QFLEX TEST REPORT IN PROFESSIONAL SYSTEM
One of Germany's leading industry journals, Professional System, have published an in-depth critical review and test report of Tannoy's QFlex digital beam-steering array system. The results are extremely positive and comprehensively back up the stated performance parameters of the product.

Extract from article:

"In recent years, Tannoy have extended their product portfolio into all areas of loudspeaker technology, including high-end consumer systems, studio monitors, PA and installation loudspeakers. Now they have added the DSP controlled QFlex arrays to their range. QFlex arrays have been designed as modular 2 and 3-way systems with lengths from 75cm up to 3m intended for high quality sound reproduction in acoustically difficult environments.

After extensive testing and measuring it is safe to say that remaining true to their high standards, Tannoy have come up with a true high-end array loudspeaker system. The 2-way concept featuring a dedicated high frequency array has strong advantages - absolutely clean reproduction without annoying side lobes, the software is operated easily and intuitively producing immediately usable settings, and the loudspeaker meets the highest demands on tone.

Attention has been paid to the remote control and monitoring facilities which are so important in practice, and without which an installation system is unthinkable today where safety is of major relevance. Qflex pricing structure reflects its position in the upper end of the market but fully justified considering performance and quality."

READ MORE HERE

Both QFLEX and VQ SERIES fared very well in the inaugural Pro Sound Web / Live Sound magazine Readers' Awards - scooping the award in both categories they were competing in against some notable industry competition.

QFLEX won the best product in the Architectural Column Loudspeaker (New) category whilst VQ NET 60 picked up similar honours in the Loudspeaker - Large Format (New) category.

Tannoy would like to thank EVERYONE who supported them by voting in this vigorously contested awards - every vote was greatly appreciated and we're delighted to have received recognition for both products' technical innovations. We could not have achieved this without the support of you - the wide family of sales partners, consultants, installers, end-users and general Tannoy fans out there.

The full results of the PSW / Live Sound Readers' Awards can be found HERE.

Niles ZR training is currently underway throughout Australia, in all major states.

The course will provide a firm understanding of how to design multizone systems using the ZR4 and ZR6 MultiZone Receivers. We will also discuss how to implement doorbell and paging interfaces, home theatre integration and video distribution. Integration with 3rd party control systems will also be demonstrated.

The course is available to approved Niles dealers. For upcoming dates and times, please contact the APG call centre on 1300 134 400.

The new ZR4 Series 2 introduces cooler amplification, blue key lighting and simpler tuner programming, all at a refreshing affordable pricepoint.

The system comes packaged as a complete kit, comprising of four in-wall weather-resistant keypads, an infrared remote control, three infrared emitters and the main unit ZR4 with built-in tuner. The robust eight-channel digital amplifier now features an enhanced power supply with fan cooling, for effortless operation even at a difficult 4-ohm load.

For a simple and pleasing multizone system, the Niles ZR4 Series 2 offers delight that won't stretch the budget.

ZR4 Series 2 System Design Guide (6.4mb)

The Niles HT-MSU Home Theatre Main System Unit simplifies entertainment by allowing one-touch control of home theatre components. Oridinary home theatre system controllers require users to turn (and off) multiple components resulting in a confusing situation of hunting down the fugitive component that is "off", when it really should be "on".

The HT-MSU eliminates the confusion by shifting control to an interface box, providing true one-touch access to all your entertainment.

This feature is now further integrated into an IntelliControl ICS multizone application, where a system programmer can configure a home theatre setup using shared and local sources, in upto four rooms in the home.

This application allows positive control via IR or RS-232, allowing the usage of the IntelliControl ICS system sources with the home theatre. All sources with metadata can be easily controlled via the colour touchscreen.

IntelliControl ICS System Design Guide - Volume 2

AVR3310 Audyssey DSX Upgrad

Audyssey DSX sound processing technology extends 5.1- and 7.1-channel sound sources to a wider and higher dimension considering the human perception that is usually focused on the front. A more spacious sound is achieved through a pair of wide speakers placed wider than the usual front speakers, and a greater sense of height in sound is achieved by adding two height speakers above the front.

Until now, Audyssey DSX was only available with Denon's upper class AVR-4310 and AVR-4810. With this new feature upgrade, current and future owners of the AVR-3310 get the chance to add a unique technology to their home theatre. In the future, Denon will continue to sell the AVR-3310 without Audyssey DSX to give their customers the right to choose whether they would like to have this feature or not.

During 2009, several thousand owners of an AVR-4308, AVR-3808, AVC- or AVP-A1HD successfully used a similar opportunity to upgrade their devices with new features at a fair price point thus further increasing the value of their Denon product

See download page of AVR3310 for instructions and application form

New Niles iWare products provide compatibility with all the latest iPod devices, supporting Apple’s new iPod charging circuitry.

In addition to this enhanced functionality, the new SmartDock2 and ES2 are now fully compatible with the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver.

The SmartDock2 is an iPod docking/charging station that conveniently switches iPod connections between iTunes® operating on a PC, and Niles MultiZone systems with the touch of a button. It is also a convenient way to keep the iPod charged.

The ES2 Wall Mount Extender System enables the user to locate the iPod that’s connected to the system virtually anywhere in the home, while preserving the signal quality and the iPod menu system. It utilises balanced/differential audio to maintain pristine audio quality and to reject noise and hum pickup.

iWare Compatibility Chart

The Denon AVR3310 has beaten all competition to take out the prestigous "Best of the Best" awards for 2010, as presented by Smarthouse Magazine in Sydney. 

The AVR3310 not only represents the Best of the Best as an audio receiver but includes state of the art Anchor Bay video processing for both analogue and HDMI sources in true Hi-Bit form.

Add to this it's versatility as a Multi room receiver capable of running 3 independant sources into 3 separate zones plus full DLNA Network connectivity for streaming audio and photo files from your PC or MAC and you will understand why the AVR3310 is such a winner.

As part of the AVR3310's network features you can also listen to over 7000 Internet radio stations and even upgrade to the latest firmware version over the internet.

AVR1910 wins both What Hi-Fi AV receiver of the Year and EISA HT receiever of the year awards

The new Denon DF107DAB Mini Component system combines Denon's internationally acclaimed Hi-Fi audio performance with DAB+ radio. All packaged together in this smart looking, well performing component package. It might be mini in size but BIG on performance, check out the full details in the Hi-Fi systems section

AVR1610 wins Sound & Image magazines AV Receiver of the Year Awards for under $2000

DVDA1UD wins the Smarthouse "Best of the Best" Blu-ray player for 2010

AVR2310 Wins What Hi-FI Award

DM37 Wins Group Test

We are pleased to announce that at the recent Australian Sound & Image awards the AKG K242HD won Headphone of the year in the sub $500 category!

The Amazing new series of Denon AV receivers for complete Convenience and Performance in one unit

The easy-to-use TS-PRO features a high-contrast, 3.5” color touchscreen with a crisp, easy-to-read graphical user interface (GUI) and convenient hard keys that control frequently used functions such as volume and power on/off.

Easily configured without a laptop computer, the system integrator simply connects the TS-Pro to the ZR-6 and the system programming is automatically loaded. Also, system changes made in one TS-Pro are automatically populated to all other TS-Pros in the system.

The TS-Pro is enhanced with a metadata display for a connected iPod®, station information for the ZR-6’s built-in AM/FM radio, plus the navigation and control of up to four additional sources. The user can also conveniently control any zone of the ZR-6 system from any TS-Pro touchscreen, and each zone can be custom named to further simplify operation. Also featured is the ability to display custom images or photos to personalise the TS-Pro.

With the introduction of the TS-Pro, Niles adds to its selection of control solutions for the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver, which includes the weather-resistant Solo-6MD, a single-gang keypad with metadata display; the Solo-6IR, an elegant single-gang keypad; and the Numeric-6P, an easy-to-use numeric keypad that works in conjunction with the Solo-6IR.

ZR System Design Guide (9mb)

Niles Audio's New IR Sensors are compatible with emerging high data rate IR code formats; Proprietary Universal Noise Suppression eliminates IR interference, providing reliable control in any environment

The IR Sensors utilize high fidelity wideband amplification to ensure compatibility with virtually all current and emerging IR code formats, including the new Philips RCMM code structure. These new IR Sensors are designed to optimally amplify and carefully preserve IR signal integrity.

This unique sensor design is able to pass the low duty-cycle, high data rate IR signals found in many new source components, such as Foxtel and Austar cable boxes and satellite receivers. Paired with Niles’ patent-pending Universal Noise Suppression technology, which implements more than 10 different methodologies to ensure effective and reliable operation in a multitude of “noisy” environments, Niles IR Sensors offer professional systems integrators a universally capable IR sensor solution for any application.

Infrared Application Notes (3.5mb)

The weather’s warming up, the barbecue grilles are coming out and everyone’s starting to think about outdoor entertaining.

It’s time to turn to Niles for everything you need to create that perfect outdoor sound system.

Niles' class-leading OS Indoor/ Outdoor Series and versatile Rock and Planter loudspeakers cover virtually every application, are built for years of trouble-free use, and feature the peace of mind that comes with their Limited Lifetime Warranty. Of course, Niles also makes a wide range of amplifiers, waterproof volume controls, and everything else you need to power and control a great-sounding outdoor sound system.

Outdoor Speaker Design Guide

Denon’s highly acclaimed world first universal high-end disc player, the DVD-A1UD now joins the company’s flagship AVP-A1HDA pre-amp and POA-A1HD ten channel power amplifier. Featuring the pinnacle of technology development, the DVD-A1UD is Denon’s most ambitious player to date.

The DVD-A1UD creates a world first in bringing a truly universal high-end player that will accept Blu-ray, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, HDCD and SACD discs. In addition, the SDHC memory card allows you to play pure DivX 6, JPEG, MP3 and WMA files directly. No other Denon product boasts more advanced audio and video technologies to realize the ultimate in a high-definition home entertainment system.

Come home to your favorite music, with the simple touch of a button. Rejuvenate with the classics by the pool, cook up hot and spicy sounds in the kitchen, or set the perfect mood for entertaining.

With the Niles ZR-6, your family and friends will enjoy entertainment that breaks through the boundaries of traditional music systems.

One Touch To Entertainment™
A simple press of a button is all that’s needed to fill your entire home with music. The ZR-6 is programmed so you never have to deal with complex sequences of button presses when you want to listen to music.

Plug-and-Play iPod® Integration
Simply connect your iPod to the ZR-6 using the supplied cable. All the communication and control commands for the iPod are built-in. Instantly, you’re up and running.

Niles: The Number One Choice In Multiroom Audio
In an independent survey conducted by EH Publishing, Niles was found to be the brand of multiroom audio most frequently chosen by installation professionals.

The acclaimed Domino 80E projector from Italian projection specialist SIM2 has been awarded the 'Best Projector over $8,000' award at the 2009 Sound and Image awards held in Sydney on October 31.

The judges said: “A clever output-modulated lamp is key to this projector’s remarkable performance with excellent black levels, realistic colours and long lamp life…”

Click on the 'Related Products' link below to find out more about this superlative projector.

Everything you have come to expect from Niles Audio is built into IntelliControl® ICS: renowned technology, proven performance and superior design.

From the “One Touch to Music” feature in our Control Panels and iRemote®…to our unique Modular Multizone Receiver with “plug and play” tuner modules, IntelliControl ICS provides only the highest quality products to control and access your music with ease.

The IntelliControl® ICS multizone system enables everyone in your family to enjoy great sound and picture from all of today’s popular sources in multiple rooms - simultaneously. Everyone gets the music or program they want, any way they want it.

Enjoy great sound and hi-definition video, everywhere in your home with the revolutionary distributed home system, IntelliControl ICS. Contact your Authorised Niles Dealer for a personalised experience of the most revolutionary distributed audio system in the world and you can enjoy smooth, natural sound throughout your home.

Introducing the iC2™ Home Theatre Automation & Control System.

The iC2 builds on Niles’ successful IntelliControl, a product that revolutionised home theatre by providing simple, intelligent, automated control. The iC2 ushers in a new era with features and technologies that make home theatre easy to use and a lot more enjoyable for the entire family.

Your TV comes with a remote. So does your cable box…and DVD player…and surround sound system…and satellite receiver… and, well, you get the picture. It all adds up to a messy pile of remotes on your coffee table. The iC2 takes the place of all of them. The clutter and confusion is replaced by a single elegant, easy-to-use control.

Create your own personal oasis of music, anywhere in your home with the new Niles ZR-4 multizone system.

For starters, the receiver has a built-in AM/FM tuner so the system plays music right out of the box. What’s more, the keypads are weather resistant,opening up new installation possibilities outdoors and in moist environments like showers, baths and spas. The advanced digital power amplifier delivers superior performance to multiple pairs of speakers with minimum heat and maximum reliability.

The ZR-4 is a complete kit including the receiver, rack-mount ears, four weather-resistant keypads with built-in infrared sensors, a hand-held learning remote control, and three infrared flashers.

NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, introduces the VISO FIVE DVD/CD Surround Sound Receiver and the VISO TWO DVD/CD Receiver. Both products provide an ideal command centre for an advanced home entertainment system, delivering uncompromising performance in elegant, compact designs.

NAD’s Director of Product Development, Greg Stidsen, comments: “The VISO FIVE and the VISO TWO are as much about industrial design as they are about state-of-the-art audio and video performance.  The visual language of VISO conveys both sculptural precision and refined elegance making a strong design statement.  These products have a positive visual presence that simply demand attention!”

NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, has been awarded the prestigious international 2008 red dot award in the product design category for its new VISO FIVE DVD/CD Surround Sound Receiver and VISO TWO DVD/CD Receiver.

SIM2, the Italian manufacturer whose striking high performance HD home theatre projectors are known worldwide for their pristine video and dramatic cabinet designs, has introduced the exciting next generation design of the award winning Grand Cinema C3X projector. SIM2 C3X1080 integrates benchmark quality 1080p video display with the functions and features required to power today’s sophisticated home theatres, all within the dramatic industrial design for which SIM2 is justly famous.

In 2005, the original C3X model revolutionised the home theatre market. For 2007, SIM2 is taking the C3X concept to the next performance level. The new C3X1080, as its name suggests, is a full HD 1080p projector, but shares the same compact form factor as the original.

In the best SIM2 tradition, the 43cm square, 10kg C3X1080 is housed in a stunning, high-gloss sculpted cabinet designed by Giorgio Revoldini with the company’s trademark flowing lines. Revoldini, who has designed several SIM2 models, has received several prestigious international industrial design awards, including a 2006 Good Design medal – a coveted award in industrial and graphic design administered by the Chicago Athenaeum.

Although diminutive in size, the C3X1080 conceals truly powerful abilities and a great deal of technology. The projector is based on a trio of the latest DarkChip4™, 0.95-inch, 1080p DLP® chipsets from Texas Instruments. The three-chip SIM2 design further exploits improved optics in SIM2’s proprietary ALPHAPATH™ light engine to form a system able to deliver full-HD, 1920x1080 progressive video of stunning clarity and definition. The combination’s superb contrast (=10,000:1, typically) matches its impressive colour depth and remarkable brightness capability, for a net result of breathtaking, almost three-dimensional picture performance from high quality source material.

With the C3X1080, SIM2 has created more than a mere reference grade projector. Full depth 10-bit video processing, with HD scaling and de-interlacing capabilities, maintains 1080p/24fps full-HD purity under actual content playback conditions, and does much to upgrade the delivered perceived quality of lesser formats. What’s more, SIM2’s newly developed advanced colour management software is available to permit installers and calibrators to precisely match each projector to its home theatre environment. SIM2’s software allows near total control over colour and white-point coordinates, gamma correction and more for unprecedented power to refine and improve real world installed performance.

The latest SIM2 achievement incorporates the functions and features demanded by custom theatre designers and installers. The C3X1080 delivers two selectable HDMI inputs (both fully HDCP compliant), as well as inputs for Component, S- and Composite-video, and an RGB connection. Both RS232 serial and USB ports are included to ease connectivity for control and software/firmware communications. Even twin 12-volt trigger outputs are on board for total flexibility of installation and control.

The C3X1080 is available now from selected SIM2 specialist dealers.

Key Digital HD Python Series - Key Digital have now launched the complete range of Python series cables which start in Australia from the 9 metre length. Key Digital the leader in video technology and solutions have this range of cables which are the step up from the popular Red Iguana series. In particular this range is available in lengths 9m, 12m, 15m and 22.5 metre lengths here in Australia with a 30 & 37.5 metre available by special order.

These cables  cables all comply with HDMI 1.3 specification quality with the capacity to handle all video signals from standard definition 480i to full HD 1080p. Importantly they are CL3 RATED to comply for inwall/inceiling installation additionally all cables feature: • 24 Karat gold plated connectors for the ultimate in electrical connectivity and corrosion resistance • Bandwidth of 5 Gbps enables high performance speeds for glitch free digital video signals • VW-1 UL rated, cables pass the stringent UL flame test procedure • HDCP Compliant • Oxygen free copper coated with low-loss dielectric compound

Key Digital® Introduces Red Iguana™ HDMI Cables for the Retail Market with a RRP from $89.95

Red Iguana HDMI Cables. Red Iguana cables all comply with HDMI 1.3 specification quality with the capacity to handle all video signals from standard definition 480i to full HD 1080p. All Red Iguana HDMI cables feature: • 24 Karat gold plated connectors for the ultimate in electrical connectivity and corrosion resistance • Bandwidth of 5 Gbps enables high performance speeds for glitch free digital video signals • VW-1 UL rated, cables pass the stringent UL flame test procedure • HDCP Compliant • Oxygen free copper coated with low-loss dielectric compound

In the February 2008 edition of the well respected British Hi-Fi magazine, What Hi-Fi, Sound and Vision, widely regarded as the gospel of Hi-Fi magazines, reviewed the brand new NAD C515BEE.

Like its predecessors the C515BEE received a glowing 5 Star review which clearly places the C515BEE as the leader in its class.

What Hi-Fi quotes:

“no other CD spinner in this price range offers the detail, focus or soundstage of this NAD”

To read the complete What Hi-Fi review click here

To coinside with the release of the new NAD T7X5 AV receivers and AV Pre-Amp, NAD have released the new IPD1 iPod control dock.

The IPD1 will connect to the new T775, T785 & T175 and allow you to play your favourie songs, look at your favourite photos as well as watch your iPod videos all though your fantastic new NAD AV receiver.

Ipod never sounded or looked as good

Not just content with getting great reviews for its individual performance, the UK magazine Hi-Fi World have tested both the new NAD C315BEE and the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A in a “shoot out”.

Comparative tests have always been considered the toughest as similar models are tested side by side and as in any race there can only be one winner.

And the winner is the NAD C315BEE!!

Adam Smith from Hi-Fi World quotes

“The C315BEE offers sophistication to the sound that is often lacking in amplifiers at this price point, with precision and insight that is most impressive”

To read the complete Hi-Fi world comparative test click here

This month will see the arrivial on our shores of the NAD T785 which has been eagerly awaited by all. Featuring a huge 200watts per channel (FTC) on all 7 channels the T785 promises to deliver a Home Theatre experience like no other, add the latest HDMI Version 1.3a and NAD have created an AV receiver that will be the envy of all your friends.

Other features include, Audyssey Room EQ and Auto Setup, Powerdrive, Modular construction, 4 Zone Multi Room with independant source and volume, Analogue to HDMI conversion, Full 1080p compatibility

When NAD engineers started to design the new T7X5 series AV Receivers and AV Pre-Amp they stated with a complete clean sheet of paper. Quite often a manuafacturer will release a new model but infact the new model is the same as the previous model except for a few small changes, not so with the new T7X5 series from NAD.

The new modular construction design developed by NAD's engineers is a completely new amplifier platform and provides, better sounding, more efficent, easy servicing and better future proofing with the possibility of exchanginging boards as new technologies become available.

The new NAD T535 Universal DVD player is already receiving huge praise for the quality of its picture performance.

With all the confusion in the current market about opposing HD video formats NAD set about designing a DVD player that would provide a magnificent 1080p resolution picture from your existing DVD collection.

The NAD T535 means that you can play all your existing software, both CD and DVD and be guarrenteed that you will get the best sound and picture without having to change formats.

The NAD C315BEE has received another big rap from the prestigious British Hi-Fi magazine, Hi-fi News. Hi-fi guru and reviewer Ken Kessler put the C315BEE through an extensive set of technical and listening tests and found that NAD have created another legend in the making with the C315BEE.

Quotes

“But when you hear how “big” the C315BEE can sound – dimensions rather than mere level – you will appreciate how its performance defies its price”

"The C315BEE is a mind boggling bargain”

To read the entire Ken Kessler review click here