01.01.2005 —

Readers select the most important products of 2004, and the results range from the practical to the unprecedented.

Picking the most important products of the year is no small task. That’s why we ask our readers to select them.

For the third year in a row, we polled thousands of CE Pro readers, who gave a case for their favorite time-saving, money-making, customer-pleasing high- impact products of the year.

These products have all been sold, installed, and tested in the field. Some of them are wildly original creations. Others are simply practical gizmos that cost less or enable dealers to get particularly creative.

This year saw hundreds of hot new products, but with the help of our readers, we narrowed the field to 13 of the most important, plus 13 honorable mentions. The products are nominated by readers, and then final selection is made by the members of the CE Pro Community. Do you agree with the selection of your peers? Email .

Home Control

HomeLogic - OneHome System

In the past few years, a couple dozen startups have demonstrated IP-based home-control systems that look pretty promising. Unfortunately, few have delivered, leaving integrators nervous about promoting such products.

Thankfully, HomeLogic appears to be doing things right. Similar companies have failed because they asked integrators to do too much. HomeLogic, on the other hand, provides a turnkey system including a cabinet, its own server, touchscreens, and a variety of "EdgeBrick" adapters configured with drivers for the most popular subsystems. (View the list at www.homelogic.com/compatible1.html).

At the heart of the system is the HomeBrick, a dedicated server running Embedded Windows XP. HomeLogic stripped out many of the extraneous features that bog down traditional XP computers, meaning HomeBrick only performs home-control functions, and it does that very well.

"Essentially, HomeLogic has stripped everything out of XP that is not necessary to drive the system, and the result is a very clean registry," says John Lee of A Plus Electronics, Wichita, Kan.. "This is not a computer that the customer can use for anything other than HomeLogic’s OneHome system."

In addition to those sold to clients, A Plus has installed a HomeLogic system in its own showroom. "The real bottom line is the stuff really works," says Lee. "I pound on this system every day. … It rarely hiccups and I am very picky about problematic equipment."

Today, Lee integrates his HomeLogic systems with Aprilaire thermostats, Ademco security, Pansonic IP cameras and Russound’s CAV6 with ST2 XM tuner.

HomeLogic has its own unified messing and media management solutions built into the HomeBrick, which contains an 80 GB hard drive (upgradeable to 300 GB). Two RS-232 and four USB ports are also built into the product.

HomeLogic offers a wireless and in-wall touchscreen, but the system can be controlled by any browser-based computer or Pocket PC.

Dealer cost for a full-featured HomeLogic system, including one touchscreen, the HomeBrick server (with its music-management capabilities), and modules for security, lighting, climate control, irrigation, video cameras and voice mail is roughly $5,500.

www.homelogic.com

Whole-House

B&K Components - CT Series

In the recent past, Elan, Russound, Niles, Sonance and Xantech have owned the market for reasonably priced whole-house A/V control systems. But B&K Components is coming on strong. The company’s CT series of multichannel receivers feature built-in AM/FM tuners, lots of I/Os, terrific companion keypads and competitive pricing.

The CT-610 is a nine-source, six-zone (12-channel) system that supplies 55 watts per channel. An additional dedicated source can be added to each of the six zones, for a total of 10 sources per zone. Of course, the requisite 12-volt triggers, IR controls, RS-232 connectivity and other features come standard, as well. All for about $3,000 retail.

"If you compare it to all other systems, it’s competitively priced, and the amp is typically more robust at 55 watts per channel—and a good 55 watts at that," says John Lee of Wichita, Kan.-based A Plus Electronics.

A lighter-weight version, the CT-310 is a three-zone system with a single tuner (vs. the 610’s two tuners) that retails for about $2,300.

Like many integrators, Lee also likes the CT Series for its companion keypad, the CK1.2. Based on the MX700 from Universal Remote Control, the keypad ($350 retail) features a backlit LCD with "renamable" soft keys. A large IR database is included with the product, but it can learn other IR codes as well. An IR pass-through on the front panel allows users to operate the system remotely from any IR remote (preferably one from Universal Remote).

"It’s really nice if you’re already adept at configuring the MX700," says Lee. A lot of dealers like to leverage that knowledge."

www.bkcomp.com

Loudspeakers

Klipsch - THX Ultra2

"Because it expertly delivers the raw explosiveness and fine detail of any film format, the Ultra2 will shatter your expectations for home theater performance by creating the most dramatic and realistic entertainment experiences you’ve ever heard."

That’s what the Klipsch literature says. Here’s what dealers say: "The Klipsch THX package is like bringing the movie theater into your own home. In fact it is better than most theaters," according to David Wexler of The Little Guys, Glenwood, Ill. "The detail and imaging is so real and the entire speaker package is under $10,000. In a very quick demo your client really experiences the emotion of the film or concert and experiences home theater at an exceptional level. The set up is relatively simple and the results are astonishing."

The THX Ultra2 family consists of two sizes of LCR front speakers, one surround, one subwoofer and a subwoofer amplifier, which can be assembled in a variety of combinations to suit the client’s budget and space.

All enclosures have the dado and rabbet construction used in Klipsch professional speakers, ensuring cabinet integrity when speakers are suspended.

www.klipsch.com

Music/Communications System

M&S Systems - dmc1

It seems that intercom systems are making a comeback these days. One of the biggest innovators in the category is M&S Systems, a longtime producer of music and communications systems. The company’s new dmc1 "gives a new, modern look to intercoms," says Michael Fricke of M1 Systems, Santa Clara, Calif.

Fricke says his company looked at most of the other intercoms on the market, but none had the combination of elegant design, good sound, low cost and easy Cat 5-based installation.

The dmc1 features a built-in tuner with eight AM and eight FM presets. It provides two inputs for additional music sources, including M&S’s companion dmc1CD six-disc changer. Out of the box, the system delivers 30W (RMS) maximum output power to up to 15 room stations and three door speakers, but an optional power amp turns the system into a capable distributed audio system.

A kit that includes one master station and three room stations retails for less than $700, with additional room stations costing about $50. The companion six-disc CD changer retails for $470

www.mssystems.com

Home Theater Receiver

Denon - AVR-3805

The AVR-3805 receiver was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and Denon did not disappoint.

Great sound, RS-232 controllability, low cost, and multizone capabilities make the product an ideal solution for a wide range of applications. "It is a great bridge between any type of system we install," says Barry O’Brien of San Francisco-based Performance Audio.

At about $1,000 retail, the unit is hailed as one of the most feature-rich receivers in its price range. The 7.1 A/V receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIx offers remarkable sound quality, with 120 watts per channel, into 8 ohms, from 20 Hz-20 kHz with no more than 0.05% THD. Dealers can bi-amp the front speakers for 240 watts in a 5.1 system.

On the video side, the AVR-3805 features three component video inputs, and offers video up-conversion for its seven sets of composite and S-Video inputs.

Automatic set-up and room EQ software is provided with the AVR-3805 (but bring your own mic).

www.usa.denon.com

Control System

AMX - Modero ViewPoint

A touchscreen is a touchscreen is a touchscreen, right? That’s what we thought until AMX introduced the Modero ViewPoint (MVP) series late last year. "AMX has not only hit a homerun with these guys, they’ve hit the proverbial grand slam," says John Donahue, lead programmer for The Little Guys, Glenwood, Ill. "Awesome looks, excellent stability, great docking options, and unprecedented flexibility. It has quickly become my go-to panel for jobs that require a wireless interface."

The MVP line includes the 7500 and 8400 touchpanels, measuring 7.5 inches (diagonal) and 8.4 inches respectively. The smaller panel features a passive display with a 20:1 contrast ratio, and the larger offers a bright, 18-bit active display with a 350:1 contrast ratio.

AMX’s G4 engine fuels the MVP’s graphics. Buttons and icons flip, spin and morph; anti-aliased fonts ensure crisp, clean text; album-cover art appears in stunning clarity.

The MVP panels enable one-way IR control, as well as two-way RF communications using 802.11b. Previously, according to Donahue, "two-way communications was very expensive and not very stable. The 7500 has given me a two-way panel that outperforms the [original] ViewPoint for considerably less money. The 8400 takes it a step further with incredible resolution and excellent battery life."

The 7500 and 8400 retail for $3,200 and $5,000, respectively.

www.amx.com

Calibration Tools

Joe Kane Productions - Digital Video Essentials

First, there was wildly popular "Video Essentials," the must-have calibration tool for any geek with a DVD player. But that was 1997.

Now Joe Kane Productions offers "Digital Video Essentials," an updated tool for the digital era. Although popular among A/V enthusiasts themselves, the DVD is an essential tool for integrators who sell and install digital TVs. "Overall, this has been one of the most used tools in my box this year," says Jason Gillette of Premiere Home Systems, Bend, Ore. "This powerful calibration tool has had a big impact. The easy-to-use reference patterns allow for a 15- minute out-of-the-box tune-up for a DLP or a full calibration of a dedicated theater."

Beyond the numerous tutorials—how to work a universal remote, where to place the speakers, and the like—DVE provides test patterns and all of the instructions for using them to optimize flesh tones, improve black levels and enhance sharpness.

The DVE DVD is available for PAL ($25), NTSC ($25) and D-VHS 1080i ($90).

www.joekane.com

Telephone System

Panasonic - KX-TAW848 hybrid phone system

The trouble with wireless phone systems is that they only cover so much territory—not enough, in most cases. Enter the Panasonic KX-TAW848 hybrid PBX system.

What’s novel is the multicell wireless expansion option that provides seamless telephone coverage within large areas. Cell stations (transmitters) strategically located throughout the premises essentially "hand off" the connection when a user wanders from zone to zone, without any noticeable interruption.

The KX-TAW848 is designed for installation with Panasonic’s current line of KX-T7700 wired telephones, as well as some older models. Customers with an existing Panasonic phone system, like the KX-TA624, can easily upgrade to the multicell wireless features of a KX-TAW848.

The main unit, initially configured for four lines and four extensions (expandable to 8 x 28), retails for about $700. Cell stations, which have about a 200-foot range, cost less than $300. Four of these stations can be used in a single system.

www.panasonic.com

Lighting Control System

Centralite Systems - CL24 LiteJet

Perhaps more people would buy hardwired lighting control if the systems were more affordable. Now they are. Centralite’s new CL24 LiteJet comes complete with a 24-relay panel for 24 dimmable loads, 16 keypads, and a touchpanel programmer. All for around $3,000 installed—with plenty of margin in there for the dealer.

Craig Willett of Willett Wiring, Atlanta, has installed several LiteJets so far. "It’s a very robust system, and very easy to program," he says. "And customers can afford it."

The CL24 accommodates up to 96 programmable buttons and 41 scenes. It includes a realtime astronomical clock, RS-232 interface, and installer-friendly relay modules that make high-voltage connections easy.

Like all of Centralite’s lighting-control systems, the CL24 is programmable with a touchpanel controller, so no PC is required. With a change of firmware, the system can be upgraded to control 48 loads.

Although Centralite often gets overlooked when we (the industry) talk about whole-house lighting control, dealers rave about the reliability of the company’s products.

"When I became a dealer, the first thing I did was install a Centralite Elegance system in my showroom and office," says Jeremy Wolfson, president of Connect Home Theater & Automation, Minnetonka, Minn. "I haven’t had a single hiccup on it."

www.centralite.com

Streaming Media

Yamaha - MusicCast

It took awhile for the product to catch on, but MusicCast has finally come of age.

MusicCast starts with the MCX-1000, an 80 GB (expandable) server with all of the usual recording options and music-management capabilities built in. Via hardwired or wireless (802.11b) Ethernet, the server broadcasts music to as many as seven remote MCX-A10 clients. These self-contained 34-watt digital amplifiers (17 watts per channel) include a slick LCD interface for selecting songs, playlists, even additional sources that may be connected to the MCX-1000.

It’s $2,200 (retail) for the server, $600 for the clients and $120 for a pair of speakers.

www.yamaha.com/musiccast

IP Enablers

Global Cache - GC-IRL IR Learner

The most inexpensive item among this year’s CE Pro High Impact Products, the GC-IRL pays for itself in one or two uses. The $100 IR learner from Global Cache plugs into a PC’s serial port and captures IR codes for easy importation into a database or home-control program. Simply point an IR remote at the tiny device and shoot.

The learned code is displayed, converted into other formats, and automatically copied into the Windows clipboard for easy pasting into other programs.

"Before, we had to download IR codes into a [Philips] Pronto, but that was maybe 60-percent successful," says Allen Rumbaugh of SRL Audio Video Contracting. Brentwood, Tenn. "This [GC-IRL] has been 100 percent."

The unit learns the full spectrum of IR codes (30KHz to 500KHz).

It’s no surprise that Global Cache would deliver this little gem. The young company has built several critical products that bridge the digital/analog gap. In particular, the GC-100 adapters connect virtually any type of legacy device—via IR, relay, or serial connections—to an IP-enabled network.

Rumbaugh explains that Global Cache, "has enabled us to achieve our vision of tying everything together with Ethernet wired and wireless standards."

www.globalcache.com

Universal Remote

Remote Technologies Inc. - RP-6

For many years, dealers have praised Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI) for its intuitive infrared remotes and excellent TheaterTouch programming software. No matter who makes them, however, IR remotes are bound to suffer from line-of-sight issues, poor reception in bright environments, and interference from increasingly popular plasma screens.

The new RF solution from RTI solves all of those problems and more. The RP-6 is a complete control system that enables users to operate a complicated home theater with the press of a button. The unit receives RF commands from one of RTI’s compatible remotes (T1 and T2+), then shuttles the commands to connected A/V gear and other components. Six flexible I/Os can be configured for IR emitters, power-sensing modules, or RTI’s proprietary serial adapters for controlling connected gear via RS-232. The unit also includes three relay outputs for triggering other devices like motorized drapes.

All macros are stored in the box itself—not in the handheld remote—ensuring all commands reach their intended target.

"Our company has been using RTI products since the inception," says Gary Sullivan of VIP Systems, Westlake Village, Calif. "These remotes had been using IR with hit-and-miss "plasma-proof" IR receiving systems. The new RP-6, in conjunction with either the T1 or T2+, is ‘bullet proof.’ I now can sell any type of home system and walk away after the job is done and get no annoying phone calls about ‘missed commands.’"

Sullivan is impressed with the RF range of the RP-6, pointing out a recent installation in which a T2+ remote worked everywhere in a 6,000-square-foot house, with only a single antenna. "I can now give the customer a remotes that will control only the zone two or zone three of a surround receiver," he says. "I don’t have to install audio keypads all over the house like before."

The RP-6, which retails for $599, can be controlled by standard infrared remotes. For RF reception, the system requires an outboard RM-433 ($120) receiver. RTI remotes start at about $300.

www.rticorp.com

Media Management

Escient - DVDM-100

The DVDM-100 may be Escient’s biggest hit since the company practically invented the media-management category eight years ago. Unlike expensive hard-drive movie-management systems, the DVDM-100 ($1,995 retail) manages up to three 400-disc changers from Sony or Kenwood. As with Escient’s original CD-management products, the DVDM-100 automatically grabs disc information, including cover art, so that users can easily create playlists or select movies by director, actor, genre or other criteria. Of course, since the DVD players also play CDs, the DVDM-100 doubles as a music management system.

The DVDM-100 provides a full array of I/Os for connecting with compatible players, as well as an additional RS-232 port for communicating with third-party controllers. Built-in wireless and hardwired Ethernet capabilities are used not just for connecting to the Internet but for controlling the system via Escient’s own Web tablet or a third party’s TCP/IP-based controller.

Certainly other media-management systems are worthy of kudos, but the DVDM-100 is recognized here for its affordability and flexibility. Most notably, the unit has built-in switching capabilities, so it can alternate between three changers out of the box—no third-party video switcher is required. Furthermore, the DVDM-100 can serve as a client for Escient’s FireBall hard-drive audio servers, enabling a seamless interface for managing and playing DVDs, CDs and MP3s (not to mention iRadio stations).

Although dealers praise the DVDM-100 for its ease of installation, in the end it’s all about the user experience. "It’s a great interface for the consumer," says Barry O’Brien of Performance Audio, San Francisco. "For the person who buys a lot of software, it provides quick and easy access."

www.escient.com

High Impact Companies

This is the third year for the CE Pro High Impact Products awards. And it’s the third year we’ve faced the dilemma of what to do with companies lauded for consistently reliable products and service. Some of these companies may not have introduced a particularly novel product this year. Yet, dealers recognized them in general for their innovation. Thus, we invented a new category for CE Pro High Impact Companies.

Crestron

When we asked dealers to name the most important products for their business this year, many of them said Crestron. But which products from Crestron? we implored. All of them, they would say.

Like many Crestron dealers, Tom Callahan of Sawyers Control Systems, Frenchtown, N.J., struggled to name a single product that distinguished Crestron this year. "They’re all good," he says.

As it tends to do every year, Crestron introduced a slew of new products in 2004: several RF remotes including the WPR-48 waterproof model; the compact MC2W (wireless) and MC2E (Ethernet) controllers--ideal for dedicated home theater automation; various tuners, a wallbox dimmer, the C2N-IVDS video intercom system and more. And that’s on top of Crestron’s full range of subsystems including lighting and HVAC controls, surround sound processors, A/V distribution systems, and one of the most robust software solutions on the planet.

Last year, Crestron was the only manufacturer to clinch two CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles awards—one for its C2N-DAP8RC digital audio processor and another for e-Control2, an application that enables home control from any off-the-shelf Web browser.

With all of these products, Crestron better offer darn good support. Indeed, the company launched True Blue Online Help, a Web-based extension of the highly regarded True Blue support services.

www.crestron.com

Universal Remote Control

Ask dealers about their favorite remotes, and many of them vacillate between the MX-500, MX-600, MX-700, MX-800 and MX-3000. That’s fine by Universal Remote Control, the manufacturer of all of these reliable, affordable, intuitive remotes. "Universal Remote’s MX-700/800/3000 gets my vote," says Steve Sass of Advanced Home Electronics, New Carlisle, Ind. "The price point allows every system that I install the luxury of actually being usable to the end consumer."

All of the URC remotes feature LCD screens and hard keys. They come with built-in IR libraries, but they can learn additional commands if necessary. Macro capabilities, memory back-up (up to 10 years after batteries die) and slick ergonomics grace all of these handhelds.

Even the inexpensive MX-500 ($150 retail) can reliably control the most complicated home theater system with the press of a button. "It has simplified our lives and our clients’ lives in a huge way. We have delivered over 200 so far with virtually no defects," says Dennis Sage of Phoenix-based Dennis Sage Home Theater.

Other dealers prefer the RF-capable remotes, like the MX-600 ($250). "It is easy to program on the fly, changing out whatever the client wants to add at the last minute," says Penny Georger of Rick’s Home Theater, Daytona Beach, Fla. "Plus, it provides reliable RF transmission. No more pointing at a target! Every client gets one of these models." Universal Remote’s top-of-the-line model, the MX-3000 ($1,000 plus $100 RF receiver), features a 3.8-inch color touchscreen and software that enables animated macros.

www.universalremote.com

Richard Gray’s Power Company

The very concept of "power conditioners" sounds a little like snake oil to the uninitiated, but dealers swear by them, particularly if they come from Richard Gray’s Power Company (RGPC).

"Richard Gray’s is one of the best selling system performance improvement products we have ever sold," says David Wexler of The Little Guys, Glenwood, Ill. "They make a real difference on video and audio performance. They continue to find ways to show how they make a difference, helping to justify the add-on cost of their products to an already stretched budget."

It’s no small add-on, either. At $1,200 retail, the flagship RGPC 600S is the "affordable" version of the popular 1200S. The products store and instantaneously release energy on demand to supply current to components that are often starved of it, creating more vibrant colors, enhanced black levels, and more dynamic audio performance.

Then there’s the Pole Pig, a $1,495 isolation transformer that helps eliminate the ground loops that plague home theater systems.

Most recently, the company released the 1200 Custom ($2,095) and 400 Pro ($795), both of which are more suited than their predecessors to rack-mount installation. RGPC enhanced these products by wiring the outlets in parallel with the chokes, rather than in series with one another.

www.richardgrayspowercompany.com

Honorable Mentions

DWIN - TransVision 3 projector

This 16:9 720p DLP projector is sold in two pieces. The processor, which can be conveniently located near video sources, connects to the projector via a single proprietary DVI cable. The TransVision3 retails for about $10,500.

www.dwin.com

Dymo - Rhino Pro 5000 labeler

The Rhino Pro 5000 delivers what no label-maker has done before: high quality at a low cost. The $149 unit uses nylon tape, so the ink doesn’t smear. Installers can select among horizontal, vertical or flag formats.

www.dymo.com

Infocus - Screenplay SP4805 projector

It isn’t the highest-resolution projector on the market but at $1,500, who can argue? You get great black levels, a 6x color wheel, and a big picture.

www.infocus.com

James Loudspeaker - Cinema Series subwoofers

These subs hit the sweet spot—not only for the home theater, but the wallet as well. The 10-inch Cinema 10 retails for about $900, and the larger Cinema 12 costs just $100 more.

www.jamesloudspeaker.com

Leviton - Spec Grade sound system

At last, a low-cost, easy-to-install solution for the mass market. As part of its Spec Grade line, Leviton’s System Matching Module ($219) handles impedance matching at the audio distribution hub itself, eliminating the need for power-hungry, impedance-matched volume controls.

www.leviton-lin.com

Lutron - Chronos bridge

Radio Ra has been a category killer for Lutron, but dealers have wished for more capacity and more features from the RF lighting control system. Chronos delivers, with its ability to bridge two Radio Ra systems for control of up to 64 zones of lighting. The device features an astronomical clock for timed events, contact closures and RS-232 communications.

www.lutron.com

Marantz - SR7400 processor

Incorporating Dolby Pro Logic IIx, this processor ($999) features video upconversion and a time base corrector to synchronize the video signal.

www.marantz.com

Martin Logan - Mosaic speakers

Martin Logan’s digression from electrostatic speakers was "gutsy," according to John Lee of A Plus Electronics, Wichita, Kan. "But they brought it out at a $2,000 price point, which is a price point we needed. They deliver phenomenal sound."

www.martinlogan.com

Panamax - In-Walls

Who knows why it took the industry so long to deliver an in-wall solution for surge protection and power conditioning, but Panamax finally delivered with its family of MAX In-Wall solutions, including a surge protector, power conditioner and an array of low-voltage modules.

www.panamax.com

Request Multimedia - VideoRequest media manager

Winning CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles award, this product manages movies and music stored on a compatible DVD changer, with all the grace of Request’s hard- drive audio servers. As always, dealers say they appreciate Request’s stellar support.

www.request.com

Samsung - HL-P5063W

With rear-projection DLP televisions so thin and relatively affordable, it’s hard to justify a true flat-panel TV. Exploiting TI’s HD3 DLP, the 50-inch Samsung HL-P5063W ($3,500) boasts a native 1280 by 720 display, which is positively stunning.

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