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Welcome to this edition of rAVe Home! This issue, I talk about something we know about HDMI that very few others even suspect. Sometimes, it sucks. In the news, Life|ware made a big move by introducing its own media servers, Wi-Fi 802.11n is almost here, and there's a research company that's certain that paid video downloads are about to go away, and soon. Enjoy the issue! Gary Kayye, CTS Join Gary Kayye at the Fourth Annual InfoComm Manufacturers Forum!
If you're interested in candid, insightful opinions about the current and future state of the AV industry, it's an event not to be missed! And, it's free to all attendees! To read about last year's forum, go to http://www.ravepro.com/issues/2006/07/vol4_iss13/index.html#d2 For registration information, go to http://www.infocommshow.org/html/842_2572.htm HDMI's Dirty Little Secret By Gary Kayye, CTS By now, you've probably all seen the HDMI connector (the connector standard for high-resolution HD-TV content) on something. It's everywhere. But, it's also on progressive-scan DVD players. And, that's where it sucks! Look, unless you're outputting HD content that's truly digital and high-resolution (not the crappy cheaply scaled progressive scan DVD player HD-like output) then don't assume that HDMI is better than any other connector. In fact, it's actually worse – in EVERY CASE of progressive scan DVD player I've tested. Every single one. Obviously. Hopefully everyone reading this already knows this – we're in the AV industry. Progressive scan is the consumer code marketing term for what we know as scaling. What's inside a progressive scan DVD player is, in almost every case, the cheapest possible scaler chip-set on the planet that will take NTSC or PAL video and scale it up to VGA, XGA, etc. (or in this case, 720p or 1080i resolutions). So, although the manufacturers are converting the video coming from a DVD (natively encoded at 480i) to 720p, 1080i and even just 480p, their "scaler" chip-set isn't doing much to improve the signal at all – in fact, our tests showed that they were actually adding in noise that made the picture look worse! But, more importantly, you need to know the facts. Why connect DVD players in a system via HDMI just because it's there? Go Component Video or, better yet, S-Video. I know you must think I am nuts, but think carefully about what I am saying and what I have presented you here. Obviously the native resolution of most projectors we are installing is at least 1280 x 720 in the HomeAV market and 1024 x 768 in the ProAV market. And, the video coming from a DVD player must be scaled somewhere – in one of the two pieces of gear (the DVD player or the projector/flat-panel). So, where do you think the better scaler resides – the $100 DVD player or the $3000 display? Thanks to our sponsor D-Tools, worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. System Integration just got easier! It's EXPO Time! Can you believe it – it's CEDIA EXPO time again. The excitement is mounting as CEDIA prepares to host its annual CEDIA EXPO at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Co – September 5-9! For more details please visit www.cedia.org/expo or call (800) 669-5329. CEDIA Certified Members to be Featured on National TV Designing Spaces is a popular television series that inspires viewers to make every place in their home count, and to enjoy each space differently. In each episode viewers explore new and exciting ideas on how to renovate their home whether it is a minor or major renovation. Viewers learn how to achieve their fantasy style with advice from renowned leaders and can meet the masters and artisans for that special focal point in your home. CEDIA's featured episode is scheduled to broadcast nationally on May 25 on WE and May 26 on TLC at 7:00 a.m. (EDT/PDT), with additional coverage on cable affiliates for ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PAX, and UPN. May 25 at 7:00 p.m. (PDT/EDT) will be your first chance to view this episode. Don't worry if you miss this episode, because you'll have the chance to view it again, at least 20 additional times. Thus, this episode will have the potential to reach more than 80 million households. CEDIA's episode will be apart of a 30 minute segment that highlights the expertise of CEDIA Certified electronic systems contractors and the value of working with a CEDIA Member. The actual system installed during the show is a system designed and installed by CEDIA Member Jeff Hoover, owner of Audio Advisors. The center includes whole-house integration with everything from a home theater to outdoor lighting. Be sure not-to-miss this upcoming episode of Designing Spaces May 25 at 7:00 p.m. (PDT/EDT) on TLC and WE. Wi-Fi 802.11n 2.0 to Launch in Late June 802.11n has long been considered the killer app – a spec that could become the de facto standard for home networking, including whole-home networking of entertainment and control devices. That will, of course, depend on how widespread the technology becomes, whether or not CE manufacturers beyond just router makers adopt and incorporate it. The Alliance is counting on it. They point to the ability to deliver up to five times the throughput and twice the range as previous Wi-Fi gear as the main benefits. According to backers, consumers will be able to take advantage of whole-home coverage and content-rich applications such as streaming high-definition video, online gaming with multiple users on a single network, as well as enjoying faster file transfer of photos, music, etc. For more information, go to http://www.wi-fi.org/pressroom_overview.php?newsid=545 Analyst Predicts Curtains for Paid Video Downloads The survey indicated that only nine percent of online adults have ever paid for download a movie or TV show, and that the ones who have done so are a "niche of media junkies" who aren't representative of the mainstream. In a bold statement, Forrester predicts the extinction of the paid video download market, and suggests that Apple will need to rethink Apple TV. The model that will win, according to the analyst, is ad-supported content. In addition, they say, movie studios, whose content only makes up a fraction of today's paid downloads, will put their weight behind subscription models that imitate premium cable channel services. The report says implications include a shift toward putting videos from the internet directly on the TV (that's not news), partly owing to developments from Cisco and Motorola that result in Internet-friendly set-top boxes delivering ad-supported content (that's somewhat news and we'll see how well they fare). Another likely result, they say, is television networks allowing ad-supported downloads of prime-time TV shows. New technology such as the recently announced Adobe Media Player will allow consumers to download video for playback without losing the ads that were sold with the video. And, if Forrester has it right, we can expect streaming of ad-supported TV shows to eclipse DVR use by the end of 2008. (Really??) Forrester says this pleases both advertisers and networks because this shift thwarts ad-skipping. And Forrester believes consumers will appreciate the fact that it's it's cheaper than a DVR and is more flexible. Our take: until they make TV commercials more worthwhile (how many people have developed "possibly major medical side effects" JUST from listening to listings of symptoms twenty times a day??), consumers will adopt ways to bypass ads, even if it just means leaving the room. The report "Paid Video Downloads Give Way to Ad Models" includes recommendations for media executives and is currently available at http://www.forrester.com/Research/Document/Excerpt/0,7211,42291,00.html For more information, go to http://www.forrester.com/ER/Press/Release/0,1769,1144,00.html LG Plasma Plant Closing Harbors Dwindling of Plasma Market To read more about it, go to http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,131993-pg,1/article.html Mitsubishi Debuts Eight Thin Frame 1080P LCD HDTVs The Thin Frame design features hidden speakers and a frame measuring about an inch. For example, each 40-inch model is only 37 inches in width and 23.9 inches in height, and each 46-inch model is 42.3 inches wide and 26.9 inches tall, etc. For more information, go to http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/18337/News.html?mid=94332 JVC Announces 2nd Generation High-Speed 120Hz LCD for HDTV JVC's original CMD technology was applied to a 720p LCD panel and detected only horizontal motion. In the new HD, the Clear Motion Drive detects image data from more than 8,000 surrounding dots in a frame to create a pixel and calculate movement from the current frame to the next. This process is performed on all two million pixels (1920 x 1080) in a frame to interpolate for movement in all directions. JVC will bring out three HD LCD TV models using CMD II this fall. Plans are for a 47-inch, the LT-47X898, the 42-inch LT- 42X898 and the 37-inch LT-37X898. JVC says each will offer three HDMI 1.3 compatible inputs as well as a new cabinet with a bezel of less than 1.5 inches and a cabinet that is shorter and narrower than previous models in the same screen size. For more information, go to http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=588&pageID=1 Use Your iPod to Test A/V He notes video iPods could store your video test and setup signals: PLUGE; SMTPE color bars; resolution test patterns; reference videos (for animations, videos, etc.) All you need for the video iPod, says Evans, is a simple adapter cable to output composite video and audio from the mini-phone plug on the top. You don't even need to buy the proprietary cable– a cheap camcorder adaptor cable will do. Cables on the iPOD are reversed from the standard versions, he explains. When connected to the iPod: RED = composite video; WHITE = left audio; YELLOW = right audio. Audio-only iPods can store: 1K test tone; all 1/3 octave tones used by standard equalizer; band limited pink noise (20-20 KHz); band limited noise for subwoofer (10-180 Hz); 20-20K audio sweeps and reference music (classical, rock, movie). To download the full article, go to How to set up the iPod Life|ware Adds Media Management to Home Control Basically, other than the networking hardware, Life|Ware has created a one-stop shop with a central GUI for home control and media distribution. The Life|media Server line includes five models, ranging from a set-top to a four-rack unit high performance edition. All models run Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Operating System, and offer a range of Intel chipsets and processors. Life|media Servers will start at $4,500 and be available this summer. For more information, go to http://www.life-ware.com/prod_lifemedia.php Mondo Mint Controls Remote Streams From Handheld Players The Mondo Mint is usable right out of the box, says the company. It offers iPod, USB, Wireless Audio and Line In connections for use with a PC, Mac, iPod, MP3 player, CD player, satellite radio, TV or video game console. Also, the wireless dock contains proprietary digital wireless technology that allows consumers to turn use the iPod as a remote control for streaming, controlling volume and managing playlists, etc. Mondo Mint will be available in June for $349. For more information, go to http://www.mondo-usa.com/drupal/products/mint Audio Design Demonstrates Modular Distributed Audio for MDU, Tract and Custom Home Markets SWAN is billed as a high performance, entry-level priced modular audio system that fits into standard structured wiring cabinets mounted in between wall studs. This way, SWAN eliminates the need for custom entertainment cabinets and racks. SWAN is compatible with all source components — HD and satellite tuners, DVD players, iPods, cable-boxes, etc. It runs on CAT5. Included with SWAN is PC software that lets installers set up each zone's acoustical settings such as bass, mid-range, treble and active loudness contour. SWAN also features four "Party Groups" that make it easy to turn on several rooms with the press of just one button. SWAN can also be used to play door chimes through its paging input as well as provide room-to-room paging when using ADA's Phone Suite accessory. ADA expects SWAN to be ready to ship to dealers this summer. ADA will set pricing closer to that time. For more information, go to http://www.ada.net/press/index.php?view=110 ZVOX: Wall-mount Single-Cabinet Home Theater with Built-in Subwoofers "We believe we have developed the perfect audio system for use with flat-panel TVs," says ZVOX founder Tom Hannaher. "There's no bulky subwoofer to hide. No mass of connecting wires. No owner's manual the size of a phone book. The 425 is the first wall-mountable system that puts everything in one cabinet – and it does so without sacrificing performance. People are going to be shocked by how good it sounds." For more info, go to ZVOX 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 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 Copyright 2007 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact Kayye Consulting, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: dharrison@kayye.com Gary Kayye's rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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