Category Archives: New Products

New Products, Runco

Runco Broadens Award-Winning LightStyle Series with High Bright Projector

The new 3-chip DLP LS-10HBd provides homeowners exceptional entertainment value without compromising video quality or scale

Beaverton, OR – Runco International, the leading brand in luxury display solutions and part of the global leader in specialty display solutions Planar Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: PLNR) is taking its award-winning LightStyle™ Series to new heights of brightness and scale with the new LS-10HBd.  Measuring more than 3,780 lumens before calibration, this high-bright 3-chip DLP® projector creates stunning video at a scale unattainable by other display types, in environments that may not be conducive to other projection technology, and offers customers an affordable big screen video experience in virtually any room of the house.

With its 3-chip, 1080p design and stunning brightness, the LS-10HBd opens up new projection possibilities in the home, especially in “Flex Theaters”—living rooms, media rooms, and entertainment spaces in the home where big screen entertainment is only a portion of the room’s purpose, and where even the highest performance front projection systems can struggle with environmental factors like ambient light and shadows. The incredible brightness, along with the ISF™ Day and Night modes of the LS-10HBd, make it possible for families to truly get the most from their DVDs and Blu-ray® discs, television programming, internet video, and computer-based media and spectacular sizes, without compromising the room’s design or décor. 

“When clients rave about the quality and the range of options available, it is clear why the LightStyle series is one of our best selling projection lines,” said Jennifer Davis, vice president of marketing for Runco. “The new LS-10HBd projector truly enhances the line by bringing it into bigger and brighter spaces than ever before, without compromising quality, value, or the sleek, stylish industrial design for which LightStyle is known.”

Runco’s LightStyle Series projectors are well-regarded for their craftsmanship and video quality, and in taking the line to new heights of brightness, the LS-10HBd still maintains the performance and integrity of its predecessors. It boasts flawless 1080p full high-definition presentation, full integration with the leading home automation systems, and a sophisticated industrial design that complements any space. 

Runco’s LightStyle Series combines state-of-the-art DLP-based SuperOnyx™ technology with the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration suite for optimal performance, further enhancing the flexibility of installation and use. The LS-10HBd also ships with Runco’s award-winning Digital High-Definition 4 (DHD 4) external video processor for the utmost in processing, scaling, and control. Designed to be rack mounted, the external DHD 4 offers advanced connectivity options, as well as installation flexibility, because it can be located next to, and connect directly to, all other source components with a single-wire connection from the controller to the projector, making it an ideal solution for retrofit installations.

As with all other LightStyle projectors, the LS-10HBd is available with Runco’s optional  CineGlide™ lens solution, which enables viewers to switch from 16:9 content to 2.35:1 ultra-widescreen films without black bars on the top or sides of the image at the touch of a button. 

Its sleek design can be customized with Runco’s FinishPalette™ design options, which offer full-color design options, ranging from matte white to camouflage ceiling installations to a gallery of artist impressions, a line of Signature colors, or even custom client-supplied artwork.

For more information about Runco or to find a local dealer in your area, please visit www.Runco.com.

New Products, URC

URC’s Thermostat Offers ‘Comfort Recovery’

While the THZ-100 offers five thermostat buttons, users can also enjoy two-way control of the thermostat via URC Total Control remotes, keypads, touchscreens, and third-party controllers like the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

Among its features, the THZ-100 offers Intelligent Comfort Recovery, which monitors the current environment and then slowly heats or cools accordingly, with dollar-saving efficiency, until it reaches the preset. Additional features include password protection for homes or businesses where access must be limited, and optional wired remote sensors to increase efficiency and accuracy of programmed temperature adjustments.
 
“With the THZ-100, users can control the temperature of a home or business simply by picking up a remote control,” said Doug Cole, senior vice president and general manager of URC. “The automation possibilities are endless; for example, our dealers can have the drapes automatically close when the air conditioner kicks in, to help cool the building more quickly and save energy. For the ability to set the climate from anywhere, look no further than the THZ-100 coupled with the Total Control system. It does everything but control the weather.”
 
The THZ-100’s backlit two-inch color LCD is designed to be easy to read with background graphics and colors that automatically change to indicate visually whether the system is heating or cooling during transitions.
                                  
The THZ-100 is programmable via the internet via the MRX-10 Advanced Network System Controller. Like all Total Control products, the THZ-100 is programmed using URC’s Accelerator software. A mounting template, bracket and screws are included.

New Products, Sharp

Sharp Intros 90″ Sharp AQUOS Full Array LED TV

This week Sharp announced a new 90″ AQUOS LED LCD TV (model LC-90LE745U), which is the world’s largest LED-based TV. Less than 5″ deep and weighing 141 pounds (without the stand), this 1080p TV offers a 240Hz refresh rate, active 3D capabilities and a full array LED backlight system. Because of the energy efficiency of LEDs, it costs only $28 per year to operate. Two sets of 3D glasses are included with the set.

It has Sharp’s SmartCentral, which offers access to services such as Netflix, YouTub, Hulu Plus and VUDU. It also has Skype, web browsing, and built-in Wi-Fi. It also features two USB inputs, four HDMI inputs and RS232 control.

Available immediately, the LC-90LE725U has a suggested retail price of $10,999.99.

New Products, News

Sony, Panasonic Officially Team on OLED TV

Sony and Panasonic officially have revealed plans to collaborate on the production of next-generation OLED HDTV technology, with mass production slated to begin in 2013.

The companies said the arrangement will allow them to share each other’s core and printing techniques for use in the mass production of HDTV-sized OLED panels, while each company develops and commercialize “its own competitive, high-performance, next-generation OLED televisions and large-sized displays.”

 The companies said they plan to jointly develop printing method-based OLED technology, which will be suitable for low-cost mass production of large, high-resolution OLED panels and modules.

Sony launched the first commercially distributed OLED TV in 2007 with an 11-inch model, and added a 25-inch professional OLED monitor in 2011, and continued to develop products and mass-produce OLED displays utilizing deposition technologies.

New Products, News

James Offers SA Series

James Loudspeaker has introduced its SA (Small-Aperture) series of in-ceiling and in-wall audio systems pack 38 Hz into a three-inch aperture. The system is a true full range, three-way design with a 0.75-inch titanium dome tweeter, 2-inch titanium midrange driver, and a 6.5-inch Mini PowerPipe subwoofer–all concentrically mounted.

 The grille configuration has industry-standard mounting and accepts high-end lighting trim kits to allow the speaker to match lighting fixtures in the same installation. The flagship 63SA-7 is ordered in two parts; the preconstruction kit is the PowerPipe subwoofer and is installed before drywall is installed. After the construction is completed, the tweeter/mid module is connected and installed into the three-inch opening and the selected grille/trim kit added to complete the installation.

Other models include the 63SA-4 for four-inch wall installations and an 81SA-4 10-inch subwoofer.
Commercial Projects, New Products, Stewart

Stewart Introduces CIMA Screen Line

Stewart Filmscreen Corporation has introduced CIMA, a new screen line offering standard configurations and sizes for projects that are less need specific, but still demand quality, durability and performance.  
 stewart CIMA screen

“Our team set out to create the high-quality screen solutions for a broad range of basic applications, and the new CIMA line was born,” said Grant Stewart, president, Stewart Filmscreen.  “The CIMA line maintains the exceptional screen performance that generations have come to expect from the Stewart Filmscreen brand, with unsurpassed screen uniformity and product fit and finish.  Standard sizing with limited options allow for manufacturing efficiencies, meaning this product can be ordered and shipped in a matter of days. Now we can address the needs of a much broader range of applications, providing our dealers with expanded opportunities for Stewart product.”
 
With CIMA, Stewart provides integrators with a screen solution that has been designed to deliver under a wide range of viewing conditions and at a competitive price. The line offers basic screen configurations in both white and gray screen material depending on the environment. The NEVE white screen material is ideally suited for applications where lighting control is available, while the TIBURON gray screen material is optimized for applications with less lighting control.  
 
CIMA by Stewart Filmscreen is available in fixed frame wallscreen, above ceiling electriscreen, and below ceiling electriscreen mounting options for maximum versatility and ease of install. Electric roller screens come with optional IMC low voltage control for interconnectivity. CIMA screens make installation a straightforward process and the available options are intended to suit most any standard commercial or residential purpose.

Home Automation, New Products

Key Digital Offers Audio Management Solution via HDMI Matrix Switcher

Key Digital announced this week a new solution for the problem of managing audio via its KD-HD8X8BT Digital IQ HDMI Matrix switcher.

With the proliferation of a wide variety of audio formats and the increased demand to be able to utilize all of these various formats, it is becoming increasingly difficult to both manage all of these formats and preserve the best audio quality for the consumer. Key Digital’s new KD-HD8X8BT 8×8 HDMI matrix switch can help integrators with these issues.

For example, let’s assume you use KD-HD8X8BT in three zones with different characteristics:

  1. Zone with a flat screen TV with built-in stereo speakers. For this zone you will need HDMI with a stereo audio signal.
  2. Home theater zone with the latest 7.1 channel AV receiver, speakers, and flat screen TV
  3. Home theater zone with an older non-HDMI 5.1 AV receiver capable of Dolby Digital with flat screen TV

KD-HD8X8BT can help with these zoning requirements through the EDID control feature.

For Zone 1, the installer would make sure that L/R stereo audio is available from every source. On output 1 you would program that output to insert PCM stereo into the HDMI signal instead of any other audio format. The PCM stereo is created and outputted in place of L/R stereo inside the switcher.

For Zone 2, you would pass the HDMI signal (containing authentic audio) with its highest quality available audio format. For sources sending DTS-HD, DTS-HD would be the preferred audio format for this zone. The flat screen TV can be connected to the HDMI output for the AV receiver associated with this zone.

For Zone 3, the HDMI output is programmed to insert Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. The PCM coaxial output will provide Dolby Digital to the AV receiver. This zone will only have audio available from the AV receiver and speakers, the flat screen TV will ignore the Dolby Digital audio and display only video.

Commercial Projects, New Products

SoundTube Debuts Totally IP Distributed Audio System

The SoundTube ST-NET system is an IP-addressable speaker system that drives 40 watts PoE (Power over Ethernet) to each of its speakers. The system includes a rack-mountable 16-port switch, rack-mountable power supply and in-ceiling and surface-mount PoE powered speakers. In addition to the 16 Ethernet ports, the ST-NET switch includes two gigabit ports for linking of switches and control gear and a WAN port for connection to an outside network.

Using the CobraNet audio standard as its backbone, the system allows each SoundTube speaker on the network to be powered, controlled and receive the digital audio signal via its Ethernet cable. Set up and equalization can be done individually or as a group. Each speaker can receive different audio signals and is continuously monitored by the system to provide report-back status to the main control point. Any failure in the speaker will immediately trigger an alarm (either visible, audible or both), and the system can be configured to send an e-mail message to the installer or end user detailing the status of the system. The ST-NET switch and speakers are compatible with all other CobraNet-enabled control systems, and multiple SoundTube switches may be linked for large distributed speaker systems.

New Products, Planar

Planar Debuts Zero-Bezel LCD Displays

Today Planar is announcing what it’s claiming as the industry’s first infinity, zero bezel 60″, 70″ and 80” family of LCD displays, configured for multiple solutions within digital signage applications. Saying they were engineered from the ground up to be the digital signage displays for large format LCD needs, Planar says its UltraLux Series are all ADA compliant for indoor advertising, retail/corporate brand communications and large format way-finding applications. They really aren’t totally bezel-less, but they do have the smallest bezel of any commercial LCD we’ve seen so far.

Every model is native 1080p, less than 3″ deep and have a hinged mount and kickstand design to provide easy tilt-out access to electronics modules on the back. Each one features an edge-to-edge layer of Planar ERO glass that gives the display the appearance of having an “infinity edge” and protects it in high-traffic areas.

New Products, Russound

Russound Ships Bluetooth Wireless Adapter

Russound has revealed the BSK-1 Bluetooth Source Kit, a high performance wireless audio kit for enabling all portable Bluetooth-equipped devices to stream content to any multiroom audio system regardless of brand.

 russound bluetooth

The BSK-1 features a unique two-piece design comprising of a Bluetooth transceiver and separate audio interface receiver with built-in active balanced line drivers for maximum signal clarity; this design enables the units to be placed up to 300 feet apart. With an in-room Bluetooth wireless range of up to 100 feet in line-of-sight applications, the BSK-1 meets all requirements for premium quality Bluetooth wireless connectivity and performance, according to the company.

The BSK-1 audio interface uses a single CAT-5 cable connection to the Bluetooth audio interface receiver for communication and power. A single cable connection provides installation flexibility, enabling it to be mounted on a table top or discretely hidden inside a standard electrical junction box. The BSK-1 integrates with all multiroom audio system installations, offering maximum flexibility when paired with the Russound C-Series line of multizone audio systems.

The BSK-1 enables high performance Bluetooth audio streaming to all multiroom audio installations regardless of brand; offers a 2-piece design with built-in active balanced line drivers eliminating the requirement for external audio balun transformers. An audio receiver and Bluetooth transceiver may be separated by up to 300 feet using a single CAT-5 cable. It offers bluetooth wireless range capable of receiving device signals up to 100 feet away when installed in line-of-sight applications.