CES 2007 Product Preview
A sampling of new products to be displayed at the 2007 CES show, Jan. 8-11 in Las Vegas.
Home theater scaler Designed to connect multiple AV components with different interfaces to an HDMI display, Gefen’s Home Theater Scaler accommodates two component video inputs, one analog audio input, and one HDMI input. To connect serial communications systems, one HDMI output, an optical TOSLINK audio output, and one RS232 port are included. HDMI audio can be input via the embedded HDMI signal sent to the display or projector, or through the TOSLINK connector. Images can be scaled down to 480i and up to 1080p resolutions. Price: $449. Availability: currently available. For more information, see Gefen at CES booth 22031, or contact the company at 800-545-6900 or at www.gefen.com.1080p LCD projectorVideo calibration softwareLoudspeakersDLP projector1080p home theater projectorFlat-panel display mounts1080p DLP projectorsHandheld system controllerLoudspeakers
Panasonic Projector Systems Co. has released the PT-AE1000U LCD home theater projector, which features 1080p resolution, an 11,000:1 contrast ratio, and 1,100 lumens of brightness. The projector incorporates Panasonic’s Pure Color Filter for higher purity of black and primary colors, as well as its Smooth Screen technology to reduce black lines between pixels, according to the company. Features include a waveform monitor and Cinema Color Management feature, which corrects colors using 14-bit Gamma correction. Price: $5,999. Availability: currently available. For more information, see Panasonic at CES booth 9405, or contact the company at 888-411-1996 or at www.panasonic.com.
The ACP6500 Auto CalPro system version 3.0 from Sencore Inc. remotely controls Sencore video generators and color analyzers, and automatically calibrates displays and projectors. The software features automatic Gamma performance 10-step capture, automatic precalibration and postcalibration captures, and one-button automatic white balance calibration. The interface works with the company’s VP400 multimedia video generators and CP5000 display color analyzers. Price: $1,495. Availability: currently available. For more information, see Sencore Inc. at CES booth 26126, or contact the company at 800-736-2673 or at www.sencore.com.
KEF’s FiveTwo Series Model 7 and Model 11 loudspeakers provide 5.1 channel audio for home theater applications. The Model 7 bookshelf loudspeaker features seven drivers, while the Model 11 floor-standing loudspeaker system features 11 drivers. Both loudspeakers feature a “racetrack”-shaped enclosure in a matte silver or high-gloss black finish. Optional matching floor stands and wall brackets are also available. Price: $1,200 (Model 7); $2,000 (Model 11). Availability: currently available (both models). For more information, see KEF at CES booth 68747, or contact the company at 732-683-2356 or at www.kef.com.
Toshiba has introduced the 1-pound TDP-FF1AU DLP multimedia projector, which is designed for business and entertainment applications. The battery-powered TDP-FF1AU comes with a foldable 23-inch diagonal display screen, a rechargeable battery, a battery charger, and a carrying case. The projector features 400 lux of brightness, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, and native SVGA resolution. Price: $699. Availability: currently available. For more information, see Toshiba at CES booth 12814, or contact the company at 800-390-3125 or at www.toshibadirect.com.
Designed for home theater use, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s HC5000BL 1080p projector incorporates LCD technology and a Silicon Optix video processor. The HC5000BL operates with Blu-ray and HD-DVD sources. The Silicon Optix Reon-VX chip provides HQV four-field, motion-adaptive, per-pixel, HD deinterlacing. The projector features a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. The HC5000BL is available in black or white. Price: $4,495. Availability: currently available. For more information, see Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America at CES booth 26802, or contact the company at 888-307-0312 or at www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com.
Chief Manufacturing’s iC Mounting Solutions line includes five new products. The iCMPFM1 Universal Non-Tilting Wall Mount solution mounts 23- to 45-inch flat-panel TVs 1.6 inches from the wall. The sliding arms and multiple mounting holes fit most large LCD and plasma TVs. The iCMPTM1 Universal Tilting Wall mount accommodates 23- to 45-inch TVs with built-in lateral shift. The iCMPDA1 (pictured here) Universal Single Swing Arm Mount features a 21-inch extension for TVs that measure 26 to 40 inches. The iCLPFA1 Universal Dual Swing Arm Mount for TVs measuring 30 to 50 inches features wide viewing angles with 21 inches of extension. An iCFPAC1 Cable Channel, which is compatible with all iC mounts, hides and protects cables and wires. Price: $89.99 (iCMPFM1); $109.99 (iCMPTM1); $119.99 (iCMPDA1); $399.99 (iCLPFA1); $14.99 (iCFPAC1). Availability: N/A (all models). For more information, see Chief at CES booth 20931, or contact the company at 800-582-6480 or at www.chiefmfg.com.
Runco has introduced the RS-1100 (pictured here) and the RS-1100 Ultra 1080p DLP projectors, which are targeted for home theater use. The projectors are certified to comply with Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) standards. Both models incorporate the company’s SuperOnyx light engine and Selectable Lamp Intensity Control, which provides two selectable lamp intensity levels for flexibility in screen size, ambient light conditions, brightness, and contrast balance. The RS-1100 Ultra offers six CinOptx Proteus and Telesto lens options with a range of throw distances, O-Path light path enhancement technology, and AxiShift technology with motorized horizontal and vertical lens shift. Price: $11,995 (RS-1100); $19,995 (RS-1100 Ultra). Availability: currently available (both models). For more information, see Runco at CES booth 21260, or contact the company at 510-324-7777 or at www.runco.com.
The T4 Universal System Controller from Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI) is designed for use in home theaters as a standalone device or as part of an expandable central control system. The T4 features direct IR control for standalone operation, RF output for control processor operation, WiFi for IP control and Internet access, as well as hard-wired Ethernet and analog video input. The controller’s 6.4-inch LCD display delivers VGA resolution for video windows and web pages. The controller is programmable via the company’s TheaterTouch Designer software for displaying custom buttons, text, graphics, and animations. The T4 is capable of infrared routing, relay control, power sensing, and RS232 communications when used with RTI accessory devices. Price: $2,499. Availability: currently available. For more information, see RTI at CES booth 21466, or contact the company at 952-253-3100 or at www.rticorp.com.
Niles Audio Corp.’s Directed SoundField Ceiling Mount Loudspeakers feature fully-pivoting, flexible drivers. The loudspeaker assembly’s Directed Soundfield design allows the woofer and midrange to pivot up to 20 degrees for customizable coverage, according to the company. An integrated woofer/baffle design delivers low frequency response, along with a Twist & Lock mechanism for easier installation. The line incorporates a rust-free aluminum grille and weather-resistant construction. Price: $350-$850. Availability: January (all models). For more information, see Niles Audio at CES booth 68747, or contact the company at 800-289-4434 or at www.nilesaudio.com.
