B&K Components has introduced their new Reference 70 preamp/preprocessor.  Expanding on the success of the previous Reference 50 Series 2, the Ref. 70 has been upgraded with the latest and greatest audio and video technologies and at a price point which makes it a very attractive solution for any size home theater.

The majority of new features are focused on video so the Ref. 70 can be integrated and take advantage of 1080p video.  Centered around a Silicon Optix Reon HQV high performance video processor, all incoming video sources are scaled to 1080p and output via HDMI.  Along with the outstanding video upgrades, the audio procesing has also been revamped to handle all current audio formats; including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MD Master Audio.

Two other very noticeable improvements are an on-screen display, which works via HDMI up to 1080p, and the new front panel interface which provides easy access of all of the preamps features.

Here are all the highlights:

• 14 Discrete Audio & Video Inputs
• 6 HDMI Inputs and 1 HDMI Monitor Output. (version 1.3b)
• 8 Component Inputs and 2 Component Monitor Outputs
• Upconverting and Scaling of Component, S-Video and Composite to HDMI
• True Scaling up to 1080p
• CinemaScope Scaling for 2.35 Aspect Ratio Screen (Lens Needed)
• B&K’s GUI On-Screen Interface with Overlays up to 1080p via HDMI
• 16 Digital Inputs (8 optical / 8 coaxial) Including Digital Audio on the 6 HDMI Inputs
• Ethernet port (RJ-45) for IP Command and Control
• Flash upgrade Capability
• Full 2-Way RS-232
• Built-In 14 Source Discrete IR Routing
• Built-In FM/AM Tuner with up to 40 Simple Tuner Preset Stations
• Rear IR Input Jack (1/8” Minijack)
• 5.1 / 7.1 Analog Inputs for SACD / DVD Audio / Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio
• New Smart Sync Programmable Audio & Video Preferences by B & K
• USB 2.0 for Computer Programming
• 1 Pair Balanced (XLR) Input / 1 Balanced Digital Input
• 8 Unbalanced (RCA) Outputs / 8 Balanced (XLR) Outputs
• 5 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
• Made in the U.S.A.

The Reference 70 is currently shipping with a MSRP of $3,798.

The CEDIA update will be a little short today but stay tuned, there is a lot more coming.  In the meantime, as some of you are aware, one of our premier projector lines has gone through some changes.  Vidikron, and it’s big brother company Runco, were purchased by Planar in May 2007.  Since that time the transition has not been as smooth as expected and, as with any acquisition, changes were expected.  In the recent months there have been many rumors flying around regarding the state of Planar as well as the Runco and Vidikron lines.  Yesterday I attended a meeting which addressed all of this.  First, the Vidikron line will be dissolved over the next couple of months.  Service and support for the Vidikron products will continue but all marketing and new product development have ceased.  Runco targeted a number of Vidikron dealers and have invited them to be part of the Runco family and that did include 8250 Theaterworks.  So, I am pleased to announce Runco has been added to the list of premier products available to 8250 clients.  At the meeting they showed us a number of new, and very cool, products and technologies that we’ll be coming to market in the next couple of months.  I’ll of course be reporting on these and giving you all the details.

SI Screens of Austin Texas recently introduced their Black Diamond projector screen.

“The exclusive technologies in our Black Diamond projector screen represent a breakthrough in picture quality for home theater applications,” explained Aaron Reilly, Screen Innovations CTO. “Black Diamond enhances projector performance by creating the ultimate contrast (blacker blacks, whiter whites) and color accuracy (with added vibrant color delivery) in both ‘dark’ and ‘bright’ environments.”

This screen is an excellent solution for any room where there is ambient light and even in dedicated home theaters as it reduces the amount of screen reflection.  This means it’s now possible to have a crystal-clear large screen display in game rooms, sports bars, living rooms and media centers and still keep the lights on or shades open.

Having seen the Black Diamond in action all I can say is WOW, and judging by the recent order reports from our local representative, I’m not the only one who has been impressed.  Additionally, the Black Diamond projector screen has already won the “Product of the Year 2008″ from Electronic House and the “Best of Demo Alley” at EHX 2008.  It’s also currently a finalist for “Best New Product” for CEDIA 2008, where the winners will be announced at the September trade show right here in Denver, I’ll keep you posted.

Pictured left, a 1.3 gain screen over the new Black Diamond screen. This picture was taken at a recent dealer show in Utah in a hotel room with all the lights on!

Fixed screen sizes currently range from 80″ to 113″ and a motorized drop-down version has been announced as part of new Reference Motorized Series.  Pricing starts at $2,099.

projectiondesign recently change the name of it’s home cinema projector family from “Action” to “avielo”. The new family name coincides with the release of several new projectors in the home theater line. Five models will be available and all include the superior image performance which projectiondesign is known for. At InfoComm 2008, projectiondesign had a stunning booth with all models on display.

avielo projectiondesign models:

-Prisma: 720p
-Spectra: 1080p
-Radiance: 1080p, high light output
-Optix: 1080p, dual lamp configuration
-Helios: 1080p, 3-chip (shown)

Currently the Spectra and Optix are being offered.  Stay tuned to this blog for more information on the release of the remaining three models.