CEDIA 2016 Highlights

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CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) just wrapped up it's 2016 show in Dallas.  It is a showcase of the coolest new technology in custom home theater and home automation.   Let's take a look at just some of the highlights from this year.

CEPro announces it's BEST Award Winners

Here are a few highlights:

Outdoor TV:

SunBrite has long been a leader in the outdoor TV market.  With the release of the SB-6570HD 65" TV, it's easy to see why they continue to impress.  With the same features you have come to expect from SunBrite--namely that it's water resistant, resilient, and durable in all kinds of weather and constructed of powder coated aluminum--it delivers a full 1080p HD image.  Their screens are built with a professional grade anti-glare technology that allows it to deliver exceptional outdoor viewing quality.  It should be noted that this TV is recommended for indirect sun (for direct sun the Pro Series is recommended.) Retails for $7695.  With the weather cooling off, now is a great time to invest in a TV that will allow you to continue to enjoy your time outdoors and create screen magic with your family under the stars.

Receiver:

Denon AVR-X6300H--This incredible new receiver is an 11.2 channel system with 11 amplifier channels built in--eliminating the need for any external amps.  Featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS:X decoding, and supporting all 4K Ultra HD content as well as HDR, it is also compatible with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 specifications (read blog on "What to look for in New Equipment" for a brief explanation on why all those terms are important to you as the consumer.)  Perhaps the most exciting feature is the built in integration with HEOS technology which will essentially give you a whole-house wireless multi-room music network, all controlled through the free HEOS app on your smart devices.  Retails for $2199

Speakers:

 

For high performance tower speakers, the Definitive Technology BP9080X stood out.  With integrated 12" subs in each tower, they are excellent for home theater applications but would function well in any surround sound system.  They have a Dolby Atmos / DTS:X integrated height speaker module for multi-dimensional sound.  These towers deliver deep, powerful bass and crystal clear highs. Retails for $1749 each.

 

 

 

 

Speakercraft unveiled the first ever in-wall Dolby Atmos speaker.  The AIM Series 2 ATX100 gives you the experience of Dolby Atmos sound while the speaker is completely hidden in the wall.  Combine with the AIM Series 2 LCR in-walls to create an amazing Atmos speaker system or pair it with your existing in-wall speakers to elevate your current surround system into the world of Atmos!  Priced at only $349 each, it makes achieving Dolby Atmos sound in your home affordable.

 

 

 

Cable Box

Replace your current cable box with the TiVo Bolt+.  The Bolt unified television approach allows you to access all of your available methods of watching TV, all at once.  When searching for your favorite show, it shows you all available viewing options in just one list--whether it be from network TV, on demand libraries, or streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, VuDu or even YouTube.  Bolt also has Quick Mode which speeds up a show up to 30% faster with perfect audio to get you through sports, news or even award shows quicker.  Your new favorite feature, however, is sure to be SkipMode--with the press of one button, it allows you to skip over all the commercials and to return to your show without interruption.  It can record up to 6 shows at once.  Starts at $199.  Note:  this does not include monthly service fees (which are still lower than most cable boxes).

Networking

Your network needs to be strong, stable and reliable to support your home technology needs.  Luxul showcased it's new XWR-3100 router as a multi access point solution.  This wireless gigabit router also controls up to 2 additional wireless access points.  Featuring dual band technology, data rates of up to 3100Mbps, guest networking, VPN remote access, parental controls and a powerful remote management system, this may just be the new network solution you've been looking for.

Also of note are these highlights from RAVe's Best of CEDIA Awards list:

  • Sony's 100" Z9D series TV won the Best New LCD based HDTV.   Read our blog below on their newest stunning TV line.
  • URC, one of several great remote control systems we work with, won Best New Remote for the MX-990.  At an affordable $549 price tag, it might be time to start thinking about having one universal remote for your house.

By consulting with us, free of charge, we can help you make the best decisions for your unique living space.  Why not take advantage of our professional expertise and give us a call today to see how we can help get some of this great technology in your home?    410-707-5383