September 16, 2005 | Volume 2, Issue 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News This is Part 1 of our news reports from CEDIA. Keep an eye out for the next issue for more news coverage from the CEDIA trade show! Thank you to our sponsors of this issue: |
Introduction Sponsorship Opportunity Editorial Letter From Newly-Elected CEDIA President
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manufacturers: Do your messages target system integrators? So do ours! rAVe Home Edition is the only eNewsletter written for design and installation professionals working in home theater and automation. rAVe Home Edition, co-sponsored by CEDIA, currently has one opportunity for an annual sponsorship. Sponsorships are limited in number and restrictions apply. To see if your company is eligible, contact Sara Abrons at sabrons@kayye.com or (919) 969-7501. Introduction CEDIA Sights and Sounds This issue, you’ll find our news write-ups of some of the unusual and break-out products from CEDIA. Since there is no way to cover it all without bogging you down with way too much, we chose the news that most directly affects you in the system integrator/installer channel, or those products that were truly unique. That said, you won’t see us covering that many flat-panel TVs, receivers or loudspeakers, which were all over the place and from what we saw at CEDIA, raise the bar higher than ever. We noticed that “wish list” items from last year’s CEDIA were neatly checked off. Practically everything the system integrator community said they wanted last year showed up at this year’s show. One was the sheer volume of 1080p DLP projectors at the show, from companies such as HP, Mitsubishi, Samsung and Toshiba, etc. Also, the fact that EVERY new receiver at the show had at least 2 HDMI inputs shows that manufacturers are listening to you. iPod, which was the hottest trend last year, was this year integrated with practically everything. Our “man on the street” interviews indicate that’s good news. Case in point: “The biggest thing for us was the iPod integration. Our clients always want to integrate their iPods.” – Gene Quisisem and Jay Castro, Ultimate Control Inc., San Jose, California. Audio distribution, including servers, were also within a stone’s throw of everywhere at CEDIA. Gene and Jay also said Crestron’s Adagio (see story below) would be a great path for homeowners to grow. XM Radio integration, hard drives built right into TVs, DVD players and recorders, lighting and home control systems – yep, all there at CEDIA in multitudes. Before we get to the news, here are a few notable surprises: Illuminaire The LED light strips can be placed on the sides and/or top and bottom of a flat panel (even on the ceiling moldings or along the floor, or behind speakers – anywhere, really) to get the glow. They can cycle through 16.7 million colors in 30 minutes if you want (slow moving so as to not be distracting) or you can just pick a color and stick with it. It also has presets for colors so customers can pick their own, and it has a night mode which dims the lights at night For a couple of hundred bucks, this will do incredible things for the right room. If you have a HomeAV showroom, get this now. Blue Ocean http://www.usnippura.com/welcome.htm Screen Goo Seura eSommelier The data is also available via Internet so when wine connoisseurs visit friends, they can spend hour upon hour comparing wine cellars. http://www.castercomm.com/pr_docs/ACF30D.doc CentraLite What we liked though was their interactive booth display. The displays had very nice looking renderings of homes, views from the fronts of homes, and as you pushed lighting zone buttons, the corresponding zone would “light up” in a back display, showing a user exactly the end result of these systems – lights you could see go on and off in the windows of the house. Now, the rest of the news. This issue contains part one of the news – we’ll cover the rest of the news from CEDIA in the next issue. Enjoy! — Gary Kayye, CTS Letter From Newly-Elected CEDIA President As the new president of CEDIA, on behalf of the CEDIA Board of Directors and professional staff, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to rAVe and Gary Kayye for supporting our 2005 CEDIA Expo event and the residential custom installation industry. Our event this year was tremendous in light and despite the tragedy in the Gulf Coast region. Please stay tuned, initiatives are in process and we ask that everyone participate and give in anyway that they can. As most of you are aware, since you were with us in attendance at CEDIA Expo 2005 last week, the show was powerful and exciting. Passion was everywhere, especially in the education and certification venues. Prior to the show opening on Friday, I had the opportunity to walk the halls of the convention center both Wednesday and Thursday. I was amazed at the concentration of bodies moving quickly from class to class. The amount of human traffic almost felt like the show had fully opened. This only validates how important education is to our members and how crucial CEDIA’s task is to constantly and consistently raise the bar of our curriculum. I must take this opportunity to thank our manufacturers and sales representatives for their significant presence and support. They are the foundation and conduit to the growth of the industry. I hope they found CEDIA Expo to be as valuable as the dealer base did. I don’t want to forget the media either. There were over 400 representatives from the media present ,and the press room was a bustling environment throughout the entire show. We thank you for your interest and support as well. There will be new events and opportunities for our membership to grow and experience the CEDIA channel in the upcoming year. Please remember, CEDIA exists 365 days a year and something is always happening to assist you in your growth and prosperity. Please stay and become more engaged with CEDIA. It is your association and exists to serve you. Sincerely,
Andy Willcox President, CEDIA Editorial By Gary Kayye, CTS See Part 1 at http://www.ravehome.com/issues/2005/08/vol2iss16/index.htm By Gary Kayye, CTS I’ll start this column with the statement I made at the end of the last column: The fact that the time from theatrical release to DVD release is shortening is no accident. It’s planned. In fact, what you will see in 2006 and 2007 is that trend continuing and maybe even being within weeks of each other. In 2005, the money made on DVD will far and away surpass the money made in the theater for most movies; and Hollywood is noticing). What will happen first is downloadable movies (in NTSC format) will become more and more prevalent with Hollywood even pushing the services through DirecTV, Blockbuster, Netflix and TiVo. Then HD-DVD stuff will still be the standard 5-9 month delay that we see from movies now, but the regular quality movies will be virtually real-time. And, you’ll pay for it – and we WILL pay for it. I can see the day where you will have a choice to rent a movie for download the same week it comes out in the theater for, say, $20. And, we’ll pay that, too. If you’ll wait three weeks, it will go down to $10, six weeks $5 and so on. Here’s the deal. The theaters are still doing a great job attracting a major demographic they want to attract: singles. It’s still the ultimate safe-date. If you’re getting along, you can cuddle – if you’re not, you can escape by not having to talk and enjoying the show. But, families? Forget it. Sure, we come to the theaters to see the annual Disney, DreamWorks and Paramount cartoons and even some other G and PG-rated hits with the kids, but generally we (the original couple who married and had those kids) just don’t come. It’s too expensive – no, not the ticket prices, the popcorn, or the ICEE. It’s the babysitter, and the hassle of finding one when we want to come. We’d rather have a nice, quiet meal, alone, when we actually find a reliable, affordable sitter. Hey, it’s not that we don’t want to see movies. In fact, according to my Netflix account, I rented over 120 movies last year – and I know I watched at least 100 of them. I also randomly buy movies from DirecTV and Target every once in a while. But, I would much rather pause a movie at my own will and watch it stretched out on my Cineloungers from First Impressions Themed Theaters – in my boxer shorts. And, don’t try and fix the theater – make it faster. I don’t care what you do to the movie theater. Stadium seating: been there, done that. DTS/THX audio: heard it – got it myself. Cup holders: heck my new car has 7 of them. ICEEs: OK, well, that is a draw as I don’t have one of those in my home, but am looking into it. Fix the distribution system instead. Let me give you an example. I never got into the MP3 stealing music thing. I guess it missed my age group by a few years. When I tried Napster, it kept locking up my Windows XP computer. I bought CDs whenever I wanted to hear a song. I paid the old fashioned way – albeit mostly from Amazon – better pricing there and a CD is a CD. Hey, I need to stop and at least say thanks to Borders and Barnes and Noble as they do have those free listening stations – and a nice flat surface for me to write down the name of the next CD I would need to buy on-line. And, then, I bought a MAC. Since owning a MAC, I have purchased exactly 440 songs. Know how I know? It costs exactly 99-cents a song. It’s simple to buy and they are available instantly. Actually, I ended up spending more per song than I would have continuing to buy CDs, but the convenience was well worth it! And, don’t make me wait. Apple didn’t. When Coldplay released their 3rd album (oh, I mean CD) in the stores on June 6th of this year, Apple’s iTunes had it for me that morning. Same songs – and even included a free music video! So, when Indiana Jones IV hits the theaters next summer, charge me $20 to get it in my home theater. Charge me $30. I don’t care. What you’ll be doing is getting money I’m already spending on the babysitter, parking, bad popcorn and ICEEs if I were to see it in a movie theater. Oh, I forgot the money I’m spending on gas – take that, too. At this rate of increase, for a gallon of gas, it will cost me more than the movie tickets by year’s end, anyway!
News Have a news tip? Send them to rAVe Editor-in-Chief Denise Harrison — dharrison@kayye.com
This is Part 1 of our news reports from CEDIA. Keep an eye out for the next issue for more news coverage from the CEDIA trade show! Industry News
While many associations are publishing recommended certifications and practices, CEDIA stepped up to the plate, demanding that all installer/designer companies who display the CEDIA logo be certified. And this certification is no rubber-stamp. It’s a real course with real people and a real test. This is awesome. What CEDIA has done is basically prove to the HomeAV world that if you deal with a company proudly wearing the CEDIA MEMBER badge then you’re getting quality, and quality with know-how. This will prevent the tire-kickers from “testing the HomeAV” waters and will provide a certification level that matters for the consumer. The buyer will now have the confidence that if they deal with a CEDIA member, they are getting a true HomeAV technologist – not just someone who had the money to print up a business card. Congratulations to CEDIA, the CEDIA board and its members. 2. CEDIA elects 2005-2006 Executive Committee and Board of Directors Andy Willcox, president of ProLine Integrated Systems, a home systems integration company with locations in Chicago and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., has been elected to his first term as president of the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA). Willcox has more than 15 years in the consumer electronics industry and is a founding member of CEDIA. He served as the chair of the record-breaking 2002 CEDIA EXPO, which hosted nearly 20,000 industry professionals, and he has been an active contributor to CEDIA's board of directors, councils, committees and action teams. He also has served as vice president of CEDIA and chairman of the Industry Events and Outreach Council.
Willcox will lead CEDIA's executive committee with the following elected industry professionals: Ken Smith, vice president – Custom Electronics, Inc., Falmouth, Maine Larry Dashiell, treasurer – HomeTech Systems, Petaluma, Calif. Utz Baldwin, secretary – AD Systems, Houston, Texas Ray Lepper, past president – Home Media Stores, Midlothian, VA.
CEDIA's 2005-2006 board of directors include: Andrew Ard, KA Marketing, Lewisville, Texas Rick Bergamaschi, Runco International, Union City, Calif. Larry Dashiell, HomeTech Systems, Petamula, Calif. Rich Green, Rich Green Ink, Palo Alto, Calif. John Litt, Custom System Technologies, Austin, Texas Randy Stearns, Engineered Environments, Oakland, Calif. Randy Wilson, Wilson Home Theater Systems, Sherman Oaks, Calif. Jeff Zemank, Lutron Electronics,, Coopersburg, Pa.
"CEDIA benefits greatly from the leadership of the industry's outstanding members, who serve on our executive committee and board," said CEDIA Executive Director Billilynne Keller. "Our team includes many knowledgeable professionals who will continue to shape our industry initiatives and continue to make CEDIA the top resource for the custom electronic design and installation industry." CEDIA is an international trade association of companies that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for the home. The association was founded in September 1989 and has more than 3,000 member companies worldwide. CEDIA members are established and insured businesses with bona fide qualifications and experience in this specialized field. CEDIA members include Residential Electronics Systems Professionals who have emerged as the "fourth contractor" in the building and remodeling industries alongside electrical, plumbing and HVAC professionals.
3. TI Shows Killer 1080p DLP Front Projection Chipsets TI has done a great job in the past five years staying ahead on technology and this is another example of good timing. For more information, go to http://www.dlp.com/about_dlp/about_dlp_press_release.asp?id=1270
4. HP Demos Connected TVs The prototype LCD HDTVs from HP at CEDIA are pretty fancy – with built in digital media receivers that let the TVs communicate with any PC in the home, or download movies and other files over the internet either wired OR wirelessly. These new TVs, set to ship next summer, also connect to HP’s Digital Entertainment Centers. The HP software included will allow consumers to create virtual databases of media content on their PCs — from digital images to audio and video files. Once the library of personal media is created and the wired or wireless connections are made, consumers can use their remote controls to easily access libraries of content from their PCs or broadband networks directly on their advanced digital media HP HDTVs. In other news, HP will also ship three sizes of DLP-based microdisplay televisions a 50-inch (MD5020N), 58-inch (MD5880N) and 65-inch (MD6580N). The 58- and 65-inch MDTVs will be available in 1080p resolution, and come "digital cable ready" with a built-in CableCARD slot. The 1080p can display native and compressed 1080p HD content through an HDMI interface. The 50- and 58-inch models also will be available in 720p resolution. All HP MDTVs feature HP Visual Fidelity technologies, including "wobulation," which HP says doubles addressed pixel resolution and produces a smoother high-definition picture with clear and crisp images. A nice addition is that these sets also include a first-of-its-kind on-screen thumbnail navigation feature that allows consumers to see, on one screen, all of the video sources feeding into the TV. The sets are expected to be available in the United States and Canada in October and pricing is TBD. For more on HP at CEDIA, go to http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2005/index.html
A day before CEDIA opened, APPLE announced there are now more than 1,000 accessories made specifically for iPod. More than 21 million iPods have been sold and now there are accessories ranging from high-end fashion cases to speaker systems to automobile integration kits for iPod. Apple also announced that there are more than 700 products bearing the Made for iPod logo on the market or in development. More on Apple: Did you realize that Apple conceived, engineered, manufactured and shipped more than 400,000 brand-new iPod Nanos (the super-small iPod with a color-screen) in less than nine months?! That in itself is amazing, but what’s even more amazing is that according to Apple, fewer than 20 people within Apple even knew the product was being designed and manufactured. Then, to top it all off, Apple announced it the day before CEDIA opened and EVERY Apple store in the USA was full-stocked with them on the shelf. In the immortal words of Napoleon Dynamite, “fricking amazing.” How do you like the concept of introducing a product and it being available on the shelves the same day? For more information, go to http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/sep/07ipod_acc.html
6. Sony Shows New SXRD 1080p Home Theater Front Projector One of the products causing a bit of buzz is the new Sony SXRD front projector specified at 1920 x 1080p (progressive) and an unheard-of claim of15,000:1 contrast ratio with the company’s Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) technology. The projector incorporates three SXRD chips — one each for red, green and blue color reproduction yielding more than 6 million native pixels. Set up in a theater in the Sony booth (and surprisingly not set up well), the new, cooler and quieter VPL-VW100 debuted to cheers and lines all day. The VPL-VW100 model uses a 400-watt Pure Xenon lamp, and an Advanced Iris for more accurate blacks, and works with three 0.61 SXRD chips to deliver an over-all contrast ratio of up to 15,000:1 when "auto" Iris mode is on. I was disappointed that the set-up in Sony’s booth actually didn’t show off the contrast capabilities shown on the spec sheet– and it was noticed. There is no question that the projector will eventually perform better than was shown at CEDIA. Another unusual feature is the low 22dB fan noise – most projectors run at least 26dB. The projector also features 1.8x powered lens zoom and powered focus as well as lens shift. Inputs include 1080p HDMI and DVI-D and RGB and component video. The VPL-VW100 will be available in November for about $10,000. For more information, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/news/index_mail.shtml?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-08-2005/0004103494&EDATE
7. Three DarkChip 3 DLP Exhibits Several companies are showing front projectors using the TI DarkChip 3 DLP set from Texas Instruments. The InFocus box is one of the best looking large home theater projectors we’ve ever seen so far (it rivals the industry-standard 3DLP projectors from Digital Projection). It’s the ScreenPlay 777, the one just reduced to $14,999, specified at 5000:1 contrast ratio, 2000 lumens. You can see more at http://www.infocushome.com/amer/eng/products/screenplay/sp777.asp but we can tell you that the photo doesn’t do it justice. Mitsubishi’s is a much smaller form factor (about the size of a box of chocolates, says the company) and it’s specified at 1000 lumens and 4000:1 contrast ratio. More on Mitsubishi home theater is found at http://www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com/ Optoma, too, has a DarkChip 3 DLP – the H78DC3. This is Optoma’s newest high-end home theater digital projector. Inside is a 5X speed, 8-segment Dark Video Enhancement (DVE) color wheel and it is specified at 800 lumens and 4000:1 contrast ratio. For more on the Optoma projector, go to http://www.optomausa.com/optomausa/public/products_hproj_h78DC3.jsp
8. Rear Pro System From Optoma Just 30 Inches Deep This system is 1080p resolution and the short throw is done with a single-mirror DLP projector. It’s available in 80” and 100” and the light engine is accessible from the front of the system so you don’t have to go into the back to make adjustments or repairs. It is specified at 5000:1 contrast ratio, has IR pass-through for system integration, Component, composite, S-Video, VGA, RGB and HDMI connectivity, and will support 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p inputs. The BigVizion comes with a customizable color scheme, so you can match your customer’s color scheme with a matching or compatible bezel. For more on the Optoma Home Theater, go to http://www.optomausa.com/optomausa/public/products_hproj.jsp 9. Samsung Unveils High-End DLP Front Projectors Samsung showed two new projectors at CEDIA, the SP-H710AE and SP-H800BE DLP models with MSRP of $4,000 and $12,000 respectively. The SP-H710AE uses the TI HD2+DMD DLP with a six segment color wheel and the SP-H800BE uses a TI HD2+ Dark Chip 3 with an eight segment color wheel. They are both specified at 1280 x 720 and because the company wanted to replicate broadcast quality color, users can select the color coordination for the three broadcasting formats: SMPTE-C, HDTV, and EBU. Both projectors come with an adjustable lens allowing for convenient projector positioning on the vertical axis. Projector placement may be floor-mounted front, ceiling mounted front, floor mounted rear, and ceiling mounted rear. For more on Samsung, go to http://www.samsung.com/index.htm 10. Hitachi Adds Three Projectors to Line The HDPJ52 has a Hi-2 Dual Iris System that combines two independently controlled Iris components to enhance the brightness of the projector according to the ambient light conditions in the room. The 10-step, remote motorized lens iris can be opened for maximum output from the projector when more brightness is needed for high-ambient light conditions or closed in a low-light environment for deeper blacks. Max contrast is specified at 5000:1, lumens are 1200 and resolution is 720p. The HDPJ52 also has Hitachi's nine-step gamma curve adjustment feature for good black levels, and picture mode presets for specific viewing situations. Hitachi also uses its Super-Focus Quattro ELD Lens technology so the projector can be placed off-axis from the center of the screen without requiring digital correction. The lens system itself shifts the image both vertically and horizontally. MSRP is $3,999.99. The EDPJ32 ($1,499) weighs less than five pounds, is about the size of a notebook computer, and is specified at 854 x 480 resolution, 1300 lumens. The UltraVision PJTX100 ($2,000) is a 16:9 LCD home-theater projector specified at 720p resolution. This also features the ELD lens shift. The PJTX100 provides a large screen size solution with flexible installation options and unparalleled image quality. The 3 Panel 720p LCD light engine and exclusive Super Focus Quattro ELD can create an image from 30 to 300 inches, with incredible clarity and brightness. The Super Focus Quattro ELD lens system includes lens shift capability as well as 1.6x zoom functionality. The lens shift feature in the PJTX100 allows the unit to be placed off axis from the center of the screen without having to use digital correction. The lens system itself shifts the image both vertically and horizontally, maintaining detail and sharpness. The PJTX100 measures 5 9/16" x 13 7/16" x 11 1/6" and is available now for $2,999. For more on Hitachi front projection, go to http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/lcd_projector/lcd_projector/lcd_projector_index.shtml 11. Epson Newest Entry Into Palm-Sized Projector Market This is a 3LCD-based projector and it’s simply designed as a technology demo. There are no plans to market it – it’s just showing off what 3LCD and Epson can do. For more information, go to http://www.epson.co.jp/e/newsroom/2005/news_2005_09_02.htm 12. Epson Joins in on DVD/Projector Combo Market The Epson model is a 3LCD specified at 480p resolution, 1200 ANSI lumens and 16:9 aspect ratio. It has self-amplified JVC stereo speakers built in (10W x 2) and external 40-watt subwoofer that is included. MovieMate will ship in October for estimated street price of $1,100. This sort of product is not one that CEDIA members will easily embrace but remember that these kinds of buyers will eventually upgrade to something brighter. In addition, it will make them WANT a home theater. Personally, I like these projectors! For more information, go to http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/HomeEntertainment/hedetails.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-13221&category
13. SIM2 Shows Domino 55-Inch Rear Pro Display The DOMINO 55M also has a new HDMI-HDCP input, is specified at native resolution of 1280 x 720 via the HDMI-HDCP input, 1800:1 contrast ratio, and uses a Faroudja’s DCDi chip set for processing. MSRP is $6,995. For more on Domino, go to http://www.sim2usa.com/frameset_domino.htm
14. Da-Lite Acoustic Imager Rocks For more information, go to http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=20&pID=339
15. Brillian Announces 65-Inch LCoS With Control Systems Support The Brillian 1080p HDTV light engine uses three two-megapixel UltraContrast Gen II LCoS HDTV microdisplays, each microdisplay in the three-panel light engine is dedicated to a single color — red, green, or blue – for a six-megapixel projected image. The red, green, and blue light is channeled, integrated, and then projected, creating a totally rainbow- and artifact-free image, according to the company. Brillian says the professional-grade video-processing and progressive-scan drive electronics provide support for video and Media Center/PC resolutions — from 480i to 1080p. Many calibration features (e.g., gamma, color temperature control, RGB gain/offset) are modifiable on a per-input basis with password-protected access. The 6580iFB also has been certified for integration with home automation and corporate A/V control systems. The Brillian 6580iFB HDTV/Media Center video platform has a flush front industrial design and measures 21 inches deep. Pre-orders are being accepted and product shipments will begin early in Q4, 2005. MSRP is $7,999. For more information, go to http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=146224&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=754038&
16. LG Electronics Exhibits 71-Inch LCoS The 71SA1D is specified up to 1920 x 1080 resolution and 3500:1 contrast ratio. It measures less than 22 inches deep. This is LG’s first entry into the LCoS category. For more information, go to http://us.lge.com/AboutUs.do?myAction=detail&boardType=press&forwardPage=pressdetail&seq=224&categoryId=0000000001
The 42XR4, 50XR5 and 61XR4 are HDTV capable, and now include 2 HDMI inputs with HDCP with independent memory locations for each input. The 42XR4, 50XR5 and 61XR4 are available for $5,995, $7,995 and $13,995 respectively. The 42XR4 and 61XR4 will begin shipping in November 2005, while the 50XR5 will begin shipping in December 2005. For more information, go to http://www.necvisualsystems.com/applicationFiles/service/appl_prDetail.cfm?PR_id=151
18. Sharp Showcases 65-Inch LCD The set is digital cable ready, CableCARD slot and is specified at resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080) and contrast ratio of 800:1. It uses a new four-wavelength backlight system that provides an enhanced color spectrum, specifically for better reds, says the company. This monster ships in November with MSRP of $20,999 The Sharp Aquos line of LCDs earned rAVe’s best LCD TV family award earlier this year. For more information on the full Sharp CEDIA lineup, go to http://www.sharpusa.com/about/AboutPressRelease/0,1130,C539,00.html 19. Samsung 1080p DLP HDTVs ShippingSamsung announced the company is now shipping its new DLP 1080p HDTVs to audio/visual retailers from NATM and the Pro Group. The sets range from 50” to 71”. Samsung's suite of 1080p DLPs includes its coveted 68-Series, 78-Series and 88-Series. The 68-Series features the 56” HL-R5668W ($4,199), the 61” HL-R6168W ($4,699), and the company's largest DLP TV, the 67” HL-R6768W ($5,999). Samsung's 68-Series incorporates a pretty cool design – the bezel and screen are separate from the base so the picture appears to be floating – a design many people applauded when it was first shown a while ago. Samsung's 78-Series includes the 50” HL-R5078W ($3,699), the 56” HL-R5678W ($4,199), the 61” HL-R6178W ($4,699) and the 71” HL-R7178W ($6,499). The 78-Series has Samsung's Cinema Smooth 1080p Light Engine for improved color and black levels. It also has Samsung's DNIe video enhancer, which optimizes motion, contrast and colors.The 88-Series includes the 56” HL-R5688W pedestal DLP TV ($5,199) with an amazing 10,000:1 contrast ratio and the company’s DNIe technology.For more on Samsung DLP TVs, go to http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_subtype.jsp?eUser=&prod_path=%2fAudio+and+Video%2fTV%2fDLP+TV Epson introduced two 3LCD rear projection displays – the 55” and 65” CrystalPRO sets. The company claims true native 1080p – 1080 full-time vertical lines of resolution, as well as 5000:1 contrast ratio. Other features include 10-bit, 3D Digiscan( digital video processing, multiple screen modes, built-in 30-watt (15×2) amplifier for external speakers, pre-set and customizable color modes, 3D graphic user interface, and multiple input sources including two HDMI ports, PC input and RS-232 controls. Epson CrystalPRO HD Displays will be available in January 2006. For more information, go to http://sev.prnewswire.com/computer-electronics/20050907/LAW06507092005-1.html | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thanks for reading, and tell your friends by clicking on the “forward” button at the top of the newsletter or sending them to http://www.ravehome.com Copyright 2005 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact us at Kayye Consulting, Inc. Editorial: dharrison@kayye.com Gary Kayye's rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |