Sep 24 Podcast #444: CEDIA 2010
Podcast 
Each year CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) holds an event where the industry gathers to show off their wares. We’ve been to a few of these and actually enjoy the show more than CES. It takes the parts of CES that we are interested in and compresses it down to a more manageable show. We didn’t go this year but that won’t stop us from talking about some of the products we think are interesting.
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Listen to the show
Today's Show:
News:
- Cisco Debuts All-New Flip Video Lineup
- Analysts predict all-in-one Apple TV in 2012
- Pandora makes its way to TiVo Premiere
- Third of Young Netflix Users Cut Cable
- Blockbuster Files For Bankruptcy, To Shed Nearly All Debt
Other:
CEDIA 2010
Each year CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) holds an event where the industry gathers to show off their wares. We’ve been to a few of these and actually enjoy the show more than CES. It takes the parts of CES that we are interested in and compresses it down to a more manageable show. We didn’t go this year but that won’t stop us from talking about some of the products we think are interesting.
XANTECH
BDXTT ($100) - The new Xantech BDXTT allows you to make a wireless connection between any A2DP Stereo Bluetooth® enabled audio source and any single or multi-zone audio system. This includes connecting products such as the Apple® iPad®, iPhone® or iPod touch®2G, a large number of mobile phones, and personal computers. Integrate these audio sources into Xantech multi-zone audio systems using the Xantech MX88/MRC88 controller, Digital Delivery System (DDS), or any other audio amplifier or amplified speaker with RCA or 3.5mm stereo mini-phone inputs.
Gefen
GefenTV Auto Volume Stabilizer w/ Digital Audio Decoder ($229) - The GefenTV Auto Volume Stabilizer with Digital Audio Decoder product serves two functions: it is a high-quality volume stabilizer and also delivers a mixdown from a 5.1 channel to two-channel, Left Right audio using Dolby AC3 decoding. It actually makes the volume adjustments in such a subtle way that you won't even notice the change.
An additional feature includes a bypass button that allows the pass-through of unmodified incoming audio. Using Dolby Volume technology, the unit senses changes in volume levels, and then maintains a steady volume level for any input sound coming from DVD, Blu-ray or other multimedia source. Listen to movies and TV shows easily without the inconvenience of continuously fiddling with the volume levels. er)
GefenTV Home Theater Audio Processor ($899) - The GefenTV Home Theater Audio Processor provides pass-through connection for a Hi-Def source to two mirrored HDTV displays using HDMI features supporting 1080p full HD, Deep Color, Lip-Sync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and 3DTV pass-through. The audio from both the HDMI and coax inputs is sent to the coax and optical outputs as compressed AC-3 digital audio and to separate six-channel audio on the RCA and binding post connectors. Up to 5.1 channels of LPCM, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic II is decoded on the output.
Speakers can be connected to the binding posts using the built-in amplifier, delivering 25 watts per channel RMS. The audio can also be sent to an external power amplifier using the RCA connectors. The front-left and front-right channels use bi-amplification to enhance the sound quality.
Disney
Disney WOW World of Wonder (DVD $30, Blu Ray $35) - The Disney WOW World of Wonder Disc is a definitive "how to" guide for in-home High Definition (HD) optimization of home entertainment systems featuring the help of classic Disney character GOOFY and including HD demonstration clips from popular Disney titles including Toy Story, Up, Bolt and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The easy to follow on-screen guide is designed to help consumers get the best quality experience from their home theater systems by providing everyone from beginners and enthusiasts to experts and custom installers alike with valuable high quality calibration tools.
Also included on the disc are the following:
- Pixel Flipper - Exercises all of the pixels on the screen, to eliminate "burn-in" and "stuck" pixels.
- Viewing Angle Diagnostic -Determines viewing angles on the owner's monitor.
- The Video Encoder Stress Test - Pushes the limits of a professional video encoding system by presenting video encoding challenges running simultaneously on the screen, allowing viewers to compare results to the WOW Benchmark Reference.
- Direct Access - Enables experienced users to bypass the regular menus and go to a list of all A/V Tools where they can access the tool of their choice directly.
Actiontec Electronics
Ethernet over Coax MoCA Network Adapter ($175) More and more electronic devices require high speed Internet access. From IPTV to media centers, DVRs, BlueRay players, and game consoles etc, the biggest challenge facing consumers is how to connect these devices to the Internet. Now with MoCA technology, existing coaxial wires in the home can, in essence, be converted to an Ethernet network and deliver high speed Internet access to every connected device. Plus, installation is a breeze. Simply plug a MoCA adapter into your Router and to the device requiring Internet access. Most do-it-yourself consumers can complete the installation in less than 5 minutes and installation professionals no longer need to pull cables throughout the house.
- Millions of homes in North America have an Actiontec MoCA solution
- Coexists with most broadband services
- Uses existing coax cabling
- Incredibly easy to install
iPort
iPort CM-IW100T In-Wall Control Mount for iPod touch (Check with Integrator/Dealer) -
- Allows Wi-Fi connection of the mounted iPod touch for downloads of Apps, audio content and certain upgrades.
- Delivers unbalanced audio output via a Cat5 connection up to 30 feet (9m) from the iPort to the audio wall plate.
- Compatible with iPod touch 2nd generation and 3rd generation.
- Charges the iPod touch while mounted.
Denon Electronics
Denon AVR-4311CI Audio/Video Receiver ($2000) -
- HDMI 1.4a Includes 3D Blu-ray Compatibility
- Equipped With The Latest Surround Sound Decoders
- Network Ready For Web Audio, Photo and Multi-Media PC Connectivity
- Easy Setup With Automatic Room Acoustic Correction
- HD Radio
- Quality Discrete Power Amplifier Section
Sonos
Wireless Dock for the iPhone/iPod Touch ($119) - The Sonos Wireless Dock accesses all of the music stored or playing on an iPhone or iPod and sends it wirelessly to Sonos ZonePlayers all throughout your home – before converting the music to analog – guaranteeing the best possible audio quality.
The Sonos Wireless Dock is compatible with the following devices: iPod touch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), iPod classic, iPod nano (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPhone, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. The wireless dock will be available in October.
Also:
Runco introduced two high end projectors, the SC-50D ($88,995) and the SC-60D ( $98,995) both shipping in the fall. Both projectors support 3D and use the new Runco Smart Lens System.
Savant Home Automation Systems built a custom remote control out of an iPod Touch. It does not look like an iPod Touch rather like a custom remote control. It also makes VOIP calls. It can play video and it supports FaceTime video chat. It will ship first quarter 2011 for $399.
Integra introduced two high end receivers. The DTR-80.2 and the DTR-70.2 are both 9.2 systems that include Windows 7 and support DLNA. Both should be available by the time you read this and go for $2,800 and 2,000 respectively. Additional features include:
- 3D compatible
- offer 1080p upscaling utilizing Reon-VX video processing
- ISF Calibration
- access to internet radio streams from several providers, including Pandora and Rhapsody
Mitsubishi introduced their new Diamond 3D projector which can display a 3D image up to 100 inches. Its SXRD based with a 120,000:1 contrast ratio. We could not find pricing or availability information.
JVC DLA-HD250 LCoS technology for less than $3,000. They also introduce new projectors starting at $5K that include 3D.
Reader Comments (2)
It is interesting that both of you are going the projector route. Several years ago our HDTV died and I (with prodding from the family) we went with the front projector and 106" fixed screen. I found it a great upgrade for movies and extended TV viewing.
I also found I missed being able to pop down in the middle of the day on a weekend for brief (1 hour or less viewing). I do not like to cycle the projector for a short viewing time.
Recently we added a 50" plasma mounted on the wall with the screen coming down in front of it. I would say the viewing ratio now is about 60% Plasma and 40% projector. I also use the TV as a computer screen for surfing and some web based TV in addition.
I will be watching to see how this develops for both of you once the BIG SCREEN change wears off. You may find you miss the flexibility you had with the TV.
Interesting choices for Ara's projector and screen. I'm assuming the RS10 sold at a healthy discount given the model's age? Otherwise, the RS15/HD550 would seem like the more obvious choice. I'm guessing Ara had no interest in 120Hz and therefore, a less expensive RS10 made perfect sense. I have to wonder if the newly announced HD250 might still be even less expensive though.
VERY interesting choice of screen though! I have to wonder: given the very high price of the Screen Innovation "black" screens, does Ara's lighting happen to be in the perfect locations so that the "black" screen will be effective? I ask because even though they are very advanced tech, they are still not magic and don't do much to attenuate light that is coming from behind the viewer (ie. from roughly the same spot as the projector). Personally, I would have opted for a much less expensive screen and spent the difference on improvements to the room itself. Of course, if the decorating committee nixed that idea, I suppose a "black" screen is about the best you can do ;)