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Volume 9, Issue 18 –September 27, 2012
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Keep It Cool
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist When clients first decide that they first want a media room, their main focus is inevitably on how big their screen and sound system can be.
If they've really thought things through, they'll have factored theater seating into their dream space.
The one thing that won't occur to them is that having you engineer adequate airflow and cooling in their media room is something they should budget for. As an AV Pro, it's your job to broach the subject early, and assert its importance.
The first reaction most clients will display when you discuss the airflow in the room will be bafflement, but they’ll get it once you paint a picture for them: Cram a dozen adults into a well-insulated, soundproofed, 15×25-foot room with no windows, and it’s going to get hot and humid even before you factor in the heat from the electronics.
I can attest to the consequences of bad, or in this case absent, HVAC design. Years ago at my old store, we did a small renovation that included framing out three sound rooms in the back of the store.
None of them were ventilated.
At one point the middle room had a big projector, an early-generation 55-inch plasma TV and three giant, Class-A, multi-channel amplifiers on display. It was nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit in that room.
Not good planning at all, and not a pleasant shopping environment.
To avoid doing the same thing in someone's home, as an AV pro, you need to partner with the general contractor and the HVAC guys. And in order to get your HVAC needs met, you need to speak their language. That means you need to be conversant with CFM (cubic feet per minute), BTUs (British Thermal Units) and Tons of Cooling.
HVAC installers will generally want to know about how many Tons of Cooling you need, so after you calculate the total heat load in BTUs in your room, you need to express it in Tons of Cooling. The easy part is that 1 Ton of Cooling = 12,000 BTUs.
Short of going to engineering school, there are plenty of wikis and online reference sites to help you determine total BTUs. Don't fret; eventually you'll know this stuff as well as you know AV and automation.
Don’t forget to factor the time it took to calculate this out, however nominal, into your design fees. Once you know how much cooling your clients' media room requires, it’s a simple conversation with the site supervisor for their builder or with their general contractor.
Because of this extra forethought, the finished installation will be even better than your client expected.
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
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Interview With DPI’s Michael Bridwell on LED Projectors
By Matt Brennesholtz
Insight Media Insight Media visited Digital Projection International (DPI) at CEDIA and see their LED projectors but had little time to talk. Therefore, I did a follow-up e-mail interview with DPI’s Director of Marketing, Michael Bridwell. In particular, we focused on DPI’s LED projectors, the M-Vision LED and dVision LED projectors. Not surprisingly, when asked directly about these two projectors, he did not go into the details of the technology and components that allowed the upgrade in lumen output from these two projectors. He did give an initial general comment on the technology of LED projectors, however.
Digital Projection’s Michael Bridwell: This is a tough topic for us, or for any projector manufacturer for that matter, to tackle. There are only two sources of LEDs at the moment: Luminus and Osram. Regardless of who you use, the overall light output will likely vary less than 6 percent. The batch of LEDs that you select for your display also makes a difference, but again, only about 5 percent. And what a projector manufacturer does in the light path of the display can also enhance the brightness, but nominally at best. So, if you’re really interested in researching LEDs as a light source, I’d go directly to the sources on this one as you’ll get a straight answer. Just being honest.
Insight Media’s Matt Brennesholtz: How did CEDIA go for DPI?
DPI: Quite well overall, once you shift your expectations from the old days of CEDIA to the current. Traffic was down around 15 percent from last year, but the overall quality of the traffic continues to be high. With the gains we’ve made in market share the last few years, we’re not meeting as many new faces. More often than not, we’re going directly into deeper discussions on specific projects that the integrators have. And that’s exactly where we’re most comfortable, diving directly into the dynamics of the application and trying to help the integrators answer their specific display questions.
IM: What projectors were you showing at CEDIA?
DPI: Numerous projectors from our single and 3-chip lineup, including 2D, 3D and LED driven solutions. Our 8,000 [lumen] E-Vision 1080p and HIGHlite 1080p displays worked in conjunction with our 16,000 lumen TITAN Quad 1080p displays in a 6 screen array, fully exposed to show lighting. This was intended to demonstrate the versatility and image quality of the product line, even when exposed to harsh lighting conditions. Very important demonstration for those integrators considering projection for media and outdoor applications, as well as those crossing over into light commercial and corporate venue work. In two dedicated theaters we showed our new 3D-enabled 3-chip HIGHlite 1080p 3D, which will begin shipping in December, and our 1100 lumen dVision LED, as well as our 2560 x 1080 resolution dVision Scope, that displays 2.35 content without the need of an anamorphic lens. Plenty to see, to be sure.
IM: Your website says the M-Vision Cine is 600 lumens. Is that the new version or is that the spec for the old version?
DPI: The M-Vision LED line will soon see incremental increases in brightness, with an estimate of 700 lumens.
IM: Is the M-Vision Cine LED strictly for home theater or do you see other applications for it?
DPI: LED projectors are extremely important for 24-7 and critical commercial applications. Their value proposition is incomparable: extremelylong life light sources (beyond 60,000 hours) with no lamps to replace, lower heat output and thus lower fan noise, and a remarkable color space. And that’s just the beginning. We’ve already seen M-Vision LEDs sold into control rooms, surveillance rooms and visualization environments.
IM: You discuss the H-K Effect in your press release. Can you give a rough estimate of how much of a boost the H-K effect gives a LED-based projector compared to a similar projector with the same ANSI lumens and a mercury lamp?
DPI: I’ve seen anecdotal findings that suggest brightness perceived from LEDs can be over 25 percent brighter than a comparable lamp-based source. We have found that, when an integrator or end user is asked how bright an LED image is that we’re demonstrating, they tend to perceive the image as being around 20 percent brighter.
IM: With the improvements in LEDs and other technologies, we have come to expect continuous luminance improvements in LED-based projectors. Do you see an upper limit to the lumen output of LED projectors based on the physical limitations on LEDs?
DPI: At the moment, there’s a brightness plateau. But never underestimate human ingenuity.
IM: Do you see laser-based projectors entering the home theater market in the next few years or are LEDs going to remain the main solid-state illumination source?
DPI: Not ready to comment on this yet.
IM: LEDs have some very desirable properties in the home cinema market, particularly long life and excellent colors. Do you see LED illumination coming to dominate in this market?
DPI: I think that every integrator needs to experience an appropriate and well-conceived LED projector demonstration, and make decisions based on what the best solution is for their specific need. For some uses, especially when ambient light is controlled and the screen size is reasonable, LED displays are remarkable solutions. Time will tell how ubiquitous they become, but we’re big believers in the technology.
IM: Anything else you can add about DPI projectors and CEDIA?
DPI: We depend on the well-educated CEDIA-grade dealer community as our primary path to market, and we’re hoping that CEDIA as an association can find a way to reinvigorate their exhibitions.
For more details on DPI LED projectors, see my Display Central post.
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Share Article Back to Top Do We Really Need 4K Resolution?
By Aldo Cugnini
Insight Media Manufacturers appear to be gearing up to produce 4K displays, with a resolution of 3840×2160 — each dimension having twice the number of pixels of an HDTV display, providing an astounding 8 million pixels. Is bigger always better?
Sony recently announced that it will begin a worldwide phased launch of its latest Bravia LCD television by the end of 2012. The new Bravia sports an 84-inch 4K LCD panel — that’s 6 feet wide — that incorporates Sony’s 4K X-Reality Pro technology and is 3D as well. The new XBR-84X900 will be available for $25,000. LG similarly announced the U.S. availability of an 84-inch 4K set, also including 3D. Even before 4K content is available, a proprietary “Resolution Upscaler Plus” could deliver better performance from current HD/SD external sources. The LG UD 84LM9600 is expected to be available in October at an MSRP of $19,999.99. Sony, SIM2 and JVC have announced 4K projectors, and professional rigs from Sony, Barco and Christie have already been available for some time.
So what is the practical viewing distance for a 4K resolution a display? People with “20/20” vision have a visual acuity that can resolve 60 features per degree or 30 cycles per degree. From this, we can calculate that the “optimum” distance from which to observe a 1080-line display is about 3.2 times the picture height, where the vertical viewing angle is 18 degrees. Further than that, a person with 20/20 corrected vision can’t resolve the smallest displayed details; closer than that, and you’ll start to see individual pixels. Stated in screen diagonals, this works out to 1.55 times the diagonal measure of a 1920×1080 display.
So, let’s say you’ve got an 1080-line monitor with a 42” diagonal. The optimum viewing distance is about five-and-a-half feet. But at 4K resolution, the optimum distance becomes about 1.5 picture heights, or about 0.75 screen diagonals. For an 84” set, that means sitting at about 5.3 feet from the screen — a truly immersive experience, as the horizontal angle subtended by the display would be about 60 degrees, or about half of the normal binocular range of human vision. Funny enough (or is it?), the 84-inch Sony Bravia is said to have a viewing angle of just that — 60 degrees.
These calculations, however, assume that there are no other limiting conditions; in reality, factors based on Kell factor, interlace, the inter-pixel grid, contrast and the sharp edges of the image details must all be taken into account. Also, because most people view their TV from a larger distance of about 9 feet (the so-called “Lechner distance,” named after TV researcher Bernie Lechner), the required optimum screen size grows proportionally.
NHK researchers wrote in a 2008 paper that test subjects could distinguish between images with effective resolutions of 78 and 156 cycles per degree. This suggests that some people can tell the difference between a display with 1080 lines and one with 2160 lines, when viewed within the practical confines of a living room. Time to get a bigger house?
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Recently from the rAVe Blog Squad Back to Top Two To-Do Items to Check-Off in 2012 It seems like yesterday when we were saying goodbye to 2011 and ushering in 2012 with new business goals, training opportunities, and clients. But trust us; you are not alone when you feel like there are so many more items on your list to be checked-off before the year closes out.
If you are looking for hands-on training to end out your year, then you must check out these two events. CEDIA has two great opportunities that allow for intense hands-on training without taking too much time away from your business.
1) Home Theater Design Workshop
Tues., Oct. 9
Royal Systems
Melville, NY 11747
All you need is one day to get comprehensive training in home theater design. This full-day workshop starts with the basics of theater design, then goes much further to explore all of the elements of a successful home cinema project; not just audio and video, but room design and construction, acoustics, aesthetics and system control. All it takes is one day. Learn more about this event here.
2) CEDIA Boot Camps
Whether you are looking to start your career in the residential electronics systems industry, wanting to take your skills to the next level, or looking to give your employees the perfect opportunity to get hands-on instruction, CEDIA Boot Camps has something for everyone. Not to mention, they are a huge time and money saver for training. Watch the video to see for yourself how Boot Camp can help your business, your employees, and your career.
Upcoming dates:
EST Basic Residential Boot Camp
Mon., Nov. 12, 2012 – Wed., Nov. 14
Location: CEDIA Training Facility
7150 Winton Dr. St. 200
Indianapolis, IN 46268
EST Home Theater Boot Camp
Thurs., Nov. 15, 2012 – Sat., Nov. 17
Location: CEDIA Training Facility
7150 Winton Drive Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46268
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Epson Debuts New HomeAV Projector Line Epson announced its next generation of full HD 1080p 2D and 3D home theater projectors at CEDIA Expo last week, including three models – the Pro Cinema 6020UB, Home Cinema 5020UB/5020UBe and 3020/3020e.
All three projectors feature 2D-to-3D conversion (and unique split screen mode enabling users to watch two different sources simultaneously) and include two pairs of RF 3D glasses that last up to 40 hours. The Home Cinema 5020UBe and 3020e feature a built-in WirelessHD receiver along with an external transmitter, providing five HDMI inputs for sending 1080p content wirelessly.
The Pro Cinema 6020UB and Home Cinema 5020UB/5020UBe projectors have a contrast ratio of up to 320,000:1 (Really??) and up to 2,400 lumens of color brightness (not ANSI) and 2,400 lumens of white brightness. The Pro Cinema 6020UB and Home Cinema 5020UB and 5020UBe (wireless) are all THX Certified. These projectors are equipped with Epson’s new "super resolution technology," plus THX 2D and 3D Cinema viewing modes, FineFrame technology for smoother frame interpolation and sharper video quality (2D Mode), cinema filter feature for larger color space and improved color fidelity and a Fujinon OptiCinema lens (2.1 zoom ratio). The Pro Cinema 6020UB adds two anamorphic lens modes, ISF calibration, color isolation, a ceiling mount, cable cover and an extra lamp.
The Home Cinema 3020/3020e claims up to 2,300 lumens of color brightness and 2,300 lumens of white brightness and a contrast ratio of 40,000:1 (who's measuring this??). Both models feature two built-in 10-watt speakers and come with two pairs of 3D glasses.
The PowerLite Pro Cinema 6020UB and Home Cinema 5020UB and 5020UBe will be available November and October, respectively, at sub-$4,000 and sub-$3,000 price points. The Home Cinema 3020 and 3020e will be available for sub-$2,000 online and through dealers in October.
Go here for more detailed specs: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/HomeEntProjectors/Home.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes
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Share Article Back to Top Elk Announces New Interface for M1 Control Elk Products in announcing at CEDIA Expo a new user interface for the M1 Security and Control panel, called M1ToGo. M1ToGo provides users computer-based, Internet remote access to their M1 from anywhere on the network using a secured Windows-based platform. It also allows users full access to their security system along with lighting and energy management, door/gate access and any other systems connected and controlled through the M1.
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Crestron Adds Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliance to Integrated Partner Program Crestron is bringing its control and automation to the world of kitchen appliances. Crestron has added Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliance to its Integrated Partners program thus, adding the ability to monitor, manage and control the companies' refrigerators effortlessly. Homeowners can also automate tasks such as making ice overnight, reduce power consumption when away on vacation, check refrigerator/freezer door status, set demand response levels and more.
The Sub-Zero Built-in series and the Wolf E Series oven can be easily connected to any network using standard serial cable and Crestron software. The appliances can be seamlessly controlled, with no programming required, or communicate with the devices through a Crestron control system.
The homeowner can use his/her Crestron touch screen, handheld remote or mobile app for Apple and Android devices to trigger actions such as lower the temperature when away, adjust behavior based on the time of day and when the system expects the homeowner to use it and more. The refrigerator can also be monitored through the app and handheld and in-wall touch screens. If the door is left open or the refrigerator requires service, the system will notify the homeowner of these events.
To learn more about Crestron Integrated Partner Program, go to http://www.crestron.com/partnerships/integrated_partner_program/
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Share Article Back to Top Lowell Debuts New Surge Supression Line at CEDIA Expo Lowell has expanded its range of surge suppression products with three new models: the ACR-1509-S and ACR-1509-SD, which are rackmount panels, and ACS-1505-SW-SD, which is a power strip model.
The ETL-listed ACR-1509-S and ACR-1509-SD are 1U, 19-inch EIA rackmount panels with a total of nine 15A outlets (three switched, six unswitched), a front rocker switch and a nine-foot power cord with NEMA 5-15P plug. The ACR1509-S offers single-stage surge suppression, while the ACR-1509-SD offers dual-stage (redundant) protection.
The ACS-1505-SW-SD is a low-profile, 15A rackmount power strip that measures only 2x2x12 inches, yet includes five single outlets (all switched) with spacing for external power supplies plus the new dual-stage surge suppression. ETL Listed in the U.S. and Canada, this power strip includes a six-foot detachable power cord with molded plug and universal mounting brackets.
For more information on Lowell, click here: http://www.lowellmfg.com/
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Share Article Back to Top Screen Innovation Intros New Products, Screen Materials for Commercial and Residential Applications Screen Innovations (SI) demonstrated at CEDIA Expo 2012 a series of new screen materials and products.
The new Black Diamond Motorized uses SI's Black Diamond ambient light rejection screen technology, which the company says reduces light scatter by over 75 percent, and is described by SI as an alternative to a flat panel display. Utilizing one motor, four custom helixes, and a spool of slender aircraft cable, Black Diamond Motorized lowers a thin wing containing the rolled Black Diamond screen downward from a recessed ceiling-mounted cassette. The cable-hung wing then stops, and from it, a small tube emerges and lowers itself down to an adjustable, pre-determined image height, leaving only the image space in sight. Because Black Diamond screens do not require masking or any black drop material whatsoever, there is no visible material above, below, or on either side of the screen surface, so it looks like the image is suspended in air.
The new Black Diamond Zero Edge G2 is a multi-directional ambient light rejecting projection screen technology that has the look and feel of a flat panel TV. It features a rigid panel and a 10-millimeter bezel. A new frame design provides better structural support and an integrated track system gives integrators the option to inlay an optional LED Lighting Kit behind the screen for added effect. Pricing starts at $3,099 MSRP and it's available in either Black .8 gain, Dark Gray 1.4 gain, or Silver 2.7 gain screen materials.
SI also introduced three new screen materials. The new Solar 4K 1.3 projection screen material is a new front projection screen material that can do active 3D and offers a wide viewing angle. Now shipping, Solar 4K is available in 1” increments and custom aspect ratios for Reference series models or in standard sizes and standard aspect ratios for Performance series models, up to 12’x330”. The new Lunar 4K .85 projection screen material is a new front projection screen material that's suited for applications with ambient light and/or those utilizing brighter projectors. Now shipping, Lunar 4K is available in 1” increments and custom aspect ratios for the Reference Series screens or in standard sizes and standard aspect ratios for Performance edition projection screens, in sizes up 205”. Finally, the FlexGlass rear-projection screen material is a new rear projection screen material that offers the benefits of rigid optical panels with the added benefit of custom and curve capabilities that can only be provided by flexible screen materials. It's ideal for multiple-projector, edge-blending and short throw projector applications that are often needed in commercial installs. FlexGlass is available in custom diagonal sizes and aspect ratios up to 7.5’ x 131.23’.
To see videos we shot at CEDIA Expo 2012 from the Screen Innovations booth, click here.
For more information on all these new products, go to http://www.screeninnovations.com
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Share Article Back to Top Onkyo Debuts AirPlay Dock Onkyo has introduced the DS-A5 iPod/iPhone/iPad Docking station, which adds AirPlay wireless streaming capabilities to Onkyo A/V receivers and many other audio products.
The Onkyo DS-A5 allows owners of recent Onkyo A/V receivers — as well as older models lacking a USB port or an Ethernet connection — to receive content via AirPlay (wireless streaming for iOS devices) from a dock that is Wi-Fi and has an Ethernet port.
When the device is docked, a digital audio output can be connected to any receiver's all-digital DAC input (it also has L and R analog stereo audio outputs as well). When the DS-A5 is linked to an Onkyo A/V or stereo receiver via the supplied RI (Remote Interactive) cable, the user may power up the system simply by selecting content on his iOS device and tapping the AirPlay icon. RI has the added advantage of incorporating DS-A5 functionality into the main system remote controller.
Here are all the specs of the $199 DS-A5: http://www.intl.onkyo.com/promotion/airplay/index.html
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Share Article Back to Top Stewart Shows New Screen Lines at CEDIA Stewart Filmscreen announced its new DC 100 screen (an improvement to Director’s Choice and Director’s Choice 2.0 systems up to 14' image width), which includes full horizontal masking closure and a slimmer frame structure.
The DC-100 includes a 10" frame profile all around and 10” of depth. This slimmer profile allows for the maximum possible screen area within a given room dimension. Stewart also points out that the horizontal masking on the new DC-100 fully closes, protecting the screen from dust and other debris when not in use. DC-100 is compatible with Stewart Filmscreen’s flexible front projection screen materials, including their newest 3D screens. Electronically controlled masking panels on all Director’s Choice models, including DC-100, can be integrated with most home automation systems.
Here are all the specs: http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/residential/home_cinema/featured_product/home_cinema_featured_product.html
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Share Article Back to Top Sanus Ships New Tilting Wall Mount Introduced at CEDIA Expo Sanus has started shipping its VMT35 tilting wall mount for 26" to 40" TVs. Modeled after the company's popular VMPL50A, the new VMT35 can be installed to single as well as dual studs.
Features of the VMT35 include:
- Virtual Axis, which provides smooth tilt with the touch of a fingertip
- ProSet height and level adjustments that allow the TV to be perfectly positioned after hanging
- Quick-snap TV brackets, which snap into place on wall plate for added safety
- Rail design that allows the TV to shift left and right for perfect placement, even with off-center studs
Go here for all the stats: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/tilting-mount/VMT35
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Share Article Back to Top Pakedge Introduces the W6 Family of Wireless Access Points At CEDIA Expo, Pakedge Device & Software introduced the W6 family of ultra-high-power wireless access points.
Pakedge says these new W6 wall-mount/desktop, W6C in-ceiling/in-wall, W6R rack-mount and W6O outdoor wireless access points (WAP) offer improved range, data throughput, reliability and stability, plus different configurability options.
Designed specifically for custom-installation and audio/video bridging (AVB), the W6 family offers three wireless deployment options to accommodate any size network. First, they can be used in a standalone WAP configuration utilizing their built-in “intelligence” that enables them to be easily configured. Second, Pakedge provides a PC and Mac software discovery tool to find and change its IP address. Finally, Pakedge offers a hardware macrocell wireless access point controller (model C36) that enables access points in a very large wireless system to be centrally deployed, configured, monitored and updated.
W6 devices are optimized for use with smartphones, tablets, laptops and home control devices. The W6 software takes an entirely new approach to 802.11n performance, in handling environmental wireless “noise” and the interference resulting from the fact that Wi-Fi is an unregulated frequency spectrum. The W6 family’s proprietary algorithms optimize the devices’ signal-to-noise ratio, leading to higher throughput at longer ranges and more stable performance. W6 devices are especially well suited for use with 802.11n devices that use a wider channel width, because the wider the channel, the more susceptible the device is to interference. Pakedge W6 products utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity and are capable of transmitting up to 800mW of power even in 802.11n wide-channel mode.
All the different W6 models can be mixed and matched in a single wireless network, for virtually unlimited installation options. One hardware unit will support any country thanks to a software-configurable radio for FCC and ETSI countries.
The W6 devices offer multiple SSID and VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support and multiple operating modes including Wireless Access Point, Wireless Bridge (point-to-point and point-to-multipoint), Universal and WDS Repeater (WAP to WAP). Pakedge W6 products have remote management, remote update and file configuration upload capability and support the latest security standards. All W6 models are designed to provide enterprise-class reliability and feature rugged metal construction, high-gain antennas and easy installation.
The Pakedge W6 and W6C are currently available and the W6R and W6O will be available in the next few months.
To see a video we shot of the W6 family of wireless access points at CEDIA Expo, click here.
For more information, click here: http://www.pakedge.com/products-access-points.html
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Share Article Back to Top Niles Shows New Amps at CEDIA Expo Niles launched five amplifiers at CEDIA Expo this month, including three new two-channel amps, the SI-250, SI-2100, and SI2150, which deliver 50 watts, 100 watts or 150 watts RMS per channel at 8 ohms and 100 watts, 220 watts or 270 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms, respectively. For applications requiring high output, such as subwoofers or rock speakers, each of these amplifiers can also be operated in a bridged mono configuration, resulting in the delivery of 225 watts, 400 watts or 550 watts, respectively.
The fourth amp is the SI-1230 Series 2 and is a fully configurable 12-channel power amplifier that provides 30 watts per channel (80 watts when bridged) and features a unique BusMatrix selector that allows each channel to be set to left bus, right bus, left plus right bus (summed stereo) or the channel’s dedicated input.
Finally, the new Niles SI-1650 16-channel amplifier features a unique web browser configurator that allows each channel to select from any of the 16 inputs or combination of inputs. The amplifier delivers 50 watts per channel and includes a high power mode that produces 100 watts per channel for eight channels. The amplifier’s high pass and low pass filters allow it to be used with subwoofers.
All five amplifiers come with a two-year limited warranty, include a removable line cord and rack mount ears and feature three turn-on modes: Music Sense, External Voltage Trigger and Manual Turn-On via the front panel switch. They also each provide a 12V DC output whenever the amplifier is on, allowing operation of voltage-triggered devices like motorized screens and curtains.
The two-channel models measure 438 centimeters wide by 56 centimeters high by 344 centimeters deep and fit in a single rack bay. The 12- and 16-channel models measure 438 cm. wide by 145 cm. high (including feet) by 411 cm. deep and require three rack bays.
Full specs: http://www.nilesaudio.com
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Share Article Back to Top Parasound Adds Black to HALO Parasound has announced that its flagship HALO product line will now be offered in a black finish in addition to the titanium-silver finish that has been covering the HALO since it's launch over ten years ago. The new front panels are made of extruded aluminum, with a brushed hairline black anodized finish. The recess in the front panel is bead-blasted for a contrasting texture. The first HALO product to be offered in black as well as silver is the HALO A 31 three-channel power amplifier, followed in roughly monthly intervals by the A 51 five-channel and A 21 two-channel amplifiers. All three of these amplifiers use the same 250-watt high-current power amplifier stage so they can be used together in large multi-channel home theaters, while retaining identical sound characteristics from channel-to-channel. After these three models, the company will continue to work through the full HALO line, including the HALO JC 1 400-watt monoblock power amplifier, JC 2 and JC 2 BP preamplifiers, and JC 3 phono preamplifier.
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Share Article Back to Top Fusion Research Announces Multi-Zone Audio Streamers Fusion Research has announced several new audio streaming products for the custom install market. The three Ovation servers offer three to five independent zones of audio playback and feature two dozen apps, including Pandora, Radioio, SiriusXM, Last.FM, Slacker and MOG.
The company is offering streaming-only unit or, for a small upcharge, units with optional storage and high definition 96kHz/24-bit HD digital audio playback supporting most of the major file formats. Ovation units are designed to be Squeezebox compatible, which means you can take advantage of the multitude of two-way drivers (Savant, RTI, Elan and more) and all the major mobile device apps currently available.
Prices will start at $995 MSRP. For more information, go to: http://fusionrd.com/ovation.htm
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Share Article Back to Top CEDIA Unveils New Business Benefits for Members The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) has partnered with Global Warranty Group and Pay Anywhere to provide CEDIA members with new and valuable business benefits.
Global Warranty Group is a registered warranty administration company that has created a comprehensive customized service plan program to meet the specific needs of CEDIA member businesses. The RepairGuardian Service Plan offers members two opportunities to earn additional revenue; members earn approximately 50 percent profit on each plan sold and members are paid to perform all work on repairs covered under the plan including trip charge, diagnostics and all labor.
CEDIA members have the ability to sell two-, three- or five-year service plans with simplified pricing options that have no inventory commitments or up-front costs to their business.
Pay Anywhere provides CEDIA members with a professional-grade credit card reader and access to the accompanying app at no cost. CEDIA members can track payments in the merchant portal and take advantage of Pay Anywhere's 24/7 customer support. An advantage of using Pay Anywhere is no monthly setup or cancelation fees.
“These new benefits help support CEDIA members’ bottom line by offering new opportunities for revenue and savings on operational expenses,” said Laura Hockstra, Senior Director of Industry Programs. “CEDIA is continually working on new benefits to help members build their skills, grow business, and operate effectively.”
Other recently-added member benefits include the Business Toolkit Webinar Series, a new consumer-focused website and Finder Service ? the CEDIA Sales Assessment Tool ? and the ESC Marketing On-Demand program. Additional details about these new benefits as well as other CEDIA member benefits may be found here: http://www.cedia.net/membership/benefits.php
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Share Article Back to Top Savant Adds Simply Reliable to Partners in Excellence Program Savant Systems LLC, manufacturer of an Apple-based home automation and commercial control system, announced this month the addition of Simply Reliable Software to its PARTNERS IN EXCELLENCE cooperative program.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Draper Hires Steve Cook Draper, Inc., has hired industry veteran Steve Cook to be its new national AV consultant manager. Cook will work with Draper to support AV Design consultants and projection manufacturers. Cook previously worked at AMPro and NEC.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Premier Mounts Opens Corporate Headquarters Premier Mounts, a manufacturer of mounts, carts, stands and accessories, officially opened its new corporate headquarters in Fullerton, Calif. this month with a customary ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the landmark event in the company’s history.
To read the complete press release online, click here. 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 2012 – 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. |
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