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| Volume 5, Issue 2 – January 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welcome to another edition of rAVe! HomeAV installation professionals have had one wary eye out on a relatively new development in projection — the pico projector. This is a somewhat new product category, usually describing an embedded projection device that no one expected would do much more at this point than entertain a few 9-year-olds during a slumber party. But hey, new developments are making pico projection look way more interesting than that. Read the three, yes three, pico projection stories in today's news! Also note the new technology Sony is bringing to projection. It may be a commercial products technology right now but it just may bring a new player to HomeAV projection soon. Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS
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Editorial An AV Rant
Let me start by introducing myself. I am not as famous as Gary Kayye, but I am way smarter than he is–and a heck of a lot more observant. Gary's always talking about how awesome the AV industry is and how we should all be thankful for the traditional AV distribution channel and how manufacturers are crazy for not using the AV channel (as opposed to, let's say, the IT channel or the Wal-Mart channel) to distribute AV products. Well, I disagree, and here's why: • Too Many Men: Why are there so many guys in this industry? Where are the women? I would much rather buy something from a female than a male (unless, of course, it's fishing tackle). Women have more pleasant voices than men, aren't as pushy as men and have way better handwriting. And, they smile more, not to mention they don't squeeze your hand like it's a Soloflex machine when they meet you. Speaking of meeting women, how are you supposed to greet a female in this industry? Is it a handshake? A kiss on the left cheek? Right cheek? What's the correct protocol here? • Speaking of Women: I'll tell you what…one company's figured out the importance of hiring women: Crestron. Every trade show I'm at, I make a point of heading straight over to the Crestron booth for my daily dose of smiling, pleasant-sounding, non-pushy ladies. But, what's with the cardigan sweaters? • Too Much Drinking (and '80s rock icons): How many people can say they've been to concerts with 18 of the Billboard Music's Top 20 bands from 1982? Well, if you've been in the AV industry for more than three years, you can. I've seen Pat Benatar, David Lee Roth, Huey Lewis and the News, Kansas, Journey, the B52s, Earth Wind and Fire, KISS (OK, well, I actually saw Midget KISS, but it looked and sounded just like regular KISS, only smaller), the Stray Cats and Foreigner–just to name a few. These washed-up has-beens are all making the business trade-show concert circuit, playing for audiences of AV geeks (like me) and we seem to be eating it up! I don't want my MTV… • Too Many Ugly Products: I have been asked not to mention specific manufacturers by name, to avoid offending any ugly product manufacturers, so I won't. But, will someone tell the projector manufacturer industry that geometrically, there are other shapes than a rectangle! And, while you're at it, let the control system manufacturers know that I have yet to see a man (or woman) with a square finger. Finally, please give an engineer a ride over to Sherwin Williams so he can see that there are colors other than gray… • Un-Memorable Product Names (SKUs): Check this out: A manufacturer's rep stopped by our office to introduce us to a yet-to-be announced product called the VP-SL3400-IR-45NWB. Last time I checked, that word/name wasn't in the dictionary; I just Googled it. What is the deal with all these complicated, meaningless numbers and letters? Why can't we use names such as iPhone? OK, admittedly, I have no clue what the "i" is for, but I am pretty sure that it's a phone that also does "i." I'll tell you what: The car manufacturers have this all figured out. Names such as Accord, Camry, Sequoia and Hummer roll right off the tongue (no pun intended). Sure, they have nothing to do with the product, per se, but, at least I can remember them, and I know they are cars. But, I am told that the aforementioned product has logic in its name. Apparently, VP is video processor. Ah, OK, I buy it. And, 3400 is the resolution it reaches. OK, I'm with you so far. And, the 45NWB is the shelf location and catalog page number as well as the color, enclosure style and type of rack ears it has. Lost me there… • Bad PR: Does PR stand for public relations or press release? Officially, I'm not totally sure. But, in the AV market, it's clear that it stands for press releases–and lots of them. I am convinced that PR companies in the AV market are paid by the letter. Just last week, I read a press release from a manufacturer that I didn't even know we carried, announcing that someone (again, someone I didn't know) was promoted to a position that I didn't even know existed: order proofreader. Honestly, I didn't care. Sure, I am happy that Connie whatever her name is was promoted, because I assume that means she's making more money, thus paying more taxes, thus adding to the US infrastructure to serve the poor and indigent population. But, you know, I wasn't buying anything from them before she was promoted and I am not going to buy anything from them because she was promoted. Come to think of it, I can't even remember the name of the manufacturer. Let me go re-read that PR and see who that was again…
Reprinted with permission from Sound & Communications. Founded in 1955, Sound & Communications is the premiere magazine for AV systems integrators, contractors and consultants. To subscribe or read sample articles, go to http://www.soundandcommunications.com.
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Time is running out to be a part of this year's must-attend business building event!
CEDIA Management Conference is the ultimate business growing opportunity for owners and senior managers in the residential electronic systems industry. The knowledge and professional relationships that you will gain are invaluable. Management Conference gives you the opportunity to:
View the registration brochure, or visit www.cedia.org/mc for more information.
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CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles® Forum
Electronic Lifestyles® Forum is your chance to connect with architects, builders, and interior designers. CEDIA sets the stage with expert-led education through networking events, relevant presentations, and engaging discussions. You will walk away with the tools to collaborate with industry partners like never before.
Learn more about the event format in the registration brochure, or visit www.cedia.org/elforum.
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Why Should You Enter CEDIA's Electronic Lifestyles® Awards Competition? "We entered the awards this year because of the new judging process. We are very proud of our award based on the fact that our project was judged by industry specialists that evaluated not only the design and aesthetic, but more importantly the technical aspect of our project. This process definitely gives our award more credibility." The Electronic Lifestyles® Designer and Manufacturers' Excellence Awards are highly sought-after in the industry. Higher standards and new categories have been put in place for this year's competition. Designer Awards: The Electronic Lifestyles® Designer Awards have continued to evolve through the years to better serve the work of CEDIA's residential electronic systems contractor members. For 2008 the Small Home Theater and Theme categories have been revised and a new category, Documentation, has been added. Requirements for all categories have been revised as well. Manufacturers' Excellence Awards: To acknowledge CEDIA's outstanding manufacturer members the Manufacturers' Excellence Awards competition has expanded to recognize the outstanding strides in technology that CEDIA manufacturer members dedicate their time to each year. For 2008 there are three categories; Best New Product, Best New Technology, and a Product Hall of Fame, each having different guidelines and criteria. Lifetime Achievement Award: This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding, creative, innovative, and visionary leadership to the growth and advancement of the residential electronic systems industry. Deadline: Friday, May 2 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Electronic Systems Contractor of the Year Award: The CEDIA Electronic Systems Contractor of the Year Award is given to the residential electronic systems contractor member of CEDIA that represents the best of CEDIA. Entrants for the Electronic Systems Contractor of the Year Award are judged on the following criteria: company structure, professionalism, profitability, growth, recognition in the industry, service to the industry, service to the community, and overall success. NEW for 2008: the winner of this award will be given a free registration to the 2009 CEDIA Management Conference. Deadline: June 6, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Electronic Systems Technician of the Year Award: The "In the Trenches Award" annually recognizes a CEDIA Electronic Systems Technician who is the example of the person in the field who leaves a lasting impression on the consumer. All CEDIA business-owner members are encouraged to nominate their best technician for this innovative and very competitive recognition. NEW for 2008: the winner of this award will be given three free CEDIA University core courses in 2009. Deadline: June 6, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Look for more detailed information and the NEW guidelines in early February, visit www.cedia.org/awards. For questions contact Katey Schenk at (800) 669-5329 ext. 157 or kschenk@cedia.org.
Upcoming CEDIA University Events:
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Philips Acquires Lighting, Lighting Control Company Genlyte
For more information, go to http://www.newscenter.philips.com/about/news/press/20080128_acquisition_of_genlyte.page
Two New Large Venue Projectors From Sony — Technology Breakthrough?
Ever since DLP technology debuted in smaller projectors, Texas Instruments has been able to claim a major brightness and contrast ratio lead over standard poly-silicon (transmissive) LCD projection. So, manufacturers like Sony and Epson countered with reflective technologies (i.e. Sony's award-winning SXRD technology). Thus, reflective 3LCD and reflective DLP were head to head on specifications — but DLP has held the lead with pricing as generally DLP is cheaper than reflective 3LCD. The two new projectors are the VPL-FW300L (7,000 lumens) and the VPL-FH300L (6,000 lumens). Sony says they are especially designed to deliver good images while in the same room as the audience — rooms such as smaller auditoriums, large classrooms and meeting rooms, museum exhibits, event centers, ballrooms and movie theaters for displaying pre-show content. The VPL-FW300L projector is specified at WXGA+ resolution of 1366 x 800, and the VPL-FH300L at 2048 x 1080. Both models are housed in the same chassis, and share the same type of lenses, lamps, and filters as well as the same connections and network functions. The projectors' round design also includes large-diameter fans and high-flow cooling air ductwork that lets the projector run cool while fan noise is decreased, which is why Sony says they work well in the same room with the audience without detracting from the display. Users have a choice of five different standard lenses for excellent placement flexibility, and both models have a locking bayonet mount mechanism for easy lens changes. The VPL-FW300L and the VPL-FH300L projectors are planned to be available in January, at suggested list prices of $27,000 and $40,000, respectively. It may be a commercial technology for now, but don't be surprised to see this reach residential. For more details, go to http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/broadcast_production/display_systems/release/32186.html For more on BrightEra, go to http://www.sony.net/Products/SC-HP/brighterawld/index.html
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projectiondesign Incorporating Higher Resolutions Into Two Models
For more information, go to http://www.projectiondesign.com/
3M Announces New Mobile Projection Engine
When deployed in a host platform (such as a mobile phone), 3M technology can project a 40" or larger image with no-speckle and a high-fill factor. Each engine uses a LCOS electronic imager in conjunction with proprietary 3M optics technology. 3M hopes to partner with leading consumer electronics companies that plan to launch products in early 2008. For more info, go to 3M Micro Projector For more information, go to http://www.businesswire.com
Microvision Shows "Plug-and-Play" Pico Projector at CES
With the code name SHOW, this stand-alone prototype is a PDA-sized unit the company says connects directly to laptops, mobile phones, portable media players, digital cameras, and more, to project an image from 12 to 100 inches. 100 inches is a LOT for this product category! Microvision says that SHOW can project a widescreen, WVGA (848 X 480 pixels), "DVD quality" image, and the production version of this product is expected to deliver 2.5 hours of battery life. The company says that the 100 inches is delivered without focus problems. If so, this sets the bar for other pico projector manufacturers and that's great news for consumers, possibly rough news for low-cost entry-level projector manufacturers. For more information, go to http://www.microvision.com/
Displaytech Demonstrates Working Pico-Projection Model at CES
This technology is intended for use in cellphones, to start. For more information, go to http://www.displaytech.com/010708_pr_pico_projection.html
Two New 720p Projectors From Optoma
For more information, go to http://www.optomausa.com/
Panasonic Debuts Wireless HTiB With Blu-ray
The SC-BT100's integrated dock recharges an iPod and plays music or video through the home theater system, displays audio tracks and menus on the TV screen and operates with the supplied remote control. Its SD Memory Card slot offers playback of digital images or original video footage in either standard or High Definition AVCHD format. The optical input also offers users digital audio connection for set-top box, digital video recorder and game system. The system has wireless rear speakers and it is upgradeable to 7.1 channels with the purchase of two side speakers and a transceiver, and upgradeable to multi-room/multi-source, says Panasonic. The Blu-ray Disc player uses the Final Standard Profile for advanced functions such as Picture-in-Picture and Audio Mixing, which allows the consumer to switch the sound between the main and sub windows. Shipping is set for May. For more information, go to http://www2.panasonic.com
Comprehensive Introduces X1300 HDMI 1.3 Cat 2 Cables
Comprehensive also says HDMI X1300 cables support higher refresh rates of up to 120Hz for smoother motion with up to 12-bit (RGB or YCbCr) color depths commonly referred to as Deep Color. In addition, they also support next generation "xvYCC" color space, as well as the latest digital audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. HDMI X1300 cables use an oxygen free copper center conductor for low attenuation and maximum signal transfer, and triple shielding provides maximum rejection of all EM and RF interference and 24k gold connectors ensure superior connectivity. These carry lifetime warranties. For more information, go to http://www.comprehensiveinc.com/store/Search.aspx?searchTerms=X1300&submit=true
Stewart Announces StarLift to Motorize StarGlas Rear-Pro Screen
The StarLift not only houses this large piece of glass, it can also be integrated into a piece of furniture, lowered when not in use and raised when users want to watch TV. The StarLift is available in two models and comes pre-installed with a StarGlas screen. The 65H (diagonal) can be fully extended with a height of 34-inches and 57-inches wide. The larger 72H (diagonal) is 37-inches high with a width of 63-inches. There are two types of StarGlas materials that can be used depending on the application, the StarGlas 60 and the StarGlas 100. The StarGlas 60 is a large black screen the company says is suitable for a variety of residential applications such as media rooms and patio theaters. The StarGlas 100 is set at a peak gain of 1.0 and is an alternative to flat panel TVs and front screens that would be used in darker environments. Stewart says it is capable of blocking 100% of UV light, and the StarGlas screens are abrasion and stain resistant. For more information, go to http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/press.html#liftces08
Threshold Looking to Wirelessly Automate Everything!
There are three components to the system, a combination the company says makes it easy to add wireless devices without having to worry about installation or configuration. The first is ConfigSpot — a near field communications technology that provides automatic installation and configuration of wireless devices. The second is ONE-NET, which is an open-source standard the company says "provides a low-cost, high-performance, secure wireless platform for adding wireless capabilities to many devices." Third is SmartDuty, a user interface framework Threshold says makes it quick and easy for anyone to create complex automation and control applications. Threshold says the technology supports a variety of networking standards including WiFi, ONE-NET, Z-Wave, INSTEON, ZigBee, X-10, and HomePlug. For more information, go to http://www.threshold-corporation.com/news.php
Westinghouse Digital and Pulse~LINK Demo Wireless HDTV at CES 2008
CWave HDMI products claim to offer real-time visually lossless wireless streaming of high quality audio and video content between entertainment source devices and HDTV displays. You can hang a display anywhere without having to worry about the cabling to the TV, including devices such as a DVR, Blu-ray or HD DVD player, or a live cable or satellite feed. Video data is encoded using the JPEG2000 video codec, the same codec used by movie theaters for Digital Cinema The first product pushes will be into the commercial market for digital signage but the companies expect to market to HomeAV soon after. For more information, go to http://www.westinghousedigital.com/newsdetail.aspx?nid=473 For more on Pulse~LINK, go to http://www.pulselink.net/
New Kit From VIZIO Adds 5.1 Surround to LCD HDTVs
The new SV5.1 Enhancement Kit adds a center channel to the integrated front left-and-right speakers. It also adds the two rear channel and a wireless subwoofer. The subwoofer transmits wirelessly through 2.4GHz transmission to the new VIZIO Black Tie Series SV42LF or SV47LF. VIZIO says the VIZIO Jive generates 560 watts total peak power. The VIZIO Jive SV5.1 Enhancement Kit will carry an estimated selling price of $299.00 and will be available in July '08. For more information, go to http://www.vizio.com/news/detail.aspx?nid=201
Boomerang: Buttonless, Keyless Universal Remote Control From Synaptics
It uses scrolling, cursor navigation, and gestures for controlling devices. Synaptics is the company behind the TouchPad, used in many notebook PCs, and is basically building on that technology concept, There are some interesting features on this. The DualMode highlights images of living areas on the remote TouchPad to help control home devices. There is a Proximity Sensing function that activates and illuminates the remote as user approaches, then powers down when user moves away. Feedback provides visual, audio and tactile feedback to indicate when the command is recognized, and Dynamic Control is the gesture-based control pad. Pricing is not yet available. For more information, go to http://www.synaptics.com/press/pr_detail.cfm?id=130
Sling Media Reverses Media Direction With SlingCatcher
The SlingProjector application — bundled with every SlingCatcher — lets the consumer wirelessly project any web site or digital audio/video format onto their TV. Essentially, anything that can be viewed or played on a PC can now be slung to the TV via the SlingCatcher's SlingProjector feature. While the current Slingbox lets consumers placeshift their TV programming to a PC, Mac or mobile phone, the company says that one of the most requested features from the Sling Community has been to provide the ability to sling that same programming to another TV located in the home or to a TV in a remote location (with the original Slingbox, only one device could access content at a time). The SlingPlayer for TV application built into the SlingCatcher lets customers move TV content around the home, or access content from the home remotely via a TV, without the need for a PC or Mac in the process. For instance, Slingbox customers can access their living room DVR on every TV in the home. The SlingCatcher includes both standard definition and high definition AV outputs to connect to a TV including HDMI, Component, S-Video and Composite video, as well as analog and digital audio. In regards to network connectivity, the SlingCatcher features both integrated wireless and a standard Ethernet jack to connect to the home. SlingCatcher will be available for purchase by the middle of this year and the company is targeting a price point under $200. For more information, go to http://www.slingmedia.com/get/io_1168286861787.html
DIRECTV Offers Remote Scheduling
Remember when TiVo gave customers a way to record using Yahoo! TV? One of our staffers says that hasn't worked for a good six months. And TiVo's online scheduling on their website is more than confusing. So DIRECTV is pulling this service out at a very good time. For more information on DIRECTV's solution, go to http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4400046
New Audio Recliner From Ace Bayou is Wireless
The new Wireless Audio Recliner uses a 2.1 built-in system with two forward-facing speakers and a subwoofer. The chair fully reclines, and is structured to allow users to daisy chain multiple chairs together. It is made of black vinyl, fire retardant foam-filled materials with a wood and metal frame. For more information, go to http://www.acebayou.com/
Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at dharrison@kayye.com A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry. rAVe ProAV Edition was launched in February 2003. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-sponsored by CEDIA, launched in February, 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com
Copyright 2008 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact Kayye Consulting, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: dharrison@kayye.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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
