CEDIA 2020

Hisense H9G and H8G TV Series
China-based TV maker Hisense is touting the addition of new features for its aggressively priced H9G and H8G series of 4K TVs, both of which feature the company’s ULED picture technology. The 55- ($700) and 65-inch ($1,000) models in the H9G Quantum Series now offer built-in Dolby Atmos surround sound processing and support Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) with additional local dimming zones for enhanced picture performance. The TVs also feature voice control via Google Assistant, which displays answers to questions on the TV screen in addition to making it possible to control smart home devices through the TV and search for content across streaming services. Commands are received by tiny microphones concealed in the bezel of the TV.

For 2020, H8G Series TVs have been upgraded with quantum dot technology for enhanced picture quality at prices that start as low as $400 for the 50-inch model and scale up to $1,400 for the new 75-inch screen size. The TVs are also equipped with Google Assistant but, instead of using built-in microphones to receive spoken commands, come with a voice remote. For more on H8G series performance, see Tom Norton’s review of the 65-inch 65H8G, which has a new price of $700 (down from $800). Hisense also announced that the latest version of the Laser TV ultra-short-throw projection system we reviewed a couple years ago — the L5F — is now available for $4,000. Visit hisense-usa.com for more information.

Acurus Surround Processor Ecosystem
Acurus, the American audio brand founded by Mondial Designs in 1993 and later acquired by Indy Audio Labs, is showcasing an “integrated surround processor ecosystem” centered on the company’s proprietary room-correction system ASPEQT (short for Automatic Speaker Parameter and EQualization Tool), which is designed to simplify the process of tuning high-performance multichannel audio systems. The calibration tool, which includes four “studio-quality” omnidirectional microphones for making precise measurements in real time, is built into the company’s compact 16-channel Muse preamp/processor ($5,500) and 20-channel ACT 4 processor ($12,000).

The IP-controllable Muse supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K/HDR (high dynamic range) video in addition to decoding DTS:X and Dolby Atmos immersive surround layouts with up to 15.1 channels, while the ACT 4 supports speaker layouts with up to 11.3.6 channels and offers a host of connections, including a phono input. Visit acurusav.com for more information.

madVR Envy Video Processor
Maryland-based startup madVR Labs is introducing a couple of high-end 4K HDR processors designed to meet demands of the “most discerning and critical video enthusiasts.” The culmination of more than a decade of research and development, the madVR Envy Pro ($6,995) and Envy Extreme ($11,995) each perform a number of tasks in real-time to achieve the “most accurate image possible.” Proprietary frame-by-frame dynamic tone mapping determines if and how each pixel should be adjusted and uses patent-pending algorithms to improve contrast and recover highlights and shadow detail, while AI-based algorithms perform 4K upscaling and sharpening, including 4:2:0 to 4:4:4 chroma upscaling.

The more advanced Envy Extreme is designed to analyze up to a half-billion pixels every second and draws on specialized algorithms to remove compression and 8-bit banding artifacts. The company says the Extreme is also being updated to perform motion interpolation and black-bar/aspect ratio detection as well as advanced geometry correction.

Installation is described as quick and easy, requiring HDMI input and output connections and entry of a peak brightness value. Though no official release date was given, the Envy Pro and Envy Extreme have been available for several months as part of madVR’s beta program and are expected to move out of beta soon, according to the company. Visit madvrlabs.llc for more information.

Vanco HDCAPT1 Video Capture and PulseAudio PACAPT1 Audio Capture
A/V accessory specialist Vanco is putting a spotlight on two inexpensive products that make it easy to stream and record audio and video. The HDCAPT1 Capture ($65) converts an HDMI signal into a format that can be streamed and recorded, making it ideal for live streaming and virtual meetings. The thumb-drive-size device supports 4K@30 Hz and connects between an HDMI source (such as a web cam or game console) and a PC running software available for download from the Vanco website.

Described as a perfect solution for recording podcasts or live audio and converting analog media to digital, the PulseAudio PACAPT1 ($50) captures high-quality audio files via USB and brings analog audio from CDs, cassettes, or vinyl records into the digital age. It has built-in Audacity audio editing software and provides RCA jacks and a 3.5mm connector. Both products are available for pre-order and are slated to ship before the end of the year. Click here for more information on the HDCAPT1 and here for more information on the PACPT1.

More CEDIA 2020 News

Sony Launches Three New 4K SXRD Projectors

Samsung Launches Ultra Short Throw Projectors, Expands The Wall

Hands-On with JVC’s New Theater Optimizer Function

Epson’s LS500 UST Projector is Ready to Beam

PSB Speakers Adds New Models to PWM On-Wall Series

Monitor Audio Showcases Gen-6 Bronze Speakers

LG GX 3.1 Soundbar Sets a Slim Standard