BDA Releases New 3D Blu-Ray Standard
By Chris Chinnock
Sr. Editor/Sr. Analyst, Insight Media Blu-ray Disc Association web site has no information about the 3D spec release or any details about how to access it.
According to news reports and the people we have talked to about the spec over the last few months, "encoding of 3D video will be done using the Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec, an extension to the ITU-T H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) codec currently supported by all Blu-ray Disc players. MPEG4-MVC compresses both left and right eye views with a typical 50 percent overhead compared to equivalent 2D content, and can provide full 1080p resolution backward compatibility with current 2D Blu-ray Disc players. The specification also incorporates enhanced graphic features for 3D. These features provide a new experience for users, enabling navigation using 3D graphic menus and displaying 3D subtitles positioned in 3D video."
The 3D BDA spec is designed to position the platform as the gold standard for delivering 3D content. It will output content in a 1080p/24Hz, frame sequential (page flipping) format over an HDMI cable. Any 3D capable TV, regardless of display technology or 3D approach, should be able to display this signal, assuming the TV has been equipped with electronics to transcode this signal and convert it to the native 3D mode of the TV. Glasses will be required.
The Blu-ray 3D specification is also designed to allow PS3 game consoles to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3D. And it is backward compatible, meaning that 2D discs will show 2D images when played on new 3D capable Blu-ray disc players, and 3D Blu-ray discs will show 2D content on legacy Blu-ray players.
The completed specification will be available shortly and provides individual manufacturers and content providers with the technical information and guidelines.
At CES, we expect several companies to announce Blu-ray players based on the new specification. In fact, Broadcom just released a new single die Blu-ray disc chip that supports front-end and back-end video processing. The chip not only supports 2D and 3D Blu-ray playback, but also supports Netflix 2.0, Pandora, Vudu, CinemaNow and other services.
Getting this spec done and getting players into the market are the necessary first steps to enabling the 3D market. HDMI LLC has also released guidelines for HDMI 1.4, which includes support for 3D signaling.
And don’t forget about Avatar. The movie will eventually show up on Blu-ray, but the 3D game is already available (for a review of the game play, see last month’s edition of Mobile Display Report).
In our recent 3D Gaming Report, we forecast 3D capable TVs. As part of this analysis, we foresaw the availability of this hardware and used surveys and other analysis to judge availability of content in the coming years. 2010 will be a very important year in the establishment of 3D in the home, and CES will be the watershed event where it all begins. Chris Chinnock is a senior editor and analyst for Insight Media. Reach him at chris@insightmedia.info Back to Top HD Over Component Video is Dead (Almost)
By Gary Kayye, CTS Everyone’s used component video for HD. Everyone. In fact, some surveys find that as many of 85 percent of ProAV installations using HD are still being integrated over component video. Certainly, there's also a large percentage of HomeAV integrators still doing it.
Who cares?
Well, did you know that as of December 31, 2010 analog outputs decrypted (AACS) content will be limited to 480i and 480p (maximum resolution)? The date is referred to as “analog’s sunset.”
Translation: We’d better hurry up and start integrating systems using HDMI and DVI or we (or better yet, our clients) will be left with systems that once were HD and, all-of-a-sudden, are SD.
Here’s the official wording from the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) – the governing body that was tasked by our industry in coming up with a standard for switching from the old analog system for sending content to the new digital systems we’re seeing today (e.g., DVI, HDMI): | 1.7.1 2010 Sunset. Existing Models (as defined in Section 1.7.2) may be manufactured and sold by Adopter up until December 31, 2011. For any licensed Player (other than Existing Models) manufactured after December 31, 2010, analog outputs for Decrypted AACS Content shall be limited to SD Interlace Modes Only (i.e., Composite, S-Video, 480i component)… |
I won't bore you with all the details and data, but if you’re interested in reading the document yourself, go to http://www.aacsla.com/home and download it.
Simply put, we ALL need to rapidly transition our design, sales and integration teams towards digital standards when dealing with HD content (e.g., Blu-ray players, DirecTV, Dish Network and HD downloads). If you’re only doing systems with computers, don’t worry; you’re OK. But, if you integrate systems with HD video, you need to understand and learn all about the digital signal standards out there and how to integrate systems using them –they aren’t as simple as using DAs and switchers.
In fact, just this year, both Crestron and Extron have released educational guides on designing systems using digital gear, simply to educate integration firms on the complexities of digital interfacing, switching and distribution of AV signals in a digital environment. Both guides are excellent educational tools and I highly recommend that you order them and distribute them company-wide. In both cases, they require you to register yourself to get a copy – that’s why I can’t just put in the URL for each one in my column.
And, as we enter this totally-digital chain of AV integration, we will all experience, together, the evolution of the AV gear market. For example, content delivery will simplify as everything will be produced, delivered and displayed all-digital — that analog step in the middle of the chain will be eliminated — allowing for perfect images and many delivery formats for content, such as HD, PC-based, iPhone-based, HD-conferencing-based and even IM-based video chat style content delivery of everything. It’ll be a lot like TV is today. Think about it. If you want to watch a TV show, you have many, many options. You can all gather around the TV at the broadcast time of the show (say, 8:00 pm on Wednesday) and watch. Or, you can record it to your DVR and watch it later. If you totally missed even recording it, you can buy it from iTunes and watch it on your TV. If it’s not available, yet, on iTunes, you can rent it from Netflix. Or, you can hop on over to YouTube where someone’s bound to have uploaded a copy of it (albeit illegally) for all to see – for free.
Imagine the world of meetings working this way. A professor needs to deliver a presentation, he/she can bring in his laptop, connect it to the projector in the room and voila – it’s there for all to see. Or, if you missed the lecture, you can watch it at a later date via the school’s content server (you will be setting this up, by the way, as an AV integrator – once you understand routing digital signals and managing digital content). Or, the class can be offered up in iTunes-U as a class that anyone can take anywhere they want – any time. Or, watch it on your iPhone or Blackberry. All because we, the ProAV market, began designing, building and integrating digital content delivery systems – not just classrooms and meeting rooms.
Wow! If this doesn’t kick start an economic recovery in AV, nothing will!!!
Reprinted with permission from Sound & Communications. Founded in 1955, Sound & Communications is the premiere magazine for AV systems integrators, contractors and consultants. To subscribe or read sample articles, go to http://www.soundandcommunications.com Back to Top CEDIA Membership: An Investment in Your Business's Success A new year means resolutions, and for businesses an opportunity to start fresh and become more profitable. Make your resolution to create a profitable and successful business. Follow through on that resolution and become a CEDIA Member. Whether you are renewing or joining for the first time, CEDIA membership carries benefits for every business at every phase of development.
Making sound investments is a key piece of the puzzle for profitability. Skimping on important purchases may provide short term relief, but could hurt your business in the long-term. Now is the time to make smart investments, and to renew your membership or join CEDIA for the first time. For the price of a $500 fee, CEDIA Members have access to countless members-only benefits that amount to much greater reward than the initial investment. In fact, for every member that pays the $500 membership fee, CEDIA spends over $5,000 (see chart) to promote and benefit the individual member.
In 2010, CEDIA Members have countless opportunities to save money and move ahead with CEDIA programming and education. Here are a few things CEDIA Members can look forward to in the coming year: - Expanded e-Learning offerings for greater access to education, anywhere
- Management Conference 2010 discounts to help business owners and managers learn new ideas and stay successful
- FREE education at CEDIA EXPO 2010
- Discounts on tools and education resources like the new Electronic Systems Technical Reference Manual
- A newly revamped career center with expanded options for job-seekers and those looking to hire
- CEDIAwire which gives members direct access to trade and consumer publicity opportunities
- FREE Survival of the Fittest Monthly Webinar series
For further details on the benefits of CEDIA membership and ways to become more involved, visit www.cedia.org/membership.
Join CEDIA or renew your membership at www.cedia.org/join. Back to Top CEDIA Management Conference 2010 – Your Route to Business Success in 2010 All business owners and managers aren’t born with the natural ability to make a business successful. That is why it is vitally important to find tools that can make the process easier and lead to success in the long-run. CEDIA Management Conference 2010 is one of the most important tools that can help you get the business management skills you need to take your company to the next level.
Registration is now open for this event set to take place in New Orleans, LA from March 3-6, 2010. Education sessions will feature ways to help you refocus your business.
CEDIA Management Conference will… - help you understand the changing business game and put you in the right mindset to change with it
- refocus you on what's important – people, strategy, execution, and profit
- teach you how getting the right people and doing the right work will make your business thrive
- give you the best tools to immediately implement the ideas you learn into your business
- foster new relationships with peers and manufacturers that will elevate your business within the industry
Learn more about the offerings at CEDIA Management Conference 2010 at www.cedia.org/mc. Register today and take the first step in making your business profitable and adaptable in the new year. Back to Top The Blu-ray 3D Standard The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) releases the Blu-ray 3D, a long-awaited standard for full 1080p viewing of 3D movies on home TVs.
The first Blu-ray machines for 3D will be shown at CES in Las Vegas in January and shipping later this year. 3D movies (yes, Avatar!) will be played on these Blu-ray 3D machines (they can also play regular 2D discs). Current Blu-ray players can't handle the new 3D format, but maybe adapters will become available.
The spec is display-agnostic, able to deliver the 3D image to any compatible 3D display, whether LCD, Plasma or other technology (and regardless of what 3D technology the display uses to deliver the image). The new spec allows PS3 game consoles to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3D.
Blu-ray 3D calls for encoding 3D video using the Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec, an extension to the ITU-T H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) codec currently supported by all Blu-ray Disc players. MPEG4-MVC compresses both left and right eye views with a typical 50 percent overhead compared to equivalent 2D content. Back to Top APOGEE Interactive and Control4 Collaborate to Connect Consumers to the Smart Grid Control4 and APOGEE Interactive announced a strategic relationship at CES to incorporate Apogee’s energy analysis software into the Control4 home area network solution, the Energy Management System 100. By analyzing and presenting the data gathered by the Energy Management System 100 in an easy-to-understand interface and linking that with control over home devices, consumers can see the impact of changing their usage and realize substantial energy savings in the home. Wink, wink. Ironic, isn’t it?
Hey, at least they’re trying. If you want to read the entire press announcement they sent out at CES, go here: http://www.control4.com/news/94/44/APOGEE-Interactive-and-Control4-Collaborate-to-Connect-Consumers-to-the-Smart-Grid/ Back to Top rAVe Contracted by CEDIA to Provide Official Social Media Coverage of EXPO 2010 rAVe [Publications] has been contracted by CEDIA to, again, provide Social Media coverage of CEDIA Expo 2010 September 22 – 26 in Atlanta, GA.
Even though CEDIA Expo 2009 wasn't our first experience covering a show with live Twitter feeds, video-based product coverage and blogs directly from the show floor, for many of you, it may have been the first time you'd ever heard of Social Media coverage at a trade show. But, you obviously liked it! We quadrupled our website traffic, shot more than 250 videos, Tweeted about new products more than 200 times and did our best to cover CEDIA in a way that was exciting and useful for both attendees (who could literally follow by reading our Tweets and watching our rAVe NOW Videos on their mobile phones) and for people who couldn't attend the show – thousands of whom sat at their desktop and watched us cover the show in real-time through the rAVe NOW website.
To see our rAVe NOW coverage from EXPO 2009, go to: https://www.ravepubs.com.php5-2.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/Joomla1/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=7&Itemid=7
To read our Twitter coverage of EXPO 2009, go to: https://www.ravepubs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1263&Itemid=207 Back to Top Mitsubishi Integrates VUDU Into Entire LCD Line At CES last week, Mitsubishi announced that their entire line of Internet-enabled televisions in 2010 will be integrating VUDU Apps, a platform for the delivery of Internet entertainment services. The lineup of VUDU Apps on Mitsubishi televisions will feature the VUDU Streaming Movie Service, the leading HD on-demand movie service available today, which is currently supported on select Mitsubishi Unisen Immersive Sound televisions.
Mitsubishi’s 2010 line of Internet-enabled televisions will provide access to more than 100 Apps, ranging from news services to popular Internet sites, directly on its televisions via VUDU Apps.
Although none of them would go on the record, rAVe has been told by insiders at Sharp, LG and Samsung that they will also integrate VUDU into most of their lines in 2010.
To read more about the Mitsubishi line, go to: http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/unisen.html Back to Top Crestron Ships V-Panel Now shipping, the Crestron V-Panel is the industry’s first full-1080p high definition touch panel for control systems, and can function as both a touch panel control interface and flat panel HD display. Featuring an industry-standard VESA mount connectivity, the V-Panel can also be placed in desktop/tilt and flush wall mount options. V-Panels also integrate VoIP communications, embedded PC applications, USB-HID control and integrate with Crestron’s DigitalMedia line.
V-Panels feature what Crestron calls “gesture navigation,” to view cover art and browse media playlists, or tap into applications such as Internet Explorer, to access Web pages and email. Native IP intercom can be leveraged to talk panel-to-panel with someone in another room, and the USB port provides direct connection to a keyboard and mouse (or wirelessly via an RF dongle) for efficient PC/Internet navigation right from the V-Panel location.
To see all the specs, go to: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?type=commercial&cat=1053 Back to Top NAD Launches High-End Blu-ray Player NAD Electronics launched the Masters Series M56 Blu-ray Player at CES, what they are calling the flagship of its Blu-ray offerings. With full support for the latest HD audio and video formats, plus compatibility with existing CD and DVD collections (like every other Blu-ray player on the market), the M56 includes NAD’s upscaling engine that they say gives even standard-definition DVDs a boost with resolution to 1080p over HDMI, and Component video output up to 1080i. The M56 also supports 1080p at 24 frames per second to deliver the most fluid motion available from film-based material.
The M56 Blu-ray Player is available now from authorized NAD Masters Series dealers at a suggested price of $1,999 – you can see more at: http://nadelectronics.com/products/blu-ray/M56-Blu-ray-Disc-Player Back to Top Olive and THIEL Team Up to Introduce Networked HD Music System Olive Media and loudspeaker maker THIEL Audio have announced the introduction of the Olive+THIEL HD Music System – a multi-room system that’s networked. Combining the Olive 4HD music server with THIEL’s SCS4 IP-based loudspeakers, the Olive+THIEL delivers what they call “high-resolution audio as it’s meant to be heard and anywhere your home network reaches.” What does this mean, exactly?
Based on Olive’s flagship 4HD music server, the Olive 4HD server can store 6,000 CDs or 20,000 24-bit HD music tracks in lossless quality and it’s controllable via a built-in touch-screen LCD or an iPhone App that allows an iPhone or iPod. Music can be copied to the hard drive via the built-in CDRW drive (which can in turn burn playlists for the car), or from a networked computer (either PC or Mac). There is also an HDMI interface allowing for connection to a TV.
The Olive+THIEL HD Music System will be available in the US in January for a list price of $7,900 and will be sold through exclusive resellers – so call them if you’re truly interested. More information is available at the Olive+THIEL website at http://www.olivethiel.com Back to Top Sherwood Launches Streaming Video and Audio Server at CES Sherwood launched two interesting products at CES that bring streaming Internet content into the home – one for the tabletop or bedside, and the other for the primary AV system. The RD-7505N A/V receiver is one of the first to accommodate the new HDMI 1.4 3D standard, providing three inputs with repeater and a single HDMI output. With 110 watts per channel, this 7.1 channel receiver decodes both the Dolby TruHD and DTS HD lossless audio formats. Without a PC, it makes access to streaming Internet audio and video as easy as selecting another input. Scheduled to ship in May 2010, MSRP for the 7505N is $499.95. At first glance, the iNet-2.0 appears to be just a digital photo frame or clock, but it houses an Internet music player and iPod dock. Sherwood told rAVe that it will be available in May for $299.95.
Among the first receivers with HDMI 1.4 capability, the 7.1 channel RD-7505 provides support for the new connectivity standard’s 3D picture, higher resolution video, Ethernet and audio return capabilities. HDMI repeater circuitry allows the receiver to process the audio signal from the source component, enabling the RD-7505 to internally process the highest-resolution audio formats such as Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, the receiver also handles DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II surround decoding, as well as five additional synthesized surround modes. Totally discrete amplifiers deliver 110 watts RMS for each of its seven channels, at less than 0.7 percent THD. High-resolution audio quality is assured by 192 kHz/24 bit D to A converters for all channels and TI 32-bit DSP audio chips.
The RD is not on Sherwood’s site yet, but when it is, it will be here: http://www.sherwoodusa.com/ Back to Top StJohn Group Brings Two French 3-chip LCoS Projectors to HomeAV Market StJohn Group, the U.S. importer for Cineversum, a French high definition projector company, announced this week that it will import two new projectors aimed at the HomeAV market. Dubbed the Blackwing Two and the Blackwing Three, both are 16:9, 3-chip LCoS-based 1080p native resolution projectors that will sell for $9250 and $12,075, respectively. Both use 200-watt, 3000 hour lamps and would be considered quiet at 19 dB and include 1.4-2.8 lenses and all the necessary connectivity required for most HomeAV installs.
The difference? One is rated at 1000 lumens and the other at 900 – but the cheaper one is the higher brightness. Huh? Well, the Blackwing Three is rated at 50,000:1 contrast ratio while the Blackwing Two is rated at 32,000:1.
If you’re interested in more information, go to: http://www.stjohngroup.com/cineversum.html Back to Top ELAN Ships DT22 Dual AM/FM Sirius Tuner Last week, ELAN Home Systems announced it began shipping its new Digital Tuner, the DT22 Dual AM/FM, SIRIUS XM Radio Ready Tuner. The brushed-aluminum front panel (part of ELAN’s new look) includes an indigo display panel and streams four unique audio outputs.
In weeding through the adjective-filled product release, we attempted to filter out the true specs and we think we’ve got some of them. The DT22 is what ELAN calls a “plug-and-play satellite receiver” with the capability of added signal stability in the native AM and FM bands for advanced signal locking and lower noise levels. They spec a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response at an 80dB Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) on satellite audio reception, with up to 300Hz to 15kHz at 63dB SNR for local terrestrial broadcasts. In addition, you can Link 2 DT22s to provide up to eight tuners (4 AM/FM, 4 Sirius).
The 17 x 3.5 x 14 inch DT22 is an eloquent addition to any component stack or equipment rack with included mounting ears, and is now shipping at an MSRP of $1,200. ELAN will offer the combo tuner with a single SIRIUS / AM/FM configuration as the DT11 this March at an MSRP of $800, and will continue to ship its popular DTNR AM/FM tuner listed at $640.
You can read all the specs at: http://www.elanhomesystems.com/productdetail.asp?id=159 Back to Top Extron Ships MPA 401 with Energy Star Rating This week Extron announced it was shipping their MPA 401, an integrated Mini Power Amplifier that delivers 40 watts rms for 70-volt distributed speaker systems for applications such as bars, restaurants, country clubs and pools. This ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier features an Extron exclusive, highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design with patented CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides what Extron says is a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D designs. This Extron exclusive, high efficiency design allows the amplifier to be “fanless” and operate in environments with little or no ventilation.
The MPA 401 Energy Star-qualified amplifier is an energy efficient product that conserves energy and reduces costs. With an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after 25 minutes of inactivity, it consumes just 8 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode.
The MPA 401 accepts balanced and unbalanced stereo or mono inputs. The front panel includes controls for bass, treble, and input level. The MPA 401 combines the left and right channels into a single mono output. An advanced, automatic clip limiter protects speakers from clipping distortion. The MPA 401 features remote control capability for volume adjustment and muting.
For all the details, go to: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=mpa401ad Back to Top Sanus Platinum Series Furniture Line Gets Makeover Sanus Systems recently announced it has redesigned its line of Foundations Platinum Series furniture with three new AV stands that offer a sleek, modern design and ample room for storing home theater and AV components while keeping cables organized.
The new AV stands are now shipping and will replace the existing Platinum Series furniture models, which will eventually be phased out of the product offering.
The new Platinum Series models include the four-shelf PFAV30, three-shelf PFV48, and three-shelf PFV60. They are currently available for a list price of $329.99, $329.99 and $349.99, respectively. You can see the entire line here: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/ Back to Top SurgeX SX1200: First Global Power Conditioner Thanks to a recent partnership with International Audio Group (IAG), SurgeX International is globally launching their SX1200 product line that includes power ratings and connectivity compatible with the rest of the world. The SX1200 line provides Advanced Series Mode surge protection and power conditioning for all types of audio, video and computer equipment. Four ranges offer region-specific connectivity and load-capable circuitry, with three models available in each range (RTi, RLi and i). This gives consultants, integrators and users a choice of surge suppressors with application-specific features, such as remote turn-on or front-panel lighting.
SX1210 models are 10-amp load-capable (for China and Australia), SX1213 models are 13-amp load-capable (UK), SX1215 models are 15-amp load-capable (South Africa) and SX1216 models are 16-amp load-capable (Europe). All models have 10 grounded IEC receptacles on the rear panel, with eight switchable and two permanently on. Both RTi and i models also provide a front-panel courtesy outlet.
The SX1200-RLi has two Neutrik XLR connectors for Littlite gooseneck lamps to provide dimmable illumination of equipment racks in recording studios, custom design/build installations and sound reinforcement applications.
The SX1200-RTi has a remote turn-on capability for use in integrated power distribution systems. A rear-panel Phoenix connector allows the unit to be connected in a master-satellite configuration with a controller, such as the SurgeX SEQ, for the sequential power-up of multiple components.
To see the entire SX1200 line, go to: http://www.surgexinternational.com/products.html Back to Top New Sanus Low Voltage In-Wall Box Routes Cables Behind Mounted TV Sanus Systems is shipping the Sanus Elements ELM803 Recessed Low Voltage In-Wall Box for a list price of $19.99 USD.
The ELM803 installs behind a mounted flat-panel TV, allowing the TV to sit as close to the wall as possible, and routes cables neatly through the wall for a flawless home theater installation. The box can be mounted on sheetrock walls using the built-in work tabs or attached directly to select Sanus mounts with removable ClickFit brackets. The brackets easily snap onto the mount for a clean installation with no drilling or wall mounting required.
To learn more about the Wall Box, go to: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/elements/cable-tunnel/ELM803 Back to Top CEDIA Forms Strategic Alliance with National Association of the Remodeling Industry The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) have formed a strategic alliance as part of CEDIA's Industry Outreach efforts. The alliance will help educate both associations' members and will provide a platform for collaboration, partnership, and exchange of information regarding integrating technology into homes.
CEDIA's Industry Outreach programs have established strong partnerships with design and build industry associations, resulting in the development of education and resources for many groups including architects, builders, building designers, interior designers and professional remodelers. To date, CEDIA's Industry Outreach programs have educated more than 8500 design and build professionals.
In 2005, CEDIA formed a strategic alliance with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), resulting in a unique technology-focused group called the Home Technology Alliance. Similar to the NARI alliance, the Home Technology Alliance provides education, networking opportunities, and tools to foster better collaboration between builders and electronic systems professionals.
In addition to the NARI and NAHB alliances, design and build professionals have access to education delivered online as well as through CEDIA's Registered Outreach Instructor program. These courses have been approved by eight organizations for continuing education credit including the American Institute of Architects, the American Institute of Building Designers, International Interior Design Association, Interior Design Educators Council, American Society of Interior Designers, Interior Designers of Canada, NAHB and NARI. A list of approved courses is available at www.cedia.org/outreach/roi_courses-db.php Back to Top News from Stewart Film Screen… Stewart Filmscreen has hired Jim Groover as National Sales Manager… New 3D channels have been announced from ESPN, Discovery Channel, Europe's BSkyB, and DirecTV. 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 2010 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – 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. |