It's a fact that we've often stated here on Big Picture Big Sound: the thinner a TV gets, the worse its speakers sound. Speakers need cabinet volume to be able to create a deep, rich sound. However, JVC-TV wants to fly in the face of that truism with a new TV sound option.
The company just introduced XinemaSound 3D (it must be cool, because it has an "X" in the name), which packs a proprietary sound processing system, powered speakers and even a powered subwoofer all into the company's new 55-inch JLE55SP4000 Smart LED 3D HDTV.
When combined, these items can create a sonic experience that is much better than what's currently available on most competitive flat-panel TVs. In fact, JVC says it may eliminate the need for a soundbar or other external audio setup.
JVC will debut the new audio technology in the JLE55SP4000, which is shipping this month with an MSRP of $1299.99. This set has two 15-watt speakers, a powered subwoofer with an additional 15-watt amp, and JVC's proprietary XinemaSound 3D acoustic and post-processing technologies -- all built into the TV.
Other XinemaSound 3D features include crosstalk cancelling technology, Psychoacoustic Bass Extension, and proprietary remixing technology that involves applying an Equal-Loudness Contour to the sound. Also very important is the XinemaSound 3D Clear Dialog processing, which can tame the dynamic range of movies and commercials to make it less likely that you'll have to keep reaching for the remote to turn down (or up!) the sound.
"The prevailing trend in flat-panel TV development is to ignore, or even remove the sound component completely, given the lack of space for speakers and amplifiers in today's every-thinner cabinets," said Drew Pragliola, VP of sales and marketing at AmTran Video Corp., the company that JVC-Kenwood has licensed to manufacture and market the BlackSapphire line. "At JVC, we're reversing that trend -- not by adding bulky boxes to our BlackSapphire TVs, but by using advanced technology to use our TVs' speakers in more intelligent ways. Starting with the JLE55SP4000, we're delivering sound that is a cut above HDTVs at any price, let alone those at such an affordable price point."
Besides the 55-incher, JVC also plans to put the XinemaSound feature into two smaller models in their Emerald Series, the 32-inch EM32T and 37-inch EM37T, each of which will have just the two speakers and no subwoofer. JVC hasn't said anything about availability on those TVs, but the 37-inch EM37T is tentatively priced at $379.99, with the 32-inch EM32T expected to ship with an MSRP of $269.99 (prices may be subject to change).
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