It’s Official: Obama Calls for DTV Transition Delay
President-elect Barak Obama has done what many predicted: called for a delay in the transition to DTV next month (scheduled for February 17, 2009). So far, more than 93% of American TV households have already made the transition due to having Cable TV service, digital satellite service or having taken advantage of the government-subsidized coupon DTV black-box converter program that allows people who get over-the-air TV using antennas to still get SD service using a converter box that works with existing systems. So, due to the other 7% that haven’t “gotten a clue,” we all may have to await the final transition – apparently, a PUNISH THE MASS FOR THE FEW mentality is taking hold there in Washington. I guess a 12-year “heads-up notice” just wasn’t long enough. For more information on the digital transition (whenever it will happen), go to http://www.dtv.gov/ Back to Top CES Show Still Grows — Even in Down Economy It may be a down economy, but CES still had a record 2700 exhibitors – making it still the biggest and the worst traffic jamming, waiting in lines that last forever, bumping into people as they cough and sneeze AV show in the US. While continuously washing our hands with pocket antibacterial gel, it’s clear that some technologies still shine and anticipate a bang-up 2009, literally – starting with gaming. In fact, the product categories of gaming, digital imaging, entertainment content and location based services (LBS) are growth leaders for the holiday sales season and on the 2009 CES show floor. New exhibitors in 2009 include such marquee companies as Blockbuster, Chumby, Electronic Arts, Eye-Fi, Huawei, Hyundai/Kia, Mattel, ooma, Phoenix Technology, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Verizon Wireless. CEA projects 5.6 percent growth for the gaming category this holiday season, 6.9 percent growth for digital imaging and 30 percent growth in holiday sales for GPS/LBS products, with an increased showing from exhibitors in these categories at the 2009 International CES. Overall, the 2009 CES will feature 2,700 exhibitors from 30 product categories across 1.7 million net square feet of space. Back to Top CES Keynote From Microsoft’s Ballmer Outlines Opportunities for Technology Industry A first-time keynote address from Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer and cutting-edge product launches fueled momentum on the eve of the 2009 International CES. Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the 2009 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology, was held last week in Las Vegas. During a market research presentation on Tuesday afternoon, CEA released the Global CE Sales and Forecast. According to new data from CEA and the Gfk Group, CEA projected worldwide revenue for consumer electronics will grow more than four percent to reach $724 billion in 2009. Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, delivered his first CES keynote address on Wednesday evening. Ballmer discussed the economy and noted that the challenges we face today should be viewed with optimism. “No matter what happens with the economy, our digital lives will only get richer,” he said. Ballmer outlined three opportunities that lay ahead for the technology industry – the convergence of the PC, phone and TV; a more natural consumer interaction with devices that will incorporate speech and hand gestures and the connected experience between devices. For all the latest news and developments from the 2009 International CES, visit www.CESweb.org. Back to Top SurgeX Merges With Electronic Systems Protection, Inc. SurgeX, a manufacturer of professional AC surge elimination and power conditioning products for the professional AV, broadcast, and multimedia marketplaces announced that they have merged their North American operations with Electronic Systems Protection, Inc. (ESP), an original equipment manufacturer of power protection technology. The merger will extend ESP’s product line capabilities and enable SurgeX to expand within existing markets and penetrate new markets using ESP’s resources and expanded distribution. The companies say that SurgeX management will join the ESP team and by late January, all product manufacturing will be consolidated into ESP’s facility in Zebulon, NC. Michael McCook, SurgeX senior principal and owner of New Frontier Electronics Inc. said, “This is an exciting milestone for our company and we are eager to work with ESP. ESP is an excellent company and this merger will allow SurgeX to offer our customers and partners expanded resources, sales and marketing expertise, enhanced product solutions, expanded manufacturing capabilities and broader engineering resources. I look forward to working together with ESP to ensure a rapid and seamless transition and to continue building the SurgeX brand for years to come.” “SurgeX’s product offering along with its position in the ProAV market, make it an ideal fit for our company,” said Steve Cole, president of ESP. “SurgeX’s solutions, talent and customers complement ESP’s business and extend our ability to deliver compelling products and services to new industries. As a result of this acquisition, SurgeX’s diverse product line, and ESP’s manufacturing expertise, we will be able to expand into new markets as the premier provider of power protection solutions.” For more information on the companies or the merger, go to www.surgex.com or www.realpowerprotection.com Photo is of SurgeX Senior Principal Michael McCook and ESP President Steve Cole Back to Top Crestron Offers Hope for 2009
Crestron announced last week that they had the single largest month in company history with revenue growth up 26 percent in December 2008 from December 2007. In the same announcement, Crestron said they also had record annual sales (fiscal year July 2007 – June 2008) of just over $400 million worldwide. They went on to say that this represents the 20th consecutive year of double-digit growth.
This is good news for the HomeAV AND the ProAV markets as Crestron plays in both in a big way. As everyone is predicting a downturn in 2009, we at rAVe are also bullish on 2009 as you will see in our Annual Krystal Ball 2009 prediction article that will be published in rAVe HomeAV Edition later this month.
Crestron is on the web at http://www.crestron.com/ Back to Top Audio Reviewer John Potis Passes Away Popular audio reviewer John Potis died the morning of December 22, 2008, after battling cancer. John, a chef that lived outside of Baltimore, Maryland, spent his free time writing extensive reviews on audio equipment for publications such as Soundstage!, Home Theater & Sound, 6Moons.com and Positive Feedback Online, and had a loyal following of readers. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, daughters, Danielle and Grace, and numerous extended family members. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael. Online condolences may be left at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com Photo courtesy of the Potis family Back to Top
SIM2 and Entertainment Experience Team Up for HD Media Systems
SIM2 and a company called Entertainment Experience say they will offer home consumers an All-in-One Digital Entertainment Media System that provides professional cinema quality systems for all entertainment media including digital motion pictures from HDGIANTS.
| The SIM2 and Entertainment Experience System includes the Grand Cinema C3X 1080 or HT5000E 3-chip DLP projectors and an Entertainment Experience Media Center that manages Blu-ray and DVD, Playstation and Xbox Games, HDTV, HD Video, Personal Computer and HDGIANTS digital movies. The Entertainment Experience Media Center provides the core media management and supports 1080p and 720p, all major color and encoding standards including Mpeg2, Mpeg4, H.264, and VC1 at bit rates up to three times higher than conventional HD and full Microsoft Digital Rights Management with HDCP display file encryption. The system also claims to provide automatic contrast control for differing levels of ambient light (although not specifying exactly how they are doing that). In addition, the Media Center can switch what SIM2 calls “an Audio/Video Signal (AVS) Processor” among 18 video inputs including HDMI/HDCP, SD/HD component, S-video and composite and provide 2 HDMI output at 1920×1080, 60 Hertz. Thus, allowing home consumers to enjoy the proprietary cinema color on large screens for Blu-ray and DVD, Xbox and Playstation Games, HDTV, HD Video and Personal Computer input. The AVS Processor also includes 10-bit processing, adaptive de-interlacing for both SD and HD, edge enhancement without ringing, adaptive noise reduction and extensive color and grey level calibration.
For more information, go to http://www.sim2usa.comBack to Top Philips Launches New Picture-Frame Style LCD Dubbed Essence TV, Philips has readied a new line of LCD TVs that are thin, light and designed to (what they call) look good hanging there on a wall. How thin? Well, at 1.5” thick and weighing less than 40 pounds, the 42” model is full 1080p, 1020Hz capable, includes 3 HDMI ports and specifies a 66,000:1 contrast ratio. Now, these LCDs are nothing close to the thinness of the new Sony or Sharp LCDs, but the difference is Philips is saying they will start shipping these this month and because of their weight, they are including a “smart-leveling” mounting kit in with the TV with the assumption that most people will want to hang them on the wall. To see the new Essence TV line, go to (details are in Dutch because the US site does not have them yet): http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/nl/nl/consumer/cc/_language_nl/_productid_42PES0001D_10_NL_CONSUMER Back to Top VIZIO Expands to 55” LCD VIZIO debuted a 55” LCD that is specified as a 240Hz, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 1080p LCD at CES. Although not known as a high-end player, VIZIO is certainly a leader in technology in getting new features and functions out there quickly and efficiently into the market. They also debuted new 42” and 47” models with 250Hz refresh rates. But, what’s unique is that all their new models have USB input ports to play MP3s or all sorts of HD video content (MPEG-2, H.264 and WMV9). To read all about the new VIZIO models, go to: http://www.vizio.com/products.aspx Back to Top Digital Projection’s dVision 1080p Projectors Adopt VIDI Technology DVision 1080P projectors will now begin utilizing Philips' exciting VIDI technology. VIDI is a Philips innovation developed in close cooperation with Texas Instruments in order to optimize the image performance of DLP-based projectors for both video and data applications. VIDI electronics activate the UHP lamp by way of a two-pulse system: one brilliant pulse and one dark pulse. The dark pulse enhances contrast, providing a smoother more vivid image, while the brilliant pulse boosts brightness by up to 25% to 30%, according to Philips. The brilliant pulse ensures there is a noticeable increase in brightness on the projection screen. |
The Texas Instruments/Philips partnership in VIDI technology engineering allows the projector to pulse an individual color, or mix of colors by synchronizing the pulsing of the lamp with the cycling of the projector's the color wheel. For example, if you want more red, you can choose to "boost" the lamp output (pulse the lamp output) during the red interval of the color wheel. Thus, red illumination energy can be 25-30% brighter without affecting the overall demands on the lamp or lamp life. By creating a "dark" pulse, grayscale can be improved by up to 2 bits, along with an increase in contrast ratio and a reduction of dither noise by as much as 75%. Different pulse combinations can be created to optimize projector performance for specific applications. The company says VIDI technology allows color wheel-based projection systems, like DP's iVision and dVision series, to improve performance and flexibility without negatively affecting projector thermal output, efficiency or lamp life. The DP’s dVision 1080p-XB and XL projectors are currently available with VIDI technology. The dVision 1080p-XC will include VIDI technology in late March 2009. To learn more about VIDI technology and to see some cool demos on the technology, go to: http://www.lighting.philips.com Back to Top projectiondesign Debuts avielo At CES, projectiondesign demonstrated its top-of-the-line avielo optix single-chip projector with full HD 1080p resolution for screen sizes up to 180” diagonal. The optix features six lens options from the company’s premium hand-selected ‘Signature’ series for what the company labels as “the best possible picture quality.” The unit uses projectiondesign’s patented DuArch dual illumination architecture, ensuring optimum performance and extended lamp life. It’s a native 1920 x 1080p projector. To learn all about the avielo, go to: http://www.projectiondesign.com/ Back to Top SANYO Debuts New 1080p Projector at CES While the PLV-1080HD is SANYO's entry-level home theater projector, it is equipped with a state-of-the-art 1080p HD 3LCD panel, an advanced lens-shifting technology, a new variable iris, and SANYO's 3D color management system. The PLV-1080HD is shipping now. The PLV-1080HD is one of SANYO's least expensive projectors designed for residential installations, offering a HD panel providing 1920×1080 resolution from high definition sources such as Blu-ray discs, HD camcorders, a wide variety of video on-demand services plus paid TV services from cable and satellite companies, in addition to terrestrial-based HD broadcasts. The PLV-1080HD also incorporates SANYO's 3D color management system that addresses changes in color phase and color level to obtain what the company says is perfect color reproduction. This new color management system was designed to optimize the potential of Deep Color via the projector’s two HDMI 1.3 inputs. Other features include an automatic shutter that protects the lens from dust when not in use and a whisper-quiet fan, rated at only 21dB. Five video modes (Brilliant Cinema/Creative Cinema/Natural/Living/Dynamic) provide pre-calibration for various genres of video material. Check this out for a full story on this as well as a downloadable spec sheet: http://www.noydcom.com/press_release/sanyo/PLV-1080HD/ Back to Top EPSON Also Shows New 1080p Projector Epson announced the latest addition to its home theater line in the form of a 3LCD 1080p front projector, the PowerLite Home Cinema 6500 UB. The projector offers 1080p resolution with the latest 3LCD D7 chip set for significantly higher contrast, a built-in HQV Reon-VX processor by Silicon Optix, and a wide range of new performance advantages. Featuring 3LCD technology with Epson’s new “Crystal Clear Fine” D7 chip set and UltraBlack (Vertical Alignment) technology, the Home Cinema 6500 UB displays superb black levels and extraordinary details. 3LCD technology enables the projector to deliver realistic, vibrant colors without the possibility of color break-up, unlike single-chip projectors, which use a spinning color wheel to create their colors. It also allows the Home Cinema 6500 UB to provide a significantly enhanced contrast ratio — up to 75,000:1 — to deliver darker blacks and brighter whites. The $2900 Home Cinema 6500 UB also features a unique OptiCinema multi-lens system, developed by Fujinon, a leading provider of precision optics to the digital film and HDTV camera industry. This lens system allows for sharp, clear images, and precise focus and adjustment flexibility with the lens shift feature. The projector is also equipped with Silicon Optix’s HQV Reon-VX scaling and de-interlacing video processor to reduce mosquito and block noise, while adding multi-level contrast enhancement and other picture improvement options. In addition, Epson’s new FineFrame technology delivers smoother and sharper motion pictures, while virtually eliminating judder to provide optimum picture detail for viewers. Full details are not on their web site yet, but when they are, you will find it here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-13923 Back to Top Energizer Reinvents the Battery At last week’s CES Show, Energizer unveiled a new battery technology to power many of the electronic devices we use every day. The Energizer Zinc Air Prismatic battery will offer OEMs greater design flexibility, while providing greater run times or enabling smaller devices. Zinc Air Prismatic batteries use the same zinc air technology that is used in hearing aid batteries, in which zinc reacts with oxygen in the air to generate power. The battery offers high energy density as well as a thin form factor. Product innovations include a new 5 mm thin prismatic (rectangular) construction, with what the company says is the highest energy density of any consumer portable power solution (either disposable or rechargeable) resulting in up to three times (3X) more runtime compared to similarly sized alkaline or lithium ion batteries. You can learn all about the new Zinc Air technology at a custom Energizer site at: http://data.energizer.com/zincairprismatic/Default.html Back to Top Composite Products Unveils New Carbon Fiber Line of Racks Still placing AV Gear on shelves instead of integrated rack systems? Then, you need to check out this new line from Composite Products made from carbon fiber — a super-light material that’s amazingly strong. Carbon fiber is also one of the best anti-vibration materials made today. We know that glass and metals are some of the worse. While the support structure in carbon fiber racks, platform shelves and feet are literally made form hundreds of layers of carbon fiber composite, Composite Products utilize other engineering plastics like fiberglass and acrylic in as well to allow for a mixture of materials and looks – while still remaining vibration-free. And, their design is totally configurable. Check it out: http://www.composite.com/configure.htm Back to Top Da-Lite Ships New Insta-Theater Plus Sizes Da-Lite Screen Company announced additional sizes and a new design for the Insta-Theater Plus Projection Screen. Easy to raise and lower with one hand, the new Insta-Theater Plus features a single pneumatic extension arm to allow the screen to be opened to any position. Quick and easy set up along with a lightweight design make portable presentations easier than ever. The newly redesigned Insta-Theater Plus provides a very cost effective way to conduct a professional presentation. The Insta-Theater Plus is now available in 60”, 80” and 100” diagonal Video format sizes. To see all the Insta-Theater Products, go to: http://www.dalite.com/products/product.php?cID=19&pID=363 Back to Top Tripp Lite Introduces Five New A/V Surge Suppressors At CES last week, Tripp Lite introduced five new premium surge suppressors designed for audio/video applications. The new Platinum and Gold Series A/V Surge Suppressors are designed to provide users with professional-grade surge protection solutions for their valuable A/V components. The three new Platinum Series A/V Surge Suppressors incorporate Tripp Lite’s Isobar surge technology to provide connected audio/video components with the highest level of protection available — up to 3384 joules of surge-stopping power. With up to 10 AC outlets, plus telephone/modem, Ethernet and high-definition gold coaxial protection, they safeguard connected components on every line. Exclusive isolated filter banks that eliminate interference between connected components and EMI/RFI line noise filtering help to ensure that users get the peak audio and video performance they paid for. The Platinum Series consists of three models: AVBAR10 – 10 total outlets, 4 transformer outlets AVBAR8 – 8 total outlets, 2 transformer outlets AVBAR6 – 6 total outlets The two new Gold Series A/V Surge Suppressors offer an advanced yet economical surge protection solution for A/V systems. They provide up to 3345 joules of surge-stopping power, up to 8 AC outlets, plus telephone/modem and high-definition gold coaxial line protection. The Gold Series consists of two models: AV810 – 8 total outlets, 3 transformer outlets AVSWIV6 – 6 total outlets Pricing has not been announced. To read all the specs, go to: http://www.tripplite.com Back to Top Envivio Begins Shipping New Mobile TV Encoding Solution Envivio Inc., a technology provider of IP video convergence encoding solutions from mobile to HD, last month announced that the new Mobile TV configuration of its 4Caster C4 three screens encoder has successfully entered service with several mobile network operators and content aggregators around the world. The Envivio 4Caster C4 simultaneously delivers four channels of video to up to 32 different mobile TV profiles, providing a solid compression platform for operators launching new services or upgrading early generation services based on software encoding platforms. The 4Caster C4 convergence-encoding platform is the world’s first to provide video compression for all Three Screens of consumer video – TVs, PCs and mobile devices – from a single platform. Designed to enable fixed line and mobile network operators to deliver content simultaneously across the full range of consumer devices, the 4Caster C4 is able to take multiple channels of content and encode them simultaneously to deliver multiple mobile TV profiles, multiple Internet TV profiles, or SD and HD IPTV profiles. The 4Caster C4 supports digital, analog and MPEG-2 Transport Stream over IP inputs as well as a range of video and audio encoding options to enable efficient delivery of content to the Three Screens. Watch this technology, as it is part of the future of the convergence of TV and mobile phones: http://www.envivio.com/ Back to Top Sherwood Shows Sound Bar Speaker As the market for sound-bars placed under LCD TVs mounted on walls explodes, everyone is getting into it, including Sherwood. Probably one of the nicer looking sound bars, the new Sherwood SB-4221i is a 2.1 channel system that provides TV, DVD, and MP3 audio inputs and includes an iPod charging dock with video and S-video outputs. It also includes an FM stereo radio. Its touch panel control features a blue LED display, and it can also be operated with full remote control. A 15-watt/channel amplifier drives its dual 2.75” drivers, and a 30-watt RMS amplifier drives its dual 4” subwoofers. Frequency response is 40 Hz to 20 KHz. MSRP for the SB-4221i is $159.95 and it will be available in the first quarter of 2009. The SB-3721 2.1 channel Sound Bar system, designed for 37” and 42” flat panel TVs, also features stereo speakers with built-in subwoofer, with 10 watts per channel for the main speakers and 20 watts for the subwoofer. Frequency response is 46 Hz to 20 KHz, and it features MAX DSP Virtual Surround Sound and MAX BASS. It includes a full function wireless remote, and it includes TV, DVD and mp3 audio inputs. MSRP for the SB-3721 is $129.95 and it will be available in the first quarter of 2009. To read all the audio specs (when they are posted), go to: http://www.sherwoodamerica.com Back to Top Velodyne Thumps With New Subwoofer Technology The Optimum Series subwoofers from Velodyne Acoustics offer a new level of what the company calls “simplicity and ease-of-use” while still providing the ultimate bass performance. With immediate visual feedback from the Optimum subs, in what we must say is a very nice contoured cabinet design, the user can easily and quickly balance the subwoofer and adjust for any source material. And, the Optimum Series replaces the successful SPL-R Series and each model in the series is 3 dB louder than its predecessor. Users can make adjustments on their subwoofer using the included remote control with instantaneous feedback from the intuitive, interactive front panel display. One push of the “EQ” button on the remote and the seven-band, Auto-EQ room bass correction system, using DSP technology, will quickly adjust the sub for the best bass performance, regardless of placement. Use the remote control to adjust the volume, turn on or off the front LED, adjust phase or limit output for late night listening and view the results on the front panel. The remote control also includes four one-touch listening presets for customized listening. The mic-input jack is located on the front panel along with the power switch. All three models in the Optimum Series (Optimum-8, Optimum-10 and Optimum-12) are powered by a Class D switching amplifier delivering 1200 watts RMS and 2400 watts dynamic power. The drivers incorporate light, stiff Kevlar-reinforced resin cones, massive 21 lb. magnet structures (on the Optimum-10 and Optimum-12), and 2.5” to 3” copper wound voice coils and vented pole pieces. The contoured cabinet is available in either a high-gloss, black piano lacquer finish or real cherry veneer. Want more performance specs? Go to: http://www.velodyne.com/main.aspx Back to Top Artcoustic Launches SUPERSTAR iPod Music Server In late December, Artcoustic launched the SUPERSTAR iPod Music Centre. It’s an amazingly cool looking way to dock an iPod in an artistic-looking speaker – anywhere in the house! Here are the specs: - Amplifier 2 x 150watt into 8ohm
- Optional cooling fan
- Bass Eq. @ 45Hz flat, +3dB, +6dB
- Crossover, full range, 80Hz. 120Hz
- Bridged, mono and stereo switch
- RCA left and right input terminals
- DIN input (Bang & Olufsen ready)
- Auto turn on/turn off
- Input sensitivity volume control
- iPod USB charger
There’s no other way to explain this than to show it to you. If you want to read my specs about it, then you can go to: http://www.artcoustic.com/products/superstar-ipod-music-centre.aspx Back to Top NAD Premieres New HD AV Components at CES At CES NAD Electronics introduced upgraded HD versions of the T 785, T 775, T765 AV Receivers and the T 175 AV Tuner Preamp-Processor. Additionally, NAD premiered Modular Design Construction (MDC) in the new Masters Series M15HD AV Preamp-Processor. The MDC-based products include four new entries in NAD’s popular Theater Series — the T 785 HD AV Receiver, T 775 HD AV Receiver, T 765 HD AV Receiver, and T 175 HD Preamp-Tuner-Processor. It also includes NAD’s first MDC-based Masters Series component, the M15HD Surround Sound Processor. All are based on current models that have been significantly upgraded with the new MDC architecture and various high definition and advanced features. The T 785 HD AV Receiver, T 175 HD AV Tuner Preamp-Processor and the M15HD AV Preamp-Processor come equipped with NAD’s new AM 200 and VM 200 Modules. As a result, new features include dual 32-bit Aureus 7.1 high-speed digital signal processors (DSPs) by Texas Instruments, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume by Audyssey; decoding for several advanced audio formats, including Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio; and Sigma Designs’ VXP broadcast studio quality image processor. To check all the new NAD products out, go to: http://nadelectronics.com/index Back to Top Paradigm Launches First-Ever Architectural Subs Paradigm Electronics Inc. last week added two new in-wall subwoofers — its first-ever entries in the category — to its expanding line of custom install music and home theater solutions. Paradigm’s new PCS Series subwoofers line consists of the PCS-80R, an in-ceiling model with a round footprint, and the PCS-80SQ, an in-wall model with a square footprint. Not much bigger than a spotlight, the company says they are the world’s most powerful eight-inch in-wall/in-ceiling subwoofers. Clean, clear, accurate bass reproduction is achieved through a combination of driver technology, the extremely rigid chassis and mounting bracket systems, and power provided by the matching Paradigm X-Series subwoofer amplifiers (sold separately). To distribute bass more uniformly and to further reduce their already-low levels of distortion, the PCS Series subwoofers are designed to be used in pairs. To bring performance to an even higher level, four PCS subs can be installed. Multi-sub applications are powered by the Paradigm Ultra-Class-D X-300 subwoofer amplifier. With 900 watts of dynamic peak power and 300 watts sustained RMS, the X-300 is designed to drive up to four PCS subwoofers. With Paradigm’s proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) design and EQ settings to match cavity size or optional back-box, the X-300 coaxes every ounce of high-performance out of the PCS subwoofers. Learn more at: http://www.paradigm.com/ Back to Top THIEL Unveils zöet with HDMI THIEL Audio has announced that the HDMI compatible version of their zöet system will begin shipping Q2, 2009. The HDMI version of zöet is equipped with eight HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs. The April 1st, 2009 initial launch version of the zöet dB1 will be the audio-only Ethernet system. The HDMI version and zöet’s wireless technology will become available later in 2009. All initial launch audio-only systems will be factory upgradeable to HDMI (for a fee), enabling zöet customers to grow their system as needed. zöet is ultra simple to set-up and operate — anyone can have the system up and running in under an hour. The company brags that rather than making technology intimidating, THIEL has harnessed thirty-plus years of experience combined with powerful innovations in order to make zöet wonderfully easy to enjoy throughout the home. zöet self-powered IP-addressable speakers can be located throughout the home and connected to the zöet dB1 distribution processor using existing in-home Ethernet, its own lossless proprietary wireless network, or both. Using Ethernet or proprietary wireless connectivity, zöet requires no messy drilling to accommodate miles of speaker wire. The entire system can be operated from a surprisingly simple and intuitive remote control, eliminating the need for a trained specialist to get the system up and running. zöet lets you make changes and upgrades yourself via an intuitive web interface and automatic firmware updates, making further visits by experts entirely unnecessary. To totally understand this whole-house audio solution, go to: http://www.thielzoet.com/whatiszoet.shtml Back to Top Moxi Launches HD-DVR for $800 Apparently launched via Amazon, the new Moxi by Diego combines your TV, computer, the HD-DVR and your network to allow for a home-server approach that allows for streaming movies, music, TV content and DVRing it all over the home network. With built-in cable card support, it’s perfect for cable TV users that want an alternative to the Home Media PC concept (or even AppleTV) because it has a 500 GB hard drive and no monthly service fees. Here you go: http://moxi.com/moxi/home.jsp Back to Top Denon Debuts New Blu-ray Players Two new Denon players hit the market at CES — even though they were shown at CEDIA 2008: the smaller, less feature rich DVD-1800BD and the more full-featured DVD-3800BD. The DVD-1800BD is designed as an “affordable” Blu-ray player that includes HDMI 1.3a with deep color support, but its features are limited to all the normal specs you see on every Blu-ray player made in the world. However, the new DVD-3800BD model also includes what Denon calls “Precision Drive Mechanism” support – something that the DVD-1800BD doesn’t have. Other than that, they’re identical! The 1800 is about $400-$450 and the 3800 runs about $1200. Read more here: http://www.usa.denon.com Back to Top CEA’s Kerry Moyer Appointed Chairman of ESPA The Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) rotated its committee positions and appointed Kerry Moyer, senior director, strategic relations, with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), as its new chairman for 2009. Moyer previously was the secretary of ESPA’s board. Former Chairman Don Gilpin, executive director of the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), moves to the treasurer position on ESPA’s board. Executive Director Chuck Wilson of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) moves from treasurer to secretary of the ESPA board. During his 14-year tenure with CEA, Moyer has served as director of product divisions and senior director of industry programs. He was instrumental in the PARA and TechHome mergers with CEA. Moyer also has more than 19 years of retail sales and management experience. Before joining CEA, he served as vice president of advertising and promotions at Audio Associates, a Washington, D.C. area specialty audio-video dealer providing custom installation, sales and service for the home and car. Formed by the CEA, CEDIA and NSCA, ESPA lays the groundwork for a career-ready technology workforce. The ESPA Certified-EST® tests a technician candidate's understanding of industry basics and is a true indicator of whether or not the technician is prepared for an electronic systems career. You can join ESPA at: http://www.espa.org/ Back to Top |