I have just returned from CEDIA Expo in Denver. I thought it was a great few days with plenty of new and interesting twists since Emerald Expo took over a couple of years ago.
A program that was implemented last years, that I really enjoyed was called “Tech Bites”. Held on the Smart Stage at the back of the main show floor, 10 manufacturers had three minutes to give their company and product elevator pitch. It was sort of like watching speed dating, but I thought it was very effective and introduced the audience to manufacturers new and old alike…and saved a few booth visits.
LG had a tremendous turnout at their 8 a.m. press conference on Thursday. Rick Calacci unveiled a new 88-inch, 8K OLED panel that looked stunning, for $29,999. The set utilizes a new a9 Gen 2 Intelligent processor designed for 8K and also features all the expected technologies like Google Assistant, Alexa, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. It also incorporates pixel level dimming for stunning black levels. LG also demonstrated a 75-inch 8K TV incorporating the companies NanoCell technology for $4,999.
The Women in Consumer Technology annual luncheon broke previous attendance records as approximately 350 attendees took an hour plus to network and be inspired by keynote speaker Sam Horn as she shared tips from her new book Someday is Not a Day in the Week.
Bonnie Perella of Legrand AV was also honored as WiCT’s Volunteer of the Year. Said Founder Carol Campbell, “The next WiCT event, Your Voice Matters, will be held in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 8 this is a very exciting event that includes a full day of sessions, workshops and keynote speakers to empower corporate, small business and entrepreneurial women.’
Catalyst AV Award Winners
Two Catalyst AV Distribution Group members, Custom Partners and AV Warehouse were awarded the coveted AVPro Distributor of the Year Awards at CEDIA EXPO in Denver.
Rich Radimer and Bryan Bentley of Custom Partners and Patrick Boyer of AV Warehouse were on hand to receive their awards from Jeff Murray of AVPro.
Said Jeff Murray of AVPro, “These two Catalyst AV members have been doing an outstanding job of getting AVPro products into the hands of their dealers. They greatly deserve this award for all of their hard work the past year.”
Added Rich Radimer of Custom Partners, “The AVPro Edge product line of extenders, distribution amps, HDMI cables and much more, gives you just that, an ‘Edge”on your competition. At Custom Partners we are delighted to be associated with such a great company and product line.”
The Sony booth was packed with press where the company solidified its commitment to the CI channel. Sony unveiled updates for two of its 4K Theater Projector models. The VPL-VW5000ES and VPL-VW885ES will be newly equipped with Digital Focus Optimizer and Dual Contrast control, currently offered with VPL-VW995ES and well received by users.
Sony’s Mike Fasulo said these models will offer more accurate focus and dynamic contrast to make every scene sprint to life with detail and realism. The updates will be rolled out to the VPL-VW5000ES and VPL-VW885ES models starting in winter 2019, along with a software update for existing installs of these models.
Sony also officially announced the immediate availability of its Crystal LED Display video wall which is scalable from 109-inch to 65-feet diagonal. At the show, Sony demonstrated the 4K resolution 219-inch panel (16 feet x 9 feet) This panel comes with a five-year warranty, includes installation, and is available for nearly $900,000. You read that correctly. For the rest of us mere mortals there was an array of full-home entertainment solutions, with display products ranging from large-screen 4K/8K LED TVs and 4K OLED TVs and much more at more modest price points.
Stay tuned next week as I bring you more of my highlights from CEDIA Expo Denver 2019.
Savant’s George Katsiris talks Apple TV integration from the Tech Bites stage.
Wilson Electronics’ Scott Lucas talks about the excitement of 5G from the Tech Bites stage.
Screen images while presenters are on stage, further solidifies the Tech Bites three minute presentations.
Tech Bites Presenter Katye McGregor Bennett, CEO KMB Communications.
LG’s Rick Calacci introduces the new 88-inch, 8K OLED panel.
LG’s Tim Alessi in front of the 75-inch 8K TV incorporating the companies NanoCell technology.
Women in Consumer Technology’s Carol Campbell presenting to over 300 attendees during the group’s annual luncheon.
Catalyst AV Distribution network members Rich Radimer and Bryan Bentley of Custom Partners receiving the AVPro Distributor of the Year Award from Jeff Murray.
Catalyst AV Distribution network member Patrick Boyer of AV Warehouse receiving the AVPro Distributor of the Year Award from Jeff Murray.
Sony’s Mike Fasulo discussing the VPL-VW5000ES and VPL-VW885ES 4K Theater Projector updates.
Sony’s Frank Sterns talks about being celebrated as ProSource’s Projector and Specialty TV vendor of the Year.