Custom Retailer Hot Products

Artcoustic DF Multi 60” X2 speaker unit is designed and is contained in one slender enclosure that can be placed directly on the wall beneath all modern 60-inch flat screen monitors. It can be used as either an LCR all-in-one or as one high-end center channel speaker. Its design offers a broad soundfield and reference quality frequency response. The DF Multi 60” X2 incorporates four 5.5” woofers and six rippled dome tweeters that remain in charge of high frequencies extending the response to 40kHz at 96dB (1W +/-2dB). The DF Multi 60” X2 is ideal for small- to medium-sized home cinema installations, and for corporate presentation facilities. The speaker cabinet comes in three different colors and there are eight different colors of front screen panel options to choose from.

NuVo Technologies’ new Metallic Trim-Plates are for use with its flagship Grand Concerto system. The metallic plates come in five premium finishes: polished chrome, satin chrome, satin nickel, gloss white and gloss black. While NuVo’s classic plastic offerings of white, almond, ivory and black are still included with every Grand Concerto whole-home audio system, the new metallic plates provide installers and their clients with a design-conscious upgrade. An additional benefit to dealers is that all Grand Concerto trim-plates are a breeze to install. The plates are magnetic and fit precisely in place around each keypad. Available for $25 (MSRP).

The VISO FIVE DVD/CD Surround Sound Receiver delivers high-quality DVD picture quality in both interlaced and progressive modes up to 720p or 1080i resolutions. Also included are an HDMI digital video output, a simplified set-up process using the On Screen Display; and a broad range of video capabilities. The VISO FIVE offers DVD-Audio with 24-bit, 196-kHz resolution and full bass management; DTS, Stereo Enhanced mode for all-channel stereo, ProLogic II; and NAD’s exclusive EARS (Enhanced Ambience Retrieval System) mode. The FM/AM tuner includes a 30-station preset memory and RDS capability. It includes an XM Ready input and a rear-panel Data Port, which accepts NAD’s optional new IPD-1 Dock for connecting an iPod. Available for $1,799 (U.S. MSRP).

Wisdom Audio new Sage Series high end architectural and in-room audio systems consist of four speaker configurations, ranging from 20 inches to 75 inches tall, each available as an in-wall, on-wall, or freestanding solution. Multiple center channels, a multi-woofer in-wall sub enclosure, integrated Audyssey Laboratories room correction software, and dedicated electronics. Sage Series speakers incorporate new generation proprietary thin film planar magnetic drivers which allow for its narrow and shallow physical characteristics. Wisdom’s electronic components for the Sage Series include the SC-1 System Controller boasting a 7.3 in/14.3 out electronic crossover and acoustic room correction incorporating Audyssey MultEQ XT. It also includes selectable RS-232 operable memory settings for optimized acoustic performance in varied music and film environments.

The Quartet Q4000 Multi-Room Audio system allows homeowners to listen to nine different global audio sources in up to four different zones at the same time. Quartet features an integrated FM tuner, four analog audio inputs and the ability to add four additional in-room sources with the addition of NetStreams’ Audio Ports. Features include whole-house and room-to-room paging. The Quartet system’s Q4000 Multi-Room Processor (MRP) features a 400-watt amplifier (rated at 6 ohms) with four-pair of speaker output connections, an FM tuner and RJ45 connections for the Quartet keypads. In addition, there are stereo line outputs for each individual zone, permitting expansion via an outboard amplifier on a room-by-room basis; a 5-band graphic equalizer; NetStreams’ 3D-Sound mode activation; and room loudness contour and balance adjustments.

Phoenix Gold’s ATI515 two-way LCR in-wall home theater speakers are ideal for either center channel or three-piece front channel home theater audio applications. The dual 5.25-inch configuration allows for custom mounting between two 16-inch separated wall studs. Speakers include carbon-filled polypropylene drivers; 25mm pivoting parachute silk soft dome tweeter; and a platform that allows the end-user to direct audio. Additional features include Power Handling: 15 to 150 Watts continuous; mid, tweeter, mid (MTM configuration); woofer: tweeter: one-inch swivel mounted silk soft dome; magnetically shielded; Frequency Response: 60 Hz to 20 KHz; Impedance: 8 Ohm; Sensitivity: 92dB@2.83V; spray-paintable frame and grill; Outer Dimension: 15.35 inches x 8.30 inches (39cm x 21cm). Available for $179.95 each.

The Casablanca Loungers are gaining popularity as a front row option for many traditional home theaters. Fortress’ goal is to provide you with the type of seating you want. With designs to compliment every lifestyle and room décor, Off Broadway Home Theater Seating is completely customizable and seating configurations are only limited by your imagination. Details of the Casablanca Town and Country Lounger include the beautifully crafted camelback, tapered alder feet and nail head detail. Seat and back cushions are manufactured with down and high-density foam. Overall dimensions are a generous 125 inches wide and 67 inches deep.

THIEL unveiled its prototype first-audio network system, the THIELnet developed with Bicom. The THIELnet sends two channel and multi-channel audio via Ethernet, wireless and powerline pipes from a central hub/controller to networked amplifiers and speakers throughout the house. This total mix-and-match approach has a maximum capacity of an eight zone setup each with eight speakers and synchronization is done between zones. Everything is digital, right down to the speaker cones: each speaker has its own digital crossover and 250-watt amplifier. Release date is expected in 2008.

Life/ware launched the LMS-100 and the LMS-150 Life/media Servers. The entry level LMS-100 has both the power and the storage to manage movies, TV shows, music, etc., in up to five zones of your home and will enter the market for the end user at $2,500. The LMS-150 can receive and record HD cable programming and has dual CableCard-enabled tuners, so the user can receive simultaneous access to broadcast content including two live high-definition digital cable feeds. The LMS-150 is $3,500.

LogiTech unveiled its Squeezebox Duet Network Music System, a multizone wireless network that uses a handheld RF remote with full-color LCD screen, and a compact receiver that enables users to wirelessly browse, select and play their digital music on their existing stereo speakers anywhere in the home, even when their computer is off. Squeezebox owners who want to control multiple music sources throughout the house can add more receivers or synchronize their receivers to hear the same tune throughout the house. Upon registering, Squeezebox users can access thousands of radio stations and millions of songs, aggregated by Logitech’s Internet service: the SqueezeNetwork. The Squeezbox Duet will ship at SRP $399. Additional receivers can be purchased separately for $149.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division introduced the FL7000U, its first ultra bright 1080p HD projector. Blasting 5000 lumens with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, the projector uses three 1.1 inch 3LCD inorganic panels. This projector is ideal in larger home theaters or commercial venues that require full high definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) for HD video or applications. It includes a DVI connector with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter for a wider range of HD connectivity options. The FL7000U can create side-by-side images for enhanced video conferencing applications; offers RJ45 networking support for easy online management and control; and a built-in motion-sensitive anti-theft alarm. The suggested price of Mitsubishi’s FL7000U is $14,995.

The WLC-2246 from Bell’O uses a wireless remote-controlled flat panel elevator system to display and hide your TV at the push of a button. This classic, slim-line, Espresso finished wood cabinet accommodates most flat-panel TVs up to 42”, while the center compartment holds up to four slim audio/video components. The grill-cloth covered, drop down door hides the center channel speaker and two drawers and side-door compartments are used for storage. Its dimensions are 47.5’’ w x 32.5’’ h x 26 3/8’’ d and it requires a 110v for elevator system operation.

Monster announced the upcoming introduction of three new high-performance High-Definition PowerCenters. The HDP IR 2550, HDP 2500 and HDP 1800 are scheduled for shipment to dealers in June 2008 and feature advanced high definition filters and a sleek new lifestyle cosmetic, with attractive new “hypnotic” blue LEDs and rounded “feet” for secure placement. The High-Definition PowerCenters include PLC (Power Line Compatible) pass-through capability, which allows consumers to continue using PLC technology to enjoy Internet access throughout the home via their conventional AC sockets and built-in power lines.

Vantage Point’s evo system is a complete mounting solution designed to support flat panel TVs, rear projection TVs and all electronic components. The modular design expands to support unlimited equipment configurations and extends just 4” from the wall creating a hollow space to hide unsightly wires, so there’s no need to cut through the wall. Removable real wood veneer panels come in standard finishes as well as unfinished panels to allow for endless design options. Shelving and mounting accessories can be added for component support.

Escient’s VX-600 4TB media server is equipped with four RAID 5 configured 1 TB drives roomy enough to hold 600 movies as well as all of your movie and photo files. The VX-600 4TB can then stream to the Escient VC1 (a networked A/V zone player that acts as a client to stream content from VS servers to remote rooms). The new media server can actually stream to multiple VC1s thanks to its networking capabilities. These render it capable of streaming 1080p, with HDMI v1.3 support for high-definition. The VX-600 4TB media server will debut in Q1 for $8,000, while the VC1 is already available for $2,000.