Audio Video News

Home Entertainment 2001 arrives at the Hilton Hotel & Towers in New York this week for three days, May 11-13. There will be more than 80 rooms stuffed with the latest high end audio and video gear, including dozens of brand new products. For more information about the show, go to the HE 2001 website.

Acoustic Dreams—This high-end loudspeaker manufacturer will introduce several new products at the Home Entertainment Show, including newly redesigned VAIC reference-level mono tube amps, exclusive "level-integrated" amps, new VAIC speakers, and the exciting Lumen White WhiteLight loudspeaker. In addition, the company will unveil newly designed equipment racks with built-in anti-vibration devices, custom-built to customers' specifications.

AIX Records—Aix's new DVD-Audio/Video Sampler Disc contains 14 new tracks recorded, mixed, and mastered at 24 bits/96kHz in 5.1-channel surround sound. It is compatible with DVD-Audio and DVD-Video players and includes Dolby Digital MLP and DTS audio. Other features included are: alternative mixing POVs (stage and audience), multiple camera-angle video of recording session, and comprehensive setup info/test tones/demos about the DVD format.

Also new is a recording of Johannes Brahms' Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op.34 on DVD-Audio/Video. The performance, by Delores Stevens and the Ives String Quartet, was captured in 16 channels at 24 bits/96kHz, and includes multiple camera-angle video and alternative mixes (stage and audience) of this high-resolution recording.

Balanced Audio Technology—BAT's stunningly designed new modular zero-feedback multichannel power amplifier can be configured with anything from two to six channels, each channel being a true 200W monoblock. They'll also show a new preamplifier-processor.

Bitlink Technology—BT introduces a new home-theater-in-a-box system with patented "co-point coaxial" speakers with "crisp clean sound," packaged with an internally amplified DVD player. The system plays DVD/CD/CD-R/MP3. BT is also showcasing a digitally amplified DVD player and a new automobile in-dash DVD player with AM/FM tuner.

Coincident Speaker Technology—The new Victory loudspeaker will be demonstrated to the public. The company says it is an "all-out assault on the state-of-the-art, high-sensitivity, high-impedance loudspeaker."

EgglestonWorks—This high-end loudspeaker manufacturer, known for the unequaled performance of its music systems, plans to showcase the new Savoy Reference Series loudspeaker system and introduce a new entry-level subwoofer.

HeadRoom Corporation—HeadRoom introduces the world's first balanced headphone amplifier.

JVC—The Extended Resolution Compact Disc (XRCD) by JVC is the highest-quality CD currently available. It is the result of more than two years of research by an international team of JVC producers and engineers.

Key Digital Systems—Key Digital Systems' new two-channel component video and audio switcher, the AutoSwitch2, and new ClearColor 2 input-to-component output video adapter convert VGA signals from set-top boxes and personal computers to component signal for use with HDTV-ready monitors. In addition, ClearColor 2 has a VGA loop-through feature that allows simultaneous monitoring of the VGA input. The ClearVideo 2 converts component signals for HDTV set-top boxes or progressive scan DVD players to VGA signals to drive two high-resolution monitors with VGA inputs.

Kimber Kable—Kimber has developed new PowerKords, which use UL listed parts and a special copper optimized for 120V AC wall voltage, as well as a special conductor dielectric that is devoid of power-robbing color doping.

Marantz America—Marantz introduces a new 42" diagonal widescreen plasma monitor with 16:9 aspect ratio, a new receiver with THX EX/Dolby Digital/DTS 6.1/HDCD, and a new progressive scan DVD-Video player with component-video output.

MartinLogan—The leader in development and production of the world's most accurate loudspeaker transducer, the patented CLS (curvilinear line source) electrostatic panel, will showcase a new reference loudspeaker system, called the Odyssey.

Polk Audio—This show will be the world premiere of a new line of high-end loudspeakers offering audiophile performance and bold styling. In addition, Polk will introduce two new Digital Solutions home-theater-in-a-box systems.

Reference Recordings—This esteemed independent record label, dedicated to the highest standards of recording art and technology, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the company has created special reissues of some of their most popular titles, re-mastered with HDCD from the original analog tapes.

These recordings were produced and engineered by RR's multiple-Grammy-nominated team of J. Tamblyn Henderson, Jr. and Keith O. Johnson, who have made Reference Recordings the "reference" standard with their creation and use of innovative recording, mastering, and pressing techniques.

Strictly Sousa—Conductor Jerry Junkin and the Dallas Wind Symphony. Recorded in the big, bold acoustic of the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, this disc captures "Prof." Keith Johnson's most brilliant HDCD sound.

Baroque Favorites—A 2-CD set with Tafelmusik, Canada's premier original-instrument Baroque orchestra, and the Helicon Ensemble, featuring many pre-eminent musicians in the early music field, including violinists Jaap Schroder and Stanley Ritchie.

The Medinah Sessions—Chicago Pro Musica's 2-CD set. These recordings have long been considered some of RR's very best work, and have enjoyed great critical success. This disc will be available June 1, 2001.

Richard Gray's Power Company—The new AC Line Enhancer, for entire home-theater systems, employs patented technology that increases image depth, black level, and color/fidelity for video projectors and plasma and direct-view monitors. It also squelches line noise without the use of current-limiting devices, so it can power large amplifiers and powered subwoofers.

Sakura Systems—The P Tracer CD transport is Junji Kimura's dream machine—the ultimate CD transport from 47 Labs.

SIM2 Séleco USA—A new single-chip DLP home-theater projector, the HT200DM is the latest addition to SIM2's award-winning series of Grand Cinema Home Theater projectors. It is designed to match the 16:9 widescreen standard and provides two different resolution modes, selectable by remote control: 16:9 widescreen standard with a resolution of 848x480 pixels, and 4:3 with a resolution of 800x600 pixels. This model also features a new six-segment color wheel to further improve the colorimetry of the image displayed.

Smart Theater Systems—The company that manufactures the world's largest product line of professional cinema sound products for movie theaters around the world is introducing two new audio power amplifiers designed for high-end audiophile consumers. Dubbed "The Stainless-Steel Stradivariuses" for their unique stainless-steel top covers and steel bottom chassis, the 2X150VT features a dual-triode vacuum-tube input for a warm "tube" sound, while the new 2X150 has a solid-state input for superior electrical specifications. Both models feature patented MOSFET output designs and offer the best transient response and high damping factor for extremely accurate playback of recordings.

Sony—Sony introduces new SACD and DVD players, along with a variety of other high fidelity and display products.

Totem Acoustic—Totem introduces its New Wind and Hawk home loudspeaker systems.