cedia 2008
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Panasonic brings free-angle HDMI cables to the USA
Panny's simplistic, albeit brilliant free-angle HDMI cables generated a lot of buzz when announced earlier this year. Now, Panasonic's doing the smart thing by bringing these suckers to the US of A. Announced alongside its sizable PZ850 plasmas and the PT-AE3000 projector, these HDMI 1.3a-compatible cables are destined to hit shelves (and your home theater setup soon after) in October. As for pricing, you're looking at $59.99 for the 1.5-meter edition and $79.99 for the 3-meter version.
Panasonic takes internet enabled PZ850 VIERA plasmas to 58- / 65-inches
It has taken a bit longer than expected, but Panasonic has finally got around to unveiling the 58- and 65-inch flavors of its VIERA CAST plasma lineup. The two new members of the PZ850 family are both internet enabled and can receive web streams (video, in particular) without a separate set-top-box. More specifically, users can see YouTube blown up to ungodly proportions and check out digital photos hosted up on Google's Picasa website. The pair will also boast a 30,000:1 contrast ratio (read: not dynamic), 24p native reproduction, Game Mode, an SD card slot, RS-232C port and four HDMI sockets. The pain? $3,999.95 for the TH-58PZ850, $6,999.95 for the TH-65PZ850 (i.e. the Grand Poobah).
Live at CEDIA 2008: bring on the pixels
Now that IFA is behind us, the consumer electronics world is turning its attention to Denver, Colorado to see what CEDIA has to offer. We're expecting hordes of new HDTVs, projectors, speakers, AV receivers and even THX-certified soundproof doors (yes, really), but it never fails that at least something on the show floor completely takes us by surprise. We've touched down here in the Mile High City to bring you up-to-the-minute updates, and for the most obsessive coverage, be sure to point your browsers to Engadget HD for the next few days.
Panasonic launches PT-AE3000 1080p home cinema projector
It was this time last year when Panasonic shook up CEDIA with its 1080p PT-AE2000U. Fast forward twelve months, and here we are starting down the lens of the predictably named PT-AE3000. The latest in the company's line of 1080p LCD PJs, this one boasts 1,600 lumens, a 60,000:1 contrast ratio, Frame Creation Technology optimized for large screen viewing and a Lens Memory Load feature which is capable of "memorizing and restoring zoom / focus positions for multiple aspect ratio flexibility." You'll also find the Detail Clarity Processor V2.0 for sharpening up images, and the Split Adjust mode allows users to split the screen into two halves; one to make picture adjustments and one to see those adjustments as a baseline reference. As for ports, there are a trio of HDMI 1.3 sockets and two component terminals. Those anxious to get this one in their home cinema will be asked to hand over $3,499 this October. Full release is after the break.
Universal Remote reveals MX-6000 touchscreen remote with RF and WiFi
And you thought Universal Remote was done with just the MX-880 and the MX-450, didn't you? If so, you should really take a look at the MX-6000, a swank new touchscreen two-way remote that it's introducing at CEDIA. Designed for use in controlling one's home theater and home at large, the device puts the menu navigation on its own 4.3-inch (480 x 272 resolution) display rather than cluttering up your TV. You'll also find twin RF transmitters: 802.11b/g WiFi for network control, plus narrow-band RF for traditional control. Oh, and if you're looking to turn your iPod into your own personal AV service, the optional PSX-1 ($349) is just the ticket. Too bad the remote itself will set you back $1,499 when it ships this month.
World's first THX-certified soundproof door debuts at CEDIA
Just when you thought nothing else on this planet could ever earn THX certification, here comes Serious Materials to prove you wrong. The image you are inevitably peering at above is the world's first THX-certified soundproof door, the QuietHome. Boasting an STC rating of 51 in a 2.25-inch thick door, it's said to be the only door in the world to stand up to those mighty THX standards. Just for reference, it's noted that typical hollow-core doors have an STC rating of only 15 (and solid-core doors around 27), and we're told that this one will reduce noise between 65% and 85% compared to traditional alternatives. Of course, such a marvelous addition to your home won't run you cheap -- the QuietHome family ranges from $1,495 to $2,495 per door, so you better have dead silence really high on your list of priorities before pulling the trigger (on a silenced Walther PPK, of course).
IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation networks one display for multiple users
While we imagine that some folks are sick and tired of fighting over the sole display in the house, some people out there are looking for a reason to quarrel over the biggest one. IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation is here to help, providing one display with an Ethernet connection so that any and all computers on the same network can battle for it share. Debuting at CEDIA, the tiny box includes a DVI / VGA adapter and an Ethernet jack, and it supports streamed resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200. Furthermore, users who just want to add an external display to their system can do so by simply connecting the device to a USB port. It's available now for $199.95, and the release can be seen in full by clicking through below.
CasaTunes pipes multiple audio streams to multiple rooms
Need another option for streaming multiple jams to multiple places? Enter CasaTunes, which is debuting a pair of devices along with accompanying software today at CEDIA. The CasaTunes XLi sits neatly within just about any desktop PC, and when connected to a CasaTunes XLa or third-party amplifier (plus speakers, natch), users can stream five separate sources of music to up to six rooms. Yeah, as in it'll manage which tracks are being pumped to which rooms. The entirely more professional CasaTunes XLe (pictured) is a rack-mount version of the XLi that adds support for 12 rooms and can be scaled up to support four boxes (or 48 rooms). There's built-in support for playing back songs coated with Microsoft's DRM, though there's no mention of any others. As for pricing / availability, expect the XLi to ship in September for $999 while the XLe departs sometime in Q4 for $1,699. Full release is after the break. %Gallery-30203%
DLO introduces HomeDock HD Pro: its latest upscaling iPod dock
One thing's for sure: DLO's pretty attached to its HomeDock brand, and evidently it could care less about just how confusing these naming schemes are to customers. Let's clear some cobwebs real quick -- this isn't the HomeDock Pro, nor is it the HomeDock HD. Rather, it's the HomeDock HD Pro, a glorious combination of the two (or something). Aimed at home theater enthusiasts and home installers alike, this upscaling iPod dock takes stored content to 720p or 1080i over HDMI, and you'll also find an HDMI extension socket, optical digital audio port, RS-232 control connector and IR output for supporting universal remotes. Expect this one to set you back $399 when it arrives this fall. Full release after the jump. %Gallery-29771%
Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10
When we heard of Polk Audio's Atrium Sat 30 and Sub 10, we can't say we envisioned those two objects you see pictured above. Debuting at this year's CEDIA, these two units combine to create a new outdoor speaker system "that adapts seamlessly into any exterior landscape." The Sat 30 resembles an outdoor light fixture (or one of those "plants" on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids), while the Sub 10 was crafted to resemble a "plant stand or pedestal table." Both devices are sealed from water and are hopelessly ugly in and of themselves, but if you're looking for something to blend right into your flora, look no further. The pair will begin shipping in January 2009 for $179 (Sat 30) / $329 (Sub 10). Full release after the break.
projectiondesign announces avielo HD projector trio, steers clear of the Shift key
While some outfits evidently operate with a dysfunctional Caps Lock key, projectiondesign is taking things to the opposite extreme by announcing the lower-cased spectra, optix and prisma. The aforesaid trio of DLP projectors is gearing up for a CEDIA debut, where they each will be showing off their 720p / 1080p resolutions, UHP VIDI lamp technology, RealColor management suite, 10-bit processing and HDMI 1.3 connectivity. For the full rundown of specifications (no prices, sorry), tag the read link -- and don't be shocked to hear a teaser about the helios (pictured) and two other unnamed units destined for Q4.
Chief / Sanus to debut automatic motorized TV tilt mount
You know what time it (almost) is, so you'll be prepared to handle a whole new breed of TV mounts as well. With CEDIA upon us, Chief Manufacturing and Sanus are both rolling out the same automatic motorized tilt mount, though it'll be dubbed LT15 for Chief and CM8 for Sanus. Put simply, this was designed for folks who want / need to mount their set higher than eye level. Upon receiving a signal via optical cable that the set was turned on, it automatically tilts the unit downward in order to give everyone a better view. Surprisingly, the asking price on this is just $299, which -- all things considered -- isn't half bad.
Avoca unveils VIP Music Edition residential music control system
As the run-up to CEDIA continues, the no-names are coming out in force. Avoca is looking to make a splash in the residential music control system sector with its VIP Music Edition. A stiff $3,990.00 (and up) will buy you a sleek VIP Music Player, a wireless VIP Music Companion (read: a remote) and the company's own Say it-Play it control interface, which enables you to simply speak what artist you'd like to hear and have it played back instantly. The integrated CD player can automatically rip and store lossless copies of your jams, and the on-screen interface enables you to sift through and find whatever you're looking for. The system is all set to snag some limelight in Denver, though prospective buyers can find it at dealers right now. Full release after the jump.
Soundmatters reveals foxLmb portable Bluetooth speaker
Soundmatters already has the living room taken care of, so it makes sense to see it aiming for those times when you need sound everywhere else. All set to debut at CEDIA, said company has unveiled its foxL portable speaker, which measures in at 5.6- x 2.2- x 1.4-inches and promises "audiophile" grade sound quality. The foxL is also available with integrated Bluetooth (foxLmb), and both flavors include a pair of 1-inch "Twoofers" (yes, we're serious) and a Li-ion battery good for around five hours on a full charge. Expect these to surface in early September for $199 and $249, respectively.
Universal Remote intros $500 Complete Control MX-880
Universal Remote briefly mentioned the Complete Control MX-880 in its release of the MX-450, but now we're being treated to a whole heap of new information. URC's PC-programmable remote is unsurprisingly aimed at the custom install sector and boasts a two-inch color LCD along with the ability to be used as an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) remote. The $499 unit is essentially a color-screen version of the popular MX-900, and thankfully, the company included interoperability between files built for the latter to work on the new model. Oh, and it's available right now. Full release after the break.
Atlona unveils 10-input AT-LINE-EX 1080p video scaler
Looking for a video scaler? No, we mean a real video scaler? Enter Atlona Technologies' AT-LINE-EX, a 10-input scaler that's compatible with any input resolution including PC, SDTV, and HDTV. Essentially, it enables users to connect practically any device -- be a legacy unit or otherwise -- and have that content upscaled to 1080p via the integrated Analog Devices scaling chip. Granted, we're not so certain you'd even want that 1983 Independence Day bash blown up to 1,920 x 1,080, but at least the option is there, right? Expect it to begin shipping on August 28th for $429.
SI Screens ships Reference Motorized projector screen
Shortly after hearing that SI Screens was shipping its flamboyant Black Diamond projector screen comes word that its Reference Motorized model isn't too far behind. The company sounds totally jazzed to be showcasing said unit at CEDIA 2008, but folks who'd rather not wait for the expo demo can apparently get one on order right now. Each unit sports a curved décor case, ultra quiet motor and a Super Flat rigid horizontal screen tensioning system. Prospective buyers can snag one in sizes ranging from 80- to 160-inches diagonal, with screen format options including 2.35:1, 16:9, and 4:3. Now, if only these things weren't so incredibly pricey...
SunBriteTV reveals 3220HD / 4610HD all-weather outdoor LCD HDTVs
CEDIA 2008 is still over a month away, but the pre-expo news is already starting to trickle out. SunBriteTV, the firm responsible for last year's 46-inch 4600HD all-weather outdoor LCD, has just announced that it will be bringing two new ones to Denver this year, though there's no word on whether a dunk tank will also be in tow. The 32-inch 3220HD (1,366 x 768 resolution; 1,500:1 contrast ratio) and 46-inch 4610HD (19,20 x 1,080 resolution; 2,000:1 contrast ratio) both feature "corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum exterior that protects the internal components from extreme weather and temperatures ranges," not to mention an interior heater to keep things toasty when it's snowing outside. The two sets are actually becoming available as we speak for $3,295 (3220HD) / $5,495 (4610HD), while a third unit -- the 23-inch HD-ready 2310HD -- can also be acquired now for "just" $1,995.
