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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 partners with Premier Distributor Macnica

Blackfire partners with Premier Distributor Macnica

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Blackfire Research, the leader in Wireless High-Performance Multimedia, Multi-Channel Wi-Fi Streaming Solutions, signed an agreement with Premier Japanese Distributor TecStar a division of Macnica, Inc.

Click here to see Press Release by ABNEWSWIRE

Blackfire Research announces distribution agreement with Tecstar/Macnica of Japan

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San Francisco, CA – January 8th, 2016 – Blackfire Research, the leader in Wireless High Performance Multimedia, Multi-Channel Wi-Fi Streaming Solutions, today announced an agreement with Premier Japanese Distributor TecStar Company (a division of Macnica, Inc.).  As a result of the new relationship, TecStar will be Blackfire’s largest distributor in Japan, bringing significantly expanded reach and efficiency in order to form strategic alliances with all leading Japanese Consumer Electronics enablers of Multimedia Connected Home products and solutions. “We are delighted to partner with TecStar.  Our partner ecosystem in Japan is growing rapidly as the demand for broadcasting multiple video streams and Multi-Room, Multi-Channel audio over Wi-Fi increases,” said Blackfire’s CEO, Ravi Rajapakse. “Our program recognizes the challenges of bringing to market new interoperable Multimedia systems over Wi-Fi and offers the most complete solutions for enabling smart Wi-Fi media products in a timely fashion with an unrivaled feature-set and unparalleled performance to our customers.” Blackfire and TecStar have joined forces to develop and offer fully complete solutions of Software and Hardware for Multimedia Streaming for the Connected Home.  Together, Blackfire, TecStar and our ecosystem of Technology Partners have addressed the challenges of deploy high performance and cost competitive product lines to end users worldwide. “Our mission is to deliver the best solutions for all our customers based on leading edge technology such as Blackfire’s wireless Multimedia Streaming platform,” said TecStar Company President, Yuichi Yoshioka. “We are glad to announce that we become a partner with Blackfire who has the most advanced software for high performance broadcasting of audio and video over Wi-Fi in real time to many destinations synchronously.”

About TecStar/Macnica Company

TecStar Company is a division of Macnica, Inc. Since its establishment in 1972, Macnica Inc. has specialized in the supply of wide a variety of high-value-added electronic parts and network equipment, particularly semiconductors, to the electronics, information and communications industries. The company is justly known as a leader in the high-technology fields in which they operate. In recent years, Macnica has expanded its lineup to provide in-depth technical support to customers in addition to the supply of devices. Its customers include Japan’s leading electrical and electronic products manufacturers. The company has its headquarters in Yokohama, and its subsidiaries are located in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Thailand,  Europe, and the USA. For more information: www.macnica.co.jp

About Blackfire Research

Blackfire Research, a San Francisco based company, provides a software for smarter distribution, syncing and playback of media on multiple A/V devices over standard Wi-Fi. Blackfire’s patented technology enables simultaneous high-performance communications using Internet Protocol among multiple devices over Wi-Fi.  Blackfire software will be key infrastructure for the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) space.  
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Blackfire Research Announces Partnership with Chip Solution Provider Realtek

Blackfire Research Announces Partnership with Chip Solution Provider Realtek

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Blackfire Research, the leader in Wireless High-Performance Multimedia Streaming, Today announced a technology and business alliance with IC Chip Solution Provider giant Realtek to bring to market new IoT Wi-Fi chipset designs capable of Streaming Audio from Cloud Music Providers to Multi-Room and Multi-Channel wireless speakers.

San Francisco, CA –

Blackfire Research, the leader in Wireless High­Performance Multimedia Streaming, today announced a technology and business alliance with IC Chip Solution Provider giant Realtek to bring to market new IoT Wi­Fi chipset designs capable of Streaming Audio from Cloud Music Providers to Multi­Room and Multi­Channel wireless speakers.

“Our partner ecosystem is growing rapidly as the demand for Wi­Fi, Multi­Room enabled Speakers increases,” said Blackfire’s CEO, Ravi Rajapakse. “Our program recognizes the challenges of bringing to market new interoperable Wi­Fi Speaker systems and offers the most complete solution for product development in a timely fashion with unrivaled feature­set and unparalleled performance to our customers”.

“IoT is said to be the fourth industrial revolution and is expected to become ubiquitous over the next few years” said Realtek’s Vice President and Spokesman, Yee­Wei Huang “With an open platform, full IoT protocols, low­power design, and a great user experience, the Realtek IoT solution is the leader in low­power Wi­Fi IoT solutions and has earned accolades from customers, enabling consumer electronic product designers to add differentiating features in varying applications”. Blackfire and Realtekhave joined forces to develop and offer fully complete solutions of Software and Hardware for Multimedia Streaming. Together, Blackfire, Realtek and our ecosystem of Technology Partners have addressed the challenges of deploying high performance and cost competitive product lines to end users worldwide.

About Realtek

Realtek Semiconductor Corp. is one of the world’s leading IC providers. Realtek designs and develops a wide range of IC products for communications network, computer peripheral, and multimedia applications. Products include 10/100/1000M Ethernet Controllers/PHYs, 10/100/1000M Ethernet Switch Controllers/Media Converter Controllers/Gateway Controllers, Wireless LAN Controllers & AP/Router SoCs, DSL Chips, VoIP Solutions, High Fidelity Audio Solutions for Mobile and PC Applications, Clock Generators, Card Reader Controllers, Web Camera Controllers, LCD Monitor/ATV/DTV Controllers, and Digital Home Center Controllers. With advanced design expertise in RF, analog, and mixed­signal circuits, and with strong manufacturing and system knowledge, Realtek offers full­featured, High­Performance, and competitive total solutions. More information on Realtek can be found on our website: www.realtek.com.

About Blackfire Research

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

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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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