What's New
CEDIA Expo 2024 Preview
By Jim Garrett
Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning
CEDIA Expo 2024 is happening in Denver, Colorado from September 5-7 and our HARMAN Luxury Audio team will be there as the Home Cinema Experts. As Dave Tovissi outlined in his article this month (JBL Synthesis and JBL Home Cinema Products Designed and Engineered as Systems – Why It Matters!), no other audio brand has the history and connection to the entertainment industry and the creation of music and movie content the way our JBL and JBL Synthesis brands do. We’ve designed our booth this year (#2512) to showcase the breadth of solutions we can provide to support integrators looking for high-performance multi-channel sound.
This year, we’re bringing an all-new 17-seat JBL Synthesis cinema demo room to the show floor. In this newly created room, attendees will experience two different immersive audio systems showcasing the power and detail of our patented loudspeaker technologies and the scalability of our JBL Synthesis solutions. Our partners from Digital Projection and Screen Innovations have joined us to deliver a massive image on a 222-inch screen to complete the immersive experience.
The one to see and hear at the show this year is the main system in the JBL Synthesis cinema demo room which brings our flagship products to the show floor for the first time. We’ve created a 9.4.6-channel system based on the incredible SCL-1 LCRs supported by a pair of the massive SSW-1 subwoofers in the front and an additional pair of SSW-3 subwoofers in the rear. If you haven’t yet experienced the SCL-1 and SSW-1, I invite you to hear what our patented acoustic technologies can bring to bear for the ultimate in cinema sound. SCL-2 in-walls and SCL-5 in-ceilings complete this impressive system highlighting how expert engineering and advanced system calibration with SoundField Management (SFM) bass optimization can combine for unmatched sound and a remarkable listening experience. This is the one for the customer who is looking for the best possible sound perfectly tailored to their room.
In the same room, attendees will experience a 7.4.4-channel system featuring SCL-6 LCRs driven by our powerful SDR-38 Class G AV receiver. SCL-7 in-wall and SCL-8 in-ceiling loudspeakers perfectly complement the SCL-6 LCRs for seamless surround while four SSW-3 subwoofers deliver a solid foundation of low frequencies optimized by SoundField Management (SFM) and calibration to the HARMAN target curve as used in all JBL Synthesis systems. This is a fantastic system package that fits into a variety of residential spaces and delivers incredible performance.
While we are confident that our guests will be impressed with the JBL Synthesis cinema, we expect them to be “blown away” by the performance they’ll hear from our new JBL Modern Audio systems with MA Series AVRs and Stage 2 Series loudspeakers. As you’ve seen from coverage of their recent launch, the MA and Stage 2 products were created to bring new customers into the world of better sound with component audio by focusing on simplicity and reducing the intimidation factor that prevents many consumers from stepping up to better performance. The systems are made even more compelling by being a single-brand solution from a brand they know and trust: JBL.
Adjacent to the JBL Synthesis cinema, we’ve created a smaller environment typical of many residential spaces where we’ll be demonstrating a 7.2.2-channel system including Stage 2 in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers supporting Stage 280F, Stage 245C, and Stage 200P in-room loudspeakers in the Espresso finish headed up by the awesome MA9100HP AVR in stealthy translucent black. While the MA models adhere to a mantra of simplicity, we didn’t forget about the custom integrator when it came to the two HP models in the MA Series (MA7100HP and MA9100HP). These powerful AVRs feature 8K HDMI, Dolby and DTS immersive surround, high-resolution DACs, two-way Bluetooth, EZ Set EQ, Dirac Live Ready, Roon Ready, IP control including Works With Smart Things certification, and much more. Plus, the large front panel graphical display with stealth mode and unique front panel LED underglow take the appeal of these beauties to the next level!
Be sure not to miss the second room with another MA / Stage 2 system that highlights how easy it is to step your customers from a soundbar to the truly immersive sound of a component audio system. This one showcases true bang-for-the-buck with a 5.2.2 system using the MA710, Stage 260F, Stage 245C, Stage 240H, and Stage 220P. Showcased in the unique Latte finish on the loudspeakers and translucent white on the AVR, this system appeals to the younger customer who wants to show off a system that looks great in their room.
The full range of Modern Audio AVR models and Stage 2 loudspeakers will be on display throughout the booth. We look forward to showing you how these products can open a new customer channel for your business and how they perfectly scale up to the JBL Synthesis brand for a complete portfolio of immersive sound at any price point from the most trusted and authentic brand in audio.
In addition to these products, there will be so much more to see and hear in our booth this year. Here are some highlights to get you excited about stopping by to see us in booth 2512:
The complete range of JBL Synthesis electronics and loudspeakers including the new SMA Series multichannel amplifiers with powerful DSP, a CI-focused front-panel and web interface for custom configuration, and a feature set optimized for residential installations.
JBL Conceal invisible loudspeakers powered by the ARCAM AVR31 and paired with a Samsung Frame TV for a truly invisible AV solution with incredible sound and picture.
JBL architectural audio solutions including the new DA Series amplifiers and a wide selection of in-wall, in-ceiling, on-wall, and landscape loudspeakers to address great sound and entertainment whether indoor or outdoor.
And, finally, we'll be showing the ARCAM Radia hi-fi products including the new SA45 and SA35 intelligent streaming audio integrated amplifiers and the ST25 streaming audio player. The SA35 will be demonstrated with Revel F226Be floorstanding loudspeakers.
ARCAM home theater products including the AV41 surround processor and matching PA720 amplifier. These will be demonstrated with the Revel W226Be Beryllium Series in-wall loudspeakers.