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System Integration for the Connected Home

Audio

Harman Pro: HiQnet Audio Architect Version 1.1

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HiQnet Audio Architect version 1.1

Harman Professional introduces its HiQnet Audio Architect version 1.1 professional audio configuration and control platform, an upgrade that brings new functionality and features, including control of Audinate Dante-enabled devices, enhanced functionality for BSS Audio and Crown products, better on-screen control interfaces and others.

Audio Architect is the software element of Harman’s Architectural Media Systems, and is a single control platform for all devices in a HiQnet sound system, from microphone to speaker. Harman Architectural Media Systems combines the processing power of BSS Audio and Crown Audio’s category leading amplifier technology with the configuration and control capabilities of HiQnet Audio Architect. This solution provides audio professionals with the most complete, versatile platform available for small to large-scale AV system design, with the single point accountability of one-stop comprehensive support and logistics. Architectural Media Systems provides networked audio connectivity via the designer’s choice of AVB, Harman’s proprietary BLU Link bus, Cirrus CobraNet or Audinate Dante.

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The WiSA-Compliant HDMI, Audio Hub

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Hansong AdapterHansong Technology announces two new products-- an entry-level HDMI adapter for the transmission of HD surround sound and an audio hub transmitting wireless HD audio from multiple input sources for home theatre systems.

The adapter provides basic connectivity via HDMI port connected to an HDTV for transmitting wireless HD audio to WiSA-compliant speaker. It also features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming and setup.

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Wireless Audio from KEF

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KEF launches a wireless version of the X300A desktop speakers at CEDIA Expo 2013-- the X300A Wireless Digital Hifi Speaker system, capable of streaming via Airplay or DLNA from Apple or Android devices.

KEF Wireless speakersThe system features 4 dedicated amplifiers (2 per speaker), 2 discrete DACs and a high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit distortion-free USB connection (in wired mode).

Setup comes via wizard (OS X and Windows) available from the KEF website.

The company says users can switch the X300A between desk, free space and desk/wall modes by adjusting equalisation according to location via rear panel switch (desk and stand modes) or via foam plug for the rear reflex port (wall mode).

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Vision Renews Powered Speaker Range

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Vision’s AV-1000

Vision’s AV-1000 Powered loudspeakers have been superseded by two new products; the SP-1200P has more power and is aimed to fulfill European tender specifications which often demand 30 watts.

The SP-1100P is a simpler, less powerful version which aims to win price-led business.

The new products are radically better: both use a Yamaha digital amplifier chip and are assembled on an automated computer-driven production line leading to greater reliability.

The SP-1200P also feature’s Vision’s new wall brackets which are unique to Vision and speed up installation.

Go Vision SP-1200P

Salamander Partners With Leon

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Salamander accessorySalamander Designs unveils a co-development with Leon Speakers-- an integrated loudspeaker accessory fitting any of the Synergy and Chameleon cabinets.

The solution conceals a high performance loudspeaker behind cloth grilles within the AV cabinet, eliminating the need for bulky in-room speakers and unsightly wiring.

As well as being custom tailored for each cabinet, the Salamander integrated speaker solutions ship with sturdy brackets to facilitate up-and-down loudspeaker rotation, optimising performance for any room or seating situation.

Go Salamander Speaker Integrated Cabinets

The Fan and Speaker Combo

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Bathrooms need fans for the elimination of hot, damp air. Some think bathrooms also need speakers, to pipe music while one does their business. Homewerks suggests your customers combine both needs with Bluetooth Bath Fan.

Bathroom fanThe name says it all, really. The fan connects with most Bluetooth-enabled devices (up to 9m distance) to stream the user's choice of music, with the connected device also handling volume control.

Meanwhile according to Homewerks the fan is both powerful (90 CFM) and quiet (1.5 Sones), so one should be able to listen to the sounds over the vent hum. An included wall switch allows fan- or speaker-only operation, and since the speaker is integrated with the fan wiring it needs no recharging.

The Bluetooth Bath Fan is available now.

Go Bluetooth Bath Fan

Audio Messages, via Finger Poke

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Disney researchers propose a novel means of passing audio messages around-- a microphone one can whisper recordings into before transmission by simply touching the potential listener's earlobe.

magic earDubbed Ishin-Denshin (after the Japanese concept of unspoken understanding, translated as “what the mind thinks, the heart transmits"), the technology uses less of telepathy and more of the magic of electricity. The microphone actually encodes sounds into a high voltage, low current electrical signal, one able to modulate an electrostatic field around the speaker's body, charging them.

A touch from the charged person on another's earlobe vibrates the ear slightly, creating a "speaker" allowing them (and only them) to listen to the message.

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