European Custom Installer

Onkyo announces the TX-NR787-- a 9.2-channel AV receiver able to deliver 9.2-channel audio together with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio and THX Select certification.

The TX-NR787 handles multiple speaker configurations, including 5.2.4 and 7.2.2 layouts for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio, and 5.2- and 7.2-channel surround in the the primary zone plus powered stereo speakers in up to to two additional zones. It is rated at 9 x 100W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD, two channels driven).

The AVR offers pass-through support for HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats, as well as BT.2020 colour space, 4:4:4 colour sub-sampling, 24-bit video, 4K/60p video and HDCP 2.2 via x6 rear HDMI inputs. A front HDMI input allows temporary device connections, and a sub HDMI output handles projectors.

Sonos sends out press invites for an event taking place in San Francisco on 6 June 2018-- one featuring an image a hand looking to choose from multiple remotes with the tagline "you're better than this."

What the event will actually involve is anyone's guess, but if the grapevine is to be believed the answer is a successor to either the Playbar or Playbase. According to an FCC listing unearthed last month by Variety, Sonos is working on product codenamed model S14, "a high-performance all-in-one home theater smart speaker and part of Sonos’ home sound system.”

Tributaries Cable announces the UHDS Slim HDMI cable line is now certified 18Gbps by DPL labs and the Imaging Science Foundation, ensuring 4K compatibility as well as enabling HDR and Deep Color.

The upgrade comes through a slight increase in wire gauge-- from stranded 36AWG to solid 32WG. This allows the UHDS cables to passively support 18Gbps from 0.5m through 2m while maintaining a slim, flexible design. Tributaries says passive cables are preferable to active, since they are bi-directional and voltage agnostic, making installations simpler and more stable.

StormAudio is the next member of the Cinema Designer program, allowing dealers enrolled in the program to design and present theatre and media room layouts in a professional yet easy to create manner.

The Cinema Designer is a cloud-based design tool with a large database of products from participating CI vendors. Installers can calculate and produce 3D CAD drawings, specify the precise location of loudspeakers, screen, seating, projector, crucial amplification and processor requirements, acoustic treatments, RT60 value and more. The tool a generates detailed documents complete with audio and video calibration reports, as well as true-to-room aesthetic renders reflecting how the finished room will look.

Savant launches the Ambassador Program-- designed to identify and recognise installation firms for their knowledge and proficiency across key product categories from the companies.

Ambassadors are also recognised for a supportive role leading to product design enhancements and evaluating new technologies, including participation in an extensive Beta program. The program starts from April 2018 with a redesign of the Savant website allowing homeowners and building professionals to search for a Savant Ambassador near them.