We’re just back from my yearly trip to the CEDIA Expo. CEDIA is the Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association. Every year thousands of my fellow custom installers gather to see the latest & greatest, as well as take continuing education classes. I have been involved in CEDIA’s education committees for years as both an instructor and as a content creator. This year I was reviewing the instructors and new classes.

One of the new classes I reviewed was The Internet of Things. More and more there are many interesting gadgets that can play with each other. But for now, it is still a DYI playground, and not quite ready as a reliable control capable addition for most of our clients. But we will keep an eye out for new developments.

As far as new “Toys” I think that it is finally the year of real 4K. While we have had 4K TV’s available for 2 years, there has been limited sources for true 4K. And the other issue has been how to connect the source to the TV/Projector. True 4K requires significantly more bandwidth, which can be an issue with most HDMI cables as well as early so called 4K Surround Sound Receivers and TVs.

Short distances in a simple system will be easy. But if you have a centralized distribution system, or a local where the equipment is located in a closet, running new wires may be required to get the full capability out of your system.

The good news is that new TV’s by LG and Sony are finally able to get the true blacks that high end plasmas were able to deliver. OLED TV’s from LG are truly amazing in their color fidelity and the capability of reproducing black. And their prices are starting to drop as they increase production. The new Sony HDR TV’s also gave a great picture.

There is more to talk about from CEDIA, and l look forward to posting about it next week.

Greg Calvimontes

Pgh Custom Home Theater