Parasound, the preeminent manufacturer of high-end audio components, has introduced an audio preamplifier designed for sound purists seeking superior low-noise performance from classic stereo sources as well as multichannel music and movies from Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, and SACD players. It will be marketed in the company’s high-end Halo product line.

Pioneer will expand its home cinema product portfolio with three new home entertainment systems that complement the high quality and premium design of its renowned KURO flat screen TVs. Building on the success of last year's LX01, the LX01BD and LX03BD are Pioneer’s first home cinema systems to include a Blu-ray Disc player, while the LX03 incorporates a DVD player.

Onkyo USA has introduced two mid-price home theater receivers and two packaged home theater systems, as part of its mid-year new product announcements. Both receivers are THX certified and include the new THX Loudness Plus audio processing technology for improved low-volume-level listening. All of the new models include expanded HDMI connectivity, Faroudja DCDi video processing capabilities, Audyssey room acoustics correction and Dynamic EQ, and Onkyo's Music Optimizer for improved sound from heavily compressed digital sources.

Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, today added new on-wall speakers to its Reference Signature speaker line. More than three feet in length to accommodate their six cutting-edge drivers, the Signature W5 and W5 C (center channel) speakers complement any wall-mounted flat-panel display or discreet A/V installation without sacrificing power or realism.

Each of the new Signature W5 models features a three-way crossover design that contributes to measurably superior dispersion both on- and off-axis, as well as breathtaking dynamic range. The speakers boast cutting-edge P-Be™ Pure-Beryllium dome tweeters and Co-PAL™ cobalt-infused pure-aluminum bass and midrange cones, along with the full suite of Paradigm Reference Signature Series v.2 technologies, including bronze-anodized die-cast aluminum chassis for all drivers, “Reference” phase-coherent precision crossover networks, and AVS™ airflow ventilation system cooling.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have teamed up with the Mute label to reissue their entire back catalogue as digitally remastered expanded packages - remixed in 5.1 Surround Sound.

The first four albums - 'From Her To Eternity', 'The First Born Is Dead', 'Kicking Against The Pricks and Your Funeral', 'My Trial' - are already being worked on and will be released before the end of 2008.

Each reissue will be a two-disc set, containing both the remastered stereo mix and new surround sound mix, as well as a specially commissioned short film created by UK artists Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard.

The b-sides for the related singles will also be included, as are exclusive sleeve notes.

AIX Records has finished recording of "The Afro Cuban Latin Jazz Project".

Back in December of 2006, we recorded another project brought to us by Peggy Jo Oliva of Lucumi Productions. I'm still working on the first one, AC Timba...but the new one demanded a pass to the front of the line. Featuring Grammy-nominated drummer Raúl Pineda, percussionist Jйsus Díaz and pianist Gustavo Ramírez, this septet plays a flavor of Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz that is rhythmically complex, melodically memorable and high energy. I used the title track at one of the EHX demonstration room last year and received lots of positive feedback.

The Acer Aspire 8920 is the first laptop to support Dolby digital true surround 5.1 and be equipped with six built-in dynamic loudspeakers, including low-frequency dynamic loudspeaker acer tuba cineBass. The Acer Aspire 8920G is designed for professional and household purposes. The laptop also comes powered with high-end and valuable features. It comes with an 18.4″ widescreen notebook, together with a FULL HD 1920×1080 resolution that gives users a clear and wide view of all their operations. The stunning Acer CineCrystal Full HD display is really a sight to behold with its cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio; which is the best for viewing movies as it removes the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen. Indeed, it is designed as an entertainment centre.

Harman Kardon, Inc., announces its 2008 audio/video receiver lineup, marking one of the most significant product introductions in the company's history. The 7.2-channel AVR 755, 7.1-channel AVR 655, AVR 355 and AVR 255, and the 5.1-channel AVR 155 offer an extensive complement of industry-leading features and technologies, including HDMI 1.3a compatibility, Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio decoding, home networking capability, a newly-developed, full-color, high definition graphical on-screen menu system, and many additional enhancements.

Complementing their best-in-class performance and ease of use, all of the receivers have an elegant, minimalist appearance, with gracefully rounded corners, a gloss-black top panel and dark graphite lower panel, all accented by soft white illumination.