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Welcome to this edition of rAVe Home! This new Intel system-on-a-chip takes CPU processing down to the smallest form factor yet. It's specifically for consumer electronics and it could be THE next driving force for next generation technology. Read about it below. This issue, Editor Denise Harrison continues her rundown on the different internet feature film download services. This time, a test of the Netflix "Watch Now" service. Enjoy the issue! Gary Kayye, CTS
Join Gary Kayye as he Moderates the Fourth Annual InfoComm Manufacturers Forum! Always engaging and thought-provoking, the fourth annual Manufacturers Forum, scheduled from 4-5:30 pm on June 18th, offers a glimpse into AV industry trends and predictions from some of the biggest names in the business. This event is moderated by Gary Kayye. CTS, of Kayye Consulting, and will feature thoughts from panelists Gerry Remers, President and COO, Christie Digital Systems; George Feldstein, President, Crestron Electronics, Inc.; Andrew Edwards, President and CEO, Extron Electronics; Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Harman Pro Group; and Rick Snyder, President, Americas, Tandberg.
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
Video Download Services Finally Arrive By Denise Harrison, Editor-in-Chief, rAVe Consumers are starting to ask about downloading movies from the internet, and it can only be assumed they'll be asking local HomeAV installers how and where to do it. You, the installer, will want to know the answer so that you don't appear out of touch with the latest technologies and, importantly, because that question could lead to a business opportunity. So, we at rAVe present this series to you about the different services available. You can read Part 1 at: http://www.ravehome.com/issues/2007/03/rhvol4iss6/index.html#feature Part 2: http://www.ravehome.com/issues/2007/04/rhvol4iss7/index.html#feature Of all the internet feature film offerings, Netflix is by far the simplest. You hit play, and it streams immediately. No delay whatsoever. No learning curve. There is no downloading, just streaming. You don't pay separate rental fees. But you also can't buy the download (yet). And you have to be a paying subscriber.But with almost 7 million subscribers, there's a good chance that many of your customers are already with Netflix. And for good reason. Founded in 1999, Netflix is the oldest of the web-based DVD rental services. Netflix has 75,000 titles and gets new titles at the same time as they hit retail shelves. Subscribers create their own queue of titles they want to see and in what order they want to see them. Netflix ships DVDs to users via the post office then, when the user wants to return the Netflix DVD they have at home, they use the pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope and just drop it in the mailbox. Whatever film is next in the queue is automatically shipped upon receipt of the last DVD. The turnaround is usually only a few days.
If you are a Netflix subscriber, the queue feature is an easy way to let Netflix know which movies you want and in what order. The movie in the number one position in the queue will ship automatically the next time you mail back one of the Netflix DVDs. Number two will ship upon the next return, etc., and users can change the queue any time, very easily. A less-advertised feature of the queue, however, is that it's a fantastic place to amass a wish list of movies you want to eventually see. If a friend tells you about a movie and you want to see it, but there are really 10 other movies you want to see first, you add it to the queue in the 11th position. This way, you won't forget about it. Some users keep lists of HUNDREDS of films in their queues just this way, adding films as they read about them, hear about them, or learn about them through the Netflix suggestions feature. "Watch Now" is a very new feature, and Netflix tells rAVe that availability went from 300 titles at launch in January to more than 2,200 today. They say others will become available as licensing agreements with studios are reached.
How this works is that the user enters the Netflix home page and chooses "Watch Now." The page offers several sections from which to choose. The "Watch Now" titles are sorted by genre (horror, drama, nonfiction, classics, etc.), by whether or not it's a suggestion for you based on your likes and dislikes, and it also lists those films from your OWN queue that are available for instant viewing, No need to click on different titles in your queue to find out which are available for streaming – Netflix rounds up those titles for you. The number of instant viewing hours a subscriber can watch is based on their subscription package, but it's plenty. A four-at-a-time package for $23.99 comes with 24 hours of instant viewing time. I put Netflix "Watch Now" to the test recently. You have to download the Netflix Movie Viewer but it's a rather quick install (about two minutes). First, I loaded up "Ben Hur: Collector's Edition" on my laptop. You get a choice of about a half a screen, or full screen. The full screen image looks surprisingly good on my XGA screen. Next, I hooked my laptop up to an Optoma MovieTime using VGA cable and projected the movie "Sherrybaby" on a Da-Lite screen. It looked great, which I didn't expect. In neither the case of "Ben Hur" nor "Sherrybaby" did the video get interrupted by internet delays, even though the Netflix test tool of my connection on the "Watch Now" page says my connection is only "good," not "high." Bottom Line The upsides of Netflix "Watch Now" are what set it apart from the other services available today. The user doesn't have to wait for a video to download – these start immediately. The user also doesn't have to worry about videos taking up precious disk space on the hard drive. And there is something really nice about hitting "play" and not having to feed credit card info into a website for every $3.99 rental. If you're already a subscriber, the instant viewing feature feels like a "freebie." In fact, it is a freebie: it was simply added as an additional subscription benefit. The movies looked as good as you'd expect on a XGA laptop screen and surprisingly good on a projected screen. Granted, it was hardly an action movie and any "Star Wars" flick would be a better test of image quality. The downsides, compared to other services, are that you can't buy downloaded files at this time, so you can't own the movie in this fashion. And you must already be a paying subscriber to use the service. It also shares the downside of all other services: the need to connect the PC to the TV or projector to watch it on a bigger screen and comfortably view it when two or more people want to participate. Opportunities in HomeAV Internet movie download services are great in concept but limited in practice. The ideal situation is for a consumer to hire a HomeAV installer to set up all the home entertainment boxes and wires into an integrated, easy-to-use and housed system capable of expansion and delivering a variety of source options. Projectors, projection screens, and home theater audio systems are additional opportunities presented by those looking to solve the problems associated with internet movie downloading. Next issue: Amazon Unbox for TiVo
Thanks to our sponsor D-Tools, worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. System Integration just got easier!
 Harman International Acquired by KKR and GS Capital
The Harman deal is worth roughly $8 billion and was unanimously approved by the Harman Board of Directors, following the recommendation of a Special Committee of independent directors. Under the terms of the agreement, Harman stockholders will be entitled to receive $120 in cash for each share of Harman common stock they hold. As an alternative to receiving the cash, Harman's stockholders will be offered the opportunity to invest in the new corporation incorporated by KKR and GSCP in order to acquire Harman.
Dr. Harman stated: "We are pleased to reach an agreement with KKR and GSCP that is in the best interest of our stockholders, presenting them with excellent value for their shares and the opportunity to participate in Harman's future growth. KKR and GSCP are two of the world's leading private equity investors and our Board of Directors strongly believes that this transaction will create attractive long-term opportunities for our employees, customers and business partners. Together, we will continue to execute our strategic plan, capitalize on new opportunities, and build on our history of product innovation and service excellence." For more information, go to http://www.harman.com/press/pdf/harman-kkr.pdf For more about KKR, go to http://www.kkr.com/index.html
Join CEDIA in Celebrating the Best-of-the-Best!
Beginning in May, CEDIA will celebrate with more than 4,000 active certified professionals by highlighting these individuals on a scrolling marquis. To view these individuals visit www.cedia.org/certification this May. Did you know that CEDIA University's Certification Program is dedicated to setting the highest standards in the residential electronics systems industry. From start to finish, CEDIA University's Certification Program promotes to users that companies with CEDIA-certified employees offer uncompromising quality and expertise. CEDIA University Professional Certification Lets You:
Already certified? Call CEDIA's Marketing Team at (800) 669-5329 for tools to market your certification! Or for more information regarding CEDIA's Certification contact the certification department at (800) 669-5329 or email certification@cedia.org.
Deadlines are fast approaching! For years the CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles® Awards have been known as the most prestigious awards in the residential electronic systems industry. This year is no different, and promises to be more competitive than ever. With enhanced guidelines and two panels of highly qualified professionals judging, this awards program has double the credibility. Make sure your best installation project isn't left out. Enter today at www.cedia.org/awards. Designer Awards Competition Deadline: Friday, May 4 (5:00 p.m. PDT) If you have any questions contact Katey Schenk at (800) 669-5329 or email at kschenk@cedia.org.
New Intel Chip Giving Next Generation Opportunities to CE Developers
Chunghwa Telecom1 of Taiwan, has adopted the new system-on-a-chip (SoC) media processor for its Multimedia on Demand. Chunghwa Telecom will expand its high-definition video content, karaoke, e-banking and e-learning services, along with trying out as-yet unnamed new ways of interacting with content obtained on the television. ASUS already has available a new set top box using the SoC. Digeo1 plans to deliver new Moxi Multi-Room HD digital media recorders, and OKI1 and ZTE1 will build set top boxes. System integrator Hwacom plans to provide application layers for IPTV services, and RADVISION1 will deliver VoIP and video conferencing. It has been clear for a while that internet connectivity on the television opens up a lot of possibilities for content access as well as distribution. This new Intel SoC simplifies product development in a HUGE way. Manufacturers can get far more creative in what they want to offer and they can do so in a far quicker time-to-market. For more information, go to http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/20070416comp_a.htm?iid=pr1_releasesec_20070416am
Westinghouse Introduces 1080p LCD TVs up to 52 Inches
Westinghouse put some proprietary functions in these, such as 1080Pure for getting 1080p resolution out of all HD connectors; SpineDesign intelligent cable access; DayBright panel technology for improved daytime or nighttime viewing; and Autosource technology, that automatically turns the TV on and adjusts it when a source is detected. The 42" TX-42F430S LCD HDTV will be available in May 2007 for MSRP $1,599. The 47" TX-47F430S LCD HDTV will also be available in May 2007 for MSRP $1,799. The 52" TX-52F480S LCD HDTV will be available September 2007 and pricing is TBD. For more information, go to http://www.westinghousedigital.com/default.aspx
OSRAM Gets Playful With OLEDs at CEDIA Lifestyles EXPO
The exhibit showed home furnishings with embedded OLED displays streaming wireless live information content, a fish tank with a submerged OLED, as well as some hanging decorative and visual arts pieces, all containing the latest OLED technology up to 6.5 inches. The living room furnishings with wireless streaming included a panel with content from TV Guide, another for stocks, and another for weather reports. A recliner had an OLED touch panel controller in the armrest, demonstrating home audio, lighting and security controls at one's fingertips. In addition, the date and time was illuminated through a shaving mirror. For more information, go to http://www.osram-os.com/news/press_releases.php?lan=eng&id=9 and http://www.pictiva.com/
Motorola Making Content Distribution Moves
Motorola also showed its IPTV set-top boxes for video on demand, pay-per-view, HD, etc. In content distribution and transmission, Motorola had its MPEG-4 high definition and standard definition encoders, a switched digital video server, digital simulcast technology and customized content distribution via the Motorola On-Target system. For more information, go to http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=8038_7967_23
LG Electronics, Harris Corporation Bring Over-Air Digital TV to Mobile Devices
The LG-Harris minibus mobile DTV demonstrations follow field tests conducted recently in Columbus, Ohio. The Dispatch Broadcast Group's CBS affiliate tested a wide range of challenging locations and the companies say the technology performed fine in the busy business district as well as at the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit on the Columbus beltway. Dispatch Broadcast Group says they broadcast HDTV on the main channel and mobile services on the MPH channel at the same time with no problems, and they believe mobile DTV is a key to their future. For more information, go to http://www.harris.com/view_pressrelease.asp?act=lookup&pr_id=2105
New 6.1 Release of SageTV Brings YouTube to the Television
SageTV software lets users watch, pause and record TV programs on their Windows or Linux PCs without a monthly fee. It also provides a single interface for accessing PC-based photo, music and video files. SageTV also offers SageTV Placeshifter, which lets users access their home TV and entire media library on any Internet-connected PC or Mac much the same way Sling Media or Sony's LocationFree allow remote viewing of home content. For more information, go to http://www.sagetv.com/
New JVC Home Theater Connects to PC
The JVC DD-3 also has a USB Host, so digital devices can be connected directly to the system, including flash audio players, USB drives, digital cameras and card readers. This way consumers can directly connect a digital camera and view photos or connect a music player for playback through the Sophisti's speakers. The DD-3's speaker system includes a powered subwoofer plus left, right and center channel speakers. The front surround speakers are designed to provide surround sound without separate rear speakers. The JVC Sophisti DD-3 is available immediately and sells for about $1,000. For more information, go to http://www.jvc.com/presentations/Sophisti/index.html
Comcast Acquires Fandango, Sets up New Website for Watching and Managing Media
Fancast, to launch this summer, is described as a national entertainment site where people can search and discover television and movie content, while managing their viewing experience across multiple devices. With Fancast, consumers will be able to search for their favorite shows, movies, actors and actresses, or just watch the video content on the site. Fancast will provide consumers with a place to discover when their favorite shows or movies are "on," and where they can view them via television, video-on-demand, online or on other devices. That's actually a nice service since content is now so spread out. A central search website like this may be the first of its kind. For more information, go to http://www.cmcsk.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=147565&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=983794&highlight=
NAHB, CEDIA Form Home Technology Alliance
This agreement basically suggests that NAHB members turn to CEDIA members when it comes to home technology. The Home Technology Alliance will act as a new program within NAHB's Custom Home Builders Committee. This focus on home technology integration will communicate the benefits of partnering with CEDIA members and demonstrate the opportunities for providing better service to homeowners regarding technology. For more information, go to http://www.cedia.net/press_media/nahb.php
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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