Worst DIY Installs Ever Part 7
10 Must-Have Products for Your Next Install
6 Amazing High-End Home Theaters
8 Awesome Turntables for Spinning Vinyl
The Best in the Industry
CE Pro recognizes these new products and technologies in its third annual CE Pro BEST Awards for new custom electronic products introduced in 2011. Just the Best! We picked BEST products and announced them during CEDIA 2011 exposition.
View the BEST winners. Browse all of them. Take a moment and browse around the categories to see them all.
Start Browsing. About the awards. Welcome to the third annual CE Pro BEST Products Awards program.
More about the awards.
CE Pro recognizes these new products and technologies in its third annual CE Pro BEST Awards for new custom electronic products introduced in 2011. Just the Best! We picked BEST products and announced them during CEDIA 2011 exposition.
View the BEST winners. Browse all of them. Take a moment and browse around the categories to see them all.
Start Browsing. About the awards. Welcome to the third annual CE Pro BEST Products Awards program.
More about the awards.
The BEST Winners
BEST Awards Winners
CE Pro congratulates this year's winners of the CE Pro BEST (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) Awards.
Winners announced at CEDIA Expo and on CEPro.com.
The winners of the Inaugural BEST Awards were chosen by a panel of industry experts, integrators and the editors of CE Pro and Electronic House, to join an exclusive group of products deemed the most noteworthy for 2011.
Criteria included:
- innovation
- functionality
- competitive advantages
- benefits to the installer
Presentation of the awards took place at the CE Pro Headquarters on September 8, 2011 from 4 pm to 6 pm by Jason Knott, editor-in-chief of CE Pro.
The 2011 BEST Winners
Software Application WinnerSimply Reliable Software Design Machine
Creating documentation on projects is time consuming and takes a level of expertise in drawing software. Design Machine removes those barriers so that complete documentation can be available for every job, every time. This reduces mistakes, improves efficiency, opens up a consistent path between designer, installer and programmer.
Phase Technology - an MSE Audio company CI820 In-Ceiling Speaker
The CI820 is a two-way coaxial, ported speaker with integrated backcan that delivers optimal efficiency and performance along with easy installation. It incorporates an 8-inch polypropylene woofer with butyl rubber surround and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter; a tuned port on the baffle provides added musicality and superior bass response.
GoldenEar Technology Invisa 650
GoldenEar Invisa Series loudspeakers are engineered to deliver superb state-of-the-art sound quality from in-wall/in-ceiling speakers that are designed to blend perfectly with their surroundings and virtually disappear.
Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air
Playlists can now roam free thanks to the Klipsch Gallery™ G-17 Air. The revolutionary two-channel music system houses the patented Tractrix® Horn for signature Klipsch sound, while its AirPlay technology allows for wireless streaming of content from Apple and Android smart devices.
Krell Industries, LLC Modulari Ion Loudspeaker
The Modulari Ion extends award winning Krell speaker technology to the architectural speaker category. Featuring the highest quality components, the Modulari Ion delivers audiophile sound quality. The final piece of a Krell HEAT system, the Modulari Ion completes a package that provides unmatched performance where space is a premium.
Velodyne Acoustics EQ-Max10
Velodyne’s EQ-MAX is the first subwoofer line to offer remote controlled, one-touch Auto-EQ and maximum bass performance at an affordable price point.. Made possible only by Velodyne’s 28 years of subwoofer innovation, EQ-Max’s rich feature set and advanced technologies combine to deliver high performance bass, simply and affordably.
Denon Electronics DNP-720AE
Denon, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2011, engineered the DNP-720AE Network Audio Player as a unique standalone music streaming component designed to meet the needs of today’s “digitally connected” consumer and significantly enhance both audio quality and networking capabilities.
Autonomic Mirage Media Server MMS-2
The Autonomic MMS-2 cloud-based media server enables global access to music collections wherever life takes you. Stream Pandora, Last.fm, Rhapsody, TuneIn Radio and SiriusXM Internet Radio alongside iTunes, Windows Media and all popular audio formats. Control-ready modules are available for AMX, Control4, Crestron, RTI, Savant, URC, iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch.
Anthem Statement M1
The single rack unit Class D Anthem Statement M1 is a one kilowatt, one rack unit, mono-block power amplifier that outperforms its class with sophisticated monitoring circuits effortlessly maintaining proper frequency response, even when powering the heaviest speaker loads using a 120V line.
Audio Design Associates, Inc. (ada) TEQ Trinnov Room Correction EQ
Audio Design Associates (ada), CEDIA’s brand of excellence, raises the realm of electronic room-correction with the TEQ optimizer. Featuring Trinnov’s proprietary software, which is based on the most advanced understanding of 3-D acoustical-modeling, the TEQ’s 64-bit floating-point-processing provides room correction in a manner otherwise unachievable. You won’t believe your ears!
Runco Vistage V-63
Runco’s Vistage V-63 HD ultra-thin flat panel display combines elegance, beauty and unparalleled customization with stellar video performance that is synonymous with the Runco brand. This flat panel display is completely customizable and offers a stylish solution that can be personalized to reflect the style and passion of the homeowner.
Digital Projection International dVision 35-1080p 3D
Digital Projection International unveils the dVision 35-1080p 3D, an unmatched single-chip DLP 3D projector uniquely adaptable to both 2D and 3D applications. Equally capable of both active and passive 3D, the dual lamp dVision delivers the most flexible, performance-driven 2D and 3D precision projector available today.
SIM2 USA Inc LUMIS 3D SOLO
The LUMIS 3D SOLO is a high-end 3D performer that brings cinema-quality 3D images (using triple flash 144 Hz 3D technology) to home theaters, in a compact three-chip DLP projector chassis.
Vutec Corporation SilverStar 3D-P
SilverStar™ 3D-P (passive technology) is Vutec’s award winning 3D-P + 2D + HD in one optimal projection screen. This revolutionary screen is truly in a class by itself. Delivering the ultimate in picture quality, providing bright vivid colors, ultra high gain, high contrast and a seamless curved wide viewing area. SilverStar™ 3D-P superior performance begins with its innovative technology—patented silver-based material to provide the ultimate passive 3-D and 2-D performance. This state-of-the art technology increases color saturation while expanding contrast…Middle Atlantic Products BGR Series Racks
The BGR Series Breakthrough Next-Generation Equipment Rack incorporates the most comprehensive feature set currently available for hassle-free, efficient system integration. Core to its enhanced functionality is the new patent-pending LeverLock™ Interior Management System that promotes fast, flexible installation and servicing.
Chief TS325 Thinstall Swing Arm Mount with TA500 In-Wall Box
Chief’s TS325 THINSTALL™ Dual Swing Arm Wall Mount provides an ultra-low profile for TVs 30-52”. Featuring a sleek, lightweight design, this full-motion wall mount collapses to a mere 1.3” (33 mm). When used in conjunction with Chief’s TA500 In-Wall Box accessory, the combination provides almost zero depth from the wall. A complete line of accessories, including component shelves, speaker adapters and more, is available.
OmniMount Systems, Inc. Blade2
Mounted under a TV or as a stand-alone piece, Blade2 is a low-profile wall furniture unit that offers a fresh approach in accessorizing your home theater. With a low 1.2” (30mm) profile, Blade2 mounts directly under ultrathin TVs while maintaining a seamless, refined appearance.
ihiji invision 2011
ihiji invision is a cloud-based network monitoring and support solution built specifically for the CI channel which enables remote maintenance of electronic components, HVAC and lighting systems, networks and more. By improving customer satisfaction, service department performance metrics and overall profitability, invision provides a significant benefit to any company’s bottom line.
Clare Controls ClareHome
ClareHome is the first home automation system managed from the cloud, that runs on a Mac. Integrators configure, deploy and monitor the ClareHome, while end-users create their own interfaces. No other solution allows users to download controls and make them functional within minutes – without the help of a programmer.
AMX Modero X Series Touch Panel
The Modero X Series is a radical departure from conventional touch panels. This sleek family of frameless, panoramic and widescreen touch panels feature edge-2-edge glass, low-profile design, and more usable space for control, applications, video, and a richly engaging user experience. Its panoramic design gives users a new level of ‘control.’
Honeywell Security & Communications 5800ZBRIDGE Wireless Module
With Honeywell’s 5800ZBRIDGE module, end users no longer have to remember to adjust thermostats or lights when they come and go. With Z-wave technology, it automatically sets back thermostats and turns lights on or off whenever security systems are armed away or disarmed— saving money and conserving resources every day.
Savant Systems LLC Select
The Savant Select remote delivers a simple, immersive and familiar consumer experience with the perfect balance of pushbuttons and touch interface providing intuitive, tactile navigation. The depth of the two-way communication provided includes audio and video, media, lighting, security, network cameras, climate control, gate access and more.
Honeywell Security & Communications Total Connect 2.0
Total Connect 2.0, Honeywell’s newly enhanced remote services solution, allows users to remotely manage their security systems, receive important alerts and view live video via PCs, smartphones and tablets. Users can arm/disarm their systems and access video feeds using a real-time connection on an interactive dashboard with vivid graphics for enhanced usability.
URC DMS-1200 Multi-Zone Network Amplifier
URC’s DMS-1200 Multi-Zone Network Amplifier provides uncompressed audio to eight zones, and is expandable to up to 32 zones. Audio is delivered via Ethernet and IP, enabling ESCs to deliver premium-quality audio throughout a home quickly, efficiently and profitably.
NuVo Technologies Wireless
NuVo’s system masters quality and versatility with a convenient zone-by-zone design and the availability of multiple zone player formats, operable in wireless, Ethernet or Powerline setups. The all-in-one amplifiers stream from network-stored audio, analog sources, Bluetooth enabled devices, and an abundance of internet-based services, while employing cutting-edge audio optimization to deliver superior audio.
SurgeX XU315-DC
The XU315-DC 1500VA double conversion UPS surge eliminator offers regenerated true sign wave output with no interruption and ensures security to customers that their system will still perform in the event of a power outage or interruption. It also features the patented SurgeX Advanced Mode Series surge elimination technology for unsurpassed protection.
SunBriteTV Model 4660HD
SunBriteTV delivers the home theater experience to the great outdoors more affordable with Model 4630HD, an all-weather 46-inch full-HD LCD TV that is engineered for permanent outdoor use. The TV’s all-weather design protects the internal components from extreme weather and environmental conditions, providing best-in-class, trouble-free, backyard video entertainment year round!
Park|Stevens PS4
Park|Stevens. High-performance landscape audio systems that blend seamlessly into the outdoor environment.
Rainbow Fish Fiber Optic, Inc Rainbow Fish Fiber Optic HDMI
At Rainbow Fish, we believe in providing the very best quality audio and video content for enjoyment in the home. Rainbow Fish Fiber Optic HDMI is the world’s first HDMI-certified, 100% fiber optic cable that supports high speed HDMI with no signal degradation at distances up to 1000 feet.
Lutron Sivoia QS Venetian Blinds with Intelligent Tilt Alignment
Lutron’s Sivoia QS Venetian Blinds with Intelligent Tilt Alignment put a new tilt on traditional window coverings by combining smooth, quiet motion with independent control of blind height and slat angle. They offer independent control of lift and tilt, Intelligent Tilt Alignment, user-defined presets and precision control.
Broan-NuTone CV400 Power Unit
The NuTone® CV400 Power Unit offers exceptional power while maintaining a compact footprint and is designed for apartments, condominiums or homes up to 2,200 square feet. This deep-cleaning, compact central vacuum unit adds huge value to the home and increased convenience and comfort for its residents.
Wi3 WiPNET
Wi3’s WiPNET, the ultimate built-in IPTV bandwidth solution, is the only in-wall, Internet over existing coax, wired network available today. By making your Media Social, WiPNET enables a social network for home electronics & appliances.
Savant Systems LLC Smart Energy - Monitor
The Savant Smart Energy Monitor has been designed to facilitate two-way communications between all energy devices and subsystems. Moreover, consumers can reduce energy use and costs by controlling how and when specific devices use power—particularly during peak pricing or load periods, and in a way that fits with their lifestyle.
SpectraCal, Inc. CalMAN Professional v4
Since its release, CalMAN has thoroughly redefined the standards of video calibration software. With unmatched hardware support, innovative features like Auto-Cal™ and Direct Display Control (DDC), and customizable workflows, CalMAN ushers in the 21st century of display calibration that is fast, easy, and matches the way you want to work.
Lutron HomeWorks QS total home control system
Lutron’s energy-saving HomeWorks QS system offers convenient control of lights, shades and stand-by power from small appliances. The system can be easily installed in any new or existing home and operates via Lutron’s Clear Connect wireless, RF technology.
AMX ICSLan Device Control Boxes
ICSLan Device Control Boxes allow users to manage virtually any device remotely from a NetLinx® Controller over an Ethernet network. These interfaces control AV, lighting, shades and other devices using IR, RS-232, I/O or relays. They provide Power over Ethernet, function as port expanders, and require only one twisted pair cable.
TRUFIG HVAC Solution
TRUFIG’s revolutionary flush-mounting solutions are designed for aesthetic-conscious architects, designers, and property owners in the residential and commercial markets. The new TRUFIG HVAC Solutions have been developed to seamlessly integrate common HVAC supply grilles and returns for a clean, flush mount custom installation that blends into the home décor.
Ooma, Inc. Telo Air
Ooma, the smart phone for the home, provides free home phone service with the highest voice quality, and most advanced features.
