Show Reports
Show Report: CEDIA - 2007
- Written by Staff
- Published on 20 December 2007
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B&K has finally updated their receiver and processor lines to include HDMI switching and HQV video processing. The new models are the AVR707 receiver and the Reference 70 processor.
Bryston was showing off their massive 1000W 28B-SST monoblock ($7500), their well received BCD-1 CD player ($2395) and a prototype of the D-180Z digital zone amplifier ($TBA).
Control4 has updated their home automation controllers. The HC-300 ($599) can handle automating up to a 15,000 square foot home. The larger HC-1000 ($2999) has even more control options and a built in media server.
Sandy Bird (middle) uploaded all the photos to our server at the end of each day.
Dr. Chris Groppi (show above) dazzled the manufacturers with his electrical engineering knowledge (he is an astrophysicist). In fact, one manufacturer of microwave transmission components asked him to review their products because they felt he is the only hifi magazine writer they have ever met who would be truly qualified. This was the first show he has attended.
Denon was showing their previously announced receivers and their new flagship separates. The processor and 10-channel amplifier will retail for $7000 each.
HQV threw a great party Friday night (Fat Tire beer is always a plus) showcasing their technologies and the many products that feature HQV processing.
Integra had their new DHS-8.8 HD-DVD player on display ($1099).
LG had their new premium "Opus" line of LCD TVs on display. This 42LBX ($2499) is being fed by the new BH200 ($999) HD DVD/Blu-ray combination player. The BH200 offers full HD DVD support, but as one can see from the back panel, no analog outputs.
Meridian held a press conference to showcase their F80 table radio ($2995) and their new iRIS iPod dock ($379). The F80, which is cobranded with Ferrari, was easily the best table radio I have ever heard. The iRIS offers video processing to clean up iTunes videos and scaling up to 1080p on either component or HDMI outputs. The iRIS also includes specially designed audio circuits to make the most of the iPod's audio output.
Panasonic introduced a new version of their 768p 42" plasma, the TH-42PX77U ($1599), and a new 1080p 65" plasma, the TH-65PZ700U ($8999). Panasonic also had two new projectors, the PT-AX200 and the PT-2000U. Prices had yet to be determined on both of these models.
Pioneer had a host of new products showcasing their new branding shift towards higher end components. Leading things off is the stunning new flagship receiver, the SC-09TX ($7000). Sporting 10 channels of digital ICE amplifiers and the ability to put out 200Wx7 alone would make this a noteworthy product, but its front panel LCD and wealth of connections make it truly stand out. Pioneer also had their previously announced VSX-91TXH and VSX-94TXH ($1600) receivers on display as well.
Pioneer also had a new Blu-ray player, the BDP-95FD ($1000), which touts itself as the first player to offer bitstream output for all of the advanced audio codecs.
Pioneer was surprisingly showing some nice looking two-channel components as well. These included the X-Z9 complete two-channel audio system ($1799), SX-A9-J stereo receiver and the PD-D6-J SACD player.
Rounding things out was a display of the excellent new Kuro plasmas.
Sumiko had a suitably minimalist looking new Primare processor, the SPA22, on display.
Rotel had a new processor, the RSP-1069 ($2200), and new digital amplifiers.
Samsung was showing their previously announced Blu-ray and combo players, an odd looking audio system and a new 1080p projector tweaked by Joe Kane.
Sanyo joins the crowded 1080p projector market with the PLV-Z2000 ($2995).
Sherwood showed some interesting receivers featuring RF remote controls.
Sim2 debuted their new 3-chip 1080p projector, the C3X 1080 ($30,000). It looked stunning even with a fair amount of ambient light in the room.
Sony had three new receivers, the STR-DA5300E($1700), the STR-DA4300ES($1300) and the STR-DA3300ES($1000). To match these receivers there was a new ES Blu-ray player, the BDP-S2000ES ($1300). Sony was also showing their growing lineup custom installtion products. The most impressive product was Sony's 'tower of power", a 200-disc Blu-ray changer/media server. Called the HES-V1000, it will retail for an altogether reasonable $3500 and will be avaialable in October.
Toshiba had their third generation HD DVD players and a new line of thine bezel Regza LCD TVs.
