Meridian's Sooloos 2.1 software suite won the 2010 CES Innovation Award this year, so we are excited to hear that the release of this product has been announced.

Sooloos 2.1 has a dedicated iPhone application, continued interface enhancements, streamlined system configuration options, and zone-link synchronization. These features are valuable for installers, such as with the improved Crestron experience.

Japanese company, Onkyo, now has its first 3D-ready home theater receivers, as well as home theater in-a-box systems  (HTiB) available in the US.

There will be three A/V receiver models and three different HTiB systems that will range from $299 to $599. All of these will feature the new HDMI v1.4 connectivity (standard for 3D video displays) and Audio Return Channel capabilities. Additionally, all 2010 HDMI v1.4 models include a new feature called HDMI Thru, which allows content to pass through to the television while the receiver is on standby.

Gefen has introduced a new, High-Definition (HD) Digital Signage Player. The player makes it easy to schedule playlists and select from pre-recorded content for digital signage installations, while controlling the content over IP.

Pre-recorded video can be uploaded in several formats: MPEG ½, DivX, Xvid, H.264, and WMV9.  MP3 files can also be uploaded. Photos must be JPEG format. Content can be easily customized with background music and scrolling text.

METAlliance is a collaborative community that involves itself in establishing techniques and technical standards in modern music recording. They will be holding a METAlliance Academy Event in Hollywood, March 20 & 21, at the famous Capitol Records studios.

Scott Heston, of Heston Technical, took on a project that is located off the Seattle shore, which he claims is, “not the everyday sort of thing that we do.”  The project involved a 1,500 square foot houseboat that was custom built from the floats up by owners, Mike and Kristy Villiott. They wanted to have a fully integrated entertainment system installed, which would allow them to have clear, consistent sound throughout their home—whether it meant they were watching movies on the main floor, or listening to music while practicing on the rooftop putting green.

David Wiener Collection (DWC) has announced that US Champion Skater, Apolo Anton Ohno, will be the new face for the company. The 27 year old has won six Olympic medals so far, and has also competed (and won) in TV’s Dancing With The Stars in 2007.

 “DWC’s products fit my lifestyle and my love of music and design,” said Ohno, as he prepared to leave for this year’s 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Triad Speakers has recently introduced three entry-level powered in-room subwoofers to their OmniSub line.

The Mini, Bronze and Silver OmniSubs are fully featured and compact:

Mini OmniSub has a long-excursion 8-inch driver and a 200-watt BASH (Bridged Amplifier Switching Hybrid) amp. 

InRoom Bronze OmniSub taps a 10-inch driver and 300-watt BASH amp.

InRoom Silver OmniSub uses a 12-inch driver and 500-watt BASH amp.

An installation in a remote location awards both challenges and success for Custom LA.