Dolby to Expand Dolby Vision Footprint In Theaters Worldwide

Jul 01, 2024

Dolby Cinema combines Dolby Vision projection, Dolby Atmos sound, and a premium auditorium experience with Dolby-designed lighting and reclining seats. Through a new offering, Dolby will soon make its superb Dolby Vision projection systems available to theater owners outside of the exclusive Dolby Cinema bubble. This means theaters will be able to offer both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos without going all-in on the premium Dolby Cinema experience. Read on to learn more.

Strategies For Building & Buying Your Home Theater System

Jun 25, 2024

We’re often asked how to build a stereo or home theater system. Where do you start? Theo Nikolakis put together a thoughtful video covering this expansive topic. Read on to learn Theo’s philosophy of how to approach system-building to achieve audio happiness.

New Lenbrook HDtracks Streaming Service to Offer Choice of FLAC or MQA

Jun 19, 2024

Lenbrook, the parent company to Bluesound, NAD, and PSB, is partnering with audio download site HDtracks to launch a new streaming service later this year. The service will offer customers a choice between FLAC files and MQA-encoded audio. It will also use the MQA-developed SCL6 transmission technology, now called AIRIA, to deliver scalable lossless audio. Read on to learn more.

Lenbrook Introduces MQA Labs With 3 New Audio Technologies

Jun 18, 2024

Here’s the first glimpse of MQA since Lenbrook, the parent company to PSB, NAD, and Bluesound, purchased the company last autumn. The newly-formed MQA Labs unveiled three new technologies: AIRIA, FOQUS, and QRONO. AIRIA is a rebrand of the SCL6 transmission codec, but FOQUS and QRONO appear to be new developments. Read on to learn more.

Sonos Botches App Refresh, Long-Awaited ‘Ace’ Headphones!

Jun 11, 2024

The new “reimagined” Sonos app has rolled out without key features, such as the ability to search for and play back local files. In the midst of this disappointment, Sonos hopes to regain favor with the launch of its long-awaited Sonos Ace headphones ($449) on June 5th. The Sonos Ace offers Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and dynamic head-tracking, but doesn’t offer Wi-Fi connectivity to integrate into an existing Sonos system. Read on to learn more.

Rabbit R1 & AI Pin: Future of Smartphones or Tech Dead-End?

Jun 06, 2024

Humane AI Pin & Rabbit R1, talking AI devices rushed to market then launch with a sputter. New AI Siri and Google Assistant are expected as the conversational ChatGPT 4o calls out for your attention. Do we really have to talk to the Internet now?

Elac Debut ConneX Designer Series: Powered Speakers with Style

May 23, 2024

Elac has teamed up with the Brooklyn-based fashion label Adsum to give the company’s small powered speakers a makeover. The $650 Debut ConneX Designer Series are lovely to behold, and sound just as good as the impressive (but rather homely) originals from 2022. The new speakers feature custom tubular metal stands, new magnetic grilles, and a contemporary white painted finish. Read on.

LG’s Smart TV Platform First to Support Dolby Atmos Via Apple Music App

May 21, 2024

Owners of LG TVs can now listen to Dolby Atmos via Apple Music. The latest update to the app added support for the immersive sound format. Until now, you’d need to buy an Apple TV 4K streamer to enjoy Apple Music’s spatial audio feature through your home theater. The update covers TVs going back to 2018 models. Read on to learn more.

Disney+ And IMAX Bring DTS:X Into The Streaming Era

May 16, 2024

As of May 15th, 2024, Disney+ subscribers with select AV hardware will be able to experience Queen Rock Montreal alongside 18 Marvel movies with IMAX Enhanced sound. This marks the first time that the DTS:X immersive audio format will be available via a major streaming service. At launch, only select Smart TVs can pass the DTS:X Audio to an AV receiver or soundbar. Will this limitation make DTS:X irrelevant in the Dolby Atmos era? Read on.

Audioholics Recommended $3,500 2.1 System with Upgrade Path to Atmos

May 10, 2024

If you're looking to build a solid two-channel hifi system with an upgrade path to Dolby Atmos, we've got a solution that costs under $3,500 and allows for future expansion based on your needs and budget. This system consists of components we've directly reviewed and/or have user experiences with and we feel the components chosen offer great synergy together.

PMC And Steven Wilson Bring Atmos Music to Munich High End

May 07, 2024

Loudspeaker manufacturer PMC and musician Steven Wilson are staging a British Invasion at High End Munich. Together they will be showcasing immersive audio with a massive Dolby Atmos system. The system will combine products from PMC’s Professional and Home Audio divisions, including the monster BB6 XBD Active monitors ($62,500 each). Read on to learn more.

Sonos Launches ‘Reimagined’ App with Customizable Home Screen

May 04, 2024

Sonos has unveiled a new mobile app bringing content and controls together on a customizable home screen. The modernized app promises to put listeners in the driver’s seat while offering a personalized experience that makes listening “easier, faster, and better.” The Sonos app experience used to be miles ahead of the competition, but that’s no longer the case. Will this new app help Sonos maintain its position as the market leader in multi-room wireless audio? Read on to learn more.

Loudspeaker Design Cookbook, 8th Edition Vol.1 Review

May 02, 2024

Audio enthusiasts and audio engineers are both in luck with the release of the 8th edition of Vance Dickason’s “Loudspeaker Design Cookbook,” which is both a comprehensive guide and a wealth of knowledge about the art of loudspeaker design; the best book about designing loudspeakers just got better!

Netflix and Meta Use Hologram Tech to Promote New Releases

Apr 29, 2024

Big companies like Netflix, Meta, and even Nescafé are increasingly relying on high-tech launch events to create buzz for new releases. Netflix and Meta have both created enormous holograms to promote new content, lighting up the night skies of Austin and Los Angeles. Nescafé’s recent event in Portugal used 7 Christie Digital projectors to create an immersive experience. Read on to learn more.

The Best & Most Unusual Loudspeakers of AXPONA 2024

Apr 26, 2024

Axpona 2024 was an avalanche of high-end loudspeakers, and we saw quite a few of the best systems from the best manufacturers. Read about a few of the loudspeaker highlights for us in our coverage of Axpona 2024.

RIP Steve Feinstein 1954-2024

Apr 24, 2024

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Steve Feinstein on 4/19/24. Steve was an industry veteran who brought a unique perspective to Audioholics, unlike any other AV publication. His absence will be sorely felt, both as a friend and as a contributor to our website.

Hulu Begins Its Password Crackdown

Apr 22, 2024

As of March 14th, 2024, Hulu has banned the sharing of account login information to friends and family outside the account-holder’s household. Those who break the rules risk having their accounts suspended or terminated. Are the days of carefree password-sharing coming to an end? Read on to learn more.

7 Incredible Hi-Fi Giveaways - One LiveStream: Audioholics 25-Years Celebration!

Apr 15, 2024

Register to win one of seven prizes to be given away during one LiveStream as Audioholics celebrates 25-years as an online community. Prizes from Definitive Technology, SVS, RBH, RSL, Focal & Cambridge Audio. From registration to delivery of your prize, Audioholics Contests are always free. Only this time we have six giveaways in just one night!

Planned Las Vegas Stadium to Feature Largest LED Screen in Baseball

Apr 11, 2024

A new ballpark for the Oakland A’s is scheduled to open in Las Vegas in 2028. The stadium is to feature an 18,000-square-foot video wall and an eye-catching design. Will it be built as planned, or is this stadium little more than vaporware? Read on to learn more.