SpeakerCraft Expands Profile Line-up of In-Ceiling and In-Wall Speakers

SpeakerCraft, the premier audio brand from Core Brands, today announced the EMEA expansion of its award-winning Profile line of in-ceiling and in-wall speakers. The new speakers feature the virtually invisible aesthetics demanded by end-users and installers alike, and are matched to the finest driver materials and cross-over networks to deliver uncompromising sound quality and power handling for every residential application.

The substantial SpeakerCraft line is enhanced by two new in-ceiling Accufit™ UltraSlim models, designed for spaces too shallow for traditional in-ceiling speakers. Like the name implies, these UltraSlim speakers need only 2” of behind-surface depth.

Also new to the Profile line are two new models in the “Wide” series, ideal for creating a diffused rear sound field in a home theater. And, responding to requests directly from SpeakerCraft dealers, SpeakerCraft is introducing new, top-of-the-line solutions for in-wall theater sound: The new Profile AIM LRC3 FIVE and LCR5 FIVE, both of which feature two Kevlar® woofers with an independently pivoting ¾" aluminum/magnesium dome tweeter.

“SpeakerCraft already has one of the broadest selections of award-winning speakers on the market, and these new additions give us the ability to meet our dealers’ needs,” said Core Brands Marketing Director, Bill Hensley. “We are happy to be showcasing these new speakers at ISE 2016.”

In addition to these new Profile speakers, SpeakerCraft is also introducing new multi-packs of the AIM Classic AIM7 TWO and AIM8 ONE, packaged for higher value for their production and builder partners.

These new speakers are shipping to dealers now, and are on display at ISE 2016 at Core Brands Stand 1-N53.

SpeakerCraft Top-Of-The-Line AIM LCR Series In-Wall Speakers Make EMEA Debut at ISE 2016

Adding to its high-performance speaker line, SpeakerCraft, the premier audio brand from Core Brands, today debuted its all-new AIM LCR Series In-Wall Speakers to the EMEA market at ISE 2016. Both the AIM LCR5 FIVE and AIM LCR3 FIVE create a spectacular soundstage for music or film with the ability to reproduce every nuance of a performance. The debut was made at Core Brands Stand 1-N53 at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam.

"The new SpeakerCraft AIM LCR FIVE Series is our new top-of-the-line in-wall series, designed to complement every high-end home theater,” explained Matt Dever, Core Brands Product Manager, Audio. “We developed these two new models with top performance in mind, adding Kevlar woofers and an aluminum-magnesium tweeter to AIM’s patented pivoting baffle to create a more realistic and enveloping sound stage that focuses the sound directly into the listening area."

Superior response across the frequency spectrum, greater clarity, and richer, tighter bass define the AIM LCR FIVE Series, making it the perfect design for use with flat panel video monitors. The AIM LCR5 Five is a 2-way, in-wall LCR (left, center, right) speaker with dual 5¼” Kevlar woofers and 1” tweeter mounted on a pivoting speaker baffle. The speaker offers two 5¼” woofers phase plugs for easy use and an independently pivoting 1” aluminum-magnesium dome tweeter. The AIM LCR5 FIVE features bass and treble EQ switches and delivers a 48Hz – 20kHz frequency response, with power handling of 100 Watts and adjustable impedance of 8/6 Ohm. Each speaker offers a sensitivity rate of 91dB 1W/1m.

The AIM LCR3 Five also offers a 2-way, in-wall LCR (left, center, right) speaker but with compact dual 3” Kevlar woofers and a ¾” aluminum-magnesium tweeter mounted on the pivoting speaker baffle. The AIM LCR3 FIVE delivers a 60Hz – 20kHz frequency response and includes a 2-position treble EQ switch and 8 Ohm compatibility. Its power handling is 60 Watts and has a sensitivity rate of 86dB 1W/1m.

“Both the AIM LCR5 Five and AIM LCR3 Five provide the sleek flangeless appearance that designers and their customers appreciate,” continued Dever, “and both are timbre-matched to all FIVE Series Speakers—including AIM Series 2 in-ceiling speakers—for the ultimate surround sound theater experience.” 

The AIM LCR FIVE Series is now shipping to authorized SpeakerCraft dealers. For more information, visit Core Brands at ISE 2016, Stand 1-N53. For a hi-res image, click here.

Gefen Showcases its ToolBox 4K Ultra HD HDBaseT™ 2.0 Extender for HDMI at ISE 2016

Commercial and residential systems integrators looking for high performance solutions for extending Ultra High Definition AV and controls, will be glad to know that Gefen today announced the Gefen ToolBox 4K Ultra HD HDBaseT™ 2.0 Extender for HDMI (GTB-UHD-HBT2). This new product extends HDMI up to 495 feet (150 meters) using a single CAT-5e cable. The introduction was made at ISE 2016 Core Brands / Gefen stand 1-M45, at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam.

“The Gefen ToolBox Extender utilizes the new HDBaseT 2.0 Colligo™ Chipset that provides a more robust signal link while remaining compatible with all HDBaseT products,” Core Brands Marketing Manager Chris Bundy explained. “With the signal extending up to 150 meters through one CAT-5e cable, the Gefen ToolBox Extender provides integrators with more flexibility on their projects."

The Gefen Extender supports resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD 60Hz 4:2:0 with 7.1 channels of HBR (High Bit Rate) lossless and LPCM digital audio up to 330 feet (100 meters). 1080p Full HD 8-bit color video can be extended up to 495 feet (150 meters). This product provides RS-232 and 2-way IR extension between the Sender and the Receiver units, allowing the transfer of IR commands and RS-232 communications between the source and the display.

Gefen’s implementation of the POH (Power Over HDBaseT™) technology powers the Receiver unit using the same cable that extends the HDMI signal from the Sender unit. This feature eliminates the need for an external power supply for the Receiver unit, simplifying installation. It also ensures compatibility with other class-compliant HDBaseT™ devices. The product’s low profile, small footprint enclosures fit in tight places and can be either surface-mounted or placed on a shelf.

The Gefen ToolBox Extender is fully compatible with the Gefen Syner-G™ software, providing advanced EDID management, link monitoring, and in-field firmware updates. This makes installation and configuration simpler than ever.

 For more information, visit Core Brands / Gefen Stand 1-M45 at ISE 2016.

 For a hi-res image, click here.

Gefen Introduces 4K Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix Switcher That Ensures Seamless Video Delivery To Any Combination of Eight Displays

Demonstrating its commitment to provide commercial installers with reliable, high-quality digital connectivity and AV signal processing, Gefen, the leader in audio/video signal processing solutions from Core Brands, today announced the introduction of the 4K Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix Switcher. This next generation switcher is designed to deliver centralized distribution of stunning 4K video to any combination of eight displays over a single CAT5 cable and one local display with HDMI. The introduction is being made at ISE 2016, Core Brands/Gefen Stand 1-M45 at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam.

“The new Gefen 4K Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix Switcher is truly category-altering,” Core Brands Marketing Manager Chris Bundy stated. “This matrix switcher appeals to commercial integrators who want to adapt inputs and outputs to utilize DVI sources and displays. It really is the ultimate solution for any type of environment in need of a reliable, cost-effective way to access and distribute high-end Ultra HD content to multiple displays."

Compatible with the latest HDCP 2.2 protocol as well as HDCP 1.4 formats, the 4K Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix Switcher supports 1080p Full HD, 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA), 3DTV and Deep Color (up to 1080p resolution) as well as multichannel digital audio, including 7.1 channels of LPCM and HBR (High Bit Rate) digital audio formats such as Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™, are also passed through. “With cross-point routing capabilities of eight 4K Ultra HD and 4K Cinema-DCI sources to any combination of eight displays, the Gefen 4K Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix Switcher offers integrators the option to stream higher definition content to more displays,” Bundy added.

Simplifying the installation process for the integrator, Gefen’s Syner-G software supports automatic network discovery, simplifying initial IP configuration. The software’s “Discovery” and “Show Me” features automatically detect all installed units on a “Local Area Network"; RS-232 and Bi-Directional IR can be used to control A/V sources placed near the matrix and to send automation commands to the display or any other device placed near the receiver unit. “IR that is sent back to the main unit can be steered to any of the eight inputs, allowing total control of all sources from any remote location,” Bundy emphasized. “The Syner-G software takes any ‘guesswork’ out of IP configuration by utilizing beacons that discover Gefen products on any local area network, even with multiple gateways. Each source can be routed to any or all displays, using the included handheld IR Remote Control.”

Gefen’s 4K Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix Switcher is easy-to-read with a super-bright OLED front panel display to indicate routing status to aid configuration. The matrix can be controlled via RS-232, Telnet, UDP and also Gefen’s intuitive web-served interface.

“Any commercial integrator looking for a reliable way to distribute high-end Ultra HD content, in corporate, retail, education, sports, medical, hospitality applications and beyond, need to look no further than Gefen’s Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix Switcher,” Bundy said. “The device is easy-to-install, easy-to-manage and is compatible with leading control systems like the ELAN Entertainment and Control platform.” 

For more information, visit Core Brands /Gefen at Stand 1-M45.

For a hi-res image of this product, click here.

ELAN Joins The Works With Nest Program To Provide Dealers and End-Users With The Benefits of Nest

ELAN, from leading entertainment, control and power technology manufacturer, Core Brands, today announced that its award-winning ELAN Entertainment & Control System has joined the Works with Nest program, making it possible for professional installers to now integrate the Nest Learning Thermostat into ELAN-based entertainment and control systems.

According to Tom McKeon, Software Product Manager at Core Brands, the integration of the ELAN system with Nest represents the next logical step forward in the company’s ongoing commitment to keeping the ELAN platform current with each new wave of technology that impacts the residential and commercial control marketplace. “Nest offers a host of amazing user benefits that can now be tracked, managed, and controlled by the same ELAN system that controls every other sub-system in today’s automated living or working environment.  We expect to add further levels of integration with the Nest platform as we move forward with and deeper into the Works with Nest program.”

Through the ELAN integration with Nest, the Nest Learning Thermostat can be accessed and controlled by an ELAN system. This includes temperature and thermostat mode control, history view, and more. The integration is available now with the installation of the new ELAN 7.3 software release.