Sony Announces MDR-1000X Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Ultimate 'Signature Series' Audio Range at IFA 2016
Sony continued the High-Res Audio focus at IFA 2016, as shown at CES 2016 earlier this year. At the Berlin show, Sony introduced the new MDR-1000X Wireless Headphones with improved noise cancellation performance, while at the same time releasing its Ultimate 'Signature Series' Audio Range, combining reference MDR-Z1R headphones, NW-WM1Z and NW-WM1A Walkman players, and the TA-ZH1ES headphone amplifier. Unveiled for later release was Sony’s first hearable, the Xperia Ear.
HDMI Releases Alternate Mode for USB Type-C Connector to Support Delivery of Native HDMI Signals to 4K/UltraHD Displays with No Adapters or Dongles
HDMI Licensing, LLC announced that it is releasing the HDMI Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) developed by the HDMI Founders for the USB Type-C Specification. This will allow HDMI-enabled source devices to utilize a USB Type-C connector to directly connect to HDMI-enabled displays, and deliver native HDMI signals over a simple cable without the need for cumbersome protocol and connector adapters or dongles.
Griffin Unveils iTrip Clip Bluetooth Adapter to Wirelessly Connect Headphones to Any Smartphone
For all those users which are perfectly happy with their existing wired headphones and earphones but would like to have the convenience of wireless once in a while, Griffin Technology just announced a possible solution. The new Griffin Trip Clip converts any pair of wired headphones to wireless headphones, a simple yet powerful solution to wirelessly connect headphones, car stereos or home audio systems to any smartphone, for only $19.99.
Yamaha Expands TF Series Digital Mixer Lineup with New Compact Rack-mount Format
With the continuous evolution in digital mixers and audio networking technology, live sound is embracing more compact and affordable concepts, such as rack-mount formats, which can be controlled from computers and tablets. The concept is ideal for fixed installs in small venues or to be used on stage by musicians. Yamaha now announced the new TF-RACK, expanding its affordable range of TF series mixing consoles with this more flexible and convenient rack-mount format.
Sennheiser Launches PXC 480 Wired Active Noise Cancelling Travel Headphones
For all those that like to travel or focus on work using noise-cancelling headphones, Sennheiser has introduced the PXC 480 high-performance wired travel headphone. The new model shares the essence of the recently launched Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless, without the restrictions of shorter battery life. According to Sennheiser, the PXC 480 offers NoiseGard hybrid active noise cancellation, excellent comfort and an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours, making it the perfect travel companion.
Hearing More: First Impressions from Aalborg, DK
The 2016 Audio Engineering Society (AES) International Conference on Headphone Technology took place August 24-26, 2016, in Aalborg, Denmark, at the Nordkraft building - an old power station converted into a mix of community and events center near the city's new music center, Musikkens Hus. Approximately 160 registered participants had the opportunity to attend more than 40 paper and keynote presentations, while 20 companies promoted demonstrations. One of the most successful AES international conferences ever!
RIVA Audio Introduces WAND Series Multi-Space Music System
Audio manufacturer RIVA, the lifestyle brand of Audio Design Experts, Inc. (ADX) is at the forefront of Bluetooth speaker development and electroacoustic design with its patented Trillium audio technology. As previewed earlier at CES 2016, RIVA has announced the launch of its WAND Series, entering the whole-home audio space with new designs, allowing more connectivity options, high-resolution audio and extended support for streaming audio services.
Sonos Announces Expanded Partnerships for Connected Home Listening
Founded in 2002, Sonos is now present in more than 60 countries, and already supports dozens of streaming music providers. Still, the company’s networked home sound systems have remained a closed-garden concerning software and remote control integration. Now, Sonos wants to change all that and announced new partnerships with Amazon for voice control, a new level of software integration with Spotify, and control integration with AV control manufacturers such as Crestron, Lutron, Savant, Control4, and iPort, among others.
Yamaha Introduces R-N402 Receiver and MusicCast Wireless Multiroom Audio Solution
Yamaha wants to redefine the Hi-Fi experience at home with its MusicCast Wireless Multiroom Audio solution, now available in the new R-N402 integrated network receiver. This elegantly styled receiver combines Yamaha’s craftsmanship with the freedom of multiroom music streaming from high-resolution audio sources, music services and smart devices, at an affordable price. The R-N402 features a wide range of analog and digital sources, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AirPlay connectivity, USB, Ethernet and DLNA.
Sonos Endorses Lutron Residential Lighting Control System Integration
Whole-home audio integration is getting smarter. Lighting management systems specialist Lutron announced a new level of integration with Sonos distributed music systems. Lutron’s new Pico Remote for Audio allows direct control of Sonos’ Home Sound System, which can now be incorporated into any Lutron Residential Lighting Control System. But wireless control is just the start. According to Lutron, “the balance of light and music creates harmony and has the power to transform and transport us.”