rAVe HomeAV Edition Volume 3, Issue 20 – October 27, 2006

Check out what’s happening in the United States During November:

Correction:

In the last edition, we talked about how good the projectiondesign Action model three projector looked at CEDIA. No wonder ? it was the company's 1080p model.

You can see it here: http://www.projectiondesign.com/Default.asp?CatID=1409

DLP Slims Down

New FlipTop LCD TV/DIRECTV Box From Samsung

Samsung showed a new TV at CEDIA ? the FlipTop, which incorporates a DIRECTV receiver in a folding design 10-inch LCD set. It is designed for mounting under a cabinet, such as in the kitchen, or for sitting on a tabletop, for the office or other smaller rooms, and it has both swivel and tilt. It's quite similar in its flip design to the Icebox — http://www.beyondconnectedhome.com/products/icebox/index.html — but of course, the Samsung has only the DIRECTV rather than the CD/DVD/FM radio/internet built in. Both products are great space savers.

Each also includes a new ATSC/DRC/QAM/NTSC tuning system, two IEEE 1394 inputs, two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, PC input, and an AV output, and MaxxBass digital signal processing. They come in two series: FN Series sets feature a silver cabinet with black bezel. FH Series televisions include an RS-232C interface, gold jacks, and a black cabinet and bezel.

Pricing ranges from $3,499 to $5,799.

For more information, go to http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=519&pageID=1

The 1080p LCDs include a 40- and 46-inch model, available with or without RS-232C. They use JVC's Genessa 32-bit CPU video processing with D.I.S.T. and they have MaxxBass. These models have the new ATSC/DRC/QAM/NTSC tuning system, parametric equalizer, two IEEE 1394 inputs, two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, two S-Video inputs, PC input and an AV output.

Pricing ranges from $3,799 to $4,799.

For more information, go to http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=518&pageID=1

LG Introduces 42- and 47-Inch 1080p LCDs, Including Built-in HD-DVR Model

LG brought new 1080p LCD TVs to CEDIA, including 47- and 42-inch models. The 1080p 47-inch is the 47LB1DA, which is Digital Cable Ready and uses progressive-scan, full high-definition 1920 x 1080p display format, and a 14-bit color processor. It has multiple HD inputs, including two HDMI inputs with HDCP, and a swivel stand. The unit is also VESA compatible. MSRP is $3,999.

Case in point: Sony's new KDL-46XBR2 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR2 LCD TVs shown at CEDIA. These sets actually have five different, field-replaceable, bezels ? Arctic White, Pacific Blue, Velvet Black, Scarlet Red and Sienna Brown.

With a lot of products looking too much like the next guy's, it's great to see some real differentiation that actually helps the installer with the sale.

But, even if you don't like the design of these sets with the replaceable bezel, this is the sort of thing that will make leaders leaders, and keep them there. In the future, every HD set will look good ? heck we're almost there already. So, to differentiate themselves, manufacturers will turn to creative "marketing features" to do this. This is a great example of one ? one that appeals to everyone.

The KDL-40XBR2: http://www.sonystyle.com

The KDL-46XBR2: http://www.sonystyle.com

NuVision 1080p DLP Uses LED Light Source

NuVision introduced a 1080p DLP TV that uses LED-based light source. The NuVision 52LEDLP uses the PhlatLight LED developed by Luminus Devices, Inc. It is a semiconductor RGB LED chipset designed to produce improved color fidelity, more refined grey scale and deeper black levels. The company says the technology also provides longer life, instant on with full brightness, less power consumption, digitally controlled color balance and adjustable white point.

Among Monster's CEDIA showings were the company's home control systems. Monster Central, a separate division, includes AV gear, home theater and lighting control. The Home Theater Controller 100 ($299.95) is at the center of the systems. This is a great looking hand-held controller with color LCD and backlit buttons that controls up to 15 components, and has one-step setup with Monster Central lighting products. Activity Buttons send multiple commands to multiple devices, turning them on and switching them to the correct inputs and settings.

The controller is programmed via an online setup wizard and it has "Intelligent Monster Tracking Memory," that remembers what each component is doing at any given time, so when the user switches activities, the gear responds. It has direct control of PIP and aspect ratio, surround sound and DSP modes.

A step up from the 100 is the Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300 with OmniLink ($599.95). This is a similar design, but it does quite a bit more. It's also online-based and it handles customized scenes, timer events, and advanced lighting, and OmniLink takes care of extended remote range. It controls multiple zones from anywhere in the home and the user doesn't even have to aim it. It also allows different rooms to control both local and main systems.

Finally, Monster's wireless IlluminEssence technology allows whole-house lighting control, complete with the ability to create, recall and command customized lighting "scenes' and setups.

By the way, if you're familiar with Logitech's Harmony Remote programming, learning this is a breeze ? it uses the same code and database!

List price on the SR-20 is $299.

For more information, go to http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=2980017

And apparently, there are a few glitches, as you can see in this article:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/tomstarner100406.htm

Marantz Receiver Uses In-Home Powerlines for Multi-Zone Distribution of Audio

Marantz promoted its new powerline audio multi-zone distribution system at CEDIA. The system, dubbed DAvED, is incorporated into the SR5600 home theater receiver. This is a 7.1 Dolby Digital unit with 90 watts x 7, HD component video switching and video upconversion. Second zone operation can be done by just plugging it into the wall AC socket.

DAvED (pronounced David) stands for Digital Audio via Electrical Distribution. You connect the main unit into the home theater system, take the client unit anywhere in the home, plug it in, and you have second zone sound.

The SR5600 retails for $1,299.99.

For more information, go to http://us.marantz.com/Products/1545.asp

 

Harman Kardon Debuts Media Centers

Harman Kardon announced the company's entry into the media server market with two products: the DMC 1000 and DMC 250.

The DMC 1000 is the company's first hard drive-based media server. Features include independent, simultaneous playback of up to four audio streams. The DMC 1000 auto-loads CDs. The first time a CD is loaded, its contents are automatically added to the DMC 1000's 160GB hard-drive library at 8x-speed while simultaneously playing the CD. Content from the hard drive can be copied to Compact Flash, Memory Stick, SD and MMC media cards or USB storage devices. It can hold more than 20,000 songs with track ID info and art. It can also play up to four audio streams to different zones, independently and/or simultaneously.

The DMC 250 is a DVD player with media recording and playback capability. The DMC 250 can store audio files to media cards and storage devices, and play back audio and video files from them, making it easier to transfer music from the home to a car or portable audio player without the need for a computer.

Both are planned for November ship dates. The DMC 1000 digital media center will have MSRP of $2,999, and the DMC 250 of $399.

There is nothing on the Harman Kardon website yet, but you can read the full press release here: http://news.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/10381/270818.html

 

Harmony's New Color Touch Panel

Harmony announced the Harmony 1000 at CEDIA. This is the company's first full-color touch screen. It features one-touch activity based control, and controls any IR device, such as DVRs, TVs, etc., and RF devices, too, for controlling multi-room systems and tucked-away high-end components (that ability requires the Harmony Wireless Extender, sold separately).

It has a 3.5-inch screen, with simple icons, such as Watch TV, Watch a Movie, Listen to Music, or Play Games. One touch can set off multiple commands to get the room set up for the activity.

The controls change according to the activity. When watching TV using a DVR, for example, people will see on screen the standard skip forward, skip back, record and pause buttons for controlling a DVR. But when they are listening to CDs, they will see the track controls they need to navigate their music.

The Harmony 1000 remote has only nine fixed buttons ? volume up and down, channel up and down, and a directional navigation pad ? basic controls used for most activities, which are located on the right-hand side of the remote. It also comes with its own stand.

Setup is done via a setup wizard ? you enter the manufacturer model numbers and that information is automatically matched to the characteristics, discrete codes and infrared commands of the more than 175,000 devices from more than 5,000 manufacturers in Logitech?s online database. The wizard then helps people define the various entertainment activities and identify the entertainment components used for each activity.

Available later in the fall, MSRP is $499 US. $149 for the extender.

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

 

New Pronto Model From Philips

The TSU9600, introduced at CEDIA, is the latest home and entertainment control system from Philips. It has a dedicated user interface to control Lutron RadioRA lights and shades and, in turn, provides feedback on the remote’s 3.7” VGA screen on the activity performed. Mood settings enable the complete room to be illuminated according to presets at the touch of a single button. It also uses Escient’s FireBall Music Sharing Protocol for managing DVD and CD collections. It accommodates both WiFi or wired for control, is customized using ProntoEdit Professional software, has a macro channel wizard that supports WAV audio files and is programmed using “MyDatabase,” a way for installers to re-use programs.

The TSU9600 will be available in October 2006 for a suggested retail price of $1,299.

For more information, go to
http://www.pronto.philips.com/index.cfm?id=1326 and http://www.pronto.philips.com/index.cfm?id=1303

 

Adagio Now Does Video

As we predicted almost a year ago, the Adagio now distributes video as well as audio, Crestron announced at CEDIA. The Adagio Media System provides whole house audio distribution, built-in tuners, amplifier, multi-room processors, Crestron 2-Series control system, e-Control web browser, Ethernet connectivity and front panel control. The AMS-AIP adds video scaling up to 1080p and on-screen display. Crestron emphasizes the system's plug-and-play connectivity and out-of-the-box functionality that makes Adagio easy to set up and expand.

The AMS has a surround sound processor and 100w 7-channel amplifier, supplies 10 analog stereo inputs, one analog 7.1 surround input, and built-in high-definition video switching handles 3 HDMI, 6 HDTV/component, 4 S-Video, and 4 composite sources. It uses 10-bit video processing and supports displays with resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 and HDMI, DVI, RGB, or component connectivity.

AMS also includes stereo audio distribution to support 4 to 6 rooms with its integrated multi-room amplifier.

For more information, go to Crestron's Website

 

New HP Digital Entertainment Centers — HD DVR Capable

HP announced two new digital entertainment centers at CEDIA. The HP z565 and HP z560 can be used as high-definition DVRs, with features such as pause, rewind and record. They have a progressive scan DVD player, and users can manage their music collections and create slideshows of their digital photos via a 9-in-1-card reader.

HP's new DECs include HDMI connectivity, fixed-line audio, up to 800GB of storage, dual-core Intel processors and Intel Viiv compliance.

They are also "Life|ware Ready," so they are compatible with the Windows Media Center-based home control software.

For more information, go to http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2006/060913a.html

 

Avocent Demonstrates Wireless HD HDMI

At CEDIA, we saw Avocent demonstrate a wireless HD media extender that actually provides wired and wireless in the same unit. The Emerge MPX1000 can move HD content from one source to multiple destinations incorporating HDMI. HD video including 720p and 1080i, stereo audio, and control data, are wirelessly transmitted to as many as eight wireless or wired receivers.

The Avocent Emerge MPX1000 HD multipoint extender includes a transmitter and receiver that can extend video and audio over standard 10/100 Ethernet wiring up to 3,000 feet, wirelessly through walls up to 150 feet, or up to 1,000 feet line of sight with an optional directional antenna.

Avocent says that audio-video synchronization is maintained at each display and all wirelessly connected receivers remain in lock step with each other. The unit also has interchangeable modules for input of analog VGA signals or digital HDMI/DVI signals. There are two primary user interfaces: a menu system that lets you access multiple web pages; and a front panel display to control and configure the system. The extender also allows for several methods to control external A/V equipment through RS-232 serial and infrared connections.

For more information, go to http://www.avocent.com/web/en.nsf/Content/09072006

 

Teq Gear Cuts Price on Wireless XGA Receiver

The WID101 is an 802.11g/a/b unit allowing multiple users to share this XGA AV receiver for streaming real time DVD with audio, video at native resolution, or streaming MPEG or AVI files.

The unit is priced at MSRP of $995.

For more information, go to http://www.teqgear.com/product1.asp?partno=WID101

 

New HDMI Extender From Extron

Extron introduced the HDMI 201 Tx/Rx HDMI Extender, a transmitter-receiver unit for sending HDMI signals over long distances using conventional twisted pair cabling such as CAT 5e, CAT 6, and CAT 7. It fully supports HDMI for extending digital video, multi-channel audio, and control signals from HDMI-equipped devices.

The HDMI 201 Tx/Rx can transmit HDTV signals over 200 feet (60 meters) and computer video signals over 100 feet (30 meters) at UXGA (1600 x 1200) resolution. Extron is targeting both commercial and residential applications.

The HDMI 201 Tx/Rx is HDCP compliant. Also, RS-232 signals can be transmitted along with the HDMI signals, enabling remote display control. This unit can be remotely powered, so that only one of the devices requires external power. The HDMI 201 Tx transmitter and HDMI 201 Rx receiver are housed in 1" high, quarter rack width metal enclosures. Pricing and availability are only available via Extron customer support.

For more information, go to http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=hdmi201txrxus_pr

 

Audioaccess Adds iPod Docking to W.H.E.N. Whole-Home Distribution System

The Whole-House Entertainment Network (W.H.E.N.) system from Audioaccess now has a dock for audio and video iPod connectivity. The aDock docking station allows a compatible iPod to connect to the AVR21EN Audio/Video Receiver/System Controller and interface with the W.H.E.N. system. It enables the iPod to play music and video in any room in the system, and provides two-way operation of iPod audio-only functions from a KP21 keypad located in a remote zone, with data from the iPod translated and displayed on the keypad. The iPod is also powered from the aDock.

W.H.E.N. system components include the AVR21EN Audio/Video Receiver/System Controller, the AVH21 Multi-room Hub with WPS21 Power Supply Hub, the KP21 Amplified Display Keypad, and a range of in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers. It's a 7.1-channel A/V receiver with a multi-room system controller in a single chassis.

For more information, go to http://www.audioaccess.com/products/product_detail.aspx?Prod=ADOCK

 

Slingbox Family Expands

Sling Media announced new models in the Slingbox line. For quite a while now, there was just one model of Slingbox, which lets users view and control their home TVs from their computers from anywhere there’s an internet connection. And it was a first of its kind. The three models are now the Slingbox PRO, Slingbox AV, and Slingbox TUNER.

Slingbox PRO is designed for the consumer who has multiple A/V devices or has HD. The Slingbox PRO features four sets of audio-video inputs and outputs including the optional HD component connection for HD set-top boxes. It also has widescreen support, and high quality programmable video compression.

The Slingbox AV is for consumers who watch TV using a standard definition cable set-top box, satellite receiver or DVR. It lets them connect their Slingbox AV to their set-top box. Slingbox AV features the ability to watch and control TV from any Internet connected PC/Mac/laptop or Windows-based mobile device, with widescreen support and programmable video compression.

The Slingbox TUNER is for customers with cable who want to view their line-up of television channels and do not require access to a set-top box, satellite receiver, DVR or other AV device. The Slingbox TUNER connects adjacent to a cable modem or basic coaxial connection even without a TV there. This allows the Slingbox TUNER customer to view their cable channels without impacting another family member watching TV anywhere else in the home ? something, as far as I know, no other system offers.

The Slingbox AV and Slingbox TUNER will carry an MSRP of $179.99 and the Slingbox PRO will retail for $249.99 MSRP. HD Connect for the Slingbox PRO will be available later this fall with MSRP of $49.99.

For more information, go to http://us.slingmedia.com/object/io_1159468208005.html

 

New 1.6-Terabyte Media Server for Standalone or Network Play

CodexNovus had a new media server at CEDIA – the HDcodex DML-1600, which can be used as a standalone digital media player or networked for multiple streams of on-demand content simultaneous to any room in the house. Storage is 1.6 terabytes but it can be expanded as needed.

The DML-1600 supports MPEG, AVI, TS, VC-1, MP2, MP3, AC3, WAV, AAC, HTML, SWF, BMP, PNG, TIFF, GIF and JPEG media files. No keyboard or mouse is required ? it can be controlled from the remote or using RS-232.

The system is based on the company’s HDcodex, a user-interface system that lets users find and control media and its associated source information and metadata. It organizes any collection of DVDs, CDs, home movies, pictures and metadata media files.

MSRP is $6,999.

It’s not yet on the website, but for more information, go to http://www.codexnovus.com/

 

Crestron Adds Handheld WiFi Touchpanel to Isys Line

Crestron introduced at CEDIA the Isys i/O TPMC-4X handheld WiFi touchpanel. This delivers 2-way WiFi communication and direct high-speed wireless communication with any Ethernet Crestron control system, for control of AV, lighting, HVAC, shades and screens, for example, from anywhere in the house. The 2-way communications allows dynamic graphics and complete system status feedback. The Crestron TPMC-4X has a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen and 17 programmable, backlit pushbuttons. The 320×240 touchscreen display features 16-bit color graphics, dynamic text, dynamic graphics, translucency and streaming video capabilities.

?The TPMC-4X also features embedded functionality for viewing streaming video from security cameras or other video sources using MJPEG format source signals.

For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/press_room/press_releases/show_release.asp?press_release_id=1248

 

Russound Smart Media Servers Now Feature Extended Support for Control Systems Integration

Russound announced software upgrades to the company’s SMS3 and SMS3-250 Smart Media Servers. Both now offer extended integration support for systems and components from AMX, Crestron, Exceptional Innovation and other third-party manufacturers.

The SMS3 servers will be capable of seamless album play, without the breaks between songs typical of most other audio servers. The systems do this by fetching the next song in a playlist before the current song finishes playing. This also speeds track selection if the user wants to skip to the next song.

The SMS3 also now has improved classification and data recognition techniques. For example, when the user rips a compilation CD with 'Various' artists, the SMS3 servers can relate the individual artist information to other themes and classifications that the user has assigned, rather than lumping it together under “Various.”

Additional software enhancements provide a new volume normalization system that improves signal-to-noise ratio, and a new enhanced user interface that's faster to use and provides more features for copying and assigning themes and tracks.

The Russound SMS3 with 160GB sells for $2,899, and the higher-capacity SMS3-250 for $3,199. Servers featuring updated firmware will be shipping by the end of 2006. The updated firmware will also be available for download.

For more information, go to http://www.russound.com/source.htm

 

New Master Controller From Universal

Universal Remote Control introduced the MSC-400 at CEDIA. This is a component-style controller that can be expanded to cover multiple rooms and A/V systems, and incorporate several controllers and varying user interfaces ? customized as needed for each room, and even each user.

The MSC-400 operates with four of the 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 (and pointing isn’t necessary), the commands execute without interruption or further interaction with the remote. It controls IR, RS-232, Relay and USB keyboard commands. It can control up to 12 components using IR, 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 WinPC with a USB port. Master/Slave programming options enable installers to 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 installers to completely conceal all of a system’s hardware and still maintain connectivity up to 100 feet.

For more information, go to http://www.universalremote.com/corporate/press_release.php?press=36

 

Start-up Home Automation/Entertainment Company Debuts at CEDIA

SAVANT, a new Massachusetts-based company that started up in 2005, appeared for the first time at CEDIA. The company has an aggressive launch planned for around 1Q of 2007 ? a soup-to-nuts home automation and entertainment system. A company spokesman told rAVe the system is Linux based, and was designed to dramatically shorten programming time.

 

The products and solutions will include a main controller/preamplifier, multi-room AV, controller unit, touch panels (wired, wireless and in-wall), single-handed remote controls, home theater and multi-zone amplifiers, plasma TVs with integrated video cameras (for video conferencing), security, media jukeboxes, concierge service ? and so much more, we won’t even try to list it all. But you can see a comprehensive list on the website.

The company plans a special training session early next year. You can apply at http://www.savantav.com/user.asp

For more information, go to http://www.savantav.com/index.htm

 

Audio Authority Debuts Cat 5 Matrix Router for HD Distribution up to 1,000 Feet

Audio Authority showed at CEDIA the AVAtrix HD Home Theater Routing System. The AVAtrix can distribute high definition images up to 1,000 feet from the source, says the company. Each Cat 5 bus is terminated at a wall plate that is powered over the Cat 5 bus, offers connections for YPbPr, digital audio and stereo analog audio for TVs. IR signals can be sent back over the same Cat 5 bus, making for an easier install.

For more information, go to http://www.audioauthority.com/avatrix-det.php

 

 

 

Free Mobile TV From ROK

ROK Entertainment Group launched a free ? yes, free ? mobile TV service. It’s called FreeBe TV and it’s already used in the U.K. FreeBe TV U.S. currently offers 13 channels of content, including live news, music and sports, with more slated in the near future. FreeBe TV claims to be carrier-agnostic and it can be accessed from 21 mobile phones with WAP-enabled capabilities. The company says that users don't have to be on a high-speed, 3G network as the service was developed to deliver high quality video content over 2.5G GPRS.

In addition to the mobile version of FreeBe TV, ROK announced that the same service will soon be available for the PC, via the Internet, as well, with the same channels.

The FreeBe TV service includes an extreme sports channel, a vintage comedy channel, classic cartoons and classic movies channels and live news, updated every 15 minutes, read by computer-animated monkeys (yes, you read that correctly). Two new channels being added soon are Mixcast TV, a global hip-hop and urban lifestyle channel and MavTV, an “irreverent network targeting men 18-60 delivering selected promotional content.”

Additionally, ROK has created a user-generated content channel called 'YOU-MADE-IT,' which will show content sent in by users, ala YouTube.

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

 

 

New In-Wall Subwoofer From Velodyne

Velodyne introduced at CEDIA an innovative in-wall subwoofer designed to fit flush in a standard 2×4 wall and show less than 5" high of grill area. It has a two-piece cabinet design with separate driver and back box enclosures. In new construction, the back box can be mounted at the rough-in stage at very little cost to the installer, according to the company. The driver module is installed at the trim-out stage. In retrofit situations, both enclosures are mounted together.

The enclosure is specifically designed for in-wall installations and uses a propriety multilayer sandwich material that is laminated under high pressure for a rigid cabinet, but with thin walls for maximum internal driver air volume.

The SC-IW includes both a 14-inch high standard grill for easy installation and servicing and a sub-five-inch-high grill for the absolute minimum visibility. Both grills can be painted to match the room decor, and include the 90 scoop, which enables the vertically firing woofer to project bass into the room.

The vertically firing T-shaped driver is specifically designed to maximize the SC-IW's performance while reducing wall vibration. The driver uses a quad spider design using a patent-pending drive shaft, a neodymium motor structure and a thick composite drive surface for an extremely long throw driver.

For more information, go to http://www.velodyne.com/velodyne/news/pressdetails.aspx?ID=37&sid=700n407m

 

Artcoustic Ups X2 Performance

Artcoustic announced performance enhancements to the company’s X2 series at CEDIA. Specifically, the X2 range has a new twin tweeter unit with a frequency response up to 40kHz and the new bass drivers are 5.5' units in the entry-level models – Diablo Mini Monitor, Diablo Monitor, DF-Multi, and the DF65-50 – and twin 10' bass units in the flagship models, which now have bass response well below 20Hz, according to the company. In addition to internal improvements, the company is now shipping its flagship speaker and subwoofer models – DFF180-43, DFF120-43, DF100-75, DFS100-75, and DFS75-55 – with a separate power amplifier. The recently introduced PA-300 is a professional-grade 150 watt stereo amplifier, bridgeable to 300 watts mono.

Pricing ranges from $1,150 a pair to $7,000 each.

For more information, go to http://www.artcousticusa.com/productdetails.asp

 

 

AudioSource Announces 8- and 10-Inch In-Wall Subwoofers

AudioSource’s CEDIA announcements included two new in-wall subwoofers available in 8 and 10 inch models. The 8-inch AS8SW delivers up to 100 watts and the 10-inch AS10SW up to 150. Both feature frequency response up to 300Hz. Mounting depth for each is 4 inches or less, and MSRPs are $129.99 and $169.99. For more information, go to http://www.audiosource.net/inwall.html

 

 

New Compact Stereo Amplifier From Kramer

Kramer introduced the model 900 stereo amplifier. Just 4.75 inches wide by 2 inches deep and 1 inch high, the model 900, part of the Kramer TOOLS line, is designed as a no-frills, economical solution. It accepts either unbalanced stereo audio on RCA inputs or balanced stereo audio on terminal block connectors, and delivers a speaker output of 9 watts RMS per channel into a 4 ohm load. It includes a volume control and has a signal- to-noise ratio of 63db unweighted. The speaker output is on 4-pin terminal block connectors.

The 900 is shipping now for list price of $160.

For more information, go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/news_full_story.asp?iNews=186

 

 

Infinity Redesigns Total Solutions Home Theater Line

At CEDIA, Infinity Systems announced the introduction of its redesigned Total Solutions TSS-1200, TSS-800 and TSS-500 home theater loudspeaker systems, three compact 5.1-channel speaker packages with a new design, improved performance and new installation options. The TSS-1200, TSS-800 and TSS-500 packages include two-way satellite speakers, a center channel loudspeaker and a powered subwoofer. The TSS-1200 includes four 2-way satellites and center channel with the company’s own 3/4-inch Metal Matrix Diaphragm (MMD) tweeter and dual 3-1/2-inch MMD woofers; 12-inch MMD, 250-watt powered subwoofer; with SRP of $1,299/system.

The TSS-800 includes four 2-way satellites with 3/4-inch MMD tweeter and 3-1/2-inch MMD woofer; center channel speaker with 3/4-inch MMD tweeter and dual 3-1/2-inch MMD woofers; 10-inch, 150-watt powered subwoofer with SRP of $899/system.

And the TSS-500 has four 2-way satellites with 3/4-inch tweeter and 2-1/2-inch woofer; center channel speaker with 1/2-inch tweeter and dual 2-1/2-inch woofers; 8-inch, 100-watt powered subwoofer with SRP of $549/system.

For more information, go to http://www.infinitysystems.com/homeaudio/series.aspx?SerId=TSS

 

JBL Showcases High-End Home Theater Sound System

JBL showed the JBL Synthesis One Array, a very high-end custom-installation home theater and 7.2 music system complete with JBL’s new SDP-40HD surround processor/ preamplifier; the SDEC4000 digital equalizer/crossover (introduced at CEDIA); the Synthesis Array Module (SAM) SAM 1 midrange/high-frequency loudspeaker array; and the SAM 2 low-frequency loudspeaker array.

The 7.2-channel JBL Synthesis SDP-40HD surround processor/preamplifier has six HDMI inputs and two 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters operating in dual-mono mode for each audio output. JBL says the SDEC4000 digital equalizer optimizes the performance of a Synthesis multichannel system by the application of ultraprecise multiband digital parametric equalization and DSP technologies.

JBL’s SAM 1 midrange/high-frequency loudspeaker shares many of the driver technologies found in JBL’s K2 Series and Project Array loudspeakers, and the SAM 2’s woofers use JBL’s Metal Matrix technology, in which the aluminum woofer cones are deep-anodized to produce lightweight, rigid driver diaphragms. The SAM 1 and SAM 2’s modular design allows them to be attached together to create loudspeaker arrays in a variety of configurations.

The JBL Synthesis One Array complete home theater audio system is currently available at a suggested retail price of $75,000.

For more information, go to http://www.jblsynthesis.com/?Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA

 

New Digitally-Controlled Subwoofers From Klipsch

Klipsch introduced new digitally-controlled subwoofers (DCS) at CEDIA ? the RT-12d, RT-10d, RSW-10d, RW-12d and RW-10d. The flagship, triangular-shaped RT-12d and RT-10d subwoofers are small footprint, high-output models with front-firing Cerametallic woofers and dual rear-firing passive radiators. These subwoofers are designed to fit into corners, to be less intrusive. This enclosure style also allows the passive radiators to face both corners of a wall for maximum bass performance, according to Klipsch. In fact, says the company, corner-loading a subwoofer creates a six-decibel increase in output without an increase in power.

Available in either a cherry or black wood veneer finish, the RT-12d uses three 12-inch drivers and an 800-watt continuous amplifier, while the RT-10d has three 10-inch drivers and a 700-watt continuous amplifier.

The RSW-10d has a smaller enclosure than its predecessor as well as substantially increased amplifier power and all-new high-excursion drivers. The RSW-10d offers three user-adjustable presets (music, movie and night) and features the same digital control panel and equalization modes as the RT models. Available in a cherry or black wood grain vinyl finish, the RSW-10d also comes with an IR sensor.

The RW-12d and RW-10d are upgrades to the RW-12 and RW-10 models and include the company’s Corner Port technology and digital control panel, three equalization modes (flat, depth and punch) and three user-adjustable presets as the RSW-10d. While both the RW-12d and RW-10d come in a black wood grain vinyl finish, the RW-10d is also available in silver.

The new entry-level RPW-10 subwoofer uses a 10-inch fiber-composite woofer and a 200-watt RMS amplifier. This model features traditional volume, crossover and phase controls and has a front-firing slot port for installation into custom cabinetry. It is available in a black matte vinyl finish.

These subwoofers carry MSRPs of $1,999 for the RT-12d, $1,599 for the RT-10d, $1,199 for the RSW-10d, $699 for the RW-12d, $499 for the RW-10d and $349 for the RPW-10.

For more information, go to http://www.klipsch.com/products/lists/subwoofer.aspx

 

Leon's New Flat-Panel Speaker Line

Leon brought a new series of speakers to CEDIA ? the Profile Ultima Series, on-wall speakers designed to match flat-panel displays. The Ultima series features Focal Utopia “W” cone woofers and factory-matched Morel MDT33 tweeters in bass-reflex enclosures built from ?” solid MDF. Leon Speakers are custom finished to exactly match any flat panel display, says Leon. Designed to accompany all Profile Ultima speakers, the Ultima Surround Sound speakers use the same drivers but have a smaller cabinet ? four inches deep — for easier on-wall installation.

The available timbre-matched surround sound speakers are finished by hand to match the width and color of any plasma, LCD or rear projection TV. Leon also offers specialized mounting brackets.

Prices start at $3,895 MSRP per pair for model PR Ultima (Left/Right). Center channel models PRUltima-Center start at $2,495 each. Timbre and finish-matched surround speakers model PR-Ultima-S are available at $1,995 per pair.

For more information, go to http://leonspeakers.com/prultima.html

 

PSB Brings Six New In-Wall Speakers to CEDIA

PSB Speakers introduced six new CustomSound in-wall speakers, the CW28, CW26, CW80R, CW88R, CW60R and CW50R. The CW28 and CW26 are rectangular 2-way designs, whereas the CW80R, CW88R, CW60R and CW50R are 2-way round coaxial models that can be installed in the wall or ceiling. All models use 2nd order high-pass and low-pass crossover filtering to enhance system power handling and for smooth, balanced sound.

The CW28 and CW26 are fitted with a 1-inch tweeter that has a 2-piece diaphragm and suspension for minimal resonance and distortion. The tweeter uses a pivoting mount so it can be aimed directly at the listening area. Two response tailoring 3-position rotary switches allow subtle balance adjustments to the midrange and tweeter levels.

The CW80R and CW88R use 8-inch woofers made of fiberglass textured polypropylene cones designed for high power handling and smooth response. The CW80R uses a 1-inch pivoting tweeter with a 2-piece diaphragm and suspension. The CW88R different has a dual 1-inch tweeter array and its woofer has dual voice coils, making to possible to reproduce the left and right channels from a single speaker.

The CW60R and CW50R use a 3/4-inch tweeter with a 2-piece diaphragm and suspension for low resonance and distortion. The tweeters use a pivoting mount so it can be aimed toward the listening area. The CW60R uses a 6.5-inch woofer, whereas the CW50R has a 5.25-inch driver. Both use the same fiberglass textured polypropylene cone design found on all the other new models.

For more information, go to http://www.psbspeakers.com/series.php?sId=12

 

Sonance Adds Flush-Mount Speakers

Among Sonance’s new speakers at CEDIA was the Architectural Series, true flush mounted speakers available with a number of different reference-quality performance and design options. Sonance has made it possible for you to choose among a number of different sizes and shapes and also from finish options that include completely trimless, micro trim, or an iconic pure white trimless and grilleless fascia finish which makes a strong modern design statement.

All models are offered with nano-perforated metal grilles or cloth grilles except for the white trimless fascia model which has no grille. This finish options allows the speakers to nearly disappear into the wall (we saw them, and we really couldn’t see them!) or to match flush mount in-ceiling lighting fixtures, for example. The Sonance Architectural Series consists of 19 new speaker models offering a wide range of options. These are the interior designer’s dream.

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

 

 

Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at dharrison@kayye.com

A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry.

Gary Kayye's rAVe was launched in February 2003. The new rAVe Home Edition co-sponsored by CEDIA launched in February, 2004.

To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com

 

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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.