This car chair, $US6950, is the custom work of First Impressions. You might not know the company, but they’ve created the custom home theatres of celebrities like Don Johnson, Chris Kirkpatrick, Michael Winslow and Vanilla Ice—to name a few.

They’re also responsible for the home theatres in both Graceland and Neverland.

More than an average La-Z-Boy, this bad boy features headlights, taillights, sideview mirrors and flames. But the best part? When you kick out the footrest, speakers in the chair go vroom for like 10 seconds. It’s immeasurably manly.

If one car chair isn’t enough, they’ll build your fantasy theme home theatre from nothing but your and their imaginations, starting at $US150,000.

[First Impressions]

Spewing a 10 megapixel, 4096 x 2400 image onto your wall, the DLA-RS4000 LCD projector could never live up to its cost, but then again, it manages to produce a bright, 3500-lumen image while still maintaining a 10,000:1 contrast ratio (granted, those specs still might be mutually exclusive, each appearing only during optimal adjustments…but at this price, we’re going to give JVC the benefit of the doubt).

So you can watch movies at 4K, assuming you can make a deal with the devil and acquire digital cinema files that hover in the resolution range. Or you could allow your 1080P Blu-rays to be unconverted. Or—and JVC actually endorses this use—you could watch four 1080p signals at once. (4K is 4x the quality of 1080P, after all).

But hey, if you have this much to spend on a home theatre projector, no one is questioning your judgement. They’ve already deemed you crazy.

JVC INTRODUCES DLA-RS4000 HIGH-END 4K
HOME CINEMA PROJECTOR AT CEDIA EXPO 2009
WAYNE, NJ (September 10, 2009) – JVC Visual Systems Division introduces its new DLA-RS4000 Reference Series 4K home cinema projector at CEDIA Expo, September. 10-13 at the Georgia World Conference centre in Atlanta. The system is being showcased in the JVC D-ILA theatre in the Omni Hotel North Tower throughout the duration of the CEDIA Expo. Based on the same projection engine used in advanced simulation systems, it provides the superior imagery as well as installation flexibility required by uncompromising home theatre consumers. This system is ISF and THX* certified.
Three newly developed ultra high definition 4K2K D-ILA devices allow the DLA-RS4000 to deliver a 10 megapixel image with a native resolution of 4,096 x 2,400—more than four times the resolution of HD. Up to four screens with full HD or WUXGA resolution images can be displayed simultaneously .
A new optical design provides 3500 ANSI lumens from a Xenon lamp and delivers excellent colour rendering. Lamp power can be adjusted in eight steps for the ideal brightness for a variety of home theatre settings and screen sizes. In addition, new Wire Grid polarizers in the optical engine that minimize light leakage are combined with new liquid crystal technology and a novel liquid crystal orientation to significantly reduce off-state light, resulting in a 10,000:1 native contrast ratio.

The RSVP4 custom digital video processing unit serves as a signal switching, scaling and processing hub for virtually any video source, including Blu-ray and gaming systems, cable and satellite receivers, and DVD players. The RSVP4 has a special feature enabling certified calibration specialists to calibrate either of two custom gamut memories based on the installation’s specific requirements. This enables each system to achieve an accurate colour space for the source material being shown. Other features include audio delay compensation, and three separate gamma tables for customisation of various image sources and viewing environments. The DLA-RS4000 is shipped complete with a JVC high quality projection zoom lens to maximize performance in almost any home theatre setting.

Despite its advanced performance, the 110-pound DLA-RS4000 achieves a 65 percent reduction in size compared to conventional projectors in the same class. Generous horizontal and vertical lens shift capabilities permit flexible projector positioning, and its stackable design allows for applications such as 3D. Ethernet and RS-232C interfaces allow projector installation and adjustment from a PC-based Web browser for multiple units, plus an e-mail function can send out status messages and lamp replacement reminders.

“The DLA-RS4000 4K projector is the ultimate projector for discerning home theatre enthusiasts,” said Jack Faiman, vice president, Visual Systems Division, JVC U.S.A.. “Not only does it produce amazing images for movies, sports, and video games, but its smaller footprint and incredible flexibility make it the ideal premium home theatre projector for custom installations. Plus, despite all its high-end features, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to sit back and enjoy the view.”

The DLA-RS-4000 projector has a suggested list price

of $US175,000 and will be available October 2009 .

And with a 4000:1 contrast ratio along with a 90% Adobe RGB colour gamut, the picture should be pretty great, too, fed into two HDMI inputs along with a VGA if you’d prefer.

Of course, there’s always a catch.

For one, we don’t know the resolution beyond that it’s “exceptionally high”. That could mean 1080p. That could mean 4-bajillion-K. That could mean…you know, it’s not defined. Plus, it’s $US3000 this November. I’m can’t know the precise amount of satisfaction you receive after inviting friends into your office only to turn your monitor on its side so that your guests can pretend to ooh and ahh at your extravagance, but it can’t be better than what $US3000 can buy you in the recreational chemical and escort industries. Trust me.

JVC Announces Super Slim & Light Flat Panel Monitor

32-inch LED backlit monitor measures just ¼-inch deep

ATLANTA, September 10, 2009 – JVC today announced a super slim LCD monitor for home theatre use that measures a mere ¼-inch (6.4mm) deep across most of the panel and weighs just 12.5 pounds (5.7kg). The new 32-inch class LT-32WX50 will be available in the U.S. in November.

The new monitor’s super slim profile is made possible by the use of JVC’s edge LED backlighting system.
It offers a 4000:1 contrast ratio and wide colour gamut for exceptionally high resolution of both video and still images.

The monitor’s shallow depth makes it ideal for consumers who want the design flexibility such a slim design allows. It also lends itself to a variety of commercial applications. Another attribute is that fewer material resources are used in making the monitor, reducing the product’s environmental impact.

Key features of the LT-32WX50 are:
• Taking advantage of JVC’s unique LCD panel edged-light LED backlight system, the LT-32WX50 is stunningly thin – just 1/4-inch* (6.4mm) deep at its thinnest point, with a slim module inset along the bottom third that houses the monitor’s inputs and other connections;
• Six picture settings: home, retail, movie, monitor, SLR photo mode, game;
• It covers a wide colour gamut – 100 percent of sRGB and 90 percent of Adobe RGB;
• It uses approximately 50 percent fewer material resources and eliminates the use of mercury;
• JVC’s high definition picture engine is designed for reproducing both video and still images;
• It includes two HDMI connections along with analogue RGB (D-Dub, 15-pin); the display can be controlled externally via RS-232C;

* When measured from the front surface of LCD panel to the rear surface of the cabinet.
The JVC LT-32WX50 will be available in November for less than $US3,000.00.

Adding in the $US100 for the dongle, it’s about as much as LG’s packed-to-the-gills BD390 Wi-Fi player (which now has 1080p Vudu streaming), though not nearly as explosive feature-wise. Still, a Sony Blu-ray player with a $US250 MSRP that streams video is something we’ve been waiting to hear for a while.

NEW SONY BLU-RAY PLAYER Integrates STREAMING INTERNET VIDEO

FOR ULTIMATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

Device to Stream Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and Other BRAVIA Internet Video Content

ATLANTA (CEDIA Booth # 1409), Sept. 9, 2009 – Offering the best of full HD 1080p and streaming Internet video, Sony today introduced the BDP-N460 networked Blu-ray Disc™ player.

Beside playing Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, the device instantly streams one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment from the BRAVIA™ Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.

“Whether its Full HD 1080p or streaming video and audio from the Internet, entertainment comes in so many flavors that consumers want choice,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president of Sony Electronics’ home audio and video business. “Leading the entertainment experience, Sony brings the best of both worlds together in one player that offers more content than other stand-alone devices on the market.”

The BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc/DVD/CD player delivers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™ output, decodes the latest advanced audio codecs, and is BD-LIVE™ capable with your broadband internet connection and purchase of external memory.

The BDP-N460 also features built-in software specially designed for use with the Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N Ethernet Bridge with Dual-Band (WET610N, sold separately). The bridge helps ease the connection between the Ethernet–enabled player and a wireless router in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio band for optimal streaming.

The model also features a cross search function to make finding Internet content on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform easier.

Since many consumers own extensive DVD movie libraries, the BDP-N460 incorporates Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to near HD quality.

Additionally, the model features Sony’s Precision Drive™ technology, which helps to detect and correct wobbling discs from three directions, supporting stabilisation of warped or scratched Blu-ray Discs and DVDs during playback.

The BDP-N460 can decode the latest advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio. The model can also output 7.1 channel L-PCM via HDMI after decoding.

It supports Deep colour video output and x.v.Color™ (xvYCC) technology. The model is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), AVCHD, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/RW (CD-DA format), and JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media.

The model features an external port for local storage so users can add a USB flash storage device required for BD-LIVE content. A front USB port can be used to display digital photos.

Available in October, the BDP-N460 will be offered at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges, and at authorised retailers nationwide for about $US250.

[Sony]

Though the existing 40-inch ZX1 is just 9.9mm thin, it only supports 1080i wireless video and 120Hz.

Almost all the ZX5’s inputs (4x HDMI, 2xD5/Component, S-Video, VGA) are built-into the wireless hub, which also has an Ethernet port for Internet streaming and DLNA media sharing.

The ZX5s are expected to hit Japan in November, and there’s every chance we’ll see them pop up at the CEDIA show in Atlanta this week. Hopefully we’ll find out pricing at that point, but given last year’s 40-inch ZX1 was about $US4500, you know they ain’t gonna be cheap. [Sony Japan via Impress (translated)]

Though I see hints of a protruding buttocks, as is the main issue with the GD-32X1, the set is admirably wispy. And aside from its svelteness and light source, the 1080p TV boasts a few notable features—namely, its 100Hz refresh rate, 4000:1 contrast ratio and apparent support for some kind of direct digital media playback, as evidenced by its built-in SD slot and USB ports. Since it was shown at a British event, pricing and availability are UK-only, but a helpful indicator: £1900 (about $US3000) is the retail target, and it’s landing in October or November. [TechRadar]

First, we can tell it’s going to be a step up from the bottom rung due to the presence of Ethernet port—signifying BD-Live (Blu-ray Profile 2.0) capability—and analogue 7.1 outputs. But what takes it beyond other players are the SACD and DVD-Audio logos on there. No current Blu-ray player can handle both of those formats as well as BD, DVD and CD.

OK, yes, we’re thinking what you’re thinking: The number of people who have collections of SACD and DVD-Audio is surely smaller than the number of people with HD DVD libraries—perhaps Oppo should have gone the full distance and put in HD DVD reading capability too. (We’ll be sure to ask them when they start talking about this product.)

Given the visible feature set and Oppo’s reputation in the upscaling world, we assume this will be one damn fine BD player. But I’ll just say right now that it won’t be cheap. [AVS Forum via Electronista]

UPDATE: Here’s what Oppo confirms—no HD DVD of course, just as we suspected:

The BDP-83 will be a Profile 2.0 that features the ABT 2010 de-interlacing and scaling solution for both DVD and Blu-Ray media. The product as currently implemented supports SACD. We are investigating the possibility of DVD-Audio support.

The player will support the transportation and decoding of the Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital TrueHD, DTS High Resolution, and DTS HD-Master. In the current implementation only the core DD and DTS are supported, but the hardware will support the transportation and decoding of these formats in the future.

No price has been established, but we are throwing around US$499~699 as the possible price points. Anticipated release is Winter (November through February)

During the review he broke down some of the technology behind the eye popping specs, as well as taking note of a feature set that is high on performance and low on ordinary TV functions. Being a monitor, the 65VX100U does not feature a built-in HDTV or analogue tuner and standard definition source imputs like composite and S-video. However, it does include 4 HDMI jacks, one component video, one PC input (VGA), and a RS-232 jack.

As far as performance is concerned, Gary compared it side by side with the 50-inch Kuro and found that Pioneer won on ultimate black level and in the effectiveness of its anti-reflective screen, but the latter results in an purple-reddish tint that can be clearly seen when compared side by side with the 65VX100U. The Kuro also requires a higher level signal to come out of black, which obscured details that the Panasonic did not. All in all, it seems that if you have US$10,000 to plunk down on a 65-inch flat panel, the 65VX100U should be at the top of your list. [HD Guru]

We didn’t give a single one of these speakers any kind of field test, and we’re not going to pretend for a second that that matters. Thankfully, you and I are not the folks who have to view these speakers as anything more than absolutely beautiful monuments to silly rich audio fetishists. So let’s ogle: take the Sonnance “Threewheeler” donught-y Bluetooth outdoor speaker shown above as only the beginning. It costs US$21,000.