May 31, 2006 | Volume 3, Issue 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News
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Introduction Editorial
September 13 -17
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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 Alex Gibson at agibson@kayye.com or (919) 969-7501. Introduction Welcome to another issue of rAVe Home Edition! And if you live in
— Gary Kayye, CTS Editorial
Hey Due to popular demand, we’re reprinting this column from earlier issues. Enjoy the three-part series!
According to Entertainment Weekly, 40% of movie-goers say their experience in the theater is not the same quality experience it was 10 years ago. 2005 box office sales are down eight percent for the year at last count.
Bad Movies?
Bad Theaters?
I think not. I agree the experience isn't as good as it was 10 years ago as the theaters have all equalized – they're all pretty good now. Ten years ago, there were almost no Stadium Seating venues – I would seek one out wherever I was to get that rare experience. Dolby Digital, Sony's SDDS and THX Sound were found at only the "best" exhibition houses – I would seek them out, too. And, the reality-based special effects revolution that started with Jurassic in 1993 was in full swing with 1995 hits like GoldenEye, Jumanji, Die Hard and Crimson Tide.
The Box Office tracking organizations blame it on the quality of the 2005 movie selection. But, let's be serious here. Take a look at the number one movie of each of the last 10 years: Toy Story, Independence Day, Titanic, Armageddon, Star Wars- Episode I, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the first Harry Potter movie, the first Spider-Man movie, the third Lord of the Rings movie and Shrek 2.
You think those movies are better than the 2005 line-up? Hey, I'm a huge Star Wars fan, but Episode I was not in my top-5 of the Star Wars dual-trilogy – much less my top 5 of 1999.
So far, in 2005 the top grossing movies include Star Wars – Episode III, Batman Begins, Madagascar, War of the Worlds, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Point is the quality of movies varies every year. Every year there are good ones and bad ones. But, people go to see them.
So, what happened in 2005?
Here's my view: Theater to DVD: In 1995, watching movies at home was something we all did via VHS on our 30" TVs. Now, it's DVD – a system that no one denies is a heck of a lot better than VHS. And, when you put DVDs on screens larger than 30", unlike VHS, the quality gets better – not worse. But, that's just part of the equation. The time from theatrical release to DVD is much shorter than ever. It took Disney nine months to get Toy Story from a theatrical release to Blockbuster. It took Titanic eight months. But, Star Wars – Episode III will be out of DVD in November fewer than six months after its initial release. And, Batman Begins: four months. Mr & Mrs Smith: three months. Wouldn't you wait if your home theater blows away your local movie theater?
Home Theater Everywhere: That brings me to number two, the home theater. Not everyone actually has a home theater, but a heck of a lot of people say they do. Many consider their living room a home theater and measured by 1995 standards, they do, indeed, have home theater. A DTS audio receiver from Yamaha can be had for less than $250 – and for another $100, you get THX thrown in with Dolby Digital, too. The $800 high-quality DVD player of 1998, can be had in 2005 for less than $200. Heck, you can get one at Wal-Mart for $39 – or free, if you'll buy a refrigerator from them, too. So, the quality of what we had in 2005 is amazing. THE THING that movie theaters used to tout as their big advantage over anything else (besides expensive popcorn) was those big audio demos (i.e. re: "The Audience is Listening "). Now, we have that in Home Theater in a Box systems for $499 that include the DVD player, the speakers, the receiver and even the cables to hook it all up. The Pause Button: Speaking of the DVD player, the pause button sure has become a household word via the DVD player and TiVo-like digital video recorders. Instead of spending $70 on a babysitter, movie tickets and popcorn, we can get the whole shebang for less than $10 at home – and pause it to go to the bathroom or finish watching it after the dishes are done. Top that,
The REAL Home Theater: Finally, the real Home Theater – or Home Cinema. For less than $10,000, you can have a Home Theater system that blows away the movie going experience at ANY movie theater in
Oh, here's another point to ponder. 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 in away surpass the money made in the theater for most movies; and So, think about it: expect the growth of the Real Home Theater market to be exponential and explosive by the end of this decade. The Digital Cinema might just happen at home way before it does at the local mall.
CEDIA News CEDIA EXPO 2006
News Have a news tip? Send them to rAVe Editor-in-Chief Denise Harrison — dharrison@kayye.com
Industry News
1. DisplaySearch Reports Global LCD TV Shipments Rise 135% in Q1: Sony Remains #1 in Revenues, Philips Earns Top Unit Share According to a recent report by DisplaySearch, LCD TV shipments are up 135 percent for the year, the fastest annual growth of any display type. Larger sizes showed healthy gain and contributed to the overall growth in sales of the technology. All regions enjoyed at least 116% Y/Y growth except Four brands dominate the LCD TV market accounting for a 50% share of units and a 54% share of revenues. Philips was #1 in units but #4 in revenues while Sony was #4 in units and #1 in revenues. Sony had the greatest focus on larger sizes of the top nine brands with 63% of its shipments at 30" and larger compared to Samsung at 51%, Sharp at 41% and Philips at 38%. Philips was #1 in units in Europe and For more information, go to http://www.displaysearch.com/press/?id=762
2. Cavalier Telephone & TV announced it launched its Broadband TV service in Cavalier's Broadband TV delivers more than 150 digital channels including all local network affiliates. It has a full-featured interactive electronic program guide that allows the viewer to navigate through various service menus, including setting up parental controls. The on-screen caller ID feature allows consumers to monitor incoming telephone calls. The digital set top box provides the portal that allows access to interactive services such as Video-on-Demand and Pay-per-View and On-screen Caller ID. Cavalier's Broadband TV is bundled with Cavalier Telephone voice and broadband internet service, creating a "Triple Play" offering. Cavalier's "Triple Play" will offer local and long distance telephone service, high speed DSL Internet service and over 150 digital channels for $95 per month – a darned good deal. For more information, go to http://www.cavtel.com/company/press/2006_5_22.shtml
3. Dell Announces XGA Projector for $1,100; SVGA for $699 A year ago, we were blaming Dell for the drastic price drops in the front projector market. Little did we know how low they could go. Dell just announced two new projectors that are ridiculously affordable for the specs. Have you been hit by the Dell train yet? If not, you will! The Dell 2400MP is an $1,100 projector specified at XGA 1024 x 768 resolution. If you think that’s good, well, the other specs are 3000 ANSI lumens and 2100:1 contrast ratio. This is a DLP projector using Instrument's new color-processing technology, BrilliantColor , which generates sharp text and accurate color reproduction even in well-lit rooms. It weighs just 5.5 pounds. The 1200MP is the SVGA 800 x 600 model priced at $699 and specified at 2000 ANSI lumens and 2100:1 contrast ratio. This is also a DLP projector and it weighs less than five pounds. As you can imagine, Dell targets just about anywhere, from the board room to the living room, for these projectors. I wonder if anyone in For more information, go to http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2006/2006_05_25_rr_000?c=us&l=en&s=corp Displays 4. Sharp Bringing 65-Inch LCD to InfoComm Sharp, which introduced a 65-inch LCD monitor to the Japanese market in February, is bringing it to the This is an amazing display and we’re getting closer and closer to the day where flat-screen displays will literally start competing with even front-screen projection! This is more of a commercial product right now but it will obviously find its way into homes before long. If you go to InfoComm, make sure you go by Sharp’s booth and see this as it is virtually flawless… For more on the PN-655, go to http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/060216.html 5. These have 20-watt speaker systems with MTS stereo/SAP with simulated surround sound, optical digital audio output, and bass boost. The UltraVision 32HLT79, $2,199 and 37HLT79, $2,699 will be available in November. The 37HLX99 and 32HLX99 will be available in October and November at the suggested retail prices of $2,999 and $2,499, respectively. The new plasma sets include 42 and 55 inches, with the 42-inch models specified at 1080 verticaal lines of resolution, which Hitachi says is an industry first. These are also in the UltraVision line and they include 3 HDMI and 3 Component inputs. They use PictureMaster video processing The UltraVision HDS69 HDTV has six aluminum trim and silver side speakers for 36 watts, and looks like the television is machined from a solid block of aluminum. Both the 42- and 55-inch have plenty of image improvement technologies and have 3:2 film processing, 4 HD aspect modes, 6 SD aspect modes, and split screen/picture in picture. Additional features include an auto link input sensor, simulated surround sound, bass boost, optical digital audio output. The 42HDS69 and 55HDS69 will be priced at $2,499 and $4,299, respectively, and are shipping this month. The 42-inch 42HDT79 and 55-inch 55HDT79 include all of the features of the HDS69 series as well as the TV Guide On Screen interactive programming guide. Both models will be available in July, with the 42HDT79 priced at $2,999 and the 55HDT79 at $4,799. The 42HDX99 and 55HDX99 will both be available in August for the suggested list prices of $3,499 and $5,299, respectively, with a two-year parts and labor warranty. The 42-inch 42HDF39 model includes exclusive features and plasma technologies to produce a cinema-like home viewing experience, says the company, with a titanium silver finish with bottom speaker design and a fixed table-top stand. The model has ATSC and NTSC tuners, 3 color temperatures, 3D comb filter, 20-watt speaker system, and HDMI and component inputs. The 42HDF39 is currently available for the suggested list price of $2,299. For Hitachi TVs, go to http://www.hitachi.us/tv/index.shtml
6. Toshiba Announces Expanded Flat Panel TV Line, Including Plasma, LCD, Premium REGZA LCD TV Models and DLPs At Toshiba’s dealer show, the company unveiled a bunch of new TV sets in all technologies. Most notable is the REGZA XHD 1080p sets. The REGZA LCD line has a new cosmetic designs and the company’s PixelPure Hi-Bit 12-bit Digital Video Processing and fast CineSpeed LCD Panel technologies. All REGZA models feature a new CineSpeed LCD panel with a fast response speed of 8ms or less, and a wide 176 degree viewing angle. These models also come equipped with ATSC/QAM digital tuning, which enables the sets to receive both digital terrestrial and digital cable-in-the-clear broadcasts. In addition, REGZA models offer complete jack packs that include a PC Input and HDMI for a direct digital connection to an A/V source device such as a digital cable box or satellite receiver. To ensure form meets function, all REGZA models feature new sleek cabinetry in black and silver. REGZA XHD models provide 1080p full HD resolution, a CableCARD slot, and TV Guide On Screen and dual HDMI, and HD Window POP. Toshiba displayed its new 42" and 47" REGZA XHD 1080p models. XHD LCD will be available in the REGZA and Cinema Series REGZA lines, creating the perfect step-up from the 720p HD Plasma models. Cinema Series REGZA models are wrapped in Cinema Series cabinetry, with a high-gloss black finish. These models also include a new 6-item home theater remote control. A new LCD line is RealSteel, the first 20" diagonally measured HD LCD TV with real metal cabinetry made of stainless steel. Toshiba also showcased its LCDVD line, which includes built-in DVD players ranging from 20” to 37”. Toshiba also highlighted two new HD Plasma TV models. The 42" and 50" models specified at 8,000:1 and 10,000:1 contrast ratio panels. The 720p models with DLP technology will use the TALEN 5 engine, which incorporates the HD5 DLP chip from Texas Instruments with the Radiance 150-watt lamp to deliver sharper images with deep contrast and high brightness. Toshiba's has new 50" and 56" 720p DLP models, which have SRS WOW systems. There is also a Scoop Design cabinetry hat is so compact that the front view of the 50" diagonally measured DLP PTV model is actually smaller than many 50" flat panel TVs, says the company. For example, the new 42" diagonally measured model is still only 39 1/4" wide. Toshiba's XHD 1080p models incorporate the TALEN X engine. There are four XHD 1080p models and they come with Xtreme BLAC aperture control, HD window picture over picture (POP), and TV Guide On Screen. For more information, go to http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/
7. Airgo and Caton Collaborate on Wireless Set-Top Box Capable of Whole-Home Video Streaming This could be hot! Wi-Fi company Airgo Networks and Caton Overseas announced their collaboration on Caton's V2O Wireless Home Media Network, the world's first wireless set-top box capable of flawlessly distributing video streams throughout the home. It uses digital tuning, Single-Card-Multi-Channel (SCMC) technology, and network storage technologies, and features the STMicroelectronics MPEG decoder platform, Caton's V2O is a media hub that delivers multiple independent digital channels and personal video recording (PVR) content throughout the consumer's home wirelessly. It also serves as centralized storage for consumer media files like MP3s, digital video and digital photos. A core part of the system, Airgo's True MIMO Media, a True MIMO Gen3 technology optimized for multimedia distribution, enables wireless connectivity from the base unit to as many as three client set-top boxes streaming MPEG2 streams. Caton will be releasing its V2O Wireless Home Media Network in two phases, the first of which will begin shipping to customers for satellite digital TV operators in the next few months. In early 2007, Caton will release the V2O Wireless Home Media Network for cable and IPTV installations. For more information, go to http://www.airgonetworks.com/news/press/060530_Caton.php 8. Lagotek Launches Wireless Whole Home Automation System Lagotek Corporation announced a new approach to home automation, which is software, rather than hardware. The system includes features for whole home control of lighting (incandescent, LED and fiber optic), heating and air conditioning (HVAC), distributed audio, multi-location camera surveillance, irrigation controls (sprinklers and drip systems) and security systems. Lagotek says it is affordable and accessible to both mid-priced and high-end homeowners. The system has been test-marketed in the The Lagotek Home Intelligence platform, which includes the HIP 100 Intelligent Controller and HIP 200 Wireless Interface Hub, is compatible with the Z-Wave control environment. Just about any high- or low-voltage appliance that can be managed through Z-Wave is compatible with the Lagotek Home Intelligence platform. Zensys, which developed the Z-Wave protocol, is working closely with Lagotek on Z-Wave control systems utilizing Microsoft’s .Net Compact Framework under Win CE 5.0. Since it is an open platform, new applications will be added by third-party independent software vendors (ISVs). This makes HIP-based solutions upgradeable to an a number array of future applications, ranging from esoteric add-ons such as support for Bluetooth-enabled heart monitors to mainstream extensions, such as support for all popular security systems. For more details, go to http://www.lagotek.com/
Players
Dell introduced a new desktop PC for high-end gaming applications, but it’s the notebook that got our attention The XPS M2010 is an ultramobile notebook that actually folds up for easier transport. It has a 20.1-inch HD widescreen monitor, eight speakers plus a subwoofer, a detachable, full-sized Bluetooth wireless keyboard and gyroscope-enabled remote, a webcam and a slot-load DVD drive. The articulating hinges supporting the display double as a system handle when the system is closed, making the XPS M2010 easy to carry and truly portable. It stores up to 240GB and can use up to 4GB of memory! It starts at $3,500 or $4,000, depending on if you believe the website or the press release. For more information, go to http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m2010?c=us&l=en&s=gen&%7Esection=specs For the press release, go to http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2006/2006_05_31_la_000?c=us&l=en&s=corp Audio
10.
Niles introduced its first line of high-performance subwoofers. There are four models in the line, including the SW1000, SW300, SW12 and SW10 powered subwoofers. The SW1000 has a built-in digital amplifier capable of peak output of 1000 watts (600 watts RMS. A special circuit enables different settings for music and movies that can be automatically triggered from a surround sound processor or Niles IR system. Adjustments are provided for low pass frequency, phase and output level. The SW300 has a 300-watt power amplifier and 12-inch carbon fiber impregnated paper cone with butyl rubber surround and cast aluminum frame. The sub features high and low level inputs with music sense and voltage trigger circuitry, and cascade audio outputs facilitate the connection of additional woofers. As with the SW1000, the SW300 delivers a low-frequency punch and exceptional amounts of deep bass. An 11-layer no void birch ply cross-braced cabinet provides the ultimate in rigidity and sound clarity and a removable metal grille provides for design and installation customization. Both models feature special circuitry that enables different settings for music and movies that can be triggered automatically from a surround sound processor or Niles IR system. The SW10 and SW12 feature a 10-inch and 12-inch injection molded TCCTM (Talc, Carbon and Ceramic filled) polypropylene woofer with butyl rubber surround for accurate bass response and clean deep bass tones. The subs’ class AB analog amplifier design provides 125-watts for the SW10 and 260-watts for the SW12. Front mounted controls allow for easy frequency and level adjustments. MSRPs range from $424.95 to $1,249.95. For more information, go to http://www.nilesaudio.com
11. Nice Design! KEF Adds Style to Home Theater 3000 Series11. Sony Delivers Full-Function Pocket-Sized PC KEF introduced a 5.1 home cinema speaker system, the HTB2, specifically designed to look stylish and eye-catching. The speakers can be positioned vertically or horizontally, upright or sideways. The HTB2 has a 250W class D amplifier and 10-inch driver. A two-position phase switch and a three-position bass boost switch allow simple sound adjustment. Currently available, the system with 4 satellites, 1 center channel and the HTB2 subwoofer, retails at an MSRP of $1,500. To match a variety of home interiors, KEF offers the 3000 series in high-gloss silver or in a new high-gloss black finish. A la carté, the HTB2 retails at $799. The website wasn’t up as of press time, but when it is, go to http://www.kefamerica.com/
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Thanks for reading, and tell your friends by clicking on the “forward†button at the top of the newsletter or sending them to Copyright 2006 – 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.
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