Home Theater Gallery
The Sitex 2011 expo is taking place at the Singapore EXPO from the 24th to 27th of November. The exhibition will span three halls (Halls 4B, 5 & 6), and its doors will be open from 11am to 9pm daily. In this segment, we'll highlight noteworthy items related to the Audio and Visual categories, consisting mainly of HDTVs, AV systems, projectors, headphones as well as media players. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!
Buying Guide Index
Sitex 2011 Shopping Resources
Remember to check out the HardwareZone Tech Show Portal for the latest consolidated shopping resources and updates.
For those interested in the individual resources, here are the links:
 | Sitex 2011 Live Discussion Forum
Our tech and bargain-savvy community is already abuzz about Sitex 2011 at our Sitex 2011 Forum. So, before venturing to Singapore Expo, drop in on the discussions and latest news. |
 | Sitex 2011 Brochure Download
For those of you who would like to see all the show brochures, price plans and more, check out our Sitex2011 Brochure Download section. As an alternative, here's a backup linkbut it's not as advanced as the Tech Show Portal's alphabetized listing for easy viewing. |
Sitex 2011 Live Twitter Update
Get real-time updates of the latest bargains over at our HardwareZone Twitter page. As usual, we're looking forward to your questions and contributions for Sitex 2011 so add in the #sitextag if you spot any great deals when you're there! |
TVs & AV Systems
An ideal HDTV has to fulfill two key criteria: it has to be the right size, and it has to suit your purpose. For example, it makes little sense to purchase a 60-inch mammoth when you only have rack space (or wall space) for a 32-inch screen. Also, it's advisable to fork out a little more for 3D and Smart TV features if you plan to use them frequently, else a basic Full-HD display is typically good enough to satisfy your AV needs.
To help you along, we have a HDTV Buying Guide and 3D TV Buying Guide to equip you with the necessary information before you set out to buy one. If you're keen on getting a Smart TV, we also have a video which discusses the various Internet-connected platforms. They'll prove to be invaluable especially if you are new to the AV scene. Happy shopping!
LG (Harvey Norman, Booth 5E20, 5F10)
LG 42LW6500 Cinema 3D Smart TV
The LW6500 is LG's Star Buy at SITEX, and with good reason. This Cinema 3D model provides a comfortable and satisfying 3D viewing experience, thanks to its passive FPR (Film Patterned Retarder) technology and polarized glasses. Best of all, the 42-inch LW6500 is going at a tantalizing price of $1799 with six pairs of Cinema 3D glasses thrown in for good measure.
- Sitex Price: $1599
- Promotion: Free six pairs of Cinema 3D glasses, one Magic Motion remote and one Wi-Fi dongle
- HWZ Review
LG 32LV3730 LED LCD TV
Is it possible to land a 32-inch Full-HD LCD TV with Smart TV features and LED backlights for less than $800? LG is offering their mid-range LV3730 model for only $749 at SITEX. With its decent motion processing and impressive audio features, be sure to consider this 32-inch babe if you are looking to plonk a TV into your bedroom or living space.
- Sitex Price: $649
- Promotion: Free Wi-Fi Dongle and DVD player
- HWZ Review
Philips (Courts, Booth 5B30)
Philips 46PFL6606H Smart LED TV
This HDTV has almost everything and at the right price too. Philips' 46-inch 6606 model packs a Full-HD screen with a refresh rate of 400Hz, augmented by the Pixel Plus HD engine for a cleaner and clearer display. It also features 28-watt drivers with Ambi-wOOx technology for a punchier and roomier sound. What's more, online movies and Internet apps are just a click away with Philips' Net TV platform.
- Sitex Price: $1599
- Usual Price: $1999
Philips BDP5200 3D Blu-ray Player
Looking to replace that dowdy old DVD player? Why not consider the Philips BDP5200? This handsome Blu-ray player not only spins your favorite movies in high-definition but it does 3D playback as well. And before we forget, the BDP5200 is a wireless maestro too, seeing how it comes with integrated Wi-Fi and DLNA support.
- Sitex Price: $199
- Usual Price: $299
Samsung (Courts, Booth 5C20)
Samsung 46-inch UAD6600 Series 6 Smart TV
Samsung's Series 6 trumps its Series 5 sibling in a number of ways. For starters, it packs a faster 400Hz Clear Motion refresh rate. Two, it comes with a web browser on top of its Smart Hub applications. And for those who relish 3D movies, the D6600 fulfills that need too. This LED edge-lit display and its sexy slim bezel is yours for only $2599.
- Sitex Price: $2599
- Usual Price: $3799
Samsung 32-inch UA32D4003 Series 4 LED TV
Those of you on a shoestring budget might want to consider Samsung's entry-level Series 4 LED TV. This 32-inch display sports a HD-Ready resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels, illuminated by Samsung's edge LED backlights. There's also an hourly-special going on at Sitex where the D4003 is going at further discounted prices. Be sure to look out for it!
- Sitex Price: $499
- Usual Price: $599
- Promotion: Free DVD Player
Samsung HT-D5100K Blu-ray Home Theater System
Where can you find a 5.1-channel Blu-ray Home Theater system for 499 dollars? That's the price of the Samsung D5100K spotted here at Sitex. The highly affordable home theater rig features a formidable 1000W power output as well as DVD up-scaling qualities. It also comes with Samsung Smart Hub applications in case your current "dumb" TV doesn't possess any smart qualities.
- Sitex Price: $449
- Usual Price: $899
Sony (Booth 5B10)
BRAVIA KDL-55HX925
The HX925 leads the rest of the BRAVIA pack as Sony's cream of the crop. And in its 55-inch frame you'll find appealing treats such as Full-array local dimming (Intelligent Peak), a reinforced Corning Gorilla Glass panel, Internet widgets and Full-HD 3D features. Look no further if you want the best LED-backlit TV Sony has to offer. There's also a whole lot of freebies to be had, so don't miss out on this one!
- Sitex Price: $5499 (usual price - $5999)
- Promotion: FREE Skype camera, Bunchin stand, Blu-ray player, two 3D goggles, and three 3D Blu-ray titles.
BRAVIA KDL-40EX520
Looking for a mid-tier HDTV model which combines the best of both worlds? Sony's BRAVIA EX520 offers a Full-HD experience and Internet connectivity without asking for the earth. At only $1199, you get to enjoy movies on this 40-inch LED edge-lit display plus the added convenience of checking out your Facebook or Twitter feeds at the same time.
- Sitex Price: $1199 (usual price - S$1299)
- Promotion: FREE Wi-Fi Dongle
- HWZ Review
Sony BDV-E380 3D Blu-ray Disc/DVD 5.1-ch Home Cinema System
Its console may resemble the PlayStation 3 but this sleek home theater rig is anything but. Featuring a 3D Blu-ray deck and a 5.1-channel surround sound system, Sony's E380 should fulfill your AV wants with its expansive audio performance, extensive video format support and Internet streaming capabilities. Priced at only 499, we'd say it's a steal.
- Sitex Price: $449
- Promotion: FREE Video Ezy rental voucher worth $50
Toshiba (Booth 5E01)
Toshiba 40-inch REGZA 40AL10E LED TV
There 3D TVs and there are Smart TVs, but if you want a no-frills Full-HD screen to do the job, why not consider the affordable Toshiba REGZA AL10E Series? This 40-inch display is fitted with Toshiba's Power Meta Brain video engine and six picture presets. The USB slot by the side also makes it easy to plug in your storage devices.
- Sitex Price: $729
- Usual Price: $1399
Toshiba 24-inch REGZA 24HV10E LCD TV
Still looking for a HDTV to cram into that tiny desk space of yours? This 24-inch LCD TV may be sport a compact form factor, but don't let its looks fool you. The REGZA HV10E features a Full-HD panel and perky response speed of 5ms. And it also uses Toshiba's 3D Color Management processing to boot. Trust us, it doesn't get any cozier than this!
- Sitex Price: $229
- Usual Price: $299
When Buying a Projector...
In general, an LCD projector has a greater light output (measured in lumens) than DLP. Getting a bright projector makes more sense if you’re buying it as a presentation tool. You might have also noticed that many expensive home theater-oriented projectors list a lumens value lower than that of entry-level, business-oriented projectors. That’s because, for movie watching, sufficient brightness, and not high brightness, is more important.
Another spec to look out for is contrast ratio - this basically means the number of levels between the blackest black and the whitest white a projector can achieve. This is a spec that is typically in DLP’s favor. And to throw a spanner in the works, contrast ratio is a more important spec for a home theater projector. But here’s the thing: in a classroom or boardroom setting, the room is usually not totally darkened. Some ambient light is often needed for the students to take notes, or to facilitate eye contact between the speaker and the audience. In such a scenario, the advantage of a high contrast ratio becomes less relevant.
Over time, projectors will fail or perform below par for various reasons: dust built-up, mechanical failure, and end of lamp life are the more common ones. It’s wise to find out what kind of maintenance needs to be done before signing that cheque. Some of the questions you can ask the friendly salesperson are: Is the filter easy to remove, clean and replace? How does one change the lamp?
BenQ (AceCom, Booth 5F41)
BenQ MW512
The MW512 is a WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) projector with a brightness rating of 2,800 lumens. Contrast ratio is rated at 4000:1. Weighing 2.3kg, this DLP 3D-ready projector has a 6,000-hour lamp life. At Sitex, when you buy this projector, you'll receive another projector, the MS510S. The latter is a 2,700-lumen DLP projector with an SVGA (800 x 600) resolution. How's that for a deal?
- Sitex Price: $1,299
- Usual Price: $1,499
- Promotion: Free BenQ MS510S projector worth $599
Canon (Booth 6D41)
Canon LV-8235 UST
The LV-8235 UST is Canon’s first ultra-short throw projector, and it has the world’s shortest throw distance of 32cm for an 80-inch image. Using a compact DLP engine, this 2,500-lumen, 1280 x 800 pixels beamer can also project on surfaces like a table or a floor. 3D projection is possible too. With an optional interactive kit, users can quickly change the standard projector into an interactive setup.
- Sitex Price: $1,999 ($2,999 with Interactive Solution bundle)
- Promotion: Free Dolce Media Player worth $79 and Takashimaya shopping vouchers worth $150
Canon LV-8320
The LV-8320 is a compact projector with a native WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) resolution, 2000:1 contrast ratio, and 3,000 lumens brightness - making it suitable for education use. It has a 1.6x manual zoom lens, is fitted with a 10W speaker and an RJ-45 port for network connectivity. An HDMI input is also provided for digital sources. Other features include Simultaneous Projection Image (Picture-in-Picture or Picture-by-Picture).
- Sitex Price: $1,599
- Promotion: Free Dolce Media Player worth $79 and Takashimaya shopping vouchers worth $150
Casio (Booth 5F20)
Casio XJ-M240
The DLP-based XJ-M240 uses a laser and LED hybrid light source (no mercury lamp) to achieve a high brightness of 2,500 ANSI lumens. It lasts pretty long too - about 20,000 hours. The new light source also results in better color reproduction; Casio claims a 50% increase in color spectrum. This WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) projector has a 1.5x manual optical zoom lens, and sports an auto brightness adjustment feature. It's also capable of displaying DLP 3D Ready content.
- Sitex Price: $1,499
- Usual Price: $1,699
Epson (Booth 5D41)
Epson MG-850HD
The 3LCD-based MG-850HD is the world's first HD projector with a dock for an Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad. It’s also a full-fledged HD projector with a native 1280 x 800-pixel resolution and brightness rating of 2,800 lumens. It comes with video inputs for HDMI, component, composite and D-Sub (VGA). It’s also equipped with a slider for horizontal keystone adjustment.
- Sitex Price: $1,299
- Promotion: Free Iomega HD media player with 1TB HDD worth $199
- More Information: Launch Event Article
InFocus
InFocus IN3118HD (B&I Resources, Booth 6C40)
The IN3118HD is a 3,600-lumen, 1080p projector suitable for use in the office or classroom. In Eco mode, it'd run at a lower brightness of 3,000 lumens. It has two HDMI inputs (with audio), an RJ-45 port for network control, and an RS232 port to integrate with room control systems, such as Crestron amd AMX. The projector comes with a 5-year warranty.
- Sitex Price: $2,999
- Usual Price: $3,199
- Promotion: Free InFocus IN102 projector worth $699, or projector screen voucher worth $500
InFocus IN102 (AceCom, Booth 5F41)
The IN102 is a low-cost projector for those with a tight budget. It has an SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, a brightness rating of 2,700 lumens, and a contrast ratio of 2800:1. This DLP and 3D-ready beamer has an average lamp life of 4,000 hours when using Eco mode. Best yet, there are no filters to buy or replace.
- Sitex Price: $499
- Promotion: Free TravelPac e-Storm wired speaker worth $59.90, wireless Bluetooth headset worth $119, soft carrying case worth $39.90, and iSmart travel adapter worth $59.90
The Little Box that Plays Everything
While enthusiasts who need to dabble with a variety of content and delegate a system to act as a media server still prefer to go the HTPC (home theater PC) route, for average customers with less than extreme needs, a simple do-it-all media player is often more than sufficient. And unlike the early days, most recent media players support a wide variety of codecs and file formats, and come with firmware that's flash upgradeable, so new features can be added on (and bugs fixed) at a later time.
As many media players now don't support for an internal hard disk drive, when buying one, make sure it has the right connections or services that allow you to access your media content. Does it have a USB port; is one enough? Do you need a card reader? Is it DLNA compliant, so that you can get to files residing on other DLNA-enabled devices? What network sharing functions does it have?
Also, know that support for most popular formats shouldn't be taken to mean support for all formats. If there's a particular video format that you always play, it's wise to scrutinize the specs sheet to ensure that it indeed is supported. Better yet, bring along some test files to try them on the spot.
AC Ryan (Booth 5J50)
AC Ryan Veolo Smart Android Hub
The Veolo is a full HD network media streamer, Internet TV web browser, and more. The browser supports HTML5, Flash and Chrome V8 JavaScript. Running on Android 2.2, you can download Android apps through AndroidPIT, an Android app market; Pulse News and ES File Explorer come pre-installed. The RF remote has a QWERTY keyboard at the back for text entry, as well as a wireless pointer.
- Sitex Price: $329
- Promotion: 3-in-1 RF remote control and HDMI cable included; Citibank card members get $20 off
ASUS (Booth 5B40)
ASUS O!Play Mini Plus
The O!Play Mini Plus is a full HD media player with built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi as well as gigabit Ethernet connectivity. There are two USB ports, one of which doubles up as an eSATA port. At the front sits a 4-in-1 card reader (SD/MS/xD/MMC). With O!Direct and O!MediaShare, you can sync media from a PC to a TV with just one click. The DLNA-enabled Mini Plus plays most media files, including RMVB, and supports Dolby TrueHD.
- Sitex Price: $179
- Usual Price: $199
- More Information: HWZ Review
Aztech (Booth 6E50)
Aztech PlayXtreme Internet TV Hub
Powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the PlayXtreme turns your TV into a Internet-enable one; it supports both HTML 5 and Adobe Flash 10.3. The UPnP device can stream media from the Internet, an external USB drive, SD card or a NAS device. It supports HDMI 1.3 and resolutions up to 1080p. You can even install games and third-party APK files. The bundled remote has a QWERTY keyboard for easy text input.
- Sitex Price: $179
- Usual Price: $199
Nxter (Booth 5D60)
Nxter NxTV Smart TV Box
Based on the Realtek 1185 chipset, the NxTV is a full HD media player that supports most of the popular video codecs, such as AVI, MKV, TS, MPG, FLV, and RMVB. OGG and FLAC are supported too for music playback. The NxTV also seeks to turn a normal TV into a Smart TV. You can use it to surf the Web on your TV and access a host of widget-based TV apps via their portal.
- Sitex Price: $119 ($10.90 registration fee required)
Western Digital (SiS, Booth 6D40)
WD TV Live
The WD TV Live streams the latest movies, hit TV shows, Internet entertainment and your media library (be it on a USB drive, network drive, or computer) to your HDTV using its built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi. For a wired network, there's an Ethernet port. The WD TV Live supports a wide variety of files formats including MKV, MP4, XVID, AVI, WMV, and MOV. For text entry, you can use the on-screen keyboard or connect a wired or wireless USB keyboard.
- Sitex Price: $129
- Usual Price: $169
- Promotion: Free Connected Home gift pack for 1st 100 purchases; Bundle with My Book Live 2TB or 3TB home network drive for $299 (usual price $488) or $359 (usual price $568) respectively
Much Ado About Headphones, Speakers and Docking Systems
Procuring a suitable pair of headphones isn't that difficult as long as you know your needs and habits. For instance, a decent pair of in-ear monitors (IEM) would be ideal if you enjoy listening to music whilst on your daily commute. IEMs are highly portable and they also provide ample passive noise isolation when you are out and about. Conversely, over-ear headphones may sport a bulkier form factor, but they also deliver a fuller listening experience. Closed-back cans would be ideal if you prefer to plug in to the amplifier or computer at home, for instance; all without disturbing your other half.
As for docking systems, here are a few things to note. While most of them are compatible with both iPods and iPhones, ensure the docking system is capable of charging both devices if that's what you want. For example, the "Made for iPod" label suggests that the docking station is only able to charge the iPod, and not the iPhone. Another rule of thumb to heed is the space-and-power equation. The larger the room, the more wattage you'll need to fill the room with sufficient volume. Essentially, an ideal speaker dock should enable you to enjoy music from your iPod or iPhone with minimal fuss.
Audio-Technica (Nubox, Booth 6D30/6E30)
Audio-Technica ATH-XS7
The XS7 combines portability and high fidelity in a durable Elastomer frame. Hailing from Audio Technica's "X-Street" series, this street-flavored cans feature generous 40mm dynamic drivers and improved bass levels to please the most demanding bass head. Also highly recommended for those who wants a light yet robust pair of headphones to withstand knocks and bumps.
- Sitex Price: $78
- Usual Price: $98
- Promotion: FREE headphone drawstring pouch (worth $8)
Audio-Technica ATH-FW44
Who says headsets are boring and ugly? The ATH-FW44 would probably appeal more to the fairer sex with its fashionable ear pads decorated in real fur. It won't mess up your hairdo either, thanks for its slim leather headband. Fashion statement, anyone?
- Sitex Price: $70.20
- Usual Price: $78
Bose (OrangeComms, Booth 5J42)
Bose In-ear 2 Earphones
Bose's StayHear tip design may appear like Lucifer's horns but they actually offer a nice stable fit. On top of that, Bose also re-tuned the In-ear 2's acoustic design, now augmented with a new port to ensure a smoother and more natural sound. At only $135, this set of in-ears are a steal.
- Sitex Price: $135
- Usual Price: $149
Bose SoundDock Portable
It isn't part of Bose's regular portfolio to design portable SoundDocks, but here's an exception to that rule. The SoundDock portable promises spacious and sizable acoustics despite its size. The dock also rotates out of sight when you need to cart the unit around. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this SoundDock is a must-have for all iPod or iPhone wielders who like to carry their music wherever they go.
- Sitex Price: $579
- Usual Price: $749
iHome (Nubox, Booth 6D30/6E30)
iHome iW1BE Airplay Speaker
The iW1 is an AirPlay wireless audio system with a rechargeable battery. With Apple's AirPlay technology, you can play your music residing on your iOS device or iTunes wirelessly via a home Wi-Fi network to the iW1. It also supports charging and local audio playback via USB by using the USB sync cable that comes with new iPods and iPhones. For other music devices, you can use the 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input. iHome Connect is a free app on the App Store that allows you to do simple network setup and custom device naming.
- Sitex Price: $479
- Promotion: Free iHome iP90 dock worth $219; Instant win Christmas bonus dip with every $80 spent on 3rd-party accessories
Jays (EpiCentre, Booth 6E20)
Jays a-Jays Four (White)
The a-Jays Four comes with a flat, tangle-free cable that has a 3-button remote for your Apple iPhone. You can use the remote to play/pause music and videos, answer/hang up calls, control volume, and more. On the remote is a digital, active surface-mounted MEMS silicon microphone. The a-Jays Four comes with up to 5 pairs of silicone sleeves ranging in size from XXS to L. Specs-wise, the a-Jays Four uses an 8.6mm dynamic speaker driver and has an impedance of 16 ohms. The other end is an L-shaped silver-plated 3.5mm plug.
- Sitex Price: $98
- Usual Price: $118
- Promotion: DBS/POSB card members get additional 10% off
Klipsch (EpiCentre @ 6E20)
Klipsch Image S4A for Android
Availabe in black or white, the Image S4A is Klipsch's first-ever headphones designed for Android devices. Compatible with Android 2.2 devices, it allows you to use the push-button control for music and calls. With the free Klipsch Control App, you can customize the functionality of your calls and music. The S4A uses dynamic moving coil micro speakers and has an impedance of 18 ohms.
- Sitex Price: $152.10
- Usual Price: $169
- Promotion: 15% off (instead of 10%) when you buy 2 headphones
Klipsch Image One
The Image One is a pair of high-performance, on-ear headphones. It features an Apple-based mic and a three-button remote for answering calls and controlling music on Apple mobile devices. It has an adjustable leather headband for custom fit, and the ear cups can be folded flat for easy storage. Using a dynamic moving coil 40mm driver, the Image One has an input impedance of 32 ohms.
- Sitex Price: $244.10
- Usual Price: $249
- Promotion: 15% off (instead of 10%) when you buy 2 headphones
Nakamichi (Booth 5D42)
Nakamichi NCE-750BA
Nakamichi's NCD-750BA in-ear monitors charms with its non-fussy looks and stylish design. The balanced armature system also promises high sensitivity and resolution without comprising audio fidelity. Look out for its discounted $99 price at Sitex.
- Sitex Price: $99
- Usual Price: $139
Shure (Nubox, Booth 6D30)
Shure SE535 Sound Isolating Earphones
Shure's premium IEMs feature triple drivers within its sexy bod, including a dedicated tweeter and dual woofers. The cables are also detachable to facilitate convenient replacement after the usual wear and tear. The ergonomic SE535 is available in clear or metallic bronze housings.
- Sitex Price: $619 after 15% discount
- Usual Price: $728
Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones
Shure's single-driver SE215 earphones are priced at only $169 here at SITEX. Available in multiple sizes, its noise isolating sleeves are able to provide up to 37dB of isolation. And like most of Shure's IEMs, the SE215 is designed with an over-ear configuration to minimize 'cable-thumps'.
- Sitex Price: $169 after 15% discount
- Usual Price: $198
Soul by Ludacris (Sprint-Cass, Booth 5D42/5G41; Nubox, Booth 6D30/6E30)
Soul by Ludacris SL300
Availabe in gold or white, the over-ear SL300 sports active noise cancelling technology to block out unwanted noise. It is compatible with Apple iOS mobile devices, and devices with a 3.5mm or 1/4" headphone jack. When the batteries (2 x AAA are required) are drained, music will playback in passive mode. You can fold the headphones for easy storage (a protective road case is given), and even the earcup badge is illuminated. The earpads use protein leather.
- Sitex Price: $499
- Usual Price: $599
Soul by Ludacris SL49
The SL49 in-ear headphones uses a dynamic driver and a neodymium magnet. It comes with small, medium, and large ear tips for an ideal fit, and the cable is designed to be tangle-resistant. Impedance is rate at 16 ohms. For iPhone/iPod/iPad users, the headphones come with an in-line 3-button remote. A 1-year warranty (parts and labor) is given.
- Sitex Price: $139
- Usual Price: $169
SonicGear (VII PC Trade, Booth 6J50)
SonicGear Earpump Aura
The Earpump Aura in-ear headphones sport a balanced armature design. Three sizes of silicon earbuds are included for a custom fit. An Apple-certified headset, it comes with an in-line controller for your iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
- Sitex Price: $89
- Usual Price: $99
- Promotion: Free silicon gels
Ultimate Ears (EpiCentre, Booth 6E20)
Ultimate Ears UE700 Noise Isolating Earphones
Ultimate Ears are back in town with the spanking new UE 700 earphones. This stylish pair of passive noise-isolating IEMs feature not one, but two custom-tuned armatures for improved frequency separation. It also has a relatively low impedance rating of 40 ohms which makes it compatible with most phones and portable media players with a standard 3.5mm stereo jack. Sweet stuff.
- Sitex Price: $189
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