CES 2014 Highlights: Day 5

As CES 2014 continued into a fifth day on Thursday, highlights from the show floor included the emergence of budget Ultra HD 4K TVs.

We also have details of new products from Martin Logan, Sennheiser and Eclipse to share as home cinema and audio announcements continued to flow.

MORE: CES 2014 review

MORE: Stars of CES 2014 – the winners revealed!

MORE: Best TVs of CES

TV

Bendy TVs, curved TVs, 4K, OLED, smart TVs – we've seen them all and most of them, if they make it into production, will probably cost an arm and a leg.

But hang on: we've also spotted two 'budget' 4K Ultra HD TVs – one from Polaroid and another from Australian budget brand Kogan.

Polaroid's latest efforts caught our attention with its 50GSR9000 4K TV (above) – set to retail for a mere US$1000, which is around £607 in UK prices.

Meanwhile, Kogan unveiled its 4K Ultra HD 55in LED smart TV powered by Android for AU$1000, which converts to around £550 on these shores.

MORE: Budget Ultra HD 4K TVs break cover at CES 2014

MORE: Everything you need to know about 4K Ultra HD TV

SPEAKERS

Electrostatic speaker manufacturer MartinLogan has unveiled Crescendo, its first wireless Bluetooth and AirPlay compatible speaker system.

The new speaker comes with dual audiophile-quality Folded Motion tweeters and a 5x7in mid/bass woofer to offer a "deep, extended bass response".

Due for release in Q1 2014, the Crescendo will be available for $900 in the US. It will be distributed in the UK by Absolute Sounds.

MORE: MartinLogan unveils new Crescendo speaker system

Eclipse's Time Domain speakers have been given the wireless treatment with the addition of AirPlay compatibility for streaming from portable devices.

Eclipse says the new TD-M1s have been designed for use as desktop speakers or in conjunction with any TV, Blu-ray player or music system.

There's a dedicated iPhone app for use as a remote control, and the system will go on sale in mid-February for a US price of $1300.

MORE: Eclipse TD-M1 desktop speakers get AirPlay

MORE: Stars of CES 2014 - the winners revealed

HOME CINEMA

It's common knowledge that the sound on most flatscreen TVs leaves a lot to be desired, so it's no surprise soundbars and soundbases have proved popular.

French speaker company Focal has combined the best of both worlds by developing a combined soundbar and (optional) subwoofer – the Dimension.

When they go on sale later this year, the soundbar will cost $1400 and the sub $500. If bought as a package, they'll cost $1700. UK prices to be confirmed.

MORE: Focal Dimension is a soundbar and soundbase combined

MORE: Stars of CES 2014 - the winners revealed

HEADPHONES

Sennheiser has announced the launch of new earphones, which have been designed specifically for use with Samsung's Galaxy-branded devices.

The Sennheiser MM 30Gs are in-ear buds with a three-button inline control and microphone unit – and will not require an app for the controls to work.

Details on pricing and release date to follow.

MORE: Sennheiser launches Samsung Galaxy-friendly earphones and more Momentum colours

MORE: Best headphones to buy 2014

whathifi.com will continue to deliver all the latest news from CES 2014 as it happens. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to make sure you don't miss out.

And we'll also pull together six days of audio and home cinema highlights into one Best of CES 2014 article – keep your eyes peeled for it!

by Pete Hayman

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

Join us on Facebook

Find us on Google+

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist.