Posts Tagged Dolby TrueHD

Onkyo outs top-end TX receivers

Aug 24

Posted by John in News | No Comments

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 Having only recently announced another collection, Onkyo has revealed details on three more TX-series receivers. These begin with the NR1007, which is capable of 135W of output across each of 9.2 channels. The unit handles decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and additionally supports formats such as Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX. It is compliant with DLNA 1.5 and THX Ultra2 Plus standards.
Present are six HDMI inputs, matched by two HDMI outputs. Video is upconverted to 1080p using Faroudja DCDi Cinema, and the receiver can also directly stream audio from Pandora, Rhapsody, vTuner or Sirius Internet Radio. It should be available in September for approximately $1,600.

The NR3007 incorporates all the features of the 1007, but boosts output to 140W, while adding a seventh HDMI input on the front panel; joining it is a single USB port. Processing is enhanced through Dolby Volume audio technology, and HQV Reon-VX upconversion. The system will ship alongside the 1007 in September at a cost of $2,100.

The NR5007 makes the jump to 145W, while sporting eight HDMI inputs, split between one on the front and seven in back. Two USB ports are included, the second being located at rear. The receiver is due in September with a premium of $2,700.

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Pioneer BDP-320 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

Aug 10

Posted by michael in News | 1 Comment

320Pioneer’s BDP-320 Pioneer BD-Live Blu-ray Disc Player, featuring 48-bit deep color and 7.1-ch analog outputs, is built for entertainment junkies who seek cinematic-quality performance along with a premium and unique user experience. Pioneer’s players combine supreme features, sophisticated internal construction with a rigid chassis design ensuring the highest quality playback of Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD entertainment. The BDP-320 is also outfitted with built-in memory to deliver on the promise of BD-Live right out of the box.

Immediate BD-Live Enjoyment
BD-Live is the interactive component of the Blu-ray Disc format that gives home audiences the innovative opportunity to download and enjoy bonus trailers and movie features, participate in online gaming as well as synchronize viewing, chat live and video message with other BD-Live players. Providing immediate enjoyment of these exciting entertainment capabilities, the BDP-320 has one GB of internal on-board memory, eliminating the need for consumers to purchase additional memory for basic operation of BD-Live. An integrated USB port allows connection to flash drives as well as hard drives for additional BD-Live storage. An Ethernet connection port lets owners seamlessly upgrade their player with the latest firmware updates as soon as they are available online.

Premier Picture and Sound Quality
The new the BDP-320 combines a state-of-the-art chip set and video processing solutions with Pioneer’s 1080p True24FPS (frame per second) feature to deliver detailed, natural imagery that is unmatched by other players.
Recognizing that high end home theater is as much about sound presentation as on-screen images, the BDP-320 fully supports new high resolution audio formats, and also provides Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD bitstream output, and 7.1-channel analog output (for compatibility with non HDMI equipped receivers and preamps).

Premium Convenience Features
Pioneer’s BDP-320 provides functional advantages when used in conjunction with Pioneer’s Elite A/V receivers and KURO displays. KURO Link is an exclusive synergy feature that allows users to easily maneuver between connected Pioneer products with just a single remote control. By connecting the BDP-320 to a Pioneer KURO flat panel TV or monitor and a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver, KURO LINK lets you operate the entire system’s basic functions such as power on/off and playback through KURO’s remote control. The new KURO Link Video Adjustment System automatically switches to optimal video settings adjusted by unique parameters developed by Pioneer KURO and Blu-ray Disc player engineers. The BDP-320 also delivers significantly reduced power on, disc load, and power off times.

Customizable Viewing Experience
For those updating a home theater system, the Pioneer BDP-320 features sleek, slim form factors and gives consumers the confidence that comes with a heralded 30-year leadership in optical disc innovations. The Pioneer BDP-320 also gives cinephiles a series of picture adjustment features for an optimum customized entertainment experience including:

  • New–KURO Link Auto Picture Adjust:  By connecting the BDP-320 to a Pioneer KURO flat panel TV or monitor and a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver, KURO Link lets you operate the entire system’s basic functions such as power on/off and playback through KURO’s remote control. The new KURO LINK Video Adjustment System automatically switches to video settings best suited for the connected KURO.
  • New–Simultaneous Video Outputs: Watch your Blu-ray disc movies while watching the bonus features at the same time (Picture-in-Picture). 
  • 48-Bit Deep Color Support: By improving subtle color gradations, this feature produces an unprecedented level of hues and shades that ensure a vibrant viewing experience
  • Spectacular 1080p Picture Quality: The BDP-320 provides up to 1920×1080p resolution for unrivaled picture quality. And with True 24fps, you can now see your movies as the director intended.
  • x.v.Color: An advanced feature which greatly broadens the color space input to include 1.8 times as many natural colors than standard RGB signals.
  • HDMI Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) Jitterless Transmission (2-ch):
    By HDMI connection with a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver, CD music is precisely reproduced with minimum jitter.
  • Picture Control Suite: Users can tweak 13 video adjustments to create a finely tuned image, delivering on the promise of stunning HD picture quality
  • Noise Reduction Circuits: Offering three different adjustments, the enhanced circuitry significantly updates the image quality of lower-quality DVD content
  • Internal Audio Decoders: The BDP-320 features internal decoding of all advanced audio formats including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
  • BD-Live Compliant (Profile 2.0): Enjoy special disc contents in Picture-in-Picture form, and also download additional content from the internet to the built-in 1GB memory, such as the director’s interview and languages not contained on the disc. Note: BD-Live only available on compatible discs and playable features depend on the disc contents.
  • Triple High-Definition NR: Component Frame NR lowers Gaussian noise without blurring the picture while Block NR minimizes block noise (mosaic-like artifacts) and Mosquito NR reduces the fluttery noise around the edges of objects.
  • Picture Control Suite: 13 different video adjustments (Progressive Motion, PureCinema, YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, White Level, Black Level, Black Setup, Gamma Correction, Hue, and Chroma Level)
  • Multi-Format Compatibility: You can play high definition DVD discs recorded by digital video cameras in AVCHD format. You can also play BD-R/RE, DVD-R/RW, etc. recorded using Blu-ray Disc recorders or DVD recorders as well as CD/CD-R.

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Lexicon BD-30 Blu-ray player promises future-proofing through USB

Aug 5

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

Lexicon have announced their BD-30 Blu-ray player, which they describe as being truly “future proof”.  As well as playing Blu-ray, BD-Live, BonusView, DVD, upscaled DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD, and CD content, the BD-30 has a USB port which Lexicon suggest will “enable access to future formats”. Now to us, that sounds more like loading media onto a memory key and using the BD-30 as a very shiny mediaplayer, something a whole lot of other decks will do, but we’ll let them have their fun.

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There’s 1080p High-Definition, naturally, together with HDMI connectivity, an RS-232 serial port for system integration and 7.1 surround sound.  Lexicon also throw in a LAN port for BD-Live content, plus some IR control ports.

Upscaling is handled courtesy of Anchor Bay’s Video Reference Series (VRS) video processing chips, taking analog and digital sources up to 1080p HD. We’re waiting to hear back from Lexicon as to exactly how much the BD-30 might set you back.

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The BD-30 Blu-ray disc player supports every major AV format in the market today, including Blu-ray, BD-Live, BonusView, DVD,upconverted DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD and USB;

The BD-30 incorporates Anchor Bay’s award-winning Video Reference Series technology, taking Blu-ray’s already amazingly clear 1080p picture to yet another level of clarity and brilliance.

ELKHART, Indiana — Of major concern to all custom home systems integrators and their customers is the fact that technologies and formats change rapidly. Future-proofing a home theater or media room installation is of paramount importance, and that is precisely what the new Lexicon BD-30 Blu-ray Disc™ Player offers integrators and their clients. Living up to the amazing predecessor, the Lexicon RT-20 Universal Disc Player, the BD-30 supports every major AV format in the market today, including Blu-ray, DVD, upconverted DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD and Compact Disc, as well as popular niche formats such as AVCHD and Kodak® Picture CD™, and recordable formats including CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R and BD-R/RE. In addition, the Lexicon BD-30 is a next-generation Profile 2.0 Blu-ray disc player, which supports both BonusView™, Blu-ray’s picture-in-picture feature, and BD-Live™, the advanced Blu-ray feature that enables users to access content via an Internet-connected Blu-ray player and download a variety of up-to-date content such as refreshed previews and exclusive special features. It is also backwards-compatible with Blu-ray v.1.0 and v.1.1. Furthermore, the BD-30 goes one step beyond physical media formats by incorporating a USB port, which will allow users to access audio and video from any media source compatible with the USB transfer protocol. The Lexicon BD-30 is truly a future-proof piece of technology, allowing custom home systems integrators the ability to reassure their clients that they’ll be able to watch their movies in virtually any format years into the future.

With its exceptional picture and sound quality along with fast disc loading and command response times, the BD-30 delivers an incredible, immersive home theater and multichannel audio experience. The Lexicon BD-30 has even more features that make it the single-solution choice for integrators. For video, the VD-30 incorporates Anchor Bay’s award-winning Video Reference Series™ (VRS™) video processing chips, which convert standard-definition and high-definition analog and digital video sources up to full 1080p, as well as HDMI compatibility. For audiophiles, the Lexicon BD-30 is just as versatile, able to play back CD, SACD, and DVD-Audio discs, offers a Source Direct mode for audio and compatibility with Dolby® TrueHD™, HDCD, DTS-HD®, and can play back up to 7.1 surround audio. Audio output connections include a dedicated stereo output, digital optical outputs and coaxial outputs. Systems integrators will appreciate the fact that the BD-30 also includes an RS-232 port for external control systems.

“The Lexicon BD-30 is at the cutting edge of what a disc media player can be,” said Phil McPhee, Marketing Manager, Harman Performance AV Group. “The inclusion of so many popular media formats as well as a USB connection that will enable access to future formats means that custom home systems integrators can recommend and integrate the BD-30 into their home theater and surround audio installations knowing that it will be working for years to come.”

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Dolby TrueHD

Jul 16

Posted by michael in News | No Comments

Dolby TrueHD is an advanced lossless multi-channel audio codec developed by Dolby Laboratories which is intended primarily for high-definition180px-Dolby_TrueHD_svg home-entertainment equipment such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. It is the successor to the AC-3 Dolby Digital surround sound codec which was used as the audio standard for DVD discs. In this application, Dolby TrueHD competes with DTS-HD Master Audio, another lossless codec from Digital Theater System.

Dolby TrueHD uses Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) as its mathematical basis for compressing audio samples. MLP was used on the earlier DVD-Audio format, but details of Dolby TrueHD and DVD-Audio differ substantially. A Dolby TrueHD bitstream can carry up to 14 discrete sound channels. Sample depths up to 24 bits/sample and audio sample rates up to 192 kHz are supported. Like the more common legacy codec Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD bitstreams carry program metadata. Metadata is separate from the coding format and compressed audio samples, but stores relevant information about the audio waveform. For example, dialog normalization and Dynamic range compression are controlled by metadata embedded in the TrueHD bitstream.

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Why HDMI? All you need to know before going digital

Jul 7

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is hailed as the next generation of audiovisual cabling. Simply put, HDMI is an all-digital connector that can carry high definition video and several digital audio channels all on the one cable. HDMI was first officially unveiled in 2003, but it’s only now that we’re starting to see widespread support for the standard. Is it something you should be seeking out?

2. How is it different from my current analog cables?monsterhdmihd

Analog video cables, such as component, composite or S-Video, are currently the main methods used to transfer picture signals in an average home system. Component is the highest quality analog cable as it breaks down the picture signal into three different cables — one each for red, blue and green. When you’ve got analog cabling connecting digital sources (such as an LCD or plasma screen with a DVD), the digital video or sound signals have to be converted into analog to travel through the cable, before being re-converted back into digital at the receiving end. This could lead to some signal degradation and a resulting loss in output quality.

3. What are the advantages of going digital with HDMI?

HDMI can deliver high quality sound or vision without the risk of quality loss due to the conversion or compression of a video or audio signal. HDMI pictures should be smoother and sharper, with a distinct reduction in video noise. Sound should be crisp and taut, without any distortion. And of course, using the single cable HDMI can get rid of a lot of messy cables snaking around your home theatre kit.

Because of its digital nature, HDMI also works well with fixed-pixel displays such as LCD, plasma or DLP screens and projectors. A HDMI cable allows you to exactly match pixel-by pixel the native resolution of the screen with whatever source device you’ve got connected. HDMI systems will also automatically convert a picture into its most appropriate format, such as 16:9 or 4:3.

HDMI has some built-in smarts that allow you to control any device connected via HDMI through the one remote. Since the HDMI connection allows two-way communication between devices, it gives you basic universal remote-like functions which, for example, can tell the components in an HDMI-linked system to turn on when you want to watch a DVD, just with the press of a button.

4. How does DVI fit into the equation? Is it better than HDMI?

You may have heard of digital video interface (DVI), which is another all-digital connector for video. DVI has been around for longer, and can be found in many more televisions and other devices than HDMI. DVI was initially developed as a connector between PCs and monitors, but eventually found its way into the home entertainment world.DVIandHDMIhd

The HDMI standard is actually based on DVI, so picture quality should be identical. Where HDMI has it over DVI is its audio capabilities — DVI can only carry video signals. HDMI cables can also be made longer than DVI — HDMI can go up to 15m in length. And from an aesthetic viewpoint, HDMI connectors are less bulky than DVI ones. HDMI connects like a USB device for PCs, while DVI still has screw pins on its connector. However, this means that HDMI connections are more prone to damage from accidental knocks so more care needs to be taken with them.

5. I’ve got some gear with DVI connectors. Will they work with HDMI?

As HDMI is fully backwards compatible with DVI, so you won’t be making your DVI products obsolete if you buy something with an HDMI connector. For example, HDMI televisions will display video received from existing DVI-equipped products, while a HDMI DVD player will play on a DVI-equipped television. All you’ll need is a HDMI/DVI adaptor. Just be aware that doing this will lose you the added functionality of HDMI, such as automatic screen format conversion and universal remote control.

6. What products support HDMI?

HDMI has been on the market for a while now, and most new DVD players, set-top boxes and TVs feature at least one HDMI port.HDMIinputsonhd

On the display side of the equation, most new screens, projectors and DVD players support the standard. If you’re looking to buy a device like a TV or AV receiver look for the most HDMI ports yu can afford. Three is the minimum you should expect from today’s devices, while DVD players and the like only usually require one output. Also, be aware that an HDMI port currently only sends information in one direction — though there are moves to change this in the future. As a result, it’s not possible to use a HDMI output port on a PC, for example, to display a PS3 signal.

7. Where can I get HDMI cables?

If you own a component with HDMI but don’t have a cable for it, then there are several cable manufacturers who sell HDMI gear. www.ukhdmi.com, for example, sell HDMI cables and HDMI to DVI cables under their Cablesson range of interconnects. www.ukhdmi.com also has a comprehensive selection of HDMI products. HDMI cables and adapters have been developed in a joint partnership with HDMI’s founder, Silicon Image.

8. What do the different versions mean?

While the latest version of HDMI is up to 1.3c, but there are four main versions that most equipment will correspond to — 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. Notice that the versions signify changes to the types of audio they can transmit, as all versions should be able to transmit HD video up to 1080p.

1.0 This is the first version of HDMI and it was ratified in late 2002. It will decode most versions of audio contained in DVD and digital TV signals, including Dolby Digital and DTS.

1.1 This version added DVD-Audio support, which means users with compatible disks and players can listen to 5.1 channel audio streams without the need for six separate audio RCA cables.

1.2/1.2a The main improvement on 1.1 is the addition of Super Audio CD (SACD) support, which means users no longer need to rely on iLink or analog cables to listen to SACDs. The standard also adds support for an as-yet unused Type A PC connector.

1.3/1.3a/1.3b Version 1.3 adds support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio which are used in Blu-ray players. Increasingly, AV receivers are including decoding for these standards on board, while devices the PlayStation 3 will output a decoded signals. The 1.3 standard also increases the available bandwidth by a factor of two to 10Gbps. Though 1.3b and 1.3c exist they don’t add any further functionality over 1.3a, and so are interchangeable.

9.What’s this I hear about Wireless HDMI?

Eventually, every technology goes wireless, and with Wi-Fi and Wireless USB now in play it makes sense that manufacturers have turned their eyes to making HDMI clutter-free too. Only thing is, it doesn’t work yet. Belkin showed off their FlyWire technology behind closed doors at CES 2008, and it hasn’t been heard of since. There is, as yet, no standard for Wireless HDMI, and so it’s not really worth holding out for. Also, Wireless HDMI is not to be confused with WirelessHD — this is a separate technology used by manufacturers such as Sony to send signals from a media box to slim, wall-mounted TVs.

On the display side of the equation, most new screens, projectors and DVD players support the standard. If you’re looking to buy a device like a TV or AV receiver look for the most HDMI ports yu can afford. Three is the minimum you should expect from today’s devices, while DVD players and the like only usually require one output. Also, be aware that an HDMI port currently only sends information in one direction — though there are moves to change this in the future. As a result, it’s not possible to use a HDMI output port on a PC, for example, to display a PS3 signal.

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Two New Receivers From Integra: DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1

Jul 6

Posted by John in News | No Comments

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Integra has introduced two mid-priced audio-video receivers designed to provide state-of-the-art home theater performance plus sophisticated integration with home automation systems. The new Integra DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 are, respectively, 7.2- and 5.2-channel, two-zone AV receivers designed for modern high-definition audio and video systems. In addition, the DTR-30.1 is the first Integra A/V receiver that incorporates the new Dolby ProLogic IIz which lets installers offer their clients engaging sonic ambience in three dimensions, not just two. Both receivers use the latest HDMI 1.3a connection technologies with full support for 1080p video, Deep Color, x.v. Color, and high definition sound via Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The Integra DTR-30.1 has six HDMI inputs, including a front-panel input, while the DTR-20.1 has four HDMI inputs. The DTR-30.1 also features Faroudja DCDi Edge™ based upscaling of all video sources to 1080i via the HDMI output. These receivers each deliver 90 Watts per channel of amplification into 8 Ohms, and include processing for every major digital audio format in use today, as well as a full suite of audio technologies from Audyssey. “These new Integra receivers represent a great value for systems integrators and end users,” said Keith Haas, Integra’s Director of Sales. “They offer great sound and video performance at a reasonable price, and they offer outstanding second zone capabilities and home automation integration. Plus, as the first Dolby PLIIz-enabled products designed for custom installation, they give dealers a big step forward in the capabilities they offer their clients.” Each of the receivers feature Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration system, which corrects each channel’s output in both frequency and time domains based on measurements at three unique listening positions. Additional features include Audyssey Dynamic Volume technology, which optimizes the dynamic range of listening material at any listening level, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ, which corrects problems associated with reduced sound quality at low listening levels. The Integra DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 each include a wide range of features specifically tailored to the needs of custom installers, including bi-directional RS-232 and Ethernet ports for third party control systems, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. They have extensive multizone / multisource features, including Zone 2 fixed and variable line outputs with independent Bass/Treble and balance controls. The DTR-30.1 also features the company’s Powered Zone2 capability, which allows two of the unit’s seven main amplifiers to be used for Zone 2 amplification while still enjoying 5.1-channel surround sound in the main zone. Additionally, these amplifier channels can be reconfigured for bi-amplification of the front left and right audio channels when used with compatible high-end speakers. These Integra receivers are the first to use the company’s new proprietary rear-panel universal port, which simplifies the connection of forthcoming add-on modules, such as an HD Radio Tuner and iPod Dock. Each receiver also uses the company’s discrete-component Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), and features dual line-level subwoofer outputs. For the majority of dealers, who also install these receivers in the customer’s home, the DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 includes the ability to independently store custom settings, reducing setup and support times. An optional rack mount kit is available for applications where rack mounting is desirable. The Integra DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 surround receivers are currently available at suggested retail prices of $800 and $600 each, respectively.

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Delivering 1080p Full HD with Deep Color up to 1000 Feet Using Just One Fiber Optic Cable

Jun 18

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

InfoComm Booth 2651, Orlando, FL – Connectivity solutions provider Gefen is showing its newly released HDMI v1.3 over Fiber IR Extender at InfoComm. Distances of up to 1000 feet (300m) are easily reached using a single fiber optic cable, streamlining cable costs with today’s highest quality method of signal extension. The system uses innovative technology from Omron that guarantees a pure, unadulterated transmission.

“The magic behind Omron’s Optical Sub Assemblies (OSAs) is the ability to send six independent data channels over a single fiber using CWDM technology,” said Martin Smith, photonic product
manager at Omron Electronic Components LLC. “Omron Electronic Components’ SX51 OSAs allow for the transmission of bidirectional, copyright-protected, high definition video streams over fiber without decoding or compression.”

With support for HDMI v1.3 features, including deep color, lip sync, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and CEC pass-through compliance, the HDMI v1.3 over Fiber IR Extender sends pristine video and multi-channel digital audio instantly to the remote display or projector. It works with today’s Blu-rays, set-top boxes, games and any audio/video device equipped with HDMI.

Ideal for professional applications that demand a flawless method of hi-def video extension, the Gefen HDMI v1.3 over Fiber IR Extender is HDCP compliant, and extends IR control and RS-232 over the same fiber optic cable so users can easily access and control their audio/video source at the remote location.

Gefen is also releasing a version for displays and projectors using the DVI format, which will extend resolutions up to 1920 x 1200/1080p with IR and RS-232 control over a single fiber optic cable up to 1000 feet (300m) in distance.

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