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Savant launches the SmartLink digital modules-- output and receiving modules transmitting A/V signals over up to 100m of CAT 5e/6 cable via HDBaseT technology.

Output modules are available in 2- and 4-port versions, while the receiving modules comes in a wall plate form factor with ethernet, HDMI and control outputs accessible from the device front panel.

SmartLink Modules break out the HDBaseT power, ethernet and control components, directing them to a separate cable. Savant infrastructure allows remote diagnostic tool access, including HDBaseT connection status, real-time video connection and resolution monitoring, EDID monitoring and network status information.

HDBaseT modules will start shipping as Savant SmartMediaPro controller service cards from Q2 2013.

Go Savant Introduces SmartLink Digital Modules

Screen Innovations (SI) adds 2 reference-quality materials to the Zero Edge projection screen portfolio-- 1.3 gain Pure White and 0.8 gain Pure Gray, both featuring the SI's proprietary Micro Texture.

Capable of reproducing resolutions ranging from 1080p to 8K and beyond, the screens require no additional assembly once unpacked. Mounting options including on-wall or flown from ceilings via slender cables, and the frame carries (optional) built-in LED lighting in 6 custom preferences and 256000 colours including 6500 kelvin white.

“Resolving the most common complaints associated with white and gray projection screens, Pure reproduces projected images brilliantly without any measurable color shift or visible texture,” SI claims. “It redefines the middle market by providing the coolest, most impressive and cost effective solution for video purists, enthusiasts and everyday viewers alike.”

Zero Edge screens are available in large-format sizes of up to 120-inch in 16:9 and up to 150-inch in 2:35:1, with further materials including Black Diamond 2.7 gain, Black Diamond 1.4 gain or Black Diamond 0.8 gain.

Go Reference Quality Pure Zero Edge Projection Screens

Samsung bolsters its store of technologies connecting smart TVs with mobile devices as news leaks on its latest acquisition-- MOVL, developers of the MOVL Connect and Kontrol.tv app platforms.

MOVL confirms the acquisition with a statement saying it joined forces with Samsung on April 2013, and now makes part of Samsung Electronics. Financial details on the deal are not available.

The company is not unfamiliar with the Korean giant-- it is not only one of the first winners of the Samsung Connected TV developer contests (with the WeDraw illustration mobile-TV app), it is the developer behind SwipeIt, the Samsung take AirPlay-style wireless media sharing technology.

MOVL made other multi-screen connected TV games (such as PokerFun) as well as the technology making such games possible. Kontrol.tv is an app platform connecting Samsung and Google TV devices with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, while MOVL Connect is a technology simplifying development of multi-screen apps.

No word is available on how being part of Samsung affects MOVL's work, but it is safe to assume non-Samsung projects will take the back burner from now on...

Go MOVL

Go Samsung Has Acquired MOVL (TechCrunch)

NAD Electronics reveals a trio of AirPlay-enabled audio products-- the D 3020 DAC/Amplifier, D 7050 Direct Digital Network Receiver, and D 1050 USB 24/192 DAC.

The D 3020 is a DAC/amplifier modeled after the late 1970's NAD 3020 integrated amplifier. It features built-in 2x30W Class D amplifier, stereo AptX Bluetooth connectivity, asynchronous USB input, subwoofer output, separate embedded headphone amp (with volume control), x2 optical, x2 coax digital and x1 analog inputs, remote and, of course, AirPlay streaming capability.

NAD describes the D 7050 digital network receiver as the first successful closed loop digital amplifier in the world-- meaning it compares output to input before compensating for any difference to achieve "perfect" output. DAC performance is 24/196 and the 2x50W amp uses pulse width modulation (PWM) and Direct Digital technology.

Linksys reveals a pair of additions for its Smart Wifi router range-- the AC 1200 and AC 1600, both promising easy setup (via web browser) and SimpleTap connections through QR code or NFC tag.

The two devices support 802.11ac, IPv6 and beamforming technology, providing wireless speeds up to x3 faster than Wireless-N according to the company. Linksys Smart Wifi apps allow remote home network access, while ports include gigabit ethernet and USB 3.0.

The AC1200 promises bit rates of 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, making it able to handle 3-5 connected devices in small homes.

Being the more powerful option, the AC 1600 handles 5-7 connected devices with 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

Linksys says the AC 1200 is available now, while the AC 1600 should start shipping by end May 2013.

Go Linksys Smart Wifi Routers