CEDIA Expo 2011 Diary: Part 2

CEDIA Expo 2011 is now in the history books. It was a whirlwind of meetings, booth tours and press conferences, so I'm just now getting a chance to file my second report. Here are some notes from the last two days of the show, complete with Canadian information where available. I'll add a third and final report tomorrow.

Pioneer unveiled new receivers in its premium Elite brand earlier this summer. These were on display, along with two Blu-ray players and two new AirPlay-equipped iPod speakers that will go on sale this fall.

Pioneer's new entry Blu-ray player, the BDP-140, is 3D-compatible and features SACD capability. It arrives in October for $199. Coming in November is Pioneer's first universal Blu-ray player, the Elite BDP-53FD. Along with 3D capability, the BDF-53FD offers SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility, Netflix and YouTube support, DLNA connectivity, DivX compatibility, and a Marvel Qdeo video scaler. Andrew Murphy, Director of Marketing for Pioneer Electronics of Canada Inc., said picture quality is comparable to Pioneer's legendary BDP-09. It arrives in November for $499.

In addition to AirPlay, the X-SMC3 Music Tap iPod speaker system features built-in Wi-Fi, vTuner Internet radio, DLNA 1.5 connectivity with support for 192kHz/24-bit FLAC and lossless files, a 2.5-inch colour screen that shows album art and song information on iPod and DLNA content, and a rear connector for an optional Bluetooth adapter. The Elite-braded X-SMC4 (shown at top of story) adds built-in Bluetooth and Elite cosmetics. The X-SMC3 and X-SMC4 ship in September for $369 and $499 respectively. Both models work with Pioneer's Air Jam app, which lets up to four users create playlists and send them to the speaker via Bluetooth.

Sharp didn't exhibit at CEDIA, but its 70-inch Elite-branded LED-edgelit LCD was demonstrated at the Pioneer booth. The demo in a dark room was very compelling. The Intelligent Variable Contrast system, which has three settings, enables the set to deliver inky blacks while maintaining excellent shadow detail. Despite challenging material (fireworks, stars, bright lamp standards against a night sky), artifacts like halos were not at all noticeable.

Epson revamped its 3LCD front projector lineup at CEDIA; all Home and Pro Cinema models are now 3D-capable. Canadian details will come later; what we have is U.S. availability and pricing. Epson's entry retail 1080p piece, the Home Cinema 3010 delivers 2,200 lumen maximum output and specified dynamic contrast ratio of 40,000:1. Retail is US$1,599, which includes two pairs of 3D glasses. A version with wireless HD connectivity, the 3010e, will be available for $1,799; glasses are extra.

Replacing the current Home Cinema 8700, the Home Cinema 5010 has a Fujinon 2.1x zoom lens, and Epson's Super Resolution and FineFrame interpolation technology. Specified contrast ration is 200,000:1, and maximum output is 2,400 lumens. It will be available in November for US$3,000, or $3,500 for the wireless version. 3D Glasses are extra with both models.

Coming in November for US$4,000 is the Pro Cinema 6010, which adds ISF calibration, THX certification (pending), and two anamorphic lens modes. Replaces the Pro Cinema 9700, the new model comes with two pairs of 3D glasses, mount, extra lamp and three-year replacement warranty.