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 Alex Gibson at agibson@kayye.com or (919) 969-7501.
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Welcome to another issue of rAVe Home Edition!
We’re seeing a LOT of movement in media distribution around the home, from CAT5 to power line signal distribution. But the new 802.11n (see story below) is going to threaten any company banking on wires. We’re finally seeing signs that wireless will be able to do it all. It’s great news for end-users and can be great news for integrators who emerge early as experts – installation of whole home wireless for video can be a hot service to offer!
Also this issue, Insight Media’s Steve Sechrist explains why CRT still, in some ways, rules, despite all the hoopla over flat panel TVs.
Enjoy the issue!
— Gary Kayye, CTS Feature Article
CRT's Last Gasp May Be Its Best
By Steve Sechrist
Insight Media Senior Analyst and Editor of Projection Monthly & Microdisplay Report
steve@insightmedia.info
Want a slick new flat-screen TV but don't want to spend the big bucks? No worries. Samsung and LG have been selling flat CRT models they call "slim CRTs" — and they have some very compelling reasons beyond price to keep these sets in the running.
First, CRTs are inherently analog, providing continuous variations of brightness and color in the video image. A "digital CRT" uses the proper electronics to convert the incoming digital signal to analog. By contrast, today's popular LCD technology drives each pixel with a finite number of video levels, which can produce "posterization" artifacts in areas of the image (like sky) where color and brightness change slowly, or in very dark areas.
But it's the CRT's raster-scanning of an electron beam across fast-acting phosphors that has given the technology the moniker of "the gold standard" in image quality, particularly in the fast-motion tracking needed for viewing sports and action films. Early-day LCD manufacturers were notorious for introducing their next generation of large displays at trade shows by showing beautifully colored images that were very slow moving because the manufacturers feared revealing inherent motion artifacts. While the technology has come a long way — with vastly improved single-digit response times, blinking backlights and the rest — CRT technology is still the gold standard in motion tracking.
Still not convinced? OK, how about CRT black levels? Take the black level of a recent Toshiba 34-inch digital CRT model (34HF84) reviewed in Home Theater magazine last year. The black level was literally off the chart — so good it was too dark to measure with the reviewer's LS-100 light meter. In comparison, LCD is a gating technology, with a backlight and pixels that either allow light to pass (in the "on" state) or not ("off" state). Blacks, by comparison to the deep black of a CRT are often characterized as grayish blacks. LCD manufacturers are working on and dramatically improving this specification — and let's be fair, CRTs have been around a very long time while LCDs are just getting started.
LCD claims the advantage of image detail, as a key benefit of all those densely packed, digitally addressed pixels is an eye-poppingly detailed image that is unmatched by CRT — as long as the LCD's image is stationary or moving slowly.
But the slim CRTs are holding their own. Samsung SDI shipped 500K units last quarter, up from 400K in the previous quarter, in 21- to 32-inch sizes. This represented a 25% sequential increase within a category that shrank 13% overall during the same period.
So even for CRTs slim is in, with the new slim technology boasting up to 1/3 less depth than traditional CRTs. For instance, a Samsung 21-inch "SlimFit" set measures just under 12 inches deep. While all models don't seem to be readily available in the US, we did find on the Circuit City web site a 27-inch SlimFit with built-in HD tuner, HDMI input and SRS surround sound for $599.
We see the slim CRT as this technology's swan song. Good as the blacks and motion rendering are, the Philo Farnsworth inspired tube that arguably did more than any other technology to shape the second half of the 20th century will finally cede its place in the living room to true digital displays. As the CRT market shrinks, there isn't enough profit in CRTs to justify the kind of major R&D effort that would be required to produce another significant CRT advance like the slim-fit.
But don't be surprised to see this technology hang on for a few more years. About 145M CRT-based TV sets will be sold worldwide this year — 75% of the total. And CRT-TVs will probably be a familiar sight to millions of viewers who have not yet been born. After all, old TVs never die; they just end up in the garage.
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May 5-8 – CU On the Road in Vancouver
NEW – Electronic Systems Designer Boot Camp
If you are in the Vancouver area and would like to experience a wide variety of CEDIA Education don’t miss this CU On the Road event. Education offerings include the following CEDIA University Colleges:
• Electronic Systems Designer • Electronic Systems Project Management • Electronic Systems Technician • Electronic Systems Business
CEDIA Certification will also be offered with Installer Level I and Installer Level II exams administered in both French and English. You can register for packaged classes at a discount. Pick and choose the courses that would benefit you the most and receive a vast assortment of education. ChiefMounts will also be on-hand presenting FREE Manufacturer Product Training.
If you would like to know more about this event, register for classes, find out hotel information, or read course descriptions please visit http://www.cedia.org/education/on_the_road.php
Also, for any questions email cuotr@cedia.org of call the CEDIA Headquarters at 800-669-5329.
News We're rAVing About
802.11n Goes Commercial
NETGEAR is shipping the RangeMax NEXT product family of wireless devices based on the new 802.11n spec. 802.11n delivers speeds up to 300 Mbps. The products include the RangeMax NEXT Wireless Networking Kit Gigabit Edition — both the RangeMax NEXT Wireless Router Gigabit Edition with 10/100/1000 Switch and RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter Gigabit Edition; the RangeMax NEXT Wireless Router with 10/100 Switch; RangeMax NEXT Wireless DSL 2+ Modem Router with 10/100 Switch; RangeMax NextWireless Notebook Adapter; RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter; and RangeMax NEXT Wireless Access Point.
The company says the new line maintains compatibility with all legacy 802.11b/g wireless products.
We’re finally looking at a wireless standard that can support HD video streaming as well as extended range.
802.11n incorporates multiple technologies including Spatial Multiplexing MIMO (Multi- In, Multi-Out), 20 and 40 MHz channels, and dual bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to generate the high speeds and at the same time communicate with legacy 802.11b/g devices. The MIMO with its multiple antennas is what gives the “n” spec the higher bandwidth. Expect this to be the beginning of the end for wired networking.
For more information, go to http://www.netgear.com/promotions/2006/next.php
1. Toshiba Shipping HD DVD Players
The first players in the Blu-ray-HD DVD wars are now shipping. Toshiba’s HD DVD players hit retailers this week with two models: the HD-XA1 and HD-A1. Both are backwards compatible with legacy DVD format. Support for up-conversion of standard DVD through HDMI output allows consumers to enjoy current DVD libraries with output scaled to their HDTV or HD displays.
Both models support 5.1ch Dolby Digital Plus, two channels of Dolby TrueHD and 5.1ch DTS core stream for DTS-HD.
Toshiba also says they support advanced DVD user features (many of which were actually promised with the first release of DVD players years ago, remember?). Toshiba says an example is, depending on content, the players' "pop-up menu" displays movie chapters with thumbnails while the movie plays, allowing users to navigate menu features without pausing playback. Picture in Picture (PIP) with motion video functions include the ability to play supplementary video over the main program, allowing viewers to watch bonus content, such as a superimposed director's commentary or a documentary about the making of the movie, while the movie plays.
The HD-A1 is the basic player, priced around $499.99. The HD-XA1, priced at $799.99 comes with an RS-232 jack, a motorized door that hides the buttons and the drawer, a motion-activated remote control that lights up when users pick it up and a double chassis design to buffer vibration.
For more information, go to http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/hddvd/
Integrator Solutions
2. TRIBUTARIES Announces New Cable Solutions
TRIBUTARIES has several new cable solutions, a coax/CAT5E bundle, a long-run HDMI and long-run component.
The configurable HexVideoC5 combines six Direct Series stranded OFHC copper 75 ohm coaxial cables, for analog-video (including component/high-def), audio, and digital-audio, combined with a CAT5E, 350MHz (8-conductor) cable, all encased in a single, flexible UL rated outer jacket. The 8-conductor CAT5E section can be used for data or telecommunications connections, or grouped into a 2-conductor/4-stranded wire with 18-gauge equivalence for use in DC powering, triggering or single-channel monaural speaker wiring such as paging distribution.
It can be used for a variety of requirements, from HD-ready component-video, + stereo-audio pair, + coax-S/PDIF digital audio, + CAT5 data (or power/trigger/monaural speaker-level) to six-channel (5.1) audio, + CAT5 data (or power/trigger/monaural speaker-level), and a number of other configurations.
The new DSR-701 from Spectrum Electronics gives full performance from HDMI connections over cable-runs as long as 45 meters/148 feet. The company says the DSR-701 automatically analyzes the incoming HDMI signal and applies custom-tailored equalization for performance.
Finally,. The new SES 114TT is a wide-bandwith solution for distributing component video, including HD, over long runs. The SES 114TT four channel video system delivers an HD signal up to 1080p via a single CAT5E cable up to 500 feet with no degradation of signal quality, says the company.
For more information, go to http://www.tributariescable.com/
Projection 3. Optoma Introduces DLP Projector With Four-Way Optical Lens Shift
Optoma’s new HD7100 is a DLP projector specified at 1000 ANSI lumens, 5000:1 full on/off contrast ratio and native 720p native 16:9 resolution. The lens has a 1.25x zoom ratio as well as the four-way horizontal and optical lens shift. It weighs 15 pounds and runs at 32dB.
The Optoma HD7100 home theater projector has an estimated street price of $3,499.
For more information, go to http://www.optomausa.com/PressRelease_detail.asp?Press_id=37
4. New 3-Chip DLP Projector From Vidikron
Vidikron introduced the Vision Model 90, one of the higher end models in its Vision series. This is a 3-chip DLP model specified at 720p resolution, Home Theater Calibration of 1120 ANSI lumens (or 2250), and CSMS Contrast Ratio: 258: (or 3000:1).
It uses Imagix video processing, and there is a choice of four lenses, each offering electronic and vertical shift, and it has the company’s IntelliWide technology for viewing 4:3 source in widescreen without significant loss of image quality. The Vision 90 is also available with the company’s CineWide with AutoScope technology option that properly displays movies filmed in the CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio. CineWide technology eliminates the top and bottom “black bars.”
The Vision Model 90 features has two discrete, HDCP-compliant DVI inputs and an RS-232 jack.
It is available in Classic White or Graphite Gray. MSRP of the Vidikron Vision 90 is $19,995. The CineWide with AutoScope technology option is $12,995.
For more information, go to http://www.vidikron.com/vm90.html
Audio 5. Leon Speakers Announces Custom-Crafted On-Wall Loudspeaker for Flat Panel Displays
Leon Speakers has a new speaker designed to provide left, center and right audio from one cabinet. The Horizon 313-LCR is designed to fit flat panel displays and is custom built to order in 3-5 days.
The Horizon 313-LCR has six newly-designed 3-inch ultra-linear, high-fidelity, full-range titanium cone drivers, says the company.
The cabinet is finished by hand to match the width and color any plasma TV, LCD or DLP screen. Grill cloths match the color of the flat panel display unless otherwise requested. Custom grill colors are available at additional cost.
Horizon model 313-LCR is available now with prices starting at $995 MSRP.
For more information, go to http://www.leonspeakers.com/hz.html
6. Mitsubishi Announces Variety of New TVs
Mitsubishi has a variety of new TVs using a variety of technologies. First are two new three-chip LCDs in 52-inch and 62-inch sizes. Both are specified at 1280 x 720 resolution and use the company’s Plush720p technology that scales and upconverts analog TV signals and deinterlaces 1080i to 720p.
The WD-52531 and WD-62531 models feature new light engines with 132-watt lamps (20 percent more light than last year's models) and SmartShutter to improve contrast ratio.
The company also introduced what they say is the industry's first 1080p DLP HDTVs with 6-Primary Color System, as well as new lines of 73-inch 1080p DLP HDTVs and 1080p LCD flat panel HDTVs. Mitsubishi also demonstrated a laser-based HDTV at its line show this month.
Ship dates and pricing are TBD.
For more information, go to http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/ 7. New 71-Inch LG Plasma Shipping
The new 71-inch plasma TV from LG Electronics is now available at a retail store near you. The MW-71PY10 is the largest plasma on the market.
The MW-71PY10 is specified at 1920x1080p resolution and 1200:1 contrast ratio, and has LG’s XD Engine technology, which upconverts analog signals to near high-definition levels. This model includes HDMI and DVI inputs, both with HDCP for digital connection. It has multiple HD component inputs, composite and S-Video, and RGB. It also has PIP, split-zoom and twin-picture allowing sub-windows to be moved, resized, swapped, and split into multiple windows (up to nine).
MSRP is $70,000!
For more information, go to http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/tv|audio|video_plasma%20flat%20panel__MW-71PY10.jhtml
8. Panasonic Demos 103-Inch Plasma
Not to be outdone by LG, Panasonic showed a prototype of a 103-inch plasma TV at the New York Stock Exchange. Ship dates and pricing are TBD, but the company did announce specs of 1920 x 1080 resolution and 3000:1 contrast ratio, and they said it would be available by Christmas.
For more information, click here.
Media Distribution and Control
9. BigBand, Concurrent Provide DVR Functionality Without the Box
BigBand Networks, which provides broadband multimedia infrastructures and Concurrent, an on-demand company, announced interoperability of their solutions that results in providing subscribers DVR-like control over live programming without requiring purchase of a separate DVR box. Basically, the companies are providing network-based time shifting.
The way it works is the BigBand router receives and processes the live feeds, replicates and clamps them, and sends constant bit rate versions to the Concurrent Real-Time Catcher, which transfers content to the MediaMatrix complexes, which then streams time-shifted programs.
For more information, go to http://www.bigbandnet.com/news/releases/2006/press_release_041006a.php 10. Sonos Announces $999 Multi-Room Music System
Sonos announced the ZonePlayer 80 Bundle, a $999 wireless multi-room digital music distribution system. The ZP80 Bundle lets users distribute digital music throughout the home using existing home theater equipment. By connecting a ZP80 to any amplified audio device in any room, that device is instantly part of a wireless, multi-room digital music system. Plus, users can control it all using the full-color wireless controller.
You can also combine the ZP80 Bundle or individual ZP80s with the Sonos ZonePlayer 100 (ZP100) with its built-in amplifier for true multi-room music in up to 32 rooms.
The ZP80 has digital (optical and coaxial) and analog outputs and includes auto-sensing line-in connectors that can digitally encode any line-in source. Sonos users can connect an external audio source, such as an Apple iPod, a CD player or satellite radio, to any ZonePlayer and to listen to that music on all the other ZonePlayers in the house.
For more information, go to http://www.sonos.com/news_and_reviews/press_releases/2006/pr_041006_zp80.htm
11. Motorola Moves Video From DVR to Mobile
Motorola wants to not only move content throughout the home, but also to mobile devices. Starting with a Motorola set-top, consumers can now create a multimedia network that sends content not only to other rooms in the home, but to mobile devices with storage-card capacity. In addition, Motorola mobile devices such as the RAZR V3x can be used to program a Motorola DVR remotely.
This is part of the company’s Follow Me TV experience, enabled by Motorola DVR set-tops and the company's OCAP software, that provides home media networking using the Multimedia over Cable Alliance (MoCA) standard.
For more information, go to http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail/0,,6631_6588_23,00.html
12. Orb Releases DVR Everywhere for TiVo Users
The Orb system is very cool. Other than the fact you have to hook up a PC to your TV. But it lets you grab whatever content you have – from files on your PC to live and recorded TV — to wherever you are and you watch it or listen to it via a Web browser. Amazingly enough, it’s free.
Now, Orb announced DVR Everywhere for TiVo DVRs. This lets TiVo DVR users play and program their recordings for free anywhere in the world from a wide range of networked devices — including work PCs, WiFi-enabled laptops around the home, and mobile phones on any carrier network. It also lets users remotely initiate TiVoToGo transfers, putting recorded shows onto the laptop, no matter where you are with the laptop.
No special software or fees are needed to enjoy DVR Everywhere from mobile phones or PDAs. Users are able to play and program their television recordings right from their devices' native Web browsers and streaming Windows Media Players, RealPlayers, or 3GP players.
DVR Everywhere is an add-on to the free Orb software for Windows XP. This software enables the user's always-connected PC to provide instant access everywhere to live and Internet TV and digital files.
For more information, go to http://www.orb.com/home/
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