Home theater outfit Marantz is preparing the release of an unusually elaborate HDMI switch. The VS3002, expected to launch first in Japan, will allow users to connect a full six HDMI inputs, where most allow a maximum of two or four. It has two outputs moreover, enabling owners to connect to both a TV and another device, such as a computer monitor.

The 3002 will support HDMI 1.3’s Deep Color standard, as well as RS-232C connections for more elaborate home theater setups. Although the system will ship with a remote, it auto-detect inputs as a rule, and also indicates whether or not a connected device is powered. Pricing is expected to be 35,000 yen ($310).

Source: Impress Watch

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Factory settings on TVs are almost always tweaked to maximum brightness and contrast and are enabled with image “edge enhancement” features as well. Manufacturers do this so that the TV picture will “pop” on the retail store floor compared to other models. However, this is not how the director of the programming you are viewing intended for you to see the film, or sports or sitcom that you see. It’s not natural to the eye and a lot of the “enhancement” settings on a plasma or LCD TV these days are just the opposite of that. Setting the proper color, brightness, and and operating levels on an LCD TV can make a huge difference in your viewing pleasure.

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Efforts by Apple will have a slew of iPod speaker docks with HD Radio debuting at next month’s Macworld show, according to one report. The device maker is allegedly very supportive of the iTunes Tagging feature that launched along with the Polk iSonic ES2 in the fall and wants to see it widespread in the accessory market, with many AM/FM radio docks gaining both HD Radio support and the ability to embed tags in the digital stream. The reason behind the maneuver is not explicitly mentioned but is likely an effort to drive iTunes sales through the accessory business, encouraging listeners to tag songs heard on the radio for a future download once an iPod in a radio dock syncs back with its host computer.

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Home Theater Inspiration is a new collection of inspirational pictures for those who want a home thearer in their home. Either way, the home theater is becoming increasingly popular. Equipped with the latest digital video and surround-sound audio technology, home theaters can transport you to another world without your ever having to leave the house. So this is the first set of home theater inpiration pictures. I came up with this idea while I was looking for bedroom designs for the bedroom inspiration series.

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We have generally been very impressed with what Ziovia has to offer in the media streaming market, and their latest effort, the CS615, seems to be no exception. The new model will be able to stream a plethora of different media formats in HD, thanks to an integrated HDMI output. The ClearStream CS615 really has lots to boast about—jump for the impressive specifications.

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Philips has been known for producing some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring screens in the HD business, in large due to the impact of its patented ambilight technology.

It’s been refined since though, and although the on-test 47PFL96 only utilises a two channel effect it’s just as dramatic.

This is mainly down to the refinement of the design, which now uses LED lighting to not only make colour selection more adaptable, but save on power as well.

The results are quite fantastic; this is still one of the best technologies we’ve ever seen for enhancing the already impressive audio and video quality available with HD.

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Venturer’s SHD7001 standalone HD DVD player, announced at IFA, has finally become available in the UK on the televised shopping channel, QVC.

We’ve known this player was due to go on sale today, but what was not revealed previously was the pricing, that is a low £169.62.

Offering 1080i video output via a direct HDMI connection to your HD ready TV, the SHD7001 offers Dolby TrueHD (5.1 channel) sound, is backwards compatible with DVDs that it can upscale and comes complete with an Ethernet cable in order to let you take full advantage of HD DVD’s interactive features.

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Sweet slumbers with soothing sounds are the promise of the latest must have gadget for the modern home.

The MPillow is the brainchild of designers Per Arlander, Madlene Linstrom and Ozgur Tasar.

It offers both light and sound as well as the comfort of a pillow.

The MPillow can connect to a computer wirelessly and music can be downloaded to it by way of MP3’s or by using the sounds available on MPillow servers.

It is filled with technogel, which is a translucent plastic gel (so is squashy), and can be covered with a material of the users’ choice.

The MPillow’s lighting changes colours and intensity as the music or sounds change "creating the perfect ambience for the user".

Sadly, we have no price or availability details as yet.

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Gefen has announced the availability of their TV Signal Generator, designed to offer home cinema system installers a portable way of testing video displays in real-time.

Nearly 40 video testing patterns including HDCP verification, three audio testing signals, a sine-wave formation and 35 timing settings are accessible through the unit’s LCD display menu. These features enable a complete evaluation and calibration of HDTV systems, offering an easy method of locating where problems lie so they may be eliminated.

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