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CEDIA 2008 roundup
CEDIA 2008 was a whirlwind of new projectors, HDTVs and all sorts of other wares that home theater freaks just love. As always, we were here in the Mile High City covering every minute, but we completely understand if you missed anything. Just in case, we've compiled a summary of what all happened here in Denver, and make sure you head on past the break for the rest. Hands-onsHands-on: Sony shows off prototype 400-disc Blu-ray Mega ChangerHands-on with LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deckHands-on with the THX-certified QuietHome doorHands-on with Niveus Media's Denali, Rainier and Cargo media waresHands-on with Sony's SXRD BRAVIA VPL-VW70 and VPL-HW10 projectorsHands-on with Hitachi's 1.5-inch thick plasma prototypeHands-on / a look within Pioneer's Elite BDP-09FD Blu-ray playerHands-on with Toshiba's SRT REGZA HDTVs (and other old crap)Eyes-on with Sony's BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray player
AudioQuest's Series 10 HDMI cable takes 1080p 115-feet with no extender
Taking your HDMI signals a few hundred feet isn't a problem if you're kosher with dropped a few Benjamins on an extender, but AudioQuest has a better idea -- just make a cable that can take said signals further. The Series 10 HDMI cable is making its grand entrance at CEDIA this year, and thanks to some fancy Advanced Critical Twist Geometry and a proprietary conductor alloy, it can pipe 1080p content up to 35-meters (115-feet) from the source "virtually error-free." Pricing and availability weren't mentioned, but considering how much you'll save by not having to buy an extender, we'd expect these strands to be mighty pricey. Full release after the break.
Gefen's UWB / WHDI-based wireless HD solutions face off at CEDIA
After last night's discovery that Gefen was proudly supporting both Tzero's UWB technology and AMIMON's WHDI alternative, we just had to stop by and see if it was true. After chatting it up with a company representative, we discovered that Gefen is indeed introducing two new wireless HD products, each of which uses a separate technology. The Wireless for HDMI Extender (UWB) was seen sporting a black outfit, and we were told that it'll ship in about a fortnight for $800; the WHDI-based GefenTV (that's the pair in silver) will begin shipping "later this year" for around a grand. When directly asked if Gefen had any plans to choose one protocol over the other, the rep simply stated that Gefen would be riding things out and supporting both until one took over. %Gallery-31290%
Gefen hedges its bets, announces UWB and WHDI-based wireless HD solutions
For awhile now, ultra-wideband (UWB) has been on the way down in terms of popularity, and all the while, AMIMON's WHDI technology has been racking up an unprecedented amount of support. At this year's CEDIA conference, we've got adapter manufacturer Gefen backing both sides by introducing separate wireless HD solutions built around Tzero's UWB tech and the aforesaid WHDI. It's hard to say if both of these formats will continue to be supported (though if we had to guess, we'd say WHDI has the upper hand), but at least for now, Gefen's playing it safe rather than casting a vote. We've a term in Washington for your kind, Gefen, and that term is fencesitter.Read - Gefen supports WHDI!Read - But wait, Gefen supports UWB!
Sony's STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES receivers do HD streaming over CAT5e
Sony's got a smorgasbord of new kit comin' atcha from the heart of Denver, so we'll get things started with two new ES-series receivers. Just when you thought you'd seen the last of Sony's 2008 ES lineup, along comes two more making their US debut. Both the STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES offer up second room high-def video / audio distribution via CAT5e wiring, meaning that you can zip along HD content over your existing home network. Additionally, the former unit packs two CAT5e inputs and is DLNA-compliant. Wondering what that means for you? It means that Sony now has an AVR that can stream music, photos and video from a DLNA-compliant PC while accessing online music content from Rhapsody and Shoutcast sans a PC. Beyond that, there's the Faroudja DCDi Cinema chips, support for x.v.Color / Deep Color, Direct Stream Digital decoding, BRAVIA Sync and a 120-watt x 7 internal amplifier in each device. Catch the full release after the jump, and catch whichever unit suits your fancy within the next month for $2,500 / $2,000.
Tributaries' HXMini5 extends 1080p HDMI signals up to 100 meters
Forget 130-feet -- how's about 100 meters? The new long-range solution from Tributaries (dubbed HXMini5) extends Full HD video (with audio) just over 300-feet with no loss of quality or reliability. The box can sling 1080p/60Hz HDMI signals up to 100-meters and 1080p/120Hz up to 55-meters, and of course, it's fully HDCP compliant. Being compatible with HDMI v1.3 also gives it the ability to understand Dolby Digital / DTS audio transmissions, and the self-calibrating active amplification and equalization enables it to "automatically adapt to cable length and signal rate." Get your HDMI signals to go further for $450.
Anchor Bay's DVDO EDGE takes anything to 1080p for $799
If you'll recall, Anchor Bay's heralded DVDO iScan did a fairly decent job at upscaling content to high-def levels. Unfortunately, it put a crater in your wallet about $3,149 deep. Now, however, the outfit is hitting back with an all new alternative that checks in well below four digits; the DVDO EDGE upconverts all video formats as high as 1080p and relies on the same Video Reference Seres technologies to do so. Additionally, it doubles as a robust A / V hub, sporting six HDMI 1.3 inputs, two HDMI 1.3 outputs and a whole slew of analog ports. Hit the read link [PDF] for all the nitty-gritty details, and get ready to spice up your old Hi8 tapes next month for just $799.
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-29772%
RTI busts out V6 / A8 matrix switchers and CP-1680 audio amp
These are primarily for the pros, so we'll keep it short and sheet. RTI is getting set to unveil a trio of new products at CEDIA, the first of which routes eight analog audio and eight composite video sources to eight individual zones. Needless to say, that's the A8 Audio Distribution Matrix Switcher we're referring to. The V6 Video Distribution Matrix Switcher can switch six component and composite video sources between six varying zones, while the CP-1680 Multi-Channel Audio Amplifier provides audio through 16 channels at 80-watts each. Pricing has yet to be divulged, but feel free to venture on past the break for the whole release. %Gallery-30206%
HDfury2 adapter kit tunnels HDCP-laden HDMI content via component / VGA
Now here's an adapter we can all love: the HDfury2. Put simply, this kit enables owners of pre-2005 displays to enjoy 1080p content via HDMI. Those "older" sets and projectors lacked the ability to comprehend HDCP, and this minuscule device packs a built-in deciphering converter that pumps out Blu-ray content at beautiful 1080p over component / VGA. There's also an audio combo jack that channels analog and digital optical formats, and yes, it plays nice with both PAL and NTSC. Check the read link for all the fine print, and get ready to hand over $249 when it (hopefully) ships next month.[Thanks, Daniel]
HDMI: how far it has come, and how far it has to go
Since launching in 2002, the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) has become the de facto standard for high-def connectivity on Blu-ray players, HDTVs and pretty much any other set-top-box capable of outputting 720p or greater content. Six years in, the spec still has its fair share of issues, and Steve Venuti, President of HDMI Licensing, was recently kind enough to sit down and speak about them. Somewhat surprisingly, Steve mentioned that the biggest issue he hears about from installers is the inability to "lock" into gadgets. Granted, there are some third-party solutions to this problem, but the fact remains that the vast majority of HDMI cables won't have any sort of locking mechanism. The interview continues on down the paths of "handshake" problems related to HDCP authentication, protocol confusion (HDMI 1.3a/b/c) and the future of HDMI. If that sounds like just the thing you're interested in reading up on, you know where to find it.
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.
Gefen gears up for CEDIA with Matrixes / distribution amplifiers
It's nearly that time of year again folks -- the hunt for the playoffs begins, school gets back in session and Gefen goes absolutely berserk. It's already gearing up for this year's CEDIA Expo in Denver by revealing details about an 8x4 HDMI Matrix -- which "allows up to eight high-definition video sources to be accessed at any time from any one of four HDMI displays" -- and a self-explanatory 4x4 Component Audio over CAT5 Matrix. Furthermore, the outfit is introducing the 1:2 and 1:4 Component Audio over CAT-5 Distribution Amplifiers, which "enable audio / video systems using the component format to split and deliver two or four identical signals." Pricing remains up in the air, but all that should be cleared up here in just a few weeks.Read - HDMI Matrixes, etc.Read - Distribution amplifiers
IOGEAR unveils new HDMI switches and DVI / HDMI extenders
Here lately, it's been the more prosumer / professional-focused brands kicking out the extenders and switches, but IOGEAR is returning to the fold by introducing two CAT5e / 6 MiniExtender Kits and a pair of HDMI switches to boot. As for the extenders, you'll find one for HDMI ($279.95) and one for DVI-D ($69.95); the former provides "an additional 100 feet between a 1080p display unit and media source or an extra 200 feet for 1080i display units," while the latter "extends a DVI PC source 100 feet away from a single link DVI-D display with resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60Hz." Closing things out are the 3-Port HDMI Automatic Switch ($89.95) and the 4-Port HDMI Switch with Remote ($89.95), both of which are fairly self-explanatory. The whole lot is available as we speak.
Extron's RGB-HDMI 300 converts component / RGBHV to HDMI
What is this, the unofficial week for dishing out HDMI equipment? Shortly after seeing an HDMI repeater and distribution amplifier from two separate companies comes Extron Electronics to tempt your wallet once more. The RGB-HDMI 300 conveniently converts incoming analog component video and RGBHV signals to HDMI, and while it won't accept Discover, it will play nice with HDTV resolutions up to 1,920 x 1,200. You can also select from a number of HDMI output rates including 1080p60, and the slim profile makes it easy to hide on the backside of a flat-panel. No mention of a price, but we're guessing it'll be somewhere between "costly" and "for real?".
Impact Acoustics reveals diminutive HDMI repeater
It's not the first HDMI repeater you've seen, and it most definitely won't be the last. Impact Acoustics is pumping out its own tiny box in order to extend that HDMI signal of yours another 130-feet (or 200-feet if using two). Nothing too special going on with this one, just the obligatory HDMI 1.3, Deep Color, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and 1080p support. If this is just the thing you've been looking for to run HDMI to your garage / sun room / etc., you can claim your own for a penny under $200.
Number port stats suggest curious trends in iPhone 3G launch
Sure, Apple alleges to have flipped over a million iPhone 3Gs at this point, but what does that mean? The devil's in the details, as always; yes, true, the first one took 74 days to reach that same milestone, but it was available in less than one-twentieth the number of countries and an even smaller fraction of carriers. Hell, the very definition of "sale" is under scrutiny here, with some suggesting that Apple's making reference to the number of phones it's sold to its carrier partners, not end users -- a metric that would make sense from Cupertino's perspective since Apple's payday technically ends there.Here's where it gets interesting -- Engadget has obtained a handful of stats regarding number ports in and out of T-Mobile USA handled by a national wholesaler. Specifically, we have data surrounding the launch of the first-gen iPhone and the iPhone 3G, and get this: of more than 1,000 ports in total, ports to AT&T represented under 40 percent of the firm's total outflow in the days surrounding the 3G's launch, versus nearly 70 percent the last time around. Furthermore, they took roughly the same number of inbound ports from AT&T during the same period, meaning that T-Mobile effectively lost no net ground due to the 3G's launch. Granted, the porting stats from a single wholesaler represent just a microcosm of the big picture, but even accounting for some loss of precision when you extrapolate that data, you're looking at a pretty significant downturn in interest from T-Mobile subscribers. We still think Apple's probably laughing all the way to the bank either way -- and iPhone 3Gs are sold out virtually everywhere right now -- but you've got to wonder if AT&T's not freaking out a little bit at the number of new subscribers it managed to entice, and whether its competitors are all breathing cautious sighs of relief at some surprisingly reasonably churn rates.
Octava unveils HDMI over Ethernet extender
If slinging HDMI signals over Ethernet sounds appealing to you, look no further than Octava's newest box. The HDMI over Ethernet extender enables users to transmit 1080p HDMI signals up to 150-feet over Ethernet (300-feet for 1080i), and while CAT6 is recommended, CAT5 should do the trick in a pinch. Of note, two Ethernet cables are necessary in order to carry audio / video as well as HDCP data, and both the receiver and transmitter are bundled with dedicated power supplies to ensure maximum performance. Expect the kit to ship next week for $199.
TV One intros analog / digital video format converters
We have all ideas that these converters from TV One will likely be used by professionals exclusively, but if you've found yourself in a pickle that requires a digital-to-analog (or vice-versa) converter, here's your solution. The 1T-FC-524 converts analog RGBHV or Component YPbPr inputs to DVI signals, while the 1T-FC-425 converts DVI to RGBHV or Component YPbPr. Additionally, the output resolution is the same as the input, and TV resolutions from 480i up to 1080p are supported (along with PC resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200). Both units are selling now for £119 ($235) apiece.
Federal court ratifies Pulse~LINK UWB patents in Tzero case
At long last, it seems the legal spat between Pulse~LINK and Tzero has come to an end. Federal courts have ratified the former company's patents in a UWB-over-coax patent infringement case against Tzero, affirming that Tzero will now have to pay licensing fees to use Pulse~LINK's technology. In the settlement, it was noted that Tzero had "suspended development of products that were the subject of the legal action," and if it chose to re-introduce any of those wares, it would first cut a check to Pulse~LINK. Time to hug it out? Nah, we thought not.
