in a little plastic case with the artist’s picture on it. I know you are trying to bring me back to my old "album art" days ...but I left those days on purpose. Imagine if Barbie had a record collection...that's the size of the case this Micro card comes in ...with a postage stamp sized picture of Akon glued to the front.

My first thought was, I just weaned myself away from the old CD Carrying cases...how silly am I going to feel bringing a carrying case for a couple hundred plastic postage stamped sized album covers...not gonna happen. Remember when you could spend a whole afternoon trying to match CD's to their empty cases? Imagine trying that using a magnifying glass.

Packaging...gone the way of the dinosaur when the MP3 player arrived. It's the very reason why the IPod was so revolutionary in the first place...a jukebox without all the baggage. I can carry thousands of artists with me without the packaging...that's the freedom of an MP3 player, freedom from packaging, freedom from media....dangerous words for a media company.

Okay, okay...so I don't hate the thing...but, what's it going to take for me to love this player?

1) A display...I gotta know who/what I'm listening to and a way to navigate quicker thanskipping through my entire collection a song at a time.
2) One BIG memory card, not hundreds of little ones. I want a multi-gig card that USB'sto my PC so I can manage my library with ease, and that can slip into my phone or my player with the same ease,
3) Wraps with MY favorite artist on it.

Maybe I just need to remember what I am dealing with. After all, what would you expect from a basic $20 player that was designed to be cheap yet allow you to listen to the slotMusic. Maybe what I need is the new slotRadio player with it’s built in display, get a large capacity memory card for all my tunes, and a nice pair of ear buds.

Until then, I will remain Micro card free....and loving it.

Onkyo Announces 2 New Premium HTiB Systems

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (7/28/09) -- Onkyo has introduced two new 7.1-channel home theater systems that deliver leading edge AV processing and surround sound reproduction for today's most advanced home theater programming, including HDTV and Blu-ray. The HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each feature powerful AV receivers with 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, 130 watt-per-channel amplification, processing for every major audio format on the market - including the option of incorporating front height-channel reproduction with Dolby's newly introduced ProLogic IIz processing. Each package also includes a high performance 7.1-channel speaker system with a powerful active subwoofer, and Onkyo's exclusive U-Port single-cable iPod dock and charging system.
The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 feature five and four HDMI 1.3a inputs, respectively, and are completely compatible with 1080p HD video. The HT-S7200 also incorporates upscaling of component and composite video sources to 1080i, including Faroudja DCDi Edge deinterlacing to eliminate unwanted conversion artifacts. There is audio processing for every major surround format, including decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless audio formats, as well as Dolby's new ProLogic IIz algorithm, which introduces a third dimension to surround sound through the addition of a pair of 'height' channels above the front left and right channel speakers.
Onkyo's HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each include a full complement of seven speakers with attractive gloss black finishes and a powerful subwoofer for deep bass reproduction. The HT-S7200 speaker system features dual-drive tallboy front speakers consisting of dual 3-1/4-inch woofers and 1-inch balanced dome tweeter - that deliver a fuller mid-range while making a sleek visual statement - a horizontal center channel with the same drivers, and four surround speakers. In addition to its inclusion with the HT-S7200, this speaker system is also available separately as the standalone model SKS-HT870 speaker package. The HT-S6200 incorporates gloss finished bookshelf sized speakers with single 4-inch woofers and 1-inch balanced dome tweeter on the three front speakers and 3-1/4-inch full range speakers for the surrounds. Both systems derive deep bass sound effects from a powerful, 230-watt bass reflex subwoofer with a 10-inch woofer.
Both the Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 include a trio of acoustic correction technologies: Audyssey 2EQ room correction and calibration system, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume. When used in combination with the 2EQ system, the latter dynamically adjust the receiver's output to correct for room acoustics, listening position, and playback-level variations, delivering an overall experience much closer match to what the audio engineers originally intended.
The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 include Onkyo's exclusive Universal Port (U-Port) which enables one-cable connection for the included UP-A1 iPod™ dock. This control and charging dock integrates both audio and video playback from Apple™ iPhone™ or iPod portable devices, greatly extending the flexibility of these systems to integrate consumers' electronic entertainment devices. Additionally, the U-Port connection can also provide a one-cable connection to the company's optional HD-Radio tuner, making it simple to bring this new transmission format to the home theater.
The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 are now available at suggested retail prices of $899 and $699 each, respectively. The SKS-HT870 7.1-channel speaker package is also now available at a suggested retail price of $499.
Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning product that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit http://www.onkyousa.com/ or call 800-229-1687.
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