European Custom Installer

The HDMI Forum announces version 2.1 of the HDMI specification-- an update promising support for a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120.

Version 2.1 handles resolutions up to 10K, together with dynamic HDR formats. Bandwidth capability is increased to 48Gbps through a Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable able to handle uncompressed 8K video with HDR with exceptionally low EMI (electro-magnetic interference) and backwards compatibility with existing HDMI devices.

BenQ launches an entry-level 4K UHD projector-- the CineHome HT2550, a single-chip DLP number promising to hit 96% Rec 709 colour gamut, together with native 3840 x 2160 resolution.

The projector uses 0.47-inch single-DMD-chip DLP technology together with BenQ CinematicColor technology and an RGBRGB colour wheel to hit 96% coverage of Rec. 709 colour gamut. In total it can push 8.3 million distinctive pixels, with 2200 ANSI lumens brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio.

Smart lighting maker Lifx announced an upgraded version of the Lifx Z light strip kit-- one complete with native HomeKit support, with no need for a bridge device to add connectivity.

Lifx lighting strips do not need a hub device, since they connect directly to wifi. They also support Alexa and Google Assistant, are dimmable and support up to 16 million colours. Customers can divide the strips into 8 separate controllable zones for additional configurability, as well as pair them with other Lifx lighting systems such as the Tile panel or Beam rails.

Customers eager to get the first Apple smart speaker are to receive some bad news-- the HomePod's initial release in the UK, US and Australia has been delayed until "early 2018."

Apple does not give reason for the delay, other than it needing a "little more time" before the device is ready for launch. It is also unclear as to whether the delay will affect launch in other countries, but we can assume that will be exactly the case.

"We can't wait for people to experience HomePod, Apple's breakthrough wireless speaker for the home, but we need a little more time before it's ready for our customers," the full Apple statement reads. "We'll start shipping in the US, UK and Australia in early 2018."

German customers get further reason to buy a 4K TV-- satellite network QVC is bringing a UHD channel in Germany (the 7th in the country) via the SES Video prime orbital slot 19.2 degrees East.

A ten-year agreement has QVC will use additional capacity for the upgrade to UHD, and rely on SES subsidiary MX1 for encoding in HEVC format and uplink services. In addition QVC also renews capacity for distribution of the channel in both standard and high definition.

"As we carry the largest line-up of HD and UHD channels worldwide, it is part of our DNA to help our customers bring the best possible picture quality to their audience. We are very excited to continue working with QVC for its transmission not only in SD and in HD, but now also in Ultra HD,” SES says. “This agreement clearly underlines the ability of SES Video, augmented by MX1, to offer its customers a full suite of video solutions.”