LA Audio File


KEF Introduces the New R Series

New R Series Incorporates KEF Blade Technologies to Produce Performance Approaching Reference Series Standards at Much More Accessible Price Points

Marlboro, N.J. – September 2, 2011 – To help celebrate its 50th Anniversary year, KEF, the renowned manufacturer of innovative, reference-quality loudspeakers, has introduced its R Series range of high-performance speakers. Featuring many of KEF’s latest innovations in premium high fidelity and home entertainment loudspeaker technology, the R Series seeks to make higher-end audiophile standards of sound reproduction more affordable. Fluent new Uni-Q® driver arrays combine with new bass drivers and several additional innovations to create a rich, spacious sound image of such accuracy that it approaches the benchmark standards of KEF’s legendary Reference Series.

“The new R Series strikes the perfect balance between superb sound quality and affordability,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The series incorporates many of the same technologies developed in our ground-breaking KEF Blade to offer those who appreciate great audio excellence a loudspeaker range that comes close to the performance of our Reference Series.”

The new Uni-Q MF/HF driver array ensures that midrange response is fast and clean, thanks to a braced magnesium/aluminum alloy cone, with KEF’s Z-flex surround smoothing the transition to the front panel and a sturdy, decoupled, die-cast aluminum chassis that prevents resonance being transferred to the cabinet. At the acoustic center of the midrange cone is the same sophisticated vented tweeter that endows the KEF Blade, the world’s first Single Apparent Source loudspeaker, with such pure HF response. With a large neodymium magnet and a computer-optimized dome structure so stiff that it operates pistonically over its entire working range, the upper registers are articulated with precision. To capitalize on Uni-Q’s point source characteristics, KEF’s “tangerine” waveguide helps to disperse the higher frequencies evenly across a wider angle to flood the room with an intricate and natural soundfield. Operating together as a single, perfectly integrated voice, the array as a whole delivers an accurate sound of great clarity.

The new bass driver is equally impressive. The combination of a massive vented magnet assembly and a large, lightweight aluminum voice coil driving a light, stiff and strong hybrid cone assures clean, deep and uncompressed bass output with excellent dynamics and power handling.

Inside the cabinets—available in a choice of classic, highly polished Piano Black and satin real wood veneer finishes in Rosewood or Walnut—every component manifests KEF’s technology prowess. Computer-designed crossovers allow the level of each driver to be fine-tuned for a smoother, flatter response. Constrained layer damping panels prevent cabinet vibration from muddying the mid-range and bass. Even the airflow through the reflex ports is managed using computational fluid dynamics to optimize acoustic integrity.

With nine elegant models including three floorstanding, two bookshelf speakers, two fully-specified and timbre-matched center channels, dipole surrounds and a powerful twin driver, 500 Watt subwoofer, the all-new R Series represents a decisive step forward in the enjoyment of music or movies. By incorporating the high end technologies of KEF Blade in a classically elegant format, R Series gives serious audiophiles surprisingly accurate reproduction that, in keeping with founder, Raymond Cooke’s philosophy ‘neither adds to nor subtracts anything from the original recording’. The range is a fitting tribute to KEF’s 50 years of innovation in sound.

The new KEF R Series will be available in October 2011.

The R Series range includes:

Floor-Standing Loudspeakers

R500 – Three-way floor-standing speaker; 5.25” Uni-Q driver array with 1” HF unit and 5” MF driver. Retail: $1,299.99

R700 – Three-way floor-standing speaker; 6.5” Uni-Q driver array with 1” HF unit and 5” MF driver. Retail: $1,799.99

R900 – Three-way floor-standing speaker; 8” Uni-Q driver array with 1” HF unit and 5” MF driver. Retail: $2,499.99

 

Bookshelf Loudspeakers

R100 – Two-way bookshelf speaker; 5.25” Uni-Q driver array with 1” HF unit. Retail: $1,199.99

R300 – Three-way bookshelf speaker; 6.5” Uni-Q driver array with 1” HF unit and 5” MF driver. Retail: $1,799.99

 

Home Theater Loudspeakers

R200c – Three-way center channel speaker; 5.25” Uni-Q driver array with 1” HF unit and 5” MF driver. Retail: $999.99   

R600c – Three-way center channel speaker; 6.5” Uni-Q driver array with 1” HF unit and 5” MF driver. Retail: $1,499.99  

R800ds – Three-way dipole speaker; Two 1” HF units with two 5.25” MF drivers. Retail: $1,799.99

R400b – Powered subwoofer; 9” bass driver. Retail: $1,699.99

For more information on KEF and the new R Series, visit http://www.kef.com/us.


Dish Network offers HBO GO® and max go®, PRESENTING More Than 1,800 on-demand movies and original series to online customers

DISHOnline 

DISH Network’s DISHOnline.com delivers HBO® and Cinemax® titles not available on Netflix’s online service

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - April 21, 2011 – DISH Network L.L.C. today announced that DISHOnline.com now gives customers instant, unlimited access to HBO and Cinemax titles not offered by Netflix’s online service. In connection with Home Box Office, Inc.’s new online video destinations, HBO GO® and MAX GO®, DISH Network customers who subscribe to HBO or Cinemax premium channels can now instantly watch nearly all of the respective current HBO or Cinemax programming inventory – most of which is available in high definition – at DISHOnline.com. Customers have access to more than 1,800 titles including Hollywood hits such as Avatar, The Hangover and Up In The Air, original content like award-winning series Boardwalk Empire® and True Blood®, as well as independent films, cult favorites and more.
“DISH Network is thrilled to be working with HBO to bring this broad collection of top-billed content to our customers for instant access at DISHOnline.com,” said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “DISH Network customers with an HBO or Cinemax subscription can also get new series titles after their premiere – plus bonus content including interviews, recaps and behind-the-scenes extras – none of which are available through Netflix’s online service.”

DISH Network customers who subscribe to the HBO or Cinemax TV packages can enjoy the respective online content any time and from any U.S. location with a broadband connection by simply logging on to DISHOnline.com, HBOGO.com or MAXGO.com. DISH Network’s DISHOnline.com is the only online video portal that gives customers the ability to integrate live and recorded TV with more than 150,000 popular movies, TV shows, clips and trailers into one easy-to-use-interface. For more information or to create an account, visit www.DISHOnline.com.


OPPO's NEW

Universal Audiophile 3D Blu-ray Player

OPPO BDP-95

OPPO BDP-95

Audio Board

ESS DAC

  • ES9018 SABRE 32-bit Reference DAC
  • Balanced XLR & Rotel Toroidal Transformer
  • SACD, DVD-Audio, HDCD, WAV & FLAC
  • 2nd Generation Qdeo Video Processing
  • 3D, Streaming, Wireless, eSATA & USB
  • Dual HDMI, IR In & RS232 Control

THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE

THE MOST ANTICIPATED BLU-RAY RELEASE IN THE GALAXY
IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR WORLDWIDE PRE-ORDER STARTING TODAY

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 6, 2011) – The most anticipated Blu-ray release ever – the Star Wars™ Saga – emerges from light speed this September 2011. For the first time, all six of George Lucas’ epic films (Episodes I-VI) are united in one complete set. Fans worldwide are able to pre-order now with online retailers.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release Star Wars in three distinct sets to meet the needs of every Star Wars fan:

  • Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray (9-disc Set includes all six films)
  • Star Wars: Prequel Blu-ray Trilogy(3-disc set includes Episodes I-III)
  • Star Wars: Original Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes IV-VI)

 

STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation, along with three additional discs and more than 30 hours of extensive special features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes, an exploration of the exclusive Star Wars archives, and much more.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray will be available for $139.99 US/$179.99 CAN and the Star Wars: Trilogy Sets for $69.99 US/89.99 CAN.  Pricing for each set will vary by international territory.

Flanked by a  legion of his finest  Imperial Stormtroopers, Darth Vader himself joined Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment President Mike Dunn at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to announce the release, vowing  “The forces of the Empire will be at your disposal to assure the success of this endeavor.’’

“The Star Wars Saga is the most anticipated Blu-ray collection since the launch of the high-def format,” Dunn said. “The epic franchise pioneered sound and visual presentation in theaters and is perfectly suited to do it again in the home, with a viewing experience only possible with Blu-ray.”

“With all six episodes available for the first time in one collection, this is a great way for families and home audiences to experience the complete Saga from start to finish,” said Doug Yates, Vice President of Marketing, Online, Distribution, Lucasfilm Ltd. “And with the quality of high-definition, Blu-ray provides the most immersive home experience possible.”

“The Star Wars franchise has been one of the most anticipated Blu-ray releases by Amazon’s customers,” said Bill Carr, Vice President of Music and Video at Amazon. “We think that Star Wars will be incredibly popular with our customers, and we expect pre-orders to be very strong.”

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTANMENT
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.


DISH Network First Pay-TV Provider to Give Customers Ability to Watch Their Live TV on Android Tablets

Free DISH Remote Access App Transforms Android Tablet into a TV

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Jan. 6, 2011 – DISH Network L.L.C., today announced that DISH Remote Access, the free application that gives DISH Network customers the ability to watch their live and recorded TV on compatible smartphones, tablets and laptops, is now optimized for the higher-pixel Android™ tablet screens.

DISH Network customers with a broadband-connected, Sling-enabled™ device such as the Sling Adapter™ – a small placeshifting device that pairs with DISH Network’s ViP® 722 or 722k HD DVRs – can enjoy live and recorded TV viewing on Android tablets.

“DISH Network is the only pay-TV provider to offer a true TV everywhere solution, and now we’ve optimized that experience for the larger screen size of the Android tablets,” said DISH Network Chief Marketing Officer Ira Bahr. “Now Dish Network customers can enjoy their TV Everywhere experience on tablets like the Galaxy Tab, as well as the dozens of new Android-based tablet devices soon to be introduced.”

In addition to TV viewing, the DISH Remote Access app also gives DISH Network customers with compatible DVRs the ability to browse and search up to nine days of programming, schedule DVR recordings, manage conflicts, delete shows on multiple receivers, and transform the Android tablet into a fully-functioning remote control.

The DISH Remote Access app for Android tablets can be downloaded for free through the Android Market. DISH Remote Access is also available on compatible iPad, iPhone®, iPod touch®, Android mobile phones and Blackberry® devices.  

For more information about DISH Remote Access, visit www.dish.com/tveverywhere.


 


Irvine, CA -- Jan 5, 2011 VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company*, revealed today plans to launch Cinemawide HDTV, 21:9 Cinema aspect ratio models that can display native 2.35:1 ("CinemaScope") movies without any black bars for a true cinematic experience. The ultra widescreen perspective displays movies as designed for the silver screen for an immersive movie experience at home. Each model also features VIZIO Internet Apps(VIA) in Cinema mode, which allows users to browse apps side-by-side with 16:9 Full HD content without any compromise in resolution or size. The 50- and 58-inch class size models are Edge Lit Razor LED HDTVs with Smart Dimming. VIZIO will also be demonstrating at their private CES showroom a 71-inch class size model with Full Array TruLED backlighting for the ultimate in performance.

All three models feature VIZIO's Theater 3D technology that delivers superior, flicker-free 3D performance that is up to 2x brighter and significantly reduces crosstalk compared to current Active Shutter LCD TVs and works in conjunction with battery-free, lightweight glasses. Theater 3D puts the burden of 3D processing into the TV, eliminating the need for cumbersome, complex, and expensive glasses. Compared to "Active Shutter" technology, VIZIO's Theater 3D offers up to 2x brighter picture quality without flickering. It also significantly reduces the crosstalk inherent in Active Shutter 3D which can cause eyestrain and headaches. Theater 3D eyewear is compatible with most 3D movie theaters.

"For movie-buffs, the Cinemawide HDTV series is a revelation and lets them watch movies as the filmmakers intended," stated Matthew McRae, VIZIO CTO. "The result is a significantly more immersive experience that fills your field of vision without black bars or loss of resolution. In addition, accessing favorite apps with VIZIO Internet Apps can now be a true side-by-side experience with 16:9 content for a full HD image right next to the VIA sidebar."

Cinemawide HDTV - Ultra-Widescreen
Most HDTVs have an aspect ratio of 16:9, or 1.78:1, and a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 often referred to as 1080p Full HD. This aspect ratio was a compromise between the more square formatting of older televisions (4:3 or 1.33:1) and the wider 1.85:1 aspect of many movies. A 1.85:1 movie on a 16:9 HDTV will still show some black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. Big-budget Hollywood blockbusters, though, are usually filmed in the much wider 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 aspect ratio. VIZIO's new Cinemawide HDTVs slot in between these "CinemaScope" aspect ratios perfectly with a 2.37:1 (21:9) aspect ratio. So whether you're watching 2001, Lord of the Rings, Kill Bill, Toy Story 3, or countless other movies, you can watch them in their original aspect ratio and without black bars. VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) Meets Cinemawide HDTV

With Cinemawide HDTV, using VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) is more seamless than ever. While watching a pixel-perfect 16:9 full HD image on the right side of the screen, users can simultaneously browse and use Apps on the left side of the screen. Search Wiki TV for the actor you just saw, Tweet about the movie you're watching, or even buy tickets to the new sequel through Fandango.

"Connected TV's are expected to account for 21% of Global TV Shipments in 2010, rising to 122 million units globally by 2014**, representing one of the most exciting areas of growth in the TV industry and ultra-wide aspect ratio TVs, such as 21:9, and will enable consumers to view their TV content and Internet content simultaneously in harmony," stated Paul Gagnon Director of North America TV Market Research, DisplaySearch.

With VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), top online content and services brands are available at the touch of a button, including: Amazon Video On Demand, Facebook, Flickr, Netflix, Rhapsody, Pandora, Twitter, VUDU, and Yahoo! TV Widgets. Additional Apps recently released include Fandango, iMemories, MediaBox, My-Cast, TuneIn Radio, Web Videos, Wiki TV and Yahoo Fantasy Football . VIZIO Internet Apps delivers unprecedented choice and control of web-based content directly to the television without the need for a PC or set-top box.

Navigating VIZIO Internet Apps is simple on all three Cinemawide HDTV models, using the included Bluetooth Universal Remote with a built-in QWERTY keypad. State of the art wireless Internet access is available through built-in Dual-Band 802.11n Wi-Fi, allowing viewers to enjoy the convenience of on-demand movies, TV shows, social networking, music, photos and more with just the push of a button.

The Best 3D Experience Gets Even Better... And Wider
VIZIO's Theater 3D technology uses circular polarization, similar to what is found in most 3D movie theaters. This technology offers a brighter, flicker-free image, handles fast motion without blurring, and has a wider horizontal viewing angle compared to "Active Shutter" technology.

By including four pairs of the lightweight and comfortable Theater 3D glasses with these TVs, VIZIO has eliminated two of the most common objections to 3DTV purchases: the need to wear bulky 3D glasses that require batteries or recharging and the need to invest in expensive additional 3D glasses so the entire family can enjoy it together. Two of the four pairs are specially designed to accommodate prescription eyeglass wearers. By incorporating all of the 3D processing into the TV instead of burdening the eyewear, as is the case with Active 3D, VIZIO Theater 3D enables users to wear comfortable, eco-friendly, battery-free lenses instead of Active Shutter glasses that are heavy, awkward, and require recharging and other maintenance.

Support for the Widest Array of 3D Formats
The entire Cinemawide HDTV line supports the widest selection of 3D formats to ensure compatibility across Blu-ray, broadcast, cable, satellite, and gaming. This includes Frame Packing, Side by Side, Top and Bottom, plus SENSIO Hi-Fi 3D and the RealD Format.

VIZIO's Leading LED Picture Quality
The XVT3D500CM and XVT3D580CM utilize VIZIO's Smart Dimming Edge Lit Razor LED technology. Smart Dimming intelligently controls its array of LEDs, which are organized in 32 zones. Working frame by frame, based on the content being displayed, Smart Dimming adjusts brightness in precise steps down to pure black (where the LED is completely off). This cutting-edge technology minimizes light leakage and enables a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 10 Million to 1, for blacker blacks and whiter whites.

The top of the line XVT3D710CM uses VIZIO's TruLED Full Array LED backlighting with Smart Dimming technology that is able to dim specific areas of the image, depending on what's on screen, resulting in the most incredible and life-like images that "pop" off the screen.

Advanced Audio
VIZIO Cinemawide HDTVs will feature SRS StudioSound HD - the ultimate all-in-one audio suite designed specifically for Flat Panel TVs. Years of excellence in audio, practical experience and patented technologies allow StudioSound HD to deliver the most immersive and natural surround sound ever using built-in TV speakers. The suite also delivers remarkably crisp and clear dialog, rich bass, an elevated sound stage and consistent, spike-free volume levels. StudioSound HD features optimized audio presets for movies, news, sports and music while also providing a built-in EQ toolset for peak audio performance.

VIZIO continues its leadership in bringing innovative technologies that transform and enhance the HDTV experience. The Cinemawide HDTV XVT3D500CM and XVT3D580CM will be available later this year.

VIZIO Cinemawide HDTV Series at a Glance

*Sources: Q3 2010 iSuppli and DisplaySearch Reports
**Report source: DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Feature Report

About VIZIO
VIZIO, Inc., "Entertainment Freedom For All," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company. In 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 selling brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and became the first American brand in over a decade to lead in U.S. TV sales. Since 2007 VIZIO HDTV shipments remain in the TOP ranks in the U.S. and was #1 for the total year in 2009. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics. VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target, BJ's Wholesale, and other retailers nationwide along with authorized online partners. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics, Fast Company's 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age's Hottest Brands, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, CNET's Editor's Choice, PC World's Best Buy and OC Metro's 10 Most Trustworthy Brands among many other prestigious honors. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.



DISH Network Rolls Out 3D Movie Selections  

Customers Ordering ‘DISH Cinema On Demand’ Movies in December Entered into Holiday Sweepstakes for Prizes Including 3D TV Set

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Dec. 16, 2010 – DISH Network L.L.C., today announced the rollout of multiple 3D movies available from DISH Cinema On Demand.

Beginning this month, DISH Network is giving customers access to a variety of 3D movies including “Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore,” “The Last Airbender,” “A Christmas Carol” and “Step Up 3D.” Additional titles coming in January include “Despicable Me,” “Shrek Forever After,” and “Saw: The Final Chapter.” These movies will be delivered in up to 1080p resolution.

To celebrate the introduction of 3D programming and the wide variety of on demand selections available through its DISH Cinema platform, DISH Network is hosting a “Home for the Holidays Sweepstakes” through Dec. 31. Each time a DISH Network customer rents a qualifying movie or event from DISH Cinema, they are automatically entered into a drawing to win prizes like a Sony® 46-inch LED 3DTV, Sony® Portable Satellite Navigation Systems, Sony® Webbie HD™ Cameras, FOX Family Prize Packs and more.

“DISH Network is giving customers the ability to experience the power of 3D from home with a variety of popular movies available on DISH Cinema,” said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “Our customers expect engaging video experiences, and we look forward to bringing them additional 3D titles as we expand our DISH Cinema platform.”

To enjoy DISH Network’s 3D movie selections, customers will need a 3D television set with compatible 3D glasses and a DISH Network ViP® 922 HD DVR. DISH Network’s 3D movies range in price from $5.99-$7.99 and can be ordered through the DISH Cinema interface by pressing “Menu” then “DISH On Demand,” or by tuning to DISH Network Ch. 1 or 501. For more information, visit www.dish.com/3D.



OPPO BDP-83SE Blu-ray Player

OneCall: Your Home Theater, Digital Camera, and HDTV Experts


Any comments or questions regarding the LA Audio File Web Site should be forwarded to webmaster@laaudiofile.com

Copyright © 1985-2010 L.A. Audio File.