Panasonic Introduces the Essential Travel Carry-On

  • Author: Gadget Mania
  • Filed under: Audio, Gadgets
  • Date: Jun 23,2010

RP-HC700 Noise Canceling Headphones Reduce Outside Noise By 92% for Ultra Travel Comfort

As the summer travel season kicks into gear, Panasonic introduces the perfect travel companion, RP-HC700 noise canceling headphones, which reduce outside noise by 92% (22dB at 200Hz*). They are designed to filter out background noise by generating a signal of the opposite phase to effectively cancel it. Additionally, the headphones reduce low frequency noises such as the drone of a plane’s engine or a loud air conditioning unit. The noise-canceling feature can also be switched off to allow the user to converse or to reduce background noise by virtue of the headphone’s comfortable insulated housing. When the noise canceling effect is off, the headphones can still be used as normal headphones.

PANASONIC-EARPHONES“Whether used to block out sound while on an aircraft or to create a tranquil environment so you can enjoy your music, these new headphones are up to the challenge,” said Tom Hantson, Panasonic’s national product manager. “With the RP-HC700 noise canceling headphones, even a crowded flight feels like a private flight.”

These comfortable headphones feature large, 40mm drivers with Neodymium rare-earth magnets for pure, natural sound reproduction and a well-rounded response that keeps the bass pumping without overwhelming the music. The ultra thin diaphragm is made from natural fiber bio-cellulose which has the sound velocity advantages of both aluminum and titanium, along with the warm, delicate sound that a paper diaphragm provides. Trebles are sparking clear, and bass notes are deep and rich.

Boasting ergo-design earpads made of soft, high-grade synthetic leather, the RP-HC700 headphones provide long listening comfort. Thanks to their swivel mechanism they conveniently fold for compact storage and come with a protective carrying case, making them ideal for travel. They operate on one AAA Alkaline battery and have a frequency response of 8Hz – 22kHz. Read the rest of this entry »


Wolfson has announced that its innovative ultra low power audio hub solution, the WM8994, has been selected by Samsung for inclusion in its breakthrough new smartphones, Wave and Galaxy S.

Samsung’s much anticipated Wave and Galaxy S smartphones both feature the WM8994, which is part of Wolfson’s successful portfolio of high performance, ultra low power audio hub solutions. The WM8994 offers market-leading audio performance, dramatically extended playback time, exceptional voice call quality and support of multiple consumer use cases in smartphones and other feature-rich portable multimedia devices.

By managing, converting and processing the full array of diverse audio sources, including voice, speaker, microphone, music and headphone signals, the WM8994 is able to transform the capability and performance of portable multimedia devices and enable multiple new audio use cases.

Duncan Macadie, Wolfson’s Product Line Manager for Audio Hub Solutions, said: “Wolfson is committed to delivering high definition audio solutions for the consumer electronics market, and these latest design wins with Samsung’s high profile Wave and Galaxy S smartphones is testament to the strength of Wolfson’s technology, expertise and support capabilities. Read the rest of this entry »


Official Star Wars GPS Voices launched

  • Author: Gadget Mania
  • Filed under: Audio, GPS
  • Date: May 15,2010

VoiceSkins.com, in association with Lucasfilm Ltd. and TomTom, announces the launch of the official Star Wars voices for GPS. Darth Vader’s VoiceSkin is the first Star Wars GPS voice to be made available for download by users of TomTom GPS navigation systems. The voices of Yoda, Han-Solo and C-3PO will be launched over the summer of 2010.

“The TomTom brand is synonymous with high quality navigation. Star Wars fans are sure to be delighted when they hear just how great these voices sound on their TomTom navigation devices,” says Casey Collins, sr. director of international licensing and marketing at Lucas Licensing.

Star Wars is iconic and the voices from the films are some of the most distinctive and recognisable in popular culture. We are absolutely delighted to bring the official Star Wars voices to TomTom GPS in partnership with Lucasfilm,” said Chris Hilton, CEO of Locutio Voice Technologies, the company behind VoiceSkins.com. Read the rest of this entry »


OSRAM SYLVANIA and ARTISON launch MusicLites

  • Author: Gadget Mania
  • Filed under: Audio, Gadgets
  • Date: May 13,2010

Cutting Edge Retrofit Technology Combines LED Light with High Fidelity Audio

OSRAM SYLVANIA and ARTISON have partnered to bring to market MusicLites, a first of its kind wireless light speaker combination. This ground-breaking new product fits existing lighting fixtures and provides the most cutting edge lighting and high fidelity audio available today.

The unique concept of a speaker and light combination was invented and patented in 1999 by Cary Christie, president and CEO of ARTISON. Today’s product is the collective result of OSRAM SYLVANIA’s expertise in LED solutions and ARTISON’s creative dedication to state-of-the-art audio. Read the rest of this entry »


Sony introduces its first 3D compatible audio video receiver

Three Powerful Models with Expanded Connectivity Also Join Line-up

Sony announced its first A/V receiver capable of supporting 3D audio and video.

Featuring HDMI(TM) 1.4 3D pass-through technology, ample high definition connectivity and compatibility with all of the latest Blu-ray Disc(TM) audio formats, the new STR-DN1010 A/V receiver is designed to create a simple solution for controlling any high definition or 3D capable home theater.

“It’s important for consumers to understand the role that audio plays in the in-home 3D experience,” said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony’s Home Audio and Video division. “By streamlining connectivity and supporting 3D hardware and software, the STR-DN1010 receiver will provide a simplified approach to 3D home theater control and performance, ensuring the best possible user experience.”

The 7.1 channel STR-DN1010 A/V receiver (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) features full high definition 1080/24p support and seven HD inputs in total (four HDMI and three component) allowing for connection to a wide variety of HD devices. The receiver’s HDMI 3D pass-through technology supports 3D video from connected devices and passes them through to a 3D compatible high definition television, while decoding high-resolution audio codecs.

The receiver also features an icon-driven menu system for simple device and content navigation and has the ability to upscale analog video sources to 1080p resolution via HDMI. The model also boasts a sleek piano black gloss design that matches Sony’s line of Blu-ray Disc players and televisions.

The STR-DN1010 is compatible with all advanced audio codecs, including Dolby® TrueHD, dts®-HD Master Audio and features wireless 2nd zone capabilities through Sony’s S-AIR® wireless technology. With the addition of an S-AIR transmitter (model EZW-T100) and separate S-AIR speakers (sold separately), the receiver can also drive wireless audio in up to 10 additional rooms.

The STR-DN1010 A/V receiver also features a Digital Media Port (DMP) input for simple connection to external sources including an iPod® and iPhone® (compatible DMP accessories required and sold separately) and is compatible with both Deep Color(TM) and x.v.Color(TM).

The STR-DN1010 A/V receiver will be available this June for about $500.

Sony also introduced the new STR-DH810, STR-DH710 and STR-DH510 A/V receiver models to its core line-up. Specifications are as follows:

STR-DH810 A/V Receiver
Available in March for about $400
– 7.1 channel (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
– Seven HD connections (4 HDMI / 3 component)
– Upscales incoming analog video signals to 1080p
– 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready)
– Compatible with Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio
– Fully assignable audio and video inputs
– Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
– Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices
– Universal Remote

STR-DH710 A/V Receiver
Available in March for about $300
– 7.1 channel (105 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
– Six HD connections (3 HDMI / 3 component)
– 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready)
– Compatible with Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio
– Fully assignable inputs allows for use of all connections
– Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
– Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices

STR-DH510 A/V Receiver
Available in March for about $230
– 5.1 channel (100 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
– Five HD connections (3 HDMI / 2 component)
– HDMI Repeater for simplified audio and video signal management
– Blu-ray Disc Audio Decoding (Linear PCM Only)
– Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
– Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices

Source: Sony Electronics