Wayne, N.J. – JVC is expanding its selection of
sound-bar-based home theater in a box (HTiB) systems with the shipment of two
models, one equipped with virtual surround, and the other equipped with
wireless surround speakers.
Both incorporate wireless subwoofer and decoding of 5.1-channel
Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II. Either can be connected directly to
TVs, set-top boxes, and DVD or
Blu-ray players via analog and optical digital inputs. Neither features HDMI
connections.
The $599-suggested TH-BA3 is promoted as the industry’s first
sound-bar-based HTiB to transmit sound wirelessly not only to an included
subwoofer but also to included surround speakers. The left, center and right
channels are delivered through the sound bar’s own embedded drivers. The sound bar
itself incorporates amplification, controls, wireless transmitter for the
surrounds and wireless subwoofer, and decoding of 5.1-channel Dolby Digital,
DTS, and Dolby ProLogic II. Total output is said to be 280 watts
The TH-BS7 is the sound bar with integrated virtual surround
processing. It retails for a suggested $549. The sound bar itself, only 1.4 inches
tall, contains left, right and center-channel drivers. The system delivers two
virtual surround channels via JVC’s proprietary Front Surround technology.
Amplification, decoding and processing occur within a small wall-mountable
amplifier/control unit that delivers 80 watts of power. A wireless 6-inch
subwoofer is powered by its own integrated 100-watt amplifier. The surround bar’s
drivers use a proprietary voice-coil design and neodymium magnets to deliver
200Hz-20kHz frequency response.
JVC launched its first sound-bar-based HTiB, which features 3.1-channel
sound bar, virtual surround, wireless subwoofer and outboard Blu-ray 2.0 player.
Also this year, the company launched its first 5.1-speaker HTiB with wireless
surround speakers, the TH-G51.
