Digital Television, DVD And High-Performance Home Theatre To Take CEDIA Spotlight

Digital television and DVD will take center stage among new high-performance home theatre products slated for demonstration at this year's CEDIA Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, September 24-26. The following is a peephole look at what some of the exhibitors are planning for the show:Atlantic Technology: The loudspeaker company s introducing the System 10, a high-performance in-wall loudspeaker designed for superior home theatre and music reproduction. As the first of the companyís new IWTS (In-Wall Theater System) line, System 10 was adapted from Atlanticís award-winning System 270 free standing home theatre products.Audio Control: The company will showcase it latest offering in the ""architect"" line of problem-solving custom-install components. The Model 200 is a two-channel amplifier specially optimized for multiroom needs. The Architect Model 200 features specially engineered amplifier circuitry that permits it to drive four eight-ohm speakers per channel with no sacrifice in performance, and fully integrated, six-band equalization specially engineered to promote optimal performance from smaller and in-wall loudspeakers typically used in multiroom systems.Audio Design Associates: ADA is introducing the ADA 6.1 Surround Processor, an add-on processor that enhances the DolbyÆ Digital 5.1 or Æ Digital Surround 5.1 surround sound experience by sending all mono-rear channel information to an actual speaker.Audio Products International: API will provide a sneak preview of its planned October launch of its new ""Athena Technologies"" line of unique loudspeakers and powered subwoofers. The company also will introduce Energyís step-up form the successful Take 5 home theatre system being seen for the first time ñ a six-piece $1,500 system including a 100-watt powered subwoofer. Also Mirage will show an all-new Mirage Custom Install line, including unusually designed powered subwoofers named ""Incognita.""B&W: B&W Loudspeakers will debut an extensively reworked series of its popular and successful DM600 lineup at CEDIA. Incorporating technologies from the firmís reference standard Nautilus 800 family, the ""S2"" improvements are more evolutionary than revolutionary, but are none the less significant ñ nor are their results any less dramatic.California Audio Labs: The company will show its first power amplifier, A/V processor and video switcher.Checkpoint Laser Tools: The company will present a complete and comprehensive approach of specialized laser alignment tools, accessories, procedures and documentation to allow professional installers to ""certifiably"" align and directionalize sound systems with pinpoint accuracy. Among these is the Sound Alignment System. Endorsed by THX and theatre installers in both professional and home theatre arenas, the SA-5 system enables exact laser directional placement of any monitor, satellite or home theatre sound system relative to the exact seating of the listening station with consistency and accuracy.Communications Specialties: The company will be showcasing Deuce, the intelligent video scaler. Deuce intelligently converts an interlace TV signal to a non-interlaced computer vide signal in six output resolutions (640x480, 852x480, 800x600, 832x624, 1024x768, and 1280x1024). Deuce does what line doublers and quadruplers canít. Deuce converts interlaced video to the native resolution (known as the ""sweet spot"") of LCD, DLP and plasma projectors and displays for a ""film-like"" look. Da-Lite Screen Company: Da-Lite is showcasing the latest addition to its line of multiple format screens ñ the Horizon Electrol. The device allows the projection screen to automatically adapt to the projectorís format. The Horizon Electrol adjusts the aspect ratio of the screenís surface by raising or lowering the screen and the horizontal masking system in opposite directions with the push of a button. The Horizon Electrol automatically stops the screenís surface in the up, down and three other preset positions to allow the format of the screen to become either Video, HDTV, Letterbox or Anamorphic. Denon: Along with a range of new audio components, The company will show new audio components and its latest DVD-Video player. The model DVM-3700 is a five-disc carousel changer ($999 suggested retail price) with HDCD decoding, 24-bit ALPHA DSP processing, and dual Burr-Brown 96kHz/24-bit audio DACs. The system is both Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround capable for both DVD and DTS CD software.DigiVision: The company will premiere its first product designed for home theatre use ñ the DigiVision HT-70e Real Time Home Theatre Video Enhancement System. To achieve film-like images without the use of scan line multipliers, the company employs its patented V-LACE technology.Draper Screen: Draperís new IRUS rear projection screen will be featured at CEDIA. The screen is ideal for high-resolution displays and videowall applications. This new technology provides uniform resolution and is specially designed for use with todayís high resolution, single lens video and data projectors capable of 1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024 and higher. IRUS is said to provide uniform color reproduction and superior center-to-corner brightness. The screen surface has a 1.5 gain with a 180-degree viewing cone and is available in sizes up to 125 inches diagonal.Escient: The company will announce the introduction of PowerPlay, a revolutionary, new, Internet-enabled 200-disc DVD changer for the home theatre. Simplifying connectivity through the IEEE-1394 FireWireÆ architecture, PowerPlay is truly a ""plug and play"" product for the installer, providing a communications bus that can handle all audio, video and control on one cable.Esoteric Audio: The company is introducing it new State-Of-The-Art Connection line of mainstream home interconnects. This dynamic, modestly priced product line consists of a complete range of audio, video and digital cables with numerous exclusive, unique features designed to offer audiophile performance at a reasonable price. Extron: Extron is launching the DVS100, a digital video scaler that scales NTSC/PAL/SECAM video formats up to analog RGB formats at computer-video, progressive HDTV or plasma resolutions. Faroudja: The company will unveil the latest variations on line-doubled and tripled video-processing technology with two new models, the DVP-3000 and DVP-2200. The processors/scalers are suited for non-CRT displays such those using DLP, LCD and plasma systems. Faroudja also will introduce a new data-grade front projector made by In Focus for distribution through Faroudja's home theatre customer base.Fujitsu General: Fujitsu is scheduled to introduce several new Class B products at CEDIA, and will include a new HDTV-capable plasma display panel that will be offered in Class A (emission rating for commercial applications) and Class B (emission rating for consumer applications) configurations. Showcasing its exhibit will be the latest 42-inch Plasmavision display, the PDS-4221 flat panel monitor that is the companyís first true high-definition plasma display product.Genelec: The company is introducing four new models that establish a dedicated line of high-end consumer Genelec active home theatre systems. The new models include the HT205, HT206, HT208 two-way bi-amplified active monitors, and the HTS2 active subwoofer.Gold Line: The company will introduce the EQ2, an affordable, two-channel, digital equalizer that provides two bands of parametric filters per channel, high and low pass filters, and two discrete delay lines. Multi-EQ2 equalizers can be programmed from a single computer via an included RS232 serial port. After programming, the user may select pre-set curves via a front panel mounted push button.Hitachi: The company plans to underscore its Ultravision Digital television direction at CEDIA and will showcase its first fully integrated HDTV (61HDX98B). Hitachi is set to display the new HDTV set in CEDIA's lifestyle home theatre booth and will offer in its own booth two HDTV-ready television monitors in the 4:3 (1.33:1) aspect ratio 36-inch (36SDX88B) and 60-inch (60SDX88B) screen sizes.JBL: JBL Synthesis RGO is showcasing its groundbreaking model SDEC2500 Digital Equalizer at CEDIA. The SDEC2500 is a state-of-the-art THXÆ Ultra-certified digital audio processor that maximizes the performance of a multichannel JBL Synthesis home entertainment system in any room by the application of ultra-precise 83-band equalization and leading-edge DSP technologies.Kenwood: The company is introducing its first audio/video receivers with PowerTouch two-way IR interactive remote controls, the VR-3100 and VR-3090. The new receivers, which feature surround sound decoding for both DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Digital formats, instantly sense which audio format it is receiving and automatically switches it decoding circuits to the appropriate settings. The company also will demonstrate DVD-Audio.Klipsch: Klipsch is introducing a new family of high-performance loudspeaker products utilizing matching drivers and Tractrix Horns in each speaker. Billed the Klipsch Synergy Series, the new loudspeakers provide smoother response and a more consistent coverage pattern across the board.Lexicon: The company is introducing its new, flagship surround preamp-processor, the Lexicon MC-1 music and cinema processor. The THX Ultra-certified multichannel controller includes Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround and a refined version of the proprietary Lexicon LOGIC-7 system. Lutron Electronics: Lutron is introducing the HomeWorks Interactive Lighting Control system, which provides convenient, reliable operation of lighting and other home electronics from keypads.Marantz: Philips' high-end brand will unveil two rear-projection TVs in the 4:3 (1.33:1) 60-inch and 55-inch screen sizes. The 60-inch model (PV-6071) includes TV GuidePlus, component video inputs, and a hybrid lens system with 7-inch CRTs. The 55-inch unit, model PV-5571, adds an internal high-performance audio system. Marantz also will showcase it new top of the line SR-18 home theatre receiver. The state-of-the-art SR-18 commemorates the 30th anniversary of the legendary Marantz Model Eighteen. The company also will show its first THX Ultra-certified DVD-Video player.Meridian: The high-end audio supplier will unveil its 800 Reference CD/DVD player, which uses a DVD-ROM drive to play DVD software and offers a second slot to accommodate a second drive if desired. Users can download new software versions from the Meridian Web site via a RS232 port connection.Mitsubishi: Noted as one of the first manufacturers to offer HDTV solutions last year, Mitsubishi will celebrate at CEDIA the transition to its second-generation digital TV product line. This year the company is offering a set-top DTV decoder that will receive off-air ATSC broadcasts plus DirecTV standard, high definition and local-to-local satellite programming services.Monster Cable: The Monster is introducing Direct Burial and Plenum-rated versions of some of its most popular cables. Monster Standard S14 speaker cable in both two and four channel; Original Monster Cable; and MV Quad, a quad-shielded high resolution RG56-tupe video cable, will now be available in versions that can be buried in the ground with no conduit. OMC, S14 two channel, S14 four channel speaker cables, Interlink 200 interconnect cable, DataSpeed 100 Cat 5 telecom cable and DataSpeed 350 CAT 5 telecom cable will now be available in plenum-rated jackets. Monster Power is introducing Home Theatre Reference PowerCenters HTS1000 CI and HTS2000 CI which both feature remote turn-ons and provide patented Clean Power Stage 2 AC power filtering for cleaner, ""quieter"" current.NAD: The home theatre audio equipment supplier will show its first DVD-Video player (model T550), which has built-in Dolby Digital and ProLogic decoding, DTS compatibility, 96kHz/24-bit audio DACs, coaxial and optical digital outputs, and a 10-bit video DAC. NAD also will introduce a series of products that includes the THX Ultra-certified S150 Silver Series AV Surround Preamp/Processor and features Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, ProLogic decoding. The S250 Silver Series Power Amplifier is a five-channel matching amp for the S150, with THX Ultra certification and 125 watts of power per channel.Nakamichi: The company will be showcasing its newly expanded home audio lineup and its new DVD-10 DVD player with built-in Dolby Digital decoder and DTS digital output. Following the release of the flagship audio/video receiver the AV-10, Nakamichi is introducing its first entry-level Dolby Digital A/V receiver, the AV-8.Onkyo: The home audio company will unveil a six-disc carousel DVD changer featuring the exclusive ""next selection"" feature, enhanced black-level setting, gold-plated component-video output terminals, DTS compatibility, 96kHz/24-bit audio DACs, high-resolution onscreen display, Dolby Digital output, optical digital output, and a full-function remote control. Model CD-C600 will ship in October at a $579.95 suggested retail price. Onkyo also will introduce the TX-DS575 A/V receiver, updated from the previous model TX-DS555 with important technological enhancements, and additional user-friendly functions. These include built-in DTS digital 5.1-channel decoding along with Dolby Digital decoding. The company also will demonstrate DVD-Audio.Panasonic: The company is expected to showcase the first progressive-scan DVD-Video player (DVD-H1000), HD-capable D-VHS VCR (PV-HD1000), universal DVD-Video/Audio and DVD-audio players. Panasonic also will display its 720p-capable rear-projection HDTV-ready display (PT-56WFX95), its flat-screen Tau HDTV-ready widescreen direct-view set (CT-34WDM60), its latest 42-inch widescreen plasma display (PT-42PD1) and a second-generation digital TV set-top decoder (TU-DST51). The company also will demonstrate its first DVD-Video/DVD-Audio player.Philips: The company will emphasize a host of home theatre video products, including the introduction of a 34-inch widescreen fully integrated direct-view HDTV, a second-generation flat-panel widescreen plasma TV, the new Philips TiVo personal video recorder, new DVD-Video players, and a software-upgradable Pronto universal touchscreen remote.Pioneer: This year Pioneer is slated to introduce two new HDTV-ready Elite widescreen projection sets; a new brighter high-definition-capable 50-inch widescreen plasma display panel; a three-disc DVD-Video changer; and the previously announced portable widescreen LCD DVD player (PDV-L10). Additionally, Pioneer will demonstrate its hybrid progressive-scan DVD-Video player with DVD-Audio capability and a DVD-R/W video recorder offering 4.7 GB per side disc capacity. The company will demonstrate its first DVD-Video/DVD-Audio playersPrinceton: The pioneer of a 720p direct-view widescreen HDTV set designed by Joe Kane, Widescreen Reviewís Video Technical Director, will demonstrate two new HDTV monitors: the AF3.4HDF, which has a 34-inch widescreen 1.78:1screen with flat-faced Microfilter picture tube and specifications by Joe Kane; and the AS3.6HD, which is billed as a 36-inch 1.33:1 HDTV-ready monitor. Both will display 480p, 1080i and 720p signals in their native format and will ship in the fourth quarter at prices to be announced later. The company will also showcase its first progressive scan DVD player based on a computer platform.Proceed: The company will show its first DVD-Video player.RGB Spectrum: The company is introducing the DTQ, the latest product in its line of video scalers. The DTQ will receive as video input an double, triple, or quadruple the number of lines for much higher quality video when output to any kind of display, including CRT, projection and plasma.Runco: Two improved-performance video processors will be introduced by Runco, along with a DLP-based video projector (VX1) that is capable of both the 720p and 1080i high-definition TV display formats. The model VFC-4403 processor ($14,995 suggested) offers three line-multiplying scan modes 2x (31.5kHz), 2.5x (39kHz) and 3x 48kHz). The VFC-4404 processor ($19,995 suggested) adds 4x mode (63kHz). Runco also will bow its flagship HDTV/DTV system, the model 1100HD. The new model, a fully digital, fully HDTV-capable front projector is legitimately capable of displaying all digital high-definition television (HDTV) formats in their full, ""native"" resolutions.Samsung: The company will showcase its aggressive HDTV plans and demonstrate a wave of second-generation DTV products including its first set-top decoder, a SDTV-ready 40-inch widescreen LCD rear-projection set, and a fully integrated widescreen HDTV set with 9-inch CRT guns and broadband component video inputs for use with DTV-ready cable boxes. The company will also showcase its new HDTV-ready sets, the HCJ652W and the HCJ552W, both featuring the widescreen 16:9 (1.78:1) format. The SIR-T100 set-top DTV decoder decodes all 18 ATSC digital television formats and converts any incoming format to either 1080ix1920 HDTV or 480p SDTV. An array of output terminals are provided, including both RGB HV and wide band component video connections.Seleco: A specialist in value-priced high-performance front projectors, Seleco will highlight two new models: the SVD-500-Plus, which is billed as 1080i-capable and priced at $9,995 suggested retail; and the SVD-800HD, which will display all the proposed ATSC formats, including 720p, in native scan. The SVD-800HD, which is now available at a $14,995 suggested retail price, includes a built-in iScan video processor, which was produced for Seleco by DVDO.Sharp: Sharp has aggressive product announcements planned for CEDIA, including the introduction of its first plasma display panel, a 50-inch widescreen model that is capable of HDTV resolution. Other new products on tap from Sharp include a 20-inch 4:3 (1.33:1) LCD monitor for video applications and a 10-inch LCD television set with built-in tuner, which is slated for market next year. Sensory Science: The distributor of the Go-Video, California Audio Labs and Loewe brands will use CEDIA to show a Sensory Science digital controller, a new video switcher, and the California Audio Labs CL-20 and CL-25 DVD-Video players, in addition to the its line of Loewe digital televisions.Sonance: Sonance is introducing its Silhouette speaker series, representing the next evolution of high performance in-wall speakers. The Silhouette speaker line, which includes three models, has a unique elongated box design that easily fits within standard wall constructionSony: Sony will introduce a number of products, including DVD-Video players, home theatre receivers and LCD projectors. The company will showcase its high-end graphics CRT projector (model VPH-G90U) that features new high-resolution 9-inch electromagnetic focus CRTs, brightness of up to 350 ANSI lumens and a resolution of 2500 x 2000 pixels.Technics: The company will demonstrate its first DVD-Video/DVD-Audio player.Theta Digital: The high-end electronics company is introducing its new Dreadnaught power amplifier. Dreadnaught is an audiophile caliber amplifier with total flexibility in terms of how many channels (from two to five) are installed at any given time. Each module is a separate plug and play unit for ease of adding channels of amplification. Thomson: Thomson will return to the show with a number of high-performance ProScan and RCA products, including the industry's first DTV-set-top box capable of receiving off-air ATSC and NTSC signals as well as DirecTV standard and HD services.THX: The first THX Surround EX processors will be introduced by JBL Synthesis, Lexicon, Mark Levinson and Onkyo (Integra Research brand).Toshiba: The first company to announce plans for a 480 progressive-scan DVD-Video player, Toshiba is expected to again demonstrate the technology, although revised delivery plans still had not been revealed at press time. Toshiba also has a wide range of second-generation widescreen digital-TV displays in both integrated and decoder-less configurations. The company also will introduce its new SD4109X six-disc carousel DVD-Video changer, the worldís first DVD changer equipped with HDCD processing for high-resolution CD audio playback.Tributaries: The company will introduce the VX2 Automatic Video Switching and Format Conversation System that automatically converts any lower level format signal to a higher level format. The VX2 can handle up to 8 inputs.Vantas: The company will showcase its unique, award-wining solutions to upgrading existing ProLogic receivers to fully capable Dolby Digital reproduction. Vantas products provide an intelligent upgrade path to Dolby Digital available to millions of ProLogic and stereo customers whose existing equipment lacks the necessary inputs to connect an add-on processor.Vidikron: Revitalized by the funds of a new investor, the supplier of high-performance video projection displays will again appear at CEDIA with a full product line of HDTV-capable projectors. New in the line this year is the Kronos One, which is billed as a 7-inch CRT-based front projector, featuring the distinctive Pininferina styling that has defined previous models. The Kronos One is a multi-synch display device capable of 1080i and 720p scan rates in addition to enhanced analog NTSC signals and VGA computer images. The projector ships this month at a $10,995 suggested retail price.Zenith: Now that its first integrated rear-projected widescreen HDTV set (the IQA64W10, $9,999 suggest retail) has hit the market, Zenith is readying its second model (IQB56W10, $8,495) for delivery next month. Both models are expected at CEDIA along with a new high-performance front projector, featuring 8-inch optics and an auto-convergence system.