DownunderAudio.com
David Susilo
MOVIE Review: The Killing (3D Blu-ray)
From writer, executive producer and series show runner Veena Sud (“Cold Case”) The Killing is a crime drama that ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim's grieving family, and the suspects. The Killing is a well written show that relies heavily on the effectiveness of its characters to convey the thematic weight of its subject matter. The plot is simple, a teenage girl disappears and is found murdered. Although the tagline is “Who Killed Rosie Larson?” the entire season one is concentrated more on the “why” than the “who”. Continue Viewing here. Samsung Electronics 2012 Product Lineup Unveiled
Toronto, March 6, 2012 – Samsung Electronics of Canada (SECA) America Inc., the current marketshare leader in consumer electronics, today announced the immediate availability of its 2012 range of product lineup, which include Blu-ray players, home theater systems, sound bars, and of course both plasma and LCD TVs featuring SmartHub feature. Samsung also announced its audio docks, which support both Apple® and Android® devices, will begin shipping in April 2012. In this report I will only discuss the innovative and unique products. So no Home Theatre in a Box and no entry-level anything.
Continue Viewing here. AV REVIEW: Acer H6500 DLP Projector
The H6500 is an entry level projector that offers a few supposedly cool features.
Acer's latest entry-level projector brings to the table pretty much everything you'd expect from a sub $1,000 projector. It offers a 1080p resolution, a pair of HDMI inputs, a 24fps video mode for Blu-ray movies and an image projection size of up to 300 inches. Unless you're expecting 3D, accurate colour or deep blacks, of course. The H6500 boasts 2,100 ANSI Lumens brightness, but can scale down Continue Viewing here. MOVIE Review: Puss In Boots (3D Blu-ray)
I am certainly a huge fan and of Puss and his hijinks with pals Donkey and Shrek. Because of that I was truly looking forward to watch this movie in my home theatre. Overall, this movie is an exciting animated film that takes viewers on a thematically stimulating ride filled with memorable moments. It’s a thoroughly entertaining “prequel” to Puss in boots’ adventures in the Shrek films yet, unlike the StarWars Prequels, this prequel works really well. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Puss in boots more than I previously thought I would. Also the 3D Blu-ray presentation truly adds, uhm... depth,... both visually and to its storyline. Continue Viewing here. MOVIE Review: Contagion (Blu-ray)
Film Synopsis (courtesy of imdb):
Soon after her return from a business trip to Hong Kong, Beth Emhoff dies from what is a flu or some other type of infection. Her young son dies later the same day. Her husband Mitch however seems immune. Thus begins the spread of a deadly infection. For doctors and administrators at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, several days pass before anyone realizes the extent or gravity of this new infection. They must first identify the type of virus in question and then find a means of combating it, a process that will likely take several months. As the contagion spreads to millions of people worldwide, societal order begins to break down as people panic. My Take: One look at Contagion, it brought me back to the movie Outbreak released more than a decade.. Continue Viewing here. MOVIE Review: In Time (Blu-ray)
Film Synopsis (courtesy of imdb):
In a future where people stop aging at 25, but are engineered to live only one more year, having the means to buy your way out of the situation is a shot at immortal youth. Here, Will Salas finds himself accused of murder and on the run with a hostage - a connection that becomes an important part of the way against the system. My Take: Let’s start with the fact that I don’t like Amanda Seyfried and Justin Timberlake. I just find both of them to be creepy. Her humongous eyes and his cool-in-a-geeky-way persona just irk me to no end. However, the premise of this movie intrigued me enough to watch the movie. Story-wise this movie is almost like Bonnie and Clyde in the future or alternate universe Continue Viewing here. CES2012: Downunder Audio Innovation Award - Three Pleasant Surprises at CES
Without a doubt, the 2012 CES is officially the worst CES I've ever attended. There was hardly any new technology shown at the store with many CES award being given to iPod/iPad accessories which includes iPhone cases and suede-covered speakers. Don't get me wrong, they are nice and interesting but not worthy of any award.
First CES 2012 Downunder Audio Innovation Award goes to.. Continue Viewing here. INFO: What's Involved in THX Receiver Certification?
People tend to think that a company can just pay to get their receiver to be THX certified. Yes, they have to pay for the certification program and the rights to use the logo afterwards.
However, in order to obtain that coveted "stamp of approval", the receivers should be able to pass around 14,000 THX standard data points... and that's no easy feat. Just read these two slides (courtesy of THX) in order to know what some of the data points are. Continue Viewing here. NEWS: Vizio 21:9 TV, promised to hit the streets for the 3rd year
We were promised since CES 2010 that Vizio's 21:9 ultra-widescreen TV would hit the market sooner rather than later, now we know for sure (yeah, right... I believe it when I see it) the price, release date and size of the final product. Similar to the way its first Theater 3D TVs showcased at CES 2011, the XVT 3D CinemaWide product page reveals a 58-inch model with 21:9 aspect ratio and 2560x1080 resolution will be around $3,499 for the 50" version (what?... so what is the price of the 58", Vizio?).
It also has an array of ho-hum specs, measuring the 120Hz Edge LED lit screen at 56.7-inches wide by 29-inches high and 1.8-inches deep. Just as we saw when they were first shown at CES 2010 and then announced at CES 2011 (and promised at CES 2012 to be released around March 2012), Vizio upscales Blu-ray and... Continue Viewing here. MOVIE Review: Limitless (Blu-ray)
Film Synopsis (courtesy of imdb):
An action-thriller about a writer who takes an experimental drug that allows him to use 100 percent of his mind. As one man evolves into the perfect version of himself, forces more corrupt than he can imagine mark him for assassination. My Take Limitless is a better-than-average entertaining thriller that features a solid storyline, with great execution and a solid performance from its casts. This is a very strong Blu-ray Disc offering from eOne Entertainment that features a very strong high definition video transfer, near-perfect lossless... Continue Viewing here. MOVIE Review: Real Steel (Blu-ray)
Film Synopsis (courtesy of imdb):
Balancing gritty action and emotional heart, “Real Steel” is an inspiring and visually stunning film that takes audiences on an action-packed journey. Washed-up boxer Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) scrapes by as a small-time robot-fight promoter as he tries to make a comeback. Against all odds he eventually succeeds—at least in the eyes of his son Max (Dakota Goyo). “Real Steel” is spectacular family entertainment that will have everyone cheering again and again. My Take: Conceptually speaking Real Steel reminds me of many Sylvester Stallone films involving the underdog mixed with a dash of an estranged father/son storyline who bond while on the road as the father competes in robot boxing thrown together. Formulaic but effective right? The entire Rocky franchise is based on that storyline! The execution, however... bulb-life to be refunded. Continue Viewing here. MOVIE Review: Super 8 (Blu-ray)
I grew up in the Super 8 home movie era and it was the Super 8 format and my grandfather that started my enthusiasm in home theatre. So the title alone makes me want to watch the movie, at the very least as a nostalgia of good times between my grandfather and myself. That aside, this movie is an eclectic genre piece with rich narrative and wonderfully executed to have the look/feel of imaginatively stirring films of yesteryears. The plotline revolves around a circle of middle school aged friends with an interest in making a Super 8 zombie film. It literally reminds me of my childhood. The only difference is when I was a kid, I always wanted to make vampire movies.
This is a reference quality high definition transfer that looks amazingly spectacular. Images are crisp yet filled with subtle refinement,s resolute sharpness and exquisite dimensional perspectives. Colours are natural with punchy primaries without... Continue Viewing here. Pathos at Venetian - CES 2012
This year Pathos showed its protoype of Pathos Media Server with a gigantic touch screen with ease of use of an iPad but with highly regarded sound quality of Pathos. No specification was released during CES because the prototypical stage of the item although the prototype itself is fully functional for the show.
Also showcased was the unique five-channel tube-amp for home theatre application, the Cinema-X. There is a section of the audiophile community who are gradually turning towards home cinema and five channel sound. However this move often includes several compromises on the stereo sound or even requires two different systems. With their new integrated amplifier, Pathos dares to prove that it is possible to integrate high performance stereo and surround sound in one product. Continue Viewing here. Venetian: Dynaudio Xeo Loudspeakers - CES 2012
Dynaudio just introduced the new Xeo loudspeakers.
A high end wireless loudspeaker system at the 2012 International CES. Comprised of two models, the compact Xeo 3 bookshelf monitor and the slim Xeo 5 floorstander, the Xeo models are wireless, remote controlled active loudspeakers offering the convenience of wireless operation in a fully active loudspeaker concept. Continue Viewing here. PANASONIC INTRODUCES SMART VIERA
Panasonic announced the introduction of Smart VIERA, a new and expanded application of VIERA Connect, that is more than just a connection to the Internet. The advent of Smart VIERA centers on five main points: Networking, Easy Operation, Picture Quality, Eco and Design elements. The seamless integration of the aforementioned elements makes for a truly smart IPTV, one that allows the user to not only access the web but provides the technology for connecting people with people via social media.
Continue Viewing here. ZVOX IncrediBase 580 - An amazing Home theatre Soundbar & TV stand
The Zvox IncrediBase 580 weighs 33 pounds and is 36 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep by five inches high and it is not a soundbar, for its size, I’d call it a sound-platform. You may be wondering why the Zvox is so big. Well, the Zvox IncrediBase 580 is meant to be used as a platform for your television, which makes it quite practical for me to place it under my Sony 55EX720 LCD TV.
Furthermore, you can not escape the law of physics that size matters. Housed in this ported sound-platform are two 6.5” down-firing subwoofers and five 3.25” front firing full-range long-throw drivers with, according my Real Time Analyzer positioned in my listening position using frequency sweep, goes all the way down to 32 Hz with a variants of only +/- 2dB, which is very flat even for the mastering-studio community. Continue Viewing here. Why CES 2012 Sucks!
More Things We Encountered When We Were At CES 2012
Las Vegas CES 2012, I never cease to be amazed at the randomness CES brings each year. Kangaroos, Ice Sculpture, Velodyne Selling out, Random celebrity endorsements, Hello Kitty costumes, Old Cars, Panda iPod Docks and Keyring DJ speakers. Continue Viewing here. ExpanD and Swan HiVi Booth's Tour Gallery - CES 2012
Las Vegas
CES 2012, Welcome to the tour of booths by ExpanD as well as Swan HiVi. Photographs of equipment on show and presented to the public. Welcome to ExpanD The first 3D glasses that is 100% compatible with all brands and all protocols (IR, RF and Bluetooth). The offerings by Swan HiVi look to be Copies of Genelec, Infinity, Usher among others. Continue Viewing here. Sharp Booth Tour Gallery - CES 2012
Las Vegas
CES 2012, Welcome to the tour of Sharp's Booth. Photographs of equipment on show and presented to the public. Pretty Lights, Sharp XV-Z30000 3D projector, 80" Plasma Tv's, and a swag full of new equipment. Continue Viewing here. Panasonic Booth Tour Gallery - CES 2012
Las Vegas
CES 2012, Tour of Panasonic's Booth. We watched the unveiling, Presentation with Justin Timberlake (and they definitely are taking sexy back with their booth this year!) Photographs of equipment on show and presented to the public. Speakers, Ipod Docks, a trippy headphone wall installation, Sunburt guitar Ipod docks and hamburger speakers?? hmm burgers. Continue Viewing here. Things We Encountered While We Were At CES 2012 part 1 - Photo Gallery
Las Vegas
CES 2012, Tour of the booths by Changhong, TCL Monster, Dolby, DTS and a random Lamborghini. Photographs of equipment on show and presented to the public. David was invited to a private show by Monster to photograph and demo this years lineup. Continue Viewing here. Jamo and Klipsch joined together for this year's CES booth - Photo Gallery
Introducing re-invented 70's console systems, pac-man poke'ball contraptions, gargantuan iPod docks, and some unique Jamo Tower speakers.
Jamo and Klipsch have tried to break the mold meanwhile creating some very interesting yet familial designs that you will either love or want to beat with a stick. Continue Viewing here. Burmester - The king of sound and aesthetics
Burmester, the king of sound and aesthetics. This year Burmester is releasing a media control centre that is not only a CD transport but also a FLAC/MP3/AAC/WAV player with built in DAC and pre-amp.
See the front panel display on the media control centre? It's the same panel used in various aircraft. You read it correctly, it's aircraft-grade display panel. High in resolution, superior viewing angle and can be viewed easily from 16 feet away! Continue Viewing here. LG CES 2012 Booth Tour - Photo Gallery - Worlds biggest 3D screen array?
Las Vegas CES 2012, Tour of the LG's Booth. Photographs of equipment on show and presented to the public. Featuring 126 3D Screens making the worlds Largest 3D screen! 4K, OLED, LG Surround Sound Cinema Speakers and much more! Continue Viewing here. KanexPro CubeUp 2D to 3D Converter - Take your 2D content into the 3D Realm
The KanexPro CubeUp - 2D to 3D Converter and Scaler is designed to take content from your 2D video sources and instantaneously convert it into 3D for viewing on 3D enabled TVs and 3D based DLP projectors and monitors. Comprised of one HDMI input and one HDMI output for connecting it to the 3DTV, this compact box features real-time hardware conversion of 2D content to 3D during playback. Engineered to transform sources such as PCs, Blu-ray players, STB’s and cable boxes to 3D format. In addition, 3D depth and scaling parameters can be fully adjusted simply at the touch of a button. Continue Reading... Samsung CES 2012 Booth Tour - Photo Gallery
Las Vegas CES 2012, Tour of the Samsung Booth. Photographs of equipment on show and presented to the public. Featuring OLED TV's, Tube Amplifier Components, Ipod Docks, and Tiny Blu-ray Players! Their booth was amazing, Never have I seen so many displays arranged like they were balloons floating through the sky! Continue Viewing here. JVC DLA-X30 Projector / RS45 At A Glance
The DLA-X30 (and its professional-market counterpart, the DLA-RS45) is the direct replacement of the DLA-X3 / RS-40 entry-level model in JVC’s 3D line. With an estimated street price of approximately CDN$4,500, this D-ILA projector has a similar specification of 1080p resolution and 120Hz Clear Motion Drive, two anamorphic lens modes, a 220-watt UHP lamp, and motorized zoom/focus controls but with several important improvements such as lens memory, perceivable better light output, contrast ratio and improved 3D performance.
Continue... Monitor Audio i-Deck 200 iPod Speaker dock.
Low and behold another iPod dock has come onto the already packed stage of available audio mates for your personal media player.
Monitor Audio have brought forward their personal take on semi portable audio and compact speaker dock system. How does the i-deck 200 set itself ahead of the pack? Through amazing design and wonderful features. But will this be enough to take their piece of the pie? Read this article to find out! Continue... SONY VPL-HW30ES 3D 1080p SXRD Home Theatre Projector
Sony is coming out strong in the last 12 months. BDP-S770 Blu-ray Disc player have been upgraded to a far superior BDP-S780 with lowered price. XBR HX909 have been replaced with HX929 series LED backlit LCD TV that performs better than even my Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111 and consumes only less than 25% of electricity with only about 20% of the thickness and weight. They have also released NEX-VG20 prosumer camcorder with interchangeable lens with APS-C sensor, capable to record natively in 24p and 60p modes at a ridiculously low price, and now they released the VPL-HW30ES 1080p SXRD 3D projector that once again raises the bar on what we can expect from a Sony (or any other) 3D projector.
The HW30ES builds on the successful Sony VPL-VWPRO1, maintaining similar features and image quality while incorporating the 3D capability that Sony first introduced in the VPL-VW90ES. Continue... DSPeaker Anti Mode 8033s Review
To have a great sound from the midrange and up is easy. As long as the speaker is kept reasonably far from hard reflective surfaces and the whole environment is balanced (in acoustic terms), your ears will automatically lock onto the direct arrival sound in the mids and highs (100 Hz and up), and room effects won’t keep the top from sounding good or sometimes even phenomenal.
For the lower frequencies, however, it’s a very different story. Any room almost inevitably plays havoc, no matter how good the speaker is an anechoic measurement. Below 100 Hz, the speaker’s sound is being reflected around by the room and the direct sound arrives to your ear in one big lump with the room effects. The phenomenon of a boom somewhere below 100Hz and a large dip between 100Hz and 200Hz is far too common. Continue... PORTABLE: Can This Portable Speakers Truly Sound Good? Soundmatters FOXLV2
Back in February 2011 I received a press release from Soundmatters regarding their FOXLV2 portable speakers which they dubbed as the “ULTIMATE PORTABLE SPEAKER”. With their claim of having the best sounding pocket-sized stereo speaker in the world, I’m intrigued because from the size of the product, it defies the physics of sonic properties.
However, at the same time their claim of frequency range is quite an oxymoron. They claim their use of “Patented “Twoofer/BassBattery” Technology” results in “Ultra-wide 80 Hz – 20 kHz Audio Range”. 80 Hz to 20 kHz is “Ultra-wide Audio Range”? When a speaker that can do 35 Hz to 40 kHz is not even considered as “ultra wide audio range”, Continue Viewing here. Sony HMZ-T1 preview from the Sony Store at Upper Canada Mall
The most interesting item at the new Sony flagship concept store at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, in my opinion is the Sony HMZ-T1 OLED Head Mount Display. The head-mounted display, initially introduced as a prototype back in January 2011 at CES in Las Vegas and also at IFA 2011 in Berlin, has finally turned into a real product.
Continue... Written By David Susilo Introduction to Projector Screens - July 14th 2011
In the last five years, more and more people are using front projection system and I’ve been asked one too many times on which projection screen to buy. Just like you can not maximize your $2,000 dSLR camera body with a mere $500 lens, and just like you have to match the wine you’re drinking with the type of food you’re eating; the truth is that you cannot use a projector without a suitably matched projection screen. More....
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