European Custom Installer

System Integration for the Connected Home

TVs, Displays and Mounts

ABI Research: 4K TV Soon Hits the Mainstream

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According to ABI Research, the saturated global TV market is on the cusp of mainstream 4K TV adoption, as consumer seek higher resolutions, larger screen sizes and connected and integrated applications and services.

4K TVThe analyst forecasts 4K TV shipments will reach 233 million in 2024, while growing a 13% CAGR. Looking further into the future, 8K should prove to be the next big thing, as vendors including Samsung, Sony, LG and TCL have already announced such sets, if at currently exorbitant pricetags limiting sales volumes, at least for the foreseeable future. However price points should decline over the next several years, just as 4K TVs have.

The biggest barrier to 8K TV at the moment is a lack of content and distribution models. Currently the only country with a form of 8K broadcast is Japan, although the Korean Broadcasting Corporation (KBS) is working on an 8K broadcast. Rakuten plans to offer 8K streaming in late 2019, even if the limited adoption of 8K TV sets fails to provide incentive for 8K broadcasts.

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Futuresource: TV Shipments Hit 8-Year High

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Global TV shipments see the strongest growth rate of the decade in 2018 Futuresource reports, with value up by 6%. Even Europe returns to growth, despite weak performance from W. Europe, thanks to a 6% increase in E. Europe.

Sharp 8K TV“Last year, worldwide TV shipments chalked up 227 million units, with a trade value of $85 billion,” the analyst says. “All this action is the result of a number of factors, applying pressure and influencing the landscape. Price reductions for premium technologies like 4K have started to open up the mass market; meanwhile, major investment in South East Asian production has not only helped the local market, but also driven down large screen pricing across the globe. And despite some localised macro-economic problems, which have caused significant shipment fluctuations for several countries, the world view is positive.”

Samsung and LG remain the two top vendors, even if both are losing ground due to "incursions" from the value end of the market. However the two companies, together with Sony, retain dominance of the premium segment, meaning they are better-positioned to defend margins when compared to government-sponsored Chinese brands.

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Sony Expands Smart TV Functionality With Alexa

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Sony Alexa TVSelect Sony Android smart TVs are getting an Alexa app adding a number of features from the Amazon smart assistant, including the ability to control Ring smart cameras and finding music using voice.

The Sony TVs getting such functionalities are all 2019 models, most 2018 models,  2017 mid-range models (A1E, X940E, X930E, X900E, X850E, X800E) and a number of 2016 sets (Z9D, X800D, X750D, X700D). Previously Alexa functionality on an Android smart TVs required integration with both an Echo speaker and a Fire TV device, but the app allows voice commands without need for extra hardware.

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The Best TVs of 2019, According to Netflix

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As one of the biggest providers of streaming video in the world, Netflix has something of an annual tradition-- a list of the best TVs of the year, at least if the customer solely wants to use said TV to consume streaming video.

Netflix TVNetflix judges TVs according to a very specific set of criteria, all related to the service. Thus, the TV needs to be able to instantly power on and remember where the viewer left off, have an easily accessible Neflix icon on the UI, get to Netflix within a few seconds, switch quickly and easily between apps and, perhaps obviously, support the latest version of Netflix.

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Sanus Launches Full Motion S4 Mounts

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Mount specialist Sanus announces the Advanced Full Motion S4-- a range of wall mounts for ultra-slim TVs both large and small promising style, stability, slimness and simplicity.

Sanus 4s mountsDeveloped in collaboration with custom installers, the S4 range consists of three brackets covering all TV sizes ranging from 19- to 90-inch. All feature a UL-listed solid steel frame to provide maximum support for the TV. In turn the steel frame is incorporated into stylish brushed steel decorative covers (in stainless or black stainless) concealing the wall plate. The package also includes all mounting hardware and drilling templates.

Sanus technologies such as Virtual Axis allow fingertip tilt of the brackets, while FluidMotion provides seamless TV movement. Once positioned a Steady Set function holds the TV in perfect position, eliminating drift and unwanted movement. Users can tilt the mounts through 15 degrees and swivel left and right between 57- and 90-degrees depending on the size of mount and TV selected.

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