Posts Tagged ‘Home Theater’

KEF T Series, Universal Wireless System Rocks “Hip Hop Paradise” on DIY Network’s Man Caves

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

KEF, the renowned manufacturer of innovative, reference-quality loudspeakers, will have several products, including the KEF T Series and Universal Wireless System, prominently featured in an upcoming episode of DIY Network’s popular show, Man Caves.

 

Hosted by licensed contractor Jason Cameron and former NFL great and current Fox Network NFL analyst Tony “The Goose” Siragusa, each episode of Man Caves features a complete transformation of an ordinary living space into the ultimate, one-of-a-kind “refuge” from every-day life for one lucky man. During the show, Cameron and Siragusa offer viewers’ tips and ideas on how to create a similar entertainment setting for themselves with do-it-yourself instructions for all homeowners.

 

In episode No. 704, DIY’s Man Caves crew creates a personal “hip hop paradise” out of an unfinished area of a home for a busy father who works as a DJ and helps produce music for hip hop artists in his spare time. To give the homeowner the best in sound, performance and style, Man Cave turned to KEF for the latest in loudspeaker technologies. KEF contributed an array of products, including T301 ultra-thin flat panel loudspeakers, a T2 subwoofer, a KHT3005SE home theater system, and a KEF Universal Wireless System.

 

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this project,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “KEF products are designed to deliver the ultimate listening experience, but at the same time, our products deliver that certain ‘cool’ factor that is perfect for any ‘man cave’.”

 

Episode No. 704 of Man Caves will air Friday, May 20th at 8 p.m. with an encore showing on Saturday, May 21st at 3 a.m.

 

For more information on KEF and the products seen on DIY Network’s Man Caves, visit http://www.kef.com/us

About KEF

KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, is a UK-based company that has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of stunning, audiophile-quality speakers for modern home theater, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products, distributed around the world, have won awards on both sides of the Atlantic. KEF is a brand name long associated with style, quality and technical innovation. Founded in 1961 by a British electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke on the banks of the River Medway, KEF is driven by a passionate belief in the power of innovation and quality. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF remains passionate about its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q® and ACE®. These characteristics, traditions and, above all, quality, secure KEF’s reputation as a world class manufacturer of the best speakers in the world.

 

About KEF America, Inc.

KEF America, a division of KEF Audio, offers loyal North American audiophiles a line of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry for quality and innovation. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America shares the same guiding principles as its British counterpart: ground-breaking design, exceptional sound and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. For additional information about KEF and its award-winning products and unique technology, please visit www.kef.com.

Media Contact:

Scott Moody, Director of Public Relations

Marketing Matters

Tel: 954-925-1511 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 954-925-1511 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Email: scott@marketingmatters.net

Web: http://www.marketingmatters.net

Wireless Speakers Made Easy: KEF Launches Universal Wireless System 2.0

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

KEF, the renowned manufacturer of innovative, reference-quality loudspeakers, has announced the launch of Universal Wireless System 2.0. Using advanced, proprietary technology to eliminate interface with potentially conflicting devices, the wireless system transmits CD quality sound to speakers and features enhanced software and a more powerful transmitter than the previous version. The KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 is compatible with the full range of KEF loudspeakers and most other brands of loudspeakers, and is available now for just $499.

 

“The KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 eliminates the hassle and aesthetic challenges of running wiring between receivers and loudspeakers,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “With its ease-of-installation and its versatility, this system is perfect for any home entertainment lover who is looking for advanced wireless speakers for virtually any setting or application.”

 

True to KEF’s 50-year heritage as one of the world’s leading innovators in audio technology, KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 delivers CD-quality sound throughout a system. There is no need for wiring between speakers, as the system includes two receiving units, each of which features a 50W amplifier that ensures rich sound with minimal latency.

 

To guard against interference from devices such as Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens and mobile and cordless phones, KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 uses a narrow signal band. Coupled with KEF’s advanced error correction technology, this results in exceptionally robust delivery of audio between the transmitter and receiver.

 

KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 also employs technology known as Advanced Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (AAFHSS) which guards against potentially conflicting transmissions. If a signal from devices such as wireless LAN routers, digital cordless telephones, mobile phones, or microwave ovens, the system “hops” to a different channel, keeping the signal stable. The process takes just milliseconds, so users don’t notice it is happening.

 

KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 dovetails perfectly with most audio speakers, and electronic components with 3.5mm standard audio jack connections. Primarily designed for home cinema enthusiasts who do not want AV wires trailing across the room to rear speakers, it is ideal for 5.1 home cinema systems, and a second KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 set can enable expansion to a 7.1 system, with no signal conflicts. KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 works with popular modern audio players such as PCs and iPods – allowing users to enjoy stored music collections on premium speakers.

 

Setup is simple. Users connect the transmitter to a sound source, and each of the two receivers to a speaker and a power outlet, and KEF Universal Wireless System 2.0 is ready to deliver sound – with no wizards to run, buttons to press or dials to turn.

 

To learn more about KEF and the Universal Wireless System 2.0, visit http://www.kef.com/us and www.kef.com/US/SurroundSound/Wireless/Wireless.

 

About KEF

KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, is a UK-based company that has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of stunning, audiophile-quality speakers for modern home theater, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products, distributed around the world, have won awards on both sides of the Atlantic. KEF is a brand name long associated with style, quality and technical innovation. Founded in 1961 by a British electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke on the banks of the River Medway, KEF is driven by a passionate belief in the power of innovation and quality. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF remains passionate about its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q® and ACE®. These characteristics, traditions and, above all, quality, secure KEF’s reputation as a world class manufacturer of the best speakers in the world.

 

 

KEF T-Series Take Home Gold from CEA Mark of Excellence Awards

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

KEF, the renowned manufacturer of innovative, reference-quality loudspeakers, has announced its T Series Flat Panel Loudspeaker line has been awarded Gold in the “Speaker of the Year” category by the 2011 CEA TechHome Mark of Excellence Award committee.

 

As one of the thinnest high performance home theater and flat panel audio systems, the KEF T Series complements today’s stylish flat panel televisions and offers serious audiophile quality sound from exceptionally thin speakers.

 

The CEA Mark of Excellence Awards program recognizes the best in home electronics products, services and installed technology. Winners of this year’s award were announced at the CEA Mark of Excellence Dinner Reception Friday, March 18 at EHX 2011 in Orlando, Fla.

 

“The T Series’ design is truly unique, and we’re proud to be recognized by the CEA Mark of Excellence Awards,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The T Series was designed to deliver superior sound in the form of a low-profile, ultra-thin flat panel speaker. By combining KEF’s legendary sound with this innovative design, we’ve developed the perfect flat panel loudspeaker for virtually any setting.”

 

The new T Series combines two landmark KEF innovations: a radical new ultra-low profile bass and midrange driver, and a large, fully vented new tweeter. Both the drivers and tweeter are incorporated into cabinets only 35mm deep, delivering true high-fidelity sound in a thin speaker that perfectly complements the aesthetics of the latest flat screen TVs. Sweet and pure midrange performance is assured by a new large diaphragm tweeter developed directly from the Concept Blade loudspeaker project.

 

The T Series also features KEF’s innovative Selecta-mount system which uses a clever internal connecting system to automatically adjust the crossover depending on how the loudspeaker is mounted, giving users the freedom to place the loudspeakers wherever they want and still enjoy great sound.

 

Judged by independent systems integrators, manufacturers, consultants and members of the media, the CEA panel recognizes the industry’s most outstanding products across 31 product categories, including home theater speakers.

 

For more information on the KEF T Series, visit http://www.kef.com/us/newrelease/tseries.

About KEF

KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, is a UK-based company that has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of stunning, audiophile-quality speakers for modern home theater, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products, distributed around the world, have won awards on both sides of the Atlantic. KEF is a brand name long associated with style, quality and technical innovation. Founded in 1961 by a British electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke on the banks of the River Medway, KEF is driven by a passionate belief in the power of innovation and quality. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF remains passionate about its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q® and ACE®. These characteristics, traditions and, above all, quality, secure KEF’s reputation as a world class manufacturer of the best speakers in the world.

 

About KEF America, Inc.

KEF America, a division of KEF Audio, offers loyal North American audiophiles a line of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry for quality and innovation. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America shares the same guiding principles as its British counterpart: ground-breaking design, exceptional sound and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. For additional information about KEF and its award-winning products and unique technology, please visit www.kef.com.

Media Contact:

Scott Moody, Director of Public Relations

Marketing Matters

Tel: 954-925-1511

Email: scott@marketingmatters.net

Web: http://www.marketingmatters.net

 

Company Contact:

Stephanie Scola, Marketing Manager

KEF America

Tel: 732-683-2356 x123

Email: sscola@kefamerica.com

Web: http://www.kef.com

KEF T Series Flat Panel Speakers Named CEA Mark of Excellence Award Finalist

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

KEF, the renowned manufacturer of innovative, reference-quality loudspeakers, has announced the new T Series Flat Panel Loudspeaker line has been named a finalist for “Speaker of the Year” by the 2011 CEA TechHome Mark of Excellence Award committee.

 

As one of the thinnest high performance home theater and flat panel audio systems, the KEF T Series complements today’s stylish flat panel televisions and offers serious audiophile quality sound from exceptionally thin speakers.

 

The CEA Mark of Excellence Awards program recognizes the best in home electronics products, services and installed technology. Winners of this year’s award will be announced at the CEA Mark of Excellence Dinner Reception held Friday, March 18 at EHX 2011 in Orlando, Fla.

 

“We are proud to have the CEA Mark of Excellence Awards program recognize the truly unique design of the T Series,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The T Series was designed to deliver superior sound in the form of a low-profile, ultra-thin flat panel speaker. By combining KEF’s legendary sound with this innovative design, we’ve developed the perfect flat panel loudspeaker for virtually any setting.”

 

The new T Series combines two landmark KEF innovations: a radical new ultra-low profile bass and midrange driver, and a large, fully vented new tweeter. Both the drivers and tweeter are incorporated into cabinets only 35mm deep, delivering true high-fidelity sound in a thin speaker that perfectly complements the aesthetics of the latest flat screen TVs. Sweet and pure midrange performance is assured by a new large diaphragm tweeter developed directly from the Concept Blade loudspeaker project.

 

The T Series also features KEF’s innovative Selecta-mount system which uses a clever internal connecting system to automatically adjust the crossover depending on how the loudspeaker is mounted, giving users the freedom to place the loudspeakers wherever they want and still enjoy great sound.

 

Judged by independent systems integrators, manufacturers, consultants and members of the media, the CEA panel recognizes the industry’s most outstanding products across 31 product categories, including home theater speakers.

 

Attendees to EHX 2011 can demo the T Series at the KEF Booth 1101A.

 

About KEF

KEF, a division of GP Acoustics, is a UK-based company that has earned a reputation as the premier manufacturer of stunning, audiophile-quality speakers for modern home theater, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF products, distributed around the world, have won awards on both sides of the Atlantic. KEF is a brand name long associated with style, quality and technical innovation. Founded in 1961 by a British electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke on the banks of the River Medway, KEF is driven by a passionate belief in the power of innovation and quality. Still occupying the same riverbank site, KEF remains passionate about its patented, proven technologies such as Uni-Q® and ACE®. These characteristics, traditions and, above all, quality, secure KEF’s reputation as a world class manufacturer of the best speakers in the world.

 

About KEF America, Inc.

KEF America, a division of KEF Audio, offers loyal North American audiophiles a line of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry for quality and innovation. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America shares the same guiding principles as its British counterpart: ground-breaking design, exceptional sound and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. For additional information about KEF and its award-winning products and unique technology, please visit www.kef.com.

Media Contact:

Scott Moody, Director of Public Relations

Marketing Matters

Tel: 954-925-1511

Email: scott@marketingmatters.net

Web: http://www.marketingmatters.net

 

Company Contact:

Stephanie Scola, Marketing Manager

KEF America

Tel: 732-683-2356 x123

Email: sscola@kefamerica.com

Web: http://www.kef.com

Onkyo Debuts Entry-Level AV Receivers With Internet, Network, and USB Capabilities at Much Lower Prices

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (2/10/2011). — Onkyo, a global innovator in hi-fi and home theater, has introduced a line of three new entry-level home theater receivers that include advanced networking capabilities and a ‘Made for iPod/iPhone’ USB interface for the first time at such low prices. Previously, these features were only available in the US on models with suggested retail prices of $899 and higher. The release includes the 7.2-channel TX-NR609, the 5.1-channel TX-NR509 and the 5.1-channel TX-SR309. The models designated ‘TX-NR’ are network-capable and all three have front-panel USB connections.

The two network-capable receivers support streaming PC audio and Internet radio, and provide compatibility with Windows® 7 and DLNA. The Internet connection greatly simplifies the process of providing future updates to the receiver’s firmware. These networking models can also take advantage of Onkyo’s free Remote App for iPod/iPhone to control the A/V receiver.

Onkyo has also introduced its UWF-1 Wireless USB Adapter that will be compatible with all Onkyo network-capable receivers with USB and introduced in 2011. It provides an IEEE 802.11b/g/n connection to access music on a home network.

This front-panel USB port also offers a direct digital connection for an iPod or iPhone, along with support for audio playback from USB mass-storage devices. In the case of the TX-NR609 the USB port even support album from your iPod/iPhone. All Onkyo receivers incorporate an implementation of HDMI® that includes compatibility with 3D video, HDMI Thru, and an Audio Return Channel. The latter allows audio content received via an HDTV’s tuner to be sent upstream via HDMI to the receiver, without the need for an extra cable from the display.

Other features shared by these models include PLL jitter-cleaning circuitry to preserve signal clarity; lossless Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™ decoding; an overlaid on-screen display for easy adjustment of settings; and a new front panel design.

The most advanced model in this group is the THX® Select2 Plus™-certified TX-NR609, the latest in Onkyo’s extremely popular line of “600 series” A/V receivers. When it comes to video processing, this receiver is the world’s first to employ cutting-edge Marvell Qdeo™ to upscale video signals to state-of-the-art 4K resolution. Regardless of the original source resolution, users will be able to enjoy smooth and extremely precise video images on a compatible high-resolution display.

Along with the aforementioned USB port, the TX-NR609 boasts six HDMI inputs (one located conveniently on the front), a Universal Port for Onkyo-branded peripheral devices, and a raft of popular digital and analog A/V jacks.

Another connectivity highlight on the TX-NR609 comes in the form of Powered Zone 2, which lets users play a different audio source in a second room equipped with stereo speakers. The TX-NR609’s 7.2-channel configuration includes two subwoofer pre-outs, enabling users to supply larger rooms with more balanced and powerful low frequencies.

The TX-NR609 features a PC-compatible analog RGB video input—ideal for gamers and fans of PC-based media. This input allows users to send the video signal from a notebook or desktop PC directly to the receiver, which then sends it via HDMI to a compatible display.

Among its audio-processing highlights, the TX-NR609 supports decoding for Audyssey DSX™. This sophisticated technology allows users to reconfigure the surround-back speakers in a seven-channel set-up as either front-height or front-wide speakers, creating a more immersive home theater experience with increased ambience. The TX-NR609 also supports Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz, which offers a similar front-height surround-sound option.

Ease-of-use is always a priority at Onkyo, particularly at the entry level. This is why the TX-NR609 incorporates a suite of Audyssey technologies—2EQ®, Dynamic Volume®, and Dynamic EQ®—to simplify set-up, and a new overlaid graphical GUI for in-session adjustments to settings. A stylish illuminated volume control knob makes it easy to adjust the volume in the dark.

The TX-NR509, meanwhile, offers an appealing choice to users who do not require the 4K video upscaling feature or the expanded surround sound of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. It offers 4 HMDI inputs and the same range of networking and superb audio processing as its higher sibling.

Rounding out this release is the most affordable model of all, the TX-SR309. This 5.1-channel A/V receiver is targeted at users who do not require the networking, Zone 2, or Audyssey equalization features, but who still seek a modern and budget-friendly home theater centerpiece. It features three HDMI inputs and high-quality TI Burr-Brown audio DACs, along with Onkyo’s proprietary advanced music optimizer and gaming audio modes.

With this current release, Onkyo aims to further cement its position as a trusted provider of high-quality, yet affordable, home theater receivers.

The Onkyo TX-NR609 will be available with a manufacture’s suggested retail price of $599; TX-NR509 at $399; and TX-SR309 at $299. The Onkyo UWF-1 wireless adapter will cost $39. All of these products will be available at retail in early April.

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

View online w/more photos:
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Parasound Launches Redesigned 5 x 250-Watt NewClassic THX Ultra 2 Power Amplifier that Can Cut the Cost of the AV Technology Treadmill

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO, (2/1/11) — Parasound, the San Francisco based supplier of premium audio amplifiers and components, has redesigned its Model 5250 power amplifier after six years as the flagship of its popular NewClassic family of products. The new Parasound NewClassic Model 5250 v.2 is ideal for home theater enthusiasts who want the performance of a very high-powered amplifier, while pairing it with an affordable state-of-the-art surround receiver that has all the latest technology.

The Parasound NewClassic 5250 v.2 offers the same THX Ultra 2 Certified, five-channel, 250-watts per channel power ratings as its predecessor, but with a more graceful front panel design, adjustable gain for each channel making it compatible with the preamp outputs of any AVR, and more than 60 other improvements to its operating features and circuitry.

“The NC 5250 v.2 provides a terrific solution for home theater enthusiasts who want great performance but worry about the cost of updating a new top-of-the line surround receiver every few years to keep pace with changing technology,” said Richard Schram, Parasound’s president and founder. “A high quality and powerful amplifier will never really become obsolete. Rather than spend $2,500 to $5,000 for a high power surround receiver every time technology changes, why not spend $800-$1200 for a lower powered surround receiver which has the same decoding and most of the same useful features, while connecting its preamp outputs to a 5250 v.2 to give the system a significant increase in audio power?”

Like its predecessor, the new Model 5250 v.2 delivers exceptional power output and low noise performance capabilities. With discrete power transistors, dual toroid power transformers, and large storage capacitors, the 5250 v.2 can deliver peak currents of 45 amps per channel, and sustain 385 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads. Despite this high-energy operation, the amplifier does not run hot, and is designed for cool running even in relatively confined spaces.

Unlike its predecessor, which had fixed gain at the THX reference level, the NewClassic 5250 v.2 allows independent +/- 10 dB gain adjustment for each channel relative to the THX level. This allows home theater systems to reach higher SPLs in very large rooms or when using less sensitive speakers. Plus, it gives custom installers greater control over fine-tuning of the system, especially when connected to an AV receiver. Additionally, the NewClassic 5250 v.2 has a new simplified and more effective audio turn-on trigger that eliminates the need for a separate sensitivity control. Also eliminated is the ground-lift switch, which has been rendered unnecessary by a new internal grounding scheme.

The Parasound NewClassic Model 5250 v.2 is now shipping to dealers, and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,850.

About Parasound: Founded in 1981, Parasound Products, Inc., is a privately owned U.S. company that specializes in providing affordable audio and home theater components to the critical listener. Parasound’s products are available from quality audio/video retailers, and select custom installation specialists. For more information, visit www.parasound.com or call 415-397-7100.

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Specs and photos on line. http://www.gspr.com/parasound/nc5250v2.html

Audioengine Introduces N22 Premium Desktop Audio Amplifier

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

DENVER, CO – October 22, 2010 – Audioengine today announced the release of the Audioengine N22 Premium Desktop Audio Amplifier. The N22 is a compact integrated stereo power amplifier and high-quality headphone amp. Connect your iPod, computer, and speakers or headphones for a great-sounding personal stereo system.

Versatile
Pair the N22 amp with the Audioengine P4 passives or your favorite speakers for a high-end mini desktop hi-fi music system. Connect a subwoofer via the variable line output and charge your iPod via the USB power port. Two audio inputs are standard so you can plug in your computer, iPod or stereo directly.

Upstanding design
The vertical design of the N22 with its integrated stand allows the 22 watt/per channel stereo class A/B amplifiers to run cool through passive convection without a fan or bulky heatsink. The N22 fits easily on your desk and doesn’t take up much space.

Headphone amplifier
For headphone enthusiasts the N22 includes a high-performance, low-noise discrete Burr-Brown/TI amplifier, which works well with all types of headphones and earphones.

Features

- Cool-running 22 watts RMS power per channel
- 2 inputs for iPod, iPhone, computer, etc.
- High-performance headphone output
- Variable preamp output
- USB charge/power port
- Gold-plated speaker connectors
- High-quality analog volume control
- Detachable power cord
- Power-saving idle mode
- Hand-finished MDF wood cabinet with integrated stand
- All cables included

- Recommended speakers: Audioengine P4

Pricing and Availability
The Audioengine N22 Premium Desktop Amplifier retails for US$199 and the companion P4 Passive Speakers start at US$249 per pair. Both are available from an authorized Audioengine reseller or online direct from www.audioengineusa.com

About Audioengine

Audioengine designs and builds innovative audio products with all your music in mind. Great sound, simple setup, and useful features at affordable prices is what Audioengine is all about. Check out our reviews and awards at: www.audioengineusa.com

Parasound Upgrades its Classic Halo JC 2 Preamp with Added Home Theater Bypass

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

The new Parasound Halo JC 2 BP allows audiophiles to use their high-end speakers and amplifiers for the left and right channels of a home theater system controlled by a surround receiver, or to switch back to stereo music under the no compromise control of the JC 2 BP’s stereo preamplifier circuits.

Press release with photos & specs:

SAN FRANCISCO (8/25/10) – Parasound, one of the audio industry’s top manufacturers of high-end audio components, has introduced a new version of the widely acclaimed, John Curl designed, Halo JC 2 stereo preamplifier. The new Parasound Halo JC 2 BP adds a home theater bypass function that allows this preamplifier and its companion power amplifier and speakers to be connected as the front left- and right-channels of a surround sound home theater system. The new configuration provides total performance and control in both modes without compromising the performance of either mode.

“When we started the JC 2 project I hugely underestimated how many people would want to blend a JC 2 into their surround system,” said Parasound’s president and founder, Richard Schram. “I put the idea to John Curl, and we eventually came up with a way to implement this without touching the L and R channel audio boards. The result is a perfect sonic duplicate of the original JC 2 with the added benefit of home theater bypass.”

The changes made to create the JC 2 BP included a modified potentiometer board and some clever new control software. Circuit board designer Carl Thompson revised the potentiometer board layout so that it is now equipped with four relays that short out the four-gang main volume control and both two-gang trim pots. Additional fixed resistors set the outputs to unity gain when the bypass mode is selected.

Any one or more of the JC 2 BP’s six inputs, including the two balanced inputs, can be assigned as a bypass input. A new front panel includes an amber Bypass LED to indicate when a selected input is also assigned the bypass function.

Parasound is including an entirely new and improved remote control handset with the JC 2 BP. In addition to fail-safe buttons to program the new bypass control function, its new shape and rubber coating improves stability over the previous model. Parasound has also been shipping JC 2s with this new remote control since July.

The Parasound Halo JC 2 BP will be available September 15 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,500. Parasound will also offer a retrofit to existing JC 2 owners for $500, including return ground shipping in the US. This way there is no penalty for existing JC 2 owners who want to update to the bypass feature. The JC 2 will continue in the line at its original $4000 price.

About Parasound: Founded in 1981, Parasound Products, Inc., is a privately owned U.S. company that specializes in providing affordable audio and home theater components to the critical listener. Parasound’s products are available from quality audio/video retailers, and select custom installation specialists. For more information, visit www.parasound.com or call 415-397-7100.

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Runco Expands Design by Runco Initiative, Offers Custom Paint and Print Options for LightStyle Series Projectors

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Further confirming Runco’s commitment to custom video, Runco FinishPalette provides personalization options from NCAA sports teams to original artwork.

Beaverton, OR – August 10, 2010 – Runco®, the leading brand in luxury display solutions, announces its exclusive color and printing solution, the Runco FinishPalette, for the Runco LightStyle series projectors. A new element of its Design by Runco initiative, Runco’s FinishPalette enables full-color, large-format projector design options, including licensed logos from your favorite NCAA® collegiate sports programs, a gallery of artist impressions and the option to custom print your own artwork. Complementing the new FinishPalette offering are 25 new, hand-finished signature paint colors, which are derived from the finest paint processes perfected on luxury automobiles, to create rich, exquisite colors and metallics. (more…)

New Runco Signature Cinema Projectors Dominate the High-End Private Cinema and Redefine Personal Luxury

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

The SC-50d and SC-60d round out Runco’s flagship projector category while offering a future-proof option for 3D at home.

Beaverton, OR – July 27, 2010 – Runco®, the leading brand in luxury video solutions for the home, has introduced the latest in high-end luxury projection with its new Signature Cinema SC-50d and SC-60d. With the introduction of the SC-50d and SC-60d, Runco has expanded its most prestigious line of custom built personal cinema projectors, the Signature Cinema Series, and solidified the company atop the high-end luxury home theater market. The SC-50d and SC-60d join Runco’s legendary SC-1 and offer the best cinematic experience available for the most sophisticated private cinemas.

As the buzz about 3D movies escalates in Hollywood and sports, and broadcast content becomes more readily available, discriminating homeowners can be assured the best in 3D at home is still to come. Runco’s SC-50d and SC-60d will provide integrators with 3D-ready projection that can support multiple formats including Active3D using active shutter glasses or passive-glassed-based solutions. In the coming months, additional 3D capability will be available from Runco which will be completely compatible with implementations of the SC-50d and SC-60d.

In concert with the prowess of the Signature Cinema Series, the Runco SC-50d and SC-60d offer exceptional product performance and provide integrators with a state-of-the-art product that allows them to offer their customers an extraordinary cinematic experience that surpasses even the most renowned public theaters because the product and room are custom built with the finest components to exactly match the owners’ specifications. The SC-50d and SC-60d employ a highly-efficient illumination system consisting of two UHP lamps, which offer brightness and redundancy. Combined with the unique and flexible engine design, the SC-50d and SC-60d provide better, richer color performance for pristine color accuracy. These benefits combine into a brilliant image that provides a spectacular color gamut and contrast, as well as unmatched color brightness, even on the largest screen sizes. This image performance has also the added benefit of a lower power draw than other projectors with similar or lesser, performance and produces less heat and noise.

For unparalleled reproduction of Hollywood’s 2.35:1 CinemaScope standard the SC-50d and SC-60d are available with Runco’s legendary CineWide with AutoScope technology. Selecting from multiple lens options that allow the flexibility for seamless integration into the most sophisticated, widescreen home cinemas, each Signature Cinema Series projector is custom built to suit the exact requirements specified for every client. The SC-50d and SC-60d feature a 1080p HD native resolution 3-chip system for the finest projection image and 16:9 native aspect ratio to match all digital programming including seamlessly switching aspect ratios for both 2D and 3D content for all media, including broadcast, film, sports and gaming.

Beyond perfect 2.35:1 CinemaScope reproduction, the SC-50d and SC-60d are the first Runco projectors to include Runco’s Smart Lens system with controllable motorized lens and iris that can be preset in memory to exact positions making it compatible with the highest-end home theater screens that feature both horizontal and vertical masking. This index zoom approach preserves the aspect ratio on any screen size.

The SC-50d and SC-60d both ship with Runco’s Digital High-Definition (DHD) external video processor controller. The Installer Dependent high-performance Runco DHD combines the industry’s most advanced 1080p scaling and processing capabilities with improved compatibility and ease-of-installation. Like all Runco products with the DHD, the SC-50d and SC-60d come with Runco’s latest ViVix processing for exceptional scaling, analog to digital signal conversion, and control via IR or RS-232. This award-winning processor offers a full calibration suite, including ISF calibration controls and useful BRiC (Backup, Recover, and Clone) tool. The DHD enables individual display calibration through the controller and eliminating the need to access the on-screen display controls.

“Custom crafted for the elite client who demands the very best projection that is future-proof and without compromise, the Signature Cinema Series has always been the flagship of the Runco line,” said Jennifer Davis, vice president of marketing for Runco. “The SC-50d and SC-60d are built from that iconic Runco heritage to deliver better-than-film quality and overall performance to complement the most sophisticated home cinemas in the world. These two new projectors join an impressive line of Runco product, to deliver an experience that is simply incomparable.  Our dealers and their clients will be wowed.”

Both the SC-50d and SC-60d are coupled with Runco’s PremierCare service program providing on-site calibration and two years of ongoing support from the Runco team. Runco’s Signature Cinema SC-50d and SC-60d will be available in Fall of 2010 with an MSRP of $88,995 and $98,995, respectively. Optional lens, CineWide, CineWide with AutoScope, and 3D accessories are additional costs.  Runco’s Signature Cinema projectors are available exclusively through the best dealers in the home theater business – the Runco authorized dealer network. For more information about Runco or to find a local dealer in your area, please visit www.Runco.com.

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