rAVe HomeAV Edition Volume 3, Issue 16

1. AOL Banking on Video Downloads

AOL announced the company will immediately begin offering video downloads to users. Content will include movies, music videos, news, user-generated content and full-length TV shows. AOL has already gotten its users accustomed to video with features such as TV Top Five, which shows clips from shows from the night before, live music concerts and news clips, so they have a bit of a start in this market. This announcement follows the decision to make AOL a free service, rather than its long time subscription-based model.

With the AOL video model, the fees range from $9.99 to $19.99 per movie but users are buying the content rather than renting it, so users aren’t restricted to a 24-hour window to watch a film before it magically disappears. It’s good timing for AOL because the studios have come to realize, probably thanks to Apple, that content doesn’t have to just sit around. People are likely willing to pay for old and new TV shows as well as films.

On the downside, users can’t yet burn the AOL downloads to DVD. So companies such as AOL offering downloads that can only be played on computers or PC-compatible devices have a market limited to those who want to watch movies on computers or handhelds. Further limiting is hard drive space, as well as a likely smallish number of users who own compatible devices AND know how to download video onto them.

But a plus is that AOL is much more generous in terms of how many devices onto which one movie can be stored – anywhere from four to ten, depending on content, according to an AP report.

A lot of companies have recently entered the video download market, a market CinemaNow and MovieLink quietly dominated for years. In fact, CinemaNow’s recent decision to allow users to burn the movies they download was the first real advance in this market in years. Media Centers, though, will be the Holy Grail of movie downloads since users won’t have to worry about hooking up the TV to their computer or PDA to play movies after they shell out the $20. That means that, because of the complexity rather than in spite of it, digital movie downloads are terrific in-roads for custom installers to recommend new equipment.

For more information, go to http://press.aol.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1037&section_id=14

2. Front Projection Still Growing

A new report from Pacific Media Associates indicates that sales of front projectors are still going strong worldwide. In fact, the company’s research showed that second quarter 2006 shipments grew 28 percent over the same quarter last year. Both ProAV and HomeAV markets showed “healthy gains.”

Growth in the Americas was the highest, with 42 percent of the share. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa represented 36 percent of the market and Asia represented 20 percent.

For more details, go to http://www.pacificmediaassociates.com/

Projection

3. Toshiba Announces DVD-Projector Combo, and New 2700-Lumen DLP Projector

We’ve already been covering the Toshiba TDP-ET20U for probably six months, partly because this is the only DVD-projector combo that rivals Optoma’s MovieTime for a fantastic design. Well now, Toshiba is officially announcing the product and also a ship date of September and that the company is targeting both home and office users.

Also new is that Toshiba says this projector can yield a 100-inch diagonal image from just 3.9 feet away.

The specs are 480p resolution, 1,100 lumens, 2000:1 contrast ratio, and it weighs just over 10 pounds, and has widescreen format with adjustable aspect ratio from 16:9 to 4:3. HDMI is included and additional ports include an S-video, composite video and component video via three RCA jacks, as well as RGB for PC connection. It has 5.1-channel Dolby Pro Logic surround sound.

Price is $1,399 – well within the price range of the other competitors.

For more information, go to http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pcat.to?coid=-31838&seg=SMB

4. SIM2 USA Now Shipping 1080p DLP Projector

SIM2 USA began shipments of the HT3000, the company’s first 1080p projector. This is a single-chip DLP with 10-bit video processing that was first demonstrated at CES.

The new projector uses a 7-segment (RGBRGB + Natural Density Filter) color wheel and a 200-watt high output lamp. It is specified at 5000:1 full on/off contrast ratio and 1000 lumens, and SIM2 says its live color management and gamma control functions are included so you can customize it according to the environment.

The HT3000 uses Dynamic Noise Reduction and Spatial Noise Reduction processing, and it has two HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs, as well as VGA, component, composite, and S-Video. RS-232 and IR input jacks are also included.

In addition to standard 16:9, 4:3, LetterBox, and pixel-to-pixel settings, you can use the company’s Home Cinema "Scope" System anamorphic lenses to display video at a full 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

The SIM2 HT3000 includes a high quality lens with a throw ratio of 1.5-2.0:1, and is currently available with MSRP of $15,995. The HT3000 will also be available with an optional long-throw 2.0-3.0:1 ratio lens in October at a suggested retail price of $16,995.

For more information, go to http://www.gspr.com/sim2/ht3000.html

5. Epson Introduces 720p 3LCD Home Theater Projector

Epson America is bringing a new home theater to market, the PowerLite Home Cinema 400, specified at 720p resolution, 1500 ANSI lumens and up to 5000:1 contrast ratio. This projector will be available at retail stores and through Epson’s website beginning in September.

The projector has seven color modes, vertical and horizontal lens shift, Dynamic Eye Iris, which automatically controls the light intensity for higher contrast and richer blacks, HDMI, customized gamma and six-axis color adjustments and Epson Super White technology for a better picture.

MSRP is $1,599.

For more information, go to http://epson.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=100

TVs

6. Samsung Announces 70-Inch LCD

Samsung says the company developed a 70-inch LCD HDTV panel, which bests the current largest size of 65 inches (Sharp). Samsung will show this display for the first time at the International Meeting on Information Displays (IMID) 2006, which will open in Daegu, Korea on August 23.

The company says this high definition panel has a conical viewing angle of 180 degrees and that the video signal is reproduced at 120Hz, compared to a video signal of 60 Hz for conventional Full HD LCD panels. Other specs include 600 nits of brightness, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 1.07 billion colors.

Samsung plans production in the first half of 2007.

For more information, go to http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/PressRelease.asp?seq=20060821_0000281216

7. Sony Designs PC-TV Combo

Sony has a great design team. Normally, a PC-TV combo product wouldn’t be all that innovative, but Sony’s new VAIO LS1 is. Why? First, it comes with a wireless mouse and keyboard and the keyboard folds away when not in use. Second, the WSXGA 19-inch screen has a transparent border so it has a floating effect. Without the keyboard and mouse in the way, it just looks like a sleek 19-inch TV.

The LS1 uses 802.11b/g and ships with Windows XP MCE 2005 and a built-in NTSC TV tuner so it has DVR-like recording capabilities. It also has a built-in DVD burner. Oh, and it also includes an integrated camera and microphone for recording and transmitting video messages.

The VAIO LS1 TV/PC Combo will be available in mid-September for about $2,100.

For more information, go to http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/computer_peripheral/desktops/release/24184.html

Integrator Solutions

8. New Cool-stick/18 — Half the Original Length

Active Thermal Management announced a new version of Cool-stick that is half the length of the original. The Cool-stick/18 is an 18-inch long product designed to help cool flat-panel displays that are recessed into walls or cabinets.

Cool-stick/18 is the same small width (2 1/2") and depth (5/8") dimensions of the 36-iinch original, and like other products from the company, it is controlled by a remote thermal switch for completely automatic operation. It is made of eight 50mm (2”) fans mounted in elastomer-lined steel channels, and it moves 30 CFM in free air.

It is available now for MSRP of $179.95.

For more information, go to http://www.activethermal.com/default.htm

9. Algolith to Debut New Flea HDMI Enhancer at CEDIA

Algolith announced the company will show its Flea HDMI Digital Video Enhancer at CEDIA. Flea HDMI, designed to improve the picture quality of compressed Standard Definition and High Definition images, weighs about a pound and is equal in size to a paperback novel.

The HDMI means Flea can transmit and process uncompressed digital video signals from an HDMI-compatible source component to an HDMI-compatible display. It uses a single cable and supports standard, enhanced and high-definition digital video.

The Flea HDMI uses Block Artifact Reduction to blend and diminish 8×8-pixel block structures in MPEG images, says the company, improving the clarity of fast-moving action scenes.

MSRP is $995.

For more information, go to http://www.algolith.com/index.php?id=home&L=0

Media Recording, Distribution and Control

10. New LCD Wall Mount Controller for Crestron Adagio

Crestron introduced the APAD LCD wall mount room controller as part of the Adagio family. Adagio is Crestron’s complete, integrated audio distribution system.

The new APAD is a bi-directional wall pad with a dot-matrix LCD display. The NavWheel interface is inspired by the iPod ClickWheel, so it should be easily recognized by your customers. The APAD is a plug and play device in an Adagio packaged solution, and it has four backlit, white translucent soft-buttons; the NavWheel; and a 128×64 dot-matrix LCD display. It gives full room control, and real-time active feedback display of all devices, including media servers and iPods. The LCD screen displays meta-data such as podcasts and video titles; allows users to scroll through menu screens and select sources and content, volume levels, room temperature, and monitor device status. APAD is available in white or black gloss.

For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/press_room/press_releases/show_release.asp?press_release_id=1247

11. Digital Deck Enters CE Channel With Media Distribution System

Digital Deck announced availability of the new Digital Deck Home Media Entertainment System in 20 CompUSA stores across eight regional territories. Digital Deck's system, which includes Media Connector, Software and Service, lets users access live TV, recorded programs, music and photos.

The system runs on Windows XP and also provides digital video recorder features in every room, including scheduling of recordings, pausing live television, and rewind/fast forward. The technology also works with TiVo, iTunes and Flickr.

On the CompUSA website, the connector and software are priced at $499.99 and the additional room units for $299.99.

For more information, go to http://www.digitaldeck.com/

12. Universal’s New Master System Controller for Home Theater

Universal Remote Control announced the MSC-400 Master System Controller to be shown at CEDIA. The company says it specifically provides features for the custom installer, such as flexibility, automation power, installation speed, and good programming and diagnostic capabilities.

The MSC-400 is designed to operate with any of four compatible URC remotes — new system versions of the MX-3000 and MX-950, and the new MX-900 and TX-1000. The remotes trigger command sequences that are programmed into the MSC-400. Once triggered, the commands execute without interruption or further interaction with the remote, and no pointing is necessary.

The MSC-400 can control up to 12 components using IR commands, detect the on/off status of six devices, control six devices using the RS-232 ports, operate projection screens, drapes and lifts, and allow a connected remote to serve as a PC keyboard on any Windows PC with a USB port. Installers can also combine two MSC-400 Controllers into a single system that can automate up to 22 components.

The MSC-400 comes with an RFX-250 RF Receiver, which allows professional installers to completely conceal all of a system’s hardware.

MSRP is $799.

For more information, go to http://www.universalremote.com/

Audio

13. Canton Announces 2-1/2-Way Active Loudspeaker

Canton’s new CD 3200 is a 2-1/2-way active loudspeaker with a built-in 200-Watt IcePower amplifier module and four aluminum 4-inch mid/bass drivers. The new model features the same cabinet design and driver arrangement as the CD 300 speaker, but has been engineered for increased power and response.

The Canton CD 3200 uses the same 4-inch aluminum cone woofer used throughout the CD 300 series, but the driver has been re-engineered with an enhanced motor structure and increased excursion capabilities for an improvement in power handling and bass response. Canton's sinusoidal rubber surround and newly engineered spider assembly allow for the substantial excursion increase, says the company, and also contribute to the improved lateral displacement control.

High frequency reproduction in the Canton CD 3200 is handled by Canton's ADT-25 aluminum-manganese tweeter, used in the company's high-end Vento, Karat, and Ergo loudspeakers.

The Canton CD 3200 is currently available with MSRP of $1,600 each.

For more information, go to http://www.canton.de/index.php?pg_id=15,30,cd3200active

14. Artison Introduces Reactance-Canceling In-Wall Subwoofer

Artison released the RCC 600 In-Wall Subwoofer, a newly-developed in-wall subwoofer. This is a reactance-canceling, in-wall subwoofer designed to eliminate vibrations and sound distortion, yet the company claims it equals or surpasses performance of an oversized floor-standing 12-inch subwoofer.

The subwoofer’s separate Rack Mountable 600-watt, Class-D Amplifier uses Digital Signal Processing software, allowing for a customized set up. The company also says that Edgeless Surround technology maximizes piston area while increasing XMAX in a standard 2” x 4” stud wall installation.

RCC 600 has automatic room equalization and variable low pass slopes. Sound controls, like power, gain, movie mode, and music mode, are front panel accessible. The sub’s white finish can be painted to match any interior. RCC 600 measures 23.5”H x 9.5”W after installation. 

This is available, with MSRP of $2,000.

For more information, go to http://www.artisonusa.com/index.html

15. Tannoy Announces Arena HighLine Series

Tannoy announced the Arena HighLine 300 and Arena HighLine 500 speaker series, each with three models, and a choice of subwoofers and collection of accessories. The cabinets are made of slim aluminum, and for the centre channel and satellite speakers, invisible wall mount brackets are supplied as standard. Low profile table stands and height adjustable floor stands are available as options.

The Arena HighLine 500 use the same technology as in the original Arena models, including a 100mm (4.00”) version of Tannoy’s Dual Concentric drive unit and a bass drive unit of the same size. The company says the design allows vocals and instruments to be more clearly separate and distinct and percussive sounds more reality and impact.

The Arena HighLine 300 is a multi driver array comprising two 75mm (3”) midrange units, two 75mm (3”) bass units and one 19mm (0.75”) ultra high frequency SuperTweeter.

There is a choice of 300 or 500 Watt subwoofers. They have silver or black finishes, as do the rest of the line. The subwoofers feature orientation options allowing the driver to be faced downwards, sideways or forward.

For more information, go to http://www.arenahighline.com/