Major Studios Band Together for Digital Cinema Deployment In what is a major boost for digital cinema adoption, Digital Cinema Implementation Partners announced an agreement with five studios for the deployment of digital projection systems to nearly 20,000 movie theater screens across America. The studios involved are Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Motion Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios and Lionsgate Films. Participating theater companies are the AMC, Cinemark and Regal theatre chains. This paves the way for digital reproduction and distribution, as well as for 3D and other non-traditional programming.DCIP was formed in February 2007 as a joint venture owned equally by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group. Its mission is financing, procuring and deploying digital projection systems to movie theatre screens across the United States and Canada. DCIP says more announcements of this type will be forthcoming, and they are targeting all the major studios and independent distribution companies. The digital projection systems deployed by DCIP will comply with the technology and security specifications developed by the Digital Cinema Initiatives studio consortium. For more information, go to http://www.dcipllc.com/ Back to Top InfoComm Makes BIG Investment in Connecting AV Pros With Building Pros Way to go, InfoComm! We love this news…InfoComm launched a $1.5 million advertising and public relations campaign designed to educate architects and building professionals about the value of contracting AV companies, especially Certified Technology Specialists. To kick off the program, InfoComm developed a new website with an online directory. We'll keep you informed as ads are produced. For more information, go to http://www.ctsforav.com/ Back to Top Everything on the Network — We Mean Everything! Atmel, Cisco and the Swedish Institute of Computer Science are collaborating on an IP protocol that will allow every device to connect to the Internet. In fact, they've finished their work and it's available now.The protocol is uIPv6, and it's described as one of the world's smallest open-source, IPv6-ready protocol stack, which could enable every device, no matter how limited by power or memory, to have an Internet Protocol address. This project builds on Cisco's IP networking experience, Atmel's low-power wireless hardware, and SICS' work in embedded operating systems design. Right now, the group is suggesting applications such as building automation, industrial monitoring, smart cities and energy management, with "smart" objects powered by a wide range of sensors and actuators. But should this sort of open-source protocol take off (and why wouldn't it?), there is going to be a whole lot of standardizing on devices in the home, too. The very entertainment, security, and automation devices, and control systems, you're installing now. So if any installers are still lagging on getting an education in networks, it's time to step it up. Adoption of a standard IP protocol may seem futuristic, but this development appears to be closely tied to the IP for Smart Objects (IPSO) Alliance, a consortium of 25 of the biggest networking companies in the world. You can read more about IPSO at http://www.ipso-alliance.org/Pages/PressRelease.aspx and http://www.ipso-alliance.org You can download the specs, the technical paper and even the protocol at the end of the press release at http://www.atmel.com/dyn/corporate/view_detail.asp?FileName=Atmel_Cisco_SICS_10_14.html Back to Top CEDIA to Provide Trainings, Certifications at EHX CEDIA and EHX partnered up to offer a customized selection of CEDIA University training courses and certification. Beginning with the March 2009 event, EHX Spring will host CEDIA University during the annual Electronic House Expo tradeshow. CEDIA University will offer at least 55 core courses from CEDIA's five colleges during EHX. The selection of 55 courses to be offered is customized to meet the needs of EHX attendees, offering a range of topics such as system design, technical skills, emerging technologies and business and strategy training. For more information, go to http://www.cedia.net/press_media/EXH_1008.php Back to Top Sugar Ray Leonard to Keynote CEDIA Management Conference The 10th annual business-building event, CEDIA Management Conference, will feature boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard as a keynote speaker. The conference will be held at Carefree Resort & Villas in Carefree, Ariz., March 4–7, 2009. Leonard's presentation, "The Power to Win," will outline how attendees can take the lessons Leonard has learned from his challenges and successes in the boxing arena and apply them in the professional world. The Management Conference is for business owners and senior-level managers in the electronic systems industry with content designed to build more competitive, more sustainable businesses. CEDIA explains the format as allowing company owners and their lead employees to take a step back from working "in" their businesses and instead work "on" their businesses. "Attendees leave charged and prepared to immediately implement concrete changes in their day-to-day operations." Conference offerings include Strategic Management Forums, a series of two-hour breakout sessions on topics such as Effective Down Market Promotions and The One-Page Strategic Plan. Keynote speakers will include Leonard's presentation as well as discussions on creative collaboration and staying relevant in a dynamic market. In addition, three cross-industry presentations will cover business valuation, green and sustainable design and what to look for in an accountant. Online registration for the event opens November 6. The deadline to receive early bird registration discounts is February 4. For details, go to http:// www.cedia.org/mc or call (800) 669-5329. For more information, go to http://www.cedia.net/press_media/leonard_1008.php Back to Top
Click above for more information Epson Introduces Three Sub-$800 Entry-Level Projectors Epson has three new 3LCD 3-chip multimedia projectors designed both for home theaters and small businesses. The Epson EX70 projector (estimated street price: $799) is specified at WXGA resolution with 16:10 aspect ratio, 2000 lumens and 2000:1 contrast ratio. The EX50 ($649) is specified at XGA resolution and the EX30 ($549) at SVGA resolution. These two models are also specified at 2200 lumens and 2000:1 contrast ratio. All the projectors have USB Plug n' Play, direct power on/off from a wall switch, Epson E-TORL energy efficiency, instant on/off, and automatic keystone correction. For more information, go to http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-13921 Back to Top InFocus Shipping $1,099 720p Home Theater Projector InFocus has another new projector specifically targeting the home theater. The InFocus X9 is a DLP projector specified at 720p resolution, 1800 lumens and 2500:1 contrast ratio. It uses DLP BrilliantColor technology and has HDMI 1.3, component, composite, S-video and VGA. But, the cost is the key to this: $1,099. That's a price point that makes it the cheapest major branded projector aimed at the home in the 720p space. It's also nice and small — approximately 3.5" x 8" x 11" and weighting 5.8 pounds. For more information, go to http://www.infocus.com/Products/Projectors/X9.aspx Back to Top New Projector and Flat Panel Mounts Line From Da-Lite Da-Lite announced a new line of universal mounts for projectors and flat-panel displays. Da-Lite says the new brand, called Advance, is designed with new features, a new look and provides a complete line of installer-friendly mount kits. Da-Lite also says these are manufactured in the U.S. using high quality steel, and all durable powdered coated finishes in various colors. The universal design and good pricing should allow dealers to keep some on hand for last-minute mount needs, says the company. For more information, go to http://www.dalite.com/whats_hot/index.php?wID=179 Back to Top Sony Introduces Wired AV Receivers Serving as Two-Room HD Hubs Sony introduced two new ES A/V receivers with a CAT5e port, allowing them to provide high-definition video and audio to a second room. The models are the STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES. The STR-DA6400ES has an extra CAT5e input and is Digital Life Network Alliance (DLNA) compliant. Sony says this is the company's first network A/V receiver, and it can stream music, photos and video from a DLNA-compliant PC, plus it can access online music content from Rhapsody and Shoutcast Internet Radio without a PC. Sony says the two receivers are Blu-ray compatible, with 1080p/24p video support. They also support Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS High Resolution Audio and DTS HD Master Audio. Both receivers add a second Faroudja DCDi Cinema chip for upscaling standard definition to 1080p in the main room via HDMI. The second Faroudja DCDi chip upscales standard definition to 1080i in the second room. The STR-DA6400ES will be available this month for $2,500. The STR-DA5400ES should be shipping now for about $2,000. For more information, go to http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/home_audio_video/home_audio/es_products/release/36747.html Back to Top Sonic Studio Unveils Amarra Music Server, and Get This: It Runs on Mac! Sonic Studio and rep VRS Audio Solutions recently demonstrated Sonic Studio's new Amarra music server. Amarra is an integrated software and hardware product, and Sonic Studio says the company applied its experience with pro audio, and with the industry's longest running digital audio workstation, in its design. What is really cool and different is that Amarra runs on the Macintosh operating system, which the company says is more stable, secure and friendly. Amarra also coordinates with iTunes for asset acquisition, storage and playback. The company says Amarra is able to play uncompressed audio files up to 192 kHz, and will be upgradeable for future enhancements. For more information, go to http://www.sonicstudio.com/amarra/index.html Back to Top Sonance Designs New Outdoor Rock Speakers — These Actually Look Like Rocks Sonance developed three new models for the company's Landscape Series. Two of these UV-resistant speakers, the RK83 and RK63, are outdoor rock-style speakers designed to blend into the environment. The RK63 Rock speaker is a 6.5-inch 2-way, roughly 10x11x14 inches and is rated for 100W maximum power handling; the 8-inch 2-way RK83 Rock speaker measures roughly 14x15x18 inches and is rated for 150W maximum. The third new product, the SoundHenge Redux is actually an enclosure that looks like a boulder, and is used exclusively with the Sonance Mariner outdoor speakers. The enclosure is available in Granite or Brown finishes and measures 18x14x13 inches. These can be used with any Sonance Mariner 50 or Mariner 60 range of weather-resistant loudspeakers, in a stereo-pair, or single stereo speaker configuration. Sonance plans a December ship date, and pricing is RK63 Rock — $435; RK83 Rock — $700; and SoundHenge Enclosures — $275. For more information, go to http://www.sonance.com/ Back to Top Sonance Introduces Subwoofer for In-Ceiling Installation Sonance introduced a new in-ceiling subwoofer, part of the company's Sonance Architectural Series. Sonance says the new BPS-1 Bandpass Subwoofer, designed to work with all round and square Architectural Series models, installs flush with a ceiling. This new product delivers the bass while remaining completely hidden from view, says Sonance. The cabinet is designed to attach to industry-standard I-beams and joists. The BPS-1 includes mounting hardware for mounting the enclosure within the ceiling structure. It is vented via a supplied flexible conduit. Available connectors allow the BPS-1 to use any size round or square Architectural Series Brackets, Universal Brackets, or Gypsum Panel Brackets to match other speakers in the installation. Finish Components are available in trimless and micro-trim options and include a choice of micro-perforated aluminum or fine-cloth grilles. These should ship this month. The BPS-1 Bandpass Subwoofer is priced at $950. Connectors are $37.50; the mounting platform is $200; and the power amp is $550. For more information, go to http://www.sonance.com/ Back to Top SpeakerCraft Announces Company's First On Ground Loudspeaker SpeakerCraft developed its first On Ground (OG) speaker. The company says it is designed similar to the typical exterior landscape lighting fixtures, and they can be hidden in flower beds and planters or under bushes and shrubs. These are driven directly into the soil with a ground spike and can be pointed toward the listening area. The company says the small shape and size makes them suited to installations where you don't want a more prominent speaker showing. The fixture is made out of diecast aluminum with a 3-inch full-range aluminum cone driver. SpeakerCraft also says a subwoofer is recommended for best performance. For more information, go to http://www.speakercraft.com Back to Top New CobraNet LE Finally Debuts — True Networked Audio Protocol Cirrus Logic announced the company, working with engineers and designers from Attero Tech, developed CobraNet LE, described as a low-cost stereo implementation of Cirrus Logic's CobraNet networked digital audio technology. CobraNet LE technology helps installers deploy CobraNet technology into network end nodes, such as wall and ceiling speakers and audio wall boxes. The company also points to power and cost savings as a selling point, since it makes it is designed to make it easier for customers to drive CobraNet into designs that still use traditional analog point-to-point networks for audio distribution CobraNet LE technology is available for purchase as a market-ready CobraNet LE Reference Design or as an IC from Attero Tech. The CobraNet LE Reference Design is priced at $299 and the IC is available for $7.81 in quantities of 10,000. For more information, go to http://www.cirrus.com/en/press/releases/P556.html Back to Top Nokia Announces 'Comes With Music' Music Subscription Service and New Equipped Player Nokia has a new music subscription service, "Comes With Music," which comes on select Nokia devices and offers unlimited access to the music catalog for a year. Nokia also announced the first such device, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. The new service, says Nokia, lets consumers download anything and everything of interest without worrying about a per-download fee. They can access millions of songs during their year subscription, and even keep them when that first year is over. Comes With Music will be available across a range of Nokia devices, including the Nokia N95 8GB and Nokia 5310 XpressMusic phone, and the new Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. The new Nokia 5800 XpressMusic is a mobile device (also a phone) for music, and comes with a year of complimentary, unlimited Comes With Music. Nokia says it is especially designed for music quality, with more memory, louder speakers, and easy synchronization. It also uses the company's new "Media Bar," a drop down menu that provides direct access to music and entertainment, including tracks, videos and photos. The Media Bar also offers a direct link to the web and to online sharing. And the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic supports Flash content, which not all mobile web browsers do, thus making web browsing far better than those without Flash support. This is Nokia's first mass-market device with a touch screen. For more information, go to http://www.nokiausa.com/A41271074 Back to Top Sherwood to Ship Sub-$300 Blu-ray Player Sherwood America will ship in November a Blu-ray player priced at $299.95. The BDP-5003 supports BD Bonus View (Profile 1.1), 1080p video playback at 60 Hz or 24 Hz as well as "lossless" audio from both Dolby and DTS through its HDMI output. The BDP-5003 is also compatible with the latest HDMI 1.3 standard, up-scales standard DVDs and naturally plays virtually all of today's disc formats, says Sherwood. For more information, go to http://www.sherwoodusa.com/index.html Back to Top Yamaha Grand Piano Doubles as Music Server, Performance Recorder In the "Who'd a Thunk It" category comes the Yamaha 3.0 upgrade for the Disklavier Mark IV series of pianos. It's a grand piano but it also lets users preview, purchase, download and play piano music. This upgrade allows the Disklavier to record audio, and not just MIDI — owners can use the piano as a recording studio to capture their piano performances, even with external sounds such as vocals and music instruments. Because audio files can be created and transferred from the hard drive to a PC using USB, performers can share recordings with friends and family. Also, because Disklavier 3.0 creates WAV audio files, recordings can be burned to CDs or converted into Mp3 format. It accesses live, streaming radio using a subscription service called DisklavierRadio, and uses DisklavierMusicStore to preview, purchase, and download songs. Furthermore, the "Piano Soft Plus Graphic" files combine MIDI, audio, text and graphics. Users can connect a monitor for playing multimedia. Yamaha offers this example: children can listen to Disklavier 3.0 perform "Old MacDonald," complete with sound effects, while the lyrics and accompanying graphics are displayed on a connected TV monitor. It also has Wi-Fi and we're told it can play music stored on other devices around the home. For more information, go to http://www.yamaha.com/namm/w2008/PressReleaseDetail.html?CTID=5041913&CNTID=565864 Back to Top DISH Network Introduces DTVPal Plus DISH Network is shipping DTVPal Plus, a digital-to-analog converter box that also offers an enhanced digital tuner for optimizing weak signal areas. DISH believes that with this introduction, the company now has solutions for all the different consumer needs across the country. In addition to the enhanced digital tuner, DTVPal Plus has an analog pass-through feature, which means it can take both analog and digital signals — helpful for consumers affected by the transition, since many stations are low-power and are not required to switch to digital broadcasts by 2009. For more information, go to http://www.dtvpal.com/ Back to Top |