Zanden Audio Launches New Reference 3000mk2 Preamplifier
Pure high-end vacuum tube audio is still going strong, as proven by Japanese company Zanden Audio, established in 1980, in Osaka, Japan, by amplifier design expert Kazutoshi Yamada. Zanden continues to surprise with beautiful products and, at CES 2017, the company introduced its new 3000mk2 preamplifier, part of its Classic series, replacing the input and output transformers of the original unit, and featuring a completely redesigned tube rectified power supply, among several other improvements.
Fraunhofer IIS Shows Immersive Sound Future with MPEG-H at CES 2017
One of the most important highlights at CES 2017 was at the Fraunhofer IIS booth, showing final versions of several MPEG-H solutions, in preparation for the rollout of the first broadcast services adopting the standard next year. On display was an MPEG-H enabled LG UHD TV, scheduled to be available this year, and the final version of the MPEG-H enabled 3D Soundbar reference design. Fraunhofer IIS also developed a trademark program for products incorporating its MPEG-H TV Audio System.
New Year Appointments Raise the Game at Solid State Logic
Solid State Logic (SSL) announced three key new appointments to its product management team as part of its strategy to accelerate the development of new products and updates for current ones. John Hourihane is the new Director of Product Management for SSL and becomes part of the senior management team; Richard Ferriday joins SSL as Product Manager of its Live Sound division; and Andy Jackson returns to SSL as Product Manager, Studios.
Dolby Laboratories and LG Electronics Announce First TVs to Support Both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Technology
At CES 2017, Dolby Laboratories and LG Electronics (LG) announced that, for the first time, LG 2017 OLED TVs will support Dolby Vision high-dynamic-range (HDR) technology and Dolby Atmos breakthrough audio in a new combined home entertainment experience with both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology through one product, supported by major studios and streaming services.
TIDAL Introduces MQA Streaming “Master Audio” Support
During CES 2017, TIDAL and MQA announced the much anticipated support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) on their streaming service. Until now only available on file-based downloads, the bandwidth efficient high-resolution audio format (HRA) is now available on a mainstream platform. TIDAL was previously the only music streaming service to offer a “higher-quality” subscription option. Those subscribers will now be able to access MQA encoded masters.
Knowles Launches New RAF Series Balanced Armature Drivers, Delivering Premium Sound in a New Design
Knowles Corporation launched the new RAF Series balanced armature drivers to improve how hearable and earphone designers create the next generation of premium headsets. Developed for wireless products, the receiver’s small dimensions and high efficiency make it ideal for a number of applications. The new RAF Series, including IPx7 models, enables greater flexibility to improve critical features such as audio quality, connectivity, battery life, and water resistance without sacrificing size or comfort.
HDMI Forum Announces Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification to Support 8K and Dynamic HDR
Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification supports a range of Higher Video Resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, Dynamic HDR, and increased bandwidth with a new 48G cable. Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification is backward compatible with earlier versions of the Specification, and was developed by the HDMI Forum’s Technical Working Group.
Conexant Showcases Next-Gen Voice as an Interface and USB-C Headset Solutions at CES 2017
In line with market trends, at CES 2017 Conexant is showing new hardware and software solutions designed to enable new voice-enabled AI assistant devices and next-gen USB-C type headphones. Conexant is showcasing its latest embedded hardware and software solutions designed to make it easy for CE manufacturers to develop new high-performance voice-enabled products and USB-C digital headphones.
Shenzhen Micro & Nano Institute License CEVA Audio/Voice DSP for Microphone Far-Field Voice Pickup Applications
CEVA DSP, a licensor of signal processing IP for smarter, connected devices, announced that Shenzhen Micro & Nano Institute (MNI) has licensed the CEVA audio/voice DSP for the development of a multi-mic voice processor targeting a range of intelligent hardware systems including robots, smart appliances and the smart home. CEVA DSP's will power MNI’s 360 degree voice positioning algorithm in their intelligent voice processor.
Consumer Enthusiasm for Connectivity to Propel Tech Industry to Record-Setting Revenues
Increasing consumer enthusiasm for the Internet of Things (IoT) and adoption of emerging technology will drive the U.S. consumer technology industry to $292 billion in retail revenues ($228 billion wholesale) in 2017, according to new research from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) unveiled in advance of CES 2017. Smart home devices, wearables and 4K Ultra HD televisions will help produce 1.5 percent year-over-year (YOY) growth in industry revenues.