Audio Video News

JVC introduced the company's first Blu-ray-equipped home theater in a box system. The TH-SB100 is a 2.0 system, with a Profile 2.0 player, powered soundbar and wireless subwoofer. The player provides BD-Live capability, and an Ethernet port. Also onboard are HDMI 1.3 output, AVCHD playback, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel decoding (not all BD surround codecs are supported) plus six-mode digital signal processing. (Photo not available).

Other important info: Soundbar power is 30 watts to each of the left, center and right channels. Left and right channels are each handled by a pair of three-inch woofers and half-inch tweeter, while a single three-inch woofer handles the center channel. The eight-inch wireless subwoofer is driven by 100 watts. I/O includes component and composite video outputs, and analog, optical and coaxial audio outputs. With BD Live compatibility the player can be connected to the Internet to access BD Live 2.0 features, including firmware updates, movie trailers, updated subtitles, online shopping, chat and gaming. The glossy black low-profile Blu-ray player has illuminated function keys, while the black soundbar likewise features a slim design.

The TH-SB100 will ship in April at a retail price of $700. -- Ken C. Pohlmann