Essential Install | Show Review
ONE TO WATCH: Josh.ai
Josh, voice controlled home automation software, is
still very new, so new that they’re not yet expanding
to Europe but focusing on the North American market
for now. CEO Alex Capecelatro explains, “We started
in 2015 and launched our software platform last year,
our control system, and now at CEDIA is the first time
that we’re introducing our hardware.” The highly user
friendly software allow for control of thermostats, fans,
lighting, sound systems, security, TVs, shades and
doors, and they’re looking to offer even more. And it’s
very slick. The product demonstration shown to me
was faultless, showcasing the casual phrase structure
and natural language used to command each element.
The new hardware, for which one can be purchased for
each room, has transformed their business model into a
more affordable product. Part of what makes the voice
platform very powerful is the ability to perform compound
commands, “Unlock the door, open the shades and turn
on the library TV” seamlessly. Due to privacy laws and
restrictions, they’ve not yet branched out to the UK but
Josh.ai is certainly one to watch.
Networking and
learning was rife, with
plenty to see and do
The show floor was
a hive of activity
of on-board amplification enabled for Hi-Res Audio
including Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio.
It was awarded a CE Pro BEST Award at CEDIA in the
Multiroom Audio Amplifier category.
Neil Davison of Genesis walked round the exhibition
hall with me to catch up on the latest from him and to
discuss the need for quality acoustic dampeners.
MantelMount seriously impressed with its MM850
Automated Pull Down & Swivel TV Mount, which will
be available from Autumn 2017. Having not seen an
autonomous rack yet, this was outstanding in both design
and ease of use. It came from the idea that TVs are often
mounted above a fireplace or mantelpiece yet this
position doesn’t lend itself to optimal viewing. Hence, the
movable mount enables the TV to sit in the perfect spot
for the individual viewer.
I met Christian Thomas from WyreStorm who talked
me through their new H2X Series of modular HDBaseT
5Play 4K HDR matrix switchers with integrated audio
matrix switching, featuring a selection of multi-format
transmission cards for the ultimate in options for video
and audio distribition over copper and fiber.
WyreStorm also officially announced its membership
of the SDVoE Alliance at CEDIA. I met up with Justing
Kennington, present of the alliance, to find out more
about the technology and the benefits of joining.
Following this vein, I was also keen to meet Mitch Klein,
executive director of the Z-Wave Alliance, which has
over 600 members, 2100 Z-Wave certified products and,
apparently, there are 70 million devices powered by
Z-Wave installed around the world. Keep an eye out in the
next issue of EI for some more alliance announcements.
Stealth acoustics debuted its new three-way invisible
architectural speaker, the LRx83, which combines a 25mm
tweeter, a 30mm midrange device, and an eight-inch
high-power cone woofer. Jennifer from Igloo Home
demonstrated the company’s smart lock, the only one on
the market right now that doesn’t require Wi-Fi.
Atlona unveiled the new OmniStream R-Type, its
networked AV product line designed for residential and
light commercial ap plications, whilst demonstrating its
UHD p60 platform featuring HDR, HDCP 2.2, and video
wall capabilities plus extremely low latency. CEDIA also
marked the debut of AMS 2.0, the evolution of the Atlona
Management System. The update makes it faster than
ever before and much easier to configure and manage.
Gallo Acoustics debuted its PC850 Pendant 8in
Speaker and Stewart Filmscreen debuted its dual-roller
projection screen, appropriately named Gemini, which
uses dual aspect ratios to accommodate both HDTV
(16:9) and Widescreen Cinema Scope (2:35:1) screen
materials for environments with high ambient light as
well as home theatres.
I also had brilliant meetings with Barco, Waterfall
Audio, Trinnov and Intrinsic Group, as well as with
James Bliss from CEDIA itself to discuss emerging
trends and products.
As many of you are aware, I’m still relatively new to
this industry and I knew that attending CEDIA would
give me ample opportunity to get to grips with all things
install. What I didn’t expect, however, was to find myself
surrounded by such wonderful folk. Yes, of course, the
technology shown is groundbreakingly awesome, but
what struck me the most was the genuine enthusiasm
and work ethic on display, and the kindness shown to a
newbie like me. Bring on CEDIA 2018!
September 2017 | 35