Dolby Pro Logic IIz adds height surround effects

Dolby Pro Logic audio processing was first introduced in 1987 to deliver front stereo, center and mono surround sound effects. This stereo-to-surround technology found in home theater systems was refined throughout the years and resurfaced as Pro Logic II and IIx for discreet 5.1- and 7.1-channel surround sound, respectively. The latest IIz iteration adds a pair of boomboxes above the front left and right speakers to reproduce height effects and boost realism for scenes with rainfall, sky diving, etc.

Another interesting proposition is the Dolby Pro Logic IIz universal compatibility with virtually any existing materials. According to the company, "Dolby Pro Logic IIz identifies and decodes spatial cues that occur naturally in all content--stereo and 5.1 broadcast, music CDs, DVDs, 5.1 and 7.1 Blu-ray Discs, and video games". The first A/V receiver to feature Dolby Pro Logic IIz is the upcoming Onkyo TX-SR607, but investing in and installing nine speakers can be quite a challenge for most home entertainment buffs.

Via CNET.com

Linksys by Cisco Powerline kit supports four devices concurrently

Although I've a wireless network at home, I'm always at a dilemma when it comes to decent coverage and sustained bandwidth in my enclosed home entertainment room filled with network A/V boxes. This is also where the new Linksys by Cisco PLTK300 Powerline kit fills the void, unlike most other similar offerings. The package includes a four-port adapter which allows you to hook up a game console, Blu-ray player, A/V receiver and Web TV concurrently. Compared to a single-port adapter and separate network switch, this not only minimizes clutter but also possibly reduces overall power consumption.

There is one problem, though. Since the PLTK300 supports the slower 85Mbps speed instead of the new 200Mbps standard, it may not be suitable for transmitting resource-intensive HD videos. Nevertheless, the kit should be more than adequate to handle just about everything else, including music, photo, Internet radio and BD-Live web content. The Linksys by Cisco PLTK300 kit is available in Singapore for S$169 (US$120.07). We've not received further information on regional pricing and availability.

Portable screen for pico projectors

To put up an impromptu demo using one of the latest pico ultraportable projectors, you could either cast the image on a wall or try out the NS-01 foldable screen from Hometheater projection screen manufacturer. Though the NS-01 can support up to only 8.5 inches of projection, it's made of a special material with a high 3.6 gain factor. A high gain screen helps boost brightness, which gives users the flexibility to deploy a beamer in moderately lit environments. Other benefits of using a proper screen include better color accuracy and uniformity, as well as a smoother flat surface.

The 300g lightweight NS-01 comes in black, green and white color options, and is currently available in Japan for US$75.

Via Ubergizmo

Report: Wii may stream movies

Nintendo's Wii may follow Microsoft's Xbox and Sony PS3 into the film market.

Recently entertainment trade publication Variety reported that an executive from film studio Lionsgate said the Wii could be equipped to stream movies as early as this year.

"The thing that is clearly a force in digital are the game devices," Curt Marvis, president of digital media for Lionsgate, told Variety. "I think when we see the Wii come into the market with the ability to stream movies, which I think is maybe going to happen as soon as this year, I think that's going to be a big marketplace for digital distribution."


Read more »

Patent bares rumor: Apple TV gearing up for games?

It seems the success Apple has achieved with gaming on the iPhone might spill over from pockets to living rooms. The makers of the iPhone have filed a set patents for a Wii-style wireless controller that looks to be made for the Apple TV and could be used for a number of applications.

The patent filing, including the image above, clearly shows an icon for Safari, as well as images that appear to be an iPhoto-like app.

The filing, which describes a "remote wand for controlling the operations of a media system," specifically uses the Apple TV as a reference. Could this mean games on the device?


Read more »

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