European Custom Installer

Marmitek launches the GigaView 811 A/V sender, a plug-and-play solution for the wireless connection of HDMI-compatible devices to HDTVs or projectors.

It sends signals from any device with HDMI output (complete with 3D support), with HDCP standard compliancy and zero compression.

The GigaView 811 comes in 2 parts-- transmitter and receiver. The receiver is small (95x95x32mm) and easily mountable beneath TVs or next to projectors.

Being plug-and-play it is also ideal for turning PCs into media centres without installation of software.

Operational range is up to 10m (with line of sight) or 5m (without LOS).

Go Marmitek GigaView 811

Asheridge Communications has a solution for saturated wifi networks-- the echoBox, using MoCA (Multimedia over Coax) to improve internet connections without the need for rewiring.

The echoBox sends ethernet signals across in-home coax networks (usually star wired from the aerial splitter in the roof), turning all coax points into useable ethernet sockets.

Maximum connection speeds reach up to 200Mbps (CAT5e quality) to 16 rooms in a house.

It needs no new cabling, making it ideal for retrofits and customers without access, budget or desire to re-cable the entire home.

The echoBox adapter is a discreet accessory, small enough to fit the palm of the hand and thus easy to hide behind display screens.

Go Asheridge Launches echoBox

DisplaySearch reports 2012 TV shipments will decline by -11% Y-o-Y in W. Europe, offsetting growth in emerging markets-- with the result WW TV shipments will remain flat this year.

However the analyst predicts LCD TVs will at least see some growth (7% Y-o-Y) in 2012 with shipments reaching 220m, the result of capturing more market share from the declining CRT and plasma segments.

LCD TVs should make 88.5% of global TV shipments (up from 82.5% in 2011) before reaching 90% in 2013. In comparison plasma will account for 5.3% of 2012 shipments following a peak of 7.4% in 2010.

OLED will debut this year in large sizes, but DisplaySearch shipments will only reach around 50K units, if not less. Meanwhile following its shaky start 3DTV is growing in popularity, with shipment penetration in W. Europe to exceed 25% in 2012.

When it comes to TV sizes, bigger is the preference-- 2012 average TV shipped size will reach almost 35", up from less than 30" in 2008.

Go DisplaySearch Quarterly Advanced Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report

Bang & Olufsen launches the BeoPlay brand with the V1, a side-lit LED HDTV available in 32- and 40-inch sizes.

It has a number of interesting features such as a front-built light sensor that dynamically adjust image contrast depending on the light in the viewing environment and a slot fitting an Apple TV2 inside the connection panel on the back.

Built-in 5.1 audio (supposedly "liberating the viewing experience from the wall" by limiting wires) features Class D ICEpower amplifiers.

Connections include x5 HDMI inputs and a USB port for playing media from external sources. Display refresh rate is 120Hz.

The V1 comes in black or white, and the company offers 5 different fabric sleeves (in gray, green, yellow, pink and black) allowing users to change the look of the TV.

It ships with the Beo4 remote and a floor stand.

Go BeoPlay V1

Amped launches what it claims is the "most powerful, long range" indoor wifi solution-- the R20000G dual band router, ideal for use in either large homes or offices.

An upgrade of the earlier R10000G router, the R20000G covers an area of up to 930 square metres using dual 2.4GHz and 5GHz amplifiers to ensure unbroken wifi signals.

Boosting signals further are dual 5dBI detachable antennas and an internal processor reaching 620MHz speeds.

It features x5 gigabit networking ports and a USB 2.0 port for adding networked storage.

Go Amped Wireless Unveils Most Powerful, Long Range Indoor Wifi Solution