B&K Components has introduced their new Reference 70 preamp/preprocessor.  Expanding on the success of the previous Reference 50 Series 2, the Ref. 70 has been upgraded with the latest and greatest audio and video technologies and at a price point which makes it a very attractive solution for any size home theater.

The majority of new features are focused on video so the Ref. 70 can be integrated and take advantage of 1080p video.  Centered around a Silicon Optix Reon HQV high performance video processor, all incoming video sources are scaled to 1080p and output via HDMI.  Along with the outstanding video upgrades, the audio procesing has also been revamped to handle all current audio formats; including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MD Master Audio.

Two other very noticeable improvements are an on-screen display, which works via HDMI up to 1080p, and the new front panel interface which provides easy access of all of the preamps features.

Here are all the highlights:

• 14 Discrete Audio & Video Inputs
• 6 HDMI Inputs and 1 HDMI Monitor Output. (version 1.3b)
• 8 Component Inputs and 2 Component Monitor Outputs
• Upconverting and Scaling of Component, S-Video and Composite to HDMI
• True Scaling up to 1080p
• CinemaScope Scaling for 2.35 Aspect Ratio Screen (Lens Needed)
• B&K’s GUI On-Screen Interface with Overlays up to 1080p via HDMI
• 16 Digital Inputs (8 optical / 8 coaxial) Including Digital Audio on the 6 HDMI Inputs
• Ethernet port (RJ-45) for IP Command and Control
• Flash upgrade Capability
• Full 2-Way RS-232
• Built-In 14 Source Discrete IR Routing
• Built-In FM/AM Tuner with up to 40 Simple Tuner Preset Stations
• Rear IR Input Jack (1/8” Minijack)
• 5.1 / 7.1 Analog Inputs for SACD / DVD Audio / Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio
• New Smart Sync Programmable Audio & Video Preferences by B & K
• USB 2.0 for Computer Programming
• 1 Pair Balanced (XLR) Input / 1 Balanced Digital Input
• 8 Unbalanced (RCA) Outputs / 8 Balanced (XLR) Outputs
• 5 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
• Made in the U.S.A.

The Reference 70 is currently shipping with a MSRP of $3,798.

JL Audio used CEDIA 2008 too once again proved they are in the home theater market to stay.  Some of you may know JL Audio from the car audio market, but they entered in to the home theater market in early 2007 with two subwoofers which have since gone on to win industry awards.  Following the Fathoms they released the Gotham which set the bar for what a subwoofer can (and should) do; it truly is the current king of the hill.  Not ones to rest on their success, JL introduced a new in-wall subwoofer, two new products in the Fathom line and a new line of active satellites.

Fathom IWS

The in-wall solution, Fathom IWS, is designed to fit in to a normal 2×4 wall and provide the performance of a free standing sub.  The IWS comes in two flavors; the 1kW with a single 13.5″ driver and the 2kW with two 13.5 drivers.  Both systems use an outboard amplifier and come with the exclusive A.R.O. (automatic room optimazation) system.  The new Fathom IWS is due out early 2009.

Fathom f212

Also being introduced was the new Fathom 212 with dual 12″ drivers.  The next generation drivers are centered around the most aggressive motor system JL has ever used on a drive of this size.  The construction is the same as the existing Fathoms and the unit can be place in the vertical or horizontal position.  I haven’t had a chance to demo these yet, but all indications are these should be exceptional performers.  The new Fathom f212 is due out October 2008.

The Fathom f110 was once again shown, only this time there is a real release date.  This subwoofer has been in prototype and shown around for quite sometime now and it’s finally ready for prime time.  Again, this is a 10″ driver with 900 watts RMS and comes with the A.R.O. system.  It begins shipping next month.

Primacy X3

Finally, JL Audio introduced their new Primacy X3 active satellite speakers.  These had a wonderful look to them and it appears that JL is taking the same careful approach to their speakers as they have taken to their subwoofers.  These are a full three-way active speaker with 1000 watts of total power controlled through DSP Crossover Filters.  No time table the release of the Primacy X3.

So, JL Audio continues to impress us with their existing products and certainly have generated some excitement with their new products.   I look forward to reporting back as these new products are released.

Ps: as always, all JL Audio products are made in the U.S.A.

Well, I’m finally getting an opportunity to catch up after the CEDIA. Things always tend to get a little busier in the fall and the show put quite a few more items on the to-do list.

The first report is from Aerial Acoustics who announced a couple of new and exciting products this year. These have been rumored, or in prototype, for a while so it’s nice to be able to finally share what they have been up to. First off, and the most exciting for me, is the announcement of the new Model 7c, the replacement for the 7b. The update includes new drivers, crossovers and a striking cabinet design boosting a curved-back cabinet. I know there are a number of other speaker manufacturers out there with a similar shape but the radius on the new 7 is a little more aggressive than some of the others I’ve seen. The result is a very visually appealing cabinet and represent a new look for an Aerial Acoustics speaker. Additionally the base is finished in black gloss which provides stability and compliments the over all look without being too industrial or out of place. The prototype speaker was finished in gloss cherry, something else new for Aerial. The available cabinet finishes are still being decided but there was positive reaction to the gloss; I would expect to see between four and seven high quality finishes in a mix of both gloss and satin. Finally, the 7c sports a new slightly curved grill which is the perfect touch to the new cabinet shape.

The second new product was the System 2. Based on the came concept as the already existing System 1, the System 2 is meant for flat screen displays or small projection systems. The speakers in include the vertical left and right channels and the horizontal center channel. Also in the mix is a new subwoofer based on dual offset 10″ drivers. The entire system (pun intended) is definitely more oriented towards a lifestyle system but without the sound quality compromise usually associated with systems of this size.

As normal with CEDIA, Aerial Acoustics had a static booth so there was not chance to demo any of the new products. Both the 7c and System 2 are in the very final stages of development so we’ll be keeping an eye on their release and will report back as soon we can get a live demo.

The CEDIA update will be a little short today but stay tuned, there is a lot more coming.  In the meantime, as some of you are aware, one of our premier projector lines has gone through some changes.  Vidikron, and it’s big brother company Runco, were purchased by Planar in May 2007.  Since that time the transition has not been as smooth as expected and, as with any acquisition, changes were expected.  In the recent months there have been many rumors flying around regarding the state of Planar as well as the Runco and Vidikron lines.  Yesterday I attended a meeting which addressed all of this.  First, the Vidikron line will be dissolved over the next couple of months.  Service and support for the Vidikron products will continue but all marketing and new product development have ceased.  Runco targeted a number of Vidikron dealers and have invited them to be part of the Runco family and that did include 8250 Theaterworks.  So, I am pleased to announce Runco has been added to the list of premier products available to 8250 clients.  At the meeting they showed us a number of new, and very cool, products and technologies that we’ll be coming to market in the next couple of months.  I’ll of course be reporting on these and giving you all the details.

Well it’s time for the annual CEDIA Expo and once again it’s being held here in Denver.  I actually had a chance to get on the show floor a little early this year to help a couple of manufacturers setup their booths. In doing that I was able to get a sneak preview of a couple of interesting technologies and products that are coming out.  I’ll definitely be reporting on everything of interest over the next couple of days, in the meantime here is a quick preview on a couple of technologies I’ll be looking at and what we might expect.

Blu-ray – still the topic of major discussion even though HD-DVD is out of the picture.   McIntosh has announced it’s new player (due later this year) and several other manufactures have 2nd or even 3rd generation players announced for the show.   I suspect we’ll see a bunch of inexpensive players by Christmas and probably some expensive, high-performance models too.

OLED and SED – these are new display technologies that will change the flat panel industry from thin to very, very thin. This will be an interesting market segment to follow.

Projection – now that the initial wave(s) of 1080p players have reached the market we’re going to see a bunch of high-end projectors hit the market.  So far, the buzz is about Meridian, Wolf, Christie, JVC and, of course, 8250’s personal favorite,  projectiondesign with their new avielo product line.

Whole house distribution – a lot of new products are recently out or coming out which do various forms of HDMI distribution throughout the house as well as some innovative audio products as well

Media servers – another growing market segment is media serving. Obviously 8250 Theaterworks is interesting in Sooloos and their new product offerings as well as Kaleidescape.

If anyone out there is interested in any other technologies, manufacturers or products, let me know and I’ll be sure to check it out and report back.

Earlier this year McIntosh introduced its new MC2301 monoblock tube amplifier. Jim Ludoviconi, the senior dealer support manager for McIntosh, sent the following press release to dealers:

“The new McIntosh MC2301 monoblock tube amplifier hails the fusion of our Unity Coupled and Quad-
Differential circuit topologies. From the inception of McIntosh Labs, Unity Coupling stands as one of the
premiere tube topologies ever conceived, making possible revolutionary power bandwidth and low distortion. Quad-Differential circuitry, a recent McIntosh innovation, cancels nearly all induced noise and circuit-borne nonlinearities resulting in the lowest noise levels ever achieved in a tube amplifier. With 300 Watts available at 8, 4 or 2 ohms, the MC2301 provides power enough to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers. From the demands of massed chorale to full-on rock and roll the, MC2301 delivers the most extraordinarily lifelike and dynamic performance ever heard from a McIntosh tube amplifier.

The appearance of the MC2301 bespeaks pure McIntosh power. A fast-responding wattmeter with L.E.D. illumination glows blue behind a premium ½” glass frontpanel. A pair of hand-machined, anodized handles and polished stainless steel chassis completes the package.”

8250 Theaterworks recently brought a pair of these in-house for demo and the results are excellent; music has a tremendous sense of open space while still providing intimate details and texture. If you’re considering a new 2-channel system, or looking to upgrade your current system, the new MC2301 is definitely worth considering and a “must demo” product.

Cambridge Audio has introduced a new pre-amp and amplifier to it’s Azur product line.  The Azur 840E pre-amplifier uses new proprietary TerraPin™ output modules for increased audio fidelity. Instead of using normal op-amps for the low-level gains stages, they developed their own low-noise, low-distortion devices. The volume and balance use a sophisticated resistor ladder and relay based attenuator for accurate control while maintaining balance. Each of the eight inputs is configurable on the front panel display so the user can properly name each source (CD, MP3, Tuner, etc.)

The Azur 840W amplifier uses the same Class XD technology used in their Azur 840A integrated amplifier. The XD stands for crossover displacement and is designed to use the benefits of a Class A amplifier at low levels and then moves into a modified version of Class B for the high levels. The 840W can be used as a normal 2-channel amplifier (200W@8ohms), bi-amped or bridged-mono (500W@8ohms).

This new two piece combination from Cambridge Audio is targeted at the budget minded audiophile, someone who appreciates quality and looking for something a little more esoteric than the mainstream. While the 840E/W performs it’s best with jazz, classical, blues and vocals, it can still hold it’s own with all musical tastes. It’s able to drive most speakers regardless of load but one should carefully choose a neutral loudspeaker to achieve the best results. Of course the 840C, Cambridge Audio’s acclaimed CD player, makes a perfect front end to complete the system.

SI Screens of Austin Texas recently introduced their Black Diamond projector screen.

“The exclusive technologies in our Black Diamond projector screen represent a breakthrough in picture quality for home theater applications,” explained Aaron Reilly, Screen Innovations CTO. “Black Diamond enhances projector performance by creating the ultimate contrast (blacker blacks, whiter whites) and color accuracy (with added vibrant color delivery) in both ‘dark’ and ‘bright’ environments.”

This screen is an excellent solution for any room where there is ambient light and even in dedicated home theaters as it reduces the amount of screen reflection.  This means it’s now possible to have a crystal-clear large screen display in game rooms, sports bars, living rooms and media centers and still keep the lights on or shades open.

Having seen the Black Diamond in action all I can say is WOW, and judging by the recent order reports from our local representative, I’m not the only one who has been impressed.  Additionally, the Black Diamond projector screen has already won the “Product of the Year 2008″ from Electronic House and the “Best of Demo Alley” at EHX 2008.  It’s also currently a finalist for “Best New Product” for CEDIA 2008, where the winners will be announced at the September trade show right here in Denver, I’ll keep you posted.

Pictured left, a 1.3 gain screen over the new Black Diamond screen. This picture was taken at a recent dealer show in Utah in a hotel room with all the lights on!

Fixed screen sizes currently range from 80″ to 113″ and a motorized drop-down version has been announced as part of new Reference Motorized Series.  Pricing starts at $2,099.

Aerial Acoustics Release 20T V2: Aerial Acoustics recently released the new Model 20T V2 loudspeakers. The update consists of an all new woofer design and new networks; the cabinet design mid-range and ribbon tweeter remain unchanged.

“The woofers are all-new designs with unique 3-layer sandwich cones and new drive structures. The cone has a black woven carbon fiber outer surface, a thick and very rigid German Rohacell structural foam core (as used in helicopter blades), and a woven glass fiber rear surface. The new long-throw voice coil is copper clad aluminum on glass fiber.”

The results are an improvement in over all performance of the whole speaker with more powerful and extended bass, increased mid-range definition, more natural mid-range and a more open, airy treble.

The pricing for the 20T V2 is now the same across all finishes at $32,000 per pair

Kaleidescape Releases Two 1080p Players:

Kaleidescape is pleased to announce availability of the 1080p Player and the 1080p Mini Player. These new Movie Players create beautiful high definition video from ordinary DVDs, providing a viewing experience that rivals Blu-ray.

Sharing a common underlying design, the 1080p Player and 1080p Mini Player offer many new video and audio performance features:

• 1080p Output - The embedded Sigma Designs^™ (Gennum^™) VXP^® video processor upscales standard definition DVD movies to 1080p resolution across an HDMI^™ connection, without the added cost and complexity of an external scaler.
• Content-Aware Video Processing - The 1080p Movie Player adapts its video processing to the type of content being viewed to achieve results that are impossible for an external scaler. For example, the onscreen display (OSD) with its sharp edges and high contrast is processed differently than movies, which contain motion and natural colors. Information in Kaleidescape’s extensive Movie Guide database is also used to tailor the viewing experience, for example, to zoom letterboxed movies to fill a 16:9 display or to relocate subtitles for optimal viewing. A new option provides the ability to automatically detect and expand 4:3 format movies to fill the entire screen of a 16:9 display.
• 10-bit 4:4:4 Color Processing - Greater color resolution and depth and improvements in how shadow detail and color linearity are handled produce accurate color and grayscale, from full white to black. This provides a more authentic movie-viewing experience with natural skin tones, nuanced shadows, and a lack of color artifacts.
• Motion Adaptive Deinterlacing and Reverse 3:2/2:2 Pulldown - The 1080p Movie Player detects whether source content originated as film, and selects the most appropriate deinterlacing method for detailed and clear video and smooth motion.
• Improved Onscreen Display (OSD) Imaging - Deinterlacing improvements result in fewer tearing artifacts and much cleaner cover art motion. Greater color resolution and better scaling create a crisper OSD image, particularly with text. Transitions to and from high definition content are now glitch-free.
• Improved Audio Processing - Whether watching a movie or listening to music, audio fidelity is improved.
• Automatic Video Configuration - Video configuration is automatic, making it easy to achieve the ideal viewing experience with minimal setup. The 1080p Movie Player detects and operates at the highest available resolution over HDMI. The degree of video sharpness can be optimized for the installation environment. Though automatic video settings are appropriate for most installations, the video configuration may be adjusted by the installer if necessary.