More information on this development can be found here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100507/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_fcc_movie_recordings

In exchange for allowing TV service providers to turn off their receivers’ component video outputs when broadcasting first-run movies, the FCC has paved the way for the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to offer simultaneous release of movies in theaters and via cable & satellite TV, with safeguards in place to effectively eliminate pirating and re-distribution of stolen content. The FCC is limiting the duration a provider can engage in “Selective Output Control” (SOP), where only their receivers will output content via their HDMI port, to (90) days from a film’s release.  It left open the possibility that other kinds of content could be controlled in a similar manner but required a formal review and approval process before permission would be granted. As the FCC said that SOP was only granted because the offerings were part of a new and compelling service, it’s assumed that existing programming offerings would not allowable while new pay-per-view offerings, those that might otherwise not be broadcast to subscribers, would be considered.

While the FCC did turn down requests for more comprehensive control of content by the MPAA and providers, thus protecting owners of legacy, non-HDMI audio/video equipment, this decision is the “camel’s nose under the tent.” This is another nail in the coffin for analog high-definition video carried by component video cables from receivers to televisions and audio/video systems. Going forward, the only truly viable connection in home audio/video will be the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port. This port is used to transmit digitally-encrypted audio and video content over a single connection. Interconnected devices actually negotiate their connection and limitations on the number and type of connections available are regulated by the source component, whether it’s a cable or satellite TV set-top box or videodisc player.

We are recommending that every customer interested in maintaining access to all of their television provider’s offerings contact us so we can discuss what products they should consider putting into place to bring their systems into compliance with these changes.

 It will include a rear-projection 1080p video display system with a 12’ screen, Tandberg (Cisco) videoconferencing system with HD conferencing capabilities, Smart Board interactive display technology, digital surround sound, collaborative computer networking & display capabilities, and a Crestron control system to allow users to control the entire room simply & intuitively.

Now that the residence is complete, Terra Nova’s staff has volunteered their time and equipment to install various systems to help make the house a fully functioning unit. Terra Nova will be installing a fire burglary life safety system, home theater, multi-room music system, wireless computer network and a Control4 home automation system.

Terra Nova would like to thank Army Specialist Jacon Schultz for his brave and selfless service to our country.

To view the news story that aired on Fox 6, please click here.

Why the bank financed the loan and why the two Wisconsin integrators were motivated to merge.  Click here to view more.

This is new information to nearly everyone in our industry. A transition such as this has been a hot topic for the past year but only as an eventuality. This is the first time that any date has been given, and we expect everyone will be surprised by its short time window. This information was disseminated to a group of master programmers at a high-level meeting earlier this week at Crestron Electronics. We found more information at the link below:

http://tinyurl.com/ydarlaf

This will cause a myriad of problems for HDTV users. Some use central video distribution systems to distribute the HDTV video from cable or satellite TV services to TV’s around their home. These almost universally use component video. These systems will no longer be capable of distributing HDTV. Customers with even the most basic home audio/video systems may not have TV’s with HDMI ports, or they may not be compliant with current HDMI standards due to their age, thus necessitating either a firmware upgrade or, if none is available, the purchase of a new TV or other audio/video equipment.

To say the least, we’re shocked. To date we’ve received no notice from any manufacturer on what their equipment will do in regards to the “Analog Sunset”. Speculating now, we can envision that consumer groups may sue the Advanced Access Content System (AACS), the industry’s governing body, in an attempt to delay the transition, or that government may step in to the same effect as news of this spreads. We will continue to post updates as we learn more.

Please contact us immediately if you’re concerned and we can explain your options. Owners of central video distribution systems in particular should take note of this issue.

Following the acquisition, Ogren Electronics LLC will operate independently, building on its 20-year history of exemplary customer service and innovation for home and business customers in Wisconsin’s Northwoods area.

Learn more about Ogren Electronics and the acquisition.