Al Griffin

CEDIA 2016
New Fusion Research Music Server Doubles Down
Al Griffin  |  Sep 16, 2016
Long known for affordable and custom install-friendly music servers, Fusion Research has a new model on display at CEDIA that combines two of its Solo servers in a single 1U chassis. The Duet ($799) provides two analog outputs using 192kHz/24-bit-capable Burr Brown DACs for installations where dual independent sources are required.
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CEDIA 2016
Seymour Makes Switching Aspect Ratios Simple
Al Griffin  |  Sep 15, 2016  |  Published: Sep 16, 2016
Yes, that image above is of a projection screen in dark room—a common sight here at CEDIA. What you’re actually looking at is a Kaleidescape server menu displayed on the TAM-1T, a new variable aspect ratio projection screen from Seymour-Screen Excellence.
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CEDIA 2016
Sony's 100" Ultra HDTV Displays OLED-Like Image
Al Griffin  |  Sep 15, 2016
We’ve written before about Sony’s flagship Z9D-Series LCD Ultra HDTVs Z9D-Series LCD Ultra HDTVs , which the company previewed for the press back in July. I had a chance to check out the series at Sony’s CEDIA booth, where the 100-inch model shown above was having no trouble roping in curious onlookers.
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CEDIA 2016
Sony’s New 4K Projector Does HDR and More
Al Griffin  |  Sep 15, 2016
Projectors with real 4K resolution—or close to it—will make news this year at CEDIA, with a new D-ILA model anticipated from JVC and a number of DLP models coming out that incorporate Texas Instruments’ new 4K chip with pixel-shifting technology. Sony, on the other hand, has been offering native 4K projectors for several years now. The company dropped the news at its press conference on Wednesday that a new 4K model, the VPL-VW675ES, will be available in November.
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CEDIA 2016
Sony Gets Ready to Play Ultra HD Blu-ray
Al Griffin  |  Sep 14, 2016
Sony only announced a few new products at its CEDIA 2016 press conference, but the ones it did roll out are significant. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the company’s first Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the UBP-X1000ES.
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Ask S&V
How Can I Make VHS Look Better on an HDTV?
Al Griffin  |  Sep 08, 2016
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I have dozens of concerts and other programs that I recorded using JVC’s HRD-470U, one of the best VHS tape machines ever made. Here’s my problem: even high-quality VHS tapes look terrible when played on a high-definition digital TV. Is there some sort of “widget” I can buy that will make VHS recordings look better on my HDTV? —Jay Daley / Wickenburg, AZ

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3D Projector ReviewsProjector Reviews
Epson Pro Cinema 6040UB 3D LCD Projector Review
Al Griffin  |  Sep 02, 2016

2D Performance
3D Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $3,999

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Crisp “4K Enhanced” picture
Ultra HD and HDR compatible
Impressive 3D performance
Minus
Some motor noise with Auto Iris active
High fan noise in certain picture modes

THE VERDICT
Epson’s Ultra HD and HDR-compatible 3D LCD projector delivers a compelling mix of performance and features for its $3,999 price.

With 4K/Ultra HD quickly taking over as the default resolution for new TVs, it seems ironic that projectors, the display type that would most benefit from 4K resolution, have been slower to transition to the new format. Sony is the only manufacturer to introduce 4K-res projectors aimed at the general home theater market, and with the cost of entry for those models stuck in the $10,000-plus range, it’s clear that 4K projection has a way to go before it becomes mainstream.

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Ask S&V
Why Do CDs Sound Louder Than High-Res Audio?
Al Griffin  |  Sep 01, 2016
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I recently bought High-Res Audio downloads of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and Supertramp’s “Crime of the Century” from HDtracks. When I play them with my Sony NWZ-A17 Walkman, the volume is much lower than what I hear from FLAC versions of the same music ripped from my CDs. I complained to HDtracks and they said this was normal for HD-resolution files. Can you explain why? —Jacques Simard

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Are There Any Plans for 3D Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs?
Al Griffin  |  Aug 25, 2016
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q There are two-dozen or so Ultra HD Blu-rays available for purchase, with many more hopefully to come. However, none of the UHD Blu-ray releases are available in 3D, even if the theatrical version was in 3D. Do you know if there are future plans for 3D Ultra HD Blu-rays, or has the home video industry decided to kill off 3D for good?

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Ask S&V
Should I Worry About Aging Speaker Wire?
Al Griffin  |  Aug 18, 2016
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I assembled my surround sound setup back in 2002. It still sounds awesome, but I'm wondering about the speaker wires. I spent good money for nice 12-gauge speaker wire, the ends of which are bare. Every time I break the system down to move, I see the bare wire and worry that corrosion or some other devious detractor is attacking it. Is that something I should worry about? Should I consider clipping and re-stripping at some point? —Scott M.

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