Sponsored and coordinated by Curtco's Home Theater Magazine, the Entertainment Expo and Sale on October 9th-11th brought some exciting sights and sounds to the Hyatt Newporter in Newport Beach, CA. In conjunction with manufacturers, several west coast custom installers and dealers provided state-of-the-art home theatre demonstrations which aroused the senses. What makes this show one of the most unique trade shows of the year is its primary audience is potential customers. Rarely does the customer have an opportunity to compare such a wide variety of products in one place and make purchases.

If you weren't one of the lucky ones to actually attend the show, here are the highlights.

The High Dollar Theaters
When it comes to picture quality, Runco's DTV-1000 and Vidikron's Vision One projectors are the closest to film quality you can hope for in a home theater environment. Both companies outdid themselves with magnificent demonstrations at this expo. No other displays could possibly compete in terms of high end performance as well as high roller prices.

Ultimate Entertainment beased in Phoenix, AZ. demonstrated a high definition demonstration of Jurassic Park: The Lost World using the Vidikron Vision One and the Snell & Wilcox Interpolator. A Stewart Luxus Snapper Deluxe screen (54" x 96') was used with a 1.5 gain. Played back in 1080i resolution, the HD transfer had exceptional depth, fine edges and amazing detail. However, I was surprised that it lacked the color vibrancy of the Apollo 13 segment found on the DTS encoded DVD demo. In fact, when I walked into the room I thought this was the HD clip because it was so tack sharp and three-dimensional.

Source machines consisted of a Meridian 586 DVD Player and a Panasonic AJ-HD2000 D-5 tape machine. A professional Tascam DA-88 digital multi-track recorder player, synced to the HD tape machine, was used to playback the DTS encoded soundtrack for the Lost World HD segment. Without a doubt, this was the most complex arrangement at the show, combining professional and consumer A/V equipment to fully demonstrate the capabilities of high definition video.

The audio consisted of a Meridian 861 Processor and brand new Proceed HPA2 and HPA3's amplifiers powering a full compliment of Genesis loudspeakers (200,300 and 500). A total of nine Genesis Model 900 powered subwoofers were placed throughout the room. Yes, you took off with the crew of Apollo 13 as the room shook from the engines thrust during lift-off. The complete Ultimate Entertainment A/V system was upwards of $200,000 and all cable was provided by Audioquest.

Coordinating their efforts, Runco, Krell, JMlab, DTS, Niles and Monster Cable put together a powerful demonstration. Runco used their newest killer combo, the DTV-1000 with the VFC-4000 Multifilm digital video processor. Krell supplied the electronics with their High End Audio Theater (H.E.A.T.) system which consists of their Audio/Video Standard digital processor and five monoblock Full Power Balanced amplifiers. The only source machine was Runco's SAR-200, a 200 disc DVD changer. French speaker manufacturer, JMlab used Grand Utopia's for the front speakers, Utopias for the rear and the Mini Utopias for the center. Monster Cable was used throughout the entire installation and Niles provided lighting and system automation. Two of three demonstration pieces were encoded in DTS.

The video was absolutely extraordinary, with a perfect color balance and exceptional contrast. The first clip was from Starship Troopers featuring several computer-animated sequences in space. The projector and processor did a magnificent job of resolving the fine level of details in these processed shots, pulling me right into the action with it's film-like depth of field. I was most astonished by the reproduction of the Titanic trailer found on a DTS encoded DVD demo disc. Having seen the trailer many times, I know it can appear very dark. In this demonstration, the minutest contrast levels and three-dimensional qualities were sharply visible which the HD demo didn't convey in the Ultimate Entertainment demo.

So, which system took best picture and sound? While I felt both systems represent the best of the best, for me the Krell, Runco, JMlab combo gets the nod at this Expo with just the slightest edge. At any given show Runco or Vidikron are the main competitors, and it was the DTV-1000, which exhibited a certain richness this time that really "wowed" me. As far as the audio portion, I love the Genesis and Proceed combo, as that's the basis of my own reference system. However, I was moved by the naturally warm, yet powerfully dynamic JMlab Utopia/Krell combo.

The Plasma Invasion
Everywhere you looked, someone was demonstrating Plasma TV with it's distinctive and highly desirable super thin framework. Most Plasma TV's are 42", except for Pioneer's 50" version.

In addition to the Runco DTV5800, Genesis Audio Video displayed the 50" Pioneer PDP-V501X Plasma TV. What I found revealing about the larger picture size is how much further away you must sit to get a good quality picture. Like a standard PTV, when standing right next to the screen, you see fuzzy looking pixels with lots of blooming effects. With the proper distance, the picture sharpens right up. You can get pretty close to the 42" models without any noticeable picture degradation. Since, all plasma TV's are in the 16:9 aspect ratio, a 42" model will generally be big enough for the majority of home theaters.

Runco displayed their Plasma TV, the PL-42 (also $14,000). It was extremely striking even when you were standing within a foot or two of the screen. What makes the PL-42 special is the added bonus of a very small and attractive hand held touch screen learning remote. It has pre-programmed pages for all your key components, you just have to teach it the IR commands from your respective gear. Like other Plasma models, it provides composite, S-Video and component inputs as well as an RGB computer hook-up.

The three-inch deep Marantz PD-4280 Plasma Monitor looked terrific even though it's limited 853 x 480 resolution still doesn't come close to the resolution you'll obtain from a front screen projection system for about the same price. However, it's capable of displaying a line-doubled image from an NTSC source or a progressive scan image from a computer, DTV converter, or DVD-Video player. Component inputs for DVD playback is a major plus. It also includes the popular RC2000 Mark II Programmable Learning Remote Control. The PD-4280 retails for a whopping $14,000.

First Generation DTVs
On November 8th, CBS will make the first national high definition broadcast. The programming is not all that surprising; it will be an NFL Football Game. These first few broadcasts in 1998 may all be sports oriented, but in 1999 there will be a much larger variety of HD programming. It's inevitable that you'll have to replace your TV as the first new digital ready TVs are arriving in stores later this year.

One such product comes from Sharp, who will provide limited distribution of the 16:9 widescreen 64HP5000 HDTV Rear Projection system. The ATSC decoder converts all incoming DTV signals to display them in full 1080i resolution. The built-in line doubler enhances NTSC sources such as broadcast, DSS, Laserdisc and DVD. For you big sports fans, the 64HP5000 includes two NTSC tuners for Picture in Picture viewing along with special effects like split screen, strobe and freeze frame. It's also possible to display up to nine thumbnail pictures to see what's on several channels at once. Component video inputs as well as digital audio (coax and optical) outputs are provided.

In their full-blown HiDef demonstration, Sharp stored a football game previously shot in high definition on a Sencore Hard Drive Storage unit. The results were impressive-- you feel just like you're sitting in the stands. Be advised the cost of entry into digital TV land is $10,000 for this SharpVision 64HP5000.

Runco's DTV5800 could be found at demonstrations by Irvine, CA. based Genesis Audio Video and Woodland Hills, CA. Wilson Audio Video. Neither dealer used any kind of HDTV material to show off the unit's true capabilities, but the NTSC DVD pictures were astounding. If you have the room, and front screen projection systems are out of the question, this is the set to seriously consider. It is a vast improvement over your name brand PTV's, plus it is HDTV ready.

As the model number implies the screen is 58" wide in the new 16 x 9 aspect ratio standard. The scan rate on the 5800 is high enough to accept the full 1080I (1080 x 1920) HDTV signals as well as all the other HD formats such as 480p and 720p. It too has a built-in line doubler to improve resolution for a 960-line progressive scan display. Like the SharpVision product, the DTV5800 will be a winner among the Sunday afternoon sports crowd with picture in picture and a nine-channel matrix display.

A high quality center channel with two 6.25-inch drivers is included in the cabinet. Use it as a stand-alone speaker for regular TV viewing or use it in place of a dedicated speaker for a complete home theater set-up. It's understood that a set of this caliber would incorporate component inputs to ensure the best possible pictures from DVD. At $11,000, the DTV-5800 is going to be very appealing to the early adopter.

Processor versus Receiver
Atlantic Stereo in Costa Mesa CA. coordinated their efforts with Bob Carver's Sunfire to show off the brand new Sunfire Theater Grand digital processor with both Dolby Digital and DTS decoding. It offers both five and seven channel surround. This is the first such processor to be released by Sunfire. Randy Bingham from Sunfire proudly announced that the Theater Grand is now shipping and had come in at a price $300 less than what was originally quoted at last winter's CES.

Automatic sensing of the audio signal starts a sequence of pre-programmed events automatically. For instance, simply by pressing play on a DVD player, the Theater Master will turn on, the Laserdisc input is selected as well as the proper surround mode, the TV turns on and the movie begins.

I was also pleased to see the Theater Master is properly equipped with beaucoup de inputs. In addition to five analog A/V inputs, there are five digital inputs, (three coax and two optical) plus 2 component video inputs. It even has a phono stage input for a turntable. The Theater Grand is ready to rock and roll with sources from the past and the future. At a suggested retail of $2,995, the Theater Grand is bound for success.

A few rooms were using the latest addition to the B & K Components line-up, the AVR202 Receiver with both Dolby Digital and DTS decoders. Although this is a receiver, it is not some kind of entry level piece. This is a top-notch component with all the high-end bells and whistles, vying with many of the more expensive stand-alone processors. Even the $2,800 suggested retail indicates high quality features and performance all the way.

To ensure its viability this year and well into the future, it is designed to accept factory installed upgrades of new audio and surround technologies. It too was outfitted with a whole host of analog and digital inputs. There's plenty of room for a Laserdisc, DVD and DSS receiver in addition to a stand-alone CD Player, VCR and audio tape deck. Built-in amplification is ready for action, delivering 105 watts per channel (x5).

The AVR202 features what B & K calls "Plug and Play". It automatically selects the proper input, detects the audio signal and chooses the correct surround sound format found on a CD, LD or DVD and engages it for accurate music playback.

Digital Surround on a Budget
What would chips be without salsa? A rather bland snack at best. The same can be said about DVDs without 5.1 audio. So maybe the two previous components are outside your budgetary constraints. Don't fear, moving into digital surround is no longer a price prohibitive proposition. Several manufacturers were showing off lower priced A/V Receivers capable of decoding those all too critical multi-channel soundtracks found on DVD.

The attractive and uniquely designed VR-2080 A/V Receiver is part of the new Component Line of Kenwood products and retails for $799. It packs a powerful 100 watts per channel (x5) amplifier capable of delivering 5.1 soundtracks with plenty of dynamics and punch. In addition to Dolby Digital, it decodes DTS Digital Surround material as well. The VR-2080 includes a backlit interactive remote that is activated by buttons and a joystick on the handle.

Coupled with the companion DV-2070 DVD Player for $850, quality home theater has never been more affordable. The DV-2070 incorporates a 10-bit video D/A converter, a 24-bit/96kHz audio D/A and includes component video outputs.

Perhaps your budget is really tight, but you still crave the latest and greatest AV technology. The Kenwood Spectrum Line of products may be your best solution. The VR-209 provides Dolby Digital processing (no DTS) with the same power rating as the VR-2080 for only $400.

The Digital Upgrade Path
Technology is moving at such a fast pace, it would seem that those perfectly good top-of-the line Pro Logic Receivers purchased a mere two to three years ago are ready for the trash heap.

Vantas, a new division of Microtek, is about to release an essential solution for those 30 million or so Pro Logic and Dolby Surround receiver owners. The DPA-87 is an add-on black box that turns existing receivers into Dolby Digital systems. The DPA-P87 incorporates a proprietary automatic volume tracking system that allows you to calibrate the DAP-P87 and leave it alone. Once installed you use the volume control on your current receiver to raise and lower the volume on all five speakers. This is a first for add-on boxes, which usually take over the master volume control. It also includes six D/A converters for a wide dynamic range and low noise audio. Best of all it will only cost you $599 to upgrade your present system. Early next year Vantas will release the DPA-P50 an upgrade path for the millions upon millions of two channel systems out there. It will retail for a pretty amazing $649.

Great Sound in Small Packages
Let's face it, not everybody has the deep passionate desire to surround their living room with giant speakers. So is it fair that they should suffer and get less than ideal sound? Atlantic Technologies definitely doesn't think so. They've introduced yet another complete Cinema package, the 4.5 Home Theater Speaker System for a reasonable $1,596. It comes with two small bookshelf sized speakers for the front left and right (4.5" W x 10.5" H x 6" D), a dedicated center (similar dimensions) with a base to fit on top of a TV. The 4.5 system is not THX Certified, but it does sport very small dipole speakers because the designers at Atlantic Technology really believe in the diffuse effect delivered by this type of speaker. The dipole speakers can be purchased in black or white, to best fit your interior design. A relatively petite (17.5" W x 12"H x 15.5" D) subwoofer rounds out the system. Powered by one of our favorite products this year, the Sherwood R-945 A/V Receiver, this system packed quite a wallop on the wormhole effect in the film Contact. For the money, this little system will be hard to beat and the tiny footprints of these speakers make it all the more attractive.

It would seem that at Monitor Audio, when it comes to speakers, size really doesn't matter. The amazing MA301 two-way, bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio delivers knock out bass due to its long throw bass driver. Like all Monitor Audio speakers, the 301's are outfitted with Gold Dome tweeters and measure out at a diminutive 10"W x 6"H x 8" D. They are quite efficient, as they are designed to work with amps and receivers with as little as 20 watts per channel. Couple them with the brand new ASW210 subwoofer with both a front and bottom firing woofer, and you'll have one of the most serious sounding two-channel systems I've heard from any bookshelf system. Add three more 301's for surround and center to create an awesome cinema speaker system that won't break the bank or over power the living room. The 301's run $499 a pair. The ASW210 retails out at $999.

Aura Sound demonstrated an admirable low-cost home theater solution (a paltry $799) with the LSCP-2 Cinema Pack, part of the company's Line Source catalog of products. All speakers (except powered subwoofer) incorporate Aura's patented monopole tweeter, which provides a horizontal dispersion pattern of 180 degrees with a vertical dispersion of 20 degrees. This allows merging of sound at multiple points in the room, making it possible for everyone to get an enveloping effect, not just the person sitting in the sweet spot. For the center channel, the tweeter is repositioned for the opposite dispersion pattern, so that from anywhere in the listening environment, the center channel information appears to come directly from the picture. For the sake of clarity, the monopole tweeter design was recently purchased from Linaeum, as was the dipole tweeter found on the upper-end line source products.

Lifestyle Audio
Once a category primarily dominated by B & O with their ultra sleek designs, Sherwood America enters the Lifestyle Audio field with the WA-240 Music System.

Sporting a CD Player with a slick metal cover that slides up, a cassette deck and tuner, the WA240 sits comfortably on a bookshelf or table, delivering 25 watts per channel into the system's super thin speakers. A big plus on this piece is the additional preamp outputs for attaching a powered subwoofer, for a fuller and more dynamic sound. The tuner has 30 station presets and the CD Player can program up to 20 tracks. Lifestyle products generally come at a dear price, and so does the WA240, which starts shipping in November at $1,199.00

Would you like to access any CD in your library instantly or set up a random selection of songs from a particular category. Escient has developed TuneBase, the ultimate CD library system that is compatible with most high capacity CD Changers including Denon, Sony, NSM and Pioneer. The TuneBase controller connects between your TV and CD changer and a wireless handheld or keyboard remote is used to choose your musical selections.

While changers can be useful, how can you be expected to remember what CD is in what slot? The Tunebase system catalogs the CD's music style and all the songs. It even displays the cover art. What's more you don't have to do any of the programming. TuneBase recognizes over 250,000 discs from its index of information. As you add more CD's, TuneBase updates itself automatically by dialing Escient's server. Unlike other systems, you don't have to send in your CD collection for encoding.

There are four different systems depending on the level of control you seek. The basic model TuneBase controls up to 3 changers while the top of the line Pro Mk-II controls up to 15 changers with multi-zone capabilities. Prices start around $3,000 not including the changer(s).

Functional Furniture

It's a speaker, no it's furniture. Wait a minute, it's both. Innovative Audio has come up with what they believe is a solution to the dilemma of those big speakers ruining the décor. Hand-crafted cabinets in a variety of styles are used as enclosures to these specially designed loudspeakers. No longer is it necessary to choose performance over appearance. They are as easy to install as any other speaker. Open the door on the cabinet when you want to play the stereo and close the door when you're done. A matching armoire is also available, which holds a TV up to 36" and include a built-in center speaker with several shelves for storing components. The speakers run about $2,200 for the pair and the armoire starts at about $3,800.

Mass produced cabinets and racks are fine for folks who use relatively low-powered equipment, set up their systems and never touch them again for the next five years. Diamond Case Designs showed what I would consider the only piece of furniture I've seen with the audio/videophile in mind. The TheaterTech trade; TT-300 entertainment center offers built-in ventilation including rear mounted fans, fluorescent lighting and a surge suppression strip with eight outlets. Shelves are made of sturdy perforated steel to ensure components such as amplifiers get plenty of ventilation. Even the pegs that hold the shelving are made of a vibration dampening material. A backlit universal remote control is thrown into the deal using both IR and RF X-10 home control technology. Even with all this, there is still room underneath to store tapes, DVDs and or CD's. A mere $2,000 gets you this practical and handsome piece of furniture. It's only available in maple but there are four different kinds of finishes.

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