CEDIA UK 2006 opened the doors today to its extensive Training Seminars program which is what really distinguishes this show from all other trade fairs. The professionals in our fast evolving AV market sector can not only see new products and technologies on the exhibition floor, but they can also expand their knowledge to better serve their clients. Top Industry specialists have been selected by CEDIA to offer a very extensive program of subjects covering a wide range of topics from How to Design Better Looking Touch Panels to Voice over IP integration, Video Calibration, and Digital Rights Management.

This year the program has been considerably expanded with 24 new courses as well as an additional 20 having been fully updated. There has been an 82% increase in course hours, with 59 seminar presentations in addition to 25 manufacturers’ product training sessions. In between the courses, to combine work and pleasure, this year CEDIA has even catered to what some will consider a bit of “competition” these days with direct transmission of the World Cup in a stylish Sports Café.

The show floor will open tomorrow at 10 AM boasting a major expansion from last year’s event, with 6,000 square meters of exhibition space, an increase of 43% over 2005. With over 5000 visitors pre-registered, this year is guaranteed success, despite the “competition” ! Our filming room is just overlooking the exhibition floor which gives us a bird’s eye view of the over 130 exhibition stands.

We will be bringing you in the coming days Video Clip product presentations of the latest equipment and technologies on show this year. As ever, there is the traditional rush to finish the stands, as you can see, but we have already spotted some new products being installed, so pell-mell here are just a few to whet your appetite.

Sim2 will have on demonstration in their dedicated Home Theater room their new 1080p chip projector as well as, of course, the superb C3X. Meridian will be showcasing the Faroudja 1080p 3-chip video projector, D-ILA 1080MF1 as well as the new 300 series of high-end installation speakers. Infocus will have on-show their 1080p “Play Big” ultra-stylish range. ProjectionDesign is present with Action! model three 1080, with HDTV 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Linn will introduce their new wireless AV system control interface for pocket PCs. Just next store, KEF will have their new 3000 series on display as well as be unveiling new custom installation in-wall products in the extensive Ci Series. Acoustic Energy is launching a comprehensive range of high quality custom-installation in-wall, in-ceiling and outdoor audio products.

We saw being installed the Stewart CineCurve screen as well as Vidikron’s CineWide screens. Screen Research will display their acoustically transparent screens and at CEDIA for the first time anywhere their new curved masked screen. DNP has their new motorized Supernova Flex screen on display.

Fujitsu has a stylish stand with custom installation plasma screens. Sharp will be showcasing their new range of Aquos LCD TVs. LG with a stand strategically placed just opposite the Sport Café with the World Cup has their world’s largest commercially available 71” plasma, and will be showing their super multi-format DVD/HDD recorders. JVC will present their latest D-ILA Home Cinema projectors. AWE, a leading distributor of many major brands in the UK, is showing for the first time in the UK the 32” and 42” HD ready Mirror-TVs from Philips and the full HD 1080p 50” plasma TV from Pioneer.

With the focus on home integration, Crestron has a huge stand to show off all their latest product innovations, including the groundbreaking Adagio music server. Kaleidescape will demonstrate their servers which will change how both music and films can be enjoyed everywhere, home, yacht or private jet ! Smart-e, specialist in HD TV distribution in domestic and commercial environments, will be launching 3 new products. So as you can appreciate, there is a wide-range of products here at the show for all home networking solutions. With over 300 brands present this year, we’ll have lots more to bring you in the days to come.