European Custom Installer

Global LCD TV shipments drop by -4% Y-o-Y during Q1 2013 NPD DisplaySearch reports-- unless one counts the contribution of the Chinese market, in which case WW shipments show 4% Y-o-Y growth on shipments reaching 44.8 million units.

Such growth comes through the 2013 Chinese New Year falling on February (rather than January), skewing holiday TV shipments to Q1 while showing "how important China has become to the global TV industry" according to the analyst.

Meanwhile non-LCD technologies continue their global decline-- Q1 2013 CRT TV shipments drop by -57% Y-o-Y, and Plasma demand drops by -14%. With the OLED TV contribution all but negligible (100000 units with flat growth) overall global TV shipments total 49.5m units with a -3% Y-o-Y decline.

FSR says the HDMI Ribbon Cable (DR-PCB-HxxM) uses proprietary technology to transmit high speed HDMI signals over distances reaching 99m, with active circuitry inside the connector shells providing all active signal buffering.

Through a hybrid fibre/copper structure the cable delivers up to 10.2 Gb/sec video bandwidth, handling 1080p, 4Kx2K, 3D, Deep color, HDMI-CEC, HDCP and most newer hi-res formats.

The ribbon-shaped jacket measures 5mm x 2.5mm and is available in 6 lengths ranging from 15m to 99m.

The cables are UL listed, plenum rated and FSR claims provide optical performance with the simplicity of copper.

The connectors hide the optical-to-electronic conversion, meaning the cable uses standard HDMI ports. It also draws power entirely from the HDMI port (without exceeding maximum power output standards), meaning the cable needs no external power connectors or extenders.

Go FSR HDMI Digital Ribbon Cable

The Rotel RA-1570 integrated amplifier provides 120W of power in an 8-ohm load, with a choice of analog and digital inputs highlighted by analog XLR balanced connections compatible with high-performance CD players or phono preamps.

An asynchronous USB port allows use with PCs and digital music players. The amp handles 24-bit/192kHz high resolution audio files, and Wolfson WM8740 stereo DACs take care of precise digital data to analog conversion.

Through an over-sized toroidal transformer and T-Network capacitors the RA-1570 receives the exact voltage and current to ensure fast and consistent power delivery.

For convenience Rotel also includes a front-mounted USB port allowing the easy docking of Apple and Android devices.

Go Rotel RA-1570 Integrated Amplifier

The handle might make it look like a bucket, but the Soundcast Melody is actually a speaker-- specifically an omni-directional Bluetooth speaker ideal for outdoor use.

It features a water- and UV-resistant all-weather plastic enclosure (complete with a sturdy handle) and a high-capacity rechargeable battery promising 20 hours of playtime, as well as x4 bass radiators and x4 full-range speakers pushing 360-degree audio.

At 4kg it is also not too heavy.

Connectivity comes through Bluetooth and 3.5mm jack, while charging options include USB, AC and 12V car adapter.

Amber International ships several additions to the URC Total Control product line-- including the TKP-7000 touchscreen, CAM-DC1 surveillance camera and the THS-WD1 external temperature sensor.

Custom installers also get "Offsite Programming" allowing remote access to MRX-10 advanced network controllers. Installers can program/reprogram, change cable channel line-up, reset favourites or make any other adjustments without need to visit the installation site.

One can access the controller from anywhere equipped with an internet connection.

The TKP-700 is a 7-inch capacitative touchscreen. It handles 1024x600 resolution and adds entertainment, lighting, heating and security control, with full graphic feedback from URC and compatible 3rd party devices.