Architectural Speakers
In-Ceiling Model Matches In-Wall Model
Layton, Utah-based RBH Sound has expanded its line of architectural speakers with the addition of the TK-615 two-way loudspeaker, which RBH says closely resembles the company’s TK-6 in-wall loudspeaker. The TK-615 is an in-ceiling loudspeaker that incorporates a 61/2-inch fiberglass-matrix woofer and a 1-inch aluminum-dome pivoting tweeter, which can be aimed at a homeowner’s seating area to increase sound quality. RBH also builds into the TK-615 its current interrupt circuitry, which is designed to help protect the tweeter from damage. The TK-615 in-ceiling speakers are now available for shipment.
MSRP is $329 per pair. RBH Sound, Layton, Utah, 800-543-2205, www.rbhsound.com
IR Remote Control
IR Keypads Resist Plasma Interference
Niles Audio Corporation is shipping its Intellipad Ci Solo and Intellipad Select IR keypads, which complement the company’s multizone receiver products. Both keypads incorporate built-in infrared sensors capable of resisting interference from sunlight, fluorescent lights and plasma displays. The keypads are compatible with Niles’ R4 and R8 remote controls, and provide an upgrade path for existing multizone Niles audio systems. The Intellipad Ci Solo features four source-selection keys, volume, mute and power, and the Intellipad Select IR features eight source-selector keys, volume, mute and system-off controls.
MSRP for each keypad is $199.95. Niles Audio Corporation, Miami, Fla., 800-289-4434, www.nilesaudio.com
Plasma Television
Plasma Includes Built-in Tuner
California-based V Inc. is now shipping its 46-inch Vizio P4 plasma display. The plasma has a native resolution of 852 x 480, a 181-channel NTSC/PAL television tuner, a stand and built-in stereo speakers. The 3.2-inch-deep plasma features a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, an 800:1 contrast ratio and the capability to reproduce more than 16 million colors. To make the plasma compatible with a number of formats, the company incorporates a RGB (VGA 15-pin D-sub) input, as well as component, S-Video, composite and an F-connnector. V Inc. also offers a digital video interface (DVI) option, which allows users to connect a PC, Apple or HDTV set-top box.
MSRP is $3,999. V Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif., 714-962-4848, www.vinc.us
Loudspeakers
Speakers Are Decorator Friendly
Elk Products’ latest product release is designed to calm the uptight interior designer. The company’s combination speaker/siren line of products feature unique aesthetics, including a smooth front that replaces a traditional grill, and sound portals in the rear. According to Elk, this design element allows the speakers to function in a more stealth fashion. The speakers can be painted to match a room’s décor, and the line incorporates several models to meet a variety of installation needs.
Elk Products, Inc., Hildebran, N.C., 800-797-9355, www.elkproducts.com
LCD Television
Flat-Panel Display Delivers HDTV
Florida-based Luce’s new LCTV-30HDA is a 30-inch LCD television that incorporates a high definition tuner and an analog NTSC tuner. Luce says the television is capable of delivering a contrast ratio of 350:1 and a brightness rating of 450cd/m2. The native resolution of the LCTV-30HDA is 1280 x 768, and it supports 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Luce also incorporates 3:2 pulldown for video-to-film conversion. The television can be wall mounted or stand as a floor unit.
MSRP is $6,495. Luce, Sunrise, Fla., 954-385-3590, www.lucetv.com
Water Management
Digital Clock Saves Water
Rhode Island-based Taco, Inc.’s new Plumb n’ Plug cartridge circulators with optional clock timers allow homeowners to program their water circulators to save as much as 25 gallons of water per day. The circulators are also designed to reduce the delivery time of hot water to a home’s water fixtures by periodically recirculating hot water through a home’s plumbing system. The analog timer can be programmed to activate the circulator during peak usage times, such as in the morning. The digital timer features a large LCD display that provides users with up to 10 on/off settings to meet the needs of a home’s diverse schedule.
Taco, Inc., Cranston, R.I., 401-942-8000, www.taco-hvac.com
Home Security
Interface Module Expedites Security Expansion
Digital Security Controls Ltd.’s (DSC) new AMP-704 point interface module is designed for the hardwired expansion of the Power832, Power864 and MAXSYS security control panels. The AMP-704 can connect up to four non-powered or externally powered hardware devices to an addressable multiplex loop (AML), and can provide more flexibility than a traditional hardwired system by allowing for home runs, T-taps or daisy chaining. The unit operates on a minimum amount of power, only 3.4mA and, as an added measure of security, the AMP-704 includes a built-in tamper switch, which is activated when the cover is removed.
Digital Security Controls Ltd., Concord, Ontario Canada, 888-888-7838, www.dsc.com
DVD Recorder
TiVo Powers DVD Recorders
The Pioneer Elite DVR-57H DVD recorder features a 120GB hard drive, which allows users to schedule and record a program while watching a DVD, and to transfer content from the hard drive to a DVD for long-term storage. For DVD playback, the 57H incorporates Faroudja’s DCDi technology and a 181-channel television tuner, which allows for one-touch recording.
MSRP is $1,800. Pioneer Electronics USA, Long Beach, Calif., 213-746-6337, www.pioneerelectronics.com
Home Theater
Go-Anywhere Loudspeakers
Klipsch designed its new Reference Series Cinema 10 home-theater speaker package for use in installations where space is a concern. The system consists of four RSX-5 satellite speakers, an RCX-4 center-channel speaker and an RW-8 subwoofer. The monitors and center-channel speaker feature integrated ball joints and pedestal stands to help facilitate installation. The RSX-5 speakers employ 1-inch titanium-dome tweeters and a 51/4-inch woofer, and the center-channel uses dual 4-inch drivers that flank the company’s MicroTractrix horn.
MSRP is $1,545. Klipsch Audio Technologies, Indianapolis, Ind., 317-860-8100, www.klipsch.com
Outdoor Speakers
Manufacturer Goes Yard with Latest Subwoofer
The Sub8 Rox subwoofer from SpeakerCraft features a dual-voice-coil polypropylene woofer and an enclosure that is designed to blend with an outdoor environment. The company designed the sub with a weather-resistant enclosure that can withstand the elements. According to SpeakerCraft, the impetus to offer the subwoofer came from its dealer base, which requested an outdoor subwoofer that could blend naturally with rocks and landscaped yards. SpeakerCraft says that because of its efficient design, the sub can provide outdoor listeners with the bass response their music may have lacked.
MSRP is $799. SpeakerCraft, Riverside, Calif., 800-448-0976, www.speakercraft.com