McIntosh introduced the MCD85 SACD/CD Player. Using an open chassis design, the MCD85 can play store bought SACDs and CDs as well as music from homemade CD or DVD Data Discs; file formats include AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV and WMA. The USB Audio input supports up to DSD256 and […]
Atlona is shipping its AT-OPUS-RX41, a 4×1 HDMI and HDBaseT switcher/receiver and member of the Opus Series of 4K HDR signal distribution and extension products. The OPUS-RX41 has three HDMI inputs for local devices, plus one HDBaseT input to receive video, embedded audio, Ethernet pass-through, power and bidirectional control signals over distances up to 330 […]
Mike Tyson famously said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” In much the same way you could say, “Everyone agrees to respect MAP until they need to boost their revenue.” Minimum Advertised Price, or MAP, is the lowest allowable advertised price a brand sets to maintain the integrity of its […]
Sennheiser plans to exclusively focus on its professional business and aims to secure a partnership to strengthen its market position in consumer electronics (translation: The company is looking for either a buyer of the consumer products division or an investment partner). With this decision, Sennheiser is consistently continuing on its course to build greater independence […]
Bowers & Wilkins has launched a music app available to both Android and iOS users — the app will initially offer support for Qobuz, TIDAL, TuneIn, Dash Radio, NTS Radio and SoundCloud, with more subscription services and streaming platforms to be added in the coming months. High-resolution (24-bit/96 kilohertz) performance is also available, via Qobuz. […]
When specifying or installing window shades, two important factors to always keep in mind are safety and quality. However, proving that a product is safe can be difficult when the electrical inspector arrives. That’s why Draper sought and achieved UL Listing for several models of Motorized FlexShade. UL Listing is for the entire unit, and not just […]
I went on record last year saying that the official motto for 2020 should be “Oh No, What NOW!?” Frankly, January 2021 already got off to a rollicking start. If you thought 2020 was a “Gong Show,” so far we’ve all had an eventful year and it’s not even February yet. I’ve written before about […]
Clare Controls released a ClareOne v1.2.10/9.1.5 software update that broadens the system’s capabilities, including live surveillance camera viewing on ClareOne panels and the ClareOne app, as well as support for multiple third-party water sensors and shut-off devices. At the same time, the company also debuted five new products: the ClareOne Auxiliary Touch Panel, the ClareOne […]
Solving Volume and Noise Problems in a Home By: Kate Couch and Tony Sprando When most people contact Audio Visual for noise control and noise solutions they often don’t realize what’s truly contributing to the volume of the sound. When you’re in your home trying to get work done and you can hear the birds […]
Start planning your InfoComm 2021 as the show will happen, according to rAVe Founder Gary Kayye. Just today, the organizers of InfoComm, AVIXA, announced that the organization is shifting the show dates from June to Oct. 27-29 through a written statement from AVIXA’s CEO, Dave Labuskes. We’ve posted that entire statement, below, but Gary also […]
McIntosh introduced the MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier. The McIntosh MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier is designed for discerning headphone enthusiasts who demand the most from their headphones. Its set of connectivity options, including balanced inputs and outputs, allows for nearly all headphone types to be connected. A pair of 12AT7 and 12BH7A dual triode […]
Savant has introduced an integration with Zoom’s audio/videoconferencing platform, Zoom Rooms. As part of Savant’s smart living ecosystem, Savant’s Zoom Rooms, a Savant Scene and applicable audio/video services can automatically launch each time a meeting is started. For example, at the start of each meeting, lights can dim or brighten based on time of day, […]
Welcome to my 21st annual Kayye’s Krystal Ball! I love writing this annual predictions article — it’s both humbling and rewarding. It requires me to stop and research anything new, evaluate the potential impact it will have and then articulate it in a way that matters to readers. If you’re a regular reader of my […]
The National Kitchen & Bath Association released its 2021 Market Outlook report, revealing the industry is poised for continued growth with overall spending for both kitchen and bath projects to increase in the coming year. The industry anticipates a pronounced rebound in overall industry growth from -5.9% in 2020 to 16.6% in 2021, compared to 9% […]
By Alexandre Jornod Futuresource Consulting Over recent years, the audio market has witnessed a progressive shift to more premium products. Case in point with headphones and models such as the Apple AirPods Pro, along with the Sony WH-1000XM series, which have helped democratizing higher audio quality to the mass-market. This trend, which can be seen […]
Some of my closest #AVtweeps know that back last summer, I volunteered to be one of the 43,448 people within the global trial to get injected with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (aka: BNT162b2 0.3 ml). Yes, I received the actual vaccine rather than the placebo (21,720 people in the study received BNT162b2 and 21,728 received […]
Visionary announced two new PacketAV DUET Wallplate Encoders, one featuring Bluetooth (DuetE-WP-BT) and the other featuring simplified HDMI only connectivity (DuetE-WP-H). The DuetE-WP-BT, the first of its kind, combines powerful 4K UHD video and Dante/AES67 audio embedding and de-embedding over a single gigabit ethernet (PoE) port, with built-in Bluetooth wireless audio connectivity. With Bluetooth 5.0 […]
In more than one editorial I’ve made the point that new business opportunities come from who you know. And that if you want more things to come your way you need to know more people. That’s why it’s important to network: to meet new people and find opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise know about if […]
Denon introduced the Denon Home Sound Bar 550, a compact sound bar that adds TV audio to the Denon Home family of products. With the ability to deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound from a six-driver array, the sound bar also has HEOS Built-in. Additionally, listeners who already invested in the HEOS ecosystem, […]
Barix has added a new remote configuration tool set in its IP Former analog-to-IP speaker upgrade solution that makes multi-unit installation faster. Built into each IP Former device and accessible through a web browser, the new tool set enables efficient, centralized configuration of all IP Former units on the same network. The IP Former hardware […]
Meyer Sound has introduced Ultra Reflex, a patent-pending solution for optimum reproduction of discrete screen channel audio on large-scale direct view (“emissive”) video displays. The complete system for each screen channel comprises a high frequency component reflecting off the screen that is coupled with a direct radiating low frequency component. The result is full bandwidth […]
Barco has announced the launch of its new budget-friendly G100 series of three laser projectors aimed at media-based attractions, like planetariums, theme parks and smaller events. The G100 is a single-chip projector with native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution and includes three brightness variants: 16,000, 19,000 and 22,000 lumens. This high-brightness power enables advanced image quality to […]
D-Tools announced the availability of System Integrator version 15, which includes new capabilities for its end-to-end, estimation, design, installation and service management software solution. The latest release, SI version 15, provides new performance-enhancing capabilities that include: Solutions — A combination of products and multiple packages can now be created to present in a solutions-based sales […]
MSE Audio announced cosmetic upgrades to its SoundTube BGM (background music) in-ceiling loudspeakers with upgraded flangeless magnetic grilles. SoundTube’s CM-BGM background music in-ceiling loudspeakers are designed specifically for low and suspended ceilings. The CM-BGM speakers dramatically reduce installation time with SpeedWing constant-tension mounting systems. The CM series incorporates low profile styling and seamless coverage in […]
LG Business Solutions USA has introduced the LAT140 Transparent Color LED Film digital signage display. First introduced as a 24-millimeter pixel pitch model, the new 14-millimeter version nearly quadruples the number of pixels in the same space and doubles the brightness generating a viewing experience that attracts the attention of passersby, while also displaying a […]
RTI announced an AV-over-IP system to distribute 4K UHD video over a 1-gigabit network switch. Dubbed VIP, the key is the VIP-UHD-CTRL Control Module, which combines APEX integration with IR, RS-232, or TCP/IP control and a wizard-based interface for system configuration. Signal management provides independent routing of IR, RS-232, USB/KVM, audio, and video signals, while […]
When it comes to attracting attention, it’s hard to compete with a 43-foot-wide floor-to-ceiling aquarium teeming with 5,000 colorful sea creatures an arm’s length away from diners indulging in gourmet dishes prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. But Neptune’s Restaurant at the Ocean Park oceanarium and amusement park complex in Hong Kong’s Southern district pulled it […]
Over three years after the launch of the HDMI Specification Version 2.1, major products are now widely available that support HDMI 2.1 features including 4K@120Hz, 8K@60Hz, Dynamic HDR and eARC. “It’s exciting to see so many new products available with these new features,” said Rob Tobias, CEO and president of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. (HDMI […]
Luxul introduced a new five-port PoE+ powered Gigabit switch with PoE pass-through. For installation flexibility, the SW-100-05PD is powered by a PoE+ switch or injector — eliminating the need for a power supply — and offers multiple mounting options. The SW-100-05PD features a dedicated PoE+ input port, a pass-through Gigabit PoE port capable of powering […]
Sony Electronics just debuted two new Crystal LEDs in the form of the C-series (ZRD-C12A/C15A) with high contrast and B-series (ZRD-B12A/B15A) with high brightness. Both new displays are available in two pixel pitch sizes (P1.26-millimeter and P1.58-millimeter) for different installation needs and expand the lineup of Sony’s Crystal LED for various applications including corporate showrooms, […]
It’s that time of year again where everyone makes ridiculous resolutions they probably won’t keep. Instead of doing all that this year, I wanted to make a resolution that would be achievable — no matter how hard it seems. So, I am studying to get my CTS! To keep me accountable, my co-workers at rAVe […]
2020 sucked! So, now that we got that out of the way, let’s review the top 10 AV, UCC and Digital Signage stories, according to data, in 2020! The top story of 2020 was the the acquisition of Whitlock by AVI-SPL. Marketed as a merger, this didn’t appear to be one in hindsight. Whitlock is now […]
