Merging Previews Roon Enabled NADAC at 2016 High End Show
Merging Technologies announced that the result of a new partnership with Roon Labs will be on display on its stand and in the Special Sound Demonstration in Konferenzraum K1B at the High End Show in Munich. Merging will demonstrate the new concept of Roon’s ground breaking player software integrated for the first time in a complete turnkey and networked solution offering multichannel capability up to DSD256 and DXD.
New Sonica Wireless Speaker from OPPO Digital Features Dirac Room Calibration
Sonica is an elegant and powerful Wi-Fi speaker designed with state of the art technology delivering very high sound quality for such a compact package. The most recent project from OPPO Digital, Sonica comes equipped with Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth, while the companion smartphone and tablet app makes it easy to manage multiple speakers on the same network. It also features Dirac Room Calibration, including a brand new and easy-to-use room correction software tailored for mobile devices.
Broadcast Manufacturers Integrate Fraunhofer’s MPEG-H Audio in New Generation UHDTV Encoders
The new ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, allowing for high quality TV experiences with 4K and HDR images, as well as immersive audio, was one of the major technology highlights at NAB 2016. MPEG-H is one of the candidate technologies for ATSC 3.0 audio standard and NAB 2016 saw a lot of support for the technology with practical demonstration and new product announcements from Korean manufacturers, DS Broadcast and Kai Media.
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New Focal Outdoor Speaker Lineup Now Available in US
French speaker manufacturer Focal announced the company’s new line of outdoor speakers are now available in the US for the first time. The Custom OD 108 and OD 108-T and Chorus OD 706-V and OD 706-VT feature high-quality components to create an aural experience in open air outdoor environments. Now available in US in time for Summer season.
Wearables, Wireless Audio, Connected Devices Experience Largest Ownership Growth in 2016
According to a new study from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), wearables, wireless speakers, wireless headphones, connected devices are seeing the largest ownership growth in 2016. “Wireless, portable, connected devices are driving tech adoption,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. The CTA study also shows smartphone ownership now beginning to mirror television trends.
Consumer Awareness and Preference of Bluetooth Technology at All-Time High
A recent survey conducted by Canada based brand research firm Lux Insights puts consumer awareness of Bluetooth wireless technology at 92 percent globally, with 62 percent of respondents reporting a purchasing preference for Bluetooth enabled products, noting Bluetooth is reliable, easy to use, and makes life easier. The online survey was conducted in five languages across seven countries in January 2016 among 2,912 consumers responsible for technology purchases.
AKM Announces New Premium DAC and DSP Solutions for Premium Portable Audio Applications
Targeting portable audio applications (smartphones, tablets, portable music players, headphones, etc.) Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has developed the AK4962, a new advanced 2-channel 32-bit Advanced Audio DAC with DSP, featuring 32-bit 4ch ADC with microphone/headphone receivers, line-amplifier, audio/voice DSP, asynchronous SRC and microcontroller interface. AKM also announced its AK4490EN 32-bit stereo premium D/A converter and dedicated clock generator, AK8157A, are now available.
New High-End Drivers and Kits From SB Acoustics to be Unveiled at 2016 High End Show in Munich
Celebrating 10 years since the brand was created, SB Acoustics will once again attend the High End Show in Munich, introducing a whole new series of cutting edge designs for the high-end consumer audio market. The Sinar Baja Electric brand will also introduce new high-quality drivers for more cost conscious applications, as well new loudspeaker kits of outstanding value, representing an expression of the brand’s core values.
Radial Offers Bluetooth Wireless and Dante Networked Input Solutions
Radial Engineering is investing heavily on new solutions for all modern connectivity needs, wireless, networked and long-distance wired. Focused on problem-solvers as always, Radial announced its BT-Pro Bluetooth DI box is now shipping, while the new Di-NET DAN-TX and DiNET DAN-RX, Dante enabled direct boxes will be added soon, providing another possible bridge from musical instruments or line level sources directly to networked audio systems.
Spotify Acquires CrowdAlbum to Extend Services Provided to Music Artists
Streaming music service Spotify announced the acquisition of social media aggregator CrowdAlbum to enhance the development of products that help artists understand, activate, and monetize their audiences. Having reached 30 million paid subscribers, the Swedish company is expanding its services to artists, providing insights about their listeners and introducing Concerts to promote artists’ shows to relevant fans - two new Spotify tools recently developed with CrowdAlbum.