Onkyo announces the release of two new high-end network-connected receivers, the TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008, both which are THX® Ultra2 Plus certified. Both receivers support network audio streaming, various multi-room set-ups, iPhone/iPod playback over USB, Internet radio, and fully immersive, 3D-capable video playback.

Each feature eight HDMI 1.4a inputs, with compatibility specified for an Audio Return Channel and 3D video. Both mandatory video formats for 3D broadcasting, “Side-By-Side (Half)” and “Top-and-Bottom”, are supported.

The Monster Clarity HD Executive Series and accompanying

Macintosh is introducing the XCS200 Center Channel Loudspeaker. This centre channel is apparently intended for the most demanding setups, as  evidenced by its $5,999 MSRP.

Macintosh says the speaker could also be used as one of the other surround channels -- though this obviously starts to get even more expensive if you consider a 5-channel or 7-channel setup.

It comes in an extruded aluminum enclosure with concave side panels to reduce the effects of standing waves for smooth low frequency response and while presenting a front baffle finished in high-gloss aluminum black.

Monster has just announced the Vision Max 3D active shutter glasses designed to work with all brands of current 3D HDTVs, allowing users to experience a 3-dimensional visual immersion while watching Blu-ray movies or playing advanced video games.

Not to be left out of the 3D Blu-Ray arena, LG's BX580 3D-capable Blu-ray player is now shipping. Bonus: It's cheaper than LG's MSRP announced at CES. It is listed on Amazon.com for under $300 USD.

It features a slew of Internet connectivity capabilities as well as 1080p DVD upscaling support. Streaming options are readily accessible with its built-in WiFi capability.

Features:

Blu-ray 3D Playback
Integrated WiFi Connectivity
NetCast Entertainment Access
Home Link
Standard DVD Up-Scaling
Express Reaction Startup
HDMI 1.4a with 3D Output

Sceptre has just released its newest multi-functional units – a 19-inch and 24-inch widescreen LED HDTVs with inconspicuous embedded DVD players, which features a fast 5 ms response time, auto contrast enhancement that allows colour to balance for a more vivid viewing experience and superior LED display for bolder/brighter colours and crisper images, all while saving energy.

Vizio is adding a wireless Internet router optimized for VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), the platform that enables viewers to experience the best of the web and on-demand content, as well as three wireless Blu-ray players with Internet Apps such as streaming HD movies, TV episodes, music, photos and social networking.

At the end of March, Samsung became the very first manufacturer to begin shipping 3D TVs.  First to appear in stores were the company’s LED and LCD series.  We got our hands on the Samsung UN55C7000 55-inch 3D LED TV (an LCD TV which uses an LED backlight) and evaluated it for the June/July 2010 issue of CANADA HiFi.   While the 3D picture looked promising on this TV, it did have some obvious issues with image crosstalk, like all other 3D LCD TVs we’ve seen so far. 

MartinLogan has just announced the

Vincent Audio has introduced a high-quality headphone amplifier that uses a hybrid of vacuum tube and solid-state circuitry to provide the highest quality sound possible.

The KHV-111MK headphone amplifier combines solid-state discrete component circuitry with a classic 12AX7 vacuum tube input stage that is ideally matched for headphone use. The 12AX7 is a two-channel, pure Class-A triode vacuum tube noted for its high gain, accuracy and musical character.

The hype has been building up for a while now and the future of television has finally arrived.  By the time you read this, the first 3D TVs from Panasonic, Samsung and Sony will be on demonstration in stores across Canada.  Thanks to Panasonic’s excellent reputation for TVs, the company’s VT series of 3D plasma TVs are among the most anticipated products of the year. 

Sony has announced a subwoofer built-in, all-in-one virtual surround sound system specifically designed for the PlayStation3, slated to be released in fall 2010 worldwide with an MSRP of $199 USD/€199 Euro/¥19,000 yen respectively. The sound bar connects to the PS3 system with the included digital optical cable.

Sony demonstrated its new PlayStation 3 Move Motion Controller add-on, officially announced this past March, at the E3 show in Los Angeles.  The Move controller will allow users to control video games using hand movements, much like Nintendo Wii players have been doing for some time now.   The Move controller consists of a pair of controllers actually: one that resembles a microphone (with a glowing orb on top) and a second one which offers an analog control stick. 

Microsoft has just announced the details of its Xbox 360 Kinect add-on, formerly known as Project Natal, at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles.  The Kinect will allow you to control video games through nothing other than movement and voice, thanks to its camera, depth and audio sensors, and gesture-recognition software.  What’s more, since Kinect is capable of full body motion tracking, it can follow you as you move in the room. 

Rumors about Nintendo’s DS portable gaming device getting a 3D update began circulating a couple of months ago, and yesterday at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles Nintendo officially announced the launch of its new Nintendo 3DS, which will not require glasses to play games in 3D.

The new Nintendo 3DS will feature a 3.53 inch screen with a resolution of 800x240 on top and a 3.02 inch touch sensitive screen with a resolution of 320x240 on the bottom.  The 3D effect is achieved by using three cameras, one inner and two outer. 

If you consider yourself an audio enthusiast than chances are that you’re already familiar with French speaker maker Focal (previously known as Focal JMlab).  During the last few years I’ve had the chance to listen to a number of Focal speakers and have long been a big fan of the way they sound. 

Rogers Cable, Shaw Cable, and Telus TV have all confirmed recently that they will broadcast parts of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 3D.  In order to watch the 3D parts, you will need a 3D TV and 3D glasses.

Rogers Cable HD customers will be able to watch a number of tournaments in 3D, including the third place and final matches, on CBC.  All existing Rogers HD cable boxes will be able to receive the 3D content, as long as the box is connected to the TV via HDMI.