According to he manufacturer/designer—it looks like it's still a concept to me—the touchscreen hierarchical menu system will make it easier to setup and use than a normal AV receiver. I can see their point, but then... Wouldn't it be better to have no buttons or touchscreen at all in the receiver, and control it all from your iPhone, iPod touch, Zune HD, or whatever smartphone/tabletish device you choose? [Myphony]

Computing & Peripherals

• HP Officejet Pro L7680 All-in-One w/ Bluetooth Dongle & HP Photo Book for $139.99 (Recertified) (normally $220 - valid today only).

• Samsung 2433BW 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $259.99 plus free shipping (normally $300 - valid until 12/31. Use rebate form).

• Canon PIXMA MP190 All-In-One Inkjet Printer for $19.99 (normally $60 - valid today only).

Flash Memory

• 4GB Cruzer Micro Flash Drive for $8.99 plus free shipping (normally $15).

• Patriot Xporter XT 32GB USB Flash Drive for $42.99 plus free shipping (normally $70 - valid until 12/31. Use rebate form and coupon code for EMCBCCGDA for $7 off).

• Emprex 16GB USB Flash Drive for 19.99 (normally $30 - valid today only. Use rebate form).

Home Accessories

• Electrolux Intensity Upright Vacuum for $139.99 plus free shipping (normally $205).

Home Entertainment

• Onkyo TX-SR575S 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver for $175.63 plus free shipping (normally $220).

• Sceptre X46BV 46" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV for $699.99 (normally $900 - valid until 12/31, or first 100 customers. Use rebate form).

Kitchen

• Frost Cutlery 13-Piece Kitchen Cutlery Set for $9.99 (normally $27).

• George Foreman XXL Family Size Grill for $33 shipped (normally $70. Use coupon code JOY15 for 15% off).

Toys

• Excalibur Wireless Indoor R/C Helicopter MicroFlyer for $21.99 plus free shipping (normally $30).

Hobomodo

• SanDisk 4GB SD Extreme III Memory Card [3 Pack] for $0 (normally $60 - valid until 12/27. Must buy three and use rebate form). Updated: sold out.

• Sandisk 4GB Extreme III Compact Flash Card [3 Pack] for $0 (normally $60 - valid until 12/27. Must buy three and use rebate form). Updated: sold out.

Although we can only guess how it works, since he doesn't provide any description, it looks quite straightforward. The button itself slides through the top part of the remote, going through the different options available: volume, play and pause, record, etc. When it reaches a position, you can move the button to the left or right. For example, if you set it in volume, moving the button left or right will decrease or increase the sound level. It looks like something Bang & Olufsen could snatch the design for one of their TVs. [Inspiration and Creativity via Yanko]

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Projector: $2700.
Projector screen: $700.
Denon receiver: $1200.
Series 3 HD TiVO: $660.
Klipsch right and left floor standing speaker: $2500 ($1249 each).
Klipsch subwoofer: $500.
Klipsch center speaker: $450.
Apple TV: $330.
Professional installation: free

Total: $9040

It's not that bad, but come on Kevin, we were expecting a full Enterprise-themed home theater. What happened to the spend-spend-spend culture of the 90s? Where's the "dot com" here? Is this part of some kind of some cultivated shabby lifestyle? What's the deal, man? Put some of that money back into the economy, damnit.

[My HDTV Choice —Thanks Alan]

First and foremost you will need to get involved in a business that will qualify you for these types of deductions. Obviously that is easier said than done, and there is definitely a gray area with regard to what jobs will do the trick. Writing and music production were mentioned, but again, there will be other qualifying factors to contend with. But after that it is all sort of, kind of cake, baby! Hit the link for the rest of the tips. [Sound and Vision]

• HD video and 7.1-channel audio for the living room.
• HD video distribution and multi-room music for 12 additional zones.
• Sony ES receiver.
• 400-disc DVD/CD changer with management system.
• 160GB music server.
• Blu-ray Disc player.
• AM/FM/XM/SIRIUS radio tuner.
• Control4 technology for synchronized lighting, temperature control and security systems using large onscreen display (additional controls available through integrators.)
• iPod in-wall dock system, with content navigation.
• Middle Atlantic AXS shelf structure with three spaces for HD cable box, PS3 or other devices.

SONY INTRODUCES NEW RACK SYSTEM DELIVERING WHOLE HOUSE HD ENTERTAINMENT AND CONTROL

Next-Generation System Saves Time and Money for the Custom Installation Market

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2007 - Designed for faster and easier installation, Sony today announced a new high-end, fully featured NHS rack system that delivers whole house high-definition entertainment and control over movies, music, lighting, temperature and security systems.

The NHS-130C rack system provides 7.1 channel, high-definition home theater for the living room, plus HD video distribution and multi-room music in 12 additional zones. The system comes fully integrated with Control4 technology, which offers whole home automation by synchronizing lighting, temperature control and security systems through a large onscreen display. Integrators can choose to add any of Control4's vast array of keypads, wireless touch panels, and climate and lighting controls to operate the home's sub-systems.

The NHS rack also features an iPod® in-wall dock with content navigation and control, along with a Middle Atlantic AXS shelf structure for easy access to equipment and cabling.

"The NHS-130C model pairs a top of the line home theater system with whole home automation that can be fully integrated and installed in a fraction of the time normally required for custom installers to build and integrate the system themselves," said Neal Manowitz, director of marketing for Sony Electronics' consumer systems and applications division. "Because the system is already pre-racked and pre-integrated, installation becomes extremely simple, saving integrators significant time and money."

"Incorporating Control4's leading controller and operating system into Sony's pre-integrated home theater system brings practical, easy-to-use home automation solutions to any residence," said Will West, chief executive officer at Control4. "We are extremely pleased to work closely with Sony on this innovative approach to simplify installation and bring to life the digital home for a broader market of homes."

The NHS-130C system incorporates 7.1 channel surround sound using a Sony ES receiver with upscaling of video content to 1080p via HDMI. It includes a 400-disc DVD/CD changer with a management system, a 160GB music server, a Blu-ray Disc™ player, an AM/FM/XM/SIRIUS tuner, and the ability to add three auxiliary devices for connecting additional components like a high-definition cable box or a PlayStation® gaming console.

The system will be available this spring with a fully installed price that will vary based on the components added. Typical installations will range from $40,000 to $85,000. Information about the Sony NHS systems is available online at HYPERLINK "http://www.sony.com/newhome" www.sony.com/newhome. Homebuilders, dealers and installers should call 1-866-924-7669 for details.

By the end of January, 70 HD movies will be available for customers to rent and watch instantly. More HD movies will be added to VUDU over the coming months as the studios make their films available.

Playback of the HD movies will be instant provided the Internet connection to the home network is consistently 4 Mbps or greater. Those with lower or fluctuating
 bandwidth will experience some delay before viewing can begin.


VUDU customers will be able to rent HD new releases for $5.99 and HD classics for $3.99. The offering will include recent releases such as A Mighty Heart, Blades of Glory, and Hostel: Part II (Unrated Version), as well as classic such as the Star Trek franchise.

[Vudu]

It's almost infinitely configurable, or you can go automatic with its one-touch calibration. There are plenty of HDMI inputs and outputs, too, with 6 in and 2 out. Best of all, it pumped out some squeaky-clean audio with extraordinary power. Not bad for $7K.

Pioneer Showcases New Flagship A/V Receiver Outfitted for High End Home Theater Performance Like Never Before

DENVER—(BUSINESS WIRE)—

At CEDIA Expo today, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. unveils a new flagship A/V receiver; a sophisticated powerhouse that sets the benchmark for multi-channel sound in 1080p home theaters with pristine reproduction of emerging high resolution audio and high definition video formats. The Pioneer(R) Elite(R) SC-09TX A/V receiver features a reengineered "direct energy high HD" amplifier that takes advantage of ICEpower(TM) analog class-D amplification coupled with Pioneer sound tuning technology. Reinforced with proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities, the receiver ensures maximum high resolution sound reproduction of new audio formats, Dolby(R) TrueHD, Dolby(R) Digital Plus and DTS-HD(TM). A seamless user experience is achieved with a sizeable LCD screen on the receiver's front panel allowing users to navigate and control all connected devices as well as manage digital media playback.

The receiver's realistic sound quality is a result of a new professional build with premium, hand selected parts that harnesses the amplification power. The result is an impressive chassis construction, which truly realizes the audio and video engineering prowess of the new Pioneer reference A/V receiver. Pioneer outfitted the new receiver with enough connectivity options for an array of components as well as its industry-leading room tuning function for realistic surround sound performance in any room layout. It is one of the first A/V receivers to take advantage of new THX Loudness Plus(TM), which preserves an original sound mix for an accurate listening experience at any volume level.

"The evolution of digital home entertainment and rapidly growing number of high definition devices necessitate a component such as our new reference A/V receiver. The SC-09TX represents the pinnacle of absolute high end design and engineering in home theater equipment," said David Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Home audiences will see and hear entertainment that they never realized was possible - this is truly a new generation of home theater performance."

Designed as the centerpiece of high end home theaters, discerning entertainment enthusiasts gain the most realistic seeing and listening experience with the SC-09TX A/V receiver. As the industry's first to have home networking functionality, the SC-09TX allows users to enjoy favorite digital video, audio and image media files direct from a home PC to any room in the house for an entertainment experience like never before.

Powerful Direct Energy HD Amplifier

Pioneer developed the SC-09TX to deliver the absolute best-in-class high resolution audio reproduction. Current amplifier designs are no longer capable of handling the high power performance required for a memorable listening experience.

Engineers realized that notable ICEpower analog Class-D technology when combined with Pioneer's sound tuning technologies and super DSP room tuning results in a revolutionary new level of amplification typically found only in professional studios.

The exclusive Direct Energy HD Amplifier found in Pioneer's reference SC-09TX A/V receiver provides a staggering drive capability that realizes true multi-channel continuous power output (200W x 7 simultaneously) to achieve a level of surround sound performance with overwhelming accuracy and heart pounding HD entertainment.

The ICEpower analog Class-D amplifier boasts a unique design with raw digital power in a dense enclosure. By employing Pioneer DSP technology, the SC-09TX can deliver precise sonic reproduction that goes beyond traditional audio capacity.

"We are very satisfied with our collaboration with Pioneer and have enjoyed developing a dedicated, customized multi-channel audio power conversion solution for them. The multi-channel module is the very latest of ICEpower's developments - it is quite revolutionary in its technology," said Peter Sommer, President and CEO of Bang & Olufsen ICEpower. "We have worked hard to deliver excellent audio performance, power density and efficiency in this solution, and hope that the Pioneer customers will be able to enjoy a new level of sound quality with the new home theater system."

Industry Leading Processing

Pioneer's Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) is a precise room tuning function that ensures studio quality sound for an array of room configurations. With True One-Touch activation, the MCACC microphone immediately begins optimizing the acoustics in a room, making subtle adjustments to the connected speakers, neutralizing the sound field of the primary listening area with meticulous fine-tuning. Sonic performance is unlike anything previously possible in home theaters. With new Full Band Phase Control technology, the SC-09TX effectively eliminates "phase lag" caused by crossover networks inherent in loudspeakers ensuring audio arrives at the listening position in sync for a whole new level in accurate multi-channel sound reproduction.

Pioneer continues to lead sound processing innovation by incorporating the world's finest technological features to deliver smooth, natural sonic performance in consideration of the new high powered digital enhancement and ICEpower amplification. The SC-09TX is the first A/V receiver to feature Sampling Rate Converter (SRC), a high quality process traditionally used in professional audio equipment for sound studios. SRC is a key audio scaler that oversamples all audio signals to 192 kHz creating accurate time information of a sound field for jitter-free playback.

The SC-09TX excels in surround sound reproduction with the integration of a new volume control technology developed by THX. Consumers can take advantage of THX Loudness Plus, a new technology that ensures an audio mix is reproduced with full details and natural sounds at any volume level.

All movies, music and games are mixed at a reference level in-studio that is often too loud for home theater playback; however, reducing volumes can jeopardize the entertainment experience. Featured in the new Elite A/V receiver, home theater audiences can enjoy every audio nuance in movies, music and other soundtracks with THX Loudness Plus, which maintains the integrity of soundtracks when listening below the reference level giving the true impact of movies, music and games regardless of the volume setting.

As the first flagship A/V receiver in nearly three years, Pioneer engineers utilized hand selected, professional-grade digital components, notably the renowned Wolfson 192 kHz/24-bit digital analog converter (DAC). Approved by professional sound engineers, the addition of Wolfson DACs ensure significant prowess in Pioneer's new flagship model. Highly regarded among professional sound engineers, the SC-09TX boasts six Wolfson WM8741 D/A converters. By including the industry's most superior sounding DAC, entertainment enthusiasts, notably audiophiles, will recognize the high performance capability only found with Pioneer's new reference receiver.

High Resolution Audio Playback

As the popularity of 1080p home theater devices including, flat panel televisions and Blu-ray Disc players grows, the Pioneer SC-09TX A/V receiver delivers the full impact of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus multi-channel audio formats via HDMI. Internal decoding of these advanced audio formats provides audiophiles robust, vivid surround sound performance that has long been desired. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the full impact these new audio codecs deliver to the viewing experience with rich, realistic sound that illustrate on-screen imagery. Sports fans will be able to feel the impact of hard-hitting tackles when watching sports movies and musicians can distinctly hear the acoustic guitar when enjoying concert discs.

High Performance Build Quality

For uncompromised high resolution audio playback performance, Pioneer engineers set out to develop a strong, rugged chassis build that could handle the powerful amplification without hindering sound quality. The revolutionary chassis construction rivals professional A/V products with its state-of-the-art modular build. The unique Separated Power Block Design isolates digital processing and amplification blocks and prevents internal interference between each block while improving the receiver's overall operation.

The SC-09TX has an ultra rigid, separated construction for digital, analog, audio, and video sections and further insulates hand selected premium components with a dual chassis internal construction. Unlike any receiver before it, the SC-09TX delivers the subtle nuances of delicate sounds with accuracy that audiophiles have been seeking. The ultra-rigid separation brings the true excitement of HD film for videophiles that ensures dynamic, smooth playback for high resolution products. While featuring maximum connectivity and a higher power output, the receiver's depth remains unchanged allowing it to easily fit on traditional A/V racks.

Home Media Gallery

The Pioneer SC-09TX delivers the most impressive home theater experience with the integration of Home Media Gallery, Pioneer's exclusive home networking functionality that allows users to select and playback personal digital media files direct from a PC hard drive for enjoyment in stunning high definition. Through the receiver, users can easily access and stream digital media files directly from their home PC or laptop computer with Home Media Gallery's IP networking capability. It is also compliant with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Window and Apple computers video, Windows Vista or Windows Media Connect as well as Microsoft playsforsure(TM) DRM technology.

Enhanced Digital Connectivity

Pioneer continues to provide the most robust entertainment connectivity with the SC-09TX:

— Sirius(R) and XM(R) Satellite Radio: The new receiver
continues to lead digital entertainment options allowing users
to enjoy both SIRIUS and XM Satellite Radio crystal clear,
programming via dedicated connectivity to both a
SiriusConnect(TM) SC-H1 tune and XM Connect & Play(TM) antenna
(both sold separately; monthly subscription needed). Users can
access and control each satellite radio devices with the
unit's remote and large on-screen display capability. HD music
can be enjoyed with XM HD Surround broadcasts powered by
Neural Audio(R) in 5.1 surround sound

— Advanced iPod Operation: Users can navigate and select
personalized music and video playlists from their iPod(R) with
the SC-09TX. The receiver supports LPCM audio transmission,
via an included cable, for a more vivid and natural sound
performance. Owners can control their personal digital player
with the receiver's remote control and on-screen display.

Taking advantage of its audio heritage, Pioneer incorporated an improved Front Stage Surround Advance 2.1 channel surround sound feature as well as Advanced Sound Retriever to process and improve the playback of compressed audio files including MP3, WMA and iPod(R) song lists to ensure a premium listening experience from the wide variety of new digital audio formats common to PC and internet entertainment sources.

The SC-09TX will begin shipping this winter for a suggested price of $7000.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group develops high definition home theater equipment for sports and entertainment junkies. Its flat panel televisions, Blu-ray Disc players, A/V receivers and speakers heighten the emotions created by great HD content. The company brands include Pioneer(R) and Elite(R). When purchased from an authorized retailer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Elite products. More details can be located at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

Pioneer and Elite are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.

HDMI is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

BLU-RAY DISC is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.

Microsoft and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

THX is a trademark of THX Ltd. which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.

Source: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Drivers: active 6.5" forward firing anodized aluminium cone (5" piston diameter) 2 x 6.5" side-firing passive radiators with aluminium cones (5" piston diameter)
ERS class D amplifier: 1200 watts Dynamic power, 600 watts RMS
Frequency response: 38-120 Hz +/-3 dB
Digital Dynamic Driver Control: yes
Phase: 0 or 180 degrees (selectable)
Low-pass crossover: 50 Hz - 200 Hz (adjustable), 12 dB octave, 48 dB ultimate
Auto on/off: yes
Magnet structure: 1.8kg
Voice coil: 2" dual layer
Inputs: speaker-level, mini-jack and gold plated line-level
Outputs: speaker-level (120 Hz high-pass crossover), mini-jack (through)
Subwoofer direct (crossover bypass): yes
Cabinet (hwd) includes grill: 22.9 x 22.9 x 24.4 cm
Warranty: electronics - 3 years (parts/labour) / driver - 5 years (parts/labour)
Shipping weight (approx.): 9.1Kg
Finish: black or white

The MicroVee will cost 575 ($1,138) when it's released this Fall. [What HiFi]

With the TransDock, it seems like you can keep your hands on the wheel all while charging your phone and fiddling with your iPod controls at the same time. With all these features, the $129 price point doesn't seem so outlandish. – Jason Chen

Product Page [DLO]

The NR905 also has HD radio reception out of the box, Ethernet for Internet radio, and PC streaming, as well as a USB port for thumbdrives, and HDDs, presumably holding MP3s. Room acoustic compensation, alters frequency and delay for up to eight listening spots in a room. No word on wattage, but the 905's "high-current power supply with a massive toroidal transformer" and Ultra2 THX certification are probably good enough.

The 7.1 receiver is The $2099 TX-NR905 and $1699 NR875 receivers have cheaper siblings, too. Budget models landing to fight Yamaha's day-old RX-V861 are the 805, and 705, priced at $1099 and $899 has four HDMI 1.3a ports, supporting lip-sync, and a wider color gamut (as long as your source and TV support it). They'll all have that remote control over HDMI protocol, in this case called RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI). Interestingly, they've gone to declare the tech'll work with Toshiba's CE-Link Regza TVs, and Panasonic's EZ-Sync TVs. That's good news the systems aren't totally proprietary.

We agree with John "Sheriff" Falcone's take that the next set of receivers worth looking at are the next crop of Denons. As for Onkyo, more impressions from Louis Ramirez, later today.–Brian Lam

Onkyo Home Page [Onkyo]

Onkyo Announces New Features to be Available on High-End THX Certified A/V Receivers

New features include HDMI 1.3a, Reon-HQV™ HD video scaling, HD radio, Ethernet and USB connections, Neural-THX Surround™

Onkyo TX-SR805 THX Ultra2 receciver. Click any photo for high resolution JPEG images.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (4/24/07) — Onkyo has announced four new THX Certified receiver models to be introduced beginning this spring, incorporating a range of high-end features and core performance improvements designed to deliver the highest levels of performance available. These new THX Certified Onkyo A/V receivers will feature HDMI 1.3a compatibility, including internal decoding for DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. Each will also feature a sophisticated set of internal video processing capabilities, with two of the models boasting the first inclusion of Reon-VX HQV processing in an A/V receiver. Three of the new models, the TX-SR805, the TX-SR875, and the TX-NR905, each feature THX Ultra2 certification, while the TX-SR705 is THX Select2 Certified.

From early design concepts to product rollout, THX and Onkyo worked together to ensure every detail of the receivers were mapped to the THX performance standards. And THX engineers spent countless hours testing and analyzing the receivers for sound quality, usability and interoperability. Each certified receiver includes a number of proprietary THX technologies, designed to compensate for the acoustical errors that occur when movies, music and games are translated from the professional studio to the home environment.

All four receivers are both XM and Sirius satellite radio ready, and will feature a comprehensive range of audio and video connections, including HDMI 1.3a switching for three (TX-SR705 and TX-SR805) or four (TX-SR875 and TX-NR905) HDMI sources. The TX-NR905 will also feature a second HDMI output for even greater flexibility. Each receiver is capable of accommodating single-cable pure-digital audio and video transfer from HDMI sources, including 1080p and Deep-Color™ capability. Additionally, each model will include the company's RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol. This feature allows future integration of many system control functions between compatible components via the HDMI connection, and will also feature compatibility with Toshiba's CE-Link™ enabled 2007 Regza LCD TV line and Panasonic's EZ-Sync™ TV line, as well as similar protocols from other manufacturers to be announced later in the year.

Two of the new models, the Onkyo TX-SR875 and TX-NR905, will be the first A/V receiver models to include Silicon Optix's acclaimed Reon-VX HQV™ video processing. This sophisticated IC chip-based technology provides the receivers with current state-of-the-art video scaling and deinterlacing capabilities, including upscaling of all video sources to 1080p for output over the HDMI connection. Additionally, all video sources will also be upconverted to HD output via the units' component video outputs to accommodate video displays lacking an HDMI input.

The TX-SR805, TX-SR875 and TX-NR905 receivers will all feature a new dual push-pull amplifier configuration, coupled with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit and top-of-the-line Burr-Brown DACs for outstanding efficiency and high current with very low distortion. Two of the receivers' seven channels can also be reconfigured for bi-amplification with compatible speaker systems. On the TX-SR875 and TX-NR905, these two channels can also be reconfigured for bridged operation with the front L/R channels for high power output.

Onkyo's new receivers will be the first models available to feature Neural-THX Surround™ decoding for broadcasts and gaming. This new surround sound technology allows for broadcast content to be transmitted in a two-channel format, and later decoded for up to 7.1 discrete audio channels, as well as enabling 7.1-channel audio support for many modern video gaming consoles.

For simplified setup, all of these models incorporate Audyssey Multi-EQ room acoustics correction, the most powerful built-in solution available for countering room distortion in dedicated home theaters. This technology uses an included microphone to detect and configure speakers in the room, and then adjusts each channel's level, delay, and crossover settings to best suit the room's acoustics. By incorporating measurements at up to eight points in the listening room, Audyssey Multi-EQ provides both frequency response and time domain corrections throughout the entire listening area, rather than just at a single position.

Additional features on the TX-NR905 include a high-current power supply with a massive toroidal transformer, built-in HD radio reception and a powerful set of networking capabilities for integrated home media systems. The receiver will include an Ethernet port for support of Internet radio and streaming multimedia, as well as additional control and multimedia functions to be announced later in theyear. There is also an included USB port to allow for the addition of USB-based portable audio players, and for the use of USB-based memory devices.

The Onkyo TX-SR805 will be shipping in May at a suggested retail price of $1099. The TX-SR875 will be available in June at a suggested retail price of $1699. The THX Select2 Certified TX-SR705 will be available in July at a suggested retail price of $899. The TX-NR905 will be available in August at a suggested retail price of $2099.