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Audio Video News
Apple Music Adds Atmos, Lossless Audio in Sound Quality Makeover
Bob Ankosko  |  May 17, 2021
Apple today announced a sound quality makeover for its subscription-based Apple Music streaming service that expands its Spatial Audio surround-sound platform with support for Dolby Atmos and brings lossless audio to its music catalog.
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Signals
OK, Boomer, Listen Up
Ken C. Pohlmann  |  May 17, 2021
As the saying goes, it sucks to grow old, but the alternative is much worse. And as we grow old, our hearing acuity declines. Ergo, we have hearing aids. But that product category is about to undergo rapid change, thanks to Bose and other audio companies.

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Blu-ray Movie ReviewsUltra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Soul
Chris Chiarella  |  May 14, 2021
Picture
Sound
Extras
Pixar O.G. and now Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter touched our hearts with Up, then plumbed the intricacies of the human mind in Inside Out. It would follow, then, that his next movie would be Soul.

Together, these are arguably the most grown-up entries in the Pixar canon, not for any sort of overly mature content, but rather for their sophisticated themes and storytelling. And Soul might be the most adult-skewing: It's the longest of the three, exploring The Great Hereafter and even "The Great Before," namely where souls originate prior to their arrival on Earth. This concept requires quite a bit of exposition, and it's executed masterfully by Docter, co-writer/co-director Kemp Powers, and co-writer Mike Jones, through bold visuals and pithy gags.

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The S&V Interview
CEDIA’s Walt Zerbe on the Importance of A/V Standards
Bob Ankosko  |  May 13, 2021
Since CEDIA sold the rights to the annual CEDIA Expo trade show a few years ago, the organization has been busy honing and expanding the world-class educational programs it produces for professional integrators who design and install A/V entertainment and smart-home systems. The Indiana-based association also plays a key role in developing industry standards with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). We recently caught up with Walt Zerbe, CEDIA’s senior director of technology and standards, to learn why industry standards and recommended practices are important and what they mean for enthusiasts.
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SmartStream
Roku Channel Adds Shows, Removes YouTube TV
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 13, 2021
Roku officially announces the addition of live TV channels and Roku Originals while in the middle of a feud with Google that has resulted in the YouTube TV channel being removed. Here are the details.
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Bookshelf Speaker ReviewsDesktop Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
KEF LS50 Wireless II Powered Speakers Review
Daniel Kumin  |  May 12, 2021

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $2,500 (pair)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Serious all-in-one streaming solution
Remarkable tonal and dynamic range
Excellent ergonomics and app
Roon Ready Certified
Minus
High volume level slightly reduces resolution

THE VERDICT
KEF's wireless speaker package is an ergonomic marvel that delivers true audiophile performance—especially when paired with the company's complementary KC62 subwoofer.

We live now in wireless world, and the major loudspeaker makers have been quick to embrace it with serious-performance, near-full-range designs. But each seems to have a different idea of what a "wireless speaker" should entail. Some simply connect to an existing component stack via a supplied small wireless transmitter. Others incorporate the whole smart-speaker thang, with full multiroom audio system and Alexa-Google-Siri voice control integration.

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The Connected Life
Evolution of the App
John Sciacca  |  May 11, 2021
The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 — or, more specifically, Apple opening its App Store to third-party developers in 2008 — turned out to be one of the most consequential developments ever to hit the home automation market. It was mind-blowing to watch this small, handheld device being used as a full-blown system controller to operate all manner of equipment and it became clear that this was a game-changing technology. Fast forward to 2021: Here are some key categories where app-based control has made an impact.
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Audio Video NewsNew Products
Bluesound Announces Updates for Streaming Portfolio
Bob Ankosko  |  May 10, 2021
Bluesound, the sister company of Canada’s NAD and PSB specializing in wireless streaming gear, today announced the next generation of its popular Node hi-res music streamer and PowerNode streaming amplifier.
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The S&V Interview
Peter Frampton Forgets the Words, But Still Nails All the Riffs
Mike Mettler  |  May 07, 2021
"Audio is my thing," declares Peter Frampton. "And the thing is, I could go on about it for days! I am a big audio freak."

It's not hard to see (and hear) why, considering how Frampton has been most meticulous about getting the exact sound he wants on record, thanks in no small part to his fruitful, decades-spanning collaborations with ace producer/engineer Chuck Ainlay. For sonic evidence of their work together, check out the tone, breadth, and character of this-century Frampton albums like August 2003's , September 2006's Fingerprints, and June 2019's All Blues, for starters.

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Audio Video NewsNew Products
News and New Gear for Spring 2021
Bob Ankosko  |  May 06, 2021
As we continue to emerge from the Great Pandemic with even the most reluctant of reluctant states finally looking to lift restrictions, Spring 2021 continues to pay dividends with an eclectic and, in some cases, season-specific mix of A/V news and gear, ranging from outdoor TVs and speakers to solar-powered headphones and new wireless speakers that don’t rely on Wi-Fi. Let’s take a closer look…
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