Surprisingly attendance at this year's CEDIA Expo in Atlanta was larger than last year. Does this mean the economy is improving? Does it mean more people are entering this business? Does it mean my theory of ever decreasing numbers of folks attending trade shows is in correct? You got me.
Obviously the manufacturers were pushing 3D with plenty of new sets to demo. Ho hum. Watching TV with glasses on ain't gonna fly. I'm telling ya'. Watching a movie with glasses on in the darkness of your neighborhood cinema is another thing. So, it's exciting to see companies like Sony, Sharp, Mitsubishi and JVC introduce 3D projectors. Now we're talking about something I can see my customers wanting.
Recently I talked about projector and screen set ups and cautioned that it's only worth while if you have a space you can dedicate solely for watching movies and sporting event. If you do then you may want to make that leap into the 3D world. Typical prices for these projectors are in the $10,000 range. There are a few very adequate models in area of $5,000. Nice.
Another obligatory focus was on Apple's iPad. It used to be that a touch panel remote that would control your components, lighting, etc. had a price tag well over $1,000. With the iPad and companies writing apps for it you can have a beautiful controller that also does a myriad of other things as well. Bummer for folks like Universal Remote and Crestron. Good for you the consumer. Oh, and for Apple too.
I've touted the pleasure and simplicity of the Sonos distributed audio system for a long time now. Well, others are now jumping on board with products that make it possible for you to set up a system without the need of a custom installer. Speakercraft, for one, introduced a cool iPad dock that they plan on selling in Best Buy. Here's a company who worked almost exclusively with the custom retailer and installer, and who's now going to alienate them. Wow.
How about old school high end audio gear. Sure, there were plenty of new products unveiled.
Read about them at Stereophile.
If you have a question or if I may be of service call me at 440.724.0558 or email me at radiohannibal@gmail.com
John Hannibal
