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CI EXPO 2015 Industry Insider Report

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KEF had their new CI160TR ultra thin speaker. Initially it will be a round design, but a square version will be introduced soon. Boasting the latest incarnation of their formidable 4.5in. mid/bass T Series driver and powerful 1in. tweeter, the ultra-slim new T Series Ci speakers open up new possibilities for enjoying KEF’s un-compromised sound quality where space above the ceiling is at a premium. Requiring less than 36mm of mounting depth, the Ci160TR fits snugly in very narrow ceiling spaces and is therefore specified for demanding applications such as today’s luxury high-rise apartments and super-premium motor yachts.

KEF-(1) KEF-(2)

Lutron showed their new Caseta wireless system. Control your lights, shades and temperature from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Lutron

When sound bars hit the market, I have to admit I didn’t just dislike them, I really hated them. I considered it to be your last option if you couldn’t actually install separate speakers. Yamaha‘s YSP1 was the first soundbar I’ve heard that actually created a convincing surround sound experience. It utilizes multiple speakers in a horizontal array with each speaker having its own DSP and power amp.

Yamaha has taken it to a new level with their latest YSP5600, which is the very first 7.1.2 + Atmos. For only $1599 it boasts 34 front facing speakers, 2 woofers and 12 vertical Atmos speakers. They also showed their very afford YSP1600 at only $500. And if you want something more conventional Yamaha displayed their Aventage RX-A850 AV Receiver with Atmos for under $999. I sold the earlier version RX-A840 and have to say, it was one of my favorite AV receivers on the market.

Yamaha-(2)

Yamaha-(1)

In 2012 the three prior CEO’s of SpeakerCraft, Ken Humphreys, Ed Haase and Jeremy Burkhardt, got together and created Origin Acoustics. Origin Acoustics has a complete line of well built and creative CI speakers and electronics. Plus they offer one of the best warranties in the custom installation business.

Origin-(2)

Alan Hook of Monitor Audio (founded in England and now Chinese owned) showed off their 5-driver 3-way CCam Ribbon hybrid InWall speaker, which are based on their Gold series loudspeakers. It’s not out yet, but I am looking forward to hearing it. Price…. expect it to be expensive.

Monitor-Audio-(2) Monitor-Audio-(3)

Monitor-Audio-(1)

The last table I saw was Electric Mirror, from Everett, WA. If you haven’t guessed by the name they offer a exceptionally well done Mirror with built in 1080p TVs. They range from 21″ starting at $2200 and go up to a monster 84″ at $40k. This is not your ordinary TV behind a one-way mirror. They use a special patented technology that actually improves the picture you see, and it is built in the USA!

Electric-Mirror-(1)

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