Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA) is a national association of the finest custom home theater retailers and custom installers in America. Our members represent the most reputable, technologically-advanced, design-savvy home theater retail showrooms in the country. We have over 100 locations around the country who share joint buying power with the organization, resulting in $500 million in sales each year. That’s a lot of purchase power working for you, the consumer.
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Chester Springs, Pa.—October 9, 2008— Electronic systems for the home are growing more efficient and powerful each day. The Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA), an association of 64 high-end electronics integrators, reports that the capabilities of a typical electronic system have grown substantially over the past five years.
“Today’s home can potentially store millions of audio and video files, and send them to speakers and TVs all over the house,” says David Berman, director of training and public relations for HTSA. “It controls multiple climate zones and operates lights, air conditioning and heating on complex scheduling programs. It can be accessed and controlled online from hundreds of miles away or from control devices already available inside the home. It can monitor how much energy it’s consuming by system, by room, by utility, and by minute. At this level of functionality, you need a lot more than a remote control to make it all work.”
The growth in technology for controlling these systems was showcased at CEDIA 2008, held in Denver, Colorado. “Control was a hot button at the show this year,” says Berman. “We are seeing more options that are more powerful, easier to use and better looking for our living rooms. Manufactures are proudly offering many options for individuals with expansive electronic systems or unique needs.”
With today’s options, HTSA members design intuitive control systems to help homeowners easily operate and control all the activities that enhance their lifestyles within the home at all budget levels. This kind of control can now be affordable for all consumers, and is no longer just a toy for the wealthy. The following are examples of what can be done today with control.
Sharp took the wraps off a new Aquos Limited Edition line of TVs at CEDIA. The LE line includes its first RGB LED back-light model with local dimming. The back-light style allows the TV to produce 150 percent of the NTSC color gamut while the local dimming allows for a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Also included on these models is a 10-bit panel, 120Hz refresh rate technology, AquosNet integrated and a separate input box with 5 HDMI inputs and an optional wireless connection. A separate speaker, using Sharp’s 1-bit digital amplification system and co-developed with Pioneer is also part of the package. At its thinnest, the TV is only one-inch deep. The series will come in 55 (LC-52XS1U-S) and 65-inch (LC-65XS1U-S) sizes. No word on pricing was heard at this time. In calling it the Limited Edition, Sharp will be limited distribution to AV specialty retailers such as HTSA members.
Control4, developer of modestly priced home-control systems, has joined the buying group Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA) to provide products and services to the group’s 62 dealer members.
The manufacturer fills a gap left by long-time vendor Crestron, which left HTSA in July.
“We’ve enjoyed our partnership over the years with HTSA and respect their organization and accomplishments,” says Crestron VP of marketing Randy Klein. “With the changing market and economic conditions we feel we need to focus on more education and support directly with our dealers.”
Only 38 vendors currently have access to this elite group of home systems installers which have an aggregate annual sales volume of more than $500 million.
Sharp took the wraps off a new Aquos Limited Edition line of TVs at CEDIA. The LE line includes its first RGB LED back-light model with local dimming. The back-light style allows the TV to produce 150 percent of the NTSC color gamut while the local dimming allows for a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Also included on these models is a 10-bit panel, 120Hz refresh rate technology, AquosNet integrated and a separate input box with 5 HDMI inputs and an optional wireless connection. A separate speaker, using Sharp’s 1-bit digital amplification system and co-developed with Pioneer is also part of the package. At its thinnest, the TV is only one-inch deep. The series will come in 55 (LC-52XS1U-S) and 65-inch (LC-65XS1U-S) sizes. No word on pricing was heard at this time. In calling it the Limited Edition, Sharp will be limited distribution to AV specialty retailers such as HTSA members.
