Click above for more information Welcome to another issue of rAVe HomeAV Edition! News in the couple months before CEDIA usually slows down as manufacturers hold their announcement until the show, but we have some good stuff for you today, including a preview of Speakercraft's new configurable AV control and distribution system called Nirv. We don't know THAT much about it yet since it is officially being announced (and demo'ed) at CEDIA, but what we do know is in our story below. One thing that will definitely be popular at the show is "pre-integrated" systems, and we have announcements from Onkyo, and Triad and PMI in this area. We also have a column I wrote about the relevance of Runco and displays at the CEDIA Expo. It used to be all about the TV or the projector, but now it's all about content – providing it, moving it around, organizing it. Also, we originally thought Runco wasn't going to be exhibiting at the CEDIA show, after CEPro reported it, but they have told us they are, in fact, going to be on the CEDIA show floor this year. Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS Back to Top Click above for more information Is Runco Relevant?
By Gary Kayye, CTS As we quickly head towards another CEDIA Expo, it’s a time to reflect where we’ve been and where we’re, hopefully, headed. We’ve had a very tough year – in fact, it’s being called by most CI’s the worst HomeAV economy ever. Expo 2008 was really the beginning of this economic downturn as we headed into a contentious, divisive presidential election and saw the US government bailing out many major players in markets we’d have never thought we would see the government meddle in.
But, even as the economy started to turn last September, many of us were touting the emergence of the “Staycation” where homeowners would, instead of spending money of a lavish vacation with the family this year, they would put the money into upgrading their home – thus, we, being the AV portion of the renovation budget, would benefit. Wrong.
If people are taking Staycations, they’re doing them with Netflix and their living room TV. Every major consumer electronics outlet has seen a sales decline and the high-end HomeAV market has, at best, been flat in some areas of the world and even declined as much as 30 percent in others.
But, heading into CEDIA 2009, I am bullish on us. I think this will be a show where we won't be touting Staycations or any other gimmick like that. But, at the same time, we won't see a resurgence of a bunch of money being spent on dedicated AV rooms like home theaters either. However, there is money to be made.
Where? Well, it’s NOT in projection or display technology. Just drop that thought from your head. There was a time where we could get away with 20, 30 and even 40 percent margins on display technology – not any more. Runco, the brand of choice for many years, is no longer going to see the lion’s share of the market.
Who will?
Samsung, Sharp, Sony and LG – oh, and don’t forget Vizio. The LCD is as close to a commodity as it’s ever been and display technology in general is far from unique. There are, literally, a handful of manufacturers making all 40-some brands of display products now – we have rebadged the heck out of it all – and customers see through that. They walk the aisles of Sam’s Club and see Sony, Sharp, Panasonic and 23 other brands that, at the same time, will be exhibiting at CEDIA too. How can you sell against that?
Sam Runco could. He had mastered the art of selling-up like no one I’ve ever met.
But, those days are gone. Even Sam (sorry Runco) can’t pull off a miracle. It’s all about content now and all the projector does is show content – and all of them do a dang good job now! In fact, the screen used to show the content is actually more important to image quality now than the display itself – bet you’d never see those days, huh? Don’t believe me, make sure you see Da-Lite’s Affinity screen demo at CEDIA. You will be a believer then.
Look, I love Runco. I used to have one myself and showed it off to every neighbor who ever came over. But, now I have a Sony VPL-something in my ceiling and it turns on every time I want to use it, it looks awesome, it never breaks down and it does 1080p natively like nothing I’ve ever seen.
You think anyone’s got anything better? Unlikely – in fact, this same projector’s technology is available in about ten different brand names.
Good luck with that argument.
Content will dominate CEDIA 2009. Back to Top Click above for more information Plan Your Trip to CEDIA EXPO: Stay Until Sunday Complete your trip to CEDIA EXPO 2009 by attending the special Sunday only activities and reap all the benefits they have to offer. Sunday at EXPO will include exclusive education, a work van giveaway, and free airport shuttle rides. Four new classes will be making their debut at EXPO. CEDIA University is offering classes in the Electronic Systems Business, Electronic Systems Designer, and Electronic Systems Technician colleges on Sunday. All CEDIA University Sunday courses will receive a FREE lunch. Visit http://www.cedia.org/expo for more information on these select courses.
Business CEO Summit – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Sunday at EXPO gives you the opportunity to join CEDIA University’s new course, Business CEO Summit. Here, business owners and operators will learn how to leverage employee leadership to maximize productivity. The new business environment requires different leadership competencies to out perform the competition. Participants will learn why some owners and managers succeed and others fail. In addition, the class discusses understanding leadership assessment tools that analyze people’s skills such as managing change, problem solving, innovation, results driven and stress management. Industry experts and career consultants will provide insight on the role leadership has on the survivability of any company.
Retrofit Super Session – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Another featured class that will only be offered Sunday is the Retrofit Super Session. In today’s economic climate, you need to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. The slowdown in new construction means that retrofit is as important as ever to your business model. This class combines a variety of activities designed to help you realize retrofit opportunities, learn about manufacturers leading the way in products for the retrofit market, and find out how new federal regulations may affect you. A panel of retrofit experts will moderate a discussion about their experiences and successes in the retrofit world, and then lead groups onto the tradeshow floor to visit some key manufacturers. Also, you’ll watch a seminar covering the EPA’s new Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule and how it can affect your retrofit business.
Workin’ Wheels Giveaway – Need a new work truck for your company? Available only on Sunday is the CEDIA EXPO Workin’ Wheels Giveaway. Enter for a chance to win a 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Van. The Sprinter Van is rated best quality in six different categories. Its fuel performance and great size make it the perfect work vehicle in the business. You must attend Sunday to win.
Airport Shuttles and Check-in – Sunday is all about saving time and money. Attendees will have FREE airport shuttles to and from The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Plus, on Sunday you will be able to use the airport’s Remote Airline Check-In Service. This feature allows you to check-in at the Georgia World Congress Center and bypass the airport lines. You will also be able to check your bags and receive your boarding pass at the GWCC allowing more time on the tradeshow floor and for education.
In this economic climate it is important to make good investments. Take advantage of the Sunday Only activities to make your time at EXPO well worth it. Visit http://www.cedia.org/expo for complete details on all of Sunday’s offerings.
Back to Top Click above for more information Crestron to Release Low Cost Control System Called Prodigy Although not officially announced yet, a number of news outlets have already reported on a new stand-alone control system called Prodigy that Crestron is readying for CEDIA. Aimed at providing Crestron dealers a way to sell low cost control products in the HomeAV market (without turning to a different control company), Prodigy is designed to offer single-home control of AV systems, home theaters, HVAC and limited lighting control as well. Our sources inside Crestron say that the official release will come right before CEDIA but they also tell rAVe that Prodigy, although scalable, will not be compatible with (or upgradeable to) current Crestron systems out there, and that it uses its own programming language/system. Others have speculated that Crestron is intending to target Control4 and the other control companies currently seeing success in the low cost control segment, but Crestron tell us this is not the case. Jeff Singer, Marketing Communications Director of Crestron, says, "Crestron is a well-known and respected brand that clients want. However, not everyone has been able to afford a Crestron system. As a result, there is a market segment that either decides not to purchase, or goes somewhere else… We developed Prodigy to give our dealers even more opportunities to sell to other types of customers."
Currently, the only reference to Prodigy on the Crestron website is under their Trademark listings here: http://www.crestron.com/trademarks.asp Back to Top SpeakerCraft Debuts Highly Anticipated AV Control and Distribution System Called Nirv Nirv is what SpeakerCraft calls a new AV control and distribution system with a “modular architecture instead of a massive central hub design.” SpeakerCraft tells rAVe their design concept means that a dealer will only need to buy the pieces necessary for the specific system he has designed and upgrading or expanding is as simple as adding what is needed to the network. And, SpeakerCraft claims that their on-screen system programming module is so easy and intuitive it can be accomplished on-site by virtually anyone on the installation project team.
All media, data, control, and communication signals are distributed through a single CAT5 cable making system wiring easy. Nirv also integrates theater surround sound, home automation, and page and intercom into one package. Because SpeakerCraft wants to make a huge splash with Nirv at CEDIA, few details are available, but we did learn that although the system won’t be available until 2010, there will be what SpeakerCraft calls a Nirv Dome in their booth with a full-system demo.
Nirv isn’t on the SpeakerCraft website yet, but when it is, it will be highlighted on this page: http://www.speakercraft.com/#Home
Back to Top Google's Android Goes Home Android software in home management devices and remote controls?
San Francisco start-up Touch Revolution says well-known companies will introduce Android-powered household gadgets before year-end: home control devices, media control devices and home phones. The new devices look to capitalize on Android's strength as an open operating system with sophisticated communications features. All will feature touch-screens ranging in sizes from 4.3 to 10 inches, support Android as an operating system, and connect to web via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. And, Touch Revolution intends to be part of this so-called Android future.
Why use Android at all? Partners like the OS's ease of use, openness and touch-centric features – it’s also a bargain since Google distributes it for free. Though the company is just 17 months old, Touch Revolution founder and CEO Mark Hamblin spent more than five years at Apple, rising to senior product design engineer working on both the iPhone and iPod touch. You can learn more about Touch Revolution at: http://www.touchrev.com/technology.html
Back to Top SAVANT to Debut 9-inch and 13-inch Touch Panels at CEDIA Savant Systems has announced the introduction of two tabletop touch panels—the TTP-109B (9-inch panel) and the TTP-113B (13-inch panel) featuring what Savant calls “an easy to use, intuitive capacitive touch interface.” Savant says that both new models are TFT LCD displays and include a capacitive touch interface with a top coat provides a smooth, easy glide surface while also being scratch resistance. All buttons alongside the touch panel surface are configurable for single and multiple (macro) functions and both also incorporate an integrated microphone and speakers for intercom systems. The new panels can also display full-motion video from external sources such as cable or satellite TV, security cameras, DVD players and video servers.
Again, these are being introduced at CEDIA so they aren’t on the Savant website yet, but when they are, they will be here: http://www.savantav.com/home.php
Back to Top Triad and PMI will Launch Pre-Integrated Home Theaters at CEDIA Triad Speakers, Inc. and Anthony Grimani’s PMI are working together to offer turnkey, pre-integrated home theater designs that are obviously aimed at dealers without design capabilities of their own. So, at 2009 CEDIA Expo, they will launch their CinemaPlus package – a combination of Triad's acclaimed Gold and/or Platinum loudspeakers along with PMI’s design/engineering and build consulting, an extensive set of custom plans and acoustic treatments. Three CinemaPlus packages, based on room size, are available to all Triad dealers at approximately $45,000, $77,000, and $93,000 MSRP.
In addition to CinemaPlus, demonstration partner SIM2 is providing their C3X Lumis Host 3-chip DLP projector with SCORE motorized anamorphic lens system to be showcased on Screen Research's 102" X-Mask featuring a native 2.35:1 image ratio, lateral masking, and its ClearPix2, THX and ISF certified acoustically transparent screen material. Integra is providing their DHC-9.9 Preamplifier Processor and DBS-30.1 Profile 2.0 Blu-ray players.
To learn more, go to: http://www.triadspeakers.com
Back to Top Onkyo Launches Home Theater "Packages" Yesterday, Onkyo introduced two new 7.1-channel home theater systems. The HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each feature AV receivers with 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, 130 watts-per-channel amplification, and processing for every major audio format on the market, including the option of incorporating front height-channel reproduction with Dolby's newly introduced ProLogic IIz processing. Each package also includes a high performance 7.1-channel speaker system with an active subwoofer, and Onkyo's U-Port single-cable iPod dock and charging system.
The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 feature, five and four HDMI 1.3a inputs, respectively, and are compatible with 1080p HD video. The HT-S7200 also incorporates upscaling of component and composite video sources to 1080i output signals, including Faroudja DCDi Edge de-interlacing. Both include processing for every major surround format, including decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless audio formats, as well as Dolby's new ProLogic IIz algorithm, which introduces a third dimension to surround sound through the addition of a pair of 'height' channels above the front left and right channel speakers.
The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 are now available at suggested retail prices of $899 and $699 each, respectively. The SKS-HT870 7.1-channel speaker package is also now available at a suggested retail price of $499 but they are not on Onkyo’s site yet. However, when they are, they will be listed here: http://www.onkyousa.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Systems
Back to Top Panamax Launches New MX5102 Power Management, Surge Protection, and UPS Battery Back-Up System for Home Theaters Panamax has just introduced its first product to combine power management, surge protection, and battery back-up for home theater systems all in a single unit. Offered as a standalone product or as part of a rackmount solution, the MX5102 provides power management features such as linear filtration and surge protection as well as supplying UPS functionality through two of its 10 outlets. Panamax says the MX5102 is specially designed and engineered for home theater systems. In addition to routine power management functions such as line conditioning and surge protection, the battery backup prevents processor controlled devices and hard drive based sources from losing critical data and set up configurations, as well as allowing for a proper shut down procedure.
To learn more, go here: http://www.panamax.com/Products/Battery-Backup/MX5102.aspx?utm_source=Trade+Show+-+Panamax+CEDIA+Visitors&utm_campaign=bf6cec7548-MX5102_Announcement7_22_2009&utm_medium=email
Back to Top Crestron Ships HDMI Fiber Transmitter/Receiver Pair Crestron has released an HDMI-over-fiber transmitter and receiver pair that provides a solution for extending uncompressed HDMI and IR/RS-232 control signals up to 1000 feet over a single multimode fiber connection. Aimed at both commercial and residential retrofits, the HD-TX1-F and HD-RX1-F are designed to add an HDMI device in an analog room, or extend an HDMI signal and device control from, for example, a home theater to another room or area in or around the home.
The TX1-F and RX1-F extend uncompressed digital video, audio, and control signals, support HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and 7.1 channel HD lossless audio, pass EDID, CEC, and HDCP, and handle resolutions up to 1920×1200 and 1080p60. Using Crestron adapters, these products are also compatible with DisplayPort multimode or DVI devices. No programming or configuration is needed to implement the pair, and a 12VDC power pack is included. Built-in universal IR repeaters have a range of up to 192kHz, and the bidirectional RS-232 extenders reach up to 115k Baud.
You can read all the specs at: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=DM-TX-100-F
Back to Top Sanus Ships Widescreen Lowboy Sanus Systems announced this week that it is now shipping the AV Foundations SFV265 widescreen lowboy, the latest offering within Sanus' Steel Series of audio/video furniture.
The three-shelf SFV265 is designed to accommodate today's most popular large TVs and home theater components with a wide base, sturdy steel construction, extra-thick tempered glass shelving and multiple cable management grommets. The lowboy offers a high-gloss black finish and mesh back panel for an attractive addition to any home theater. The SFV265 also features adjustable feet for easy leveling and an open architecture for unrestricted airflow to keep AV components cool.
The SFV265 supports flat-panel TVs from 47-69 inches and up to 150 lbs. The middle and bottom shelves support up to 100 lbs. per shelf. The SFV265 is available at a list price of $429.99 USD. You can see it at: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/av-steel/SFV265
Back to Top Crestron Ships New HDMI and Component Video Wall Plates Crestron is now shipping fourteen new wall plates that support a wide selection of signal types and connectivity. All MP-WPs are available in white or black, and install in a single gang box using a standard decora-style faceplate. MP-WP connectivity ranges from traditional analog to HDMI, and plates may be combined to multiple input-configuration applications. Crestron MP-WP wall plates support RGB, component, composite, S-video and stereo audio, as well as computer (VGA, DVI-I and DisplayPort), HDMI, and Crestron-exclusive connectivity, such as Cresnet, QuickMedia, and DigitalMedia.
You can learn more about these plates at: http://www.crestron.com/solutions/digitalmedia_hdmi_distribution/
Back to Top THIEL Shows DewPoint Speaker Although not designed to get rained on, the DewPoint is an outdoor speaker that can be used under a covered porch or other damp areas. THIEL says they took steps to provide the DewPoint line with a high degree of resistance to environmental extremes. The enclosure is made of aluminum and is paintable to match any décor. The DewPoint’s anodized aluminum grille is impervious to rust and attached to the cabinet with a soft-set adhesive. All of the mounting hardware included with the speakers is made of top quality stainless steel.
THIEL will show DewPoint at CEDIA so it’s not on their website yet – but when it is, it will be here: http://www.thielaudio.com/
Back to Top PSB Introduces Updated Image Series Speakers PSB has made some significant updates to their popular line of Image Series Speakers, adding some of the features from the more expensive Synchrony and Imagine Series loudspeakers.
The new Image Series consists of eight models, including two full-range tower designs, two compact monitors, two center-channel speakers, one bipole surround for side and rear locations, and one sub-compact monitor/surround. The models are based on six-, five- and four-inch woofer platforms that further extend the Image Series’ already broad range of applications and budgetary options.
Significant among the Image Series’ enhancements is its driver platform, which is based on what PSB developed for the Synchrony and Imagine Series. All the Image models share long-excursion, very high-output woofers resulting in compact designs with output capabilities as high as much larger traditional systems.
The Image Series’ two towers — the T5 and T6 — are slim floorstanding models 37 and 41 inches high rated at up to 175 and 200 watts at 6 ohms, respectively. The Images’ two monitors — the B5 and B6 — are ideal for multichannel deployments, 2.1 subwoofer/satellite systems, and main-channel use in smaller rooms or systems. They are rated up to 125 and 150 watts at 6 ohms, respectively. A smaller addition to the Image Series, the B4 is comprised of a new four-inch woofer and a one-inch titanium tweeter, and is intended for Home Theater or multichannel applications. The C4 and C5 Center Channel speakers deliver their two-way systems in a dual-woofer horizontal format, and are engineered to maximize performance in multichannel applications. Finally, the bipole S5 Surround is a compact speaker that can be used on a shelf or stand, or wall-mounted. It’s rated up to 150 watts at 6 ohms for maximum coverage and output.
To see all the specs, go to: http://www.psbspeakers.com/news/New-Image-Series-of-Speakers
Back to Top NuVo and Sonance Partner Last week, Dana Innovations, parent company of Sonance and iPort, announced a licensing agreement with NuVo Technologies where NuVo will license Dana Innovations’ iPod-integration technology. Although no specific products were announced, rAVe is told that NuVo will use the technology to introduce a new on-wall NuVoDock for use with its whole home audio systems – expected to be announced at CEDIA Expo.
NuVo currently offers two tabletop iPod docks, called NuVoDocks, for use with its whole home audio systems. The $399 NV-RIPS Remote NuVoDock for iPod System is hard-wired to the NuVo system; the $699 NV-WIPS offers wireless connectivity to the NuVo system. The upcoming on-wall NuVoDock that will result from the agreement will have an estimated retail price of $499.
For more information about NuVo Technologies, please visit http://www.nuvotechnologies.com
Back to Top Sonos Introduces Touch Screen Controller for Sonos Multi-Room Music System Sonos, a company that makes wireless multi-room music systems, this week launched the CR200, a new touch screen display for controlling a Sonos system.
The Sonos CR200 features a 3.5” full-color VGA display (640×480 pixels) and comes with a capacitive touch screen for accurate and responsive operation. The touch screen keyboard enables rapid search of the world of music, including multi-million song jukeboxes (Napster® and Rhapsody®), more than 25,000 radio stations and podcasts, SIRIUS® Internet Radio, and your own personal music library. It also makes the creation of custom radio stations from services like Last.fm and Pandora® easy.
The Sonos CR200 replaces the Sonos Controller 100, and has a suggested retail price of $349. It also is part of the Sonos Bundle 250 ($999 suggested retail) that also includes a Sonos ZonePlayer 90 and a Sonos ZonePlayer 120.
For more information on Sonos or to find out how to become a dealer, go to http://www.sonos.com
Back to Top Runco Unveils 5 New Plasmas Yesterday, Runco added five new 1080p plasma monitors to its line of high-end video display solutions. The five new CinemaWall and PlasmaWall displays are the world’s first to feature Runco’s exclusive OPAL (Optical Path Alignment) technology, as well as what Runco calls “the most advanced video processor controller to date,” their DHD 3. Ranging in price from $7000 to $15,500, the new 50” and 65”plasmas each include Runco’s new DHD 3 and feature Vivix III 1080p processing with VirtualWide and new VirtualCinema aspect ratios.
Is Runco relevant? Well, in plasmas, clearly so. Not only do they have the largest selection now of any display manufacturer, but they STILL only sell through exclusive, certified dealers – not places like Best Buy.
You can see the 5-new models here: http://www.runco.com/xp-OPAL65.html
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.
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