The Audio Authority 1366 PC to HD Scaler is hot! Although just released earlier this month, the Audio Authority 1366 is the hottest scaler finding its way into home theaters and commercial installations.  Its tiny size packs a powerful scaling engine with 1080p output and a VGA passthru as well.  Every custom installer should have one in their toolbox!

The 1366 is capable of scaling just about any PC/VGA format to 480i, 576i (PAL), 1080i, 480p, 576p (PAL), 720p, and 1080p, plus VGA resolutions from 640×480 through 1900×1200.

Perhaps Arnold said it best:  “I’ll Be Back!”

For all of you MAME and vector graphics fans, our inside source says that Zektor is producing a limited run of its Zektor ZVG adapter. Supporting most analog vector monitors, the Zektor ZVG plugs into an ECP parallel port and connects to the vector monitor.  Simply fire up MAMA and viola!  Star Castle, Asteriods, and Tempest in full vector graphics splendor.  Enjoy!

Our friends at Intelix tell us that the “DIGI-HDMI-4X4 high-definition matrix switcher is a 2009 InfoComm Award Finalist for best video switching product. The industry is taking note of its unique features and rock-solid performance.”

Audio Authority has changed model numbers to reflect several new additions to their AVM (Audio Video Matrix) product line.   The blockbuster CAT5 matrix, formerly the AVX-562  becomes the AVX-562 and similarly for the 36-port capable AVM-562E.   Please note this is a model number (SKU) change only.  No features have changed.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is remodeling their electronics departments in more than 3500 U.S. stores this week. The remodeling effort further emphasizes their aggressive battle with Best Buy Co. and Amazon.com for the piece of pie left in Circuit City’s wake.

Wal-Mart continues to augment offerings of higher-end televisions by Sony and Samsung and its array of Blu-Ray players and movies.

Audio Authority SCP-11D Single Cable CAT5 distribution system can be used to send full 1080p component video and digital audio up to 1000 feet from the source.   A street price of less than $270 for the transmitter and receiver pair makes this a must-carry item for the custom installer and inexpensive way to get an HD signal routed through a large home, restaurant, or business.

The gurus at Zektor again have the custom installation market on fire with the Zektor Clarity Elite HDS8×4 and Zektor Clarity Elite HDS8×8 HD Component Matrix Switchers. Zektor is designs and manufactures prosumer and professional passive, matrix and Pro A/V switches for the commercial and residential marketplace. Zektor proudly designs, manufactures and supports all of their products in the USA.

Zektor Clarity 8×4 (8-in, 4-out) and Zektor Clarity 8×8 (8-in, 8-out) Switchers are true non-blocking matrix switchers: each and every input can be routed to each and every output. The switches pack a full complement of analog and digital audio inputs and additionally have three composite video inputs that transparently convert internally to component video.

These matrix switchers are perfect for commercial, home, and hospitality.

The end of analog TV broadcasting arrives (again) in 30 days. Yesterday the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) detailed an “outreach plan” for those not equipped to receive digital broadcasts.

In true bureaucratic form, the FCC has chosen six demographic groups “felt to be most in need of help.” It is unclear how any correlation was made between the target groups and their apparent lack of a DTV or converter box. The FCC also admitted to low converter box coupon usage.

The FCC’s target groups: low-income individuals, minority communities, non-English-speaking consumers, senior citizens, consumers with disabilities, and individuals living in rural areas or tribal lands.

Tired of that wimpy, short-range BlueTooth remote for your PS3?  Audio Authority’s C-1071 BlueBeam IR to BlueTooth Adapter for PS3 will allow you to use A Logitech Harmony remote control or any IR universal remote control.  The C-1071 is tiny and sits inconspicuously by your PS3 and converts the IR from the remote control to BlueTooth for your PS3.  Now you can control the PS3 from far far away with your Harmony — and toss the PS3 remote too!

Audio Authority C-1071 BlueBeam

Each CAT5 output connects to a CAT5 receiver which has an HD Component video output and digital audio output and IR receiver jack.