ControlThink Introduces Z-Wave Enabled Platform for Mass Market Windows SideShow Enabled Remote Controls

ControlThink's ThinkRemote Platform to Speed Time-to-Market for CE Manufacturers; PiTech and CWTek are First Hardware Partners

CEDIA 2007 - September 5, 2007 - ControlThink today announced its new ThinkRemote platform, providing PC and accessory manufacturers the ability to create mass-market Microsoft Windows SideShow-enabled remote controls using Z-Wave, the industry-standard wireless technology for home control and automation.

PC and accessory manufacturers can now create affordable Windows Media Center remote controls as well as other Windows SideShow-enabled devices—while leveraging Z-Wave wireless mesh technology to deliver personalized information such as weather and stock quotes to anywhere in the home.

"We're excited that ControlThink and the Z-Wave Alliance are bringing to market a platform that will help CE manufacturers around the world take advantage of Windows SideShow technology while enabling a new price point for devices," said Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President of the PC|3 Division of Microsoft.

Benefits of the Z-Wave enabled ThinkRemote platform include:

•Manufacturers can create affordable, mass-market Windows SideShow-enabled remotes, including built-in support for Windows Media Center
•Any Z-Wave device with a display can integrate with the ThinkRemote platform and display Windows SideShow content using standard Z-Wave profiles
•Remotes can also communicate with any other Z-Wave enabled devices, such as lights, blinds, thermostats, and security and entertainment devices
•Reliable Z-Wave technology removes the need for line-of-sight, allowing the remote to be used anywhere in home by utilizing Z-Wave's mesh network repeater functionality
•Two-way Z-Wave technology allows interactive displays in wireless remotes and other devices, such as fridge magnets
•Supports all Windows SideShow gadgets including weather, stock quotes, email, and third-party gadgets
•Content can be customized per user or shared with the whole family
•Provides for optional control of Windows Media Player or other software, and allows OEMs to integrate their own custom screens, menus, and other functionality
•Works with simpler non-display remotes as an alternative to infrared PC remote controls
•Z-Wave to IR bridge (using IR emitters on the PC) will be available as an optional add-on for OEMs wanting to make their PCs the hub of the entertainment center, allowing a Z-Wave enabled remote to send commands to a cable box, amplifier, or other equipment via the PC
•Initial release supports full Windows SideShow experience for text-based remotes, including both glance data and regular content

"This is another example where Z-Wave technology and its rich ecosystem of interoperable products is enabling new and exciting applications," said Mark Walters, chairman of the Z-Wave Alliance. "By integrating with Windows Vista we're extending the reach of home control."

"Our goal was to create a low-cost way for manufacturers to create PC-based remote controls and Windows SideShow-enabled hardware devices using Z-Wave," said Chris Walker, President of ControlThink. "And while we accomplished that, we also transformed the PC from a single-room computer to a whole-home entertainment solution and information hub. This is really exciting, and opens significant new opportunities for PC and accessory manufacturers."

As part of the initial launch, two hardware partners - PiTech and CWTek - are developing remote controls and other devices that take advantage of Windows SideShow and Z-Wave technology. These products are expected to be available for consumers in late 2007 or early 2008.

Space saving is a recurring theme with this model, too, with its magnetic-backed remote control that sticks to the TV's base when you're not using it. We saw another model in white that's just about the same but not AQUOS branded, and doesn't have that clever magnetic-backed remote or the carrying handle in the back.

These tiny TVs look great, their price is right, and might be popular with those who need a TV blaring at them wherever they are. The LC-19D44U will retail for $649 and ships in October.

It has twice the capacity of the TiVo-less HR20, bringing 100 hours of HD and 400 hours of SD video to the festivities. We liked the pretty black design of the HR21, and the touchwheel-shaped control wheel up front looked nice but felt a bit cheap.

Although there's still no TiVo on board despite the renewed agreement between the two companies, we were impressed with the snappy response of its user interface. But it's ugly like most other b-grade non-TiVo DVR interfaces. Meh. And look at that tacky remote, looking more like a kid's toy from Fisher Price than a pro-installed remote control.

Another pro-install innovation is the optical HDMI, where you plug an HDMI cable into an black box that turns those signals into optical impulses, transmitting them over fiber optic cable to another black box that turns them back into HDMI signals. Neat. And hey, it still does HD!

Sure, this remote can control your TV, stereo, AV components and such, but it also sends back the status of those devices, showing up right there on its display. That's the joy that's ZigBee 2-way wireless RF tech. You can hook up lights, thermostat, nearly any electronic device to this thing. It feels good in the hand, but it's not nearly as ergonomic as TiVo's bone design.

For that steep $750 price, it better be able to do lots more than control everything in your house. But hey, in this custom-installed world inhabited by Crestron and others, $750 is a drop in the bucket. Couldn't you do most of this fancy controlling with a Logitech Harmony remote? You could even get a custom installer to program it for you, so then, let's see... the price would be $50 on sale for the low-end Harmony remote, and $700 for the installer. Wow, same price. Okay, now we get it.

The UI is exactly the same as its 622 predecessor, which is good and bad. That's because the UI itself is really ugly and clunky. It's bad enough to keep you from recording stuff, and subsequently watching less TV, never wanting to take the trouble to learn its vagaries. We like the way they've updated the storage in both the 622 and this 722, and hey, we like this black design much better than the 622 silver slug ugliness.

Overall the 722 is an incremental upgrade over the 622, still amounting to the equivalent of a mediocre restaurant, but at least the portions aren't so small.

This new line delivers those 120Hz smooth-moving pics to those who have about $200 less moo-laa available for such things, but boasts a slightly lower contrast ratio for that reduced price. If you like that high-contrasty look with a shiny screen—say, you don't have a lot of bright lights or windows in the back of your TV room—you might want to opt for Samsung's upscale 71 series, but for the rest of us, these two lower-priced screens might do the trick.

See the performance monitor shots in the gallery above—it's hardly working, using just 57% of its processing power while feeding and recording all that video. It's doing that using NVIDIA's highest-end graphics card, the 8800GTS (that's DVI-only, but easily converted to HDMI).

We're not sure who would really need to run four Xbox media extenders at the same time, recording all that stuff. Might be nice for a small hotel or a family with a dozen children. It was a fascinating engineering exercise nonetheless.

The ARRU449 can handle everything from your DVD player to your DVR to a satellite receiver. Yes, its nice to not have to change the channel or squash the picture to see what's playing elsewhere, or change what the girlfriend is watching to get the latest sports scores, but for $399.99, the girlfriend can go to hell — I'm sticking with my sticky 3-year old remote control.

ACOUSTIC RESEARCH "WI-FI" REMOTE DELIVERS ON-REMOTE GUIDES, NEWS, WEATHER AND SPORTS INFORMATION

DENVER, September 6, 2007 - Offering a unique combination of sophistication and simplicity, the new Acoustic Research Wi-Fi Universal Remote controls a myriad of entertainment products and uses the home Wi-Fi network to deliver an Electronic Program Guide and personalized news, weather and sports headlines to the color LCD
display. The ARRU449 from Audiovox Accessories, which functions seamlessly without wires and without a computer, will be available in October with a suggested retail price of $399.99

"This innovative Acoustic Research Wi-Fi Remote is perfect for the consumer in a broadband-connected household that is seeking a simple, direct solution for controlling multiple products," said Lou Lenzi, senior vice president, product management, Audiovox Accessories. "Additionally, there is tremendous demand for instant access to the
latest news, sports and weather, and the WiFi remote expediently and efficiently delivers personalized guide information," he added.

The Wi-Fi Universal remote operates as "command central" for controlling a virtually unlimited number of entertainment components including DVRs, DVD players, cable and satellite receivers, DVD recorders, CD players, sound systems and more. When not in use, the remote rests in a custom-designed charging cradle that keeps it ready for operation at all times.

The ARRU449 utilizes the click365™ technology, wireless content and services network developed by tvCompass Inc. The Chicago-based company provides diverse wireless interactive TV and real-time entertainment services for the consumer, Wi-Fi, mobile phone and PDA markets.

The Electronic Program Guide is automatically updated through the remote's wireless Wi-Fi connection, enabling the family to continue watching TV while searching the on-remote screen for optional cable, satellite or analog or digital broadcast programming choices. With individual customization capabilities, the viewer can select from "All
Channels," "My Channels," "My Shows" or sort the guide to display HDTV movies, family or sports programming. Another convenience option is the ability to view program details and set "reminders" for select program times. The viewer is provided with updates through the Wi-Fi connection of national headline news, sports, weather information and program guide listings based on your postal ZIP codes.

As an added convenience, the ARRU449 offers simple device setup right in front of your components with no wired PC connection needed. All you need to know is the brand of component. The Wi-Fi remote offers activities that are simple to set-up for most common usage of a product. For example, commands can be programmed to "Watch DVD", "Watch DVR", "Watch Satellite" with the selection of a soft-key icon navigation on the LCD screen. On-screen assistance for set-up of these functions is also provided.

While delivering highly advanced services, the ARRU449 is extremely consumer friendly. On-screen menus provide "start-up welcome" support that includes essential feature descriptions that serve as a basic tutorial for easy product usage.

Among other advantages, the ARRU449 gives you the best options by providing an extensive library of "smart codes" in the Wi-Fi remote to link together multiple branded products. Since it is a "learning remote," the ARRU449 can easily replicate the functions of all component remote control brands for instant fingertip control.

Next, the demo showed the Sony panel in Game Mode, but then its color didn't look nearly as good and still couldn't quite keep up. Yeah, the JVC clearly beat the other three, but only by a couple of frames. But still, when you're hard-core gaming, every frame counts.

JVC showed a second demo (which is impossible to see on this 30fps video) that was also impressive, demonstrating how its 120Hz interpolation can smooth out artifacts in an image. JVC's now in its second generation of this double-framed 120Hz goodness, where they actually create extra frames in between each of the normal 60 frames, estimating where objects would be in between and literally creating something out of nothing.

In person, there was a noticeable difference between the brands, all of which were running 120Hz frames, especially in scenes with lots of movement. Of course, in this demo JVC's TV looked the smoothest by far. Whether this demo is rigged or not (and that wouldn't be that hard to do), this 120Hz capability is getting to be a must-have feature.

It does have HDMI out, which wasn't previously specified, and the top has a number of touch buttons. Remote is not swanky at all. Doesn't match. The thing does automated video slideshows, and uses face detection to auto crop photos. Neat. But it will not rip movies from discs (just CDs), unless you're going from firewire from one of those old fangled camcorders or MPEG-4 via memory card. No AVCHD support.

The video is of the details, because, well, the details are beautiful and a lot more interesting than the entirety, which looks like a big black block. But hit the gallery if you want the full shot. [HES-v1000 on Giz]

We hit the stopwatch first on a Blu-ray disc, and the time from tray insertion to first video was an eventual 31 seconds. For HD DVD, it was a bit quicker, at 29.7 seconds. We'd rather see this time shaved to under 10 seconds.

And oh yeah, the 1080p video coming out of the player was just perfect, in both Blu-ray and HD DVD trim. And, looky there, it's the official HD DVD logo sitting there, absent in the first-generation player because of alleged Microsoft recalcitrance. Word is that the Redmondians didn't want to see some crazy idea like a dual player hitting the market, making consumers' lives easier. Apparently all is forgiven. [No, the original LG player didn't do true HD DVD because it couldn't handle interactive menus. -B.Lam]

It's almost infinitely configurable, or you can go automatic with its one-touch calibration. There are plenty of HDMI inputs and outputs, too, with 6 in and 2 out. Best of all, it pumped out some squeaky-clean audio with extraordinary power. Not bad for $7K.

Pioneer Showcases New Flagship A/V Receiver Outfitted for High End Home Theater Performance Like Never Before

DENVER—(BUSINESS WIRE)—

At CEDIA Expo today, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. unveils a new flagship A/V receiver; a sophisticated powerhouse that sets the benchmark for multi-channel sound in 1080p home theaters with pristine reproduction of emerging high resolution audio and high definition video formats. The Pioneer(R) Elite(R) SC-09TX A/V receiver features a reengineered "direct energy high HD" amplifier that takes advantage of ICEpower(TM) analog class-D amplification coupled with Pioneer sound tuning technology. Reinforced with proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities, the receiver ensures maximum high resolution sound reproduction of new audio formats, Dolby(R) TrueHD, Dolby(R) Digital Plus and DTS-HD(TM). A seamless user experience is achieved with a sizeable LCD screen on the receiver's front panel allowing users to navigate and control all connected devices as well as manage digital media playback.

The receiver's realistic sound quality is a result of a new professional build with premium, hand selected parts that harnesses the amplification power. The result is an impressive chassis construction, which truly realizes the audio and video engineering prowess of the new Pioneer reference A/V receiver. Pioneer outfitted the new receiver with enough connectivity options for an array of components as well as its industry-leading room tuning function for realistic surround sound performance in any room layout. It is one of the first A/V receivers to take advantage of new THX Loudness Plus(TM), which preserves an original sound mix for an accurate listening experience at any volume level.

"The evolution of digital home entertainment and rapidly growing number of high definition devices necessitate a component such as our new reference A/V receiver. The SC-09TX represents the pinnacle of absolute high end design and engineering in home theater equipment," said David Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Home audiences will see and hear entertainment that they never realized was possible - this is truly a new generation of home theater performance."

Designed as the centerpiece of high end home theaters, discerning entertainment enthusiasts gain the most realistic seeing and listening experience with the SC-09TX A/V receiver. As the industry's first to have home networking functionality, the SC-09TX allows users to enjoy favorite digital video, audio and image media files direct from a home PC to any room in the house for an entertainment experience like never before.

Powerful Direct Energy HD Amplifier

Pioneer developed the SC-09TX to deliver the absolute best-in-class high resolution audio reproduction. Current amplifier designs are no longer capable of handling the high power performance required for a memorable listening experience.

Engineers realized that notable ICEpower analog Class-D technology when combined with Pioneer's sound tuning technologies and super DSP room tuning results in a revolutionary new level of amplification typically found only in professional studios.

The exclusive Direct Energy HD Amplifier found in Pioneer's reference SC-09TX A/V receiver provides a staggering drive capability that realizes true multi-channel continuous power output (200W x 7 simultaneously) to achieve a level of surround sound performance with overwhelming accuracy and heart pounding HD entertainment.

The ICEpower analog Class-D amplifier boasts a unique design with raw digital power in a dense enclosure. By employing Pioneer DSP technology, the SC-09TX can deliver precise sonic reproduction that goes beyond traditional audio capacity.

"We are very satisfied with our collaboration with Pioneer and have enjoyed developing a dedicated, customized multi-channel audio power conversion solution for them. The multi-channel module is the very latest of ICEpower's developments - it is quite revolutionary in its technology," said Peter Sommer, President and CEO of Bang & Olufsen ICEpower. "We have worked hard to deliver excellent audio performance, power density and efficiency in this solution, and hope that the Pioneer customers will be able to enjoy a new level of sound quality with the new home theater system."

Industry Leading Processing

Pioneer's Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) is a precise room tuning function that ensures studio quality sound for an array of room configurations. With True One-Touch activation, the MCACC microphone immediately begins optimizing the acoustics in a room, making subtle adjustments to the connected speakers, neutralizing the sound field of the primary listening area with meticulous fine-tuning. Sonic performance is unlike anything previously possible in home theaters. With new Full Band Phase Control technology, the SC-09TX effectively eliminates "phase lag" caused by crossover networks inherent in loudspeakers ensuring audio arrives at the listening position in sync for a whole new level in accurate multi-channel sound reproduction.

Pioneer continues to lead sound processing innovation by incorporating the world's finest technological features to deliver smooth, natural sonic performance in consideration of the new high powered digital enhancement and ICEpower amplification. The SC-09TX is the first A/V receiver to feature Sampling Rate Converter (SRC), a high quality process traditionally used in professional audio equipment for sound studios. SRC is a key audio scaler that oversamples all audio signals to 192 kHz creating accurate time information of a sound field for jitter-free playback.

The SC-09TX excels in surround sound reproduction with the integration of a new volume control technology developed by THX. Consumers can take advantage of THX Loudness Plus, a new technology that ensures an audio mix is reproduced with full details and natural sounds at any volume level.

All movies, music and games are mixed at a reference level in-studio that is often too loud for home theater playback; however, reducing volumes can jeopardize the entertainment experience. Featured in the new Elite A/V receiver, home theater audiences can enjoy every audio nuance in movies, music and other soundtracks with THX Loudness Plus, which maintains the integrity of soundtracks when listening below the reference level giving the true impact of movies, music and games regardless of the volume setting.

As the first flagship A/V receiver in nearly three years, Pioneer engineers utilized hand selected, professional-grade digital components, notably the renowned Wolfson 192 kHz/24-bit digital analog converter (DAC). Approved by professional sound engineers, the addition of Wolfson DACs ensure significant prowess in Pioneer's new flagship model. Highly regarded among professional sound engineers, the SC-09TX boasts six Wolfson WM8741 D/A converters. By including the industry's most superior sounding DAC, entertainment enthusiasts, notably audiophiles, will recognize the high performance capability only found with Pioneer's new reference receiver.

High Resolution Audio Playback

As the popularity of 1080p home theater devices including, flat panel televisions and Blu-ray Disc players grows, the Pioneer SC-09TX A/V receiver delivers the full impact of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus multi-channel audio formats via HDMI. Internal decoding of these advanced audio formats provides audiophiles robust, vivid surround sound performance that has long been desired. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the full impact these new audio codecs deliver to the viewing experience with rich, realistic sound that illustrate on-screen imagery. Sports fans will be able to feel the impact of hard-hitting tackles when watching sports movies and musicians can distinctly hear the acoustic guitar when enjoying concert discs.

High Performance Build Quality

For uncompromised high resolution audio playback performance, Pioneer engineers set out to develop a strong, rugged chassis build that could handle the powerful amplification without hindering sound quality. The revolutionary chassis construction rivals professional A/V products with its state-of-the-art modular build. The unique Separated Power Block Design isolates digital processing and amplification blocks and prevents internal interference between each block while improving the receiver's overall operation.

The SC-09TX has an ultra rigid, separated construction for digital, analog, audio, and video sections and further insulates hand selected premium components with a dual chassis internal construction. Unlike any receiver before it, the SC-09TX delivers the subtle nuances of delicate sounds with accuracy that audiophiles have been seeking. The ultra-rigid separation brings the true excitement of HD film for videophiles that ensures dynamic, smooth playback for high resolution products. While featuring maximum connectivity and a higher power output, the receiver's depth remains unchanged allowing it to easily fit on traditional A/V racks.

Home Media Gallery

The Pioneer SC-09TX delivers the most impressive home theater experience with the integration of Home Media Gallery, Pioneer's exclusive home networking functionality that allows users to select and playback personal digital media files direct from a PC hard drive for enjoyment in stunning high definition. Through the receiver, users can easily access and stream digital media files directly from their home PC or laptop computer with Home Media Gallery's IP networking capability. It is also compliant with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Window and Apple computers video, Windows Vista or Windows Media Connect as well as Microsoft playsforsure(TM) DRM technology.

Enhanced Digital Connectivity

Pioneer continues to provide the most robust entertainment connectivity with the SC-09TX:

— Sirius(R) and XM(R) Satellite Radio: The new receiver
continues to lead digital entertainment options allowing users
to enjoy both SIRIUS and XM Satellite Radio crystal clear,
programming via dedicated connectivity to both a
SiriusConnect(TM) SC-H1 tune and XM Connect & Play(TM) antenna
(both sold separately; monthly subscription needed). Users can
access and control each satellite radio devices with the
unit's remote and large on-screen display capability. HD music
can be enjoyed with XM HD Surround broadcasts powered by
Neural Audio(R) in 5.1 surround sound

— Advanced iPod Operation: Users can navigate and select
personalized music and video playlists from their iPod(R) with
the SC-09TX. The receiver supports LPCM audio transmission,
via an included cable, for a more vivid and natural sound
performance. Owners can control their personal digital player
with the receiver's remote control and on-screen display.

Taking advantage of its audio heritage, Pioneer incorporated an improved Front Stage Surround Advance 2.1 channel surround sound feature as well as Advanced Sound Retriever to process and improve the playback of compressed audio files including MP3, WMA and iPod(R) song lists to ensure a premium listening experience from the wide variety of new digital audio formats common to PC and internet entertainment sources.

The SC-09TX will begin shipping this winter for a suggested price of $7000.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group develops high definition home theater equipment for sports and entertainment junkies. Its flat panel televisions, Blu-ray Disc players, A/V receivers and speakers heighten the emotions created by great HD content. The company brands include Pioneer(R) and Elite(R). When purchased from an authorized retailer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Elite products. More details can be located at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

Pioneer and Elite are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.

HDMI is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

BLU-RAY DISC is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.

Microsoft and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

THX is a trademark of THX Ltd. which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.

Source: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

There's compatibility with WM6 and Windows, but it seems like many browsers should be able to hit your photos and music easily, with Windows Media Video streaming support. And you need to either hit your IP manually or use a Dynamic DNS service, but hey, free is free, and look, you just got streaming home video without a Slingbox (plus Music and Photos). [WebGuide]