While IMAX hasn’t revealed the cost of the system – probably as one of those if-you-have-to-ask-you-can’t-afford-it maneuvers – word has it the price tag is at least $1 million, but could be $2 million or more. The home theater option is only currently available to a select few, but those who buy it will be in possession of “the world’s most immersive and luxurious entertainment experience,” or so says IMAX, which will be decking its customers out with equipment and services you’d expect for such a high cost.

As far as equipment goes, the IMAX Private Theater will provide its customers with a “visceral” experience, offering both 2D and 3D video, as well as its sound technology for an audio system tailored to the room’s acoustics and geometry, meaning it is designed specifically for the customer rather than being offered as a one-size-fits-all system.

The process is quite involved, with the price including the cost of bringing in architects, designers, developers, and installers to get it all in place. The customer will get input into the home theater’s design, and the equipment and such will be built to accommodate it. Once finished, the system will be monitored remotely at all times, will have predictive maintenance, sub 5 minute customer support response times to problems, and more.

[via Slashfilm]

Both of the products use Harman Kardon’s high-current, ultra wide bandwidth amplifier design for audio performance. The receivers are also designed to support the latest high-definition audio and video sources featuring eight HDMI inputs each that support 3-D compatibility. Those HDMI inputs also support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats.

The 2700 is a 7.1-Channel surround sound receiver with 100 W per channel. Its eight HDMI inputs support 3-D, Deep Color, CEC, and Audio Return Channel. Other supported features include Dolby Volume and EZSet/EQ technology. The receiver is also DLNA certified and features integrated Ethernet capability. It also supports Apple AirPlay for streaming content directly from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. The receiver also supports 4K video pass-through and upscaling. The MSRP for the 2700 is $799.95.

The 3700 is a network AVR that offers 7.2-channel surround sound with 125 W of power per channel. It has integrated Wi-Fi and supports AirPlay capability. Since the receiver has built-in network connectivity, it can be controlled by an app that is available for Apple or Android smartphones and tablets. The receiver supports 4K pass-through and upscaling. It also features eight HDMI inputs and a pair of HDMI outputs. The 3700 also supports multizone functionality and carries an MSRP of $995.95.

[via Harman Kardon]

Other common features for the two receivers is support for high-resolution file format playback, custom installation features, and 4K Ultra HD compatibility. Both receivers can be controlled via the Pioneer ControlApp and iControlAV2013 app. The 43 series can be configured as a true 7.1-channel set up or a 5.1-channel set up with the two extra channels operating a pair of speakers in the second room for dual zone capability.

The receiver supports the ability to do things like watch a movie on the main zone and listen to music from a CD in the second zone at the same time. The 70 series offers the ability to use different entertainment sources in three zones at the same time. The second zone supports two speakers while the third zone supports an additional HDMI source.

The VSX-70 has eight HDMI inputs. Each receiver also supports Mobile High Definition Link connectivity and the front HDMI inputs on the receivers double as an MHL 2.0 input for MHL equipped Android devices. The VSX-43 will sell for $525 and the VSX-70 will sell for $750. Both receivers are available at Pioneer retailers now.

[via Pioneer Electronics]

The 100-inch screen combined with the ultra short throw laser projector creates a 100-inch full HD resolution picture. The system also supports LG’s Smart TV platform allowing access to streaming content on the big screen and more. LG has now announced the TV will be available in April.

As you probably guessed with a 100-inch Laser TV, the price isn’t exactly cheap. The LG Laser TV will cost $8999. LG says the TV will provide a brilliant home theater experience with a 1080p resolution image and 150 nits of brightness. LG promises that the image will “pop” even in a brighter environment. One of the big benefits of the LG system compared to a typical projector is that LG’s laser TV can be positioned near the floor or fastened to the ceiling whereas most standard projectors have to be ceiling mounted.

This gives users greater flexibility when installing the system. The laser projection system also has a long life span of 25,000 hours, which is about five times longer than a normal projection system will last between bulb replacements. The projector housing also has an integrated ATSC tuner, 20W stereo speakers, three HDMI ports, two USB ports, and an optical audio output. The projector also has integrated Intel Wireless Display and Wi-Fi Direct.

[via LG]

Toshiba says that the new line of products features a “new design identity,” which includes rounded corners, brushed metal, gloss finishes, and a minimalist aesthetic that makes the new products simple and easy to use. Toshiba says that the new design for its 2013 products will go right along with any modern and contemporary look in a home.

The new 9-series Ultra HD range comes in flavors of 84-inch, 65-inch, and 58-inch screen sizes. Also in the new lineup are 4-series, 6-series, and 7-series lines of new televisions. The 4- and 6-series are the companies new entry models for 2013, which are basic smart TV models that come in either 32-inch or 50-inch screen sizes.

The 7-series is a new line of 3D-enabled smart TVs that come in 40-inch, 50-inch, and 58-inch flavors. As for the new Cloud TV platform, there’s not a lot of information about it at this point, but it’ll essentially be a service that includes a handful of apps, as well as the ability to share content between multiple devices in the home.

Toshiba also announced three new Blu-ray players, all of which look more or less the same design-wise, but are slightly different from one another. They feature built-in WiFi, 3D playback support, smart TV functionality, including access to YouTube, Netflix, etc., and the design of the new players compliments the new range of televisions nicely as well. No details on pricing or availability, but we should be seeing these new products on the market very soon.

All of the home theater systems will be available in March. Pricing for the systems is as follows; SC-HTB770 SRP $399.99, SC-HTB370 SRP $299.99, SC-HTB70 SRP $199.99, SC-HTB65 SRP $179.99. Both the SC-HC70 and SC-HC65 systems have built-in subwoofers and both of the other models have Bluetooth capability. The other systems have wireless subwoofers.

All four computer models also have an easy, customizable set up helping to eliminate wires. The HTB65 home theater model supports two different placement methods allowing the user to rotate the sound bar 90° for a wall mount set up or placement on a TV stand. The HTB70 also has a four-way, multi-angle positional placement capability allowing user to set the speakers to the most suitable angle for their environment.

That system has an integrated sensor that detects the bar direction and switches the directional characteristics of sound to suit the layout. The HTB770 and HTB370 is a stainless mesh design and support both a modern horizontally mounted speakers and all wall mount set up. The speakers are detachable as well allowing users to create freestanding vertical speakers.

[via Panasonic]

All of those receivers share many of the same features. The new receivers have expanded iPhone, iPad, and iPod support allowing users to listen to their music store those devices and display album art and metadata when connected to a TV or other display source. The three top models in the range can play content from the iPad and charge the device with support for iPhone and iPod devices via cables.

One of the cables available does support the Lightning port on the iPhone 5. The high-end 1123 unit also has an interactive owner’s manual that helps users learn the functions of the receiver by automatically opening content about a specific feature on the receiver when the user presses a button and needs more detail. The 823 and 1023 receivers can also be controlled using smartphone applications.

On 823 and higher models, the receivers feature a MHL 2.0 input and the new receivers also support HTC Connect. The three top models of receivers support Apple AirPlay for wireless streaming from the iPhone or iPod. Other features of family include 4K Ultra HD Pass Through on all of the new receivers and the high-end 1123 is able upscale analog and HDMI video signals to 4K Ultra HD resolution. The new receivers will be available in March at prices ranging from $279 up to $629.

[via Pioneer Electronics]

This machine works with an ASUS P8Z77-V Pro Motherboard with the ability to connect to your peripherals with Thunderbolt. Attached you’ll find a lovely Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor (3rd gen, of course, Ivy Bridge it is), and 16GB DRR3-2133 memory. Your setup in its out of the box form will work with an NVIDIA GTX600 series graphics processing card and will be more than ready to take on all next-generation games throughout 2013 – and beyond!

You’ll find Intel 520 series solid state boot drives in this amalgamation of greatness along with up to three 2TB Hard Drives configured to be tough in RAID 5. Each system works with Windows 8 Pro and is ready and willing to act as your premiere home theater controller. The Raptor MultiPlex works with Digital TV tuners able to work with up to 4 recordings concurrently.

You’ll also be working with S/PDIF out for High Definition 9.1 Channel audio and will be able to play Blu-rays at 1080p via PowerDVD12. Most of these options are also upgradable – pick up an NVIDIA GTX 660 Ti, 670, or 680 if you’re feeling like you want to break out with the nicest of the nice. The base price for this setup is $1,849 USD, and you’ll be able to upgrade across the board straight from the Velocity Micro online shop – go big!

The device supports all popular audio and video formats in HD resolutions up to 1080p. The device has its own 1 TB integrated hard drive for storing all of your media such as videos, songs, and photos. The set top box also supports the ability to access and control your content using a smartphone or tablet.

The manufacturer also has apps available for various devices allowing your tablet or smartphone to act as the remote control for the set-top box. Other available hardware features include a pre-installed DVB-T/ATSC TV tuner allowing the device to act as a DVR for over the air programming. Thanks to the large hard drive and integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, the device can be used as network attached storage.

Connectivity options on the device include 3.5 mm audio I/O jacks, optical S/PDIF output, a VGA port, and HDMI port, integrated Ethernet port, and five USB ports. The device also has a single USB 3.0 port on the front and a memory card reader. The processor inside the box is an Intel Atom D525 and graphics are handled by a Radeon HD 5430 GPU.

[via Arctic]

Philips announced that it would sell its audio and video businesses to a Japanese company called Funai Electric Co. for €150 million. Philips says that it will focus more on its profitable home appliances and health care operations. Philips ditched its TV division last year selling it to TPV, a company based in Hong Kong.

Philips had posted a profit from its home entertainment division last year, but CEO Frans van Houten said that the business was freaking and was “margin dilutive.” van Houten also noted that the sale of its audio and video business completes the company’s repositioning away from consumer electronics. The company will continue to focus on small appliances such as shavers, toasters, juicers, and coffee makers.

Shedding the home A/V unit sent shares in Philips up 1.4% to €22.2, which is the highest level stock, is traded at since April of 2011. Philips continues to post strong growth in revenue from its healthcare division where the company sells home oxygen equipment, hospital scanners, and ultrasound systems.

[via Reuters]

The new design of the home entertainment systems were inspired by Sony’s own “Sense of Quartz” design used on the company’s Bravia line of televisions, that way users can have matching equipment if they happen to have a Bravia TV. The new systems also allow for easy wireless streaming of music through a smartphone or tablet.

Perhaps the most notable feature is the 4K upscaling that comes with the new N-series Blu-ray Home Cinema system. Of course, upscaling always takes away some of the quality, but it’s probably better than watching a movie at its native resolution on a higher-res display. Then again, you’ll need a 4K TV to take advantage of the new feature, but someday, right?

Sony is also touting the new Football Mode, which uses “acoustic data” that’s captured at a Brazilian football stadium, and makes it feel like you’re actually there in the stands. Essentially, Football Mode (soccer, for those Americans) allows you to cut the commentator’s voice when you simply want to focus on the action with no other distractions. Sony says that the new feature also supports other sports like rugby, tennis, and racing. No pricing details were given, but you can expect these new systems to become available in May.

The device also has a wireless subwoofer for improved bass response and better sound. The coolest part about these detachable side speakers is that not only are they wireless, but they are battery powered. Typically, with wireless speakers used in surround sound systems, you still have to plug the speakers into a wall outlet meaning they’re not truly wireless.

Phillips promises that its truly wireless and battery powered side speakers are good for 10 hours of use per charge. To recharge the speakers all you have to do is plug them back into the sides of the sound bar. That is very slick indeed. The sound bar has a pair of HDMI inputs, an optical input, and integrated Bluetooth.

The Bluetooth connectivity means you can stream audio from your smartphone and tablet directly to the sound bar from across the room. The sound bar also has an intelligent orientation sensor inside that recognizes if the unit is sitting flat on a shelf or has been mounted to a wall to automatically adjust sound for the best performance. The sound bar will be available in May at a suggested retail price of $799.99. That’s far from cheap, but this is an interesting solution nonetheless.

The projector has 3000 lumens of color and 3000 lumens of white brightness allowing for better image quality in rooms that have more ambient light. The projector supports full HD resolution content and supports active shutter 3-D viewing at 720p resolution. The projector supports picture size up to 300-inches.

Epson designed the projector to be placed in an entertainment center or mounted to the ceiling. The projector uses Epson’s latest RF 3-D glasses promising up to 40 hours of use with a full charge up to three hours of use with a three-minute quick charge. The projector has a 1.2 times optical zoom lens to allow for positioning flexibility and has automatic vertical keystone correction.

Connectivity options include component video, S-video, HDMI, and USB connectivity. The projector ships with a single pair of 3-D glasses and promises a lamp life of up to 5000 hours. One of the most interesting features of the new projector is that it has a surprisingly affordable price of $899. The projector will be available in late March through select dealers nationwide and online via Epson.com.

Belkin claims that the Thunderstorm is the “only truly portable, full-range stereo speaker system” for the iPad. We certainly can’t argue with them, as we’ve never really seen an iPad case that comes with quite a substantial speaker before. However, the case itself does add a little bit of thickness that’s a bit greater than most other iPad cases, but that’s obviously to blame on the added technology.

As far as sound quality goes, we definitely noticed an improved difference in the audio quality, and while we tested it out in a loud environment with a bunch of people chatting around us, the Belkin Thunderstorm provides a little bit of added bass that’s desperately needed for those who want a better experience when watching movies on the iPad.

The best part is, the Thunderstorm can connect to both 30-pin connectors or the new Lightning connector on the 4th-generation iPad. However, the added audio quality will cost you — $199 to be exact, and it’ll be available on Belkin’s website and Amazon later this month with Apple Store availability in February.

The lineup also includes the company’s flagship E-Series 70-inch class Razor LED Smart TV, and new 2.0 and 2.1 E-Series and M-Series sound bars. Vizio has pretty much loaded up their holiday lineup, which include HDTVs from basic 24-inch units, all the way up to 70-inch Smart TVs in order to cater to every consumer.

Vizio’s Smart TVs (which come in flavors of 70”, 60”, 50”, 42”, and 32”) feature built-in WiFi, as well as a handful of VIZIO-exclusive apps and instant access to streaming content from services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU, Hulu Plus, YouTube, and Pandora, as well as social media content such as Facebook and Twitter.

Vizio’s sound bars start at $99 for the 2.0 E-Series model, and go all the way up to $229 for the 2.1 M-Series unit. Vizio’s basic HDTVs start just $199 for the 24-inch model, while $399 will get you the company’s 39-inch LED model. Vizio Smart TVs start at $299 for the 32-inch variant, and they go all the way up to $1,999 for the 70-inch Razor Smart TV.

Don’t own a Samsung smart TV? You won’t be left out in the cold, as the joint announcement says that Spotify will be coming to Samsung’s Blu-Ray players and home theater systems as well. All you need to do is downloaded the Spotify app on you smart TV or Blu-Ray player, log on, and you’ll have access to Spotify’s library of 18 million songs. That is, provided you’re a Spotify premium subscriber.

Yes, it sounds like this app will only be available to those who have a Spotify premium subscription, but if you’ve yet to shell out the cash for a premium membership, you’ll have the opportunity to test it out with a free trial. There’s no word on how long this trial period will last, but we’re willing to assume that it will last just long enough for you to integrate Spotify into your day-to-day life before it cuts you off. That isn’t to say that signing up for Spotify premium is a bad idea, as premium members will have their playlists synced across their devices and get to enjoy ad-free listening.

Hopefully this is the first of many partnerships that see Spotify launching on a variety of devices. There’s no word on a solid release date for this app, which comes complete with an interface designed for large screens, but Samsung and Spotify say that it will arrive later this year. Considering there are only two months left in 2012, that means European users should be getting the app relatively soon. Stay tuned.

The contrast ratio for the projector is 500,000:1. Panasonic equips the projector with a new 220W Red Rich Lamp for increased red intensity allowing it to produce brighter images and deliver improved color reproduction. The projector also uses Panasonic’s Pure Contrast Plates to generate deeper blacks and eliminate light leakage.

Panasonic Pure Color Filter Pro and Dynamic Iris technologies work together to allow for the 500,000:1 contrast ratio. The 3-D technology used in the projector creates alternating right and left images using an active shutter system for smooth and properly positioned 3-D effects. The system uses active shutter 3-D glasses and includes an integrated IR transmitter that has a 20-foot range.

The projector uses a two times zoom lens with a wide range of lens shift. The projector supports a 120-inch diagonal screen from as close as 11.8 feet away or as far as 23.6 feet away. The projector has +/-100% vertical adjustment and +/-26% horizontal adjustment. Pricing on the new projector is unannounced and it will launch in late September or early October.

All of the devices in the range have an equalization switch that optimizes the audio performance for the soundbar when it’s mounted on the wall or placed on a table. The high-end SB 400 has a separate wireless subwoofer that can be placed anywhere in a room for superior bass. The SB 200 has an integrated subwoofer while the low-end SB 100 has an RCA output to add a separate powered subwoofer.

The sound bars have dual integrated woofers for enhanced bass, and the SB 100 and 200 models have a Bass Boost button to optimize low frequency performance. The midrange SB 200 and high-end SB 400 both have integrated Bluetooth allowing users to stream music and other content from Apple, Android, or other Bluetooth compatible gadgets.

The SB 100 features dual woofers, dual tweeters, and an integrated amplifier with two 30 W channels. It uses the existing TV remote and will sell for $199. The SB 200 features Bluetooth, dual 60-watt amps, two woofers, and two tweeters. It will sell for $299. The SB 400 has the same features as the SB 200 with the addition of a separate eight-inch 200-watt wireless subwoofer. The system has an MSRP of $549.

The MT2 has integrated Bluetooth allowing users to stream music from a smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to the speaker. Users can also stream the audio from games or movies watched on their tablet or smartphone to the MT2 speaker. Inside the large speaker enclosure are left and right speaker systems in their own internal enclosures.

The MaxTV MT2 has four 2.5-inch midrange drivers and a pair of one-inch soft dome tweeters. Those drivers are front mounted in a stereo mid-tweeter-mid configuration. The speaker provides powerful bass using a pair of 5.25-inch down-firing subwoofers. Each of those subwoofers is in its own vented internal enclosure.

Power to drive all the speakers comes from four different 20-watt RMS digital amplifiers. The amps are ran in a dual-channel bi-amplified configuration. Each of the subwoofers is directly coupled to its own 20 W amplifier. When a TV is placed directly on the speaker enclosure, it can support up to 160 pounds. The MaxTV MT2 is available now for $599.

The high-end projectors are the 6020UB and the 5020UB/UBe models. These machines feature contrast ratios of up to 320,000:1 and up to 2400 lumens of color brightness and 2400 lumens white brightness. All of those projectors are THX Certified for delivering dark black levels and realistic color. The projectors are equipped with Epson Super Resolution technology, THX 2-D and 3-D cinema viewing modes, and FineFrame technology for smooth frame interpolation and sharper video in 2-D modes.

The high-end projectors also have a cinema filter feature and improved color fidelity with use of a Fujinon OptiCinema lens with the 2.1 zoom ratio. The 6020UB also gets two anamorphic lens modes, ISF calibration, color isolation, a ceiling mount, cable cover, and an extra bulb. All of these projectors support 3-D and come with two pairs of 3-D glasses.

The 3020/3020e projectors differ only in that the 3020e is wireless. Both projectors promise and 2300 lumens of color and white brightness and a contrast ratio of 40,000:1. Both have integrated 10 W speakers and come with two pairs of 3-D glasses. These machines are aimed at home theater enthusiast and don’t require professional installation or color calibration tools for install. Common features between all these projectors include a pair of HDMI inputs, component video input, composite video input, VGA, RCA audio, and USB connectivity. Both the 3020e and the 5020UBe ship with a wireless transmitter for streaming HD quality video without needing a wire from up to five devices to the projector.

Pricing on the high-end 6020UB will be under $4000, and it will ship in November. The 5020UB and 5020UBe will be offered in October at under $3000. The lower end 3020 and 3020e projectors will be available for under $2000 in October.

The new Sceptre sound bar is simply called The Speaker Sound Bar. It has dual speakers inside and promises to double the sound capability of your TV. The speaker bar has high-efficiency amplifier technology able to create rich 3-D virtual surround sound. The sound bar offers four different audio modes including movie, music, news, and sports.

Input options include dual RCA analog and a SPDIF digital input. Most modern TVs have a digital output it would work perfectly with this input option. The sound bar can be mounted on the wall or it can set on the entertainment center underneath the TV. The individual speakers inside the sound bar measure 2.5-inches in diameter.

The response bandwidth of the system is 20 Hz – 20 kHz. The sound bar weighs 5.07 pounds with the wall mount installed, and it measures 37.25 x 3.5 x 2.28″ without the wall mount. One of the best features of The Speaker Sound Bar is that it’s available for $169.99 at local retail outlets.

What you’re going to see above and below is a “Dark Knight Rises” themed setup – they’ve also created renderings of a pirate ship for Pirates of the Carribean, another Batcave, and several other any-movie environments as well. The chair model they’re showing here is their simply-titled Model B1 with an arm style B and a backrest style 1.

That said, the folks at Elite HTS do note that this project is going to be a reality somewhere or another in California and that they’re acting as design consultants while they provide the seating for the final product. Their aim was to “fuse together the cozy elements of Wayne Manor, with the Art Deco styling of Gotham City.”

They’ve even gone so far as to include a hidden room behind the book case where your Batmobile will rest near an exit tunnel. This is no small fantasy. It also includes home theater equipment all set up in giant “Batcomputer” configurations while decorations include fully working lights, controls for all elements of the film experience, and authentic movie replicas galore.

Look like your kind of choice for most awesome cave for a geek of all time? We’d like to take a peek at the final product and perhaps think about locking ourselves inside for a bit of a marathon. What do you think?

[via Werd]

The CT260 is designed to create virtual surround sound with 3-D audio effects. The CT60 has dual front speakers with 60W of power each while the CT260 has 300W of total speaker power. The CT260 also has a wireless rear subwoofer so you don’t have to worry about running wires across your room.

Another nice feature of the CT260 is integrated Bluetooth allowing you to stream music from a tablet or smartphone straight to the Sony speaker system. Connectivity options for the CT60 include a single coaxial audio input and a single optical audio input. It supports Dolby Digital and has integrated bass and treble controls as well as a night mode. The main speaker measures 940 x 83 x 70 mm while the subwoofer measures 170 x 245 x 300 mm.

The features of the CT260 include an amplifier with integrated A/V sync. Connectivity options include a coaxial audio input and an optical audio input. Audio formats supported include Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby ProLogic II, Dolby Dual Mono, and LPCM two channel. The main speaker measures 940 x 102 x 89 mm with the stand, and the subwoofer measures 271 x 390 x 271 mm. Pricing and availability information is unknown.

Sony also equipped the receiver with HD Digital Cinema Sound and Advanced Digital Cinema Audio Calibration technology for powerful and precise sound. With the integrated wireless connectivity and AirPlay support, the receiver allows the user to stream music from the iPhone, iPod, or iPad. The receiver can also stream music from a computer and supports on-demand entertainment through the Sony Entertainment Network.

The receiver uses its integrated auto calibration technology to optimize the surround sound based on the position of the speakers in the room. The device also has a range of acoustic modes ranging from jazz club to sport allowing the user to select the best setting for their tastes. Other connectivity options include a single HDMI output, five HDMI inputs, the USB 2.0 port, and more. Sony also offers a Media Remote app allowing the user to control the receiver with a smartphone or tablet.

If you thought 1080p was already excellent, then you have to see 4K. According to Sony, with its 4K resolution, you can sit closer to the screen without seeing any image degradation or the “screen door” effect. Unlike 1080p, you can view 4K projections without any issues when sitting within the distance of three times the height of the picture.

The Sony VPL-VW1000ES not only projects 4K video, but also can upscale SD or HD content to 4K resolution. It also supports 3D content, but Sony has opted for active shutter 3D technology, which would require a separate pair of USB-chargeable 3D glassses. But to be among the first to see the Sony 4K difference in your living room, you’ll have to fork out £16,799 or about $26,000.

[via Gizmag]

The RX-V773WA and the RX-V673 offer a balance in sophistication and simplicity. They boast robust performance, while making setup, control, and connectivity simple and convenient. The AirPlay support lets you stream from any iOS device, which can also be directly connected via USB on the front panel. An improved proprietary YPAO system makes it easier to calibrate and adjust amplifiers, while an upgraded system controller app makes it easy to control the AV receivers from an iPad or other iOS and Android devices.

Yamaha’s two new network AV receivers are also future-proof with support for 4K video pass-through using yet-to-be-announced source components that can deliver content with four times the resolution of 1080p. The models also offer 3D video pass-through with Audio Return Channel.

The flagship RX-V773WA is priced at $849.95, while the RX-V673 is priced at $649.95. For the full details on the new AV receivers, check out the Yamaha product page.

The Home Cinema 710HD is easy to setup and works in both small and large spaces. The projector can be placed anywhere between 3.5 feet and 35.5 feet from the wall or screen. It offers a new Easy-Slide image correction, that is an intuitive way to help you align and center images on to a screen with the touch of a finger.

The projector also boasts 2,800 lumens of color and white light output and comes with four pre-set color modes for various viewing environments. A game model lets you use the projector even in bright rooms.

Connectivity for the Home Cinema 710HD include a USB 2.0 port, HDMI input, as well as component and S-video inputs. The projector has a 1.2x optical zoom with 30-degree range for vertical keystone correction and a lamp rating of up to 5,000 hours. It’s expected to ship later this month for $650.

[via eCoustics]

The DA-E750 Audio Dock is basically a super-high-end speaker dock, cramming a 2.1 speaker system into the size of a standard amplifier. Though just 100 watts, it includes composite input, woven glass fiber speakers, and a host of newfangled connection options. These include Bluetooth, AirPlay, Samsung’s AllShare standard, and good ol’ USB drive playback for MP3, WMA and WAV files. The DA-E750 Audio Dock will come in either a mahogany or black lacquered wood finish, and it’ll cost a whopping $799.99.

The two options in home theater sets, the 5.1-speaker HT-E6500W and 7.1-speaker HT-E6730W, both include a Samsung 3D Blu-ray player and a WiFi connection to Samsung’s SmartHub service. The E6730W is the clear winner of the two, with a pair of massive tower speakers accenting its subwoofer and satellites.  The larger set is rated for 1330 watts of sound, while the smaller set has “just” 1000 watts. The HT-E6500W will cost $799.99 while the HT-E6730W will be a full $999.99. Both will have the new Disc to Digital service integrated.

All three systems will be available at electronics retailers and through Samsung’s website later this spring.

Both are 7.2 Channel network connected A/V receivers that are THX certified. The 818 has Audyssey MultiEQ XT32 audio calibration capability for tweaking the sound specifically to your room automatically. The receiver also has three sound processing modes including DTS Neo:X and uses Onkyo’s Dual Core Video Engine. The video engine allows the receiver to be calibrated to ISF standards. The 717 features Marvel Qdeo for upscaling video from all sources 1080p and 4K quality.

Both of receivers include InstaPrevue and Mobile Hi Definition Link technology. The InstaPrevue displays video thumbnails that represent content on devices connected via HDMI to make it easier to switch HDMI sources. Both receivers are THX Select 2 Plus certified and have Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DAC’s on all seven channels with the 818 adding PLL jitter-clearing circuits, an isolated power amplifier, and isolated pre-amp blocks. Both also have seven HDMI inputs and two outputs. The 717 will sell for $999 with the 818 selling for $1199 with availability set for May.

The 3D Panasonic Blu-ray models feature the Viera Connect IPTV platform, while the 2D models have scaled-down IP VOD systems that package select streaming partners, such as Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow, and YouTube. The 3D models also feature an improved UniPhier chip processor, 24p VOD output, expanded Viera Connect functionality, and 2D to 3D up-conversion. The 3D players include the DMP-BBT01 priced at $270, DMP-BDT500 at $350, DMP-BDT320 at $200, and DMP-BDT220 at $150.

The 2D-only models include the DMP-BD87 priced at $120 and the DMP-BD77 entry-level unit priced at $90. All of the players have already begun shipping, except for the DMP-BDT500 and DMP-BBT01, which will not ship until May. Additionally, the BBT01 ad BDT320 feature a slot-in drive instead of a disc tray, while the BBT01 also offers a compact design that’s operable in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

[via CNET]

The H6500 will work perfectly for projecting video content from Blu-ray Disc players via HDMI or for viewing other HDTV content. It provides crisp, rich visuals with a brightness of up to 2,100 ANSI lumens that can be dimmed to 1,680 to save power. It has a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a native 16:9 aspect ratio, adjustable to 4:3.

Using Acer’s eColor Boost II+ technology, the H6500 will project images with colors that “pop” even on tinted wall surfaces. The projections can be seen even with bright ambient light, allowing you to enjoy film quality viewing both outdoors at night or indoors without having to draw the shades or turn off all the lights.

The projector also boasts easy setup and a long lamp life. It can provide up to 3,500 hours of standard lamp life, up to 5,000 hours of ECO mode, and up to 6,000 hours in ExtremeECO mode. It is available for sale now, priced at $899.99 with a one-year warranty.

[via eCoustics]

The flagship model is the DLA-X90R, followed by the DLZ-X70R and the DLA-X30. The top two models feature JVC’s 4K e-Shift technology and are also now officially THX 3D Certified. This certification means that the models had to pass more than 400 rigorous tests, including color accuracy in 2D and 3D, crosstalk, uniformity, grayscale tracking, deinterlacing, and convergence.

Other features to note about the projectors include a Lens Memory function that offers three memory settings to store custom focus, zoom, and horizontal or vertical lens shift positions, allowing for a constant height display ratio of 4:3, 16:9, or 2:35 without an additional anamorphic lens. The projectors also allow users to adjust 3D depth and subtitle geometry correction.

The JVC Procision Series D-ILA home theater projectors are available now. The DLA-X90R is priced at $11,999, the DLA-X70R is $7,999, and the DLA-X30 is $3,499.

The SB 30 soundbar is one that allows you two sound modes: virtual and Wave. What you’ve got here is a virtual mode that allows you to enhance your two-channel stereo sources by creating rear-ambiance, while the Wave mode has transducers creating left and right surround fields, maximizing the listening area you’ve got in a larger room. The 5.1-surround sound on this system is delivered with a triple-core digital signal processing array, this including 13 transducers, six 2-inch subwoofers, 11 amplifier channels, and seven 1-inch tweeters. So many birds of fury! You’ll be able to pick this monster up for a minimum advertised price of $799 SOON.

The BDS x70 Series consists of several components, the first two being receivers – the BDS 570 and the BDS 270 are Blu-ray disk players, both of them able to play standard, Blu-ray, and 3D dvd disks, the 570 just a bit more classy than the 370. The 570 is able to bring you 5.1-channel sound, while the 270 brings you 2.1-channel sound. Both the 770 system and the 370 system you see below have a slew of connection capabilities with their receivers allowing you a full range of device-specific playing of media. Sound from your iPad Netflix to your HDTV for example – go for it!

The BDS 770 is one of two integrated home theater systems, this one including the 570 receiver as well as four satellite speakers, a powered subwoofer, and a center-channel speaker. The B570 was engineered to work specifically with the speakers set up in this system, this whole system selling for a cool $1,099. The BDS 370 works with the 270 receiver and works with two speakers and a powered subwoofer, this system ringing in at $899. This system along with the SB 30 soundbar will be showing up at CES 2012 and, again, will be available sooner than later!

They are aiming to have a successful year in 2012 and with this announcement they are about to get off to a great start. The technology behind MHL isn’t extremely new and has been added to many smartphones and tablets throughout 2011. MHL is a rapidly growing mobile HD audio/video connectivity standard similar to HDMI that allows up to 8 channels of audio and full uncompressed 1080p video to be streamed over a 5-pin micro-USB/MHL port. What’s even better is Onkyo has added power output to the MHL standard on their AVR’s to allow devices to charge at the same time for uncompromised audio/video quality, and battery life.

Silicon Image’s InstaPrevue is a unique, value-adding feature that will make using Onkyo products even better. With InstaPrevue users will no longer have to channel through the various input and outputs on the AVR and instead will have a live preview to switch to the correct HDMI or other inputs visually. No more toggling down the list to get that Xbox fired up. While this is a great feature I sure hope most are able to do a simple task such as changing the input — otherwise you might need to hand that remote off to someone more qualified.

InstaPrevue also allows for a much quicker speed while switching inputs, something I’m sure many are familiar with. Onkyo has always pushed the envelope and been recognized for special features and top quality sound. They look to be right on track for 2012 and we’ll be live at CES to get a good look and what is next in Home Theater. For more on this announcement, read Onkyo’s Press Release.

The consumer focused versions include the Procision Series DLA-X90R, DLA-X70R and DLA-X30. The higher end Reference Series DLA-RS65, DLA-RS55, DLA-RS4800 and DLA-RS45 projectors are the high-end versions. This high-end reference series unit is also have JVC 4K e-shift tech and are also THX 3D certified and can apparently convert 2D to 3D.

That conversion is done with a JVC pro 2D to 3D converter that is derived from its professional converters. While the projector is able to throw images over HD resolution, it does support full 1080p and other resolutions. The 3D projectors use active shutter glasses and have a parallax adjustment to get the ideal 3D image quality.

Though these projectors are set to be released and promoted to “houses of worship, higher education, corporate and retail environments” as NEC says, there’s no doubt in my mind that should you carve out the larger piece of your home’s lower level and set one of these beasts up, you’ll never need to go to a movie theater again. Both models include HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Viewer and three analog computer inputs, and both contain Windows networking features that’ll allow you the ability to connect to your shared network and do no less than control your networked computer directly through your projector’s USB input to display all your lovely multimedia files.

Then here’s the kicker – the PX series (that these projectors are in) allow for stacking correction which allows up to four projectors to be stacked vertically or horizontally to boost your brightness up to 32,000 lumens! That’s one magnificently undeniable look at Tron or your humble narrator’s test video of choice: Speed Racer! Rich McPherson, Sr. Product Manager of projectors for NEC Display Solutions, speaks thusly on these models:

“Our PX Series is ideal for customers requiring advanced connectivity, high brightness and networking capabilities. The integrated option slot allows users to implement the projector in digital signage applications, which allows greater flexibility when planning an installation. The potential for the PX700W and PX800X to be valuable in lecture halls, training rooms and auditoriums is reliant on its professional-grade quality and multitude of included features.” – McPherson

The power can be yours starting this month on the PX700W and PX800X for an estimated street price of $8799 and $8689, respectively (without lens). You get a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty on either model. Education customers get an additional year on their warranty right out of the box, and Star Student customers receive an additional 2 years. Sound like a deal to you?

The projector supports full 1080p resolution and it uses Film Patterned Retarder display technology. The FPR tech in the projector means that it can be used with normal polarized 3D glasses rather than the more expensive active 3D glasses. That will make fitting the entire family with glasses much cheaper with the CF3DAT.

The projector is bright enough to be used in large living rooms, museums, auditoriums and other venues. The CF3DAT will be offered in Korea and the global version is the CF3DAA and it will venture outside of Korea is in the first half of 2012. The CF3DAA will not come with a TV tuner. Pricing is unknown at this time.

The 80-inch screen has more than twice the screen area of a 55-inch HDTV. The LED backlighting means it will slurp less power than CCFL sets and it has a nice contrast ratio of 6M:1 dynamic. The set also features a 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced refresh rate for a clear image and the TV is almost 2-feet deep making it much thinner than projection TVs. The online connectivity of the TV allows tech support to assist with TV setup if needed.

The panel the big TV uses has 10-bit processing to minimize light leakage. The TV also features dual USB ports and a special Vyper Drive engine to reduce lag when gaming using the big TV. Sharp doesn’t mention the connectivity, but I would bet it has at least four HDMI ports and more on the back. The TV will land in October for $5,499.99, which is a good price considering the size of the screen.

It has four HDMI inputs allowing you to hook up multiple components without running out of space. The screen has integrated ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM tuners inside. The response time is 8ms for the screen so the image should be clear and lag free. The brightness for the panel is rated at 400 cd/m2. The screen also has a 60Hz refresh rate and SRS TruSurround XT sound.

The internal speakers are 10W x 2 and the set has a 7-band EQ. Other features include a USB 2.0 port for playing audio through the TV speakers and viewing photos, a swiveling base, and a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The MSRP for the set is $599, but it is on Walmart.com for under $370 making it impressively cheap.

The demon installation for the TVs is in a 3D digital signage installation touting the TVs placed at The Shops at Ithaca Mall in Ithaca, NY. I have long said the adoption of 3D TVs for home users would soar once we and a reasonably priced 3D TV that needed no 3D glasses. The TVs will be shown off at other malls and locations around the country.

3DFusion hopes to place a bunch of the demo units in 25 major demographics areas around the country. As the demonstration stands get the tech out in the public eye the company is set to come to market with the commercial screens. 3DFusion President Steve Blumenthal says that the company is ready to enter the market with sales of glasses-free 3D screens and software tools that are competitively priced. There is no word on what the price of the TVs will be.