HD HOME CINEMAS

02.12.2009 — In what may be a sign of the times, architectural loudspeaker company TruAudio and multiroom control maker Nexus Audio Systems have jointly created Nexus by TruAudio

Nexus is a 4-source, 4/8 zone, or 6/12 zone multiroom audio control system that's available with iPod/MP3 integration and user-friendly keypads.

The companies, which tout themselves as "among the few, remaining, dealer-direct companies who offer a complete solution," have announced that the product will be available in March 2009. The two companies dubbed the product "the rest of the equation."

"We are thrilled to be working with Nexus," says R. Brent Howard, TruAudio president. "They are a company who espouses the same dealer protection policy as TruAudio. Our dealers will have yet another strong and distinct competitive advantage.

For us, it's always been about insuring our dealers have the best solutions for their businesses. We're really excited about this announcement. It's cool as hell."

Nexus by TruAudio will carry a 5-year parts and labor warranty.

Alesis has released the TapeLink USB, a dual-cassette deck designed to digitally archive audio. The device allows users to transfer cassette recordings onto a hard disk, flash memory, CD or iPod. Connection to a computer is provided via USB, with support for 16-bit, 44.1 kHz CD-quality recordings. Two different dubbing modes are available for either normal or high-speed dubbing. To protect tapes from damage, the deck also features full auto-stop capability. Users can extract audio from either metal or CrO2 tapes, while LEDs offer a visual reference to the sound levels.

The device comes bundled with three different applications; SoundSoap Standalone Edition (SE) for reduction of background noises such as room noise and electrical hum, Audacity audio-editing software, and EZ Tape Converter to assist with transfers. TapeLink USB is compatible with Mac OS X and carries an estimated street price of $200.

The iMu is a tiny device that deploys highly effective vibration-based technologies to effectively convert any flat, hard surface into a quality audio speaker.

As with similar offerings, any hard surface becomes the speaker which means you don't have to take a large unit with you for powerful music on the go.

This "revolutionary" mini speaker uses a unique composite called Terfenol-D, measuring 5cm x 5cm x 5cm and claiming to be capable of producing a much larger sound.

Compatible with MP3/MP4 players, CD players, laptops, music phones, and other portable devices, the iMu is available now for £49.99 from GagdetShop.com.

January 23, 2009 | by Rachel Cericola

No one likes a blackout. After all, there are only so many board games one can play. Your A/V equipment likes it even less. Panamax wants to keep things business as usual—at least when it comes to home theater.

While your neighbors are huddling around a flashlight, you can feel the warm glow of your home theater system with the MB1000 UPS.

Sadly, the device won’t deliver the extra juice to get you through a “Lord of the Rings” marathon. However, it will keep everything connected in the event of a power failure, while resettable circuit breakers provide optimal overload protection.

First in the company’s new line of UPS battery backups, the MB1000 features eight battery-powered, surge protected and AVR outlets. That includes four non-critical-load and four critical-loud outlets.

A little extra time with that loved one is nice, but mainly this system will save you in damaged goods and hair loss: It saves any setup or stored data, as well as keeps any hard drives from crashing. It also allows that projection bulb to cool down properly.

The MB1000 is available now for $729.95.

Link: http://www.electronichouse.com/article/klipsch_announces_recession_proof_theater_packages/

Three new 5.1 speaker packages will pop up at affordable prices, starting next month.

January 23, 2009 | by Rachel Cericola

With the economy hovering around the toilet rim, it’s difficult to consider some new audio purchases. Klipsch wants to change that way of thinking, with three new recession-priced home theater packages.

All three are 5.1 systems, which include left, center and right front channels, two surrounds, and one powered subwoofer.

The HD Theater 1000 ($899.99) has five identical speakers, each with dual 2.5-inch fiber composite woofers and a MicroTractrix Horn-loaded 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeter. Standing 8.6 inches tall, each one includes a stand or can be wall mounted. The subwoofer employs a 10-inch fiber composite driver and digital hybrid subwoofer amplifier.

Nestled in the middle of the line is the HD Theater 500 ($599.99). Each of the front and rear speakers has a 2.5-inch IMG woofer and a MicroTractrix Horn-loaded 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeter inside. The center channel, however, has dual woofers. This set includes a Class D subwoofer amplifier and down-firing 8-inch driver.

Last, but not least, is the HD Theater 300 ($399.99). That setup’s main and surround speakers include a 2.5-inch IMG woofer and a 0.75-inch MicroTractrix Horn-loaded textile tweeter in each. The center channel is almost the same, except it’s magnetically shielded. This also has a Class D sub amplifier and a down-firing 6.5-inch driver.

Even if you have the cash for something more extravagant, Klipsch can still make a nice system. I am thinking about checking out one of these setups for myself.

The HD Theater 1000 will launch in February, with the 500 coming in March and the 300 in April.