We are pleased to an- nounce that the 10th Annual Home Theater CruiseTM and Technology Conference At Sea will take place in November 2012 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure Of The Seas®, the world’s largest mega-cruise ship and newest ship in the Oasis® class.
The seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise will depart Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, November 25 and cruise to Nassau, Bahamas; Char- lotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Phillipsburg, St, Maarten. The Allure re- turns to Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday morning, December 2. Cruising on the Allure Of The Seas is a captivating adventure unlike any other. Explore seven distinct neighborhoods filled with awesome new features—like the first Starbucks® at sea, Broadway hit musical Chicago in the main theatre, and favorite moments with Shrek, Po the Panda, and more friends in the DreamWorks® Experience. Twenty-five different din- ing options are available and onboard activities include a zip line, two surf simulators, rock-climbing walls, and many more amenities to choose from—including a full-service spa.
Technology Conference At Sea
Twenty (20) hours of the Technology Conference At Sea is now being planned for the cruise. Visit Home Theater Cruise for a periodical update of the seminar program and other information. The Technology Conference At Sea is a key networking and educational event designed to inform and connect leaders in the CE industry with serious end user enthusiasts. The Home Theater Cruise is designed to educate and offers a chance to network with the industry’s top executives and decision-makers from retail, manufacturer, and service provider companies. The cruise, now in its 10th year, is de- signed to deliver crucial industry knowledge and connections.
Some of the currently planned conferences...
Wireless Loudspeaker And Audio –– The Future
Presented by Jim Venable, President of the WiSA Association
This will be a two-part presentation covering the WiSA Association. Part one will cover the background, charter, organization, and rationale. While part two part will cover the underlying wireless loudspeaker and audio technology and the procedures of WiSA compliance and testing.
The Not Too Distant Future – 4K Display Technology
Presented by Richard “Rick” Dean, THX, Ltd.
Home theaters have continually taken their cue from cinemas; the move from film-based content to digital, along with 3D technology, were both major shifts in the industry. Home theater is starting to take the lead with the move towards 4K technology. As this technology becomes more prevalent in projectors on the market, how can manufacturers differentiate and ensure a high quality entertainment experience? This session will outline what technologies, testing and quality control processes manufacturers, standards organizations and third-party technology companies can deliver to help differentiate and deliver the best possible home theater experience through future projectors. Topics that will be addressed include:
• The market factors that will contribute to 4K, High Frame Display and 3D adoption in the ProAV and CE markets
• Bridge technologies aiding in 4K adoption
• Standards and certifications for 4K and 3D in the home
• Third-party technologies improving the 4K and 3D user experience
• Technologies that simplify the user experience, preserve artistic intent, yet allow consumers to take advantage of all the cool features in future projector products
Beyond ABX: Scientific Credibility For High End Audio
Presented by David Salz, President of Wireworld Cable Technology
David will discuss recent developments in audio testing. ABX style listening tests are often cited as proving that upgrade cables and amplifiers don’t really improve sound quality, despite the possibility that the test methods were simply inadequate. For decades, those claims have shed a negative light on our industry, suggesting that many HiFi manufacturers are selling snake oil. The big news on this issue is that a major university study, utilizing Wireworld’s newly improved double-blind listening tests, is providing the first scientific proof that superior cables and electronics actually improve sound quality.
The Evolution of Multi-Channel Audio
Presented by Keith Burnett, Vice President Home A/V & Automotive at DTS, Inc.
In this presentation, Keith will discuss the evolution of multi-channel audio, starting with the DTS HD Master Audio, a lossless audio format that makes sound more dynamic, realistic and exact to the original audio master. He’ll also discuss Neo:X™, the world’s first 11.1 surround sound technology, which supports configurations for the next generation of immersive 3D entertainment. Neo:X technology expands sound to a three dimensional plane, creating an immersive, high-definition audio experience in the comfort of your home. Finally, Keith will provide a sneak peak of how DTS continues to innovate audio technologies to deliver consumers high-quality audio experience regardless of the platform and content format.
Projection Screen Solutions
Presented by Joaquin Rivera of Stewart Filmscreen
An exploration of new and exciting applications for projection screens; including how 3D and 4k are changing the dedicated home theater room experience. How to design compelling “living room” systems that blow away your flat-panel TV. And, how projection screens can be used to create the ultimate outdoor living spaces. Stewart Filmscreen, the industry leader in custom screen technologies, will help attendees understand how projection systems can be utilized for almost any room or environment.