Four key themes in TV are emerging from CES this year:
1. The year of 4K — Clearly the most discussed and promoted technology theme at the show this year is 4K. All major TV manufacturers are featuring 4K TVs, either actually planned products or technology demonstrations.
While most were based on LCD, Panasonic and Sony showed OLED 4K panels, which was a bit of a surprise. Many expected Samsung and/or LG to feature 4K OLED as a technology demonstration. Even Chinese TV brands were showing 4K, all the way up to 110”. Many of the booth demonstrations of video-related products also actively talked about 4K capabilities to match the 4K displays.
Figure 1 — Hisense 110″ 4K LCD TV
2. OLED was quietly promoted — Having announced shipments of OLED TVs this month, LG was proudly featuring its WOLED TV technology in a prominent position at the front of its booth. LG announced availability of its 55” OLED TV in the U.S. starting March 2013 for $12,000. Samsung was expected to try and match LG’s OLED announcement, but chose not to. Both in its press conference and in its booth, Samsung quietly talked about OLED but did not make any bold pronouncements. 4K was highlighted more by Samsung than OLED, perhaps indicating a concession to LG in the market introduction race and choosing to focus on immediately available products. Panasonic and Sony both surprised many by showcasing 56” 4K OLED displays, though clearly these were only demonstrations.
Figure 2 — Samsung Curved OLED TV
3. Smart TVs are maturing — All TV makers featured smart TVs with improved capability and refined design. The focus in 2012 was on simplifying the user experience and making user input more natural. Both Samsung and LG highlighted natural language voice commands and streamlined UI. Google TV has also re-emerged as a prominent partner with several manufacturers announcing new products based on the 3.0 platform. Explorations of the business model potential were also shown by several makers who demonstrated t-commerce options.
4. The Chinese are coming — Hisense moved into the booth location formerly occupied by Microsoft, representing a significant upgrade from CES 2012 and located directly across from Intel. Traffic was heavy as a result and Hisense showcased many technologies found at market leaders, including transparent LCD, 4K, and voice and gesture recognition. TCL also had a greatly expanded booth presence located directly next to Panasonic. Chinese brands are very serious about expanding share in the US and competing aggressively with traditional U.S. TV brands, with both advanced technology as well as stepped up marketing and promotion.
Figure 4 — TCL CES Booth
This column was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here.
CES Surprise: Two Advanced LCD Technologies Appear in Soon-to-Ship Consumer TV Sets
By Ken Werner DisplayDaily
Without prior fanfare — or even prior leaks — two advanced LCD technologies appeared in TV sets shown at CES in Las Vegas. Sets with one or another of the technologies will be available this year.
The technology that will be the more widely distributed of the two will appear in many Sony Bravia models. Sony calls it Triluminos and says it produces “the best color ever,” but Sony booth personnel could not produce a coherent explanation of what Triluminos actually is. However, Seth Coe-Sullivan and Jason Carlson of QD Vision had no trouble explaining it at all. Triluminos is Sony’s implementation of color system using a quantum-dot backlight, and the backlight unit uses a quantum-dot optical element developed and made by QD Vision. The element is a polymer strip containing an appropriate combination of two kinds of quantum dots: those that convert blue light to green light and those that convert blue light to red light. Blue light? Part of the quantum-dot approach is to use blue LEDs as the backlight’s light source instead of white LEDs.
The quantum-dot approach produces narrow spectral emissions for blue, red and green, whereas the conventional approach produces a broad spectrum relatively weak in red and green components. The result is a larger color gamut and more saturated colors that produce an almost OLED-like appearance. QD Vision and competitor Nanosys have both been developing quantum-dot solutions for some time. Now, QD Vision’s implementation is significantly improving color quality across an entire line of Sony Bravia TVs.
The second innovation comes from Sharp and is genuinely difficult to explain. Sharp didn’t really try in its big press conference, simply saying that in addition to its coming 4Kx2K TVs, the company was introducing an FHD Quattron TV that produced images with close to 4Kx2K sharpness. This may sound like output of an overwrought marketing imagination after the drinking of too many glasses of sake — but the technology is real, and its implementation in a TV set in the Sharp booth was very, very effective. In addition, it is considerably less expensive to implement than true 4Kx2K.
In fact, Sharp has made no attempt to keep the technology secret, although the appearance of the set that embodies it did come as a surprise. The technology was carefully described at LatinDisplay 2010 (Sao Paulo, Brazil) by Yasuhiro Yoshida, deputy general manager of Sharp’s Display Systems Laboratories, and his presentation won the conference’s best paper award.
Very briefly, because a Quattron pixel contains four subpixels (red, green, blue and yellow) instead of three, any given color can be created with more than one combination of primaries. This redundancy can be used to create two luminance peaks per pixel instead of the traditional one luminance peak per pixel. Thus, the panel can produce a true 4Kx2K image even though it contains only 2Kx1K (four-primary) pixels.
Both Sony’s and Sharp’s innovations have something in common. Each, in its own way, produces a dramatic improvement in image quality at much lower cost than the available alternatives.
When you hear people refer to “professionalism” they generally mean doing great work, as well as presenting yourself to others in the best possible way.
Beyond just the measure of their skills and abilities, the appearance of your installers and technicians is one of the details that either cements your company’s reputation for excellence, or tarnishes it. I have many favorite aphorisms, but one of them is “the way you dress indicates the respect you have for others.” To me, this perfectly sums up how you should approach your work wear.
Face it, being an installer means spending your days covered in drill shavings, drywall dust and, on hot summer days rooting through people’s attics, sweat. Regardless, showing up in the morning at a client’s house showered, shaved and in clean work clothes makes an undeniably better first impression than the opposite.
Knowing that, it makes sense to choose work clothes that are not only rugged, but stay looking sharp. At my old job, we wore khakis from Rail Riders because of their toughness, comfort, and tidy appearance. You may prefer Carhartt or another brand of work-wear; just make sure that you have a backup pair in case they get ripped or soiled.
Safety footwear is a no-brainer: It’s mandated for wear on jobsites. Fortunately, there’s a lot more selection available than just work boots today, including dressy-looking slip-ons.
Ah yes, slip-on shoes. Given how often you have to remove your outdoor footwear when entering people’s homes I can’t tell you how awesome it is to be able to slip into or out of your footwear at the front door, especially when your hands are full of boxes or equipment.
Many of you are fortunate enough to exempt from this, but many others have to deal with bitterly cold winter conditions on jobsites for half the year.
I was once on a job in an unfinished house that was so cold we had to pack it in after half a day because we had exceeded the temperature ratings on the Cat5 cable and it was fracturing as it rolled off the spool, but that’s a story for another day.
In those circumstances you desperately need a pair of convertible mitts that can peel back, leaving your fingertips exposed for delicate work, but can be redeployed to warm your poor fingers. Even better, pick ones that have room for hot pocket-style warming sachets.
Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at lee@ravepubs.com
With the predictable run of 4k2k announcements this CES, most comments have sensibly focused on content availability. This was undoubtedly the single greatest factor in the failure of 3D to create a revival in the TV market.
Therefore the argument runs that with scarce native 4k2k content, the feature is doomed to niche status. Furthermore, the limitations of human vision mean that only a large screen (say 60” or bigger) or unnaturally close viewing would permit the extra resolution to be resolvable.
However, we are now in a different world of TV usage. Video standards and broadcasting count for less — at least as far as TV brands’ strategies are concerned. TV is becoming a mixture of video and graphics. As Smart TV services mature and the big processor cores in the next generation of TV chips are used, graphics and Internet content become increasingly important. Such content includes many more static items such as text and menus, where even though the exact details may not be resolvable, smooth curves and shading gradations are perceivable. Apple shocked the TV market with the launch of the first AppleTV box with its elegant menus and slick graphics.
As China is now the most dynamic TV market (with a taste not only for large sizes but also rich featuring), 4k2k could become especially valuable for improved rendering and readability of Chinese characters.
A one-dimensional consideration of 4k2k would appear unwise — it could become an important component of the smart TV experience. Of course it also requires setmakers to exploit the extra panel capability in their apps. While smart TV might survive without 4k2k, I suspect that 4k2k will be a tiny niche without new smart TV features.
This column was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here.
In the run up to the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas, I find an increasing level of interest in a variety of gesture recognition technologies. Leap Motion, eyeSight and Tobii Technology are among the firms planning to use CES to showcase their latest developments in non-touch gesture recognition technology.
Today, Leap has announced that it has secured $30 million in Series B funding and its first global OEM partnership with personal computer maker ASUS. Leap Motion’s non-contact motion controller technology can track hand and finger movements to 1/100th millimeter. The Leap Motion controller has a 150-degree field of view, and tracks individual hands and all 10 fingers at 290 frames per second.
Since announcing its motion controller technology in May 2012, Leap has delivered 12,000 Leap Motion devices and software development kits to developers to encourage adoption of their technology. Developers have been quick to utilize the Leap Motion controllers to realize new gesture input applications. Developer Adam Somers has posted a video (below) of his AirHarp application that illustrates the responsive nature of the Leap Motion controller. LabVIEW developers have also been busy creating Leap Motion applications including a quadrotor flight controller as shown here.
Also at CES, eyeSight and Tobii will be launching gesture recognition technologies involving hand gestures (eyeSight) and eye tracking and gaze interaction (Tobii). eyeSight’s offering (see video here) is a software-based technology that utilizes camera hardware, as present in many of today’s devices including tablets and smartphones, to enable robust gesture recognition using only a standard 2D camera. eyeSight claims that its solution is appropriate for handheld devices used at close range as well as longer range applications such as televisions and set top boxes.
Tobii Technology is announcing at CES 2013 its Tobii REX gaze interaction peripheral for the consumer electronics market. The Tobii REX device enables users to control their computer by combining their eye gaze with other controls including touch screen, mouse and keyboard. The Tobii REX peripheral adds eye gaze control features to any Windows 8 PC. The Tobii REX adheres to the bottom of a desktop monitor and is connected to the computer via a USB connection. At CES Tobii will demonstrate several aspects of their Gaze platform including: Gaze Select, Gaze Scroll, Gaze Zoom and Gaze Navigate. Tobii describes the utility of its eye tracking technology in the video below. Tobii will be showing its eye tracking and gaze interaction technology at the 2013 CES Unveiled press event on Sunday, January 6.
So it appears there will be some interesting new developments in gesture recognition technologies and applications at CES 2013. Starting at CES Unveiled on Sunday, I will be seeking out the latest developments and reporting my findings for Insight Media. Hope to see you in Las Vegas.
Latest New Era Projector Industry Forecast from PMA Anticipates Exponential Growth
Pacific Media Associates (PMA) has released its latest industry forecasts for the worldwide New Era projector market, which includes pico and personal projectors. PMA expects 2012 worldwide shipments of nearly 1.8 million units, and anticipates this figure to grow to more than 12.3 million units by the year 2016.
One of the strongest segments of anticipated growth are Pico Embedded models, which are projectors built into other mobile devices such as cell phones, cameras and camcorders. PMA has forecast a 66 percent growth rate for this segment, to nearly 1.5 million units shipped worldwide in 2013 and again expects that figure to double in 2014. By the year 2016, worldwide unit shipments in this category are forecast to reach 6.4 million units.
Another bright spot in the New Era forecast is the New Era Integrated projector category, which includes battery-powered Pico Companion projectors, as well as Personal, and Gaming/Toy projectors. PMA has forecast a very strong 68 percent growth rate for this segment, to over 1.4 million units shipped worldwide in 2013, and expects unit volume to again more than double in 2014. Exponential growth is anticipated to continue through 2016, where worldwide volumes will reach more than 5.9 million units.
“Pico and Personal projectors continue to gain momentum as the technology improves,” says PMA analyst Jack Segal. “People like their mobile devices, and are embracing the ability to share photos and videos straight from their phones and cameras. As personal projectors become brighter and their resolutions become higher, they are ideal for road warriors making small group presentations, so the corporate sector sees the value in these projectors as well”.
By the way, according to Projector Central, the number one selling Pico projector is the Brookstone HDMI Pocket Projector, listing at $299.
HAI by Leviton announced today the release of its new Omni-Bus Scene Controller, designed for controlling 110/220/240V markets to enable the configuring of lighting scenes or moods.
The new Omni-Bus Scene Controller defines up to 32 different scenes and controls a total of 256 Omni-Bus load control modules. Each scene can be triggered from up to eight different Omni-Bus input device buttons, including the wall switch, wall mount remote, switch interface or key fob remote. When used in conjunction with an HAI by Leviton control system and Omni-Bus Interface Translator, users can trigger scenes from an HAI controller, touch screen or smartphone/tablet application. Multiple Omni-Bus Scene Controllers may be installed on the network for additional scene capability.
Omni-Bus components can be used in a standalone lighting control network, or for increased functionality, tied into an Omni or Lumina control system for automatically turning off lights when exiting the home or business to reduce energy expenses.
RTI Ships KX7 In-Wall Touch Panel and SURFiR Companion Remote
Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) is now shipping its new KX7 in-wall color touch panel controller and SURFiR companion remote. The KX7 offers features such as a capacitive touch screen, analog and digital video viewing capability and a self contained control system. The SURFiR is a low-cost companion remote control, for end-users that enjoy using their tablet or smartphone as their primary controller but want hard-buttons with instant control.
The KX7 has an infrared output that allows control of devices up to 1,000 feet away while an RS232 port allows direct control of electronics without a control processor. When combined with RTI accessories, the KX7 offers intuitive two-way communication for control and feedback from compatible electronic devices such as music servers, HVAC, lighting and more.
The KX7 features a 7-inch WVGA (800×480) multi-touch capacitive touch screen. In addition, composite, S-video and component video inputs provide video at up to 576p resolution. The KX7 is outfitted with both wired and wireless Ethernet, providing access to advanced capabilities, including two-way control of devices (via RTI XP series control processors), viewing motion JPEG digital video, Web browsing and system file updating. The KX7's 10/100 Base-T connection supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) to reduce cabling requirements and simplify installations.
The SURFiR allows users to incorporate their Apple and Android touch screen devices as the graphical interface for their control system, while adding the convenience of "instant on," tactile control with hard buttons and eliminating the numerous screen swipes needed for control tasks that require frequent interaction. The also controller requires minimal programming for integrators.
Crestron today introduced a new 16-Port Managed Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch. Built for both home and commercial networks, the CEN-SWPOE-16 is a commercial-grade PoE switch meant for high performance control networking. The switch offers PoE on every port, remote management/monitoring of each port, touch screen control capability and PoE+ for running power-hungry Type 2 devices.
Using a single rack space, all 16 Gigabit capable ports supply maximum bandwidth for HD digital AV distribution and critical control data. The CEN-SWPOE-16 provides full PoE from all 16 ports simultaneously and supports PoE+ from any port, delivering a maximum of 34.2 watts per port up to a total of 255 watts for all ports.
PoE at each port can be switched on and off from a control system. All ports are located on the rear of the unit while the front panel provides clear indication of each port's status. A Web interface offers advanced configuration, while port mirroring capability allows for monitoring and troubleshooting.
AudioControl announced today the launch of the the Rialto 400, a compact, high-powered amplifier with a built-in audiophile-grade DAC (digital to analog converter).
The Rialto 400’s amplifier delivers over 100 watts of power per channel into 8 ohms and 200 watts per channel into 4 ohm loads. Additionally, the Rialto 400 can be bridged to perform as a mono-block amplifier. It also features a built-in high-performance Wolfson DAC that AudioControl says drastically improves audio quality allowing digital and analog audio-systems to perform with better speakers across the home.
The Rialto 400 offers both digital and analog inputs, including PCM to connect with digital audio outputs from televisions and a 12V trigger for use with control and automation systems. Toslink, coaxial, line level RCA, 1/8" audio and speaker level inputs for interfacing with source units without line level are included in the specification.
In order to keep these inputs systemized, the Rialto 400 utilizes AudioControl’s SMART Signal Sensing, which allows the user to prioritize which input to use based on personal preference. When the system is turned on, it is configured to automatically search for the preferred active signal and decipher the appropriate processor needed in communication with one of the system's digital or analog inputs. For example, if a homeowner decides to switch from using a separate distributed audio system within the home to his or her integrated Sonos Connect set-up, the Rialto 400 will recognize the change and immediately switch to using the connected digital audio input used by the Sonos.
The Rialto 400 is compact in design, only 8.5" wide, 2.9" tall and 5.4" deep. AudioControl says it will ship in February through authorized dealers. The suggested list price is $799. The Rialto 400 isn't on AudioControl's website yet, but when it is, it will be here: http://www.audiocontrol.com/
Balanced Music Concept (B.M.C.) Audio's new AMP CS2 is a stereo amplifier with a built-in option that automatically changes it from operating as an integrated amplifier with B.M.C.'s exclusive Load Effect Free (LEF) technology into a stereo power amplifier with LEF by connecting it to a B.M.C. digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The AMP CS2 delivers two channels of 200 watts. It's housed in a sturdy aluminum chassis with large power and volume buttons and an easily read power meter.
One of a series of amplifiers B.M.C. developed exclusively for listening to music, the AMP CS2 also features a full package of B.M.C.'s exclusive technologies, including LEF Amplification, Current Injection (CI) and Discrete Intelligent Gain Management (DIGM). The amplifier outputs two channels of 200 watts into 8 ohms, and two channels of 360 watts into 4 ohms. A fully regulated power supply with a large 2kW toroidal transformer and energy storage by specially designed balanced current capacitors provide the muscle behind the music even as the amp itself runs cooler and more quietly than traditional class A designs. In addition, an electronic stabilization circuit filters voltage ripples and other disturbances out of the high power supply voltage, ensuring exceptional tranquility and dynamic stability.
At CES, Krell Industries announced Connect, which is basically the branding of the company's Wi-Fi music streaming capability for its receivers. From FLAC to WAV, MP3 and WMA, the Connect system plays back up to 192kHz/24-bit audio plus Internet radio, all to Krell gear.
The Wi-Fi-equipped Connect is available in two forms: digital only, or with a built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) module. The DAC-equipped Connect has a 32-bit ESS Sabre chipset with discrete, direct-coupled analog circuitry outputting via RCA or balanced audio outputs. The digital-only version has both coax and Toslink optical outputs. In addition to playback of FLAC and WAV files up to 192kHz/24-bit, the Connect also streams Ogg, WMA and MP3 files. Unlike some music streamers, gapless playback is possible, allowing for no breaks between album tracks. Live concert albums, for example, can be played as a seamless, uninterrupted experience.
Internet radio gets the same conversion as the high-resolution files (on DAC-equipped models), providing the best possible sound quality from online streaming content.
The Connect will be available at Krell authorized dealers in March 2013 at a list price of $2,500 (digital only) or $3,500 (w/ Internal DAC). Here are all the specs: http://www.krellonline.com/
Krell Industries' new Foundation receiver is a 7.1-channel processor that features balanced audio outputs, automatic setup and room EQ and 10 HDMI 1.4a inputs. The Foundation passes video signals directly without any video processing, ensuring bit-for-bit accuracy of the signal, up to 1080p/60. However, to simplify cabling, setup and use, there is full transcoding of the two composite and three component analog video inputs to the HDMI outputs.
According to Krell, the Foundation includes a new Krell development — Intelligent HDMI switching. Intelligent HDMI switching is a combination of circuitry and innovative software that optimizes HDMI operation. Various parameters including the monitor's electronic ID and source video resolution are stored in non-volatile memory. All 10 source inputs are always active so source, channel, video resolution and audio format changes are instantaneous. The Intelligent HDMI design provides the fastest signal recognition possible.
The Foundation will allow owners to take full advantage of the best audio soundtracks available, with decoding of Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete, Matrix and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, a full suite of post-processing modes are included, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo 6. Krell's proprietary surround modes, Party, General Admission, Front Row and On Stage, offer a different way to listen to favorite tracks.
The Foundation also features Krell's Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES), to ensure the best possible performance from every theater. ARES analyzes all the speakers in the system, their location, phase and distance from each other, to determine the best crossover frequency, delay and more. In addition, ARES incorporates the acoustics of the room to determine unique EQ curves for each of the 7.1 output channels. Unlike other room EQs, ARES can be programmed to only adjust the troublesome low frequencies, leaving high frequencies unaltered.
To allow full integration into a home automation system, the Foundation has Ethernet control, RS232, 4 12v triggers (2@0.5A and 2@60mA) and RC-5.
The Foundation will be available in February 2013 and will list for $6,500. It's not on their website yet, as it's just launched at CES, but when it is, it'll be here: http://www.krellonline.com
Parasound has introduced a high-end Compact Disc (CD) player that they say represents a radically different approach to extracting the best possible sound from a CD. The new Parasound Halo CD 1 uses new CD playback and processing technology that is the result of a collaboration between Parasound and Holm Acoustics in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Parasound CD 1 uses a new method for playing CDs that is based on using a CD-ROM drive instead of a conventional CD drive and a Linux-based computer to read and process the CD data. The CD ROM drive in the CD 1 runs at four times the speed of a conventional CD player drive in order to accumulate a vast amount of data. An on-board Intel ITX computer, running the Linux operating system kernel and Holm's proprietary software dramatically improves the reading of CD disc data. It analyzes CD data and reads every part of a CD as many times as are needed to significantly reduce errors and, accordingly, the negative effects of error concealment. The result, according to Parasound, is a nearly bit-perfect data stream.
The CD 1 includes a 'Discrete OpAmp' selector that gives users the option of listening to the analog outputs directly from the low noise National LME49990 op-amps or via discrete transistor output stages. The discrete output stage uses individual transistors in a Darlington configuration that operates in the feedback loops of the LME49990s. This subtly changes the sonic character of the CD 1 and they tell rAVe that there is no "wrong" choice.
Sonance started shipping its SLS HighOutput (outdoor speaker with below-ground sub) system yesterday. Available as a package with the below-ground sub, four in-ground speakers, the elbow and canopy and an amp (a Crown CDi2000), the SLS has a 15" dual-voice coil stereo subwoofer, two-way satellite speakers and has an SPL level of up to 120dB at one-meter.
The PureDAC is the first entry in a new PureLine Series of components more affordable than B.M.C.'s reference-level models. The company says PureDAC is a high-quality DAC with a balanced preamplifier, a balanced headphone amplifier that integrates B.M.C.'s exclusive Load Effect Free (LEF) technology, Digital Intelligent Gain Management (DIGM) system and Current Injection (CI) technology.
The PureDAC’s headphone amplifier and preamp both have separate volume controls and employ B.M.C.’s exclusive Load Effect Free (LEF) technology. LEF handles a speaker's current demand separately from the voltage demand, increasing the amp and preamp’s efficiency and the quality of their audio reproduction. The preamp is integrated with the DAC's current-to-voltage converter, which converts and filters the DAC’s current, eliminating the need for an extra stage.
The PureDAC also boasts a high-resolution asynchronous USB interface, digital AES/EBU, Toslink and coaxial inputs, balanced analog outputs, RCA output jacks and a special B.M.C. link for connecting directly to a B.M.C. amplifier. Its balanced output is ideally compatible with amplifiers featuring B.M.C.’s exclusive Current Injection (CI) technology, which enhances signal purity and the musical presence of the PureDAC’s audio reproduction.
The PureDAC Digital-to-Analog Converter will ship by March and will list for $1,600. Here are all the specs: http://www.bmc-audio.com
Wolf Cinema Intros Two New Home Theater Projectors, Including a 4K
Wolf Cinema announced this month two new stereoscopic 3D projectors — the SDC-8 or the GRAYWOLF and the SDC-12, also called the GRAYWOLF 4K, suitable for home theater screens up to 11 feet wide.
The SDC-8 offers a next generation three-chip, D-ILA [Direct Drive Image Light Amplifier] light engine for 1080p viewing, while the SDC-12 features the company's V4KTM technology to deliver enhanced 3840×2160 on-screen imaging from all standard video sources.
Both projectors offer Wolf Cinema's extended-throw Wolf Cinema VariScope primary optics, which allows the user to select from multiple aspect ratios, including 16:9 [1.78:1] when viewing television content, 1.85:1 aspect ratio films or 2.20:1 aspect ratio movies such as Patton and Lawrence of Arabia or 2.35:1/2.40:1 films on a constant height, ultra-wide?aspect ratio home theater screen. Two VariScope FX fixed cinema anamorphic lens assemblies are also available as options.
Each hand-?calibrated GRAYWOLF projector is delivered with our advanced SD/HD video processing algorithms. A wide selection of system memories are provided so that one can quickly match the source to the optimum film or television calibration settings, thus achieving the very best image possible. A new, user-replaceable 230-watt NSH lamp is included which can deliver between 3000 to 4000 hours of viewing enjoyment. Both come with Wolf Cinema 3D shutter glasses and 3D signal emitters.
Both the GRAYWOLF SDC-8 and SDC-12 projectors are delivered in a gloss gray cabinet, and provide for dedicated IR [Infrared], LAN and RS232 system control capabilities. They feature two HDMI 1.4 inputs, one set of component inputs and more, including a dedicated PC input on the SDC-12.
The projectors are being shown at CES. Both models release this month with list prices of $8,000.00 (model SDC-8) and $12,000 (model SDC-12). For more information, click here: http://wolfcinema.com/products.php
BenQ America's new W1070 and W1080ST projectors both use Texas Instruments' new native 1080p, 3D-capable DLP Dark Chip 3 (DC3). The projectors are also integrated with NVIDIA 3DTV Play, DLP Link and dual HDMI. Specified at a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 (non-ANSI) and with 2,000 lumens brightness (ANSI), both projectors have two HDMI inputs, component video capability and VGA ports.
The W1080ST can project an image more than 100 inches wide at less than six feet away from the screen and has a unique "Auto Blank" mode that blocks light output when objects are detected in front of the lens, therefore avoiding flashing light directly in presenter's eyes when crossing the projection. With a Rec. 709 color gamut, the W1080ST also enables color calibration right out of the box. BenQ says users can enjoy projected color images that match film studio and television broadcast standards with no adjustments necessary.
Epson Intros $899 3,000-Lumen Home Theater Projector
Epson today announced a new projector, the 3LCD PowerLite Home Cinema 750HD, and entry level 3D home theater projector. The Home Cinema 750HD offers 3,000 lumens brightness, making it Epson's brightest home theater projector, as well 720p resolution and active shutter 3D technology.
The projector can be mounted anywhere from 3.5 to 35.5 feet from the wall or screen. It is also equipped with Easy-Slide image correction, a horizontal keystone adjustment slide control bar that allows it to be installed off-center. In addition, the Home Cinema 750HD features Epson’s latest RF 3D glasses that last up to 40 hours or up to three hours with a new three-minute quick charge.
The Home Cinema 750HD features five pre-set color modes optimized for various viewing environments, as well as HDMI connectivity and a USB 2.0 connection.
The 750HD lists for $899 and will be available in late March.
IOGEAR introduced today at CES the Wireless 5×2 HD Matrix, which can send separate uncompressed HD 1080p content to two HD displays or projectors from up to five sources (digital and analog) and switching among the various sources independently.
IOGEAR says a user can keep the cable box, Blu-ray player, game console or media server in one room with a HDTV accessing content and send separate content wirelessly to another HDTV in any room up to 100 feet away using the Wireless 5×2 HD Matrix.
The Wireless 5×2 HD Matrix (GWHDMS52) lists for $399.95 and will be available in the spring of 2013.
Want some test patterns to set up 4K resolution UHDTVs? How about using the same ones used to set up nearly all the 4K displays at CES this week? According to the Imaging Science Foundation, they're giving you what the professionals used at CES here: https://www.avproalliance.com/livesite/membership_entrance.php
After you register yourself, you'll get three free 4K resolution test patterns you can use to set-up 4K displays.
Kramer Adds New High-Speed HDMI Cables With Ethernet
Kramer Electronics introduced this month the C-HM/HM/PRO high-speed HDMI cable with Ethernet capability. Kramer’s C-HM/HM/PRO is designed for advanced equipment installations that require high speed cable connections to ensure a high definition experience with maximum audio and visual impact.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
IAG Appoints Sound Solutions Exclusive Distributor of Wharfedale Loudspeakers
International Audio Group, Ltd. (IAG) announce at CES the appointment of Sound Solutions, LLC — a new company formed by industry veteran Walter Schofield — as the exclusive U.S. distributor for the Wharfedale brand of loudspeakers.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
Draper Europe AB has announced a move into larger manufacturing facilities in Halmstad, Sweden. In early 2012, Draper Europe acquired the manufacturing operations of Tvaakersmarkisen AB, one of the largest awning manufacturers in Sweden. Since then, the company has operated in two different locations, manufacturing projection screens at its headquarters in Halmstad, Sweden, and awnings, venetian blinds and window shades at TM’s former facility 48 kilometers (30 miles) away.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
Copyright 2013 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.