Articles and whitepapers

CEDIA US Expo 2009: Highlights from the Show Floor (1/10/2009)

By David Berman, HTSA

Several wonderful things came out of the CEDIA show in Atlanta, Georgia, September 9-13, not least of which was an upbeat attitude on behalf of the attendees about the economic situation. Many attendees actually commented that their businesses were experiencing positive growth.

CEDIA Expo 2009, Atlanta - celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The following is a recap of some of the more exciting categories and innovations for the custom integrator industry, that are driving this renewed positive attitude:

Web-connected devices

When it comes to web-connected devices, Blu-ray players and HDTVs were prevalent and are expected to dominate the trend, following on the heels of gaming devices such as PS3 and X-box. Blu-ray players from Sony, Sharp, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, JVC and others will have Ethernet ports and direct access to digital web services from Netflix, Amazon VOD, CinemaNow, Vudu, YouTube and others. They will also include BD Live services on most models. HDTVs from LG, Sony, Samsung and Panasonic will have similar web service features.

LED TVs on show at the Sharp stand.

The biggest stumbling block for these devices is the lack of interoperability. This will inhibit fast-paced growth in the category, but DLNA, which is a digital transfer standard, should help weed out the poor performers.

Sound bars

Sound bar products had a big presence at the show. Samsung's sound bar really wowed, featuring an incorporated Blu-ray player, but they'll face competition from Mitsubishi's Unisen with built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, as well as products by Sharp and LG.

Demonstration of the Samsung sound bar with built-in Blu-ray player.

Control systems

Control4 was the hit of the show. They made two notable announcements. Firstly, they are expanding their software into multiple devices, and secondly, they are rolling out a new software interface with greater flexibility.

Presentation at the Control4 stand.

DLNA will allow new device compatibility including Kwik-Set and ZigBee lock systems, Card Access security sensors, DSC security systems, media servers, motorised shades, telephony, iPod control, Sony's new 400-disc CX7000ES Blu-ray changer, ES Series A/V receivers and much more. This new software allows programmers to create many different types of user interfaces depending on who will be using the control. Additionally, the software will incorporate social networking access, as well as multiple new formats relating to digital music, such as AAC and WMA.

Speakercraft announced the NIRV system - a great concept for bringing do-it-yourselfers and price-driven consumers into the world of control. All media, data, control, and communication signals are distributed through a single Cat5 cable.

Speakercraft's eye-catching stand in which the Nirv A/V distribution and control system with remote control and dock was demonstrated.

Meanwhile, Crestron emphasised a new low-end control system called Prodigy. This is Crestron's first entry into a more affordable control solution.

For whole-house music distribution, Sonos is a huge hit and is growing rapidly. The new controller is magnificent, and reminiscent of an iPod Touch crossed with a Blackberry.

Lighting and alternative energy

While Lutron is still the dominant force in lighting control, there were many companies focused on this topic, as consumer interest in systems that provide greater flexibility and sustainability have grown immensely.

For consumers who are just getting into lighting, one of the more exciting lighting solutions demonstrated at the show was a product called LightZing by ImageCrafters. This product uses a low-voltage solution, including manufacturer-provided fixtures.

Flat panel and related TV

One of the more exciting products shown in this category was from Samsung. Its 8500 series of LED backlit products and great-looking plasma panels are an easy sell, and offer a very strong industrial design and performance-to-value ratio.

LG has some new introductions and they are very strong competition for Samsung. They showed the new SL80 and SL90 series of edge-lit and back-lit LCD panels. The performance was stunning and these models are rich with features and content streaming services. The new PS 80 series of plasmas is fantastic. The best thing about all of the LG products was the new cosmetic appearance. This form factor brings a seamless piece of anti-glare glass right up to the edge of the panel, not just the screen, and is a mere 1.8" deep.

Panasonic made some great improvements in form factor and performance, and will be a great option to drive plasma back into contention, along with LG and Samsung. Another advantage for Panasonic is its leadership in the 3D category. It showed an incredibly compelling 3D demo in its trailer.

Panasonic 3D demonstration system

While the 3D category stands to be bigger than the invention of flat panel, content availability and a standard to govern manufacturer development will be the two plagues that must be overcome before we see any traction. For these reasons, mass-market viability is still five years out or more.

The best 3D demo from a performance perspective came from Digital Projection. This company makes the best performing projection systems, and its 3D experience was no exception. Mitsubishi and Sony will also be strong players in driving the 3D category towards availability. EPSON products continue to dominate the middle of the projection TV market. The company's performance-to-value ratio and its customer service combine to make a strong candidate for any home theatre.

Digital Projection put on the best 3D demo.

Screen technology

Stewart is still the king of screen technology. Highlights of its booth included a 110" version of its Media Décor screen cover, as well as a special fabric designed to optimise stereoscopic 3D displays by employing special metallic elements that are formulated to preserve light polarisation. The high gain and high contrast of the fabric helps compensate for the losses incurred when using polarisation filtration technology. Additionally, Stewart offers a gorgeous new motorised product called the cabaret screen, and it is specifically designed to add colour and flair to any residential family room or theatre application.

Theatre seating

Acoustic Innovations showed some beautiful new chairs, and it is offering an exciting new ottoman solution that converts into a bed. If you are in the market for a more affordable chair, let me suggest Robinson and Robinson, who showed extremely well done leather seating with power for approximately USD1000 per chair at retail.

New home theatre chairs on the Acoustic Innovations stand.

Speakers

B&W showed some exciting new products in its custom series that looked and sounded wonderful. These products truly bring high performance audio to the in-wall category of loudspeakers, and as an added bonus, they are better adapted to installation.

Additionally, Sonance TRUFIG products were very impressive. TRUFIG stands for Truly Flush Integration and these products are an immediate eye catcher. They include a mounting system for keypads, speakers, wall plates, and more that have no lip or edge protruding beyond the wall surface, yet they do not compromise on performance, unlike some other solutions. They are easily installed and complement any décor. These products are specifically designed for the architects and interior designers who need highly-integrated and customised solutions, but they don't come cheap.

Before and after examples of Sonance TRUFIG flush-mount products.

Racks and miscellaneous

Salamander, Sanus and Chief all showed new rack systems designed to offer alternatives to Middle Atlantic Products, and there were some very innovative features. Chief also showed a new large screen-articulating mount that was very well built and timely, with the reduced costs of larger screen flat panels.

David Berman is Director of Training and Public Relations for Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA). HTSA is a national association of electronics experts who service the home and business. Its members are located in 37 US states from coast to coast and each location is staffed with experts who design and install high-end audio, video, automation, lighting, and climate systems for a discriminating clientele.

www.htsa.com