Pioneer Electronics showed four new AV receivers priced below $500, all with HDMI 1.3a connectivity, Lip Sync for synchronized audio and video playback, a new full-color GUI, a new cosmetic design, two-zone audio operation with multi-zone playback of digital iPod and iPhone content and features that enhance the sound quality from compressed audio sources. The top three models feature Pioneer's MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration) system to optimize sound quality and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio decoding.
Pioneer Electronics introduced its first in-wall speakers at CEDIA, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Since that time they have expanded the line to include Elite branded models. I met with Andrew Jones, Pioneer's chief speaker designer and he explained that the new Elite in-walls are designed to optimize the sound quality of new lossless audio formats and to minimize the inevitable problems associated with installing a speaker in a typical residential wall. In general the performance of an in-wall speaker can be compromised due to the wall cavity in which it is installed, but with the right construction materials an in-wall speaker can provide excellent performance. Pioneer uses titanium tweeters, woven fabric speaker cones and cast aluminum frames to maximize the audio performance of its new models. Pioneer also developed Coherent Source Technology to improve off-axis performance with smoother overall frequency response. To fine tune the sound, the new in-walls include bass and treble controls. I look forward to reviewing the new models when they become available in spring, 2009. Prices were not available.
One of the fun things about CES is you get to see some of the technologies that manufacturer's are working on. It doesn't mean they plan on releasing it to the public any time soon but it gives you some insight of what's on the drawing board. Hitachi showed a TV that could be controlled by a serious of gestures with your hand and arms. It's not SciFi anymore.
Audiophiles may be shocked to hear that Czech company Pro-Ject, known for the world's best budget turntables, used CES to launch a $6,000 high-end 'table called the Xtension. But hey, if Hyundai can produce a Lexus-killer, why can't...
Epson demonstrated its top of the line ProCinema 7500UB LCD projector at CEDIA. It looked excellent there, but after undergoing further refinements to smooth out some pre-production wrinkles, its finally ready for prime time, with one of the best-looking images at the show. With a claimed native contrast ratio of 6000:1, it didn't appear to need the help of a dynamic iris (though it has one) to produce convincingly deep and rich blacks. Worked great with an anamorphic lens, too, on a 101" wide Stewart Studiotek 130 projection screen. The projector uses an HQV REON processor, has a full color management system, red, green, and blue-only modes for setup, and a claimed tight color alignment of the three panels. The best part may be the $4199 price.
Why is that man wearing sun glasses indoors? They aren't sunglasses, those are 3D goggles. While none of the companies demonstrating 3D-capable TVs were prepared to make any projections as to when product might actually hit the retail shelves, it was a common attraction at a good number of exhibits.
SIM2's Domino 60 single-chip 1080p DLO was making sweet pictures on a 2.35:1 screen together with a static anamorphic lens from Panamorph. The projector can process the image so that a conventional 1.78:1 image will be properly proportioned when it passes through the lens. $8300 for the projector and Panamorph (the projector is also available separately).
Got $36,495 burning a hole in your pocket? SIM2 has an answer in the new C3X Lumis HOST. According to SIM2, this 1080p, compact 3-chip DLP projector produces excellent blacks thanks to its Dynamic Black auto iris and modulated projection lamp. The "host" part is an outboard processor/input switching box included in the price (not shown in the photo). It did produce an outstanding image.
All 650 Series and higher Samsung TV's will have a USB port for plugging in memory, both flash and larger hard drives for accessing music, movies, and photos.
While only designed for entertainment purposes at the show, this tabletop using Microsoft Surface, allows multiple windows to be open (like a browser). Windows can be moved around with one finger. Place them where ever you like, then pinch or expand them to change the window size. Video can be played on each window individually or all at once, just touch the play/pause key. The forward thinking technology of the movies (remember Minority Report?) may be a reality soon.