Tom Norton

Tom Norton  |  Sep 16, 2006

McIntosh announced its first video processor, the VP1000 at the show (on top in the photo). It is configured to allow separate scaling, switching, and control over two separate AV zones. It also offers 4 HDMI and 6 component inputs. The new AP1000 Audio Control Center has no video switching of its own, but offers a dedicated control interface port for the VP1000. The AP1000 nevertheless offers an LCD front panel video display for control and live video. The VP is expected to sell for $10,000 and the AP1000 for the same price.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

PSB is redesigning their longstanding Stratus line. The photo shows a new Stratus floorstander and center channel. But don't look for it before next year, and the form factor of the cabinet may be slightly different. The drivers in the new Stratus models are expected to use technology developed for the company's upscale Platinum series.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

It's not available yet, but this prototype Samsung DLP rear projection set, at 10" thin, may be the shape fo things to come in DLP setws from Samsung and other manufacturers as well.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

Recall that on Day 1 (setup day-when the
show floor was closed to attendees) I reported on arrays Sony LCD displays, each showing HD clips from diffferent upcoming Blu-ray discs, including possible releases of season sets of <I>Stargate SG-1</I> and <I>Stargate Atlantis</I>. Those clips disappeared with the opening of the show floor, to be replaced by content that extols the glories of Sony products and technology. Oh well.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

This programmable, whole-house multi-zone 5" widescreen controller from AMX was so cute you'll want to adopt it.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

AMX can do small <I>and</I> large. Here, they're latest cybernetic remotes entertain visitors. To input commands, push their noses.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

Revel's Kevin Voecks shows off the company's new Ultima2 speakers, including the Salon and the smaller Studio. Other Ultima1 models are described in our day 1 report.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

I spent much of my first full day at CEDIA Expo scoping out the new 1080p video projectors. I still have more to see, but it's already evident that this is the big story of the show, unless you're into various forms of home automation, which is <I>always</I> a big CEDIA story.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

Planar Who? This company is new on the market, but has big plans. In addition to some potentially revolutionary flat panel displays, it introduced a full line of DLP projectors. This includes two 1080p designs, the PD8110 shown here ($8999, Feb 07) and the PD8150 (which adds a dynamic iris at a price to be determined, with spring 07 availability.
There are also two, less expensive 720p models.

Tom Norton  |  Sep 15, 2006

The second big surprise after the Planar was the HD-900 LCoS projector from Cinetron. It's a full 1920x1080, features processing from Silicon Optix's HQV Realta chip, and quiet operation. It looked superb on a Stewart Firehawk screen. While it comes equipped with an auto iris, that feature was not used in the demo. At $6000, it's one of a number of projectors that could shake up the front projector market.

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