Sep 14 Podcast #548: CEDIA 2012
Each year CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) holds an event where the industry gathers to show new off new gadgets and technology. We’ve been to a few of these and have enjoyed them quite a bit, maybe even more than CES. It takes the parts of CES that we care about and condenses it down to a lot less walking. We didn’t go this year but that won’t stop us from talking about some of the highlights from the show.
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Today's Show:
Blu-ray Reviews:
News:
Other:
- We are giving away an Oppo Digital BDP-95 Universal Audiophile 3D Blu-ray Player
- Listener Quincy's blog at www.ThankQ.me discusses a variety of topics. and his talk radio show at www.Talk2Q.com gives callers a platform to voice opinions on a wide range of current event topics.
- AT&T U-Verse Audio Issues and Potential Fixes
- UltraViolet flicks get better sound courtesy of Dolby Digital Plus
- Global TV Shipments Down
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News and Announcements from CEDIA 2012
JVC today announced a new, expanded line of home theater projectors that offers significant improvements in picture performance and upgraded e-shift technology, which upconverts and scales 2D content to a 4K signal. Now called e-shift2, the technology is available in seven new JVC projectors.
The new JVC D-ILA home theater projectors will be available in November 2012 at the following prices:
DLA-X95R/DLA-RS66 $11,999
DLA-X75R/DLA-RS56 $7,999
DLA-RS4810 $5,095
DLA-X55R/DLA-RS48 $4,999
DLA-X35/DLA-RS46 $3,499
URC introduced its first advanced network thermostat, the THZ-100. It has a two inch LCD that displays easy to read graphics to let you know whether the system is heating or cooling. The thermostat can be controlled via remote control automation from anywhere in the world. The Thermostat goes for $250 is currently available.
From the Press Release: The THZ-100 is programmable via the internet via the MRX-10 Advanced Network System Controller. Like all Total Control products, the THZ-100 is programmed using URC’s Accelerator software.
Epson announced its next generation of full HD 1080p 2D and 3D home theater projectors – the new EPSON® 3LCD PowerLite® Pro Cinema 6020UB, Home Cinema 5020UB/5020UBe and 3020/3020e.
Notable Features:
- Split screen capabilities in 2D mode for watching two pictures at once, or watching TV and using the Internet at the same time
- Five color modes in 2D and two color modes in 3D to easily adapt to different viewing environments
- Epson's exclusive 230W E-TORL® (Epson Twin Optics Reflection Lamp) offering high brightness and up to 6,000 hours of lamp life
- Wireless transmitter included with Home Cinema 3020e and 5020UBe for ultimate installation flexibility without wires, using the WirelessHD standard to send uncompressed high-definition video over short distances for up to five devices with HDMI to the projector
- Additional wireless features on the Home Cinema 3020e and 5020UBe include HDMI out, preview for confirming input source and picture in picture capabilities
- Two pairs of RF 3D glasses included with each projector; compatible with third party 3D glasses
Auralex (Makers of the SubDude) showed off their new sound reducing product called SheetBlok-AF. Its kind like wallpaper that blocks sound. You apply it to the wall with a trowel applied adhesive. You’ll have to paint over it but it does not require any cutting into drywall. It comes in 4X10 foot sheets that can easily be cut with a utility knife.
SunBrite TV announced a $250 installation rebate through September 30th. SunBrite has been around for a few years and they continue to grow in the outdoor niche market. They have a 32 inch weatherproof TV that starts at $1495. Their TVs are found throughout the country in sporting venues like Soldier Field and Fenway Park.
KEF (Sponsor of the Blu-ray Podcast)unveiled their special 50th Anniversary commemorative monitor loudspeaker pair (Preorder for $1500). We’ll try to get a pair for review!
$150 subwoofer that measures 5 ¼ inch on a side and only weighs 4.5 lbs. Its designed for desktop speakers but if you want to add some low end punch to a TV or a soundbar you may want to take a look at this device. It should be easy to find someplace to hide it!
Kaleidescape announced that it will integrate movie ratings and reviews from Rotten Tomatoes® into the free Kaleidescape App for iPad. They have also partnered with respected film critic Leonard Maltin to curate a unique compilation of historically significant films, and modern movies you may have missed. Available exclusively from Kaleidescape, the Leonard Maltin Recommends collection assists in the creation of the ultimate home cinema experience by identifying great films to add to your collection of movies.
Yamaha introduced the AVENTAGE BD-A1020 universal 3D Blu-ray Disc player with built-in WiFi support. The unit supports Netflix and YouTube Leanback video streaming and offers full remote operation from smartphones and tablets via Yamaha’s AV controller apps for Apple iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices. The Yamaha BD-A1020 is currently available for an MSRP of $449.95.
The company demonstrated its Sonnex Multi-room HD Audio System with Apple AirPlay support. Using AirPlay, Sonnex allows users to stream audio from an iPhone, iPad, or Macintosh computer to any room in the house without the need to switch audio sources.
Monoprice seller of high quality low price home theater cabling and more announced a line of unbranded products that dealers and OEM customers can resell.
Reader Comments (5)
Not related to this episode per say but was just wondering if you are still doing tha AVS Radio show?
Hi Joe,
We are still doing AVS Radio. Its been a little tough the last couple of weeks. But we'll be back on track.
Ara
You mention the dish hopper and other ad-skipping technology occasionally, but always approach it from the vendor/content providers point of view as to whether it should be "allowed". The real question is, who is in control of the device? Is it supposed to serve the person who pays for it, either as a purchase or subscription, or is it a trojan horse planted in your house to make additional profit for the vendor, content provider, or other 3rd parties? I think it should serve my agenda, not theirs, if I am paying. And it should be allowed to skip/remove ads if I tell it to. In fact, I don't understand why there is even a question about what I should be "allowed' to direct my device to do. Unless it really should be viewed as a trojan horse working for outside interests in which case a little 'truth in advertising" would be in order to clarify that before taking my money.
I agree Les.
Speaking rhetorically, would it also be their decision about whether or not to allow fast-forward/rewind/pause? What if I decide to watch the program with the color control turned all the way down, i.e. black and white? It seems that if the user is paying for the playback device...the user should have some control over playback!
I guess the content providers would argue that they are granting a limited license to view the content, and they can set any restrictions they so desire.
If the content vendors are selling a 'limited license" that restricts control of my device, then truth-in-advertising should apply before they get any of my money for that content.