Tom Norton

The Cary Audio Designs' Cinema 11V High Definition Video Processor ($3000) provide thesvideo switching that the company's Cinema 11a preamp-processor ($3000) lacks. But it can also be used as a stand-along video processor with other gear. It has Faroudja technology to provide video upconversion to a maximum of 1080p. It also claims to provide an output refresh rate of up to 120Hz, though we know of no current video display that can accept a direct 120Hz input (the new displays coming on line with 120Hz capability produce 120Hz internally from a 24/30/or 60 Hz source). There are six HDMI 1.3 inputs and two HDMI outputs, plus a full complement of analog video inputs, including RGB inputs and outputs on BNC connectors. CRT projector owners, take note.

Also by Monitor Audio was a new line of Monitor Audio premium in-or-on-walls (available in either form factor). The Soundframe 1iW, shown, utilizes a coaxial driver from 250Hz up. A con-shaped, convex midrange surrounds Monitor's signature gold-colored tweeter. This driver technology should be a natural for the mid/tweeter response in a conventional box horizontal center flanked by a pair of woofers. The Soundframe 2iW, not shown, actually does use this configuration, but with a single woofer. The 1iW and 2iW sell for $800 each.

Toshiba's big announcement concerned the incoporation of the advanced Cell processor into selected models of its new, 2010 Cell series of HDTVs. The Cell was developed by Toshiba but is best known up to now as the brains in Sony's PlayStation3.

In just a bit over a week Sound & Vision contributors will be traveling en masse to sleepy, laid-back Las Vegas for CES 2017, hoping to be wowed by all the new audio and video products headed our way in the coming year. Our show blogs will begin on Wednesday January 4th, the most significant (for us) of two days of formal press conferences before the show floor opens on January 5th.