Kaleidescape, News

Kaleidescape Introduces Cinema One at New Low Price Point

Kaleidescape, Inc. is bringing its high-end home theater experience to a broader audience with the all-new Cinema One. 
Kaleidescape 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.

New Products

Samsung F9000 Ultra HD 4K TVs

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.

 Samsung F9000 Ultra HD 4K TV

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.”

New Products, Savant

Savant Adds Three New In-Wall Wireless Charging Docks

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. 
Lightning Dock
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.”

New Products, News, Séura

Séura Debuts S1 Premier Series TV Mirror Line

Séura has launched the S1, the next generation, high-performance offering in its vanishing TV mirror Premier Series. 
Séura S1 Premier Series TV Mirror
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, New Products

Integra Debuts AV Receiver with Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Integra has introduced a mid-level home theater receiver with key new home integration and performance features for 2013.  
Integra DTR-30.5
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.

New Products, Savant

SAVANT Adds SmartLink Digital Modules with HDBaseT

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.

New Products, Triad

Triad Speakers Releases InWall Bronze4 SlimSub

Triad Speakers, Inc., a custom manufacturer of reference-quality loudspeakers for the home, has released its new InWall Bronze/4 SlimSub. 
Triad In-Wall Bronze4 Speaker
Measuring 3-15/16 inches deep to fit into a standard 4-inch deep wall cutout, the flat grill, flush mount design of the SlimSub represents an aesthetical improvement over the model it replaces, the InWall Bronze/4 Sub, which protruded several inches from the wall. 

The SlimSub delivers deep bass at high volumes, achieving a maximum output of 109 dB from 40-80 Hz with bass extension of -6dB at 25 Hz. This performance also represents an improvement over the previous model, and according to Triad, rivals that of the company’s larger, 6-inch deep InWall Bronze/6 model. 

According to Triad Speakers president Larry Pexton, the company achieved such rich performance by finely-tuning the sealed enclosure to match the excursion of the proprietary long-throw 10-inch aluminum driver employed. Triad engineers also integrated a round steel back-plate that serves to replace the thick MDF behind the driver, capturing more air volume to accommodate the lengthy throw of the driver.

The SlimSub fits into the same cut-out (size “V”) as the company’s other in-wall subs, making it ideal for retrofit opportunities. To further blend with the décor of most any home, the SlimSub incorporates all 3 types of Triad’s Acoustimesh grill (wide, narrow and frameless) which the company can custom paint-match at the factory.

New Products, Savant

Savant Expands SmartView Video Tiling Technology

Savant Systems, LLC has expanded the capabilities of its SmartView Tiling technology to deliver up to nine high definition (HD) windows of content or media on a single display. 
Savant SmartView
SmartView Tiling, initially unveiled with a six-tile capacity, is a versatile technology featuring broadcast quality video processing and scaling that is appropriate for both residential and commercial applications. Savant SmartView Tiling will accept video input resolutions up to 1080p while delivering HD video to the display via HDMI. Source inputs can broadly range from Blu-ray players, cable boxes, security cameras or other video devices. 

Users will be able to easily arrange their tiling, change content programming, and save “favorite” configurations all via Savant’s intuitive iPad interface. The nine-tile version is available now with Savant’s multi-window video processing modules, the VOM-SV02 and the SVT-009T platform. 
 
Using Savant’s TrueControl iPad app along with familiar Apple gestures, users will be able to drag and drop selected sources to their chosen locations within the tile grid; pinch and zoom to have any source take over the entire display, and create custom tiling layouts and channel presets for easy recall. 

Savant SmartView Tiling ties true HDMI video with the support of HD audio. With Savant SmartView technology, users can check the scores of multiple games, monitor the weekend forecast, follow their investment portfolio and see who’s at the door, all without disrupting the family movie.
 
With the capability to switch up to 24 media sources displayed on an array of one to nine windows, Savant’s SmartView Tiling delivers convenient access to personalized programming selections. Users can create up to four presets based upon parameters such as selected media sources, channels, screen layout, audio source and volume level. Savant authorized integrators can field-upgrade existing Savant SmartMediaPro systems by adding SmartView Tiling modules, bringing this exciting functionality to existing Savant customers.

Savant SmartView Tiling technology delivers a fully customizable multi-view solution to meet the demands of today’s advanced commercial applications such as corporate boardrooms, smart classrooms, digital signage, broadcasting, restaurants, hospitality and others. This multiple window display affords enterprise users the flexibility to view a presentation plus multiple video conferencing sources and more, all in HD and from a single screen. Leveraging Savant’s user experience expertise, SmartView technology simplifies and enhances the commercial collaboration process with a single touch.

Home Automation, New Products, Savant

Savant Introduces WiFi Enabled Digital Thermostat

Savant Systems, LLC has introduced the Savant Wireless Thermostat, SST-W100. 
Savant Wireless Thermostat
The SST-W100 is a WiFi enabled digital thermostat designed to control Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems within any residential or commercial setting and integrate seamlessly into a Savant-controlled environment. The SST-W100 is a versatile thermostat for one and two stage control of forced air, radiant, heat pump and HVAC systems. 

The Savant SST-W100, requiring only standard thermostat wiring at its mounting location, is ideal for retrofit installations thanks to its wireless communication to Savant’s SmartSystem controllers. The SST-W100 provides access to temperature adjustments from anywhere in the home or from a remote location using any Savant interface. Multiple Savant thermostats may be networked over an existing WiFi network, enabling temperature and humidity adjustment from any SST-W100 in the home. Energy conservation is achieved by programming the HVAC system (using the HVAC Scheduler within the Savant TrueControl iPad app) to automatically respond based upon outside temperature, season or time of day.
 
“A wireless thermostat solution increases installation efficiency and flexibility for integrators while enabling them to give their customers one-touch access to personalized heating and cooling schedules,” said Jim Carroll, executive vice president of corporate strategy and business development at Savant. “We made the SST-W100 easy to operate, with a large LCD display and nicely spaced pushbuttons for users to access temperature and humidity readings, set point adjustments, system mode/fan status indicators, and setup menus.” 

Up to two optional remote temperature sensors (sold separately) can be connected to the SST-W100 for enhanced flexibility and optimized performance when required. Climate can be regulated according to the average of multiple sensors or the built-in sensors within the thermostat can be disabled entirely to allow the SST-W1000 to be installed out of sight.

Apple, News

Report: Apple TV Getting HBO Go Integration This Year

Apple is reportedly in talks with the Home Box Office network to bring HBO Go to the Apple TV by mid-2013, according to Bloomberg.

Citing two people familiar with the plans, the news site said Cupertino is in negotiations with Time Warner Inc. to carry the online application, bringing more than 600 hours of films and television shows to Apple TV.

The set-top box currently streams content purchased on iTunes, as well as available Netflixand Hulu Plus programming, but could gain a competitive edge with the addition of HBO Go, which is already offered on the Roku and Microsoft’s Xbox console.

HBO GO Android Tablet

HBO’s pay-for-service application, which requires a customer subscription through a cable or satellite provider, would be the first Apple TV app with pay-TV authentication, Bloomberg pointed out.