The 25th Edtition of Salon Son & Image de Montréal

More firsts and innovations than ever before

Not only will you find a wide range of high-end products, you’ll also have access
to expert information to enhance your audio and video experience

Montreal, March 6, 2012 – For its 25th edition, the Salon Son & Image, the first and largest show of its kind in Canada, will showcase a record number of firsts and innovations over an exciting three-day period.

“While this year marks an important milestone in the history of the event, its focus will not just be on the latest products available; music lovers will have the chance to learn about and discuss the issues closest to their hearts,” explains technology columnist François Charron, who returns as Salon spokesman for the second consecutive year. “They’ll also receive invaluable information and expert advice to help them build on their passion.”

Firsts…
The ultra high-definition Sony 4K (VPL-VW1000ES) will make its first appearance in Canada at the Salon Son & Image. This revolutionary home theatre projector represents the future, offering four times the resolution of Blu-ray and HDTV, the current benchmarks. Its 4K definition is compatible with all systems while delivering a 1,000,000: 1 dynamic contrast and 2,000 ANSI-lumens of brightness. The projector is also able to reproduce stunning images on screens of up to 200 inches diagonally. It brings viewers closer to the action than ever before, with images projected in much greater detail.

Also from Sony, the SR-A1 speaker system will be unveiled to Canadian consumers at the Salon. Priced at $27,000, it’s an exceptional system that marks the return of Sony to this high-end market niche after an absence of two decades.

Canadian company Mass Fidelity will use the Salon as a launch pad, premiering stereOS, an operating system built for aggregating and networking disparate music collections. Regardless of where your music is stored—be it at home, in your online music locker, or via a subscription streaming service—stereOS amalgamates them all, enabling you to spend your time enjoying your music instead of organizing it.

Produced in Quebec, the revolutionary triaxial speakers by LYS Audio feature a single stereophonic channel rather than two. The result is a look unlike any other…and unparalleled sound.

From Germany comes the MBL Reference Line 101 E stereo system, the most prestigious in the history of the Salon Son & Image. Its price: $260,000!

And finally, KEF will present the Canadian launch of its unique, sleekly shaped Blade speakers, priced at $32,000. Because of the limited number manufactured, there is simply no better time or place to discover and appreciate the world’s first Single Apparent Source loudspeaker.

…innovations, including many from Canada…
The Canada Pavilion will showcase the expertise and know-how of Canadians, with featured products ranging from headsets, speakers, amplifiers, and CD players to turntables, digital audio converters for computers, cables, and much more. “For the first time, more than 40 Canadian manufacturers will come together under one roof,” proudly announces Michel Plante, Salon president. “This takes on enormous importance when one considers Canada’s international reputation for the outstanding companies in its audio and video industry.”

The UQAM Hexagram pavilion will put the spotlight on graduates in the university’s media arts program, with students on hand to display their inventions. Notably, they will present the results of extensive research into new audio production methods, which may someday be used in the music or film industries.

The Salon Son & Image will be the site for the Canadian launch of L’Oreille Hardie, a communal and audiophile listening concept that originated in England. Once a month, in a different city each time, music lovers come together in a public place to listen to an album from start to finish. It goes without saying that the album is done full justice, played on a high-end system.

“The audiovisual world is the source of many trends that are front and centre at this year’s Salon,” states François Charron. He goes on to explain that interfaces, for example, are becoming increasingly intuitive and user-friendly. In addition, music lovers are personalizing their listening experience far more these days by creating wireless music distribution networks using technologies such as Airplay. Another emerging trend—music streaming—enables users to play music from computers specially adapted to reproduce recordings with studio-quality sound.

… and plenty of practical information
During the three days of the Salon, not only will you discover hundreds of unique products, you’ll also have access to seminars and discussions on subjects that will enable you to further your knowledge and enhance your enjoyment of music. Gain in-depth info on how your equipment works, or, if you’re in the market for new equipment, the Salon’s seminars will provide you with everything you need to know to make the right decisions.

On the program:
• A discussion among six top speaker designers: Find the sound that speaks to you
• A discussion among six digital technology experts: the many sounds of 0 and 1
• Seminars on a variety of subjects that include:
* Demystifying music streaming and how to configure your computer
* How to calibrate your home theatre receiver
* How to calibrate your HDTV
* What applications are best when it comes to controlling your sound system from your iPod, iPad, iPhone, or Android?
* How to listen to, compare, and select a sound system

The Salon Son & Image will be held at the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Montreal (900 de La Gauchetière West, Bonaventure métro) from Thursday, March 22 to Sunday, March 25, 2012. For just $15, you’ll discover products that could change the way you listen to music, watch television, or enjoy your favourite films.

Salon hours:
Thursday, March 22: 11 am to 6 pm*
(*Trade day only: media, industry professionals, interior designers, architects, and developers)
Friday, March 23: 11 am to 9 pm
Saturday, March 24: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, March 25: 10 am to 5 pm

Admission valid for entire weekend
Regular price: $15
Seniors (65 +) and students: $10

Please note that tickets can be purchased online at salonsonimage.com.

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