European Custom Installer

Epson launches the LS500 Laser Projection TV, a combination of ultra short throw projector and ambient light rejecting screen available in either 100- or 120-inch screen sizes for a complete entertainment solution.

The LS500 is carries Epson 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD technology, and is capable of displaying 4K HDR images with full 10-bit colour processing accepting 100% of the RGB colour signal for every frame, allowing display of the Rec. 709 colour space. Advanced black density control individually pulses the laser light emitted by the Epson Dynamic Laser Array diodes to suppress stray light within the signal, producing a contrast ratio of 2500000:1.

According to IDC, the global smart home device market is set to grow by 23.5% in 2019 to reach 815 million devices, before shipments total over 1.39 billion in 2023 with a 5-year CAGR of 14.4%.

"Driving the market's growth over the next few years is a combination of downward pressure on prices from intensifying competition, rising adoption of smart assistants and rising consumer awareness of the conveniences, costs savings, and energy reductions that smart home devices provide," the analyst says.

Monitor Audio presents a compact amplifier addition to the Custom Install audio solution range-- the IA40-3, featuring digital, analogue and Bluetooth inputs with Dolby Audio (Dolby Digital).

Designed for easy installation, the amplifier features customisable brackets allowing installers to position it in multiple locations, be it a wall, cabinet, stand or the back of a TV. It offers 40W of power over three channels at 4 Ohms, or 60W over two channels, and is aimed primarily for use in smaller environments. Customers can add an active subwoofer to the IA40-3 via sub/line out. Connectivity comes through optical and analogue inputs, as well as Bluetooth for pairing with mobile devices.

Sony announces the availability of the Crystal LED display system for home applications. Initially introduced for use in commercial and entertainment venues, the system can display 8K HDR content, with the possibility of scaling up to 16K resolution.

The Crystal LED system uses a ultra-fine micro-LEDs measuring 0.003mm², making them half the width of a human hair or 100x smaller than traditional LEDs. While small, the micro-LEDs can handle HDR with brightness of up to 1000 nits, as well as 10-bit grayscale and frame rates reaching 120p. The system also allows for nearly 180-degree viewing angles and "spectacular" 3D with non-standard aspect ratios and 99% black surface area for high contrast and high resolution.

URC debuts the TRC-1480-- a handheld remote with a push-to-talk voice control feature, 2.4-inch touchscreen complete with two-way metadata and hard buttons, all within an ergonomic design.

An integrated microphone allows voice communications with Alexa or Siri (for Apple TV). The TRC-1480 is aimed at both home and pro AV applications, and provides full control of the URC Total Control 2.0 system, including TVs, cable and satellite boxes, AV gear, music systems, lighting systems, security cameras, door locks, thermostats, motorised shades and more.