Epson is proud to announce today the new flagships that for their home theater projector line. The EH-TW5500 and EH-TW4400 are designed for the best home theater experience possible. Both models feature full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 1600 ANSI lumens. The TW4400 projector features an amazing 130000:1 contrast ratio, while the TW5500 features an even greater 200000:1 contrast ratio. No other Epson projector can match the contrast of these two projectors. This feat is created wit the use of Epson’s D7 C2Fine display panel that delivers images that are sharp, bright and crystal clear. Both the TW4400 and TW5500 will be released this November but are also on display this week at the IFA conference. The TW4400 will retail for €2799 ($4002), while the TW5500 is priced at €3299 ($4723).

Epson advances the home cinema experience with the launch of outstanding Full HD video projectors

The flagship EH-TW5500 and EH-TW4400 video projectors harness advanced 3LCD imaging technology to deliver the very best in home cinema entertainment.

03 September, 2009 – Epson, the worldwide leader in the video projector market , today announces the launch of two HD Ready 1080p (Full HD) home cinema video projectors, the EH-TW5500 and the EH-TW4400. Designed specifically for the home cinema enthusiast, these video projectors combine unrivalled quality, style and performance with a fantastic array of features, including Epson’s superior 3LCD imaging technology. For those looking for the very best in home cinema video projection, these machines are the perfect choice.

Alexandre Di Caro, Product Manager, Epson Europe, commented: “Home cinema enthusiasts looking for the ultimate in HD video projectors need look no further than our new EH-TW5500 and EH-TW4400 models. With fantastic contrast ratios, D7 3LCD panel technology and the most advanced image enhancing features around today, these new Full HD machines reflect our continuous quest for outstanding innovation in the home cinema market.”

The EH-TW5500, Epson’s flagship HD Ready 1080p (Full HD) video projector for the home, reaches an outstanding contrast ratio of 200000:1 – one of the highest on the market – and incorporates D7 C2Fine panels, delivering images that are sharp, bright and crystal clear. In addition, ISF certification allows the video projector to be calibrated by an Epson dealer to ensure it is expertly fine-tuned for optimum performance. With an HQV processor, the EH-TW5500 allows for 12 bit video processing, resulting in stunning picture quality and motion flow.

The more accessible option, the Full HD EH-TW4400, also provides exceptional image quality. A contrast ratio of 130000:1, coupled with a stylish white design, means that this video projector fits perfectly within any living room and reproduces fantastic images.

3LCD technology, harnessed by both the EH-TW5500 and EH-TW4400, ensures that images are bright and achieve accurate colour reproduction and finer grey scaling. The frame interpolation feature means that video output is smooth and the addition of super resolution software contributes to a brilliantly clear picture. Whether the user is viewing a DVD or watching television from a set top box, this new software ensures that images from any input are viewed in breathtaking quality.

Epson has carefully considered that even the smallest details are not overlooked in these groundbreaking machines. The EH-TW5500’s matte black finish ensures that light from its video projection does not reflect from the surface and convenient horizontal and vertical lens shift capabilities on both machines allow for easy and flexible installation. The inclusion of cable covering ensures that all wires are neatly shielded away from view.

The EH-TW5500 and EH-TW4400 will be available from November 2009 from AV specialist and home cinema installer outlets and both come with a three year warranty on their lamps as standard.

The EH-TW5500 and EH-TW4400 will both be announced at IFA 2009.

Epson EH-TW5500 key features summary:

* HD Ready 1080p (Full HD) video projector with true high definition 1920 x 1080p resolution
* Home cinema video projector ideal for a premium home cinema experience
* Sophisticated and stylish black design
* Superior image quality with Epson’s 3LCD technology and C2 Fine inorganic D7 panel
* Amazing contrast ratio of 200000:1 with Epson DeepBlack technology for jet blacks
* Super resolution software ensures that images from any input are viewed in breathtaking quality
* High Colour Light Output (CLO) of 1600 lumens for viewing in any light conditions with perfect rendering thanks to the improved Cinema Filter
* HQV video processor to realise clear and sharp motion pictures
* 12bit video processing, frame interpolation and 4-4 pull-down for film-like images
* Flexible placement with horizontal/vertical lens shift and 2.1x optical zoom
* Anamorphic wide mode (to use with third part anamorphic lens)
* Connection to a range of input sources including 2 x HDMI version 1.3, YUV and RGB
* x.v. Colour mode for vivid colour reproduction
* ISF calibration menus for professional calibration
* Included cable cover for stylish and neat ceiling mount installation
* Quiet video projection of 22dB
* 3 year warranty on lamp and video projector
* RRP including VAT, €3,299 – available November, 2009

Epson EH-TW4400 key features summary:

* HD Ready 1080p (Full HD) video projector with full high definition resolution
* Amazing contrast ratio of 130000:1
* High Colour Light Output (CLO) of 1600 lumens for viewing in any light condition with perfect rendering thanks to the improved Cinema Filter
* Super resolution software ensures that images from any input are viewed in breathtaking quality
* Wide connectivity including 2 x HDMI version 1.3 input
* Easy and flexible to install: convenient horizontal and vertical lens shift, ceiling mount possibility, long throw lens and optical zoom x 2.1
* Full 10 bit video processing (Pixelworks scaler)
* x.v. Colour mode as standard
* Quiet 22dB fan noise
* Included cable cover for stylish and neat ceiling mount installation
* 3 year warranty on lamp and video projector
* RRP including VAT, €2,799 – available November, 2009

About Epson

Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader that is dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a product lineup ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for business and the home, to electronic and crystal devices.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises over 70,000 employees in 108 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. http://www.epson.co.jp/e

02.20.2009 — Elite Screens is leaving the specialty A/V furniture business, the Calif.-based company announced.

It will no longer carry its SolaraHome products, enabling it to dedicate more resources to its own factories and screen products.

Elite Screen has begun liquidating its existing stock of SolaraHome seating.

Here's part of the statement from Dave Rodgers, marketing manager for Elite Screens:

"Elite Screens specializes in projection screens and has resolved to dedicate all of its resources toward doing what it has excelled at — the manufacturing of quality projection screens to meet the demand of its vast network of clientele in distribution, online resellers, CI/CE, pro A/V and international."

02.19.2009 — As expected, Best Buy laid off 250 employees at its headquarters today. However, it also announced the creation of 210 new positions at the Richfield, Minn. home office for a net loss of 40 jobs.

The apparent contradiction reflects a shift in focus. Instead of working toward opening new stores, Best Buy says it is now looking at enhancing existing stores and improving online sales, according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

Many of the eliminated positions were related to new-store development and many of the new positions are designed to sync with the new focus, according to Best Buy spokesperson Susan Busch.

The 250 terminated employees will be able to apply for the new positions, Busch adds, although they are able to work for another 30 days.

"We will be providing more information to our employees about the new store operating model in the weeks ahead," Busch says. "The store changes are less about staff impacts and more about shifting labor dollars to where the customers are."

Today's layoffs come on the heals of 500 workers voluntarily being laid off in January. The voluntary layoffs were effective Feb. 12 and resulted in a 13 percent reduction in the company's workforce.

Best Buy, the No. 1 electronics retailer in the U.S., recently saw its top competition, Circuit City, go out of business.

February 20, 2009 | by Steve Crowe

3DFusion (3DF) will debut its 3DFMax, a stereoscopic glasses free, broadcast ready 3D display, at the Digital Signage Expo. (via EngadgetHD)

The 3DFMax, built upon the Philips WOWvx 3D solution, is believed to be the first 3D broadcast ready display.

Unfortunately, no specs such as resolution, contrast, pricing, etc. have been announced.

3DF seems to be on the right track with its 3D technology as nearly 75 percent of consumers would recommend 3DTV. Consensus seems to be, however, that 3DTV won’t catch on with glasses on your face while watching Chuck flop in 3D or those promos during the Super Bowl.

If you happen to be at the Digital Signage Expo in Vegas (Feb. 25-26), stop by booth 1813 to see 3DFMax in person and let us know what you thought.

February 20, 2009 | by Chuck McKenney

Strong holiday sales made Vizio the second best selling flat panel TV brand in the U.S, new research shows.

Samsung remains the top-seller, followed by Vizio, Sony and Panasonic.

“The demand for Vizio products has never been stronger,” stated Laynie Newsome, Vizio Co-Founder and VP Sales & Marketing Communications. “Even during times when tier one competitors drop their prices (and lose millions of dollars in the process) the American Consumer clearly recognizes Vizio as a preferred consumer electronics brand.”

The news comes on the heels of Vizio’s decision to stop manufacturing plasma TVs. Pioneer is leaving the TV market completely.

“The current sales environment is obviously difficult for all television makers due to the slowdown in consumer spending; retaining position and achieving growth in these challenging times is an accomplishment,” says Riddhi Patel, principal analyst at research firm iSuppli.

Vizio increased holiday sales (November 24 - December 31) by 52 percent over 2007 levels.

February 19, 2009 | by Steven Castle

Home energy management will increase significantly over the next four years, and the number of U.S. households with a smart meter will grow to over six million by 2012, according to research firm Parks Associates.

“Over one million smart meters have been deployed in the U.S.,” said Bill Ablondi, Parks’ director of Home Systems Research. “Utilities see the benefit of upgrading the grid, and consumers are growing more conscious of their energy consumption. Add in incentives from the government, and you have three strong drivers that will boost deployment and innovation in this market.”

The projection of 6 million smart meters is far less than the 40 million cited by Google as a market for the search titan’s prototype PowerMeter. “I interviewed a number of utilities deploying smart meters, smart meter firms and firms providing software to utilities. All agreed at least in general with the forecast of some 6 million smart meters (not AMR meters) deployed by 2012,” Ablondi responded via email. “There are announced plans to deploy at least 25 to 30 [million] smart meters. However, some like the CenterPoint deployment in Houston, will only begin next month. Also, many of the meters will go into commercial accounts where the payback is bigger. Do the math: 30M times $200 to $300 each, installed ... $6B to $9B. Most of this will not be covered by the $11 billion in [stimulus spending for a smart grid].”

Parks Associates reports that more than half of U.S. households are taking steps to conserve energy, the impact of which has broad implications for everyone from appliance end electronics manufacturers to venture capitalists. Already, a strong majority of U.S. builders recognize energy-efficient amenities as the most positive influencers in selling a home, Parks says.

“The Obama administration has made the development of energy-efficient technologies and alternative fuels a priority,” Ablondi said. “There will be opportunities for manufacturers in smart appliances, utilities investing in Smart Grid technologies, and start-ups developing innovative energy solutions.”

The Parks Associates’ project, “Residential Energy Management: Opportunities for Digital Systems and Services,” analyzes the market, current and future deployments, and consumer preferences. Due to be released in third quarter, it includes an online survey of 1,500 U.S. households regarding their use and awareness of smart meters.

02.13.2009 — ReQuest appears to have the first high-performance media server with Hulu built in.

A pioneer of integration-friendly music and movie servers, ReQuest now has a free Hulu app that lets users access thousands of free TV episodes, movies and other content from the comfort of their couch.

Anything that can be done from a computer desktop can now be accomplished with a simple IR remote.

The solution was "not at all easy" to develop, says ReQuest CEO Peter Cholnoky. That's because Hulu has a PC-centric, mouse-driven interface, and ReQuest wanted something that was more TV-friendly.

"We think we put together a really simple interface," Cholnoky says. "It's all IR-based – up, down, left, right, enter."

ReQuest did the dirty work on the back end to offer navigation tools that Hulu alone does not provide. "You can fast-forward and skip really easily," says Cholnoky. "There's no Mickey Mouse-stuff involved at all."

There's an on-screen text-search engine, as well.

In the ReQuest scheme, users can tag favorite shows using a simple IR remote. "You can put any shows into 'My Shows' and it is automatically updated as new episodes come online," Cholnoky explains. "We do all of that tagging. You never have to go to the Hulu site."

Furthermore, he says, users need not mess with full-screen toggles. Once you select a show, "it just starts playing through the entire thing at full screen. You can fast-forward, reverse, jump around, etc., with a simple IR remote."

Do ReQuest Customers Care about Hulu?

Cholnoky notes that Hulu content "is not the best looking on a big screen, but it's free."

Considering that ReQuest customers pay big bucks for that crisp music and movie experience, do they really care about inferior – albeit free – content from Hulu?

Apparently so. Cholnoky says its dealers have been requesting this feature "big time."

That and Netflix. The Netflix application for ReQuest should be available "fairly quickly" and the company is "working with a whole bunch of partners," Cholnoky says. "The end user should be able to pick which one [content engine] they want."

ReQuest already added YouTube to the line up last year, as well as photos, Web cameras, stock tickers and other widgets.

The Hulu interface is available today via a free download.

Currently the software works with ReQuest's IMC (Intelligent Music and Movie Client). Up to four IMCs (15 when coupled with an approved NAS) can be connected through the home network to a ReQuest server, delivering 1080p video throughout the house. Users can access music and videos (including DVDs stored on the server) from any ICM in the home.

To be sure, plenty of other providers have integrated Hulu navigation into their TV-centric products.

Newcomer Boxee has it; Media Center almost has it via a third-party developer; ZeeVee offers it through its Zviewer application; and I suspect Roku will come out with a Hulu box similar to its $99 Netflix version (which still requires you to do the legwork on your PC before actually watching your movies).

And when will Hulu ever come to Vudu (sigh) and Slingbox?

Microsoft promises similar functionality with Windows 7, and Crestron will soon release the ADMS server which aggregates all sorts of content whether onboard, online or in-house.

But -- correct me if I'm wrong -- ReQuest is the only company that currently provides a rich Hulu interface through a high-performance, integration-friendly, custom-oriented media server.

The ReQuest ICM client retails for $2,495 and requires a ReQuest server, sold separately.

02.12.2009 — In what may be a sign of the times, architectural loudspeaker company TruAudio and multiroom control maker Nexus Audio Systems have jointly created Nexus by TruAudio

Nexus is a 4-source, 4/8 zone, or 6/12 zone multiroom audio control system that's available with iPod/MP3 integration and user-friendly keypads.

The companies, which tout themselves as "among the few, remaining, dealer-direct companies who offer a complete solution," have announced that the product will be available in March 2009. The two companies dubbed the product "the rest of the equation."

"We are thrilled to be working with Nexus," says R. Brent Howard, TruAudio president. "They are a company who espouses the same dealer protection policy as TruAudio. Our dealers will have yet another strong and distinct competitive advantage.

For us, it's always been about insuring our dealers have the best solutions for their businesses. We're really excited about this announcement. It's cool as hell."

Nexus by TruAudio will carry a 5-year parts and labor warranty.