Finally, a Digital Music Server for the Purist.

When a really slick iPhone app isn't the only cool thing about a new audio player, music purists finally begin to notice.  

Based in San Francisco, Olive makes HD music servers and multi-room players for high-end audio systems. The O6HD media player is their latest offering, and is designed by audiophiles for audiophiles. The company says that it's only available in limited quantities. 

Here’s the skinny:

Olive's iPhone App

Olive’s O6HD is a digital media player for those who take digital audio quality seriously.  You won’t find anything like it at a big-box electronics store.  Don’t even try.

Size Matters. The O6HD has a 2-terabyte drive so you can store up to 6,000 of your favorite CDs at original quality or up to 20,000 Hi-Def tracks.  But, we’re just getting started. This device is truly about the quality of the music, not the quantity. The drive is cushioned in 8 layers of noise-canceling padding. Does your external USB hard drive have that?  Didn’t think so.

Everything about this component is built for the sole purpose of elevating the listening experience of your digital media (not just for looks), including the elegant aluminum enclosure that eliminates operational noise and resonances. A distinctive angled front includes a huge 10.1" glass-on-glass color touch-screen, both of which allow for easy navigation of your music library.

From the CEO
“When approaching the O6HD design we sought the highest possible quality for each component, without compromise,” stated Dr. Oliver Bergmann, co-founder and CEO of Olive. “Primary for us was creating the most faithful playback of high quality audio in digital format. Nothing has been spared. Supporting 24-bit playback enables a rich and emotional experience not found with other digital music solutions. MP3 files are infamous for compressing tracks to the point of destroying the depth and nuances of a performance, even CDs are incapable of reproducing the way music sounds as it is recorded live in the studio. The O6HD achieves this and is the Olive ideal."

The Spec List

Fully balanced differential DAC Design
At the heart of the 06HD is a fully balanced differential DAC, with a matched pair of TI’s top-of-the-line 24-bit/192 kHz DAC modules (Burr-Brown PCM1792) for the inverted and non-inverted signals on each of the right and left channels. With a Signal-to-Noise ratio of 124 dB, the sounds come from a truly black background, revealing all the nuances and subtleties. The patent-pending DAC design is enhanced with additional premium components:

Ultra-low jitter master clock
A separate temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, with jitter of less than 10 picoseconds after re-clocking virtually eliminates jitter. This best in class clocking eliminates the edginess issues found in some digital music players. The resulting sound is of unequalled transparency and tonal accuracy.

High-performance Sample Rate Converter
The new O6HD uses the latest TI SRC4194 to up-sample any lower audio standard to 24-bit/ 384 kHz, guaranteeing incredible purity in high frequencies and low-level detail.

High-end output stage
Enjoy warm, open and spacious sound. The O6HD eliminates slewing induced distortion by using ultra-fast op-amps with at least 20V/us slew-rate, and a gentle 2nd-order Bessel reconstruction filter. Witnessed in its exceptionally flat frequency response (+0/-0.5db, 20Hz-20kHz) and ultra-low THD+N of less than 0.0007% (at 20Hz-22kHz)

Dedicated headphone DAC
The O6HD also features a separate 24-bit/192 kHz PCM1792 DAC and TPA6120A2 High Performance Audio Amplifier for headphone use, giving users the sharpest possible sound regardless of how they’re listening.

High-Precision Linear Power Supply
The obsession for sound performance behind the O6HD’s design is further evidenced with the unique presence of dedicated power supplies for the analog and digital components. The highly sensitive analog section is powered by a dedicated linear power supply with a custom-built ultra-low noise toroidal transformer. A separate AC line filter, with noise attenuation at close to 80dB, reduces noise floor from the start. 

Yes. It has a remote.

The Cost
The O6HD will make your wallet a little lighter.  But the $5,000 price tag (give or take) is justified by its craftsmanship.  Contact Olive to pre-order or to inquire about their other high-end media player components.







More Images 

Available in Black.

Back of the O6HD.

Introducing "Must NOT See T.V."

Now you see it. Now you don’t.  Today’s large flat screens often dominate the design of any room.  Great for football Sundays, but who needs to stare into an oversized black square when they’re reading a book or throwing a soirée for friends and family?

Media Decor and companies like it are restoring some tranquility to your home by hiding your TV behind a work of art or a mirror (see YouTube video below).  You can even raise your TV out of a counter-top or cabinet, keeping it completely out of site until you’re ready for movie night or the morning news.

how it works.
Your TV stays hidden discreetly behind an elegant frame and the artwork that you choose.  And with the touch of a button, the near silent mechanical motor reveals your TV when you’re watching and closes it when you’re not.

You can also hide your TV
behind a mirror.

You’re TV can also be hidden behind a mirror made with a special glass and mirrored coating.  Media Decor also incorporates a black dropdown shade between the mirror and TV that provides a true mirror-like look when the TV is not in use. Talk to your media integration tech to see if mirrors are right for your environment.

GearSpy Suggestion:  Instead of a remote make these devices compatible with “The Clapper.”

how much is it?
Prices vary from about $1,500 to $12,000 depending on the options you select.  Prices can sometimes be a little higher if your installation requires extra labor hours or if you have selected expensive cabinetry or artwork.

see it in action.

Yes you can burn MP3s to a DVD blank. But why?

Just because you CAN burn MP3s to a DVD blank doesn't mean you SHOULD.

Burning MP3s to a DVD disk sounds like a great idea since you can fit about a bagillion songs on a DVD disk. However it will only play on a DVD player, not a CD-only player. And even when you insert your DVD of a bagillion tunes into your DVD player it takes about 5 minutes to read the disk. And you can't skip through the tunes very fast either. Oh, and it won't play in your car's CD changer either. 

Learn from my rookie mistake and do not try this. It's a terrible idea.  As a public service, I refuse to share how it can be done (even though it's pretty easy).  You'll make better use of your time by measuring the depth of the tread on your snow tires, needle pointing, or watching C-SPAN.

Meet Christine, The Angel of Music — a high-end reference turntable.

Vinyl is STILL very vogue.  And many audio enthusiasts intend to make sure it sticks around.  Here’s a turntable that's humbly named “Christine, The Angel of Music” that’ll set you back a mere $57,500 (give or take).  But don’t ask the manufacturer TTWeights Audio to explain themselves.  They offer no apologies.

Here’s why.

For starters, the platter is designed with U.S. Navy-grade brass.

This gets a little technical, but you'll get the idea.

The musical interface is the physical contact with the platter and the coupling provided by our unique Outer Ring Stabilizer, no expense was spared to use the most stable and musical of materials for the platter. Machined from pure high grade US supplied NAVAL brass with carbon fibre inserts on the record face provides a very musical and extremely accurate and faithful reproduction of the record.

NAVAL Brass is not affected by humidity or temperature (50F to 90F), is stable immediately after machining and over many years. This Platter will not change its shape of tolerances from internal stresses found in polycarbonate and aluminum platters.

Here’s more specs on the turntable — which include aircraft-style drive systems.
Click here for more information.

CNC machined plinth from billet Aluminum 6061-T6511 with a Compact Design 18 x 16 inch footprint
Internally housed drive systems and motor
Internally Dampened plinth with brass and copper proprietary damping materials

Aircraft Style Drive Systems
DC Super Torque Servo Drive System
PWM Digital regenerative amplifier
DC Servo Speed Controller
Torque: 100 lbs-in at specified RPM quietest and most powerful motor in the industry
33/45/78 rpm

Massive Platter
80 LB Naval Brass /Copper /Carbon Fibre Platter
Massive moment of inertia
Specifications
Weight: Estimated 180 lbs (81.6 Kg’s) plus controller separate unit
Controller 19”x 3”x 12”/482 x 76.2 x 304.8 mm (W x H x D) Weight
Dimensions Including Feet and Isolation Disks
Height Without Center Weight: 8.300 inches (211.00 mm)
Height with Center Weight: 9.800 inches (249.00 mm)
Width: 18.00 inches (457.2 mm)
Depth: 16.00 inches (406.4 mm)
Shipped in two parts/Simple Installation
Shipping Weight 280 to 300 lbs
Bearing and drive all pre assemble, just place the platter on the platter mount, self aligning
Requires two people
 20 years parts and labour

With the new iPort, your house will love your iPad, too.

Not So "Off the Wall."
The makers of iPort think hanging an iPod or iPad on your wall is not so  “off the wall.” The company has introduced two new products in its Control Mount Series for the Apple iPad and iPod touch®.  The CM2000 Control Mount for iPad and the iPort CM100 Control Mount for iPod touch both integrate the handheld Apple touchscreen products in an attractive in-wall frame, transforming them into in-wall touchscreens for display of weather, news, stocks and many other preferred Apps.

Works With Any Connected A/V System
The CM100 also transforms the iPod touch into an in-wall Internet radio source, and easily connects to any stereo or audio/video receiver.  Users can download their choice of any Internet radio apps available in the App Store and play the audio back through any connected stereo system.

iPort's wall mount for the iPad (installed)

From the CEO
“As Apple’s products have evolved from media players to intuitive touchscreens, we remain committed to this, and to making our products useful in a way that is aesthetically compelling and easy to use,” said Ari Supran, CEO of iPort’s parent company Dana Innovations.

Control Your Whole Home with an iPad or iPod touch
Integrating an iPad or an iPod touch into a home automation system using the respective Control Mounts offers homeowners an elegant way to control their home entertainment lighting, climate, and more via control apps available from most home automation brands which link to the system over Wi-Fi.

The CM2000 and CM100 may be installed in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, depending on the functionality and design of the room.  When installed into the iPort, the iPad and iPod touch remain constantly charged.

Suggested Retail Prices (Now Shipping):
iPort CM100                         $250.00
iPort CM2000                       $499.00

Both models can be installed
in landscape or portrait mode.

Take Your iPhone and "Stick It."

Ever seen a product and said to yourself, "It's so simple! I wish I'd thought of that."  Here's one of those products that someone has probably prototyped in a few short hours by holing up in their garage — now they jet-set with Richard Branson and Steve Jobs (I don't really know that for sure).

The XShot is essentially a "stick" for your camera or iPhone that enables you to include yourself in the pictures you take. It extends over 3 feet, and the company claims you can have up to 10 people in the picture. It closes to 9 inches for easy transport, is made of durable metal, and weighs a mere 5 ounces.

It can be a great solution for travelers, families, and anyone that loves to take pictures and not be left out.

Ever been traveling in a "sketchy" part of the world and felt unsure about handing your $500 gadget to a perfect stranger and  saying "Could you take our picture? (Please don't steal my iPhone!)."

Benefits of the XShot

• There isn’t anyone around to take a picture of you on top of a snow-capped mountain ("Mr. Yeti, could you take my picture please?)
• There is no time or space to set up a tripod.
• You want to take easy pictures and videos on the go, to post on your blog or social network.
• XShot allows you to reach high spots in crowds and concerts, take photos from fun angles and in places too difficult to reach, or even make cool 3D videos. 
• You may not always want to trust a stranger with your brand new camera or iPhone. 

The Specs

The iPhone Adapter
(sold separately).

• Universal camera attachment with a new support for heavier cameras and camcorders (maximum 570g).  
• Fits in any purse, bag, or back pocket.
• High quality components including an easy-to-use camera adapter.
• Telescopes up to 3 feet but compacts down to 9 inches.
• The iPhone attachment is sold separately.  

 Cost: $29.95 for the XShot (latest version is the 2.0) and $29.95 for the iPhone case (prices vary depending on where you find it). 

Here's the slick marketing vid.

Here's a better pic of the XShot
and the iPhone adapter (sold separately).

Microsoft and Blue Line Bring Energy Savings To Your "Hohm."

Microsoft and Blue Line now offer a more immediate way for you to monitor and manage your home energy use (and save some dough).

You could lower your energy bills by 18% — so says the Redmond, Washington, tech giant.  This week, the two companies announced that the Hohm-compatible PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi from Blue Line is now available (SEE VIDEOS, BELOW).

Microsoft Hohm is a free web app by Microsoft where you can assess your own energy usage and receive energy-saving recommendations.  Log into the Hohm site, and start by entering just your Windows Live ID and zip code. Using this simple information, Hohm starts predicting your home energy consumption (okay, it also uses algorithms licensed from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Department of Energy). From there, you can enter as much information as you want (up to 180 questions) about your home size, water heater, etc.

Blue Line's PowerCost Monitor WiFi is a portable, wireless device that claims to be easy enough to install  for the DIY'er and easy to use for everyone else. It wirelessly sends your near real-time energy use to Hohm, providing you with more detailed energy use information than your monthly utility bill. You can view and track changes in your energy use almost instantly, and discover potential energy waste in your home and areas where you can save.

Benefits

• See your own energy consumption patterns
• Track and compare your home energy usage over time
• Compare your energy usage to others in your area
• Uncover the connection between your energy habits to your power bill
• Compare energy usage and costs at different times of the day, week, month and year
• Track your energy savings as you make changes and use less energy
• Connect with others and learn while sharing your experience

About PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Edition

PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Edition has an MSRP $268 (at the time I wrote this article). It includes sensor, in home monitor, WiFi Gateway, AC adapter, mini usb, installation/user manuals and enables personal data feeds to Microsoft® Hohm™. The PowerCost Monitor™ and WiFi Gateway may be purchased separately.

NOTE: The PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Edition and WiFi Gateway are available today in the US market only. The product will be released in Canada in Q4, 2010 simultaneously with the roll out of the Hohm™ Score for Canada.

The PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Gateway is an upgrade accessory. A Blue Line Innovations PowerCost Monitor™ or Black and Decker® Power Monitor™ and an in-home wireless router are both required.

More Video on Microsoft Hohm and Blue Line DIY Installation