A new consortium proposes manufacturers start using its specification for the connection of mobile devices to HDTVs-- MHL (mobile high-definition link).

Optimised for mobile devices, the proposed connection uses an inexpensive thin cable with a 5-pin interface, using established connectors. It should support up to 1080p HD video and digital audio while also powering up the connected mobile device. Users will also be able to control MHL-enabled mobile devices through a MHL-enabled HDTV's remote.

Demnostrated at February's Mobile World Congress 2011, the standard's promoters includes Nokia, Samsung, Silicon Image, Sony and Toshiba. The MHL consortium is also looking for companies wanting to become adopters.

Go MHL

Panamax/Furman will combine operations with LiteTouch (manufacturer of lighting control products): both companies are subsidiaries of Linear, LLC’s Home Technology Group of Linear. Panamax/Furman president Bill Pollock will run the joined companies.

Panamax makes power management, monitoring & control solutions engineered for professional custom electronics integrators. Furman provides power management solutions for musicians, audio pros, and commercial AV integrators as well as a line of high-performance power conditioners for audiophile-grade A/V systems and 220V-240V power management solutions for use outside of North America.

LiteTouch, a 30-year leader in the residential custom installation market, delivers lighting control solutions engineered for new construction and for retrofit applications (with features such as remote access, conditional event and custom programming, daylight harvesting and a host of other energy saving features).

Both companies focus now on providing energy efficiency and energy management solutions. Panamax/Furman has integrated its new BlueBOLT Technology into many of its products (to control and monitor AV system power through a secure, hosted IP Web portal). LiteTouch has added DayLight Harvesting keypads and will feature a low-voltage relay and data input port option for each of their new 2011 keypads.

Go Panamax/Furman/LiteTouch

Watch our ISE interview on BlueBolt with John Benz, Marketing Manager, Furman

From France, country of the tricolore, comes another "tri-ple" idea: the DesignScreenHD screen folds in 3 parts.

As simple as closing a window: you close the left section, then the right, and the last visible panel can be an authentic picture frame on the facade.

With this patented mechanism, the screen surface gently folds and curves within the frame structure to provide a fully tensioned home cinema screen that takes up only a third of the living room wall space.

DesignScreenHD projection screens are equipped with a HD quality screen surface that has a reflective top coating, without directionality. The screens are fully tensioned (strung every 6cm or so) on aluminium fixed frames and give the experience of a dedicated theater room in the living room.

Go DesignScreenHD projection screens

Furman Marketing Manager John Benz speaks to ISE and rAVe Europe at ISE 2011, where he tells of his company's AC power management and protection solutions for integrators.

The company's range covers the whole gamut, from basic residential installs to commercial live sound systems-- with a wide variety of technologies ensuring an installed system, ultimately, does what it's meant to do.

Furman tells we're seeing more IP-based technologies; such as the company's BlueBOLT system, which is soon coming to EMEA markets. BlueBOLT offers cloud-based IP power outlet controle and energy monitoring, allowing integrators to remotely address system issues by rebooting problem components; as well other installer features including e-mail alerts (in case of power anomalies), scheduled power-up, power-down or power-cycling commands and near-real time incoming voltage monitoring.

BllueBOLT's setup involves simply plugging a CAT5 cable into the unit's back and claiming the device on Furman's dedicated website-- which is then accessible through any web-enabled device's internet browser. Integrators can also access BlueBOLT-enabled hardware over LAN or control system.

Watch Furman ISE 2011 Interview

Go Furman BlueBOLT