Bang & Olufsen intros Beolab 14 surround speakers, considered 'entry-level' at $3,995

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bang & Olufsen intros Beolab 14 surround speakers, considered 'entry-level' at $3,995" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc05137-1368635269.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Bang & Olufsen has been known to occasionally lower the price floor on its line of A/V gear. Continuing in that direction, the company just unveiled its Beolab 14 surround sound speakers, an entry-level offering starting at $3,995 for a 4.1 setup. The rig centers around a petite cylindrical tower that houses a 280-watt amp for its eight-inch down-firing bass driver and connections for up to five individually powered (140 watts) and equalized 2.5-inch satellite speakers. The circular drivers can be wall-mounted or set on stands, and those aluminum enclosures act as heat sinks (in addition to looking dapper). While B&0 anticipates that the soundbars on its existing TVs will act as a center channel, a 5.1 setup will be available for $4,395 if you need an independent middle speaker instead. The Beolab 14 will come in black or white when it launches in June and additional grille clothes will be an extra $99 per set, should you want to change the colors. You can find more details in the press release after the break while you start saving up.</div><div class="pr_box open" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><div class="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div class="pr_text">Bang & Olufsen Launches New all-inclusive, Surround Sound Speaker System<br /> Combining compact aesthetics and outstanding acoustic innovation to deliver high-end surround performance in one simple package<br /> Struer, Denmark – Deerfield, IL, USA<br /> Bang & Olufsen, the global provider of high-end custom made audio and video products, today announces the launch of a cutting-edge, surround sound speaker system that presents an entirely new category of speakers to the Bang & Olufsen product portfolio. The BeoLab 14 surround speaker system will revolutionize the marketplace as it is a conveniently packaged, all-inclusive solution that delivers compact aesthetics, exceptional sound quality and a high-end surround sound performance. BeoLab 14 is available in a 4.1 or a 5.1 digital surround sound set up, with up to six individual active speakers, each with its own amplifier, resulting in an unprecedented level of sound quality despite the speakers' compact shape. BeoLab 14 can also be used with all other television brands, so it is non- exclusive to just Bang & Olufsen televisions.<br /> "With its competitive price point, convenient set up, multiple placement options, hallmark design, and robust sound performance, we believe BeoLab 14 will resonate with many music lovers and style seekers who may not yet own a pair of world renowned Bang & Olufsen speakers," states Zean Nielsen, President of Bang & Olufsen America, Inc. "With the introduction of BeoLab 14, it's never been easier for customers to enjoy home cinema without compromising ones interior décor."<br /> BeoLab 14 builds on Bang & Olufsen acoustic engineers' on-going achievements in packing stunning performance into surprisingly small volumes. The satellite speakers are diminutive circles of anodized aluminum with exchangeable fabric covers in a selection of colors, (white, black, silver, dark grey, red and petroleum blue) and integrate easily into even the most stringent interior design schemes. The sculptural subwoofer contains separate amplifiers for all speakers in the system, and delivers bone-bouncing bass from a beguilingly slender footprint. BeoLab 14 comes in a full array of placement options that includes wall and ceiling mounts as well as floor and shelf stands, BeoLab 14 is ready to fit in visually as it stands out acoustically.<br /> Sound matters<br />BeoLab 14 was designed for consumers who want to add quality surround sound to their home viewing experiences, but still have demanding expectations about their interior design. "The launch of an all-in-one surround speaker system is an important new step for Bang & Olufsen," states Bang & Olufsen CEO, Tue Mantoni. "It builds on our core approach that sound matters in everything that we do. Now we bring genuine Bang & Olufsen sound to anyone who wants the advantages of surround without having to hide away the subwoofer."<br /> BeoLab 14 connects seamlessly to all Bang & Olufsen televisions, but is also just one plug away from lifting any other TV or AV receiver into a new level of sound performance. "Providing easy integration for people who do not own a Bang & Olufsen TV, but still want to achieve a high-quality Bang & Olufsen sound experience, has been a particular focus for the team" adds Mantoni.<br /> Tuned with expert listening panel<br />The compact new speakers have been put through the same demanding development process as all other Bang & Olufsen products. "BeoLab 14 is the result of a lot of work with our Listening Panel," says Jens Rahbek, Senior Sound Engineer in the R&D department. "Even with the very best components, sound is a subjective experience. We tune our speakers in a process that includes hours of listening – by different people, in different room environments, at different stages of development – in order to achieve sound that is as close as possible to what the original artist intended."<br /> Up to 6 active speakers – each with separate amplifiers<br />BeoLab 14's strong sonic performance is due to its sculptural subwoofer, with 280 watts of dedicated power for its 8" downward-facing driver, the active sub delivers ample bass tones at the lowest frequencies – (down to 26 hz). The stylish sub also contains connections for five active satellite speakers (along with five individual 140 watt amplifiers with separate equalizers for each of them), a very capable Digital Signal Processor, Adaptive Bass Linearization (for cultivated bass, no matter what the peaks), room adaptation switch, line sense, Power Link connections for Bang & Olufsen components, and an A/V multi-connector for other components.<br />Bang & Olufsen separates the satellite speakers' active 2.5"treble and midrange drivers from their dedicated amplifiers, which results a rich, large sound experience that can fill an entire room, while occupying minimum physical space. Just under 16 cm in diameter, the satellite speakers are just as impressive to decorate with as they are to listen to. The closed cabinet construction is built around a milled aluminum frame – just like the systems Bang & Olufsen creates for Audi, BMW and Aston Martin – to eliminate resonance with style and precision.<br />BeoLab 14 is available in two versions: one with subwoofer and four satellite speakers (for Bang & Olufsen TVs, whose on-board speakers function as the center speaker in a surround setup), the other with subwoofer and five satellite speakers for all other brands.<br />The new BeoLab 14 surround sound speaker system is available at Bang & Olufsen stores worldwide in June 2013. Priced at $3995 (for 4.1 solution) and $4395 for the (5.1 solution).<br /> </div></div></div>

Bang & Olufsen intros Beolab 14 surround speakers, considered 'entry-level' at $3,995

Bang & Olufsen has been known to occasionally lower the price floor on its line of A/V gear. Continuing in that direction, the company ...

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LG adds free Spotify trial to its latest range of home theater gear

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="LG adds free Spotify trial to its latest range of home theater gear " data-src-height="338" data-src-width="500" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/lgspotify1.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> If you needed any more enticement to splash out on one of LG's new home entertainment products, then perhaps some streaming music might turn your head. The other Korean behemoth has added Spotify to its 2013 range of home theaters, with a month's free trial offered up to anyone who has yet to sample the online radio service's delights. The gear will start arriving on shelves in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand next month, and if you'd like to know more, there's PR after the break.</div><div class="pr_box open" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div class="pr_text"> <strong>LG INTRODUCES SPOTIFY TO SMART MEDIA DEVICES</strong><br /> Award-winning Digital Music Service to Launch on LG's 2013 Audio and Video Models<br /> <strong>SEOUL, Mar. 26, 2013 ㅡ LG Electronics (LG)</strong> today announced that Spotify will be available on its 2013 range of smart media products, including premium Blu-ray Home Cinema Systems and Blu-ray players. Available on a selection of LG's latest internet connected devices from next month, the Spotify application will provide users with access to over 20 million songs via the brand's user friendly smart platform.<br /> The new Spotify application will allow premium account users to discover new music by browsing the huge song library, or by listening to Spotify Radio on their LG Smart audio or video device. Favorite tracks and playlists can be shared via Facebook and Twitter so that everyone can discover new music. New customers to the service can also enjoy the benefits of a one-month free trial, before signing up to the $9.99 monthly subscription.<br /> This exciting service will be available on a selection of LG's devices, including its high-quality BH9530TW, an industry leading 9.1 channel system that offers the most immersive home cinema experience yet. With 1460W of power and nine speakers, the BH9530TW delivers breathtaking 3D sound that will fully submerge audiences in their favorite movies or music from every angle.<br /> LG continues to lead innovation in audio visual entertainment, with the new Spotify application joining the company's already impressive smart offerings -– a one-stop shop for premium content, social media and gaming. LG's smart platform brings together the best of catch-up TV from the likes of BBC iPlayer, instant access to movies on demand via Netflix and LOVEFiLM, along with social media platforms YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.<br /> "LG's smart platform provides unparalleled choice for consumers and the addition of Spotify demonstrates LG's continued commitment to growing the brand's smart offering for consumers," said Richard Choi, head of LG's Smart Business Group. "We are confident that LG smart media owners will enjoy these latest services, as well as the fantastic updates we have planned for the rest of the year."<br /> "It's our mission to make all the world's music available instantly to everyone, everywhere, so we're delighted to partner with LG to make our music service available on their smart media devices," said Kate Opekar, Director of Hardware Business Development at Spotify. "Spotify wants to be at the heart of the home entertainment experience, so it's a natural fit to make our music service available on Blu-ray players and home cinema systems."<br /> LG's 2013 audio and visual line-up features outstanding sound and picture quality. Spotify will be available starting in April on LG Smart Media devices in the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.<br /> </div></div></div>

LG adds free Spotify trial to its latest range of home theater gear

If you needed any more enticement to splash out on one of LG's new home entertainment products, then perhaps some streaming music migh...

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Sonos Playbar review: an excellent (and expensive) home theater addition

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sonos Playbar review an excellent and expensive home theater addition" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/livedsc045612.jpg" /></div><div class="more-info" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Sonos has found a sweet spot in the audio world. Its wireless technology and ability to stream music from almost any source -- be it from the cloud or local storage -- have given it considerable geek cred, yet its simple setup still offers mass appeal. Of course, none of that would matter if its systems didn't sound good, but fortunately, Sonos' Play:3, Play:5 and its Sub have all impressed with the quality of audio they produce. The $699 Playbar is the newest member of the family, and with this product, Sonos is setting its sights squarely on the home theater market. Is it fit for your living room? Read on to find out.</div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Sonos Playbar review</strong></h3><br /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04505_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04525_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04509_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04529_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04559_95x95.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> <ul class="thumbs">See all photos</ul></div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title0" style="text-align: left;"> Hardware and setup</h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sonos Playbar review an excellent and expensive home theater addition" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/livedsc045592.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> The Playbar is a handsome, if understated piece of equipment. At 3.35 x 35.43 x 5.51 inches (85 x 900 x 140mm) in size, you'll have no problem fitting it beneath your flat-screen. Indeed, we used it with both a 42- and 47-inch TV, and found the dimensions appropriate in either case. Its exterior is sheathed in black speaker cloth, and has a pewter-colored insert comprising a lengthwise edge on either side of the bar. A pair of matching inset bands rings the mesh grilles on each end -- an echo of the design language of the Sub -- with the Sonos-standard volume toggle, mute button and an LED power light on the right side. The long metal edges are made of extruded aluminum, and the wider of the two makes room for both an inlaid IR receiver and IR repeater strip, along with a notch cut out on the underside for the power, two Ethernet jacks and Toslink port. Build quality is excellent -- the openings are pretty uniform and we couldn't find any visual blemishes on our review unit either.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Aside from providing a nice bit of visual contrast and a place for some minimal Sonos branding, the larger aluminum edge serves as a heat sink for the nine drivers that pump out sound. There are six 8-centimeter (3.15-inch) aluminum cone mids powered by neodymium magnets, and three 2.5-centimeter (1-inch) titanium dome tweeters, and each speaker has its own digital amp. The speakers are mounted in a super rigid, sealed plastic enclosure at a 45-degree angle, and it's that angular sweet spot that's key to providing good acoustic imaging whether the Playbar is mounted on the wall or lying flat on a TV cabinet. Of course, the accelerometer and 800Mhz PowerPC CPU inside also work in tandem to determine the Playbar's orientation and tweak the EQ accordingly to ensure that imaging is perfect.</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sonos Playbar review an excellent and expensive home theater addition" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/livedsc045102.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> It's not exactly groundbreaking industrial design, but it does have a bit more panache than your average soundbar. Put it this way: it'll fit in with just about any décor, but it's distinctive enough that astute visitors will likely notice and ask about it -- or at least that was our experience while testing it out.</div><blockquote class="quote right" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Such simplicity of operation is often difficult to execute, but the boffins at Sonos have made pairing an IR remote about as easy as it can be.</blockquote><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Sonos prides itself on the fact that its systems are simple to install, and the Playbar is no exception. To test that ease of installation, I asked my not-so-tech-savvy girlfriend to hook up the Playbar and a Sonos Bridge, and she had it wired up in less than five minutes. Just plug in the power cord and the Toslink cable to the Playbar, then connect the other end of the optical cable to your TV or other audio source and you're good to go.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> After that, the Playbar prompts you to hit the volume-up button on your TV remote, which allows it to find the proper IR code. From then on, your remote should be able to control the volume on the Playbar. Also, in the event the Playbar doesn't recognize your remote straight away, the Sonos software will walk you through hitting the volume toggle and the mute buttons so that it can learn the correct code and add it to the list on Sonos' servers. That way, future customers won't have to go through those additional steps. That's just one other bit of engineering genius from the Sonos folks. Such simplicity of operation is often difficult to execute, but the boffins at Sonos have made pairing an IR remote about as easy as it can be.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We did hit a slight snag in trying to pair the Playbar and Bridge, despite the Sonos Controller software's clear and easy-to-follow instructions. However, moving the Bridge a bit farther from our router and a quick reset of said router remedied the issue. Then it was simply a matter of hitting the join button on the Bridge and the mute and volume up button on the Playbar, and we were up and running in short order. Once connected, it took about 10 minutes to index the 40GB of music we had on our external hard drive connected via USB, during which time we entered the login info for our streaming services. All told, we went from unboxing to blasting Blind Melon in less than half an hour.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> A quick note about our setup. We were forced to connect the Playbar directly to a set-top box because our particular flat-screen's optical-out doesn't switch on when set to an HDMI input. Without the ability to pull audio from whatever was playing on our TV, we had to swap connections between our PS3 and our satellite TV box if we wanted the Sonos' simulated surround sound on either. An inconvenience, to be sure, and something that runs counter to Sonos' simplicity of use ethos. Of course, this shouldn't pose a problem for users who own TV sets without such a limitation, but it's certainly something to consider before spending $700 on a Playbar.</div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title1" style="text-align: left;"> Software</h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sonos Playbar review an excellent and expensive home theater addition" data-src-height="467" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/boomsonos-desktop-9.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We've covered both the Sonos desktop and mobile Controller apps in our previous Sonos reviews, and the user experience remains unchanged since their overhaul a year ago. There are three panes of controls for bigger screens: the leftmost shows all your connected Sonos speakers, the middle displays a queue of tracks and what's currently playing on a selected speaker and the right window displays your available audio sources. At the top are the volume, EQ, play / pause and track controls, and a universal search-as-you-type field. There are also buttons for clearing your current queue or saving it as a playlist, plus sleep timer and alarm settings at the bottom.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> All of these features are available on the mobile apps, but are situated within menus, as opposed to being readily available. For example, if you want to tweak the bass and treble settings from the "now playing" screen on the mobile app, you have to tap through no less than five menus to get to the necessary controls. That's hardly an ideal UI; in fact, it quickly became a source of irritation for us. Every. Single. Time.</div><blockquote class="quote left" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Despite the somewhat arcane nature of the Controller app, most folks won't have trouble getting comfy with it in a day or two.</blockquote><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Suffice to say that the multi-pane interface of the desktop and tablet Controller apps is a better UI than the mobile version, as it makes more controls readily available and you can easily drag and drop songs into your queue. And, diving through the hierarchy of menus to get at all your sound sources feels more tolerable when you can do so while still being able to control your queue and what's playing. Despite the somewhat arcane nature of the Controller app, most folks won't have trouble getting comfy with it in a day or two.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> It feels like Sonos already supports every music service under the sun, but new streaming platforms seem to emerge on a weekly basis these days. That's why Sonos has its Sonos Labs feature, which allows you to test out new services as they become available. It's a little-talked-about feature that Sonos provides, and while there isn't always something new to try out, it is always a pleasant surprise to find a new music provider to explore.</div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title2" style="text-align: left;"> Sound</h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sonos Playbar review an excellent and expensive home theater addition" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/livedsc045142.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We've said it before, but it bears repeating: the Playbar sounds good when compared to its soundbar competition, particularly when playing music. It's a versatile speaker that coped well with any genre we threw at it, whether it was bass-heavy tracks from Jay Z's <em>The Black Album</em>, ripping guitar solos from <em>Phish: A Live One</em> or vocal anthems from Fun.'s <em>Some Nights</em>. Bass is tight, and vocals are delivered with clarity. Similarly, the Playbar shines during TV and movie audio playback, providing good simulated surround. All in all, it's a considerable improvement over any TV speakers we've ever heard.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Is it a replacement for your home stereo? No. Casual listeners will find no fault with the Playbar's sonic output, but if you're thinking this new Sonos can provide the depth of sound and stereo separation provided by a quality set of desktop speakers or a full component stereo, you'll be disappointed. The Playbar excels as a <em>soundbar</em>, providing a considerable upgrade over your TV's speakers and serving as a capable stereo substitute that provides a convenient way to listen to all of your music.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> The Playbar's home theater performance is bolstered by a pair of unique features: Night Sound and Speech Enhancement. Night Sound is aimed at those who prefer late-night TV viewing, but don't want to wake the neighbors. Switch it on, and the dynamic range of the audio coming through the speakers is reduced as the volume is lowered. Soft sounds, like dialogue, become louder, while the louder sounds, like explosions, are softened. It works fine for movie watching, but we found the feature made talk shows sound a bit tinny. All told, we preferred the audio with Night Sound turned off.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Speech Enhancement, on the other hand, was a welcome addition to our TV watching. It works through a combination of lowering bass, adding gain to the center channel while lowering the gains of competing channels and boosting or reducing certain frequency ranges. In practice, the feature is brilliant, as it makes voices sound richer and clearer, particularly when watching the talking heads on the news or ESPN. It's not something you notice until it's switched off, when you realize that onscreen voices suddenly seem muted and muddy in comparison.</div><blockquote class="quote left" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Overall, the array of nine drivers inside delivered a well-rounded, room-filling sonic experience.</blockquote><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Overall, the array of nine drivers filled the room with sound, and despite Sonos' reluctance to talk about its products' wattages, the Playbar can really crank up the volume. We're talking wake-the-neighbors loud, and should you be so inclined, we detected no distortion during our (brief) time spent listening at max output. Needless to say, if you're looking for the Playbar to serve as the centerpiece for your next party you won't be disappointed.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Despite the Playbar's well-rounded abilities, we'd be remiss not to mention just how much better the listening experience is when it's paired with a Sonos Sub. For all the Playbar does well, it lacks the low-end punch of a subwoofer, and we sometimes missed that capability, particularly when watching movies. Those six 8-centimeter drivers simply cannot deliver the low, rumbling bass that is integral to a truly great theatrical experience. That's not to say the Playbar doesn't deliver good home theater audio on its own; it's just that having heard the soundbar in concert with the Sub, without one, it's a noticeably diminished experience. Naturally, home theater sound can be improved further by deploying a couple of Play:3s as satellite speakers to create a true 5.1 surround system, but adding the Sub is what really fills in the Playbar's sonic gaps.</div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title3" style="text-align: left;"> Wrap-up</h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sonos Playbar review an excellent and expensive home theater addition" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/livedsc045262-1363905847.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Sonos' Playbar is an expertly constructed, excellent-sounding soundbar, but at $700 it poses a significant challenge; it's hardly an impulse buy. Pair it with a Sub for a truly great home theater audio experience, and that tally rises to $1,300 or $1,400 (not counting another $50 for a Sonos Bridge). An extravagant sum when compared to, say, Vizio's forthcoming highly regarded soundbar and wireless sub system.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Vizio's offering will stream music via Bluetooth, comes with a pair of satellite speakers and delivers near-Sonos quality sound for a mere $329. However, you don't get the all-in-one music streaming solution of the Sonos Controller, the Playbar's robust and well-engineered hardware, nor the elegant simplicity of setup that only Sonos provides. So, while the Playbar may not necessarily represent the best bang for your buck when it comes to home theater systems, it <em>does</em> offer a superior user experience -- and if you have the financial means, you won't be disappointed by its performance. Put it this way: this is one review unit we wish we didn't have to send back.</div></div>

Sonos Playbar review: an excellent (and expensive) home theater addition

Sonos has found a sweet spot in the audio world. Its wireless technology and ability to stream music from almost any source -- be it fro...

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Panasonic reveals pricing for 2013 home theater systems, March availability

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Panasonic reveals pricing for 2013 home theater systems, March availability" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="453" height="480" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/htb770kfrontlength1209-700-1363238147.jpg" width="640" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">pring is right around the corner, which means it's time for a new home theater system, or at least that's what Panasonic would have you believe. The electronics giant just unveiled pricing of four of its 2013 home theater systems, some of which were announced at CES 2013. They are the SC-HTB770, the SC-HTB370, the SC-HTB70 and the SC-HTB65, and are priced at $399.99, $299.99, $199.99 and $179.99 respectively. Both the SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 are standalone bar models while the decidedly more complicated SC-HTB770 and SC-HTB370 systems come complete with luxe stainless mesh speakers. All are equipped with wireless or built-in subwoofers and Bluetooth, are compatible with televisions 42 to 65 inches wide and can be wall-mounted or used with TV stands. Strangely, while we were able to find listings for the first three systems on Panasonic's US online store, we could only find the SC-HTB65 over on the UK side. They're all available for pre-order now with a promise of shipping in March, which happens to be, well, this month. Feel free to take a peek at the source links for more details or check out the press release below. Hide Press Release PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING AND AVAILABILITY OF 2013 HOME THEATER LINEUP WITH NEW, ADVANCED DESIGNS AND MULTI-POSITIONAL SPEAKER LAYOUTS Secaucus, NJ (March 13, 2013) – Panasonic, today announced pricing and availability for the new 2013 lineup of Home Theater Systems. The new SC-HTB770, SC-HTB370, SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 Home Theater System models have been crafted with the consumer's needs in mind. Compatible with various TV sizes, the new lineup offers superior sound quality with stylish and flexible layouts. The 2013 Panasonic Home Theater Systems will be available in March 2013 with pricing as follows: SC-HTB770 SRP $399.99, SC-HTB370 SRP $299.99, SC-HTB70 SRP $199.99, SC-HTB65 SRP $179.99. The new 2013 SC-HTB series of Home Theater Systems offer options for the entire home. The latest lineup can be paired with screens ranging from 42-65 inches, allowing consumers to choose the ideal system based on the size of their televisions. Equipped with wireless or built-in* subwoofers and Bluetooth® capabilities, all four models promote an easy, customizable setup and eliminate messy wires in the living space. The SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 models offer a unique, sleek solid bar design for free and flexible layouts. The SC-HTB65 provides users with two-way placement- by rotating the bar 90 degrees, users can opt for a wall-mount setup or a TV-sized stand. Similarly, the SC-HTB70 allows for four-way, multi-angle positional placement enabling a user to set the speaker to the most suitable angle regardless if it is placed on a top or middle shelf. A built-in sensor automatically detects the bar direction and switches the directional characteristics to suit the layout. With an Anti-Vibration Integrated Subwoofer inside the speaker unit, the SC-HTB70 provides high-quality, clear sound playback in each of its four layouts. Both the SC-HTB770, which will be available in both black and silver, and SC-HTB370 models sport a luxurious, stainless mesh design that compliments the decor of any room in the home. With a versatile and stylish design, users can choose a modern horizontal layout for a wall-mount setup or TV-sized stand, or detach to create two separate freestanding vertical speakers for a classic tabletop style. In addition, while providing flexibility in layout, the SC-HTB770 features a 3.1-channel speaker for vivid sound localization and crisp and clear sound sensation. </div></div>

Panasonic reveals pricing for 2013 home theater systems, March availability

  pring is right around the corner, which means it's time for a new home theater system, or at least that's what Panasonic would hav...

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MediaPortal 1.3 exits beta with official Windows 8 support, revamped skins

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="MediaPortal 1.3 exits beta with official Windows 8 support, revamped skins" data-src-height="349" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/titan.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">MediaPortal<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7080182682816192337"> 1.3 is throwing its hat in the air today after graduating from beta to full release status. The Titan skin intended for 1080p widescreen displays has made the final version with plug-in support, but don't worry if it doesn't fit your style or screen, as the default skins have also been refined. UI themes and settings can be easily modified for deeper personalization, and you can now highlight shows in the TV guide to better plan your evening's entertainment. Unencrypted Blu-Rays will work in the native player (with the right decoder) and several improvements have been made to video playback and the bundled codec library. MediaPortal settings can be configured more easily in 1.3 and the "My Videos" section has picked up some new features. Finally, 1.3 adds official Windows 8 support, although the team admits there may be some bugs that remain undiscovered. If MediaPortal is your HTPC software of choice, you might want to check out the complete changelog at the source link, where you'll also find installation instructions if you wanna cut straight to the hands-on.</a></div></div>

MediaPortal 1.3 exits beta with official Windows 8 support, revamped skins

  MediaPortal 1.3 is throwing its hat in the air today after graduating from beta to full release status. The Titan skin intended for 1080...

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