CEDIA Expo 2000 Show Report

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CEDIA Expo 2000

Part 5

Panja has further enhanced its strategic alliances with its Panja Partner Program (P3). Kenwood, Sony, Thompson (RCA and Proscan brands) have now signed on to the P3 program. Panja's P3 partners will integrate Panja's Internet Control System Protocol (ICSP) system which offers universal integration into their P3Port. Bob Law, Kenwood's VP of sales and marketing said, "Kenwood’s participation in P3 reinforces our commitment to the custom installer market; as homes become more technologically advanced, the need for compatibility increases. Kenwood and Panja can make this happen." Thomson’s Rodger Keeney, General Manager of Commercial Business, said "Seamless connectivity simplifies the integration process, and that makes our commercial and custom-home-theatre products an attractive option for professional integrators... We’re pleased to add Panja and their ICSP to the elite group of companies and systems to which these products are readily interfaced."

Of course when it comes to system integrations and digital designs, Meridian were showcasing their Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) Encoder and DSP8000 Digital Loudspeaker. The MLP Encoder is a device that allows audio to be coded into the MLP format which Meridian claims offers "the highest possible sound quality and integrity in delivery or storage of high-quality audio." Their DSP8000 Reference Loudspeaker ($45,000 pr.) use Meridian's digital technology in their new four-way DSP active loudspeaker. Full digital decoding and five low-feedback power amplifiers are mounted within these loudspeakers. The DSP8000 uses four 24-bit D/A converters, three 150W and two 100W power amplifiers per speaker enclosure. All processing is performed upsampled in twin 100MHz digital signal processors (DSPs). Inputs are via two coaxial digital audio, 32kHz to 192kHz at up to 24 bit.

Loudspeaker manufacture Dynaudio is showing their new Contour Sub for those who enjoy the benefits of added low frequency support. Their new subwoofer includes a 210-watt amplifier that powers the 12-inch woofer to a claimed frequency response of 18Hz-120Hz (+/-5dB). Dynaudio claims a maximum SPL of 110db at 1 m, while the average in-room maximum SPL is 119 dB. Output level, phase and a switchable crossover frequency (80Hz, 95Hz and bypass) control can be adjusted on the subwoofer’s back panel. Both balanced and single-ended inputs are supplied for direct connection from an A/V digital preamplifier with a dedicated subwoofer output. This 101.2 lb. beast is 13.1" x 28.9" x 21.9" inches (WxHxD). Available finishes are all natural veneers and include rosewood, cherry, beech, and black ash (standard). Premium finishes such as bird's eye maple, walnut, black and white lacquers are also available. Dynaudio's Contour Sub is priced at a $2,999.

The CEDIA Expo 2000 brought custom installers more sophisticated, yet easier to install and operate electronics. The Internet Home is also coming upon us as Cisco Systems forms alliances with both hardware and software manufactures (see our September 2000 News Page). It is also great to see many "high-end" features used in less than "high-end priced" electronics. Of course those with an unending love for high quality music and movie reproduction can spend virtually unending dollars for line quadruplers, large CRT video projectors and, of course, a high performance audio system. From soup to nuts, the CEDIA show offers us an idea as to what our homes may be like in the future. Of course died-in-the-wool audiophiles may simply pass all this up and enjoy their music separately. In the end what really matters to us is that you...

Enjoy the music,

Steven R. Rochlin
steve@enjoythemusic.com

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