Some highlights from recent trade shows

By Jan Jaben-Ailon and Richard M. Sherwin

Technology has simply become a part of our lives. We are now dependent on, among other lots of home technologies and  a myriad of mobile products like GPS, e-books and various handheld and lap or pad type devices. Some say the fast-evolving technology has made our lives easier. Others argue that our lives are more complex and too fast-paced and more stressful as we never seem to be “unconnected” to the outside world….or need such instruction that even turning on our TVs become a chore.

Increasingly, however,  certain consumer electronics companies are adding functions to their technology, or interconnecting to other technologies, that Yes! can simplifying our lives. Sharp Electronics Corp., for instance, recently introduced its first 3D LED LCD televisions for the U.S. market, the AQUOS Quattron 3D LE925 series, which is available in 60- and 52-inch screen sizes. The company heralds its quad pixel technology, as well as additional proprietary technologies,  to deliver what it says is a superior 3D experience, with bright image reproduction and extremely low crosstalk.

But what really simplifies consumers’ lives – and is probably the hidden secret behind the AQUOS’ success — is its online and live  tech support system. Through AQUOS Advantage Live, LE925 owners can have dedicated AQUOS Advantage advisors connect remotely to their TV to assist in adjusting the TV’s settings and optimizing picture quality for the best viewing experience. All that is needed is a simple code. Since technologies have become so intricate in their manipulations, this feature can make viewing the new TVs so much easier and pleasurable.

The LE925 series also includes IP Control technology. Similar to the conventional RS-232C usage, the IP control feature enables a PC or Control Panel to control basic TV functions, video and audio equipment, and lighting via the Ethernet terminal. The IP Control technology is Control4® Certified and has been rigorously tested in Control4® Labs for interoperability with the Control4® platform.

To make it easier for consumers to get technical advice on any of Sharp’s products, it’s already highly rated telephone support has been upgraded, too. Whether you have a new top of the line 3D model or an older model that you might need some advice for, Sharp has increased its toll free hotline team, too.

Both models are sold with a USB WiFi adapter to facilitate quick access to streaming and other Web-based applications. A built-in USB media player and dual USB inputs enable immediate enjoyment of digital video, music and photos. In addition to conventional RS-232C connectivity, both models offer IP control, which enables a PC or universal control device to control basic TV functions via Ethernet terminals with both wired and wireless connection using a wireless LAN USB adapter.

“Quattron 3D overcomes the dark and blurry images associated with traditional 3D televisions so the consumer can realize the full potential of this compelling new format,” said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “Quattron, which combines quad pixel technology and the X-Gen LCD panel, provides a foundation for 3D that other manufacturers simply cannot match. Adding Frame Rate Enhanced Driving technology and other unique features allows us to deliver a 3D experience that’s second to none.”

Enabling users to start experiencing and sharing the 3D experience immediately, each model in the 925 Series includes 2 pairs of advanced 3D glasses. These are the only glasses on the market that give viewers the option of watching the same content in 3D or 2D simultaneously, which can be adjusted using the 3D-2D conversion button on the glasses. Additional glasses are available for purchase.

Crestron still leads in combining design and function

Crestron Electronics – the world’s leading custom electronics design company – has launched three new consumer products: its V-Panel, iPanL and Prodigy XP. The company recently announced additional functionality in its Prodigy home control product line. Its new PMC3-XP control system enables connectivity to the Crestron product line. This means that Prodigy can now support the full Crestron product line, unlocking expansion possibilities. Crestron also introduced the PMC3 control system, which provides more power, speed and memory, enabling new levels of scalability.

The advantage is that multiple systems throughout the house can be interconnected to control more systems and devices than ever before. A dynamic on-screen display extends control to the TV, where a custom interface guides homeowners through control of AV, lighting/shades, HVAC and all other connected systems. More than 100 wireless Prodigy devices can be supported with just one gateway, while wireless control signals can travel hundreds of feet through floors and walls for unmatched portability and clean instillations.

Crestron’s new TPMC V-Panels deliver not only a sleek appearance, but new installation flexibility. The graphical user interface framework driven by the Core 3 OS supports multiple formats and media players including Flash, HTML5 H.264 video and Internet Explorer. Core 3 simplifies – there’s that word again – integration and enables richer graphics and more engaging, interactive animations than ever before.

Core 3 combines up to 1,000 different applications, such as Flash, Web browsing and video windows, into a single programming object. These objects are vector files that scale to any size on iPad, iPhone, Android devices, touchpanels and HD displays without additional programming or redrawing.

TPMC V-Panels provide a complete multimedia, control and communications solution. Capabilities include the creation of dynamic control apps from intuitive menus of colorful animated icons and 3D effects. And here’s the ease: A swipe of the finger is all it takes to enjoy enhanced gestures navigation with “intelligent velocity” that enables ultra-intuitive access to a broad selection of entertainment and control features. The new 12- and 15-inch TPMC V-Panels support built-in apps that run concurrently, for effortless access to online music, movies and other digital content.

The third major consumer product Crestron announced is its iPaneL, which turns any iPad into a powerful, 2-way wireless Crestron touchpanel. The glossy black iPaneL features tactile hard buttons for quick access to the most used functions such as volume up/down, mute and a five-way thumb pad for channel guide navigation. The iPaneL comes with a charging docking station, and future models will feature streaming media. Its lightweight and ergonomic design makes roaming around the house while selecting songs and adjusting volume much easier by not requiring navigation through subpages.

SpeakerCraft Pursues Next Gen Audience

SpeakerCraft understands that technologies are changing so fast, it must adjust, too, to the younger generation. “We believe that your personal audio delivery device should work with everything you have that delivers audio,” said CEO Jeremy Burkhardt. “The thing we’ve done that’s different is that things like our FloBox can talk to the bigger system.”

The FloBox and FloBox Mini feature integrated iPod/iPad/Phone docks in addition to a CD drive on the larger version. Both models include an FM tuner and a mini ISB port which allows synchronization with most digital delivery systems, including iTunes.

While adapting to the new generation, SpeakerCraft reaches back into history when listening to music was a communal activity. “We wanted to make it so that people, especially the younger generations, understand that music is a social experience,” said Dave Donald, VP of marketing. “The Vital 250 was designed specifically for that. It gives people a way to experience music the way it was supposed to be enjoyed.”

The new Vital 250 is an integrated amplifier in a smaller format with a built-in iPod/iPad dock. It allows portable source and computer users a higher quality of stereo sound.

So while technology has definitely changed our lives, recent new product announcements indicate that consumers no longer must give up quality or ease in their entertainment venues.