Flat, flexible speakers could make walls speak

When I told CNET audio editor Donald Bell about the Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker out of the UK's University of Warwick, he immediately imagined subway posters shouting at him. And he's probably not too far off.

The new loudspeakers are less than a quarter of a millimeter thick and can be hung on walls like pictures to make announcements in places such as passenger terminals.

They're so slim and flexible, engineers say the speakers could even be concealed inside ceiling tiles or car interiors, conceivably leading to talking roofs, wallpaper, or car seats.
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New "lite" Samsung wireless sound bar

Last year, Samsung had its "all-in-one" HT-X810 sound bar with an integrated DVD player. For 2009, the Korean chaebol is lining up a lite version to complement its latest LED TVs. The 2.1-channel HT-WS1 scores highly in the aesthetics department with its sleek rounded corners and a translucent acrylic stand. Like its predecessor, this virtual surround sound kit features a wireless subwoofer that simplifies installation, plus an alternate wall-mounting option for the speaker bar.

Specifications-wise, this packs a 260W amplifier and will decode Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound via digital optical audio input. For stereo sound duty, you can further hook up to a TV, tuner and settop box through its analog audio jacks. The HT-WS1 is slated for launch in Singapore from May. Regional availability and pricing are currently pending confirmation.

Sony PS2 finally hits the US$100 price point

No April Foolery here: Sony has announced that it's dropping the US pricing of the PlayStation 2 from US$129 to US$100 as of April 1. The move confirms rumors that had surfaced in recent days.


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Dolby literally to give you more 3D

The first time I bought into this this whole digital 3D thing was a 2006 showing of Superman Returns on an IMAX screen. In the scene, various objects floated around the screen and seemingly, right in front of my face. For me, this was the first time 3D had lived up to its promise.

If Dolby Laboratories has anything to say about it, it won't be the last. Recently the company announced that theater exhibitors will now be able to play Dolby 3D Digital Cinema content on screen sizes of up to 840 inches (504 inches was the previous cap).

If you went to the "Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience!" on a 504-inch screen thinking, "You know that was cool, but I still have most of my face attached," just wait until a full 840 inches of pure Jonas Brothers rock completely melts your f#*@ing face off!

Dolby went on to talk about its "environmentally friendly and reusable" Dolby 3D Glasses, which, according to the company, can be used repeatedly, significantly reducing the cost per viewing for exhibitors. My guess is that this probably won't translate into lower ticket prices, though.


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