With CEDIA Expo right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to share some of the things I’m pumped about this year’s show!
- Keynote: CEDIA pulled out the stops for a keynote speaker this year, going outside the box to bring in renowned filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld. I happen to know that Barry is a huge home theater aficionado with a high-end dedicated theater of his own, so he’ll definitely have some interesting filmmaking insights from the creation to the final home experience. According to Daryl Friedman, CEDIA’s global president and CEO, “Sonnenfeld’s insights will provide a fascinating look at how technology enhances the film experience and will inspire attendees to think about new ways to integrate entertainment and technology.” The keynote is free to all Expo attendees and will happen on Thursday, September 5, from 8:00-9:00 AM in the Four Seasons Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center.
- Home Theater Projectors: Remember when we used to think how amazing a double-stack of 9-inch Runco CRTs was? Well, virtually any modern projector would put those to shame in terms of light output, resolution, and contrast. And not to mention about 10% of the install time! CEDIA is one of the last great bastions for getting a home theater projector demo, and you can believe I’m going to do everything I can to check them all out! From Barco’s massively over-the-top Nertheus to JVC’s newly released and upgraded NZ800 and NZ900, to the three brand new Epson 4K laser projectors, including the $30k, 10,000-lumen QL7000… And after two-plus years, we might see a refresh from Sony’s laser projection line-up…? I can’t wait to find out!
- Mini/MicroLED: With Sony positioning its MiniLED BRAVIA 9 as the flagship of its current lineup (a TV that won the recent MiniLED shootout at Value Electronics), it will be interesting to see all the flagship offerings up close and personal at the show. Also, at CES we saw 110-inch and 115-inch models from Hisense and TLC, so will someone look to go even bigger? Even more exciting are the MicroLED video walls, which are pretty much the pinnacle of home cinema video, but that remain stratospherically priced. I expect to see a lot of video walls on display from companies like Sony, Samsung, Digital Projection, LG, Planar, and Just Video Walls. Also, I hear that Quantum Media Systems, who had the most outstanding-looking display at last year’s show, will be demoing its latest dvLED, the XDR Pro Cinema! Quantum in room #207, and that is a demo not to be missed!
- Big Demo Rooms: No theater system lives in a vacuum, and no manufacturer is an island. These are all systems, and to get the most out of a demo, you need to have the best-of-the-best companies partnering together to deliver something truly magical. The four that I’m most excited for are Trinnov Audio, StormAudio, JBL Synthesis, and Acurus. Trinnov (#2938) will be demonstrating he latest implementation of its unique WaveForming subwoofer technology and is partnering with Officina Acustica, Barco, Perlisten, madVR Labs, Kaleidescape, and Seymour Screen Excellence. StormAudio (#SR4) will be partnering with Seymour-Screen Excellence, Ascendo Immersive Audio, Christie, Moovia, and Lumagen to highlight a 13.12.10-channel Hybrid AoIP theater. Acurus and Aragon (#SR9) will be showcasing a 9.10.6-channel immersive audio system with over 22,000 watts. No word on what JBL Synthesis (#2512) will be bringing, but you can rest assured they will be bringing it as they always do! These demos frequently have massive lines, so like a rope-drop at Disney, get there right when Expo opens and get your place in line…right behind me!
- madVR Labs Envy Core Processor: This one is purely selfish. I’ve been eyeing the madVR Envy video processor for my home system but, frankly, I just can’t justify that much of an expense. But this new Envy Core video processor starting at under $5k might be just the ticket to take my personal theater to the next level! The Envy Core is said to leverage the full power of an Nvidia 4060 GPU to deliver the exceptional processing and HDR handling madVR’s Envy is known, just at a significantly lower price point. Check it out at booth #2938.
- That One New Thing: Almost every year I’ll find that one thing that I wasn’t expecting. Maybe it’s a tool, maybe it’s a widget, maybe it’s a problem-solver, or maybe it’s just a new idea of how to do things. Expo is packed with tons of new ideas and smart people, and there will be tons of new things to discover! Maybe it will be at The Launchpad platform, which is dedicated to showcasing new-to-market brands and the latest residential technology solutions. The Launchpad will spotlight brands that have been in business for less than three years and have never exhibited at CEDIA Expo, and maybe it will have the solution you’ve been looking for!
- Demo Scenes: We’re always looking for that next great demo clip to show off our systems, and CEDIA is where the best companies look to wow the best installers with the best demos! Last year, John Wick 4 and Bohemian Rhapsody got tons of play, along with Top Gun: Maverick. What will be the go-to clips at this year’s Expo? I’m betting it will be Dune 2, Furiosa, A Quiet Play Day One, and Twisters. Though, with old-school Twister getting a recent 4K/Atmos makeover, maybe that classic opening scene will make a demo come back…
- The Hot “Tea”: Want to find out what is dropping in our industry and what will drive us forward in the coming year? Want to see what the best and brightest installers from around the world are doing? It will be at Expo. Have an idea, suggestion, or gripe you’ve been wanting to discuss with your favorite manufacturer? They’ll be at Expo. What will be new in automation, lighting/shading, and surveillance? Will we more wide adoption of AI? The 8K Association (#C919) will host a series of 8K content demonstrations throughout Expo. Will that drive the next growth opportunity for the CI channel? Come and find out!
- The People: It’s cliché to say it, but it doesn’t make it any less true. One of the best things about Expo is getting so see those industry friends, colleagues, integrators, manufacturers, and reps that we might only get to see once a year. Whether it’s at a party, an event, a dinner, a training, or just a random encounter on the show floor, these reunions bring hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, and big smiles. While the gear and training are front and center, it’s these reunions that are really the star of the in-person show. I can’t wait for more of the same this year, and if you see me walking around, please stop me and say hello!
- Pickleball Meetup: If I’m being honest, one of the things I’m most excited for is the CEDIA Pickleball Meetup that Alex Capecelatro from Josh.ai and I have put together. We have 48 players comprised of installers, manufacturers, PR, and even CEDIA staff joining us for a day of pickleball before Expo kicks off. With the generous sponsorship of 15 different companies, we have some fantastic giveaways and prizes, including custom-made T-shirts, water bottles, and paddles designed by Alex! The event will be held on Tuesday, September 3 from 1:45 – 5:45 PM Denver time at the Gates Tennis Center located at 3300 East Bayaud Avenue. While we don’t have room for any more players, we definitely have room for spectators and fans, so if you’re in town early, come by and root us on!
