Last month Christie announced that its Mirage Series 3D DLP projector line has expanded with the addition of six models to bring high performance 3D solutions to new markets. The new Christie Mirage M Series 3-chip DLP projectors offer complete compatibility with all 3D standards. They’re not only aiming these towards the high-end home entertainment and video gaming markets, but also positioning them for the museum, education and rental/staging markets too.

The Christie Mirage M Series lineup includes the DS+6K-M; DS+10K-M; HD6K-M; HD10K-M; WU7K-M and the WU12K-M projectors. The models come in SXGA+ (4:3), HD (16:9) and WUXGA (16:10) aspect ratios and resolutions range from 1400x1050 to 1920x1080 with brightness specs from 6000 to 11,000 lumens!

Check out the M Series 3D projectors here: http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/VisualEnvironments/?pageId=1

Epson Adds Two UXGA Projectors to G-Series

Epson has added two native 1900x1200 resolution (UXGA) projectors to its PowerLite Pro G-series installation projector line -- the PowerLite Pro G5450WUNL and G5750WUNL. Aimed at the large-format meeting room market, the PowerLite Pro G5450WUNL is spec’d at 4,000 lumens and the PowerLite Pro G5750WUNL is spec’d at 4,500 lumens.

Features on both units include split-screen, wireless network-based projection, Crestron RoomView integration, RS232 and network control, VGA, HDMI and DVI inputs, as well as four built-in test patterns for calibration and projector stacking.

The PowerLite Pro G5450WUNL and Pro G5750WUNL will be available in January 2011 only through ProAV integrators (no Internet sales). Complete specs can be found here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/ProductCategory.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-15942

NEC Debuts Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Last month, NEC Display debuted its new U Series of ultra-short-throw-lens projectors with the 3000-lumen U300X and 3100-lumen U310W. The complete elimination of shadows and glare typically found with standard projection systems is accomplished by mounting these ultra short throw projectors to the wall above the screen, aiming them at education market installs using interactive or standard whiteboards.

The 3D-ready U300X and U310W are XGA resolution (1024x768) and WXGA resolution (1366x768), DLP-based projectors using DLP Link technology from Texas Instruments and include both digital (HDMI) and analog (VGA) inputs. In addition, both projectors have 3000-hour lamps, are 3D capable, are network-enabled, have a contrast ration spec of 2000:1 and auto power on and off.

You can see the specs for the U300X and U310W projectors here: http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Series/?series=b0cab550-0b87-43c7-a73b-bd1b3e7722dc

Sanyo Intros 15,000-Lumen Projector

Sanyo launched its brightest projector to date in the form of the 3LCD (specified) 15,000 ANSI lumen PLC-HF15000L (2048x1080). Aimed at large venue presentation, staging and giant format digital signage, the PLC-HF15000L (lens sold separately) is scheduled to ship later this month.

Using Sanyo’s QuaDrive engine (adding a yellow color control device to the existing red, green and blue elements) and what Sanyo claims is a new long-life inorganic 2K LCD panel and a 380-watt lamp, the PLC-HF15000L is equipped with a "Hot Operation Lamp Exchange System" that allows individual lamps to be replaced without turning the projector off. Previous models required a projector shutdown and restart for all bulb replacements. The new hot-swappable system gives operators a smooth, simple way to replace a failed bulb and continue presentations without interruption.

All the details are here.

Control

Extron's GlobalViewer Enterprise Now on iPhone/iPod

iGVE is basically Extron’s GVE (GlobalViewer Enterprise) on an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. Giving the user the capability to manage and control large-scale AV installations from an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch, iGVE is now available for free in the iTunes App Store. iGVE provides a feature set comprised of all the most common GlobalViewer Enterprise monitoring, control, and helpdesk functions including real time room, controller, and device status; and GVE Room controls and Event Alert notifications. Additionally, Extron iGVE provides a secure, encrypted connection to your GVE software, ensuring the safety and privacy of all communications.

Want to learn more? Go here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igve/id398254042?mt=8

Integrator Solutions

Stewart Filmscreen Shows New "Couture" Designer Screens

Stewart Filmscreen announced a new product line called the Couture Collection -- and the first model in the new line includes SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS (um, yes, the crystal company). The first screen introduced within the Couture Collection will feature a sculpted fixed frame design accented with loose cut crystals by SWAROVSKI and is aimed at interior designers and architects.

OK, when we first read this, we had to check the calendar to see if it was April 1st, but this is the real deal. In fact, the Couture Collection is available in a wide variety of colors including Diamond, Onyx, Silver, Gold, Rubellite, Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Aquamarine, Peridot and Topaz as well as custom colors - and they’re shipping already.

To learn more, go here: http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/residential/products/fixed_screens/couture/couture.html

Chief Enhances Motorized Suspended Ceiling Lift for Projectors

The SL220 features a three-step installation method that simplifies adding automation into an installation. It no longer requires two or more people to install; you only need one person and one ladder. Also, no floor lift is required.

The lift measures 2’x2’ (600x600 mm) to snap into ceiling grids and is made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum for easy handling. You can use this lift with any of Chief’s projector mounts -- RPA Elite or Mini Series that feature micro adjustments for fast and permanent image alignment and keyed locks for security. RPA Elite and Mini Series projector mounts are sold separately.

Complete specs on the SL220 are here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?AccessoryID=1164

Extron Intros DVI 110 Signal Regenerator

This month Extron launched the DVI 110 signal regenerator for single link DVI-D signals. The DVI 110 retimes and reshapes marginal or noisy DVI signals, such as those occasionally encountered on the output of consumer-grade graphics cards or notebook PCs, or when passive DVI couplers and wall-plates are utilized within the signal path. The DVI 110 helps to eliminate noise and reduce jitter at the output of the source, ensuring a strong, stable digital signal, and improving system performance.

The DVI 110 is designed to be used in conjunction with the Extron DVI 101 or HDMI 101 cable equalizer to ensure optimal picture quality on a long cable run and it can also be used with DVI or HDMI products that are equipped with input cable equalization, such as the Extron SMX HDMI and DVI Pro matrix boards, or DXP Series, DMS Series, and DCX Series digital matrix switchers. It is HDCP compliant and is fully compatible with HDMI signals when used with the appropriate Extron DVI-HDMI adapters.

Complete specs on the 1” high DVI 110 here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dvi110&s=5

Audio

Lectrosonics Guarantees Wireless Mic Muting - Pop Free

Called the Mute switch and designed for use with the company’s belt-pack transmitters (although, we have an inside source that tells us it can be modified to work with any manufacturer’s wireless mic), this product is a belt-mount unit that provides instant, pop-free audio muting in a tiny package. The Mute switch is an active device that is powered by any five-pin Lectrosonics transmitter, including the new Servo Input transmitters such as the SM Series, LMa, and UM400a. It works with most two- and three-wire lavalier microphones wired according to Lectrosonics guidelines.

The new Lectrosonics Mute uses an optically coupled switch to silence the audio signal without any clicks and pops, even when located in a strong RF field. The unit’s toggle switch is weather resistant and the included cable has weather resistant vinyl boots at each end. A wiring kit is included that provides a five-pin connector, strain relief parts, and an additional water resistant vinyl boot to protect the lavalier microphone connector from moisture.

Complete specs are here: http://www.lectrosonics.com/accessories.html

Home Media Servers and Players

Kaleidescape's Cinema One, an Out-of-the-Box DVD Movie Server

Call it a Kaleidescape-for-All as Kaleidescape launches Cinema One, what the company is calling an “out-of-the-box DVD movie server” that provides instant viewing and management of your customer's movie collection -- and it’s finally affordable. The $5000 Cinema One is a single component movie server capable of storing 225 DVDS or 2500 CDs, but they claim it installs as easily as an ordinary DVD player. One cool feature is what they call the Child Remote - aimed at simplifying control for the non-techies in the home. They even claim it can be controlled by a three-year old without any instruction.

In light of the recent AppleTV upgrade, a $5000 DVD movie server will be a tough sell for Kaleidescape - even if it allows you to catalog over 225 movies. As people move towards streaming content, the days of the tangible media are closer to death.

But, in case you still want all the specs, click here: https://www.kaleidescape.com/products/cinema-one/

Home Audio

Yamaha Unveils Height-Adjustable Sound Bar System

This month, Yamaha introduced the YSP-2200 Digital Sound Projector, basically a sound bar, designed to fit in front of a TV. Measuring at 3.5 inches, the YSP-2200 has height-adjustable feet to allow for use with virtually any flat-screen video display without blocking any of the picture. The YSP-2200 comes complete with a 100-watt subwoofer (compact enough to fit into a shelf) that can be positioned either vertically or horizontally, giving users an unobtrusive, space-efficient environment and adding extra bass reinforcement.

According to Yamaha, they designed it so that the YSP-2200 offers a 7.1 surround sound experience without any extra speakers via Yamaha’s YSP technology that is also used in the company’s higher-end sound projectors (YSP-4100/5100). Included with the YSP-2200 is a sound bar that has 16 speaker beam drivers each with its own digital amplifier, along with a bass-reflex subwoofer. All together, they simulate an immersive multi-channel surround sound experience by reflecting the detailed 7.1 beams of sounds off the walls and into the listener’s ears.

For more details on the YSP-2200, go to: http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/digital-sound-projector/ysp-2200/?mode=model

Sonance Adds Architectural Speaker Series Sanding Shield

Sonance has added a sanding shield to all its Architectural Series Speakers. Designed to cover the cutouts during construction and painting, the sanding shields are designed based on feedback from the CE integrator community.

For complete details, go here: http://eblast.danainnovations.com/as/info.html

ysp2200bl_angle-1210.jpg

Home Integrator Solutions

Extron Ships HDCP Compliant HDMI Matrix

Last week, Extron started shipping its new DXP HDMI Series matrix switchers. These HDMI 1.3 compatible matrix switchers support HDTV 1080p/60 and PC resolutions up to 1920x1200. They are HDCP compliant and feature intelligent technologies that help integrators ensure reliable system operation and compatibility between digital devices including Key Minder, HDCP Visual Confirmation, EDID Minder, and Automatic Input Cable Equalization and Output Reclocking. Available in I/O sizes from 4x4 to 8x8, the DXP HDMI Series matrix switchers are targeted at restaurant, bar and high-end home installs where multiple HDMI sources and displays are prevalent.

To simplify integration, Extron says the DXP HDMI Series feature two key technologies: EDID Minder and Key Minder. EDID Minder automatically manages EDID communications for each input/output tie. By maintaining continuous EDID communication with all sources, EDID Minder ensures that sources power up properly and maintain their video outputs whether or not they are actively connected to the digital display devices through the matrix switcher's outputs. For digital signals with protected content, Key Minder continuously authenticates HDCP-compliant input and output devices to ensure quick and reliable switching in professional AV environments while enabling simultaneous distribution of a single source signal to one or more displays. If HDCP-encrypted content is routed to a non-HDCP compliant display, the switcher outputs a full-screen green signal, providing immediate visual confirmation that the protected content cannot be viewed on the selected display.

Want all the specs? Go here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dxphdmi

VidaBox Ships On-Wall iPad Mounts

Last week, VidaBox announced that it’s shipping its on-wall iPad mounting solutions integrated with the iPower charging station -- a custom-engineered solution that delivers power to up to four iPad-compatible power feeds over CAT5. VidaBox iPad mounts feature slim, 19-mm aluminum frames in seven different colors and finishes: Black Metalline, Brushed German Silver, Florentine Black, Florentine Grey, Florentine Silver, Florentine Walnut, and Matte Black. The frames can also be painted to seamlessly blend into any environment.

For CE contractors, the optional iPower charging station allows multiple mounted iPads to be continually charged from a single centralized location, without having to utilize unreliable USB-over-CAT5 extenders.

Final Words

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