HP was demonstrating the MediaSmart Server that will come out at the end of the month. Designed to store and stream your media, the unit comes with a 750GB drive for $599 and for $749 you get a 1.4TB drive. It provides automatic backups and allows for automatic collection of data and files from other computers on the network. It won Best in Show at the recent MacWorld (that overlaps CES). I figure if the Mac and PC world are finally learning to co-exist, there is still hope for peace in the Middle East.
It's the BGX-4850 BG Radia/THX Ultra2 Certified In-wall Subwoofer. After many months of tweaking and a few delays the BGX-4850 Architectural Subwoofer is here. The BGX-4850 is a joint development between BG Radia and THX and has resulted in a very unique in-wall subwoofer design. The BGX-4850 is the first in-wall sub to receive THX Ultra2 certification and the first to incorporate THX Balanced Bass-line technology to deliver vibration-free bass from an in-wall subwoofer.
Phase Technology has introduced two sound bars, the Teatro V-3.0 and Teatro PC-3.0 from their Velocity and Premier Collection. The sound bar shown in the photo is the Teatre PC-3.0. A unique feature of the Phase Tech sound bars is the midrange driver mounted on the sides of the enclosure (see photo) in order to produce a wider soundstage, which it does very effectively. During the first concert video demo I thought I was listening to the floorstanding speakers and not the sound bar. Another unique feature is the EVT (Enhanced Voice Technology) designed to increase dialog intelligibility.
LG's wireless TV system includes the 55LH85 Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV and an AV media box. The only cable to the TV is the power cord. All components are plugged into the media box which connect to the TV wirelessly, and transfers uncompressed 1080p signals up to 30 feet away, at a bit rate of 3Gbps.
LG offers two Network Attached Storage (NAS) drives to hold movies, photos, and music. They are perfect for using with the broadband TVs. The N481 accepts up to four swappable drives and the N281is smaller with capacity for 2 drives. The size of the drives can be whatever you choose and both drives have built-in Blu-ray writers.
Other than integrating the Rhapsody music service into the Escient Vision media center, the company had little news for CES. However, they said they were awaiting Sony's announcement of a Blu-ray changer with the capacity of 400 discs. The Escient system will be capable of integrating four changers, for access to 1,600 Blu-rays. At present, there probably aren't that many BD discs on the market, so the system can grow along with your library.
Panasonic's TCP54Z1 is a only 1-inch thick and weights 67 pounds, However, that is only the beginning of it's impressive attributes. It is also wireless, receiving its signal from a separate receiver, where you plug in your video components. It also integrates Viera Cast, providing access via the TVs menu to Internet sites with icons for YouTube, Picassa photo sharing, plus other widgets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HDMI cables are advanced conduits capable of carrying high-definition audio and video signals, but HDMI connectors seem less robust. My experience with HDMI cables includes intermittent connections and connectors that don't solidly lock in place. So, when I received an email from Accell Cables regarding their new locking HDMI cable connector I decided to visit their CES exhibit.
Don't laugh, you'd look like this too if you walked as many miles and talked to as many exhibitors as I have looking for the latest and greatest home theater and AV components and trends. It's time for a break, but more reporting to follow...