Chester Springs, Pa.—October 9, 2008— Electronic systems for the home are growing more efficient and powerful each day. The Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA), an association of 64 high-end electronics integrators, reports that the capabilities of a typical electronic system have grown substantially over the past five years.

“Today’s home can potentially store millions of audio and video files, and send them to speakers and TVs all over the house,” says David Berman, director of training and public relations for HTSA. “It controls multiple climate zones and operates lights, air conditioning and heating on complex scheduling programs. It can be accessed and controlled online from hundreds of miles away or from control devices already available inside the home. It can monitor how much energy it’s consuming by system, by room, by utility, and by minute. At this level of functionality, you need a lot more than a remote control to make it all work.”

The growth in technology for controlling these systems was showcased at CEDIA 2008, held in Denver, Colorado. “Control was a hot button at the show this year,” says Berman. “We are seeing more options that are more powerful, easier to use and better looking for our living rooms. Manufactures are proudly offering many options for individuals with expansive electronic systems or unique needs.”
With today’s options, HTSA members design intuitive control systems to help homeowners easily operate and control all the activities that enhance their lifestyles within the home at all budget levels. This kind of control can now be affordable for all consumers, and is no longer just a toy for the wealthy. The following are examples of what can be done today with control.

Control for accessibility
Today, the daily challenges caused by disability can be overcome by pairing a well designed space with a well designed control system. HiFi House, an HTSA member located in the Philadelphia area, worked with a home builder to create the ultimate accessible home for a wheelchair bound client.

“Our client’s limited hand function made it difficult to flip switches, turn knobs, and press buttons,” says Jon Robbins, owner of HiFi House. “We installed touch control panels around the house that tap into the central nervous system of the home. They make it possible for him to access any electronic system – lights, music, TV, security, heat, air conditioning; you name it – without traveling from floor to floor or room to room.”

Control for energy efficiency
Green and LEED certified homes are the newest trend in the world of home design. The latest technology available for control systems can take these homes well beyond LEED certification. SoundVision, an HTSA member located in the San Francisco area, recently completed a breakthrough Zero Energy Home.

“Consumers are demanding more choices for sustainable living,” says Gene Quisisem, Principal Designer of SoundVision, “and now we’re able to offer control systems that make conserving energy easy. HVAC, lighting, and shading and power management all factor into energy consumption and must complement each other to achieve efficiency. By collecting electrical, gas and water data from the home in real time, homeowners are able to assess how their lifestyle affects their energy use.  For the first time, homeowners can leverage new control technologies to measure how effective their home systems actually are.”

Control for enhanced lifestyle
Beyond the tertiary benefits of control systems, greater accessibility and efficiency, control simply makes it easier to enjoy the home. If home theaters, lighting themes, and climate zones are difficult to use, they’re a waste of money. Primary benefits of control technologies are increased ease of use, and personalized interfaces. Barney Miller’s Inc., an HTSA member located in Lexington, KY, recently designed a whole home control system that did just that.

“We used Crestron Integrated Control Systems to create simple access to all disciplines - lighting, HVAC, security, and audio/video distribution,” says Donny Allan, Electronics System Designer at Barney Miller’s. “We streamlined all functionalities of the home with touch panels around the house to give this client a simple, elegant, way to access and control their environment with less clutter.”

Manufacturer recommendations
When searching for systems to integrate all the activities that enhance or improve your lifestyle, Berman recommends:

Control4 – “This is an extremely versatile control system that enables the integration, control and distribution of all aspects of your home: audio, video, high definition, lighting, shade control, HVAC, security, telephony and much more,” says Berman. “Control 4 systems can also be programmed to operate the way the customer is comfortable, with personalized terminology and macros that automate a multitude of experiences.”

Product Shot: www.control4.com/pr
Family Brochure: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/Control4brochure.pdf
Green Brochure: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/Control4green.pdf

Niles IntelliControl ICS – “These systems are also incredible designs that offer many of the capabilities listed above, but have the additional benefits of being easy to install and control in homes where you can’t provide a structured wiring system to carry the information from room to room,” says Berman.

Product Shot: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/ICSfamilyshot.jpg
Brochure: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/nilesbrochure.pdf

SpeakerCraft – “This is another system with many unique capabilities,” says Berman. “It offers some incredible options for outdoor control, an area that has really begun to take off.”

Product Shot: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/speakercraftimage.jpg
Brochure: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/speakercraftbrochure.pdf

Universal Remote Control – “These are more traditional and therefore, affordable control systems,” says Berman. “URC is especially well suited to audio and video control and has added lighting recently as an additional benefit to their systems. This is a great starting point for those just wanting to get their feet wet with a unifying control package.”

Download Product Shot: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/universalimage.jpg
Download Family Brochure: www.gregoryfca.com/mcd/universalbrochure.pdf

Jim Arnold, Senior Vice President of Sales for Control4 adds, “HTSA has embraced the Control4 line, which will enable home automation solutions to be easily installed in both new and existing residences. Together, we will help HTSA members to expand their custom business and create a broader market.”
For more information on HTSA or any of the projects or manufacturers mentioned above, please contact Lucy Fortin at Lucy@GregoryFCA.com or 610-642-8253 ext. 154.

About the Home Theater Specialists of America
Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA) is a national association of electronics experts who service the home and business. HTSA’s members are located in 37 states from coast to coast and each location is staffed with experts who design and install high-end audio, video, automation, lighting, and climate systems for a discriminating clientele. HTSA represents a total buying power of more than $500 million and is supported by 59 retailers, nearly 100 store fronts, more than 800 installers and another 800 sales personnel in the field. The impeccable work of HTSA members is affirmed through partnerships with real estate developers and electronics manufacturers who recognize their commitment to quality. Visit www.htsa.com for more information.

About Control4
Control4 is the platform for today’s digital life. The company makes everyday life easier by providing one-touch control of electronic systems for both new and existing homes and hotels. By allowing leading consumer electronics products and home systems to easily work together, Control4 provides effortless entertainment, comfort, convenience and peace of mind to owners everywhere. Control4’s affordable and easy-to-use software and hardware products enable home theater and television control, multi-room music, temperature control, security integration and smart lighting, through a range of on-site and over-the-web remote control technology. The company delivers both wired and wireless solutions that can be installed in existing properties as well as new construction. Visit www.control4.com for more information.

About Niles Audio Corporation
Miami-based Niles Audio Corporation is a 30-year-old company recognized as The First Name in Custom Installation®. The company is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of audio/video custom installation products and accessories and is guided by its vision to be the world’s leading provider of products and services that enable professional custom installers to design and install systems that delight their customers. To that end, Niles pursues a mission to provide solutions for end users which enable simple and easy access to home entertainment and that integrate seamlessly with other low voltage subsystems like lighting, internet, security and HVAC in residential and light commercial environments. Niles conducts its business with a promise to treat its customers, employees, suppliers and stakeholders with fairness and respect and to foster teamwork, innovation and a commitment to be the best in everything it does. Visit www.nilesaudio.com.

About SpeakerCraft
SpeakerCraft, established in 1976, devoted itself for more than a decade to the design and development of architectural loudspeakers and became known as the prime OEM for many well-known, in-wall speaker brands in the field.  In marketing its own brand, now one of the widest lines of architectural speakers and electronics in the industry, SpeakerCraft brings with it years of experience and a dedication to dealer satisfaction.

For further information about SpeakerCraft and its products, contact Dave Donald, V.P. of Marketing at ddonald@speakercraft.com.  You may visit SpeakerCraft on their website at www.speakercraft.com. Or contact SpeakerCraft, Inc., at 940 Columbia, Riverside, CA 92507.  Phone: 800-448-0976, Fax 951-787-8747.

About Universal Remote Control
Universal Remote Control, Inc. (URC), is The Pioneer in Control Technology. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Harrison, N.Y., URC has sold more than 50 million remote controls in the last 10 years alone. A world leader in high-quality remote control design, engineering, manufacture and distribution, URC is widely regarded as a category innovator by consumers, retailers, custom installers, subscription broadcast providers and OEM partners. URC has built its reputation by delivering exceptional levels of quality, training, reliability and support to its customers. Visit URC at www.universalremotecontrol.com.

From CEPro

Control4, developer of modestly priced home-control systems, has joined the buying group Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA) to provide products and services to the group’s 62 dealer members.

The manufacturer fills a gap left by long-time vendor Crestron, which left HTSA in July.

“We’ve enjoyed our partnership over the years with HTSA and respect their organization and accomplishments,” says Crestron VP of marketing Randy Klein. “With the changing market and economic conditions we feel we need to focus on more education and support directly with our dealers.”

Only 38 vendors currently have access to this elite group of home systems installers which have an aggregate annual sales volume of more than $500 million.

The organization generally avoids overlaps in product categories in order to generate more sales for the manufacturer participants, who in turn provide incentive pricing and other services to the members.

In the controls category, now it is only Control4 and Universal Remote Controls, both of which offer automation products targeted to the masses. (Lutron, which provides lighting-control systems is also an HTSA manufacturer partner.)

“Our members have been asking for a core home automation partner and we believe we selected the best platform for their success,” says HTSA executive director Richard Glikes.

Control4 recently joined another buying group, GE Home Technologies’ Authorized Integrators Network (AIN), which serves more production-oriented dealers.

Control4 also has announced vendor partnerships with the PRO Group, a group of large specialty A/V retailers; and Specialty Electronics Nationwide, whose membership comprises mostly mainstream integrators.

Control4 Gains Access to High-End Dealers

Gaining access to HTSA’s high-end integrators seems particularly appealing to Control4, which for years has encouraged elite dealers to get into the high-volume business.

Control4 senior VP of sales, Jim Arnold, says that HTSA represents “high-end electronics opportunities and includes some of the best custom-integrator dealers in the country.”

He adds, “HTSA understands that embracing the Control4 line will help their members expand their custom business as together we create a broad market for home automation.”

Several high-end HTSA dealers have already made the leap to broader markets.

For example, HTSA member Electronic Design Group, a Crestron dealer and award-winning integration firm in Piscataway, N.J., launched a subsidiary earlier this year called Podwire.

Using products from Control4, “Podwire can make sophisticated home automation and control practical and affordable for every home,” according to company statements.

You won’t hear that same claim from EDG, which traditionally installs very high-end systems.

Sharp took the wraps off a new Aquos Limited Edition line of TVs at CEDIA. The LE line includes its first RGB LED back-light model with local dimming. The back-light style allows the TV to produce 150 percent of the NTSC color gamut while the local dimming allows for a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Also included on these models is a 10-bit panel, 120Hz refresh rate technology, AquosNet integrated and a separate input box with 5 HDMI inputs and an optional wireless connection. A separate speaker, using Sharp’s 1-bit digital amplification system and co-developed with Pioneer is also part of the package. At its thinnest, the TV is only one-inch deep. The series will come in 55 (LC-52XS1U-S) and 65-inch (LC-65XS1U-S) sizes. No word on pricing was heard at this time. In calling it the Limited Edition, Sharp will be limited distribution to AV specialty retailers such as HTSA members.

From DealerScope

Runco HD LCD

Runco’s revolutionary Optical Path Alignment (OPAL) image enhancement technology optimizes flat-panel imagery while enabling a Runco-caliber experience in high ambient light environments.

Denver, CO - CEDIA EXPO 2008 - September 4-7, 2008 - Booth #510 - Runco, the leading brand in luxury video solutions, proudly introduces seven new 1080p LCD and plasma flat panels, including its largest LCD panel to date: the 70-inch Crystal SeriesTM CX-70DHD. In the grand Runco tradition, each new model delivers a masterful blend of image prowess, impeccable design and state-of-the-art craftsmanship that will delight the most discerning of video aficionados. Runco also is unveiling its exclusive new OPALTM (Optical Path AlignmentTM) image enhancement technology, available on select Runco models, which delivers extreme glare reduction and enhanced contrast for high ambient light environments.

“In the world of high-end video, there are flat panels and then, for those who seek the very best, there are Runco flat panels,” said Matt Christensen, sr. product manager, Planar Home Theater Business Unit. “Our new flat-panel models feature the attention to detail, incredibly accurate video processing, design, and installer-friendly features that our industry has long expected and consistently receives from Runco. And with the introduction of OPAL, Runco is taking the lead in fighting persistent problems installers and their customers face with flat panels.”

Headlining today’s announcement is the 70-inch Crystal Series CX-70DHD, Runco’s largest LCD flat panel to date. The CX-70DHD is perfect for rooms of distinction where a large screen size is desired, but where ambient light issues make front projection difficult and the glare of a plasma screen unacceptable. For true-to-life image quality, the CX-70DHD delivers an exceptional contrast ratio, superb gray scaling, and the ISFTM (Imaging Science Foundation) ISFcccTM calibration suite, including day and night modes for an optimal picture even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

More after the break.

Hitachi 1.5 Ultra Thin Plasma

Continuing its leadership position in developing the world’s thinnest HDTVs, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. has unveiled the first Plasma Display Panel in its UltraThin “1.5” family. This gorgeous new plasma addition to Hitachi’s 1.5 line – so named for its ultra thin 1.5-inch depth – will be offered in a 50-inch screen size, making it among the largest in the UltraThin category. In fact, it represents one of the world’s thinnest, at approximately one-third the depth of other plasma displays.

This new product embodies an engineering milestone of major significance for Hitachi and the HDTV industry. The 50-inch 1.5 UltraThin PDP is expected to be a main attraction of the CEDIA Expo in Hitachi’s booth (#925).

Read full article on Business Wire.

Sony, Samsung and other consumer-electronics heavyweights are uniting to support a technology that could send high-definition video signals wirelessly from a single set-top box to screens around the home.

Soon you may be able to send hi-def video signals to multiple TVs in your home — without messy cables.

The consortium announced Wednesday is an important development in the race to create a definitive way to replace tangles of video cables, but doesn’t end it — both Sony and Samsung also are supporting a competing technology.

In the new consortium, Sony Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co., along with Motorola Inc., Sharp Corp. and Hitachi Ltd., will develop an industry standard around technology from Amimon Ltd. of Israel called WHDI, for Wireless Home Digital Interface.

Read the full story on CNN.

By Greg Tarr
Reposted from TWICE Magazine.

Chula Vista, Calif. — Hitachi Home Electronics (America) will celebrate the delivery of its 1.5 UltraThin LCD TV series to retailers during its annual dealer show here this week.

During the event the company plans to showcase the line, which made its formal debut at International CES last January.

The sets are marketed under the 1.5 trademark to denote the ultra-thin cabinet depth, which measures 1.5 inches. Hitachi is now marketing the sets through select CE retailers and specialty A/V dealers nationwide.

UltraThin models are available in four screen sizes 32, 37, 42 and 47 inches. To achieve the narrow cabinet depth, the sets incorporate a patented ventilation technology to the backlight, power supply and crystal frame. The styling design is said to have been influenced by achievements in areas as diverse as automotive design, server systems and optical R&D. The design extends 360 degrees around the set, offering a clean lines and distinctive aesthetics from all angles, the company said.

Hitachi also revealed pricing, key feature sets and availability for 1.5 models in the Director’s series (X) and Ultra Vision (V) lines are as follows after the jump.

Director’s X Series models

• 47-inch UT47X902, includes 120Hz Reel120 frame rate system, 1080p resolution, two-year warranty and supports an optional Audio Video Center (ships in September at a $4,699 suggested retail)
• 42-inch UT42X902, includes 120Hz Reel120 system, 1080p resolution, two-year warranty and supports optional Audio Video Center (May, $3,699)
• · 37-inch UT37X902, includes 120Hz Reel120 system, 1080p resolution, two-year warranty and supports an optional Audio Video Center (April, $2,999)
• 32-inch UT32X812, includes 120Hz Reel120 system, 768p resolution, two-year warranty and supports an optional Audio Video Center (August, $2,299)
• 32-inch UT32X802, includes 60Hz frame rate, 768p, two-year warranty and supports an optional Audio Video Center (March, $1,999)

UltraVision – V Series Models

• 47-inch UT47V702, includes 120Hz Reel120 frame rate, 1080p resolution, supports an optional Audio Video Center and includes a one-year warranty (September, $4,499)
• 42-inch UT42V702, includes 120Hz Reel120 frame rate, 1080p resolution, supports an optional Audio Video Center and includes a one-year warranty (July, $3,499)
• 37-inch UT37V702, , includes 120Hz Reel120 frame rate, 1080p resolution, supports an optional Audio Video Center and includes a one-year warranty (July, $2,799)
• 32-inch UT32V502 & UT32V502W, both include 120Hz Reel120 frame rate, 768p resolution, support an optional Audio Video Center and include one-year warranties (August, $2,099)
• 32-inch UT32A302 & UT32A302W, both include 60Hz frame rates, 768p resolution, support an optional Audio Video Center, and include one-year warranties (August, $1,799)

The company also told dealers that that its new plasma TV line will be offered in high-gloss Japan black with high-gloss crystal frames and power swivel bases. Other features include, deep-black stripe filters, a game mode and a TV Guide On Screen interactive program guide.

The company said it is planning a formal introduction with further details on the plasma line in late May.