February 21, 2006 | Volume 3, Issue 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News Thank you to our sponsors of this issue: |
Breaking News Introduction Editorial CEDIA News CEDIA Says
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Sponsorship Available for This Newsletter! 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 Welcome to another issue of rAVe Home Edition! All those flat screens everyone bought as holiday presents now have a cool new accessory – remote control mounts! What’s great about these new mounts from Chief Manufacturing is you can hang a flat-screen TV anywhere it looks best in the room – including inside tall or short cabinets — then worry about positioning it for good viewing later. Sure, you can do that with other mounts but doing it by remote control is just more fun, and perceivably less hazardous. We cover the story this issue. Also, CEDIA President Andy Willcox gives us a great run-down on all the activities surrounding education for members, and why educating everyone down the chain is crucial to your profitability. Finally, the SuperBowl ads are always great. But do the new products live up to their promises? We put our inventor hat on to come up with the definitive answer to an everyday problem. Enjoy the issue! — Gary Kayye, CTS A Column for AV Guys: The Guillotine I was sooo excited while watching the SuperBowl coverage earlier this month to see that someone finally, FINALLY, crossed the 4-blade razorblade barrier. The long-overdue 5-blade system has finally made its debut. The oh-hum [insert yawn here] market of the 3-blade and 4-blade systems that has dominated the shaving market with has-been gear like Gillette’s Mach3Turbo and the Schick Quattro has finally been shaken up with the 5-blade Gillette Fusion. I ran out and bought one the very next day. I couldn’t wait. I rushed home, jumped in the shower and began to stroke the Fusion against my face. It was awesome – so I thought. The shave was close and smooth (as the ads claimed) and, all the while, leaving my face without those pesky neck sores that those “other” archaic 3-blade systems used to do – and with a shave that felt even better than the 4-Blade Quattro system I had been using. Five razor sharp blades wrapping themselves around my face.Ahhhh. All was awesome until the moment I stepped out of the shower and began to dry myself off. I noticed a thread from my towel seemed to be getting hooked on something that I thought was all gone: a whisker. How could that be? I just used the all-new, diamond-cut, precision-measured Fusion-Technology of the new Gillette 5-blade system. Impossible. But, it was true. I ran over to the mirror and was stunned to see that was not one, two or even three of these protruding particles of pesky whisker, but potentially dozens or even as many as a hundred. Ugh! I immediately jumped in my car and headed over to the University of North Carolina’s Quantum Physics department and grabbed a group of students who were clustered around a titanium model of the new 53,000-seat basketball arena being built thanks to the money made from winning the 2005 NCAA basketball tournament. But, I digress. I explained my disappointment to them over the $9.99 all-new, diamond-cut, precision-measured Fusion-Technology of the new Gillette 5-blade system and sent them loose to come up with something that will FINALLY solve this nagging dilemma on behalf over every man who is man-enough to shave with a razor rather than one of those wimpy electric shaver systems that Santa drives around in those annual Norelco commercials we see every Christmas.
Simply put, the Guillotine: A Great Freak’n Shave.
Education comes in many forms throughout life and this holds true in respect to CEDIA Education as well. As many of you know, and more of you will soon learn, CEDIA is the benchmark for education within the residential electronic systems contractors (RESC) channel. CEDIA has made a solid commitment, as part of its ongoing strategic plan, to deliver education to its members at the highest level possible. This has never been more evident with the implementation of CEDIA University “CU on the Road,” CEDIA’s integrated training plan that is being delivered in eight locations throughout North America this year. In addition, CEDIA is providing Installer I and II certification exams at many locations across the country this year. Of course, we cannot discount the comprehensive education that is offered annually at CEDIA EXPO. This will be even more apparent at CEDIA EXPO in Denver, Sept 13th through 17th, in 2006. As time progresses, you will see an increased frequency in educational events with a more in depth and richer offering of curriculum. Ok, that somewhat covers the CEDIA educational information for our members. Let’s talk about the peripheral educational initiatives that CEDIA is in the process of developing. CEDIA feels that education shouldn’t stop with its membership. We feel that it is important to address education on a number of different levels. After all, it is our goal to ultimately reach our customer, the consumer. The challenge is… “how do we get there?” One of the most logical avenues that CEDIA has chosen has been to reach out to the strategic trade community. This would be identified as the builders, the architects and the interior design communities; more specifically through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). CEDIA is approaching this from a multiple-tiered perspective. Currently CEDIA is delivering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to ASID and Learning Units (LUs) to AIA through approved educational courses, both in person and online. Both CEUs and LUs are required by each respective association for their membership to maintain accreditation on an annual basis. Another element of CEDIA’s outreach effort and our newest initiative is the upcoming CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Forum that is being held in San Francisco from February 23 through 25th. This inaugural event features a combination of high end industry keynote speakers, panels of industry experts, and breakout sessions bringing together builders, architect and interior designers and, our RESC members for an intense networking opportunity (see http://www.cedia.org/el_forum ). CEDIA will also offer its “train the trainer” course which prepares the CEDIA RESC member to deliver CEU’s in their respective markets. This is a “not to miss” event and we invite our members to attend, there is still space available but it is filling rapidly! As you can see, CEDIA is constantly reviewing, revising and improving its many vehicles to facilitate delivery of education. Please, take advantage of the opportunities. CEDIA exists for its members, from there its up to you! I hope to see many of you in San Francisco and again in Denver! Until then, good selling and better learning. Andy Willcox President of CEDIA Click above for more information
CEDIA Electronic Systems Technician (EST) Residential Boot Camp March 7 – 10 CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN Get the best of both worlds…. CEDIA University is offering EST Residential Boot Camp March 7 – 9 followed by the Installer Level I Certification Exam on March 10 at the CEDIA Training Facility in Indianapolis! Register right now! 2006 EST Residential Boot Camp Dates: For more information on CEDIA EST Residential Boot Camp please contact Erin Reynolds at ereynolds@cedia.org or 1-800-669-5329 x159.
News Have a news tip? Send them to rAVe Editor-in-Chief Denise Harrison — dharrison@kayye.com Breaking News: |
Sterns has been with the 28-year-old Niles for 14 years, most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer where he lead the brand strategy to enter the digital source market by offering modular multi-zone receivers with satellite radio and digital music capabilities. Previously as vice president of sales from 1992 to 2003, he led the company in its positioning within the custom installation industry.
For more information, go to http://www.nilesaudio.com/
The company intends to focus on delivering tailored solutions to vertical markets, and mentioned business and industry, government and higher education as among those markets with mobile to large venue sizes. They also plan to market to the home theater segment. Although no one inside Panasonic will confirm rumors swirling around the HomeAV market, it appears that Panasonic plans to do this by branding a new family of projectors the way InFocus did with the ScreenPlay line. Many of you may not know this but Panasonic has quietly built some of the audiovisual industry’s best performing projectors in the world and has quickly entered the Top 5 in US sales in recent years after floundering in the bottom of the projector bunch for years.
Some might question why any company would invest more into the projector markets, with prices projected to fall a good 20 percent this year. No doubt Panasonic is trading on its formidable brand name and, with all the “me too” projectors out there, any innovative solutions that truly ARE tailored to applications could sell well.
The company assures rAVe that they will sell through the ProAV channel too.
For more information, go to http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/cat_projectors.asp
Integrator Solutions
3. DVI Bowing to HDMI in CE Sector: Report
The report contains analysis and five-year forecasts for the penetration of DVI and HDMI into 18 different applications in PCs, PC peripherals, and CE. Five-year average selling price forecasts for discrete DVI, DVI-HDCP, and HDMI transmitters and receivers are provided, too, as well as histories of penetration forecasts back to 2002.
For more information, go to http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c32258
4. Lumagen Introduces HD Video Processor
Lumagen has a new video processor with four DVI-I inputs that supports analog and digital output at a full 1920 x 1080p, says the company. The VisionHDQ has 10 inputs. In addition to the 4 DVI-I inputs with HDCP there are 2 SD/HD Component inputs, 2 S-Video inputs, 1 SDI input and 1 composite input. The array allows transcoding between Component and RGB analog HD sources, image scaling, and per-pixel deinterlacing up to 1080p, says the company and the Component and DVI inputs automatically switch between SD and HD sources.
Signal output is via an analog and digital DVI-I connection or with a BNC analog output. An RS232 interface is provided for upgradeability and control.
Other features include user-adjustable image enhancement, a built-in 10-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with over-sampling for analog outputs, a programmable output resolution from 480p to 1080p, plus 1080i; the ability to zoom in on any source by up to 33 percent; selectable aspect ratios of 4:3, 16:9 and 1.85; a programmable output aspect ratio from 1.33 to 2.35; and 2:2, 3:2 and 3:3 pull-down for film sources.
The VisionHDQ automatically detects NTSC, PAL and SECAM signals, and also includes four configuration memories per input with unique set-up parameters for each memory; an extensive suite of test patterns; Gamma, Y/C-delay and multipoint grayscale calibration; CUE and ICP filtering, and programmable input and output color-space. There are optional ears for rack mounting.
The VisionHDQ video processor ships this month with a suggested price of $1,999.
For more information, go to http://www.lumagen.com/
Chief Manufacturing announced the Cinematic Series of automated remote-operated mounts, designed for swing arm mounts, flat panel and projector lifts, and table stands.
Cinematic Mounts offer programmable viewing angles, viewing adjustments, and they are of solid steel construction.
This is a frickin great idea. Sure, it’s a couch potato product, but the concept is a good one and adds to the cool factor of a flat screen display.
The CM1 Automated Swing Arm Mount is for flat panel TVs up to 61 inches and 170 lbs. Users press a button and the screen will extend from the wall and rotate to the desired angle. There are three programmable pre-set viewing positions and multiple mounting options on or recessed between 16-inch center studs. The mount extends 18 inches from the wall and swivels +/-60º. It includes Chief’s Q-Latch Mounting System for security and for faster installs.
The CM2 Automated Pop-Up Lift lets users raise or lower the screen with a press of a button. This unit is also designed for screens up to 61 inches, but up to 200 lbs. It adjusts at 2 inches per second, says the company. The lift provides up to 44.5 inches of travel with a stored height of 34 inches, and it includes Auto Drive gliding system for fast and quiet adjustment, and has cable management. There are customizable store and show positions.
The CM3 Automated Swivel Table Stand provides +/-45º automated swivel with optional stops at 15º, 25º and 35º. The CM3 has an integrated IR sensor and provides height adjustment of 5 inches. The free-standing base can be bolted to the surface.
The mounts will ship in late spring and pricing is TBA.
For more information, go to http://www.chiefmfg.com/news.asp
6. Mitsubishi Announces Price Reductions on all Home Theater Projectors
The HC3000U (now $2,495) is a 720p DLP projector using TrueVision image processing and BrilliantColor technology. It is specified at 1000 ANSI lumens and 4000:1 contrast ratio.
The HC900U ($1,895) is a DLP projector specified at 1500 lumens, 1024 x 576 resolution and 2000:1 contrast ratio.
The HC100U ($1,495) is specified at 854 x 480 resolution with 1300 lumens and 2000:1 contrast ratio. It’s also a DLP model.
I am confident we will see Sony and InFocus follow with the same.
For more on Mitsubishi front projection, go to http://www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com/
7. Paradigm Ships New Models in Cinema Speaker Line
Cinema 330 has two 4.5” ICP injection-molded co-polymer polypropylene bass/midrange cones and two 4.5” high-power polypropylene bass cones. Cinema 220 has two 5.5” ICP injection-molded co-polymer polypropylene bass/midrange cones. In both models, Paradigm’s 1” PTD pure-titanium dome tweeter is used for high frequencies.
Both models can be wall mounted using either the keyhole slots on the rear of the speakers or the angle brackets provided. They can also be placed on the new PREMIER LS -15 tabletop/shelf stand, or the LS-25 floorstanding model. When a 330 or 220 speaker is used as a center speaker on top of a shelf or TV, Paradigm includes an adjustable TV-Top/Shelf stand that must be used to ensure stability. The Paradigm grille logos can be easily repositioned for a vertical or horizontal configuration.
Cinema 220 measures 20-5/16 inches x 5-7/8 inches x 4-13/16 inches (51.6 cm x 14.7 cm x 12.2 cm). Cinema 330 measures 24-1/2 inches x 6-5/16 inches x 4-1/8 inches (62.2 cm x 16.1 cm x 10.5 cm). Cinema 220 is available in Silver, Black, or White. Cinema 330 is available in Silver or Black. Cinema 220 – FMV Price for Cinema 220: $199 each and Cinema 330: $299 each.
For more information, go to http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/Cinema/Cinema_Specs.html
8. Sunfire Introduces Theater Grand Processor-5
The Theater Grand Processor-5 is equipped for remote operation from compatible IP control systems. It adds new connectivity features that make it more responsive, and easier to integrate into whole-room or whole-house systems controlled through IP-based laptop or handheld devices, such as those by Crestron, AMX and others. The new features use an RJ45 Ethernet port as well as RS-232. The built-in operating system can be upgraded through software downloads via the Internet.
This model upgrades and replaces Sunfire's Theater Grand IV Processor. The new unit is designed with a contemporary-looking front panel, and handles 7.1-channel Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, user-configurable all-speaker stereo, and Sunfire's Side-Axis outputs for 9.3 channels of total playback. It also has digital implementation of Bob Carver's Sonic Holography Imaging to enhance the perceived soundstage of any stereo recording.
The Theater Grand Processor-5 includes an AM/FM tuner with 40 presets, an eight-channel input for DVD-Audio or SACD, eight balanced XLR outputs, a Phono stage, and a video format conversion system that automatically up-converts Composite video to S-Video, and S-Video to Component video (to keep viewers from having to change inputs on their TVs). It comes heavily pre-programmed, says the company, and has full learning capabilities.
It also has a second zone that plays sources independent of the main zone; a full-time digital downmix that provides accurate two-channel audio from multi-channel digital sources for tape recordings, digital outputs, and second zone use; a nine-channel, user-settable "PARTY" mode that engages all speakers from any two-channel source; a direct two-channel analog bypass mode; and Bob Carver's Dynamic Tuner Noise Reduction.
Suggested price is $3,499 and it will be available later this quarter.
For more information, go to http://www.sunfire.com/index.html
9. Bargain Alert: Boston Acoustics Announces New Pricing for Recepter Radio HD
Now, Boston Acoustics announced a price drop on the Recepter Radio HD – down to $299 – a whopping price cut from the previous $499 tag.
Boston Acoustics says that more than 3,000 stations are in the process of upgrading to HD Radio broadcasting, with more than 700 on the air and several hundred also launching new multicast channels this spring.
The company says the Recepter Radio HD is the first home HD table radio to receive and seamlessly play the additional digital HD2 Multicast programming that many stations are now broadcasting. A compact satellite speaker allows listeners to enjoy The Boston Sound in true stereo, and users can also control the radio with a credit-card sized remote. HD Radio reception is free, with no additional or recurring subscription costs.
For more information on the Receptor Radio HD, go to http://www.bostonacoustics.com/home_product.aspx?category_id=34&product_id=325
10. CinemaQuest Shipping New Ideal-Lume Video Bias Lighting Models
The new 'Ideal-Lume Standard' model now sells for $44.95. The new 'Ideal-Lume Panelight' model is $79.95.
Hey, whether you believe in the concept or not, at least give CinemaQuest some credit for creating a value-add and not just a me-too product.
For more information, go to http://www.cinemaquestinc.com/
11. Vidikron’s New HD LCDs
Vidikron announced three new LCD TVs with some marketing-based features, such as built-in 10-watt stereo 2-way speakers, 1366 x 768 resolution and integrated Imagix digital video processing. The DView TVs, which come in 26-, 32-and 37-inch models, are compatible with all automation control systems, according to the company. We printed this that way to show you what the PR actually said. Yes, they actually focused on the fact that these three LCD’s are compatible with control systems – well which ones aren’t?
All three are specified at 1000:1 contrast ratio.
For more information, go to http://www.vidikron.com/lcd.html
12. Co-Founder Defends TVMyPod
The way the company tells it, the consumer buys both the DVD and the iPod, and TVMyPod simply does the loading. For free, by the way.
"We're really a new distribution channel for iPods and for DVDs. We're adding to the weekly sales figures, not detracting from them," says TVMyPod co-founder Vijay Raghavan. "We'll load new DVDs onto your existing iPod, but not your existing DVD collection. We only load content from DVDs that you buy through us. We don't deal in used anything."
Okay, that explains it. Get that NetFlix?
For more information, go to http://www.tvmypod.com/
Copying a DVDis done with just a few mouse clicks, says the company, and without the need to rip it to the hard-disk. (The company points out that copying protected DVDs also requires AnyDVD.) PC required.
For purchasing and or more information, go to http://www.slysoft.com/en/clonedvd-mobile.html
14. M-Wallet Puts Credit Cards, ATMs on Mobile Devices
M-Wallet is network and device agnostic and works with GSM, CDMA, or iDEN technologies, and is compatible with Symbian, PocketPC, Palm, J2ME, Brew and SimTk.
It’s pretty handy for consumers, who can carry a thinner wallet. And it’s cool for merchants. They can send gift cards or offers directly to a customer’s mobile phone, for example, and the users can redeem them via the phone, or via secure point-of-sale transactions.
M-Wallet users must opt-in to receive coupons or other promotional services, so they can limit spam. By the way, Motorola isn’t the only company doing this, but they are the biggest. DoCoMo, a Japanese phone company, is currently offering this service in Japan to their subscribers.
There is no question that this (or something like this) is the future. The idea of not having to carry a wallet of any kind is both enticing and scary at the same time. But, the technology’s there so we’ll use it.
For more information, go to http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail/0,,6377_6325_23,00.html
Linksys and Yahoo! Music announced an agreement focused on making it easier for consumers to move digital music legally from their computer to other devices around their home. The integration of Yahoo! Music with the Linksys Wireless-G Music Bridge (WMB54G) is the first product resulting from this relationship.
A new plug-in allows the Yahoo! Music Engine to work directly with the Linksys Wireless-G Music Bridge. This plug-in is integrated into both the Linksys Wireless-G Music Bridge and the Yahoo! Music Engine so users can stream music directly to a home stereo with the click of a button on the Yahoo! Music Engine interface. The free Yahoo! Music Engine provides users the ability to play and save songs, share music using Yahoo! Messenger, transfer music to compatible portable devices, access pre-programmed radio stations, burn CDs, create playlists and more.
With the addition of the Yahoo! Music Unlimited subscription service, Yahoo! Music Engine users can build music libraries from a catalog of over a million songs, access personalized music recommendations, and listen to more than 100 customizable and commercial free radio stations.
The WMB54G is available from retail, e-commerce and direct response at an Estimated Street Price of $99.99. The free Yahoo! Music Engine music management software, and the Yahoo! Music Unlimited subscription service can be accessed from http://music.yahoo.com/
Yahoo! Music Unlimited provides music fans with music listening and management functionality for $4.99 per month for an annual subscription, or $6.99 for a monthly subscription.
For more information, go to http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_News_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1138056976803&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper
The Aurora MX-950 is an IR/RF remote control that can act as the "master" remote for an entire house. There are up to 255 pages of custom labeled buttons on an advanced multicolor LCD, with a total of 256 color-backlighting options for color-coding different zones.
The Aeros MX-850 controls up to 20 components and can be programmed with up to 4 pages of LCD screens, plus the 33 hard buttons. The MX-850 allows you to edit the text on each LCD screen exactly as you prefer (up to 26 screens with 10 buttons per screen, for a total of 260 available text buttons and up to 5 characters per button). Custom installers can use the MX-850 Editor system software to design a remote control program. Direct access to 50 favorite channels and PC programming software makes the MX-850 makes it useful for simple or complex A/V systems, says Universal.
The MX-650 controls up to 20 components and is capable of storing up to 912 potential Macro buttons with a smart memory back-up system that will retain the programmed memory for up to ten years, even with dead batteries. Each of these macros can play back up to 190 steps with one touch.
The Osiris MX-350 can control up to ten components with eight pages of custom labeled buttons per device. The Osiris operates in both IR and RF modes.
The company also has multi- or single-zone addressable RF base stations, as well as an upgrade link for archiving configurations and saving programming time.
For more information, go to http://www.universalremote.com/products/
TNT in HD will be available as part of the DIRECTV HD package, which currently includes ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies and Universal HD, and is available by subscription for $10.99 per month. In addition to the HD Package, DIRECTV customers with HD-enabled equipment can also receive HBO HDTV and SHO HD as part of their premium package subscriptions, as well as HD Pay Per View movies. DIRECTV also offers local HD programming in select markets.
For more information on TVT HD programs, go to http://www.tnt.tv/ and click on TNT in HD.
Speaking of DIRECTV, did you know that SOON you will have to replace ALL those DIRECTV HD set-top boxes? Yep, you read right. Currently, they are all (except the new H20) using MPEG-2 compression. Well, DIRECTV is moving to MPEG-4. That will happen over a couple of years’ time, but the fact is all the HD DIRECTV receivers now are MPEG-2 (including the ones still being sold (i.e. the TiVo HD receiver). So, be aware of this and educate your customers as such so they don’t get pissed at you when less than a year after you integrated their current HD receivers they will be forced to buy new ones.
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Copyright 2006 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact us at
Kayye Consulting, Inc.
400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425
Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8118
(919) 969-7501
Email: gary@ravehome.com
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.