Friday, 30 November 2018

John Lennon: Imagine: The Ultimate Edition

Performance
Sound
“Imagine there’s no heaven. It’s easy if you try.” That profound statement set the table for the visceral round of revelations John Lennon had in store for us on his second proper solo album following his departure from The Beatles, September 1971’s Imagine. Whereas “God,” the critical denouement on Lennon’s galvanizing December 1970 solo debut Plastic Ono Band, served as a gasp-inducing, barrier-breaking declarative manifesto, “Imagine” proffered more of a “what if” scenario that embodied an inclusively universal yet concurrently subversive scope.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/john-lennon-imagine-ultimate-edition

The Tree Of Life

Picture
Sound
Extras
Writer-director Terrence Malick’s remarkable, poetic The Tree of Life tells the story of a family in 1950s Texas and the impact that losing a son has on them. Using a stream-of-consciousness flow of images and sounds, the film authentically captures a childhood remembered by centering on the lyrical day-to-day, moment-by-moment experiences of the two surviving young brothers. The film examines, from many angles, the questioning of God and the meaning to life in an evolutionary sense. Relationships with Him are expressed in whispered voiceovers and through a long sequence that visualizes the creation of the world.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/tree-life

Amazon Alexa and Apple Music will soon play nice - CNET

The new skill comes to Amazon Echo smart speakers on Dec. 17 and is slated to roll out to other Alexa-enabled devices soon after.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-alexa-and-apple-music-will-soon-play-nice/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Arlo Ultra security camera brings 4K streaming outside - CNET

Arlo introduces an outdoor security camera with 4K resolution, auto-tracking and a built-in siren.

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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/arlo-ultra-preview/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Thursday, 29 November 2018

7 tips for your new Google Home speaker - CNET

Got a brand new Google Home speaker? Here are seven of the most important things you should know about it.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/tips-for-your-new-google-home-speaker/#ftag=CADa08b18a

20 tips to save on your electric bill - CNET

Smart gadgets, upgrades and a few easy tricks are all you need to save money on your next energy bill.

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https://www.cnet.com/pictures/smart-ways-to-save-electricity/#ftag=CADa08b18a

14 things to do now that will save you during a power outage - CNET

Natural disasters, accidents and electricity surges make power outages inevitable. No need to suffer, though. Here are 14 tips to get you through.

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https://www.cnet.com/pictures/prep-power-outage/#ftag=CADa08b18a

GoldenEar Launches Less Expensive Follow-Up to its Flagship Triton Reference

GoldenEar Technology has introduced a slightly scaled-down, less expensive follow-up to its flagship Triton Reference speaker, one of Sound & Vision’s 2017 Top Picks of the Year.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/goldenear-launches-less-expensive-follow-its-flagship-triton-reference

(Don't) Transform your Roomba into a robot bartender - CNET

For $20, the Stella Artois BART marketing gimmick will turn your robot vacuum cleaner into a motorized drink tray. Please do not buy it.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/dont-transform-your-roomba-into-a-robot-bartender/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How Can I Create a Stealth Setup for Playing Discs on 2 Wall-Mounted TVs?

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I am planning to buy two TVs, a 65-inch LG OLED and a 49-inch Samsung LCD, both of which will be wall-mounted. I also want the option to play Blu-ray discs and DVDs with both TVs. My initial plan was to buy disc players and hide them behind the wall-mounted sets, but I can’t find a player with a vertical orientation. My goal is to see nothing but the TV on the wall. The one option I’m contemplating at this point is sticking a PlayStation 3 Super Slim game console behind the TV. Do you have any other suggestions? —Steve Knot, via email



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/how-can-i-create-stealth-setup-playing-discs-2-wall-mounted-tvs

Flashback 1996: U.S. Grants MP3 Patent

Twenty-two years ago this week, few people noticed an event that would forever change the course of distributed music when Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute was awarded a U.S. patent for a ground-breaking “digital encoding process” known as MPEG Audio Layer III, a.k.a. MP3.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/flashback-1996-us-grants-mp3-patent

Hands On: Fire TV Cube - If Amazon Echo and Fire TV Had an Offspring

Although the Fire TV Cube was released by Amazon in June, it has not yet received the recognition or hype it deserves. The Cube is a cross between a smart speaker and a Fire TV media player. Like an Amazon Echo speaker, the Cube can hear commands from across the room and has a built-in speaker to play back its reply. Like a Fire TV media player, it streams from all the same apps as other Fire TV models and can play 4K HDR content. 


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/hands-fire-tv-cube-if-amazon-echo-and-fire-tv-had-offspring

Sony VPL-VW295ES 4K Video Projector Review


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $5,000

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Excellent resolution
Good HDR brightness
Quiet
Minus
Middling black level
Limited BT.2020 and P3 color coverage
No 10-point white balance adjustment

THE VERDICT
Sony’s VPL-VW295ES isn’t significantly different than last year’s VPL-VW285ES, but it’s still a tempting entry in the limited world of affordable true 4K home projectors.

Until recently, most home 4K projectors used lower-than-4K-resolution imaging chips and employed various types of time-offset pixel shifting to display a 4K image on a screen. Such projectors are affordable and widely available, and they can be remarkably effective. True, full 4K projection, on the other hand, has remained something of a golden goose, priced out of the range of mere mortals.



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sony-vpl-vw295es-4k-video-projector-review

Jean-Michel Jarre Dives Deep Into Equinoxe Infinity

We got on the line with electronic music maestro Jean-Michel Jarre to discuss his adventurous new album Equinoxe Infinity, his far-reaching “multi-mono” surround sound goals, how to best harness the way music moves through space, and how he fielded a “spatial” performance suggestion from noted sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/jean-michel-jarre-dives-deep-equinoxe-infinity

Puro Sound’s Latest Kid-Safe Headphones Boast Active Noise Cancellation

Puro Sound Labs, the San Diego-based company “dedicated to fighting the growing epidemic of noise-induced hearing loss,” today expanded its line of volume-limited headphones for kids with a wireless over-ear model featuring active noise cancellation (ANC).


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/puro-sound%E2%80%99s-latest-kid-headphones-boast-active-noise-cancellation

Klipsch Updates ‘The Three’ Wireless Speaker with Google Assistant

Just in time for the holidays, Klipsch has announced that it is now shipping the next generation of its Top Pick-designated wireless speaker, The Three, which has been updated with Google Assistant voice control.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/klipsch-updates-%E2%80%98-three%E2%80%99-wireless-speaker-google-assistant

My week living with Aibo, Sony’s robot dog video - CNET

Bridget Carey takes Aibo for a test run to see what it's like for a family to live with a robot dog, and how different people (and animals) react to this new species of pet.

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https://www.cnet.com/videos/my-week-living-with-aibo-sonys-robot-dog/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Senic Nuimo Click Starter Kit review: These buttons need no batteries to control Sonos and Hue - CNET

They don't come cheap, but the self-powering Nuimo Click wireless remotes are a simple, elegant way to control your Philips Hue smart lights and Sonos smart speakers.

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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/senic-nuimo-click-starter-kit-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones Review


Performance
Build Quality
Comfort
Value
PRICE $149

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Lightweight yet rugged design
Smooth overall sound balance
Two-year warranty
Minus
Isolation from external noise could be better

THE VERDICT
Audiophiles on a budget need look no further than Sennheiser’s HD 569 headphones.

My long-running fascination with Sennheiser headphones dates back to the first ones that I bought in 1972: the HD 414 with canary yellow ear pads. I can’t remember how or why they vanished from my collection decades back, so I recently bought an ancient pair of HD 414s on eBay, and the sound was even better than I remembered. I still have the company’s HD 580, which I bought in 1994—another model I keep coming back to. Listening to the company’s relatively new HD 569, I have the feeling they’ll still be cherished by their owners decades from now. They’re that good.



from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sennheiser-hd-569-headphones-review

Astell&Kern Introduces High-End Headphones, In-Ear Monitors

Hi-res audio specialist Astell&Kern has announced limited-edition headphones developed in partnership with Beyerdynamic and a set of universal-fit in-ear monitors (IEM) designed by IEM pioneer Jerry Harvey.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/astellkern-bows-high-end-headphones-ear-monitors

I Fought the Mall and the Mall Won

Black Friday has a lot in common with circumcision. In both cases, they generally occur whether you like it or not. And I am not a fan of things in which I have no say-so. Both of them also inflict sensations ranging from mild discomfort to outright pain. Although, women don't seem to mind it as much as men. One key difference between Black Friday and circumcision is that after Black Friday, at least you have a new TV.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/i-fought-mall-and-mall-won

LG’s Unveils $300 Smart Display Speaker

LG has introduced a compact smart display speaker/entertainment hub developed in collaboration with Google and Meridian Audio.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/lg%E2%80%99s-unveils-300-smart-display-speaker

Don't Rain on My Parade: Thanksgiving Day Parade Fallout

Who doesn’t love waking up on Thanksgiving morning and turning on the Macy’s Day Parade? It’s a tradition in our house, even as adults. The clowns, the floats, the marching bands, the performers, and of course, Santa. What could possibly go wrong with an almost 3-mile long moving performance that goes on live, with most of the nation tuned in to watch? Well, plenty.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/dont-rain-my-parade-thanksgiving-day-parade-fallout

KEF’s LSX Speaker Gets Spotify and Roon Streaming

KEF has announced a V3.0 firmware update for its recently introduced LSX wireless speaker system that adds support for the Spotify music streaming platform and Roon music management system.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/kef%E2%80%99s-lsx-speaker-gets-spotify-and-roon-streaming

Cyber Monday Deals Are Here

Black Friday has come and gone and early reports indicate it was a record-breaker — not for in-store sales, which were down slightly compared with 2017, but for online purchases. That consumers took to their phones on Black Friday to the tune of $6.2 billion bodes well for today — Cyber Monday. If the pundits at Adobe Analytics are correct, U.S. consumers will buy a record breaking $7.8 billion worth of goods online today. Will you be one of them?


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/cyber-monday-deals-are-here

The best Black Friday smart-home bundles you can buy this week - CNET

Shopping for smart home devices this Black Friday? Consider these killer connected home combos that we cobbled together from our favorite deals of the season.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-black-friday-2018-smart-home-bundles-alexa-google-assistant-apple-homekit-nov-21/#ftag=CADa08b18a

30 Alexa, Google Home and Apple TV games to play with family this Thanksgiving - CNET

If you're going to be spending time with family this holiday season, try playing these 30 games to avoid awkward conversations.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/alexa-google-home-apple-tv-games/#ftag=CADa08b18a

What Did You Do on Black Friday?

So did you join in on the Black Friday frenzy with the intention of jumpstarting your holiday shopping? Or did you partake in another, more cunning plan? Your fellow readers (and we editors) want to know! Don’t forget to leave a comment if you have a deal-of-the-century story to share.
What Did You Do on Black Friday?
Show Promo Image
yes
Reader Poll: What Did You Do on Black Friday?
Category: 
Primary Category: 


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/what-did-you-do-black-friday

The best Black Friday smart-home bundles you can buy this week - CNET

Shopping for smart home devices this Black Friday? Consider these killer connected home combos that we cobbled together from our favorite deals of the season.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-black-friday-2018-smart-home-bundles-alexa-google-assistant-apple-homekit-nov-21/#ftag=CADa08b18a

30 Alexa, Google Home and Apple TV games to play with family this Thanksgiving - CNET

If you're going to be spending time with family this holiday season, try playing these 30 games to avoid awkward conversations.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/alexa-google-home-apple-tv-games/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Hands On with Qobuz Hi-Res Music Streaming

Qobuz makes a play to own the U.S. hi-res music streaming market — but does it have the goods to pull it off?


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/hands-qobuz-hi-res-music-streaming

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

Bowers & Wilkins 603 Speaker System Review

603 Speaker System
Performance
Build Quality
Value
ASW610XP Subwoofer
Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $4,399 as reviewed

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Engaging, transparent sound
Powerful, tuneful bass
Clean, contemporary look
Minus
Treble can overwhelm with some music
Center speaker tonal match could be better

THE VERDICT
The latest update to the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series brings technological improvements trickled down from the company’s 700 and 800 Series speakers. This system delivers engaging, upfront sound and good value.

Maybe it’s because our country is still young, but Americans tend to think of the British as having lots of long-standing traditions. Is that impression still valid? These days, Jaguar Cars is owned by India’s Tata Motors. Mini Cooper, Rolls Royce, and Bentley are owned by German companies. Even Marmite, that most British of toast toppings, is half-owned by the Dutch. Following that trend, it should come as no surprise to learn that a quintessentially British hi-fi company like Bowers & Wilkins is owned by a Silicon Valley, California-based startup called EVA Automation. Engineering and design still takes place at the company’s headquarters in Worthing, England, even if most of the actual production now takes place in Asia.



from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/bowers-wilkins-603-speaker-system-review

30 Alexa, Google Home and Apple TV games to play with family this Thanksgiving - CNET

If you're going to be spending time with family this holiday season, try playing these 30 games to avoid awkward conversations.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/alexa-google-home-apple-tv-games/#ftag=CADa08b18a

More Early Black Friday Deals

The early bird Black Friday specials keep rolling in. Here are the latest deals to hit our inboxes. Happy Thanksgiving and, of course, happy hunting.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/more-early-black-friday-deals

Electronic Music Pioneer Klaus Schulze Emerges Anew With Silhouettes

We check in with Berlin-born electronic-music maestro Klaus Schulze about his excellent new ambient album Silhouettes, his view of surround sound, how the many significant socio-political changes in Germany over the past 60-plus years have affected his creativity, and what future generations might make of his endlessly fascinating “picture music.”


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/electronic-music-pioneer-klaus-schulze-emerges-anew-silhouettes

2018 Holiday Gift Guide, Part 1

Yes, it’s that time of the year again — time to start putting together a holiday shopping list, not to mention your own personal wish list. Here we present the first installment of our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide series, featuring gear that grabbed our attention for one reason or another. With any luck you’ll be able to kick off the holiday season by crossing one or two names off your list. Unless otherwise noted, we haven’t done any hands-on testing, so be sure to check return policies and, if possible, take items of interest for a spin.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/2018-holiday-gift-guide-part-1

The best Black Friday smart home bundles you can buy this week - CNET

Shopping for smart home devices this Black Friday? Consider these killer connected home combos that we cobbled together from our favorite deals of the season.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-black-friday-2018-smart-home-bundles-alexa-google-assistant-apple-homekit-nov-20/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Black Friday Cometh

I have little experience with Black Friday mania, having studiously avoided any contact with Best Buy, Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Targea on that frenzied day. Black Friday doesn’t mean a day of mourning, but is rather named for the day of the year when retailers anticipate their annual sales will finally go positive—out of the red and into the black.

And there’s no denying it to be an important day to people with plastic and a yearning for good stuff at fire-sale prices. For them it’s a Holy Day of Obligation. They line up outside at closing time on Thanksgiving (the day before the main event) to spend a cold night bundled up outside hoping to score that new flat screen TV (though Black Friday Vigil sales late on Turkey Day are now a thing)...



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/black-friday-cometh

Helm Audio Launches $350 Planar Headphones in U.S.

Hong Kong-based Helm Audio is making its debut in North America with three products, including “audiophile-grade” over-ear planar-magnetic headphones that sell for $350.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/helm-audio-launches-350-planar-headphones-us

LG Xboom AI ThinQ crashes the smart display party, but maybe too late - CNET

The LG Xboom AI should offer the same great Google Assistant smarts we're used to from devices like the Google Home Hub. Its speakers need to rock if it's going to stand out.

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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/lg-wk9-thinq-xboom-ai-smart-display-preview/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Oco HD Security Camera - CNET

Monitor Your Valuables with a Motion Sensing Camera That Connects to the Cloud

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https://www.cnet.com/deals/oco-hd-security-camera-16828/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Black Friday 2018: The Sale Is Already Underway

SVS, Klipsch, LG, and others get the BF party started.

LG got Black Friday sales rolling a week ago when it announced its “Best Prices” of 2018 sale, and momentum continues to build this week as companies decide to get the Black Friday party started now rather than wait until after Thanksgiving.



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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/black-friday-2018-sale-already-underway