VidaBox launches its latest media player generation-- the LiivStreamer, designed to pull content from LiivNAS on the same network before handling IP-based distribution of content over a single CAT5 network connection.

Available in 2 form factors (the ultra-compact "Mini" and the 2U rackmount-ready "Plus"), the LiivStreamer runs open-source XBMC/Kodi software with Linux as OS, and distributes Blu-ray, DVD, music, photos, videos and select free online content. Customers can easily create multi-zone or whole house setups through the addition of multiple LiivStreamer units.

The units support 1080p video, 7.1 lossless HD audio bit-streaming and pass-through for DTS-HD, DTS-MA, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos audio format.

Harman launches the JBL Synthesis SDP-25 processor and SDA-7200 7-channel amplifier home theatre pre-power combo at ISE 2015, together with and a pair of multichannel network amplifiers, the SDA-8300 and SDA-4600.

Ideal for premium home theatre installations, the SDP-25 features x6 HDMI 1.4 inputs, x2 HDMI outputs (with 4K UHD compatibility), dual-subwoofer outputs and multiple digital and analog inputs. Control comes through RS-232 and IR, while decoder support covers DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby True-HD.

The companion SDA-7200 7-channel digital amp delivers 200W per channel into 8 ohms. It carries phono inputs and binding post outputs, as well as 12V trigger input and signal-sensing auto-power on.

Crestron expands the DM 3.0 product family with more 4K-capable products, including a 4K/60Hz scaler, a single-gang 4K transmitter and receiver, 4K HDBaseT input cards, 4K HDMI output cards and the DM Ultra Cable.

“The world is adopting 4K at breakneck speed, which is rendering 2K technology obsolete just as rapidly,” the company says. “Additionally, we’re seeing more and more higher resolution devices, such as 2560x1440 output from Apple laptops, which require more signal bandwidth than switchers designed for 1080p and 2K distribution can provide.”

The DM-RMC-4K-SCALER-C is described as a first by the company, being a 4K receiver and room controller featuring a Crestron-developed scaler chip. It converts any resolution and frame rate to any other resolution and frame rate, up to 4096x2160 @ 60Hz.

Kaleidescape launches the Alto-- a movie player designed for the owners of large TVs and multichannel audio able to download all of locally-stored content via Kaleidescape online movie store.

It features the familiar Kaleidescape user interface, and can store either up to 100 Blu-ray quality movies or 600 movies in DVD quality. Customers can even redeem digital copies of own DVDs and Blu-ray discs from the Kaleidescape Store, which the company says offers 8500 movies and 1600 TV seasons from "major" studios.

Primare presents an update of its audiophile-grade BD32 Blu-ray player with the BD32 MKII-- a 4K-capable player number featuring refined circuit designed, 4K upscaling and integrated Netflix.

Like the original BD32, the MKII features an SACD DSD circuit with an own dedicated relay-controlled filter signal path. It also carries an integrated media player for music, video and photo playback from either USB or DLNA-compatible sources.

It handles both stereo and multichannel DSD 2.8244MHz (DSD64) files in DFF or DSF formats via USB storage devices and SMB protocol.

Connectivity includes fully-balanced stereo XLR output, stereo phonos and 7.1 multi-channel output. The stereo output circuitry features a Crystal DSD CS4398 DAC together with a Primare balanced analogue output stage featuring Burr-Brown OPA2134 OP-Amps.

Amazon reveals a Chromecast-style version of the Fire TV STB-- the Fire TV Stick, an HDMI dongle allowing users to access a variety of online streaming content sources such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

It carries a dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, dual-band wifi and, interestingly enough, includes a dedicated remote remote. Control also comes via mobile device app, and Miracast connectivity allows users to mirror mobile device displays on their HDTVs.

Amazon says the device also handles games, and it is compatible with the Fire Game Controller gamepad accessory.