Daily Marauder

TECHNOLOGY

Marantz has sent to stores an A/V preamplifier that can send signals to three zones in a house via an Ethernet port and has a built-in digital media player, HDMI 1.3 inputs and 1080p upscaling at a $2,599 recommended price. The company has also introduced a power amp — the MM8003 — that goes with either 7.1 or 5.1 channel systems and provides 140 watts with eight channels at a listed price of $2,399. CEPro.com (6/12)

Panasonic has designed its new SA-BX500 AV receiver with Blu-ray and wireless surround sound in mind as it is compatible with Blu-ray audio codes and HDMI connectivity and supports 7.1 channel virtual surround sound from systems of up to five speakers. The SA-BX500, which will ship in July, also features 7 x 130 watt power output and has three HDMI inputs, six AV plus and full HD 1080p video switching. Pocket-lint.co.uk (6/13)

A portable DVD player that can go from the car to the hotel room, where it may be plugged into the television, is TEAC’s latest offering. The DVP904 features a 9-inch screen, multiple DVD and CD playback options, MP3 playback, an in-car charger and a lithium battery that provides two-and-a-half hours of play time. Current.com.au (6/13)

Sony Corp., Panasonic, Philips and Samsung Electronics have formed the RF4CE Consortium to develop a standardized protocol for radio frequency-based remote controls to operate audiovisual consumer electronics. The goal is to develop controls that offer better communication, reliability and flexibility than the current infrared controllers are capable of providing. finchannel.com (6/13)

Several major consumer electronics and information technology companies have signed binding memorandums of understanding on tru2way technology with the top 6 U.S. MSO’s, including Panasonic, Samsung, Sony Electronics, ADB, Digeo, and Intel. The chip maker plans to build a chip that will support a variety of tru2way devices, including DTVs, set-top-boxes and DVRs. (Cynopsis 6/13)