special report // CEDIA Expo 2009 preview
CEDIA Expo 2009
With the 2009 CEDIA Expo fast approaching
(June 23-25) at London’s ExCel, CI takes a
closer look at some of the most exciting
plans for the show, including this year’s
highly anticipated training programme.
The 2008 show attracted almost 7,500
trade visitors and still remains the only
annual event in the UK dedicated to the
sessions provided in a tighter, four-hour time slot from 10:00am
design, installation and integration of home
until 2:00pm on each of the show days. Programme content will
be rationalised according to delegate demand, relevance and
electronic systems.
quality assessments.
The keynote speaker element of the programme, which saw
representatives from Apple, the BBC, BIDA and other influential
CEDIA promises that attendance by installers to the 2009 show organisations, delivering presentations in the show floor theatre
is more important than ever. Visitors will be able to experience for the first time, will also be extended.
the latest innovations and new technologies in home cinema, CEDIA has made the decision to increase opportunities for
AV solutions, lighting control, structured wiring, HVAC control, exhibitors to provide Trade Supplier training sessions, which
blinds and security systems. Making its return after the success are free to all visitors. These modifications will result in a more
of the first ‘Hot Topics theatre’ at last year’s event, this year’s focused programme, so education delegates can achieve
newly-named Show Floor Seminar Theatre will welcome ex- the best possible return for their education investment whilst
Dragon Richard Farleigh as its keynote speaker, along with balancing their time between training and the show floor.
topical seminars from industry experts, all free of charge. For “In line with the introduction of CEDIA Certification, the last 18
those involved in the planning, design, specification or installation months has seen an incredible growth in demand for year-round
of home electronic systems, CEDIA Expo remains a key event CEDIA Education,” said operations director, Matt Nimmons. “Our
with an exclusively residential focus. Companies so far confirmed new Training and Curriculum Guide details the extended range
for CEDIA Expo 2009 include Artcoustic, AWE Europe, BMB of CEDIA training opportunities now available to the industry that
Electronics, BPT Security, Crestron, CSE Distribution, Dynalite, offer greater choice and flexibility to delegates than ever before.
Future Automation, Genelec, Habitech, Invision, JVC, Rako “The CEDIA Expo education programme is a key, though no
Controls, Sensible Heat and Sonos to name a few. There are also longer an exclusive component in this expanded schedule. A
a number of exhibitors who’ve signed up for larger stands for the tighter Expo education programme will focus on the most valuable
2009 event including Habitech, Kaleidescape and Spectral GB. CEDIA courses, increase accessibility to popular non-CEDIA led
seminars and present greater opportunities for delegates to see
CEDIA revamps its training and education the many innovations launched at the show and network with
programme exhibitors.”
Event host CEDIA has adjusted its training programme for
the 2009 Expo based on the results of a survey completed by Smart-e to display new HDMI device
delegates at last year’s show. The 2009 education programme The Expo will see AV switching and distribution company Smart-
will continue to run for four days from June 22-25 and will e launch its Smartmix HDMI solution that mixes analogue and
comprise a blend of one day workshops focused on specific digital signals to provide HDMI signals, with a remote control
industry issues such as HDMI distribution, alongside shorter facility through an IP address.
Smartmix is a home entertainment solution that overcomes the
technical challenges of HDMI, whereby the multi-format solution
receives and transmits a mix of analogue and digital signals via a
single CAT-5 cable within one unit. Mixed analogue video formats
together with HDMI signals can be switched and distributed to
multiple displays up to distances of 200m.
Local and remote AV sources can be accommodated
together with a Standard Definition (SD) facility to plug in legacy
equipment such as VCR cameras and direct control through an IP
connection. An optional built-in web browser facility enables the
management of content and broadcast from a remote location.
For example, a company director could command the system
with a laptop from anywhere in the world, or an engineer can tap
into the system to undertake maintenance and repairs without
the need for a site visit. A dedicated CPU on a Linux operating
system limits impact on the matrix whilst maximising efficiency
and speed, providing a stable and reliable platform.
Smart-e managing director Jon Lane said, “The Smartmix
defaults to HDMI output and is compliant with High Definition
Content Protection (HDCP). With the transmission of Freeview
14 May 2009 www.custominstaller.co.uk
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