CEDIA Expo Unveils Must-See Home Theater Innovations

The CEDIA Expo concluded over the weekend, marking another year of the custom installation industry’s flagship annual trade show.

This event consistently impresses with its array of astonishing home theater demonstrations, featuring top-notch 4K projectors and cutting-edge Dolby Atmos speaker systems alongside a host of other pioneering products and technologies.

Having attended CEDIA Expo regularly over the past two decades, I may have been absent in person this year, but I’ve remained vigilant, closely monitoring the emerging news from the show.

In a bid to immerse ourselves in the CEDIA spirit, TechRadar recently ran a Home Theater Week series. This comprehensive collection of custom installation and home cinema-related articles delved into an array of topics, covering everything from projection screens, AV receivers, and subwoofers to the Kaleidescape media server system, which played a pivotal role in many of the impressive demonstrations at CEDIA.

While there’s no substitute for the firsthand experience of the finest AV equipment, enjoyed from the comfort of a plush theater-style seat, I’d like to direct your attention to seven noteworthy products that made their debut at CEDIA 2023. These innovations not only piqued my interest but assuredly garnered the attention of the multitude of attendees who traversed the expansive halls of the Denver Convention Center.

Hisense 100-inch U8K Mini-LED TV: A Gargantuan Delight

Our journey through the notable releases at CEDIA 2023 begins with Hisense’s 100-inch U8K mini-LED TV. Having previously examined the 65-inch variant, we were astounded by the sheer magnitude of this 100-inch marvel. Beyond its size, what sets it apart?

In terms of specifications, it closely mirrors the U8K model we’ve scrutinized, boasting over 1,500 nits of peak brightness, an impressive 1,600 local dimming zones, support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ high dynamic range, Google TV integration, and a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner coupled with a 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker system. Additionally, it offers support for 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), FreeSync Premium, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Dolby Vision Gaming.

However, what truly captures attention is its price tag – a remarkable $9,999 for a 100-inch 4K mini-LED TV. According to the company, it will be available in the United States this fall.

Samsung 98-inch QN990C 8K Neo QLED TV: An Immersive Experience

Samsung’s 98-inch QN990C 8K Neo QLED TV made waves at CEDIA 2023. This substantial 8K TV features a mini-LED backlight, an anti-glare screen designed to provide optimal viewing even in well-lit environments, and Samsung’s Ultra Viewing Angle technology, ensuring consistent image contrast from off-center viewing positions.

What adds intrigue to this 98-inch behemoth is its capacity to fully showcase the detail inherent in 8K video sources, foreshadowing a future replete with such content. Moreover, it boasts a built-in 6.4.4 Dolby Atmos speaker system and incorporates the Samsung Gaming Hub, offering access to cloud-based gaming platforms like Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and more. This impressive television is now available at a price point of $40,000.

LG Magnit 118-inch 4K MicroLED Display: A Home Cinema Marvel

LG impressed attendees at CEDIA with its 118-inch Magnit MicroLED display, tailor-made for home cinema installations. Positioned between LG’s 136-inch Magnit MicroLED and the 97-inch Signature OLED M wireless TV, this 4K MicroLED comes equipped with the company’s A9 image processor and features the intuitive webOS smart interface for streaming.

The display’s capabilities extend to supporting 4K content at 120Hz, making it suitable for stand or wall-mounted installations. While it incorporates built-in 50-watt, 2-channel speakers, it also accommodates WiSA wireless speaker connections, underscoring its versatility. During CEDIA Expo, LG showcased the display alongside WiSA-enabled Bang & Olufsen Beolab 50 speakers. This 118-inch model is part of the Magnit MicroLED family, which offers screen configurations extending up to 393 inches, with the 118-inch variant priced at $237,000.

Quantum Media Systems XDR3 LED Video Wall: A Visual Spectacle

LED video walls, traditionally associated with commercial applications like digital signage, are finding their way into residential settings, replacing conventional projector and screen setups. Quantum Media Systems’ XDR3 LED Video Wall is a prime example of this transition.

Specially designed for residential use, the XDR3 boasts the ability to automatically switch between various aspect ratios, including 2.39:1 Cinemascope and 16:9. Additionally, its built-in processor can display multiple sports broadcasts simultaneously, catering to diverse entertainment preferences. The company’s exhibit at CEDIA featured an 18-foot-wide version of the XDR3 wall, showcasing its prowess in handling sports, movies, gaming, and digital art.

Moreover, the XDR3 integrates seamlessly with third-party control systems, simplifying synchronization with media servers, lighting controls, and other smart home devices. This innovation offers homeowners an opportunity to create immersive and versatile visual experiences in their living spaces.

McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer: Deep Bass Reinvented

McIntosh, renowned for its premium amplifiers characterized by illuminated blue power meters, introduced the PS2K Powered Subwoofer at CEDIA. This tower-style subwoofer employs four 13-inch multi-layer carbon fiber cone woofers and features McIntosh’s Low Distortion High-Performance Magnetic Circuit design, aimed at reducing distortion and enhancing efficiency.

Each of the four woofers is powered by a 500-watt Class D amplifier, resulting in a total power output of 2,000 watts. The subwoofer includes both balanced and unbalanced stereo and subwoofer inputs, facilitating versatile connectivity options. Furthermore, multiple PS2Ks can be daisy-chained to further augment bass performance. With its high-end specifications, the PS2K Powered Subwoofer aligns seamlessly with McIntosh’s reputation for premium audio equipment.

GoldenEar T66 Tower Loudspeaker with Powered Bass: Audiophile Excellence

GoldenEar, recognized for delivering high-performance speakers at accessible price points, introduced the T66 Tower Loudspeaker at CEDIA 2023. This new addition to the GoldenEar lineup offers both a Santa Barbara Red finish priced at $7,200 per pair and a Gloss Black option at $6,900 per pair.

Building on the legacy of the Triton series, the T66 incorporates a folded ribbon tweeter, mid-bass drivers, planar radiators, and a 500-watt RMS powered subwoofer section. Notable enhancements include a revamped crossover, high-quality internal wiring, and the inclusion of a cast aluminum base and metal grille. Most notably, the introduction of the red finish marks a departure from the brand’s longstanding preference for basic black, adding a touch of flair to their offerings.

Definitive Technology Mythos Series On-Wall Speakers: Slim and Stylish Sound

CEDIA 2023 witnessed the revival of the Definitive Technology Mythos series, known for its distinctive aluminum speaker cabinets and ultra-slim drivers. The next generation of Mythos speakers carries forward the sleek and slender aesthetic through three on-wall LCR (Left, Center, Right) speakers and three on-wall passive soundbars designed to complement 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch TVs.

These new models employ the company’s XTDD (Extra Thin Dynamic Dome) drivers to achieve a minimal profile of less than 2 inches in depth. Paired with aluminum dome tweeters and housed in aircraft-grade aluminum cabinets, they represent a blend of aesthetics and audio quality. Notably, the new Mythos series carries an IP66 rating, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor AV installations.

In summary, CEDIA Expo 2023 showcased a plethora of cutting-edge technologies and products destined to redefine the home entertainment and custom installation landscape. These seven remarkable offerings, spanning from colossal TVs to audio innovations, provide enthusiasts and homeowners with an array of options to elevate their home theater experiences. Stay tuned for further in-depth reviews and analyses as we delve deeper into these exciting developments in the world of custom installations and home cinema.