Hello All,

I've got a couple of DVD's I'd like to give away so...time for another mini-contest.

We will pick two winners, one selected randomly and one for the most creative answer.

You may enter this contest two times. Please refrain from posting more than twice. Additional posts beyond the two post limit will be deleted.

We'd like to see a serious answer and a creative answer for the following question:

What product would you most like to see Outlaw develop and why?

Enjoy!

Scott

How about a line of birth control pills....more kids means less money to spend on HT gear. Ok, that was my creative answer. I would SERIOUSLY like to see the Outlaws come out with a full range DSP controlled room correction system that could handle 7 speakers plus 2 subs. There are some products that I have seen that will handle subs, and some receivers will do the upper frequencies, but nothing that I'm aware of will do an entire theater from the bottom to top frequency. It should have a calibrated mic plus GUI ability with separate, storable, user defined response curves. This would turn the HT world upside down with the affordability factor that Outlaw could bring to the table.

For the "purists", how about a stereo only pre-amp and two channel audiophile grade amp.

Lots of people have a secondary, dedicated stereo system, so this could be a nice option.

Tube separates...cuz soundhound double dog dares you...
Bill

Well, if your giving out DVD's, how about making a nice Outlaw grade DVD-Player for us to play them on. All the options, DVD-Audio, SACD, etc and give it the Outlaw ICBM touch, so that true audiophiles can enjoy.

How about a Outlaw surge protector/voltage stablizer with green backlit analog meters:)

More of an option, A pre/pro or receiver thats upgradeable thru a USB port using a web interface (internet explorer) so anyone can do upgrades, even Mac users. It would work much like the Logitech Harmony Remote 688

A univeral SACD/DVD-audio/HD-DVD recorder unit. Because decent universal players are too expensive and I'd like to be able to save copies of HD broadcasts.

A combination lp cleaner and laser turntable so I can make pristine cd copies of all my lps that haven't made/ won't make it to cd.

My second suggestion...

An outboard DAC for those who want that "Outlaw sound" for all their digital sources, employing bass management so people who don't have analog bass management won't get short changed!

Serious:

Video Processor that will nicely upsale to HDMI, DVI, and Component outputs and can switch the sources from a remote.

Fun:

More Outlaw gear! Coffee cups, slinkies, frizbees, speedos, bikinis...maybe scratch the speedo, just thinking of some of our "Deperados" in speedos give me the creeps!

PS. Does it help any that the contest started on my Birthday?

A support Group for all my friends that have spent three times as much for there systems then I did for my OutLaw 950/770, and can't get over it.

My serious thought mirrors alphanstein's: a good universal DVD player, possibly with DVI and/or HDMI output. The market for such a player has actually grown a bit since some of the major player makers have moved more toward the mass market design approach. I briefly considered a good universal remote for this one, but I think that Home Theater Master and Harmony have done a lot to fill that need.

A more entertaining thought: "cabinet wiring gnomes" - extended tools (or perhaps really well trained chipmunks) that can reach behind an equipment rack and allow you to make all of your wiring connections without having to twist yourself into a pretzel. They could even be sold in a specially-priced bundle with a case of PCA interconnects.

I am very looking forward to the new Receiver--but it's not really what I need for my system.

What I would love to see Outlaw make is a very simple 2 channel analog integrated. one box, one or two inputs (with phono), totally analog sound path, remote for the volume--and that's about it. No crossovers, no bypass, no multiple channels--just a $200-400 box to send a CD signal to a pair of high-end main speakers. Maybe dual outputs or a high-quality headphone jack.

Second choice would be to see Outlaw get into optical drives. A really nice combo DVD/DVD-A/SACD would be appropriate.

Third choice is hard core audiophile porn.

"So, I hear you've got a huge system..."
"You want to feel my woofer thump?"
"Wah chicka chicka wawawa..."

Now that would make some interesting DVD giveaways!

They didn’t have a new DVD player as your next upgrade on the beta tester application. But that’s what I want, as do many of the other posters here.
A sub $300 upconverting DVD player without macroblocking. As long as it’s from Outlaw it ought to have SACD and DVD Audio support. It should play DVD+/-R’s too. And there should be an easy firmware hack to make it region free. But what I really want...

...I think Outlaw should make gonk action figures. I mean, it took him an hour and 49 minutes to answer the last question I posted on the 950 forum. I figure they could put a green button on him which would buzz the real gonk when pressed. Then you could ask your question, and the doll (I mean action figure) would answer. I figure they could package him with a Barbie to share the shoebox he’ll be stored in if the spouse won’t let me keep him in the audio rack.

I would like to see mono-amps designed to be attached to the backs of speakers. A few of these exist already, but not Outlaw quality and pricing.

A voice activated/controlled processor or receiver, because I'm surprised it hasn't been done yet.

Note: If Outlaw Audio were to make a video product, wouldn't they have to change their name?

Speakers that can process and amplify an input wirelessly. Basically a receiver integrated into speakers. All one would have to do is connect a wireless output device (gotta invent that too) to your source; it would be picked up and played by the speakers. No processor or amp with a mass of tangled wires. Could do it for video too...

An Outlaw quality universal DVD player, DVD-A/SACD, HD-DVD/Blu-Ray with HD output to HDMI/DVI and component outputs. Taking a cue from MJConroy and adding write capabilities would be nice. Heck, let's throw in a hard drive and make it an Outlaw quality universal HD DVD player/recorder PVR.

I'd also like to see a device that would know what I'm thinking and make the appropriate changes to my HT system. The sending unit, probably in the form of a hat (genuine leather could be an option), would filter out thoughts not pertaining to sound and video, translate the remaining thoughts and send the corresponding commands to the target device, thus eliminating the need of remotes and their many related repetitive motion injuries. The deluxe model would include a password protected spousal switch that would disable most functions.

A Media Center type device with a minimum 200MB internal HD (with an option for a 2nd) and a PC type DVD Player/Recorder (so it can be upgraded with an Outlaw HD-DVD/Blu-Ray device). The device would also accept Firewire and USB-2 input/output so additional HD and other external devices could be added.

On the audio and video side, the Media Center would be capable of receiving audio and video input from a variety of sources including optical/coax digital DD5.1 on the audio side and component/DVI input on video side.

The Media Center would have at least 3 optional expansion slots. Examples of devices which could be added via a slot include:
1) an external ATSC Tuner
2) A cable tuner with cable card support
3) A satellite tuner capability
4) A variable ratio video scaler capable of taking all input to 1080p.

You've already dug into the sub market, how about some matched L/C/R speakers that would, of course, handle music as faithfully as they handle HT?

What I'd REALLY like to see is all of your products come with some kind of supersonic, subliminal hypnotic tone you could play over your system that would force your spouse into acceptance that the HT system IS the most important part of your home.

I can see it now....do,do,do do,do,do

"You know honey, I DO hear that now....Hey, go ahead and turn it up louder! By the way, you really should upgrade to separates!"

Seriously... How about a professional grade multi-channel (7,8 or 9) unbalanced to balanced (and balanced to unbalanced) transformer unit that could be intergrated into processor loops or between the preamp and the amp(s). It could give new life to a lot of fine old equipment, including vintage Outlaw gear someday. I could probably use two or three of these myself.

Not so seriously... How about a companion to the LFM-1... The ULFM-1, the Ultra Low Frequnecy Module-One. A transducer that can be physically bolted to the seating, floor or wall structure, and operating in that ever so elusive 5-25 Hz range. The product would, of course, be sold with a very robust limitation of liability agreement, which would be executed in the presence of a Notaty Public, and returned to Outlaw before they would release the "ULFM-1 Enable Code" to the user. Residents of Apartment Buildings, Condominiuns, Co-Ops and Attached Row-houses would require additional approvals before getting their "ULFM-1 Enable Code".

How about starting a band and giving us some lovely music to listen to on our pride and joys?

Hi all, I would like to see the Outlaws develope an affordable HDTV receiver with a steller video scaler built-in. One box to reveive and upconvert HDTV.

My Serious ideas...

I would like to see a few features added to various products. For the Pre/Pro and Receivers I would like to see the following:

1. Some sort of MP3 input port. Maybe add both a 1/8" as well as an iPod port on either the front of back.

2. Add an RJ45 plug onto the back for those with a wired home network so we could stream audio directly through out server and throughout the house. This would do away with the need for a Media PC to connect to the audio gear. It wouldn't be too expensive since people have been integrating them in cars for a while, so everything has been miniaturized already.

Would like to see either a phono pre-amp added to the Pre/Pro and receiver or create one from scratch. Some of us still like to listen to our turntables.

Tongue in Cheek idea:

Be different from everyone else out there. Shut down the website and just open a brick and mortar store. Start making outlandish claims like another New England Company; who will remain nameless in ads in every magazine that DOESN'T sell Audio gear. Then the next month contact Best Buy and Circuit City to get the complete product line onto their store shelves. After the above has been accomplished you should be getting ready for Fall CES and the launch of your new product line... a webhosting company! With your old servers you have to have something for them to do.

1. A DVD Player

2. A DVD Player

Take you pick as to which is associated with what. :p

A non-invasive food additive that temporarily makes wives see Outlaw preamps/receivers as new ovens and Outlaw amplifiers as new dishwashers. Willingness to accept a simple "the installers will be here any day" story would also be one of the side-effects.

Effects of the additive would only have to last for 30-days or until the end of a typical Outlaw trial period, whichever is longest.

I think Outlaw should develop a "Reference" line of amplifiers. Consisting of a statement-type monoblock amp and 2,3 and 7 channel multi-channel amps, this series would compete with the high-end of amplifier design. As typical for Outlaw, prices would be set at least half as much as expected to be. Why? Outlaw staked its claim with amplifiers and it's time to lay down some new ground rules.

Not so seriously, Outlaw should develop the Ultimate Home Theater Guide Book. All questions and answers would be taken directly from Saloon postings. If any duplicate questions then appeared on the Saloon, the group reply would be to, "RTFGB!"

This kind of power could be used for so many things... for good of course. Never for evil...

Outlaw should develop a HT PC...

One with a outrageously large HD and the ability to add more later

Handles all video and audio switching with video upconversion

Multiple Inputs and outputs with the ability to add more

Tivo capabilities including recording HD programs

USB ports to attach MP3 player and other portable devices

Be able toplay any disc thrown at it including CD, DVD, DVD-A, SACD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray

Flash drives

Ability to wirelessly stream audio signals to high quality wireless speakers - okay another topic all together...

Wireless connection to my other PC's

Surf the web

easily controlled by remote

AND most of all...It's dead quiet

Okay - fun answer

An implant that can be put in my head so that I can listen to music anywhere and any volume without anyone else hearing it.

You'd be able to hear the sound exactly the way you want...

No more - turn that down, I don't like that, my speakers don't sound good, your system stinks, I wanna go to sleep

I don't have to hear your music

Some might worry about mind control, but the way I see it my mind's worthless to anyone but me

Affordable 50" or greater flat panel LCD or Plasma televisions. That way I could send high quality video feeds of my Outlaw 950 and 775 to everyroom in my house....in case I begin to miss them......which is anytime I'm not with them.
AWWWWW

Seriously, If Gateway, Dell, Vizio, BenQ etc..etc.. can do it, the Outlaws can do it to perfection.

A univeral CD/DVD player with SACD/DVD-Audio and perhaps DVD-HD. I know it isn't original but it's what I want from the outlaws. The reason is simple I want such a device and I want it made right.

My funny responce will have to come later because I seriously need some sleep right now.

I would like an Outlaw Jet Pack. Why you ask. Because we were promised these things as kids but nobody ever delivered. What does a Jet Pack have to do with Audio Equipment. Well, quite frankly, nothing. Then why have the outlaws build it ? Because we can trust the Outlaws to produce a JetPack with real power not just power that looks good in the specs.

One Note: I would prefer not to participate in the Beta of such a device.

A video scaler / video switchbox.

Hook all your video sources to it and connect your display(s) (up to ? many). Select the input and select the output and the input image is scaled to the selected settings for that output.

Of course, the output scaling is up to 1080p widescreen output.

Of course, it has 12v trigger input and output and stunningly good looks. The image quality is beyond reproach and the firmware is updatable via a usb?, firewire? network? connector. There are a series of digital audio inputs that can be selected and assigned to any of the digital outputs. And of course it has a pretty green power button.

Paul

Simple. An Outlaw Certification System.

Use all the money that companies and consumers spend on this THX-like certification system to buy non-Outlaw Certified speakers for yourself like the non-THX certified B&W 802s at the Skywalker Ranch.

Plus, you're more likely to meet an Outlaw at a ranch than a Skywalker anyway.

I think Paul has touched a good point.

We generally tout several advantages of separates. One such advantage is not replacing both amplifier and processing sections merely because a new mode of processing becomes available. In my opinion the consumer world is approaching what has been true in the professional and purest markets: the separate processing of audio and video.

To this end, three paths are apparent to me: the separate box approach, the modular approach, and a hybrid of the two.

While there are many similarities between my HT and any other HT, there can be significant differences as well. Generally, when one tries to make one box do-it-all, one either does not have all the future capability that is needed or one pays for the inclusion of capabilities that go unused. Even with software/firmware upgrades, eventually some of the hardware will not accommodate the changes needed.

Because different video and audio standards are developing independently and come to market without enforced compatibility or coordination, I may need to update my video processing one year and my audio processing another year. Therefore, I wish to either change out modules in a cage or replace just the appropriate processor handling the function being upgraded.

Am I advocating three, four or five separate boxes, all with their own remotes or remote codes all needing independent commands and the user needing at a year of training to properly program all the necessary parameters? No.

If modular, then the command processing, the audio processing and the video processing can each be on one or more electronics boards that can slide in and slide out of a card cage. The connectors are a part of the card so that one can choose balanced or unbalanced for either audio inputs or outputs (one would not have to choose all balanced or unbalanced); BNC, RCA or multi-pin for video, etc. The card cage provides a power supply and signal interconnectivity between modules. One could also add enough digital data storage to the unit to be a small, medium or large library.

The same principle could be applied to separates, however all the separates could share the same command structure, wired, optical or wirelessly. No matter how a remote command is sent and received, it is distributed on the network that exists between the various processors, interpreted by the command processor, and finally data messages are then sent from the command processor to the other processors affecting the individual changes that obtain the overall desired results.

One could go so far as to have a programmable command processor, a modular audio processor, a modular video processor, a modular data storage system, even drives to handle various source material, all on a unified command structure and able to be upgraded via software and hardware. Add to this network receivers, active crossovers, and multiple amplifiers or multi-channel amplifiers or powered transducers at each loudspeaker location as suits the system.

But wait, there’s more! If you order within the next 30 minutes … oops, wrong script. What I meant to say was, as a boon to customer service and product loyalty, each unit or module carries a trade-in value with the manufacturer. When it comes time to upgrade an individual component, the previous component is not worthless junk.

Last but not least, this whole system should still cost less than your house – hopefully much less than half the cost of the average new car – but with a trade-in value on the still useful quality components that rivals the percentage of original value carried by well-built cars that are in demand as used vehicles.

As for 'certification,' since this system would already meet or exceed many consumer standards but the company would not necessarily find spending money on the licensing fees a necessity, one could pay more for a slightly different model where the box has these decorations.

OK, I don’t expect this dream to really come true, but maybe a portion of it?

Well..as long as we are dreaming...I would love to see Outlaw break into the car audio market with a really nice 4 channel amp so my car can sound as great as my home theater.

Also... a DVD player as mentioned before BUT....with HD-DVD, SACD, etc. Since HD DVD s are supposed to be out this year ,this is not too far fetched.

And , last but not least, a really good 12 step program to help me deal with this addiction. You enablers, you!

So any winners yet?

What's the deadline for this contest?

Let's give it until Sunday night 2/6 12:00PM EST with winners announced on Monday!

Scott

All great ideas presented here, but I must say I'm with Eddie Horton on the room correction front. This is something I think everyone needs, with all the different rooms and speakers outlaws have to deal with. I would love to see a 20-20K room correction unit from Outlaw. Who knows maybe Outlaws next new digital Pre/Pro will include this. Right now I would love to just add on a good Outlaw PEQ (the more bands the better), it needs to come boxed with an outlaw DVD having test tones for using a simple cheap RS SPL meter for making PEQ adjustments. Heck, I would like to have one for subwoofers only say a few bands between 20-80 Hz that I could connect between the 950 sub out and the sub.

Digital Music Player that can be connected to pre-pro via spdif / audio / video connections:

1. Play files stored on PC's via either wired ethernet or wi-fi:
Audio (mp3, wav, wma), Video (mpeg 1, 2, & 4), and Still pix (jpg, gif, bmp, tif)

2. Slots for digital camera media and USB - memory stick

3. HD Radio reception (Ibiquity)

4. Optional add-in modules for XM or Sirius satellite radio

#1 and 3 are required to be a "break-thru product,"
# 2 is a plus,
# 4 is a bonus that increases the "ahead of the pack" factor.

Why? This product recognizes that digital media has moved to the mainstream and provides one-box that is capable of unifying all the different ways that digital media is delivered.

Most of the above functions are already available individually, so this is more like integrating existing components rather than expensive new, from scratch development.

At first I thought outboard phono preamp (preferrably tube design) but there are alot of those on the market already. On second thought, the room correction analyzer/parametric equalizer is a niche product that the Outlaws could fill quite nicely. Better choice. Not quite as unique as the ICBM but I'm sure the Outlaws could bring it to market at a real bargain price. Full bandwidth operation would be O.K. but it's the bass region where this type of product is most useful. LFM1's combined with automatic/manual parametric EQ...ahh, what a dream.

Wacky/creative answer?...How about a brain wave A/V stimulator. A helmet type device that kind of works like an EEG in reverse. Wireless of course. The wearer would experience auditory and visual images in their mind, bypassing all other hardware devices. Scarry implications if you think about it too much.

A 2-channel amp similar to the current M200 only with 100W stereo. Call it the S100. Would be in the same chassis size as the current monoblock. This amp is needed to fill out the line up. People seem to gobble up the 7100 so the 100 watts must be fine.

How about some Outlaw apparel in the Green color, also in sizes larger than XL.

And the winner is............?

The contest is now closed, winners will be announced later today.

Thanks,

Scott

Thank you to all who participated, I had a lot of fun reading through your ideas!

More importantly...

the winners are:

wingnut4772 is our random winner

and MacDog for his fun answer (because I'd like a device that does that!)

Winners: Contact me via PM with your shipping information and phone number and I will call you with your DVD options.

Thanks again,

Scott