CES is Back with Great AV Gear

After a pandemic slowdown, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was back in full force this year. More than 100,000 people turned out for the Las Vegas-based event to learn about the latest in personal tech, including some exciting new developments in pro AV. These run the gamut from sophisticated PTZ cameras to the latest in unified communications (UC). Whether you’re an AVIXA member or a newcomer to the world of AV, this event has something for you. Continue reading to find out about five of the top pieces of AV equipment to come out of CES 2023.

Sony FR7

This Sony FR7 represents an exciting leap in pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera technology. It’s the first camera of its kind to offer interchangeable lenses, which allow for greater versatility. This camera comes equipped with a joystick toggle that can be used to create minute changes in orientation and focus. Access its full suite of high-definition features from a tablet or laptop device.

While its user interface isn’t as clean or intuitive as it could be, its high speed and cinematic capabilities make it more than worthwhile. Currently, its high price point presents a barrier to wholesale adoption. It exceeds the capabilities of most similar products on the market. However, it’s not so completely superior that it’s a complete game changer.

Ultimate Ears Drops

Ultimate Ears (UE) Drops are a pricey set of wireless earbuds that stand out for their bespoke comfort. Available in sapphire, rose quartz, and onyx, these earbuds are molded to the specific dimensions of each customer’s ears. The company will mail the customer a series of molds and instructions on how to fit them into the ears. The process is quick and painless. Afterward, the customer sends the molds back. Two to four weeks later, they receive their custom set of earphones in the mail. Customers receive a thirty-day warranty period for poor fits.

UE Drops come with eight of hours battery life plus an additional 14 hours in their case. They’re sweat- and water-resistant and come equipped with a number of high-end features more or less standard for expensive wireless headphones. They don’t provide active noise cancellation, but their passive noise cancellation features should be sufficient for most uses.

Samsung S95C QD-OLED TV

At 77 inches in length and just 10 millimeters in width, the Samsung S95C represents a step forward for the electronics manufacturing giant. Its brighter display will endear it to television watchers, while its 144 Hz refresh rate may help attract the gaming crowd. It also comes with a One Connect Box that can help hide unsightly cords. While it won’t grant superior performance, the added aesthetics might make it worthwhile for some. Razor slim and stunningly bright, this second-generation QD-OLED TV is worth watching out for.

Verbum

This artificial intelligence (AI)-powered real-time translation tool promises users the ability to carry on a conversation in a second language. Recently acquired by OneMeta, a tech company focused on AI tools and applications, Verbum already has a track record of providing unrivaled translation services. Compared to Meta, which is currently limited to translating just one language at a time, Verbum can reportedly translate up to 82 languages simultaneously.

While most users likely won’t need to make use of that capability, it represents exciting possibilities for those in certain academic, business, and government roles. For average Joes and Janes, the ability to have your words translated in real time using AI-generated speech represents huge opportunities for foreign travel and much else.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

The Roomba has met its match with the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. This high-powered robot vacuum has a vacuum force of 6,000 PA, making it significantly more powerful than the vast majority of vacuums on the consumer market. Its twin roller brushes are resistant to most messes, and it comes with a built-in mop feature. The machine is a hands-off tool. It’s programmed to automatically return to its RoboDock, where it will undergo self-cleaning.

Its VibraRise technology lets it sense the difference between carpets and hard floors. This enables it to raise and lower itself to accommodate the differing floor levels. Additionally, its sonic mopping technology lets it vibrate at a frequency of up to 3,000 times a minute. The Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance system allows it to avoid household objects, such as chairs and piano legs. Meanwhile, the mopping system utilizes two separate vibration modes for maximum efficiency. Although it’s one of the pricier robot vacuum systems on the market, its superior quality makes it worth keeping your eye on.