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Pioneer AV Receiver with FireConnect by Blackfire

Pioneer AV Receiver with FireConnect by Blackfire

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Pioneers next generation Network AV receiver has FireConnect by Blackfire built in enabling playback to and from any Blackfire enabled product.

Click here to see Press Release by Pioneer

VSX-1131 – brand new top level AV receiver incorporating Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Pioneer & Onkyo Europe GmbH are delighted to announce the introduction of a brand new Pioneer AV receiver, the VSX-1131. Incorporating Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object based audio formats*1 plus many other new and innovative features including MCACC*2 Pioneer’s unique automatic sound adjustment technology, now with enhanced support for Dolby Atmos ‘enabled’ speakers, support for the latest network functions including GoogleCast*3, TuneIn, Deezer*3 and TIDAL*3, a new dual band Wi-Fi connection, a new 384kHz/32 bit DAC and support for a new Multi-room Audio*4 capability that allows sources connected to the AV receiver to be played back on additional speakers*5 in different rooms. There is a brand new GUI and support for HDCP 2.2, HDR*6/BT.2020*7.

Powerful Sound

– A 7.1-channel receiver with 160 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %, 1ch Driven)

New DAC

– Incorporates a high grade 384kHz/32bit DAC (AK4458) produced by AMK which offers clear, delicate audio reproduction thanks to a unique digital filter which achieves extremely low distortion.

MCACC – Create the ideal acoustic environment for surround sound

– Pioneer’s MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), developed with the expertise of professional recording studios creates the ideal acoustic environment. With a custom microphone, the system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes response. A professionally EQ’d audio environment is then created enabling faithful reproduction of the original master sound.

– A brand new feature ‘Reflex Optimizer’ enhances object-based audio reproduction specifically aimed at users of upward firing Dolby Atmos ‘Enabled’ Speakers.

Phase Control

– As an innovative solution for phase lag between the subwoofer and main L+R speakers, Phase Control compensates the delayed bass to improve sound synchronization. Consequently, it makes LFE more dynamic and achieves clear reproduction of sound in the mid and high frequency bands.

Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support*8

– The latest object-based audio formats, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both supported. This technology utilizes object based data as opposed to traditional channel based data and creates a three dimensional soundscape in the room utilizing height based audio information in addition to the traditional horizontal based audio that is offered by channel based solutions. DTS:X will be supported through a free to download firmware update.

UltraHD (4K) and HDR compatibility

– VSX-1131 supports 4K/60p/4:4:4 24-bit video signal transmission with HDCP 2.2 technology, ensuring compatibility with the many upcoming UltraHD(4K)sources and televisions.

– In addition, VSX-1131 is also ready for the next generation HDR (High Dynamic Range) and BT.2020*6 video standards.

– ‘Super Resolution’ Ultra-high-resolution 4K upscaling technologies have been incorporated to upscale ‘standard’ HD-quality content to the quality of a 4K video signal.

GoogleCast

– Included for the very first time in a Pioneer AV Receiver.The VSX-1131 has Google Cast, the same technology behind Chromecast built-in, so you can use your mobile device to cast your favorite music, radio, or podcasts to your speaker. You can control the audio from anywhere in the house using Cast-enabled apps running on your personal device—iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet, Mac and Windows laptop, and Chromebook. Discover apps at g.co/cast/audioapps.

Multi-room Audio

– Another exciting first for the VSX-1131 is support for FireConnect™ Powered by Blackfire*4 via an upcoming firmware update. FireConnect enables any audio source connected to the receiver—from vinyl to streaming audio—to be sent wirelessly to a compatible speaker placed anywhere in the home. Stable, fast, and easily controlled, it’s the smart way to set audio free.

Internet Radio and Online Music

– A limitless flow of music, sports, talk, and news entertainment from internet radio stations and online music services, including, Spotify® and for the first time TuneIn, TIDAL, and Deezer

Built-in Dual Band Wi-Fi®*9 and Bluetooth® wireless technologies

– high-fidelity high-resolution sound sources can be enjoyed wirelessly through a Wi-Fi connection that supports dual band 5GHz (11a/n) and 2.4GHz (11b/g/n) offering faster transmission with fewer interruptions,

– Music can also be streamed simply and easily via the integration of wireless Bluetooth®

Hi-Res Audio Support

– 192kHz / 24-bit high-resolution FLAC, WAV, AIFF and Apple lossless file formats are supported, along with DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) *10 files.

Uncompressed HD audio

– VSX-1131 supports various high-definition audio formats including Dolby® TrueHD® and DTS-HD®

Other features

– Powered Zone 2

– Zone 2 Line Out

– iControlAV5 compatible

– AirPlay compatible

– Supports HDMI®-based control functions

– Another exciting first for the VSX-1131 is support for FireConnect™ Powered by Blackfire*4 via an upcoming firmware update. FireConnect enables any audio source connected to the receiver—from vinyl to streaming audio—to be sent wirelessly to a compatible speaker placed anywhere in the home. Stable, fast, and easily controlled, it’s the smart way to set audio free.

Notes:
*1 Multi-dimensional surround sound acoustics using objects. By mixing independent acoustic elements (objects) that incorporate the intentions of the creator (movement and arrangement of sound) as metadata with the conventional channel-based sound track, adjustable sound placement and movement is achieved.*2 MCACC: Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (automatic acoustic calibration system). MCACC is a proprietary acoustic compensation technology from Pioneer that can perform sound field adjustment at the same level as monitoring techniques employed in sound studios.*3 Supported via a firmware update provided at a later date. The firmware update is planned in this Summer. Details on the firmware update will be posted on our website and through other means at a later date.*4 Multi-room Audio is realized by FireConnect technology. The firmware installed in the AV Receiver needs updating. FireConnect i s a technology of Blackfire Research Corp,USA. We do not guarantee that the AV Receiver will support all devices incorporating FireConnect. The firmware update is planned in this Summer. Details on the firmware update will be posted on our website and through other means at a later date*5 Speakers that support Multi-Room Audio are scheduled to be released going forward. The details of the speakers will be provided progressively on our website.*6 HDR is a technology that expands the maximum brightness of video. HDR technology is used in the next-generation Blu-ray standard to expand the maximum brightness from 100 nit to 10,000 nit.*7 BT.2020 is a video format standard that covers a wide color space more than twice that of the BT.709 standard currently used in Blu-ray and other formats.*8 Supported via a firmware update provided at a later date. The firmware update is planned in this Autumn. Details on the firmware update will be posted on our website and through other means at a later date.*9 Requires a wireless LAN network environment compatible with Wi-Fi standards and a Wi-Fi-based connection.*10 Sound is reproduced by conversion to PCM.PIONEER, MCACC, Phase Control, Advanced Sound Retriever, and the logos are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation, and are used under license. The terms HDMI and HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries. Dolby, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com. Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. DTS, the Symbol, DTS in combination with the Symbol, DTS:X, and the DTS:X logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of DTS, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AirPlay works with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 4.3.3 or later, Mac with OS X Mountain Lion, and Mac and PC with iTunes 10.2.2 or later. AirPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.iOS is a trademark on which Cisco holds the trademark right in the US and certain other countries. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo is a certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. •”x.v.Color” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Spotify and the Spotify logo are trademarks of the Spotify Group, registered in the U.S. and other countries. The product with the Hi-Res Audio logo is conformed to Hi-Res Audio standard defined by Japan Audio Society. The logo is used under license from Japan Audio Society.Android and Google Cast are trademarks of Google inc. •Blu-ray Disc™, Blu-ray™, Ultra HD Blu-ray™ and the logos are trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc Association. .FireConnect is a trademark of Blackfire Research.All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
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Onkyo Mid-Range Receivers Add Cutting-Edge Wireless technology

Onkyo Mid-Range Receivers Add Cutting-Edge Wireless technology

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Onkyo lineup of AV receivers have FireConnect by Blackfire to provide cutting edge wireless Multi-Room capability.

Click here to see Press Released by ONKYO

OSAKA, JAPAN: Onkyo marks 70 years as a world-leading Hi-Fi and audio-video innovator by smashing the price-to-performance barrier with two of its most sophisticated and sweet-sounding receivers to date.

The 7.2-Channel TX-NR555 (130 W/Ch) and 7.2-Channel TX-NR656 (160 W/Ch) A/V receivers bring high-current Dynamic Audio Amplification and state-of-the-art features to the mid-range with DTS:X™* and Dolby Atmos® decoding, support for 6G video, Google Cast™*, AirPlay, Wi-Fi®, and an all-new wireless multi-room audio system.

AccuReflex also makes its debut in these receivers as part of Onkyo’s AccuEQ room acoustic calibration suite. The technology adjusts the phase of sound bounced off the ceiling by upfiring speakers—which reproduce “height” elements in object-based formats—so that it syncs with sound from the other speakers at the listening position. Together with AccuEQ to eliminate standing waves, surround-sound is precisely balanced for supreme clarity.

A firmware update due this summer will activate FireConnect™* on the TX-NR555 and TX-NR656 receivers, as well as selected legacy models.

FireConnect™, developed by Blackfire Research Corp., is a stable wireless protocol that mirrors any audio source connected to the receiver—from vinyl to streaming audio—on optional FireConnect™-compatible speakers in other rooms*. Users can alternatively use Powered Zone 2 speaker outputs for multi-room playback of digital and analog sources.

Both receivers let music lovers take advantage of the full-scale stereo power on offer. Google Cast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi®, and Bluetooth enable easy audio streaming from mobiles and PCs, while Onkyo’s Remote App streams everything from MP3s to Hi-Res Audio stored on media server. Digital music benefits from noise-free 32-bit D/A conversion with original VLSC™ technology, while discrete non-phase-shift amps provide a sense of clarity and depth seldom heard at this price.

The TX-NR555 and TX-NR656 also support the latest in UltraHD entertainment. HDCP 2.2-compatible HDMI® terminals pass 4K/60 Hz/4:4:4/HDR video through to the latest TVs. A simplified remote, meanwhile, enables fast input switching and fine-tuning via an overlaid Quick Setup menu, while an intuitive GUI streamlines initial one-time setup.

Adding emotionally compelling sound to the film experience today with the freedom to expand into wireless audio entertainment tomorrow, the TX-NR555 and TX-NR656 are prime examples of why Onkyo remains at the cutting edge of home entertainment.

* Note: Firmware update enabling these features is scheduled around summer, 2016. Further details will be communicated on our website and in other media at a later date. Firmware update release timing is subject to change. FireConnect™-compatible speakers are scheduled for release this summer.

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Blackfire Powers New Generation of Harman Kardon High-Res Speakers

Blackfire Powers New Generation of Harman Kardon High-Res Speakers

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Harman Kardon’s next generation of Omni wireless Multi-Room Audio products, based on the Blackfire platform.

Click here to see Press Release by TWICE

Harman Kardon’s next generation of Omni wireless multiroom-audio products, based on the Blackfire platform, get such upgrades as high-res audio playback, additional streaming services such as Spotify and Google Cast, the addition of 5GHz Wi-Fi to increase bandwidth, and a new design. One model is also the line’s first portable battery-powered speaker.

The products are the Harman Kardon Omni 10+ at $199, the Omni 20+ at $299, portable AC/DC Omni 50+ at $499, OmniBar+ soundbar at $999, and the Adapt streamer without speakers or amplifier at $129. All will be available in the spring at harmankardon.com.

The devices stream 192kHz/24-bit audio over Wi- Fi and feature 192/24 DACs. Two speakers can be set up as stereo pairs, and they can be used as wireless surrounds when paired with the soundbar. All also feature Bluetooth, and Bluetooth sources can be rebroadcast over Wi-Fi from one speaker to the others.

The HK controller app supports Spotify Connect, Google Cast, and such streaming services as MixRadio, Deezer, Qobuz and Tidal.

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Blackfire Powering Harman Kardon Omni Wi-Fi Speakers

Blackfire Powering Harman Kardon Omni Wi-Fi Speakers

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Harman Kardon is rolling out its Omni speaker displays nationwide all powered by Blackfire Technology.

Click here to see Press Release by Appliance Retailer

Global audio manufacturer wants to stand-out from the crowd.

In the lead up to Christmas, Harman/Kardon is rolling out its Omni speaker displays nationwide, covering 71 JB Hi-Fi stores and JBL portable wireless displays are being rolled out in 336 stores across JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and Bing Lee, as well as selected Dick Smith stores. The JBL Soundbar 250, debuted at this year’s IFA, will also be available exclusively at Harvey Norman pre-Christmas.

Harman/Kardon is ramping up its Christmas offering by providing 50% off the second speaker in the Omni range and a free Omni adapter as a gift with purchase when buying the Harman/Kardon Super Slim Soundbar 35 and wireless Slim subwoofer.

This year Harman/Kardon focused on in-store activation and road shows, but the company is likely to see expansion into experiential and above the line advertising in 2016 and beyond, according to Convoy brand manager, Michael Sherman.

Harman International unveiled two new Harman/Kardon Omni loudspeakers and the Harman/Kardon Adapt wireless adapter at an exclusive media event in Sydney’s eastern suburbs this week.

The flexible design and functionality, relying on a standard Wi-Fi network, enables exceptional sound quality as well as easy set up and management.

The Harman/Kardon Omni system comprises three new products. The Omni 10 and Omni 20 wireless HD loudspeakers and the Adapt plug-in to upgrade an existing home stereo system, all powered by Blackfire Research™ wireless media technology.

The Harman/Kardon app enables users to access and stream music from a phone, streaming service or apps seamlessly, with Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike other wireless streaming systems, the Harman/Kardon Omni 10 and Omni 20 support 24-bit/96kHz Studio Quality HD audio streaming.

“The Harman/Kardon Wireless high definition audio system represents the ultimate in scalability, upgradeability, and personalisation for home audio entertainment,” Harman president – lifestyle division, Michael Mauser said.

“Consumers shouldn’t have to sacrifice exceptional sound or forward looking design in order to get it. Our Omni loudspeaker systems and Adapt wireless adapter make this happen, without compromises in sound quality or aesthetics,” Mauser added.

The Harman/Kardon Adapt is a first-of-its-kind truly HD, wireless adapter for your existing home stereo system. It enables users to play different music in each room for private listening, or stream the same song throughout the house in party mode.

Control and configure your HD audio system wirelessly via the app and a standard Wi-Fi-connection, with no network-cable connection required. The future-proof design is supported through automatic software upgrades and improvements that are automatically delivered through the Wi-Fi connection to the control app.

One Touch Follow Me Audio lets you walk from one room to another, as your favourite music follows you at the touch of a button, even when streaming from Bluetooth.

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Blackfire Launches on the New HTC One M9

Blackfire Launches on the New HTC One M9

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Blackfire Research Wireless media technology is now integrated into the HTC One M9 smartphones.

Click here to see Press Release by PRWEB

SAN FRANCISO, CALIFORNIA

BLACKFIRE RESEARCH™ wireless media technology is now integrated into the HTC One M9 smartphones, HTC’s flagship Smartphone that was launched at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 1. This integration is in HTC Connect™ and so will also be available on other HTC Smartphones that support HTC Connect, including previous HTC One products.

“HTC has built its reputation on challenging expectations in the mobile industry,” said Cher Wang, Chairwoman, HTC. “The HTC One M9 accomplishes this once again with stunning elegance and design, combined with smart features that help bring your world to life, connecting you in a deeper way to the things you consider most important. So much more than just a phone, the HTC One M9 is an extension of who you are.”

Smartphones are fast becoming the central hub for home entertainment, and HTC Connect™ makes it easy to enjoy your multimedia experience beyond your phone. A three-finger swipe on the screen connects the phone to BLACKFIRE powered products from leading brands such as the HARMAN KARDON™ Omni series of speakers. Once connected, the audio and music from the HTC smartphone is routed to these products, much like Bluetooth. However, unlike Bluetooth, BLACKFIRE enables much longer range, better resolution and multi room play.

BLACKFIRE powered products can be used in various multi room or in-room configurations, can be grouped into various zones, selected for playback at will, shared by multiple phones and any online music/media service applications on the smartphone can play to them. This allows HTC One users maximum flexibility in enjoying their music and makes the HTC One a very powerful media platform.

The user can enjoy music from the HTC One to a HARMAN KARDON OMNI 20 Speaker in the kitchen and simultaneously send it to a HARMAN KARDON Adapt plugged into their stereo system – all playing simultaneously, in high quality, over the home Wi-Fi.

“Integrating BLACKFIRE native to the HTC One M9 smartphone makes it an awesome smartphone that at last allows you to enjoy music, the way you would expect – easily, flexibly, wirelessly and in high quality!” said Ravi Rajapakse, CEO of BLACKFIRE

The BLACKFIRE powered HARMAN KARDON Omni 10, Omni 20 and Adapt plug in, support 24-bit/96kHz Studio Quality HD audio streaming. BLACKFIRE performance advantages include accurate synchronization for true stereo or multi-channel configurations, high resolution loss less transport, full Wi-Fi range, flexible use cases and operation on many different platforms.

BLACKFIRE RESEARCH, the only wireless technology that uses standard Wi-Fi for high-performance playback of music and video, on multiple devices – such as speakers, sound bars, headsets, AVR systems, TVs, set top boxes or plug-and-play audio and video accessories – simultaneously.

The new HTC One will be available in the U.S. on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon early Spring. It will also be available through HTC.com, Amazon, Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile specialty stores, Costco Wholesale and Target.

About BLACKFIRE RESEARCH

Blackfire Research is based in San Francisco and provides patented software for high-performance communications using Internet Protocol to multiple devices simultaneously over standard Wi-Fi. Blackfire software will be key infrastructure for the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) space.

About HTC

HTC Corporation aims to bring brilliance to life. As a global innovator in smart mobile devices and technology, HTC has produced award-winning products and industry firsts since its inception in 1997, including the critically acclaimed HTC One and HTC Desire lines of smartphones. The pursuit of brilliance is at the heart of everything we do, inspiring best-in-class design and game-changing mobile experiences for consumers around the world. http://www.htc.com

About Harman

HARMAN (http://www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® , Mark Levinson ® and Revel®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 17,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.9 billion during the last 12 months ended December 31, 2014.

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