An Overview of 3D-Sound: Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

While Dolby and Auro Technologies have been around several months, causing a big stir with their 3D sound technologies Atmos and Auro, the surround sound specialists DTS have kept theirs conspicuously tucked away until now. Although unofficially floating around in certain circles, officially there has been no information pertaining to the DTS-UHD. Finally as part of this year's CES 2015,  accompanied by first demo shows, the in-house concept DTS:X had its launch announced for March 2015. In order to compete for top place in the future three 3D sound systems in the always lucrative home theatre market. What are the differences? Are the formats compatible with each other? And aren't three systems two too many? We summarize.

Hifi im Hinterhof at the High End On Tour in Berlin

The 'high end' fair in Munich's MOC trade centre is one of the most important events for the industry of quality hi-fi and consumer electronics, an event which sees an annual congregation of a growing number of manufacturers, distributors, trade visitors and sound enthusiasts. Since 2010, the previously May occurring roadshow will be complimented by regional events under the banner 'High End on Tour' and this time rolling into Berlin on the 7th and 8th March for the first time. This time the emphasis is on local dealers, which naturally we're very excited about. Below are the most important facts, and expect us to report back from the roadshow soon!

Dolby Atmos in Our Showrooms

From the Lange Nacht der Ohren 2014 onwards, there has been the opportunity to gain a first impression of the new 3D-sound standard Dolby Atmos in our big home theatre. Meanwhile, we have upgraded further demonstration rooms with the appropriate speakers and AV receivers and we're now offering the chance to test out Atmos set-ups both with the ceiling speakers as well as with Atmos-enabled loudspeakers.

Listen to the KEF Blade Two at HiFi im Hinterhof

As of yesterday the wait is over: for the first time and with great pleasure, we unpacked the new KEF Blade Two and set them up. We've written some first impressions for you, along with some accompanying photos of the beauties.

Classic 5.1 Surround Sound Systems: B&W MT-50, KEF E305 and Monitor Audio Radius

This amplely-fitted AV receiver which boasts more than ten channels — not in the least the new 3D audio formats Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D and DTS: X — demonstrates the current possibilities whilst highlighting that there really isn't much serious competition, making them much more interesting for the average customer with a more conventional living or entertainment room. Provided a good system is in place, the classic 5:1 arrangement already has many exciting advances in store for us. Let it be known that this run down of three-speaker systems could very well convince you to investing in surround sound at home.

TechniSat TechniCorder ISIO STC Hardrive Set-Up and Installation

This video guide (German language) runs through the installation of a 2.5" Hardrive (SATA Revision 3.X or the SATA III) in the Technic TechniSat ISIO STC and the subsequent installation of the TechniSat main menu. We are of course able to provide you with technical support over this television or any other topic in English!

HDCP 2.2 – What You Need to Know About the Forthcoming 4K Data Security

Over the sense and senselessness of copyright protection devices can one really debate. The industry, as shown over the decades, has not tired of denouncing acts of theivery in regards to intellectual property nor has it tired of lamenting the imminent demise of an entire industry.  Many creative people feel as though they are encroached upon by such measures, patronised and placed under general suspicion. That this situation is not just here to stay but also the future -- a feeling which is shared by a coup of 100 existing industry that the Digital Protection Consortium. The HDCP 2.2 is designed to protect well into the future especially 4K material in terms of piracy. We have compiled all the important facts for you.

“Cheesecake for The Ears”

For once we aren't annoucing a new addition to our invantory or delving into deep into our technical Know-How, rather we'd like to draw your attention to an article from the Berlin newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, which deals with the ever fascinating question of why we appreciate music. The article reminds us that the phenomenon of music still has mysteries and why we are still marvelling at its magic. Cheesecake for the ears even. Homo musicus - How Music Generates Our Emotions  (in German from Der Tagesspiegel)

Amplifiers: A Guide From Class A, Class B, Class AB to Class D

Throughout product descriptions, articles and discussions we find ourselves talking about again and again about the so-called amplifier classes which are in place to demarcate the operation of the respective circuit. But how can we really classify them? How does the ordering really work? Why are there different different classes at all? And what are the advantages and disadvantages does each bring with them? We’ve taken the best known of examokes from across the board – Classes A, B, AB and D – viewing them in more detail so that we can take this question head on.