James Loudspeaker launches the LR-S format series of 2.1 soundbars, producing left and right channel audio as well as bass energy from a centre-mounted built-in subwoofer.

The soundbars are customisable to match nearly any flat-panel display, and are ideal for bringing clarity and full-range sound to applications where an external subwoofer is impractical. The company initially engineered the LR-S soundbar solution to cater for commercial applications such as lobbies, showrooms and nightclubs, but the residential market has also adopted the format for bedrooms and other zones where surround sound is not required.

Bryston presents the Active Loudspeaker lineup with 3 different-sized speakers-- the Model T Active, Middle T Active and Mini T Active-- all mated to a DSP-enabled BAX-1 active crossover and Cubed Series amplifiers.

The Bryston Active Loudspeaker system leverages decades of research into acoustics and audio component design, and promise to recreate each recording with realism. Each system is optimised using an anechoic chamber, generating over 300 measurements residing within the system's software.

At the heart of each speaker is the BAX-1 crossover-- a digital crossover containing proprietary software for each model. It receives a full-range analog audio signal from the preamp, and performs 3-way crossover functionality and driver correction for each channel. It also applies any user-selected filters for tailing bass response, before sending the signal to each amplifier channel.

Judging from a Statista chart smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo are becoming increasingly popular, at least in the US-- 39 million Americans own such a device, and more people use them to access news, information and music.

The chart is based on a November 2017 survey of 806 smart speaker owners conducted by NPR and Edison Research. It shows around 66% of smart speakers owners do not want to go back to life without the "little helper," while 39% are spending less time using the radio. This is perhaps not surprising, since listening to music (in many cases online radio) is one of the most commonly used features of the devices.

PMC takes on home cinema at ISE 2018-- a partnership with Stewart Filmscreen has it present premium product lines aimed at the high-end home theatres and custom install markets.

Hiding behind a Stewart Filmscreen acoustically transparent borderless screen are wafer2 series speakers promising the "ultimate in audio transparency for home theatre." Also showcased are the BB6 and QB1 large scale active speakers with active DSP control. PMC says many major Hollywood studios and film composers use these speakers as they score blockbuster films, and in home theatres they provide customers with movies sounding exactly how the director intended.