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2021 Fall Product Guide

Keeping track of the many new gear introductions of the past few months.

Fall Product Guide

Fall is usually the big time for product introductions in the CI market — not just because that is when the annual CEDIA Expo normally takes place, but that is certainly one reason for it. This year’s Expo was a bit of a bust on that end, but it didn’t stop manufacturers from launching their new products. Here we take a look at the product introductions starting from early August through early October (which we suppose makes this more of a 2021 Late-Summer Product Guide, but most of these products will be available in the fall, and it just sounds better).

AiSPiRE

AiSPiRE has introduced ATMOSPHERE, a line of Natural Tunable White Fixtures that mimics the natural light of the sun and offers a full blackbody curve with a CCT range of 2700K to 6500K. ATMOSPHERE luminaires can be programmed to change throughout the day to coordinate with natural light or statically programmed to enhance the interior finishes.

Using popular control systems available in the marketplace, along with DMX, AiSPiRE controls luminaires that create different moods most suitable for the activity of the hour. Adjustable downlights discretely accent fine works of art with full color volume so they can be better appreciated by guests. The recessed downlights are engineered to fit in nearly any ceiling plenum, offering full functionality at any ceiling height.

Choose a paler color with a slower logarithmic dimming curve to extend the warm ambience of sundown well into the late evening. Or change the home theater into a more fun experience by welcoming guests with a transition to a cool white light to help guests adjust at the end of the movie.

AiSPiRE Connected Lighting products are developed to integrate with leading control suppliers such as Control4, Legrand Vantage, Lutron, and Crestron. In-house teams, as well as third-party software developers, enable customized program and hardware development to stretch the limits of how our luminaires can serve you better within each control company ecosystem.

AVPro Edge

AVPro Edge has announced the launch of AXION premium matrix switchers. AXION is a customizable video distribution system that allows you to build any configuration up to 16 sources throughout 16 displays with various input and output selections.

The backbone of this line starts with the fully modular 16×16 matrix chassis with 8 input and 8 output card slots, AC-AXION-X. AXION X is engineered for high-end systems and can handle any HDMI 2.0 signal, including 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. With available audio downmixing cards, you have the option of downmixing Dolby Atmos audio into a 2-channel signal that is perfect for whole-home distribution. The integrator has the choice of selecting between HDMI, HDMI with scaling, or HDBaseT for long video runs with fiber options coming soon. An all new, redesigned AVPro Edge User Interface also comes standard on all AXION system switchers.

Barco - Fall Products

Barco

Barco’s LED XT series contains narrow pixel pitch LED tiles designed to provide premium visuals, high reliability and great operating flexibility. Relying on its heritage in LED technology, Barco has mechanically optimized the core hardware needed to create a seamless viewing experience. Infinipix, Barco’s proprietary, field-proven LED image processing solution, promises unmatched, consistent performance in all environments. The XT-E and XT-HB varieties are set to meet the varying needs of core applications, including control rooms, television studios, meeting rooms and 3D visualization systems.

The entry-level XT-E offers tiles with 1.2, 1.5 and 1.9mm pixel pitch to allow LED projects that don’t require high brightness or advanced features to access high-value and high-quality products. With brightness levels up to 1,500 nits, the XT-HB brings high-brightness LED to full-daylight applications and environments exposed to ambient light.

Blackdove

Blackdove has introduced a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for incorporating digital art into custom integration projects. Blackdove’s system encompasses a hardware media player, purpose-built displays, a control and management app, and a digital artwork subscription service. Blackdove enables instantaneous delivery of any work of digital art to any display in the world, with NFT blockchain registration and end-to-end encryption.

Luxury clients consistently seek novel design elements that will set their spaces apart. Blackdove repositions displays as digital art installations. No longer at odds with the aesthetics of a luxury space, large screens and video walls become a central design element with the implementation of Blackdove.

Additionally, Blackdove has established partnerships with known players in the industry like Crestron, Savant, and Control4. Blackdove can be integrated into the overall smart home system, and controlling the digital art gallery as part of a client’s existing smart home system is simple.

Blustream

Blustream is shipping its new uncompressed, unconverted 18 Gbps HDMI over HDBaseT extender set, designed for residential and commercial installations demanding the highest possible quality. Using the latest HDBaseT technology, the HEX18G-KIT enables distribution of bit-for-bit 4K HDMI video and audio up to 328 feet over a single Cat6A cable.

The HEX18G-KIT supports the HDMI 2.0 18 Gbps specification, including 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video, as well as HDCP 2.3/2.2. The HEX18G-TX transmitter and HEX18G-RX receiver support uncompressed distribution of the latest HDR resolutions — including HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision. HDMI re-clocking on the HDBaseT receiver helps to resolve HDMI HDCP, compatibility, and handshaking issues.

Bowers & Wilkins

The new Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond range continues to feature seven models, beginning with the two-way 805 D4 stand-mount speaker. That’s joined by a series of three-way floorstanding models, including the 804 D4, 803 D4, and 802 D4. For the flagship model in the range, Bowers & Wilkins has reintroduced an iconic name to its portfolio, with the launch of 801 D4 to replace the existing 800 D3. For home theater use, the HTM81 D4 and HTM82 D4 provide a pair of high-performance center channel speakers to complete the range.

Every new model in the range combines hundreds of detail improvements plus several entirely new technologies to create the most transparent, detailed, and natural-sounding series of loudspeakers Bowers & Wilkins has ever produced.

The first and most obvious change is the addition of a fourth finish to the line-up. The new range now includes a Satin Walnut finish, joining the established selection of Gloss Black, White and Satin Rosenut.

Every stereo model in the range also enjoys a significantly upgraded cabinet design with an all-new rigid, cast aluminum top section — replacing the previous wooden version — to offer even greater stiffness and thus improve cabinet quietness still further. The profile of the new aluminum top is finished in ‘Leather by Connolly’ — in black for dark cabinets (Black, Satin Rosenut) and light grey for lighter finishes (White, Satin Walnut).

Control4

Snap One has announced a new line of Control4 Contemporary Lighting faceplates and buttons to offer Partners a modern solution that seamlessly integrates with the Control4 system. According to Control4 product manager Jeff Thomas, the new line provides Control4 Partners more options to ensure premium aesthetics for all home designs and decor.

Available in 10 of today’s most popular colors with clear, backlit engraving and a modern design, Control4 Contemporary Lighting is designed to be easy for everyone to use, so family members and guests can enjoy the smart lighting experience. In addition to the new appearance, the new keypads, dimmers, and switches also provide a more tactile response and improved longevity.

Denon & Marantz

Sound United brands Denon and Marantz have introduced a 3-in, 1-out 8K HDMI switcher designed to give owners of compatible Denon and Marantz 8K AVRs the flexibility to easily attach up to three 8K and 4K/120 Hz source devices to their entertainment system.

The Denon (AVS-3) and Marantz (VS3003) switchers feature a compact form factor for easy placement — no bigger than a Blu-ray case in width and depth, with a brushed aluminum front panel and a small hand-held IR remote to switch inputs. On top of that, the switchers are compatible with HDMI CEC, so they will automatically turn on and off, and switch inputs once HDMI CEC is enabled on all connected HDMI devices including the switcher, AV receiver, TV, and connected 8K source devices. As a bonus, both switchers are also controllable via the AV receiver’s remote control if a user prefers that option over a dedicated IR remote or HDMI CEC.

Draper - Fall Products

Draper

The Draper Motorized Exterior FlexShade is an economical outdoor shading solution. Shades mount directly over the outside of your windows, providing a comfortable outdoor space or reducing interior heat gain and glare. Side channels or cable guides keep the shade fabric in place.

Motorized metal shading systems such as Venetian Blinds by Warema and rack arm systems use louvers to allow just the right amount of daylight while keeping glare and heat gain from penetrating into your interior spaces.

Draper@Home outdoor and indoor shades feature a wide selection of fabrics from U.S. weavers Phifer and Mermet.

Draper also introduced the Acumen Recharge, which is a motorized screen that installs like a manual one — attach the mounting brackets and install the screen case. There’s no wiring or electrician to worry about thanks to the lithium-ion battery located inside the roller.

The motor only needs to be recharged about every 500 cycles, but you don’t have to wait. You can leave the Recharge plugged in all the time — an automatic shutoff guarantees there will be no battery damage. Acumen Recharge can optionally connect with PoE to stay permanently charged.

The Acumen Recharge can be controlled by a wireless wall switch or handheld remote. An optional dry contact interface also allows connection to systems like Crestron and AMX. Add the optional hub, and you can control it with Google, Alexa, and many other systems. With the wireless hub, you can also control the Recharge screen via a smartphone app.

ELAN

Nortek Control has launched a new ELAN 4-Channel Onboard Network Video Recorder (NVR), a software-based recording solution for ELAN surveillance systems that is tailored to mid-market and smaller installations, expanding offerings for custom integrators, builders and homeowners. The new software maximizes existing hardware and camera installations, making implementation of advanced surveillance features better and faster. Installers download the software license to an ELAN SC-100 or SC-300 System Controller, and the user interface provides full, native control. The new ELAN 4-Channel Onboard NVR (model EL-SW-NVR) also offers timeline and event-based recording with playback that can be filtered by motion, people, vehicles, and custom events.

Focal

After releasing its 1000 Series in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker in January, Focal now unveils the On Wall 300 line. Produced in its Saint-Étienne workshops, On Wall 301 and On Wall 302 are on-wall loudspeakers to install around the television for home cinema enjoyment and a stereo listening experience. The accessories required for mounting the loudspeakers in the wall are included, and stands that are specially designed for the loudspeakers are supplied as an optional extra.

These new loudspeakers incorporate the brand’s exclusive technologies, such as its Flax speaker drivers, with their cone made from French flax. The loudspeakers also feature the Aluminum/Magnesium tweeter, offering well-defined treble.

Available in Black Satin or White High Gloss finishes, the speakers fit seamlessly into any interior. This range can also be combined with other Focal products, such as the 300 Series line of in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers, or the Chora, Aria, Kanta or even Dôme Flax loudspeakers.

Grimani Systems

Grimani Systems has announced the Rixos-L, the new flagship in the ultra-shallow Rixos line. Main applications are Front LCR speakers for rooms up to 600 square feet, and Surround speakers in rooms up to 1200 square feet. Incorporating the proprietary wide dispersion CSA waveguide, Rixos-L uses the same patented design, philosophy, and quality that bedrocks all of Grimani Systems’ products.

Featuring high-quality dynamics and finesse, wide dispersion, and smooth off-axis response, Rixos-L is an active tri-amplified speaker with integrated digital signal processing and room correction EQ. Calibration, diagnostics, and 24/7 monitoring are all managed over IP networking.

Hunter Douglas

Hunter Douglas has announced that dealers now have access to its comprehensive mobile selling app for iPad, The Link. A budding resource for the Custom Integrator Program, The Link is designed to support dealers in taking on the automated shading category, from the consultation to the installation.

The Link is a digital hub for dealers and integrators that takes any guesswork out of quoting, measuring, and ordering Hunter Douglas products, a process that has historically been intimidating to dealers, with so many shade styles and fabric options to consider. The iPad mobile selling app helps dealers discuss options with their clients, including shades styles and fabrics, generate quotes easily, and track their sales. The Price Explorer tool provides quick comparisons of different options for the same window and a bevy of supporting collateral, including videos and brochures, to further demonstrate the variety of shade styles.

iRoom

The iRoom touchDock has high-quality, scratch-resistant, modern, tempered glass and offers vertical or horizontal in-wall flush mounting with flexible installation capabilities and motorized iPad removal when needed for portable use. Its built-in control processor delivers AV control independent of the iPad Smart Battery Management to prolong the iPad battery life.

New to the mix is the touchDock Mini, which is the exact same as the other touchDock models, just smaller. Mini is compatible with the iPad mini-Gen 3 and 4.

Theft is always an issue with electronics as iPads on display. The touchDock and touchDock Mini offers code-protected antitheft protection to ensure security and ease of access with hands-free unlocking and motorized removal.

JBL

The new JBL L52 Classic bookshelf loudspeaker is destined to live up to its Classic Series family name. Following on the heels on the larger L100 Classic and L82 Classic models, the compact L52 Classic boasts a size that allows it to work in a variety of applications from stand-mount, to bookshelf, to tabletop, to wall-mount. The appearance of the L52 Classic echoes that of its larger siblings with a walnut wood veneer enclosure and a Quadrex foam grille available in a choice of black, blue, or orange.

Designed as a scaled-down version of the L82 Classic, the L52 Classic is a two-way design utilizing a 0.75-inch titanium dome tweeter mated to an acoustic lens waveguide and a 5.25-inch white cone, cast-frame woofer. A premium crossover network design ensures optimum system performance while a front-panel HF level attenuator allows the sound to be tailored to its environment. Enclosure tuning is bass-reflex via a front-firing tuned port and a set of binding post speaker terminals provide secure connection to speaker cables. The enclosure is finished in walnut wood veneer and includes a pair of threaded inserts on the rear panel for use with third-party wall mount brackets.

JBL Synthesis

Earlier this year, JBL Synthesis announced a forthcoming HDMI 2.1 upgrade program for the existing SDP-55 surround processor and SDR-35 AV receiver. That upgrade will become available in December 2021 with global availability via HARMAN Luxury Audio’s network of authorized service centers. Pricing will be announced in November. The upgrade will replace the existing HDMI 2.0 video board with a new HDMI 2.1 video board that supports uncompressed 8K video on all inputs and outputs.

On the heels of that upgrade program, two new models will become available in the first quarter of 2022. The SDP-58 and SDR-38 are forthcoming new models that will include the HDMI 2.1 video board as a factory-installed component. All other features of these models will remain, including full 16-channel immersive audio support for Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, and Auro 3D surround formats; Dirac Live room calibration, including multi-subwoofer Bass Control; DANTE connectivity; IMAX Enhanced certification; and more. Pricing will be announced closer to availability in the first quarter of 2022. The existing SDP-55 and SDR-35 will remain in the range well into the calendar year 2022 due to their lower price points and ability to serve duty in systems that do not require 8K video capabilities.

Josh.ai - Fall Products

Josh.ai

Josh.ai is launching the industry’s first touchless home intercom feature this fall. With homeowners communicating to their Josh.ai systems every day and adding more microphones in key areas of their homes, it was a natural next step to empower families to communicate directly with each other in their living spaces. While Josh.ai users were already enjoying one-way announcements to send a message to a single room or throughout a home, two-way intercom functionality via Josh Micro and Josh Nano unleashes a new range of possibilities.

For example, when dinner is ready and a command is given like, “Okay, Josh, announce everywhere it’s dinner time,” family members can now easily respond to the person in the kitchen with, “Hey, Josh, respond I’m finishing up the laundry, I’ll be down in 5” or “Okay, Josh, respond I’m on my last math problem and will be down in a minute.”

This feature is now available to new and existing Josh.ai clients at no additional charge.

Just Add Power

Just Add Power’s 2GΩ/3G ST1 sound transceiver is an audio-only component that functions as either an input or output. With the ST1, integrators can add a stereo audio source to any Just Add Power system or extract stereo audio from an existing transmitter. As an audio input, the ST1 feeds stereo audio into a Just Add Power system. Any audio source with an analog audio out — a TV, Sonos Amp, CD player, microphone, and more — can be connected and played on any receiver. As an audio output, the transceiver can play any stereo audio content from any Just Add Power device while providing variable audio control. This allows for unique functionality, such as sending analog audio from a display to the main rack without having to run an extra network cable.

As a result of this innovation, integrators can easily build a stereo audio distribution matrix with unlimited inputs and outputs that runs over network wiring. Further, by combining the transceiver with Just Add Power transmitters and receivers in the same installation, installers now can mix audio and video in new and unique ways. For example, they can provide their clients with the ability to watch sporting events while listening to radio commentary, give a presentation by mixing PC video with microphone audio, or even add an audio return channel.

Kaleidescape

Kaleidescape’s compact Terra 12 terabyte movie server has the power to download feature-length 4K movies in as little as 10 minutes on a gigabit internet connection. The Terra 12 is designed for customers looking to invest in an entry-level Kaleidescape system that can instantly play their favorite movies, television shows, and music events. The addition of the Terra 12 to Kaleidescape’s product line also allows customers to incrementally increase storage by adding additional servers, such as the Terra 24, Terra 48 or the recently announced Terra 72.

The Kaleidescape Terra is the foundation of a multi-room Kaleidescape Strato system. A Terra 12 can support any number of Strato C players and serve up to five simultaneous 4K Ultra HD playbacks. Designed with a similar profile to a Strato C movie player, the Terra 12 can be mounted beside a Strato C in a 1U rack space, using Kaleidescape’s custom rack mount for efficient shelf storage.

L-Acoustics

L-Acoustics has announced the launch of its newest addition to the SB lineup, the SB10i subwoofer. Delivering the same sonic signature of the company’s much larger subs, but from a vastly scaled-down enclosure design, SB10i is not much larger than two side-by-side shoe boxes.

Equipped with a single 10-inch driver, 27 Hz bandwidth limit, and 124 dB maximum SPL output, the high-powered SB10i measures only 21.3 inches L x 21.3 inches W x 6.7 inches H (540 x 540 x 170 mm) and weighs 33 pounds (15 kg). Sonically corresponding with L Acoustics X4i and 5XT ultra-compact coaxial speakers, the new sub has a discreet design, and is available in RAL colors, making it a prime choice for high-end residential and commercial environments, and sophisticated hospitality settings, sports luxury boxes, museum installs, and much more.

Leon

As a company with strong roots in the arts, Leon is always looking to support artists both near and far, and when Noah Kaplan, Leon’s founder and president, discovered the work of up-and-coming Detroit artist Mike Han earlier this year, he knew immediately that he wanted to collaborate to bring Han’s work to Leon’s audience.

The Leon x Mike Han collaboration is a series of three paintings titled “Detroit Vibrations” that was created by Han exclusively for Leon. The pieces are being released as Leon’s latest Artist Edition Collection for the Ente SoundTile, a product that combines art and audio in one. In addition to being available for the Ente SoundTile, “Detroit Vibrations” will also be sold as limited-edition art prints on Leon’s website.

Leon’s Ente SoundTile transforms the stereo system from a speaker into a work of art. Two channels of reference-grade audio and an amplifier are concealed behind a perforated metal speaker grille with an artwork screen printed on top. The sound tile mounts directly to the wall, appearing more like an art piece than an audio component.

LG

LG Electronics announced its first-ever Direct View LED (DVLED) display series designed specifically for high-end residential installations, the LG DVLED Extreme Home Cinema. LG’s foray into the super-luxury residential display segment combines the company’s years of building premium consumer electronics, keen understanding of affluent consumers, and deep expertise as an innovator of DVLED technologies.

LG DVLED Extreme Home Cinema uses 2 million to 33 million individual diodes (depending on resolution) to deliver high performance with exceptional brightness, years of residential lifespan, wide viewing angles, and a very high color gamut — even in rooms with lots of windows and high ambient light. Notably, Direct-View LED technology is visibly and fundamentally different from “LED TVs,” which are LCD TVs with LED backlighting to boost brightness. Direct-View LED technology images are created directly by the LED diodes and provide high contrast ratio and brightness.

Lutron Electronics

Lutron Electronics, in collaboration with Josh.ai, has announced a new offering that combines the power of a Lutron keypad with the Josh.ai Nano voice control device, to give homeowners unlimited control possibilities. The Josh.ai Ready Wallplate combines the elegance of Lutron keypads, along with the flexibility of Josh Nano, the world’s first architectural microphone, to bring beauty, simplicity, and privacy to all luxury projects.

The Josh.ai Ready Wallplate will be compatible with Palladiom, seeTouch, and Pico keypads, with Palladiom metal and plastic finish options. All projects with the Josh.ai Ready Wallplate will require a Lutron lighting control processor, as well as a Josh Core, which integrate together to bridge both voice and the touch of a keypad. In addition, each room where the wallplate is installed will require a speaker capable of connecting to Josh via VoiceLink or VoiceCast, which lets you send Josh’s response through high quality speakers. The combination of the styling, along with Josh.ai’s contextually aware voice control, pushes the evolution of the smart home another large step forward.

McIntosh - Fall Products

McIntosh

McIntosh has announced an 8K compatibility upgrade for the MX123 AV Processor. The MX123 launched in October 2019 with 4K/60 Hz compatibility, but as technology has progressed and as McIntosh adheres to its philosophy of continuous product improvement, all new MX123 AV Processors shipping from the McIntosh factory will support 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz video resolutions and refresh rates. The MX123 will also be able to upscale lower resolutions to 8K.

MetraAV

Spyclops Surveillance Systems by MetraAV is now shipping two new IP cameras supporting 4K with the latest in color night vision technology and has also introduced three new and improved power distribution boxes. The cameras have a built-in microphone and are available in a low-profile mini bullet and mini turret dome style option, the SPY-MNBLT3WIP8 and SPY-MNDM3WIP8. The distribution boxes are available in options to manage up to 5, 9, or 18 surveillance cameras.

Spyclops’ two new IP cameras can capture video up to 8MP at 30 fps. The advanced CMOS sensor has the latest technology to provide color night vision with superior picture quality and better clarity in low light. For completely dark environments, smart IR LEDs will automatically adjust the IR LED brightness to avoid a washed out image, providing better clarity for objects at various distances. This gives installers two options for night recording, depending on the environment. For places with ambient lighting like a suburban street or warehouse alley, the color night vision will perform well. For completely dark areas with no light sources, such as a dark cabin in the woods, the smart IR LEDs will capture images up to 25 meters (82 feet) away. A built-in microphone records audio and the camera’s H.265+ video compression reduces bandwidth and video storage demands without sacrificing the video quality. The cameras work with any of the Spyclops Pro Series XVRs or NVRs, which include a free remote viewing app.

Monitor Audio

Monitor Audio has officially released the seventh generation of its Silver Series loudspeakers. Introduced in 1999, the seventh generation of the Silver Series features a brand-new, contemporary design in a choice of five high-quality finishes, numerous acoustic innovations, and a model lineup extensive enough to cater for every music and home cinema requirement.

The available finishes are high-gloss black lacquer, satin white, or a choice of three real-wood veneers: Ash, Natural Walnut, and Black Oak. Every model, from the Silver 50 7G and Silver 100 7G bookshelf/standmount speakers, through the Silver 200 7G, Silver 300 7G and Silver 500 7G floorstanders, to the home cinema-specific Silver C250 7G center channel, Silver FX 7G rear surround speakers, and Silver AMS 7G Dolby Atmos-enabled speaker, is a result of performance-led design.

NAD Electronics

NAD Electronics’ C 399 hybrid digital DAC amplifier is the new flagship integrated amplifier in NAD’s Classic Series and employs the company’s HybridDigital nCore amplification, which until now has been available only on its Masters Series amplifiers. The C 399’s digital section is built around a 32-bit/384 kHz ESS Sabre DAC, the same chip used in NAD’s M10 and M33 Masters Series amplifiers. The suggested retail price of the C 399 is $1999 USD with retail availability in time for the holiday season.

The C 399 also the first amplifier to incorporate the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology: MDC2. MDC2 lets users add optional modules that provide functions such as BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and more.

Origin Acoustics - Fall Products

Origin Acoustics

Origin Acoustics has introduced the new Acoustic Landscape 3-channel AS51 System, AS51SYS. The new AS51SYS has bigger satellite speakers, a more powerful subwoofer, and a dedicated DSP amplifier. The base system includes two left and two right AS5SAT satellite speakers, AS51SUB subwoofer, and DSP3-150 DSP amplifier.

Origin has upgraded the satellites from a 4-inch to a 5.25-inch driver and capped them with a 1-inch titanium tweeter. Included with every AS51SYS is the DSP3-150 amplifier, which provides 150 watts per left and right channel, and a total of 300 watts summed in mono for the subwoofer. With pre-installed DSP profiles for this system and more.

The completely re-designed subwoofers include new low-profile ports that allow the bass to fill the area. The new 10-inch driver has 40 percent more surface area than the previous model. If burial is impossible, this model is appropriate for installation on hardscape.

Orro

Available through a driver commissioned by Orro and developed by Chowmain Software & Apps, the new integration marks a completely programmable digital keypad switch for Control4, and enables Orro’s touch screen to extend Control4 scenes and macro capabilities to any room. In addition, through Orro’s native Alexa integration, Control4 owners can enjoy seamless Alexa voice assistant installations without additional hardware.

Planar

Planar has announced the release of Planar Lifestyle Displays, a combination of large-scale LED displays and installation services that enrich luxury environments. Supporting large indoor spaces, the Planar Lifestyle Displays premieres with two lines — Planar Luxe MicroLED and Planar Luxe.

The premium Planar Luxe MicroLED includes professional-grade, ultra-fine pitch MicroLED displays, while Planar Luxe presents large-scale, fine pitch LED displays. Both solutions are designed to deliver outstanding, seamless video performance, while providing customers with a complete package that is aimed at effortlessly enriching luxury spaces. The displays are designed for a variety of uses, including digital artwork, movies, sports and events, as well as gaming, eSports, streaming, multi-window viewing and video conferencing.

PowerHouse Alliance

Designed with affordability and ease of installation in mind, the A2V In-Wall Speakers will compliment all indoor audio installations. Dealers can select from two models, 6.5-inch (IW65MG34) and 8-inch (IW80MG34). Both models feature a flush-mount design, magnetic paintable grilles, and a paintable shield. The IW65MG34 features a frequency response of 60 Hz–20 kHz and 90 dB sensitivity, while the IW80MG34 features a frequency response of 50 Hz –20 kHz and 90 dB sensitivity.

Pro Audio Technology

Pro Audio Technology (PRO) has announced a new loudspeaker model, the SR-28212ai, which the company calls “the most acoustically ambitious and flexible loudspeaker ever created.” The SR-28212ai features a 1.7-inch advanced polymer compression tweeter, two ultra-high output 8-inch midrange drivers, and two 12-inch, 2000W woofers inside a distinctive enclosure. It serves as three loudspeakers in one: a high-output, full-range loudspeaker for LCR or surround applications, an LFE (main) subwoofer, and a subwoofer for surround and Dolby Atmos speaker bass management — all at the same time, and all within a single 6-inch deep enclosure.

Proficient

Nortek Control has announced the introduction of all-new Proficient Signatures Series Landscape Speakers and Landscape Subwoofers. The two new Proficient Landscape Speakers, PAS-AW-LS-6 and PAS-AW-LS-4, feature woofers that are 6-inch and 4-inch diameters, respectively, with a polypropylene core and NBR Surround and 3/4-inch aluminum dome tweeters. Their enclosures are constructed of rugged, weather-resistant fiberglass-reinforced ABS.

The new Proficient Landscape Subwoofers, PAS-AW-GSBSUB-12 and PAS-AW-GSBSUB-10, are 12-inch and 10-inch diameters, respectively, mica-injected polypropylene cones with NBR Surround. Their heavy-duty waterproof HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) buried enclosures are designed to prevent ingress by yard pests and moisture.

RTI

RTI has announced the new RTI Music and the MS-3 Music Streamer. RTI Music is designed so that technology integrators can deliver an exceptional streaming experience to their clients with native control through any RTI control system. For home or business owners, RTI Music promises to be a seamless control experience, eliminating the need — for example — to exit the control app to search for music and access a playlist. With RTI Music, users can stream high-res audio into any room from their favorite platform or from their local NAS with a tap on a touchpanel, remote, or their mobile device.

RTI Music supports three concurrent streams from sources, including Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, SiriusXM for Business, SoundMachine, and TuneIn. The AirPlay interface enables streaming from Apple Music and Amazon Music. The Music Queue features play now, play later, and play soon options to build an on-the-fly song queue, while the Favorites playlists integrate songs from multiple services and local devices.

Samsung - Fall Products

Samsung

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. has announced new size options for its flagship Neo QLED 4K TVs and Lifestyle TVs, as well as a new iteration of The Wall — all designed to help integrators better meet their valued clients’ wide variety of needs. Samsung has also updated its Platinum Program, which, through close partner collaboration, has improved Samsung’s CI channel share to its highest level in many years — giving partners an even greater ability to grow their businesses.

Samsung’s Neo QLED QN90A 4K flagship display will now be available in new 43-, 50-, and 98-inch sizes. These new screens join the existing lineup of 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models. Samsung’s Lifestyle portfolio is also “expanding” to include a large 85-inch iteration of The Frame and a 65-inch Terrace Full Sun for direct-sunlight installation. With these additions, The Frame portfolio will now be available in eight screen sizes, and the Terrace — between its Full Sun model and the original design — will be available in five.

Screen Innovations

Screen Innovations (SI) brings motorized shading to the outdoors with the introduction of Zen 2. Zen 2 boasts a customizable, architecturally friendly design that transforms decks, gazebos, patios, and other outdoor areas into comfortable living spaces.

Zen 2 gives architects and designers an option that seamlessly blends into today’s home designs, thanks to a custom paintable, primed option for a perfect color match. Up to 25 feet wide and 16 feet tall, Zen 2 includes everything needed for a complete installation, including mounting hardware, motorized shade cassette, and a wide selection of popular outdoor shading fabrics.

Séura

Rooted in contemporary design, Séura Full Sun Series televisions provide a striking addition to outdoor home décor with details such as narrow bezels, mirrored side panels, clean lines, and a sleek profile. Screen sizes are available up to 85 inches.

The Full Sun Series is built to bask in direct sunlight, waterproof to a high IP55 rating, tested to thrive in any kind of year-round weather, and fully sealed to keep out rain, snow, ice, and dust. Designed with Extreme Temperature Protection, it is an ultra-quiet system that automatically heats and cools to endure temperatures from –40 degrees F to 140degrees F. Blackout and UV protection prevents the summer sun from cooking the display. The entire television is engineered with top safety standards to prevent corrosion and protect against fire and electrical shock.

Severtson Screens

Severtson Screens has introduced its new Deluxe In-Ceiling Series (DSE) and Deluxe In-Ceiling Tab Tension Series (DST) screens.

The DSE surface is fiberglass backed to provide increased flatness by reducing edge curl. The flat surface is designed to last for years with optimal visual performance. The DST surface is tab tensioned to provide increased flatness and eliminate edge curl. The tensioning can be easily adjusted to maintain a smooth viewing experience. The DST screens also offer an even wider variety of projection materials than the DSE. The trapdoor at the bottom of both the DSE’s and DST’s case opens automatically to allow the screen to lower, and then closes when not in use.

DSE and DST Deluxe In-Ceiling Series screens can be operated in several convenient ways: The included RF receiver with handheld remote, an external IR receiver connected to the IR eye port, and the 5-12-volt trigger connection allows fully automatic operation, synchronizing the screen with the power cycle of a compatible projector. The RS-232 control is also a standard feature of all Deluxe In-Ceiling models.

Sonos

Sonos has announced Beam (Gen 2), a new version of its compact smart soundbar for TV, music, gaming, and more. The new Beam delivers an upgraded, more immersive sound experience with greater depth and clarity, as well as support for Dolby Atmos. Beam (Gen 2) will be available for $449.

Sonos also revealed plans to offer both Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos Music later this year via Amazon Music, giving listeners the ability to experience the highest quality streaming music and immersive 3D audio.

Somfy

Somfy has introduced the Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS External Battery motor. The newest addition to Somfy’s Designed for Silence wirefree motor range features a compact size and smaller diameter motor head. This makes the Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS External battery motor a great fit for the motorization of smaller windows.

With Designed for Silence quiet operation, the Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS External Battery motor features smooth motion with adjustable speed control and is compatible with Somfy’s Situo Variation remote for precise control of sheer and layered shades. Built-in Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) immunity is also ideal for use in layered shades.

The Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS External Battery motor features a recessed programming button on the motor head for easier installation and programming. It also features an LED low battery indicator to let users know when it’s time to recharge the shade. Charging the external Li-ion battery can be accomplished by virtue of a plug-in wall charger or convenient solar option. The Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS External Battery motor can also be powered without a battery, thus using a friendly plug-and-play 12V DC power supply.

Sony

Sony Electronics Inc. has introduced the HT-A5000, the newest addition to its premium soundbar lineup. This 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar uses Sony’s audio technologies such as Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force PRO Front Surround.

The A5000 supports audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and includes a Vertical Surround Engine, Sony’s advanced surround sound technology that lets users experience the excitement of the big screen at home. The front speakers and up-firing speakers, combined with Sony’s signal processing, reproduce “vertical” audio, meaning the A5000 soundbar can position sound in a vertical space.

The soundbar also features S-Force PRO Front Surround, to make an even wider horizontal soundscape. It uses the front X-Balanced Speaker Unit and Sony’s digital soundfield processing technology to virtually reproduce a large and immersive sound field horizontally.

Spatial - Fall Products

Spatial

Spatial, the immersive audio experience company, and Steinway Lyngdorf, the music and audio technology leader, are announcing a native digital integration of Spatial’s real-time immersive audio engine and Steinway Lyngdorf’s processor audio experience.

Spatial Reality engine is built on an object-driven platform that operates on modern Mac and Linux systems. The deployments are free of rigid requirements like speaker location, or the size and shape of a space. Designers using Spatial can connect and assign a variety of audio outputs and inputs to create believable soundscapes in real-time. These soundscapes can scale and adapt to each location with natural physics and complex object behaviors that allow for 24:7 dynamic experiences. Spatial Reality runs on a dedicated Mac that is connected digitally via AES67 to Lyngdorf’s MP-60 2.1 surround sound processor or Steinway & Sons P300 2.1 ultimate performance processor.

The Spatial integration with Steinway Lyngdorf allows for an expansion of the soundfield for native processor immersive formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more. Spatial’s flexible layout allows for additional channels in non-traditional locations to fully envelop the space. The approach is particularly well suited for modern indoor and outdoor theater environments.

Starke Sound

Starke Sound has introduced the P Series of passive loudspeakers, which are designed to pair with its A and AD multichannel amplifiers. Four new P models will be launched in September and October; advanced coaxial models and passive subwoofers will follow in coming months.

According to Starke, the P Series models combine the high sensitivity and power handling of professional equipment with the smooth realism of home audio. The horn-loaded Air Motion Transformer (AMTHorn) tweeters enable P Series loudspeakers to produce the high sound-pressure levels required for realistic cinema at home.

StormAudio

StormAudio has unveiled its ISP Core 16, the company’s newest addition to its processors, together with an AoIP AES67 option for the ISP MK2 range. A completely redesigned cross-platform smartphone application was also announced, along with other significant feature updates that will be available in Q4 2021 and 2022.

With a design based on the StormAudio ISP MK2 platform, the ISP Core 16 preamplifier/processor gives consumers a compact and more accessible option that delivers StormAudio’s signature functionality and performance all in a 3U chassis. The product, manufactured in France, supports up to 16 channels and has the power to decode all the latest immersive formats — Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision — and do any post-processing, including Dirac Live, to optimize any speaker in any room straight out of the box.

Trinnov Audio

Trinnov’s next software release will add two major features to every Altitude processor that has been installed worldwide since 2015. The Altitude16 and Altitude32 will now be upgradable to four additional channels and is certified to render IMAX Enhanced content playback. Both of these major features are expected to become available by mid-October and will be available to Altitude owners through a free software download.

URC

URC and ELK Products, and Chowmain have announced a new phase of collaboration in smart building technology. Launching immediately, Chowmain with the assistance of URC and ELK Products have created the first integration between Total Control and the ELK or Ness M1 Gold alarm panels. This module allows for two-way control of the ELK or Ness M1 Gold alarm panels via all of current URC touch screens, handheld remotes, phones and tablets. Using URC touch screen interfaces, homeowner and commercial managers can arm and disarm ELK or Ness M1 panels, check the current status of any zone in the current partition, read through the logs, and more.

Vanco - Fall Products

Vanco

Vanco International LLC has announced the Evolution by Vanco EVEX4K70 4K HDR extender. This extender delivers 4K HDMI signals at 60 Hz, 4:4:4 sampling, HDR, and PoE up to 230 ft (70 m) over a single Cat6 cable with zero latency, according to the company. The EVEX4K70 also features bi-directional IR, allowing control from the display or the source.

The EVEX4K70 includes two units: a transmitter and a receiver. Both units feature a slim, compact profile for easy installation. The transmitter is equipped with an HDMI loop-out for local monitoring or use with other distribution products. The receiver features digital optical audio output to break multichannel audio out to an amplifier, soundbar, or audio distribution product.

Vantage

Legrand’s Building Control Systems (BCS) division has introduced Vantage LHUMAN, a dynamic new human centric lighting (HCL) system for the residential market. LHUMAN incorporates lighting controls, motorized shading, and color-tunable light fixtures to harness natural light when it’s available or render it artificially when it’s not. To make it easier than ever for integrators to deliver these benefits to their clients, Vantage is also introducing the latest version of its programming software: Design Center 4.2.

At the heart of the LHUMAN system is Vantage lighting control, which provides full color control and precise dimming of a wide range of color-tunable lighting fixtures from Vantage’s leading manufacturer partners. Users can let LHUMAN do the work for them — automatically adjusting their home’s light throughout the day, fully synchronized to the natural daylight from the sun — while making changes on the fly with pre-set scenes that deliver the appropriate color temperature and intensity to meet their current activity, need, or mood.

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