Well...Ron, Adam, RAF and myself headed off to CEDIA again this year with high hopes of seeing a lot of new and fantastic products from all the vendors. And we weren't disappointed.
Here are my top picks from what I saw at the show.
1) DVDO Edge -
From the press kit:
(Click on image to enlarge)
DVDO Edge: The first affordable world-class video processor, EDGE upconverts all video formats, up to 1080P output, and improves image quality through its full complement of Anchor Bay’s Video Reference Series™ (VRS™) technologies. EDGE is also the ultimate A/V hub, with 6 HDMI 1.3 “Deep Color” inputs, 2 HDMI 1.3 outputs and a complete array of analog and digital A/V connections. Its new user interface makes setup and operation simple, and there are a number of new customization features allowing users to personalize their own setups. EDGE represents groundbreaking price/performance and offers unparalleled cost/value—at the same price as the very first iScan in 1998—just $799 SRP! EDGE is scheduled to ship in mid to late September.
EDGE assures the best image quality for any digital television by incorporating all of Anchor Bay’s acclaimed VRS™ technologies. These include Precision Deinterlacing™, which gives world-class deinterlacing with 10-bit precision for all sources from 480i to 1080i, and Auto PReP™ (Progressive Reprocessing), which has the unique ability to “undo” poor deinterlacing in source devices (DVD/set-top box, etc.) that use general purpose chips for upscaling and deliver a flawless picture to your display.
EDGE converts multiple resolutions, including both SD and HD, up to 1080P resolution, using Anchor Bay’s Precision Video Scaling II™ 10-bit technology. Additional VRS technologies include Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement, Edge Enhancement, Progressive Cadence Detection™, RightRate™, Precision A/V Lipsync™, and Auto CUE-C™.
(Click on image to enlarge)
A highly flexible audio/video hub, EDGE handles 10 sources, with 6 HDMI 1.3 compliant inputs (including one hidden and accessible on the front panel). Two Component video inputs accept YPbPr and RGBS (one also accepts RGBHV as well). For other analog video signals, one Composite and one S-Video input are provided. For audio not carried on an HDMI input, there are four digital and one analog audio inputs that are assignable to any of the video inputs.
Only a single HDMI cable is needed to connect EDGE to the display device, as all video sources (including analog) are converted to HDMI. EDGE has two HDMI 1.3 outputs, one for the display and a second that carries audio only for use with HDMI 1.3 enabled receivers and processors. For older receivers, an optical output is provided for the audio signal.
Flexible aspect ratio controls allow for easy removal of the black bars in letterbox and pillar-box images, as well as correction for overscan and underscan. Preset aspect ratios include 4:3 full frame, 4:3 letterbox, 16:9 full frame, and Panorama, which applies a non-linear stretch to 4:3
images to fill 16:9 screens. The user can also customize aspect ratios on the fly, through flexible horizontal and vertical zoom and pan controls.
“One of the most persistent comments I hear from clients is how they can’t stand to see ‘black bars.’ Whether the image is letterboxed or pillarboxed, for many people this is really a big deal, and EDGE makes this a simple problem to solve,” said Terry Paullin, Imaging Science Foundation. “Another client complains about when football scores are chopped off in the lower
right corner of the screen, and EDGE’s complete control of Overscan and Underscan will let him see all the information on screen. It’s funny, but solving just these little problems is a really big deal for clients, and while they probably wouldn’t pay $3,000 for it, at $799 they won’t even
blink.”
EDGE can be programmed for auto input selection, which detects active signals when components are switched on. An “Input Priority” option allows the user to set priority among the sources. Picture controls can be customized for each source, allowing the user to set Brightness, Contrast, Color, Hue, Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail and Edge Enhancement. The user can also create custom on-screen names for each input. Precision AV Lipsync™ eliminates “video lag” problems by automatically compensating for the video processing delay of the EDGE, assuring that picture and sound are perfectly matched. For sources where a lip-sync delay is already present, the user can manually adjust the delay up to 200 milliseconds.
Mosquito Noise Reduction reduces random picture noise common to compressed standard and high definition content. Other controls include Fine Detail Enhancement, which extracts fine detail in low resolution or compressed video images, and Edge Enhancement, which sharpen
edges without adding ringing or halos to the image.
To optimize film-based content, Anchor Bay’s Progressive Cadence Detection™ and RightRate™ lock all sources to a 24 Hz frame rate and enable 1080P 24-Hz output.
The EDGE’s ‘Game Mode’ gives gamers an uncompromised gaming experience, by eliminating video processing delay. Additionally, the front panel HDMI input is ideal for use with Xbox360 and PS3.
“Millions of customers have now upgraded to HDTVs, but as they add more sources like Blu-Ray players, portable media, cable boxes and satellite receivers, they find themselves running out of ways to connect them to their TV,” said Doug Fealtman, CEO of DVDO. “And then, once they’ve lived with HD picture quality, they want to find a way to raise the level of picture quality
from lower resolution sources to match the capabilities of their HD display. The EDGE was designed to seamlessly answer these challenges by connecting and enhancing all video sources and switch between them with the push of a single button.” "This new $799 price point should reinvigorate the relationship between an outboard processor and the new low-priced panels,” said Electrograph’s Director of Product Marketing, Jeff Jerome.
“Now you can justify a processor for a number of panels in the home, not just the main Home Theater setup. We still have the VP50PRO for our Professional partners but EDGE is designed to service a whole new tier in consumer processors."
Unlike many high-performance video processors, EDGE is designed to be easy for the end user to install and operate. Its on-screen Setup Wizards guide the user through the setup process, and its intuitive user interface with on screen ‘hints’ makes it easy for anyone to operate. Dedicated
EDGE Tech support is available both toll-free and on line.
EDGE features a sleek new design with an understated, sculpted look that is distinctively “unboxy” in comparison to conventional audio/video components. Also included with the product is a backlit, learning Universal Remote control with an elegant, ‘soft-touch’ finish. On the back panel, generous spacing around the HDMI connectors makes insertion and removal
of connectors easy, especially with premium cables that use oversized connector overmoldings. Also provided is a rear panel IR mini-jack input for use with control systems.
I can hardly wait to get my hands on one to see what it does in my HT.
2) Panasonic AE3000 projector.
(Click on image to enlarge)
Talk about a killer projector. Some of its features are.
* Full-HD Optimized Lens Unit - Each lens is carefully aligned to assure a uniform focusing balance from the center to the edges of the screen.
* Pure Color Filter Pro - This advanced filter system improves color purity, producing the deep, rich tones that distinguish movie images.
* Pure Contrast Plate Technology - Effectively block unwanted light leakage, dramatically increase dynamic range and help to achieve a contrast ratio of 60,000:1 and 1,600 lumens of brightness.
* Full-HD LCD Panels - Double-speed drive capability improves the projection clarity of moving images.
* Dynamic Iris - Adjusts the brightness level of images, virtually frame by frame, for added beauty in both dark and light scenes.
* Smooth Screen Technology - Eliminates the “chicken wire” effect for smooth, vivid, 3D-like images seen in movie theaters.
* Detail Clarity Processor 2 - Optimizes the sharpness of each image portion to reproduce fine nuances lost in image compression.
* Waveform Monitor - Optimizes brightness output from a given video signal source.
* Split Adjust Mode - Freeze a scene and make adjustments while comparing the original and adjusted images side-by-side.
* Max. 16-Bit Digital Processing - Faithfully reproduces even subtle hues and brightness variations.
* Cinema Color Management - Adjust one color without affecting neighboring colors, for just the right equalization in hue, luminance and saturation.
* Lens Memory - Easily enjoy images with different image ratios on a wide, 2.35:1 screen for an immersive, movie-theater-like experience.
* Versatile Input Interfaces - Three HDMI input terminals and two component input terminals.
* 2x Optical Power Zoom/Focus - Project a 120-inch picture from as close as 11'10" to the screen or as far as 23'7" away.
* Lens Shift - Adjust the optical axis vertically and horizontally by a remote control for greater setup ease and flexibility.
*Intelligent Power Management System - Eco-friendly, the PT-AE3000 is designed to reduce power consumption at every frame, which also results in an ultra-quiet operation.
And all this for around $3499 MRSP. The unit will be available starting in October.
3) Sony Bravia KLV-40ZX1M Ultra Thin LCD
(Click on image to enlarge)
This is major release from Sony. Is it is the 40-inch BRAVIA KLV-40ZX1M LCD monitor which measure just 9.9mm thick and weighs 26 pounds. This is a monitor only. It does not have a tuner or speakers built in. A matching flat panel speaker bar is an option.
(Click on image to enlarge)
This LCD TV sports full 1080p resolution. The monitor features a wide gamut LED backlight and Sony’s Motionflow 120 Hz frame rate. It includes 1 HDMI input. A matching flat speaker bar is also available. The monitor comes with Sony's BRAVIA Engine™ 2, a single HDMI™ input and compatibility with BRAVIA Wireless Link which lets you to stream HD content wirelessly to your TV from high definition sources such as a set-top box or Blu-ray Disc™ player.
This is as close to the thinnest of an OLED that you will get for some time and it has a fantastic picture to with it.
This should be on the market in December.
4) Epson Ensemble HD - Home Cinema System
(Click on image to enlarge)
What a cool system. If you are looking for an all in one application this is it. It comes with either a 720p projector priced at $4999 or $6999 with a 1080p version. Included are Atlantic Technology designed speakers housed in a pull down 100 inch screen and a rear projector mount. Also included is a subwoofer, AV controller with built-in DVD and LCD pre programmed remote control. All required cables are included too with channels to run the cables in.
Click here for the PDF file on this fantastic system.
5) Carada Masquerade Masking Systems
(Click on image to enlarge)
Our good friends at Carada showed us the beautifully engineered Masquerade™ handcrafted masking system. One of the great features of this system is that is comes with no brackets, screws or bolts that are visible from the outside of the surround.
"The frame is fully symmetrical with a nice beveled front fascia which is precisely mitered at the corners, and comes standard with our Black Hole™ trim (an extra-cost option on some competitors’ systems!) Simply put, the Masquerade™ will look as good as the rest of your theater."
(Click on image to enlarge)
Carada spares no expense in featuring SOMFY’s new ultra-quiet Sonesse 50 tubular motor which are motors used in the world's leading brands of other high end masking systems. The Sonesse motor will give you quiet, trouble-free performance for years to come.
"The Masquerade™ has all controls built into the system, and the Infrared sensor is integrated into the frame for an attractive, hassle-free installation. The remote itself is elegantly simple and effective, with dedicated buttons for the 16:9 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios, and “Jog” buttons that allow you to easily adjust the mask positions for other less common aspect ratios (like 2.20:1, 2.70:1 etc)."
(Click on image to enlarge)
And best of all it comes in at thousands less than its nearest competitor.
Click here to watch our podcast on this fantastic masking system from Carada.
---
Here are my top picks from what I saw at the show.
1) DVDO Edge -
From the press kit:
(Click on image to enlarge)
DVDO Edge: The first affordable world-class video processor, EDGE upconverts all video formats, up to 1080P output, and improves image quality through its full complement of Anchor Bay’s Video Reference Series™ (VRS™) technologies. EDGE is also the ultimate A/V hub, with 6 HDMI 1.3 “Deep Color” inputs, 2 HDMI 1.3 outputs and a complete array of analog and digital A/V connections. Its new user interface makes setup and operation simple, and there are a number of new customization features allowing users to personalize their own setups. EDGE represents groundbreaking price/performance and offers unparalleled cost/value—at the same price as the very first iScan in 1998—just $799 SRP! EDGE is scheduled to ship in mid to late September.
EDGE assures the best image quality for any digital television by incorporating all of Anchor Bay’s acclaimed VRS™ technologies. These include Precision Deinterlacing™, which gives world-class deinterlacing with 10-bit precision for all sources from 480i to 1080i, and Auto PReP™ (Progressive Reprocessing), which has the unique ability to “undo” poor deinterlacing in source devices (DVD/set-top box, etc.) that use general purpose chips for upscaling and deliver a flawless picture to your display.
EDGE converts multiple resolutions, including both SD and HD, up to 1080P resolution, using Anchor Bay’s Precision Video Scaling II™ 10-bit technology. Additional VRS technologies include Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement, Edge Enhancement, Progressive Cadence Detection™, RightRate™, Precision A/V Lipsync™, and Auto CUE-C™.
(Click on image to enlarge)
A highly flexible audio/video hub, EDGE handles 10 sources, with 6 HDMI 1.3 compliant inputs (including one hidden and accessible on the front panel). Two Component video inputs accept YPbPr and RGBS (one also accepts RGBHV as well). For other analog video signals, one Composite and one S-Video input are provided. For audio not carried on an HDMI input, there are four digital and one analog audio inputs that are assignable to any of the video inputs.
Only a single HDMI cable is needed to connect EDGE to the display device, as all video sources (including analog) are converted to HDMI. EDGE has two HDMI 1.3 outputs, one for the display and a second that carries audio only for use with HDMI 1.3 enabled receivers and processors. For older receivers, an optical output is provided for the audio signal.
Flexible aspect ratio controls allow for easy removal of the black bars in letterbox and pillar-box images, as well as correction for overscan and underscan. Preset aspect ratios include 4:3 full frame, 4:3 letterbox, 16:9 full frame, and Panorama, which applies a non-linear stretch to 4:3
images to fill 16:9 screens. The user can also customize aspect ratios on the fly, through flexible horizontal and vertical zoom and pan controls.
“One of the most persistent comments I hear from clients is how they can’t stand to see ‘black bars.’ Whether the image is letterboxed or pillarboxed, for many people this is really a big deal, and EDGE makes this a simple problem to solve,” said Terry Paullin, Imaging Science Foundation. “Another client complains about when football scores are chopped off in the lower
right corner of the screen, and EDGE’s complete control of Overscan and Underscan will let him see all the information on screen. It’s funny, but solving just these little problems is a really big deal for clients, and while they probably wouldn’t pay $3,000 for it, at $799 they won’t even
blink.”
EDGE can be programmed for auto input selection, which detects active signals when components are switched on. An “Input Priority” option allows the user to set priority among the sources. Picture controls can be customized for each source, allowing the user to set Brightness, Contrast, Color, Hue, Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail and Edge Enhancement. The user can also create custom on-screen names for each input. Precision AV Lipsync™ eliminates “video lag” problems by automatically compensating for the video processing delay of the EDGE, assuring that picture and sound are perfectly matched. For sources where a lip-sync delay is already present, the user can manually adjust the delay up to 200 milliseconds.
Mosquito Noise Reduction reduces random picture noise common to compressed standard and high definition content. Other controls include Fine Detail Enhancement, which extracts fine detail in low resolution or compressed video images, and Edge Enhancement, which sharpen
edges without adding ringing or halos to the image.
To optimize film-based content, Anchor Bay’s Progressive Cadence Detection™ and RightRate™ lock all sources to a 24 Hz frame rate and enable 1080P 24-Hz output.
The EDGE’s ‘Game Mode’ gives gamers an uncompromised gaming experience, by eliminating video processing delay. Additionally, the front panel HDMI input is ideal for use with Xbox360 and PS3.
“Millions of customers have now upgraded to HDTVs, but as they add more sources like Blu-Ray players, portable media, cable boxes and satellite receivers, they find themselves running out of ways to connect them to their TV,” said Doug Fealtman, CEO of DVDO. “And then, once they’ve lived with HD picture quality, they want to find a way to raise the level of picture quality
from lower resolution sources to match the capabilities of their HD display. The EDGE was designed to seamlessly answer these challenges by connecting and enhancing all video sources and switch between them with the push of a single button.” "This new $799 price point should reinvigorate the relationship between an outboard processor and the new low-priced panels,” said Electrograph’s Director of Product Marketing, Jeff Jerome.
“Now you can justify a processor for a number of panels in the home, not just the main Home Theater setup. We still have the VP50PRO for our Professional partners but EDGE is designed to service a whole new tier in consumer processors."
Unlike many high-performance video processors, EDGE is designed to be easy for the end user to install and operate. Its on-screen Setup Wizards guide the user through the setup process, and its intuitive user interface with on screen ‘hints’ makes it easy for anyone to operate. Dedicated
EDGE Tech support is available both toll-free and on line.
EDGE features a sleek new design with an understated, sculpted look that is distinctively “unboxy” in comparison to conventional audio/video components. Also included with the product is a backlit, learning Universal Remote control with an elegant, ‘soft-touch’ finish. On the back panel, generous spacing around the HDMI connectors makes insertion and removal
of connectors easy, especially with premium cables that use oversized connector overmoldings. Also provided is a rear panel IR mini-jack input for use with control systems.
I can hardly wait to get my hands on one to see what it does in my HT.
2) Panasonic AE3000 projector.
(Click on image to enlarge)
Talk about a killer projector. Some of its features are.
* Full-HD Optimized Lens Unit - Each lens is carefully aligned to assure a uniform focusing balance from the center to the edges of the screen.
* Pure Color Filter Pro - This advanced filter system improves color purity, producing the deep, rich tones that distinguish movie images.
* Pure Contrast Plate Technology - Effectively block unwanted light leakage, dramatically increase dynamic range and help to achieve a contrast ratio of 60,000:1 and 1,600 lumens of brightness.
* Full-HD LCD Panels - Double-speed drive capability improves the projection clarity of moving images.
* Dynamic Iris - Adjusts the brightness level of images, virtually frame by frame, for added beauty in both dark and light scenes.
* Smooth Screen Technology - Eliminates the “chicken wire” effect for smooth, vivid, 3D-like images seen in movie theaters.
* Detail Clarity Processor 2 - Optimizes the sharpness of each image portion to reproduce fine nuances lost in image compression.
* Waveform Monitor - Optimizes brightness output from a given video signal source.
* Split Adjust Mode - Freeze a scene and make adjustments while comparing the original and adjusted images side-by-side.
* Max. 16-Bit Digital Processing - Faithfully reproduces even subtle hues and brightness variations.
* Cinema Color Management - Adjust one color without affecting neighboring colors, for just the right equalization in hue, luminance and saturation.
* Lens Memory - Easily enjoy images with different image ratios on a wide, 2.35:1 screen for an immersive, movie-theater-like experience.
* Versatile Input Interfaces - Three HDMI input terminals and two component input terminals.
* 2x Optical Power Zoom/Focus - Project a 120-inch picture from as close as 11'10" to the screen or as far as 23'7" away.
* Lens Shift - Adjust the optical axis vertically and horizontally by a remote control for greater setup ease and flexibility.
*Intelligent Power Management System - Eco-friendly, the PT-AE3000 is designed to reduce power consumption at every frame, which also results in an ultra-quiet operation.
And all this for around $3499 MRSP. The unit will be available starting in October.
3) Sony Bravia KLV-40ZX1M Ultra Thin LCD
(Click on image to enlarge)
This is major release from Sony. Is it is the 40-inch BRAVIA KLV-40ZX1M LCD monitor which measure just 9.9mm thick and weighs 26 pounds. This is a monitor only. It does not have a tuner or speakers built in. A matching flat panel speaker bar is an option.
(Click on image to enlarge)
This LCD TV sports full 1080p resolution. The monitor features a wide gamut LED backlight and Sony’s Motionflow 120 Hz frame rate. It includes 1 HDMI input. A matching flat speaker bar is also available. The monitor comes with Sony's BRAVIA Engine™ 2, a single HDMI™ input and compatibility with BRAVIA Wireless Link which lets you to stream HD content wirelessly to your TV from high definition sources such as a set-top box or Blu-ray Disc™ player.
This is as close to the thinnest of an OLED that you will get for some time and it has a fantastic picture to with it.
This should be on the market in December.
4) Epson Ensemble HD - Home Cinema System
(Click on image to enlarge)
What a cool system. If you are looking for an all in one application this is it. It comes with either a 720p projector priced at $4999 or $6999 with a 1080p version. Included are Atlantic Technology designed speakers housed in a pull down 100 inch screen and a rear projector mount. Also included is a subwoofer, AV controller with built-in DVD and LCD pre programmed remote control. All required cables are included too with channels to run the cables in.
Click here for the PDF file on this fantastic system.
5) Carada Masquerade Masking Systems
(Click on image to enlarge)
Our good friends at Carada showed us the beautifully engineered Masquerade™ handcrafted masking system. One of the great features of this system is that is comes with no brackets, screws or bolts that are visible from the outside of the surround.
"The frame is fully symmetrical with a nice beveled front fascia which is precisely mitered at the corners, and comes standard with our Black Hole™ trim (an extra-cost option on some competitors’ systems!) Simply put, the Masquerade™ will look as good as the rest of your theater."
(Click on image to enlarge)
Carada spares no expense in featuring SOMFY’s new ultra-quiet Sonesse 50 tubular motor which are motors used in the world's leading brands of other high end masking systems. The Sonesse motor will give you quiet, trouble-free performance for years to come.
"The Masquerade™ has all controls built into the system, and the Infrared sensor is integrated into the frame for an attractive, hassle-free installation. The remote itself is elegantly simple and effective, with dedicated buttons for the 16:9 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios, and “Jog” buttons that allow you to easily adjust the mask positions for other less common aspect ratios (like 2.20:1, 2.70:1 etc)."
(Click on image to enlarge)
And best of all it comes in at thousands less than its nearest competitor.
Click here to watch our podcast on this fantastic masking system from Carada.
---
