Bob Ankosko

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New ProductsPremiere Design
The Phantom Exposed: Devialet Implosive Sound Center
Bob Ankosko  |  Aug 14, 2015
Viewed dead-on, the Phantom looks like a huge eyeball. Catch it from the side and it resembles a dinosaur egg. Either way, this self-contained, powered speaker—small enough to be cradled like a baby (albeit a heavy baby at 24 pounds)—embodies an unmistakably unique form factor and technical design. We spoke with Quentin Sannié, co-founder and CEO of Paris-based Devialet, to get the story behind this most unusual speaker.
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Audio Video News
Finding Deep Note: The Story Behind THX’s Famous Sonic Swell
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 29, 2015
You’ve heard it on THX-certified DVDs and Blu-ray Discs and in THX theaters. It’s the perfect crescendo, that indescribably fantastic swell of sound that’s been wowing movie-goers for more than three decades. We recently spoke with Dr. James “Andy” Moorer, composer of the “THX Logo Theme,” to get the story behind the iconic flourish, which debuted in the THX trailer Wings, shown before the 1983 premiere of a movie you might remember—Star Wars: Episode VI-Return of the Jedi.
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Bluetooth Speaker Reviews
Acemile Theatre Box Bluetooth Speaker Review
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 24, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $299

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Compact design
Impressive build quality
Simple to set up and use
Spacious, full-bodied sound with a kick
Minus
No remote control
Not ideal for driving rock
Not practical for use as a soundbar

THE VERDICT
The little Theatre Box will surprise you with its bold, big sound.

Sinatra is crooning in the background. “I like New York in June, how about you? I like a Gershwin tune, how about you?”

Frankly (sorry, couldn’t resist), I like what I’m hearing from the small box sitting on the filing cabinet in my home office. Impressive how clear and present the Chairman is on this Capitol recording (“How About You?”) released 59 years ago (Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!). Even more impressive, his voice is coming from a speaker that’s about half the size of a shoebox.

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Audio Video News
Curious About DTS Headphone:X? Get Your Demo Here
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 17, 2015
To coincide with the release of the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina on Blu-ray, DTS has posted clips featuring a DTS Headphone:X sound mix. Pull out your best headphones, jack them into your computer, and enter into the world of artificial intelligence...
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Audio Video News
GoldenEar Expands Invisa Line with All-in-One Stereo Speaker
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 13, 2015
GoldenEar Technology is known for its freestanding tower speakers but has been quietly building its Invisa collection of speakers designed for mounting in walls and ceilings. The latest model in the line—the Invisa StereoPoint SP 652—makes its debut this week.
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Audio Video News
DTS Answers Atmos: Dave Casey on DTS:X
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 13, 2015
In early April—a full nine months after Dolby Atmos had its coming out party in New York—DTS officially announced DTS:X, an “object-based, multi-dimensional audio technology” for commercial cinema and home theater. We spoke with Dave Casey, senior director of program management for DTS:X to learn more about the new format and find out how it differs from Atmos.

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Audio Video NewsNew Products
More CE Week Tech Bits: Wire-Free Earbuds and Microphone Modeling
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 08, 2015
Previewed at the recent CE Week event in New York City, the HearNotes wire-free earbuds use Kleer technology to stream CD-quality uncompressed audio with “extremely low latency and power consumption.”
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Audio Video News
Add Gesture Control to Your TV
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 06, 2015
One of the products that caught our eye at the recent CE Week event in New York City was a “universal controller” called Singlecue that enables TVs and other electronics gear to be operated by hand gestures.
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Audio Video News
UHD TV on the Cheap & Other Tech Bits from CE Week
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 03, 2015
Shown at the recent CE Week event in New York City, the Westinghouse WD65NC4190 65-inch Ultra HD TV just hit bestbuy.com with a $1,400 price tag. Highlights include smart TV functionality with built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 copy protection, and a smartphone control app. A 42-inch model that will sell for $500 was also on display and the company plans to offer the set in 85-, 55- and 50-inch screen sizes.
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Audio Video News
Remembering Yes Co-Founder Chris Squire
Bob Ankosko  |  Jul 02, 2015
“An individualist in an age when it was possible to establish individuality, Chris fearlessly staked out a whole protectorate of bass playing in which he was lord and master.” —Bill Bruford

Jon Davison called him “the Jimi Hendrix of the Bass Guitar.” Perfect. It had been years since I listened to Fragile but on a recent cross-country road trip I hit play and reveled in this remarkable work, struck once again by the complex, driving bass lines that defined the sound of Yes. Chris Squire was unique and is irreplaceable. I can’t imagine the band—in any form—going on without him.

Yes fan or not, find time to sit down and listen to Fragile as a complete work, from start to finish, on a good system. Play it loud. Be inspired. R.I.P, Chris.

Band mates remember Chris…

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