Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi? have announced the winners of their annual Best of Show awards at CEDIA Expo 2024. The products were nominated by the manufacturers and then a team of judges — who are all professional integrators — was employed to read through the entries (a portion of which is presented here), visit them on the show floor, and rate the products on a number of criteria, including value, impact, and how unique they are to the market.
Residential Systems entries were judged through the lens of the residential integrator, while TWICE based theirs on a consumer electronics retail view and What Hi-Fi? from the home entertainment enthusiast perspective.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Check out the Best of Show at CEDIA Expo 2024 Program Guide to see all of the nominated products and even more details about the winners.
AiSPIRE/WAC LIGHTING Colorscaping System
With AiSPIRE/WAC Lighting’s Colorscaping System, exterior LED luminaires are designed and engineered to illuminate landscapes with tunable white light and an unlimited color palette.
New and existing landscape fixtures are installed quickly using the Smart Transformer Control Panel, which connects fixtures directly for immediate testing while cycling through preset tunable white and primary colors at various intensity levels. Offered with 150-watt and 300-watt capacities, the smart transformer enables robust wiring, a shielded ethernet cable, and a surge protector against power surges and voltage spikes. The transformer eliminates any confusion in the field with a unique Discovery process — identifying each Colorscaping fixture and location so the luminaires can be added, changed, or paired with the appropriate transformer — with the push of a button. Integration with many major control platforms is an alternative to app-based control.
Colorscaping integrates a full selection of WAC Landscape Lighting fixtures, including adjustable accent, wall wash and path lights, hardscape, tape light, and with existing landscape lighting fixtures, too.
Alfred ML2 Smart Mortise Lock
The Alfred ML2 Smart Mortise Lock is designed to address the unique challenges of upgrading security in residential and commercial properties, particularly those requiring mortise-style locks. With its retrofit design, the ML2 sets a new standard in the smart lock industry by allowing easy installation without the need for major door modifications or re-keying, making it an ideal choice for property managers, homeowners, and developers alike.
The lock is equipped with robust security features, including high-level encryption and tamper-proof technology, ensuring that your property is protected against unauthorized access. It also supports a wide range of smart home protocols, including Bluetooth, Z-Wave (including Z-Wave Long Range), Zigbee, and Wi-Fi. One of the ML2’s most groundbreaking features is its Wi-Charge Ready capability, a wireless power solution that eliminates the need for battery replacements, ensuring continuous operation without the typical maintenance demands.
AVPro Edge AC-MV-41
The AVPro Edge AC-MV-41 is a high-performance multi-viewer (video tiling solution) that enables end-users to enjoy as many as four sources simultaneously on a single screen. Users can customize their layouts and assign presets, making the system easy to navigate. They can select the classic main picture/keep tabs box in the corner, a quad-view option with four equally sized windows, or custom layouts featuring window tiling crafted to best suit their needs. Regardless of layout, the AVPro Edge AC-MV-41 frees users from the burdensome task of frantically pushing buttons on their TV remote to keep track of multiple programs.
Blackwire Designs Network Provisioning Service
The Blackwire Network Provisioning Service (NPS) is an innovative solution designed to revolutionize the way integrators approach network installations. Tailored specifically for the custom installation and Pro AV market, this service provides fully configured, updated, labeled, and installation-ready networking equipment, straight out of the box. Available for free with the purchase of eligible networking products, the Blackwire NPS eliminates the need for on-site configuration, troubleshooting, and the associated delays and costs. This service is ideal for integrators who need to ensure fast, reliable, and error-free network setups in residential or commercial environments.
Integrators begin by completing a short post-purchase questionnaire to specify their project requirements. Blackwire then takes over, configuring and testing all networking equipment to meet both the customer’s specifications and the company’s recommended configurations.
Bluesound NODE ICON
Bluesound’s NODE ICON is a wireless music streamer with a sleek aluminum chassis and vibrant 5-inch full-color display. It seamlessly connects to any premium amplifier, powered speakers, or headphones to allow users to enjoy BluOS hi-res streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, THX AAA technology, and more. HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital, and Dirac Live ensure an immersive audio experience for music and TV. Supporting DSD playback, it features the latest ES9826 SABRE ADC, delivering true-to-source analog audio with minimal noise or distortion. The NODE ICON can wirelessly connect to Bluesound speakers and stereo components to create a multi-room music system connected by BluOS throughout your whole home. With dual-band Wi-Fi for dropout-free listening, listeners’ favorite music can be enjoyed in multiple zones, or they can listen to different music and genres in different rooms with total control from their phone, tablet, or desktop.
Coastal Source Evolution Lighting System (EVO)
The Coastal Source EVO lighting system combines heightened design aesthetics and elegance with an extensive selection of forms and customizations to optimally light any outdoor space. The custom-designed integrated LED light module is 50% smaller than a traditional MR16 fixture but has a higher lumen output and a wider beam angle of the much larger MR16. The modular EVO Lighting Series offers eight LED modules to enable perfect customization of any outdoor scene. Both direct firing and 360-degree LED light patterns are available in two color temperatures (2700K, 3000K) with 2 different power levels – Standard (2.5W) and High Power (5W) to suit a range of homeowner preferences.
Additionally, EVO 5W LED produces up to 560 lumens with a wide beam-angle that outperforms standard MR16 fixtures. The integrated LED module enables great flexibility for shrouding and glare control. The unobtrusive form factor allows the fixture to be hidden while the light effect is maximized, providing an elegant and effective lighting solution that enhances outdoor ambiance without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
Crestron Glass Horizon Keypads
The new Glass Horizon keypads and dimmers from Crestron are a designer’s dream, blending sleek aesthetics with unparalleled functionality. These keypads feature customizable backlit engraving and multicolor LED feedback, allowing designers to match any interior décor and create an intuitive user experience. With a smooth, glass finish and minimalistic design, the Glass Horizon keypads not only enhance the visual appeal of any space but also offer seamless integration with Crestron’s advanced control systems. Coming in both black and white glass colorways, elevate the design of any project with the perfect balance of style and technology that the Glass Horizon keypads bring to the table.
Crestron Home OS
Crestron Home OS raises the bar with its latest updates. This update is not just a collection of new features; it’s a testament to Crestron’s unwavering commitment to professional dealers and the high-performance smart home solutions they deliver. The Crestron Home OS empowers dealers to create truly personalized and intuitive smart home experiences while streamlining their workflow and enhancing their business.
Crestron Home Sequences have evolved to a new level of sophistication with the introduction of conditional logic. This powerful feature allows dealers to create complex and nuanced automation scenarios, responding to specific conditions and events. With “if-then, when” statements, Crestron Home Sequences can now trigger actions based on a multitude of factors, creating a truly intelligent and responsive home automation experience. This translates to increased automation, enhanced customization, improved efficiency, greater convenience, and peace of mind for clients.
Crestron Home OS continues to embrace an open ecosystem, offering seamless integration with a wide range of third-party devices and services. The latest release showcases this commitment with native integration for Lutron Ketra Lighting and Axxess Industries PrivacyService further expanding the range of devices available for installation.
D-Tools Payments
D-Tools Payments is a secure, fully embedded solution designed to streamline payment processing directly within the D-Tools Cloud environment. D-Tools Payments offers transparent transaction fees, faster ACH payment processing, and detailed reporting. Plus, D-Tools provides an easy onboarding and underwriting process that makes getting started straightforward and hassle-free for integrators. D-Tools Payments provides powerful new capabilities to D-Tools Cloud. D-Tools Payments is fully embedded within D-Tools Cloud, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted flow throughout the transaction process. Eliminating the need for external payment systems streamlines an integrators’ operations and enhances efficiency.
Digital Projection Radiance Home
The new Radiance Home video wall gives Digital Projection dealers a compelling new large-scale imaging solution to offer their luxury home clients. Purpose-built for high-end home applications, Radiance Home incorporates cutting-edge design and technology to streamline deployment, support common residential applications, and meet the imaging demands of discerning residential clientele. Built into this LED video wall are technologies and controllers to enable fast configuration of user-defined presets, Wi-Fi connectivity, and integration with third-party control systems. Support of HDR (high dynamic range), 4K resolution, and REC 2020 Color Space along with a special optical coating for higher contrast optimizes the image quality.
DMF Lighting Artafex Line
Artafex isn’t just a new DMF product line; it’s a philosophy. In Latin, it means “artisan,” a master of their craft, someone who pours their heart and soul into every creation. It’s a commitment to quality and a celebration of the enduring value of craftsmanship. Artafex is a DMF exclusive line of lighting products that are designed to meet the demands of modern custom integrators and elevate their projects to a new level of elegance and style. Artafex line includes 2-inch modules, 4-inch modules, premium trims, flangeless housings, and incorporates the exclusive True Spectrum technology, more efficient optics, and additional trim offerings including Hyperbolic and Pinhole options.
Draper At Home StyleLine
Draper At Home’s StyleLine Fixed Projection Screen is one projection screen with three distinct looks. Not sure which fixed frame projection screen is right for you? The StyleLine gets rid of the confusion and makes the ordering process simple. The StyleLine provides versatile appearance and performance in one flexible screen model. Three standard border options are available.
- Fine Bezel: Choose a slim 5/8-inch (16mm) bezel covered in Vel-Tex, a velvety textile that eliminates light reflections from projector overscan.
- Borderless: Choose the borderless option for no visible frame around your viewing surface.
- Bold Bezel: Choose a wider 3-3/16-inch (81mm) bezel covered in Vel-Tex, a velvety textile that eliminates light reflections from projector overscan.
Epson QL7000 HDR High-Lumen 3LCD Laser Projector
The Epson QL7000 4K HDR High-Lumen projector is developed specifically for creating immersive big-screen entertainment experiences with an unprecedented level of picture brightness, color, and detail, producing a stunning 4K HDR picture up to 300 inches in the home. Its color brightness of up to 10,000 lumens (IDMS Rated) and up to 10,000 lumens of white brightness (ISO Rated) is ideal for today’s active multipurpose and dedicated entertainment spaces. The QL7000 combines proprietary 4K display technology with HDR10 and 3-chip 3LCD, thermal-controlled and Double Micro-Lens Array technologies to produce a full 8.29 million pixels on-screen, resulting in a picture with stunning clarity and color brightness. Plus, its full 10-bit HDR color processing accepts 100% of the HDR source information to faithfully reproduce HDR, HDR10(4) and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) content for an exceptional visual performance. Featuring a 20,000-hour solid-state light source with an advanced vapor-cooled thermal transfer heat sink design, the projector is virtually maintenance-free, providing instant Power-On with no bulb replacement, ever.
Furrion 65-inch Furrion Aurora Full Sun Pro Series 4K LED Outdoor TV
Designed for both commercial and residential installations, the Furrion Aurora Full Sun Pro Series 4K LED Outdoor TV handles direct sunlight without the limitations of competitors’ products. Its true full sun capability is complemented by the XtremeShield IK-09 impact-resistant screen utilizing optical bonding technology for superior protection and performance. The Pro Series boasts an IP66 weatherproof rating, ensuring resistance to harsh weather conditions, surpassing the IP54/IP55 ratings of other outdoor TVs. The Furrion Pro Series delivers exceptional clarity with its 2500 NIT brightness, ensuring outstanding visibility even in the brightest environments. Integrated industrial heat sinks, versus fan-cooled systems, allow for an operating temperature range of –24 degrees F to 140 degrees F (–31 degrees C to 60 degrees C) while the media bay cooling system helps keep devices cool. The Pro Series integrates advanced technology with the RangeXtend external WiFi boosting antenna, providing robust connectivity and a smart TV platform powered by webOS Hub for seamless access to apps and services. It supports control over IP, allowing compatibility with home control systems.
Furrion Lumina Solar-Powered Smart Retractable Awning
Experience instant shade at your command with the Furrion Lumina solar-powered retractable awning with internal Wi-Fi connectivity. The solar-powered operation with included unobtrusive solar panel (24 x 3 inches) reduces the need for an expensive electrician and/or extensive wiring, making installation simpler and more cost-effective.
The awning’s semi-cassette housing design protects the fabric from the elements when not in use, ensuring longevity and durability. Its lateral arm design eliminates the need for vertical supports, providing an unobstructed view and seamless movement underneath. With the AwnCommand app and voice control integration, users can easily operate the awning remotely, which opens and closes in under a minute at the push of a button.
Hunter Douglas Aria Soft Blinds with Powerview Automation
Venetian blinds have been a mainstay of the window treatment category since the 1700s, favored for their clean lines and privacy performance. But despite their enduring popularity and timeless design, these traditional blinds can feel limited in functionality. Modern homeowners often crave more control over light, from gentle filtering to complete dimming. With its commitment to continuous innovation in shading, Hunter Douglas saw an opportunity to reimagine the style’s potential and offer a long-overdue upgrade to the blinds category. Aria Soft Blinds introduce a sophisticated and versatile solution, delivering the timeless appeal of blinds with an unparalleled blend of performance, comfort, and convenience.
The uniquely shaped ellipse vanes are at the heart of this design’s innovation, crafted with dual-opacity capabilities. Exclusive to Aria Soft Blinds, these vanes are engineered to provide superior light control, allowing homeowners to create the perfect ambiance in any room. The vanes are constructed from soft fabric and feature a special Mylar insert that enhances their light-filtering and dimming properties. When tilted downward, the vanes expose a darker, opaque layer that faces the window, creating a gentle dimming effect by allowing a soft glow of light to filter through. When the slats are tilted upwards, the darker layer faces inward, offering a more profound dimming effect that enhances privacy and creates a cozy, intimate environment.
Just Add Power MaxColor MC-QX Warping and Tiling Transmitter
The Just Add Power MaxColor MC-QX Warping and tiling Transmitter combines the advanced capabilities of the MaxColor 4K60 series with the company’s innovative Tiling Transmitter and Warp Engine technology. This product is designed to elevate AV-over-IP systems by allowing up to four 4K60 source devices to be displayed simultaneously on a single screen, in multiple formats including video walls, tiled video, or a single-screen display with real-time source rotation. The MC-QX is ideal for a wide range of applications, from sophisticated home theaters to dynamic commercial displays in bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.
Just Video Walls Ledge
Lunar Walls is a new brand from Just Video Walls that is designed to bring direct-view video walls into more homes and businesses. Just Video Walls is working closely with its dealers to shape and refine the go-to-market strategy for this innovative brand. Lunar Walls’ Ledge is a pre-packaged video wall “TV.” Ideal for first-time buyers exploring a video wall experience, as well as for secondary systems in larger homes with multiple viewing areas, Ledge is available in 135-inch and 162-inch sizes. It features Nano-Black Optics that enhance its contrast ratio to an impressive 20,000:1 — nearly double that of standard video walls. The integrated design of Ledge eliminates the need for an external processor and operates on a single power circuit. Combined with Zero Gap alignment technology, it ensures a flawless, seamless display. Ledge also boasts modern features such as HDR, 4K resolution, and a user-friendly Bluetooth remote. Powered by Google TV and Android-based software, it integrates effortlessly with popular streaming services and smart home devices.
Kaleidescape Strato V Movie Player
Providing 4K Dolby Vision playback with lossless audio, the Kaleidescape Strato V works on its own and as part of a larger Kaleidescape system. As a standalone system, Strato V is a single playback zone and stores approximately 10 reference 4K movies on an internal, solid-state drive. It features a new streamlined interface, optimized for navigating a small movie library. Strato V can download a Kaleidescape 4K movie in as little as 10 minutes over Gigabit Ethernet, during movie playback, without sacrificing performance. Downloads become a candidate for automatic deletion 48 hours after playback, making room for more movies.
Storage may be added to Strato V by grouping it with Terra Prime movie servers. This returns Strato V’s interface to the full Kaleidescape experience. Any number of Strato V movie players can be grouped with one or more new or existing Terra movie servers, scaling to the needs of the installation.
Kaleidescape Terra Prime 123TB Solid-State Movie Server
Kaleidescape announced its new Terra Prime 123 terabyte solid-state movie server in August 2024. It is the largest and fastest movie server on the market, intended for massive movie collections in large multi-room installations. When combined with Kaleidescape’s new Strato V movie player, customers can unlock the full potential of the Kaleidescape platform with reference-quality 4K Dolby Vision playback and lossless audio.
Kaleidescape’s solid-state movie servers are fast, quiet, and energy efficient. With 2.5 gigabit Ethernet, they can download Kaleidescape 4K movies in as little as four minutes each and serve up to 25 simultaneous playback zones. Up to four Terra Prime 123TB SSD movie servers can be combined into a single system for a capacity of 492 TB, enough to hold all the 4K and HD movies currently available in the Kaleidescape movie store.
Konnected Smart Garage Door Opener blaQ
When the Chamberlain Group restricted third-party integrations with their myQ ecosystem, it left many homeowners and integrators scrambling for solutions. Enter the GDO blaQ by Konnected — a purpose-built device designed to give back the control that was lost, and then some.
The GDO blaQ isn’t just another garage door opener; it’s a game-changer for anyone using Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Merlin garage openers equipped with Security+ 2.0 technology. Specifically crafted for models with the yellow learn button, the GDO blaQ embodies Konnected’s dedication to open-source innovation and user-focused design. This product offers a reliable, user-friendly solution that not only restores functionality but enhances it, all while bypassing the limitations imposed by myQ’s closed system.
Built on open-source technology, this device will continue to evolve as smart home platforms advance, including the new Matter standard, thanks to Konnected’s ongoing commitment to innovation and community-driven development.
L-Acoustics Xi Series
Launched in January 2024, the L-Acoustics Xi Series is an extension of the X Series and exemplifies the innovative spirit of L-Acoustics. It combines cutting-edge technological features with an elegant and streamlined design, offering a versatile solution that delivers concert-grade sound in various environments.
At the heart of this innovation is the integration of advanced coaxial technology, which allows the speakers to deliver consistent tonal balance across distances, smooth off-axis coverage, and high feedback rejection — all while maintaining a compact and sleek form factor. This is achieved through the precise alignment of a 1.5-inch neodymium compression driver coaxially loaded by either a 6- or 8-inch low-frequency transducer within a bass reflex cabinet. This arrangement ensures high performance without the need for bulky or obtrusive speaker setups.
Level Home Level Lock+ Connect Pro Pack
The Level Lock+ Connect Pro Pack comes equipped with everything professionals need to deploy a sophisticated smart lock solution in nearly any installation environment. Homeowners today are actively seeking out advanced smart home features such as keyless entry and seamless integration with home automation systems, but often face unwelcome trade-offs in the form of both physical and digital clutter when attempting to simplify their living spaces. Recognizing the importance of functionality and aesthetics, Level developed the Level Lock+ Connect Pro Pack, an invisible, all-encompassing smart lock solution tailored specifically for professional integrators looking to address this issue for their customers.
This innovative bundle consists of two primary components; the Level Lock+ with the inclusion of Level Connect. The Level Lock+ is not a standard smart lock, instead this product embodies a one-of-a-kind design powered by a single CR2 battery hidden inside the deadbolt that installs invisibly within the door itself, rather than relying on bulky battery packs on the interior of the door like other solutions do. On its own, the Level Lock+ supports Bluetooth and Apple Home Key compatibility; however, the inclusion of the Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge unlocks Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access in addition to access to home apps such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Meridian Ellipse
Meridian’s first high-end all-in-one wireless DSP streaming speaker, Ellipse, is a complete Meridian system in a luxury and compact form factor. Ellipse has been designed and engineered specifically with the Custom Install market in mind – with particular emphasis on ease of installation, seamless integration into bigger home tech installs, profitability and IP integration with drivers for Control 4, Crestron, Crestron Home and Nice/Elan.
Ellipse delivers Meridian’s signature performance; resolution, timing, bass cohesion, and dynamic range are combined to deliver authentic, lifelike and natural sound in any room. Its performance and versatility are further enhanced by a suite of twelve powerful Meridian DSP technologies, including Meridian Bass & Space which creates a vast, spatial soundstage, far exceeding that expected from this compact form.
Modern Atomics Reaktor
Reaktor is a Power Distribution Unit that can power up to 22 shades. It eliminates up to 99.75% of all operational quiescent current, saving up to 412 Kilowatt-hours yearly. The Built-in Ammeter on the unit’s front shows in real-time how much quiescent current is being saved for all shades. The Reaktor is $1499 and includes a passive PoE injector, rack/shelf mounting provisions, and a transferable 10-year warranty. The unit is powered via the provided passive PoE injector or a Somfy 24V inline BUS power supply. Further befitting green, Reaktor can be powered by Modern Atomics’ Solar Panel kit and also compatible Tesla Solar Roof & panels.
Nice Premium Toolless Architectural Speakers
Encompassing three performance levels across 14 speakers, the Nice Premium Toolless series delivers a solution for nearly every architectural speaker application. The entire range boasts a suite of features including innovative AccuAim tweeters for phase lock pivoting, XmaG extended pole pieces for improved symmetry, asymmetrical 2nd and 3rd order crossovers for optimized driver performance, and time saving ViseLock designed by Swarm – the latest generation toolless system for rapid and secure installations.
Premium Toolless Series 1 is optimized for high quality ambient music, and everyday media applications throughout the home. With 6.5-inch injected polypropylene woofers and 1-inch silk dome tweeters outfitting downfiring, fixed tilt, DVC/dual tweeter, and all-weather models, series 1 covers all the bases. Premium Toolless Series 2 elevates performance across five models with deep anodized aluminum woofers and tweeters. The series 2 models include 6.5-inch downfiring and fixed tilt, and 8-inch in-ceiling, as well as dual 5.25-inch in-wall speakers. The 8-inch model features a 1.25-inch tweeter. Premium Toolless Series 3 offers performance and flexibility with six models, all featuring black Kevlar woofers, and 1.25-inch tweeters, which are 56.3% larger than their 1-inch counterparts.
Planar Luminate Ultra W Series Fine Pixel Pitch Outdoor LED Video Wall Display
The Planar Luminate Ultra W Series pairs the latest advancements in LED technology with a 16:9 wide aspect ratio, allowing users to create standard resolution in fine pitch outdoor LED and redefine close-up outdoor viewing of media-rich content. The Planar Luminate Ultra W Series models incorporate MicroLED technology to produce enhanced black levels and high brightness even in direct sunlight. The new solution features models in 1.3, 1.6, and 2.0 millimeter pixel pitches, which can be configured to perfectly match Full HD and Ultra HD resolutions. With up to 3000-nit brightness, the fine pixel pitch LED video wall display supports viewing from as close as eight feet in an array of outdoor applications, including high-end residential.
This outdoor solution also introduces Planar Luminate Ultra W Complete pre-configured LED video wall displays. Available in 115-inch, 145-inch and 173-inch diagonal Full HD resolution and 231-inch diagonal 4K resolution video wall sizes, Planar Luminate Ultra W Complete furthers Planar’s commitment to reduce the time, cost and complexity of outdoor video wall design and installation. The line of off-the-shelf LED video wall displays equips customers with everything needed for effective, hassle-free deployment, including LED display cabinets, spare modules, wall mounts, cables and a video controller.
Portal.io AI Proposal Builder
Portal has developed AI technology that can now build proposals for dealers. Simply record a video walkthrough of the project, and Portal’s AI Proposal Builder does the rest. Dealers can even dictate a project spec during their drive back to the office and have a proposal waiting for them when they arrive. Leveraging more than a million historical proposals, Portal’s AI Proposal Builder will process video, audio, and text-based project specification files and generate a complete proposal using dealer preferred items and prices.
This groundbreaking technology is the ideal copilot for owners of integration companies, as it enables less technical or experienced salespeople to generate extremely accurate proposals from simple walkthroughs.
Quantum Media Systems XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall
The Quantum Media Systems XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall is custom designed, engineered, and calibrated to meet the precise viewing requirements and environmental conditions of luxury home settings, offering a transformative cinematic experience for discerning homeowners. The XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall is equipped with advanced technologies such as HDMI 2.1, a 120 Hz refresh rate, 100% coverage of the P3 color space, and up to 8K resolution. This highly versatile large-scale LED display can produce exceptionally realistic, bright, and detailed images, making it the ideal centerpiece for any high-end home cinema. Whether displaying first-run movies from the exclusive Bel Air Circuit Movie Distribution Process or content from various AV sources, the XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall automatically adjusts its viewing surface to the most appropriate format based on the selected content, including 2.39:1 Cinemascope, 2.0:1, 1.85:1, or 16:9 4K HD.
The XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall’s Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) listing is a significant differentiator, ensuring it meets the highest standards of professional cinema quality. This includes customization in pixel pitches ranging from 0.9mm to 2.5mm, enhanced resolution capabilities of 4K, 6K, and 8K, and full support of High Dynamic Range technologies.
R_volution Player One 8K
R_volution PlayerOne 8K is a media player that is designed to provide customers with convenient and intuitive access to their entire movie library collection in 8K Ultra HD resolution. Movie files are delivered to a private cinema with the highest video quality available and pure high fidelity, lossless reproductions of the original motion picture soundtracks.
The R_volution PlayerOne 8K supports the majority of digital audio and video formats, including the most modern HDR standards such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+, almost all recent video file formats, including MKVs, BD, and UHD ISO files with full and fast BD/UHD Menus, AV-1, and HEVC video codec with one billion colors, HDMI 2.1 output 8K 60p HDR, high resolution audio files such as DSD, AIFF, FLAC, and ALAC, and features a wide solid chassis, Auro3D, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.
Samsung 98-inch Class Samsung Neo QLED 4K (QN90D)
The 98-inch Class QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV delivers the most powerful and cinematic 4K experience from Samsung. Powered by cutting-edge AI Upscaling technology, the QN90D provides an unparalleled 4K viewing experience, rendering every scene with exceptional detail, regardless of its original quality.
Supersize Picture Enhancer, a Samsung-exclusive feature, optimizes picture quality for the massive screen size, reducing visible noise and enhancing sharpness to create a truly cinematic viewing experience. Plus, its Neo Slim design, paired with the Titan Black Sharp Neck Hexagon stand and 98-inch size help create a breathtaking centerpiece that looks like you brought the movie theater home.
The QN90D’s NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, backed by 20 neural networks, transforms lower resolution content into 4K with scene-by-scene clarity that captures every detail. This processor also powers Real Depth Enhancer Pro, which detects the areas where your eye is focusing and enhances its depth expression accordingly so you can enjoy a more realistic, 3-D like picture.
Samsung Music Frame, by Samsung
The Music Frame, by Samsung is a customizable speaker that doubles as a personalized picture frame, allowing you to display your favorite artwork or photo. It can operate as a standalone speaker using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, sync with your TV’s audio or soundbar, and can even function as your IoT hub.
You can simply swap the printed photo or artwork within Music Frame to make it your own. It ships with an accompanied stand or mounting kit. Plus, Music Frame’s bezels are magnetic, so you can easily detach the default Black Bezel and switch to the White variation if desired.
Music Frame delivers Dolby Atmos sound in a form factor that blends into any room. The highly compact speaker measures at just 13.8 x 13.8 x 2.1 inches and hides two woofers, two tweeters, and two mid-drivers behind your favorite photo.
Samsung The Frame
With its launch in 2017, The Frame created an entirely new category of TV, challenging the idea that a TV needs to be a black box in the middle of your room. When it’s on, watch your favorite shows or movies in brilliant 4K resolution. When it’s off, transform your space into your personal art gallery, displaying art curations from world-renowned artists and museums. Or, use it to seamlessly display your own photos and memories.
In 2024, Samsung introduced several enhancements to The Frame to make it even easier for you to bring the experience of a gallery right into your home. The Frame offers access to thousands of artworks from 800-plus artists in partnership with globally renowned museums and galleries via the Samsung Art Store. New for 2024, Samsung introduced a complimentary Art Streams feature that gives you a free taste of the Art Store’s diverse collection with a monthly selection of up to 20 pieces. The Frame 2024 also boasts ArtfulColor validation from Pantone, the industry leading color experts, so every piece appears more natural and realistic than ever – exactly as the artist intended. Plus, The Frame sports a canvas-like finish with its Matte Display Film.
Sanus VLF828-B2 Advanced Full-Motion + Shift
For an installer, getting a TV mounted with perfect precision can be challenging. The weight and size make it hard to lift into place and get it perfectly level. Sanus’ brand-new Advanced Full-Motion 4D + SHIFT mount, the VLF828-B2, is designed for 42- to 90-inch TVs and introduces 4D + SHIFT, a cutting-edge technology that delivers a mount with up to eight inches of post-installation vertical height adjustment. With the 4D + SHIFT height adjustment feature, the VLF828-B2 allows up to eight inches of total up or down movement for precision TV positioning on the wall, making this mount an ideal solution for mounting a TV above a fireplace mantle, TV console, or a pre-existing outlet on the wall. This SHIFT feature also allows installers or users to raise the TV at a later time to provide enough space to add in a soundbar or accommodate seasonal decorations that may impede the view of the TV.
Snap One Control4 X4
This year Snap One is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Control4 by unveiling a completely new, redesigned, and re-imagined user interface — Control4 X4. Control4 X4 evolves the Control4 platform from a programmed system to an intelligent experience, empowering end-users and providing integrator partners a compelling upgrade strategy for current and new customers. The new interface features a redesigned user experience, new customer empowerment features, and expanded Apple HomeKit support. The update also includes a completely new navigation design language and personalization tools such as Widgets and Routines.
Control4 X4 addresses the need for modern, dynamic control interfaces that empower users with personalized experiences and adaptable content. With Control4 X4, end customers can monitor and control all of their favorite devices in the entire project, such as surveillance cameras, from a single Home Page, and users can easily switch between Whole System Control, Rooms, Routines, Sessions and Settings.
Somfy Sonesse 40 PoE
One year after launching the smallest PoE motor on the market — the Sonesse 30 PoE motor — Somfy now complements its lineup with a customizable solution for larger-sized applications, the Sonesse 40 PoE motor range. The new Sonesse 40 PoE motor offers systems integrators the installation flexibility of Power over Ethernet technology. Sonesse 40 PoE motors provide a full range of options, available in three sizes–2, 4 and 6Nm–to operate even the largest of applications. The adoption of the new IEEE 802.3bt Standard enables PoE switches to deliver up to 90W, which is significantly more power than the original 15W IEEE 802.3af standard. As a result, a wider range of powered devices can be supported on the network, including 6Nm motors for shades. Enhancing the Sonesse 40 PoE motor is the Somfy Synergy API, which allows for simple, direct integration with leading third-party control systems like Control4, Crestron, Crestron Home, URC, ELAN, and RTI.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad Wireless Speaker System
With four base wireless speakers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, the Theater Quad is the flagship Home Theater System that brings the true sound of cinema home. It creates up to 12 phantom speakers around the room and wider coverage compared to conventual virtual surround systems so that every seat is the best seat in the house. The speakers can be wall-mounted or free-standing to offer an ideal mix of convenience and style. The BRAVIA Theater Quad is part of a larger family of products that it can be paired with to deliver an unmatched audio-visual experience, immersing you in every scene as never before by supporting the latest formats that take movies, games, and music to a whole new level. BRAVIA Theater Quad host Sony’s proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, generating multiple phantom speakers in locations even when no physical speakers are present. 360 spatial sound experience is optimized for a specific home setting, with a wide sound field that surrounds listeners with audio from various directions mirroring the cinema experience, no installation needed.
Sony BRAVIA 9 65-inch class Mini LED QLED 4K HDR Google TV
The BRAVIA 9 flagship Mini LED is Sony’s brightest 4K TV ever with thousands of Mini LEDs precisely controlled by XR Backlight Master Drive, based on technology found in Sony’s professional monitors used by filmmakers to deliver authentic contrast and incomparably beautiful colors. The overall experience emulates theater-like surround, pictures, and sound in harmony. BRAVIA 9 integrates over 700,000+ movies and TV episodes across streaming services all in one-screen.
The model includes X-Wide Angle to preserve color and brightness while viewing the TV from any angle, and X-Anti Reflection to reduce screen glare so all viewers have a premium picture. Additionally, BRAVIA 9 features Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and is the world’s first TV with upward firing Beam Tweeters in addition to side Frame Tweeters to deliver cinematic surround sound with an elevated cinematic feeling.
Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 VPL-XW6100ES
The BRAVIA Projector 8 bridges the gap between the entry-level laser model and Sony’s flagship model that comes in at the highest price point. With a higher lumen output than the entry level model at 2700lm and an advanced crisp focus lens compared to the standard, manual XW lens it creates a more seamless and engaging viewing experience. Given the primary target market of consumer home theaters, the BRAVIA Projector 8 has a more compact and lightweight design that allows for ease of installation and setup, weighing around 14kg compared to 20kg of the conventional native 4K projector. Sony projector’s PQ settings are also optimized for cinema viewing out-of-the-box, something that 95%+ of dealers leave untouched when selling or installing this device.
Most notably is the new Pro Cinematic HDR, which is powered by the same XR processor found in BRAVIA TVs that analyzes content and recreates it the same way humans see and hear in the real world. The XR processor enhances the three key points that transform the viewing experience: contrast, color, and clarity. For contrast, the XR Dynamic Tone Mapping and XR Deep Black allows the images to reach their peak level of brightness despite differences in the output and input levels of the media. For color, Triluminos Pro maintains color volume of images even as the brightness increases. For clarity, the XR processor improves the detail on every object on-screen through cross analyses that allow even the lower quality sources be to be remastered to near 4K.
SoundTube Entertainment DSM-16 Dante Systems Manager
The SoundTube DSM-16 is a full featured system manager for Dante endpoint to endpoint multiroom distributed audio systems. This versatile 16×16 DSP controller seamlessly integrates Dante technology with SoundTube’s IP-enabled PoE speakers offering easy setup, remote management, monitoring, and compatibility with popular automation systems. With its web-based control, the DSM-16 brings flexibility and scalability to multiroom audio.
SoundTube designed the DSM-16 with two goals in mind. First, to easily and economically create a complete networked audio system from audio sources to IP-enabled speakers. Secondly, to create a designer and user interface that can be set up without the need of a dedicated programmer and can be controlled through any web-based device such as phones, tablets and computers.
SpecOp Secure Cyber Protect
SpecOp Secure’s Cyber Protect is a cybersecurity solution product that empowers integrators to safeguard their clients’ digital lives with confidence. This unique product delivers enterprise-level protection to integrators’ clients, giving integrators a competitive edge.
Here’s why Cyber Protect stands out: Comprehensive Defense: Integrators can offer robust protection against cyber threats with Cyber Protect’s advanced, layered security measures; Revenue Expansion: By offering Cyber Protect, integrators can increase their RMR and expand their service offerings to include risk assessments, identity protection, dark web scanning, penetration testing, threat hunting, and remediation services; Customer Satisfaction: Cyber Protect enhances client trust and satisfaction with cybersecurity solutions; and Support and Expertise: SpecOp Secure’s team of cybersecurity professionals offers ongoing support, allowing integrators to focus on what they do best: exceeding client expectations.
Ventana XR08
Ventana is an ultra-thin digital microLED tile that merges world-leading visuals with an elegant, modular design. Ventana was incubated by Megapixel, one of the foremost technical innovators in video processing and LED displays in Hollywood. As media becomes ever more present in our homes, architects continue to seek better ways to integrate it seamlessly. Megapixel rethinks the LED tile as an architectural finish material. Where others simply offer commercial LED tile walls with their bulky metal boxes, high power requirements, and significant heat output, Megapixel offers a thin tile at 18mm depth. The tiles come in a square 300mm x 300mm format and snap into place on a flat magnetic grid structure. Pre-processing and power supplies can be easily located nearby and don’t consume valuable floor space.
Wall-Smart Flush Mounts for Ring Security System
The new Wall-Smart mounts have been designed and engineered for a seamless fit and finish within most wall surfaces of Ring’s alarm base, keypad, and sensor. By enabling the fundamental components of a security system to be recessed in convenient wall locations, Wall-Smart offers integrators and homeowners peace of mind while preserving the aesthetic integrity of the home interior.
Wall-Smart offers new construction and retrofit mounting options for the Ring alarm base and Ring keypad; alarm sensors can be fitted inside a Wall-Smart new construction mount. The Ring alarm base, keypad, and sensor can also be installed flush with solid surfaces like concrete, brick, wood, marble, glass, and metal. With several installation options, integrators can locate security devices where they can be accessed conveniently and perform optimally.
TWICE and What Hi-Fi? Winners
TWICE Best of Show Awards Winners
- BZBGEAR BG-Air4Kast | 4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0 Wireless Extender
- Crestron Home OS
- Hisense PX3-PRO Laser Cinema
- Kaleidescape Strato V Movie Player
- Kaleidescape Terra Prime 123TB Solid-State Movie Server
- L-Acoustics Xi Series
- Linkplay Technology WiiM CI MOD A80
- Meridian Ellipse
- Modern Atomics Reaktor
- Perlisten Audio S3ic
- Samsung 98-inch Class Samsung Neo QLED 4K (QN90D)
- Samsung Music Frame, by Samsung
- Samsung Neo QLED 4K (QN95D)
- Samsung OLED 4K (S95D)
- Samsung The Terrace, by Samsung
- Sony BRAVIA 9 65-inch class Mini LED QLED 4K HDR Google TV
- Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 VPL-XW8100ES
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 with 11 speakers, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad Wireless Speaker System
- Sony BRAVIA Theater U Wearable TV Speaker
What Hi-Fi? Best of Show Winners
- Coastal Source CUBE Subwoofer
- Hisense C2 Ultra
- Hisense PX3-PRO Laser Cinema
- Kaleidescape Terra Prime 123TB Solid-State Movie Server
- L-Acoustics Xi Series
- Linkplay Technology Inc. WiiM CI MOD A80
- Meridian Ellipse
- Sony BRAVIA 9 65-inch class Mini LED QLED 4K HDR Google TV
- Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 VPL-XW8100ES
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 with 11 speakers, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad Wireless Speaker System
- Sony BRAVIA Theater U Wearable TV Speaker
- SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
