Audiovox Bows HDMI Splitter
By John Laposky -- TWICE, 9/17/2007
DENVER — Audiovox's accessories unit announced a series of new products at CEDIA Expo this month to support multiroom audio and video distribution systems.
The ARHD14 4x1 HDMI splitter has four display outputs, which allows one HDMI source to be attached to four video displays. It splits all HDMI formats including 1080p and features 24-karat gold-plated connectors, and LED display to indicate signal reception and built-in extender/repeater circuits to accommodate longer cable runs. It is HDCP compatible and will ship in November at a suggested retail of $499.
Audiovox is also introducing two multiroom speaker selection systems.
The AR1108 enables connection of up to eight pairs of speakers to a receiver or amplifier. The AR1106 connects to up to six pairs.
Both feature proprietary Dual Stage Dynamic Load Balancing technology and continuously variable remote speaker power limiting to provide two-way protection circuitry for receivers and speakers. A patented circuit design allows compatibility with all types of amplifiers and speakers, the company said.
The systems feature gold-plated five-way binding posts that accept up to 10-guage stripped speaker wire or speaker wire with pins, spades or bananas. They are compatible with 4-ohm, 6-ohm and 8-ohm speakers.
They have a flat frequency response range of 20HZ to 20kHZ and switchable power handling of 100 watts to 300 watts per channel.
The AR1106 has a suggested retail of $279. The AR1108 is $329. Both are available now.
Audiovox is also showing its AR CAT300WP CAT-5 component video/audio in-wall converter.
It works with all component video devices including overhead projectors and converts digital or analog audio signals in all HD formats. It has two power inputs and 24-karat gold-plated surfaces to prevent corrosion. It will be available next month at a suggested $299.
Also on display in the Audiovox booth is the ARDVC1 in-wall digital IR volume control with remote. The 100-watt dimmable display with blue lighting features impedance matching and connects to in-wall speakers using speaker wire and IR connects using CAT-5 cable.
It is available now at a suggested $159.
