New Products

Epson today expanded its Pro Cinema line with what the company is calling its “most advanced 4K home theater projector to date.”

It’s been three years since I last attended CEDIA and one of the most notable changes in the product mix is the prevalence of 4K UST (ultra-short throw) projectors. These projectors are designed to sit right underneath the screen and project a big image. At this show, the standout UST demo belonged to Epson and its new EpiqVision LS800 projector, a new model that offers several advantages over its predecessor, the LS500. It’s my first hands-on experience with one and what I saw left a strong positive impression.

Before summer slips away, EPV Screens, the custom-installation brand of Elite Screens, is taking backyard movie nights to the next level with a new line of wireless, motorized projection screens.

Elite Prime Vision, the custom-installation division of Elite Screens, has introduced an ambient light rejecting screen in a motorized, retractable format for “lights on or off” viewing.

Essence For Hi Res Audio is shipping its new second-generation digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for owners of late-model AV receivers and preamp/processors who want to upgrade to HDMI 2.0a instead of replacing the gear.

A swiveling TV pedestal, stand-alone Atmos-enabled speaker, tiny subwoofer, and more...

Soundcast VG1 Waterproof Speaker
If you’re looking for a speaker you can use near water—in the bathroom, by the pool—why mess around? The IP67-rated VG1 is waterproof, not just “water-resistant,” meaning it has withstood testing to ensure it’s impervious to dust and submersible in 3 feet of water.
Take It Anywhere: Described as a perfect travel companion, the speaker teams a pair of 2-inch aluminum-cone drivers with a rear-firing bass radiator and is designed to keep an impromptu party going for up to 15 hours when its battery is fully charged. The VG1 supports Bluetooth streaming via aptX and AAC codecs, or you can use its minijack for a hard-wire hookup. It also has a built-in microphone and is compatible with Siri for hands-free control. Two VG1s can be connected for a wireless stereo experience. Price: $150
Soundcast • (619) 591-0126 • gosoundcast.com