Def Tech’s newest speaker system is the high quality answer to our convenient-sound-on-the-go prayers. The Sound Cylinder has ultra-easy Bluetooth connectivity and weighs in at under a single pound, making it just right to go everywhere your tablet or laptop goes.

As far as portable sound goes, until now, our options have been pretty limited. Nobody really looks forward to lugging around a docking station with a bulky power adaptor, most portable speakers out there now leave much to be desired in audio quality, and headphones just aren’t always a great option (let’s face it, those ear buds that came with your tablet are not one size fits all), and what if you want to share? This is where the Sound Cylinder steps in. Relatively light-weight, measuring about 7.5” x 2”, and with a 10 hour battery life (10 hours!), the cylinder is poised to be your go-to speaker system.

Not only is the Cylinder super convenient, it sounds amazing. Definitive Technology has consistently proved that they know how to bring you the best sound, and this compact system is no exception. Packing in a 2.1 channel bi-amplified audio system, it delivers consistently superior sound quality. Two front-firing midrange/high frequency drivers and a side-firing woofer combine to provide high clarity and rich bass.

Maybe the best feature, it connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, meaning you can use it with your tablet, your MP3 player, and laptop; anything Bluetooth enabled. Even more than that, it still includes the ability to connect using an audio cable, just in case. No need to worry about having the correct adaptors for each of your devices. The retractable kickstand holds the Cylinder at the ideal angle and the attached clip securely attaches it to your device, so you can listen while you watch hands-free. No more headphones and no more taxing the speakers of your device at full volume. 

Ringing in at just $199, the Cylinder, with its amazing audio quality, super usability, and refreshing design, is right at your fingertips. Needless to say, Definitive Technology’s Sound Cylinder is our favorite new accessory of the year.

Sound is the element in your home theater that gives your visual experience real presence; it's the aspect that can make you feel like you are really there. A good sound set up can be the difference between just watching Tom Hanks take off in "Apollo 13" and being able to imagine you're actually sitting next to him, hearing the shuttle engines ignite around you.

Setting up your home with a quality audio system is what will take your big screen from basic TV to immersive home theater. So what would you need to create amazing theater audio in your home?

The Buckley School called on BCG Concepts to work with them in designing a "technology room" where students could relax and experience the latest and greatest technology at their finger tips. 

The room features a 146" CyberTouch touch screen video wall with 40 simultaneous touch points - this means 4 students with two hands each can be using the board at the same time (that's forty fingers in case you were counting :)) 

There are two additional 55" Samsung LED displays used for a gaming wall that have Xbox360 Kinect and Nintendo Wii. Students can play games side by side or online against each other using the two setups.

The control, audio, and video distribution system is from Crestron Electronics. The entire space is controlled with the Apple iPad running Crestron Mobile Pro G. A 6x6 HDMI video switch from Crestron sends Blu-Ray, Mac Mini, PC, Laptop connections and more to any of the displays in the room in any combination. 

Four Klipsch speakers are installed in the ceiling using custom wood frames wrapped in acoustic fabric to match the ceiling fabric. 

A long time client of ours recently remodeled their backyard and added some cool A/V features. First, the older Crestron system was upgraded to a new MC3 processor and all the touch panels were replaced with Apple iPad's docked in Crestron in-wall docks.

We installed a SunBrite television in the Loggia with Elan weatherproof in-wall speakers. A custom trellis system with Somfy retractable shades covers the entire patio which is blanketed with audio from 4 Episode outdoor speakers. 

The pool and outdoor lighting is controlled by a Jandy RS Aqualink which interfaces with the Crestron system so you can have complete control of the pool/spa and outdoor light settings from the iPad. Combine that with the 6 existing audio zones and 25 light switches inside the house, this property is now truly integrated. 

Check out all of our photos from CES 2012 in Las Vegas. Speaker from Sonus Faber, Focal , Meridian, Martin Logan, Vienna Acoustics, Anthony Gallo, Monitor Audio and more.