Custom PC maker iBuyPower reveals a first prototype of a console-style home theatre PC running on Steam OS, the Linux-based operating system designed around the Steam gaming service created by Valve.

As seen in the picture (left), the prototype looks less like a PC and more like white glowing PlayStation 4. iBuyPower tells Engadget the actual hardware will come in two versions (cutely codenamed "Gordon" and "Freeman") and is still very unfinished-- the prototype currently runs on an early SteamOS version devoid of media playback or streaming options.

Arcam launches a package deal for the AVR750 receiver and DP300 Blu-ray player-- effectively providing custom installers with a discount when installing the two products together.

“This is a very attractive package option for installers,” the company says. “Independently, the AVR750 and the BDP300 are both top of the range products which complement each other perfectly in delivering an enjoyable, emotionally rich movie and concert viewing experience, complete with the highest audio and cinematic quality. It’s a winning combination for CI dealers and their customers.”

The AVR750 receiver features Class G 7-channel 100W amplifiers and handles anything from high resolution 7.1 surround sound to 2-channel music.

Anthem starts shipping its second generation of high-end AV receivers-- the MRX 510 and MRX 710, both promising boosted amplification, advanced room equalisation and improved HDMI capabilities.

First revealed at CEDIA Expo 2013, the receivers carry ARC 1M, an enhanced version of Anthem Room Correction (ARC) software. Makes use of an included microphone kit, ARC 1M even provides customers with "before" and "after" print outs of the results of equalisation technologies.

Advanced Load Monitoring technology monitors voltage and current to keep output transistors within safe operating areas, with a heat sink tunnel allowing cooler operation. This allows the receivers to work harder for longer periods, shutting down only in situations of very low speaker impedance and excessive music levels.

Despite only selling "a few" of its $2 million IMAX Private Theatres to date, CEO Richard Gelfond says the experience has provided an entry point into the home theater market. IMAX now wants to find the right partners for a lower-cost solution.

IMAX recently bought a stake in Prima (Prima Cinema's same-day-as-theaters movie player) in return for both a Chinese distribution exclusive as well as a technology deal. IMAX use the know-how from the Prima Cinema Player in its Private Theatre systems allowing downloadable, IMAX-quality theatrical releases at home.

He told investors, “In parallel, we’ve been putting together the pieces to create an integrated, end-to-end home theater solution at a lower price point market that would include hardware, software and content. To this end, we are in the midst of identifying the right partners for such an endeavor. Rest assured that cash flow growth is our priority, so if we do anything, it will be done in a measured way that doesn’t risk significant capital.”

Arcam claims the BDP300 3D Blu-ray player is ideal for media room and home cinema applications, thanks to a range of straightforward integration and control options as well as high quality audio and video performance.

According to the company the BDP300 uses a direct video path from disc to outputs, allowing for pristine picture presentation without unintentional artefacts.

Complementing such processing are "broadcast quality" digital video clocks.

Audio comes through a Wolfson Audio 8741 DAC paired with a linear phase Bessel output filter and a high precision re-clocking system.

Kramer Electronics launches the VM-2DP and VM-4DP DisplayPort Distribution Amplifiers-- both making use of DisplayPort (DP) distribution to offer a maximum data rate of 10.8Gbps (2.7Gbps per channel).

The VM-2DP 1:2 amp accepts 1 DP input signal and distributes it to 2 DP outputs, while the 1:4 VM-DP distributes 1 signal to 4 outputs. The technology handles a maximum resolution of 2560x1600 @ 60Hz.

Both are HDTV compatible and HDCP compliant, and feature Kramer I-EDIDPro Intelligent EDID Processing technology (ensures Plug and Play operation for DisplayPort systems) as well as Equalisation and re-Klocking (rebuilds digital signal to travel longer distances).

The VM-2DP is a compact DigiTOOLS-- 3 units fit side-by-side in a 1U space. The VM-4DP is in standard 19-inch 1U size, and ships complete with rack ears.

Go Kramer VM-2DP

Go Kramer VM-4DP