The first 8K TV from Sony arrives in Europe-- the MASTER Series ZG9 HDR Full Array LED TVs, available in either 85- or 95-inch size and promising "the pinnacle of picture quality available to home viewers."
As the company claims, MASTER Series TVs provide premium picture quality, colour, contrast and clarity approaching professional-grade monitor levels. The ZG9 TVs carry the latest generation Picture Processor X1 Ultimate for accurate detail and contrast, with a "unique" algorithm able to detect and analyse each object in the frame to more accurately represent the intent of the creator.
Being 8K resolution, the ZG9 TVs offer four times the pixels of 4K (or 16 times the resolution of full HD), bringing the total pixel count to 33 million. Built-in 8K X-Reality PRO technology can upscale any content to reach "closer to true 8K picture quality," with a dedicated database allowing for more precise and detailed upscaling. Backlighting is also optimised for 8K with individually-controlled ultra-dense LED modules.
Nortek Security & Control announces a NOON Lighting System Driver for the ELAN control system. Built by driver developer Chowmain, it enables NOON Light control from within the ELAN platform.
The IP-Hub 2 is an IP-based audio distribution alternative to traditional 70V or 100V audio systems. It combines Attero Tech Axiom endpoints with Dante infrastructure to create a complete IP-based system, and features 2-channel DSP amplification with a multitude of power options, including PoE, PoE+, 40W PoE and 24V PX.
Google Assistant follows the previous addition of Amazon Alexa support. Sonos users can choose an assistant for each individual speaker, and a single system can handle multiple assistants. Thus, one can use Google Assistant on Beam in one room and Alexa on a Sonos One in another, or start a song with Google Assistant before asking Alexa what is playing.
Distributed Audio speakers feature pivoting tweeters in different sizes, as well as in-wall and in-ceiling configurations. All models ship with a white, round, low-profile grill, and Control4 also offers replacement square and round grills customers can custom-paint to blend into any décor. Installation promises to be fast and simple thanks to a mounting screw system and a tweeter bridge doubling as a handle.
Rachio Smart Sprinkler controllers make it easy to create custom schedules able to automatically adjust for changing local weather. They work with current sprinkler systems, up to 16 zones and provide users with complete sprinkler control via smartphone or tablet using the Rachio Remote app.
