Thursday, 31 January 2019

Paradigm Premier 700F Speaker System Review


Premier 700F Speaker System
Performance
Build Quality
Value

Defiance X-12 subwoofer
Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $4,700 (as tested)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Crisp detail
Big, powerful sound
Minus
Tower unstable on thick carpet
Poorly designed grilles

THE VERDICT
The Premier range is far from the most expensive in Paradigm's speaker lineup, but the performance and build quality that it offers lets it compete with speakers twice the price.

The other day a friend who's neither a videophile nor an audiophile dropped by my home to watch a movie. A pair of loudspeakers I had just finished reviewing for Stereophile, our sister publication, were sitting in a corner, waiting to be packed up. When I told him their price—$6,000/pair—he appeared shocked. Even Paradigm's affordable new 700F speakers, then as now serving as the left/right channels in my system, are pricier than he would like were he to invest in a system of his own (unlikely!).



from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/paradigm-premier-700f-speaker-system-review

Flashback 2000: Super Bowl Broadcast in HD for the First Time

Super Bowl XXXIV is historic not only because it is the Ram’s one and only Super Bowl triumph, but because it marked the first time the Super Bowl was broadcast in glorious high-definition…


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/flashback-2000-super-bowl-broadcast-hd-first-time

The 15 coolest things you can do with your Amazon Echo - CNET

Get a new Echo and want some ideas on what to do with it? Thinking about buying one and curious about Alexa's appeal? You, my friend, have come to the right collection of images and captions.

from
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/coolest-things-to-do-with-your-amazon-echo-alexa/#ftag=CADa08b18a

YouTube Music Now Available on Sonos

Sonos has announced that subscribers of YouTube Music and YouTube Premium can now access the YouTube Music streaming service through the Sonos app.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/youtube-music-now-available-sonos

Audio Excellence to Unveil ‘Out-of-Sight’ Speaker that Localizes Sound on TV Screen

Audio Excellence, the audio arm of UK-based Screen Excellence, will unveil a speaker system next week at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam that creates the illusion of sound coming from the middle of your TV screen.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/audio-excellence-unveil-out-sight-speaker-localizes-sound-tv-screen

Steve Hackett: At the Edge of Sonic Exploration

We got on the line with iconoclast guitarist Steve Hackett to discuss the rudiments of the soundscapes that comprise his stunning new album At the Edge of Light, the importance of physical packaging in the digital age, and, of course, his plans for future solo-catalog-derived surround sound reissues.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/steve-hackett-edge-sonic-exploration

Survey: ‘Another Merciless Year of Cord Cutting’

Source: Waterstone Management Group

Americans are “cutting the cord” on cable TV subscriptions in droves, according to a new report from Chicago/San Francisco-based management consulting firm Waterstone.



from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/survey-another-merciless-year-cord-cutting

Sonos Reportedly Developing High-End Headphones

When you think about it, it’s pretty remarkable that wireless-speaker pioneer Sonos hasn’t ventured outside of the home since shipping its first music streaming system 13 years ago. That may be about to change.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sonos-reportedly-developing-high-end-headphones

Vizio 5.1.4 Atmos Soundbar Review


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $999

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Potent sound for the price
5.1.4 Atmos playback
Chromecast built-in for music streaming
Minus
No wireless surround speaker option
No DTS:X decoding

THE VERDICT
Vizio's 5.1.4 soundbar system delivers powerful, immersive sound plus Chromecast built-in streaming at a reasonable price.

Vizio's top-of-the-line Atmos soundbar comes with a cumbersome model number: SB46514-F6. Outside of that, this $1,000 Atmos system is a sleek, well-designed package that delivers surprisingly potent sound for the money. The addition of Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth streaming, along with Google Assistant compatibility, make it a compelling option for anyone seeking an all-in-one immersive audio solution to pair with their new TV.



from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/vizio-514-atmos-soundbar-review

TV at CES 2019, The Sequel

With apologies to Samsung and a few others who haven’t made the OLED plunge, and show no signs of doing so, OLED remains today’s hottest flat screen technology. But the battle continues as UHDTV manufacturers scramble to take the next big technological leap. That will likely be Micro LED...


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/tv-ces-2019-sequel

Monitor Audio Previews Mini-Cube 5.1 Speaker System

Monitor Audio today announced a 5.1 speaker system “designed to deliver full-scale audio fidelity from compact, elegant speaker cabinets that will augment any interior.”


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/monitor-audio-previews-mini-cube-51-speaker-system

NYC’s Stereo Exchange Now Deals in Used Audio Gear

New York City’s Stereo Exchange has expanded its operation to include the sale of certified-preowned audio gear.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/nyc-s-stereo-exchange-now-deals-used-audio-gear

Monday, 28 January 2019

Fluance Targets Audiophiles with Bluetooth Speaker

The world of $300/pair bookshelf speakers just got a little more crowded. Internet-based Canadian home audio company Fluance today introduced a compact Bluetooth/aptX-enabled speaker aimed at audiophiles.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/fluance-targets-audiophiles-bluetooth-speaker-0

Elite Unveils Two-Sided Portable Projection Screen

Elite Screens is looking ahead to spring with a new outdoor projection screen intended to replace those saggy old bedsheets people use for backyard movie nights.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/elite-unveils-two-sided-portable-projection-screen

Cavalier Audio Maverick Smart Speaker with Alexa review: The Amazon Tap is dead, but here's a fancy schmancy alternative - CNET

Amazon's battery-powered Alexa speaker isn't available anymore, but if you're willing to splurge, the Alexa-enabled Maverick from Cavalier Audio is another option that looks, sounds and feels a whole lot better.

from
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/cavalier-audio-maverick-smart-speaker-with-alexa-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Cineak Previews Modular Entertainment Sofa

Hollywood-based luxury seating company Cineak will introduce a new modular entertainment sofa at next week’s Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/cineak-previews-modular-entertainment-sofa

Lenovo Smart Display 10 review: Google Assistant's first smart display is still one of the best - CNET

The Lenovo Smart Display was the first smart display with Google Assistant. Now there are several, but Lenovo's model holds up to stiffer competition.

from
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/lenovo-smart-display-10-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

New BenQ Projectors Boast True 4K for Less than $10K

BenQ has added two DLP projectors to its CinePro Series that deliver true 4K resolution for considerably less than 10 grand.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/new-benq-projectors-boast-true-4k-less-10k

BlacKkKlansman

Picture
Sound
Extras
In a story so jaw-dropping it has to be true, rookie African-American cop Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the only officer of color on the Colorado Springs police force, initiates an undercover investigation into the Ku Klux Klan amid tense race relations in the 1970s. His part is played over the telephone, and to perpetuate his ruse he is partnered with white officer Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver). Flip attends meetings in the guise of “Ron,” requiring the two men to coordinate their words and actions in order to present a unified front as they pretend to be a single hardcore bigot.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/blackkklansman

Countdown to Kickoff: Game Changing Deals in Audio

In the weeks and now days leading up to Super Bowl LIII, Klipsch and Vizio have unleashed deals on speakers and soundbars to remind football fans about the importance of sound...


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/countdown-kickoff-game-changing-deals-audio

Thursday, 24 January 2019

How to troubleshoot your Echo Wall Clock - CNET

Don't return your Echo Wall Clock just yet. Here are some simple ways to fix connectivity problems.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-troubleshoot-your-echo-wall-clock/#ftag=CADa08b18a

LaMetric Time review: An overpriced gizmo from six years ago suddenly gets interesting - CNET

LaMetric's likable pixel display is old and overpriced -- but it hints at huge potential for the company's next product.

from
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/lametric-time-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Do I Need Separate HDMI Connections for Audio and Video?

Q I bought a Panasonic DP-UB820 Blu-ray player and a Sony XBR-X900F TV thanks in part to the reviews of both in Sound & Vision. Here’s my question: Should I use both of the DP-UB820’s HDMI outputs, one connected directly to the TV for video, and the second to my Anthem AVM 60 preamp/processor for audio? I’d think it would be best for the Panasonic to handle video processing before sending the signal to the TV, and that the Anthem simply decode the audio, but I’m wondering if there are disadvantages to this setup. —Greg Strzalka


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/do-i-need-separate-hdmi-connections-audio-and-video

Flashback 1984: Apple Unveils the Macintosh

Thirty-five years ago today, Apple started selling a computer that would redefine home computing and inspire future tech products with its graphical user interface, integrated screen, and mouse controller, which introduced a new way navigate the PC.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/flashback-1984-apple-unveils-macintosh

McIntosh Unveils One-of-a-Kind ‘Integrated Turntable’

McIntosh is thinking out of the box as it enters into its 70th anniversary year with an audio product best described by one word: unique.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/mcintosh-unveils-one-kind-integrated-turntable

Everything you need to know about Google Home - CNET

Here's your guide on where to buy, how to get started and how to get the most out of a Google smart speaker.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/everything-you-need-to-know-about-google-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

6 ways to organize all of your messy cords - CNET

Don't live with a home tied down by messy wires and tangles of electric cords. Here are six products that can help in a big way, without costing an arm and a leg.

from
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/how-to-organize-messy-cords-at-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Sling TV Offers Free Content on Roku Devices

Sling TV has just released changes to its app on Roku devices, allowing users to watch free TV episodes and channels.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sling-tv-offers-free-content-roku-devices

Sonos Amp Streaming Amplifier Review


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $599

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive versatility
Easy integration
Designed for shelf or rack mounting
Minus
EQ limited to bass and treble adjustments
Noticeably bright sound with some speakers

THE VERDICT
The new Sonos Amp is a marvel of simplicity and versatility that will enhance and expand any Sonos multiroom audio system in ways that are worth far more than its $599 price tag.

“All good things,” goes the proverb, “must come to an end.” As if to prove the veracity of that old saying, Sonos announced in early 2018 that the company was pulling the plug on a piece of gear that's been in its lineup for so long that most Sonos employees probably thought it was (metaphorically speaking) part of the building.



from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sonos-amp-streaming-amplifier-review

Best Buy Has Super Bowl Deals on Sony 4K TVs

With a good 10 days before the New England Patriots meet the Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII, there’s still time to upgrade to that new TV you’ve been obsessing over. Best Buy aims to help you along that path by offering 20% to 22% discounts on several HDR-ready Sony TVs, including two Sound & Vision Top Picks.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/best-buy-has-super-bowl-deals-sony-4k-tvs

Procella Plans 21.4.10-Channel (!) Audio Demo

Sweden’s Procella Audio is building a crazy 21.4.10-channel immersive audio system for the Europe’s upcoming ISE show.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/procella-plans-21410-channel-audio-demo

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

9 Google Home tips for music lovers - CNET

If you love your Google Home speaker about as much as you love music, here are nine tips you should know.

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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/google-home-tips-for-music-lovers/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Countdown to Kickoff: Samsung Knocks 25-30% Off its Biggest Big-Screen TVs

Thinking about upgrading your TV in advance of the big game? No worries, you still have a solid 11 days before the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams go head to head in Atlanta at Super Bowl LIII. And there are a number of sweet deals to choose from.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/countdown-kickoff-samsung-knocks-30-its-biggest-big-screen-tvs-1

Pay your respects at the smart-home graveyard - CNET

The growing smart-home category is filled with products and companies that did not have what it took to survive. Here are a few fallen smart-home products that once excited us.

from
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/pay-your-respects-to-the-smart-home-graveyard-jan-2019-update/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The Cone of Silence, Eavesdropping Speakers, Raspberry Pi, and You

If you are a certain age, you'll surely remember the Get Smart TV series, debuting in 1965 on NBC. You'll also remember how Maxwell Smart always insisted on using the Cone of Silence - plastic domes over him and the Chief that supposedly prevented anyone from overhearing their conversations. Now, 54 years later, in the age of Alexa, the Cone is back, new and improved. And you can build one yourself.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/cone-silence-eavesdropping-speakers-raspberry-pi-and-you

Roon Launches Biggest Update Yet

Roon Labs, maker of music-library management software embraced by audiophiles, today announced the rollout of its biggest update ever.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/roon-launches-biggest-update-yet

Make your garage door smart for $75 - CNET

The Nexx Garage Wi-Fi door controller works with Google Assistant and Alexa. It normally costs $100.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/make-your-garage-door-smart-for-75/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Monster 2019: The End of an Era

The Monster press conference at CES has typically been an electrifying, high-energy love-fest with the company’s boisterous CEO, Noel Lee, leading the charge. This year, the tone was definitely different as a dialed-back, subdued Lee announced this was the end of an era.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/monster-2019-end-era

OSD Upgrades Streaming Amp, Unveils New Speakers

OSD Audio of Brea, California has introduced an upgraded version of its Nero Stream XD wireless streaming Amp/DAC (digital audio converter) and a new bookshelf speaker.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/osd-upgrades-streaming-amp-unveils-new-speakers

Friday, 18 January 2019

America’s Love of Music Endures in Many Forms

2018 was a very good year for the music industry, according to a new report from Nielsen that shows “total album-equivalent audio consumption” up 23% over 2017.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/america-s-love-music-endures-many-forms

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Picture
Sound
Extras
Say what you will about controversial superstar Tom Cruise, his dedication to the big-screen Mission: Impossible franchise he launched in 1996 is nothing short of inspiring. Performing stunts that would give a professional thrill-seeker pause, he literally throws himself into his work with unparalleled zeal. For this sixth go-round, secret agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is in hot pursuit of terrorists out to tear down our world order, bad guys armed with an apocalyptic manifesto, and some nuclear weapons. Expect betrayals and frame-ups that force Ethan to go rogue...again.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/mission-impossible-fallout

Can a Game App Offer Relief for Tinnitus?

Immersive Therapy thinks so. The French company has introduced a gaming app that it hopes will bring relief to the millions of Americans who suffer from tinnitus, an inner-ear condition typically characterized by a constant ringing in the ears.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/can-game-app-offer-relief-tinnitus

Riva Concert Wireless Smart Speaker


Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $179

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Audio playback from connected USB drive
Portable with optional external battery
Solid bass performance
Minus
Narrow soundstage at close range
Treble could be more transparent

THE VERDICT
The Concert is an affordable, feature-packed smart speaker with natural, warm sound.

The first smart speakers were cute little gadgets; no one mistook them for serious audio playback devices. Soon, they started getting bigger and somewhat better, with more attention paid to sound quality. Riva, a company known for multi-room speakers, just introduced the Concert, a compact smart speaker that combines the convenience of voice control with sound that can be taken seriously. Finally, a smart speaker worth listening to.



from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/riva-concert-wireless-smart-speaker

Flashback 1984: Supreme Court Upholds Right to Tape

The videocassette recorder (VCR) seems quaint today but 35 years ago today the Supreme Court handed down a landmark 5-4 decision that upheld the consumer’s right to record TV shows (and ultimately other video content) for personal use — a “right” we take for granted.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/flashback-1984-supreme-court-upholds-right-tape

Half-Price Deal on Klipsch Speakers for SoundandVision.com Readers

New York-based retailer Adorama is offering an outstanding deal on one of the top speakers made by the legendary speaker company Klipsch.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/half-price-deal-klipsch-speakers-soundandvisioncom-readers

Sonos Introduces Accessories for Sonos One & Play:1

Last week amid the flying drones, robots, and controlled chaos of CES 2019, Sonos quietly introduced new accessories designed to enhance its two of its wireless speaker systems.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sonos-introduces-accessories-sonos-one-play1

8 decluttering tips from Tidying Up with Marie Kondo - CNET

Marie Kondo can help anyone achieve a higher level of organization without too much extra effort. Here are my favorite tips from her Netflix show.

from
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/tidying-up-marie-kondo-cleaning-tips/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Make your garage door smart for $75 - CNET

The Nexx Garage Wi-Fi door controller works with Google Assistant and Alexa. It normally costs $100.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/make-your-garage-door-smart-for-75/#ftag=CADa08b18a

NBCUniversal Announces Free Streaming Service

Comcast’s NBCUniversal division has announced plans to launch a free, ad-supported streaming service in early 2020.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/nbcuniversal-announces-free-streaming-service

Stream TV Unveils 8K "Lite" Glasses-Free 3D Monitor

Stream TV Networks, developer of Ultra-D optical/rendering technology that enables a video panel to deliver 3D images without viewers having to wear 3D glasses, is not giving up on 3D TV, even though major TV makers have largely abandoned the concept.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/stream-tv-unveils-8k-lite-glasses-free-3d-monitor

LG Targets Sports Fans with ‘Best-Ever’ OLED Deals

As Super Bowl LIII approaches, LG is targeting sports fans with “best ever” pricing usually reserved for Black Friday on two 4K OLED TVs.


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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/lg-targets-sports-fans-%E2%80%98best-ever%E2%80%99-oled-deals

LG Targets Sports Fans with ‘Best-Ever’ OLED Deals

As Super Bowl LIII approaches, LG is targeting sports fans with “best ever” pricing usually reserved for Black Friday on two 4K OLED TVs.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/lg-targets-sports-fans-%E2%80%98best-ever%E2%80%99-oled-deals

Bring the gym home with this smart fitness tech - CNET

We tested out a bunch of exercise equipment to see what works -- and doesn't work -- in today's connected homes.

from
https://www.cnet.com/news/bring-the-gym-home-with-this-smart-fitness-tech/#ftag=CADa08b18a

7 tips for building the perfect home gym - CNET

Working out at home is a great way to get fit. Make sure you have all the tools you need with these tips.

from
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-build-home-gym/#ftag=CADa08b18a

LG Targets Sports Fans with ‘Best-Ever’ OLED Deals

As Super Bowl LIII approaches, LG is targeting sports fans with “best ever” pricing usually reserved for Black Friday on two 4K OLED TVs.


from
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/lg-targets-sports-fans-%E2%80%98best-ever%E2%80%99-oled-deals