Residential Systems named its Best of Show Awards for CEDIA 2016 in Dallas this past September to honor outstanding products exhibited at the show. Manufacturers submitted products for nomination prior to arriving in Dallas, then a panel of anonymous professional integrator judges evaluated the entries based on written submissions and visual inspections on CEDIA show floor. Exhibitors were allowed to submit multiple products for consideration, but they paid a fee for each nomination. This special section reproduces the nomination text (edted for length and clarity) and images submitted by the nominees. The awards program allows companies to tell you in their own words why they believe a certain product is noteworthy, and this section offers an excellent sampler of new technology from the convention floor.
Atlona Centum Series AT-CENT-301-CEA
Atlona’s Centum Series AT-CENT-301-CEA is the industry’s first high dynamic range (HDR) compatible video extender, which delivers 4K/UHD video at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and HDMI data rates up to 18Gbps. It enables integrators to provide their clients with best-in-class solutions for current and forthcoming HDR and 4K applications in residential and commercial environments.
Auro StormAudio ISP 3D.32 ELITE Reference Edition
Supporting from 16 up to 32 high-quality audio channels as well as the leading 3D and HD audio/video formats currently available, the StormAudio ISPs will deliver the ultimate 3D sound experience enabling Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D and DTS:X. With the SpherAudio binaural engine for headphones, a virtualized immersive experience is obtained over any pair of headphones, providing full flexibility over audio playback.
Aurora Multimedia VLX Series
The VLX Series provides one of the most advanced IP Streaming solutions on the market, utilizing Aurora’s IPBaseT technology, which synergizes various IP/AV standards to work together as one. It is the industry’s first 1Gbps 4K UHD transceiver with only 1.5 frame (25ms) latency and visually losses compression.
Autonomic Mirage Audio System MAS-4-2e
Composed of the MMS-1e music streamer and the M-120e amplifier, the Autonomic eSeries Mirage Audio System MAS-4-2e is a scalable four-room/two-stream music system featuring proprietary eAudioCast audio-over-ethernet technology. eAudioCast transforms the single stream offered on the MMS-1e into two network streams when paired with an eSeries amplifier, and one Cat-5e cable is all that is required to connect the MMS-1e and the M-120e amp at high-resolution bitrates.
Basalte Deseo
Deseo is an intelligent HVAC control panel for Lutron HomeWorks QS and Crestron systems. Both in its use and functionalities, Deseo is a user interface designed for simplicity, comfort, and quality with touch-sensitive sensors to navigate through HVAC functionalities.
Control4 Amazon Smart Home Skill
Control4’s new Smart Home Skill for the Amazon Alexa family of devices gives homeowners the ability to enjoy voice control for their Control4 Smart Home through the Amazon Echo, Dot, Tap, or FireTV. With a simple voice command, turn on lights, adjust thermostats, turn on the news, listen to music anywhere in the house, arm the security system, and so much more–entirely hands-free.
Da-Lite Parallax Thin
The ambient light-rejecting projection screen material features a micro-layered optical lens system that rejects ambient light, and it features a thin frame and ships fully assembled. This new technology mimics the look of a large flat panel but without the glare from windows or lighting fixtures
Dish Network Hopper 3
By offering 16 tuners in Hopper 3, DISH has eliminated tuner conflicts. This capability is a major lifestyle enhancement for households with multiple occupants, who may choose to record and watch many programs at the same time. This seemingly oversized, yet problem-solving tuner capacity is exactly what customers have come to expect from their Home Technology Professional.
Domotz Pro
Domotz Pro is a remote monitoring and tech support system for AV integrators and IT professionals. To date more than 10,000 end users and 1,000 AV installers have chosen Domotz Pro to power their RMR business providing remote tech support to homes and businesses. Its costs only $2.99/month per network for monitoring unlimited number of devices.
Epson LS10500 Reflective Laser Projector
Featuring 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatibility with 3LCD Reflective laser technology, this projector accepts 4K UHD inputs, delivering 1,500 lumens of color brightness and 1,500 lumens of white brightness.
EPV Screens Polar Star eFinity ISF
The PolarStar eFinity ISF integrates a world-class ambient light rejecting (ALR) projector screen material with an edge-free platform that includes an LED backlighting kit. It fulfills a role as a multipurpose projection screen with an image that doesn’t wash out, even when the room lighting is on.
Harman’s JBL Synthesis SCL-3 and SCL-4
Both loudspeakers use JBL Professional’s patented D2 compression driver technology with M2-derived HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide/horn geometry. The SCL-3 and SCL-4 are designed as small format, flush-mount loudspeakers and feature integrated enclosures that provide a range of flexible installation options, including in-wall surround, in-wall LCR, and in-ceiling overhead applications.
Harman’s Lexicon DD-8+
The Lexicon DD-8+ is an upmarket complement to the award-winning DD-8. Maintaining the same attributes as the DD-8 including Harman’s pioneering DriveCore amplifier technology, eight channels of 125W each and a chassis of only rack space height, the DD8+ adds the ability to configure and control the amplifier from all web browsers, four new stereo digital audio inputs with hi-res DAC and preamp and DSP audio management features.
Harman’s Revel M50XC and M80XC Outdoor Monitors
The Revel M50XC and M80XC Outdoor Monitors are 5.5-inch and 8-inch loudspeakers designed for durability and longevity to optimally perform in harsh environments. A 70V transformer with 8-ohm bypass built-in also allows for increased flexibility for large-scale installations.
iPort Surface Mount with Buttons
Following Sonance’s Surface Mount system, now a year old, powers an iPad via PoE and encases it in a precision-finished aluminum bezel that doubles as a mounting system. Now with the new Surface Mount with Buttons, every iPad mounted on a wall can have tactile hard buttons alongside iOS Apps.
Legrand Intuity 2.0 Home Automation System
The system is housed inside a structured wiring enclosure and works with Legrand’s own subsystems, including its On-Q IP cameras, video door entry and intercom, RFLC lighting systems, and its multi-room digital audio system that supports networked content and online streaming services. It also offers seamless integration of approved third-party components.
Legrand’s Nuvo P500 Sound Bar and Sub
The Legrand Nuvo P500 sound bar extends home entertainment possibilities by performing double duty as a robust audio source for TVs and a high performance audio player for Player Portfolio streaming services. It is a 2.1 audio system–with an 8-inch wireless subwoofer–that offers movie, music, voice, and night audio mode.
Luma Surround WiFi
Luma is a home Wi-Fi mesh system created for today’s internet consumer. It was designed to provide the necessary speed, security, and control that allows consumers to rest easy knowing their internet is always on and safe.
LumaStream Trinity 12
The number-one cause of failures and inconsistent performance in the LED industry is the on-board drivers that convert high-voltage AC to low voltage DC. LumaStream’s Trinity 12 Driver is the market’s first remote, low-voltage, multi-channel power supply designed specifically for residential LED lighting. Made in the USA, this high-quality product meets FCC Class B requirements, allowing the use of Class 2 wire for remotely powering and controlling fixtures.
Luraco iRobotics 7 Medical Massage Chair
Luraco Technologies’ seventh generation of the iRobotics Medical Massage Chair brings together all aspects of novel technologies, massage therapy techniques, health enhancement, and entertainment features.
Lutron Connect Bridge and App
The Lutron Connect Bridge is a network hardware device that enables numerous features within the new Lutron Connect App, including geofencing and Apple Watch support, timeclock syncing, automatic cloud-based firmware updates of the Bridge, Sonos-endorsed integration, and integration with certain select Wi-Fi thermostats. The HomeWorks QS processor or RadioRA 2 repeater and Lutron Connect Bridge connect to a Wi-Fi router that allows for communication within the app.
Luxul Roam Assist Empowered Wireless Router
For installations where a single wireless router is just not enough to deliver complete Wi-Fi coverage, the XWR-3100 offers a simple, reliable and cost-effective way to scale the network with up to two additional access points.
Middle Atlantic DC Power Distribution
This universal power solution for DC-powered devices eliminates messy, space-consuming wall warts and other power clutter and is engineered to power devices such as extenders, scalers, converters, and media players while eliminating space and outlet challenges.
Monitor Audio CSS230 Super Slim In-Ceiling Speaker
Between 2-inch stud frames or where pipework or cabling reduces mounting depth, the CSS230’s hybrid back-box construction and proprietary full-range driver array combine to deliver high-quality audio with installation versatility.
Niles Auriel 2.0
This is a major platform update that adds streaming audio, climate and lighting control, plus remote access features to the multi-room audio control platform. Lighting control devices and wireless thermostats now connect to the Auriel Controller, making the Niles Auriel MRC-6430 a more well-rounded home automation controller.
One Firefly Lead Concierge
This service features One Firefly trained staff chatting live with website visitors on behalf of the integrator with the primary goal of extracting quality leads and providing superior customer service to clients in need.
OneVision Resources Integrator Service Desk
This turnkey service desk and RMR-generation platform enables integrators to forward support calls/emails to OneVision to provide instant and 24/7 support, solving clients’ problems, and then selling service plans on behalf of the dealer. Dealers are provided with a ticketing system to track all service issues and OneVision works with the integrator’s support team to address advanced issues.
Pakedge/Control4 NK-1 Wireless Controller + Bakpak
The NK-1 wireless controller serves as the command and coordination center of a network with multiple wireless access points. With the NK-1, integrators are able to fine-tune and optimize their client’s wireless experiences with adaptive wireless technologies that work to unify the team of access points to create a more reliable wireless environment with fewer dead zones between APs.
Panamax VT4315-Pro
The Panamax VT4315-PRO employs a new angle to the popular M4315-PRO BlueBOLT-enabled power conditioner to provide a full-featured power management solution that doesn’t take up any significant rack space. It mounts vertically to the back of the equipment and leverages BlueBOLT IP control technology to control 12 outlets in eight banks–four individually controlled outlets and eight in paired duplex banks. This enables remote monitoring and reboot in real-time or via scheduled commands of the connected equipment in the rack.
Platinum Tools EZEX-RJ45 Termination System
The EZEX-RJ45 Termination System is the next generation of EZ-RJ45 feed-through connectors designed for larger twisted-pair cables. It features new EZEX-RJ45 feed-through connectors with staggered channels matched with the new EXO professional heavy-duty frame-and-die crimper specifically designed to crimp and flush-trim the protruding conductors in a single operation.
Portal iPhone App
Dealers can find product information, pricing, and availability from all their suppliers in one place. From the catalog, dealers can also create simple, web-based proposals, and instantly convert proposals to interactive purchase orders for all their vendors. All of this is available to dealers for free.
ProjX360
ProjX360’s key features are sales CRM, proposal generation tool, time tracking, scheduling, project management, service work orders, service repair tickets, file management, customizable checklists and forms, and custom reporting. A mobile-friendly interface allows all employees easy access to the cloud-based software from anywhere, anytime, and on any device.
Qmotion Qadvanced Intelligent System Shades w/Zigbee
The QMotion Qadvanced Intelligent System (QIS) hardwired motorized shades deliver a robust and energy-efficient control system with easier installation, programming, and integration capabilities for overall better control and satisfaction for all. With the addition of robust two-way communication there are four different control options that QIS has to offer: ZigBee Home Automation version 1.2, Hardwired Wall Switches, Smart Device, and patented manual override.
RTI CX10
Offering more than control, the CX10 is also a high-quality HD video display with its integrated HDBaseT input and stereo speakers. Additional user-friendly features include video intercom support and a built-in composite input to view video from security cameras and other devices. The unit supports wired and wireless ethernet for two-way control, viewing IP cameras, and convenient programming.
Samsung HW-K950 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
The KW-K950 soundbar sports 15 speakers, including four upward-firing Dolby Atmos enabled speakers that are found in the front soundbar and two rear wireless speakers.
Savant Pro Remote
The new Pro 8.0 Remote includes b r e a k t h r o u g h features such as voice control, allowing users to simply ask for what they want. Using voice control and an intuitive touchscreen, the Savant Pro Remote enables control of over thousands of entertainment devices, plus whole-home lighting and integrated climate services, making it the only remote a homeowner will ever need. It also supports many music streaming services through Savant Music, and allows homeowners to capture a Scene to set personalized ambiances and experiences directly from the Remote.
Screen Innovations Zero-G
When watching the game or a favorite movie, Zero-G drops out of the case and expands at a preset location giving you a “levitating” image, suspended by cables.
SnapAV OvrC Pro
OvrC was initially launched supporting WattBoxIP Power products, but since then, SnapAV has enabled more than 60 different products within its power, surveillance, and networking categories to give the integrator even more visibility and access to the clients’ job sites, all from a single dashboard. The next evolution of OvrC is the launch of OvrC Pro, a premium set of remote features that allows integrators to provide world-class support for all of their clients’ connected products while reducing services costs and building enterprise value.
Sonance Professional Series
This range includes Commercial In-Ceiling, Pendant, and Surface Mount Speakers that deliver fidelity, low distortion, wide dispersion, and a smooth power response. The range shares consistent voicing, ensuring seamless sonic integration when used together throughout a space. The In-Ceiling Speakers feature a one-piece bezel-less grille that is magnetically secured and allows for a one-step painting process to simplify installation and minimize visual distraction. The optional Square Grille Adapter allows the speakers to match the aesthetic of square downlights and HVAC grilles.
SpeakerCraft AIM Series 2 ATX100
Core Brands’ SpeakerCraft AIM Series 2 ATX100 is the first available, in-wall height speaker designed specifically for Dolby Atmos, and also supporting other object-based surround audio systems such as DTS:X. The SpeakerCraft ATX100 projects the height “object” information off the ceiling to deliver a fully immersive and enveloping sound experience made possible by the new object-based surround systems.
Stewart Filmscreen Phantom HALR
The flexible front-projection Phantom HALR offers ambient light rejection capabilities that are intended for an exceptional entertainment experience, day or night. Phantom is available is seamless sizes up to 40 feet by 90 feet to accommodate the largest, most demanding applications.
SureCall Fusion7
The Fusion7, by SureCall, builds upon its established technology to provide a seven-band signal booster that is the first for enhancing both cellular and Wi-Fi reception and providing over-the-air (OTA) HDTV connectivity for residential and commercial use.
Trinnov Audio Altitude32
It is the only surround preamp for the home that can render 32 discrete Dolby Atmos channels, offering a level of spatial resolution that is a dramatic improvement over the 12-channel limitations found on all DSP-based platforms. It can easily take full advantage of 9.4.6 layout, or 11.4.8, or 21.1.10—or any combination of bed, height, and subwoofer channels, up to a total of 32. Four versions of the Altitude32 are available: eight-channel, 16-channel, 24-channel, and 32-channel.
URC MX HomePro
MX HomePro from URC is a simple-to-program, easy-to-operate smart home control system. It is designed to control audio/video components plus popular smart home devices, including home theater and whole-home music systems, lighting, security products, thermostats, shades, and thousands of Z-Wave products. MX HomePro works with Sonos, Heos, Bose, Nest, Lutron, Honeywell, Hunter Douglas, and more.
Zigen IP-Logic
Providing completely uncompressed video processing and transmission, the Zigen IP-Logic delivers 4K, 600MHz, High Dynamic Range (HDR), 10-Bit Deep Color, and 4:4:4 Color Space. Allowing integrators the flexibility to connect up to 999 sources with 999 displays, this product will change the way AV matrixing is addressed.
