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CES 2019 came and went in a flurry. Indeed, the Consumer Electronics Show is quite the spectacle. Every January in Las Vegas, the show brings together the masses. They convene to witness all the technological glory from countless companies spanning the globe. Without discrimination (well, unless you’re an Award-honoree female sex toy), CES showcases it all: the good, the bad, and the ridiculous.
Seeing as we at BZB Express are audiovisual enthusiasts for home and commercial applications, we’ve selected eight buzzworthy home audio video tech from CES 2019. These crazy eight will surely get you excited to amplify your own AV spaces.
Samsung MicroLED TVs
The major theme for TVs at this year’s CES was MicroLED. Similar to OLED technology, MicroLED does not use backlights and fits in super thin panels. However, unlike OLED, MicroLED only works with blue, green, and red pixels. This means true black levels and amazingly bright and colorful imagery. Plus, they won’t have any longevity issues as with OLED TVs.
One of the main advocates of this new technology is Samsung. They unleashed a 219-inch monstrosity appropriately called The Wall at CES. Now if that seems a bit much for your family room, you can elect to go the more practical route with their 75-inch version. It is made up of modular panels, meaning they can be arranged like puzzle pieces into different shapes and sizes. So you can finally have your TVs spell out your name on the wall! Very practical.
Klipsch Reference Series Wireless Speakers
A buzzworthy audio trend this year was something that actually premiered back at CES 2012. WiSA, or Wireless Speaker and Audio, is a wireless speaker protocol allowing the transmission of high-resolution surround sound to a growing number of wireless speakers. This means no wires (hence the “wireless” label) and no AV receivers! WiSA offers lag-free sound and can be implemented by practically any audio brand.
Klipsch showcased its new WiSA home theater system: the wireless Reference Series. It’s comprised of three speaker models: W-100SW wireless subwoofer, RW-34C center-channel speaker, and RW-51M Monitors. They are all internally powered so you’ll only need a power source for the WiSA transmission devices. Not to mention their spiffy look, they’re fitted with woodgrain cabinets and beautifully contrasting copper and black.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
Sennheiser has been pushing their Ambeo 3D audio technology for years, but mainly for AR and VR applications. Now, they’ve fit it in a single speaker to replace a 5.1 surround sound setup.
It converts stereo and 5.1 audio to 3D so the same content you’re streaming now can be used. It houses 13 drivers and the combination of hardware and tech bumps deep bass without the need for a separate subwoofer. The Ambeo Soundbar offers room calibration for ideal acoustic adjustments for both room and seating position. Chromecast is built in and includes Bluetooth, an audio optical port, and AUX/HDMI inputs. It also has a Smart Control app which allows you to customize the EQ and acoustic settings to your liking.
AfterShokz Xtrainerz Bone-Conduction Headphones
If you’re looking for audio on the go or you’re submerged in your bathtub, AfterShokz made a splash at CES with Xtrainerz. What makes these bone-conduction headphones headbangingly cool is the fact you simply place them on your temples and the music vibrates through your cheekbones. With nothing covering your ears, you can stay alert to your surroundings and won’t have to worry about earbuds falling out. 4 GB of internal memory allows for all your favorite MP3/WMA audio files while six hours of battery life will keep you rocking for entire workouts. Waterproof up to six feet, the Xtrainerz are perfect for runners and swimmers.
Samsung Space Monitor
If your desk is cluttered all the time, Samsung brings something to the table without adding to that clutter. Meet the Space Monitor. Available in 27- and 32-inch monitors, the Space Monitor clamps on the back on your desk and props up sleekly against a wall. It can be extended downwards onto the desk and a nifty cable management system within the monitor’s arm hides all the cables from view. The 27-inch monitor has a QHD resolution while the 32-inch comes with 4K.
Blue Ember Mic
Mic check, one, two, one, two. Blue is a popular manufacturer of microphones with affordable models for YouTubers and professionals alike. Now they’re offering a middle-of-the-road option: an XLR mic for only $100. Ideal for recording and live-streaming, Ember’s custom hand-tuned condenser capsule captures superb detail. Its precise cardioid pickup pattern reduces background and room noise. It has a compact, side-address design that fits in tight spaces and maintains a low profile on cameras.
Sony GTK-PG10 Wireless Speaker
You’ve got the coolest portable speaker in the world? Sony says, “hold my beer.” Literally! Channeling its inner Soundwave, the GTK-PG10 is a Transformer-like wireless speaker that unfolds into a miniature table with cup holders. Better yet, the unfolded trays contain two tweeters so the sound is amplified in the open position. With karaoke features and 13-hour battery life, not only is the GTK-PG10 the ultimate speaker for parties—it is the party!
Kohler Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet
You may just consider replacing your gameday recliner with the Kohler Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet. This smart toilet comes complete with heated seats, mood lighting, surround sound speakers, and Alexa support. So you can tell John to flush, report the news, or play loud music to drown out your bowel symphonies. With the Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet providing a fully immersive experience, you know this toilet ain’t full of $#*%!
If you ever need help setting up your home audio video, contact BZB Express at 1.888.660.2962 or email [email protected]. We provide full service for all your audiovisual needs. Browse our entire online catalog for countless possibilities regarding your project.
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