Marmitek offers its GigaView820 - a HDMI switcher, transmitter and splitter solution. An update of its GigaVideo 800, it connects up to two devices, and one can switch between them automatically through supplied remote.

The company says its wireless HDMI technology's signal range is up to 30m even through a wall or cupboard door. The transmitter streams uncompressed 1080p signals to the receiver (connects to TV).

The device fulfils HDCP standards.

A TV set can also connect locally to the transmitter through the built-in splitter.

Go GigaView820

After learning how to hook up his home theatre back in a 2007 short, Goofy is back in the AV world - this time with Video and Audio Optimisation.

The Disney character guides beginners through a series of basic tests and patterns to maximise home video and audio performance. Together with an illustrated handbook the WOW disc applies to all sets, from flat panel and OLED to projectors and CRT-based sets, as well as various sound formats.

The disc's advanced section contains professional evaluation and calibration AV tools for specific displays. These tools include pixel flipper, viewing angle diagnostic, and a video encoder stress test.

One can bypass the regular menus and access all the AV tools directly.

The included booklet provides examples of properly and improperly calibrated test patterns.

Go Disney World of Wonder

Brite-View's HDelight streams digital content from any HDMI ready PC to HDTV - wirelessly. A transmitter is plugged in via HDMI and USB port, while the receiver is connected to the TV set.

Using WHDI technology, the HDelight's built-in antenna transmits for up to 9m.

A TV set can either be used as a main screen or as a second monitor.

Go Brite-View HDelight

Bose's VideoWave looks like a simple 46" HD TV set. In fact it's a complete integrated home theatre solution from the well known audio company.

The Videowave contains invisible speakers:  6 woofers in a magnesium enclosure and a 7-speaker array. Bose's Adaptiq technology calibrates audio by shooting high frequency audio waves. These bounce off walls to recreate a surround sound effect.

The TV set is only connected to a control console to which all other devices are connected. The console contains 4 HDMI, 2 component, composite and USB ports. A separate iPod dock is also included.

The ClickPad remote contains controls for power, volume, input and channel selection, and an iPod style wheel. Running a finger on its surface activates an option border around the TV screen to select further controls. This option border is customised for each connected device.

Go Bose VideoWave

Sharp is the first optical disc maker to launch a new Blu-ray format (BDXL) that offers 100GB of storage.

While the existing dual-layer Blu-ray format offers max 50GB per disc, the new BDXL format (by increasing the allowed layers on a disc from two to four) allows up to 128GB for write-once and 100GB for rewriteable..

Sharp's VR-100BR1 Blu-ray disc will first be available in Japan. Sharp will also releasing two players this month that handle the new BDXL format.

Go Sharp's VR-100BR1 Blu-ray disc

Philips Pronto launches a line of accessories (designed by Polar Bear Solutions) to enhance the company's control solutions and give integrators new options when installing any Pronto product.

The new line consists of two wall docking stations, a power sensor relay and a video sensor.

The wall docking stations (PBS9600W and PBS9800W) flush mount in-wall docks to allow the Pronto TSU9600 and TSU9800 control panels to be stored in-wall.

The PBS9600W allows for removal of the TSU9600 from the wall allowing for mobility while retaining functionality. The 9600W wall docking station also has a unique feature and hosts a set of four built-in buttons located at the base of the dock to be used for critical services (regardless of whether the Pronto TSU9600 is charging in the dock or has been left elsewhere in the room). These buttons allow for integration into an existing lighting control solution such as a Lutron or iLight system. (Or you can control a projector screen or automate some other aspects of the home.)

The PBS9800W flush wall mount kit comes in two parts, the wall box and the main caddy and frame. The bezel can be removed to gain access to the USB connector and power switch necessary for updating, without the need to remove the complete unit from the wall.

The Power Sensor Relay PBS1001S is small and sits in line with the main supply to a DVD player, flat screen TV, STB, or any other device, and monitors energy usage. The PBS1001S also has the ability to shut off main power to the equipment it is connected to, allowing installers to create more energy efficient installations.

The Video Sensor (PBS1002S) works with the Pronto extender RFX9600 and connects to an unused composite video output from a DVD player, flat screen, STB, or other device and monitors the signal produced from that device. The unit provides physical feedback (via an output contact) to indicate if the signal is present.

Go Philips Pronto