Hellboy II: The Golden Army to Feature Revolutionary 4D Audio Technology
Hellboy II, which is available now, will offer 4D audio localization, which is touted as true 360-degree spherical sound. It’s the first home movie to offer this feature. All you need to benefit from it is a 5.1 or 7.1 capable surround sound system. Read more
Alpine Audio/Video/Navigation
Since this is our first post on alpine I’ll throw out their new all-in-one audio/video/navigation solution. The IVA-W203/P1.
This head unit has almost everything. It brings you audio, video, navigation and is Bluetooth enabled, Ipod ready, Satellite Radio ready, HD Radio Ready, not to mention a basic AM/FM tuner.
Audio
This thing will play your CD’s, your MP3 files from your Ipod via the dedicated source, accepts HD radio signals, is Satellite Radio ready, and is Bluetooth enabled for hands free talking on your cell phone. You will of course need to purchase separate accessories in order to take advantage of the Satellite Radio, HD Radio and Ipod capabilities. It pumps all this out a 50wX4. The full specs are below.
Video
What can I say really, but I plays your favorite DVD’s on a high quality 6.5 inch screen.
Navigation
The navigation feature is simple to use with easy to follow menus and clear maps with turn by turn voice commands also. The removable drive allows you connect to your home computer via USB to update maps and points of interest.
All in all the IVA-W203/P1 looks like a killer piece. It ought to be for the $1,200.00 suggested retail price, but it does have just about everything. I would have like to have seen a USB port to access music files from a flash drive and if you want satellite radio, HD radio or to be able to hook your Ipod to it you will have to spend extra, but I guess most other players out there require extra gear too. Visit alpine-usa.com to learn more. Read more
Harman International Selected as Exclusive Audio Systems Supplier for BMW 5 Series in China
Harman, who already provides audio components the likes of Mercedes, is now the exclusive provider for audio gear for the BMW 5 series (in the Chinese market). This probably doesn’t mean much to me or you, but it gives me a good excuse to ogle over the 5 series for a bit.
I wonder if we can get a review sample . . . hmmm. Anyway, the press release follows. Read more
Fusion iPod In-Dash Reciever
I’m torn about what I think of this in-dash receiver from Fusion. You actually plug your iPod inside of the receiver. At first I thought it was cool; however, I kind of like being able to put hands on the iPod. And, sometimes I’ve been known to drop a new CD into my car stereo.
I’d say this is a certainly a niche product. Don’t worry, it’s not compatible with the iPhone . . . yet. I guarantee you I won’t be stuffing my iPhone into this device. 
Docking your iPod inside the head unit not only provides a secure, protected location for your iPod inside your vehicle, but also eliminates unnecessary cables and installation hassle.
With your iPod docked and charging inside the CA-IP500, a completely integrated user-interface mirrors the menu system of the iPod, ensuring simple control of your iPod directly from the head unit. Additionally, a dual function rotary knob / joystick replicates the function of an iPod click-wheel, making it effortless to navigate.
This 50W x 4 MOSFET iPod Receiver also combines the benefit of an AM/FM tuner and RDS, and features an OLED screen. Providing a greater brightness and contrast as well as a significantly wider viewing angle than conventional LCD screens, the OLED screen displays excellent graphics and improves menu navigation. SRS Wow Sound Shaping produces simulated surround sound to greatly enhance the audio experience.
XM and Pioneer Introduce XMp3
XM and Pioneer have teamed up to create an exciting new wearable satellite radio that records music and shows in Mp3 format. The XMp3.
Features
Live XM
- Enjoy over 170 channels of music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, and exclusive content, plus the “Best of Sirius.”
- Set your favorite XM channels.
- TuneSelect: Be alerted when your favorite artists or songs are playing on any XM channel.
- Pause and Replay up to 30 minutes of live XM.
- Portable XM Highlights: See what’s playing on XM.
Recorded XM
- More ways than ever to record up to 100 hours of your favorite XM programs.
- Record up to 5 channels at the same time.
- One-Touch Recording of up to 10 hours of individual songs.
- Schedule Recordings of up to 75 hours of your favorite XM programs.
- Automatic Recording of your favorite XM channels. Read more
Latest ProDJ Headphones form Pioneer
Pioneer has announced today that they are extending their ProDJ headphone lineup with the addition of the HDJ-2000 to complement their already popular HDJ-1000.
Press Release
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.’s Professional Sound and Visual Division, the leader in ProDJ products and the innovator of the CDJ and DVJ turntables, today unveiled the new reference model, HDJ-2000, the latest addition to its popular, professional DJ headphone series.
The development of the Pioneer HDJ-2000 stems from numerous requests from top DJs around the world desiring headphones with:
* Exceptional high-quality sound that clearly and accurately reproduces audio
* Comfortable fit to minimize fatigue from long periods of use
* High durability that withstands demanding conditions and touring“Our engineers put great care and thought into every aspect of our product line; from our scratch emulation technology to headphone features, we place a strong emphasis on design, sound quality, and overall performance.” said Matt Dever, vice president of Pioneer’s Professional Sound and Visual Division. “These new headphones are a testament to our dedication to elevating the user and artist experience.”
Accurate Sound Quality
The headphone is uniquely designed to improve sound quality and reliability-perfect for use in DJ environments and studios.* Thick 35?? Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) diaphragm improves rigidity and strength needed for better lower frequency response.
* PET material used in the diaphragm also helps to dampen unwanted resonance.
* Wide frequency response with high clarity and detail results from a large 50mm driver, ideal for all types of music.
Additionally, the headphones have an enclosed “over-ear” design with ear pads that seal around the user’s ears, reducing ambient noise and providing superior sound isolation for tracking in a loud club environment or a studio. The ear pad’s unique material, memory foam (Polyurethane foam), provides a tight yet comfortable seal, further enhancing sound reproduction especially in the mid to high frequency ranges.Maximum Comfort for Extended Wear
The HDJ-2000’s lightweight construction and soft comfortable ear pads are ideal for long listening/recording sessions and reduce the well-known phenomenon of “headphone fatigue.” The headphones feature:* “Protein Leather”1 Wrapped Pads - provide durability while making long use of the headphones more comfortable.
* Low-rebound memory foam2 - used inside the ear pads and head pad, contouring to the shape of the head and maintaining a snug fit.
* Magnesium alloy components - used in the main body components to achieve both a lightweight and durable design to minimize stress on the user’s head and ensure comfortable DJ play.Sturdy, Stylish Design and Construction
The HDJ-2000 employs a Mini XLR connection to join the main body with the nearly ten feet of cable to achieve both a quality “sound” connection and easy replacement. With a new i-type hinge, a smooth and integral form has been achieved that naturally fits the hands at any time during DJ performance. The headphone’s ear pads have a spun finish aluminum ring that matches the design of Pioneer’s CDJ players’ “play/cue” buttons for a cohesive stylish design.Other Features
* Folding Structure: The headphones fold into a compact configuration for portability and storage.
* Swivel Mechanism: The ear cups turn 90 degrees for more convenient single-ear or on-shoulder monitoring use. A torsion system returns the ear-cup to its normal position after each use.
* Click Mechanism: Ear cups and hinges gently click into place to prevent inadvertent rotation or folding of the headphones during use.
* Mono/Stereo Switch: Combines the audio signal for single-ear monitoring.
* Carrying Bag: A soft pouch is included to protect the headphones when not in use.The HDJ-2000 will be available in December 2008 with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $450.
Specifications
Type: Tightly closed dynamic stereo headphones
Frequency range: 5Hz - 30kHz
Impedance: 36?
Maximum input: 3,500mW
Output sound level: 107dB/m
Unit type: 50mm dome
Plug: ø3.5mm 3P mini plus (Gold-plated, Screw-type)
Weight: 290g / 10.23 ounces (excluding cord)
Included accessories: ø6.3mm 3P plug adapter (Gold-plated, Screw-type), Carrying bag
Connection cord: 1.2m long single coiled cable (about 3m when straight)*1 Protein Leather: Synthetic leather developed jointly by Idemitsu Technofine Co., Ltd. and Komatsu Seiren Co., Ltd.
*2?Low rebound memory foam: Polyurethane foam that slowly moulds itself to a shape and recovers to its original profile.Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ equipment through its Professional Sound and Visual Division. Its DJM, CDJ and DVJ Professional DJ equipment is known for its high quality sound and reliability and is considered the industry standard at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world. For more information, visit www.PioneerProDj.com.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio A La Carte
As a result of the merger, SIRIUS subscribers can now pick up 50 choice channels for $6.95 per month. However, you have to have an "a la carte capable " receiver, which means new hardware for existing subscribers.
The Base package starts at $6.99 a month. Premium channels and any channels beyond your Base 50 will be an extra 25¢ / month. Your monthly package price never goes higher than $12.95 no matter how many channels you select.
See the whole list of channels to choose from on SIRIUS’ A La Carte page here .
Klipsch Icon V Exclusive to Best Buy
Best Buy continues to wield its giant sword in the home electronics market with exclusive offerings of the new Klipsch Icon V. The Icon V Series rings in at $950/pr for the VF-36 floorstanders, $750/pr for the VF-35 floorstanders, $300/pr for the VB-15 bookshelf speakers, $280 each for the VC-25 center channel and $330/pr for the VS-14 surrounds. Also coming from Klipsch will be two new Icon V Series subwoofers in January 2009. Read more
Best Buy will Aquire Napster
Looks like Best Buy is going to be getting a bit larger soon. With Napster being one of the largest digital audio retailers, Best Buy just couldn’t keep their hands off. It seems as though few changes will come, so Napster fans rest easy…at least for now. Read more
New Ipod Touch
Apple has unveiled the second generation Ipod Touch. It is packed with tons of great new features along with great stuff you already love and it’s cheaper. Go on over to apple.com to watch the guided tour.
