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Volume 9, Issue 21 — November 14, 2012
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Integrating Gaming Into AV Systems
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist Whether you consider it to be a generational thing or not, how people consume media has changed. Not just in terms of mobile media, which I spend most of my time dealing with these days, but at home too.
In the past, a media room or cinema room had one purpose: watching movies. Today, gaming may be as important to clients as movie-watching, and in many cases even more important. I’ve known people whose at-home recreation revolves around playing Call Of Duty all weekend on their 100-inch projection screen.
Since PlayStation 3 (PS3) and Xbox 360 use HDMI connections (remember the RF adaptors for the original Nintendo system?), consoles are as high tech as any other piece of AV equipment like a Blu-ray player. They don’t just deserve to be professionally integrated into your client’s AV systems; they’re actually fairly easy to do so. The Xbox 360 is easy, because it uses IR for its remote codes, so it’s a simple matter to get your automation controller or room remote to power it up.
With the PlayStation 3, many of you will remember how Sony’s decision to use Bluetooth for both the game controllers and the Blu-Ray playback remote control left integrators in the lurch, unable to integrate the system with a single remote control. Necessity, of course, is the mother of invention, and aftermarket accessory makers came to the rescue. Nyko produced an IR remote whose IR receiver plugs into the PS3’s USB port. Audio Authority makes a dongle, the C-1071 BlueBeam, which translates IR to Bluetooth and back.
Unlike streaming media players and HD-PVRs that can be hidden in a rack, with consoles, location matters. When deciding on a location in the media room for a game console, consider ergonomics and ease of access.
Devices like game consoles and Blu-Ray players need to be positioned where accessing them to change discs is not a hassle. Even if the equipment is hidden in an entertainment console, or in a rack built into the wall, and screened with a cabinet door, putting it low by the floor so adults herniate themselves bending over or so high that kids will struggle to reach it is poor design. It may seem like a trivial detail, but small details all add up to how your installation is judged.
Since we’re talking about cabinets — while equipment racks have active cooling built into them, if you’re installing the game console by itself into a closed cabinet, give some thought to engineering sufficient airflow and even including a fan unit if necessary to keep the hard drive in an Xbox 360 or PS3 cool.
If you’re pre-wiring new home construction, make sure to include a network connection for the console location. Sure, game consoles all have wireless network capabilities, but if there were a signal strength or interference issue down the road, wouldn’t you wish that you had run network cables when you had the chance? You don’t want the clients blaming you for, as the kids say, “crappy lag.”
While we’re at it, if the home has multiple rooms with large-screen televisions, add a network plate in close proximity to the video displays, so that clients (and their kids) can have friends and family bring over their consoles for home LAN parties.
Gaming integration is no more daunting than integrating any other piece of hardware, and clients want it to happen, so prepare yourself for doing even more gaming rooms going forward.
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
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Will Apple Keep Upgrading Display Resolution?
By David Hsieh
DisplaySearch With the launch of the iPhone and iPad, as well as the new Macbook, Apple has continued on its path of increasing its display resolution. Apple created the term “Retina display” not just as a marketing phrase, but to educate end users about high resolution. Apple has been leading the trend in displays with high pixels per inch (ppi, the measurement of resolution), especially with the launch of iPhone 4, the first smart phone with a resolution of more than 300 ppi, and the new iPad, the first tablet PC with over 200 ppi.
However, other smart device makers, including Samsung, HTC, Google, Amazon, Sony, Lenovo and ASUS are closely following Apple, and in some cases have introduced products with higher resolutions, such as Google’s Nexus 10 tablet PC, with a 10.1” 2560×1600 display at 298 ppi, and coming smart phones using 5.0” 1920×1080 displays at 490 ppi.
Many speculated that Apple would introduce the Retina display concept into all of its products and keep increasing resolution, but the iPad Mini does not have a Retina display, and the iPhone 5 are not higher resolution compared to their predecessors, iPhone 4 and iPad. So will Apple continue to lead the trend of the high resolution? Or has the company decided that current resolutions are good enough, and is focusing on improvements in form factor and power consumption?
The pixel density of Apple’s iPhone 4, new iPad, new Macbook Air and new Macbook are exactly 4 times of the pixel density of their predecessors (iPhone 3, iPad 2, Macbook Air and Macbook), as shown in the figure. One possible scenario is that Apple will increase the resolution of the iPad and iPad mini display to 330 PPI, which would mean that its three main mobile devices will have Retina displays, with roughly the same resolution.
Exceeding 300 ppi in a tablet PC display may require new technologies, particularly oxide TFT (such as IGZO) because of the high electron mobility required to drive small pixels at low power consumption. Sharp was the first to mass produce oxide TFT panels, but Samsung, LG Display, AUO and Chimei are all working on oxide TFT as well, for the sake of readiness for Apple’s requirement. In addition, high pixel densities will increase backlight power consumption, and thermal dissipation of the LED is also a concern. All of these are challenges for the panel makers.
It is not yet clear whether Apple intends to upgrade the resolution of the iPad and iPad mini. However, end users are becoming used to 300 PPI and higher in smart phones, so they may be looking for the same level of the pixel density in tablet PCs.
Apple’s display resolution evolution (blue) and potential upgrades (yellow):
This column was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here.
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Share Article Back to Top 2013 LCD TV Panel Supply/Demand Size Mismatch
By Deborah Yang
DisplaySearch As 2012 comes to an end, the LCD TV panel market continues to be tight due to new process technologies, capacity conversions, a strong Chinese market and average size growth. New sizes like 39”, 50”, 58”, 60” and 65” were successful in 2012, and some sizes are becoming mainstream with wide adoption and volume growth.
Looking toward 2013, established sizes (e.g. 26”, 32”, 37”, 40”/42”, 46”/47” and 55”) will give way to new sizes as the TV brands adjust their product mix. In the latest NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LCD TV Value Chain Report, we compared the 2013 panel product mix of all panel suppliers to the LCD TV size mix in the Quarterly Global TV Shipment & Forecast Report. As the figure below shows, we found that there are great differences between the panel suppliers and buyers.
2013 Plans for LCD TV Set and Panel Size Mix
Source: NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly LCD TV Value Chain Report
Panel makers want to maximize the efficiency of each fab generation, while the TV brands want to maximize market share and revenue. As a result, their goals do not match perfectly all the time. And now, as panel makers aggressively expand into new sizes, the mismatch is growing more serious. When the market is tight, the push from panel makers is usually stronger than the pull from LCD TV brands. Many LCD TV brands will have to adjust their product mixes accordingly.
There are numerous factors affecting the size mismatch:
- To pursue the highest capacity utilization and value, panel makers have been moving faster to larger sizes than LCD TV brands, especially for 46”, 47”, 50”, 55”, 58”, 60”, and above.
- The very low priced 60” has changed the ecosystem. Some Chinese TV brands introduced 58” to compete with 60”. Samsung and LG Display are producing more 60” to compete with Sharp and Vizio. Since Gen 8 is not optimized for 60”, panel makers are using “multi-model glass” in which they make 60” and 32” panels on the same substrate.
- Almost all panel makers in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea are planning to reduce their 32” production in 2013. The tightness of 32” gives Chinese panel makers a great opportunity to obtain design wins with international brands.
- To prepare for the possible replacement of 46”/47” with 50”, most TV brands that are selling 46”/47” are using 50” panels. These include Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Vizio, LG Electronics, and Chinese brands.
- The lack of Gen 7, especially in China, is creating a shortage of 40”/42”. Panel makers like AUO, LG Display, and Chimei Innolux are planning to produce more 42” in Gen 8.
- Many TV brands are adjusting their product mix for 2013. Samsung’s strong dominance enables it to add every new size to its product line. Toshiba recently shifted from current mainstream sizes like 40”, 46”, and 55” to new sizes like 39”, 50”, and 58”. Sony is considering 42” and 39” to avoid concentrating too much on 40”. TV brands in China are coping with a complicated Chinese TV market since Chinese consumers tend to go for new products.
This column was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and was originally published here.
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Share Article Back to Top Is Best Buy About to Go Bye Bye?
By Gary Kayye
rAVe Founder As a last-ditch effort, Best Buy has hired Sharon McCollam, a former Williams-Sonoma finance wizzard. She accepted, coming out of retirement to helm the Best Buy recovery plan financially.
The stock already wet up today from the news, but can she even accomplish this?
Best Buy made a living under-cutting the hundreds, no thousands, of mom-and-pop as well as regionally and locally focused consumer TV and electronics store fronts. In the 1980s and 1990s, they simply dominated the space — opening a store wherever they could find buyers and making all the right moves. As stores like Wal-Mart, Target and Tuesday Morning started selling everything from food to furniture at a discount (or at least cheaper than the local grocer or retail store), Best Buy did the same for TVs, VCRs, CDs, DVDs and books. Problem is, no one's buying those things anymore. CDs, DVDs and books are all now sold virtually (as digital downloads) in higher quantities than the physical products are. VCRs were killed by the DVD player in the late 1990s, then the DVD player was killed by the one-two punch (DVR-iTunes). All that's left for Best Buy now is selling HDTVs — something that even the big makers of them can't make money on. Sony, Sharp and Panasonic have all reported steady declines in sales and profits — blaming most of it on HDTVs.
So how in the world can Best Buy survive selling TVs?
They can't.
The hope is that they can leverage their relationships with phone service providers like AT&T, Sprint and Verizon as well as home appliance manufacturers like Samsung, LG and Frigidaire in addition to TV companies, to, ironically, try and undercut the Internet companies in pricing — or as they put it, to stop "showrooming," the art of going to a Best Buy store and finding what you want and then buying it on Amazon.com.
So, how will they fix it? Well, the path is now very clear with Sharon McCollam there. I've met Sharon and I can tell you that she is an artist at branding. She will attempt to reposition Best Buy as a higher-end, more valuable alternative to anything else out there. Just walk into a Williams-Sonoma and see for yourself. They sell waffle irons for twice than those at Target, but you'll still see people in malls standing in line to get them.
To pull this off, she'll need the help of the manufacturers. And, they'll help her. They know how bad sales will be if she doesn't succeed. They'll want her to succeed because she will add value to their own products — and she has the capability to Apple'fy AV gear (and home appliances). She'll bring Apple-like ideas to not only the retail stores, but she'll push that vision up the chain to Japan, Korea and China where she'll convince them to build differentiated products for Best Buy that will sell for more than Amazon's prices.
And, this can't help but be good for everyone, should it work.
If I were a betting man, I'd go buy some Best Buy stock pretty soon…
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Get Involved To Help Hurricane Sandy Victims and Those Hurt By Other Disasters Our industry has always been known for being a small, tight-knit community. We are not just companies, competitors and professional colleagues — we are friends, confidants, and supporters of each other, in the best of times and the worst.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the people and businesses (many of our own) in the northeast that have been devastated by and will continue to suffer the effects of the second largest storm in our country’s history, both personally and professionally.
We, as an industry, can partner with the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) and others to provide short-term and long-term support to help those affected by disasters to recover and rebuild.
Please join us and get involved in helping victims of Hurricane Sandy who desperately need our help. Let’s come together as we have so many times and bring much needed support and technical solutions to help people rebuild and return to their lives with hope and encouragement.
Our immediate goal is to equip shelters with a portable projection screen and projector or a flat panel display in time to watch the Macy’s Day Parade. This is a cherished and long standing tradition for the people of New York and New Jersey and your assistance will help bring the sense of community and togetherness that makes up the very fabric of who they are.
We also need volunteers, both with delivering gear and installing it, as well as creating a database of AV professionals who can respond in the future when a disaster hits around the country.
Time is of the essence. Our entire industry is about helping and making life easier for our customers and clients. Well, there are people who need us RIGHT NOW that we will never meet, will never be a return customer and will probably never know who we are. But, they will ALWAYS remember that we appreciate the challenges they face and in some small way, hope to make their road ahead a little less riddled with twists and turns.
Volunteer: Can you volunteer a day or more worth of work, as an installer, engineer, or doing clean-up? We are looking for both short-term volunteers for the NY/NJ area and also volunteers to sign up in the event of a future disaster in other parts of the county. Please fill out a quick form here: http://www.itdrc.org/volunteer.html
Donate: We want to help shelters with providing large audience viewing displays in time for the Macy’s Day Parade and assist the ITRDC with providing Internet connectivity to shelters long-term.
Can you donate the following new or used equipment?
- Projector(s)
- Portable projection screen(s)
- Flat panel display(s)
- Cabling (Cat 3/5/6, HDMI, fiber)
- Equipment racks
- Power conditioning equipment
- UPS equipment
Please ship these items to either:
Staten Island
Attn: Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund
18 Hervey Street
Staten Island NY 10309
Long Island
Attn: ITDRC c/o Digital Sales Group New York
1227 Walt Whitman Rd.
Melville, NY 11747
The ITDRC is in significant need of UPS, power protection and network equipment. If you can donate any of these items or other equipment, please email: partner@itdrc.org
The ITDRC also needs our help in winning $5,000 worth of gas to continue providing relief. Please vote for them in the Fueling Good contest! You can vote once a day, every day through Wed., Nov. 28th. It takes two seconds; let’s help them win by voting here: http://www.fuelinggood.com/rewardinggood?id=1305703
Partner in Sound Productions and JD Systems are also helping Staten Island receive all necessary items to recover and rebuild through the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund. This fund was started in memory of Carl V. Bini, a New York firefighter tragically taken during 9/11. They can really use gift cards to major department stores and Home Depot, as well as, cash donations. You can find information on how to help here: http://jdsystems.tv/hurricane-sandy-relief-for-staten-island/
The Red Cross is also in need of blood donations. You can make a local appointment to give blood here: http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation
Finally, our special thanks to the generous contributions of Access Networks, ITDRC, Partners in Sound Productions, JD Systems, Digital Sales Group NY, Women in AV, Crestron, FSR and Kramer Electronics. They are leading the efforts to get help those in need and we applaud them for all they are doing to help.
For more information or questions, you can contact womeninav@gmail.com, info@itdrc.org or sarah@accessca.com
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Share Article Back to Top Recently From rAVe's BlogSquad Back to Top Update: CEDIA App Can Help Make Life Easier The CEDIA App was launched in March of this year with one goal in mind, to help make life easier when out in the field. We all know things can get pretty hectic before the truck rolls, and once you are out in the field…it’s fair game to what can happen.
Since launching the app, CEDIA has been working hard at enhancing its different features. Learn more about what you can expect from this latest major update.
Tools: The tools featured on the CEDIA app, are some of the best in-field companions a technician or installer could ask for. Tools members can find on the app include:
- Ohm’s Law Calculator Suite NEW
- Video Calculator Suite
As the App continues to develop, we will be adding even more calculators and tools that will help you when out on site.
Documents: From white papers to past webinar materials and social media help, the documents area of the App is the perfect place to brush up on technical and business information while on the go.
And, to make it even easier to access information, you can even sort through exclusive CEDIA documents by category.
Here are a few new documents that are waiting for you: - Pricing and Materials Webinar Presentation and White Paper
- Creating a Breakeven Analysis Webinar Presentation and White Paper
- Understanding and Tracking True Labor Costs Presentation and White Paper
Events: Constantly updated as the events are created, make sure you are aware of all the training and education opportunities in your area. You can even have this feature email events to your team directly from the calendar.
Join: Some features of the App are closed off to members’ only, items like the Tools, Member Directory, and Documents are exclusively for CEDIA members. We have made it easier for non-members to join by including a “Join” CEDIA button the App.
Blog: Read the CEDIA blog right from your phone. Ranging on topics emerging technology trends, best business practices, tips and CEDIA news, the blog function of the CEDIA App allows you to get all your light industry reading easily and efficiently.
New User Interface: Cleaner, faster and easier-to-use, the new interface of the CEDIA App will provide a better user experience for all.
Check out all the new and current features of the CEDIA App today at http://www.cedia.net/app.
Haven’t downloaded yet? The CEDIA App is available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry users.
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Nearly 600 Million Connected TV Sets By 2017, According to Connected TV Forecasts Report According to a new report from Digital TV Research, the number of TVs connected to the Internet will reach 596 million by 2017, up from 105 million at the end of 2010 and the 212 million expected at the end of 2012. The Connected TV Forecasts report covers 40 countries.
The U.S. contributed 48 million to the 2010 total (or 45 percent of the global total), and will grow to 78 million in 2012 (37 percent) and 147 million by 2017 (only 25 percent of the global total). China will have 93 million connected TVs by 2017, up from a mere 2 million at the end of 2010. So Japan will drop from second place in 2010 (13 million) to third in 2017 (43 million).
This global connected TV total translates to 21.4 percent of global TV sets by 2017, up from only 4.7 percent at end-2010 and 8.9 percent by end-2012. The US will have the highest penetration of TV sets by 2017 – at 38.1 percent, closely followed by Norway (37.7 percent) and South Korea (37.2 percent).
Report author Simon Murray said, “There has been something of a backlash against smart TV sets over the last year as critics argue that similar — or even better — offers are available on tablets or even mobile smartphones. Critics complain that connected TV sets provide a clunky experience. Although this is a wake-up call for those involved in the sector, these deficiencies are likely to be addressed reasonably soon as connected TV becomes mainstream. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of online usage via connected TVs is TV-related.”
There are several ways by which a TV set can be connected online. The most popular has been via the fixed games console, which accounted for 57 percent of the 2010 total. However, connected TV sets will overtake games consoles in late 2012. Connected TV sets will account for 41 percent of the 2017 total. There were 31 million installed connected TV sets by the end of 2010, and this total will rocket to 84 million by the end of 2012 and onto 243 million by 2017. As a proportion of TV sets, this percentage will climb from 1.4 percent in 2010 to 3.5 percent in 2012 and onto 8.7 percent by 2017.
Connected TV via the pay TV settop box has plenty of potential as operators strive to retain their subscribers. TiVo has signed deals with several pay TV operators. Furthermore, Liberty Global/UPC launched its Horizon gateway service across several of its European properties in late 2012. So, from humble beginnings, there will be 98 million sets accessing the Internet via the pay TV settop box by end-2017. However, only 3.5 percent of global TV sets will be connected this way in 2017.
As well as pay TV operators offering connected settop boxes, some models are available at retail. Examples include Google TV, Apple TV and Roku. Mainly a US. phenomenon at present, there have been several international launches in 2012.
The global total of connected TV sets via retail settop boxes will reach 40.2 million in 2017, up from only 3.0 million in 2010 and 13.6 million by the end of 2012. This form of connection is only expected to have a limited impact (1.4 percent of global TV sets by 2017) due to the superior offers from the other forms of connections.
Despite being overtaken by connected sets in late 2012, the number of connected games consoles will continue to rise significantly (reaching 138.4 million by 2017, up from 82.2 million at the end of 2012). The total number of fixed games consoles will increase by 79 percent between 2010 and 2017 to 276 million. This growth comes due to the anticipated launches of new versions of each console between 2012 and 2014.
Blu-ray players will become important for connected TV expansion, with 76.1 million connections forecast by 2017. As usual, the U.S. will be the pioneer nation, maintaining its market lead with 16.6 million connected TV via blu-ray players by 2017. China will be close behind with 12.7 million connected blu-ray players by 2017, up from 140,000 at end-2010 and 1.6 million at the end of 2012.
To buy the complete report, click here: https://www.digitaltvresearch.com/products/product?id=60
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Share Article Back to Top DLNA Hits 500 Audio Devices The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) has seen a surge in the number of DLNA Certified AV products, and today announced that certifications have doubled since 2010. DLNA has Certified more than 500 AV systems to date, providing consumers with the ability to enjoy music and video content on a range of consumer electronics products throughout the digital home.
“AV devices have become a vital component of today’s connected home,” said Nidhish Parikh, chairman and president of DLNA. “Consumers are demanding more from their digital content and are looking for ways to access media from multiple devices on their home network. DLNA Certified® AV systems are able to communicate with other consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets, televisions and NAS devices, effectively expanding the boundaries of the digital home through easy interoperability.”
DLNA Certified AV systems can act as a digital media player or renderer, allowing consumers to control their integrated home theater systems by easily browsing, playing and controlling video or music from DLNA Certified products such as Blu-ray players, laptops, mobile phones, tablets and televisions. With nearly 20,000 DLNA Certified device models, consumers can enjoy their music and video content on AV systems from an array of DLNA Certified products. DLNA Certified AV systems are currently available from member companies including: Harman International, Huawei, LG, ONKYO, Philips, Pioneer, Sony, Yamaha and many more.
A full list of Certified AV system models can be found on the DLNA Certified product search site here: http://www.dlna.org/consumer-home/look-for-dlna/product-search
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WiSA Establishes Technical Advisory Committee and Special Interest Groups to Define Advancements in High Definition Audio Technology The Wireless Speaker and Audio (WiSA) Association today announced the creation of a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and associated Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to advance the development of wireless audio solutions for home theater, consumer electronics and professional A/V markets. Participation in both groups is open to members of the WiSA Association and the activities pursued by each group may influence the WiSA Compliance Test Specification (CTS) as well as the technology roadmap.
The Technical Advisory Committee will work with other standards bodies such as the IEEE, AES, HDMI and MHL to advance wireless HD audio in their respective specifications. Special Interest Groups will address various challenges facing the audio industry today, such as DTV applications, 802.1 A/V bridging, interoperability with other radio technologies and many other topics. The focus of the first two Special Interest Groups is on addressing DTV connectivity and multi-room wireless HD audio technology.
“We are at a pivotal point in time for providing leadership and new direction for the wireless speaker and audio industry and we welcome the participation of Technical Advisory Committee and Special Interest Groups members in charting the course for wireless HD audio in the home theater,” said Jim Venable, president of the WiSA Association. “The WiSA Association has gained significant momentum with the recent release of the industry’s first Compliance Test Specification for interoperability and I expect our engagement with the Technical Advisory Committee and Special Interest Groups to be equally ground-breaking in driving additional areas of application for high-performance wireless audio.”
The WiSA Association is dedicated to the delivery of high-definition audio content in the home theater environment. Opportunities to participate in the Association exist for Members and Associate Members. Companies and organizations interested in joining a SIG are welcome to contact the Association. The application to join and information about membership fees can be found at http://www.wisaassociation.org.
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Share Article Back to Top Sony's Sales Still Suck For the seventh quarter in a row, Sony lost money. Never in the history of the company has its outlook been so bleak. In the company's latest quarterly report, losses amounted to $194 million — that was a few million dollars less than the last quarter — but it's a loss. It's in the midst of cutting 10,000 jobs and refocusing the brand on mobile products, but without an iPhone-like or Playstation-3'ish success, we may see the demise of the company.
So far this year, not only have the sales losses mounted, but Sony's stock has shrunk nearly 35 percent. So, what's next? Well, don't discount the possibility of a merger with either Panasonic or Sharp. Oops, maybe I wasn't supposed to leak that…
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Share Article Back to Top Sharp Ships 90" Full-Array LED HDTV Sharp just started shipping its new 90" HDTV in the form of the LC-90LE745U — the world’s largest LED TV. Specs include four HDMI 1.4 inputs, a VGA port, a component video port and a built in ATSC tuner. It's capable of 3D imaging, offers a refresh rate of 240Hz and has built-in Wi-Fi. The native 1920x1080p LCD has a full-array backlit LED with a specified contrast ratio of 8,000,000:1 and offers a 176-degree viewing angle.
Marketed as part of the AQUOS product line, it's a SmartTV with apps that include Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, HuluPlus and VUDU.
But the real story here is that it is made on a professional production line, and can therefore be used for commercial applications such as digital signage or in classrooms. And, it will be. It lists for $10,999. Here are all the specs: http://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/LCDTV/Models/LC90LE745U.aspx#overview
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Share Article Back to Top Sanus Ships New Super Slim Full-Motion Wall Mount Sanus is now shipping its VMF408 Super Slim Full-Motion Wall Mount for 26" – 47" flat-panel TVs. The VMF408 places TVs 1.1" from the wall, but still offers full-motion capabilities.
Other features include:
- Cable management guide — keeps loose cables organized without compromising TV movement
- Leveling adjustments — allow TV to be positioned after hanging
- New gliding system — allows TV to extend out from the wall with ease and shift left or right on the wall plate for preferred placement
To get all the specs, click here [PDF]: http://eblast.sanus.com/2012/2012-10-29-VMF408/SS_VMF408.pdf
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Share Article Back to Top Extron Introduces New Economical Wall Mount HDMI Twisted Pair Extender Extron has introduced the DTP HDMI 230 D, a Decora-style transmitter and receiver set for transmission of HDMI, audio and bidirectional RS-232 and IR control signals up to 230 feet (70 meters) over a single CATx cable. The HDCP-compliant extender provides an economical and effective means for extending HDMI with embedded multi-channel audio from HDMI-equipped devices. In addition, the DTP HDMI 230 D accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same twisted pair cable.
This extender simplifies the incorporation of analog and digital audio signals and it allows a direct analog audio connection from devices with stereo output, such as desktop computers or laptops, and provides balanced and unbalanced audio output from the receiver. In addition, the DTP HDMI 230 D continuously maintains DDC communication of EDID and HDCP between a source and display for reliable operation, ensuring direct compatibility and optimal signal transmission between devices.
The DTP HDMI 230 D is compatible with CAT 5e, CAT 6, and CAT 7 twisted pair cable, and can be used as a point-to-point solution or integrated with an HDMI matrix switcher to extend inputs or outputs to remote locations. It supports signal resolutions up to 1080p/60 or 1920×1200 and supports HDMI specification features including data rates up to 6.75 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, HD lossless audio formats, and CEC. For added flexibility, either the transmitter or receiver can be powered over the original twisted pair cable, allowing both devices to share one external power supply. Both devices are available separately, and may be mixed and matched with the desktop DTP HDMI 230 transmitter or receiver to suit the installation requirements of a specific application.
Here are all the specs: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dtphdmi230drx&s=5
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Share Article Back to Top Home Automation With a Heart? Design company Artefact has a simple-sounding blurb for its Serenity home automation system. The company's literature calls it “a home OS with a heart that allows the user to toggle through a range of home controls and automation.” Currently it's more of a set of renders/drawings than an actual product, despite being a Red Dot and BraunPrize 2012 award winner.
Serenity involves a network of e-ink tablets providing updates on various systems connected to an automation platform in your home. Sensors in the home would provide feedback from connected systems (lighting, audio, HVAC, security, etc.), while the e-ink tablets display all controls and information in an attractive, if not artistic, manner. Graphics include swaying plants (with leaves falling off) and stylized control visuals — all in the name of creating an emotional connection between the user and the home.
Artefact calls it "consumptive awareness." The company also says "[the system] grows, adapts and changes over time through behavior, awareness, and preference," making it sound very similar to newer "learning" automation devices, such as the Nest thermostat.
So far Serenity is only a concept, but the ideas behind it sound interesting and full of potential. We'll keep a closer eye on them and let you know when it's real.
Here are more details: http://www.artefactgroup.com/#/content/serenity-a-home-os-with-a-heart
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Share Article Back to Top Sanus Announces New iPad Mounts SANUS is now shipping the largest line of iPad mounts we've seen, including mounts for on the wall, under a cabinet, on any flat surface or on anything metal via a magnet.
They include four different models:
- VTM1: For flat surface, desk, under cabinet or magnetic surface mounting: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/ipad-mount/VTM1
| | - VTM5: For desk, under cabinet or magnetic surface mounting: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/ipad-mount/VTM5
| | - VTM6: For on-wall or magnetic surface mounting: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/ipad-mount/VTM6
| | - VTM7: For magnetic surface mounting: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/ipad-mount/VTM7
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Share Article Back to Top TruAudio Introduces Bulk Cable and TV Mounts TruAudio now offers a line of Bulk Cable that includes 14 and 16 gauge, RG6 and Cat5 available in 500- and 1,000-foot lengths on spools and in pull boxes. Here are all the specs: http://truaudio.com/products/221/Speaker_Cable
In addition, the company also introduced a new line of TV mounts. TruAudio is now offering Articulating, Flat, Tilt, Swiveling and Super Slim mounts in sizes from micro to large that will fit screens from 13” up to 65”. Here are those details: http://truaudio.com/products/217/Mounting_Brackets
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Share Article Back to Top SANUS Ships BFV53 SANUS is now shipping the BFV53 Audio Video Stand, perfect for multiple components and flat-panel TVs up to 56". This stand is unique in that it includes an open design that maximizes airflow to equipment and provides easy access to back of components, as well as generous cable management holes. It's built with thick smoked tempered glass on powder coated heavy gauge steel and has adjustable feet.
The BFV53 is compatible with the ELM701 flat-panel TV anti-tip strap and with the FMS for a pillar-mounted solution.
Here are the specs: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/av-basic/BFV53
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Share Article Back to Top PSB Speakers Adds Imagine Series PSB Speakers introduced two surface-mount models as additions to the Imagine Series with the new Imagine W1 and W3, which measure only 3” deep.
The Imagine W1 ($599 list) is a single-channel speaker that can be mounted vertically or horizontally and used as a front left, center or surround-sound speaker, or it can be used as a stereo pair speaker. The Imagine W3 ($1,199 list) combines left, center and right channels all in one enclosure that can be wall-mounted or placed on the top of a cabinet. The custom-designed drivers for each channel are sealed internally in individual chambers so they function as three discrete speakers.
The W1 and W3 aren't on the PSB sebsite yet, but when they are, they'll be here: http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/imagine
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Share Article Back to Top Terra Loudspeakers Partners with Leon Speakers to Design Outdoor Line of Speakers Today, Terra Loudspeakers announced a partnership with Leon Speakers to supply Terra-built CS-5.25 woofer/mid-range drivers for Leon's new Boundary 404 outdoor speakers, the company's first entry in the weather-resistant, outdoor speaker category. The Boundary 404 features two 4” outdoor aluminum cone woofers and a 1” aluminum/magnesium dome. According to Leon, each speaker is custom built out of hand-selected Mahogany and finished with the same exact varnish as the hull of classic ships. The weather-proof enclosure can be finished in either mahogany, black or white wood and all of them have polished chrome top and bottom rails.
The cabinet dimensions are 16.75" (w) x 6.75" (h) x 6" (d) and the performance specs of the speakers include 60 watts at 4Ω and a frequency response of 65-20kHz at 89dB@1W/1m.
Here are all the specs: https://www.ravepubs.com/utility/documents/BoundaryB404-NP.pdf
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Share Article Back to Top HAI Debuts Redesigned Hi-Fi 2 System HAI by Leviton announced a new version of its four-zone, four-source (4×4) distributed audio system, dubbed the Hi-Fi 2. The new version is a more compact and less expensive version of the original Hi-Fi 2 system. It offers 20 watts per channel and fits directly into a Leviton Structured Media Center wiring enclosure at half-width. As with the entire Hi-Fi 2 line, the new 4×4 model allows users to listen to and share music sources with any room that has speakers connected to the device. Both local and remote source inputs are standard features, with optional wireless Bluetooth connectivity. The Remote Input Module (RIM) features a routed IR emitter jack for remotely controlling existing source equipment from any room that has a volume source control.
The Hi-Fi 2 4×4 unit uses the same volume source control, RIM and optional Bluetooth RIM as the larger Hi-Fi 2 8×8. The new version comes complete with the Hi-Fi 2 4×4 amplifier, four volume source controls, two remote input modules, a remote control and a power supply, all packaged in what HAI says is an environmentally friendly carton made of 100 percent recycled materials. Color change kits are also available separately for the wall-mounted volume source control and remote input modules.
The HAI by Leviton Hi-Fi 2 4×4 will be available in all markets during Q4 2012. Here are all the details: http://homeauto.com/Products/WholeHomeAudio/EntertainmentOverview.asp
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Share Article Back to Top Parasound Intros Digital Audio Booster Parasound has introduced the Zdac, a 192 kHz digital to analog converter that the company says enhances the audio quality of digital music files from computers via USB, or from a CD player, Sonos or other digital media players via optical or coaxial digital connections. It uses what Parasound calls Clockflawless, a new method to eliminate jitter that was invented by Holm Acoustics in Denmark. Supposedly it preserves the source signal in bit-perfect form, while completely restoring the timing information in the stream of the original recording. Parasound also says that all timing errors introduced and accumulated during the transport phase are removed for SPDIF and optical as well as USB.
The Parasound Zdac accepts 24-bit word lengths and all sampling rates up to 192kHz on SPIF and optical and 96kHz on USB. Signals are reclocked and then upsampled to 422kHz and output through gold-plated RCA jacks or balanced XLR outputs.
The Parasound Zdac is available in the traditional Z-Series black rack-mount configuration and the new Z-Series silver finish without rack tabs. Both versions are one rack-space high and a half-rack in width. The black Zdac is 9.5 inches wide and the silver Zdac is a bit smaller at 8.5 inches wide. Both of them list for $475.
It's not on the company's website yet, but when it is, it'll be here: http://www.parasound.com/ParasoundZ/
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Share Article Back to Top CEDIA Releases New White Paper About Mobile Devices in Residential Systems Integration CEDIA has released the third white paper in its Mobile Devices in Residential Systems Integration series. The new white paper, Using Mobile Devices as a Control Platform, discusses the current landscape of using mobile devices for integrated system control applications and provides system designers and technicians with guidance on design considerations in integration and automation with mobile devices.
Mobile devices have become a ubiquitous part of everyday life. High-end and budget-conscious consumers alike are increasingly requesting their mobile devices be integrated into their automation systems, making it necessary for electronic systems contractors (ESCs) to adapt and learn to properly integrate mobile devices within the home.
The new white paper is available free of charge for CEDIA members and $9.99 for non-members in the CEDIA Marketplace here: http://www.cedia.net/marketplace/. The two other white papers in the series, Ten Steps to Creating a Robust Wireless Environment for Mobile Device Integration White Paper and The Business Case: Why Your Business Needs an Enterprise-Grade Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, are also available in the CEDIA Marketplace.
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Control4 Product Line Now Updated In D-Tools System Integrator Software D-Tools announced today that detailed information for the entire family of Control4 products has been recently updated in the D-Tools product database and online Manufacturer library.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Savant Appoints Sales Reps for Southeast Savant Systems LLC has announced that Southeastern Sales Associates, Inc. (SESales) will represent the brand to the custom electronics channel in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee beginning immediately.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Milestone Holds Blood Drive Milestone employees participated in a blood drive on Oct. 31 in combination with headquarters neighbors Gassen Companies and Connexions Loyalty Travel Solutions. The drive had already been planned long before Hurricane Sandy became a reality, but the events on the East Coast gave the blood drive an extra sense of urgency and weight. Volunteers quickly filled the few empty donation spots still on the schedule.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Sheffield Institute Teams Up With Crestron For graduating students to get a foothold in the AV and systems integration industries, they need to be up to speed on the technologies that are most popularly used in the field. Recently, the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts (SIRA) teamed with Crestron to co-develop professional development curriculum for the graduating class at the vocational school in Maryland.
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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