CES 2008: What's New In AV

[yiozik]

For those of you who whant to keep up with the new projection technologies & news:

When I first started attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 15 years ago, products didn't usually show at CES in January if they wouldn't be ready to start volume production in the spring. CES was about scheduling deliveries to shelves in September — in time for the holiday shopping season. Admittedly, product cycles are shorter now — many products at this CES will actually be replaced before this year's holidays. Yet, more than in recent years, many of the biggest announcements at CES 2008 had to do with future products that probably won't arrive during 2008.

The big exception was the rash of much-thinner LCD panels from a wide variety of manufacturers — some of which will ship very soon. Hitachi led the way with a 32in. LCD with a depth of just 1.5in., which should be shipping shortly. Larger sizes are to follow over the coming months: A 37in. is expected during Q2 and a 42in. in Q3 of 2008. The caveat to this ultra thinness is that panels will have a separate, freestanding AV module for connections and the ATSC/NTSC that would likely otherwise make the panels thicker. Indeed, JVC's super-slim 42in. and 46in. LCDs — available this summer — will also have a panel depth of 1.5in., but they bulge to 3in. in the center of the back where those ports and built-in tuner reside. Still, it's a very thin and sleek look.

LG Electronics showed a 42in. LCD with a depth of just 1.7in. and connectivity and invisible loudspeakers built into the bezel, but no ship date was announced. Sharp showed prototypes of 52in. and 65in. panels that will be just about 0.8in., which should be available this summer.

Hitachi showed a prototype of a 0.75in.-thick LCD. Amazingly, that was still not the thinnest display announced at CES.

Sony announced the availability of the OLED-based XEL-1, shown as a prototype last year, for roughly $2,500. The XEL-1 is an 11in. TV with a depth of an amazing 3mm (about .12in.). Sony and Samsung also showed prototypes of larger OLEDs: from Sony, a 1cm-thick (less than 0.4in) 27in. TV; and from Samsung, 14in. and 31in. TVs that are less than 1cm (0.4in.) and 2cm (0.8in.) thick, respectively.

The slimmest surprise, however, came from plasma, with Pioneer showing a 50in. prototype of a 9mm-thick (about .35in.) plasma. That's three times as thick as the XEL-1, but with nearly five times the viewing area. Like OLED, plasma is a self-emitting technology that doesn't require the depth of a backlight. Therefore, it should ultimately have a thinness advantage, Pioneer claims. Even better for mounting: This new thin plasma weighed just 41lbs. Hitachi also showed a 50in. prototype plasma with a depth of just 1.5in.

PLASMA STRIKES BACK
Pioneer's 9mm-thick plasma wasn't the only salvo from a technology that has been losing market share to LCD. In this year's only significant big announcement, Panasonic unveiled a mammoth 150in. plasma. That's nearly 50-percent larger than Panasonic's size-leading 103in. panel from a couple of years ago — a panel that Panasonic claims has done surprisingly well, with more than 3,000 units installed worldwide. (To learn more about some of these installations, see svconline.com/displaymounts/
features/avinstall_dawn_giants.) More practical for the rest of us, Panasonic also had a demonstration highlighting the efficiency gains of plasma. New-generation plasmas can use up to 50-percent less energy than previous-generation models.

For me, however, the most impressive demo I've seen in a long time came from Pioneer Project Kuro. In its press conference, Pioneer boasted about having been able to eliminate all idling luminance from a plasma screen — thus attaining the Holy Grail of absolute black. Amazingly, the demo backed it up.

This is future technology, but the progress is astounding. Imagine a dark, black-curtained room with three side-by-side PDP-5010FD plasmas (Pioneer's latest, critically acclaimed panels that already boast very strong black levels) showing the same footage. Now imagine from out of the blackness, right next to the center plasma, emerges yet another plasma that you realize has been powered on the whole time but unseen against the black backdrop. Imagine, too, watching black-background screen material and literally not being able to see where the plasma screen ends and the surrounding black bezel and black curtains begin. It was a well-crafted demo to be sure, with the new panel initially hidden behind a curtain as the crowd entered, and then the curtain covertly withdrawn amid the misdirection of the flashy, eye-drawing images on the other three screens. But that doesn't diminish the technical achievement of having video images appear to float in the air in a dark room.

PROJECTION AND WIRELESS
While there were only a couple new projectors at CES 2008, they were still quite noteworthy. First, Hitachi announced a new ultra-short-throw 3LCD projector able to display a surprisingly unwarped 60in. image at just 1.6ft. and a 100in. image from a distance of just 3.3ft. While not yet firm, the price is expected to be $2,995 — significantly lower than Sanyo's price for the ultra-short-throw LP-XL50 announced at CEDIA — when the CP-A100 starts shipping (imminent).

Mitsubishi's 3LCD-based FL7000U is being dubbed as “corporate 1080p,” given its native 16:9 aspect ratio and 5000-ANSI-lumen, ambient-light-combating brightness. Mitsubishi expects a street price of roughly $15,000.

Way in the back of the lower hall, a 3M engineer group had a tiny booth where it showed a prototype of a projector that was as small as a cell phone. It produced just 10 lumens of brightness, but it had a core LCoS light engine that was roughly the size of half a domino — making it small enough to fit a personal projector inside a real cell phone, a camera, a camcorder, a notebook, a car dashboard, a game player, or a whole lot more to stir the imagination.

Wireless video was a bigger topic around CES 2008, but few solutions were more than technology demonstrations. Just about every major display maker showed a wireless-capable prototype panel — most using some form of MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 to recompress the analog signal coming out of a player or cable box. Few companies offered a timetable for shipping, and worse: At least two prominent CEOs were embarrassed by nonfunctioning press-conference demonstrations.

Still, while it may take some time (one of last year's hot companies, TZero, was not on the show floor following delays with its wireless HDMI chipset), wireless video is likely to become a major issue over the next couple of years. There were at least two noteworthy solutions at CES 2008 that seemed fairly close to shipping. Belkin showed a transmitter/receiver pair that uses Aminom's chipset for sending uncompressed HDMI. Using Pulse-Link's ultra-wideband chipset, Westinghouse Digital showed a commerical LCD digital signage panel with built-in wireless HDMI using minimal JPEG2000 compression.

he CES 2008 show ends today in Las Vegas. There is a plethora of residential and consumer products, there’s been news on the corporate AV front as well. More specifically:

PROJECTOR
Key industry players came together to endorse a new international specification that will allow users to evaluate the color performance of digital projectors to ensure that they’re getting the most from their investment.

Mitsubishi, Sanyo, Optoma, and Casio all unveiled new projectors fit for the corporate AV space. Mitsubishi’s FL7000U ($14,995) ultra-bright 1080p HD projector is a first for the company, while Sanyo released the new DLP PDG-DWT50L ($6,995) projector that expands on its professional line. T he PDG-DWT50's dual-lamp system facilitates a super-bright 4500 lumens with a 2100:1 contrast ratio, featuring Texas Instruments Dynamic Black for superior black level. The projector has already started shipping. Sanyo will also be shipping its new PLC-XL50 ($3,295), which claims to have the world’s shortest throw at 3in.

Optoma was a heavy hitter at the show, releasing several new projectors in many of its product lines. Optoma’s EP761 delivers 3200 lumens of brightness and a 2200:1 contrast ratio for a street price of $1,299. The company also introduced the EP1691 and the EP7155projectors, which each at 3.2lbs, they’re a projector to have in the portable presentation kit for a list price of $999. Optoma also introduced a new 100in. professional installation rear projector called the HDBV5100P that is part of its BigVizion line. The projector features native 1080p (1920x1080) resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, but it won’t be available until later in the first quarter with a MRSP of $34,999. As part of its TX series, Optoma introduced the TX776, TX782, and TX783 digital projectors are designed for large and demanding environments, such as the professional installation industry. All three projectors feature native XGA resolution, super bright lumens levels, and a multitude of connections, including HDMI, DVI w/HDCP, VGA-In/Out, S-Video, Composite, and +12V Trigger. Prices are still yet to be determined, but will be available in March.

Casio also had its hand in the corporate projector jar with the release of its two new ultra-bright models in the Super Slim Projector series. The new XJ-S31 ($999) and XJ-S36 ($1,299) feature a brightness of 2000 ANSI lumens with a height of just 1.69in. (1.26in. at the thinnest point).

The new FL7000U is Mitsubishi’s first ultra-bright 1080p HD projector for commercial, home theater, and education installations. Projecting 5000 lumens with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, the FL7000U uses three 1.1in. 3LCD inorganic panels. It is ideal in larger rooms that require full high definition (1920x1080) for HD video or applications such as medical imaging, CAD/CAM designs, and geospatial mapping. It includes a DVI connector with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter for a wider range of HD connectivity options, and it is available in a black or white outer cabinet. LINK:
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Runco is expanding the brand's Video Xtreme line of 1080p DLP projectors with the introduction of its VX-22i. It features CineWide with Autoscope, which reproduces 2.35:1 CinemaScope movies with full vertical-screen image height, eliminating useless black bars. The VX-22i joins the line of Runco 3-chip projectors, and it features an integrated, all-digital controller with HDMI connectivity for optimum compatibility with a broad range of source components. Additionally, the VX-22i high-definition projector is certified by the THX Certified Display program. LINK:
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HDTV FLATPANEL DISPLAY
Vizio has introduced the 60in. VP605F and 50in. VP504F plasma HDTVs, featuring full high-definition performance and a contrast ratio up to 30,000:1. Both flatpanels include HDMI v1.3 inputs, and independent RGB adjustments allow users to fine-tune color settings. The VP504F features an integrated Silicon Optix REON HQV chip for sharp and detailed imaging, plus advanced noise reduction that removes noise and artifacts caused by signal compression from cable and satellite providers. The chip can process two full channels of HD or SD, which allows users to achieve full resolution with picture-in-picture images.
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The 42in. TH-42PR10U high-definition plasma display is equipped with three interchangeable slots that can accommodate a variety of optional slot-in boards to allow it to serve as a flexible in-hotel TV system. The display is available with hotel-mode settings including initial input and max volume, and it features a compact design with loudspeakers positioned under the screen. Other features especially suited to use in hospitality environments include the 16:9 display's durability; slim, space-saving design; and ultra-wide viewing angle, which provides the best picture possible from anywhere in the room. LINK:
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SECURITY CAMERA
The new VL-64TP miniature color dome camera from Speco Technologies is tamper-resistant and weatherproof. It features 420 lines of resolution with a low-light sensitivity of 1 lux, and a 2.9mm lens. Its metal base and polycarbonate dome allow it to withstand blows from a 10lb. sledgehammer. Although the VL-64TP is available with a wall-mount adapter, when it is ceiling mounted, the camera (which also comes in white) is fully adjustable both horizontally and vertically. LINK:
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DIGITAL SIGNAGE
Extreme CCTV has released the EX85, which combines dual-CMOS megapixel sensors, IP Infrared Imaging (I3) design, and Black Diamond night-vision technology. The result is a highly advanced level of imaging performance for critical security applications. By day, the EX85 produces the detail of 3.1 million color pixels, while the high-fidelity performance of its night vision extends up to 420ft. The EX85 incorporates Bit-Reduce technology, helping to stabilize networks by minimizing bandwidth requirements, and the camera's outdoor enclosure is field-proven for reliability in the harshest environments. LINK:
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The new Aavelin SignMate provides digital signage solutions for smaller spaces. This new product from MagicBox brings all of the power of the Aavelin AV 400P into a new, compact design — perfect for mounting behind displays. Recent upgrades to the EZ Stream Software option allow the SignMate to dynamically pull data from EMS Software solutions such as PeopleCube, Dean Evans, and Delphi. With Ethernet support built in, SignMate can turn any display into a dynamic, networked resource for easy, frequent updates and even emergency notifications. LINK:
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PROJECTION SCREEN/LOUDSPEAKER COMBO
Screen Research has upgraded its LeWing luxury projection-screen line by offering custom JBL loudspeaker configuration options for an integrated AV home-cinema solution. LeWing pairs a fully retractable, acoustically transparent screen with a control-independent, high-performance loudspeaker system. There are four custom loudspeaker options: an entry-level option (LWI), two step-up options (LWII and LWIII), and a fourth option (LWIV) integrating the JBL Project Array component — optimized to bring a professional-venue-style loudspeaker system to the home. LINK:
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Da-Lite has made the Silent Motor a standard feature on its line of Tensioned Advantage Electrol screens. This motor is virtually silent and offers a more-than-30-percent reduction in sound versus standard motors. The Tensioned Advantage Electrol is an aluminum-cased screen with a trim flange designed for a concealed, in-the-ceiling installation. The finished white case provides a clean look and allows easy installation within ceiling tiles. The Silent Motor is standard on all screen sizes up to 9'×12'. The Silent Motor with built-in low-voltage control option is also available. LINK:
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LOUDSPEAKER
The Sunfire CRM-2BIP on-wall bi-pole surround sound loudspeaker features the same advanced ribbon technology as other Cinema Ribbon models, but its low-profile cabinet—measuring 3 5/8in.—is slim and unobtrusive. The dual side-firing ribbon configuration creates wide dispersion for a huge rear sound stage. Complementing the ribbon driver is a compact 4.5in. high back-EMF woofer, which allows for a small form factor with very high output. The CRM-2BIP handles 400W of power, necessary for today’s demanding movie soundtracks and high-powered multichannel amplifiers. LINK:
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The compact Artcoustic Spitfire Venue loudspeakers are aesthetically pleasing and powerful for their size, ideal for high-end commercial settings including bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, corporate boardrooms, and professional and commercial cinemas. The two-way, full-range loudspeakers weigh just more than 20lbs., and they are versatile and easily installed, featuring interchangeable screen options that allow users to change the loudspeakers' look as the décor changes. The Spitfire subwoofer employs four 10in. X2 long-throw woofers and an X2 bass system to reproduce low-frequency signals with high power handling and extremely low distortion down to 15Hz. LINK:
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The Electro-Voice EVID FM flush-mount, in-wall loudspeaker system is comprised of the FM6.2 (6in. woofer, 6in. tuned passive radiator, 1in. tweeter) and the FM4.2 (4in. woofer, 4in. tuned passive radiator, 1in. tweeter). The new loudspeakers feature a sturdy, sealed-unit construction for consistent audio performance and superior sound isolation from adjacent rooms. The loudspeakers' minimal enclosure depth, four-point quick-mounting tabs, and secure phoenix-style pass-through connectors streamline installation. The FM6.2 provides very high power handling in a compact package for use in larger rooms; the FM4.2 is designed for small and mid-sized rooms. Either 70V/100V or 8Ω operation is standard on both models, and surface-mounting enclosure frames for on-wall mounting are also available. LINK:
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REMOTE CONTROL
The Universal Remote Control MX-810 provides dedicated, custom control and simplifies the operation of single-room home theaters and entertainment systems. It is ideal for homes with multiple AV systems and more than one remote, as each MX-810 remains dedicated to a single room's equipment, complete with a user-changeable label identifying the room. It features RF addressability, which eliminates the need to point the remote at whatever it is activating, and programming that allows custom installers to fully personalize the screen's iconography. LINK:
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TOUCHPANEL CONTROL
The new Via 4.0-EM 4in. color in-wall universal touchpanel from Elan allows for fingertip control of all audio, video, lighting, temperature, and security systems. The touchpanel also features realtime video monitoring, customizable layouts, room-matching screen motifs and wall frames, and ease of programming. Its compact size allows it to be installed just about anywhere in the home. The Via 4.0-EM is compatible with all Elan multiroom controllers, and it features newly added ports for local RJ-45, power, and IR/Sense located on the back. LINK:
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MIXER
Two versions of the new Soundcraft GB2R rackmountable mixer are available, both with six auxiliary sends. One features 16 mono inputs to a stereo-mix output, and the other offers 12.2 mono inputs, two full-featured stereo inputs, and two group busses. The GB2R has inherited the GB30 mic preamp and the GB30 equalizer designs from the larger GB4 and GB8. For ease of installation, the connector section is contained in a rotatable pod, allowing cable access from the top or rear depending on whether the mixer is used on a tabletop or rackmounted. The GB2R is designed for smaller installations in churches and performance venues or for small, portable PA systems. LINK:
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AUDIO-MANAGEMENT SUITE
The Windows-based NTI Ripper v2 Suite digital audio-management system from NewTech Infosystems (NTI) features NTI Ripper v2 and NTI Burner software and a library of popular playback preferences. The NTI Ripper v2 performs on-the-fly batch conversions of audio file formats onto a PC hard drive or virtually any attached storage device. The software also automatically names audio files by artist, song title, track number, and album name, and it supports MP3, WMA, WAV, and OGG formats. NTI Burner software provides instant, one-button burning of MP3, WMA, and audio CDs. It allows users to adjust the bit rate from 64kbps up to 320kbps simply by turning a dial. LINK:
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ACOUSTICAL FOAM
RPG Diffusor Systems MelaFlex Class A fire-rated acoustical foam is fabricated from non-fibrous, fire-resistant, open-cell, lightweight BASF melamine foam, and it features a patented variable-depth air cavity (VDAC). It is fully compliant with all National Life Safety Codes for Class A interior use, and it meets all requirements of the ATSM fire-tunnel test. The foam is available in 2×2 and 4×2 panels, 1×1 tiles, and 4×1 low-frequency corner units to fit space requirements. Panels and tiles can be nested on top of one another to allow the user to upgrade finishes down the line or tune their space as needed without removing existing panels. LINK:
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LINE ARRAY
The compact EAW NTL720 self-powered line-array loudspeaker system features a three-way design and numerous other EAW-patented and proprietary technologies. The entire enclosure face of each NTL720 module is filled by a full-sized mid/high horn providing 110°×12° dispersion. This extreme horn size ensures broadband pattern control throughout the entire MF/HF pass-band. Six 1in. dome tweeters configured in two vertical columns (each with three tweeters) produce high frequencies. Dual 6in.-cone woofers handle the MF range with minimal space between the MF and HF components, enhancing coherency and improving overall off-axis response. The LF section features two 6in. LF drivers positioned in EAW's proprietary phase-aligned approach. LINK:
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MIXING SOFTWARE
New version 2 software for the Edirol M-16DX digital production console includes Cakewalk Sonar and Apple Logic modes that allow users out-of-the-box control of these powerful DAWs. Not only can users assign knobs on the console to the DAWs' equivalent software controllers, but the new software can also be used to control other software that has a MIDI learn facility, such as Propellerhead Software Reason, Ableton Live, and many soft synths. This enables any user to make full use of the 54 hardware knobs and numerous assignable buttons on the mixer surface. LINK:
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IN-EAR MICROPHONES
The hardwired 3DAA-HW Active Ambient from Sensaphonics is designed as a standalone system for drummers, keyboardists, and other stationary performers. It uses highly sensitive, precision-equalized microphones embedded in soft silicone earphones to pick up stage ambience with natural sound quality and accurate directional cues. This binaural ambient signal is sent to the compact 3D-HW body-pack mixer, where it is combined with the monitor feed from the console with zero latency. The microphones keep the ears fully sealed, allowing the performer to have normal conversations and hear audience response with the earphones still in place. LINK:
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AMPLIFIER SOFTWARE
The Bosch Communications Systems IRIS-Net v1.4 software platform for amplifiers features three new hardware objects for control and configurations: Electro-Voice Dx38, Dynacord DSP244, and programmable wall stations (PWS). New DSP objects include a gain sharing automixer, FIR DSP blocks, improved graphic EQ blocks, DSP window text boxes, and DSP superblocks for creating and storing preconfigured DSP structures with parameters and settings. Additional software enhancements in this version include a new project generator tool for creating amplifier-based projects complete with device labeling, DSP settings, group configurations, and controls from basic user input. LINK:
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AUDIO CODECS
The digital audio signal generated by a digital mic is less susceptible to electrical noise than an analog signal. Texas Instruments' (TI) new I2S audio codecs — the 4-channel TLV320AIC34 and the stereo TLV320AIC33 and TLV320AIC3106 — can accept either a bitstream from a digital microphone or differential or single-ended inputs from a traditional analog microphone. The codecs also feature low power consumption and noise-filtering capabilities to maximize battery life, as well as support for an 8-kilosample-to-96-kilosample-per-second sampling rate and a signal-to-noise ratio of 102dB for digital-to-analog conversion and 92dB for analog-to-digital conversion. LINK:
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MICROPHONE
The Point Source Audio CO-5 low-profile microphone features affordable speech optimization for use in houses of worship. The omnidirectional, back-electret condenser, earworn microphone can handle 125dB of sound pressure, and it is available for purchase with a 3.5mm locking mini-connector for Sennheiser Evolution wireless body-packs; a Hirose 4-pin connector for most Audio-Technica body-packs; or the TA-4F, which fits most Shure wireless body-packs. LINK:
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SUBWOOFER
Artison's new RCC 300 in-wall subwoofer, a compact version of the company's RCC 600, is built for smaller rooms or installations requiring multiple subwoofers within a larger space. Reactance-canceling Configuration technology provides vibration-free bass from an enclosure that disappears in a customer's environment. The RCC 300 features the bass-performance equivalent of a 10in. floor-standing subwoofer, but its space requirements are small, allowing it to be mounted directly into a 2"×4" stud wall. LINK:
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[Prokomenos]

I heard that the newer Plasma TV models last a lot longer than the older ones. Is their any truth to this yiozik?

[yiozik]

Yes that is true they do but even the older ones will last you 12-15 years if you use them 8-10 hours per day. The new ones twise as long.......pios zi pios pe8eni pou lene! xaxax

[Prokomenos]

Originally Posted by yiozik
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Yes that is true they do but even the older ones will last you 12-15 years if you use them 8-10 hours per day. The new ones twise as long.......pios zi pios pe8eni pou lene! xaxax

Oi teliorasi sto spiti mou einai anameno peripou 12-15 ores. Den vlepo na ta pai kala to Plasma..
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