Outlaw Audio launches a home theatre surround processor for more budget-conscious customers-- the Model 975, able to handle all Dolby and DTS formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio.

It has x4 HDMI inputs and x1 HDMI output, all of which are integrated with Audio Return Channel (ARC) sending soundtracks back to the processor from streaming content on smart TVs.

Other connections include x2 inputs and x1 output for component video, "legacy" composite and S-video in and out. Through the legacy connections the processor scales from 480i to 1080p.

Handling audio are x2 optical, x2 coax digital and x5 stereo inputs, a record output, a low-noise headphone jack and configurable 7.1 multi-channel output for use with surround back or front height enhances speaker systems.

Go Outlaw Audio Model 975

A number of products from British digital audio authority Meridian are getting updates-- specifically the flagship 800 Series components and the 7200 Series loudspeakers.

The company details the updates as below:

• 808 Signature Reference CD Player: The latest revisions to the 808 CD player include the implementation of new technologies and upgraded internal components. The new 808 CD player also features a plate commemorating the 30th anniversary of the CD format and signatures from Meridian co-founders Bob Stuart and Allen Boothroyd.
• 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller: Among the features that Meridian has addressed with its top-of-the-line surround sound controller include options such as the ability to adjust center-channel image height in conjunction with the company’s DSP7200 floorstanding speaker.
• DSP7200 Digital Active Loudspeaker & DSP7200 HC Horizontal Center: Meridian first introduced its DSP7200 back in 2007 and now the British manufacturer implements its latest developments in DSP technologies to bolster the speakers through new music modes, as well as a psychoacoustic-based option called Center Elevation that allows for the adjustment of image height while the system is being used in its home theater processing modes.

Existing Meridian 808.3, 861v6, 818 and DSP7200 owners can also enjoy the updates through a dealer-led upgrade program-- one involving software updates and hardware improvements.

The company is yet to announce the availability and pricing of the upgrade program.

Go Meridian Announces Series of Powerful Upgrades

Sonos customers no longer need PCs in order to take advantage of multi-room audio-- the latest Sonos Controller app update allows for playback of music stored on iDevices.

Available in iPad and iPhone versions, version 3.8.3 of the app plays audio from the devices directly on the system, without need for Airplay turnarounds or docks.

It also handles a number of online music sources, such Amazon Cloud Player, Spotify, Rhapsody and Last.fm. A familiar drag and drop interface handles playlists.

The app is compatible with Sonos component running on v3.8 firmware, as well as the Sonos Play:3 and Play:5 systems. The company gives no mention of a similar update for Android devices, but we imagine one is in the works.

Go Sonos Controller for iPad

Thiel Audio gets bought out-- the high-end speaker maker now belongs to a Nashville-based private equity firm, with new CEO Bill Thomas taking the reigns of the company.

“We identified THIEL as a brand with an unmatched heritage in performance audio and it is our intent to invest in the company’s infrastructure, strengthening the engineering department first and foremost,” Thomas says. “We can improve efficiencies here at THIEL in the product development and manufacturing stages, shortening the time to delivery for new products with zero compromise in product quality.”

Established in 1978, Thiel works on phase coherent speaker designs based on the work of late co-founder and product design engineer Jim Thiel. No reason is given for the sale, but probably the small company was in need of capital to remain competitive in the current market.

The new owners will be keeping the entire Thiel factory staff, as well as a number of long time employees. However co-founder and president Kathy Gornick (a former CEA chairperson) is out, together with international sales director Dawn Cloyd.

What next for Thiel? Apparently "an expansion of the architectural series an immediate priority serving to further establish the brand as a leading supplier of premium distributed audio solutions," as well as further investment in the global channel.

Go Thiel Audio

Steve Olszewski is the Vice President of Stealth Acoustics. Steve has been an audio / visual systems engineer, musician, installer and business owner. He joined Dimensional Communications in 1976 and has overseen both the growth of Dimensional’s integration business and the creation of Stealth Acoustics. He lives in the coastal Pacific Northwest, near Seattle, WA, in the USA.

Stealth Acoustics, the foremost invisible speaker brand, is seeing a steady growth in European sales. Here, Vice-President Steve Olszewski provides an insight into the evolution of the invisible speaker market and explains why this technology is continuing to gain in popularity with dealers across the continent.

Today’s multi-channel surround sound and whole-house audio systems inevitably require multiple speaker locations. The result can be an ever growing number of speaker grilles, boxes and hardware that compete with the décor of the living space. This competition is a typical source of irritation and, in some cases, downright opposition from interior designers, architects and homeowners who are understandably protective of the home’s aesthetics.

The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way anymore. The solution is invisible speakers – a product category that is on a distinctly upward trajectory.

ISE 2013 will host a number of launches from Genelec-- the G Series loudspeakers and F Series subwoofers, a new home audio product range the company says blends high performance with sustainability.

The first Genelec home audio products, both series feature power management technology ensuring the meeting of upcoming Energy-Related Products (ErP) directive requirements.

Construction is also eco-friendly, with recycled aluminium speaker cabinets.

The G Series has 4 models, each designed to for use in different listening environments. Practical room response controls are standard, while Genelec claims the smooth curves of the Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) are not simply for show-- they are essential elements in the loudspeakers' acoustic design.

F Series subwoofers feature an unobtrusive, modern design with different connectivity options ensuring convenient connection to any device, be it portable audio players, PCs or home cinema systems through line level outputs.

Go Genelec Home Audio