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D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) News for July 2010

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D-Tools MVP manufacturers realize the importance of bringing you their product information and have chosen to support the D-Tools user community by joining the program and making their product data directly available through D-Tools SI software. Read on for the latest manufacturer news and product updates. This month, read news about Atlantic Technology, Atlona Technologies, D-BOX, SonicFoundry, LiteTouch, URC and more!

We would like to welcome Pakedge Device and Software as a new MVP member this month!

 

Atlona Technologies Announces New Features and Achievements for Their Award Winning, Wireless USB to HDMI Adapter with Audio, the HDAiR

The HDAiR is Atlona Technologies’ award-winning USB-to-HDMI wireless converter. This device allows any user with a computer to connect wirelessly to any HDTV or VGA monitor. Atlona’s HDAiR has been well received across a vast multitude of vertical markets including home AV, corporate AV, presentation systems, and educational. The HDAiR was a finalist in CEPro’s Best awards, and has been awarded the coveted Excite Award from Custom Retailer Magazine.  Most recently, this device has made headlines winning the Audioholics Consumer Excellence award.  Today, Atlona announces new features for the HDAiR including point to multi-point, and Macintosh compatibility.

The first release of the HDAiR in 2009 was a video-only solution.  After its release, users from around the world responded to Atlona’s customer survey asking what additional features could make the HDAiR even better. The overall consensus was to add audio support.  Atlona responded by releasing an all new HDAiR with the ability to output audio in both 3.5mm analog, as well as embedded on the HDMI output, making it a viable solution for a much broader range of users. This latest update to the HDAiR allows users to connect up to 4 receivers to a single transmitter, making it even more beneficial in educational environments, as well as localized digital signage and retail. This update also allows full Mac support, making it compatible with the most commonly used OS’s (Window XP, Vista and 7, OSX 10.4 or higher).

Like the older model AT-HDAiR, this newer model with audio still uses Ultra wide band (UWB) frequencies to transmit Audio and Video signal.

The new AT-HDAiR, is capable of extending any computer wirelessly from the display at lengths up to 30ft with HDTV resolutions up to 720p or PC and VESA resolutions at 1440×1050.  Both HDMI and VGA output connections are active at the same time, therefore the HDAiR receiver could be used to power up 2 displays at the same time with identical content. With this user friendly new version, the HDAiR is perfect for viewing continuously popular streaming media from HULU or Youtube, as well as computer-based leaning programs such as Rosetta Stone or Lynda Online Training and also perfect for viewing pictures or downloadable movies from laptop. Basically, the HDAiR creates the identical or extended screen of your laptop desktop on your big screen HDTV or Projector.

With quick and easy installation, the all new HDAiR with Audio opens up a world of

possibilities for home, business, and educational users providing a cost effective and convenient

solution to integrate PC’s and laptops into HD audio video systems.

Atlona’s all new AT-HDAiR with audio is available now with a newly reduced MSRP of $169.00.

 

For more information on Atlona Products:

http://www.atlona.com

Autonomic Controls Cloud Based Media Server

The Mirage Media Server is a new device from Autonomic Controls that combines traditional media server functionality with Internet could technology that gives users global access to their content, as well as streaming media services.

The content on the server is stored over a private, secure digital locker on the web. This allows the server to automatically synchronize multiple units in remote locations, and it gives users access to their media on any portable or web-enabled device. That means you can access your stuff instantly from your iPhone, iPad, Google Android, Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation or Tivo.

For those with home control systems such as Crestron, AMX, RTI and URC—you can also access your media from those systems.

The Mirage Media Server supports up to five independent audio outputs. It includes a 5.1 digital output for playback of different audio streams when connected to a multi-zone audio amplifier. The server supports most popular audio formats, and its software is okay for both MAC and PC.

Users can also use the Mirage Media Server to stream music from services such as Sirius/XM, Pandora, etc.

Price: MSRP $3995

For more information, please visit Autonomic-Controls.com

Read more: http://www.luxuryce.com/mirage_media_server_autonomic_controls#ixzz0uq8AIFmZ

D-BOX Technologies Announces its Second Collaboration with The Walt Disney Studios

-BOX Technologies Inc. (DBO.A on the TSX Venture Exchange), a leader in innovative motion technology for the entertainment industry, has announced The Walt Disney Studios’ new 3D action adventure film TRON: Legacy will feature D-BOX Motion CodeTM when the movie opens in theatres  December 17, 2010.

Consistently providing moviegoers with new content, this is the 18th movie to be announced since D-BOX unveiled its revolutionary technology in April 2009 and its second movie title with The Walt Disney Studios.

“We are very pleased to be able to work with The Walt Disney Studios again,” said Claude Mc Master, Chief Executive Officer of D-BOX Technologies. “We already have a great lineup of new movies scheduled to be released in the coming months that will offer the D-BOX experience.”

Steadily increasing its footprint throughout North America and internationally, to-date D-BOX has equipped 28 movie theatres with over 600 of its D-BOX MFX Seats with plans for many more theatres later this year.

For a complete listing of theatre locations currently offering the D-BOX experience, visit www.d-box.com.

LiteTouch Releases Major Software Upgrade

LiteTouch, a leading lighting control manufacturer for three decades, announced the release of LiteWare4.0, which is immediately available for download. LiteWare is LiteTouch’s proprietary Windows®-based programming software which delivers the programming and integration power to the LiteTouch system.

Since the time LiteWare was first introduced in 1988, in conjunction with the company’s release of the first residential lighting controller, the software has been on a variety of platforms, including the original DOS platform. LiteWare4.0 now includes all of the latest technical enhancements available with the .net platform. In addition to offering the industry’s most versatile system programming via Open Architecture Serial Coding, today LiteWare is also used by LiteTouch Specifiers, Dealers and Installers for LiteTouch system quoting, design, installation layout, billing, and scene adjustment.
“The release of LiteWare4.0 offers our dealers, installers and system designers top-notch functionality, and features that are easy to use,” says Angie Larson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Not only did we add even more powerful features, we also made enhancements designed to improve programming speed, saving dealers time and money when they need it most.”

LiteWare4.0 Highlights:

  • Home Page & Software Suite
    One-stop access to all LiteTouch software tools. Including Load Level Adjustment for real time lighting adjustments, CCU Control Panel for communication monitoring, published Macros for quick custom programming and CAD Drawings for system design.
  • Quick Framework-Programming
    Save time – program and add engraving to each button without even leaving the Keypad Grid View.
  • Quick Retrofit System Design & Programming
    New Hybrid Wizard automatically performs initial programming so even if you don’t have time to add functionality; you can immediately give your client or their work crew a performing system.
  • Build & Customize Keypads
    Watch keypads take shape as you customize LED colors, engraving and backlit options. Once you’re happy use the new .jpg export feature and  add images to proposals.
  • Interior Design-Friendly
    LiteWare4.0 includes a library onearly 200 icons to choose from.LiteWare4.0 is available immediately to LiteTouch’s extensive network of representatives, Dealers, Designers and Installers at LiteTouch.com

Kramer Introduces the TP-573/TP-574 Compact Transmitter/Receiver for HDMI, RS-232, and IR Signals

Kramer Electronics is pleased to announce the introduction of the TP-573 and TP-574 twisted pair transmitter and receiver for HDMI, bi-directional RS-232, and IR signals.  The units can transmit these signals directly over a twisted pair cable (shielded twisted pair cables are recommended).  The TP-573 and TP-574 offer a compact and inexpensive solution for HDMI, RS-232, and IR signal transmission over long distances and are ideal for any application where long distance signal distribution is required.

The TP-573 transmitter converts the input signals into signals that can be run over shielded twisted pair cables.  The TP-574 receiver then converts the input signal back to HDMI, RS-232, and IR signals.  The TP-574 receiver is an adjustment-free product, featuring automatic calibration that adjusts the line level and EQ control as needed.  Both units feature bandwidth of up to 1.65Gbps, HDTV as well as HDMI 1.3 compatibility, and HDCP compliance.

With the TP-573 and TP-574 an HDMI signal can be transmitted up to 295ft. (90 meters) at 1080i resolution and up to 98ft. (30 meters) at 1080p resolution when using Kramer’s shielded BC-DGKat524 cable.  Kramer’s shielded BC-DGKat623 cable extends the 1080p distance capability to 230ft. (70 meters) and the soon to be introduced BC DGKat7a23 shielded cable will have a range of 295ft. (90 meters) at 1080p.  For optimum range and performance use Kramer Cables.

The TP-573 and TP-574 each incorporate LED status lights to indicate power on, input signal detection and output device detection.  The TP-573 and TP-574 pass the HPD and CEC signals from the source to the display device over the twisted pair cable. The TP-573 employs Kramer’s Power Connect™ feature where a single connection to the transmitter powers both units.  The required 12V DC is transmitted through the twisted pair cable, along with the other signals, to the receiver.

The TP-573 and TP-574 are housed in compact DigiTools® enclosures.  They carry a list price of $295.00 per unit in the United States and are currently in stock and available from Kramer Electronics sales companies around the world.

Kramer TP-573 & TP-574 Press Release
Kramer TP-573 & TP-574 Photos

Onkyo Debuts the World’s First 3D-Ready & THX Certified Integrated Home Theater System

Onkyo, a brand renowned worldwide for quality home entertainment technology, has introduced the world’s first THX® I/S Plus™ Certified (Integrated System) and 3D-Ready packaged home theater system. This type of system, popularly known as a “home theater in a box” or HTiB, consists of seven theater loudspeakers, a subwoofer for deep-bass sound effects, and an audio-video receiver that is fully compatible with state-of-the-art HD video players and video displays, including all the latest 3D technologies. It is compatible with the mandatory formats for 3D video broadcast content of “Side-By-Side (Half)” and “Top-and-Bottom” formats.

The Onkyo HT-S9300THX receiver has four 3D-Ready HDMI 1.4a inputs for connection to modern audio/video source components, and it can upscale video from any input source to the maximum 1080p HDMI output resolution. The system receiver includes lossless Dolby & DTS high definition audio processing, Dolby ProLogic IIz height channel processing, and numerous other high performance sound processing features from THX, Audyssey, and Onkyo.

“With 3D and THX, this package offers remarkable value,” said Paul Wasek, Onkyo’s marketing manager. “As one of the most enthusiastic suppliers of THX Certified components, Onkyo has long recognized the importance ensuring that our customers experience movie sound effects exactly as the producer and sound engineer intended.”

“Our collaboration with Onkyo has produced an affordable, all-in-one home theater system with a sonic punch that puts most HTiBs to shame,” said Graham McKenna, Director of PR at THX. “Designed for movie fans and gamers who crave multichannel sound, the HT-S9300THX delivers every bass note, sound effect and dialogue like it was captured in the studio.”

The Onkyo HT-S9300THX was awarded THX I/S Plus certification based on THX’s independent testing of the combined audio performance of this system’s receiver, speakers, and a powerful 12-inch subwoofer. The specially designed front loudspeakers use a THX-developed dual-woofer array that optimizes the sound field for a sonic presentation that is remarkably close to that found in the best THX movie theaters. The system includes THX Surround EX™; THX listening modes for Music, Movies and Games; and THX Loudness Plus™, a sophisticated volume-control technology which maintains surround impact at low listening levels.

The HT-S9300THX also provides for easy surround sound speaker set up with Audyssey 2EQ room acoustics correction technology, and provides improved sound enjoyment with Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey Dynamic Volume processing. It includes Onkyo’s proprietary Music Optimizer, which improves the sound of compressed music files for playback with loudspeakers, and four DSP modes for various gaming scenarios.

All video inputs can be upscaled to 1080p video, regardless of native resolution, via Faroudja DCDi Cinema™ processor, which also removes the jaggies during the video signal deinterlacing process, resulting in smooth progressive-scan video images.

The receiver employs Onkyo’s new overlaid graphical OSD (on screen display) for seamless adjustment of settings while still viewing the program in the background. A proprietary rear-panel Universal Port can be used to connect an optional Onkyo UP-A1 dock for iPod/iPhone and UP-HT1 HD Radio tuner module.  The receiver also includes Onkyo’s HDMI Thru feature, which provides automatic source-to-TV switching when the receiver is in the standby mode. This allows children to enjoy programs using a TV’s built-in speakers without the need to use the receiver’s controls.

The HT-S9300THX will be available at the end of July with a suggested retail price of $1,099.

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

The addition of three new products designed to solve real world problems for the
Electronic Systems Contractor. Planet Waves, known for its cable & HDMI solutions now
changes the process of speaker wire termination for the Industry. Additionally we have
added a unique connector to eliminate Y cables as well as another HDMI adapter solution which
once again separates us from all other cabling and HDMI suppliers.

BANANA JACK

The Planet Waves Banana Jack, a revolution to speaker wire termination as we know it. No Stripping! No twisting! Connection
via the gold plated pin is direct to the banana jack plug. The connection pin inserts into the speaker wire and enables
complete 360 degree contact with the wire while it is maintained within its jacket, virtually eliminating oxidation over time.
Our Patented screw cuts the jacket and holds the wire securely in place and will not loosen. Gold Plated, fully tested for
superior signal transfer, shallow depth, better wire management. SPEED, TIME, EFFICIENCY, QUALITY, ALL IN ONE CONNECTION.

INTERSECT

Another unique solution from Planet Waves which eliminates the need to ever
use another “Y” cable again. Intersect any three Planet Waves cables to split
a signal, creating any variation of connection needed, to any length on each “leg”
that is required. The Intersect is simply another Solution that allows clean organized
Custom Installations.

PORT SAVER HDMI03

Building on our ground breaking new product, the Port Saver, Planet Waves now offers this solution in
a 3ft. version with a straight male end. These new cables are an instant solution to depth, angle, and
attachment issues for any display. Available in three different angled variations on one end each
having a straight male HDMI connection on the other end. They are the perfect solution for a direct
connection from a Balun or Wall Plate to any display.

Sonic Foundry Lightens Up with New Mediasite ML Recorder

The new Mediasite ML Recorder has a slimmer profile, wide screen and plenty of professional-grade webcasting muscle in a compact package, making it the lightest, leanest webcasting appliance in its class. As the premier portable recorder, the ML is also the quickest to setup – ready in minutes to capture and stream rich media presentations that combine high-quality audio, video and DVI/VGA images.

“The new Mediasite ML Recorder is sleeker and lighter, which gives my organization even more streaming opportunities,” said Mike Chop, senior systems architect at Cadence Design Systems. “Mediasite has changed the way we communicate, helping us increase our ROI and broaden our reach. We’re excited to see how an even more portable webcasting solution will enhance our communication landscape. Plus, I’m really looking forward to taking my webcasting kit with me as carry-on.”

Shedding more than eight pounds since the previous ML model, the new ML Recorder weighs in at only 13.5 pounds. In addition to being 39 percent lighter than its predecessor, it is also 14 percent smaller, making it ideally suited to the travel and setup needs of today’s mobile recording professionals. Plus, each ML Recorder includes an over-the-shoulder padded travel bag that eliminates the need to check a carrying case for air travel.

“We are excited about the streaming possibilities of the new ML Recorder. It looks great. We can easily integrate this into our remote events without requiring extra staff, maximizing the flexibility of where we provide live streaming,” said Konstantin Kaltsas, media technology services, University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

As a complement to the ML Recorder, Sonic Foundry also introduces Mediasite 5.4. Packed with a redesigned recording interface, integrated automated closed captioning, multicast support for Silverlight and additional encoding profiles, Mediasite 5.4 further streamlines Sonic Foundry’s Webcasting and knowledge management platform.

“Our customers’ success has resulted in demands to capture even more high quality, mission-critical content with Mediasite. This growth has driven us to push the limits of what can be achieved in webcasting performance and portability,” said Rob Lipps, executive vice president of Sonic Foundry. “We are excited to announce the next generation Mediasite ML Recorder, which builds on a solid foundation of technology that started nearly 10 years ago and continues to set the standard for anytime, anywhere web streaming.”

Mediasite has been named Best Webcasting/Presentations Solution by Streaming Media readers for three consecutive years, and also named Best Webcasting Platform by Streaming Media Europe readers.

 

The THIEL CS3.7 “Form & Function Perfected”

That’s the cut line for the June 2010 Home Theater Magazine cover photo of a pair of THIEL CS3.7s in beautiful Composite Ebony finish.

 

In his review inside the issue, Shane Buettner explains that the “curvature and grace” of the CS3.7’s cabinet is “a close marriage between its form and its function”. The absence of hard angles not only makes the CS3.7 “gorgeous enough to put out in the room as industrial art”, but the unique shape, aluminum baffle and top, and thick, veneered cabinet walls minimize diffraction and vibration for the most realistic sound reproduction possible.

 

Buettner paired the CS3.7s with a THIEL SmartSub® SS2 Subwoofer and a THIEL SCS4 as his center channel and put the system through it’s paces from two channel music (“I felt like I was involved in the musical performances.”) to, of course, home theater where he experienced 3D sound in his listening room via the time and phase coherent THIEL speakers.

 

Click here (http://www.thielaudio.com for access to this and other CS3.7 reviews.

 

THIEL Annual Summer Shutdown

Please take note that THIEL’s offices will be closed for our annual two-week shutdown beginning Monday, July 26. We will be reopening for business on Monday, August 9, 2010.

URC Helps Dealers and Their Clients Think “Green” with Its New TED Energy Modules

 

URC’s new modules for use with its Network Series controllers will appeal to any energy-conscious homeowner. The modules, available for free to URC installers through the dealers-only URC Tool Box, enable URC’s Network Series controllers (the KP-4000, MX-5000 and MX-6000) to work with the TED 5000 energy monitoring system from Energy, Inc.


TED 5000, which integrates with a home’s electrical system to monitor residential power usage, now can wirelessly communicate via the home network with URC Network Series keypads, wand remotes and touch screen controllers, enabling end users to monitor a wealth of rich, actionable information like:

  • Real-time kW usage, dollars spent and carbon dioxide emissions
  • Daily, monthly and projected usages
  • Daily and monthly peak values
  • Billing information
  • Power and cost history per hour, day or month
  • Default metrics (kW, Cost or Carbon emissions)
  • Line voltage, to detect fluctuations
  • Graphical displays of how energy-efficient the home currently is

Thanks to the capabilities of URC’s Network Series controllers, clients not only can observe the energy monitoring information TED 5000 provides, but also act on that data for the purposes of energy management.

And don’t forget to sign up for Control the Universe, URC’s monthly e-newsletter. Sign up at www.universalremote.com/newsletter.

Denon, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment products, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2010. In 100 years of significant and innovative “firsts,” Denon has continuously brought passion, artistry and the best of technologies to discriminating customers around the world, always providing them with a superior home entertainment experience.

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