Volume 12, Issue 1 — January 15, 2015
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Editorial Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Audio Cables, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens and Accessories Media Players, Recording & Distribution
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Let’s Hope IEEE Votes NO on the HDBaseT Adoption
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Last week, I received an embargoed press release that the HDBaseT Alliance has submitted its so-called standard to be adopted by IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
IEEE adoption is a big deal — not only is the IEEE the world’s largest association of technical professionals with more than 400,000 members in chapters around the world, but it’s also the governing body of “standards.” And, they’re all standards you’ve heard of and use daily.
Bluetooth? Them. Wi-Fi? Them. Ethernet? Them.
HDBaseT? Good God, I hope not!
Why hate on HDBaseT? You are mistaken if you think I don’t love HDBaseT. HDBaseT is awesome — when followed by the so-called “adopters” and when we, as users, know what the heck is on that CATx cable — which is seldom.
What do I mean? Well, I’ll hold-off rehashing my biggest complaint by simply pointing you to a blog I wrote 14-months ago all but BEGGING the HDBaseT Alliance to do something about the lack of interoperability between HDBaseT devices.
So, how are things going now? Well, not much better.
At CEDIA last year I sat down with Sandra Welfeld, the HDBaseT Alliances’ communications director, and asked them to update me on the progress they’d made getting their own “adopters” of their “standard” to follow their own standard. She said they have been so busy growing that they hadn’t had time to send out the HDBaseT police to penalize or chastise the violators — those not properly labeling what part of the HDBaseT 5Play they are playing with/in.
What is 5Play? Well, assuming you do what the HDBaseT Alliance says to do, you have a connector going either into or out of your box, TV, projector, switcher, processor, etc., which has HD (or better) video, audio, control, Ethernet and Power. But the problem is, some have video and audio, but no power. Or, control, video and audio, but no Ethernet. Or, video but no audio. And so on.
Again, I am not going to rehash the problem with this, technically, in this blog as you an read my blog from 2012 on that. However, the fact that manufacturers are claiming HDBaseT and not following the standard — well, that’s a problem. But, a bigger problem, to be honest, is that the HDBaseT seems to have no ability to enforce their own standard — or, won’t.
Look, I totally get the business model here — the HDBaseT isn’t doing us a favor — it’s business. It was all created by a chip-manufacturer called Valens with an incredibly great idea — let’s take RGBHV, audio, the plethora of control standards, Ethernet and power and put it all on a chip that can be sent down one piece of CATx cable — and simplify signal routing and distribution for both the HomeAV and ProAV markets. And, it’s an awesome concept. Valens realized they couldn’t do it alone — as they were a chip company, so they enlisted some heavy-hitting names: Samsung, LG and Sony — three companies that, normally, don’t play in the same sand-box — and created the HDBaseT Alliance as a non-profit in 2010. Business model solidified — best part about it for Valens, oh by the way, is that they are the only HDBaseT chip manufacturer — follow the money!
I think Valens is run by geniuses! They had a great idea, made it happen and, when it works, it works perfectly!
But, they aren’t helping us make sure the “standard” that is HDBaseT is followed.
Can you imagine someone building a laptop that’s specified to be 802.11g and, oops, didn’t hop on an 802.11b, or 802.11c network — only worked with “g” networks? No downward compatibility.
So, NO, they don’t deserve to be IEEE certified.
Until they fix their awesome standard, that is!
Note: The HDBaseT Alliance has released a white paper this month about HDBaseT interoperability, which you can download here. Leave a Comment
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What Are The Advantages Of Buying From Distributors?
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
Regardless of whether you’re a residential or commercial AV company your clients needs products, and you need to get them from somewhere. Broadly speaking, your two most common options are to deal directly with the manufacturer, or a distributor.
Since nothing in this business is ever simple, some manufacturers only sell to dealers directly, others are distribution-only, and many more are available either direct or through distribution.
So the question is: As an AV pro, which is the best choice when it comes to ordering your products?
I will tell you, right now at the outset, that as a sales rep for a large distributor, I’m a little biased. Maybe one day I’ll write a column titled “What Are The Advantages Of Buying Direct From Manufacturers?” — but not today.
Whether a distributor is a value-added or not, being a middle-man doesn’t necessarily mean their pricing is uncompetitive with manufacturers. Vendors know that dealers are going to comparison shop supplier pricing, just like end-users do.
Here’s a story from my days on the other side of the desk as a dealer: I needed 400 32-inch LCD panels for an MDU project. We typically bought our displays manufacturer direct, but I was unsatisfied with the price quoted by our manufacturer, so I shopped around.
I ended up saving 12 percent by placing my order through an authorized distributor who was willing to give us a volume discount that the manufacturer wasn’t.
Then there’s availability. Even more so than price, the number one product issue dealers have is whether or not they can get one (or 400!) when they need it. Especially when you have a time crunch, having accounts with distributors in addition to manufacturers betters your odds of being able to source what you need.
The most important consideration in favor of distributors is the service factor. I’ll grant you that many manufacturers have fantastic dealer support but — let’s be honest here — not all do.
Distributors recognize that they have to add value to the transaction. To do that they offer service and support that often exceeds what the manufacturer themselves can do. I do that, and many distributors I know do that. They want your business, they want to keep your business, and they’ll take good care of you to ensure that it stays that way.
That includes everything from maintaining an expedited RMA program for defectives, to ensuring that they can converse with their dealers on a very high technical level. Not to point fingers, but some manufacturers scale their tech support to deal with end users who can’t necessarily tell the help desk if the unit is plugged in. So if you’re a wizard, calling a help desk like that is frustrating.
Top-flight distributors know that their dealers are adept, and are prepared to answer their toughest questions about specifications and performance. All AV pros I’ve known, when they have questions, they want answers, and they want them quickly. Great distribution partners give them the answers.
It’s not only end-users who buy when presented with trust and value. When you have a choice between manufacturer or distributor, pick the one that will give you the most of both. That’s often a distributor, If I say so myself. Leave a Comment
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Home Automation: Increasingly Affordable
By Curt Robbins rAVe Blogger
Home automation has long been the domain of the upper middle class and wealthy. Expensive, professionally installed proprietary systems have traditionally dominated the home automation landscape.
The rise of mobile tech and ubiquitous wireless communications — combined with less expensive and more powerful sensors and electronics — are finally enabling the availability of relatively affordable devices. Most feature leading-edge functionality and the ability to control them from anywhere in the world using your favorite mobile device. Many of the most compelling products are the efforts of Silicon Valley startups, not entrenched players.
From monitors that sense when your plants need water to video-capable deadbolts that allow owners to communicate in real time with visitors to smartphone-adjustable multi-color LED bulbs, these domestic tech tools are finally delivering real power and convenience at prices that all of us can at least consider.
But what can you really get? And how much will it cost? Companies like Nest, Lockitron, Skybell, Dropcam, and LIFX are introducing new consumer-friendly products and services at a rapid pace. Nest (now owned by Google), the most recognized name in home automation, has sold millions of cloud-connected and remotely controlled thermostats and smoke detectors. The appeal of the Nest thermostat is primarily the average annual savings it delivers in the form of decreased heating and cooling bills, so it’s a relatively easy sell (even though tech geeks lust for it for obvious and different reasons). But what about other, lesser known products?
Most home automation devices aren’t as practical as the Nest thermostat in terms of saving money. Many of them provide considerable convenience or safety, however (depending on your use case). For example, LIFX sells high-quality Wi-Fi controllable LED light bulbs. While some of the nicest units on the market, they’re also priced in the zone that gives most middle class consumers the willies: $100 for a single bulb. However, LIFX’s models don’t require a hub controller; you can get started with the purchase of only a single bulb.
For homes on a budget, but still wanting Wi-Fi controlled bulbs (many of which offer thousands of colors, all selectable from one’s smartphone or tablet), there’s products like Philips’ Hue, with bulb kits beginning at about $185 on Amazon. The entry-level kit nets you a three pack of bulbs and the hub necessary to control them from your Wi-Fi network. Philips promotes the “personalization” of its bulb system, noting that owners can adjust the brightness and color of its bulbs to meet any occasion or mood. Other companies offering LED bulbs that can be controlled by your mobile device include ilumi, which sells units priced from $90 to $100, and Insteon, with bulbs costing a modest $30 — but they require a $115 hub (always read the fine print).
“Smart” locks and doorbells are an interesting and sometimes amusing category of home automation. The top vendors include Lockitron, Kwikset, Skybell, and Doorbot. Lockitron, a Silicon Valley startup, sells a remotely controlled smartlock. The $180 device boasts user-friendly installation and fits over most conventional deadbolts — instead of requiring the replacement of your current lock, like most competing products. The $200 Doorbot takes a different approach, adding a wide angle video camera to the outside doorbell and alerting you to visitors on your smartphone. It’s a full two-way communication system, allowing owners to see visitors and speak to them via an integrated speaker and microphone. It’s even compatible with Lockitron, allowing owners to not only communicate with visitors, but also unlock the door to allow entry into their homes.
The $220 Kevo, from old school deadbolt manufacturer Kwikset, takes automation and convenience even further, providing one-touch admittance to your home by trusted friends and family — as long as they have their smartphone in their pocket. But what if your kids don’t have smartphones? Kwikset provides key fobs that act as authenticators, solving this problem (after the company received a lot of flack from customers for not bundling such fobs with the first release of the product). The Kevo can even detect if a request is coming from inside or outside your home, helping prevent unauthorized entry.
Such products, because they’re software-controlled, even allow you to schedule access by particular individuals, granting them a permission code that works only during a specific time slot. This is practical for folks who travel for their jobs or simply aren’t home for a plumber, pet care, or other domestic maintenance. And what if the service tech is late? They can ping you and request real-time entry.
The companies behind these products obviously market them based on convenience and security. It used to be said that most advertising appeals to only two emotions: Greed and fear. I suppose the convenience of these home automation devices points toward our greed, while security enhancement obviously caters to our fear.
This blog post could easily grow to 10,000 words by describing the plethora of home automation products available today to consumers — some of which are really cool, some of which suck, and many of which are not-quite-affordable for people who count themselves among the middle class. For that, you’ll have to wait for my forthcoming book in 2015, Understanding Home Automation. In the meantime, do some Googling to learn if any of these leading-edge products can enhance your particular home with greater security and convenience.
And if the neighborhood kids begin pranking your Doorbot, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Leave a Comment
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Where the Internet of Things Takes A Center Stage
By Corey Moss rAVe Blogger
One of the hottest topics in the tech world right now? No doubt it’s the subject of almost daily discussion, and while you may not always hear the term being used in conversation, many of today’s trending technologies are in one way or another “things connected” through the Internet. The Internet of Things has represented the next level of evolution for the Internet, where things such as television sets, cars, homes and kitchen appliances all have the capability of being connected to the web. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will provide some great insights as to where the Internet of Things is taking us and while there are some things that will be shown which we might consider a bit bizarre, there are many others that will shed great light on the future of IoT.
This is part of a press release issued on 12/29: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today announced that the 2015 International CES will feature the largest ever showcase of products, services and technologies that make up the “Internet of Things” (IoT), with more than 900 exhibitors planning to share innovations that harness the power of the network to connect everyday devices.
“The ‘Internet of Things’ is the hottest topic in tech right now,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, International CES and corporate business strategy, CEA. “It’s all about the opportunity to connect everyday items like cars, home security systems and kitchen appliances to networked devices like PCs and smartphones for greater control and management of our everyday lives. We’re excited that the 2015 CES will bring together all of the companies and products that are making this a reality.”
Research firm IDC has predicted that by 2020, with approximately 30 billion devices connected, IoT will be a $3 trillion industry projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13 percent. Gartner has predicted that there will be nearly 26 billion devices on the internet by 2020. Hendrik Bartel, research director at Gartner stated, “I think we will see the trend of more household/standard brands in the connected home space. This will be a huge step towards democratization of such services and devices. Certainly Apple HomeKit will bear the first fruits, and we should see products taking advantage of deep iOS integration at CES 2015. I am also really hoping for new innovative ways to control existing connected home devices.”
Time Magazine in a recent article rated “Connected Everything” as the number two hot trend theme of the show right after what we all might suspect as number one – 4K (although sound bars were also included in the top spot). As highlighted above, the Apple Homekit is without a doubt one of the hot-button IoT topics of the show. The Homekit will enable iOS users to control a variety of smart things from multiple manufacturers such as door entry and alarm systems, thermostats or lights. Through the use of Siri, an iOS user will be able to use their voice to turn on lights as well as adjust their thermostat.
Here is something from an Apple Insider article (published on the the 6th) discussing Apple Homekit accessories, as well as new audio device announcements made on the first day:
Schlage’s Sense smart lock (below) is the company’s first HomeKit-compatible keyless lock. A companion app allows Sense owners to control the lock and manage up to 30 access codes at once, which can be entered on a built-in touchscreen. The app will also allow users to check lock status and battery life as well as review activity logs without an existing home automation system. Schlage says that the Sense meets Grade 1 security specifications, the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association’s highest security rating.
Among the list of CES Smart Home Marketplace exhibitors are industry notables like APC, Lutron, Savant and Stampede. Further developments on the Internet of Things and connected devices will be upcoming in a followup blog next week as well as other media reports.
Oh and speaking of kitchen appliances, here’s a video of an Internet-connected range manufactured by Dacor, a Los Angeles-based company, that enables cooks to pre-heat their ovens remotely and look up and add recipes to their personalized database. It’ll run you back just a bit… MSRP — $8,999.00. Leave a Comment
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Samsung, Oculus and the Other “Rift” Oculus (the Facebook-owned virtual reality company) has teamed up with Samsung to create the Gear VR Innovator Edition, a development kit for mobile virtual reality.
Leveraging only the Samsung GALAXY Note 4 (Samsung will have to do additional engineering work to make the new Innovator Edition work with other phones), the Gear VR Innovator Edition allows developers to build mobile VR experiences.
Users would click-snap the phone into the VR headset to enter virtual reality — anytime, anywhere, any place.
The Innovator Edition isn’t for the general public. It targets developers who want to make virtual reality games and apps. It leverages Samsung’s brand and marketing to bring Oculus VR to a wider, more mobile audience.
More importantly, at $199 the Gear VR Innovator Edition will attract developers by the score. And apps are what VR needs to drive it forward.
We could mention that this is a consumer effort (about 20 apps are available for the Gear VR, most of them games). We could tell you how it operates at 60Hz (it shows you 60 images in one second). We might add the Samsung Gear VR can put 100,000 polygons on a screen at a time.
But it’s more important to talk about the other Oculus “Rift.”
First, we have the product Oculus Rift (Oculus for PCs newest developer edition, dubbed Crescent Bay will be out soon with 100,000 polygons on a screen at a time). The “other” Oculus Rift is the fissure between those who believe Oculus is a world-changer — and those who don’t.
Those who believe Oculus will rock the world include Facebook that acquired the year-old Oculus for $700 million plus a fortune in Facebook stock this past March. The gaming world also certainly thinks Oculus will change their industry. Based on a comment by Oculus founder, Palmer Luckey (yes, Luckey is his real last name) that Oculus might donate VR headsets to schools, education is poised to see the impact on remote learning.
Retail is another that might be affected by virtual showrooms. Fitness. Architecture with its 3D modeling. Corporate training. Medicine. Tourism. Even art. Museums. Live concerts.
Think this is a stretch? Zurich University of the Arts uses the Oculus Rift to create a realistic flying experience. The device, called Birdly, uses its motor to translate hand movements from a simulator into the flapping of virtual wings.
Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab created a device that would allow the user to see through the eyes of a robot avatar.
A group of university scientists at UCSD and UCSF have collaborated with a video game developer to create a platform that can show your brain’s reaction to stimuli in real time. The project, called Glass Brain.
The Norwegian military is testing a new system that utilize the Oculus Rift to get a full view of the battlefield from inside the tank (photo shown at right).
Parrot’s newest quadcopter drone, the Bebop, is compatible with the Oculus Rift. This means you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re drone sees through its 180-degree fish-eye lens.
Arch Virtual, an architecture-focused firm that creates augmented reality apps for the Oculus Rift, has a handful of apps that help designers and architects create buildings virtually. In this particular River Home project in Europe, a client provided Arch Virtual with a virtual model of the building, which is then converted to be compatible with a gaming engine called Unity3D. Using the Rift, designers, architects and contractors can explore the virtual home to get a more immersive feel for the space.
OK, we made our point. Now you get to decide which side of “the Rift” you are on. Will Oculus change the world?
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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PMA Research: Home Projectors Up 25 Percent PMA Research says, for the full year 2014, sales of home projectors are expected to surge by 25 percent over 2013.
While this past summer’s World Cup contributed meaningfully to that growth, increased affordability, connectivity and versatility of home projectors played pivotal roles in driving growth throughout the entire year including a strong holiday season. Also, in advanced countries, the current window between the initial flat panel craze of several years ago and the first, large wave of replacements that may or may not materialize in the next few years is also contributing to buoyant growth in the home projector market.
Aggressive pricing of 1080p projectors, which have now fallen below $700, has sparked first-time purchases and replacement sales in the U.S., Western Europe, and other advanced countries. At the same time, attractive prices for 1080p, 720p, and even standard aspect ratio projectors have untapped demand from many first-time buyers in ASEAN countries, China, and Latin America. And with image sizes for projectors topping 100 inches, flat panel TVs do not come close to competing with projectors on a price vs. image-size basis.
Also, growth in the home projector market hasn’t been limited to low-priced projectors. Sales of step-up models as well as high-end, 4K home theater models priced at US$10,000 and higher are also expected to finish the year with 25 percent growth over last year.
Another key driver of growth is the versatility of projectors. Many home projectors are now hitting 3000 ANSI lumens but also offer customized adjustments to accommodate daylight or darkened viewing environments. As confirmed in PMA’s recent end-user surveys, home projectors also meet the requirements of owners and shoppers for flexible image sizes, placement locations, and projection surfaces – from permanent, fixed screens in dedicated home theater rooms, to motorized or manual, roll-down screens in living rooms and family rooms, and even to portable projection on a wall or onto a floor-standing or table-top screen.
Pico projectors and personal projectors (not included in these growth figures) are also showcasing the versatility of projectors as these compact projectors are used for both mini-home-theaters and portable business and entertainment applications.
Along with the versatility of projectors, owners and shoppers are finding increased connectivity options. While HDMI is the most popular connection, PMA’s survey indicates that wireless is a significant option for feeding content to projectors. And that’s true for current home projector owners as well as being high on the wish list for home projector shoppers.
PMA’s recent end-user surveys also confirm the growing popularity of streaming and downloading movies. Projector owners and shoppers are more likely to own a streaming device than the general population.
And despite the strong growth, PMA’s survey results indicate that educating consumers about projectors — by both manufacturers and retailers — is likely holding back more growth.
PMA doesn’t say this, but we do: projector makers, distributors and even dealers should consider more messaging that informs public about the value for money that projection brings. Rather than one company, collaborative campaigns should be explored at both industry and manufacturer’s own eco-system levels.
PMA is here. Leave a Comment
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ATSC 3.0: Next Generation of TV AudioAs part of the move to a next-generation TV standard, the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is working on a comprehensive audio system for the emerging ATSC 3.0 standard, offering a more immersive audio experience for living room and mobile viewers.
With membership by America’s most important stakeholders, ATSC members represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries. International adopters of the ATSC standard include Canada, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and South Korea.
These are the folks who recently won an Emmy for their work in controlling loud commercials.
The audio subsystem for ATSC 3.0 will feature an enhanced feature set to provide the listener with both a personalized and an immersive experience.
“Personalization includes enhancement to the control of dialog, use of alternate audio tracks and mixing of assistive audio services, other-language dialog, special commentary, and music and effects. Plus, the system will support both the normalization of content loudness and contouring of dynamic range, based on the specific capabilities of a user’s fixed or mobile device and its unique sound environment,” says ATSC.
ATSC 3.0 audio is expected to work with home theater AV systems, with TV sets (both with and without “soundbar” audio systems), and also with personal audio systems such as tablets, smartphones and other handheld devices used both with and without headphones.
Initial responses to the call for ATSC 3.0 audio proposals are due Jan. 12, 2015. Details on the ATSC 3.0 Call for Proposals can be found here. Leave a Comment
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AwoX Acquires Cabasse AwoX, a self-professed smart home company, acquires 100 percent of the shares of French audio company Cabasse from the Canon Group for €2 million and earn-outs of up to another €2.5 million.
Created in 1950, Cabasse is well-known in electroacoustic for its range of high-end acoustic loudspeakers, home integrated sound systems and connected high-fidelity speakers.
The acquisition comes after five years of collaboration: AwoX supplies Cabasse with connectivity solutions (electronic modules and iOS and Android software) and works on the development of numerous audio products, including the AwoX StriimSOUND — a high-fidelity Wi-Fi speaker with sound engineering by Cabasse, released in 2014.
This acquisition, says AwoX, will enable the company to enhance its offer of smart home connected audio solutions with the extensive range of high-end audio products and systems produced by Cabasse.
In turn, Cabasse will benefit from AwoX’s expertise in Wi-Fi connectivity technologies to further develop its effort in best-of-breed audio streaming. It will also benefit from AwoX’s industrialization, manufacturing and sourcing infrastructure. Lastly, AwoX will assist with the sales and marketing of Cabasse products on a global scale, and particularly in No.America and the Asia-Pacific region.
In merging their activities, AwoX and Cabasse will form one of the world’s leading specialists in high-end Smart Home audio streaming solutions.
In an age of dematerialization and the increasing distribution of music through mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), the audio streaming market has developed exponentially, notching up annual growth of around 50 percent in 2014 alone (Source: Nielsen – US Market – 07.2014).
With a turnover of approximately €7 million, Cabasse employs around 30 members of staff based in Brest in north western France. Pro-forma, the new entity generated turnover of close to €14 million in 2013 and employs some 80 members of staff.
AwoX raised €21.5 million during its IPO on Eurolist in April 2014.
This acquisition of Cabasse fits AwoX’s strategic roadmap. And it still has nearly 18 million euro leftover to build or acquire.
It’s doubtful that many audio companies could today raise €21.5 million in an IPO… and that leaves us to think smart home companies may gain an advantage and absorb more audio and video companies.
AwoX is here. Leave a Comment
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Samsung Unveils WAM7500/6500 Round Speakers as well as New Curved Soundbars Samsung’s new WAM7500/6500 use something it’s calling a proprietary ‘Ring Radiator’ technology that allows sound to flow in a 360-degree radius. The company claims it has the perfect balance between treble and bass.
WAM7500/6500 was in part developed at Samsung’s new audio lab in Valencia, California and is available in two models: stand-type (WAM7500) and movable-type(WAM6500). The stand-type are stand-alone Hi-Fi quality speakers and the movable-type comes with a built-in battery so they can be made to work anywhere (via Bluetooth) and without power. Both models automatically connect to Samsung TVs, soundbars, phones and tablets.
At CES Samsung will finally expand its curved soundbar lineup to match its curved LED-lit LCD TVs, which has been expanded since its introduction in mid-2014. In addition to the 7500 series, Samsung will release the 8500, 6500 and 6000 series, extending the lineup to a total of four that optimally match Samsung’s curved TVs of various sizes from 45- to 78-inches. The newly-introduced 8500 series will include 9.1 channel sound connectivity options.
All the details will eventually be posted here. Leave a Comment
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Aurender Introduces Two New Audio Systems Aimed at Audiophiles Aurender has just launched the X-PAC and N-PAC audio systems aimed at streaming audiophiles. The main difference between the X-PAC and the N-PAC systems is that the X-PAC manages massive collections (up to 20,000 CDs worth) on its internal hard drives, while the N-PAC accesses Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices for multi-room use, as well as larger music collections.
The X-PAC combines an X100 Music Server/Player and X725 DAC/Stereo Amplifier, while the N-PAC combines an N100 Network Music Server/Player and the same X725 DAC/Stereo Amplifier. Just add a pair of high-quality stereo speakers to bring audiophile sound to your home, office, RV or boat.
With the X100, Aurender uses SSD (Solid-State-Drive) cached playback from its internal HD using 12TB of storage, thus, it can accommodate more than 20,000 CDs and high-resolution music tracks in uncompressed WAV format. The new N-PAC Network Music Player differs from the X100-based X-PAC, focusing users to connect Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices to the system. Like the X-PAC, it provides Solid-State-Drive (SSD) cached playback of NAS contents, but, because it doesn’t have internal hard drives, the NAS-driven N100 is smaller and more compact than the X100, with a 3-inch AMOLED display. Standard SSD cache for the N100 is 120GB; a 1TB SSD cache model is optional.
Both the X100-based X-PAC and N100-based N-PAC have TIDAL streaming music fully integrated into their app. The X-PAC (with X100 6TB capacity) lists for $5,999. and the N-PAC (with N100) lists for $4,999. For consumers already owning an X100, the matching X725 DAC/ Stereo Amplifier has a suggested retail price of $2,499.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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DENON Intros DN-304SAM Powered Speaker System Denon Pro today announced its compact high-performance powered speaker system, the DN-304SAM. The DN-304SAM system is comprised of two acoustically-inert MDF speaker cabinets, each containing a 4-inch polypropylene-coated woofer and a 1-inch ferrofluid-cooled tweeter mounted to a proprietary waveguide. The left speaker contains the system’s stereo amplifier, rated at 20 dynamic watts per channel. The amplifier utilizes class A/B architecture providing exceptional clipping headroom compared to conventional powered speakers and contributes to the outstanding sound quality of the DN-304SAM. A 1/8-inch (3.5 millimeters) stereo input jack lets users quickly connect auxiliary audio sources, while a headphone output allows private listening.
The DN-304SAM will be available in spring 2015 for $149.99. More information will be here. Leave a Comment
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Artcoustic Launches Performance Series The Performance Series is a stacked design of speakers that are capable of 140 dB sound pressure level. It’s designed for applications such as medium to large size cinema rooms, fixed installation public address systems and extending even further towards the demanding club stack market. The Performance Series includes two models:
Performance P12-6 mid-high array speaker: This model can be used as a single sound reinforcement speaker, or mounted as multiples with adjustable angles. It is also ideal either wall mounted or ceiling mounted as surround and overhead speaker in larger sound pressure level demanding cinema applications. Here are it’s specs:
Transducer:
- LF-MF 12 x 3 inch cone, Symmetric Phase Aligned
- HF 6 x 1 inch Dual Ring Radiator, Symmetric Phase Aligned
Performance:
- Operating Range 55 Hz (-3dB) to 20 kHz
- Nominal Beam width Horizontal 80° Vertical 45°
- Axial Sensitivity (half space SPL) LF/MF-HF 106 dB
- Calculated Axial Output Limit (half space SPL) Average Peak LF/MF-HF 126dB @ 40watt
- Dimensions H: 250 W: 700 D: 100 mm
Performance Subwoofer PS6: The PS6 is a multi-drive unit coupled, high sound pressure level and very low f3 point (15Hz) subwoofer, making it suitable for the most demanding applications. The PS6 can be used as a single subwoofer for typical sub-sat applications, or as a more powerful stackable solution, catering for larger cinema installations and the demanding high output club and public address scene.
Here are its specs:
Transducer:
Performance:
- Operating Range 20 Hz (-6dB) to 400Hz
- Axial Sensitivity (Half space SPL) LF/MF-HF 108 dB
- Calculated Axial Output Limit (half space SPL) Average Peak LF 136dB @ 370watt
- Dimensions H: 900 W: 700 D: 700 mm
Here are more details. Leave a Comment
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Lyngdorf Audio Unveils Unique High Performance Power Amplifier Lyngdorf Audio just debuted the SDA-2400 stereo power amplifier at CES this week. Unlike most power amplifiers, the versatile SDA-2400 features both analog and digital inputs and optional rack mounts, making it the perfect match for high-end surround sound processors and pre-amplifiers. The SDA-2400 is not a regular class D power amplifier. The unusually powerful two by 400 watt (4 ohm) output stage uses Pulse Width Modulation with a switch speed optimization technology. This ensures a low and linear natural distortion, and an unmatchable performance is achieved by using less feedback compared to typical Class D amplifiers.
With trigger control, auto signal detection, or “power on” modes, this amplifier can function in all traditional system combinations — but also as a powerful amplifier for media players, streaming devices, or radio outputs with volume controlled outputs, thus creating a minimalistic setup.
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Bryston Introduces the AC1 Micro Center Channel Loudspeaker Bryston has announced the introduction of the AC1 Micro center channel loudspeaker aimed at high-end home theaters with tight space requirements.
The Bryston AC1 Micro utilizes two 5¼ inch aluminum cone mid-bass drivers on either side of a single Bryston titanium dome tweeter. Like all Bryston loudspeakers, the drivers are anchored to an enclosure constructed of ¾ inch MDF. The cabinet is a sealed design, a more flexible solution when placing the speaker in close proximity to the rear wall. The rear panel also includes threaded mounting holes for optional on-wall brackets.
The Bryston AC1 Micro lists for $490 each and will be here when it’s on the company’s website. Leave a Comment
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Pass Labs Launches Two New Amps at CES 2015 Pass Laboratories will launch two integrated amplifiers at CES this week — the INT-60 and INT-250. Both are based on Pass Labs’ INT-30A design and the 60-watt INT-60 works best with speakers of 87dB efficiency or greater, features the same power supply and output stages of the INT-30A, along with a really cool glowing meter, as found on Pass Labs’ Point 8 amplifiers. In addition, it has direct access buttons for the four inputs on the faceplate, a digital level display, plus a volume control knob and mute button. On the back are four line-level inputs, a line-level output, and two pairs of Furutech speaker binding posts.
The new INT-250 ups the wattage from the INT-150’s 150 watts to 250 watts per channel. The INT-250 is optimized for use with speaker loads of 86dB efficiency or less. Like the INT-60, the INT-250 features the same power supply and output stages, along with the iconic glowing meter as found on Pass Labs’ Point 8 amplifiers. It too features four line-level inputs, a line-level output, and two pairs of Furutech speaker binding posts. As with the INT-60, there are Direct Access buttons for the four inputs on the faceplate and a digital level display, in addition to a Volume Control knob and a Mute button.
The INT-60 ($9,000) and INT-250 ($12,000) will ship in February. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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SureCall’s Fusion7 Boosts Cell Phone Signals, HDTV SignalsSureCall is introducing the Fusion7, a signal booster that simultaneously enhances reception for all U.S. wireless carriers, while also boosting Wi-Fi and locally-aired HDTV signals. SureCall says Fusion7 will be available at the end of Q1, 2015, and will be priced under $1,000.
Fusion7 uses a five-band cellular booster technology that delivers PCS and cellular frequency bands, AWS, and two LTE frequencies for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for a complete 2G/3G/4G voice and data signal enhancement solution that supports as many as 10 simultaneous users and delivers the fastest data rates in the industry. With a maximum gain of 72dB, coverage can reach up to 6,000 square feet.
When connected to an Internet router, the Fusion7’s Wi-Fi amplifier boosts signal strength to improve and extend Wi-Fi coverage over a range of 6,000 square feet via the same indoor antenna used by the cellular booster. Compatible with all 2.4G routers and supporting 802.11 protocols, the Fusion7’s Wi-Fi booster provides all the benefits expected from a robust Wi-Fi connection, including faster upload and download speeds and improved video streaming.
See all the specs here. Leave a Comment
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AURALiC Upgrades Media Player AURALiC just launched a new Wi-Fi-based music streaming box in the form of the DSD256 [Quad-Rate DSD]. Although this technology is not available yet commercially, it’s apparently four times the rate of DSD and doubles the resolution of DSD128 (Double-Rate DSD).
The upgrade, available via firmware, is the latest in a series of ongoing improvements to AURALiC’s Lightning DS Control Software, introduced at last year’s CES, and its ARIES Hi-Res Steaming Bridge, which connects to a consumer’s DAC via USB and continues to be the industry’s only system able to stream DSD, Double-Rate DSD and DXD wirelessly.
The addition of DSD256 capability follows AURALiC’s recent integration of TIDAL full-resolution music streaming to ARIES, thereby eliminating the need for a computer connection to access the service. USB playback is another function recently added to AURALiC’s streaming platform. AURALiC will continue to support its customers by adding more functionality to the ARIES Wireless Bridge in the future.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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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).
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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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