Audio Video News

The Home Entertainment 2001 show, held in New York City May 11–13, 2001, received high marks and a standing ovation from show attendees, who came to experience some of the most innovative and exciting consumer electronics products in decades.

Back in New York by popular demand after a five-year hiatus, the three-day Show, held at the Hilton Hotel & Towers in Manhattan, welcomed a total of 12,387 audio and music enthusiasts through its doors—they crowded hallways and jammed elevators for a chance to see and hear more than $10 million worth of equipment from more than 200 exhibitors in 80 rooms.

Co-sponsored by Stereophile, Home Theater, Home Theater Interiors, and Stereophile Guide to Home Theater magazines, the Home Entertainment Show offered attendees more than a dozen free, live concerts, including grand weekend performances by the legendary David Johansen and Keb' Mo' that had fans begging for more.

"We were overwhelmed by the positive energy in the air during this show, from consumers and exhibitors alike," said Jackie Augustine, vice president and executive publisher of the High Tech Group for EmapUSA, whose magazines sponsored the event. "On opening day, our trade attendance far exceeded our expectations, and on day two, there was a line around the corner waiting to get in for tickets!"

Numerous manufacturers chose this venue to introduce and demonstrate their latest products and new technologies. Sony Corporation held standing-room-only demonstrations of its new high-resolution, multichannel SACD (Super Audio CD) and also presented a well-attended seminar for film buffs that offered a behind-the-scenes look at how Sony Pictures Digital Studios produced the new Lawrence of Arabia DVD.

Dynaudio showed off the new Evidence Temptation speaker system, valued at $30,000; legendary audio manufacturer McIntosh introduced its first new home theater speakers in years—the Academy Series; Reference Recordings marked its 25th anniversary with several new recordings; Polk Audio showcased a new line of audiophile loudspeakers and a new home-theater-in-a-box system; and Runco demonstrated some stunning 42" and 50" HDTV plasma televisions.

Next year's show, Home Entertainment 2002, will also take place in New York City. Negotiations are now in progress with several venues to determine which location would best benefit exhibitors and accommodate traffic from show attendees. Watch the Home Entertainment website for updated information or contact lucette@nicollpr.com.