Organisers of the Hi Fi Show and AV Expo 2003, where both DVD-Audio and SACD were parts of prominent exhibits, have declared the event “a resounding success”, as were the ‘Hi-Fi News Industry Awards’, with accolades being given to high-resolution innovators such as Meridian Audio and Pioneer.
From the press release (thanks to Nicoll PR):
Advance bookings for next year says it all: the Hi-Fi Show and AV Expo 2003 was a resounding success! By Sunday morning, show organiser Janet Belton had signed up Pioneer, Sony, Polk, REL, ProAc, Musical Fidelity and others for the 2004 Show, all of whom are eager to repeat the experience – most insisting on the same rooms! As John Bamford, Product Manager at Pioneer GB put it, “We had a tough decision to make, but our faith in this well-established event paid off with terrific public response.”
John is no doubt glowing about the response to his company’s astounding new range of high-end plasma displays with digital inputs. Along with a range of award-winning universal DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio players, the Pioneer setting exemplified the marriage of high-end audio and home cinema.
Throughout the show, pure two-channel stereo nestled comfortably alongside multi-channel surround, with visitors having ample opportunity to audition the newest formats: DVD-Audio and SACD. Contrasting this were new turntables from Townshend, Roksan, Avid and others. With the two-hundred and fifty-plus brands spread over four floors in two venues, visitors were spoilt for choice with new speakers, DVD players, amplifiers, remote controllers, software, headphones – it was a home entertainment feast.
The Hi-Fi Show and AV Expo continues to function as an important source of information and contact for both trade and consumers as, Steve N. Harris from BFA commented, “Attendance at this years BADA/BFA presentations and demonstrations was considerably higher than last year. It looks good for the season that so many consumers were interested in both high-end audio and video. The trade panel discussions were also well attended. Overall a very successful event.”
Well-attended, too, was the Hi-Fi News Industry Awards dinner, sponsored by Dolby, where seventeen companies were honoured for their efforts.
The Hi-Fi News Industry Awards:
BADA Award for Best Industry Technical Training Scheme
Meridian Audio Ltd
BADA Award for Best Industry Retailer Support Scheme
Naim Audio
BFA Award for Export Achievement
KEF Audio (UK)
Inside Hi-Fi and AV Company Representative of the Year
Paul Dall’occo, Sales Manager, KEF
Inside Hi-Fi and AV Retail Sales Person of the Year
Martin Twaites, Manager, Music Matters, Hatch End
Best New AV Source Technology
Pioneer ‘universal’ DVD /SACD player range
Best Internet Audio Innovation
Apple iTunes Music Store
Most Innovative Audio/AV Distribution Product
Yamaha MusicCAST
Best New Loudspeaker Technology
Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5
Best New Amplifier Technology
Sony S-Master
Best A/V Processor
Arcam AV8
Best New Analogue Component
Roksan Radius 5 turntable
Best Valve Amplifier Innovation
Audiopax Timbre Lock
Best Budget All-In-One System
Denon UD-M31 system
Best One-Brand Separates System
Quad 99 System/Quad 11L speakers
Most Stylish Complete System
Chord Choral
High-End Product of the Year
Wilson Audio System 7
Hi-Fi Show and AV Expo 2004 will take place from 24th-26th September. If you’re interested in exhibiting, please contact Janet Belton for further information on +44 (0)208 774 0847 or via email at: [email protected].
Remember to read our exclusive on-line show report.