|
...Continued from Page 5.
 |
| JVC |
|
Continuing the development of their D-ILA line of LCOS-style three-chip projectors, the professional end of JVC announced the new $11,999 DLX-HX1U model with impressive 1400x788 resolution in a native 16x9 format. The new model sports 1000 ANSI lumens with an 800:1 contrast ratio, plus the rather generically termed “Digital Image Scaling Technology”. Features include a variety of inputs including DVI/HDCP, component, S-Video, composite and HD15, RS-232C communications, manual zoom lens and full support for discrete codes.
|
| Sharp |
|
The rising popularity of TiVo-style devices and the resulting decline of VHS VCRs have resulted in a dilemma: what if you record something on the hard disk recorder that you really wanted to keep permanently? Sharp solves that problem with their new DV-HR300 combination DVD recorder and hard drive recorder. The $799 model can store 100 hours of programming on its 80 gigabyte hard drive, and then quickly transfer parts of it over to the built-in DVD-R/RW burner. The unit supports simultaneous recording and playback, has VCR Plus+, and comes complete with a firewire interface for transferring footage from a camcorder. Supported playback formats include DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD and MP3s.
The wide range of available DLP front projectors grows yet again with Sharp’s announcement of the XV-Z12000U (yes, three zeros). This $11,999 model utilizes Texas Instruments’ new HD2+ 16x9 chip and creates a contrast ratio between 3000:1 and 5000:1 with 900 ANSI lumens. The model also features 10-bit color processing, a 7-segment color wheel, 1:1.35 manual zoom, lens shift, and ALPS Technology, which is described as “a permanent optical system that gives...much more control over the contrast and brightness levels by providing three setting options...at the touch of a button”. Hmm.
A full range of inputs are available, including DVI/HDCP, and many picture parameters are customizable since as a 61-step color temperature adjustment, 6-position picture setting memory and configurable RGB gamma adjustments.
In a world of CRT televisions all branded with something containing the word “flat”, Sharp has decided to implement the x-factor... “X-Flat”. Available in 27 and 32 inch versions, the F830 series features velocity modulation scanning, 3-line digital comb filter, contrast enhancer, black level expander, V-compression, SRS surround sound, BBE sound enhancer and a number of other aural and visual enhancing technologies that were left up to the marketing department to name. The sets retail for $519 and $799 respectively.
|
| Onkyo |
|
Two new receivers from Onkyo feature the company’s proprietary Net-Tune functionality, for streaming MP3 files over Ethernet. The $1,500 THX Select certified TX-NR901 is capable of delivering 110 watts into each of its 7 channels and features composite and S-Video upconversion to component video. It also comes with a new IR/RF learning remote with an LCD display. The $1,000 THX Select certified TX-NR801 delivers 110 watts x 7 channels, composite to S-Video conversion, and comes with a learning remote control. Both models feature a full range of Dolby and DTS decoding formats, optical and coaxial inputs, HDTV-compatible component switching, multi-zone operation, 192kHz/24-bit audio D/A converters and adjustable subwoofer crossovers.
Onkyo’s higher end Integra line was present at CEDIA and introduced two receivers, the $1,800 DTR-8.4 and $1,400 DTR-7.4. Both are THX Select certified and feature similar power handing and specifications to the Onkyo models, but with additional items specific to custom installers such as an RS-232 port, 12-volt triggers, IR in and out jacks, more sophisticated multi-zone operation, heavy-duty banana plug posts and more.
| 
Previous page...
