HTE TAKEAWAYS FROM CEDIA EXPO 2015
CEDIA, the custom integration trade association, holds an annual expo for manufacturers to show off new products and notable upgrades. We attended, tried the products for ourselves, and summarized the highlights.
Savant Remote
Savant made a big splash with their new remote which adapts their app's aesthetically pleasing layout, while adding convenience for day to day use. The thin control contains both a full color touch screen as well as familiar hard buttons we expect from a remote. The new control's command is not limited to entertainment, it has the ability to adjust all of your Savant controlled systems. The remote also supports voice command and user profiles.
Control4 2.8
Control4 announced OS 2.8. The new operating system features additional native music players (Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, Rhapsody, Napster, and TuneIn), increased ease of security features, and custom backgrounds/screen savers.
TiVo Bolt
TiVo has been a pioneer in video technology since its inception. At HTE, we recommend the brand as an all in one solution to replace your cable box/DVR, video streaming device such as Apple TV, and sling box.
While their new model, TiVo BOLT, introduces 4K, its other features are far more impressive. TiVo has done it again, introducing SkipMode which completely jumps over entire commercial blocks, eliminating the need to fast forward. BOLT also introduces us to QuickMode, which allows you to watch a show 30% faster with perfect pitch.
Seura Full Sun TV
In our article, Do Your Really Need an Outdoor TV, we were the first to admit that while weatherproof televisions are a must for safety reasons, even outdoor TVs were designed to be mounted in shady areas. That's no longer the case thanks to Seura's new 4K model that can be seen in full sunlight. Not only did they go all out with ultra high def resolution, they also boosted the size up to 84" inches.
Kaleidescape 4K Server
Kaleidescape's new Strato movie player can play ultra high definition video and support Dolby Atmos object based (also known as 3D sound). The player can be purchased with, or without a 6 TB hard drive. If you opt for the storage, in addition to the streaming, you will be able to hold 100 4k movies, 150 Bluray quality movies, or 900 DVD quality movies.
LG'S OLED
OLED combines the black levels, range of color, and viewing angel of a plasma with the sleek design and energy consciousness of a LED. With LG's OLED you can have the best of both worlds.
Basalt Eve Table Top iPad Dock
Basalt Eve's table top solution in an elegant way to display iPads needed for functionality. The sleek design slightly raises the device, allowing for easy access to the screen. Machined out of high grade aluminum, the dock comes in two versions, each optimized for either portrait, or landscape orientation of the iPad.
SONY 4K LASER ULTRA SHORT THROW PROJECTOR
Sony's ultra high def, ultra short throw, laser projector casts vivid video up to 147 inches on any wall or surface without the annoying shadows commonly associated with projectors. The ultra short throw capability is perfect for smaller theaters, or game rooms where shadows that are created by movement during game play would interfere with the experience.
IC MYCLOUD
IC MYCloud is an affordable solution for your home security needs. The system with accompanying app allows for both live streaming in addition to cloud storage of the recorded footage. With IC MyCloud you can set alerts and view what is happening in your home anytime from anyplace.
