Volume 10, Issue 19 — October 11, 2013
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So Close! Why True “Smart” Residential Power Management Needs to Happen
By Matt Cooper Lead Designer
Last week I received a press release from BlackWire Designs about its new SafePlug Smart Energy Electrical Load Controller. My high hopes came crashing down through the floor as I realized it was just one more broken smart power solution to be tossed onto the slag heap along with: Belkin Wemo, BlueBolt, ube (remember them?), SurgeX, APC and many other smaller companies in the home power market space. Even large power companies like Duke Energy are offering free smart meters that use pattern reading heuristics to guess how power is being used in your house and offering carrot/stick incentives to change consumption times and behavior.
Each holds an element of the total system, but not the entire checklist. I’m actually unsure why a system install product that I think the market needs does not exist. I’m sure a hobbyist with a couple years of spare time and a stack of Arduino processors could manage a very non-sexy version of this, but that’s not what I’m looking for either.
So, without further delay — here is the perfect home smart power management system. (Manufacturers take note — you have one year until CEDIA 2014.)
It’s about the end devices!
Most existing systems are based on each receptacle reporting to a central controller — giving measurement and on/off control for a given socket. While that’s great, these systems rely on addressing the socket — not the device plugged into it. In order to really measure and control your home, all your sockets and every major appliance needs to be part of the system. You probably have over 50 receptacles in your home, which is over 100 individual sockets. Do you seriously remember what you have plugged into every single socket in your house? Even if you meticulously label each socket and have a list in your interface – do you remember if that iron you temporarily plugged in this morning is on Bonus Room #38 or #31? Have you ever mindlessly moved a lamp to a different side of the room? Oops — you just turned off your wife’s desktop she was in the middle of using and now she’s leaving you for Steve and his awesome hair. I hate Steve.
The answer to this exists, and I’m shocked manufacturers haven’t achieved it yet: RFID tags, be it Bluetooth, NFC or any other low power RFID tag scanner. Ziptie a small, dirt-cheap RFID tag to the end of every cord you use in a house. Tag that device with its power-draw and name into the system. Plug your device into any smart receptacle and it will report a DEVICE back to your interface for control and measurement. You won’t see a list of numbered receptacles being used on the interface — you’ll see exactly what’s actually being used in the house.
BlackWire comes the closest to this in its product — receptacles that come with RFID tag readers. But those readers are being wasted on a security-like function that overrides the control system’s on/off command. BlackWire has also integrated a feature that I would like to add to my ideal smart power system: breaker-box level control. I think it would be great to be able to put a smart control between the load and the breaker. It would enable homeowners to measure circuits in the house like lights and large unmoving loads like ovens, water heaters and A/C.
How would these smart receptacles be set up? They would communicate on a network across the power lines themselves — no need for each one to be registered and set up on a user’s wireless network. This kind of low-bandwidth network communication over power has been available and working since 1997, and it removes some problems such as wireless dead-zones in parts of your house. Powering them is also, of course, easy. The system would interface with a central box that would then be connected to the user’s main network and AV control system. In a perfect world, it would be a modular element that could be switched out depending on the type of existing control system in the house (Zigbee, Crestron, Control4, URC, whatever).
The interface would provide data — lots of nicely formatted data on every smart-device (and possibly an AV control interface). Nest — the thermostat designed by some of the original talent that brought us the iPod — does a great job of this and includes even email reports to let you know how you are doing on your energy goals and putting it in context of current national averages. The data is what makes this system truly green, and not just another green marking effort. Want a report to find out exactly how much power your PS3, or even a intermittently used vacuum is consuming? What about a device you used last week for 15 minutes? No problem. This system understands devices, not anonymous receptacle numbers.
The ideal interface would also let you see in real-time exactly what devices are being used in a list and the total power draw. Each device would have on/off control, and there’s no reason that the devices couldn’t be put into controllable groups. Why not start applying conditional rules? This is where things start getting green. Eliminate 100 percent of phantom power-draw by turning off everything at the source when you’re not home (except those devices grouped into your “always on” group, of course). Want to turn off the iron you left on in the office? Just tap the iron entry and your wife’s desktop is left undisturbed. Better luck next time Steve!
Another fringe benefit that could be used to sell the systems at the manufacturer and integrator level is SAFETY. House breakers are designed as a last resort to keep your house from burning down. Given the number of electrical house-fires there are in a year, they are not fool-proof. A smart receptacle system knows EXACTLY how much power is on a circuit, and can evaluate in real-time what you’ve just decided to plug in BEFORE power is sent to the device.
Does this all sound like pie-in-the-sky dreaming? Look at the existing power management products — the technology already exist and manufacturers are SO close already. But, the longer I wait, the more I think it’s not going to happen. Would it be an engineering challenge? No doubt — but, I don’t think it’s an insurmountable one. It would also be a boon to HomeAV — and maybe even ProAV — integrators. Although installation would require a licensed electrician, it would mostly be swapping out receptacles and therefore billed time would be minimal. The only more difficult installation would be a module installed in the breaker box.
Manufacturers could go a traditional dealer route or even create franchises directly with integrators. Manufacturers could also sell licensing for integration into related home-control products and systems as a separate revenue stream. Education would be key — not just for installation skills but for the sales staff to help sell the dream. I think one reason such a system doesn’t exist yet is a marketing problem instead of a technological problem. A large-scale ad campaign and sales training would be essential. I think the potential across America is huge given the convergence of green technology and our thirst for data and infographics. The costs of a system don’t even have to be astronomical, and could be within each for middle-class consumers. It’s one more area that struggling HomeAV integration companies can use to increase their customer base and sell profitable servers and service maintenance contracts to customers who don’t necessarily want whole house audio or a dedicated home theater. Everybody wins — and I want one of these in my house, pronto. You have until CEDIA 2014. I’ll be waiting! Leave a Comment
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Sony Home Theater Products Emphasize Quality Experience at CEDIA 2013
By Phil Wright
DisplayDaily
Sony at CEDIA Expo 2013 introduced its latest home theater products for the custom install market. Foremost among the company’s three new front projector offerings is the VPL-VW1100ES 4K home theater projector (see photo).
The latest Sony 4K Ultra HD projector delivers 2,000 lumens for use with screen sizes up to 200 inch diagonal. Sony claims a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and the projector offers several features for the custom install market including dual triggers, a 2.1x motorized zoom, expanded lens shift, an RS232 interface, control over IP and compatibility with leading home automation systems. Furthermore, the VW1100ES has an upscaling algorithm designed for “Mastered in 4K” Blu-ray discs from Sony Picture Entertainment, which Sony claims enables more accurate 4K picture quality from HD content delivered on Blu-ray discs. The VW1100ES projector is priced at an impressive $27,999.99.
Even more impressive is the ecosystem of product, update and service offerings that Sony wraps around their its projectors. For example, for owners of their VPL-VW1000ES 4K projector, Sony offers a premium activation service package which includes an in-home service visit, a Sony 4K Ultra HD Media Player (FMP-X1), a Sony Xperia Z Tablet as a controller and a new replacement lamp. The updates are designed to ensure compatibility with Sony’s Video Unlimited 4K download service available through the FMP-X1 player. The updates also ensure compatibility with 4K/60p content from future broadcast or home video sources.
At CEDIA Expo 2013, Sony also announced its VPL-VW600ES 4K projector and VPL-HW55ES HD projector. I attended Sony’s product demo featuring the VW600ES 4K projector at the company’s CEDIA Expo booth. The booth projection room was well equipped for viewing and comfortable though the usual trade show noise volume complicated appreciating the audio performance of the equipment. Of course the demo theater was fully equipped with Sony branded gear including their ES speakers in a 7.1 configuration and a Sony AV receiver. It was a pleasure to view the native 4K content projected with the Sony system and upconverted content from a 4K mastered Blu-ray disc was also of impressive quality.
Sony was also demoing and promoting their high-resolution audio initiative aimed at fostering the distribution of music in higher quality file formats. To this end, Sony Music has joined with Warner Music, Universal Music and the Consumer Electronics Association to promote the initiative. Though audio quality was somewhat difficult to judge in the Sony booth theater, owing to the background noise level mentioned earlier, it’s good to hear that equipment developers and content providers are pushing to provide higher quality audio to a world that has become largely dominated by mp3 quality audio files.
The consumer electronics industry move to provide 4K video equipment and content has become a dominant industry theme. Sony’s latest 4K projector is an excellent example of this trend and displays stunning images. The 4K ecosystem offerings of equipment, content and content distribution being offered by Sony and other industry players will determine the uptake of new AV products beyond HD.
Viewing the many examples of 4K flat panel displays at this year’s CES in January in Las Vegas, I was struck by the immersive quality of 4K video viewed up close and at an appropriate distance. Sony’s 4K projector line and supporting offerings bring these qualities to the projection display and home theater world. It was interesting to note that on the outside wall of Sony’s CEDIA booth, the firm was exhibiting their 84 inch LCD HDTV which is available on Sony’s website for $24,999.99. While this display was really very impressive, after viewing the Sony projector demo, the 84 inch LCD HDTV seemed a bit small (???) and drew only limited attention from CEDIA Expo attendees. That large screen viewing experience for consumers that can afford these pricey home theater offerings is clearly why the custom install industry remains in business.
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Where is This Economy Going?
By Norbert Hildebrand DisplaySearch
As the summer of 2013 is officially over and the last quarter of this year begins, we are all anxious to see how the holiday season will play out and which way the economy is heading. For several years we have seen very poor economic conditions and one of the longest recessions in the last few decades. One the positive side we see a slow, but steady increase in the economic indicators.
There is a good discussion of the U.S. economic trends by Doug Short. I will show some of his graphs to illustrate the current economic status.
Source: www.advisorperspectives.com
The graph illustrates clearly that while we are not in a recession any more, we are still far below the average consumer sentiment level for non-recession years. In the lower part you see the GDP growth still being above zero, however, the growth is much slower than in earlier years.
Another indicator I wanted to show is the Small Business Optimism Index from the NFIB (National Foundation of Independent Business). According to the data, the small businesses around the country have never recovered from the financial crisis. Starting in 2007 their Optimism Index went downhill and never recovered to the pre-recession level.
Source: www.advisorperspectives.com
Overall this does not paint a very good picture. While overall the economy might be doing better, it never got into the growth scenario we saw during the last two decades. With small businesses and consumers not being overly optimistic about the future,we have to ask the question how good the holiday season will be.
When we think about the CE industry and the display industry especially, we have to keep in mind that the US is an important country, but not the only one that can drive the world economy. China and Europe have become economic equals to the U.S. and what happens there matters as much as here at home.
As Europe is not one country, economic trends are difficult to obtain and interpret. As some countries are doing well, others are suffering at the same time. Taking a look at China shows that not everything is positive there either. When we compare the consumer confidence of the US with China we see that both tend to follow each other.
Source: www.tradingeconomics.com
The Black line representing the U.S. and the red dashed line representing China. Overall they do correlate pretty well over the last five years. While in the earlier parts of the graph, the U.S. seems to lead the consumer confidence development, this may have reversed in recent years as the consumer confidence in China seems to be more in sync with the U.S. It could also be that the consumer confidence in these strong economies are heading in different directions.
At the same time, the CEA published its data on the consumer sentiment towards technology spending. This index looks how likely consumers will spend money on consumer electronics. This ICTE (Index of Consumer Technology Expectations) dipped in September by 6.5 points to a value of 80.7 points. A recent study by the CEA showed that of the 51 percent of consumers planning on buying electronics this year, the majority (62 percent) will wait for Black Friday. Not a good indicator for any improvements in the consumer electronics business.
This does not make for a rosy outlook for the coming months. On the other hand, Apple reported record sales of its just released iPhones. With the imminent release of the new iPad generation coming up pretty soon, Apple might be able to shift the CE sales up a notch into more positive territory.
Either way, the crystal balls are little cloudy right now and as it seems the economy could head up or down. Leave a Comment
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CEDIA 2013: Day 1 Impressions
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
There’s no question that the theme for this year’s CEDIA Expo is, “We’re going commercial.”
What?
Yep, the HomeAV’s annual trade show is full of ProAV gear. It’s all over the place. In small ways — like Draper showing its VTC camera-lift systems and in big ways where AMX and Crestron are showing as much commercial AV gear as home AV gear in each of their booths. And, there are educational sessions that include digital signage, conference room design and even image mapping applications.
So, what’s up with that?
Well, to be frank, the truth is that the HomeAV market and the ProAV markets have been on a convergence path for a while now. For example, a lot of the LCD display companies use the same raw component in ProAV “commercial-grade” displays as they do in the ones they sell in Best Buy. Also, there’s been standardization of resolutions. For example, five years ago, there were 10 different resolutions of projectors that most manufacturers sold – now the big three resolutions make up 85 percent of the ProAV install market (XGA, WXGA and 1080p). So, a lot of manufacturers of projector and HDTVs have standardized their production lines on just making 1280 x 768 (to accommodate both 720p, XGA and WXGA resolutions) and 1080p — which accommodates nearly everything else.
And, it doesn’t stop with video. In the audio world, everything’s gone digital or IP — both in HomeAV and ProAV. So, the simplest thing to do is build everything on one platform and slightly modify it for the commercial and residential markets. Done!
Wire? Well, HDMI is being used on 90 percent of sources in the HomeAV market and nearly 50 percent of the ProAV market — the rest is using the plain old VGA connector or the all-new mini DisplayPort connector popularized by Apple (but called Thunderbolt by them). Sure, there’s some DVI, but not much.
And, both the HomeAV and ProAV markets are going AV over IP. It’s everywhere at CEDIA and has been for three years and at this year’s InfoComm show back in June, video and audio over IP networks was shown by just about every projector, monitor and control systems company on the show floor. And, as you may very well know, the entire digital signage market’s been driving signals and content via IP for years!
So, do you blame the HomeAV integrator for going ProAV? As products and technologies converge it’ll work both ways, too. Putting AppleTVs in to commercial AV projects is huge right now. Likewise, doing a digital signage project at the office for the same doctor a HomeAV integrator put in a home theater system for is a natural.
But, the ultimate convergence product could very well be 4K. There will be NO DIFFERENCE in a commercial-grade and consumer-grade 4K display. They will be the same. So, as we move towards the higher-resolution form factor and do BYOD in the ProAV installation, one of those guys bringing their own device may very well be the same guy who installs home entertainment systems.
Now, the big question is: When will CEDIA and InfoComm merge into one, giant mega-AV show? Leave a Comment
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Nest Adds API-Based Developer Program – Hints at Getting into Control System Market for the Home
Today at CEDIA, Nest Labs, the Apple-like HVAC Wi-Fi-based HVAC controller, announced plans to begin working with developers on creative ways to connect with the Nest Learning Thermostat through integrations such as home appliances, lighting and home automation. By introducing a Web API, Nest is taking the first step toward working with partners to build a simple, secure and connected experience for the home. The Nest developer program will officially kick off in early 2014.
Nest is interested in working with developers – from individuals creating their own apps to established companies (although only Control4 was named) – who create products, apps or services that work with the Nest thermostat. If you want to participate or get more information about the Nest Developer Program, click here. “Since we launched in 2011, there’s been steady demand from the developer community for Nest to create an API,” said Matt Rogers, Nest founder and vice president of engineering. “While we’ve always wanted to create a Nest Developer Program, our first priority was to build a great product, customer experience and team. We’ve defined what the Nest experience should be. And now we’re getting ready to open our doors.”If you’re interested in being a Nest developer, sign up here. Nest can be found here.
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Yeah!!! ihiji ConnectNinja Eliminates the Need for VPN or Unsecure Port Forwardsihiji at CEDIA today announced the release of a new feature enhancement called ConnectNinja. Available now, ConnectNinja allows authorized network technicians simple and secure remote access to troubleshoot and configure their client’s devices and networks through the ihiji invision web portal. ihiji invision, a cloud-based remote network management system, simplifies the work of IT Professionals and technology integrators worldwide. Utilizing an intuitive central dashboard, ihiji invision users can detect, diagnose and resolve network issues, saving the time and cost of troubleshooting or rolling a truck.
With ihiji ConnectNinja, users can now resolve more complex issues by accessing devices through the invision portal without the need for VPNs or unsecure port forwards. Tunneling connections into the device through ihiji’s servers, ConnectNinja passes securely through firewalls, connecting users directly to the LAN devices. The ConnectNinja functionality extends ihiji’s already powerful NetNinja Suite, which collectively serves to remotely resolve issues with networks and devices. Its counterparts include the PowerNinja, which remotely reboots IP power units; SwitchNinja, which remotely power cycles PoE ports; and StealthNinja, which provides direct soft-reboots of devices.
“We’ve done the heavy-lifting by forming a secure connection from the appliance back to our server, so communications are encrypted and secure,” said ihiji CEO Stuart Rench. “With the addition of the ConnectNinja, ihiji invision is an even more valuable asset for IT Professionals and technology integrators focusing on efficient and proactive customer service. The secure remote access feature cuts both time and money spent on troubleshooting or deploying technicians, fully complementinginvision’s remote network monitoring functionality.
More information can be found at www.ihiji.com Leave a Comment
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Your Next Competitor is Staples as It Enters the Control Market Selling HomeAV, ProAV and IT GearAt CEDIA, Staples, the world’s largest office products company and second largest Internet retailer, announced Staples Connect — an exclusive offering that lets customers’ home or office technology interact and be controlled by a single app. Staples is promoting it to end-users as: “With the touch of a button, Staples Connect lets customers shut down their office, turning off lights, lowering shades and locking doors, while at the same time turning on their lights and heat at home.”
Staples Connect consists of a multi-platform app and universal “Hub” that allows a multitude of devices to talk to each other. The Staples Connect Hub (basically a Linksys router) will be available online and in a limited number of Staples stores for $99 this November. Customers can hand-pick products from some of the biggest names in lighting control and lighting, like Lutron, Philips and GE, climate control by Honeywell, and door lock brands like Yale and First Alert.
Staples Connect, unfortunately for CIs, is easy to set-up for consumers, but installation will also be available through Staples EasyTech Services. Customers can either select a starter kit or choose specific products and services to start with, and add new devices as they go.
Here’s the link: http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/staples-connect/ Leave a Comment
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Crestron Launches Modules Store for Crestron Control SystemsWhether Crestron dealers and partners need a module to drop into a Crestron system or want to sell one they have designed, the new Crestron Application Market (ApplicationMarket.Crestron.com) is the place to go.
Crestron Partner Modules are created specifically to support popular AV, security, lighting, HVAC and other diverse products using Crestron’s RS232 and IP communications protocols. These are all labeled by Crestron as drag-and-drop modules designed to let you add third-party products into Crestron systems.
Crestron says the site features simple navigation and enhanced search tools, making it easy to sort through the 1,000+ modules to locate the one you need. Everything is listed alphabetically and you can sort by most recent, manufacturer, or device type. You can click on any of the partners or devices to see a complete module description, UI design and more.
You can see it all here. Leave a Comment
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New CEDIA Report Indicates HomeAV Growth Is Back but Integrators Aren’t So SureA new report from CEDIA this week features data on the characteristics of companies working within the residential electronics systems industry in the U.S. and Canada, revealing the current number of installation companies in the industry, the size of the workforce, trends, forecasts and the economic state of the industry.
“The theme of 2013 is definitely ‘Turning the Corner,’” said Erica Shonkwiler, CEDIA senior director of research. “Installation companies are experiencing a year of solid growth, which aligns with industry indicators. If the year continues as projected, the third and fourth quarters will be even stronger than the first two.”
The full report will be available in December; however, preliminary findings reveal:
- Systems Integration / AV Installation companies expect 2013 to end with a 16 percent increase in gross revenue, a 15.6 percent increase in the number of residential projects, and a 12.3 percent increase in the size of residential projects over 2012.
- Respondents only expect 11 percent of their TV sales in the next 12 months to come from Ultra-HD/4K sets, indicating the need for content to catch up in order for sales to increase.
- At this time, cloud-based content management is not believed to be having a negative impact on company hardware sales, with 60 percent of respondents indicating no change in sales and 16 percent indicating the cloud-based options have had a positive impact on their hardware sales.
“While enjoying the growth, installation company owners are still cautiously optimistic,” said Shonkwiler. “Their caution stems from the unknown impacts of trends in cloud-based content streaming and management, app-based control solutions, internet-connected wireless audio systems, and the continued entry of telecoms into the market. Company owners expect these trends will increase consumer awareness of the industry, but many are still unsure which trends will have a net positive impact on their company.”
In addition to working on this report, CEDIA recently released its annual Benchmarking Survey Reports, which evaluate the internal operations of home technology professional companies in the U.S. and Canada.
Research updates, project details, and report availability will be posted here. Leave a Comment
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CEDIA All Good for 2013 CEDIA EXPO 2013 experienced positive gains in attendance, exhibitor participation, and training registrations. More than 470 exhibitors and 17,900 attendees from 84 countries participated in the 2013 event in Denver. Professional and overall attendance both grew by 6 percent while new exhibitor participation grew by 20 percent and first-time attendees increased by 50 percent year over year. CEDIA Training also experienced record growth with more than 6,300 course registrations, representing a 50 percent participation increase.
CEDIA EXPO 2013 was described as “phenomenal”, “energized”, and “exceeding expectations.”
“The show has far exceeded our expectations,” said Joaquin Rivera, vice president of sales for Stewart Filmscreen. “We have a much better attendance and not just in terms of numbers. The attendees are happy and positive and they have jobs in the pipeline and that makes a huge difference.”
“This is our second year exhibiting and we’ll be back again next year,” said Justin Jordan, vice president of client relations for Monoprice. “Turn out has been great both from customers who know us and those who don’t know us. We’ve gotten a lot of leads and it’s been a great opportunity to build our brand awareness explain who we are and explain our product sets”
“The interest in our product and what we’re doing has been phenomenal,” said Mike Anderson, president and CEO of TiO. “We’ve been slammed from opening bell to closing bell, it’s been a great way for us to launch our product line.”
Other show highlights included the opening keynote, presented by Nest CEO and founder Tony Fadell; The New Solutions Village, which provided a platform for new products to make their debut into the industry; Rookie Row; High Performance Audio Rooms; and a dedicated Security Solutions area.
For 2014, CEDIA EXPO will return to Denver Sept. 10-13, with the trade show floor open Sept. 11-13. Learn more about CEDIA Expo here. Leave a Comment
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CEDIA Announces 2013 Electronic Lifestyles® Awards WinnersCEDIA has posted the winners of the annual Electronic Lifestyles Awards Banquet announced Saturday night at CEDIA Expo. The honorees included over 40 winning projects in the Designer Awards competition, 14 Manufacturers’ Excellence Awards winners, one new inductee into the CEDIA Fellows program, and the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Also honored were the year’s top volunteers.
The Designer Awards competition, which honors the best projects completed by home technology professional members in the past year, featured winners in such categories as Best Integrated Home, Best Media Room, Best Hidden Installation, and Best Home Theater. The Designer Awards winners were determined by a panel of expert judges that included home technology professionals, architects and interior designers. Also recognized were the three winners in the CEDIA/HGTVRemodels.com People’s Pick Awards, which were voted on by visitors to HGTVRemodels.com.
The Manufacturers’ Excellence Awards honorees included 10 Best New Product winners, one Sustainable Lifestyle Product Innovation winner, and three inductees into the Product Hall of Fame. The winners were selected by a panel of home technology professional judges.
Individuals recognized at the Electronic Lifestyles Awards Banquet included Leslie Shiner as a new inductee to the CEDIA Fellows program and Bob Schluter as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, which were announced prior to CEDIA EXPO.
The full list of award winners can be viewed here. Leave a Comment
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Integrated Systems Europe – the Mega-Tradeshow – Opens RegistrationISE 2014 will be the best-attended AV and IT systems integration trade show held anywhere in the world, with more than 45,000 attendees drawn to Amsterdam by innovations from over 900 exhibitors. The 2013 show was amazing and we covered it all with this dedicated MicroSite.
ISE was launched in 2004 to fulfill the need for a pan-European forum for the emerging markets of professional AV and electronic systems integration. The show grew quickly to become the undisputed annual marketplace for these industries — a focus not only for doing business but also for networking, education and technological innovation.
Always owned by not-for-profit trade associations, ISE has been a joint venture between InfoComm International and the CEDIA since 2007. As well as ensuring that all proceeds from ISE are re-invested into the industry, these associations act as the cornerstone of the event’s extensive education program, which continues to grow year after year.
As in the past seven years, ISE 2014 will be held at the superb Amsterdam RAI, occupying every hall of this world-leading meeting and convention venue. The show will attract professionals from every link in the systems integration value-chain, including manufacturers, distributors, dealers, contractors and consultants. ISE also draws ever-growing numbers of end customers, from fields as diverse as education, sports, corporate facilities, hospitality and live events.
Register for ISE 2014 here. Leave a Comment
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Digital Projection Intros 1080p LED Titan At CEDIA, Digital Projection International (DPI) announced the TITAN 1080p LED 3D projector, which the company says is the world’s first combination of 3-chip DLP imaging and solid-state LED illumination. Utilizing Texas Instruments’ DarkChip DLP technology, DPI’s new TITAN 1080p LED 3D is spec’d at 2,000 lumens and lists for $79,995.
The benefits of LED illumination versus lamp illumination are widely known, including better color performance, lower overall cost of ownership, less heat and noise produced and no lamp replacement concerns. Though often measured as less bright than many lamp-based projectors, LED projection systems are perceived by the viewer as being much brighter than their measured luminance specifications, thanks in part to the Helmholtz-Kohlrausch effect (H-K effect). The International Electrotechnical Commission defines the Helmholtz-Kohlrausch effect as, “A change in brightness of perceived color produced by increasing the purity of a color stimulus while keeping its luminance constant within the range of photopic vision.” In layman’s terms, the H-K effect describes a situation whereby if two color stimuli sources with the same luminance are compared, the perceived brightness induced by the color stimuli of higher purity will be higher than that of lower purity. LED illuminated projectors produce extraordinarily high color purity and saturation, thus appearing much brighter than a lamp-based display with similar measured lumen specifications.
LED projectors are ideal for any application needing long-life projection systems with unmatched color saturation, lumen maintenance and color stability. As LED projectors do not enlist a traditional lamp, a home theater or media environment utilizing DPI’s TITAN 1080p (1920×1080) LED 3D display will benefit from their Lifetime Illumination 60,000+ hour lifespan.
In each of Digital Projection’s LED displays, the RGB-based LED illumination system eliminates the need for a color wheel to produce primary colors. Instead, red, green and blue LEDs produce primary color illumination, rendering incomparable color gamut and color saturation with no color wheel artifacts. Additionally, certain LED displays in DPI’s product line, including the TITAN 1080p LED 3D, feature the company’s FastFrame technology, which assures fast-moving content appears remarkably sharp and free of motion smear — an important consideration when viewing sporting events or other fast-moving content.
Here are all the specs: http://www.digitalprojection.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx Leave a Comment
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JVC Debuts Entirely New Home Theater Projector Line – All 4K Capable
JVC Professional today announced a new line of home theater projectors that incorporate a new imaging device, upgraded version of the company’s e-shift technology, 4K source compatibility and a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture.
The entire line is D-ILA based and has a new wire grid polarizer. JVC has also added a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture that is spec’d to allow for deeper blacks. And projectors equipped with 4K e-shift3, the latest iteration of the company’s e-shift technology, feature a 4K signal input (at 60p) so that now both 4K and 2K sources can be displayed as 3840×2160 images.
JVC’s 2014 projectors are the Procision Series DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R and DLA-X500R, marketed by JVC’s Consumer AV Group, and the Reference Series DLA-RS6710, DLA-RS67, DLA-RS57, DLA-RS4910, and DLA-RS49, available through JVC Professional Products Company. All are 3D-enabled and offer 4K e-shift3.
The new JVC projectors use three sixth generation JVC D-ILA imaging devices. This new device features a pixel gap that’s 40 percent narrower than the previous chip for a smoother picture, a 10 percent improvement in light efficiency for a light output of 1,300 lumens, and improved native contrast, which is also enhanced by a new, third generation wire grid optical engine. As a result, native contrast ratios for the new projectors are:
- DLA-X900R/RS67/RS6710 150,000:1
- DLA-X700R/RS57 120,000:1
- DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910 60,000:1
To further boost contrast, JVC has developed a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture. When engaged, JVC’s Intelligent Lens Aperture produces deeper black levels while maintaining white levels superior to what’s delivered by competing projectors using a dynamic iris – performance attributable to JVC projectors’ inherent high native contrast capabilities. The contrast ratios:
- DLA-X900R/RS67/RS6710 1,500,000:1
- DLA-X700R/RS57 1,200,000:1
- DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910 600,000:1
JVC’s 4K e-shift technology was first developed to upconvert and scale 2D HD content to a 4K signal. With 4K inputs, the new JVC projectors can now process 4K signals as well to deliver a smooth, detailed image. Picture performance is further optimized by a new Multiple Pixel Control (MPC) processor with eight-band detection. The MPC processor offers four presets plus an Auto setting that automatically selects the best upconversion process by detecting the frequency of each pixel.
Picture quality is also enhanced through a new Clear Black feature that provides local area contrast enhancement, and improved Clear Motion Drive (CMD 3). CMD 3 uses a new LSI and new algorithm to deliver a significant improvement in motion artifacts on diagonal lines on 4K and 2K 2D content and 2K 3D content.
Other new enhancements for 2014 are:
- Two memory settings for pixel convergence that can be used to store correction settings for external lenses.
- New smartphone app that provides remote control of the projector, including picture settings.’
- Adobe RGB picture mode on the top five models.
Key features carried over from the 2013 line include:
- Active shutter glasses for 3D viewing use RF rather than IR technology to offer more stable synchronization and extended range while avoiding possible interference with IR-controlled devices.
- Lens memory settings – Ten for the DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R, DLA-RS6710, DLA-RS67 and DLA-RS57, and five for the DLA-X500R, DLA-RS49, and DLA-RS4910. These store custom focus, zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift position. This allows a constant height display of 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1 or any other scope content without an additional anamorphic lens.
The flagship DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67/6710 are built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and have a 150,000:1 native contrast ratio and 1,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. For 3D viewing, they come with two pairs of PK-AG3 RF 3D glasses and a PK-EM2 3D Signal Emitter. The DLA-RS6710 also includes a spare lamp and comes with a five-year warranty versus a three-year warranty on the DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67.
The DLA-X700R and DLA-RS57 have a native contrast of 120,000:1, dynamic contrast ratio of 1,200,000:1 and come with a two-year warranty.
Two current models, the DLA-X35 and the DLA-RS46, remain in the line for 2014 and the new JVC D-ILA home theater projectors will be available November at the following prices:
- DLA-RS6710 $12,499
- DLA-X900R/DLA-RS67 $11,999
- DLA-X700R/DLA-RS57 $7,999
- DLA-RS4910 $5,199
- DLA-X500R/DLA-RS49 $4,999
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SAVANT Adds Wi-Fi Power Management Products to SmartEnergy Lineup At CEDIA, Savant Systems introduced three power management products in its SmartEnergy product line. The SmartEnergy products are primarily focused on energy monitoring, and these new devices bring Wi-Fi connectivity to the lineup. Installers and end-users can now access SmartEnergy monitoring and control features with simple plug-in modules.
The three new energy management products include a Wi-Fi enabled wall plug, power strip and a current sensor. These new devices have been designed to give users significant energy management data at cost-effective price points and are an ideal solution for retrofit installations because they do not require rewiring. Savant’s Wi-Fi SmartPlug delivers power measurement for individual appliances, whereas the power strip provides six outlets: four managed receptacles for power measurement and two unmanaged receptacles that still benefit from the surge protection feature. Both the single plug and the power strip offer surge protection as well as remote on/off control capability using Savant’s TrueControl apps. The current sensor enables integrators to offer monitoring of a single circuit that is hardwired without a plug accessible.
Savant’s new energy management line will become available in Q4, 2013 and here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Tripp-Lite Adds Surge Suppressor with Two USB Ports and ClampsTripp-Lite has expanded its line of surge protection products with the introduction of the new TLP606DMUSB Protect It! Surge Suppressor — a new economical surge suppressor that features built-in clamps that attach to the sides of desks, workbenches and tables for better accessibility to outlets. It also has two USB ports for charging and powering portable devices.
Key Features and Benefits:
• Six outlets, including two widely spaced to accommodate bulky transformers
• Two USB charging ports capable of delivering 2.1 amps of power to charge smartphones, tablets and MP3 players
• Heavy-duty protection with a 2100-joule surge suppression rating
• Two built-in clamps secure the unit to workbenches, desks and tables tightly enough to prevent the weight of connected cords from detaching the unit from the surface
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Crestron Makes Smart TVs Smarter at CEDIA
Crestron has announced at CEDIA today that it is building the Crestron control system interface into SmartTVs as an app – starting with Samsung and Sony – eliminating the need for a touch panel. Available soon, the Crestron App for Samsung Smart TV enables Crestron system owners to control AV, lighting, shades, climate and more from an on-screen menu right on their TVs.
Compatible with 2012 or later Samsung Smart TV models, the app can automatically launch when you turn on the TV and silently runs in the background. There’s no need to navigate and scroll through a maze of menus to get started. It supports individually customized apps on multiple TVs and delivers dynamic text messages for all types of events, such as security alerts, doorbells and incoming phone calls.
The app can be customized to provide simple, intuitive, menu-driven control of virtually anything in any room. Control is simple using the familiar directional pad on the Samsung remote that accompanies the TV or Crestron remotes. For even more flexibility, Crestron touch screens or any Crestron Mobile app can be used to control the on-screen menu.
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AMX Adds Fiber to Enova LineAt CEDIA Expo 2013, AMX introduced the new DXLink Fiber components that offer the ability to distribute video content (including HDCP content) up to 10 kilometers (six miles) away. Features include 10 Gbps data rate, field serviceable fiber modules, identical board sets throughout the entire switcher line, built-in Gigabit Ethernet switch and single-mode and multi-mode fiber support, as well as integrated SmartScale scaling on every output. And just like the previously released DXLink Category Cable solutions, DXLink Fiber Multi-Format Transmitters provide support for both analog and digital video and can perform as a 2×1 pre-switch when both signal formats are present.
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AMX Intros New Modero S Series
The AMX Modero “S” Series was launched in the ProAV industry in June, and is now being released for the home market this week at CEDIA Expo. The S Series features 24 bit color depth with streaming video functionality and the SmoothTouch glass overlay that’s made the Modero line stand out the last couple of years. They come in 10.1″, 7″ and 4.3″ models in both tabletop and wall mount configurations.
AMX says that all of the new Modero S Touch Panels are expected to begin shipping in the U.S. later this month (September 2013) and outside the U.S. next month (October 2013).
Sizes and part numbers include:
• 10.1″ Modero S Series Tabletop Touch Panel: MST-1001
• 10.1″ Modero S Series Wall Mount Touch Panel: MSD-1001
• 7″ Modero S Series Tabletop Touch Panel: MST-701
• 7″ Modero S Series Wall Mount Touch Panel: MSD-701
• 4.3″ Modero S Series Tabletop Touch Panel: MST-431
• 4.3″ Modero S Series Wall Mount Touch Panel: MSD-431
Here are all the details on the “home” verions of the Modero S Leave a Comment
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Crestron Shows New Quiet Shade Controller
At CEDIA this week Crestron is lowering the volume on its shade motors with a new Digital QMT (Quiet Motor Technology) motor and a power supply (CSA-PWS10S-HUB-CAEN) that supports up to ten motorized shades and provides integrated diagnostics and controls.
The Digital QMT motor can operate Crestron window shades of any size and the company say it provides more torque in a smaller package than any other manufacturer’s motor. Crestron says it not only reduces power consumption but also allows the motor to be paired with shades ranging from 17 inches to more than 10 feet wide, with no difference in operating noise and performance. According to Crestron, no other shade motor can fit into such narrow windows.
The new Crestron CSA-PWS10S-HUB-CAEN power supply can power up to ten motorized shades, each with its own fuse. The integrated five-segment C
resnet hub provides an isolated control network for each pair of shades, therefore limiting the impact of any wiring faults. The power supply ships ready to mount on the wall or pre-installed in a 1×1 CAEN enclosure for easy, clean installation.
The CSA-PWS10S-HUB-CAEN can be integrated to work with all Crestron shade motors and includes built-in diagnostics that make it simple for shading professionals to identify broken wires, shorts and blown fuses.
Here are all the specs and options: http://www.crestron.com/products/lighting_and_shade_control/shades/ Leave a Comment
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The Lutron Design Collections Offer Homeowners More Fabric ChoicesLutron Electronics has announced the availability of The Lutron Design Collections — more than 1,500 redesigned, high-fashion fabrics and materials for the company’s motorized shade family of products. The move comes after the company said it identified a market need to offer stylish and fashion-forward options at a variety of price points.
New additions to The Lutron Design Collections include: 1. The Lutron Design Collections
- Curated from leading fabric manufacturers all over the world, the newly refreshed and redesigned fabric offering brings Lutron window treatments to the forefront of fashion
- These design-focused collections unite the quality users expect with the variety they need, and have been expanded to include new shade styles
- More than 1,500 fabric options
The Gallery Collection — an extensive line of fashion fabrics for roller shades, horizontal sheer blinds, pleated shades and honeycomb shades. Integrators and designers can choose from a variety of rich fabrics in warm neutrals, fresh whites and bright colors that pop, as well as five opacities: sheer, translucent, black-out, light-filtering and room darkening.
i. Sivoia QS Horizontal Sheer Blinds (included in The Gallery Collection)
- Combines the soft elegance of a sheer with the precision control of a blind
- Available in 2” and 3” vane sizes in neutral, light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics
- Fom $1,210 suggested list price
ii. Fashion Pleated Shades
- Crisp, Z-shaped pleats provide added dimension to a room
- Available in beautiful, textured weaves
iii. Fashion Honeycomb Shades
- Offer superior insulation combined with an elegant look
- Available in stylish textures and colors
b) The Avant Collection — Beautiful, sophisticated, soft fabrics and natural woven woods define this collection of traditional drapery, Kirbé vertical drapery and Roman shades. Earth tones and crisp, clean, whites anchor this selection of timeless window treatments.
c) The Classico Collection — This striking collection is available in sheer, translucent, and blackout opacities and a wide variety of colors for roller, tensioned, and cable-guided shades, and was designed to suit any residential or commercial application.
d) The Coulisse Collection — Fashion meets technology when Coulisse — a premier European brand in window fashion — and Lutron come together in this stylish collection. Choose from four fabric lines: Elegance, Tranquil, Bold, and Impact for roller and XL pleat shades and Venetian blinds. Colors range from warm browns and rich indigoes to vibrant yellows, sweet pinks and powerful blacks.
2. New, Streamlined Process for Customized Shading Solutions
a) Customers’ Own Materials (COM)
- Gives homeowners and designers the freedom to use their own fabrics so that window treatments can blend into their existing design
- 6-week lead time
b) Custom Printed Drapery
- Allows customers to reproduce a favorite painting or custom design on a Lutron-approved fabric for use with the Lutron Kirbe vertical drapery or traditional drapery applications
- 8-week lead time
c) Custom Printed Roller Shade
- Allows customers to reproduce a logo, family crest, or custom design on a roller shade, creating a personal touch in one, or several, rooms
- 4-week lead time
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New, Energy-Saving Features Added to Lutron HomeWorks QS SystemLutron Electronics today announced three new features for its HomeWorks QS total home control system.
RF SoftSwitch Module
- Switches large loads, like landscape lighting, pumps, and gates, without any wear on the relay, and without the need for multiple devices
- Can switch an entire branch circuit of lighting, up to 16A, from Pico wireless remotes, system keypads, and smartphones
- $149 suggested list price
- Begins shipping Oct. 15, 2013
120V DIN Rail Power Module with EcoSystem
- A DIN rail mounted controller that ensures compatibility with the Lutron EcoSystem LED drivers and ballasts
- Provides system flexibility by controlling up to several fixtures
- $950 suggested list price
- Begins shipping November 1, 2013
Daylight Control Package
- Allows a HomeWorks QS system to respond to ambient light levels based on the controller (sensor) settings, allowing homeowners to enjoy the energy-saving benefits of daylight
- $900 suggested list price includes a power pack, daylight sensor and LC8 controller
- Available now
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LINN Launches Exakt LineExakt is a new line from Linn that focuses on making the entire signal processing path from the source to the speaker lossless. The Klimax Exakt System is comprised of a Klimax Exakt DSM and Klimax Exakt 350 Speakers in one package. LINN says that Exakt is the most direct connection ever made between the listener and the artist. It sends digital data to an Exakt speaker losslessly to eliminate sources of noise, distortion and interference inherent in the traditional analog hi-fi chain, meaning that a Studio Master file, or any other music source, is supposedly transmitted perfectly to the speaker.
In design, the intelligence built into Linn Exakt phase corrects every signal, eliminating the phase and magnitude distortion introduced by analog crossovers, ensuring 100 percent accuracy in every single crossover.
In manufacturing, physical variation between parts is inherent in even the most accurate processes, however Exakt measures and corrects for even the tiniest variation between drive units, meaning every system that leaves the factory is guaranteed to perform exactly to its specification, guaranteeing a perfect speaker.
In the home, the Exakt system is optimized to suit every individual’s room using powerful new Linn software and Linn specialist retailer expertise. The customer now has the flexibility to choose where he would like his system positioned to fit around his life without compromising the sound he hears. As with all Linn DSM players, all sources can be connected for improved performance. Even vinyl sounds better – there’s no better way to preserve the signal from an LP12 than Exakt. New ADC technology converts the delicate LP12 to digital and sends it losslessly to the speaker, better protecting the signal than any other solution.
The Linn Klimax Exakt system is available now from Linn Specialists worldwide, priced at £50,000.
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CORE Brands Offers Korus Line to CI ChannelCore Brands’ new whole-home Korus audio matrix controller is available via the CI channel now. Korus is a whole-home system based on DTS Play-Fi technology for wirelessly streaming music to architectural speakers simultaneously from multiple sources such as iOS, Android and Windows mobile phones and tablets, as well as Windows computers. CORE says it’s also designing a new Korus wireless audio amplified receiver for extending wireless streaming to traditional bookshelf or hard-to-reach architectural speakers while remaining perfectly synchronized with speakers connected to the audio matrix controller.
Both Korus products will be available in market in Q2 2014. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Genelec Debuts F One and F Two Active SubwoofersAt CEDIA, Genelec debuted the new F Series Active Subwoofers consisting of the F One (6″ active) and F Two (8″ active) subwoofers. The F Series units are designed to be used separately or to to be used with the new Genelec G Series.
Genelec’s F Series all-metal construction of the subwoofers hides the driver and connectors on the bottom, leaving the clean form of the enclosure undisturbed. Both models feature connections and bass management for up to 5.1 channels and a comprehensive suite of adjustments for perfect matching to the main loudspeakers and room acoustics.
F One Specifications include:
• Maximum sound pressure: 98 dB @ 1 m
• Frequency response: 35 – 85/120 Hz (± 3 dB)
• Phase correcting: 0 to -270° (90°/step)
• Driver: 6 1/2”
• Amplifier power: 40 W
• Dimensions: Height x Diameter 9.88″ x 12.01″ (251 x 305 mm)
• Weight: 13.89 lb (6.3 kg)
F Two Specifications
• Maximum sound pressure: 102 dB @ 1 m
• Frequency response: 27 – 85/120 Hz ± 3 dB
• Phase correcting: 0 – 270° (90° steps)
• Driver: 8”
• Amplifier power: 150 W
• Dimensions: Height x Diameter 11.81″ x 14.25″ (300 x 362 mm)
• Weight: 21.61 lb (9.8 kg)
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Acurus Unveils Aries Integrated Amplifier at CEDIA 2013Indy Audio Labs, owners of audio brands Aragon and Acurus, unveiled a new 2.1 Integrated Amplifier named “Aries” at CEDIA Expo last week. The Aries is the latest Acurus product to be added to the company’s lineup of amplifiers, pre-amps and home theater processors. All Acurus models are web-enabled for Ethernet control as well as RS232 or 12V trigger.
Aries includes a 4.3″ touch screen and audio inputs and outputs include a pair of 60-Amp speaker binding posts, balanced XLR inputs and four sets of unbalanced RCA inputs. A line-level 2.1 input is included for supporting down mixed TV audio, computer interface and/or game system audio and a 2.1 output is provided for driving a sub-sat speaker configuration either with internal or external amplification.
Aries will list for $2,799 and here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Genelec Intros New G ThreeGenelec’s new G Three Active Loudspeaker, part of the new Genelec G Series of Active Loudspeakers, debuted at CEDIA this week. It’s a speaker with a 5″ woofer and 3/4″ tweeter, joining three other models in the series: G One (Woofer 3″ + Tweeter 3/4″), G Two (Woofer 4″ + Tweeter 3/4″) and G Four (Woofer 6.5″ + Tweeter 3/4″); as well as the complementary F One (6″ active) and F Two (8″ active) subwoofers (the G Series and F Series models are designed to be used together or separately).
G Three Specifications include:
• Maximum sound pressure: 100 dB per loudspeaker @ 1 m
• Frequency response: 55 – 21000Hz (-3 dB)
• Drivers: Bass 5” + Treble 0.75″ metal dome + DCW
• Amplifier power: Bass 40 W + Treble 40 W
• Dimensions: H x W x D: 11.77″ x 7.44″ x 7.01″ with Iso-Pod™ (299 x 189 x 178 mm)
• Weight: 12.35 lb (5.6 kg)
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Stealth Acoustics Allows for Custom Finishes of StingRay Flat Speaker Line
Stealth StingRay speakers are available in five standard finishes including black, white, sandstone, graystone and greenstone. These standard finishes, along with the new aluminum look of Element line will fill most project needs right out of the box, but Stealth is now adding “custom” to their color options.
You can customize any StingRay speaker or SR430 Sub to match an environment using exterior vinyl graphics or custom paint. With any of the StingRay family of outdoor speakers, you can apply paint or faux finish as well as place any image imaginable onto the speaker using graphics.
Stealth Acoustics’ new StingRay 6 is the smallest member of the Stingray family at only 15”wide and less than 4” in depth. Like the larger StingRay 8, the Stingray 6 utilizes Stealth’s proprietary FidelityGlass solid-front radiating surface and carries an environmental protection rating of IP-68 (as measured to IEC), which ensures the StingRay’s internal components are fully isolated from any intrusionof dust or moisture. StingRay is rated to be fully operable underwater for up to 64 hours at 1 meter of depth and can withstand rain, snow, sleet, hail, sun and dust in temperatures ranging from 0 degrees F to 150 degrees F.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
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Copyright 2013 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
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