Aside from all the ugly, the glasses sound pretty good. They have a special 3M multilayer optical film that is good for hundreds of wash and use cycles. The glasses have larger frames with a loose temple for comfort. They are also designed to fit over the top of most prescription glasses and they have a flap over the top to keep light out. Dolby will offer children’s sizes next quarter. My local theater can’t seem to get all that sticky goo off the floor, the last thing I want is to wear some glasses the nasty person before me used to pick their ears.

They will cost about $12 per pair, making 3D movie tickets cheaper since they can be reused figures Dolby. I doubt that reusing glasses to save money is something that would be passed on to the people there to buy tickets.

Dolby says that gamers will be able to enjoy Axon whether they’re on a high-end 7.1 setup or if they only have standard headsets. Axon also provides other effects aside from surround voice chat. I’ll let Spencer the talkative gunner share them with you:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

It doesn’t take a genius to know that this technology adds a new dimension to multiplayer games, making owning a headset a requirement, unless you want everyone else to enjoy the added advantage Axon offers. I’m not too impressed by the voice effect feature though. I can see a lot of gamers adopting a high-pitched screechy voice just to be annoying. But at least now you’ll hear where they are, so it’ll be easier to defeat them and shut them up.

[via Xboxic]

The first thing you notice when you first look at the ARENA is its unique is its 3-D user interface options. Which offers something like an iTunes cover flow on its side. And it doesn’t just work for your media, but for navigating all of your applications. There’s also a 3-D cube layout which lets you find your way around your media and applications by manipulating a 3-dimensional cube. And yes, Virginia, the ARENA offers tactile feedback under your fingertip as you interact with the display.

The ARENA packs a substantial 3-inch touchscreen display running at super-sharp WVGA (800 x 480) resolution. Oh, and did I happen to mention that the ARENA offers Dolby Mobile surround sound? With a screen like that and surround, if you want to watch movies on a mobile device, this could be the one. There’s also a built-in FM transmitter to send your audio to your car or home stereo without wires.

Looking to take some photos or shoot some video? The ARENA offers a 5-megapixel digital camera, which lets you access the type of adjustments that you’d normally only get on a standalone camera. And you can shoot DVD quality video at up to 30FPS. There’s even a manual focus mode, and you can shoot slo-mo video at up to 120FPS.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The ARENA is a full 3G phone, running on HSDPA 7.2 networks, and also has built-in Wi-Fi and A-GPS. There’s 8GB of onboard memory, and MicroSD slot which lets you add up to 32GB of additional storage.

Want to see it in action? LG has launched the online ARENA emulator, in case you want to see the device in action.

And it packs all of this into a case that measures just 105.9mm x 55.3mm x 11.95mm, smaller than the svelte iPhone 3G. The iPhone might finally have a true challenger. Expect the ARENA to hit Europe this March, then go worldwide later this year.

[LG ARENA Website]

The Alienware HD Media Server (HDMS) comes in a dramatic brushed aluminum, rack-mountable enclosure, and provides a powerful HTPC under the hood. Powered by a smokin’ fast Intel Core 2 Quad core processor, the HDMS provides plenty of storage using a hot-swappable RAID 5 array with up to 4-terabytes of disk.

In addition to a standard slot-loading DVD/CD writer, there’s a dual-layer Blu-Ray/DVD±R/W/CD-RW burner available as an option. The HDMS comes with a complete set of tools for managing your media files and offers high-definition DVR capabilities for recording and playing back content at up to 1080p resolution.

There are a plethora of audio and video outputs including Component video, VGA, DVI/HDMI, digital audio and 7.1 surround pre-amp connections. The beast has two built-in CableCard compatible tuners, and can support a set of external tuners for recording up to four simultaneous video streams. Network connectivity is achieved using a pair of Gigabit Ethernet LAN connections, or via an optional 802.11N high-speed wireless connection.

The system is available only from custom installers at this point, so be prepared to drop some serious dough if you want one.

[via SlashGear]

Sure, it’s got a razor-sharp 4.3″ 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen for playing video in WMV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DiVX/XviD and H.264 formats. It’s certainly adept at playing just about any audio format you can throw at it, including WMA, AAC, MP3, and OGG. Heck, it even supports the real-time display of lyrics for tracks tagged with SYLT encoding.

But the device goes well beyond mere media player. The E900T might just be robust enough to be the hub for your entire digital life.

At home, the E900T can connect to your home theater system, pushing out 720p high-def video, accompanied by Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound. If that’s not enough, the audio is powered by the critically-acclaimed Burr-Brown processing circuitry, and is output through a digital S/PDIF connection.

When you’re ready to get up off of your couch and head out, grab your Maxian and hit the road. In the car, the E900T slides into an optional windshield antenna/dock to enable robust GPS navigation capability. There’s also a DMB television receiver, which handles Korea’s digital over-the-air television signals with aplomb, so you passengers can travel without missing their favorite programs.

But that’s not all. Order today, and they’ll throw in a robust electronic dictionary system (called SayDic), complete with English to Korean translation capabilities. Oh yeah, the device can also display documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Acrobat PDF, and HTML formats. There’s even support for Adobe Flash media playback.

The E900T comes in either a 30GB (white) or 60GB (blue black) version, and storage can be expanded using a built-in SD/MMC card reader. As is typically the case with these kind of Korean technological wonders, I doubt we’ll ever see these stateside. But if you’re willing to do a little research, translate a little Korean and pay for some overseas shipping, you might be able to get your hands on one.

[via EarlyAdopter]

The top-of-the-line Shuttle D’VO SG33G5M Deluxe features 1080p high-definition video output via an HDMI output. 7.1-channel surround sound includes Dolby Digital Live! and DTS Connect capabilities. The system has a full home theater-centric front panel display which includes just about everything you’re used to seeing on a home-theater-in-a-box receiver.

In addition to its multimedia prowess, its got built in 802.11b+g as well as Bluetooth wireless connectivity. You can even view photos and media stored on your mobile devices via wireless sync. External interfaces include USB 2.0, Firewire 400 Gigabit Ethernet and eSATA connectors. It’s even got a fingerprint reader built into the front if you want to keep prying eyes off of your media content.

The system’s Intel G33 Express chipset is designed to handle CPUs as powerful as a Core 2 Quad, with bus speeds up to 1333MHz. The D’VO series is sold in a bare-bones configuration for around $459 USD, so you’ll need to add your own CPU, memory, operating system, hard drive and disc reader (Shuttle plans on offering a Blu-Ray/HD-DVD combo drive as an option).

The YSP-500 reflects sound from 18 individual sound drivers to deliver truly immersive surround with only a single box. Just like it’s bigger siblings, the box has all the requisite digital and analog inputs for DVD players and other audio sources.

It can decode Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 sound formats. It also offers SRS TruBass enhancement for the low end of things, but you’ll really want to supplement this system with a subwoofer if you really want a solid bass boom. As has been the case with all but the earliest YSP systems, this one includes IntelliBeam automated room calibration, so you you can get up and running with optimal sound in just a few minutes.

Keep in mind that while the surround effect from YSP speakers I’ve tested is pretty amazing, it’s best experienced in a room that has four normal walls, so sounds can be bounced off of surfaces appropriately. From my experience with the original YSP-1, odd-shaped rooms can be a bit of a challenge.

The YSP-500 should hit stores in Japan later this month for about ¥75,000 (appx. $647 USD), making it significantly less expensive than the larger models in the series. Expect to see these stateside within a few months of their Japanese release date.

[via ITMedia]

Amadana’s DDA-134 compact stereo system has decidedly retro-looking walnut wood enclosures for the speakers, receiver and DVD player, but on the inside, the system is reasonably modern (although certainly not cutting edge).

Designed for use in smaller home theater setups, the system offers a wide variety of surround processing modes, including Dolby Virtual Speaker technology, providing simulated surround sound from just two speakers. There’s also support for Dolby Pro-Logic II and Dolby Headphone modes for virtual surround through your headset. If you’d rather have real surround, the amp can power center channel and surround speakers, and offers a pre-amp output for a powered subwoofer too

The receiver unit has several digital audio inputs, but very little in the way of video switching capabilities. The system’s progressive-scan DVD player has an elegant slot-loading drive mechanism and both component and Japanese D4 video connectors (no HDMI though.) When you buy the complete system bundle, Amadana also includes a matching retro-cool universal remote control.

The high-end looks of this system will cost you some serious green though. Retail price for the system with just two speakers is ¥168,000, which works out to about $1448 USD.

The DV-980H supports Dolby Digital Surround EX, which adds the surround back speaker channels, giving the player a leg up over traditional 5.1 surround. The player’s video processing circuitry can crank out 1920×1080 full frame images, letting you take advantage of the native pixel resolution of today’s top of the line 1080p displays.

This is a true “universal” player, supporting DVD, DVD-Audio and SACD format discs. Of course, it doesn’t play today’s high definition formats like Blu-ray or HD-DVD, but it’ll sure make your old DVDs look as good as they possibly can. The player also handles DivX format video files with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the 980H offers an HDMI (v1.2a) digital output, as well as component video, optical, coax, and discrete analog outputs for each of the eight audio channels too.

The only real gotcha here is that this player doesn’t include the stellar Genesis/Faroudja video chipset that was found in the classic DV-971H and DV-981HD models. But if you’re looking for both 1080p output and 7.1 channel audio, this new model is the way to go.

As is always the case with OPPO’s players, the DV-980H offers a ton of bang for the buck, retailing for just $169.

[via SlipperyBrick]

The Pioneer HTP-LX70 system features a standalone control “pod” which has a bright backlit display that shows the current input and other settings. It’s got full support for the latest surround technologies, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD master audio as well. It’s also got a special 3D spatialization technology which is said to provide some serious soundfield expansion.

The system has 400W of total power, driving the left, right and surround satellites at 50W each, but adding dual drivers to the center and subwoofer channels, so they each get 100W of amplification. Pioneer also opted to split the center channel in half, so you don’t have to try to fit the speaker under or over your television. I’m not sure what this means for center channel imaging, but I think that’s part of what they’re trying to accomplish with the 3D sound feature.

I like that this system offers three HDMI 1.3a ports, making it easy to hook up and switch multiple high-definition sources. The HTP-LX70 is definitely at the “high-end” of the Pioneer price range though, within a retail price of ¥261,000 (about $2200 USD.)

[Press Release]

The clean, elegant design lets the system integrate nicely into any living room. In addition to its styling, the DHT-M380 has some pretty decent specs for bookshelf sound system. It’s got a 120W amplifier, driving 6 audio channels. While that won’t exactly shatter any eardrums, it should be plenty for watching TV or the occasional DVD in your living room. 5.1 surround is available in DTS, DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital and Dolby ProLogic II formats, while there’s also 2.1 support for Dolby Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone technologies.

The system is expected to hit shelves in Japan this August, with a release in other countries down the road. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced.

[via AV Watch]

The BD-HP20S will feature full 1080p resolution with 24 frame-per-second playback, which is ideal since most movies are shot at 24fps. The player will also have an HDMI 1.3 interface and Dobly TrueHD audio playback as well. It’s also supposed to offer a new “Quick Start” capability which should have movies playing faster than previous players.

It’s expected to retail for around $499, but with a likely PlayStation 3 price drop any day now, I wouldn’t be surprised to see street prices go lower than that.

[via High-Def Digest via Gizmodo]

The TX-0088 Portable DVD Player not only features movie playback from DVDs, it can also play MP4 format videos burned to disc or a USB flash drive. The player’s TV receiver can handle over the air television broadcasts in PAL, SECAM and NTSC formats, so it should work just about anywhere in the world.

In addition, it can play emulated classic games from the Nintendo NES 8-bit console. It even ships with two controllers so you can get your retro game on. About the only downside I can see is the player’s 8-inch screen which is a standard def 4:3 ratio, so DVD playback will be cropped or letterboxed.

In the sound department, the TX-0088 offers Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound via an optical output, as well as built-in virtual surround sound. You can also transmit the audio signal to your car stereo via the player’s FM transmitter. If you just want to listen to the radio, its got its own FM tuner built in too.

The whole system is available from importer Chinavasion for the odd price of $172.59.

Like the Yamaha, the ES7001 crams all the amplifiers, speakers and surround processing gear into the same box. There’s no detail on what movie surround standards it will support, but I’d expect at least the standard Dolby Digital and DTS if not more.

The system will ship this June for ¥124,000 (just over $1000 USD.) An optional subwoofer will run ¥24,000 ($197 USD.) Speaking from personal experience with the YSP series, the subwoofer will more likely be a necessity than an option. A space-saving TV stand with a special cutout for the system will also be available for ¥50,000 ($411 USD.)

[via Engadget HD]

The new LG J10HD system is a full-featured home entertainment system complete with DVD player, 2.1 channel sound and an onboard 80GB hard drive for media storage. CD music can be ripped to the hard drive or MP3, WMA and JPEG files can be copied from a PC via USB.

The system’s 2.1 sound system offers 5.1 virtual surround (Dolby, DTS and XTS) and a total of 300W of amplification (75W x 2 + 150W subwoofer), which should be more than sufficient for a small home theater. The DVD player features 1080i upscaling and can play back a wide variety of formats including DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and DivX formats. Outputs include HDMI, Component, Optical Audio and SCART.

The LG J10HD can be found online in Europe for about

The player features just about everything you could want in a portable. The 4.3-inch display looks great, and supports up to 800×480 (better than DVD) resolution. The audio features include a Burr-Brown digital signal processing, and full support for Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks (downmixed to 2ch from what we can tell). 802.11b/g Wireless connectivity is also provided. The device can also tune DMB television signals with a built-in antenna, although it’s unlikely this feature will be useful outside of South Korea any time soon. The system runs on the WinCE 5.0 platform, and an Adobe Flash based user interface.

Hopefully, we’ll see these turn up on eBay at some point.

[via dapreview via CNet Crave]

The top-of-the-line YSP-1100 features 40 high/mid-range speakers and 2 woofers, along with 42 discrete amplifiers to position sound using beam-focusing technologies. Last year, Yamaha improved upon the tricky calibration process of the 1st generation systems by adding their automated IntelliBeam system, and that feature is included in this year’s models as well.

The 1100 is said to have a wider virtual soundstage than prior models, and feature a new “My Beam” mode which allows you to save very precise positioning of the beams to a specific listening location to allow for a more intimate sonic experience.

Both the YSP-1100 and smaller YSP-900 support Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 formats. The 1100 also adds built-in video switching of two component inputs and an RS-232 port and IR in/out ports for remote control installations.

The Yamaha YSP-1100 should be available this month, and lists for $1699.95 USD. The YSP-900 should run $899.

Speaking from personal experience (with the original YSP-1 in my home theater,) the surround capabilities are pretty astounding if you have a reasonably square or rectangular room with walls to bounce the beams off of. Be sure to add on an external subwoofer though for optimal bass reproduction.

[via Audioholics]

The headphones have 4 speakers in each earmuff to create true surround sound, with certified Dolby Digital and Pro Logic playback. An external audio controller box contains the electronics for sound processing, and has ports for coax and fiber optic digital inputs. It also has outputs for two sets of surround headphones, or direct connection to 5.1 analog speakers. They’re available now for $149.99 including the headphones, audio controller box, power adapter, both coax and optical cables and a removable gaming microphone.