LATEST ADDITIONS

Autonomic announced at CEDIA 2013 that its Mirage whole-house distributed audio system is now compatible with SiriusXM Radio 2.0, Slacker Radio, and Gracenote and supports remote diagnostics for troubleshooting via the Internet. The system comprises Mirage Media Servers with a choice of two digital amplifiers, two in-wall control options, and mix and match applications for iOS and Android devices.

The company has also enhanced the user experience by blending control across multiple rooms with music browsing. When a song is heard on Sirius XM, the TuneBridge feature allows listeners to jump to the entire album on Rhapsody or create a new Pandora station. Pricing for four- and eight-zone versions of the system is $4,945 and $8,350, respectively.

NextGen’s Bluetooth-IR Extender was already a pretty cool device. It’s a small cone-like device that translates AV system commands from Android-based smartphones and tablets into IR using Bluetooth communication between the Extender and the Android device. After the IR Extender receives a command, it translates it into IR before blasting it out to your components from the base unit or via IR flashers. Neat idea, right?

Scandinavian speaker maker Opalum showed off the company’s chameleon-like BREEZE.1010 digitally amplified on-wall speakers. The design of the new speakers is very similar to Opalum’s FLOW.1010; but, in a addition to the incorporation of a slightly less costly set of 10 two-inch drivers aligned in two parallel columns along the front of the speaker baffle, the BREEZE.1010 uses high-density felt faceplate panels that can be quickly interchanged (Opalum says in less than one minute) without tools.

Triad decided to give their renowned Platinum line of speakers a new big brother. Though they weren’t being demonstrated at the show, their new flagship will be available later this year. Pictured here is the top of the line offering with massive drivers and a folded horn tweeter. I plan on taking a trip to their factory down the road in Portland early next year to get a listen when they’ve revamped their demo room with them. At $15,000 each they aren’t for everyone but they should be able to deliver massive sound to even the largest custom home theater room.