The man known as the Father of Information Theory, Claude Shannon, invented the digital circuit – the foundation of the magic that provides us all access to the Internet today – during his master’s degree program, when he was just 21 years old! Without this technology, home automation would not exist as it does today.
Today, if you want Savant home automation system, the price of entry is about $4,000. But the maker of Apple-friendly home controls is rolling out a “system” at CEDIA Expo 2013 that starts at $999 for a controller and slick handheld remote.
The key is a new $500 Gateway nicknamed Big Boy Automation—as in, not a wimpy little box that Comcast sells you. The Linux box, expected to ship in Q1 2014, features the full Savant software and does not require a Mac Mini on the network (although one can be added to enhance the system).
The Gateway is packaged with Savant’s new $499 Wi-Fi universal remote, the SUR-0500.
A kit that includes one Wi-Fi dimmer/keypad one Wi-Fi thermostatand user license (both iOS and Android) will retail for $1,499.
A security-centric package is on the way.
Savant’s Jim Carroll tells CE Pro that commercials from home automation mass-marketers are driving consumers to specialty dealers.
They tell him, “We need to be relevant. … Here, I’ve got something for $1,000.”
The Gateway includes IR, two RS-232 ports and two GPIOs. It “can do everything a full-blown million-dollar Savant system can do,” Carroll says, but a full “luxury license” will be required … and of course a lot more I/Os.
Savant only recently launched a line of Wi-Fi dimmers and is adding to the Internet of Things category with $99 Wi-Fi plug-in modules and smart power supplies.
Savant Systems has introduced the Wi-Fi-based Savant Universal Remote that offers control of audio/video, distributed audio, lighting, climate control and other features.
The Savant Universal Remote is self-configuring once connected to the network, eliminating the complex programming. The user interface device supports a menu of screens for controlling services throughout the home, and because it utilizes Wi-Fi connectivity, users can control devices without pointing or aiming—no direct line of sight is required.
“Wi-Fi is the worldwide standard for residential and commercial wireless networking, and this new remote will affordably deliver the control capabilities our customers want by leveraging the network that already exists in their home or business,” explains Jim Carroll, Savant’s executive vice president corporate strategy and business development.
The Savant Universal Remote features a 1.7-inch color display and backlit buttons, which clearly illuminate essential navigation keys. The Savant Universal Remote has an ergonomic design featuring a customizable color display and a full complement of hard buttons for frequently used functions. Features include two-way feedback from supported devices and transport buttons enabling users to navigate Savant’s TrueCommand on-screen navigation technology.
When used within a Savant control ecosystem, the Savant Universal Remote is capable of two-way Wi-Fi communication, giving users control of intelligent devices and subsystems from anywhere in the house or facility. If the remote becomes lost or damaged, no programming is required to activate a replacement – simply log the new remote onto the network and full functionality will automatically be restored. Savant authorized integrators can also upload feature changes and firmware updates remotely, adding value for users while enhancing overall efficiency.
Integra has introduced its new mid-range THX Certified AV preamp processor and AV receiver, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5.
Both are the first Integra products to support HDBaseT technology, which allows HD audio/video signals to be transmitted over much longer distances and uses cables that are much more commonly available, less expensive, and easier to field terminate and install in customized lengths than HDMI.
By incorporating HDBaseT technology, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5 are optimized for whole-home distribution and can connect to compatible entertainment devices through a single CAT5e/6 cable. HDBaseT is the only technology that enables long-reach wired connectivity up to 328 feet (100 meters) for uncompressed full HD multimedia content including 3D and 2K/4K Ultra HD making it ideal for the custom integration specialists. The HDBaseT port can be assigned for use in either the main zone or a second zone, while the HDMI output is used exclusively for the main zone.
“The addition of HDBaseT in these two new models help address an issue many in the custom installation market deal with; providing HD quality over long distances,” said Keith Haas, director of sales. “Implementing technologies like HDBaseT allows us to continue to provide products people have come to expect from the market leader. With this addition along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unparalleled streaming service options, THX Certified sound quality, ISF Certified Calibration Control, and ongoing support upgrades, our customers get new value added on a regular basis.”
The new DHC-60.5 7.2 channel network AV preamp processor is THX Ultra2 Plus Certified and the ideal companion to the DTA-70.1 THX Ultra2 certified amplifier. The DHC-60.5 also includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and full support for the new 4K Ultra HD video displays using either the 4K pass-through feature or up-scaling for conventional SD and HD video sources via a Marvel QDEO processor. There are connections for nine HDMI inputs and one output, plus HDBaseT, along with 7.2 multichannel balanced XLR pre-outs (with front-channel bi-amp capability) and two-channel balanced XLR audio inputs.
Meanwhile, the DTR-60.5 is a 9.2 channel, THX Select2 Plus network AV receiver that boasts 135 watts per channel of power.
The DTR-60.5 supports an abundant package of connectivity options including 9-in/1-out HDMI, the aforementioned HDBaseT port, and 11.2 multichannel pre-outs to support full DTS Neo:X up-mixing for surround-sound playback. If preferred, the unit can be configured to assign four of the nine available channels to drive audio in Zone 2 and Zone 3 simultaneously. There is a full package of surround processing including Dolby Pro-Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX, plus Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room set-up processing. Amplification comes courtesy of proprietary WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and discrete Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry, a combination that preserves a distinctively musical sound even at high volumes.
Both models provide management of the main and multi-zone entertainment via the Integra Remote app for Apple and Android devices, which encompass the selection of online streaming services, internet radio channels, and network audio files. The network connection provides Internet radio and streaming music services include the new addition of TuneIn Radio along with the bevy of services offered in previous generation models such as Spotify, Pandora, Slacker, Rhapsody, SIRIUS XM Internet Radio, AUPEO!, and Last.fm.
They also support the playback of high definition music files in FLAC, DSD, ALAC, HD 24/96 and HD 24/192 formats from HD music download services.
In addition to having the power to steer high-res movie soundtracks at theater-reference volumes, the receiver is loaded with high-end features to optimize two-channel performance. Pre-processing incorporates three 192kHz/24-bit TI Burr-Brown DACs (with one stereo DAC per front channel in Differential DAC mode). Audiophiles wishing to bi-amp their front speakers can find performance increases from the proprietary Digital Processing Crossover Network, which splits the audio signal very precisely into separate high- and low-frequency signals, feeding them to the appropriate speaker drivers. This all but eliminates frequency overlap at the crossover point for a more transparent stereo image.
Kaleidescape, Inc. is bringing its high-end home theater experience to a broader audience with the all-new Cinema One. 
The Cinema One comes in a beautiful form factor that is easy to set up in any family room or existing home theater, and is the company’s first product designed for retail distribution. (For blogger John Sciacca’s thoughts on the new offering,click here).
Cinema One lets consumers store and instantly access up to 100 Blu-ray or 600 DVD-quality movies in the highest audio and video quality available. With this new form factor and price, the renowned Kaleidescape Experience is no longer limited to just high-end custom installations.
“Magnolia has been demonstrating the Kaleidescape System in the theaters of our design centers for years,” said Bill Beverley, vice president of retail sales, Magnolia Audio/Video. “But until now, Kaleidescape’s products have been installed in large home theaters and whole-home integrated audio/video systems. With Cinema One, we can now offer the same experience in a simple-to-install and easy-to-use movie server to anyone who wants to have a truly theatrical movie experience.”
Cinema One provides a better home theater experience by letting viewers watch their Blu-ray and DVD movies without the delays of previews, menus or ads. Cinema One connects to any home automation system. So when you press Play, the lights go down, the masking is set, and the movie starts instantly, creating a truly theatrical movie experience. And with the unique CinemaScape video-processing mode, Cinema One is the best source devices available for a 2.35 home theater.
A second Cinema One can be added to double the storage capacity and enable viewing of the combined library on a second television. And a three-year standard limited warranty ensures customers can enjoy their movies worry-free.
With Cinema One, viewers can download movies directly from the Kaleidescape Store, which offers movie downloads with the same audio/video fidelity of Blu-ray discs. Downloads include all special features, audio tracks and extra content otherwise available only on the physical disc.
“Today, Blu-ray discs are the reference standard for the discerning viewer, but they’re not as convenient as streaming,” said Doug Blackburn of Widescreen Review. “The Kaleidescape Store is currently the only way to download movies with precisely the same audio/video fidelity as Blu-ray. With Cinema One, anyone looking for the ultimate home theater experience without the inconvenience of physical discs will find Kaleidescape to be the best possible option for a theater system that will impress the owner, family and friends.”
The Kaleidescape Experience is powered by the company’s comprehensive Movie Guide, which contains nearly a quarter million titles. As viewers browse their collection, the onscreen user interface highlights similar films based on genre, director, actors and more. Kaleidescape experts have handpicked thousands of the most memorable scenes in films, concerts and musicals so viewers can jump directly to the best parts of their favorite movies.
“The excellent video displays and sound systems found in homes today create a real need for a device that makes it easy to instantly view Blu-ray quality movies,” said Michael Malcolm, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Kaleidescape. “High-capacity hard disk drives, increasing Internet bandwidth, and the new Kaleidescape Store have made it possible to deliver the Kaleidescape Experience to anyone who enjoys watching movies at home.”
Cinema One is the first component in Kaleidescape’s new Cinema line, designed for smaller systems and featuring simple onscreen setup. The flagship Kaleidescape product line—which can serve collections of any size to a virtually unlimited number of rooms using rack-mountable hardware—is now called the Premiere line, and is intended for professional custom installation.
For a while there, it seemed like Ultra HD 4K TVs were to be relegated to the trade show floor. This year, manufacturers have been slowly leaking out some larger sets. Samsung is planning to release 55- ($5,499.99) and 65-inch ($7,499.99) sets under its F9000 Series in August, with pre-orders beginning on July 21.
Promising four times the resolution of a typical 1080p HDTV, the F9000 Series has Samsung’s own Quadmatic Picture Engine. This option is four-step process to upconvert SD and HD signals, with signal analysis, noise minimization, UHD up-scaling and detail enhancement.
Other features include Precision Black Local Dimming technology, Micro Dimming Ultimate, 3D features, 2-way 2.2 channels of 70-watt sound, and built-in WiFi. That connectivity and each set’s quad-core processor make the included Smart TV features easy to tap into. The new Smart Hub interface offers instant access to favorites from the main menu, under the headings On TV, Movies and TV Shows, Social, and Apps as well as Photos, Videos and Music. There’s also the S Recommendation feature and Smart Interaction for voice and gesture control.
It should be noted these TVs were made for tweaking, since both can be upgraded in the future using Samsung’s optional Evolution Kit.
“Revolutionizing the home entertainment viewing experience is a hallmark of the Samsung brand,” says Joe Stinziano, Samsung’s executive VP. “The F9000 series are evolutionary TVs that will give consumers great peace of mind in their entertainment investment. Now home entertainment lovers will have the opportunity to truly see and enjoy their favorite shows and movies like never before, in crystal-clear ultra high-definition, and in the beautifully designed 55- and 65-inch sizes they demand.”
Savant Systems, LLC has introduced three new iOS device docks including the IDC-100L in-wall wireless charging dock for the Apple iPad mini with Lightning connector. 
Savant is the first control and automation company in the CEDIA integration channel to supply an in-wall dock for the iPad mini. Savant is also now offering the iPad Lightning dock (IDC-200L) and 5th generation iPod dock (IDC-T00L). These new offerings are the first in a growing family of Lightning-compatible docks that will include desktop and in-wall wired versions for high-security enterprise applications.
Savant’s new in-wall dock (IDC-100L) transforms the iPad mini into a versatile and cost-effective WiFi-connected touch interface option for any Savant control system.
The three new Lightning docks consist of a mounting plate and back-box along with low-profile, magnetically attached bezels that can be ordered to match any decor. The iOS device is powered via the dock, and its touch screen can then be used for wireless navigation and control of Savant’s residential and commercial automation and control solutions.
The new docks have been specifically designed to secure each iOS device in place as a dedicated interface with a locking fastener—the iPad mini, iPad or iPod touch® becomes a fixed docking solution and is not intended to be removed.
“The iPad mini has been widely adopted as a powerful user interface solution by Savant’s network of integrators as well as by end users,” said Jim Carroll, executive vice president of corporate strategy and business development at Savant. “Savant is pleased to deliver a docking solution for the iPad mini and other Lightning-compatible iOS devices to serve our customers.”
Séura has launched the S1, the next generation, high-performance offering in its vanishing TV mirror Premier Series. 
The new model will provide a better viewing experience through advanced engineering improvements, according to the company.
The new design eliminates the gap between the mirror and monitor, allowing for a superior picture quality that minimizes internal reflection. This makes for a better viewing experience for the customer, Séura says.
The improved manufacturing of the Premier S1 has relocated the inputs and outputs and has also increased its durability.
“Our product development and engineering teams have designed the Premier S1 to give the consumer a greater peace of mind knowing that their new display will stand the test of time. We crafted the product to be durable and long-lasting,” said Gretchen Gilbertson, co-founder and CEO. “These new models are also easier to install so our customers can get to benefit from the exceptional video quality with less life disruption.”
With RS-232 control and robust HDMI, component, USB, and IR connections, integration is uncomplicated. The Premier Series is ideal for larger television applications. Designed for living rooms, bedrooms, and above fireplaces, Premier Series offers a high-performance picture and a soft, designer mirror reflection.
The hidden video technology screen sizes are 32-inch, 42-inch, 46-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch.
Integra has introduced a mid-level home theater receiver with key new home integration and performance features for 2013. 
The Integra DTR-30.5 is the company’s first receiver with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces for modern media connectivity. It is also Integra’s first with 4K pass-through and up-scaling for the new large Ultra HD high definition video displays, and it includes new Phase-Matching Bass technology for sound clarity.
With so many different music source options available today, this receiver has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to stream music from phones, tablets, and computers. This gives it the capability to playback high-definition music files in FLAC, DSD, ALAC, HD 24/96 and HD 24/192 formats from HD music download services.
Connection options include eight HDMI inputs with two outputs for connection to streaming services via Apple TV, Roku, blu-ray players and other sources, a USB port, and a hard-wire Ethernet connection. These networking features also provide access to the widest selection of audio streaming content such as Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM Internet Radio and Tune In. In addition to all this new connectivity, the DTR-30.5 also provides extensive support for legacy digital and analog sources, including a phono input for connecting a turntable.
Increasingly, custom installers are equipping premium home theaters with the new 4K Ultra HD video displays, which are the pixel equivalent of four current 1080p HD screens. The 4K pass-through feature allows Ultra HD video signals to connect directly to these video display without interference or modification. For conventional video sources, it includes the remarkable Marvel QDEO processor to convert, or “upscale,” lower resolution video to a full 4K presentation via HDMI.
The new Phase Matching Bass optimizes low frequencies while preserving mid-range clarity. It counters phase shifting—which can affect sound quality—by synchronizing the timing of different frequencies. The result is deep, well-defined bass that won’t overwhelm vocals or strings.
With plenty of audio power on tap to drive each of seven loudspeakers in a home theater surround system, the Integra DTR-30.5 is rated at 95 Watts per channel. The amplifier sections employ the company’s three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT)—a low negative-feedback topology for low distortion and high dynamic range.
The Integra DTR-30.5 includes an array of modern features. These include InstaPreview, which allows users to monitor multiple program sources with this HDMI variant of picture-in-picture. There is also Mobile High-definition Link (MHL) to deliver HD video and up to 7.1 channels of audio from compatible Andriod smart devices and other products.
Savant Systems, LLC has announced the introduction of the SmartLink digital modules. The SmartLink output and receiving modules can transmit audio and video signals up to 1080p over CAT5e/6 cable lengths of up to 100 meters (328 feet) using the latest HDBaseT technology. SmartLink service cards are available for Savant’s SmartMediaPro family of controllers.
The output modules are available in both two and four-port versions. The receiving module comes in a wall plate form factor with Ethernet, HDMI and control outputs all accessible from the front panel of the device. SmartLink Modules break out the power, Ethernet and control protocol components of HDBaseT, directing them to a separate cable.
Savant SmartLink Modules with HDBaseT technology are will ship Q2, 2013.
