Click above for more information Welcome to another edition of rAVe Home! Although many of you are deep in summer-vacation mode, we’re preparing for and excited about CEDIA Expo 2009. We’ve heard rumors abounding lately of manufacturers pulling out of the show, but when we directly question them, they all say they’re still exhibiting – that bodes well for a good show. In addition, on the heels of one of the best InfoComm Shows ever, CEDIA Expo has a lot of potential – even if it is in Atlanta! 🙂
Some predictions about the show: We will see more laser displays, but the predominant theme, as you will read in the CEDIA follow-up stories by all the HomeAV press, will be 3D technology. There will be plenty of 3D to go around and everyone in the display market will be pushing it at the show – both LCD and DLP producers alike. In addition, 3D content will be pushed via some creative new companies out there. Ironically, the company who’s had the largest effect on the HomeAV market in the past two years, Apple, still isn’t exhibiting. But, plenty of the 3rd party Apple providers are, and you’ll see all sorts of interface devices for everything from the AppleTV to the iPod.
But, what we’re going to be watching for is attendance. With a down economy clearly hitting the building market, we are hopeful. The CI’s we’ve spoken to are being creative and have either shifted even more high end or have adapted to the trends and are doing less dedicated rooms and integrating the consumer electronics better into every space – not just a home theater.
We’ll see you at CEDIA and we will be both Tweeting and blogging from the floor live – so MAKE SURE you subscribe to our Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/ravepubs
Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS Back to Top Click above for more information Is System Design Necessary?
By David Jasak
AV Design Associates Many of us in the AV integration business have been doing this for a long time — 24 years for me. We are seasoned professionals who have done our fair share of home theaters, distributed audio and video, lighting and sub-system control integration. We know what works for us and what doesn’t. We can walk a house while it’s being framed and just point out the speaker, keypad and TV locations. We don’t need a design; we can assemble a distributed audio system in our sleep while planning the control system over breakfast, right? Wrong! A solid design is an integral part of the system, even more so than the best components money can buy. Even top notch components can not compensate for a poor, or worse, no design. A system design has many purposes. It shows the client that you are a professional and also helps them understand what they are spending their hard-earned money on. It gives the architect and builder a clear understanding of what you are putting in their home. It gives the installers a definitive blueprint as to what they are installing and how to install it. It gives the other trades involved in the project, such as cabinet makers and interior designers, valuable information that they need to do their job. It gives the system programmer a roadmap as to how the system is connected and how it is to operate. It gives the service technician in the future a valuable resource for troubleshooting and upgrades. All parties involved benefit from a thorough design package. What is in a design package? In its most basic form, there are at least five sections: Conceptual Drawings, Rough-In Plans, Elevation Drawings, Detail Drawings, and Schematic Diagrams. Let’s break each of these down with a brief definition and example. Conceptual Drawings offer a visual representation of the overall system layout. It gives the client and all involved parties a clear idea of what is being installed and where it’s being placed.
Rough-In Plans are the blueprints that depict where each and every wire originates from and goes to. The plans allow the installer to quickly identify each of the wires and locations, which eases installation and future changes. Elevation Drawings are scaled drawings that show the various elements of the design that need precise placement. These help the installer, builder, and cabinet maker all prepare for the final installation. This is an example of an equipment rack elevation. Detail Drawings go into the intricate portion of the design. Here we show a theater sight-line study, speaker placement and can include any other scaled, graphical representation as needed. Schematic Diagrams are the interconnectivity of the system or, as some call them, “flow diagrams”. These show how each individual piece of equipment is connected in order to provide a complete, functional system. These diagrams are of critical importance to the installer, programmer, and for future maintenance and upgrades. It is these basic components that comprise a good design package and, depending on the scope of the project, many more additional pages can be added. I have created designs with upwards of 18 rough-in plan pages and 40+ elevation and detail pages. It all revolves around the size and detail of each individual project. Now you may say, “My projects are not that large or complicated; what do I need a design for?” Well, I’ll tell you in one word… professionalism. A builder wouldn’t build a 1,200 square foot house without blueprints just as he wouldn’t build a 32,000 square foot estate without them. Blueprints are a necessity just as a complete system design is necessary. By creating the design in advance, it lets you think of all of the little bits and pieces and how they are going to interact with one another. It allows you to plan ahead and recognize all of the intricate details that need to be addressed. It helps avoid a missed part here or there which either leads to reduced profits or a change order that will not make the client happy. Now you may be thinking, “But a system design takes time and manpower, which I am short of already…” Exactly. That is why, as a professional, you charge for your time. A design does not happen overnight; it takes time and interaction between the trades on the project. This leads to new revisions, which then lead to more drawings and more time, etc. Our time and expertise are valuable assets which need to be billed for. A client does not go to his or her architect and expect them to draw the complete blueprints for their home for free (or cheaply). They know that they are paying for the architect’s knowledge and expertise and are relying on them to deliver a well built, functional dream home. Well, our clients are relying on us to deliver their dream theater, distributed audio and video systems, control of their HVAC, pool and spa, lighting, shades, security and any number of systems that you can think of. And they expect it to work easily and flawlessly. A design is a necessary and crucial part of the system that must be done before one foot of wire is installed. We have years of experience and vast knowledge which are a valuable assets. Charge for it! If you do not have somebody on your team that can do the design, or you are simply understaffed, use a subcontractor for your design. It is not taboo to use an outside entity for your designs; it is done all of the time in commercial installations. Just be sure to charge for it. I know that in these economic times, it has been hard to make a buck, but that is precisely why a design is more important now than ever. Big box stores are blowing out gear left and right, reducing our margins all over the place. We have something that the big box stores do not have: experience, knowledge, and most of all, passion for our industry and technology in general. Also, we hopefully belong to an industry organization such as CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association), which provides training and resources not available to the general public. Let’s let our customers see that we are true professionals in our field and provide them with superior service and a design that will meet or exceed their wildest dreams. For more information on AV Design Associates, click here. |
Back to Top Click above for more information Save Your Money and Time at CEDIA EXPO 2009 Tradeshows are an excellent way to maximize your investment on sales, education, and networking. CEDIA EXPO is the perfect opportunity to save money and time, while still participating in the industry-leading education and events you’ve come to expect from CEDIA.
To really capitalize on your EXPO investment, be sure to register now. The early bird deadline to save on registration for CEDIA EXPO 2009 is July 15th. Discounts on education, tradeshow access, panel discussions, and events are available until July 15th, and if you are a member you can save even more.
Don’t have a lot of time or money to invest at EXPO? Plan a 48 hour trip and still reap the benefits of the show. Come for two days and pack your time with CEDIA University education on a variety of topics, manufacturer product training from industry-leading companies, and countless networking opportunities with potential dealers and clients. Visit the registration system at http://www.cedia.org/expo for a complete schedule of events. Download the registration brochure to learn all you need to know about CEDIA EXPO 2009.
To maximize your time, plan your trip out minute-by-minute with the Map Your Show option at http://www.cedia.org/mapyourshow. You can plan out what companies you want to visit at the tradeshow and avoid wasting time. You can even map out what route you’ll take on the show floor to maximize time and effort.
If you plan carefully and take advantage of early bird and member discounts, you will come out ahead of the competition and stay well within budget. Plan your trip to CEDIA EXPO 2009 today at http://www.cedia.org/expo.
Back to Top CEDIA University On The Road @ Capitol Sales Learning Institute® Regional Outreach Experts across industries agree, one of the most effective steps you can take to help your business survive and thrive in a down economy is through education. If you are in the Chicago area, you can maximize your potential by taking advantage of education at CEDIA University On the Road @ Capitol Sales Learning Institute® Regional Outreach in Chicago. The event will be held July 12th through the 14th at the Eaglewood Resort and Spa in Itasca, IL. CEDIA and Capitol Sales will be offering a variety of courses over the three day regional event. You will gain the knowledge needed to withstand the challenges inherent to the residential electronic systems industry. Now is the time to invest in your future. Register for this event now and receive a discount on already reduced pricing. Packages start at just $206. Visit http://www.cedia.net/education/on_the_road.php for further details. Back to Top Upcoming CEDIA University Events Purchase a CEDIA University package and automatically be entered in a drawing to win FREE education at CEDIA EXPO 2009. Visit <http://www.cedia.org/education/cu_training.php for more information and to register for any of the following events.
EST Basic Residential Boot Camp - July 8 -10
- Digital Sales Group/david llc – Westbury, NY
E-Learning Webinar: ESPA104
CU On The Road @ Capitol Sales Learning Institute Regional
E-Learning Webinar: EST105
EST Basic Residential Boot Camp
- July 20 – 22
- CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN
EST Advanced Residential Boot Camp - July 23 – 25
- CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN
Intermediate EST Workshop-Taking Your Skills To The Next Level - July 28
- ADI – New Orleans, LA
Intermediate EST Workshop-Taking Your Skills To The Next Level
- July 29
- ADI – Albuquerque, NM
Back to Top VIZIO Finally Wins Customs Ruling Last week, VIZIO got a final ruling from the United States Customs and Border Protection agency when they issued a ruling in agreement with VIZIO that all current models of VIZIO televisions do not infringe U.S. Patent No. 6,115,074 (‘074) held by Funai Electric Company, enabling VIZIO to continue importing their line of LCD TVs without interruption.
On March 13, 2009 The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a Final Rejection of U.S. Patent ‘074, the patent that Funai has claimed is infringed. Additionally, VIZIO has filed separate anti-trust and patent infringement claims against Funai for unlawfully and unfairly discriminating against VIZIO in the licensing and enforcement of the ‘074 patent.
You can read the entire release at: http://www.vizio.com/about.aspx?cid=3623&id=1314
Back to Top Control4 Secures More Than $17 Million to Fund SmartGrid Initiatives Control4, an IP-based home control company, last week announced it had secured an additional $17.3 million in equity financing from Best Buy Capital, Mercato Partners and University Venture Fund, who will join current investors Foundation Capital, Frazier Technology Ventures, Thomas Weisel Venture Partners and vSpring Capital, to accelerate Control4’s development in energy management systems and home energy displays for the company’s emerging Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) product initiatives. A portion of the financing will be used to extend Control4’s sales channels.
AMI includes network management systems, enhanced electric meter capabilities and Home Area Network (HAN) devices as key technologies required to enable the Smart Grid. HAN devices such as energy management systems and displays allow customers to view real-time usage information, enabling active participation of an energy-conscious America. Network management systems allow a new level of excellence in utility operations and customer service.
Here’s the complete story: http://www.control4.com/news/81/44/Control4-Secures-17-3-Million-to-Fund-Smart-Grid-Product-Initiatives-Drive-New-Market-Development/
Back to Top Da-Lite Founder Gets First "Pioneer Award" De Berri invented the “silver screen” at the company she founded in 1909, De Berri Screen and Scenic Company (later renamed Da-Lite Screen Company). Born in 1885, she was influenced by Thomas Edison, George Eastman and their inventions.
De Berri applied her knowledge of aluminum ware and her curiosity about the reflective nature of paints to create the first projection screens sold to the motion picture industry. Through the years, she continued to develop new projection screen products, including Da-Tone, a perforated projection screen that allowed the audience to hear new sound “talkies” through the screen. Soon after, De Berri introduced the glass-beaded projection screen surface. Later, she developed the electric projection screen, a major success in non-movie theater applications.
Randal A. Lemke, Executive Director, InfoComm International, says, “She is one of a few people able to develop a technology that is still relevant a century after its invention. We honor the memory of Adele De Berri and her business, Da-Lite, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.”
The InfoComm International Pioneers of AV Award will be issued annually to current or former employees of InfoComm member companies who have made an important contribution to the science of audiovisual technology, whether as an inventor or thought leader who advanced the development of a new product, segment or service of the AV industry.
To read the award announcement from InfoComm, go to: http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/11179.htm
Back to Top Extron Offers Free Design Guide for Going Digital Extron Electronics handed out their newest educational guide in the form of the new Digital Design Guide for Professional A/V Systems, a practical approach to the integration of digital technologies into new and legacy presentation systems. The illustrated 80-page Guide is an essential reference as the AV industry adopts digital video and audio. It provides a comprehensive resource for AV system designers seeking to understand these emerging technologies and the many options available to them. Although officially geared toward the ProAV market, this guide is a free educational resource with lots of technical information that we think will be valuable to HomeAV integrators.
The Digital Design Guide explains each of the digital video formats most commonly used in commercial AV applications, including DVI, HDMI, HD-SDI, and DisplayPort. It also includes sample AV system designs, ranging from a simple classroom to a network operations center, that describe the practical aspects of these transitional AV systems, the type of equipment needed, and signal flow from one device to another. Following the system design section is a condensed catalog of Extron products designed for the integration of these digital technologies. Finally, the guide offers a comprehensive glossary of terms related to digital video for professional AV applications.
To order one, go to: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=digdesguidead
Back to Top The Best Rock Speakers EVER At CEDIA, you MUST go to Induction Dynamics’s booth and see their RockSolid line of outdoor, rock-looking speakers – not only are these the best looking we’ve ever seen, but they are, by far, the best sounding available to the CI market. These products use the company’s SolidDrive transducers to reproduce high quality audio from a molded polyurethane shell shaped like a large rock. Unlike other “rock” speakers, which use a rock-shaped enclosure for a standard speaker, the RockSolid surface IS the speaker. The SolidDrive transducers mount on the inside of the RockSolid shell, and drive the entire surface of the “rock”. The result is omnidirectional coverage and high fidelity sound that seemingly comes out of nowhere.
You need to see these (and NO, they are NOT a rAVe sponsor, advertiser or affiliate – we just like what we see and tell you about it!) at CEDIA. They aren’t on the website, yet, but when they are, they will be here: http://www.inductiondynamics.com/
Back to Top Integra Wows rAVe With Two Moderately Priced Killer AV Receivers We are totally impressed with Integra’s new DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 AV receivers. We’ve always been a big fan of NAD’s stuff for mid-priced theaters and AV systems, but Integra has captured our attention with these two models and we think any custom installer needs to seriously consider these in their next system.
The Integra DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 are, respectively, 7.2- and 5.2-channel, two-zone AV receivers designed for modern high-definition audio and video systems. In addition, the DTR-30.1 is the first Integra A/V receiver that incorporates the new Dolby ProLogic IIz, which lets installers offer their clients engaging sonic ambience in three dimensions, not just two. Both receivers use the latest HDMI 1.3a connection technologies with full support for 1080p video, Deep Color, x.v. Color, and high definition sound via Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The Integra DTR-30.1 has six HDMI inputs, including a front-panel input, while the DTR-20.1 has four HDMI inputs. The DTR-30.1 also features Faroudja DCDi Edge based upscaling of all video sources to 1080i via the HDMI output. These receivers each deliver 90 Watts per channel of amplification into 8 Ohms.
The Integra DTR-30.1 and DTR-20.1 surround receivers are currently available at suggested retail prices of $800 and $600 each, respectively and you can see all their specs at: http://www.integrahometheater.com/
Back to Top Sanus Shows Mount That's About a Half-inch Thick Sanus Systems has announced a new category within its VisionMount line of mounts for flat-panel TVs. The new offering of VisionMount Super Slim mounts are designed to maximize the sleek appearance of ultra-thin LED, LCD and plasma TVs, allowing them to be placed less than an inch from the wall (0.55”). VisionMount Super Slim mounts are available for shipment beginning today, with an initial offering of two low-profile models: the LL11-B1 for large TVs from 37" – 65" and up to 150 lbs. and the ML11-B1 for medium TVs from 26" – 46" and up to 100 lbs.
Universal TV brackets allow Sanus Super Slim mounts to support most LED, LCD and plasma TVs. The mounts are available for a list price of $119.99 (model ML11-B1) and $149.99 (model LL11-B1) USD. To verify mount/TV compatibility, purchasers should consult the Sanus MountFinder.
To learn all about the VisionMounts, go here.
Back to Top Little-Known Obonok Claims HDMI Extension to 2000-feet Over CatX wire Obonok Technologies, probably known most, if at all, for their Blu-Wire line, has launched the Blu-Wire RD1-XP Receiver that they claim extends HDMI plus HDCP (content protection) signals up to 200 ft. (61m) from the transmitter, and by linking up to ten receivers in a “daisy-chain,” can extend signals up to 2,000 ft. (610 m) from a high-definition source.
Obonoke says they’re using patent-pending technology that allows these sorts of distances via CatX cable while not compressing the signal at all – so they say. The Blu-Wire RD1-XP is HDMI v1.3 compatible, enabling “deep color” and advanced audio formats, and HDCP compliant so that protected content may be safely distributed and also features automatic gain and cable equalization (Auto EQ).
You can read all the specs at: http://interactav.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/RD1-XP_SpecSheet4.17671550.pdf
Back to Top Harman and NETGEAR Launch Co-Branded AVB Switches It’s now official: Harman International’s BSS Division and NETGEAR the world’s first AVB (IEEE Audio Video Bridge) switches for networking multichannel audio and video over standardized Ethernet. The announcement sees the immediate introduction of a pair of 16-port and 24-port co-branded switches featuring specialized AVB hardware and software for use in a wide array of fixed installation AV applications. Harman and NETGEAR say that standardized multichannel audio and video over Ethernet, enabled by AVB, will provide a considerable cost-per-node savings in deploying complex AV systems, while advancing integration, ease of use and system functionality and control.
Co-branded BSS Audio|NETGEAR, today’s introductions are available through Harman Professional’s global distribution network and will complete the signal chain between Harman Professional’s new pre-standards AVB-enabled products including Crown Audio CTs amplifiers and dbx processors. Like dbx and Crown Audio, BSS Audio is a member of the Harman Professional Group.
To read the specific press release, go to: http://www.harman.com/press/default.aspx
Back to Top Crestron Shows New iPod Controller, Adds Video The new CEN-IDOCV is what Crestron is calling the next generation interface and control solution for the popular iPod personal media player. It seamlessly integrates iTunes audio and video with a Crestron whole house AV system, using 2-way communication to reproduce the iPod experience on Crestron touch panels. With Crestron USB over Ethernet technology, the CEN-IDOCV synchronizes the iPod with any networked computer running Apple iTunes. The IDOCV is PoE compatible, drawing power through the LAN wiring and eliminating the need for a nearby outlet. Just plug the iPod into the docking station to experience your entire personal media collection throughout the house and on any Crestron video touch panel.
You can read all the specs here: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=cen-idocv
Back to Top Digital Projection Launches New 3D and LED-Based Projectors At InfoComm, DPI launched their first LED-lit projector in the form of the M-Vision 1080p-LED, which produces up to 800 lumens and either 10,000:1 contrast with dynamic black or 2,000:1 in full black, full white mode. As the M-Vision LED contains no lamp, applications utilizing the new display will benefit from their 60,000+ hour lifespan and lack of color degradation.
You can see a rAVe NOW Video of the new LED-based M-Vision here: http://www.vimeo.com/5206692
In addition, DPI also showed seven new WUXGA projectors in the Titan Series. The new TITAN WUXGA displays include the latest DarkChip DMD technology from Texas Instruments at 1920×1200 resolution and they incorporate DPI’s CoolTek engineering, which DPI says “assures the projectors deliver the highest lumen performance with the lowest power consumption, thermal (BTU) and noise level (dBA) output.”
The new TITAN WUXGA models include: • TITAN WUXGA-700 – 12000 lumens, 2000:1 contrast
• TITAN WUXGA 700 – Ultra Contrast – 6000 lumens, 4000:1 contrast
• TITAN WUXGA 3D – 6000 Lumens, 2000:1 contrast
• TITAN WUXGA Dual 3D – 10000 lumens, 2000:1 contrast
• TITAN WUXGA 3D – Ultra Contrast – 3000 lumens, 4000:1 contrast
• TITAN WUXGA Dual 3D-Ultra Contrast – 5000 lumens, 4000:1 contrast
You can read about all the new InfoComm stuff at: http://www.digitalprojection.com/NewsMedia/tabid/56/Default.aspx
Back to Top DLP Does Single-Projector 3D at InfoComm Showing affordable 3D with just one projector, one of the highlights of the Texas Instruments DLP booth at InfoComm was the firmware upgrade that enables 120Hz, 60Hz full-res images for each eye. Add in the “DLP Link,” a sync system that uses a photo diode in a pair of glasses to stereo switch the content — and you have an affordable 3D system that education could love. In fact, you can even afford to purchase the projectors as regular projectors now in order to “future proof” your home theater. BenQ, Mitsubishi, Optoma, Viewsonic, Infocus, Sharp and others emboldened by DLP success are now adopting the 3D technology from DLP.
The glasses, coming from makers like XpanD, are the extra investment. Prices are about $50 a pair without any quantity purchasing, and the proliferation of 3D in education via DLP could mean a significant drop in price of glasses, perhaps quite quickly if adoption accelerates.
Read more at: http://www.dlp.com/hdtv/3-d_dlp_hdtv.aspx
Back to Top Panasonic Launches 85" Plasma Panasonic has closed the gap a bit between 65" and 103" plasmas. At InfoComm, Panasonic introduces its 85-inch plasma display as part of its new 12 series range with NeoPDP technology (for high-image quality in full HD). The new plasma display features a screen size equivalent to four 42-inch HDTVs and, despite the size, Panasonic claims the NeoPDP technology offers twice the brightness efficiency of previous models with less power consumption and without compromising on image quality.
This display is aimed at the ProAV market, but invariably will make its way to the HomeAV world. NeoPDP, says Panasonic, also offers the world’s highest moving image resolution of 1,080 lines (1080p-equivalent in analog) and a contrast ratio of 40,000:1 – something NO LCD has. The high-end specifications allow highly realistic and powerful high-quality video on a slim-line display that has been reduced to a thickness of only 99 mm. The weight of each unit has been reduced to less than 286-pounds (in fact, a 70 percent weight reduction compared to the current 103” model), making the product extremely flexible for transport and installation.
This new plasma isn’t on Panasonic’s website yet, but we were told that when it is, it would be here: http://www.panasonic.com/business/plasma/plasmas.asp
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 2009 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 510 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 376 – 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.
|