Hot off the Word Processor!
Some Interesting new products Hit the Market. Or, "Hype - We've got
Hype..." (note: most of these items are taken from company
press releases or culled from other, similar sources. They're published
for your information only and the claims are those of the manufacturers
or their hypemeisters, not TechnoFILE - though we do manage to
slip in the occasional snide remark - editor)
News Archive
SIRIUS Canada Launches Satellite Radio App for BlackBerry
Rotel Offers AUPEO! Online Music Service in new Internet Radio Components
Media Decor Offers Elegant Solutions for Concealing Large Flatscreen TVs
Elegant New In-Wall Touchscreen Debuts from ReQuest
Bowers & Wilkins launches 800 Series Diamond
Tributaries® Introduces Duo of Power Management Solutions
Meridian Extends SpeakerLink Technology
SIM2 Combines With Entertainment Experience LLC To Deliver "Better Than Blu" Digital Home Theater System
Sonance Rocks On with New Outdoor Designs
Future Shop Launches new ConnectPro Service
JL Audio and Hard Rock Park create a new ride experience.
Canadian Independent Music Takes International Stage as SIRIUS Satellite Radio Broadcasts Exclusive Live Concerts from North by Northeast (NXNE)
Rotel Offers AUPEO! Online Music Service in new Internet Radio Components
North Reading, MA—April 5, 2010—Rotel, manufacturer of affordable, high-end electronics has announced an alliance with AUPEO! An intuitive online music service available in the USA, Europe, and Asia that streams high quality music over the internet. Rotel plans to integrate AUPEO! into their new internet enabled components which will debut in the summer of 2010.
With AUPEO! consumers can choose from more than 80 high-quality radio stations and can create personalized music selections based on Artist, Mood and Personal Stations. Once selected, AUPEO! saves the information and creates a music profile which suggests songs based on personal preferences. AUPEO! offers a free Basic Service that streams music at 128kbps per second and a Premium package offering higher quality streaming at up to 320kbps – the perfect match for the exceptional sound quality of Rotel's products.
Mike Bartlett says, “We are pleased to be able to offer this premium quality music service to our customers with our new Internet radio components. “Although the USA offers many different internet radio services, they are contractually constrained to America only. With AUPEO! we can extend this reach to customers in the US as well as Europe and Asia.”
“Rotel is a brand that is highly regarded throughout the world for their audiophile quality components and we are very pleased to be chosen as their online music service for the new Rotel internet enabled components," said Armin G. Schmidt, CEO of AUPEO!
About Rotel Electronics
Rotel audio products are known worldwide for their quality, reliability, value, and, above all, exceptional sound reproduction. Since 1961, Rotel has utilized the resources of its formidable international design team and has manufactured its products in its own sophisticated production facilities. Rotel proudly offers a complete range of electronics that have consistently received critical acclaim and coveted industry awards. With substantial investment in new technologies and manufacturing, Rotel is prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving specialty electronics marketplace.
About AUPEO!
AUPEO! founded in 2008, provides music lovers with high-quality radio stations for every taste and mood. With AUPEO! not only online at www.aupeo.com,, but also pre-installed in numerous netbooks, connected TVs, in nearly all web radio devices and many smartphones—users can enjoy editorially overseen artist and genre stations, compile their personal favorite programs and discover new tracks. In cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology, AUPEO! gives users access to stations tailored to individual moods. In addition to free basic programs, the radio provider offers exclusive premium access for
$4.95/month.
SIRIUS Canada Launches Satellite Radio App for BlackBerry
- Free SIRIUS App for BlackBerry(R) smartphones delivers more than 100 sports, talk, entertainment, comedy and commercial-free music channels to BlackBerry's popular Storm(TM), Bold(TM), Tour(TM) and Curve(TM) devices -
Free 14-day SIRIUS trial available to all users of the SIRIUS App for BlackBerry - Available at www.sirius.ca/blackberry
TORONTO, April 12, 2010 -- SIRIUS Canada, the country’s leading audio entertainment company, today announced the launch of its official satellite radio app for BlackBerry users in Canada. The SIRIUS App, available for free at www.sirius.ca/blackberry will allow SIRIUS Canada subscribers with a compatible BlackBerry device to stream more than 100 channels of SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s leading news, sports, entertainment and commercial-free music content over cellular and WiFi networks. Blackberry users who are not yet SIRIUS subscribers will be able to sign up for a free 14-day trial.
“We’re excited to launch our BlackBerry listening app for SIRIUS subscribers in Canada,” said Mark Redmond, President and CEO, SIRIUS Canada Inc. “Our mobile listening apps for the iPhone, iPod touch and now for BlackBerry smartphones give subscribers more choice of how they want to access SIRIUS’ unmatched sports, news, entertainment and commercial-free music content. This is also an excellent opportunity for BlackBerry users in Canada to sample SIRIUS programming with a 14-day trial.”
SIRIUS Canada’s new BlackBerry App follows the successful launch of its streaming app for the iPhone and iPod touch. The SIRIUS App was the number one free app on Apple’s iTunes Store four days after launch.
At launch, the free App will be available on the following BlackBerry models: - Storm(TM) 9530 - Storm2(TM) 9550 - Bold(TM) 9000 - Bold(TM) 9700 - Tour(TM) 9630 - Curve(TM) 8900 - Curve(TM) 8520 - Curve(TM) 8530
Free 14-Day SIRIUS Trial
BlackBerry users in Canada who are not yet SIRIUS subscribers can sign up for a free 14-day trial of the service. Following the trial, users will be given the option to become a SIRIUS subscriber. The SIRIUS BlackBerry app can be downloaded at www.sirius.ca/blackberry
About SIRIUS Canada SIRIUS is Canada's leading audio entertainment company with 120 full-time channels broadcast from studios in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and New York. SIRIUS offers 100% commercial-free music plus premium sports, news, talk and entertainment programming from North America's most recognizable and respected personalities and brands. SIRIUS offers listeners unparalleled coast-to-coast signal coverage and digital quality sound broadcast from four high-orbit satellites.
SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the CFL, NFL, NASCAR and NLL and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the CFL, NFL and NLL. SIRIUS is also the exclusive satellite radio home of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada Radio. In addition, SIRIUS broadcasts live NASCAR races as well as Barclays English Premier League and UEFA Champions League soccer.
SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 3,500 retail locations, including Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Centre Hi-Fi, Costco, Dumoulin, Future Shop, Home Hardware, London Drugs, Staples, The Source, Visions, Wal-Mart and 2001 Audio Video. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $14.99.
SIRIUS Canada's automotive partners include Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Pana-Pacific, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). SIRIUS automotive partners make up nearly 60 per cent of light vehicle sales in Canada. www.sirius.ca
Media Decor Offers Elegant Solutions for Concealing Large Flatscreen TVs
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL—January 29, 2010—Media Decor LLC (www.mediadecor.com), leading manufacturer of elegant solutions to discreetly conceal flatscreen TVs, believes that the perfect place for fine art is in front of your television!
As TV screens increase in size, the most popular location for placement tends to be a wall—but when the TV is turned off, it becomes a large, black glass object that’s difficult to hide. Enter Media Decor with three attractive designer solutions for concealing flatscreen displays behind beautiful framed artwork. Designers and homeowners can choose Moving Art on Canvas, Mirrors, and Art Lift systems, over 500 frame styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, and over 2,500 works of art available on the company’s website—or, alternatively, client-supplied artwork. As a free service to installers, architects, and designers, Media Decor also offers AutoCAD drawings with detailed instructions.
Moving Art Series
The patented Elite Moving Art is the most elegant solution. When the TV is turned off, it’s simply framed artwork. When the TV is turned on, the artwork silently disappears inside the top of the unit, transforming your TV into an elegant framed painting at the touch of a button.
The Moving Art frames require no special cabinetwork, and it can be flush- or surface- mounted to the wall around the object or area to be concealed. The Elite model uses a magnetic furling system for smooth performance and silent operation. Artwork scrolls up and down, and the Elite can accommodate screens of up to 80”. Prices range from $7250 to $12,350, depending on frame size.
Two additional options are available in the Moving Art series: Illusion, for screen sizes from 43” to 120”, priced from $4,610 to $16,490; and the value-priced Ecco, which starts at $1,495.
The Eclipse Art Lift is the ideal solution for homeowners who desire to showcase personal artwork or photographs. At the touch of a button, the frame moves out of the way for television viewing. The Eclipse Art Lift is the first and only system available that exclusively uses the Lutron™ Q Electronic Drive Unit, which provides silent, precise electronic lifting configurable for up/down or left/right movement—or, in the Dual Eclipse, artwork that splits in the middle and moves left and right. Media Decor Lifts can also be used to conceal wine racks, in-wall safes and more.
Retail pricing for Art Lift ranges from $5450 to $5750 depending on size of screen.
Mirage Mirror™
The Mirage Mirror™ is a visually appealing method of concealing a plasma, LCD, or LED flatscreen display in a room with subdued lighting. When turned off, the TV is simply a framed mirror; when the TV is turned on, the mirror is transformed into a TV. This unique patented design includes a silent drop-down curtain between the front of the TV and the back of the Beam Splitter. This increases the mirror’s apparent reflectivity, and requires no blacking-out behind the mirror when the TV is turned off. Pricing begins at: $5,200, with 40 choices of standard frames. More than 200 optional frames are available at additional cost.
At www.mediadecor.com visitors can view artwork and frame options, watch tutorials that will help guide them through the selection process, read helpful tips, and detailed instruction guides.
For more detail, please download a Media Décor brochure from. http://mediadecor.com/brochure.htm
Elegant New In-Wall Touchscreen Debuts from ReQuest
Ballston Spa, New York-October 2008-ReQuest, a leading manufacturer of digital media servers and whole-house entertainment systems, is introducing an elegant new control option. The ReQuest TS6 in-wall touchscreen is a compact, powerful controller designed to mount flush with a wall surface.
Measuring just 7 by 6 inches, the TS6 requires a mounting depth of only 2 inches. It features a full, 640x480-pixel, 5.7-inch diagonal touchscreen surface, and is easy to configure to provide full control of any ReQuest F-Series, N-Series, or iQ Intelligent Music System. The TS6 connects to a home network via a single CAT5 link and automatically finds any ReQuest server connected to the network. Unique to the TS6 is that it can be powered by a standard PoE switch or via an optional 48V external PoE injector.
According to Peter Cholnoky, CEO of ReQuest, "The new touchscreen offers ReQuest's powerful graphical user interface-a clear, highly legible, and impressively intuitive GUI providing full control of music, viewing of photos, and much more." Users can effortlessly browse collections, select and build playlists, change presets on the optional radio tuners (AM/FM, XM, Sirius, or network-streaming), and fully control connected cable or satellite set-top boxes. When used with the ReQuest iQ Music System, the TS6 offers control of one or more rooms in a home. It also provides access and display of installed ReQuest widgets-small applications that run on the host server in the form of local weather, stock tickers, and local security or remote web-cams.
By using open-source operating-system underpinnings, ReQuest ensures that the TS6 provides the flexibility demanded by the most adept custom installers. What's more, it incorporates such ergonomic touches as software-controlled LCD backlighting, a user-configurable dimming delay, onboard brightness control, and adjustable panel mount to provide the best customer viewing angle depending on the height of the TS6.
Availability: November 2008
Suggested Retail Price: $1,995
About ReQuest
ReQuest, Inc.'s home-entertainment systems have set the standard for high-end digital media storage, management, playback, and system integration since 1998. The Company's award-winning media servers are the accepted leaders in cutting-edge technology. ReQuest has received numerous accolades for having the best service in the consumer electronics industry, with an installed base of more than 30,000 units. ReQuest was ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the top 500 fastest-growing private businesses in America for two years in a row. For more information, visit www.request.com
Bowers & Wilkins launches 800 Series Diamond
Closer to true sound
January 2010- Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series has long provided the benchmark by which all high-end speakers are judged. Five generations of 800 Series have offered an unbeatable combination of outstanding performance, the latest audio technology and stunning aesthetic design. Now the 800 Series Diamond builds on that legacy, with vastly improved performance across the board and for the first time the inclusion of a diamond dome tweeter in every speaker in the seven-model range.
Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce the launch of the 800 Series Diamond. The first new incarnations of the legendary 800 Series for six years brings Bowers & Wilkins closer to the ultimate ambition of its founder, John Bowers – to create a transducer that truly neither adds to nor subtracts from the original signal.
The 800 Series has long been the world’s premier high-end loudspeaker range. Designed for the home, but offering levels of quality such that the most demanding recording and mastering studios in the world choose to use them. Abbey Road Studios in London and Skywalker Sound in California both use Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series.
The already unrivalled levels of performance are boosted by the implementation of Bowers & Wilkins’ famous diamond tweeter technology throughout the whole range, including the new 805 Diamond, a speaker that brings diamond tweeters into the range of more discerning listeners than ever before.
Further major advances in audio-critical areas provide the entire range with a dramatic leap forward in terms of audio quality compared to the outgoing 800 Series. The diamond dome tweeter is now a quad-magnet design, which increases efficiency and improves the dynamic range of the top-end performance. A new surround material aids dispersion characteristics, and provides a more stable stereo image while increasing openness.
At the other end of the tonal scale, bass performance has also improved with the introduction of a new dual magnet motor system, which utilizes powerful neodymium magnets. This innovative design improves the linearity of the bass drivers’ performance, therefore reducing harmonic distortion.
Serious work has also gone into the small details that combine to make a loudspeaker special. New Bowers & Wilkins-designed oxygen-free-copper speaker terminals and links ensure the signal quality into the speaker is the best possible. All models’ crossovers feature a new design of capacitor using a unique silver, gold and oil construction. This component, chosen subjectively by Bowers & Wilkins engineers, in itself provides a dramatic increase in sound quality.
Elsewhere, proprietary Bowers & Wilkins technologies such as Kevlar® FST™ mid-range drivers, Nautilus™ tube-loaded tweeters, Matrix™ enclosures and the unique sphere/tube heads on the two largest speakers in the range, remain as acoustically valid as ever.
800 Series Diamond is fully manufactured in the UK, at Bowers & Wilkins new cabinet factory in Worthing, West Sussex. All seven speakers feature attractive new design touches, and are available in a choice of three finishes: Rosenut, Cherrywood and a stunning new Piano Black gloss.
The 805 Diamond is possibly the most requested speaker that Bowers & Wilkins has never made… until now. This groundbreaking book shelf model sees diamond tweeter technology arrive in the most affordable, real world speaker yet, and brings this level of stunning audio performance into the reach of many discerning listeners for the first time.
The 804 Diamond is the smallest floorstander in the range, and has a similar footprint to the 805 Diamond when placed on the stand. And like the 805 Diamond it too benefits from the implementation of a diamond dome tweeter for the first time.
The 803 Diamond provides people with more conservative taste many of the benefits of the 800 Series Diamond’s range-topping models, but in a more traditional floorstanding speaker design. It has a significantly reduced footprint from the speakers above it, and utilizes three 7-inch bass drivers rather than the 802 Diamond’s twin 8-inch cones.
The 802 Diamond is the home-friendly version of the 800 Diamond. It offers many of the benefits of the flagship speaker, including the distinctive head unit, but with a reduced footprint for fitting into living environments. A new voice coil and bass realignment means that the 802 Diamond benefits from dramatically improved bass performance.
The 800 Diamond is the flagship of the range, and is the latest incarnation of the speakers used in Abbey Road Studios. This no-compromise performer is better than ever, benefiting from all of the series-wide developments, and featuring significantly improved bass thanks to a new voice coil and bass realignment, which provides fuller, and more consistent bottom end performance.
The new 800 Series Diamond also features two dedicated centre channels for home theatre use. The larger HTM2 Diamond is the perfect partner for the larger speakers in the range. The more compact HTM4 Diamond, which again sees the introduction of diamond tweeter technology in a real world centre speaker, is the perfect partner for systems comprised of 805 or 804 Diamond.
A number of speakers have been removed from the previous 800 Series in this new slimmed down range, including the 801D and any dedicated rear channel speakers; the latter, because customers usually chose 805s over these options.
Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond is available from February 2010, and priced as follows:
800 Diamond $24,000 per pair
802 Diamond $15,000 per pair
803 Diamond $10,000 per pair
804 Diamond $7,500 per pair
805 Diamond $5,000 per pair
HTM2 Diamond $5,000 each
HTM4 Diamond $2,500 each
To find your nearest Bowers & Wilkins dealer visit www.bowers-wilkins.com
Trademark acknowledgements:
Nautilus, Matrix and FST are trademarks of B&W Group Ltd. Kevlar is a registered trademark of DuPont. Copyright © B&W Group Ltd. E&OE iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Bowers & Wilkins has over 40 years of audio engineering experience. It makes the world’s most advanced home cinema, hi-fi and iPod® speakers, which are used by Abbey Road Studios and music lovers everywhere. Its New Media products redefine the audio experience for the digital consumer.
Tributaries® Introduces Duo of Power Management Solutions
New models use improved MOV technology, providing greater security for valued components
Orlando, Florida, February 26, 2009— Tributaries®Cable, the Florida company that sets the standard for high-performance, high-value accessories and cables for custom home audio and home-theater installations, is pleased to announce a pair of new home theater AC power managers that offer improved technology and added flexibility, rounding out the Tributaries line of innovative power products.
The new T100 and T200 feature extensive capacity by providing a cumulative power availability of up to 1800 watts. The new models incorporate a new Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) surge suppression technology that provides faster response time and increased absorption (up to 60% more current during a spike) over traditional MOVs. Key among the advantages of the new MOV design, is its ceramic casing—providing far greater protection from failure and offering faster heat dissipation so the accumulated temperature remains low. Also, because the temperature stays low during a spike, the lifespan of the new type of MOV lasts 10 times longer than a standard MOV. Additional surge suppression is provided for telephone connections and RF signal paths specifically designed for cable, satellite or antenna devices.
The T100 and T200 provide separate AC line filtering, electrical isolation and power conditioning for analog, digital and high-current components.
To ensure state-of-the-art protection for connected components, the T100 & T200 are engineered to provide over-voltage and under-voltage protection. If the supplied voltage to the T100 or T200 falls below 90 volts or exceeds 135 volts the unit will shut down. When the voltage returns to 95/130 volts, the unit will automatically return to its normal status.
Blue front-panel LEDs display the on/off condition of each outlet, while a digital voltmeter shows the AC line voltage (the T200 also has a digital ammeter). The T100 and T200 will automatically detect a polarity fault in the AC wiring and alert the user via a front-panel LED.
For added convenience, always with the installer in mind, both models are supplied with additional unique features; a circuit breaker reset button on the front panel, USB charging outlets on the front and back panels and a USB gooseneck light that can be plugged in front or back for equipment illumination. To prevent misplacement, the gooseneck lamp is made with a magnet for easy storage when not in use. And finally, rack ears are included at no additional charge
Dual-trigger input and single-trigger output 3.5mm jacks are provided for convenient connection and easy daisy-chaining of additional power managers or power strips.
To provide the assurance of safe operation and guaranteed quality, the T100 and T200 have been granted 5 UL® certifications including the most difficult to achieve, “Certification for Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors”, UL® Standard No. 1449. The T100 and T200 are both fully RoHS compliant and feature a 3 year parts & labor warranty in addition to a $25,000 warranty on connected equipment.
Both models are available now.
T100 (MSRP: $350) at a glance:
• 9 Outlets:
-4 isolated Always-on Digital
-2 isolated Switched-on Analog
-2 isolated Delayed-on High Current
-1 Always-on Convenience outlet (front)
• 1U rack mountable
• 4320 Joule Rating
• 2pr DSS/CATV protected lines
• 2 sec delay power switch for turn-on/off
• 12 volt DC trigger in and out
• Dimmable LED front panel control
• Front panel circuit breaker
T200 (MSRP: $500) at a glance:
• 13 Outlets:
-4 isolated Always-on Digital
-2 isolated Switched or Always-on Digital
-4 isolated Switched-on Analog
-2 Delayed-on High Current
-1 Always-on Convenience outlet (front)
• 2U rack mountable
• 5400 Joule Rating
• 3pr DSS/CATV protected lines
• 2-sec delay power switch for turn-on/off
• 12 volt DC trigger in and out
• Dimmable LED front panel control
• Front panel circuit breaker
About Tributaries®
Established in 1991 in Orlando, Florida, Tributaries® is an acknowledged leader in the design, production, and distribution of high-quality audio and video interconnect cables, speaker wires, accessories, and electronics. The company prides itself on its customer service, and has won the CE industry magazine Inside Track Supplier Loyalty Awards a total of twelve times in the past thirteen years.
For more information, please visit www.tributariescable.com.
Meridian Extends SpeakerLink Technology
Flagship speakers receive update and Legacy products can now be linked
Huntingdon, Cambridge, UK, 24th November 2008 -Meridian Audio Ltd., the British manufacturer of stunningly stylish yet technologically sophisticated digital audio and video systems, has extended its new SpeakerLink single-cable input/output communications protocol to its flagship Digital Active Loudspeaker model, the DSP8000.
At the same time, Meridian introduced a new installation accessory, the AC11, that allows earlier Meridian components, including processors, disc players, and digital loudspeakers, to integrate with the new SpeakerLink system.
SpeakerLink employs cost-effective and universally available RJ-45 Ethernet-style twisted-pair network cabling to make all digital audio, communications, and control interconnections between Meridian components. With SpeakerLink, a single, easily concealed wire is the only connection required to connect Meridian's DSP loudspeakers with the company's audio processors or audio-video sources.
"SpeakerLink is at once both simpler and higher in performance, which makes it a perfect statement of all things Meridian," says Bob Stuart, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Technology Officer of Meridian Audio Limited. "The AC11 makes integrating legacy models seamless," Stuart continues, "while the changeover of the DSP8000 signals our unreserved commitment to this superior new technology. Meridian remains at the forefront of innovation, providing solutions for our dealers while delivering, as always, the very best performance."
The new AC11 Meridian Component Interlink is a hub that interfaces SpeakerLink components with Meridian legacy models that employ DIN and/or BNC Meridian Comms ports and S/PDIF digital audio connections. The AC11 networks a complete system of components and loudspeakers using any of these connections, while further connectivity-including 12V trigger input, IR Out, and RS-232 serial port-provides for further system expansion, and enables integration of non-Meridian elements into the system.
AC11 Component Interlink will be available January 2009 with a suggested retail price of $995.
Sonance Rocks On with New Outdoor Designs
San Clemente, CA-October 2008-Sonance® is adding to its success in the great outdoors by adding three new models to its series of Landscape Series. Two new Sonance UV-resistant outdoor rock-like speakers, the RK83 and RK63 are engineered for new enthusiasts who like hearing their music outdoors from speakers that blend into the environment. The SoundHenge Redux is an enclosure created exclusively for the Sonance Mariner outdoor speakers. The finish options of Granite or Brown will weather the demands of outdoor life for years to come.
The Sonance SoundHenge Redux weather-resistant enclosure replicates a moderate-size boulder (18x14x13-inches) and is available in Granite or Sandstone to match local geology or individual taste. The enclosures accept any Sonance Mariner 50 or Mariner 60 range of rugged weather-resistant loudspeaker, a stereo-pair, or single stereo speaker configuration. The Mariner enclosure is fully contained within the SoundHenge Redux enclosure, which is formed and textured to blend into the background in backyards, pool areas, or wherever serious outdoor sound is required.
The RK63 Rock speaker is a 6.5-inch 2-way, roughly 10x11x14 inches and is rated for 100W maximum power handling; the 8-inch 2-way RK83 Rock speaker measures roughly 14x15x18 inches and is rated for 150W maximum.
All three new Sonance outdoor models feature rugged resin construction and aluminum and stainless-steel hardware throughout, for worry-free long-term exposure to any weather environment.
Suggested Retail Prices: Availability: December 2008
SoundHenge Enclosures: $275.00
RK63 Rock $435.00
RK83 Rock $700.00
Sonance Broadens Architectural Series
Future Shop Launches new ConnectPro Service
New ConnectPro Installation and Repair Services Helps Connect Technology Easily
(Burnaby, BC) July 15, 2008 - Future Shop, Canada's largest retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics, is creating the ultimate service experience by helping connect people with technology with little effort. On July 18, 2008, Future Shop will launch its new ‘ConnectPro’ service, allowing Canadians the opportunity to work with experts to custom design and perfectly install their home theatre, computer service and car audio.
“When you buy a home theatre system or a computer, you not only want it to blend into the décor of your home but more importantly want all elements to performing correctly. That’s where our professional installation ConnectPro expert teams come in to help optimize your electronics and entertainment systems,” said Mike Chuback, Vice President Services and Retail Training, Future Shop. “Our customers are asking for help connecting their technology and want it to be easy.”
46 per cent of Canadians consider technology to be an important in home décor
The challenge with technology for today’s homeowners is really determining how important it is to your décor and how comfortable you are in installing it. In fact, a recent survey* commissioned by Future Shop, and conducted by AskingCanadians.com, indicated that 46 per cent of Canadians consider technology to be an important component of home décor. This survey also indicated that the biggest challenge Canadians face when installing their own technology is time constraints at 43 per cent followed by lack of skills at 41 per cent.
From HD set up and gaming to even more complex set ups such as connecting a computer from another room to the home theatre system, the Future Shop ConnectPro experts will synch them up seamlessly. While aesthetics plays a key role, it’s also important to ensure the system works perfectly with all its components - surround sound, in wall or ceiling speakers and mounting flat screens at the optimal height.
Connecting families
Technology has now become the social foundation of families, couples and singles alike. In today’s constantly connected life, families are learning to use technology to get closer and remain active. Whether it’s playing games, watching movies or listening to music, seize the moment and let technology not be something to stress about, but instead, be something that brings you together.
ConnectPro at Future Shop
Future Shop’s ConnectPro proudly believes in delivering professional service experience to every customer. ConnectPro experts help connect technology with Home Theatre Installation, Computer Services such as set up, network customization, repairs, and Car Audio Services. Future Shop’s ConnectPro expert teams are thoroughly trained with certification programs, training in customer service and product connectivity to deliver a first-class experience. Appointments can be booked in-store or by calling 1-866-4CONNECT. For more information on ConnectPro visit, www.futureshop.ca/connectpro (as of July 18).
About Future Shop
With 133 stores across the country and the nation's premier web store (www.futureshop.ca), Burnaby, BC-based Future Shop is Canada's largest retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics. The company employs more than 10,000 technology enthusiasts, has enabled its website to deliver unparalleled content about the products it sells and host an online community forum for technology beginners and tech-savvy experts to exchange ideas, reviews, tips and other consumer electronics information (www.futureshopforums.ca). As a proud corporate citizen, Future Shop has developed solutions to recycle used electronics (see www.futureshop.ca/green) and is committed to employee volunteerism and supporting non-profits organizations dedicated to transforming local youth into Future Leaders (see www.futureshop.ca/community).
SIM2 Combines With Entertainment Experience LLC To Deliver "Better Than Blu" Digital Home Theater System
Denver, Colorado, CEDIA Expo 2008-September 4, 2008-Italy's SIM2, whose striking, high-performance HD home-theater projectors are known worldwide for their pristine video and dramatic cabinet designs, is partnering with U.S. firm Entertainment Experience, LLC to create the first "better than Blu" solution for high-end home theater installations. SIM2 and Entertainment Experience, which heretofore focused on unique digital media products for the commercial cinema, education, and hi-tech display market spaces, announce that they will begin offering a hardware-software content solution-including pre-loaded, fully licensed motion picture content-that delivers better-than-HD digital video performance to home buffs.
SIM2 and its partner will demonstrate this impressive new Digital Entertainment Solution home theater reference at the 2008 CEDIA Show in Denver, CO. "The time has come for top-tier home theater content to move beyond HDTV standards, to a format that can truly equal archival-quality film for visual content," says SIM2's VP of Marketing and Sales, Charlie Boornazian, "SIM2 already has the display technologies well in hand to allow us to begin migrating these technologies from the commercial digital-cinema world, while Entertainment Experience has the know-how and access to help make this a practical reality. Together, we are opening the next era of home-theater performance."
According to Jim Sullivan, ex-Kodak Digital Cinema exec and now President of Entertainment Experience, LLC, the collaboration with SIM2 offers the highest quality media solution on the market. "Now the most demanding video fans can enjoy all forms of entertainment media with the premium quality they have been looking for. We're confident that these discriminating, leading-edge consumers will agree with the many movie producers and creative directors who have seen the system: that it for the first time empower us to deliver a truly cinematic viewing experience in the home."
The Digital Entertainment Solution incorporates SIM2's C3X 1080 Full HD Home Theatre Projector, the world's smallest, and by far most elegant three-chip DLP projector. Capable of reference-grade home-theater imaging at up to 1920x1080p, this exceptional Italian design complements a Digital Entertainment Center provided by Entertainment Experience: hardware/software that stores, secures, manages and outputs the "Beyond HD" content. The center incorporates advanced video processing calibrated to the DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative) color standards recently adopted by most Hollywood studios and distributors, as well as removeable-hard-disk data storage to accommodate multiple DCI-standard motion picture titles ready for immediate playback. The system's audio-video signal processing pulls the system together in the home theater environment, allowing owners to easily integrate current digital media including broadcast/cable HDTV, Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and even Xbox gaming and media-PC systems, into the advanced Digital Entertainment Solution.
Digital Entertainment, LLC predicts that the solution's movie content ultimately will encompass more than 4000 major titles from multiple studio and distribution partners, which will be delivered direct to consumers via hard drives that may be swapped into the Center's drive-bays. Each movie occupies approximately 40-50GB of storage space, due to data rates up to 3x that of conventional HD of the future-proof DCI Color format defined by Hollywood for professional cinemas. When displayed via the state-of-the-art SIM2 C3X 1080, the net result is eye-popping clarity, contrast, and color-gamut fidelity. Despite its sophistication, users can easily navigate the system, and select titles on-screen using techniques already familiar to all from DVD-archiving and "Media PC" systems, then simply press "Play" and enjoy video and audio performance dramatically better than what's available from the local cinema. What's more, the Digital Entertainment Center , protects customers' existing technologies from obsolescence by supporting current video formats up to 1080p, and all major color and encoding standards including Mpeg2, Mpeg4, H.264, and VC1, and up-converting these to bit-rates as much as triple conventional HD rates, while incorporating full image and device security.
The Digital Entertainment Center's 18 video inputs encompass six 1080p/60-capable HDMI ports with HDCP, four SD/HD component, four each S- and composite-video, plus two HDMI outputs supporting resolutions up to 1920x1080p/60. Its exceptionally sophisticated 10-bit video digital signal processing provides for adaptive de-interlacing of both SD and HD sources, edge enhancement without ringing, and uniquely adaptive noise reduction, as well as extensive color and grey level calibration.
SIM2 and Entertainment Experience, LLC expect content to be available soon.
JL Audio and Hard Rock Park
create a new ride experience.
Miramar, FL-June 13, 2008-Hard Rock Park, a 55 acre Rock n' Roll theme park in Myrtle
Beach, SC, officially opened to the public on June 2, 2008. This brand new park
features over 50 attractions for rockers of all ages, including live shows, thrilling
rides, restaurants, live musical entertainment and more. The Park, which expects
to draw 3 million visitors annually, turned to JL Audio in their quest to create
an entirely new performance benchmark for on-board audio in four of its key attractions.
The goal was to immerse riders with clean, powerful sound that would rival a live
concert.
According to Andy Oxenhorn, President of JL Audio, "This has been such an exciting
project because it combines great music and top-flight audio quality to energize
the experience of these incredible attractions. The rides at Hard Rock Park will
expose millions of music lovers to the quality of JL Audio products and will encourage
them to look into our mobile, marine, and home audio products."
Three of the JL Audio-equipped attractions honor legendary rock bands: Led Zeppelin,
The Eagles, and The Moody Blues. A fourth ride pays homage to the "British Invasion"
of the 1960's. Each attraction will thrill riders visually, viscerally and audibly,
thanks to high-power JL Audio amplification and speaker systems built into the ride's
vehicles.
Led Zeppelin-The Ride is Hard Rock Park's signature rollercoaster, rising 155 feet
into the sky (15 stories tall) and boasting six breathtaking inversions, the largest
of which is a 120-foot loop. The thrilling drops and loops are all synchronized
to Led Zeppelin's classic hit "Whole Lotta Love," creating a truly revolutionary,
adrenaline-pumping experience for its riders. Each train features over 2000 watts
of JL Audio power driving thirty-two component speaker systems (one for each rider)!
The Moody Blues Nights in White Satin-The Ride offers a mind-bending indoor journey,
choreographed to a special version of the band's symphonic rock masterpiece. The
music has been re-orchestrated specifically for Hard Rock Park by Justin Hayward,
who originally composed the song more than 40 years ago. The ride incorporates sights,
sounds, smells and tactile techniques that immerse riders of all ages. The audio
portion of the multi-sensory experience is delivered by on-board JL Audio component
speakers and amplifiers.
Eagles "Life in the Fast Lane"-Hard Rock Park's longest rollercoaster ride belts
out the Eagles' hit "Life in The Fast Lane" during a classic "runaway mine-train"
experience. Each train accommodates 24 people and features over 2000 watts of JL
Audio power driving a JL Audio speaker in front of each seat to provide an amazing,
immersive sound experience.
Maximum RPM!-Located in the "British Invasion" portion of the Park, this amazing
attraction seats riders in Mini Coopers, each equipped with six JL Audio speakers
and one 600 watt amplifier, taking them on a wild rollercoaster experience. The
attraction includes an amazing Ferris-wheel-type structure that lifts the cars
and riders into place for the initial drop.
Each of the four attractions will display signs with the announcement that JL Audio
is the exclusive sound system of the ride.
About JL Audio (www.jlaudio.com)
Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, JL Audio is a high-end mobile, marine, and home
audio company hat has been manufacturing high-quality audio solutions for discriminating
listeners for nearly two decades where the company has earned worldwide acclaim
and achieved significant market share. JL Audio products are sold exclusively by
specialty retailers throughout the U.S.A. and distributed in fifty-eight countries
around the world. Recipient of numerous awards and accolades, JL Audio loudspeakers,
amplifiers and subwoofers have been awarded fourteen U.S. patents for innovative
audio technology.
About Hard Rock Park (www.hardrockpark.com)
HRP Myrtle Beach Operations, LLC, is designing, developing, and constructing; and
will own and operate Hard Rock Park, an approximately 55-acre rock n' roll theme
park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina under a long term license agreement with hard
Rock International. HRP Myrtle Beach Operations LLC is a Partnership between the
executive management team of Steven Goodwin, Felix Mussenden and Jon Binkowski,
who designed and developed the park's concepts and will be responsible for building
and operating the park; FHTP, LLC, a group of prominent local investors and community
leaders and a joint venture led by real estate developer Ziel Feldman and Amnon
Bar-Tur, Managing Member of SafeHarbor Holding, LLC; from New York and Africa Israel
Investment and Polar International Real Estate from Israel.
Adobe Releases Three New Public Betas
Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Soundbooth Now Available on Adobe Labs
SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 27, 2008 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today gave a sneak peek at three applications from the
next release of Adobe Creative Suite, its award-winning collection of graphic design, Web development and video editing applications. The
company released public beta of new versions of Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Fireworks and Adobe Soundbooth as free downloads on Adobe labs. Once
downloaded and launched, the betas will be active for 48 hours after which time only Creative Suite 3 customers will have an extended ability
to use the betas until the next release of Creative Suite becomes available.
The Dreamweaver beta for Web design and development, the Fireworks beta for prototyping, and the Soundbooth beta for audio creating and editing,
demonstrate the direction that Adobe Creative Suite is taking with features and technologies that will simplify and streamline design and
development workflows across all media. The betas also offer users the opportunity to give Adobe feedback for further product development.
"Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Soundbooth are the major applications we're unveiling as public betas before the next release of Creative Suite,"
said David Burkett, vice president of product management for Adobe Creative Suite. "This early release software gives our loyal customers a
taste of the radical workflow enhancements that we have in store, as we redefine how designers and developers collaborate to deliver stand-out
digital experiences."
"We're excited to begin formally developing within the new Creative Suite environment," said Matias Penela, director of technology for
AgencyNet. "Adobe is providing the strongest and most efficient workflow to date. With a plethora of new and improved tools for each software
title, our day-to-day development can be more effective and we'll be further empowered to push the boundaries of creative design and
technical innovation for our clients."
The Dreamweaver public beta includes a new Related Files Toolbar and Code Navigator feature that allows users to dive deeply into complex
pages that include HTML files, links to JavaScript documents and integrated XML data. Users can see related files in the Related Files
Toolbar and with Code Navigator make changes to code that appears in various parts of a document just with one update. The update to
Dreamweaver also features a new Live View Mode, which is based on the open source rendering engine Webkit. It enables users to see content in
real-world, real-time environments without having to leave Dreamweaver to preview in a browser. This feature also gives users the ability to
freeze JavaScript language to debug interactive pages as well as view and interact with Flash content.
New features in Fireworks beta include a new user interface that is now consistent with other applications within the Creative Suite making it
easier for users to switch between applications that now have a universal look and feel. In addition, Fireworks beta now allows users to
export design comps as high fidelity, interactive, and secure Adobe PDF documents for enhanced client communication. Fireworks beta is also now
compatible with Adobe AIR, HTML, Adobe Flash and Adobe Flex Builder so users can create their design once and deploy to whichever application
platform is required by clients.
The Soundbooth beta showcases a host of new features for creative professionals to complete their audio production tasks more efficiently,
including the new multiple track support which allows users to edit multiple audio clips on a number of tracks, and the new ability for
users to match volume levels across audio files. Also included is the capability to preview MP3 compression settings before saving them and a
new speech recognition technology that lets users create transcripts of dialogue tracks quickly and search them for words and phrases within a
timeline.
Availability and System Requirements
The Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Soundbooth betas, once downloaded and launched, will be active for 48 hours after which time only CS3
customers will have extended access. Using their CS3 product serial numbers, users will have the exclusive ability to unlock the betas and
use them for free until the next version of Creative Suite becomes available. Beta access will give users an opportunity to deliver
feedback, via Adobe Labs, for future product development.
Dreamweaver and Fireworks betas run on multiple operating systems, including Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Windows Vista and
Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or later on PowerPC G5 or Intel-based Macintosh systems. The Soundbooth beta runs on all those systems except for
PowerPC-based Macintosh systems. The betas can be immediately downloaded from Adobe Labs at www.labs.adobe.com .
About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit
www.adobe.com .
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