Volume 15, Issue 8 — April 30, 2018
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Audio Control & Signal Processing Lighting Security Cables, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens and Accessories
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Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ Personal AV Tech Controls the Future of AV and Doesn’t Even Realize It
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Maybe I’m a skeptic. I don’t think I am but, maybe. Having lived in technology for nearly 30 years, it’s not often a new tech product debuts that I get excited about. The iPhone was a giant WOW. Wireless networking was an “its about time” kind of moment as I was one of those power-travelers that used to use a phone “coupler” (if you don’t know what that is, you’re probably younger than a Millennial). And self-driving cars excite me like no other tech product since the first time I saw the so-called World Wide Web in 1994. I can’t wait.
I love new technology and I love all the cool things our industry is doing. HD was a huge, huge deal for us — like, even bigger than VGA on the original IBM PS/2 computer! But, 4K blows HD away. These days, I rarely go watch a movie in a theater that doesn’t have a 4K projector — I go out of my way to drive by two non-4K theaters to go to my local 4K-DCI one as often as possible. I have always thought it was cool that I get to see all the new tech before everyone else sees it — stuff my friends think is cool now (like digital signage and facial recognition), I saw at an InfoComm show or at a Digital Signage Expo a half-dozen years ago or more.
I find myself pondering the future of AV a lot. And, as you likely know, not only have I written about it many times in the past, but I’ve also been invited to speak at countless tech trade shows and special events about the Future of AV technology how how it may or may not affect us all. There seems to always be a technological evolution (e.g., HD to 4K) or sometimes a revolution (e.g., AV-over-IP) that makes for a perfect keynote subject for the attendees. In most cases, it’s easy to see how a new product or technological advancement will change things.
But it dawned on me today that the future of our very own AV market may not be in the hands of any new product, new technology or even an AV company at all. In fact, there’s likely one AV guy (or girl) out there, today, that controls the future of AV for all of us, but doesn’t even know it, yet.
I’m talking about Jeff Bezos’ personal AV technician. Yes, that Jeff Bezos — the one who started Amazon.
Follow my logic.
The Amazon Alexa is AMAZING. Probably the most amazing thing since Apple’s iPhone. And, maybe even more so. The iPhone was revolutionary as it was a handheld phone, an email client, notes taker, voice recorder, calendar, to-do list, wrist watch and flashlight — all in one. It replaced like 10 things I was using every single day. And I didn’t even mention the camera!
About a year ago, I reluctantly bought an Amazon Dot. I had been holding out for the Apple version as I was convinced it would be better. In hindsight, I’m glad I went ahead and purchased the Alexa-enabled Dot as, now that the Apple version, called HomePod, is out I can safely say that it sucks when compared to the Dot. Sure, it sounds better, but that’s not what I primarily use it for so I don’t care. Alexa’s voice-recognition software runs circles around the 2012-era Siri. Someone buying the HomePod for Alexa-like functionality must be experiencing what it was like to use the iPhone’s built-in Maps function instead of Google Maps back in 2010.
Anyway, stick with me here.
Alexa seamlessly and simply connects to nearly everything you want to connect it to. And, it’s updated weekly — yes, weekly — with behind-the-scenes Friday-afternoon firmware and software upgrades. So, just when you think Alexa doesn’t do something you want it to do, she can — you just have to wait until an upcoming Friday — as someone will add that functionality. And, at any time, you can add Alexa SKILLS to yours and have third-party control of your Lutron lighting system, your shades and blinds, your HVAC, your TV, your DVR, your CableTV box, your SONOS, your home security system, your cameras and even your washer and dryer (yes, I have that functionality — even though I can’t find a use for it yet). It can even call people, play any radio station in the world, play movie previews, play Jeopardy!, play Sirius/XM radio — I mean, it can do nearly anything. It’s squarely aimed at the average consumer or home application — all to simplify your life.
\But it could EASILY be upgraded to control everything. I mean everything. Projectors, digital signage networks, AV-over-IP systems, scalers, switchers, audio systems, commercial-grade lighting systems, rooms, buildings, etc. — you get the idea. In fact, a number of integrators, including AVI Systems and Whitlock, have custom Alexa Skills that add connectivity and voice-control of meeting rooms to Alexa. But, for now, that’s not Amazon’s target market — not by a long-shot. In fact, all these higher-end, commercial-like capabilities for Alexa have been, so far, developed by third-party companies like integrators or the manufacturers of the gear itself. None are core functionalities of Alexa. Yet.
But what if was? What if Amazon decided to add commercial lighting control, room control, AV control and remote control of everything-AV to the Alexa — as an out-of-the-box function? A scary thought, huh?
Well, that’s not likely to happen — except for one tiny possibility. What if Jeff Bezos experienced what we all experience in his daily professional life?
What if every time he wanted to make a video call, he had to get to the room 15 minutes before the meeting even started to make sure the system worked? What if he pressed START on his conference room touch panel and nothing happened? What if he switched inputs on his monitor and it skipped the input he wanted all the time? And, what if he tried to connect his laptop to the AV system and it sometimes it didn’t work?
As long as his personal AV tech keeps making his rooms work before Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, gets there — so he never has to make anything AV work on his own, we are safe — our industry survives just as it always has. But, if he ever experiences what it’s like to really have an AV room that sometimes just doesn’t work right, he could very well yell down the hall, “Get the Alexa Team in here right now and let’s make all this shit work with a Dot!!”
At that moment, the future of AV may very well change forever. Leave a Comment
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What Makes a Product AV Install Specific?
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
From the outside looking in, there doesn’t seem to be much of a distinction between the CE retail and AV install channels, yet the distinction is there. It may be somewhat blurred and move back and forth from time to time, but the line is there and residential AV pros need to be aware of it.
By the nature of what they do — building integrated systems — AV pros have specific requirements for the product lines they work with that are seldom best served by retail products. The installers for big-box retail hang flat panel TVs, but not all TV’s are suited to video distribution and central control, so a lineup of video displays that’s fine for cash-and-carry retail isn’t necessarily the right fit for system building.
And since the pace of change in AV is never-ending, the task of determining which new products are right for your products is never ending. Fortunately, there’s a process (there’s always a process!) to determine that.
Some things that make a product a good choice for AV pros are obvious and others are less so. The most obvious is to determine how well the product integrates. Can it be controlled, and by what means?
One of the requirements of a finished system is simple operation and user-friendliness and that end result is a direct consequence of how seamlessly everything works together.
The fact that so many devices are IP-connected and network controllable has been a huge boon to integrated AV systems, but just because a device has network capabilities doesn’t always mean it’s controllable. Plenty of video devices have internet functionality, for example, but not all of them are completely controllable via the network. So some research is required and this is something you can usually count on our control system vendor to be on top of.
Moving away from the overtly technical, there’s also the dealer/supplier relationship with who you get your products for. Because of how the AV business works, supplier relationships differ from the relationships retailers have.
Residential AV dealers expect that the brands they sell will at least have a pretense of exclusivity. As a distributor rep, the first question I’m most often asked when presenting technical brands to installing dealers is “who else is going to have these?” By “who else?”, they always mean, “Is this going to be in a big box too?”
Further, they expect that the product vendors they buy from understand the technical and business details of the residential AV channel, which makes them a more understanding partner.
Generally speaking, specialty AV install companies aren’t interested in negotiating year-end volume rebates. They’re not in the business of moving weight in video displays; they’re in the business of delivering finished systems. How a vendor can help them do that profitably is more interesting.
Which brings me to my next point: what level of service and support does the vendor provide? Today, mass market electronics have a note in the box with an 800-number advising the customer: “PROBLEMS? DO NOT RETURN PRODUCT TO STORE! CALL US!” The service provided to the retail end user is in the hands of the insurance company that underwrites the extended warranty.
AV install dealers have substantially different expectations for their suppliers — not just in terms of after-sales warranty support, but in the level of tech support before the sale.
I’ll use as an example a product category that’s dear to my heart: LTE signal boosters. While my network of installing dealers are highly knowledgeable, when they do have questions, whether it’s a 5000-square-foot residential installation or a 20,000-square-foot commercial/industrial project, they expect comprehensive support. Whether it’s a simple tech question or if they require more intensive assistance engineering the system, that’s a requirement they have that retailers who stock basic cash and carry signal boosters don’t ask for. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Masters 2018: Welcome to the New World
By Hope Roth Halfway through a session on Crestron’s upcoming HTML5 touch panels, a friend who works there texted me, “Your excitement is the most entertaining [thing] I’ve seen thus far in a class.”
What can I say? I’m looking forward to using the same tools as the rest of the software industry. I will have to brush up on my CSS and JavaScript, but it’s a small price to pay in order to play outside Crestron’s sandbox.
I’ve been beating the drum for years now that AV programming is going to change. Some of us are going to adapt, but some of us are going to be left behind. Friends, that change is on the horizon. As AV programmers, it’s past time to start expanding our skill set.
How do I know that (to quote the late, great Sam Cooke) a change is gonna come? I looked at the new products that Crestron was hyping at Masters. Some of them, like XiO Cloud, are pure software tools, with no programming necessary. Configure your devices from a webpage, hand the controls over to your IT department,and pat yourself on the back for a job well-done. XiO Cloud will monitor and manage hardware at a firmware level. It’s our AV/IT convergence nightmare. Don’t Praise the Machine.
But at the other end of the spectrum? New touch panels and a software product (XiO Edge) that are designed to run “real” software (HTML5 and C#, respectively). XiO Edge is a server-based control product. As of now, it will run C# only, no Simpl Windows. The next generation of touch panels will have to support both HTML5 and Smart Graphics, but Crestron is eventually going to force us all to learn how web tools work. Notice a pattern here? Products like VTPro-E and Simpl Windows aren’t going to disappear tomorrow, but Crestron is clearly not trying to keep them around forever.
So what does that mean for those of us who have made a career out of figuring out the best ways to use Crestron’s proprietary software? The good news is, we can now look stuff up on Google (or Stack Overflow). The bad news is, we’ve got a lot of learning to do. I’m already doing development in Simpl# and Simpl#Pro, but my day-to-day code still relies an awful lot on Simpl Windows. I predict a lot of online classes and software books in my future.
Whenever someone asks me how to become a Crestron programmer, I tell them to learn how to be a “real” programmer first… go online and learn about object oriented programming and algorithms. That advice goes ten-fold today. There are some cool new tools in our future. It’s on all of us to learn how to use them properly. Leave a Comment
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Leon Speakers Buys Outdoor Speaker Specialist Terra SpeakersToday Leon Speakers announced that it has acquired Terra Speakers, Maine-based manufacturer of rugged, all-weather speakers.
Leon and Terra have a long history of working together. Terra’s All Climate FIVE line of all-weather loudspeakers was designed in partnership with Kaplan, and Leon’s Boundary Series outdoor speakers are made with drivers manufactured by Terra at its Maine plant.
The acquisition will bring a whole host of new products to Leon’s current residential and commercial product lines, especially bolstering their outdoor audio offerings. Terra is known in the industry for creating durable speakers that are built to thrive in rugged weather conditions, and their current product line will help to build out Leon’s Boundary Series of outdoor speakers. The merger also opens up new opportunities in the professional and house of worship market on the commercial side of their business, as Terra has been a player in this area for many years.
So far there’s no information on how this will affect dealers or employees of Terra Speakers, but in an email to partners, Leon Speakers founder Noah Kaplan said more information on how the two companies would be working together is forthcoming.
Leon Speakers is here. Terra Speakers is here. Leave a Comment
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In Genius Move, CEDIA Acquires Technology & Business Summit CEDIA announced today that it has purchased the popular Technology & Business Summit series of regional events for the home technology industry from Clarity AV International / Integrator Network. This was a brilliant move on CEDIA’s part as they needed an “event” of sorts where their members could network outside of the Expo itself — which was sold to Emerald Expositions in 2017.
“We are delighted to announce our investment in the Technology & Business Summit. As a long-standing supporter and participant, we have watched Tech Summit founder Mark Cichowski grow these outstanding events that bring the community together and provide training close to home. We are keen to build on these strong foundations, provide deeper support for the manufacturer representative community, increase the value of each event to CEDIA members, and meet non-members at a local level,” said Tabatha O’Connor, global president and CEO of CEDIA.
She continued, “We have no plans to make changes to these events, and we are lucky that Mark has accepted a role to continue to drive the success.”
Mark Cichowski, founder of Technology & Business Summit and owner of Clarity AV International, will remain as a consultant continuing to work with the manufacturer representatives, event sponsors, and participants, with strategic marketing and operational support provided by CEDIA.
Cichowski said, “The talented independent manufacturer reps are a major driving factor behind the Technology & Business Summit events and we are proud of how they have come together to build business. This collaborative mentality is what has led to a deeper relationship with CEDIA. We have a mutual ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mindset and the plan is to keep the Tech Summit format and overall structure intact. We will continue to offer cutting-edge education, products, and extras to give integrators compelling reasons to invest time to attend. We also recognize that the events and the industry are evolving, which requires additional resources to support the growth. With CEDIA’s investment, we can increase the value and scope of the events for all participants from manufactures to reps to integrators.”
Largely driven by the efforts of multiple independent manufacturer rep firms in each territory, the Technology & Business Summits provide a collaborative environment to support integrators with education and networking.
“The one-on-one time with reps, manufacturers, and other service providers in an intimate venue provides a unique experience. Multiple business and technical classes, which are free to attend, provide actionable takeaways that can be immediately implemented by the integrators,” said Cichowski.
David Humphries, CEDIA chairman said, “Adding the Technology & Business Summits to our portfolio of events provides another important milestone in CEDIA’s three-year strategic plan. We are working diligently to make CEDIA more accessible by providing more regional education. The fact that these events are established and so successful coupled with the notable support this provides to our manufacturer representative members make this investment a win-win all around.”
The Technology & Business Summit schedule for 2018:
- May 1-3 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- May 22 – Los Angeles, CA
- May 24 – Irvine, CA
- June 14 – Lansing, MI
- October 2 – Long Island, NY
- October 4 – Newark, New Jersey
- October 30 – Atlanta, GA
- November 15 – Phoenix, AZ
You can register or learn more about the Summits here and, of course, CEDIA is here. Leave a Comment
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CEDIA Adds Mobile App to Its Their Online Community
CEDIA members can now connect to the CEDIA Online Community on-the-go with the all-new CEDIA mobile app. The app provides a space for CEDIA members to engage with their peers and participate in lively discussions.
This development is part of CEDIA’s ongoing commitment to offer programs that make it easier for members to connect with one another, both in their own region and worldwide. Following the launch of the CEDIA Online Community in 2016, the online platform has grown extensively, allowing members to engage with one another year-round.
The online forum gives members a platform to freely discuss industry news, share ideas, and provide advice to their peers. Members also have access to a variety of downloadable resources available on the CEDIA Online Community. All CEDIA members are automatically added to the online community and are given a unique profile that can be personalized. Similar to other social media communities, this makes it easy for members to search and connect with those they have previously met or would like to meet.
The new mobile app has the same look, feel and navigation as the online community with features including discussion groups, private messaging, news and announcements and upcoming events, so members can stay connected, wherever they are.
CEDIA members can download the app by searching for “Membercentric” in the app store. Once membercentric has been downloaded, the member will simply need to search for CEDIA and log into their community profile to access the app version of the online community. The CEDIA app is available for mobile devices, including iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android devices.
To join the CEDIA community discussions, go here: http://www.cedia.net/community Leave a Comment
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Screen Innovations Adds New Zero Edge Pro Screen
Screen Innovations (SI) has announced an update to its Zero Edge screen with the new Zero Edge Pro. Thirty-six screens in one and three bezel options: Small (1/2-inch), Medium (1-1/2-inches), or Large (2-inches). The Medium and Large options are available in twelve colors with an in-lay of hand-wrapped velvet or completely wrapped in velvet. Available colors are the same that were recently introduced on SI’s Solo Pro lithium-powered motorized screen.
Zero Edge Pro is also available with SI’s LED backlighting options, another original feature on Zero Edge screens. SI has added a new option for backlighting as well, including a new IP controlled solution that can be integrated and controlled seamlessly with Philips Hue Smart Lighting ecosystems.
Simultaneously, SI has also announced a new rendition of its Black Diamond material available exclusively on Zero Edge Pro. Black Diamond XL, which has exceeded the optical height barrier of 60-inches, is available up to 76-inches high and carrying a claim to be the largest optical-layer based Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen in the world. Zero Edge Pro is also available in a variety of SI’s materials, including a new 1.0 gain material, aptly-named Unity, as well as their advanced line of acoustically transparent materials, such as Pure and Slate AT.
All the tech specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Rockustics Debuts New MusicGarden Landscape Speaker Line Rockustics has announces the new MusicGarden landscape loudspeakers. The MusicGarden system is sold as a package including four MG4 satellite speakers and one MG SUB8 subwoofer. Additional MG4 satellites can be added to expand the size of the system.
Designed to provide discreet, directional audio in an attractive enclosure, the MusicGarden system consists of four spike-mounted satellite speakers featuring high-powered 4″ coaxial two-way drivers and one in-ground subwoofer with a high-excursion 8″ woofer. An additional two satellite speakers can be added to expand the low-voltage, low-impedance system. Installation applications include outdoor living spaces, pool areas, courtyards, gardens and commercial spaces.
The MusicGarden system is here. Leave a Comment
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MSE Audio Launches Rockustic’s Escape Series MSE Audio announces the Escape Series from Rockustics. Designed to mimic the look of landscape lighting, the weather-proof Escape Series brings Rockustic’s audio quality to discreet, attractive enclosures that will blend seamlessly into your outdoor environment. For a complete, packaged solution, Rockustics offers the Music Garden system, consisting of four spike-mounted satellite speakers and one in-ground subwoofer with a high-excursion 8” woofer. Each high-output satellite features a two-way coaxial driver with a .75” titanium dome and a 4” woofer with a poly cone and rubber surround.
For larger systems or jobs requiring more customization, Rockustics offers á la carte options. The Periscape Satellites are available in 4” or 6” models, with full 70V operation (bypass for 8Ω operation included) and can be paired with the 8”, 10” or 12” Subscape Subwoofers. The Satellites and subwoofers can be daisy chained off a 70v amplifier or the subs can be run direct with their own P350 350W subwoofer amplifier.
MSE Audio is here. Leave a Comment
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MuxLab Releases New HDMI 4×1 Switcher with Audio Extraction MuxLab just debuted a new 4×1 HDMI switcher (dubbed the Model 500437) with audio extraction and 4K/60 (4:4:4) and support for 12-bit Deep Color and 3D viewing.
In addition, the switcher extracts digital audio from each source, and outputs it as S/PDIF Toslink or two-channel audio. Specifically, it extracts LPCM 2.0 or 5.1, Dolby 5.1 and DTS 5.1 audio and delivers it as digital S/PDIF Toslink. LPCM 2.0 audio can be extracted and delivered as analog two-channel audio using standard RCA jacks. The Switcher also supports HDMI pass-through of all digital audio modes including LPCM 7.1, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X. Users have the option of selecting between four HDMI inputs, and three audio modes of pass-through, 2.0 and 5.1 audio using the switcher’s front panel buttons or the IR remote control.
The switcher’s Audio Return Channel (ARC) sends selected audio back to the source. Additional audio equipment can then be connected to amplify surround sound and higher-level audio in the viewing environment. The rugged enclosure provides all connectors on the rear panel for a tidy installation.
Here are more detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Just Add Power Adds Rackmount Version of 3G Transmitter Just Add Power (J+P) announced the rackmount version of its 3G Ultra HD Over IP Power over Ethernet (PoE) transmitter.
The new J+P 1RU rackmount VBS-HDIP-747 3G Ultra HD (4K@30Hz 4:2:0)over IP PoE transmitter provides the same features as the VBS-HDMI-707 PoE TX as both models distribute 4K video with HDR via JPEG2000 over IP and support HDCP 2.2, 4K to 1080p scaling, two-way RS232 and IP control and support for all audio formats up to and including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The 3G Ultra HD over IP models use the same gigabit network, providing a scalable, systems approach to 4K video signal distribution requirements. The J+P 3G Ultra HD over IP transmitters family of transmitters includes the VBS-HDMI-717HIFI PoE TX, VBS-HDMI-718AVP PoE TX and rackmount VBS-HDMI-749AVP TX. The 718AVP and 749AVP distribute UHD and 4K video to every zone over a single Cat-5e cable along with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, and transform the signals to stereo audio for two-channel zones.
Here are more detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships 18 Gbps HDMI Matrix Switchers for 4K/60 Signals
Extron is shipping the new DXP HD 4K PLUS Series of HDMI matrix switchers that support signals up to 4K/60 with 4:4:4 chroma sampling.They support HDMI 2.0b specifications, including data rates up to 18 Gbps, HDR, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, and HD lossless audio formats. These HDCP 2.2 compliant matrix switchers incorporate Extron technologies such as SpeedSwitch, EDID Minder, and Key Minder as well as HDMI input equalization and output regeneration to ensure reliable system operation. Digital audio can be de-embedded from any input and assigned to digital or analog stereo outputs for ease of integration. Available in 4×4, 8×4, and 8×8 sizes, the DXP HD 4K PLUS Series is designed specifically for matrix switching of 4K/60 HDMI signals.
The DXP HD 4K PLUS Series matrix switchers are designed for use with computers equipped with 4K graphics cards, 4K media players, 4K Blu-ray players and other similar signal sources, as well as 4K native resolution displays. With a maximum data rate of 18 Gbps, they support computer and video resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz with 8-bit color in 4:4:4 color space. In addition, these matrix switchers fully support 1080p/60 with 12-bit Deep Color. To maintain signal integrity, they feature automatic cable equalization on inputs and output reclocking to reshape and restore timing of the video signal at each HDMI output. These features combined with Extron Pro Series High Speed HDMI Cables allow longer 4K signal runs, reducing the need for additional signal conditioning equipment by compensating for weak source signals or signal loss on long cable runs. Additionally, +5 VDC, 200 mA is available on each output for powering peripheral devices.
Complete specs of the DXP HD 4K PLUS Series are here. Leave a Comment
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AVidea Group Launches iminate Keypad and Dimmer
AVidea Group (AViG) announces two new iminate products, the keypad and the simmer. The backlit keypad is available in four versions: the Keypad HV (high voltage) installs in a standard wall box and accepts either AC or DC power. It’s two-button Decora design is for three-way switch applications. The Keypad LV (low voltage) is for those locations where high voltage wiring isn’t present. Power this with low-voltage on a Category wire or put in a 9V battery. It will last up to a year, and the Keypad LV will let you know when it’s time to change the battery. The Keypad SM (surface mount) accepts four AAA batteries and is surface mounted. Users can simply put it on the wall, or on a desk, or carry it around. Finally, the five-button has more, well, buttons!
The Dimmer has all the same features, and controls lighting or a fan. The Dimmer contains a light sensor to monitor and maintain preset lighting levels to never allow the room to get dark, or surprise users by suddenly turning on the lights
Like all iminate products, no central hub is required so you can start with a single Keypad or Dimmer and scale from there. The Dimmer’s is $129.95; the Keypad HV – $79.95; the Keypad LV – $59.95; the Keypad SM – $49.95; and the 5 Button – $79.95.
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Lutron Electronics Acquires Ketra, Smart Lighting and Controls
Lutron Electronics has signed an agreement to acquire Ketra, whose Natural Light solutions provide the highest-quality light — light that seamlessly emulates daylight in interior spaces.
Founded in 2009 in Austin, Texas, Ketra offers lighting and control solutions that deliver beautiful, customizable light in residential and commercial environments. Ketra’s selection of light sources creates high-quality white, pastels and saturated colors, which enhance the look of any space and allow you to precisely tailor the light to meet the needs of the space. For example, enjoy a bright, energizing light in your office – or a warm, comforting light in your living room.
Ed Blair, Lutron senior vice-president, said it was a natural extension for Lutron to expand its product portfolio with Ketra light sources and controls. “This acquisition allows Lutron to take care of its customers with the most comprehensive portfolio of light control solutions in the industry. Moreover, it uniquely positions Lutron for the greatest success in the market’s areas of growth, like simulated natural light, smart homes and buildings and tunable white.”
Ketra light sources are compatible with the Lutron HomeWorks QS total home control system and Lutron Quantum total light management system.
Ketra products are sold through select U.S.-based lighting showrooms and A/V dealers. You can learn more about their entire line here. Leave a Comment
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Linear Adds New 7″ e3 Entry System Nortek Security & Control (NSC) today announced the addition of the new 7″ e3 Entry System to the Linear line of access control and telephone entry solutions.
The browser-based Linear e3 Entry System is a touch screen based entry system with a full query keyboard, which they says minimize the number of steps. Dealers save time with an easy-to-install solution that’s equipped with an intuitive installation wizard and one common database and programming interface to configure.
Linear e3’s new 7″ weatherproof product features a larger touchscreen display with a self-adjusting sensor, making it easy-to-read both during the day and at night, as well as in rain, sleet and snow. The display is paired with a stainless-steel keypad featuring recessed illuminated blue keys and a polycarbonate home key with white illuminated backlighting.
Equipped with a motion sensor, ambient light sensor, and optional HD IP camera, the new offering includes a built-in postal lock and three-point locking mechanism for added security. For noise reduction and voice clarity, the 7″ e3 Entry also features digital signal processing.
For added durability, the product’s new faceplate is engineered with Linear ArmorTech polycarbonate and stainless steel. Polycarbonate makes it light and easy to install for dealers, optimizing the RF transmission while also providing aesthetically pleasing design and added durability against force and harsh weather elements.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Clarus Audio Cables Debuts Four AC Power Conditioners Clarus is introducing its first-ever line of AC Power Conditioners: Duet, Sextet, Octet and the flagship Clarus Power. The Clarus Power Conditioners will be available in four models — three Power Blocks and one 2U-component rack-mountable unit. The Power Blocks are: Duet, a two-outlet model; Sextet, a six-outlet model and Octet, an eight-outlet model. The Clarus Power component model has eight outlets.
As with all Clarus products, these entirely new designs are evaluated with test instruments, but final decisions are made only after they are subjected to extensive listening tests and comparisons with reference designs, keeping firmly in mind the sound of live music.
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Tributaries Improves Slim HDMI Cables By Making Them Slightly Thicker Tributaries just announced a major upgrade to the UHDS Slim line of HDMI cables. All UHDS cables are now certified 18Gbps by DPL Labs and the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) — 18Gbps certification ensures 4K compatibility, enabling High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Deep Color.
By increasing the wire gauge slightly from stranded 36AWG to solid 32 AWG, Tributaries UHDS are all now able to support 18Gbps passively from ½ meter through 2 meters while maintaining a slim flexible design. Why is passive such a big deal? In addition to incompatibility issues with other electronics, active cables are directional and will not work if reversed. The active end of the cable must be connected to the display and requires power to supply the on-board electronics; typically, these cables harvest their power from unused TMDS voltages. This method works well as long as the source which drives the 5V line has an adequate output. If the source voltage is too low, it will draw down the vital 5-volt line.
Passive cables are bi-directional and voltage agnostic, making any installation simpler and more stable. Increasing the wire gauge resulted in a minor cable O.D. increase of less than 1mm maintaining the cable’s slim profile. Ideal for rack systems where multiple cables are bundled and dressed and installations where flexibility and a minimum bend radius is required the UHDS fulfills the promise of ease of installation.
The new improved UHDS Slim are available now in 1/2 meter, 1 meter, 1.5 meter and 2 meter, which replace the original models. The 3-meter and 4-meter lengths have been discontinued. More information is here. 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).
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.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2018 – 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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