CEDIA 2019

Ready for an influx of new AV gear? Ready or not, a bevy of new products are waiting to be introduced when the exhibition part of CEDIA Expo 2019 gets underway tomorrow.

Here’s a peek at some of the products coming your way.

Acurus will demonstrate a new proprietary acoustic metrology tool called ASPEQT (short for “automatic speaker parameter and equalization tool”), designed for use with its processors. The tool is described as an accurate optimization tool that can quickly and easily resolve room correction challenges.

“This wonderful acoustic measurement and analysis tool brings the same beautiful UI and ease-of-use found in all Acurus products,” said CEO Rick Santiago. “It’s a game-changer in the world of room correction with its integrator-friendly approach, which, when combined with Acurus processors will create a ‘soup-to-nuts’ entertainment solution for integrators and the end customer.” For more information, visit acurusav.com.

Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries (DALI) is unveiling a high-end soundbar called Katch One that will sell for just under $1,000 when it ships in October. Borrowing design cues from the company’s Katch portable speaker, the bar houses two 0.8-inch textile-dome tweeters, four 3.5-inch aluminum woofers, four 4.5-inch steel-cone passive radiators, and a 4 x 50-watt amplifier in a stylish 34-inch-wide enclosure. The cabinet is less than 3 inches deep and can be mounted on the wall or placed on a shelf or cabinet. A wall mount comprising two leather straps that hide cables running to the TV is included.

In addition to HDMI (2), optical digital, and minijack analog inputs, the Katch One supports aptX-enabled Bluetooth streaming and has a subwoofer output if you want bass that dips below 46 Hz. Two sound modes are provided: Focus for voice-oriented news and documentary programs and Wide for movies and concerts. The soundbar includes a remote control and is offered in black, white, and off-white. For more information, visit dali-speakers.com.

Steinway Lyngdorf, also of Denmark, is launching the upscale P60 surround-sound processor featuring 16 balanced channels and onboard processing for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D plus an HDMI matrix switch with eight inputs and four outputs (plus an HDBaseT output). With a video throughput of up to 18 Gbps, the processor supports HDMI 2.0b for resolutions up to 4K/60 Hz and Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range (HDR) content on all inputs and outputs.

The P60 includes S-L’s automated Room Perfect room-correction system and also supports the HDMI 2.1 features dynamic lip-sync, quick media switching (QMS), and eArc (Enhanced Audio Return), which returns an Atmos-encoded bitstream from the TV. Pricing was not announced. For more information, visit lyngdorf.com.

Continuing on the (unintended) Danish theme Dynaudio, yet another company based in Denmark, is introducing two outdoor speakers and taking the wraps off its new Performance series of high-end in-wall/ceiling speakers, ranging in price from $399 to $599 each.

The OW-6 ($499) and OW-8 ($649) outdoor models are water-resistant — unless sprayed directly with a pressure washer — and built to operate in temperatures between –27° and 104° F. Available in black or white, both team a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter with a 6.5- or 8-inch woofer and ship with an articulating wall-mount bracket.

The Performance line comprises three in-wall and three in-ceiling models, all mating Dynaudio’s 1-inch soft-dome tweeter with a 6.5- or 8-inch woofer in a shallow, easy-to-install frame. In-wall models include the P4-W65 ($399), P4-W80 ($499), and P4-LCR50 LCR speaker which has two 5-inch woofers ($599). In-ceiling models include the P4-C65 ($399), P4-DVC65 ($449), and P4-C80 ($449).

An optional fire-proof back box, packed with Morgan Superwool and sized to fit in a standard stud bay, is available for the in-wall models.