The Set-top Boxes are Taking Over
By Gary Kayye, CTS I think we're getting close to some revolutionary changes in the HomeAV market. To be totally honest, however, there are changes we've been talking about for a long time and we've all seen coming – but maybe we were somewhat in denial and didn't want to admit the speed at which they would impact us. What am I talking about? The set-top box is quickly becoming a Media Server. OK, OK, I recognize that's not a revolutionary idea in itself, but what is, is the fact that it's the same box that's already in many homes now. No, it's not the latest Windows Media Center PC and it's not the media player stuff announced at CEDIA coming from Control4, Crestron or AMX – I'm talking about the stuff we already have in our homes today becoming more powerful by simply activating features. Case in point: DirecTV On Demand: By connecting any DirecTV (DVR- version) to a network (wired OR wireless) you can add more than 75 On Demand channels and get movies a few weeks after they're released on DVD. And, they've also added gaming capabilities. Granted, these games suck for anyone under the age of 35, but for the 40-somethings and 50-somethings, it sure beats solitaire. Speaking of which, can you believe the number of people still playing solitaire on their PCs on airplanes? If you're a true gamer, you'd laugh at the DirecTV game channels, and you'd point to your XBox 360's capability to play DVDs, play video games and download movies from Netflix (yes, Netflix). In fact, Microsoft now says that more than 50 percent of XBox 360 owners now download Netflix movies On Demand. And, don't forget the cable company. Cisco, through their Scientific Atlanta branch, is hurrying to market better-than-ever set-top boxes with better DVRs, connection to Netflix and Hulu built right in, the ability to browse the Internet and On Demand content from both TV shows and movies (like an AppleTV with live TV capabilities). Speaking of AppleTV, don't count them out. In fact, our sources in Apple tell us that we're soon to see a brand new AppleTV – one that's going to be more like having an full-on iMac in a TV-connected box that will allow you to do all the things the current AppleTV does (be a HUB/Server for your home's music, TV show and movie files – from ANY computer connected to the network), but also allow you to browse the internet, transfer files and even run a host of iPhone-style Apps that a bunch of third-party providers will be allowed to develop for the AppleTV – even one that turns your TV into a videoconferencing machine! The point is, whether you pick a Windows Media PC, a Crestron Adagio, an AppleTV or a CableTV box, the need for a bunch of separate inputs like DVD players, Blu-ray disc players, VCRs, game players will soon be gone. We are quickly coming to a day where we'll have two boxes connected – at the most – to our systems, simplifying our lives and our HomeAV systems. Are we ready to leverage this new world? Are you in the business of selling and integrating all sorts of separate AV gear and making money off the install fees? Shouldn't you be readying your business to make money off the services that all this new content-sending will bring? Sure, AppleTV's going to sell lots of content via their laptops and the AppleTV, but what about content management systems that allow you to watch it wherever you want, whenever you want. What about control systems that allow you to start watching a movie downstairs and finish watching it in the master bathroom while you bathe? And, it goes well beyond that. Some of these new systems will integrate into your security system, your home lighting system and even allow for access, seamlessly, while you're traveling. Sure, we've been talking about the coming content management systems for HomeAV for years, but now it's time to get serious about it as we're less than two years away from everything being served up via some set-top box that's continuously connected to iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Nintendo's gaming unit, Sony's music library and a whole lot more. Are you ready? Back to Top |
CEDIA EXPO Recap – Event Signals an Upturn in the Industry Over five days in September, industry professionals at CEDIA EXPO 2009 descended upon Atlanta with optimism for where the industry is headed. A strong crowd of exhibitors and attendees traveled to Atlanta to experience the best of the residential electronic systems industry, from exceptional products and amazing technology to new CEDIA University education. There was much speculated about EXPO and its outcome, but in 2009 it proved to be a resounding success amid a troubling economic background.
Over 20,000 industry professionals attended the show in Atlanta from September 9-13. Despite the minimal 12 percent decrease in individual attendance, the number of companies in attendance remained strong at over 400, with 70 new companies present. Of those in attendance, over 50 percent were key decision-makers. Exhibitors had the opportunity to interact with those individuals who could really make the important buying decisions for their businesses. Some of the hot topics and products on the show floor were focused on energy efficiency, retrofit applications, and 3D technology.
Highlights of the show include more than 50 awards presented to winners of the Electronic Lifestyles® awards competition – the industry’s most prestigious awards showcasing design and technology integration excellence – at the annual awards banquet on Saturday, September 12. CEDIA member companies were honored for their design and technology expertise in addition to outstanding innovation in product development and technology. In addition, the first-ever group of CEDIA Fellows were honored. A complete list of winners with photos is available at http://www.cedia.org/awards.
CEDIA EXPO 2010 is already in the works, and will surely be an even greater success than this year’s show. The event will be held again in Atlanta, from September 22-26, 2010. Look for more information soon at http://www.cedia.org/expo. Back to Top Upcoming CEDIA University Events Focus on education by participating in some of the exceptional CEDIA University education happening this fall. Find an event near you, or browse the library of on-demand e-Learning webinars available at http://www.cedia.org/education. - Survival Of The Fittest Webinar
10/6/2009
http://www.cedia.org/survival
Return of the Housing Market – When and How - Installer Level I (Canadian) Review & Exam
10/7/2009
ADI / Lachine, Quebec - EST Basic Residential Boot Camp
10/19/2009 – 10/21/2009
CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN - ESB Business Night Class Package – Day 1
10/21/2009
Digital Sales Group/david llc – Westbury, NY
ESB121 Introduction To Operational Management - EST Advanced Residential Boot Camp
10/22/2009 – 10/24/2009
CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN - ESB Business Night Class Package – Day 2
10/28/2009
Digital Sales Group/david llc – Westbury, NY
ESB223 – Managing People Back to Top Reflecting on Jim Thiel's Life (James Edward Thiel – 1947-2009) Jim Thiel, co-founder of THIEL Audio Products, passed away last week after a battle with cancer. Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, and colleagues. Below is a tribute released by THIEL Audio. Jim Thiel co-founded THIEL Audio Products of Lexington, KY in 1976, and the company has grown to become one of the most respected manufacturers of loudspeakers in the world. Jim's passion for music and his interest in electronics can both be traced back to childhood, when he began a lifelong love affair with the piano and also began to build and repair radios and other electronic gear. His academic background in physics and mathematics along with his naturally creative and inquisitive nature led him to pioneer the principle of time and phase accuracy in loudspeaker design. Over the last three decades, Jim Thiel's speakers have received countless awards from the most prestigious audio publications worldwide, highlighted by Stereophile Magazine having adorned the THIEL CS3.6 as one of the Hot 100 – a group of the most important and influential audiophile components of all time.
When THIEL would host their dealers for training events in Lexington, many visitors remarked that their favorite moments were spent with Jim in his lab, where he would detail his complex work in friendly and digestible language. Jim was known to listen thoughtfully and challenge gracefully, and he garnered a deep level of respect and affection from those who worked at his company. His employees remarked that he was so genuine—he was always fair, kind and reasonable. Jim was a man of science, possessing a profound respect for individuality and personal freedoms.
Jim would like to thank Dr. Mark Rosenberg who extended the length and quality of his life. Jim felt strongly that Dr. Rosenberg's alternative approach to cancer treatment was viable and would like to encourage anyone challenged by the disease to learn more about Dr. Rosenberg's work at www.newhopeforcancer.org. Donations in honor of Jim Thiel can be made to the Rosenberg Integrative Cancer Treatment and Research Institute at the above URL or to:
RICTRI
2512 North Federal Highway
Suite 105
Del Ray Beach, FL 33483-6147
Jim is survived by everyone who ever loved him and a legion of devoted THIEL fans around the world… THIEL welcomes everyone to share their thoughts or memories of Jim at http://www.thielaudio.com Back to Top NAD Introduces M15HD Surround Sound Preamplifier NAD also introduced at CEDIA the Masters Series M15HD Surround Sound Preamplifier, which features NAD’s Modular Design Construction (MDC) – removable and upgradeable modules. The modules for the M15HD come with advanced features that include dual 32-bit Aureus 7.1 high-speed DSPs by Texas Instruments; Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, and MultEQ Pro room correction technologies by Audyssey; decoding for advanced audio formats, including Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio; and Sigma Designs’ VXP broadcast-quality image processor.
Dynamic EQ preserves the impact of movie soundtracks at all listening levels, while Dynamic Volume prevents large loudness jumps when commercials come on, and TV channels or video sources are changed.
The image processor supports all SD and HD formats up to 2048 x 2048 pixels. It includes motion adaptive de-interlacing with edge interpolation, film mode detection with output cadence generation, a programmable scaling engine with aspect ratio conversion, frame conversion to and from any refresh rate (in NTSC and PAL), and advanced noise reduction and detail enhancement.
The M15HD can convert Component, and Composite and S-Video inputs from analog to digital HDMI using high-performance video decoders. It sends eight-channel linear PCM from the video signal to the DSP board for processing, and a programmable scaling engine ensures images are properly enlarged and reduced.
The M15HD also comes with installer-friendly options, including an RS-232 interface for advanced custom installations, 12-Volt Triggers (1 in and 3 out) for advanced control options, 3.5-mm IR Control jacks (1 in and 3 out), an A/V output for a second zone, a second zone OSD and remote control, and a switched AC Outlet.
An array of additional features further enhances the M15HD. They include four HDMI 1.3 repeaters, a tape monitor, lip sync compensation (option to 100mS), flexible bass management, and individual crossover frequencies for front, center, and surround speakers. Also aboard are four dual differential 24-bit, 192-kHz digital-to-analog converters, Dynamic Headroom Scaling for optimum resolution, an S/N ratio for all program and decoding combinations, digital tone controls with a center channel "dialog" setting, and an extensive package of connections. Also provided are separate power supplies for digital and analog sections of the M15 HD, a custom designed Switch Mode, and a Linear Power Supply with a custom ‘Figure 8’ transformer.
List price on the M15HD is $4,499 and is now shipping.
For more information, go to http://nadelectronics.com/products/masters-series/M15-HD-AV-Surround-Sound-Preamplifier
Back to Top Paradigm Introduces Two New Subs Paradigm Electronics has introduced two totally new flagship subwoofers, the Reference Signature SUB 1 and SUB 2.
Paradigm claims the SUB 1 and SUB 2 cabinets offer virtually no shaking despite moving vast amounts of energy via the drivers and 3000W “Kilomax” amplifier platform which is capable of 4500W when connected to a 208V or 240V line. The SUB 1’s six high-excursion, low-distortion 8-inch (10-inch for SUB 2) woofers are arranged in stacked pairs and geometrically aligned so the resultant force vectors, producing up to 7,500 watts of dynamic peak power, cancel each other out. Paradigm says even a full glass of water placed atop the SUB 1 or SUB 2 will barely ripple. They say this radial alignment concept is successful because the pressure waves inside the cabinet generated by each driver as the cone and voice coil move in and out are effectively cancelled, leaving a silent and distortion-free cabinet. The new models are also more compact than previous ones. The SUB 2 has six 10-inch drivers that the company says move as much air as a pair of 15-inch or a single 21-inch woofer, and can therefore be in a smaller, more compact form factor. Other features include AC line voltage detection and power consumption monitoring. See the specs below.
SPECIFICATIONS
Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 1 Design: - Six high-excursion eight-inch drivers, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D™ power amplifier, USB port, sealed enclosure
Amplifier: |
Back to Top Krell Introduces New Slim Line Power Amps Krell introduced last week two new S series amplifiers, the S-275 and the S-150, that are — you guessed it — slimmer. The point is to permit installation of multiple amplifiers in a space that only a single conventional amplifier would normally fit.
The S-275 and S-150M feature high performance linear power supplies, 135,000 and 5,000 microfarads respectively. The gain stages use Krell’s so-called Differential Current Mode, discrete Class A and fully complimentary circuitry. The S-275 is a flexible design boasting 275 watts/channel in stereo mode. A switch on the rear panel converts the S-275 to a 550-watt mono amplifier. The S-275 is a half wide design allowing two amplifiers to fit in the same space as a normal sized amplifier.
Even more streamline at only 3.4” wide, the S-150m monaural power amplifier boasts has Krell's latest circuit topology and a substantial power output of 150 watts into 8 ohms and 300 watts into 4 ohms. Technology developed in the Krell Evolution amplifiers can be found within the exterior including Krell Differential Current Mode circuitry and balanced operation. Perfect for stereo, distributed audio, and home theater applications, the S-150m is meant for high performance systems in space-limited locations.
Both amplifiers include 12-volt trigger input/outputs, balanced connectors and superior WBT signal connectors and speaker binding posts. The brushed-aluminum faceplate is available in silver or black finish.
Suggested U.S. retail price for the S-275 is $5,500 and $2,500 for the S-150m.
The amps aren't on Krell's website yet, but more information and specifications will theoretically be available on the S-275 and the S-150m at Krell's website here: http://www.krellonline.com Back to Top MartinLogan Introduces Two New Wireless Subs Dubbed the Dynamo 700 and 1000 they are what MartinLogan calls “high-resolution, low-distortion woofer pairs with a high-power magnet structure with the diaphragm (12-inch for the 1000, 10-inch for the 700) to deliver huge excursion and sound output while preserving minute bass details, all without a hint of distortion.”
One unique feature is that when placed in a cabinet or hidden somewhere in the room, each Dynamo Series subwoofer can convert from standard down-firing to front-firing orientation, with no tools or special skills required. A grill cover and 90-degree RCA adaptors are provided for use in front-firing applications.
The Dynamo Series’ ultra-efficient high-power amplifier uses variable audio tracking power supplies to drive its class AB output stage – MartinLogan claims that this is with lower distortion and less noise than typical Class D switching amplifiers as this advanced design allows the amplifier to operate at much higher efficiencies than a typical class AB amplifier. The Dynamo 1000 delivers (spec) 500 watts of continuous power; the Dynamo 700 provides a spec of 300 watts of continuous power. An energy-conscious design, the Dynamo Series amps consume less than a single watt in standby mode – a new ENERGY STAR compliance regulation for 2010.
The Dynamo subwoofers are now shipping. List price on the Dynamo 700 is $695 each, for the Dynamo 1000, $995 each.
For more information, go to http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/dynamo_700.html and http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/dynamo_1000.html Back to Top PSB Shows New Affordable Speaker Line at CEDIA There are three new LCR speakers: the Imagine T, a three-driver, two-and-a-half-way tower full-range floor-standing design, the Imagine B, a two-way stand/bookshelf-mount and the new Imagine C, a dual- woofer, horizontal two-way center-channel speaker. For rear and side speakers, they launched the new Imagine S, a dual-two-way, selectable dipole/bipole/dual channel monopole surround loudspeaker which PSB says may be connected as two discrete (side/rear) two-way pairs in compatible systems. All four new Imagine models share a common driver family, with an all-new, very high-output 5.25-inch woofer, and a wide-band and ultra-accurate, titanium-dome 1-inch tweeter inspired by the unexcelled performance of the Synchrony high-frequency unit.
Like nearly every PSB design, the Imagine networks employ fourth-order acoustic Linkwitz-Reilly topology, which they claim are best able to combine discrete drivers into cohesive acoustic entities with minimal impact in either amplitude domain (frequency-response) or that of time (phase-response).
The list prices are as follows: Imagine T (3-drive tower), $2000 per pair; Imagine B (two-way stand/bookshelf), $1000 per pair; Imagine C (2-way center-channel), $800 each; Imagine S (trio-mode surround-channel), $1200 per pair.
To read more and see all the specs, go to http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Imagine
To watch rAVe NOW's Video coverage from CEDIA of PSB founder Paul Barton talking about this new speaker line, go here. Back to Top Runco Introduces Affordable LightStyle Series Last issue, we covered Runco's new QuantumColor Series LED projectors but that wasn't the only thing Runco introduced at CEDIA. Responding to the recent economic climate, Runco introduced a new line of affordable (well, for Runco) projectors – the new LightStyle Series.
The LightStyle series is a set of three 1080p DLP projectors – the LS-3, LS-5, and LS-7 designed for the home theater market. All include ISF calibration tools and have a contrast ratio spec above 10,000:1. The LS-3 and LS-5 are single chip DLP projectors with two different lens options, while the LS-7 is a 3-chip DLP projector that has six lensing options. Since Runco expects these projectors to be out in the open (rather than hidden away in higher end theaters where other Runco projectors might be used), they say they redesigned the chassis to be smaller, and more attractive, with a deep-black finish.
The LS-3 and LS-5 will ship in November and have list prices of $4,995 and $6,995 respectively. The LS-7 is $15,495 and is expected to ship in early December.
To see all the specs on the LightStyle Series, go here: http://www.runco.com/projectors.html To watch rAVe NOW's Video coverage from CEDIA of the LightStyle series, go here. Back to Top SIM2 Shipping Grand Cinema C3X LUMIS Projector At CEDIA, SIM2 featured the Grand Cinema C3X LUMIS projector, a small 3-chip DLP 1080p projector featuring Texas Instruments' latest 0.95" 1080p DC4 DLP chip and it’s spec’d at 35,000:1 contrast ratio and 3000 ANSI lumens.
The C3X LUMIS has three different lens options and is available in several different finishes. As with all of SIM2’s designs, it's a nice looking projector.
List price is $34,995 or $36,495, depending on lens choices.
For more information, go to http://www.sim2usa.com/home/us/node/4874
To watch rAVe NOW's Video coverage from CEDIA of the C3X LUMIS, go here. Back to Top JVC Updates Home Theater Projector Line JVC updated their line of D-ILA home theater projectors at CEDIA by introducing six new models, the DLA-RS35, DLA-RS25 and DLA-RS15 (from JVC's professional products group), and the DLA-HD990, DLA-HD950 and DLA-HD550 (from JVC's consumer electronics group).
New for 2010 is JVC's double-speed 120Hz Clear Motion Drive technology to reduce motion blurring, and a new screen adjustment mode to optimize the projector for different screen types – features available on all six new models. Four of the six new projectors – DLA-RS35, DLA-RS25, DLA-HD990 and DLA-HD950 – offer JVC's new original picture modes, which provides advanced processing that adjusts for the different way that projectors process color compared to the color mixture method used in film. These same four new models are certified by ISF and so include an ISF C3 mode so they can be professionally calibrated.
The new DLA-RS35 and DLA-HD990 both have a native contrast ratio spec of 70,000:1, and come with a three-year warranty. Native contrast ratio specifications for the other new projectors are: DLA-HD550, 30,000:1; DLA-RS15, 32,000:1; DLA-RS25/DLA-HD950, 50,000:1.
The top four models – DLA-RS35, DLA-HD990, DLA-RS25 and DLA-HD950 – are all THX Certified (for all worldwide markets) to ensure accurate and exceptional picture quality in the home theater environment. These same four models also feature color management that interpolates colors individually by R, G, B, C, Y, or M, in three separate axes of color phase, chroma saturation and brightness. Up to three customized color settings can be stored for future use.
All the projectors have a 1.4-2.8:1 zoom lens with motorized focus, motorized lens shift (±80 percent vertical and ±34 percent horizontal), and an external 12-volt trigger (except on the DLA-HD550).
Features shared by all six new projectors include:
The new JVC D-ILA projectors are supposed to be available now and have the following list prices: - DLA-RS35/DLA-HD990: $10,000.00
- DLA-RS25/DLA-HD950: $8,000.00
- DLA-RS15: $5,500.00
- DLA-HD550: $5,000.00
To see a video from JVC about these new projectors, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bkLuR1bud8&feature=channel_page
Back to Top Optoma Announces New HD8600 Home Theater Projector At CEDIA, Optoma showed their new 3-chip DLP 1080p home theater projector, the HD8600. Designed specifically for custom installation, the HD8600 has ISFccc Day and Night modes, three options for lenses, accented lens placement and full lens-shift. It also has an Auto235 mode that automatically positions Optoma's optional anamorphic lens/sled kit to move the lens into place without user intervention for enhanced 2.35:1 content viewing. The projector features a 50,000:1 contrast ratio, and a brightness of 1600 ANSI lumens and the list price for it is $7499.99.
For more information, please go to http://www.optomausa.com/
Back to Top Sherwood Introduces the Netboxx Sherwood America announced at CEDIA that they are making initial shipments of the R-904N NetBoxx Internet A/V receiver this month. This 7.1 channel receiver plays both physical disc media and Internet/streaming media, without the use of a PC – it was definitely one of the most creative “media players” we saw at CEDIA and is priced extremely aggressive. The NetBoxx features HDMI 1.3, Dolby Volume, Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD Master high-resolution audio formats, and seven channels of 100-watt “Green” digital amplification (not exactly sure what that is). With Internet content from CinemaNow, YouTube, various TV channels (but not Netflix), SHOUTcast audio “Internet radio” stations, and the ability to stream personal media and content from Hulu, Netflix, CBS, CNN, ESPN, Rhapsody and Amazon Video On-Demand through the home network from a connected PC or NAS device the NetBoxx brings today’s most popular media to an A/V receiver.
Using VuNow technology licensed from Verismo Networks, the NetBoxx enables users with broadband access to surf the Internet directly by using the receiver’s remote control, navigating through a somewhat TV-friendly and intuitive user interface and a powerful built-in search engine. However, video playback is only supported up to 720p/60Hz.
Audio and video processing is provided by several devices from Texas Instruments (TI), including two 32-bit digital signal processors for audio, the DA787 and D788, which handle the multichannel HD audio decoding and advanced post processing. The output D/A converters have 24-bit resolution for best audio performance. Video is processed by the TMS320DM6446 digital media processor based on DaVinci technology.
Setup with a user's network is automated. A plug-in 802.11g wireless adapter is provided for wireless users.
Suggested retail is $649.95.
It's STILL not on Sherwood's website (Why???) but go here for more information when it is: http://www.sherwoodusa.com/
To watch rAVe NOW's Video coverage from CEDIA of the Netboxx at CEDIA, go here. Back to Top Stewart Adds LED Accent Lighting System to Product Line At CEDIA, Stewart introduced a new LED accent lighting system that they say is designed to enhance viewing environments and create mood lighting for any room in the house. Stewart's system features what they are calling an Intelligent Lighting Controller (ILC-100) — sort of a hub — with a built-in Intelligent Selector Technology (IST) that enables users to control the color temperature and brightness of the LEDs. As an option, the BSKP-2110-L Intelligent "Chroma" Keypad offers a low-cost lighting solution that can adjust, elect, and store any lighting value on one or more lighting controllers. Any number of controllers can be linked together and controlled from a single keypad that has six lighting presets.
External interface adapters are available for use with third party automation and control systems (i.e., Crestron, Extron, AMX, Control4). One interesting CEDIA-oriented feature is that the LED lighting system does not require a high voltage electrical license (Class 1) to install or program the unit.
For more information, go to http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/residential/main/residential_main.html
To watch rAVe NOW's Video coverage from CEDIA of the LED Lighting System, go here. Back to Top Anchor Bay Announces New DVDO Duo Video Processor Anchor Bay announced last month the introduction of a high-performance video processor, the DVDO iScan Duo. The processor delivers 8 HDMI 1.3 inputs, 2 HDMI 1.3 video/audio outputs, and an HDMI 1.3 audio only output, plus an array of image and system controls designed for custom integrators at a list price of $1,299. Initial shipments of the iScan Duo are scheduled for late September 2009.
The Duo’s 8 HDMI 1.3 inputs process signals up to 1080p resolution at 24, 50, or 60 Hz and are compatible with Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, and DTS-HD Master audio formats. Dual HDMI 1.3 outputs enable the simultaneous use of two Deep Color displays, with up to 12-bit output at 1080p-60. An additional HDMI 1.3 audio-only output makes for a convenient and efficient connection to an A/V receiver or audio processor.
The iScan Duo is supposed to automatically detects the display’s preferred format and outputs it to the display to simplify setup. Formats can also be customized, up to 1080p60, and 1080p24.
One unique feature of the iScan Duo is that thirty-five built-in test patterns are available to optimize display settings – but, we wonder how this is possible as each input would be different so setting up the projector per-input seems more important.
The iScan Duo is rack-mountable, using the supplied rack mount kit and lists for $1,299.
For more information on the iScan Duo, visit http://www.anchorbaytech.com/products/systems/iscanduo.php Back to Top LightZing Provides Zoned Low Voltage Lighting Control At CEDIA, LightZing showed their latest low-voltage lighting control system that plugs into any 110- or 220-volt outlet, eliminating the need for an electrician.
LightZing measures, manages, and supplies various levels of low voltage power to energy saving halogen or LED lighting and window shades for residential or commercial environments. The stand-alone unit is controlled using RS-232 and RJ45 connectivity, and is equipped with a front panel LCD screen for set-up and monitoring. It supports up to six zones per unit.
The LightZing component is designed to work with New World Lighting products (a brand also owned by the same company that owns LightZing), but other low voltage products may be approved.
LightZing is managed by ImageCrafters, a company in Massachusetts that provides store design, merchandising, and strategic planning for AV specialty retailers and integrators.
For more information, contact founder Spencer Kalker at (978) 380-6476 or spencer@imagecraftersinc.com Back to Top Kanex Mini DisplayPort Adapter Makes a MacMini a More Viable Media Server Alternative If you have clients that love Apple and want to use a MacMini (and not an AppleTV, which already has HDMI out) as a media server, it will serve you well to know about this little adapter. The MacMini outputs video in Mini-DisplayPort and audio in Mini-Toslink. This adapter cable takes the mini DisplayPort video and Mini-Toslink audio and outputs it over HDMI with 1080p video playback and 5.1 audio support. It also uses USB from the MacMini for power instead of an external power supply.
List price is $69.99 and it's available from Kanex here: http://kanexlive.com/products/item.aspx?id=3495 Back to Top OmniMount Debuts Morello Series Furniture Last week, OmniMount introduced a new AV furniture series, the Morello Series, which includes two audio/video media stands and one combination flat panel floor stand with a blend of wood veneer and glass. The Morello 40 furniture table’s three-shelf design accommodates multiple components and flat panels up to 42 inches. The second product in the series, the Morello 50 accommodates larger television sets, including flat panels up to 55 inches and DLP sets up to 50 inches. A television can be placed on top of each table, or it can be paired with a selection of OmniMount’s fixed, tilt or cantilever mounting solutions. Both have an MSRP of $399.95.
Built from the same footprint as the Morello 50, the Morello 50FP, is uniquely designed for use as a flat panel floor stand or a separate video table for components. The floor stand is the perfect solution for scenarios in which wall space is a challenge, as users can easily attach flat panels from 32 to 50 inches to the stand. Built-in pan allows viewers to pan up to 30 degrees left and right to provide greater viewing angles throughout the room. The Morello 50FP has an MSRP of $449.95.
The Morello Series additionally benefits from OmniMount’s integrated cable management solutions. The Morello 40 and 50 feature clips, while the Morello 50FP routes wires through its mounting post. The result is a clean, unobstructed showcase of the room’s A/V equipment.
For more information, go to http://www.omnimount.com |
Back to Top JVC Introduces 3D LCD Monitor, New Ultra-Slim LCD At CEDIA, JVC introduced two new monitors. The first comes from JVC's Professional Products, which is introducing its 46" 3D LCD monitor to the custom install market. The GD-463D10 is 39 mm thick and provides so-called "flicker-free" 3D images by utilizing the Xpol polarizing method and battery-free passive circular polarizing filter glasses, two of which are included with the set. The video input is compatible with both line-by-line and side-by-side 3D formats. Suggested list price is $9,153 and the display is available now.
To see a video from JVC about the new 3D monitor, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rViHApzAQGU&feature=channel_page
JVC also introduced a new slim LCD monitor for home theater use that measures only 1/4" thick – 6.4 mm. The new 32" LT-32WX50 weighs only 12.5 pounds and will be available in November in the US. The display uses edge LED backlighting, offers a 4000:1 contrast ratio, and a wide color gamut that's 100 percent of sRGB and 90 percent of Adobe RGB. The display will be available in December for less than $3000 retail.
To see a video from JVC about the new slim monitor, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fpI5-cvAUc
For more information, go to http://www.jvc.com 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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