home entertainment – Blackfire Research

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Blackfire Research — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 01:16:08 +0000

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Powered by Blackfire: The Pioneer MRX-3 Wireless Speaker

FireCat — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 11:00:13 +0000

Earlier this year, Pioneer rolled out a new set of firmware updates for select A/V and hi-fi components and systems initializing Blackfire’s FireConnect wireless multi-room audio distribution. Pioneer has now released the MRX-3 Wireless Speaker featuring FireConnect by Blackfire Research for the US market, another major step in expanding the Blackfire wireless home entertainment ecosystem. With the MRX-3, your music can follow you from room to room – the speakers can be grouped to create a wireless, multi-room audio system via Blackfire’s FireConnect. Enjoy Stereo Mode thanks to Blackfire’s FireConnect Technology: simply combine two MRX-3 speakers to create a Right and Left pair. FireConnect provides reliable, fast and flexible performance, enabling dynamic, real-time wireless streaming.

The MRX-3 has Chromecast built-in, meaning, you can access streaming services through Chromecast-enabled apps. Built-in dual band WiFi also allows you to access Spotify, internet radio, and other music streaming services, directly. And, with FireConnect compatible audio products, such as multichannel or stereo A/V receivers, you can stream almost any music source, including vinyl and Hi-Res Audio files, to the MRX-3 wireless speakers, anywhere in your home.

The Pioneer MRX-3 comes in black and weighs 5.1 lbs. For more product information, visit:

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Blackfire Research — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 17:39:10 +0000

Expand your Entertainment Experience

Share media live and wireless from to anything anywhere anytime

Expand your Entertainment Experience

Share media live and wireless from to anything anywhere anytime

Expand your Entertainment Experience

Share media live and wireless from to anything anywhere anytime

Pioneer Fayola FS-W50 Wireless Home Theatre System Review

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Blackfire Research Offers a Promising Solution for Wireless Woes

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Blackfire Research Introduces the Blackfire Red Framework

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Blackfire Research — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 05:37:07 +0000

Welcome to the Blackfire Revolution

Be sure to catch up on our latest news events, and technologies on Blackbook, the Blackfire Blog

Blackfire MXD

Blackfire Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:14:51 +0000

Blackfire MXD

Wireless Multiroom Music System Solution with GoogleCast, Spotify Connect and Apple Airplay

Blackfire MXD is a wireless audio solution for smart phones and speakers that delivers lossless or lossy compression with under 150μs synchronization accuracy for multiroom music and multichannel A/V systems. Blackfire MXD has native GoogleCast Audio and Spotify Connect support and is Apple Airplay ready (requires Apple License and authentication chip). Enjoy 5GHz WiFi support, 24 bit, lossless streaming from local music files, or stream local music from the Blackfire app (for PC, Android and iOS). Blackfire MXD is fully compatible with all Blackfire systems. With a cost effective reference design, and a reference app for Android and iOS for rebranding, Blackfire MXD is the smartest wireless audio solution for home entertainment.

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SPECIFICATIONS

• 802.11ac (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wi-Fi

• Sample rate: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz

• Resolution: 16bit/24bit/32bit

• Lossless or Lossy transmission

• 20 - 150μs Synchronization accuracy

• 20 - 100ms Latency

• Supports 32 Devices

Implementation

• Blackfire MXD Audio Module 2.4GHz/5GHz

• Blackfire Indigo app for Windows, Android and iOS

SOLUTION FEATURES

• Play music from the downloaded Blackfire Indigo Smartphone app, using local music or streaming plug-ins to multiroom (Selection, Zones, Volume) and multichannels

• Application Media Sources include: Local Music; Tidal; Deezer; Mix Radio; Migu

• Play Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay music and rebroadcast to multi room and multi channel

• Play any music/audio from Windows PC to one or multiple speakers

• Full Wi-Fi Range operation • Bluetooth receive and rebroadcast to other devices

• Aux Audio Input rebroadcast to other devices

• Supports multichannel home theater 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos

• Synchronized playback to multi room devices and multichannel configurations

• Blackfire compatibility - automatic discovery, synchronization, playback & control • Blackfire optimizations including those for range, throughput, sync, discovery

Blackfire MA

Proven

Cost-Effective

WiFi Music Streaming Technology

Learn more...

Blackfire IXD

Wi-Fi Surround Sound Audio

for Smart TV

and Set Top Boxes

Learn more...

Blackfire MXD

Wireless Multiroom Music System Solution

with GoogleCast, Spotify Connect

and Apple Airplay

Learn more...

Blackfire IXD

Blackfire Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:14:22 +0000

Blackfire IXD

Wi-Fi Surround Sound Audio for Smart TV and Set Top Boxes

Blackfire ImmersionXD is the industry’s first low-latency Wi-Fi surround sound software solution for television and set top box (STB) manufacturers. Blackfire ImmersionXD (IXD) enables smart TVs and set top boxes to deliver the ultimate home theater experience. Built on patented technology, Blackfire IXD streams stereo, multichannel 5.1 or 7.1 audio from the TV or STB - including OTT streaming services and connected devices such as BluRay disc players. Blackfire IXD also supports multiroom media streaming, transforming the smart TV or set top box into a whole home media center. The Blackfire IXD solution includes software integrated into the Smart TV or set top box motherboard and Blackfire IXD enabled speakers. Blackfire IXD reference modules and speakers are available.

Download

SPECIFICATIONS

• 802.11ac (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wi-Fi

• Sample rate: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz

• Resolution: 16bit/24bit

• Lossless or Lossy transmission

• 20 - 150μs Synchronization accuracy

• 20 - 100ms Latency

• Supports 24 Devices

Implementation

• Blackfire IXD embedded SW for TVs and Set Top Boxes

• Blackfire IXD Audio Module 2.4GHz/5GHz

SOLUTION FEATURES

• Discrete wireless surround 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby ATMOS

• Full Blackfire compatibility - automatic discovery, synchronization, playback & control

• Blackfire optimizations: including those for range, throughput, sync, & discovery

• Supports up to 32bit / 192kHz sample rates

• Synchronized playback for multiroom devices and multi channel configurations (~150usec accuracy)

• Supports Mono, 2.0 and 2.1 Stereo configurations

• Blackfire Indigo app for Windows, iOS and Android available for partner branding

• Runs on Standard Wi-Fi

• Blackfire IXD enabled speaker includes built-in Bluetooth and Aux Input

Blackfire MA

Proven

Cost-Effective

WiFi Music Streaming Technology

Learn more...

Blackfire IXD

Wi-Fi Surround Sound Audio

for Smart TV

and Set Top Boxes

Learn more...

Blackfire MXD

Wireless Multiroom Music System Solution

with GoogleCast, Spotify Connect

and Apple Airplay

Learn more...

Blackfire MA

Blackfire Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:13:46 +0000

Blackfire MA

Proven, Cost-Effective WiFi Music Streaming Technology

Blackfire MA is a wireless audio solution for smartphones and speakers that delivers 24bit resolution and lossless or lossy transmission to multiroom music systems and multi-speaker setups (for wireless stereo pairs). Blackfire MA enables streaming of local music from the Blackfire Indigo app (for Windows, Android and iOS), and creates a cost-effective music speaker that connects to all Blackfire systems, including Blackfire IXD and Blackfire MXD.

Download

SPECIFICATIONS

• 802.11n (2.4GHz) Wi-Fi

• Sample rate: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz

• Resolution: 16bit/24bit

• Lossless or Lossy transmission

• 20 - 150μs Synchronization accuracy

• 400ms Latency

• Supports 32 Devices

Implementation

• Blackfire MA Audio Module 2.4GHz

• Blackfire Indigo app for Windows, Android and iOS

SOLUTION FEATURES

• Play music from the downloaded Blackfire Indigo Smartphone app, using local music or streaming plug-ins

• Application Media Sources Include: Local Music; Tidal; Deezer; Mix Radio; Migu

• Synchronized playback to multiroom devices (Selection, Zones, Volume) and multichannel configurations

• Play audio from any Windows app or from local music files on a Windows PC to one or multiple speakers

• Supports lossless and lossy audio compression

• Support standard Music formats including MP3, AAC, ALAC, FLAC

• Full Blackfire system compatibility - automatic discovery, synchronization, playback & control

• Blackfire optimizations including those for range, throughput, sync, discovery

• Supports Mono, 2.0 and 2.1 Stereo configurations

Blackfire MA

Proven

Cost-Effective

WiFi Music Streaming Technology

Learn more...

Blackfire IXD

Wi-Fi Surround Sound Audio

for Smart TV

and Set Top Boxes

Learn more...

Blackfire MXD

Wireless Multiroom Music System Solution

with GoogleCast, Spotify Connect

and Apple Airplay

Learn more...

Retail Drives Smart Home Innovation

Blackfire Research — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:00:45 +0000

By Rohit Verma

The popular focus on smart home technology is on home automation, such as smart lighting, environmental control, smart appliances and home security. These technologies make up a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar market. However, that is small change compared to retail. The retail market accounts for a quarter of the U.S. economy, or, about 100 times that of home automation (in 2015, U.S. GDP was $18 trillion and consumer spending accounted for roughly $12 trillion, of which, retail spending was $4 trillion). Growth in retail tracks the economy and has been slow – for instance, Q2 2016 growth was 2% year-over-year. Online retail, however, expanded 16% over the same period and is now almost 10% of overall retail spending. It is no wonder then, that fighting to win control over this huge prize is the driving force behind The Smart Home Wars.

The (re)tail winds have shifted the smart home industry to not necessarily make smart products for the home, but rather, making a home smarter so it can buy products. The most ferocious battle for smart home domination is between Amazon and Google, and this battle is already transforming how we interact with our homes.

A River Runs Through Your Smart Home

With revenues of $100 billion, Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer. Amazon is relentless in its goal to establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with their customers. They pride themselves on making innovations to make purchasing easier, already taking immense strides to make the home “smarter” for purchases. It comes as no surprise that Amazon’s smart home product direction is geared toward enabling growth in retail sales through immediacy and ease of use. Amazon’s Dash buttons and the Amazon Echo, along with the Echo’s siblings, the Dot and the Tap, are poster children for a smart home in its formative years. Dash buttons are essentially free ($4.99 for a $4.99 credit), and each is associated with one of a few hundred household products, such as Bounty paper towels, Tide laundry detergent, even Diet Coke. The Dash Button is simple: a press of a button initiates the product’s purchase and delivery to you (all through Amazon). However, Amazon’s most major advancement in smart home technology is the Echo. Echo is a Wi-Fi connected smart speaker, whose key innovation is its skillful application of voice recognition and AI responses. It can play music, provide web search results, and control home automation devices all through voice command. Amazon wants to make the Echo indispensable in the home, and provides a platform for third parties to write programs that leverage the Echo’s voice recognition and connectivity. This will make the Echo’s value increase over time as its functionality expands, much like the Google and Apple app stores. However, the Echo’s main value to Amazon is it’s ability to maintain shopping lists and make purchases from an increasing selection of products through Amazon. This is the biggest step in smart home technology and has set the bar for any competing devices. As investment continues, the Echo will eventually be able to make most of your household purchases on demand or (where AI technology and the market is headed) predictively. This will lead to consumers making more purchases through, and increased loyalty with, the Amazon ecosystem.

OK Google…

Google has proven itself the leader in developing AI technologies, placing it at the forefront of innovation for smart home solutions. Although a bit late to the direct-to-consumer marketplace, Google’s heavy investment in AI has it marching into battle with a fully loaded arsenal. When you have $80 billion in cash, you take a few chances. To have a more direct presence in the home, Google has bought Nest and Dropcam, released Chromecast Audio, Chromecast Video and Google OnHub, and even made their own Amazon competing retail delivery service - Google Express. Most recently and most loudly, Google has released Google Home, a voice-activated smart home speaker. Google Home was unveiled earlier this Fall to positive consumer and critical reviews. Like the Echo, you can use Google Home to search the web, set reminders and play music from your Spotify account (as well as other streaming services). However, a major reason behind the introduction of Google Home is defensive. Internet advertising continues to comprise the vast majority of Google’s revenue. And, a large part of that revenue is related to retail. U.S. internet advertising revenue was at $60 billion in 2015, and growing at 23% quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2015. Of that $60 billion, 22% was from retail, and another 13% from fields closely related to retail. It is the loss of this revenue that Google is threatened by with Amazon’s smart home successes. Consumers using devices like Amazon’s Echo and Dash undermine Google’s growth in its search revenue: the more a company like Amazon gets consumers to buy directly through their platforms, the lower the need for individuals to search and browse the web to find products, and the less money Google makes through ad sales. Google must protect their search business at all costs.

The Two Tower Speakers

Amazon Echo and Google Home. Two similarly shaped speakers with similar functionality and similar intent. So, who will win the “Smart Home Wars?” On the one hand, we have a retail giant with a clear focus on consumers and the ability to churn out innovative products. On the other, a company with, probably, the largest collection of software talent and massive AI skills. Each is fighting for the future of their core business. There are two distinct directions their smart home innovations favor. Amazon is all in for ease of purchase, it’s “one stop shop.” If Amazon makes their shopping experience the most intuitive and convenient, they have a large shot at controlling the retail market. For consumers, however, the captivity of convenience will alleviate pricing pressure on Amazon and lead to higher prices. At least, prices that are higher than they would otherwise have been. Google is repurposing its basic search engine for smart home products and AI, making it easier for individuals to find the best value for their retail purchases. Google’s investment in AI technology also means that it leads the industry in the most innovative ways to predict what you may want, or need, for your home. The winner may well be decided by whether consumers prefer convenience (Amazon) or whether the ability to find the best deal is more important (Google).

Back to the Smart Future

Conventional wisdom predicts a bright future for smart home products and solutions. It’s still in the early stages, so what shape the products take and what revenue streams the solutions inspire will only unfold in time. The importance of retail is driving Amazon and Google to make the Echo or Home indispensable, and to try and make them the “hub” of the future smart home. However, the market is young and growing rapidly each year, and there will inevitably be additional competitors in this space - Apple will certainly play a part, Microsoft will likely build something based on Cortana, Samsung and LG are working on voice-based assistants, and other players like AT&T, Comcast, and Sony seem poised to enter the field. Amazon and Google chose the humble speaker. The ubiquity of speakers and their naturalness for two-way communication through the clever use of voice interface and AI makes this the most compelling effort so far. But they still have a long way to go. While a hub based on home entertainment is persuasive, consumers are still looking for products that can not only replace existing ones, but connect the entire home into one large system. Amazon and Google’s focus on retail and associated aspects of the smart home experience has led to initiatives that do not meet consumers’ complete home entertainment needs. The natural path for the “Next Big Thing” in smart home technology will incorporate comprehensive wireless home entertainment into the hub: speakers throughout the whole home with multi-channel 5.1 capability, TVs with varying streaming and gaming platforms, and your smart phone, all connected, all on standard Wi-Fi.

The battle is just beginning, with the field, and combatants, not yet fully defined. The war is nowhere near over.

About Rohit Verma - Rohit is the head of corporate strategy and CFO at Blackfire Research Corp. He has held executive management positions in wireless and software technology companies, as well as management consulting at A.T. Kearney, with an expertise in strategy, corporate finance, and business development. Rohit holds a Ph.D. in economics from The University of Pennsylvania with a focus on strategy, and received his undergraduate degree in computer science and mathematics.

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Blackfire Research — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 19:33:15 +0000

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Blackfire Research — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 19:30:55 +0000

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Blackfire Research — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 19:28:56 +0000

Redefining Smart Home Entertainment

Rescuing You From Entertainment Islands

With the advancement of smart phone capabilities and the growth of internet content, we are under the illusion that we can receive what we want, anywhere, any time. This is far from true, especially when it comes to home entertainment systems. Rather than allow us to enjoy our music, video or rich media applications wherever we want in our home, our Smart TVs, stereo systems, PCs, and speakers have stranded us on “entertainment islands” that prevent whole-home wireless connectivity. At Blackfire Research, we’re getting entertainment content off these islands, so you can mix and match your media, playing to anywhere, from anywhere, any way you want in the home.

With over 30 patents, we’re making the smart home smarter. We’ve developed a software solution called the Blackfire RED framework, built from the ground up to overcome the limitations of conventional wireless. Blackfire RED does what nothing else can - stream both HD 5.1 audio and 4K video simultaneously across multiple devices over standard Wi-Fi, all while looking and sounding spectacular.

If you think you’ve heard or seen this before, trust me you haven’t. Doing this is hard. Otherwise somebody else would have already done it.

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