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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Boulder, Colo.-based Boulder Amplifiers is known for its luxury line of electronics that primarily target traditional two-channel enthusiasts. Recently however the American audio company added a software revision to its 1021 Disc Player that includes the UPnP and DLNA protocols to facilitate networked usage.

With the software update installers can set the 1021 as a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to asynchronously stream digital music files from iTunes or Windows Media Center and play them back at resolutions as high as 32-bit or 192kHz.

The 1021 supports Apple formats such as ALAC(Apple Lossless Compression) and AIFF (audio interchange file format), as well as FLAC, OGG, Vorbis, MP3 and WAV. Additionally, Boulder says that users with smart phones like an iPhone or Droid can use a control app to assemble playlists and perform other control functions via network connectivity.

Monday, March 15, 2010

The L150 is our premier expression of the core technology and strengths of the Sage Series, designed for those customers that demand the highest level of sonic refinement and performance available in an architectural speaker. It combines our state-of-the-art transducer elements in a way that takes full advantage of their inherent performance benefits. It offers a no-compromise solution for customers that require a high-end audiophile loudspeaker that fully integrates into their home. The Sage Series L150 is an unparalleled effort and serves as a benchmark for industry leading architectural products available today.

The L150 can be used for in-wall (L150i), or on-wall (L150m) applications. These versions can also be mixed and matched for the specific needs of the installation. All enclosures are constructed entirely from aircraft grade aluminum. Slim and elegant in design, the L150m on-wall integrates easily with a variety of décors where traditional loudspeakers might otherwise intrude excessively on the room’s appearance. Their clear anodized interlocking trim bezels and matte charcoal colored cabinet convey an exquisite balance of industrial design and build quality unique among consumer loudspeakers. The narrow aspect ratio L150i in-wall design becomes one with the wall, via its paintable grill and bezel, while its all aluminum chassis and integral back box enclosure ensure optimal and consistent performance regardless of mounting environment.

The L150 is the tallest line source in our Sage Series. Incorporating true line sources of this length is unprecedented among in-wall and on-wall speakers. Since true line source arrays effectively eliminate floor and ceiling reflections, they are ideal for large rooms or those with architectural challenges including cathedral or coffered ceilings, hard floors, etc. The large, 76-inch tall line source driver complement allows for high resolution, low distortion and extraordinary dynamic range. The result is highly detailed, dynamically accurate, genuinely effortless performance at any volume level.

The true line source behavior of the L150 exhibits less propagation loss than any conventional loudspeaker, resulting in a vastly enlarged “sweet spot” that is particularly beneficial in any situation with a large seating area. Whether in a media room with a casual seating arrangement or dedicated home theaters with multiple rows of seating, everyone in the audience is treated to “money seat” performance.

The L150 consists of two 76-inch tall by 8-inch wide cabinets per channel, with the woofer cabinet crossing over to the mid/high frequency planar magnetic line source cabinet at 275Hz. The mid/high frequency cabinet builds upon the planar magnetic line source array of the Sage Series’ L75 model, incorporating three 24-inch PMD drivers resulting in a 72-inch true line source, yielding superior resolution, extraordinary dynamic capability, low distortion and wide dispersion.

The low frequency cabinet within the L150 incorporates twelve proprietary high operating pressure woofers. Each woofer cabinet is driven by a single SA-1 amplifier, thereby using a combined 1,000 watts from its two 500-watt amplifier channels for the 12 woofers. Each channel is a two-cabinet system designed to be installed in-wall or on-wall, adjacent to each other, within four or five inches of each other (flanking a stud in in-wall installations).

Considering the center channel handles the majority of soundtracks' vocals and dynamics, we also offer a no-compromise option to those customers who want the best performance possible from their center channel, the C150 Center Channel. The C150i (in-wall) and C150m (on-wall) models incorporate a 50-inch tall planar magnetic line source for mid and high frequencies, accompanied by two woofer arrays, each containing eight proprietary high operating pressure woofers for a total of sixteen woofers. Because the C150 is a line source, it requires installation behind an acoustically transparent screen and is not able to be mounted horizontally either below or above the screen. In such installations (as in professional cinemas), having the center channel information delivered from behind the screen lends a sense of coherence and vocal localization that provides an even more engaging experience for the listener. Of course, for those who wish to do so, it is entirely possible to use the C150 for the left and right channels behind the screen, as well.

As with all Sage Series systems, the 7.3 channel SC-1 System Controller is the heart of the system. It provides the active crossover between bass and midrange/treble, system-specific EQ, as well as Audyssey™ MultEQ® XT room correction on all 17 output channels for consistent no-compromise performance in every installation.

For those customers seeking the ultimate architectural loudspeaker, the L150 is the solution. Merging the benefits of an integrated loudspeaker with the superior qualities of a true PMD line source and outstanding low frequency performance, the L150 is in a class by itself. Capable of unprecedented dynamics, low distortion, high resolution, faithful timbre reproduction, three dimensional sound staging and freedom from compression, this system should be compared with the best freestanding systems and needs to be auditioned to be fully appreciated.

Learn more about the advantages of line sources here.

L150 Specifications
All specifications are subject to change at any time, in order to improve the product.

Frequency response	30Hz – 20kHz ± 2dB relative to the target curve
Frequency response, 30° off horizontal axis	30Hz – 18kHz ± 2dB relative to the target curve
Impedance, planar section	3 ohms
Impedance, woofer section	6 ohms
Sensitivity, planar section	96 dB / 2.83 V / 1m
Sensitivity, woofer section	96 dB / 2.83 V / 1m
Shipping weight, bass section	90 lbs. (41 kg)
Shipping weight, planar section	53 lbs. (24 kg)

Now more than ever before consumers are aware of the negative effects of bad room acoustics.

Auralex's new Room Analysis PLUS Kit is an installer-friendly package that contains an omni-directional microphone, a USB drive with frequency sweep audio samples and instructions on how to use the tests.

Installers will record the tests in a .WAV format and email the results to Auralex along with room details that include dimensions and photos. Auralex will turn that data around to provide the installer and client with a detailed explanation to correct the issues affecting the room.

Honeywell has added new video capabilities to its Total Connect Remote Services.

In addition to remote control capabilities and notifications, Total Connect now integrates with IP cameras that employ video analytics enabling customers to receive event-driven e-mails with video clips when something of interest has been triggered by cameras.

Video e-mails can be received on Web-enabled devices such as laptops, desktops and most new cell phones as well as BlackBerry, Apple iPhone and iPod touch products. The system allows consumers to use the Apple iPhone or iPod touch to look into their homes and businesses and view live video, remotely pan and tilt cameras, manually record video clips and take snapshots.

The IP cameras and built-in analytics let Total Connect monitor for specific events such as a person approaching a front door or a child returning home from school, and can alert consumers via e-mail or text messages.

End-users with multiple cameras can choose to view all cameras on a single screen or one at a time. Store owners with multiple locations or homeowners with more than one property can manage and view all locations over a secure network with a single login.

Premier Mounts in Anaheim, Calif. has released its full-line product catalog for 2010.

The 225-page catalog is a valuable resource for anyone designing A/V systems or installing projectors or flat-panel monitors.

The catalog provides detailed information on:

• Universal Short Throw Projector Wall Mounts with Integrated Audio
• Universal Flat-Panel Mount with Integrated Audio for digital signage applications
• Indoor/Outdoor Enclosure with flat-panel mounts
• Custom and customizable mounts
• Videowall, Modular Flat-Panel Framing System

The British loudspeaker manufacturer KEF has announced that its Reference Series loudspeakers will now be offered in 12 new finishes, as well as other customizable finishes.

Each color is individually crafted to a high gloss finish with multiple layers of lacquer. Each finish is polished to a mirror finish by hand before applying the next layer, and the company says the result is a rich and brilliant shine that meets or exceeds that of most luxury automobiles.

“KEF has long believed that high-performance audio should be as exciting to the eye as well as the ear,” boasts Alec Chanin, president of KEF America.

“As one of the top luxury audio brands on the market, it only makes sense that KEF customers should have the option to indulge their senses and if they so desire, to match their speakers to their favorite car. And we are delighted to provide that service.”

The company says the 12 custom colors are now available by special order for a 15 percent premium and clients can expect an approximate 90-day wait for their order to be fulfilled. In addition, the company says that it will take individual color requests in the event the 12 colors don't meet the demand of the client or interior designer.

Here are KEF’s standard custom colors: Graphite (metallic dark grey), Grigio (metallic mid-grey), Stardust (metallic silver), Pale gold (metallic gold), Garnet (metallic dark red), Sapphire (metallic dark blue), Orange sorbet (metallic orange), Lime sorbet (metallic bright green), Lemon sorbet (metallic yellow), Snow white (gloss white), Racing red (bright red), Racing blue (bright blue).

Since its inception MartinLogan has been a leader in driver technologies and speaker concepts.

The company's new Encore TF Center Channel Speaker is the latest example of how MartinLogan's engineering staff is applying its driver designs to products that fit what the marketplace is currently demanding.

The speaker features the company's Advanced Thin Film (ATF) low-mass, long-excursion woofer with an advanced crossover to provide home theater users with an affordably priced center-channel speaker that can cleanly and swiftly respond to the requirements of dialog and effect reproduction. Installers can offer the speaker as an on-wall product or as a stand mounted speaker through the use of its tabletop stand.

Friday, March 12, 2010

A few months back, Apple introduced the latest additions to its popular iMac computer product line.

The four new products include two 21.5 inch-screen models and two 27-inch screen models and they powered by Intel Core 2 Duo processors. The base 21.5-inch model is fitted with 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM that's expandable to 16GB, a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics, a 500GB Serial ATA hard drive, a slot-load 8x SuperDrive that records and plays DVDs, and 802.11n networking capabilities.

The top-of-the-line 27-inch model builds upon the base unit's features with amenities such as a 2.66 GHz Core i5 processor, a 1TB Serial ATA hard drive, and a ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics card with 512MB GDDR3 RAM.

For years Genelec's products have been a popular speaker in the world pro audio and the company's speakers can be found in many recording studios.

CE Pros have also used Genelec's products to address their high-performance audio installations and now with the release of the company's 8260A Three-way DSP System, installers have a new Genelec solution to address their commercial installations, as well as their high-performance home theaters and desktop, computer-based audio installs.

The 8260A features the company's Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) Mid/High driver system, as well as digital signal processing that's controlled by the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software, which enables custom installers to set operational parameters such as crossover filters, driver equalizers, driver position alignment, room response alignment, calibration and equalization-related filters.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

With the world of home entertainment shifting into a digital world that's highlighted by Blu-ray, Net Flix streaming and iTunes, CE Pros have been caught in the middle.

Ayre Acoustics' QB-9 USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) provides electronics professionals with a digital device that integrates into a traditional audio system, as well as today's increasingly popular desktop audio systems to enable consumers to listen to their digitally stored audio files at the highest quality levels.

Unlike most of the consumer-grade DACs on the market, which operate in adaptive USB mode, the QB-9 employs the “asynchronous” USB data transmission technology developed by Wavelength Audio to deliver what the company says is a lower noise, higher performing DAC-based audio experience.

Unlike the early days of television when people were satisfied to watch programming on their magic boxes, today's TV nation demands more than the privilege of watching their favorite programs.

CLO Systems says its new TM1 flat-panel television mount is filling this need by providing TV fanatics with a strain-free viewing experience.

The TM1 is a low-profile mount that's capable of extending from the wall and tilting downward up to 15 degrees, and it also returns the television to a stationary position flush with the wall when you turn the set off. The mount places a TV one inch from the wall, and it is capable of supporting 26 inch to 37 inch TVs that weigh up to 44 pounds.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Now that home automation is widely recognized as an efficient means of energy conservation, consumers are requiring immediate feedback as to how much of their investment into a home automation solution is yielding in energy savings.

Vantage's Energy Management Solution (EMS) has been engineered to provide that exact information. According to the Utah-based company, some energy management dashboards simply estimate savings, its EMS product however, calculates in real time the exact dollar amount a homeowner is saving on energy.

Vantage adds that its EMS option is also based on a global platform, which makes it compatible with any utility company's smart grid solution.

BTX Technologies, a manufacturer of interface and integration products, has introduced a field-terminatable HDMI cable-mount male connector.

BTX says the cabling solution will allow installers to create custom length HDMI cables that support 12-bit deep color and 1080p resolutions up to distances of 39 feet.

For A/V, home theater, digital signage, or any other application requiring HDMI, the company says its field-terminatable connector can solve the problem of fitting a connector through conduit while eliminating the waste of leaving excess cabling in a rack or wall. This HDMI 1.4 compliant connector is terminated through the insulation displacement connection (IDC) process, which requires only a blade and a HDMI hand tool, and can easily be accomplished with minimal training or skill.

The latest racking option for installers from Middle Atlantic is designed to provide a visual upgrade to a rack mounted electronics system.

Middle Atlantic's Series Residential Designer Rack (RDR) is the company's new aesthetic option for integrating small to medium-sized home entertainment systems, and the company says the single part number rack is factory-configured and ships loaded with the necessary accessories to install a fully loaded rack.

Included with each RDR Series rack are vented shelves and panels that facilitate airflow, built-in cable management to enable system performance and service calls, and a filtered, surge-protected power strip. In addition, the RDR ships with trim strips and hidden casters to enhance its aesthetic design, and four-point mounting shelves pre-installed for fast equipment integration.

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

It's surprising the scenarios in which CE Pros often find themselves in and it's the ability of a custom installer to meet the unique needs of their clients within the electronics industry.

Induction Dynamics' SolidDrive line of transducers enables CE Pros to solve some of those unique audio installation situations by transforming nearly any surface into a loudspeaker solution to meet the needs of diverse group of clientele.

Recently the company added anodized titanium and black finishes to its SolidDrive line, and according to the company, the new colors increase the products' temperature handling capabilities to allow for more installation options, and they provide more aesthetic choices for property owners.