eNewsletter Volume 1, Issue 14 September 11, 2003 | |||||||||||
Introduction: CEDIA Rocked, Home Theater Installers Thrive, Sony Keeps Polysilicon LCDs to Itself
Vendor and Product Management
News:
1. At CEDIA, Sony Introduces Their First Reflective Imaging Technology for the Home and New CINEZA Portable Home Theater Units
CEDIA Rocked, Home Theater Installers Thrive, Sony Keeps Polysilicon LCDs to Itself Last week, I attended my eighth CEDIA show and was thoroughly impressed. CEDIA, the leading home theater and home automation show in the world, is like an older person's toy store. It's full of all those gizmos and gadgets that we all want in our home. The weirdest thing I saw was a booth from a company called BEYOND who is marketing a line of appliances (including a coffee maker, a microwave oven, a clock radio and even a bread maker) all networked. You may know BEYOND as the company who brought you the first kitchen entertainment system called the ICEBOX that's a TV, an internet terminal (using Windows CE), an AM/FM radio and DVD/CD player in one – for the kitchen. It's one of the coolest new gadgets I've seen in years, but it's expensive at a little over $2,000. However, CEDIA was dominated by displays again. Everything is now HDTV. HDTV projectors, plasmas, LCD TVs and even HD portable DVD players. More than 22,000 people filed through the CEDIA Show this past week in Indianapolis, IN and this bodes well for ICIA and NSCA who are partnering with them for a show in February called Integrated Systems Europe – being held in Geneva, Switzerland February 3-5, 2004. If you're interested in going, check out the details at http://www.infocomm.org/Exhibitions/IntegratedSystemsEurope.cfm There is no question that the home market has continued to boom in the down market economy. I had dinner with a few of the leading home theater integration firms one night of the show and learned that 9/11 sparked their market. Instead of spending money on travel and entertainment, the high-end home owner spent it building a bigger house or integrating entertainment at home with a theater. All three of them claimed that the past two years have been their busiest. And, they say, it's getting busier. In fact, I noticed that too. I took three courses at CEDIA. In one of them, taught by one of the best instructors I have ever seen, Mr. Bill Organ of Avalon Associates, the instructor asked the attendees (at least 150 people) to raise their hand if this was the first time they had been to CEDIA. A lot more than 60% of the class did. Then he asked anyone who was new to the industry to raise their hand, and a good 35% did. This shows well for the economy, eventually. Although many of the products listed below are CEDIA-related products, out of the over 500 products introduced at the show, I picked the ones that were most appropriate for the ProAV market to review. And threw in a few extras. But, keep in mind that the lines between ProAV and HomeAV are blurring. I know of two major ProAV integration firms going into Home later this year. In addition, I see more and more products that are targeted as cross-over products for both home and pro applications. Finally, a couple of things I want to point out. Although DLP technology is totally and virtually completely dominating the home theater projection market today (in less than two years after TI -Texas Instruments – decided to target the home) Sony showed a killer reflective imaging technology in their booth called SXRD technology. See that story below. And, speaking of Sony, they made a little-read announcement last month that they will stop shipping raw-component HTPS-LCD panels to other projector manufacturers. There are a lot of manufacturers who get LCDs from Sony and this is sure to affect the market and will surely benefit both EPSON – as they and Sony supply over 90% of the raw-component LCD today) and TI – who makes the DLP chips. Again, read about it, below. –Gary Kayye, CTS
Click above for more information by Robert Walsh As many of you know, industry veteran, Bob Walsh, joined Kayye Consulting to strengthen our ProAV Integrator and Manufacturer Sales, Marketing and Management Strategy consulting services. He's got a wealth of knowledge in ProAV Dealer management issues as well as manufacturer sales-through strategies having served as VP of Sales and Marketing at the largest ProAV integration firm in the Midwest at Midwest Visual Communications for over 35 years. So, with this issue of rAVe, we start a new column called rAVe On! where Bob will share his insights and expertise to all our readers. Bob’s experience is invaluable and he is available to consult with both manufacturers as well as dealers on a plethora of issues. Bob can be reached via e-mail at rwalsh@kayye.com or at (919) 969-7501 x216. — Gary Kayye, CTS ProAV dealers should recognize the benefits of a vendor and product management strategy. Perhaps I should define my terms so we're on the same page. A strategy suggests a thoughtful process that is ongoing. Vendor and product management refers to the pro-active direction of the vendors and products sold by your dealership. Most dealers have added many vendors and products to their line-up over many years for logical reasons. However, those reasons may no longer be valid today. And, more importantly, they have not eliminated those that no longer contribute to the growth and profitability of their organization. Often, various sales and engineering personnel have established product patterns based on their personal experiences. You might discover that the new members of your staff have a propensity toward different products as those advocated by the more senior staff. Logically, they are knowledgeable, comfortable, and perhaps even "friendly" with the local reps. While this is not in itself wrong or damaging, it can be inefficient and complicates your processes needlessly. A review of your purchase orders will quickly show many different vendors for similar products. Certainly, their functions are overlapping. In some cases, this is a reflection of your customers' product preferences. However, in many cases, it is just a personal pattern with various individuals that lead you to purchase, stock, and sell "overlapping" products. Dealer management might begin by discussing this topic to discover their actual situation. Propose that a team review and define product categories and align present and potential products with these categories. Your next actions should be analytical: what are the features and benefits of the various products? What is your performance experience with the product along with the associated support topics: vendor sales staff, customer service responsiveness, inventory/delivery issues, and of course, margin. This will prove to be a lively and educational debate. You will likely discover opportunities to condense your products and vendors allowing you to develop deeper relationships with those who match up to your expectations and needs. Your related support issues for training, design, service, inventory, marketing collateral will also be simplified. I am not suggesting that you cut off all but a few chosen select vendors but you might decide to prioritize them and make sure everyone in your organization understands and supports the management decision as to which products are "preferred." Make sure you explain your strategy and criterion. Expect some resistance from your staff, vendors and perhaps even some customers who will all have reasons to oppose these changes. As a manager, you need to evaluate and make decisions that are logical and not emotional. Over time, most of this resistance will fade as everyone begins to see the merit of a vendor and product management strategy. Gary Kayye's rAVe Sponsorship Interested in sponsoring Gary Kayye's rAVe? (919) 969-7501. Or write to advertising@kayye.com
Click above for more information
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Got a news tip? Send them to rAVe Editor-in-Chief Denise Harrison — dharrison@kayye.com
Sony was a winner at this year's CEDIA with its new QUALIA-004, the first fully digital HD home theater projector. Sony used its SXRD (Silicon Crystal [X-tal] Reflective Display) technology (yielding 1080i – 1920 x 1080 — native panel resolution) in this unit. Although the QUALIA line of high-end consumer products was one of the worst-kept secrets ever for Sony, the image quality didn't disappoint. The QUALIA-004 is priced at $25,000 with an optional lens, and will ship in Winter 2003. The SXRD technology has picture density of 2 million pixels in three 0.78-inch SXRD panels for 6 million total pixels. Size and space between pixels was reduced, thereby doubling the pixel density. It also uses a new molecular material and, along with the thin cell gap, gives better black level performance, quicker response time (5msec). The QUALIA projection unit uses a pure Xenon lamp, incorporates what Sony calls Cinema Black Pro technology for what they claim gives it a better contrast ratio than any LCD or DLP technology, 3D Gamma correction which supposedly corrects more than 6,000 points vertically and horizontally, uses a 12-bit panel driver for minimizing video noise and for richer color graduation, and also includes a cool signal terminal for easily hiding the connection cables. Input and output connections are on the bottom of the unit for concealed ceiling mounting. The digital connections are found on the left side with HDMI, DVI-D digital connections and USB and Ethernet port (network-enabled). Analog connections are on the right side and include component video, S Video and Composite Video inputs as well as audio. I spent an hour with this projector last week and I have to say I am completely impressed. Using Sony's long-awaited reflective imaging technology taking aim directly at DLP, the SXRD display system will obviously be incorporated in ProAV projector s as well as the home theater units. This one, with a price tag of $25,000 will have a tough time competing with the plethora of good-quality single-chip DLP home cinema displays (i.e. InFocus' new 7205) as they are all priced at least half of what QUALIA is, but, will give three-chip home theater DLP projectors a run for the money. Again, what I am anxious to see is the ProAV versions expected early next year or late this year. In other Sony news at CEDIA, Sony also launched new LCD projectors – the Cineza portable VPL-HS20 and VPL-HS3 models. The VPL-HS20 is XGA (3-panel) for 1386 x 788 resolution, up to 1400 ANSI lumens and incorporates Cinema Black Pro. It will sell for $3,500 in October. The VPL-HS3 ($1,500) has wide LCD panels – 858 x 484 . It is also available in October. For more information, go to http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/3955 2. InFocus Selling Flat-Panel Displays? Yep Last week at CEDIA, InFocus introduced their first flat-screen direct-view digital display in the form of a 29.6-inch LCD display, the TD30. While the InFocus name has been so closely tied with projectors, it makes sense for them to use their distribution channels to diversify, even in the cluttered display market. The TD30 is aimed at public display and control rooms. It has 1280 x 768 native resolution, claims 450 nits of brightness, a 350:1 contrast ratio and a 170-degree viewing angle. It is four inches deep. Connections include PC, DVI, VGA and inputs are video, S-Video, composite and two component. The InFocus TD30 will be available this September. For more information, go to http://www.infocus.com/company/pressroom.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&id=1098 3. InFocus Adds Model to ScreenPlay Home Projectors InFocus also announced the ScreenPlay 7205, designed for custom installers to spec for their customers. The ScreenPlay 7205 is a single-chip DLP that uses TI's Mustang HD2 chip but also has a custom-designed seven-segment, 5x wheel for bit depth and smoother images. It also comes calibrated to the D65 color mastering standards, which reduce the installer's time during setup. The ScreenPlay 7205 comes with enhanced Faroudja DCDi, the FLI2310. The FLI2310 improves the movie theater experience of front projection with a new 3:2 to 2:2 pull down conversion circuit, which converts 60 Hz video to the same refresh rate as film projectors, eliminating the uneven image stuttering seen with NTSC video. The projector also has a 35mm lens. For increased installation flexibility, the 72mm standard filter thread can be used for color filtering applications or neutral density, allowing the use of smaller screen sizes. The ScreenPlay 7205 is expected in the first quarter of 2004. For more information, go to http://www.infocus.com/company/pressroom.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&id=1099 4. New Toshiba Projectors Feature Low Prices (another sub-$1,000!), Detachable Document Camera The TLP-S10U and the TLP-S41U from Toshiba are low-priced portable projectors, and the latter includes a detachable document camera. TLP-S10U ($999) weighs 4.8 lbs., is SVGA resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio and 1200 ANSI lumens. The TLP-S41U ($1,799) weighs 6.2 lbs., has SVGA resolution, 1600 ANSI lumens, and 400:1 contrast ratio. You can unclip the document camera from the projector and position it for displaying 3D objects, text or photos, for example. For more information, go to http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/news/
5. Sharp Jumps In With Own Sub-$1,000 Projector, and Announces DLP Front Projectors The newest $999 projector comes from Sharp, making the sub-$1,000 projector market not crowded, but respectably populated. Here's the scorecard:
A nice feature on the Sharp projector is that alignment is done using a joystick, so you don't have to keep repositioning the projector to get the image where you want it. It has security features, which you expect these days, and is compatible with HDTV, DVD, VCR, video game stations (there we go again with cross marketing to the home) and also HDTV. Inputs include RGB, composite RCA, S-Video and RS-232C. The RS-232 input also makes it networkable if you use Sharp's AN-LS1 Ethernet-to-RS-232C Network Converter. For more information, go to http://www.sharpusa.com/products/FunctionPressReleaseSingle/0,1080,374-9,00.html Sharp also has a new line of DLP front-screen projectors for home theater, building on the power of their SharpVision brand. The SharpVision XV-Z12000U is a 16:9 aspect ratio DLP using TI's Mustang/HD2 + DLP chip set. It claims to have between 3000:1 and 5000:1 contrast ratio and 900 ANSI lumens. It has FMV technology for increasing the reflective surface of the DMD and a new 7-segment color wheel and 10-bit color processing for better contrast. Also new to the XV-Z12000U is ALPS Technology, a built-in permanent optical system for user control over the contrast and brightness levels by providing three setting options, available at the touch of a button right on the remote control. The XV-Z12000U has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and a DVI/HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) terminal to realize all digital protection copyrights. The 720p resolution images are HDTV compatible. Additional features include a "film tone" mode for reproducing a film-like atmosphere, 1:1.35 manual zoom and a lens shift function for flexible installation, 61-step color temperature adjustment, 6-position Picture Setting memory function and customizable RGB Gamma Adjustment functions. The XV-Z12000U will be available in October for $12,000. The two new portables in the SharpVision family are the XV-Z200 and the Sharp DT-300. They have 1024 x 576 resolution, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 800 ANSI lumens. Both widescreen, they use the DMD Matterhorn chip and have a lens feature that can be adjusted to project an image from almost anywhere in the room on the screen. The SharpVision XV-Z200 is has a long-throw 1.2x zoom lens for larger rooms or ceiling mounting. The Sharp DT-300 has a short-throw 1.2x zoom lens for a smaller room. Both projectors have 2D keystone correction in the lens. The XV-Z200 will be available in December for $4,500. The DT-300 will be available in January for $4,300. For more information, go to http://www.sharpusa.com 6. Fujitsu Targets PC and HDTV Applications with 22-Inch TFT-LCDs Resolution of either 1280 x 768 for PC applications or 1920 x 1200 for HDTV makes the new FLC56XWC8V and FLC56UWC8V models from Fujitsu an either/or proposition. Contrast ratio on both models is specified to be 600:1 with a brightness rating of 500cd/m2. Fujitsu uses a proprietary technology called MVA (Multi-domain Vertical Alignment) for what they claim results in increasing the contrast ratio and viewing angle (170 degrees horizontal and vertical). They also claim a response time of 25msec, with 10msec from white to black – important for video. (MVA has liquid crystal molecules angled in more than one direction within each cell so that the image appears uniform from different angles.) Both LCD displays have twelve replaceable backlight CCFLs (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps) and Fujitsu says they have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours. For more information, go to http://www.fme.fujitsu.com/news/show/503/200/ 7. New Portable Projector from Epson Features Next-Level Network -Connectivity Epson's PowerLite 7850p can be connected to the network using a PCMCIA slot for WiFi or LAN connection. The 7850p is native XGA resolution (1024 x 768), is specified at a 700:1 contrast ratio, 3500 ANSI lumens and weighs a little more than 12 lbs. One nice, unique feature is Wall Shot, which analyzes the color of whatever projection surface you need to use, then analyzes the room lighting, and ultimately claims to automatically adjust its output to give the best images for those conditions. In other words, if you have a light-blue wall, Wall-Shot removes some of the blue from the projected image to that the image does not contain too much blue. Price is $5,669. For more information, go to http://www.epson.com 8. Epson Goes After More of the Home Theater Market with 16:9, $1,299 Projector Epson introduced its PowerLite Home 10 with an incredibly aggressive price point of only $1,299. Using a 16:9 LCD chip-set the 3-panel LCD projector also has the option of "Normal, Squeeze and Zoom" for watching 4:3, 16:9 and letterbox source movies and TV shows. Native resolution is 480p (854 x 480), but the projector supports 480i, 720p and 1080i and it's HDTV ready using built-in scaling technology that also incorporates a unique built-in video processor and a cinema filter for clarifying dark scenes and four projection modes (Dynamic, Living Room, Theater, Theater Black) to accommodate different lighting conditions and source materials. The Theater Black yields what EPSON claims is a 700:1 contrast ratio. It weighs 7.9 lbs. For more information, go to http://www.epson.com 9. New Receiver Lets You View, Listen to PC Files on Your TV Although this is not directly related to the ProAV market like these aforementioned HDTV projectors are, I cover this product as it's inexpensive and really works well. This sort of technology is on track to become the next "standard" box sitting in most homes with companies like Motorola, Sony, HP and every PC manufacturer building networked-based media players. The new MediaMVP allows you to display PC image files (photos) on your TV, watch videos or listen to music all over a network that carries the signal from your home PC to your TV – and you can get this for just $99. The new MediaMVP TV set-top receiver from Hauppauge uses a LAN/Ethernet combo. It supports MPEG-1/MPEG-2 videos, JPEG and GIF digital pictures, and MP3 music files. The initial model of MediaMVP supports wired 10- and 100-Mbit/sec Ethernet local area networks but look for WiFi in the future. You call up the files using the MediaMVP's onscreen menu on your TV, navigating using the unit's remote control. You can organize the files, such as creating a playlist, or you can set it for random select (you can view photos using thumbnails). Specific songs can also be grouped into playlists by date, artist, or style. MediaMVP plays M3U, B4S, PLS and ASX music playlists from Music Match, Windows Media Player and Winamp. For video, you can play, stop, pause and fast forward and reverse. Current A/V connection options include S-video, composite video and RGB, plus stereo audio output. The MediaMVP is compatible with any PC running Windows XP or XP Professional. Keep an eye out for news on their website at http://www.Hauppauge.com 10. Key Digital Systems Announces Digital Video Scaler Once in the giant shadow of Faroudja and Extron, Key Digital Systems is casting a shadow of their own. The new HD Leeza HD/SD video scaler is positioned as an interconnectivity backbone for home theater, ProAV or retail installations. It has digital Inputs (two DVI/HDCP, one SDI 270 Mb/s), analog inputs (two component, one RGBHV/pass-through, two S-Video, two composite), outputs (one digital DVI/HDCP, one analog RGBHV). It also has SDI 270 Mb/s input (all-digital connectivity) for quality de-interlacing and scaling for even SDTV digital video. HD Leeza scales to all popular native resolutions. You can control it with the on-screen display, and an RS232 port (with discreet command protocol) for control by systems like Crestron and for Internet firmware upgrades. The HD Leeza is available now for $3,999. For more information, go to http://www.keydigital.com/press.asp 11. Panasonic Fills Hole with New 3200-Lumen Projector from Panasonic Panasonic has a new ProAV projector, dubbed the PT-L780U. Using a 3-panel native XGA resolution LCD system and a new 270Watt UHM lamp technology the PT-L780U is specified at 3200 lumens and a 500:1 contrast ratio. Panasonic is actually listing the price as "estimated price is $6,199". Whatever that means. The HDTV-ready PT-L780U accepts 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i video in either standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and is also analog and digital RGB compatible and supports NTSC, PAL and SECAM. It also has a Digital Cinema Reality (scaling) circuit for improving images from film. For more information, go to http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat/Products/present/f_pt-l780u.html 12. Three New LCD Projectors from Canon The new LV-7215, LV-7210 and LV-5210 LCD projectors from Canon can project a 100-foot image from 8.2 feet away from the screen using Canon's ultra-wide 1.6x zoom lens. The three projectors support Canon's new optional networking accessories such as a Multi Card Imager, Wired LAN Card, Wireless LAN Card and Compact Flash Card.
The LV-7215, LV-7210 and LV-5210 microportable LCD projectors will make their debut in mid-September for suggested list prices of $3,499, $2,499 and $1,999, respectively. For more information, go to http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/03_sept_03_lcd_projectors.html 13. ICIA Names Duffy Wilbert Director of Strategic Initiatives for Foundation ICIA appointed Duffy J. Wilbert as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF). ICIF, previously called the Educational Communications Foundation, is a non-profit charitable and educational organization chartered by ICIA to support the AV communications industry. Wilbert has worked with ICIA for almost 20 years. He spent six years as chairman of the Professional Education and Training Committee (PETC) and developed courses for the Institute for Professional Development. He spent 12 years as ICIA faculty, teaching sales, video, and systems design. He is an ICIA Educator of the Year and holds lifetime certification as a Communication Technology Specialist. Wilbert will direct three programs: AVolution, Market Intelligence and Workforce Development. AVolution is an awareness campaign for promotion of AV professionals to buyers (see http://www.avolution.info ). Market Intelligence, a new ICIA program, conducts surveys, studies trends and collects other information. Workforce Development is is a career development initiative with a scholarship program, college curriculum development, and internships with ICIA member companies. Duffy is a good friend of mine and we served on ICIA's PETC two different times together. He's brilliant technically and knows the industry and loves education and training. He'll be an enormous asset to ICIA. He can be reached at ICIA at 703-273-7200. 14. Kramer Electronics Introduces VP-724DS Scaler Kramer introduced the VP-724DS scaler at CEDIA. This is an enhanced version of the company's VP-720DS and VP-723DS scalers. The VP-724DS adds a 15pin HD (VGA/XGA) input and stereo audio for all eight inputs. The VP-724DS is a true multi standard video-to-RGBHV scaler that converts video, s-Video, component video, VGA through UXGA signals and DVI signals to multiple user selectable output pixel rates. The scaler provides fade thru black switching between inputs and includes a picture-in-picture inserter, allowing the insertion of any video source into a graphics background and vice versa. It can also scale, zoom, freeze and locate the inserted image anywhere on the screen. A full scale ProcAmp is built in for video correction and enhancement. The VP-724DS is designed to reduce chroma noise, clean up any mastering errors and regenerate video signals at a higher line and pixel rate format, providing native resolution output for many of today's LCD, DLP and Plasma displays. The graphics scaling engine with image enhancement algorithms allow it to scale any compatible input signal resolution to any available output resolution, allowing the scaling of not only video signals but also computer signals from VGA through UXGA resolution. The VP-724DS is $2,295 and is shipping now. To read more about it, go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/indexes/desc.asp?p=VP-724DS
15. Runco Announces 42" Plasma, Can Perform in High Altitudes Runco's CW-42i plasma is designed to operate at up to 9,000 feet above sea level. It's also designed without a fan, so it's quiet. This unit has 20 percent more brightness than its predecessor, the CW-42, and it has an anti-glare filter for diffusing direct light sources. The CW-42i offers a native resolution of 853×480 and is capable of reproducing all available HDTV formats (via an outboard DTV decoder), including 480p, 720p and 1080i. It has aspect ratio control such as Virtual Wide mode for filling the 16:9 screen with standard 4:3 images without loss of picture quality. Inputs include DVI w/HDCP for 480p digital video signals, and interfaces include RS-232C and IR. It also has Runco's Vivix processing which includes 3D-scan conversion with motion compensation and 3:2 pulldown for better video performance with both video-based and film-based material. Price is $7,995. For more information, go to http://www.runco.com 16. AMX Announces Widescreen Touch Panel AMX announced the 7-inch Modero Widescreen Touch Panel, a 16:9 aspect ratio panel is designed to accommodate graphics, icons, and video images on a single screen. The panel is available as table top or wall mount and there are optionial external pushbuttons as well as wireless capabilities. Wireless is provided by the standard 802.11b WiFi card for audio intercom and control. The Modero Widescreen uses G4 graphics for improved interface design. The 7-inch Modero uss color active LCD technology and has 800×480 resolution and 18-bits per pixel of color depth, 350+cd/m2 peak brightness and a 200:1 contrast ratio. Other multi-media options include built-in speakers and microphone, a headphone connection and the ability to play back MP3 and WAV audio files. A photosensitive light detector on the front of the panel determines surrounding degrees of light and automatically regulates the brightness of the display. As with the latest AMX Touch Panels, the 7-inch Modero Widescreen comes with 64MB of memory and compact flash, offering the ability to retain data in the event of unforeseen power loss. For more information, go to http://www.amx.com/new-products.asp 17. Panasonic Introduces First Cable-Ready HDTV Panasonic introduced the first of its cable-ready digital TV sets – the 53-inch widescreen (16:9) projection high-definition PT-53WXD63. It is the first integrated DTV set to earn certified status from CableLabs to connect directly to cable television systems and receive digital services (which may be available from some cable operators, at a fee). With the use of an authorized CableCARD, this TV can receive high definition and other digital programs via cable, including premium channels, without requiring a cable set-top box. Panasonic says they'll be adding ATSC tuners into all TV products. Panasonic plans to support the Digital Tuner Mandate by not only making models that include the digital tuner but by adding the CableCard feature to all ATSC models as well. In addition to being digital-cable-ready, the PT-53WXD63 has Photo Viewer SD Memory Card and PCMCIA card slots for viewing still picture images on the TV screen. The set also has an HDMI (High Definition and Multimedia Interface) connector with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), making it even more versatile in a home theater set up. The PT-53WXD63 is due by the end of September at an MSRP of $2,299.95. Expect to see every TV digital-cable ready by the end of 2005. For more information, go to http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/pressroom/cont2.asp?Filter=12&cont_id=515 18. OpenPeak Announces Large Scale 802.11 Control Bridge for Home Automation OpenPeak announced at the CEDIA show a large scale 802.11 Control Bridge to assist systems integrators in installing large wireless home control and automation systems. The LS Control Bridge lets you integrate a large number of devices, TVs, DVDs, satellite boxes, amplifiers, media players and more, into a wireless home automation and control network using WiFi and OpenPeak's Thinking Homes software. This system not only eliminates the cost and hassle of running wires everywhere, it also gets rid of the remote control units. The LS Control Bridge includes four individually-addressable consumer IR output ports, four digital inputs for contact closure sensors and LED power light sensors, four RS-232/422/485 software-selectable ports, an Ethernet port for LAN connectivity and a USB port. The system was designed, says the company, to help integrators and OEMs with an application that is speedier to market. They also provide the software's API. The Control Bridge will be available in the first quarter 2004 in the United States. Pricing of the device is dependent on the packaging and marketing approach adopted by the partners. For more information, go to http://www.openpeak.com 19. ViewSonic Announces Two LCD TVs at CEDIA ViewSonic announced two LCD TVs at the tradeshow this week, the the 27-inch wide-screen N2700w and the 20-inch N2000, priced at $2,499 and $1,099 respectively. These are part of ViewSonic's NextVision series. The units have scaling, picture in picture, and preview with up to nine different TV channels with Multiview or POP function. The NextVision N2700w has native resolution of 1280×720 and has plug-and-play connectivity with digital and analog inputs, an integrated 181-channel TV tuner and a high fidelity 20-watt audio system. It's compatible with HDTV set-top-boxes, digital cameras, DVD players and video games. The N2000 has a 16 millisecond response time that minimizes lag for moving video and high-speed gaming. It has a processor featuring a 4H comb filter and reverse 3:2 pull down for better video quality. The TVs are compatible with both PC and Mac computers, and have S-Video, component (YPbPr) and composite video connections The ViewSonic N2700w and N2000 will be available in September. For more information, go to http://www.viewsonic.com/products/lcd_n2000.htm 20. SANYO Announces New Plasma Display, and New Projector for Home At CEDIA, SANYO Fisher announced a new wide-screen projector and a 42" plasma display aimed for the home. The PLV-Z2 LCD projector, with 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 x 720), displays 480i, 480p and HDTV 720p, 1080i. It has 700 ANSI lumens, 1200:1 contrast ratio, lens shift, and short zoom. The 42" PDP-42WV1AS multimedia plasma display has a 4000:1 contrast ratio and uses SANYO's new Plasma Dynamic Automatic Image Control, which uses 1024 steps of graduation. You can also display video and computer images at the same time with PAP (side by side) or PIP (picture in picture). Pricing has not yet been announced. To keep up on these products, go to http://www.sanyolcd.com 21. Sharp Shows Battery-Operated LCD TV Pick it up, take it anywhere. The AQUOS LC-15L1U-S is a 15-inch LCD TV that uses a 3-hour rechargeable battery – no cords. It has stereo side speakers and a built-in carrying handle and table stand, so you the TV can be moved from room to room. Normally, this would be considered a consumer announcement and we would not cover it in rAVe. However, the applications for the ProAV market are cool in troubleshooting as an installer. This is something that an installer would love to have in their tool kit. The unit uses Sharp's SmartLink wireless digital audio video transmission system, which operates on the 802.11b wireless standard. Users can connect the transmitter to a video source, such as a DVD player, and watch the source from any room in the house, including the patio. The TV has 170-degree viewing and 500:1 contrast ratio. Brightness is 450 cd/m2. For more information, go to http://www.sharpusa.com/products/FunctionPressReleaseSingle/0,1080,377-34,00.html 22. Crestron Ships C2N-DVP4DI Home Automation Control System, Introduces 2-Way RF Touchpanel Crestron announced it is shipping the C2N-DVP4DI, a single-processor digital video processor, with touch panel interface and 2-Series Ethernet control. It has inputs for component video and has advanced de-interlacing and line doubling for improved video image rendering. The unit can display four high-resolution windows (scalable sizes) simultaneously on a single high-resolution monitor, projection or plasma screen. It creates picture in picture for large plasmas or TVs, and can display cameras for security or baby monitoring on screen. Four included RS-232 control ports can be programmed to control external devices such as plasma screens or as Touch-the-PC ports to allow the user to touch through the computer window displayed onscreen and control any Windows-based PC. It has four DVI-I inputs, and the capability to accept any combination of four analog RGB computer sources up to 1600 x 1200 resolution, or four DVI digital visual interface digital computer sources up to 1280 x 1024 resolution. Multiple video formats can be processed through the 8 BNC inputs on the DVP4DI. Any combination of composite NTSC/PAL or S-Video (Y/C) sources can be fed to the unit simultaneously. When used in either analog RGB or DVI mode, all output resolutions support 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios to best match the display device. By adding a touch sensitive overlay to the output display, the DVP4DI transforms into a Crestron touchpanel. It is compatible with overlays such as the Smart Matisse, Elo, 3M, and alternatively accepts Microsoft Serial Mouse pointing devices for control. The control engine allows the DVP4DI to be used as a stand-alone master control system running control logic to support any of Crestron's network devices in the same format as all the 2-Series control systems. The DVP4DI is also capable of running in slave mode so that it can be used with an existing 2-Series control system in a similar fashion to a standard Isys touchpanel. Touchpanel graphics, video window layouts, and effects, are all programmed using Crestron's Windows-based VTPRO-e graphics development software. To round out the package, a 10/100 Ethernet port with built-in Web Server provides the ultimate in e-Control and e-Control2 network and remote control functions, as well as high speed communications. For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/news_room/show_releases.asp?press_release_id=1096 Crestron also introduced the STX-1700CXP, a 2-way RF touchpanel with a 5.7" active matrix display. This wireless system has a 2.4 GHz spread spectrum, a 150-foot range and high-resolution graphics. It also has Crestron's new Synapse Image Rendering Algorithm, which provides the options of anti-aliased 3D objects including buttons, frames, gauges and sliders. Anti-aliased text options include standard, embossed, beveled and fringed. Because the Synapse algorithm is native to the hardware, these new graphics are part of the touchpanel's tool set and presents an ideal "canvas" to create great looking designs for any application without increasing the panel file size or download time. The Synapse technology also allows multiple graphics to be displayed on the STX-1700CXP's screen without any shift in color depth or quality and the brightness and depth of the graphics are second to none. It has five programmable push buttons on each side for quick "one-touch" control options as standard. The buttons are also engraveable and Crestron offers the STX-1700CXP with or without the push buttons. For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/news_room/show_releases.asp?press_release_id=1098 23. Duo-Communications of Canada Ltd. Business Acquired by Senior Management Group Announced this week was that the sale of the assets and operations of Duo-Communications of Canada Ltd., Canada's leader in presentation solutions, to a Senior Management group, led by original company founder Ross Fairholm, had received court approval. The transaction, which is expected to be concluded by mid-September, will re-establish the business as a privately held Canadian company after three years as a wholly owned subsidiary of an American company (MCSi), and preserves over 120 Canadian jobs. Commented Mr. Fairholm, "I am very pleased that we have been able to come to this agreement and I am certain that Duocom's suppliers and customers will see a stronger business for years to come. Our ownership group, comprised of the Fairholms and the Hacheys, feels confident and excited about the future and shall make the transition as seamless and efficient as possible." 24. Sony to Stop Selling HTPS LCDs to Projection Companies, Says Microdisplay Forecast Report This month's Microdisplay Forecast Report from Insight Media has a fascinating discovery – as of April 2004, Sony will no longer sell its polysilicon LCD panels to projection customers. "Sony says that price declines and the inability to boost yields to keep pace was the reason for exiting its merchant supply business. It will continue to make the projection panels, but only for internal use in front and rear-projection products, where it can make a strategic decision to not make money on its microdisplays, if it chooses to," says the report. The report goes on to say that Epson expects to step in and scoop up some of Sony's marketshare, and that the news also bodes well for LCOS and DLP if manufacturers choose that route.
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Well, that's it for the 14th 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 and news tips, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com Click here to forward Gary Kayye's rAVe to a friend 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. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.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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