Home Theater
Kaleidescape Announces DV700 Disc Vault
30/01/12 23:39
The Kaleidescape System provides the world's best Blu-ray viewing experience in the home. The M700 Disc Vault is a key component of the system, and last year it won the coveted 2011 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Best New Product award.
Many clients have requested a version of the M700 Disc Vault that does not include an M-Class player. Kaleidescape is pleased to introduce the DV700 Disc Vault. It offers the same award-winning performance and capacity as that of its sister disc vault, but does not have an integrated player.
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Niles Introduces Two new Powerful High Fidelity Compact Subwoofer Ideal For Any Size Room
30/01/12 23:13
Powerful, stylish and compact 6.5” and 8” subwoofers, engineered with designers in mind, allow for virtually unlimited placement to fit any decor.
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, December 22, 2011—Expanding its line of powerful high-fidelity subwoofers, Niles®, The First Name In Custom Installation®, today announced the introduction of two new stylish compact subwoofers engineered with designers in mind, the SW6.5 and the SW8.
“With these new stylishly-designed compact subwoofers, installers can place a high-powered, highly attractive and easily concealed subwoofer virtually anywhere for a home theater or home audio system,” said Mike ‘Sparky’ Detmer, President of Niles. “These subwoofers outperform their larger rivals and offer superior sound quality and design for all residential and light commercial installations.”
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All New JVC Reference Series 3D Home Cinema 4K Projector
04/12/11 15:36
Featuring 4K precision and Industry leading performance, this JVC D-ILA 3D projector that 80,000:1 native contrast ratio. All the features you'd expect in a top-of-the-line model at a price that will surprise you.
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Homeowners Are Turning to Smart Technology to Streamline Their Lives and Reduce Energy Use
04/12/11 15:33
Article by Amanda Ash, Contributor for eHow
Long gone are the days when we read by candlelight and cooked dinner on a wood-burning stove. And for many North American homes as of 2011, the acts of flipping light switches and manually controlling thermostats are going the way of the dinosaurs.
The Green Revolution, coupled with incredible technological advances, has spawned tech-savvy "smart homes": digitally outfitted dwellings that may be programmed to do just about anything you can think of, except maybe clean your room.
Harry Saini, who owns Digital Smart Homes of Canada and has wired his Vancouver condominium to the hilt, believes that automating your home not only simplifies your life but also reduces energy consumption. Home automation technology is becoming more accessible every day, allowing the average person to transform a home into something straight out of "Star Trek."
"If you were looking at home automation five years ago, you'd easily be looking at 10 times the cost compared to now," Saini said. "And the number of dealers and retailers that are able to support that technology compared to five, six years ago has doubled---tripled, even.
"People used to think home automation is for lazy people, but that's not what it is. Essentially, everything talks to one another. Your lights talk to your stereo. Your alarm knows what your garage is doing. All your devices know what's going on."
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What is Home Automation or a Smart Home?
04/12/11 15:32
In today’s ultra-complicated and fast-paced world, home automation and smart home technologies were developed to simplify life! Thanks to revolutionary devices, you can now link and control all of the electronics and systems in your home from a single digital interface.
Digital Smart Homes links together onto one operating platform the following technologies and more:
- Home theatre systems
- Multi-room music & video
- Smart lighting & shades
- Advanced temperature control
- Safety and security devices
Transforming your living environment into a “smart home” not only makes life more manageable, it makes it more secure. For instance, let’s say that you head out of town for a weekend trip and you realize a few hours out of town that you forgot to arm the security system and program the porch lights to illuminate at dusk. All you have to do is pull out your iPhone, bring up the Control4 interface, and push a few buttons to secure your alarm & program your lights.
Is Home Automation Scalable? As you revolutionize and grow your home technologies, you may be wondering if home automation is scalable. This is actually the beauty of a system like Control4. You can begin with one or two technologies and then scale out to meet additional needs. For example, if you have an amazing home theatre setup and a security system, you can begin there and then add to your setup as time progresses.
What’s in a Smart Home Console? This is where the fun begins! Just to give you an idea, here are some of the things that Control4 can accomplish:
- Control your home theatre
- Dim the lights as the opening credits roll
- Turn off all your TVs when your kids should be studying
- Alert you when the garage door is open…and then close it
- Manage your lights, window coverings, and thermostats
- Monitor your locks, lighting, and security cameras
- Allow you to play music in any room of the house
Visit our fully featured hi-tech showroom in Vancouver at 1385 West 6th Avenue.
Fusion Announces New iPad and iPhone App
31/08/11 15:36
We're proud to announce our new iPad app is now available in the iTunes store. This app features full two-way meta data exchange, filter & sorting and control with any Fusion Movie Server.
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Fusion Movie Server Overview - What is a Movie Server?
09/08/11 14:46
This simple non-narrated video covers the basics of what a movie server is for personal residential use. The video shows some of the basics of operations of the Fusion server including navigation of the system.
The video also covers search functions, filtering and sorting your videos using a simple hand held remote control. All functions on the Fusion Server can be accessed and used with a remote or a full control system.
Fusion is also releasing a new free two-way app for the iPad & iPhone and will also offer a Droid version of its two-way app the 1st quarter of 2012, please check back for updates on the availability of these products.
The video also covers search functions, filtering and sorting your videos using a simple hand held remote control. All functions on the Fusion Server can be accessed and used with a remote or a full control system.
Fusion is also releasing a new free two-way app for the iPad & iPhone and will also offer a Droid version of its two-way app the 1st quarter of 2012, please check back for updates on the availability of these products.
Yamaha Updates ‘AVENTAGE’ A/V Receivers; Extends High End Connectivity and Control Features Throughout Line
09/08/11 14:42
9.2 Channels, Expanded Networking, iPhone/iPod/Android Capabilities, CINEMA DSP HD3 Among Enhancements Being Brought to Critically-Acclaimed Line. Yamaha has updated the industry leading AVENTAGE family of A/V receivers, to include the first 9.2 channel receivers—the RX-3010 (150W x 9) and RX-A2010 (140W x 9)—along with the 7.2 channel RX-A1010 (110W x 7), RX-A810 (100W x 7) and RX-A710 (90W x 7). Like the original AVENTAGE receivers (pronounced Ah-Ven-Taj) unveiled last year to wide critical acclaim and success at retail, the new models continue to set the high bar for peak performance at affordable price points
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Wharfedale Diamond 10.LCR Left/Centre/Right Speaker Bar
29/07/11 09:22
Following the success of the Diamond 10 Series, Wharfedale unveils its most modern add-on to the series' extensive line-up of speakers, the Diamond 10 Style AV Cinema System. Designed specifically for the discerning audio enthusiast, for the system features a 3-Channel LCR column speaker capable of producing superb sound when used for either gaming or watching movies, regardless of its svelte size.
The Diamond 10 Style AV Cinema System bears many of the same enhancements as its regular-sized siblings, but with new combinations of 100mm Kevlar bass drivers and 25mm silk dome tweeters affixed inside the LCR column and the mini tower speakers. The LCR column speaker requires little power even when combined with the mini tower or surround satellite speakers. And on top of that, it elegantly accents your flat panel HDTV.
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Yamaha's New AV Receiver RX-A710
09/06/11 23:41
Premium Quality Audio Performance combines with the latest technological advances, including iPhone app compatibility, network functionality, front panel HDMI and USB digital connections, HD Audio decoding with CINEMA DSP 3D, and 6 in/1 out HDMI (3D and ARC compatibility).
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Vivitek Introduces Bright, Lightweight, LED-Based Projector with 3D Ready Capabilities
11/05/11 12:48
Vivitek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of innovative visual presentation products, enters the Pico projector category with the Qumi, the company’s new line of LED-based pocket projectors. To maximize the company’s strength in LED-based projectors, the new Qumi (pronounced Q-me) projectors enhance Vivitek’s family of projection devices for a wide range of applications. Weighing in at only 1.6 pounds, the Qumi is the first pocket projector to be 3D-ready via Texas Instruments’ DLP® Link™ technology.
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4 Reasons we like to specify Fusion Video Servers
28/04/11 17:08
Fusion Research is the #2 video server manufacturer and we wanted to share 4 reasons why you should consider a Fusion Movie Server for your home or Theater System
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Wireless control via iPad or iPhone of your networked-enabled Onkyo or Integra receiver
14/02/11 21:56
With oRemote, an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch (iOS 4.2 required) and a wireless (Wi-Fi) network, you can control your network-enabled Onkyo or Integra AVR from anywhere in the house. oRemote enables full control over all inputs and zones with constant screen updates of the status of your AVR.
iPad and iPhone application for network control of devices that use the eISCP protocol - this includes most network-enabled Onkyo and Integra AV Receivers (see below for list of supported receivers). Now you can fully control your receiver without having to turn on your TV.
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Sharp Unveils Its First 3D Ready High-Definition Dlp® Home Theater Projector
24/01/11 22:54
Sharp has introduced its first 3D Ready High-Definition High-Quality DLP® Theater Projector with 30000:1 High Contrast Ratio and Full-HD Panel (1920x1080). it works with active shutter glasses using either DLP Link or IR syncing technology by bouncing an IR signal off the screen the picture is projected onto. Read More...
All New Yamaha Aventage BD-A1000 High Performance, 3D Blu-Ray Player
24/01/11 22:06
High performance Blu-ray Disc Player designed for optimum matching with Yamaha AVENTAGE Line Receivers. The SCENE function integrates operation and the front panel has the same clean, graceful design. The BD-A1000 is designed for High End Audio and isn’t just a video device. For the complete home theatre experience it’s paramount that the Blu-ray player provides premium audio quality. This is why Yamaha’s BD-A1000 supports high end audio formats such as SACD and DVD-Audio; formats that are designed to take advantage of high end audio setups. It also incorporates high-grade components and terminals ensuring HD audio formats sound as originally intended by the studio master. Read More...
Yamaha Low Profile YSP220 Digital Sound Projector
14/01/11 23:25
This extremely convenient Digital Sound ProjectorTM is low profile enough to fit neatly in front of a TV and is 3D compatible (HDMI V.1.4a). Low profile soundbar allows positioning in front of most TVs for a neat and compact AV system and the subwoofer can be placed vertically or horizontally. The YSP2200’s Digital Sound Projector technology provides true surround sound for maximum enjoyment
Built-in 132W digital amplifier Read More...
How home audio systems are reinventing the way we design our homes in the 21st century
02/01/11 09:56
Large. Heavy. Overbearing. The imagery of our original CD home audio systems is not a pleasant one. During a time when aesthetics were completely void of a stereo systems’ design, figuring out where to place them in our homes was often a daunting task. However, in the 21st century, the advanced technology of our hi-fi home audio systems is not only reinventing the way we listen to music, but also the way we approach interior design in our homes. Read More...
JVC Announces World’s First THX® 3D Certified Home Theater Projectors
16/12/10 17:28
Four new JVC home theater projectors are the world’s first to gain THX® 3D Display Certification. The four projectors, announced at CEDIA Expo in September while undergoing THX testing, will be available later this month.
The new THX 3D Certified projectors are the Reference Series DLA-RS60 and DLA-RS50, to be marketed by JVC’s Professional Products Company, and the Procision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7, to be available through JVC U.S.A.
During the THX 3D certification process, more than 400 laboratory tests are conducted, evaluating color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles and video processing to ensure the high quality 3D and 2D display performance that home theater enthusiasts demand. The JVC projectors have simple, one button solutions for optimized playback of 3D and 2D movies – THX Cinema Mode to ensure that color reproduction, luminance, blacks, gamma and video processing matches what the filmmaker intended, and THX 3D Cinema Mode, which extends this same level of accuracy for 3D broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs. THX 3D Cinema Mode is designed to deliver highly accurate color in 3D, while minimizing sources of cross-talk and flicker. For further fine-tuning, all THX Modes on JVC projectors can be accessed by THX Professional Calibrators. Read More...
uRay RGB Color Changing LED Lighting TAPE
16/12/10 17:26
Sky’s uRay RGB LED Lighting TAPE is a great way for allowing for a dynamic lighting effect in a home theater, kid's room, restaurant, hospital, casino, nightclub and other environments. It's a great way to enhance any star ceiling or other feature in a room because it adds depth and drama to an already incredible star ceiling. Each of our iSky Surface Mount Panels has a built in light shelf designed to seamlessly accept the uRay RGB LED Lighint TAPE. uRay can also be used to accent equipment racks, behind TV's (Bias Lighting), pathway lighting, under bars, cabinets, closets, etc. The RGB LEDs can be controlled with iSky's standard IR Remote & receiver or with the more advanced DMX RGB Module.
Kaleidescape Introduces Blu-ray Movie Server
13/12/10 17:24
Pristine Digital Storage of Blu-ray Discs for Instant Playback throughout the Home
SUNNYVALE, Calif., December 13, 2010 – Kaleidescape, Inc., creator of the movie server product category, today announced shipment of the industry's first Blu-ray movie server. The Kaleidescape System stores exact copies of your Blu-ray Discs on its hard drives, and transforms your collection of movies into a magical experience. Kaleidescape's simple and elegant user interface makes choosing something to watch part of the fun.
"Blu-ray offers the highest fidelity for my discerning clients, but if you thought watching a DVD was frustrating, just try a Blu-ray Disc," said Jeff Cherun, owner of Teatro Custom Installation, Inc. in Los Angeles, California. "With the Kaleidescape System you're enjoying any of your Blu-ray movies in seconds instead of minutes. My customers will never go back to an ordinary Blu-ray player." Read More...
Why is THX important
12/10/10 17:54
THX® Certified Program
THX product certification categories are based ondelivering the best cinematic experience to specific room sizes.
- THX Ultra2 Certified - larger home theaters, 3,000 cubic feet in size, with a viewing distance of 12 feet or greater from the screen
- THX Select2 Certified - medium home theater, up to 2,000 cubic feet in size, with a 10-12 foot viewing distance from the screen
- THX I/S Plus System - Certified Systems (AV Receiver + Speaker Bundle): powered to fill a small home theater or dorm room where the viewing distance from the screen is 6-8 feet
Accurately translating the cinema experience to the home is not easy. Movies are created in large mixing studios for playback in large, powerful cinema auditoriums. When played back in the home, however, movie soundtracks don’t always deliver the same impact.
With a THX Certified AV receiver, cinema volume and fidelity is recreated in the living room. This performance is achieved through strict laboratory testing, a THX Reference Level design and THX DSP technology.
Performance Benefits
2,000 Bench Tests: THX testing delivers accurate and powerful audio performance.
THX Reference Level: Designed to recreate the movie industry SPL setting, 85dB with 20dB of headroom. By turning the volume dial to “0” on a THX Certified receiver, you will experience the exact volume level used by the sound designer – with the same level of sound fidelity.
THX Loudness Plus: Automatically rebalances the surround level and restores bass and treble as the volume is lowered, allowing you to hear critical sound details and effects at any volume level. Read More...
Yamaha Introduces 'AVENTAGE' A/V Series; Defined by Obsession with Details to Achieve Peak Performance
25/08/10 15:04
Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today introduced a line of A/V receivers that embody obsessive attention to detail combined with a multitude of engineering refinements made to achieve peak performance at affordable price points.
The new AVENTAGE (pronounced Ah-Ven-Taj) A/V Receiver Series is the result of Yamaha‘s meticulous design process to refine and re-engineer the receiver from the ground up, and to make subtle changes that mean the difference between good and great sound. The new series is a complement to Yamaha‘s award-winning RX-V line, which will continue to carry attractive feature sets in the opening to mid-level price points. Read More...
Premium-class AV Receiver with support for 3D , 6 in/2 out HDMI and tons mor
19/07/10 16:38
Premium-class AV Receiver with support for 3D and Audio Return channel over 6 in/2 out HDMI, CINEMA DSP 3D surround sound with or without front presence speakers, RS-232C interface for custom installation and multi-point tuning for high quality sound under $900! Introducing the RXA800 Yamaha Receiver. Read More...
Yamaha's NeoHD is here!
11/06/10 14:57
Enjoy all your AV sources plus music streaming from your computer, Internet Radio and Rhapsody content. Easily control all of your sources with a simple graphical user interface (GUI) and simplified remote control. One remote gives you total media control. Read More...
Integra's latest A/V receivers offer 3-D functionality
17/05/10 14:59
Integra has introduced a pair of new A/V receivers, the 100-watt-per-channel DTR-30.2 and the 90-watt-per-channel DTR-20.2, that offer 3-D functionality. Both machines feature HDMI 1.4a ports that enable 3-D video signals to pass from a Blu-ray player to a TV's display screen. Read More...
Kaleidescape Introduces Next Generation Movie Players
13/05/10 15:38
New Movie Server Architecture, New User Interface, Blu-ray Support
SUNNYVALE, CA - Kaleidescape, Inc., the market leader in movie servers, today announced its new M500 and M300 Players. Built on the company's proprietary M-Class architecture, this next generation of players delivers a new and improved onscreen user interface and Blu-ray support. The M500 Player copies Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs onto a server. The imported content can then be played back instantly by M500 and M300 Players, creating the world's first multi-zone movie server for Blu-ray.
To address the concerns of the studios, Kaleidescape requires the disc to be present when playing Blu-ray content from the server. Today this means the Blu-ray Disc must be in the tray of an M500 Player. To enable the full Kaleidescape experience for Blu-ray, the company is developing a disc loader which will keep a large number of discs present within the Kaleidescape system. It will also provide bulk import, and make it easy to find and retrieve a disc. Read More...
Onkyo first to introduce a THX-Certified 3D AV Receiver
25/04/10 14:16
The TX-SR608 Home Theater receiver by Onkyo is now available and comes with six HDMI inputs. It’s very well specked for its price at $699
All six HDMI 1.4 inputs are capable of passing 3D video, and upscale to 1080p if needed—with one of the inputs conveniently located on the front. All HD audio formats are able to be decoded, and it uses 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown DACs. Dual subwoofer outputs and 7 x 100W output is a definite upgrade over the previous TX-SR607 model, which had just 90 watts per channel.
Take a look at the press release below for the full line-up of products.
“The new TX-SR608 7.2-channel THX-Select2 Plus certified receiver has new power amplifier section that uses three-stage inverted Darlington output topology, and a power boost from 90 to 100 watts. Audyssey DSX dimensional sound processing has been added to its predecessor's Dolby PLIIz capabilities. Additionally, all video sources, including those using the new PC input, and regardless of source resolution, can be upscaled to big and beautiful 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema™. The TX-SR608 will also include a front HDMI input, a feature first introduced by Onkyo in 2009.”
Yamaha 3D Receivers are on there way
12/04/10 17:36
Yamaha 3D home theatre receivers are expected to be available in mid May. They will support high speed HDMI, also known as 1.4. The RXV567 supports 3D and Audio Return Channel over HDMI while the RXV467 will only support 3D with no Audio Return Channel. It is also capable of bluetooth audio streaming with an optional bluetooth dock. HD Audio format decoding include Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. Yamaha’s amazing YPAO automatic system calibration is standard on all receivers. Contact us for more information on the new 67 series of Yamaha 3D receivers.