Volume 13, Issue 17 — September 14, 2016
|
Control & Signal Processing Projection Media Players, Recording & Distribution Audio Cables, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens and Accessories
|
|
|
Apple Home App Hits Market on the Same Day CEDIA Starts
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Coincidence or not, Apple’s new all-in-one HOME App for iOS devices hits the market on the same day that CEDIA opens. When asked if that was intentional, Apple responded, “What is CEDIA?” (Just kidding, we don’t know if that happened.)
Here’s how Apple describes the HOME App: “With our new Home app, you can securely control all your HomeKit accessories from your favorite iOS device. Have your iPhone turn off the lights. See who’s at the front door from your iPad. And even control things remotely with the help of Apple TV. The Home app makes all your connected devices work harder — and smarter — for you.”
So, one thing is for sure, Apple sees the Apple TV as the central hub of the home controller. HOME will debut with over 160 company’s products able to be controlled — everything from lights, to locks, to HVAC, to shades (including Lutron), security systems, outlets, cameras and, of course, Sonos and your TV.
Based primarily on the use of Siri, you speak commands via your phone, iPad, Apple Watch or directly to your Apple TV to get things to happen. So, tell Siri — on your drive home from work, via your iPhone, to set a “I’m Home” scene and the Apple TV does all the rest. It turns on and off lights, unlocks the doors, raises the garage door, turns on the TV to your pre-set or favorite channel, sets the HVAC system to your favorite number, etc.
All this, of course, is done via Wi-Fi.
In actuality, your iPhone (or Android for that matter) has been able to do this for years. But, Apple thinks (or is betting) that by centralizing it in to one app with a customizable/template-based user interface, you will use the Apple TV and the iPhone as your smart home controller. This replaces the need to use, for example, the Next App to control your Nest HVAC system, replaces the Samsung App to control your TV and removes the need for a Lutron App to control the lights and blinds. It’s all centrally controlled from the HOME App.
It appears to be purely coincidental that Apple launches the app not the same day CEDIA opens its annual HomeAV show, but it also appears they are targeting some the same market.
To learn more about Apple’s HOME strategy, go here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
When Everything Goes Wrong
By Hope Roth It was my husband’s birthday, and the only thing standing between me and our birthday date was a quick service call. Update some network settings, reboot the equipment so they’d take effect, check to make sure everything was online. Easy peasy, right?
Yeah, I was like the AV equivalent of the old cop sitting in a diner during the opening scene of a buddy cop movie. Hey guys, I’m two days away from retirement, who wants to see pictures of my new boat?! The door opens, the gang we’ve been hunting down walks in, everything goes wrong.
My equipment didn’t come back online. In fact, it didn’t come back on at all. I couldn’t ping it, I couldn’t connect to it over USB. The status lights were all dark and sad. It was deader than that cop’s retirement plans. And it was mission critical. I had just over three hours until our movie reservations. What was I going to do?
First Things First, Engage Tech Support
As soon as I realized that something was wrong, I opened up a chat session with the manufacturer. I also reached out to one of my contacts to see if I could get escalated to a higher tier. I had someone on the line pretty quickly, with an offer to get me escalated if necessary. Tech support wasn’t able to get my equipment recovered, but having someone on the other line who knew exactly what to try gave me the confidence to pull the rip cord when I knew we were never going to get it back up and running.
When In Doubt, Phone a Friend
I pride myself in my ability to think on my feet. When things get tough, I take a deep breath and dive right in. But this was an extreme situation. I didn’t have the luxury of figuring things out in my own time. I needed to get everything back up and running, and I needed to do it fast. So I called my boss. He told me to keep working on the recovery process, but he was going to have someone drive over with a spare piece of equipment. It wasn’t exactly the same part, so he said to use that time to prep everything for a change-over. With a plan in place, I was able to get to work. Having a timeline gave me a chance to take those deep breaths and focus on making those changes.
You Never Known When You Might Need Those Tools
I’m a programmer. I don’t pull cables. I don’t install equipment. I don’t touch our racks, unless it’s to plug in a network or USB cable. I still carry a full tool kit in my car. You never know when you’re going to need that screwdriver and those snips. I was able to get my broken equipment out of the rack and the new part installed very quickly. I even installed a new pair of rack ears. All those years working service sure paid off. Even if your job doesn’t technically involve touching the equipment, everyone who might need to work in a rack should know how to install rack ears, rack a heavy box and move cabling around.
Understand How the Entire System Works
I didn’t have six hours to do a full commission of the large system (and let’s be honest, the client probably wanted me out of their house). But I knew how all of the different components worked together. I knew what my failure points would be. In short, I knew exactly what to test to make sure everything was back up and running. Without pressing every button, I could say with confidence that our replacement was working. I also knew my client, which means I knew exactly what to test first.
In the end, I left my client with a working system, an RMA in place for their equipment and the knowledge that my boss and I were able to work quickly and decisively to make sure they had no interruption of service. And I even made it home before the babysitter showed up!
It’s scary and stressful when things go wrong. But it’s always a good feeling to know that you have the tools and resources to make things right. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Crestron Simplifies Sonos ControlCrestron said a new collaboration between it and Sonos enables the Sonos app to be seamlessly integrated with Crestron home automation systems via touchscreen.
Homeowners can now easily search for all of their favorite music, play and pause, adjust the volume, view now playing information with artwork and add or remove zones as they move about the house, all from a Crestron touch screen.
It will be officially unveiled at CEDIA so little is known of the details, yet, but we are told it’s a five-minute programming option.
Crestron is here and Sonos is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Atlona Intros 4K AV Extender with HDRAtlona is introducing the Centum Series AT-CENT-301-CEA, a 4K AV extender with HDR (high dynamic range)that delivers 4K/UHD video @ 60 Hz (or 60FPS) with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and HDMI data rates up to 18 Gbps up to 330 feet.
The AT-CENT-301-CEA is HDCP 2.2 compliant and provides HDMI transmission up to 330 feet (100 meters) over category cable with embedded multi-channel audio. HDR and 4K/60 4:4:4 video extension are made possible through the use of VESA Display Stream Compression (DSC). This extender also supports Ethernet pass-through, RS232 and IR control and Power over Ethernet — the receiver is powered by the extender. EDID management features ensure proper audio formats and video resolutions are provided to the AV system.
The extender pair also supports the HDMI Audio Return Channel, with the ability to transmit digital audio from a television back to the transmitter, and then to an AV receiver via HDMI or a TOSLINK digital audio output. This allows easy integration of audio from over-the-air TV broadcasts and smart TV apps.
The AT-CENT-301-CEA is configured and managed by the company’s Atlona Management System (AMS) and will be available March 2017 for $1,499.99. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Whole Home Voice Solution Josh.ai Launches at CEDIA 2016 JStar announced that its whole home artificial intelligence platform, Josh.ai, will start shipping at CEDIA 2016. Built for the custom integration channel, Josh.ai uses artificial intelligence to unify home technology through its unique user interface. Josh.ai is a standalone control system that works with Lutron, Meridian, Sonos and others. It also integrates with control systems such as Crestron.
Josh.ai gives clients the flexibility to customize their experience with voice control:
- Clients choose how to speak with Josh.ai, whether through mobile devices or far-field microphones, such as the Amazon Echo, for natural voice control.
- An industry first, clients can give “Complex Commands,” or multiple voice commands at once, creating a more natural and advanced voice experience. For example, without a prior scene set up, clients can say, “Play the song Ride, open the shades, dim the kitchen lights, and close the garage.”
- Integrators are able to set the name, gender, and accent of the AI for a truly custom experience.
- In addition to voice control, Josh.ai has fully built out iOS, Android, and web apps for remote access, as well as a beautiful graphical user interface.
Josh.ai ships on a server the company calls “Home Base,” and is plugged into the home network. No custom programming is needed, making the install among the fastest in the industry.
The company was founded in 2015 by Alex Capecelatro and Chief Technology Officer Tim Gill. The AI behind Josh.ai is the culmination of 5 years of research and development in natural language processing. Previously Gill was founder and chair of Quark, Inc. Capecelatro started his career as a research scientist for NASA and recently exited as founder and CEO of social mobile products At the Pool and Yeti.
There are more details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
ZIGEN Intros 4K/60 18G HDBaseT Components At CEDIA 2016, Zigen Corporation is introducing the ZIG-POE-SUHD, a 4K/60 HDBaseT extender. The POE-SUHD delivers 4K/60 resolution with 8-bit 4:4:4 Color Space via CatX cable. And the POE-SUHD will handle PoE (Power-Over-Ethernet), full-band IR, RS232 and ARC support, as well as have a 12V output for upgraded connection of peripherals.
New 4K switchers, the SW-41Plus and SW-42Plus, will feature a new interface and what ZIGEN says is more stable 4K/60 18G performance.The SW-41Plus and SW-42Plus interface also includes a new system diagnostics feature that provides voltage monitoring, EDID status, video resolution, color space information, temperature, humidity, audio sampling rates, link status and cable length.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
KanexPro Launches HDMI Matrix Switcher Aimed at Home Theater Applications KanexPro has announced the new HDMX44-4K and HDMX88-4K — HDCP 2.2 matrix switchers with 4K @60Hz in either 4×4 or 8×8 options. The 4×4 HDMI matrix switcher includes four inputs and four outputs with audio de-embedding, the latest HDCP 2.2 specs and supported video resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60Hz. The 8×8 version is similar to the 4×4, but it boasts eight inputs and eight outputs. Both provide switching of less than 0.2 second and are controlled via Ethernet, RS232 and IR.
The 4×4 and 8×8 switchers provide four or eight additional audio ports via S/PDIF connectors to support de-embedding from HDMI and expedient firmware upgrades through micro USB ports. The switchers transmit 4K x 2K at 60Hz signal up to 15 meters and feature easy installation through their sleak, rack-mounting design.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Just Add Power to Grow 4K Over IP Product LineTwo new additions to Just Add Power’s 3G Ultra HD over IP platform are to be unveiled at CEDIA 2016. A new entry-level model of 3G Ultra HD over IP transmitter (707POE) and a new more affordable model of 3G Ultra HD over IP receiver (508POE) will be launched. These two new models include 4K with HDR support, HDCP 2.2, optional 4K to 1080p scaling at the display location, two-way RS232 and IP control, as well as support for all audio formats up to and including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Both the 707POE and 508POE can be mixed and matched in the same gigabit network as the existing, more feature-rich models of 3G Ultra HD over IP transmitters and receivers (718AVP PoE TX, 717HIFI POE TX, 749AVP Rackmount TX and the 518AVP POE RX).
Little is known about the performance of these products, but here are the specs they have published so far. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Niles Auriel Expands from Multi-Room Audio to Home ControlCore Brands today announced the release of Auriel 2.0 – a major platform update that adds streaming audio, climate and lighting control, plus remote access features to the award-winning multi-room audio control platform.
Lighting control devices and wireless thermostats now connect to the Auriel Controller, making the Niles Auriel MRC-6430 a complete, powerful and convenient home automation controller. Creating a high-value foundation for any smart home project, Auriel 2.0 delivers simple access to lighting scenes and climate scheduling with a few simple clicks on a Niles handheld remote (nHR200), wall-mounted touch panel (nTP4, nTP7), or the Auriel app for Android and iOS mobile devices.
Auriel 2.0 updates the already integrator-friendly Auriel Wizard, which cuts configuration time to just minutes instead of hours. With a tablet or PC, the installer is whisked through simple decisions that quickly configure the system for lighting scenes and thermostat programming, plus sources, zone preferences, home theater control and user interface customization.
Providing more options for integrators and their clients, Auriel 2.0 now has Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn and other popular Internet radio services built into the MRC-6430 chassis. One chassis delivers audio to six zones through seven distinct input sources. For larger homes, two chassis can be linked together to create a 12-zone system.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
BenQ Adds New HT2150ST Short Throw Projector BenQ is launching the HT2150ST single-chip DLP short-throw 1080p projector. The BenQ HT2150ST projector includes their Colorific processing, is specified at 2,200 ANSI lumens, uses a six-segment RGBRGB color wheel with BrilliantColor technology and has a 15000:1 contrast ratio claim. Using a .69 short-throw ratio and 1.2x zoom ratio the HT2150ST features dual HDMI ports with one doubling as an MHL port. Equipped with BenQ’s SmartEco energy-saving technology, the HT2150ST automatically adjusts lamp brightness based on content, projecting richer blacks and increasing contrast to reveal tiny text and subtle details.
The BenQ HT2150ST projector ships the beginning of Sept. 2016 at a list price of $1,299. All the details are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
TiVo Announces 4K TiVo BOLT+ at CEDIA 2016 TiVo today announced an exciting addition to the TiVo BOLT family, the TiVo BOLT+, being showcased at CEDIA 2016 in Dallas this week. The TiVo BOLT+ includes six tuners, 3TB of recording capacity and a new black chassis.
TiVo BOLT+ has recording capacity, 4K capabilities (4:2:0 Chroma Sampling rate), TiVo’s SkipMode feature allowing the user to skip whole commercial breaks in recorded shows with one button press,1 QuickMode functionality enabling the user to watch recorded shows 30 percent faster, and a new, sleek black chassis. It’s a streamer plus cable box, DVR, and PLEX client all in one, while also eliminating the need for a traditional video matrix switcher. The TiVo BOLT+ unifies all TV channels and streaming content into one simplified and searchable system.
The TiVo BOLT+ is priced at $499.99. More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
StreamUnlimited and THX Partner to Deliver High-Quality Audio Streaming Solution StreamUnlimited has partnered with THX to bring a reference quality audio streaming solution to market. StreamUnlimited’s Stream810 flagship module will be designed to meet THX performance standards and will offer audio manufacturers the best possible reproduction of audio streaming. Furthermore, the parties plan to work together on future multi-room offerings that support HD audio (DSD, FLAC up to 384 kHz) and HD audio multi-channel streaming.
StreamUnlimited’s Stream810 will be a high-end streaming device for flagship audio products, including low power portable units. In conjunction with NPX’s iMX7 and Marvell’s 3×2 11ac Wi-Fi solution, Stream810 was conceived to provide audio manufacturers with a faster and more efficient turnaround time from design to sale without compromising reliable streaming technology. With Stream810, audio manufacturers will be able to incorporate the product into audio components for StreamSDK capabilities while reducing product and software development times.
You can learn more here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Russound Debuts 70-Volt Streaming Audio AmplifierThe first Russound 70v model to be announced, XZone70V Streaming Audio Amplifier, is a digital media streaming audio source that incorporates the company’s XStream technology to enable streaming audio content from the cloud, a local network, AirPlay-enabled devices, all from a single component. The 70v/100v amplifier uses advanced circuitry to provide up to 300 watts of power in a single 1U chassis.
Similar to its residential counterpart, the XZone70V’s built-in audio streamer offers the most popular services, but with a focus on commercial installations. Included in the system is SiriusXM for Business, providing installers with a simple, cost-effective option for streaming legally licensed music at any business. Also included are such stalwart, popular services as vTuner, Pandora, Spotify and TuneIn.
One of the more interesting features for commercial installations is an integrated microphone input that automatically senses a signal and pauses the audio stream for paging through the system. Condenser mic support is easily accessed with a sliding switch on the rear panel, in addition to a Mic Gain control for easy adjustment of the audio level, and a front panel Mic Volume Level that gives users access to increase Mic Volume as the environment dictates.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Autonomic Introduces the MMS-1e Music Streamer Featuring eAudioCast Audio-over-Ethernet Technology Autonomic has announced the introduction of the MMS-1e whole-house music streamer featuring eAudioCast audio-over-Ethernet technology. The MMS-1e also resides in a new compact form factor, enabling integrators to easily locate the music streamer along with source devices anywhere in the home or in a traditional structured wiring enclosure.
The completely solid state MMS-1e music streamer represents a new entry level product for Autonomic that will broaden the opportunities for integrators to deliver premium entertainment solutions, particularly to those clients focused on enjoying streaming content throughout the home. The Autonomic eSeries MMS-1e is a single or dual stream whole-house music player featuring advanced eAudioCast audio-over-Ethernet technology that transforms the single stream offered on the MMS-1e into two network streams when paired with any Autonomic eSeries amplifier. For applications requiring more than two simultaneous music streams, integrators can easily add additional MMS-1e streamers, each of which will make two additional eAudioCast programs available.
The MMS-1e supports all popular streaming services, high-resolution audio up to 192 kHz /24 bit and is compatible with the most popular smart home platforms. The MMS-1e supports one analog output through its onboard 192 kHz /24 bit DAC, plus mirrored high-resolution PCM digital outputs in both Coax, HDMI and USB to DAC formats. The MMS-1e is completely solid state, delivering lower power consumption and snappier, more fluid responsiveness.
The MMS-1e can be leveraged as a low cost single stream music player utilized as a standalone solution within a control system environment, or can be paired with an Autonomic eSeries amplifier, where its capacity doubles to provide two independent network streams of content in full-featured yet affordable whole-house entertainment systems up to 96 zones. This inherent flexibility enables the user to grow their music system as their needs change while enjoying the same intuitive user interface they have become accustomed to with the basic package. It will list for $995.
Here are the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Denon and Marantz Adds HEOS Integration Into ReceiversPart of the X Series line, the Denon AVR-X6300H and AVR-X4300H include both 4K HDMI connectivity and HEOS integration. The Denon AVR-X4300H Network AV receiver is a 9.2-channel home theater receiver with discrete, identical amplifiers on each channel and 11.2 channel processing capability for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to support 7.1.4 configuration with an added 2-channel amplification, plus optional Auro 3D upgradability. With its built-in HEOS technology, the AVR-X4300H can join or establish a HEOS wireless multi-room music network you can share music to other HEOS devices using the HEOS app.
The Denon AVR-X6300H, which features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D surround decoding, and is the first Denon AV receiver with 11 channels of amplification built-in. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X feature object-based surround sound with the ability to drive overhead speakers for an immersive 3D audio experience and the AVR-X6300H’s 11-amplifier design means all this can be delivered without any need for external amplification, even when running four overhead speakers in 7.1.4 configuration. Auro 3D is also supported, via an optional firmware upgrade. Full wireless connectivity is provided via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Apple Airplay is supported for music streaming, and built-in HEOS technology allows the AVR-X6300H to become the heart of a whole-house wireless multi-room music network.
Like the Denon units, these Marantz AV Receivers offer built-in “HEOS” technology providing a large selection of streaming services connectivity and a whole-house wireless multi-room system controlled by a single “HEOS” app.
The Marantz SR7011 is a 9.2 channel network AV Receiver with 11.2 channel processing capability, built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AirPlay, 8 x HDMI inputs and triple outputs with Marantz-own HDAMs in Current Feedback topology. The unit also comes equipped with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and optional Auro 3D upgradability, 4K full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 pure color, HDR and HDCP2.2 support, ISF certification/calibration for the picture, as well as Audyssey MultEQ XT32 setup and room calibration and 11.2 channel pre-outs.
The Marantz AV7703 is a 11.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD A/V Pre-Amplifier with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AirPlay, 11.2 channel XLR and RCA pre-outs, 8 x HDMI inputs and triple outputs. Marantz-own HDAMs in Current Feedback topology. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and optional Auro 3D upgradability. 4K full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 pure color, HDR and HDCP2.2 support. ISF certification/calibration for picture, as well as Audyssey MultEQ XT32 setup and room calibration.
Recently, upgrades were made to the HEOS wireless multi-room sound system now referred to as HEOS HS2. The HEOS HS2 products carry the same design as the original HEOS HS1 system and the two work together. Now the HEOS family of speakers, pre-amp and amp have added Bluetooth accessibility. In addition to Bluetooth, HEOS HS2 now features compatibility with high-resolution audio files. Users can listen to uncompressed WAV (PCM), ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) and FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) music files up to 24-bit/192-kHz over network or USB. And coming soon users will also be able to listen to DSD (DSD is the audio coding format of SACD) audio tracks all in the convenience of their home. The new platform includes an ARM A9 1.25 GHz Processor with 512 MB of flash memory combined with 256 MB of RAM.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Meyer Sound to Enter Residential MarketIn a great indicator for the future health of the HomeAV industry, one of the top three audio companies in the commercial AV space announced they are entering the high-end residential and home cinema markets.
Meyer Sound’s involvement in the movie theater world began back in 1980 when John Meyer built the original 650 subwoofer for the multichannel sound system touring with the 70mm theatrical release of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now.” The legendary director later said, “If only every theatre had a system like this they would have the same remarkable experience I have on my stage.”
As Meyer Sound makes its professional cinema systems available to the residential home theater market, high end home theater lovers can now experience the exact exhilarating aural elements heard on the sound stage during the creative process by the greatest film talents of our time.
To bolster its entry into the residential market, Meyer Sound is presenting exclusive demonstrations of the ultimate private cinema experience concurrently with the CEDIA Expo in Dallas. In an intimate and luxurious setting, invited guests will experience cinema technology normally reserved for Hollywood screening rooms, including professional acoustic design, Hollywood Digital Cinema content, a DCI/ 4K digital projection system, and Dolby Atmos immersive sound from 24 Meyer Sound cinema series self-powered loudspeakers.
Hosted at an off-site location, the demonstrations will be held six times daily to accommodate strong interest from key dealers, consultants, architects and members of the trade press. Admission is by invitation only and transportation will be provided from the Omni Hotel. Demos are by appointment only; contact Andy Willcox for further information at awillcox@meyersound.com. Meyer Sound has hired Wilcox as its sales manager for private cinema and residential systems.Andy is a FANTASTIC hire by Meyer as no one knows the home market like Andy.
“We had an overwhelming response to similar demonstrations at InfoComm in June, where we could seat 80 in a simulated boutique cinema environment,” explains Andy Willcox, Meyer Sound’s sales manager for private cinema and residential systems. “Since this room recreates a high-end residential cinema, we can accommodate far fewer. However, those who do attend are promised an unforgettable experience.”
The system for the Dallas demonstrations will comprise three Acheron Designer screen channel loudspeakers, five X-400 cinema subwoofers, six HMS-5 surround loudspeakers for wide screen and side surround, two HMS-12 loudspeakers for the rear surround, and six UP-4XP loudspeakers for Atmos surround. All surround loudspeakers incorporate Meyer Sound’s exclusive IntelligentDC technology, which delivers the sonic superiority of bi-amplified, self-powered systems with the same installation ease of traditional systems.
The system in the demonstration room is typical of those used in many Hollywood sound-editing studios. Meyer Sound monitoring systems now are in use at, among many other facilities, Skywalker Sound, Pixar Animation, 20th Century Fox, Dreamworks and Warner Bros. Meyer Sound systems also are featured in premium screens by exhibitors like ArcLight Cinemas and Cinetopia, while several leading Hollywood directors and producers – who cannot be named because of non-disclosure agreements – have Meyer Sound systems at home.
Supporting the Meyer Sound audio experience is a professional Atmos processor from Dolby Laboratories, with visuals via a DCI server and DCI/ 4K Barco Prometheus 1 projector from Barco Residential and provided by New Box Solutions and a Vutec Vision X projection screen. Other partners in the event are Keith Yates Design, interiors by Fantastic Theaters, Inc., and Cineak Luxury Seating.
More information on the company is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
KanexPro Intros HDMI Audio Decoder KanexPro has announced a new HDMI Audio Decoder that’s designed to extract the encoded multi-channel LPCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS-HD 5.1 from HDMI sources to optical audio output and decode to two channels of analog stereo audio via RCA (L/R) and COAX outputs without any other external AV equipment.
Licensed by Dolby Labs, KanexPro’s 4K UltraHD HDMI Audio Decoder is HDCP 2.2 compliant and also supports 4K pass-through resolutions when connected to a 4K sources and display. With the HDMI Audio Decoder, content from multi-channel sources such as Blu-Ray players, set-top boxes and game consoles can be spread to multi-channel and two-channel-capable zones simultaneously, ensuring compatibility, reducing system complexity and eliminating the expense of separate dedicated sources for each zone. It also allows users to listen to digital audio sources such as DVD and CD players or digital computer audio on their legacy analog sound system, preserving their current investment in AV systems.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
AudioControl Ships The Director Model M6800 16-Channel High-Power Amplifier With DSP AudioControl is shipping the new Director Model M6800 amplifier, a 16-channel matrixing amplifier designed to be the hub of an entertainment system. Director Series amplifiers from AudioControl feature DSP (digital signal processing), enabling integrators to precisely calibrate each zone in order to deliver the finest sound possible. The Director Model M6800 is available now exclusively through authorized AudioControl dealer/integrators.
The Director Model M6800 delivers 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 200 watts per channel at 4 ohms and 400 watts at 8 ohms bridged. In addition to robust power, the M6800 offers a combination of category-leading features such as graphic and parametric equalization by zone and available custom profiles tailored for popular architectural loudspeakers. The M6800 also features zone and global volume control with individual channel/zone grouping via standard TCIP and zone audio presets. Integrators will appreciate the ability to control the M6800 (and all Director Series amplifiers) either onsite or remotely through their DCHP/fixed IP control. By having bridgeable channels, the M6800 gives integrators vital configuration flexibility, enabling them to ideally match system setup to the individual needs of each client. N
The M6800 includes two digital optical TOSLINK inputs plus two coax outputs as part of the matrixing so that any of the input sources can be routed through the digital outputs. These digital outputs can be connected to Director ‘M’ series digital inputs so that multiple amplifiers can be utilized in a single system without limiting configuration flexibility. The Director Model M6800 can operate either as a standalone matrix amplifier or as part of a 3rd party control system from companies such as Crestron, Savant, RTI or Control 4.
The Director Model M6800 is available in brushed aluminum as well as a black espresso anodized finish. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Parasound Debuts New Zpre3 Half-Rack Width Stereo Preamp Parasound has introduced the Zpre3, its third generation stereo preamplifier for custom installation, in its Z-Custom half-rack-width product line. The compact Parasound Zpre3 is a five-source stereo preamplifier designed to deliver to sound like a big one. It will be useful to professional custom installers, with a unique feature set that includes discrete IR remote commands, a rear panel IR input, 12V trigger output and two-way RS232 with direct volume control in 1dB increments. Automatic RS232 feedback allows for easy integration with keypads or touch-screen control systems such as Crestron, AMX, Control4, Savant and Elan.
Additional features include turn-on volume level select plus the choice of a favorite volume memory, making it easy for the user to jump directly to his/her most common listening level. A separate bypass input integrates with audio sources that have their own volume controls, such as AV receivers and streaming devices like the Sonos Connect. The bypass input is automatically selected when the Zpre3 is powered off, allowing users to operate their streaming devices without the need to turn the Zpre3 on first.
The Parasound Zpre3 has four line level audio inputs, a bypass input and a 3.5mm front panel auxiliary input. It offers separate fixed and variable level stereo outputs, plus separate fixed and variable mono outputs for subwoofers and architectural speakers. Each of the inputs on the front panel display can be conveniently renamed from a list of words the user can select rather than having to enter one character at a time. A single knob adjusts volume, selects sources, and adjusts bass, treble and balance. The remote control has buttons for the above selections plus recall of a favorite volume memory and dimming the front panel display.
The Parasound Z-Custom Zpre3 will be available in September, will list for $449. Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Future Automation to Debut HQA Motorized Wall Mount for Giant TVsFuture Automation will use CEDIA to debut their newest mount — the HQA, a two-way 70” to 110” motorized lift-mount. A colossus of a motorized wall mount, the HQA allows screens up to 110” to move forward and rotate in both directions, and they claim that HQA is the most elaborate and advanced wall mount offered on the market and offers unprecedented functionality when recessing flat panels. Allowing 150-degrees bi-directional rotation with parallel forward track, the Quad Arm offers a step forward in functionality when recessing screens.
With patent pending technology, the HQA offers both forward movement and rotation in both directions. On board electronics means no need for external control boxes and full cable management throughout arms provides designers the ultimate in discrete installation. The HQA offers IR, RS232 and Contact Closure Control as standard features and provide a range of preset positions.
You can see it here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Media Solutions Intros MS-TestPro Touchscreen Test Device for HDBaseT Networks Media Solutions announced today the availability of the MS-TestPro, the first touchscreen test device for HDBaseT networks. The MS-TestPro provides an elegant, handheld solution for in-field testing of HDBaseT-based systems and cabling. With its built-in monitoring, logging and diagnostics capabilities, installers and integrators have access to quick, efficient analysis and troubleshooting, simplifying audiovisual installations.
The MS-TestPro brings HDBaseT Tx, Rx and PoH (Power over HDBaseT) functionality, providing a highly efficient testing platform for HDBaseT source and sink devices, powered devices and up to 100 meters/328 feet of Cat5e (or higher) cabling.
There are two MS-TestPro testers currently available:
- Touchscreen Model, with built-in 3.5” touchscreen
- Mobile App Model, with built-in 3.5” touchscreen also managed via a mobile application
Each MS-TestPro consists of a main unit, Rx module and a Tx module. It emulates an HDBaseT transmitter or receiver device, operating up to pixel rates of 300MHz, enough to test for 4K ultra-high definition source or sink devices. It allows for testing of both source and sinks, even when installed up to 100m/328ft away. The MS-TestPro monitors performance of the installed cable, analyzes features of both source and sink devices, monitors configurations and provides a downloadable detailed diagnostic log, saving time and money and benefiting both installers and end users.
The MS-TestPro is currently available for $1,395. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
dnp Debuts AV furniture for dnp LaserPanelsdnp denmark has teamed up with a Danish furniture company to create a projector cabinet for the dnp LaserPanel that keeps the projector out of sight. The projector cabinet can be combined with side cabinets, so customers can create unique integrated display and storage solutions in a clean Danish design.
The new projector cabinet is part of a range of accessories for the dnp 100” LaserPanel display, which was introduced in 2015. Optimized for standard ceiling heights and room for 8 to 12 people, the 100” dnp LaserPanel is ideal for medium-sized meeting rooms, classrooms and training facilities.
The projector cabinet houses the laser projector. It has an electric door for easy operation. With the push of a button, the projector slides into projection mode. All side cabinets are half the height of the projector cabinet, making two side cabinets stacked on top of each other perfectly aligned with the projector cabinet. dnp denmark offers side cabinets with one, two or three compartments. The side cabinets come with one shelf and no front door as standard. Drawers, extra shelves and front doors in different materials and finishes, including fabric that allows sound and IR signals to pass through, can be ordered separately.
Here are the complete details.
dnp has configured three standard cabinet solutions that will fit most needs. Details about the standard configurations are available in the product specification sheet here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Crystal Projection Screens to Debut 16:9 Screens at CEDIACrystal Screens by Luminit LLC will introduce projection screens for the residential market at this year’s CEDIA Expo. Crystal Screens replaces the age-old screen manufacturing process with nanolens technology and the result is excellent ambient light rejection, zero hot spots, wide viewing angle and high gain.
Originally developed for the aerospace industry by optical scientists, Crystal Screens’ holographic technology creates a random surface that manipulates light energy. Unlike other screens where gain is reduced as the viewing angle increases, Crystal Screens provides a gain of 2.5 with a 120° viewing angle, making it an ideal screen for home theaters, media rooms, conference rooms, classrooms, and other environments where ambient light is difficult to control. Crystal Screens’ nanolens technology also preserves polarization effect so one screen can be used for both 2D and 3D viewing.
Here are the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
SI Debuts Floating Screen at CEDIA — Aims it at Both Residential and Commercial Installs Screen Innovations (SI) has announced something they are calling Zero-G, a motorized projection screen that, when deployed, SI claims it literally appears to be floating in midair and rolls out of the way when not in use.
Zero-G was created to allow you to watch a movie on an image that “levitates” in your space on cables that can be color-matched to their surroundings using their proprietary “color matching system” in order to be as un-obtrusive as possible.
SI has included features that makes Zero-G a simple product to install and setup. Removable PCB, upper lift tubes, and factory pre-programmed bomb-bay doors on its flush model, are just a few of these features. SI has also engineered an automatic upper limit setting by using an optical sensor, and will also optionally ship the material tube separate from the case for new construction installations.
Zero-G supports up to a maximum of 160-inches diagonally in 16:9 aspect ratio and is aimed at both HomeAV and ProAV installs.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Juice Goose Intros Multiple Circuit Power Distribution with RS232 and IP ControlThe new iP PD1-4 from Juice Goose has four 20-amp circuits for a total current capacity of 80 amps and each circuit is individually addressable via a browser connection to an on board web server. Remote access is also possible via RS232, UDP or TCP using text commands over Ethernet. Current load can be monitored for each of the four circuits.
The four foot wire harness includes a separate hot and neutral leg for each circuit plus a shared common ground line. The side mounting brackets have long openings. Mounting flexibility is increased further as the brackets can be relocated in various positions up and down the back of the chassis. The iP PD1-4 lists for $861. Here is more information. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Future Automation’s Ceiling Hinge Range Can Conceal Large Flat Screens in Ceilings Future Automation has a new ceiling hinge mechanism which allows a flat screen TV to be concealed horizontally within a ceiling and hinged down through 100 degrees for viewing. Future Automation says the Ceiling Hinge Range is the most elaborate on the market with options that include additional telescopic drop, swivel or a combination of the two. Outside and indoor versions are available as well as custom designed sizes for screens up to 90”.
Ideal for when there is limited ceiling void space, the Ceiling Hinge range allows large screens to be concealed unobtrusively within relatively small ceiling areas. It offers a great space saving option for when vertical wall space is not available such as yachts, apartments or luxurious properties where glass opens to luxurious views.
Them mechanisms meet all residential and commercial ceiling mounting requirements with style, functionality and elegance. The silent motor system and smooth action mean that even the largest screens can float down into a room for viewing, before rising seamlessly when not required.
The Ceiling Hinge is a compact solution with full cable management and IR, RS232 and contact closure control as standard features. It features an easy to install mount interface (VESA Standard plus range of mount options for non-VESA compliant screens). With a load capacity of over 110 pounds in standard model, the Ceiling Hinge has a modular format and comes in a wide range of standard sizes and can be customized to suit numerous options.
You can see them here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Somfy Launches the Irismo Range to Power Motorized Draperies Comfy Systems has introduced the new Irismo motor range for motorizing draperies. Both the Irismo 45 WireFree RTS motor and the Irismo 35 Mini DC low-voltage motor are easy to install, easy to conceal, and compatible with Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) controls.
The Irismo 45 WireFree RTS is a rechargeable battery-powered motor that installs in minutes, offers long-life operation and provides a perfect solution for areas where wiring may be a challenge. The Irismo 35 Mini DC motor uses a 24VDC power supply that plugs directly into a standard outlet, saving time and money by eliminating the need for an electrician.
These motors work with all types of draperies including Pinch Pleat, Ripplefold and Accordia style. The compact size of the motor makes it easy to conceal, allowing for seamless integration into spaces and improving the aesthetic appeal. Advanced track design for our drapery range minimizes the light gap, allowing for greater light control, privacy and UV protection.
A built-in RTS module provides compatibility with all of Somfy’s RTS control options, including hand-held remotes, wireless wall switches, sensors and timers. It’s also compatible with the myLink app, which allows users to set schedules and control their motorized draperies from home or while away with their smartphone or tablet. The Irismo motor range also works with third-party automation systems, expanding integration opportunities.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Stewart Filmscreen to Launch New Phantom High Ambient Light Rejecting Screen at CEDIA Stewart Filmscreen will unveil something they are calling Phantom HALR, a high ambient light rejecting projection screen material. A flexible front projection material ideally designed for fixed-frame wall screen or electric roller screen applications, Phantom HALR is designed for day and night applications.
The Phantom HALR black screen technology has what Stewart is saying are four unique features:
- It’s seamless sizes up to 40- feet by 90-feet.
- It’s designed for use with most of Stewart’s fixed frame or ElectriScreen models.
- Phantom is available in Cinemaperf or Microperf X2 THX Ultra configurations for acoustic transparency.
- It’s what Stewart is calling “future-proof,” thanks to Stewart’s proprietary 16K+ resolution capabilities. The Phantom HALR is UHD and HDR-ready, and will calibrate out to REC 2020 or REC 709 standards.
Stewart also claims that test results reveal that Phantom HALR delivers over 30:1 contrast for a 2,000 lumen light output projector in a room with 20 foot-candles of ambient light and several sources of light hitting the screen surface at 40-degree angles. In high ambient light conditions with over 50 foot-candles of ambient light directly on the screen, Phantom achieves ANSI standard industry contrast ratio standards.
Neutral in both horizontal and vertical direction thanks to a proprietary multi-layer composition, Phantom HALR has no directional limitation. Because Phantom uniformly rejects ambient light across the full screen width and height, there is no “sweet spot axis.” Meaning, every seat in the house is the best, whether you’re sitting directly in front of the screen or off-center.
Here are the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
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).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
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.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2016 – 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. |
|
|
|