Audioengine Introduces New HDP6 Premium Passive Speakers
Audioengine, from Austin, Texas, could very well be called “the sensible audio company” because their products always make sense: they have great design, sound great, are reasonably priced and they match today’s consumer profiles perfectly. Audioengine knows wireless and computer audio well and knows how, increasingly, people listen to music on a desktop or in close proximity to speakers. For that market, Audioengine released a passive version of their HD6 powered speakers.
Sales of Waterproof Bluetooth Streaming Speakers Grow to 30 Percent of Category Sales
Is the Bluetooth speaker market saturated? It all depends of the sales pitch apparently. Simply being portable is no longer the argument. Consumers are now looking for specific functionalities that differentiate different models… and the time of year also helps. From June through August 2016, waterproof Bluetooth streaming speaker sales in the U.S. increased 137 percent versus the same period a year ago, according to a recent NPD market survey. Next up… Bluetooth speakers with built-in lights for the Winter?
ISOtunes Targets Workplace Environments with Noise Isolating Bluetooth Earbuds
Away from lifestyle, celebrity-endorsed or high-end enthusiast products, the mainstream headphone market still shows plenty of opportunities for audio manufacturers focusing on the needs of budget-conscious users looking for an effective wireless solution. Haven Technologies has recently launched its ISOtunes noise isolating Bluetooth earbuds, targeting noisy environments and promising a better user experience when listening to music and taking calls.
Crestron Delivers Whole Home Voice Control Via Amazon Alexa
As reported, CEDIA 2016 was dominated with announcements of partnerships with Voice Personal Assistant technologies, including Amazon’s Alexa. Crestron even made an announcement earlier this year that they would not be exhibiting at the CEDIA show, later to be confirmed that Crestron would share demonstrations with selected partners, such as Sonos, and shared a booth with Amazon in order to demonstrate how homeowners can now ask Alexa to control music, lights, temperature, video distribution and other custom automation possibilities.
Sony Unveils First 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player for Custom Installers and Expands ES Family of Audio-Video Receivers
At CEDIA 2016, Sony Electronics announced the addition of four new audio-video receivers to join their current ES flagship model, the STR-ZA5000ES. Designed specifically to meet the needs of custom installers, the STR-ZA3100ES, STR-ZA2100ES, STR-ZA1100ES and the new entry-level STR-ZA810ES, support 4K HDR capability and incorporate both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio. Sony also unveiled its ES Series 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player for custom installers, combining 4K video and Hi-Res audio.
Polk Audio Introduces MagniFi Mini Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer
Polk Audio introduced its new MagniFi Mini Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer at CEDIA 2016, combining Dolby Digital surround sound, Google Cast, and Bluetooth support on a new ultra-compact and very affordable home theater solution with a massive sound. The MagniFi Mini ($299) is an ultra-narrow sound bar design and includes a slim wireless subwoofer, ideal for small spaces like bedrooms and smaller living spaces, doubling as a complete wireless music system.
Auro-3D New StormAudio Division Reenergizes Immersive Audio at CEDIA 2016
Belgium-based brand StormAudio made its worldwide launch at CEDIA 2016 where the company unveiled its line of high-end immersive audio home theater processors and amplifiers. The Home Entertainment and Luxury Audio Division of Auro Technologies wants to push the boundaries of performance in audio electronics, introducing innovations in 3D audio processing and Immersive Sound, offering support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D immersive audio formats.
Bang & Olufsen Reimagines Wireless Speakers with BeoSound 1 & 2
Originally introduced at IFA 2016, the latest wireless speakers from the famous Danish brands also caused a positive impression at CEDIA 2016, even though the company had several other installation-specific announcements. With smart speakers and connectivity causing all the rage in Dallas this year, the new BeoSound 1 & 2 certainly surprised many by raising the bar on how flexible high-quality wireless speakers can actually be.
Sony Electronics Unveils First 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player for Custom Installers and Expands ES Family of Audio-Video Receivers
At CEDIA 2016, Sony Electronics announced the addition of four new audio-video receivers to join their current ES flagship model, the STR-ZA5000ES. Designed specifically to meet the needs of custom installers, the STR-ZA3100ES, STR-ZA2100ES, STR-ZA1100ES and the new entry-level STR-ZA810ES, support 4K HDR capability and incorporate both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio. Sony also unveiled its ES Series 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player for custom installers, combining 4K video and Hi-Res audio.
Lutron HomeWorks QS and RadioRA 2 Lighting Control Systems to Work with Amazon Alexa
Voice Personal Assistants are grabbing the AV industry’s attention for multiple applications. At CEDIA 2016, voice control is one of the hot topics, and Amazon’s Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) and the Alexa Voice Service (AVS) are allowing developers to build new capabilities for Alexa and integrate Alexa into their own products. Lutron announced Alexa integration with its control systems allowing users to adjust the lights, shades and temperature simply using voice commands.