3D Projection in the Home – While the 3D-enabled video projector market is still in its infancy, a recent study by Pacific Media Associates suggests that it will sky-rocket from the current 1 million projections sold worldwide this year to almost 5.4 million units in 2014. Larger screen sizes and lower prices for 3D-enabled projectors may help convince consumers to purchase a projector system instead of a 3D-enabled flat screen display. Sony just introduced its first 3D front projector, JVC has six new 3D projectors, including an entry-level model at $2,995. Sharp and Mitsubishi introduced 3D projectors at CEDIA and Acer has a 720p 3D projector at $699.
Universal 3D Glasses from XpanD and Monster – Cable king Monster has launched their Max 3D glasses which support any 3D system. They are the first to employ RF technology rather than the infrared signals typically used, but that requires a separate RF transmitter, which Xpand’s X103 universal 3D glasses don’t require. Xpand’s will soon be available at $150 each, while Monster’s will sell for $250 plus $170 for additional pairs.
Portland Jazz Festival to Feature Jewish & African Americans – The 2011 Portland Jazz Festival, scheduled for February 18 thru 27, will have a theme of “Bridges and Boundaries: Jewish and African Americans Playing Jazz Together.” Some of the culturally-diverse headliners will include trumpeter Avishai Cohen, clarinetist Anat Cohen, violinist Regina Carter, saxist Joshua Redman, and bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding. The theme idea came from Nat Hentoff’s writings about jazz as a meeting place for African and Jewish Americans. In many cities the Black community evolved from what had originally been the Jewish neighborhood. Movements in contemporary jazz are again leading the way to create bridges between African Americans and Jewish Americans.
Report on Consumer Electronics in Indonesia – The current Indonesia Consumer Electronics Report provides the industry and government with intelligence and forecasts on the country’s electronics industry, which is projected at around $7.3 billion this year. Consumers in the major cities dominate the figures. Rising incomes and lower unemployment are expected to boost consumer demand for electronic products. Computer items accounted for around 41% of Indonesia’s consumer electronics spending in 2009, and AV devices accounted for around 34%. Mobile phone sets were around 25% of consumer electronics spending in 2009, and the roll-out of digital TV in the major cities will drive replacement TV set sales, which were already boosted by the World Cup in South Africa.
Yamaha AV Receiver Line Low Price Points – The five models of Yamaha’s popular ’67’ series AV receivers range from $899 down to only $249. The top model offers advanced AV technologies, dual HDMI outputs, networking and 3D support. An on-screen display GUI can overlay album art on HD and 3D sources, amps can be assigned to bi-amp speakers, or for back surround surround, front presence or Zone 2 use, and the flagship receiver can be using in conjunction with an optional iPod dock, wireless transmitter and/or a Bluetooth wireless audio receiver. Users can enjoy Internet radio, Rhapsody, Sirius, and the music files on their PCs.
