CEDIA 2025 Day One Highlights

CEDIA 2025 Kickoff: A Day of Innovation and Impressions

The official kickoff for CEDIA 2025 took place, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting event. While the final attendance numbers remain uncertain, the atmosphere on the show floor felt a bit more subdued compared to previous years. One amusing observation was the long line for badge collection. Unlike in past years where attendees could pick up their badges before the show, this year required everyone to wait until the event officially started. To manage the crowd, CEDIA had photographers stationed around the line, creating images that made the crowd appear much larger than it actually was once inside.

Epson’s Strong Showing at the Booth

The day began with a visit to the Epson booth, where a demo of the new LS9000 projector was on display. Rated at 2,000 lumens, the LS9000 serves as the entry-level model in Epson's lineup. The setup included a Polk 7.4 speaker system, a Denon A1H receiver, a Kaleidescape, and a 120-inch Stewart Cima Neve screen, all priced under $23,000. Demo clips featured scenes from Superman and Pacific Rim, and the projector performed admirably, earning a "Best of CEDIA 2025" nod.

Epson also showcased the QS100B ultra short throw projector, which offers 4,500 lumens and maintains the same footprint as the LS800 model. In a backroom comparison, Epson's QL3000 and QL7000 models stood out against Sony’s 6100 and JVC’s NZ800, with their brightness being particularly impressive.

SVS and Their Future Plans

At the SVS booth, while there were no new products on display, the team hinted at potential releases at CES next year. They also discussed the EQ software tied to their newer subwoofer line. According to a representative, the software is nearly ready and will be released soon. The delay was due to challenges in accommodating various Android microphones, leading the company to prioritize quality over rushing the release.

Barco’s High-End Displays

Barco’s highlight was the 171-inch Runar 4K DCI screen with a 0.9mm MIP pixel pitch. It boasted a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, a black level of 0.005 cd/m², and full DCI-P3 coverage. Alongside it was the 165-inch TruePix Bifrost TP-I, another direct-view LED wall with similar pixel pitch. Both screens demonstrated impressive brightness and clarity.

A standout product was the Heimdall projector, which operated quietly at around 32dB. Its wide throw range and seven lens options made it adaptable for different installations. Demonstrations of F1 and Wild Robot showcased its vivid colors and sharpness.

Kaleidescape and HARMAN’s Innovations

Kaleidescape displayed its full lineup, including the recently reviewed Strato E. Paired with a Sony TV, it reinforced its reputation as a top-tier player, earning a "Best of CEDIA 2025" award. The kAI feature, designed to recommend content or help recall movies, was also on display. While not confirmed for future app updates, it shows promise.

At the HARMAN booth, combined with Samsung, the JBL Stage Series and Arcam amplifiers were on display. The A25+ model, featuring a glass front panel and upgraded power supply, made a strong impression and also earned a "Best of CEDIA 2025" award.

Samsung unveiled a 115-inch RGB Mini LED TV, capable of covering 100% of BT.2020. Priced at $30,000, it was a centerpiece of the booth, winning an "AVS Best of CEDIA 2025" award.

Invisible Speakers and New Trends

One notable trend was the rise of "invisible" in-wall speakers. JBL demonstrated a 5.1 setup using its Conceal line, while Paradigm and Anthem showcased their I65i and I801i models. These speakers delivered impressive sound quality despite their discreet design, with prices starting at $749 each.

Sony’s Nostalgic Display and New Tech

Sony’s booth featured a nostalgic display celebrating 60 years of receivers, with working models from the 1960s to the present. They also introduced the LEON Studio Frame series, offering a unique blend of art and functionality. Additionally, the VW5100ES earned an AVSForum "Best of CEDIA 2025" award after a demonstration comparing it to the VW5000ES.

Procella Audio and madVR Envy Processors

Procella Audio impressed with a 7.1.4 setup featuring clips from Ambulance and a Hans Zimmer concert film. Their new PS21Si and P24Si subwoofers looked powerful, and the overall demo earned an AVSForum "Best of CEDIA 2025" award.

madVR Envy processors introduced two key features: Dynamic Subtitle Overlay (DSO) and support for NVIDIA 5060 GPU with HDMI 2.1. These upgrades enhanced subtitle visibility and gaming performance, making them a standout addition.

Paragons of Sound Demo

The Paragons of Sound demo featured a high-end setup with the Lumagen Radiance Pro 5244, Digital Projection E-Vision 10,000i 4K Plus RGB laser, and Next Level Acoustics Cinema Series speakers. The Trinnov Altitude 32 processor and Valencia Barcelona Theater Seats completed the immersive experience, delivering a dynamic audiovisual presentation.

Conclusion

CEDIA 2025 kicked off with a mix of innovation, nostalgia, and high-end technology. From Epson’s projectors to Sony’s displays and the latest in audio systems, the event showcased the best of the industry. As the show continues, more highlights are expected to emerge.