LG-Samsung Rivalry Heats up
By Chris Chinnock
Sr. Editor and Analyst, Insight Media For some time, we have been telling of the rivalry between LG Electronics’ Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) approach to 3D HDTV and Samsung’s shutter glasses approach. Each has maintained the superiority of its approach and traded barbs over the spring. Now LG has landed a body blow against Samsung that has forced the resignation of YunBu Geun, President of Samsung’s Visual Display Business Division, the man ultimately responsible for selling Samsung 3DTVs on a worldwide basis.
The last straw for Samsung President Kun-he Lee, was the top rating of LG’s 3DTV over Samsung’s in the latest Consumer Reports’ review. But, Lee was also upset at the success LG has had in selling its FPR 3D HDTVs. Such is the risk of top sales positions – hero one year, goat the next.
In the June 26th edition of Consumer Reports magazine, which is very influential on consumer buying behavior in the U.S., it rated the LG Electronics 47LW5600 3D HDTV as the "Best Recommended Model." This product also received the higher score (76 points) of the surveyed 3D HDTVs and the magazine called it the "Perfect No.1."
Products from Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sony, Sharp, Toshiba and Vizio were compared. When the analysis was conducted, 13 3D HDTV products from these companies represented all of the 3DTVs on sale in the U.S. This was the first time Consumer Reports has done such a comprehensive survey of all 3D HDTVs on the market.
LG Electronics’ Cinema 3DTV scored the highest in several categories such as 3D effect (4 pts), HD image quality (5 pts), sound (3pts), remote control (5 pts), menu (5 pts), and functional diversity (5pts).
Wait! Best in 3D effect and HD image quality? This has not been the message that Samsung, Sony and others in the shutter glass camp have been saying. And, in many ways, I would agree that 3D effect and HD image quality is better with shutter glass models. I have not yet had time to talk to the researchers at Consumer Reports to better understand the factors behind these ratings, but they are smart guys and probably have a logical reason. Regardless, the rating is out there and likely reflects what consumers are seeing too – the brighter image and inexpensive glasses are overpowering the deficiencies of lower 3D resolution and limited vertical viewing angles.
Frankly, I am a little surprised that the 2D HD image quality was rated higher on the LG TV, but perhaps I will learn more soon.
The Consumer Report rating follows right on the heels of a new report that LG commissioned, with market research firm Morpace, last May. The results of this study suggest that 80 percent of consumers prefer the 3DTV experience wearing passive glasses over active-shutter glasses. In this study, the same LG 47LW560 model was compared to a Samsung 3D HDTV model UN46D6420, and separately compared against a Sony 3D HDTV model KDL-46EX723.
According to Morpace, respondents preferred LG Cinema 3D for the immersive 3D experience (78 percent), 3D effect (77 percent), overall picture quality (77 percent) and 3D glasses (78 percent).
While competitors have the right to question the independence of such surveys and the framing of questions and statistical analysis, this is often lost on the consumer who jumps on these kinds of surveys and reports to make buying decisions.
And, sales of passive 3DTVs have been climbing steadily in many parts of the world. This success has led Vizio to recently commit all of its new 3D HDTVs to the passive approach, phasing out shutter glass displays. Vizio is the No. 1 selling TV brand in the U.S., so they have clout.
LG Electronics is feeling so pumped up about its momentum that it apparently couldn’t resist poking rivals Sony and Samsung in the eye by running an ad in a number of publications. The headline: "Hey Sony and Samsung, better stick to 2D."
Sony Electronics Home Division senior VP Mike Abary fired back saying consumer actions speak louder than their alleged words.
According to a TWICE article, Abary sent an email "rebutting LG’s consumer study claims that 80 percent of viewers preferred passive glasses 3D technology to active-shutter (or active-lens as Sony calls it) technology. Active is outselling passive by over about 6 to 1 according to NPD May 2011 data."
That will change as more and more passive 3D HDTVs become available from more brands as the year goes on. Where it all ends up, nobody knows. But, one thing is certain, the active glasses solution will not disappear from market any time soon and defenders will unleash the weapons they need to defend their sales turf. I see more turbulence ahead, so fasten your seatbelts.
Chris Chinnock is a senior analyst and editor at Insight Media. Reach him at chris@insightmedia.info Leave a Comment
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ISE Sets Bigger Goals
By Bob Snyder
Editor, rAVe Europe The news from the ISE press conference in Amsterdam last week was not the fact that ISE signed a five-year deal to stay in the RAI in Amsterdam.
That was a given… it’d be crazy to move ISE after it’s steamrolled to success after success in Amsterdam.
More significant than the venue deal, the real news is that ISE still believes it has a lot more work and growth ahead.
Sure, ISE has grown from 3489 attendees in 2004 to 34,870 in 2011… and from 120 exhibitors to 715 in the same time period. You couldn’t blame ISE if they were complacent and patting themselves on the back — but they are not.
“How good are we doing?”, asked Managing Director Mike Blackman rhetorically so he can offer his own answer. “Looking at the bigger picture, we’re getting 70 percent of the market. We doing well, but we’ve got more to do.”
And the strategy to get the rest of the market is the rest of the news.
First, how does ISE benchmark itself to make its goals? ISE looks at both InfoComm and CEDIA for inspiration. When it looks at the market size, it sees the European ProAV market at $17.9 billion. (That number differs from the stat you saw on InfoComm MDSS, which was only $12.5 billion because that was only InfoComm product categories. In Europe, many integrators also have CEDIA-style residential departments.)
Another example — when it looks at audience, it sees InfoComm and CEDIA together have more than 55,000 attendees. ISE is smart enough to know that Europe is a bigger market than USA in IT, CE and other similar industries so it asks itself — shouldn’t we have at least 55,000 attendees?
To reach that goal means anchoring the show in Amsterdam to concentrate on growing ISE. Another part of the plan is to add Hall 7 in 2012 and Hall 8 in 2013. After that, we’ve booked out the entire RAI… When the RAI is at full capacity, ISE has already arranged special purpose buildings that will be temporarily added to the RAI grounds during ISE time.
And, after the success of digital signage, ISE will add more product category attractions. You’ll find Unified Communications in Hall 12, IP Security in Hall 9 and a live events technology pavilion.
There will be a new Press Center (in the former Show Management offices), more hosted buyer programs, more social media promotion (thanks in part to rAVe NOW’s OnDemand Coverage LIVE from ISE) and more of just about everything.
You’ll see more news later about another ISE initiative… ISE wants to get across Europe with small shows to raise awareness. They’ve already contracted with the German rail to fit out a train that will travel Germany. Starting October 24th in Frankfurt, the custom-fitted train will then call on Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne. About 25 exhibitors (all must be ISE exhibitors) will join in. If this test works, the ISE train will roll on across Europe in coming years.
This train is decked out with the ISE logo… how more symbolic can you get than to have their own ISE steamroller running down the tracks?
Want to go? Check it out here: http://www.iseurope.org/kcms/home.php Bob Snyder is the editor of rAVe Europe. Reach him at tdcbobsnyder@gmail.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Tools Tools Tools
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist The right tools and the skills to use them are at the heart of AV and control installation. Professional installers take their tools seriously, and those of the male persuasion are often inclined to add to their toolkits at every opportunity. One of my former co-workers was so fond of his tool collection (he lugged three suitcase-sized tool boxes with him to jobsites) that when tool vendor catalogues arrived in the mail we would tease him at every opportunity. “Hey Mike,” we’d yell, “your PORN just arrived!”
There are certainly plenty of specialized tools that are particular to our industry, and I’ve often lamented that at industry trade shows tool vendors often get very little press for their booths and wares compared to display makers, speaker companies and automation brands, an injustice that I always seek to rectify when I’m covering a trade show.
In that same spirit, in this column we’re going to spotlight some tools for installers that are neither new nor exciting (despite really liking tools I stop short of labeling them as “sexy”), yet are indispensible and quite possibly overlooked by some installers.
Keeping the jobsite clean and tidy is an often underrated best practice. In a world full of slovenly contractors one sure way to gain positive word of mouth from your clients is to be fastidious on the jobsite. These tools will help you do that:
Hand vacuum cleaner: It’s entirely likely that the brand of electric drill you favor has a whole line of hand tools that use the same rechargeable battery. If so, there’s likely a hand vac available. Buy one, keep it in your tool kit and clean up your debris after sawing drywall and boring holes.
Drop sheets: They’re not just for high traffic areas — in retrofit installs you should put all your equipment boxes on them when you’re unpacking product.
Painters Tape: More than one installer I know uses it when roughing out on-wall TV and speaker locations, and use it on the corners of furniture that they’re working near.
Then there are tools that, while not specialized are extremely important. It’s a good idea to buy high quality units, and then take care of them so they’ll last you’re entire career.
A Multimeter: 1001 uses on a jobsite. Buy a rugged, expensive one and learn how to use it.
Small hand tools, including, 4-inch high quality wire snips, 4-inch precision needle nosed pliers, and a high grade precision screwdriver set. Don’t settle for the cheap crummy ones; they’ll just make your life harder eventually.
A multibit high quality screwdriver with Robertson, Philips, flat, torx, hex in multiple sizes. I like Klein tools personally, but go with your favorite.
Atility ‘Olfa’ knife: A sharp knife is a tool you don’t always need, but when you need it, you really need it.
Ladder: Especially when heading to the jobsite for the first time, don’t forget an adjustable ladder. If you don’t, it’s guaranteed that there will be some spot you need to access that’s just out of reach. I favor the adjustable Little Giant brand for its versatility and compact size.
There’s more of course, lots more. Have a favorite tool, share it in the comments section, or email me and I’ll work it into a future installment.
Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at lee@ravepubs.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Emerging Trends Education Available at CEDIA EXPO CEDIA EXPO is your resource for emerging trends education. Whether it’s HDMI or tablet based control, CEDIA University has you covered. Check out some of the emerging trends courses offered at this year’s CEDIA EXPO that will help you stay on top of your game. ESD008 – Designing Control for Mobile Devices and Tablets – Whether you see mobile apps as a threat or an opportunity, this session will help you deal with this powerful industry trend. If you want to be on the cutting edge of control, this session is a “must attend.” ESD033 – Apple, Google, and the Cloud – Content Delivery in the 21st Century Home – Gain perspective from panelists who have first-hand experience selling and installing systems that utilize these new technologies. Learn what’s new, hear about real projects from experienced ESCs, and get your questions answered by the experts. ESCR039 – Home Health Technology is Here to Stay… Are You? – In an economy where markets are drying up left and right, there’s one market that we can guarantee will only grow: The Aging and Technology Industry. Learn about the future of aging and technology, why you should get involved, and how to start. ESB090 – Formulating Successful Business Models for Game-Changing Technologies – Gain a better understanding of evaluating when and how to successfully implement growth strategies for new and emerging markets, technologies, and services. Uncover the best business practices and learn to succeed with: - Tablets
- Age-in-place systems
- Streaming media technologies and services and recurring revenue (service contracts, security, remote diagnosis)
- Energy management systems (smart meter, smart appliances, shading)
Don’t forget you can take as many course as you can fit in your schedule at one low price when you enroll in the Members’ Only Education Pass. Browse the virtual registration brochure to view all the course offerings and events taking place during CEDIA EXPO week. Back to Top Take 60 Minutes to Learn About Home Health Technology Join CEDIA for a free webinar on July 26, Home Health Technology and You…in 60 minutes or less. The statistics are in – the aging population is growing faster than ever, and service providers and family caregivers are turning to technology as a solution.
Find out from GrandCare’s Laura Mitchell why this industry is growing so fast, why dealers/integrators are a necessary component and 10 steps to quickly get started. Click here to learn more or to register now: http://www.cedia.net/education/elearning_webinar.php
CEDIA also offers archived webinars featuring over 20 courses that can help you earn your CEUs. Click here to see the complete list of available archived http://www.cedia.net/education/elearning_webinar.php
Back to Top Samsung to Integrate DiiVA Interface into Future HDTVs The Digital Interactive Interface for Video & Audio (DiiVA) Consortium has announced that Samsung Electronics is adding compatibility for its AV interface standard into future Samsung HDTVs. A network-based AV solution much like HDBaseT http://www.hdbaset.com), DiiVA allows for a network of uncompressed video, audio, USB, Ethernet, device control, content protection, power delivery (though only 5 volts) and content management through a custom network-like DiiVA system (all using Cat5). HDBaseT carries 100 volts of power across its network.
Like HDBaseT, in order to ensure interoperability across various manufacturers, all DiiVA products must pass certification at an authorized ATC and may then carry the DiiVA logo.
Want more info on DiiVA? Go here: http://www.diiva.org/index.html Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Crestron Intros 24" Touch Panel — Err, HDTV? Dubbed the V24-C, Crestron's newest 24” touch panel is basically a touch screen HDTV. Designed to be used with the company’s DigitalMedia 8G+ system, the V24-C uses its DGE-2 graphics engine (using HDBaseT) to drive signals and control via Cat5e cabling. It can be used essentially as both a Crestron controller and HDTV, with nearly 180-degree viewing angles, a 1080p native LCD and HDCP.
For complete specs, go here: http://www.crestron.com/resources/product_and_programming_resources/catalogs_and_brochures/online_catalog/default.asp?jump=1&model=V24-C Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Crestron Adds New 45-Button Remote to Prodigy Line Crestron has added the PLX3 Prodigy, a 45-button (with a top-based color LCD screen) handheld “long-range” remote to its product line that’s designed to control lights, thermostats, multiroom-audio systems, home theaters, security systems and more. Designed to run using a custom “Crestron wireless technology,” rather than RF, Crestron claims the 2.4 GHz mesh network based control system works better than traditional RF systems.
Want all the specs? Go here: http://www.crestron.com/resources/product_and_programming_resources/catalogs_and_brochures/online_catalog/default.asp?jump=1&model=plx3# Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top ClearOne Adds HDMI to VIEW ClearOne’s VIEW IP-based AV distribution and control system now does HDMI, too, with the VIEW MLAV9500 encoder and VIEW VL9300 decoder. Using an MLAV9500 encoder with any HDMI (or DVI) source (with HDCP), such as a Blu-ray player, satellite receiver, cable box or DVR, allows the signal to be “streamed” across the network and then taken back off in its native format via the VIEW VL9300 decoder.
Both the VIEW MLAV9500 encoder and VIEW VL9300 decoder are rack- or wall-mountable, VESA-mountable, include connectivity for HDMI and DVI, provide analog audio output, and control via IR, RS-232 and IP.
The VL9300 has an MSRP of $1,799 and will be available late June. The MLAV9500 has an MSRP of $2,999 and will be available late August.
For complete specs, go here: http://www.clearone.com/audio_video_distribution_control.html Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top iPort's 4th Gen iPod Dock Launches The new CM-IW200 is iPort’s solution for wall-mounting the 4th generation iPod. It can be used as an in-wall touch panel, providing continuous charging of the iPod and allowing a connection to a Wi-Fi network.
The CM-IW200 delivers unbalanced audio output via a Cat5 connection up to 30 feet, iPod charging, remote power up to 200 feet away and audio control access. It also allows for the use of the front-facing iPod camera and home button.
All the specs are here: http://www.iportmusic.com/products/cm/CM-IW200 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Onkyo's New 3D THX Certified Sub-$600 Blu-ray Player Onkyo has announced the BD-SP809, the company’s new THX Certified Blu-ray Disc player, which the company says is top-of-the-line. Like all Blu-rays nowadays, the BD-SP809 handles normal DVDs and up-converts them to 1080p, outputs native 1080p from Blu-ray discs and video on demand (VOD) from Netflix, Blockbuster, Film Fresh, and VUDU services via the network.
The DLNA 1.5-certified media server inside the BD-SP809 handles virtually all network audio formats and includes audio in DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD.
The Onkyo BD-SP809 will be available in August with a suggested retail price of $599. All the details can be found here: http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=BD-SP809&class=DVD&p=i Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top MartinLogan Adds C2 and FX2 Center and Surround Channels MartinLogan announced two new home theater speakers, the ElectroMotion C2 center channel and the ElectroMotion FX2 surrounds. Both are electrostatic, compact, thin film transducer-based, floor standing speakers and MartinLogan says they are sonically matched with the ElectroMotion ESL speaker. The EM-C2 center channel and EM-FX2 surround channel speakers feature the next evolution of MartinLogan’s “Folded Motion technology” and boasts a radiating surface 40 percent larger than those found in the company’s Motion Series products. ElectroMotion C2 is priced at $799.95 and the ElectroMotion FX2 is priced at $649.95 each. Specs on both can be found here: http://www.martinlogan.com/electromotion/specs.php
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Share Article Back to Top Sanus Ships 44U Rack Sanus is now shipping the Foundations CFR144, a rack that offers up to 44U of space for custom AV installs. The CFR144 stands 85 inches tall and comes fully loaded to simplify ordering. It includes five 1U shelves and eight 2U blanking panels that hold up to 1,000 lbs.
The CFR144 includes a three-section back panel with wire management openings, removable side panels for easier component access, a tempered glass door, swivel casters and a built-in cooling system that allows heated air to escape through the top. The CFR144 is currently available for a list price of $1,499.
More details and specs are here: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-racks/av-component/CFR144
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Share Article Back to Top SnapAV Ships Surveillance Cameras SnapAV, known for its entry-level priced HomeAV gear, has added surveillance cameras to its product line, including indoor, outdoor, weatherproof and wired and wireless cameras. The VGA- to XGA-resolution cameras include 2.8:1 zoom lenses, network control, auto focus and gain, IP66 weather rating, plus run on 12VDC power.
For more information, click here: http://www.snapav.com/c-98-cameras.aspx Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top CEDIA Expo to Include Second Year of the Home Environment of Tomorrow The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) has announced details surrounding the 2011 Future Technology Pavilion that will appear on the CEDIA EXPO tradeshow floor.
The Future Technology Pavilion first appeared on the CEDIA EXPO tradeshow floor in 2010. This year’s pavilion will simulate a future home environment with individual rooms showcasing technologies for the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, home office and garage.
“The Future Technology Pavilion is designed to be a preview of how emerging trends will be integrated into home technology systems in the coming months and years,” said Dave Pedigo, Senior Director of Technology for CEDIA. “CEDIA EXPO attendees are getting a sneak peek at how they will be able to capitalize on these cutting-edge technologies in the near future.”
Highlights of this year’s pavilion include a video wall, smart appliances, wireless power for cooking and charging, and fully integrated home health and wellness products. The systems on display in the Future Technology Pavilion will represent a model of how new and emerging technologies will be integrated into the homes of tomorrow. Some products are just hitting the market, and others will be available within a few years.
The Future Technology Pavilion will be open during tradeshow hours, Thursday September 8 and Friday September 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday September 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Want to see the Expo’s 2011 Brochure? Go here: http://digital.virtualmarketingpartners.com/vmp/CEDIA/expo-brochure-2011/index.php#/0 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Valens Semiconductor Raises $14 Million Valens Semiconductor, the inventor of HDBaseT technology, announced this month that it has raised $14 million in its latest round of funding. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Crestron Adds Six New Hires to West Coast Sales Team Crestron Electronics has hired six new people to its west coast sales team. Michael Zarb amd Bruce Moses have joined the Cypress, CA office as residential regional sales managers, covering southern California and Oregon and Seattle, respectively. Steven Ricks, based in San Rafael, CA is a new residential regional sales manager covering northern California. Phoenix-based Wiliam Sexton will also joins as a residential regional sales manager, covering Arizona and New Mexico. Also based in Phoenix, Ryan Baumann is the new regional manager for consultant market development and will handle ProAV consultant needs throughout the western territory. Finally, based in Las Vegas, Vincent Tu joins Crestron as regional manager of hospitality and gaming market development for the Crestron West territory. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top 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 2011 – 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. |