- B&O revives classic 1970’s turntable in $35,000 collector’s edition
Bang & Olufsen has announced that, in an exclusive collaboration with Saint Laurent, it is resurrecting its classic Beogram 4000 turntable from the early 1970’s. This is no re-release or a new inspired-by product, however, as each B&O Beogram 4000C is actually a vintage Beogram 4000 that has been restored and updated with a new zirocite wood case. As such, quantities are extremely limited: only 10 units are being made available. The price? $35,000. “Originally introduced in the early 1970s, the Beogram 4000 series turntable defined the aesthetic of an area and became recognized as a design classic,” reads the product description from Saint Laurent. “Today, under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, this legendary turntable is revived in a collector’s edition that embodies timeless innovation and unique craftsmanship.” - Millions of DVDs are rotting prematurely
Physical media enthusiasts may have another reason to worry if their DVD collection includes discs distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE). While DVDs are made to last up to 100 years with proper care, owners of WBHE DVDs are beginning to open up their cases to find their movies plagued with ‘disc rot’, a form of chemical deterioration that leaves the discs unplayable. According to movie news website JoBlo.com, the affected discs were manufactured between 2006 and 2008, and distributed by WBHE. Warner Bros. is offering to replace affected discs free of charge, and has since reached out to JoBlo.com with the following statement: “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is aware of potential issues affecting select DVD titles manufactured between 2006 – 2008, and the company has been actively working with consumers to replace defective discs.”
- BBC Radiophonic Workshop’s entire library now available for the first time
Formed in 1958, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop’s roots lain in creating sound effects. As the “radiophonic” part of its name infers, the workshop was originally tasked to create incidental effects for the British Broadcasting Corporation’s radio shows, but quickly began also aiding television shows as the medium grew. A new show called Doctor Who had just hit the airwaves, and its science fiction stories needed a suitable soundtrack, a perfect task for the Radiophonic Workshop. As the 1960’s carried on, a new way of making music, with computer synthesizers instead of traditional instruments, had just hit the scene. This was the beginning of what we know today as electronic music, and it was a time filled with experimentation, new techniques, and new instruments. What was once a unit dedicated to creating sound effects had become a hotbed of innovation in an emerging field of music. For the first time, the complete BBC Radiophonic Workshop library is being made available through a collaboration between Spitfire Audio and BBC Studios. In addition to original workshop’s 40 years of sounds, new content from the workshop’s members is also included. - Shure scores major victory against product counterfeiting network
In May 2023, Shure received information about a network of nine entities in China exporting counterfeit audio equipment to Southeast Asia. The network operated more than 80 separate online stores selling to customers in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. Shure, working through IP services business Rouse and its strategic partner firm, Lusheng, collaborated with two other audio equipment manufacturers to launch coordinated action against the counterfeit operation. China’s police force in the province, the Guangdong Province Public Security Bureau (PSB) launched simultaneous raids against the targets, seizing counterfeit products onsite at several locations in August 2023. The PSB investigated the trading company at the heart of the network and through careful forensics, discovered records showing more than $1.7 million USD in sales of counterfeit products from various international brands, including nearly $900,000 USD of counterfeit Shure products. The case concluded in December 2024 with seven suspects sentenced to imprisonment ranging from two to four and a half years and fines totaling $1.1 million USD. Shure and one other participating brand also concluded settlement agreements with the suspects for considerable compensation. - Volvo owners in China are finding counterfeit Bowers & Wilkins speakers in their vehicles
A customer purchasing a Volvo in China took to the internet when he discovered that he didn’t quite get what he paid for. The gearshift lever inside Volvo S60 seemed off and wouldn’t emit any backlighting the way it was supposed to, but a far more apparent issue arose when the owner inspected the car’s audio system. According to Chinese media outlet Sohu, the Bowers & Wilkins speakers inside the vehicle read “Bowers & VVilkins.” The dealer was of little help to the car’s owner when confronted about the issue, as a language barrier and the dealer’s apparent inability to distinguish between a W and two V’s led to them to refuse replacing the vehicle. Since the incident came to light, other Volvo owners in China have come out to report finding speakers labeled “Bovvers and Wilkins” and “Bowers and VVilkins” inside their cars. It has yet to be determined if these cases are linked to one dealer or are indicative of a more widespread problem. For their part, Volvo’s Chinese division has since published a statement apologizing for the incidents, and stating that they are now conducting an investigation on the matter. - Dolby and Christie announce next-gen Dolby Vision projection system
Christie and Dolby have announced a next-gen Dolby Vision projection system that will debut in May. The new system is said to have enhanced long-term performance, in addition to having a more compact design. The 4K projector will use RGB pure laser illumination to enable Dolby’s Wide Color Gamut 1.0 Dolby says that it will be integrated into Dolby Cinema, which combines Dolby Vision and Atmos for premium theaters. “We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Dolby,” says Dr. Don Shaw, executive director, Cinema, Americas, Christie. “From a Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for the Christie E3LH Dolby Vision Cinema Projection System to delivering cinematic excellence on screens around the world, this renewed partnership builds on over 10 years of successful collaboration.” This announcement coincides with Dolby’s announcing that it is extending its partnership with AMC to add an additional 40 Dolby Cinema at AMC theaters across the United States by 2027.
