Onkyo adds two 7.2 network-connected home theatre receivers to its mid-range series-- the TX-NR717 and TX-NR818, both carrying THX-certified sound.

The TX-NR818 also offers Audyssey MultEQ XT32 audio calibration and an "exclusive dual core engine," the HQV Vida VHD 1900 video processor. Using a Marvel Qdeo processor, it upscales all inputs to up to 1080p and digital sources to up to 4K resolutions.

Both receivers also include InstaPrevue and MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) technologies, DTS Neo:X, Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX audio processing, x8 HDMI inputs (x1 front and x7 rear), x2 HDMI outputs, wifi and LAN connectivity and rear- and front-panel USB ports.

Onkyo also plans to release the UBT-1 USB Bluetooth adapter (allowing receivers to interact with a variety of mobile devices) and a new iOS remote control app enabling music streaming from iDevices.

Go Onkyo Mid-Range Home Cinema Receivers

According to Digital Tech Consulting (DTC) the global satellite TV market should enjoy strong growth in 2012, with direct-to-home (DTH) service subscribers reaching over 212M by the end of the year before growing to 268M by 2016.

Driving satellite TV success is the growth in emerging markets, particularly where infrastructure is lacking and alternate services (such as IPTV) are less developed. Growth is less strong in developed markets like W. Europe, where the majority of TV viewers already have pay TV subscriptions and new TV household growth is relatively slow (due to low birthrates).

The Middle East represents something of a wild card-- with one of the youngest populations in the world, DTC says the region is potentially fertile ground for further satellite TV growth. However the "Arab Spring" revolutions may bring either economic liberalisation (a boon to pay TV competition) or further disorder (drying up foreign investment and lowering economic growth).

The Wall Street Journal reports Intel plans to become a "virtual cable operator," selling an internet-based TV service showing cable and satellite TV channels.

Providing the service is an Intel-developed STB complete with unique platform and UI, probably carrying Medfield-based technology. Intel already provides processors for the Boxee box and the Logitech Revue.

The WSJ says the company hopes to launch the service "by end of 2012," even if it faces issues of the scarce bandidth and TV programming pricing variety.

This is not the first time Intel tried to enter the living room-- last October Intel disbanded the STB-development group it had formed with Google and others, while in 2008 Intel joined Yahoo to create a widget channel integrating Youtube and social networking services for IPTVs.

So far the Intel internet TV plans appear to be aimed at the US market, but one can imagine the Intel service migrating to our territories should it manage to be a success...

Go The New Cable-TV Guy: Intel (WSJ.com)

Onkyo goes for the first-time customer in 2012-- announcing x4 entry-level AV receivers and x2 all-in-one home theatre packages, all to start shipping from March.

All models in the new receiver range carry InstaPreview (on-screen HDMI source thumbnail previews with fast switching) and Mobile HD Link (MHL) capability, while x3 models carry networking features via ethernet port.

One model (TX-NR616) is also THX Select2Plus certified, using 3-stage inverted Darlington circuitry. Meanwhile the TX-NR515 has Qdeo video processor capable to upscale video to up to 4K resolution, with 7.2 channel audio output.

The home theatre range includes the 7.1 HT-S5500 and 5.1 HT-S3500, both using "Wide Range Amplifier Technology" Onkyo claims reduces signal noise and "provides large amounts of controlled power instantaneously" through discrete output-stage components.

Both systems also include an Audyssey 2EQ room acoustic correction system (with microphone), as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ sound correction and Dynamic Volume.

Go Onkyo Entry Level AVRs

Go Onkyo Home Theatre Packages

The latest Kaleidescape Disc Vault system-- the DV700-- makes its global exhibition debut at ISE 2012, together with a companion Kaleidescape App for iPad.

The DV700 handles up to 320 discs, accepting and automatically importing Blu-ray discs, DVDs and CDs. It works with all Kaleidescape servers and should make it "effortless to add content to a system," according to the company.

Also seen at ISE is the Kaleidescape iPad app-- a free app allowing users to browse media libraries without interrupting playback. It also guides users through the best moments in a collection.

The Kaleidescape DV700 is now shipping.

Go Kaleidescape

Atlona will present the LinkCast Wireless HD system at ISE 2012-- the latest addition to the Home Collection series, it allows the wireless connection of multiple HDMI-based devices to an HDTV or projector.

The system consists of 1 A/V base station (AT-LINKCASTAV) and 1 LinkCast System Expander (AT-LINKCAST-HTX). The base station connects to either HDTV or projector HDMI input, while the System Expander plugs into any device with an HDMI output and uses standard USB for power.

The LinkCast system is part of Atlona's Home Collection-- a cable, adapter and connectivity solution suite the company claims delivers bandwidth of up to 17+ Gbps and up to 4Kx2K video resolution support. Already seen at CES 2012, products include a 3x1 HDMI auto switcher (AT-HAD-V31) and a VGA-to-HDMI scaler (AT-HDView)

Atlona says the HOme Collection will launch in Europe in Q2 2012, and more details should be available at ISE 2012.

Go New Atlona Home Collection Consumer Product Line