
CEDIA 2018 Show Report: Forget DIY and go DIFM - Do It For Me :)
CEDIA Expo is the annual show created by and for the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), founded 20 years ago to advocate home technology, promoting training/certification, business, and the industry in general. The event was held September 4-8, 2018 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Nora Wong and Mike Klasco report from the show floor.

Ross Offers Full Standards Compliance Solution for Manufacturers at IBC 2018
At IBC 2018, Ross Video is launching a pin-compatible drop-in replacement module to Dante Brooklyn II, named BACH Liberty. BACH Liberty features a fully compliant AES67 and ST2110 implementation, complete with full-stack support of RAVENNA, Dante/SAP, Livewire+, NMOS and various other network protocols and control solutions. Equipment manufacturers no longer have to wait for full AES67 and ST2110 compliance, nor tie themselves to a single supplier for their audio networking technology.

ON Semiconductor Expands Bluetooth 5 Radio Family with System-in-Package (SiP) Module for Easier Development of Smart Connected Applications
ON Semiconductor has extended its RSL10 family of Bluetooth 5 certified radio System-on-Chips (SoCs) with a ready-to-use 6 x 8 x1.46 mm System-in-Package (SiP) module. Supporting Bluetooth low energy wireless profiles and the lowest power BLE SiP from the company, RSL10 devices can be easily designed into any connected application including wearables, smart locks and appliances. The Bluetooth Certified and EEMBC ULPMark validated solution features integrated antenna for accelerated design and market introduction.

Pascal Reveals Expanded Line of Dedicated Amp Modules Optimized for Live and Installed Sound Applications
Pascal has unveiled a range of amplifier modules with features and performance optimized for integration within power amplifier designs, across the breadth of live sound and commercial and custom installation applications. A range of six modules enables both constant voltage (100/70 V) and low impedance output mode operation and a wide range power configurations; for half rack 1RU to full 19” 2RU form factors.

Sennheiser Opens New Office in Montréal, Canada
Continuing its longstanding commitment to the Canadian market, Sennheiser has opened new offices on the Island of Montréal, a state-of-the-art facility that will house operations, warehousing and marketing functions for the entire Canadian region. The move builds on the audio specialist’s longstanding engagement within the Canadian audio and entertainment markets and reflects the importance of the nation’s rich culture and thriving arts scene.

Wireless Earbuds – Improved Convenience, Constrained Audio Quality
Wireless headsets and earbuds, those lightweight, untethered truly wireless devices to listen to your playlist or a conference call, are a fast-growing consumer trend for good reason. Who enjoys untangling the cable they stuffed in their pocket or having wires dangling around their head? Wireless delivers – no cables, no tangles and no tumbling earphones (although claims that a cord connecting the earbuds still counts as “wireless” clearly came as a surprise to many consumers).

Audio Precision to Expand Audio Measurement Possibilities at 145th International AES Convention
Audio Precision confirmed its planned contributions to the 145th International AES Convention happening in New York. AP’s participation in this key industry event includes both the technical program and the exhibition. The company will present a paper on how to measure audio when clocks differ and will conduct demonstration on open-loop testing. AES attendees can check out the latest in audio test or discuss their specific application with the AP team in Demo Suite #1E01.

Plantronics Expands Consumer Audio Headphone Catalog for Runners, Travelers And Gamers
In what the company calls its biggest consumer launch ever, Plantronics announced the simultaneous release of a completely new and ambitious range of headphones and earphones for active lifestyles, travelers and gamers. New Bluetooth 5 wireless models include the True Wireless BackBeat FIT 3100 for active enthusiasts, and the BackBeat GO 810 (over-ear) and 410 (in-ear) with ANC for frequent travelers, together with the RIG PRO Series Gaming Headset for gamers, all featuring updated technologies and a refined design.

Bose Most Preferred In-Vehicle Audio Brand, Sony Most Well Known, Finds Strategy Analytics
The level of interest in adding a premium audio system as an option at vehicle purchase increased from 2017 to 2018 in both the US and Western Europe. In the new 2018 Premium Audio Report from the Strategy Analytics’ In-Vehicle UX (IVX) team, consumers in the US, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK were surveyed in respect to their interest and willingness to pay for an in-vehicle premium audio system. Bose was the preferred brand, while Sony gets the most recognition among consumers.

Calrec Audio Shows New Generation IP Consoles and Audio Processing Platforms at IBC 2018
British digital broadcast console specialist, Calrec Audio has a lot to show at IBC 2018. Following a presentation at NAB 2018, in Las Vegas, the company will be showing its new modular, expandable, IP-based radio system, Type R, for the first time in Europe. Calrec is also previewing its new Impulse core, the next generation audio processing platform and routing engine with AES67 and SMPTE 2110 connectivity, compatible with existing control surfaces.