According to a report by Video Business, Warner is sending out some mixed messages regarding the launch of its Total HD Blu-ray/HD DVD combo discs. The launch was originally set for later this year, but at the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy conference in LA this week one Warner exec was quoted as saying there was no official launch date and that a Q4 2007 launch for Total HD is "unlikely," while another exec cited a first-quarter 2008 launch for the combo format.

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With flat panel TV displays dominating the marketplace, NHT has decided to jump into the game with a compact system designed to be wall mounted around such a display. The system is called Verve and I recently received a Verve IV to evaluate.

There are several flavors of NHT's Verve including the Verve I, Verve II, Verve IV, and Verve V. (Don't ask me what happened to III…) Verve I & II include a processor/controller and amp, as well as a 5.1 speaker system. Verve V includes a 5.1 system that has in-ceiling surrounds. The Verve IV is a 5.1 channel home theater speaker system, but I would not call it traditional.

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Cambridgeshire, England, June 2007—Meridian Audio, the creator of digital home theater, is pleased to announce the US launch of the G95 DVD Surround Receiver. The G95 is a high performance audio and video component that plays CD, DVD, and AM/FM radio, and produces 5.1-channel surround sound using Meridian’s latest digital amplifier technology. Consumers know they’re getting something special in the G95, which is rich in craftsmanship and packed with the latest digital technology. The hand-built G95 is designed and manufactured entirely by Meridian at its facility in Cambridgeshire, UK, and bears the stamp of Meridian cofounder Bob Stuart both inside and out.

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Peerless Industries has introduced a new addition to its SmartMount 600 Series called the SF650 Universal Flat Wall Mount. The SF650 targets 32in. to 50in. screens to make installation of the most popular screen sizes easier and more efficient. Its clean, low-profile design makes it ideal for mounting screens into hallways, lobbies, stadium concourses, or anywhere a simple, flat installation is desired.

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Noted Kevin Zarow, Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, Marantz America, Inc.: "At CES 2005, Marantz vowed that we were going to break new ground in our effort to update our image and communicate our status as a total audio and video home entertainment solutions provider. The launch of our flagship SR9600 is the perfect vehicle to help us present our new face to the world. The landmark receiver harkens back to Marantz' heritage as a premier audio manufacturer, while clearly demonstrating our commitment to the future of total home entertainment. With the power and features to literally immerse users in room-filling surround sound and home theater, the SR9600 embodies our 'Life Amplified' corporate philosophy."

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Hitachi introduced its fall 2007 TV line this week (June 26). According to the company, it is stepping forward in executing on its visionary strategy of providing all 1080, all flat panel, all large-screen (42-inch -60-inch). Hitachi is offering HDTVs with patented, innovative features and never-before-seen technology reported breakthroughs that deliver the most captivating, sharp and clear visual experience, no matter what viewers are watching. In turn, it has dropped all rear projection TVs including the recently announced 3LCD 1080p models that were previewed at CES 2007. As well, all smaller screen sizes have been dropped. Last year, Hitachi offered 32-inch and 37-inch LCD displays.

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Seven of the major Hollywood studios and six top consumer electronics manufacturers today announced the launch of the Blu-ray Disc Promotion, a summer-long promotional program intended to encourage customers to experience the high-definition experience that Blu-ray provides. The promotion gives consumers the opportunity to jump-start their high-definition library by receiving five free Blu-ray Discs from a list of over 20 of the most popular titles offered by participating studios when they purchase qualifying Blu-ray players between July 1 and September 30, 2007.

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The era of the remote control ends today (June 26), according to a presentation on the entertainment control platform (ECP) at the Freescale Technology Forum (Orlando, Fla.).

Using the same wireless radios as ZigBee, Freescale Semiconductor Inc. (Austin, Texas) has defined a simpler networking protocol for controllers and controlled devices that it claims enables wireless interoperability among multiple consumer electronics devices from multiple manufacturers&3151;many of which Freescale says will announce ECP-compatible products before Christmas.

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JVC has expanded its LCD TV line-up with the addition of four new models that offer 1080p full HD resolution. All four models, in 37-, 42- and 47-inch screen sizes, incorporate an array of JVC technologies that combine to deliver sharp, natural images with even the most challenging program material.

JVC's expanded LCD line includes two series " in the 688 series are the 37-inch LT-37X688 and the 42-inch LT-42X688, each offering a new black cabinet. The higher performance 788 series includes the 42-inch LT-42X788 and the 47-inch LT-47X788, featuring black cabinets with silver trim and an ultra-thin bezel. The 788 series sets also provide a higher contrast ratio, faster response time and wider viewing angle.

JVC LT-47X788

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