InfoComm presents a new standard (Cable Labeling for Audiovisual Systems or CLAS) at a free plenary session during ISE 2016.

The new standard defines requirements for labeling cables used in installed AV systems and provides guidance for the easy identification of all power and signal paths in a completed system.

No one can argue with the fact proper cable labeling improves the operation, support, maintenance and troubleshooting of AV systems.

The ESP/SurgeX ISE 2016 stand features Envision-- a power diagnostics system allowing installers to measure and record power conditions through detailed data in live or date-stamped reports.

Described as "the ultimate troubleshooting tool," Envision provides energy data one can use to accurately identify the source of common electrical issues first time around. It comes in 230V/10A (EV-23010 IC) and 230V/16A (EV-23016 IC) configurations and features real-time diagnostic software together with an integrated scope meter.

Installers can use Envision as a pre-installation "electricity health meter" to identify and fix power issues before any installation. It can also be left onsite to analyse and record power anomalies in real-time, with the ESP/SurgeX Remote Portal providing 24/7 recording of all power conditions without need for site visits.

Audience announces the "top of the line" Au24 SX range of interconnects, loudspeaker, phone and digital cables, all promising to exceed the performance of the company's previous Au24 cable lines.

Improvements include XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) dielectric material, higher-purity "six nines" copper and better cable geometry. The cables are also of a heavier gauge than previous Au24 lines, and are more relaxed yet more dynamic sonically, with a richer tonal palette.

ICE Cable Systems announces the ISE 2016 launch of the Primal bulk wire systems-- an affordable category and speaker cable series offered in a pull-box packaging.

The line consists of Cat 5, Cat 6 and 14-/16-gauge speaker cables. All come in packaging featuring a pull-resistant handles and water-resistant laminate similar to those found in the ICE Big Mout Payout Box (BMP), with REELEX coil and payout technology keeping wire-pulls free from knots, kinks and tangles.

The Chord Company launches Clearway Digital-- a Tuned Aray digital coaxial cable the company claims is designed to deliver the full potential of high-quality digital music.

Available in a wide range of terminations (including silver-plated VEE 3 RCA plugs, BNC plugs and even 3.5mm mono jacks), Clearway Digital cables use an oxygen-free copper conductor combined with a gas-foamed polyethylene insulation and woven copper shield.

HDMI Licensing announces the Premium HDMI Cable Certification Program-- a program involving additional and enhanced HDMI cable testing and a unique anti-counterfeiting label.

“With rapid growth of feature-rich, 4K/UHD content, it’s critical that all components in a 4K/UltraHD HDMI-connected system are fully capable of delivering on the experience," the company says.

The program includes a best-practices design note and an expanded set of cable testing requirements to ensure cables reliably support the full 18Gbps bandwidth required by HDMI 2.0 specification. Also involved are testing guidelines for EMI levels to minimise unwanted interference with wireless signals.