ProAV Edition

AmpliVox Shows Compact Line Array Speakers

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:34:54 GMT

AmpliVox has just launched a slim, lightweight compact line array speaker system that's offered in three different designs (and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically). Users can install it horizontally above a whiteboard for broad dispersion or mount two systems vertically on each side of the whiteboard. In either configuration, the Line Array Speakers deliver a spacious sound that extends well beyond the speaker's physical size.

The three models are:

A passive speaker that connects to any audio system with spring wire terminals
Amplified speaker containing a 50-watt peak audio amp, which can be used alone or connected to the passive speaker for larger sound coverage
An additional 16 channel wireless microphone kit, including either a handheld or lapel mic

All models of the Line Array System include a “C” shape mounting bracket for easy wall installation. The amplified versions also include a power on/off switch and a 110-VAC wall adapter. Each model measures 17”L x 3.4”W x 5”D and weighs less than 5 lbs.

For more details, go to: http://www.ampli.com/

Premier Ships Tilting LCD TV Mount

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:38:16 GMT

Premier Mounts is shipping a new tilting flat-panel cable mount that makes hanging a flat panel as easy as hanging a picture frame. Using the patented MagnaGuide feature, the plates behind the display are easily aligned and set in place using strong magnets. This makes it easy for the installer to secure the flat panel in the right position without having to see where the mounting base is located on the wall.

The CMT also provides a notable tilt feature. High tensile braided cable allows the mount to smoothly and securely tilt to the desired angle. Other features include large wire loops for easy leveling, a dual kickstand to provide full accessibility to the display, and collapsible stand off legs that easily connect any A/V component. The V-shaped 6"x3" back-plate mounts easily on a single stud and is designed to hold flat panel displays up to 65 lbs. with a VESA mounting pattern ranging from 200x200mm to 600x400mm (the four flat-panel anchors install to the back of the display).

An in-wall box, such as the GB-INWAVP, can also be added for additional equipment storage and to hide power cables behind the display.

See all the specs here: http://www.mounts.com/product?product=CMT

PESA Intros 3G-SDI Matrix Switcher

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:28:59 GMT

PESA has added a couple of new models to its PESA PRO line of professional AV matrix switchers with the PRO-3GSDI-1616 routing switcher, which supports all common SMPTE and ITU standard serial digital video signals, as well as embedded audio and other ancillary data required for HD-SDI and DVB/ASI sources. This new 16x16 switcher is designed to route SD-SDI, HD-SDI and 3G-SDI signals for digital cinema, telemedicine, O&P, high-end presentation rooms, satellite imaging, military command centers and simulation/visualization environments.

There are two different versions: the PRO-3GSDI-1616-C and the PRO-3GSDI-1616-PB (which includes a local pushbutton control panel). Both models feature an internal power supply and can have multiple remote control panels added via an Ethernet interface. The PRO-3GSDI-1616 supports standard data rates from 50Mbps to 3Gbps and video transports up to 1080p/60. All inputs are auto-equalized. With standard SMPTE formatted outputs, each signal is auto-sensed and re-clocked to the appropriate transport stream. Signals can be re-clocked up to 100m for 1080p/60. For non-standard formats, re-clocking circuitry can be set to bypass mode. Two independent reference inputs allow easy selection of genlock from a black burst or tri-level sync source.

For more specs on the $5,995 PRO-3GSDI-1616 routing switcher, you'll have to wait as it's not on PESA's website yet. When it is, it will be here: http://www.pesa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=54

AV People: Cory Schaeffer of Listen Technologies

molly@ravepubs.com (Molly Stillman) — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:41:18 GMT

This is the first in a new series of columns where we tell the personal stories of people working in the AV industry.

When people think of Cory Schaeffer they think: experienced AV professional, co-founder of Listen Technologies, wife of fellow AV professional Tim Schaeffer.

What many don’t realize is both Cory and Tim are avid, and certified, paragliders. What’s even more astonishing is their love of paragliding came after a tragedy that would keep most any human being as close to the ground as possible for the rest of their lives: a plane crash.

Let’s go back to go forward.

Tim and Cory met in the mid-1980s while both working for Gentner, now ClearOne. Tim was an independent sales rep and Cory was a sales manager. They interacted at trade shows, on sales calls, and at other industry events. They were friendly and cordial, but definitely not romantic.

Shortly thereafter they began dating, but Cory quickly realized things could get awkward quickly. A sales rep and sales manager seeing each other can be somewhat of an industry no-no. But they thought it would be okay as long as there wasn’t a conflict.

Until one day, there was a conflict of interest. Tim refused to resolve it. So Cory did what any sales manager had to do: she fired him.

In 1997, they married. Tim said, “She fired me. So, I got even and married her.”

A year later, Cory spent much of her time planning and preparing to launch Listen Technologies.

Life for Cory and Tim was blissful. They were both in successful careers and they were madly in love.

A few years later, the unthinkable happened.

“It was Saturday, January 11, 2003 and Tim and I had a “date” around 12 noon to go on a hike,” said Cory. “He was going to “fly” that morning as he was obsessed with his latest hobby. We have a rule… ALWAYS call before you take off and call when you land, doesn’t matter if you’re flying the plane yourself or if it’s being flown by Delta or United.”

A phone call before takeoff was no big deal to Cory. It was their thing, their promise, their routine. But about 40 minutes later, Cory got a call from Tim, who handed the phone to a medic.

Tim’s plane had crashed in, of all places, a cemetery.

Unfortunately Cory hadn’t been given much information other than where he was headed -- Northridge Hospital. However, she couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety -- her husband had just been in a plane crash.

Cory later learned that once at 5,000 feet of altitude, the rented plane Tim and his co-pilot were flying had a prop fall apart that tore the right wing, rendering the plane no longer flyable. They had lost all aerodynamics and just couldn’t hold on. Tim and his co-pilot pulled on the yoke (aka: the control column or “W” shaped steering wheel) to no avail.

They were going down.

At the time they were flying over Westlake, California and the 101 Freeway, one of California’s busiest freeways. They were hoping to make it onto the freeway, but then saw what they thought was a golf course and tried to control the plane enough to get it on the golf course.

Then they gave up.

They gave up trying to gain control.

Once the wing was gone, there wasn’t a chance they’d get it back.

While Tim’s plane was giving up control, there was a fire crew at a nearby Albertson’s grocery store that saw what was happening. They knew the plane was going down and immediately rushed in its direction. They radioed for “air lift support” because they knew it was going to be bad.

That radio call is a large part of what saved Tim’s life.

As Tim’s plane fell lower and lower, it narrowly missed the roof of a Costco and skidded hundreds of feet in what was not, in fact, a golf course, but a cemetery.

The fusel lodge was destroyed and a plane that had six seats had only two remaining -- the pilot and co-pilot’s.

The plane came to a stop at a mausoleum wall. Grounds keepers rushed to the plane as soon as it came to a stop. Just as it landed the firemen were coming on site.

Tim and his co-pilot did not walk away, as they both suffered broken backs, arms, and ankles. But they were alive.

When Tim was in the hospital, the cemetery where he had crash sent a huge bouquet of flowers. Cory said they liked to make the joke and say that the card in the flowers read, “It was nice seeing you… come back when you can stay longer.”

But this story isn’t specifically about Tim’s plane crash; it’s about what the plane crash did for Cory and what it did for Tim. It brought them together. They experienced the unthinkable and lived to tell about it.

“Tim and I have an extremely close relationship. Always have,” shared Cory. “This experience took our relationship to a level that we’d likely never achieve. For a period time, I had to do most everything for him. We were humbled and reminded how short life really is.”

Tim hasn’t flown a plane since.

A year later, Cory, Tim, the co-pilot and his wife met at the cemetery where they crashed only a year earlier to pop some bubbly and celebrate life and be thankful for their good fortune. It was a sobering moment.

Just as they were sharing a drink, a groundskeeper came their way. They thought they were in trouble for drinking on cemetery grounds. Well, it turns out it was the grounds keeper that had come to the plane after it had crashed. Needless to say, they were all happy to see each other and thank each other. After leaving the cemetery they headed to the fire station to thank the firemen that had saved their lives.

Cory remembered the visit so vividly, “It was great to talk to them and for them to see what they did on that day mattered to two families and will forever. They joked about it because it’s awkward for some to be “thanked” and I know for sure that on the day of our visit, they were reminded of all the good they do for so many.”

Tim’s road to recovery wasn’t easy, but within a few years, Tim was back on his feet. After some coaxing from Cory’s business partner Russ Gentner, Tim left his position with Klotz Digital and joined the Listen Technologies team as the VP of Strategic Development in 2008. Hopefully Cory won’t have to fire him this time.

Then in 2009 while working in Bluffdale, Utah, they were in a conference room that had large, glass windows on all three sides -- and suddenly, out the window, Tim spotted a group of paragliders. Cory immediately saw the gleam in his eye and realized they were in trouble.

The next day they signed up for a tandem paragliding flight.

During their first tandem flight, Cory looked over at Tim and already he was taking the reins and controlling the paraglider. When they landed, Tim knew he wanted to take lessons.

“If you can’t beat him, join him,” sighed Cory. So the two of them signed up for lessons.

Since that time, they’ve been hooked. For the first year, they took lessons about once a week and gained their certification and started flying on their own.

For Cory, it’s been a journey that not only tested her emotionally and physically, but also spiritually. Paragliding has given her a new sense of freedom.

I could hear the joy and peace in her voice as Cory described what her “hobby” is to her, “Paragliding solo is amazing. It’s beautiful. It’s spiritual. It’s exhilarating and rejuvenating. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been able to do to completely clear my mind to the point where the only thing I can focus on is my breathing and the wind on my face.”

It’s amazing to think that after everything they’ve been through Cory and Tim are as strong, ambitious, and totally adventurous as they are.

Their life goal is to travel the world paragliding. They’ve paraglided in Seattle, Maui, Santa Barbara and Mexico -- and their list of dream destinations isn’t short.

And although they love “flying” through their paragliding passion, their thoughts never go far from where they were ten years ago.

To see where they are today, it’ll be even more exciting to see where they go ten years from now.

Molly Stillman is the Director of Marketing and New Business Development for rAVe [Publications]. Reach her at molly@ravepubs.com

Extron Ships Fiber Optic Audio Extractor

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:12:24 GMT

Extron has started to ship the FOX AEX 108, an eight-port fiber optic audio extractor for independent processing and routing of audio signals in a fiber optic AV distribution system. Each fiber optic input port extracts the two-channel audio signal to provide analog balanced or unbalanced stereo audio. Available in multimode and singlemode models, the FOX AEX 108 is ideal for use in FOX Matrix system applications that require extraction of audio signals for local processing and independent distribution.

After extracting the two-channel audio signal, the FOX AEX 108 re-transmits the original fiber optic signal to maximize the optical budget for long distance transmission. Additionally, the buffered loop-throughs feature output reclocking to reshape and restore the timing of the digital signal.

The FOX AEX 108 is compatible with FOX Series matrix switchers, switchers, distribution amplifiers, and HDMI, DVI Plus, DVI, VGA, VGA/YUV and AV transmitters and receivers. It's housed in a compact 1U, half-rack width metal enclosure.

Details are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=foxaex108

Peerless-AV Debuts New 3x3 Universal Video Wall Cart

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:08:00 GMT

Peerless-AV announced recently the launch of a 3x3 Universal Video Wall Cart, the DS-VWC655-3X3. Aimed at the rental and staging markets, but perfectly positioned for portable digital signage applications, the DS-VWC655-3X3 can hold nine flat panel displays measuring 46 to 55 inches. The cart features a covered shelf that effectively hides media devices and upright channels to organize cables. Lockable 5" casters support up to 1,000 lbs. of flat panel displays and can swivel 360 degrees for maneuverability. The company has included mounting hole patterns up to 400 mm vertically while a unique positioning feature enables simple flush alignment without tools.

All the details can be found here: http://www.peerlessmounts.com/dyn/Products/BrowseProduct.aspx/tn/880

Altinex Ships Another 1x2 VGA Distribution Amplifier

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:46:11 GMT

Altinex has started shipping the DA1907LX Ditto-Amp, which is a one-input, two-output VGA distribution amplifier. It uses female 15-pin HD (VGA-type) connectors on all input and output connectors, with both outputs buffered. The DA1907LX is compatible with RGsB, RGBS and RGBHV signal types and the female 15-pin HD input features native Plug & Play compatibility with Output 1 (passes ID bits). An internal Plug & Play memory option may be selected at purchase for applications where using the Plug & Play feature of the remote device is not desired. Another notable feature of the Altinex DA1907LX includes VESA DDC (EDID) pass through on output #1.

The Altinex DA1907LX Ditto-Amp lists for $145 and specs are here: http://www.altinex.com/index.php?q=DA1907LX

Panasonic Offers Interactive Plasma Displays

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:40:47 GMT

Panasonic will begin shipping its 65" Interactive Plasma Display (TH-65PB1 with electronic pen functions) by the end of June. Panasonic's Interactive Plasma Display capitalizes on the benefits of self-emitting plasma display panels, allowing users to write quickly and draw with up to four electronic pens simultaneously. The TH-65PB1, capable of being installed vertical and horizontal, includes two electronic pens and drawing software.

Panasonic also says that an 85” model and a 103” model will both be available by the end of this year.

Premier Mounts Introduces Heavy-Duty Clamp Adapter

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:27:43 GMT

Premier Mounts recently announced an all-new heavy-duty clamping style dual pole adapter and mount for carts and stands, the PSD-HDCA. Attaching to cart or stand configurations in less than a minute, this adapter makes installation a simple, one-step process with no special tools required, according to Premier. The enclosed wrench -- or any standard wrench -- is the only tool needed to tighten or loosen the bolt. Simply slide the back plate of the adapter through the space between the poles of the cart or stand configuration until the attached mount is against the front of the poles. Next, tighten and secure the screw with the included wrench.

The PSD-HDCA adapter can adapt to any of Premier Mounts' PSD dual pole stands, UFA adapter plates or AV shelves, offering customers a wide array of mounting options. With a 4.5” bolt pattern, the attached mount has a 100x100mm VESA mounting pattern as well as a tested weight capacity of 500 lbs. With Premier Mounts' UFA adapter plate series, the PSD-HDCA will easily work with mounts with a 200x200mm VESA pattern as well as any other custom pattern in the UFA series.

Want all the specs? Go here: http://www.mounts.com/product?product=PSD-HDCA

X2O Media's Portal Now Fully Integrated With Polycom RealPresence Media Manager

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:16:56 GMT

X2O Media recently announced that as part of the company's new "Open Content Management Framework," the X2O Portal is now fully integrated with the Polycom RealPresence Media Manager. Users can access video assets stored in the RealPresence Media Manager directly from X2O's cloud-based content management tools, then schedule and deliver them to digital displays.

The Polycom RealPresence Media Manager is designed to streamline the processes, devices, and technology required to produce and distribute media effectively over existing IT infrastructures. The automated, end-to-end solution supports the complete content lifecycle of all video assets -- from video capture and content management to viewer access and delivery across networks -- regardless of source or format.

The X2O Portal is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform for managing and scheduling all content -- including images, videos, graphics, and live data -- from social media and other sources on digital signage networks of any size.

Want more details? Go here: http://www.x2omedia.com/press_releases_2012_05_15.asp

ClearOne Introduces Its New Network Audio Bridge Product Line for Pro Audio

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:12:06 GMT

Yesterday, ClearOne announced the release of CONNECT CobraNet and CONNECT AVB network bridges for its CONVERGE Pro products. AVB is a set of standards currently in development by the AVnu Alliance, an IEEE working group, to provide time-synchronized delivery of audio and video media through Ethernet networks.

Any audio input can be dynamically routed to any audio output on the network, over extended distances, using CONVERGE Pro with CONNECT CobraNet or CONNECT AVB, delivering unparalleled routing flexibility over standard Ethernet connections.

It's not on the ClearOne website yet, but when it is, it will be here: http://www.clearone.com/audio_video_distribution_control.html

Samsung Kills Two Birds With One Stone With Smart Dual View OLED TV

reply@ravepubs.com (Ken Park and Yoongsung Chung) — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:02:50 GMT

Samsung and LGE spent much of last year fighting over 3D technology, with LGE aggressively promoting its passive FPR (film patterned retarder), with claims that it was better than Samsung’s SG (shutter glass) 3D TV, as its FPR enables a flicker-free, light and cheap 3D TV solution compared to shutter glasses. Samsung counterattacked by highlighting the lower resolution of FPR 3D TV, but generally avoided a direct battle in 3D TV, and jumped into promoting Smart TVs instead.

This year, with OLED TV showcased at CES, Samsung faced a similar battle with LGE about OLED techonology; Samsung has been developing RGB patterning (in which red, green and blue organic emitters are deposited into each sub-pixel), while LG has been pursuing white with color filter. Like 3D, OLED is an immature technology for TV so that there is plenty of room for Samsung and LGE to attack the weak points of each others’ technologies and to use them as a marketing tool for their TVs.

There are still several rumors that Samsung may adopt FPR 3D and white OLED like LGE, but Samsung presented a different focus at the “2012 Samsung Premium TV Showcase” last Thursday in Korea, intended to reinforce the message that Samsung is the leader in OLED TV. Perhaps the most interesting potential impact to emerge from this event was the “smart dual view” OLED TV, which uses the fast switching speed to show two channels simultaneously.

“Smart dual view” is not a particularly new idea. This technology originally come from shutter glass 3D, and was often used as a gaming feature allowing two-player game views. However, it could also enable consumers to watch two different programs simultaneously. For example, one member of the family can watch a drama while another enjoys a baseball game, on one TV at the same time. In the past, the “picture in picture” function enabled viewing two channels, but the secondary channel was in a greatly reduced format and without sound.

While plasma and LCD can also enable “smart dual view,” it is not likely that Samsung would feature it on these technologies. Many in the industry see OLED TV as a chance to save a saturated TV market but also worry at OLED TV is not differentiated enough from LCD TV. If Samsung succeeds in driving OLED TV with “smart dual view”, shutter glass 3D may attach itself to OLED TV, while making FPR 3D an old feature associated with LCD TV. Samsung’s new OLED TV even comes with two pairs of shutter glasses to reinforce the message that shutter glass 3D will prevail over FPR.

This article was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here.

Research Indicates Digital Signage Is On The Right Track

reply@ravepubs.com (David Little) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:56:47 GMT

The following is reprinted with permission from the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA). For more information, go to http://www.digitalscreenmedia.org.

New research from IHS iSuppli indicates growing adoption of digital signage around the world as professionals in the retail, hospitality, healthcare, corporate and government sectors look to the medium to communicate to audiences on the go.

Political watchers probably are familiar with that often-asked question -- and even more often asked in an election year: Is the country on the right track or the wrong track?

I would propose that those who make their living communicating marketing messages, ads, information and even entertainment on digital signs should frequently ask themselves a similar question. Is digital signage on the right track or wrong track? In other words, is digital signage a growing, vibrant communications medium that is headed in the right direction as a viable communications choice? Or, is it losing favor?

A new forecast from display market research specialists IHS iSuppli suggests that, indeed, digital signage is on the right track, at least if its adoption is any indication. According to the forecast, digital signage will see impressive growth. Worldwide shipments of signage and professional displays this year will reach 17.2 million units, up from 15.4 million in 2011 and 13.5 million in 2010. For the year, the unit shipments will reach 12.6 percent, and by 2016 they are expected to reach nearly 26 million units, IHS iSuppli forecasts.

The research firm attributes the healthy growth to a few factors, including a greater need for digital signage in public spaces and the rapidly declining price of LCD panels.

The IHS iSuppli forecast also identifies the largest digital signage markets for 2011. They include retail, hospitality/healthcare and government/corporate. The forecast also finds the education, outdoor and control room/simulation markets to be important.

So why are those with a message to communicate increasingly adopting digital signage? A few reasons are clear. First, digital signage has the unique ability to reach the public with clear, impactful communications when they are on the go.

Second, because it's a place-based medium, digital signage communicators can identify areas to locate signs that likely will be frequented by their target audience. For example, a restaurateur has a pretty good idea that the people entering the restaurant have eating on their minds, and the registrar of a college knows students entering the administration building at the beginning of the semester are likely interested in class registration information.

Third, digital signage offers communicators the chance to change messaging frequently -- at little to no expense -- which makes the medium responsive to rapidly changing requirements.

For all of these reasons and several others that have been well discussed in this space in the past, digital signage increasingly is being selected as an important part of an overall communications strategy.

As this nation enters the political season, journalists surely will report on the public's response to the right-track-wrong-track question. I'm sure each time I hear one of those stories, I am will be reminded of this column and the clear evidence from IHS iSuppli that digital signage is indeed on the right track as a communications medium.

While prognosticating about the results of any of this political season's races is a craps shoot, one thing is predictable. Digital signage as a communications medium will remain on the right track as long as professional communicators need to reach people on the go with their important messages.

InfoComm: Green Building Under the Microscope

reply@ravepubs.com (Allen Weidman) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:54:23 GMT

This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system is among the most prominent of its type. In a roundabout way, it contributed to the formation of the Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP), a green rating system for AV and other installed systems, developed by InfoComm International.

But LEED has not been without its detractors, and recently, one major LEED adopter (the U.S. government) heard from some of them.

On May 8, I attended (wait for it) the Congressional Committee on Science, Space and Technology’s Subcommittee on Investigations & Oversight’s hearing “The Science Behind Green Building Rating Systems.” LEED wasn’t the only green rating system on the docket, but it held the spotlight.

You see, under Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the General Services Administration (GSA) are required to determine every five years which, if any, third-party green building rating system(s) should be adopted for federal buildings, or whether a federally developed system should be used instead.

DOE and GSA are currently working to determine the preferred third-party building rating system to be used by the federal government for the next five years, with a decision expected later in 2012 or early in 2013. A Pacific Northwest National Lab study that compared third-party green building rating systems was released just prior to the hearing. So in light of this research and the ongoing decision-making process, the subcommittee got together on Capitol Hill.

In addition to LEED, three other organizations/rating systems were on the agenda: ASHRAE 189.1, Green Globes, and the Living Building Challenge, from the International Living Future Institute. The list of witnesses was impressive:

Dr. Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, DOE
Mr. Kevin Kampschroer, Director of the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings, GSA
Mr. Ward Hubbell, President, U.S. Green Building Institute
Mr. Roger Platt, Senior Vice President, Global Policy and Law, U.S. Green Building Council
Dr. John Scofield, Professor of Physics, Oberlin College
Mr. Victor Olgyay, Principal Architect, Built Environment Team, Rocky Mountain Institute
Mr. Tom Talbot, CEO, Glen Oak Lumber and Milling of Wisconsin

Here are some of my impressions from the hearing:

Ka-ching. The subcommittee talked certification costs for some of the rating systems. Green Globes is capped at $25,000, LEED at $30,000 and Living Building Challenge at $25,000. This is notable in that Congress is seeking the lowest-cost rating system with the biggest measurable benefit. Neither GSA or USGBC representatives could say how much money the federal government has spent on LEED.

Go it alone. Some members of Congress questioned whether the federal government (DOE) could (and should) do a better job developing a national green building rating system. But it was just a question, really. No answer.

Performance vs. building. Along the lines of “go-it-alone,” several witnesses recommended the federal government develop national building performance standards rather than a national green-building rating system.

Blinded by LEED. GSA stated that some federal agencies have a “LEED-only” policy, even though the GSA and DOE recognize other rating systems. In fact, it’s apparently the GSA’s position that Green Globes, with its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) criteria, more closely aligns with federal sustainability criteria than any other system. LEED does not include an LCA to justify the most cost-effective investment impact of design and operation decisions.

Level playing field. A number of witnesses requested that LEED not only include LCA criteria, but also evaluate building products through the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). This was in response to USGBC’s position that some building materials (like PVC) should not be used, and to its favoring certain product certifications, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

In fact, the USGBC’s LEED program was the primary focus of the hearing. For example, in questioning fit for Washington, it was asked why the GSA’s Deputy Secretary Don Horn is an USGBC Advisory Board member and why USGBC pays for his travel. Apparently Green Globes requested a similar arrangement with the GSA and was turned down.

And USGBC’s commitment to following ANSI procedures was questioned; despite being an ANSI Standards Development Organization, USGBC has no plans to make all of their guidelines into ANSI standards.

But it was John Scofield, professor of Physics at Oberlin College, who made some of the most pointed comments about USGBC and LEED. In a nutshell, he said, “It is my experience that what LEED designers deliver is what most LEED building owners want -- namely, green publicity, not energy savings.”

Dr. Scofield took aim at a 2008 National Building Institute (NBI) study, which has been widely distributed by USGBC and suggests that LEED buildings show an average energy savings that’s 25 percent to 30 percent better than the national average. But based on his analysis of the data (which he said was self-selected and amounted to “a voluntary breathalyzer test”), “LEED-certified commercial buildings use about the same amount of primary energy as their conventional counterparts… There then appears to be no scientific basis for institutions such as colleges, universities or the federal government to require LEED certification as a GHG (greenhouse gas) or energy-reduction strategy for its buildings… Green building certifications are an (energy-savings) herbal remedy, as there is no creditable data to show that certified green buildings save primary energy.”

Ouch. LEED losing its luster? The government considering its own green ratings?

LEED may be more pale green (chartreuse?) than bright green after this experience. But the biggest downside is the potential for the federal government to step in (pardon the expression) and develop its own rating system to replace LEED for government buildings. More likely is development of a federal sustainable building standard, which will not be the traditional prescriptive or performance-based standard, but a more difficult-to-live-with, outcome-based standard.

What is the future for all the voluntary sustainability guidelines, standards and rating systems? It’s not as certain as it used to be. The back story on this hearing is the proposed LEED 2012 ”ban” of PVC and halogenated materials, along with a limited selection (1 of 3) of certified wood suppliers. When a volunteer organization such as USGBC loses sight of its mission and decides to serve as the design communities’ “social conscience” by using their rating system to determine what products can and cannot not be in a building, it quickly gets the free market’s attention. Life Cycle Analysis and Environmental Product Declarations were suggested a number of times during the hearing as the only “science-based” methods to determine product and building sustainability. That statement is correct, but both are also complex, time-consuming and costly–for all parties.

The future is still green, we just aren’t sure which shade. Stay tuned.

Allen Weidman is Sustainability Officer for InfoComm International and Executive Director of the STEP Foundation. He has more than 30 years of association experience and has worked with the EPA, U.S. Department of Energy, and federal and state regulatory agencies.

Biamp Ships AVB-Based Networked AV System Tesira

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:50:21 GMT

Biamp Systems has just started shipping Tesira, its digital signal processor (DSP)-based networked media system, which uses AVB as the primary digital media transport.

In case you didn't know, AVB is the new IEEE open standard that allows media streams to be carried over Ethernet networks -- it's what Audinate uses for Dante and Harman uses for HiQnet.

Tesira is a modular system and the base is the so-called server. Tesira SERVER can accommodate up to eight DSP-2 cards per chassis and two network cards for AVB or CobraNet in any combination. Or, there's a SERVER-IO, which can support up to 12 Tesira I/O cards for up to 48 channels of audio I/O (e.g., mic and line level, VoIP and telephone interface). The SERVER-IO can also be configured with one 420x420 channel AVB-1 card or one AVB-1 card and one or two 32x32 channel SCM-1 cards.

Controllers include two different surface-mounted or in-wall LCD-based keypads, RS232 or Ethernet. Complete specs on the Biamp Tesira are here: http://www.biamp.com/products/tesira/index.aspx

Fraunhofer Institute Develops New Pico Projector Technology

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:44:58 GMT

A new projection technology developed by Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF has the potential to revolutionize the future of pico projection technology.

This technology combines two concepts -- strength in numbers and bug eyes. Literally.

This LED-based projection technology uses “wafers” containing about 300 chips, each housing 200 lenses for the microprojectors enabling the device to project a clear, crisp image from any angle -- so no more keystoning. So far the projections are DIN A4 in size (European standard paper size).

Right now the technology is being applied to smartphones on the basis that their small display sizes limit a user’s ability to operate the phone or even share graphical information with groups (no more playing the game of “pass the iPhone” to see cat pictures before the appetizers arrive).

The new projection technology would allow a smartphone to project a large-format, interactive display onto a table (or any) surface -- meaning the user would be able to control the display via the actual smartphone or with the projected image.

“This technology, known as ‘array projection,’ is modeled on nature – on the compound eye found in some insects – and with it for the first time we can create very thin and bright LED projection systems with tremendous imaging properties,” says Marcel Sieler, a scientist at IOF.

One of the biggest limitations to current picoprojectors is in large part due to the quality of the image. With this new technology, several micro-projectors work together to cast the same image onto the viewing surface. In essence, several overlapping images creates a sharp, bright picture.

Orient the smartphone to project at a diagonal and the compound LED wafer twists and turns to respond to the perspective change; each microprojector projects a slightly different image relative to its place in space based on the geometry of the screen itself. Each projector reflects a different perspective of the overall scene eliminating warping and other distortions -- even from shallow angles.

This means that not only are you not inhibited by the orientation of the overall projector -- you’re also no longer limited by the flatness of the surface. Free-form screen geometries, such as curved or uneven surfaces, can be used, too.

Each individual image is computed using a software developed by IOF researchers that takes advantage of a smartphone’s camera and position sensor to deliver the geometric information needed to compute the individual images along with their focus setting.

The interactivity works with a technology that overlays infrared lines over the projected image. Disrupting those lines using swipe and other gestures cues image-to-image switching and other controls.

A prototype -- right now only able to handle static images -- will be premiered at the Optatec tradeshow being held May 22-25 in Frankfurt. The device itself measures 2x2 cm in size.

Despite the fact that technology is already cheap to produce and well-suited for mass production, it will still be another three or four years before the projectors are ready to appear on the market because the technology requires high pixel density on the digital imaging system. The technology, however, has the potential to revolutionize the projection market once it becomes more developed.

Elite Screens Shows a Wall-Screen

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:28:35 GMT

Elite Screens has added a pliable whiteboard-projection screen, dubbed the Insta-DE2. It's a flexible projection screen material that's ultra-sheer for converting smooth wall surfaces and windows into an interactive whiteboard/projection screen for use with standard and short throw projectors. Made with GREENGUARD, the Insta-Screen DE2 is a 1.1 gain PET (polyethylene terephthalate) projection surface and has a plastic-film backing for durability. It connects to windows and other smooth surfaces by use of either spray adhesive or double-sided tape. Products are available in a 84” (4:3 NTSC aspect ratio), 97” (16:10 WXGA aspect ratio) and 105” (16:9 HDTV aspect ratio).

All the details can be found here: http://www.elitescreens.com

SoundCraft Debuts New ED product Line

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:16:56 GMT

Sound-Craft’s new ML Series of lecterns and rack enclosures, constructed of pre-laminated low-pressure laminate on MDF core, feature dadoed joinery that the company claims adds strength and stability. They are offered in three wood-grained finishes -- Fusion Maple, Wild Apple and Serene Cherry, as well as a neutral solid, Graphite Nebula. Each one includes locking Euro-hinged doors, a document camera drawer and front access panel as well as a keyboard tray, cable ports and casters. Available in two sizes, the ML1B is a compact single bay unit with a 10RU capacity that measures less than 32” wide, while the MLB2 two bay model is only 42.25” wide, making them work for applications when space is at a premium. Factory-installed options and custom cutouts can be specified to meet individual needs.

For traditional lectern applications, two models are offered, the ML27 and the ML36, in 27” and 36” widths, respectively. Both feature a fixed storage shelf for easy access to presentation materials and four casters for mobility. Locking doors, a built-in sound system and task lighting are just a few of the many options that may be included. Mobile storage is addressed with the new RE16 rack enclosure, available with choice of 16RU rack rails or adjustable shelving and include a locking door, removable front access panel, and casters. Custom sizes and various options are also available.

Full specs are here: http://www.sound-craft.com/catalog_index.asp

Chief Now Shipping New Interactive Solution for Ceiling-Mounted Projectors

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:23:45 GMT

Chief announced yesterday that its new interactive ceiling-mounted projector solution is now shipping. The CMSI interactive accessory, the latest solution in Chief's interactive product line, converts an existing ceiling-mounted projector’s image into an interactive display.

With a built-in sensor, the accessory mounts on the wall above an existing dry erase board and immediately transforms a ceiling-mounted projector into an interactive platform, powered by eBeam technology from Luidia (the same technology used in Chief's interactive ultra short throw mounts, which were launched last year). These mounts allow the end user to update a projector or whiteboard any time in the future without having to pay for interactive functionality again.

For more information on the new CMSI interactive accessory, click here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/Products/CMSI

Premier Mounts Debuts New Mobile Mega Mount Cart for Large Displays

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:12:06 GMT

Premier Mounts announced yesterday a new addition to its mobile cart product line, the PMC-MM-085. Using the MVWC-2X2 mobile cart as the base with a newly designed mounting head capable of 360 degrees of rotation, this cart can bring mobility for an extra large single screen display, specifically from 80" up to 103" and larger or up to 500 lbs.

Heavy-duty casters with a reinforced design accommodate the 500-lb. weight capacity and assure stability, according to Premier, even on uneven surfaces, including trade show and other event settings. Likewise, the heavy-duty casters provide swift maneuvering and precise placement in any desired location. The PMC-MM-085 provides 360 degrees of rotation, allowing displays to be viewed in either landscape or portrait orientation, as well as any other arbitrarily angled view. The mount also features both a positive and negative tilt adjustment for accommodating preferred viewing angles and to account for involuntary display tilt due to equipment weight.

Premier says the cart can be ready and assembled in 30 minutes or less. It also has a solid bottom skirt ad tray to store and protect other equipment. List price is $3,995.

For more information, click here: http://www.mounts.com/product?product=PMC-MM-085

Ricoh Intros First Upright Ultra-Short-Throw Projector

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:32:56 GMT

Ricoh just unveiled the first upright ultra-short-throw projector, capable of displaying a 48” diagonal HD image when placed less than 5” from a wall or screen.

Weighing only 6.6 pounds, spec'd at 2500 ANSI lumens, the PJ WX4130/PJ WX4130N is designed for conference rooms, offices, small-to-midsize meeting spaces and classrooms. Unlike ceiling-mounted short-throw projectors, which are fixed in place, the portable PJ WX4130/PJ WX4130N can be placed on a tabletop or stand and project upwards. Its vertical orientation means the projector depth and wall gap together occupy less than one foot of space along the wall, preserving table space that traditional projectors would fill. Backing the projector up to 9.6” from a wall delivers an 80” HD WXGA 1280x800 picture.

Achieved using Ricoh's Free-Form Mirror and Deflection Technology, these projectors use a concave mirror to spread the image reflection, which allows for a wide viewing angle while keeping the optical system small.

The Ricoh PJ WX4130 lists for $1,650, while the PJ WX4130N (which is also networkable) lists for $1,900. More info is here: http://www.ricoh-usa.com/news/news_release.aspx?prid=813&alnv=pr

Lectrosonics Debuts Dante Network Processor

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:23:42 GMT

Lectrosonics has developed the SPNDNT network processor to expand the ASPEN digital matrix processor family. This product is basically a DSP processor that can address both the ASPEN and Dante matrices and add mixing, gain and delay functions to the digital audio signals. Any of the 48 final mixes in the ASPEN matrix can be assigned to any one or more of the Dante channels for transport to other endpoints in the network. Dante signals can also be imported into the ASPEN matrix in a local processor sub-system for mixing with other local and network signals, and then routed onward to other local or network devices.

Audinate is one way networks are connected, transporting high-quality media over standard IT networks. Audinate's Dante products deliver a "self-configuring" plug-and-play digital audio network that uses standard Internet Protocols. Dante provides a migration path to upgrade to new standards such as the IEEE Audio Video Bridging (“AVB”). The Dante network provides plug 'n play simplicity with auto discovery and master/slave configuration to synchronize the system clock.

Here are more details: http://www.lectrosonics.com/Press-Releases/lectrosonics-introduces-aspen-dante-network-processor.html

Extron Announces New DisplayPort Switcher and Distribution Amplifier

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:03:51 GMT

Extron today launched the SW2 DP two-input DisplayPort switcher, as well as the DP DA2 two-output DisplayPort distribution amplifier. They are HDCP compliant and support data rates up to 10.8 Gbps and computer resolutions up to 2560x1600 at 60 Hz, including HDTV 1080p/60. The SW2 DP and DP DA2 feature EDID Minder, which maintains continuous EDID communication between connected devices for reliable video content display. The DP DA2 also features Key Minder, an Extron-exclusive technology that continuously authenticates HDCP encryption between all devices, ensuring the simultaneous distribution of source content to both displays. Additionally, dual-mode support on the DP DA2 allows source signals to be distributed to multiple HDMI, DVI, or VGA display devices with appropriate adapters.

The addition of the SW2 DP and DP DA2 to Extron's expanding line of DisplayPort products allows the integration of this technology into a wide variety of AV applications, including conference areas, houses of worship, and rental and staging environments. The SW2 DP and DP DA2 are ideal for AV systems that require reliable switching and distribution of DisplayPort signals.

Here are all the details: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=sw2dp&s=0

InfoComm: Education Preview: Networked AV Systems

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:34:44 GMT

This article was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.

“If you're not already well versed in computer networking, you better get versed -- and quickly,” explains Dan Fulmer, CTS, president of FulTech Solutions. “The AV world has changed, and for some of us, the basics aren't enough.”

The crux of that change is the fact that AV systems increasingly utilize enterprise IP networks — the same networks that already carry mission-critical voice, data and other information. Those networks, however, and the switches, routers, firewalls and other components they comprise, weren’t necessarily designed with real-time delivery of audiovisual content in mind. Without an in-depth understanding of IP networks and the way AV applications operate within them, there’s a real chance that what a customer expects to experience won’t match what they ultimately see and hear. Not to mention the havoc that improperly configured AV devices might wreak on the network itself.

InfoComm University currently offers a pair of popular courses in its IT education track. Essentials of AV Technology for the IT Professional and Elements of Design were created to help IT professionals and others understand the basics of AV systems and systems design. But given the pace of technology advancement and the speed with which AV and IT have come together on IP networks, it’s clear that most networked AV applications go beyond basic education.

“With guidance from InfoComm’s Professional Education and Training Committee, it became increasingly obvious that the industry needed more advanced training in how to deal with the impact of audiovisual applications on enterprise networks,” says Melissa Taggart, InfoComm senior vice president of education and certification.

Networked AV Systems (NET212), an intermediate to advanced three-day course, was more than a year in the making. It’s been audited and honed by InfoComm’s education experts and instructors, as well as real-world AV and IT professionals. The brand-new class debuts this June at InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas, but fair warning: it is not for the uninitiated.

“The subject matter experts who developed the course determined that the audience needed a CTS-level understanding of AV technologies and design principles, and a CompTIA Network + level understanding of networking technologies and design principles,” Taggart says. InfoComm instructors hold Network + certifications, and although there is no official prerequisite for the course, InfoComm has prepared a 40-question pretest [PDF] that prospective students should take before signing up.

At the end of three days, students who take Networked AV Systems will understand that the best way to ensure applications such as digital signage, streaming media, videoconferencing and telepresence create the optimal experience with as little network impact as possible is to hash things out between AV and IT early in the design. Some of it’s a question of technology, namely the network equipment required to meet enterprise requirements and the capabilities of IP-based AV devices for achieving reliability and interoperability. From there, successful networked AV design comes down to detail:

How much bandwidth will the AV system consume?
How can we reduce the bandwidth consumption if necessary?
What ports, protocols and other network configurations must be enabled to make the AV system work?
What threats might the AV system might pose to network security and stability?

And most importantly, what kind of quality can a user reasonably expect given the AV application and the network environment?

The Networked AV Systems course is built around real-world applications that clients want today, and the way AV and IT technologies must be coordinated to create the best experience. For example, a section on streaming media applications kicks off with an assessment process. Does the customer need to be able to respond to the streaming media in real-time? Will any delay in media delivery undermine the application’s purpose? The answers to these questions lead to issues of bandwidth, latency and Quality of Service, among others. From there, students learn the optimal network environment for reliably delivering the streaming service.

“Most of what we teach in the new course is to ensure AV systems can meet service level agreements,” Taggart says.

IT departments and IT service providers succeed and fail based on service level agreements (SLAs), which basically spell out the minimum performance, availability, response time, support, and capability that users should expect of their systems. AV applications, because of the workload they may place on networks, can impact SLAs if AV and IT professionals don’t plan accordingly.

Networked AV Systems follows the process of matching AV and networking technologies to customer needs for digital signage, conferencing, remote monitoring and management, and networked AV security. It goes through the planning for three fictional companies, each with its unique requirements.

Security, in particular, isn’t something most AV integrators have had to worry about in the past. But when AV systems touch an enterprise network, they may introduce security risks. It’s important to identify those risks during the system design and follow best practices to mitigate them.

“Students are going to learn how to glean customer needs, to manage trade-offs between quality and bandwidth, and to work through the sometimes conflicting needs of customers and network managers,” Taggart explains.

In the end, through better coordination among clients, IT professionals, and AV designers, network-based AV systems can deliver the kind of communication experience that benefits everyone.

If you’re not attending InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas, or you can’t make it for the inaugural Networked AV Systems class, InfoComm University will be offering the three-day class at its Fairfax, Va., headquarters Sept. 10-13. Sign up now.

Win a Trip to InfoComm with an Acrostic

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:29:56 GMT

InfoComm has launched a contest to win a trip to InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas. All you have to do is write an acrostic poem about InfoComm using the words InfoComm, Las Vegas or audiovisual. An acrostic poem is where the first letter starts with a new word, phrase or sentence, spelling out a message. Here's an example InfoComm gave:

InfoComm 2012 is going to be great & wouldn’t it be cool to be there?
Not only for the amazing exhibits, events and education, but also
For the experience of AV in Las Vegas.
Only one show can bring you so much pro-AV in one place!
Can you imagine walking the show floor?
Oh, the time you will have.
Make sure you enter today, and we will
Meet you in Las Vegas!

If you're interested, you have until Monday, May 15 at 5 p.m. EDT to submit your entry to avanin@infocomm.org. The winner will receive a Las Vegas Travel Package for InfoComm 2012, which includes round-trip, economy airfare to Las Vegas departing from nearest gateway airport within the continental United States, three nights hotel accommodations in a property located near the Las Vegas Convention Center (room and tax only), limo service to and from the Las Vegas airport, a 3-Day Exhibits-Only Pass to InfoComm 2012 and an InfoComm goodie bag. Each person can only enter one poem. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 21, 2012.

For more info, click here: http://blog.infocommshowblog.org/2012/04/23/win-a-trip-to-the-show-enter-infocomms-acrostic-poem-contest/

2012 Q1 Projector Sales Flat in EMEA and North America, But Up 12 Percent in Asia

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:24:24 GMT

Pacific Media Associates (PMA) released its latest research findings on the worldwide projector market. The worldwide projector market totaled 2.3 million units in calendar Q1, with the Asia region’s accounting for 39 percent, up from 35 percent in the year-earlier quarter, according to PMA's latest report.

Not surprisingly, China accounts for a large fraction of the Asian region’s total, and because of its still-rapid rate of development it accounted for 43 percent of the Asia region in Q1, up from 37 percent in Q1 of 2011. The other two countries with double-digit percentage shares of the region were India and Indonesia, which very interestingly swapped places in the ranking during the year, with Indonesia growing dramaticallyfueled by large education tenderswhile India’s economy declined substantially and took the projector market down with it.

On a worldwide basis, projectors with 1000 lumens of brightness or more grew 6 percent compared with Q1 of 2011. Among the most notable trends in this brightness range was the growth in the share of short-throw projectors (defined as those with a throw ratio of less than 1.1) from 12 percent one year ago to 15 percent in the first quarter of 2012. Most of this growth in short-throw projectors is due to their increasing popularity in the education market.

In the sub-1000 lumen brightness range, the worldwide total declined 10 percent in Q1 of 2012 compared with the year-earlier quarter. However, the portion of this range accounted for by mobile devices with embedded projection modules increased strongly while the standalone projectors decreased even more strongly, so that the ratio of the embedded to standalone ones increased from 1:2 in 2011’s first quarter to almost exactly 1:1 in Q1 of 2012.

PSA Ramps Up for Big Security Conference in May

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:22:17 GMT

PSA-TEC 2012 is THE security show for the ProAV market. If you're interested in the professional security market, you should consider attending. PSA-TEC conference topics include:

For Strategy Implementation and Business Management: Sales Strategy, Leadership Development, Human Resources, Industry Trends, Financial Management, Managed Services
For Project Management: Certified Security Project Manager, Field Project Manager, Best Practices in Project Management
For Systems Design, Installation, Deployment and Maintenance: CCTV Installation & Maintenance, Network Fundamentals, Mechanical to Electrified Locking Hardware, Various Manufacturer Certifications, Electronic Security Networking Technician, Industry Credentialing
For Consultative Selling and Proposal Development: Value-Based Selling, Marketing Strategy, Best Practices in Selling, Vertical Market Requirements, Emerging Technologies & Trends, Service-Based Selling
For Procurement and Fulfillment: Negotiation Skills, Time Management, Leveraging PSA Security Network, Best Practices in Purchasing

And, there's a day of exhibits too. Got to http://www.psaTEC.com for details.

Chief Launches New Freestanding Video Wall Solutions

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:21:24 GMT

Chief is now shipping its Fusion Series freestanding video wall solutions. The new LVM mounts make it possible to construct video walls in prominent locations for temporary situations or when wall-mounting is not an option.

Available in standard 2x2, 3x2 and 3x3 configurations, the new freestanding solutions can be combined with accessories to achieve video walls up to three displays high and any length. The LVM2X2U can accommodate displays up to 65” and 125 lbs. (56.7 kg), while the LVM3X3U and LVM3X2U are compatible with displays up to 55” and 100 to 125 lbs. (45.4 to 56.7 kg), respectively. This latest addition to Chief’s Fusion Series of mounting solutions features ControlZone micro-height and leveling capabilities, plus plumb and lateral shift adjustments to simplify alignment. Fully integrated cable management aides in a clean installation and smooth rolling casters allow for easy positioning.

The models are:

LVM2X2U – 2x2 freestanding solution
LVM3X2U – 3x2 freestanding solution
LVM3X3U – 3x3 freestanding solution
FCA2X1U – Accessory converts 2x2 configuration to 2x3
FCA3X1U – Accessory converts 3x2 configuration to 3x3

Here are the details: http://www.chiefmfg.com/Series/LVM

AV’s Self Esteem Problem

dawn@avdawn.com (Dawn Meade) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:53:32 GMT

Many of my long-time readers know that I recently started a new fulltime position with a new integrator, Net-AV in Hampstead, Maryland. Since starting, a good deal of time has been spent discussing corporate and industry philosophies with my new boss and my new supervisor. Fortunately, my views and opinions are very much in sync with my new colleagues, but one of those recent conversations with Steve, my supervisor, got me thinking about our industry and I’ve come to the conclusion that the AV industry -- particularly ProAV -- has a major self esteem problem.

Now, the AV industry has been around for AT LEAST 70 years, since our trade association InfoComm celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2009, and you can’t have a trade association without the industry existing! Yet, we don’t have widespread recognition, acknowledgement or understanding. You’ve read my ranting on the lack of visibility of our industry when I called for every one of you to evangelize our field! You’ve read me repeatedly bemoaning the lack of formal education programs and degrees for our field like those available for the IT world. All of which is still true and still a problem -- yet all of which goes a long way to explaining our self esteem issues.

So what are these issues? Well, obviously we must feel inferior in some way as, across the board, we tend to give away our collective knowledge and skill. This may be changing (I hope!) but few integrators charge for engineering services. If they do charge for it, they undercharge at rates comparable to a simple installer, rather than charging an appropriate premium for the designer’s knowledge and experience. And speaking of installers, how many integrators charge varying rates based on installer’s roles and training levels? Even if you only charge a flat “installer” or “tech” rate, how do those rates compare to the other tradesmen on the job sites? The point my coworker made is that, very often, the AV integrators charge less for their installers than the construction companies charge for their carpenters, or electricians, or drywall guys. Now, I’m not disparaging those trades in any way. I know there are apprenticeships and training levels and a lot that goes in to becoming a master carpenter or master electrician… but at the end of the day, it’s a limited skill set in comparison. After all, carpenters know carpentry. Electricians know electrical. AV field guys (at least, the well-trained kind we should train up and have on staff) have to know some elements of carpentry, electrical, electronics and signal flow, optics, acoustics, a good deal of IT, and even enough psychology and customer service to train end users during commissioning. That’s a tall order, and explains why we are constantly looking for new techs and having to train them from scratch! Yet, we can’t charge even as much for those guys as the other trades?

Plus, the rates for AV techs and design engineers are WAY lower than the rates IT personnel get, when the reality is, today’s AV techs and design engineers are more similar to those guys than they are the construction tradesmen. So why don’t we charge as much for our guys and gals? This is where we have our self esteem issue. We may not have degree programs or entire departments at corporations dedicated to our field -- yet! -- but our work, our knowledge, our skills and talents are worth as much as theirs, particularly today when the two fields have become so entwined and interdependent.

I’m reminded of a book I read many years ago about two sisters, twins who were very similar, but the younger (Caroline) was prettier, more talented, more outgoing and generally more well-loved and well-respected. The entire story was the struggle of the elder (Sara Louise) to reconcile her jealousy and bitterness towards the younger sister and develop her own sense of self-worth. It took moving far from home as an adult and focusing on her own strengths and skills until she finally realized her own value. The book is the Newbery Award-winning Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson, and the title refers to the Biblical story of Jacob, another beloved younger sibling, and his older brother Esau, who also suffered many years in his younger sibling’s shadow before eventually realizing his own worth and becoming a success in his own right.

In many ways, the relationship between AV and IT resembles the relationships of those stories. AV came first, for the most part, with projectors and audio reproduction existing commercially well before the first commercial computers. Yet, for many decades now, IT -- the younger sib -- has been viewed as more talented, more valuable, more necessary for successful business, and more worthy of study and implementation. Today, we need to work as an industry to do what took Sara Louise and Esau a lifetime to accomplish -- we need to understand and accept our own worth as an industry and begin to act accordingly. This means we need to educate our customers as to the depth and breadth of knowledge we possess and work to increase their understanding of the value we bring them. We need to make sure our techs and engineers have all the training possible and that they earn their certifications -- CTS, CTS-D or CTS-I, low voltage electrical licenses, basic Microsoft or Cisco certifications and so on. We also need to start charging accordingly! It is something that will take time and a level of commitment across the industry, but it is also something we need to do.
For until we realize our own worth, we will never do an adequate job of convincing others -- other trades, our customers, educators and so on -- that we are an industry worth respect, worth investing in,and worth pursuing. We owe it to ourselves and to those who will follow in our wake to take these steps. Now, repeat after me, everyone: “We’re good enough. We’re smart enough. And gosh darn it, people like us!”

Photo credit for comic - ©2007 by Doug Savage, Savage Chickens comic

Dawn Meade, CTS -- also known as AVDawn -- is the marketing and media coordinator for Net-AV in Hampstead, Maryland. She is an industry veteran with experience in integration, AV sales, and social media. You can find her on Twitter, on AVNation podcasts, on her AV tech blog, and of course, here at rAVe as a staff writer and as part of the rAVe BlogSquad.

Epson's Newest Projectors Aimed at HOW and ED

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:47:25 GMT

Epson has expanded its PowerLite 1900-series with six new models spec'd at up to 5,000 lumens and with split screen projection capability. The PowerLite 1940W, 1950 and 1960 offer features such as split screen, DICOM simulation mode, Faroudja DCDi for a home cinema-like experience in Pro applications and digital connectivity with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. They are designed for users that need additional features such as Wi-Fi, advanced wireless security, automatic vertical and horizontal keystoning and focus assistance.

Here are additional specs:

Model Number	Brightness (in Lumens)	Resolution	List price
PowerLite 1940W	4,200	WXGA	$1,299
PowerLite 1950	4,500	XGA	$1,299
PowerLite 1960	5,000	XGA	$1,499
PowerLite 1945W	4,200	WXGA	$1,699
PowerLite 1955	4,500	XGA	$1,699
PowerLite 1965	5,000	XGA	$1,899

Get all the details here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H474020

High Bandwidth Wireless for HD and 3D/HD Digital Video Cameras

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 01:54:03 GMT

High speed, high bandwidth wireless is now available that can transmit uncompressed high definition (HD) video signals and even HD 3D at the performance level required to ensure the highest fidelity of signal and resolution.

This technology, in the hands of camera operators in motion picture, television, sports, and Electronic News Gathering (ENG) organizations is ideal for the placement of digital video cameras in remote locations up to 500 meters from the receiver without wires and without concern for interference.

The breakthrough involves technology that works in the unlicensed 60 GHz “millimeter wave” frequency band. The data bandwidth available at this frequency allows a tremendous amount of digital information to be transmitted wirelessly at high speeds, a feat not possible at the lower frequencies used by most wireless equipment.

Explosion in Data Transmission

The industry has struggled for some time to identify wireless and even physical cabling connections that can keep up with the rapidly increasing bandwidth required for high definition filming.

The escalating demand is being driven not only by higher resolution devices, but also with the upsurge in popularity of 3D/HD motion pictures, televisions, smart phones and gaming monitors.

Because 3D is shot essentially utilizing two cameras that film slightly offset images that are synchronized to create the dimensional effect, two independent HD streams must be transmitted simultaneously. This immediately doubles the data transmission requirement and presents the challenge of doing so through a delivery system – physical or wireless – that has no latency issues.

Physical Cabling – Fiber, Coax

The most obvious solution for high speed transmission of data-intensive content would be to establish a physical connection via fiber optic cabling.

However, digital 3D/HD fiber optic cable has significant latency issues that can affect the synchronization of the two digital streams of data. To compensate, complex and expensive multiplexers are required, which lead to racks of equipment on-site and a completely non-portable solution.

Due to the deficiencies of fiber optic cable, the industry often utilizes a coax cable solution that can be run to a distance of approximately 300 meters. However, the limitations of data transmission often lead to stepping down the resolution and sacrificing quality.

High bandwidth wireless, naturally, would be the ideal solution and eliminate the need for any kind of physical connection. But traditional wireless options are unable to keep up with the bandwidth requirements as well.

Fortunately, a little used portion of the wireless spectrum known as the millimeter wave band has all the bandwidth capability, and more, to ensure the highest fidelity and resolution of signal from source to receiver.

Millimeter Wave Band

Millimeter waves (also known as extremely high frequency or EHF) operate within a frequency range of 30-300 GHz.

What makes this range so attractive to the broadcasting and film industries is the available bandwidth. Standard wireless at lower frequencies can only deliver 2-5 MHz of bandwidth. The lesser used millimeter wave band, on the other hand, can deliver data at speeds of up to 10 GB/s currently, with projections increasing to as much as 40 GB/s by 2014.

Until recently, the military has been the primary user of this spectrum for developing short range wireless communication products. Not only is the technology mature, but with the cost of the all-important Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) dramatically decreasing in recent years (a trend that is expected to continue), the technology is now being utilized for commercial applications.

The millimeter band, however, does have some distance limitations. Millimeter wave radio signals in certain frequencies can suffer atmospheric attenuation over long distances. Rain and humidity can also dilute signal strength. As a result, wireless transmission is limited to about 1 mile.

Products Emerge

The first millimeter wave products in the 60 GHz band -- a frequency available for unlicensed commercial applications – are now being introduced that specifically target the HD and 3D/HD motion picture, television and broadcast industries.

Renaissance Electronics Corporation (REC) and its wholly owned subsidiary, HXI, for example, have recently introduced a millimeter wave based product specifically designed for high definition and 3D digital filming, the GigaLink HD wireless radio links.

These wireless radio links, which are available as single or dual channel, are the first unlicensed wireless system that transmits uncompressed raw HD/SDI video at 1.485 GB/s, according to Renaissance.

The dual channel model can transport independent, uncompressed video signals from two HD cameras or alternately High Definition 3D with both 3D/HD input signals transported in perfect synchronization at 2.970 GB/S (combined). This is all without the need for compression or forward error correction, avoiding the associated latency.

The GigaLink Products were developed specifically for use with Sony HDC and HDCU-F950 Digital 4:4:4 CineAlta systems but will interface with any SMPTE 372M or SMPTE 292M compliant production system.

These portable wireless links consist of a transmitter and a receiver that each weighs approximately 11 pounds. Operating range is up to 500 meters in clear air to light rain conditions.

New Possibilities in 3D Filming

With its performance meeting or exceeding fiber optics, this technology has particular value for Electronic News Gathering (ENG), live events (sports, holiday parades, etc.), film, TV and for studio to transmitter links.

Because wireless in the millimeter wave spectrum has a limited range, the applications for HD and 3D/HD video include those that call for portability and/or camera repositioning. These lightweight radio links can be set up and positioned in remote locations without wires visible in the shot and without concern for interference.

Another potential application is for broadcasting live events, such as the Olympics or Holiday Parades, where the installation of physical cables that later have to be removed (or left) is not feasible. Sporting events also benefit from the portability, as cameramen move from location to location at an event.

Q1 Sales of 1000+ Lumen Projectors Grows 6 Percent

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:06:37 GMT

Pacific Media Associates (PMA) Q1 report on 1000+ lumen projector sales shows growth at 6 percent.

"Ever since flat panel displays became large enough to be used in business meeting rooms and home theaters there have been predictions of the demise of projectors from manufacturers -- of both projectors and flat panels -- as well as pundits, the press, etc.," says William Coggshall, president of PMA. "Of course, ANY industry experiences a slowing of growth as it ages and increasingly saturates its potential market... whether or not it has strong competition from alternative technologies. The projector industry is over 20 years old, so the 6 percent growth rate measured by PMA's comprehensive worldwide quarterly census is strong proof that the projector business is healthy. Of course, we all know some markets and applications that are moving to flat panels, and PMA is tracking these moves and taking them into account in our forecasts."

To survive, any industry needs to innovate and change so, like a sports team, it needs a strong offense. Some recent examples of this offense are developments in short-throw projectors, interactive projectors, PC-free presentations and solid state illumination (laser, LED and hybrid).

But a sports team also needs a strong defense. On June 12, Coggshall will make a presentation at the Projection Summit 2012 conference titled "Playing Defense in the 2012 Projector Business," and is now previewing the reasons that some -- or many -- projector manufacturers might need to seek better defensive strategy and tactics than they now have.

Learn more here: http://www.pacificmediaassociates.com/

Listen Technologies Partners with Ampetronic to Deliver Induction Loop Solution

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:03:14 GMT

Listen Technologies has partnered with Ampetronic to add induction loop technology to its RF and Infrared Wireless Listening offerings.

Hearing Loop solutions are widespread throughout the world but only recently has the technology started to be installed in a wide range of venues in North America. According to Listen, this is primarily a result of grass roots efforts of the hard-of-hearing community who are demanding the benefits that this technology can bring to them. A loop solution transmits an audio signal directly into a Telecoil hearing aid, reducing the need for an external receiver -- the hearing aid becomes the receiver. Users receive sound tailored to their hearing loss, can feel less discriminated against and have no need to request or wear additional receivers.

Hearing loops can be installed in a variety of environments, from larger venues such as theaters, conference facilities and houses of worship to smaller one-on-one communication settings, such as ticket counters and meeting rooms. Loop solutions can also benefit those that need hearing assistance in taxi cabs, trains and buses.

You can learn more about Hearing Loop here: http://www.ampetronic.com/basics_why.asp

DisplaySearch Adds Digital Signage Conference at InfoComm

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:53:11 GMT

While there is much debate over the size and potential of the digital signage market, industry insiders know that the most concrete way to quantify the market is to follow the display. NPD DisplaySearch will once again host its one-day Digital Signage Conference at InfoComm, providing in-depth insight into the projected growth and emerging trends of the digital signage industry.

The NPD DisplaySearch fifth annual Digital Signage Conference is taking place on June 12 in Las Vegas. Industry leaders in digital signage will address distribution channels, revenue opportunities, hot markets and new technologies throughout the entire supply chain. This one-day, industry insider digital signage event is aimed at developers, suppliers, integrators and customers of digital signage applications. It is the perfect opportunity for InfoComm 2012 attendees to gain valuable insight prior to the opening keynote address.

Topics to be addressed during the 2012 NPD DisplaySearch Digital Signage Conference:

Who Comprises the Digital Signage Supply Chain?

Speakers from NPD DisplaySearch, Sharp, LG and Corning will discuss the state of the North America digital signage industry, as well as what opportunities may exist for the rest of the world. Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and integrators will learn which companies are making digital signage components, which companies are buying those components, who the biggest players are, and what constitutes a “commercial grade” display. End-market users will hear from the leading players that are focused on specific commercial needs and other markets around the globe.

More than the Display: Content Management, Distribution Channels and the Opportunity for Revenue

In the digital signage industry, the components that comprise the technology are critical to the direction in which the industry is moving. Leading industry players from Sony, NEC and Four Winds will share details about how hardware, software and services come together to generate one-time and ongoing revenue streams. From financing to content creation to content management to IT and AV support and installation, conference attendees will hear perspectives from companies that are focused on the entire value chain, not just the supply chain.

Comparing Go-To Market Strategies along the Supply Chain

As the digital signage industry is still very young, many players find themselves wondering where they fit in. VARs will learn who to partner with and who can help them bring it all together while end-market installers will gain insight into how major companies can best serve them. Conference presenters from Ingram Micro and Panasonic will help attendees understand where they fall in the mix, what types of technologies are available to them through which channels, and which markets are currently hot.

The Future of Digital Signage: Advanced and Emerging Display Technologies

New display technologies such as OLED, transparent displays, touch screens, and glasses-free 3D displays are debuting at trade shows and are even beginning to show up in consumer electronics, but are these technologies really ready for commercial adoption? NPD DisplaySearch will discuss the state of OLED, 3M will educate on current and future touch technologies, and Philips/Dimenco will introduce glasses-free 3D for public environments.

The NPD DisplaySearch Digital Signage Conference at InfoComm 2012 will be held on June 12 at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The world’s largest flat panel display vendors and partners with well-established companies in the digital display industry will be in attendance. Confirmed participating companies include 3M Touch, Corning, Ingram Micro, LGE, NPD DisplaySearch, Panasonic, Philips/Dimenco and Sharp.

To view the latest agenda and register for the conference, please visithttp://www.displaysearch.com/digitalsignage2012

AMX Ships NetLinx Clear Connect Gateway

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:49:08 GMT

AMX has finally started shipping the long-awaited NetLinx Clear Connect Gateway, part of its family of AMX Light Control by Lutron. Based on a proprietary so-called Clear Connect radio frequency (RF) technology from lighting control manufacturer Lutron, the NetLinx Clear Connect Gateway wirelessly connects NetLinx Controllers with Lutron Clear Connect, dimmers, switches, occupancy sensors, switching plug-in devices and keypads.

Originally launched at InfoComm 2011 in Orlando, AMX Light Control by Lutron system uses the existing electrical infrastructure, so no new wires need to be installed. The wireless solution gives installers a quick path to add light control and occupancy sensing to a smart-room automation solution with AV control including features like scheduled shutdowns and energy management. Additionally, by removing the limitations related to pulling new wires, light control can be offered in virtually any location -- ideal for retrofit installations.

Here is the entire product line: http://www.amx.com/products/categoryLightingControls.asp

Chief Heads Out on Unique InfoComm RoadShow

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:22:08 GMT

Last week, Chief Manufacturing packed up what it's calling the Big Yellow Truck. The company is heading out with a month's worth of orders and is hand-delivering them on its way to the InfoComm Show. But, that's not all that's in the truck -- it's also carrying seven guys, too -- including one who we know personally, Matt DuBois, a 2011 Swim for Smiles volunteer who was himself a college swimmer. You can see the entire road crew here: http://chiefroadshow.com/road-crew/

Plus, they're blogging along the way. Today, in fact, they're here in North Carolina delivering all sorts of racks and mounts to dealers in the "Southern Part of Heaven" as we like to call it under the Carolina Blue Skies -- well, if it weren't raining outside. Wow, on Tuesday we hosted President Obama and today, Chief - what a lucky week!

You can follow along as they make their way to the InfoComm show in June. It's actually pretty funny and these guys seem to be having fun -- and eating poorly too, we must say. Follow it all here: http://chiefroadshow.com/about/

PLUS Intros CaptureBoard with Network and Mobile Integration

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:02:43 GMT

PLUS Corporation's new C-20 CaptureBoard allows a user to combine and save the image projected on the writing surface along with hand-written notes. In addition to an improved writing surface and the ability to print to an on-board printer, it can be used as a copyboard. PLUS claims the surface of the C-20 has the properties of both a projection screen and a dry-erase board with minimal reflection or glare. When connected to a Windows-based computer via a USB cable, the C-20's software allows users to save the projected image and written notes together as a single image file (JPG, PNG or PDF). The C-20 is the first CaptureBoard with the ability to print the combined image directly to the optional on-board color printer.

When not being used with a projected image, the CaptureBoard can also serve as an electronic copyboard. With the push of a button, users can quickly save their hand-written notes to a USB memory stick, a USB-connected PC or Mac computer (no software necessary), or print out their notes via an optional on-board printer. In addition, the network capability of the C-20 allow users to save data to the board's internal memory or to an FTP server. The data can then be accessed via any network-connected computer. When saved to the C-20's internal memory, the image files are accessible even when the board is in standby mode.

Industry-first mobile device features are also available when the C-20 is used as a copyboard. PLUS' smartphone application -- MTG Pocket App -- allows attendees to scan the board's written notes using their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, with support for Android smartphones coming soon.

The C-20 lists for $2,295 and details are here: http://www.plus-america.com/list_copyboards.html

Extron Expands Cable Cubby and Retraction System Line

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:51:00 GMT

Extron just added three new models to the Retractor series, a cable retraction system for Extron Cable Cubby series cable access enclosures. The Retractor provides a discreet solution for accessing AV cable connections and then storing them. New models include the Retractor VGA-A, which combines VGA and 3.5mm stereo audio in a single Retractor module, providing a cost-effective option for VGA and audio source connectivity. Also new are two special-purpose models: the Retractor DC, which can be used to extend DC power for many Dell, HP and Compaq PCs – laptop power supply not included; and the Retractor VGA SM, which incorporates the functionality of the recently introduced Extron VGA “Show Me” Control Cable for remote input connection and selection for the Extron VSW2 VGA A and SW VGA Ars switchers. Retractor modules are available in versions to support most AV and data signal types and fit any Cable Cubby or TouchLink Touchpanel Cable Cubby enclosure.

The Retractor System works in tandem with all Extron Cable Cubby cable access enclosure models, as well as the TouchLink TLP 350CV and TLP 710CV Cable Cubby Touchpanel models. Cable Cubby access enclosures are furniture-mountable architectural solutions that store cable out of sight while remaining connected to the AV system, offering a discreet way to access cables and connection points as they are needed. Up to three Retractor modules can be installed side by side within the Cable Cubby.

Here are the details: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=ccretractor&search=retraction

Aurora Shows 3G to HDMI Converter

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:47:57 GMT

Aurora says the DXE-STH and DXE-HTS are professional broadcast video products capable of converting 3G-SDI to HDMI and HDMI to 3G-SDI, respectively. The DXE-STH supports audio de-embedding, while the DXE-HTS supports audio embeddeding.

The DXE-STH has a re-clocked loop-through SDI for local monitor support and can also identify the input signal (HD or SD), indicating the result with a dual color status LED. RGB and YUV color space are also supported. Both units support resolutions from 480i up to 1080p.

Here are all the specs: http://auroramultimedia.com/?section=products&id=230

RADVISION Debuts Two New VTC Systems

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:25:26 GMT

RADVISION today announced the expansion of its SCOPIA video conferencing room system portfolio with the introduction of the SCOPIA XT4200 HD video conferencing system and the SCOPIA XT Meeting Center, an all-in-one room system with integrated 55" displays. Both the SCOPIA XT4200 and SCOPIA XT Meeting Center leverage the same technologies as the recently introduced SCOPIA XT5000 HD video conferencing room system.

The SCOPIA XT4200 is specifically aimed at smaller and mid-sized conference rooms as well as at customers who don't require all the high-end features offered in the SCOPIA XT5000. The XT4200 offers features at an affordable price point such as dual 720p/60fps live video and content, HD audio, H.264 High Profile and Scalable Video Coding (SVC), dual display support and a wide angle PTZ camera. It also offers simultaneous H.264 support and a simple user interface with optional multi-touch control via an Apple iPad.

The Scopia XT Meeting Center is a high-performance HD video conferencing solution powered by the SCOPIA XT5000. It integrates single or dual 55" 1080p displays in a specially designed cart and leverages the capabilities of the SCOPIA XT5000 system with simultaneous dual HD 1080p/60fps for live video and content and 20 kHz audio. The user interface uses the same design as RADVISION's SCOPIA Mobile application.

Here are all the specs: http://www.radvision.com/Products/Video-Conference-Systems/Conference-Room-Systems/XT-Meeting-Center/

Christie Debuts Product That Gives ProAV Integrators a Reason to Sell Something to Local Movie Theaters

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:43:57 GMT

Christie has just announced the launch of the new Christie SKA-3D digital cinema processor, a product that allows 2D/3D image playback from virtually any content source on any brand of projector with separate L/R eye dual DVI inputs. It is a true, high-caliber “all-in-one” cinema processor that ends equipment rack clutter by combining multiple units typically found in a projection booth -- an audio processor, digital crossovers, video scaler, 3D decoders, video cross conversion and more -- into a single, lightweight and compact box.

Who cares? Well, this is BIG. There are thousands of digital cinema projectors already installed that are designed for showing movies. And, there are all sorts of revenue opportunities for theaters to rent out their facilities for corporate and alternative-entertainment events (e.g., videogame competitions, TV show debut parties, classes, etc). This new processor from Christie adds input capability that makes it possible to connect advertising servers, Blu-ray players, Sony PlayStations, set-top boxes, personal computers and satellite feeds to digital cinema projectors, for the first time ever!

And, this means that AV integrators can go sell and do these installs to the over 14,000 movie theaters across the country. So, go sell this!

Additionally, the Christie SKA-3D provides audio support for up to 16 DCI-AES input channels from the cinema server/Integrated Media Block (IMB) and is configurable with up to ten balanced analog outputs and five, two-way crossovers, as well as built-in support for Hearing Impaired (HI) and Visually Impaired-Narrative (VI-N) audio outputs. It is fully equipped with high-end audio processing features such as 1/3 octave EQ for main channels, parametric EQ for LFE channel, adjustable lip-sync delay, individual speaker channel delays, microphone input, and flexible input to output channel mapping to support any installed equipment.

Beyond that, with numerous analog/digital audio connectors and extensive support for Dolby and DTS multichannel audio formats, this is the only cinema processor that is up to the task of making a cinema owner’s alternative content sound as spectacular as the sound heard in feature presentations.

Go here to understand it better: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/cinema/cinema-products/digital-cinema-alternative-content/pages/christie-ska-3d.aspx

Philips Returns to Consumer TVs

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:24:03 GMT

TP Vision, the joint venture between Philips Electronics (who owns 30 percent) and TPV Technology Limited (who owns 70 percent) has been completed. TP Vision will develop, manufacture and market Philips-branded TV sets. So, the Philips brand is back, again, in consumer TVs.

With the company less than two weeks old, Maarten de Vries, CEO, showed up at the IFA Global Press Conference to expain more about the new venture. He said TP Vision handles the design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sales of Philips TV worldwide, with some exceptions. As part of the transaction, the Philips Television innovation and manufacturing sites, commercial organizations, headquarters and employee base of close to 3300 will transfer to TP Vision.

De Vries says TP Vision will concentrate Philips product differentiation on three areas: smart TV, user experience anddesign. And on the pro side, Philips maintains an interest in hospitality TV as a core business.

Christie Debuts New 3LCD Projector Platform at NAB 2012

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:21:24 GMT

The first offerings of a new 3LCD product platform, the Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i projectors debuted at the NAB show in Las Vegas last week. The Christie LX501 is a 5000-lumen XGA (1024x768 resolution) projector with up to 3000:1 contrast ratio. It's designed for small-to-medium sized venues in higher education, corporate environments and government agencies. The professional-grade Christie LX601i XGA projector offers 6000 lumens and is suitable for similar venues requiring higher brightness.

With this new 3LCD platform, Christie is also introducing a hybrid filter rated up to 20,000 hours with no moving parts, reducing the need to change filters frequently, and long-life lamps ranging from 3000 to 4000 hours in eco-mode (2500-3000 hours in standard mode), lowering the total cost of ownership. Both the Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i are rated for high altitude use up to 10,000 feet (3048 meters).

As well as providing easier third-party integration with Crestron RoomView and AMX Device Discovery, the Christie LX501 Christie LX601i also includes DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode for use in medical training environments.

Here are all the specs: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/lcd-display/pages/christie-lx601i-3lcd-digital-projector.aspx

Blue Jeans Network Offers Cloud-Based Videoconferencing

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:18:35 GMT

Blue Jeans Network offers videoconferencing in the cloud. At $299 per port, per month, Blue Jeans likes to call its strategy an “MCU Killer.”

The company's “virtual MCU” can be anywhere from 65-90 percent less over three years than the physical MCU, says Blue Jeans. The Blue Jeans Network service enables users to hold a videoconference in the cloud, allowing participants to connect any number of ways, from Cisco or Polycom systems to Skype, Google Talks. Users can also connect from any number of devices.

With the new Blue Jeans pricing, a customer can buy a license for 20 ports per month, but if their usage spikes to 50 ports, they can add capacity immediately.

The virtual MCU model is appealing to small-to-medium sized businesses that can’t afford the CapEx and OpEx of a physical MCU. But Blue Jeans may also appeal to larger enterprises who already own physical MCUs and may consider Blue Jeans as an alternative to buying more physical boxes when they need to add capacity.

However, traditional vendors will fight back against cloud newcomers. For example, Cisco’s Callway, at $99 per month, per endpoint, is a subscription service that's designed to work with Cisco TelePresence desktop systems or on a laptop using a Cisco Movi Web camera.

Here are the details: http://bluejeans.com/

Christie Updates Lens Throw Distance Calculator

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:13:50 GMT

Christie has launched its latest lens throw distance calculator with:

62 projectors, and now including calculations for the Christie M Series and Christie J Series
Easy-to-use user-interface
Built-in calculation of vertical and horizontal offsets with instant results
Clear warnings if your calculations are outside of recommended limits
A more detailed, printable, results page
Online access, or downloadable version

Christie’s throw distance calculator can determine the lens required for the installation of your Christie projector -- or the screen size or throw distance you will need given your current Christie projector and lens combination.

Here's the calculator: http://www.christiedigital.co.uk/emea/product-support/throw-distance-calculator/Pages/default.aspx

Barco Introduces ClickShare Meeting Room Solution, Will Compete with Crestron, Extron and AMX

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:45:48 GMT

Barco calls it “game-changing meeting room technology.”

ClickShare is Barco’s wireless presentation and collaboration system, which makes connecting to the meeting room’s video system a matter of clicking a button.

A standard ClickShare set-up consists of USB devices (the ClickShare Buttons), a storage basket (the ClickShare Tray) for neatly storing the Buttons when they’re not in use and a Base Unit. The Base Unit has a fixed connection to the meeting room’s AV system and handles all processing.

Users who want to put their presentations on a large meeting room screen simply connect a Button to their PC or MAC, click it... and immediately the desktop is transferred wirelessly to the large visualization system. ClickShare doesn’t interfere with the laptop’s resolution, and it automatically displays the screen content optimally. ClickShare also allows you to show video clips with frame rates of up to 20 fps.

The attraction of wireless is obvious and the attraction of one-click connectivity is overwhelming for conference rooms veterans. Barco sees ClickShare as a solution that will solve some very recognizable issues experienced in meeting rooms worldwide.

The company's "one click wonder" not only helps the presenter get the presentation on-screen in a second, but also allows the other people in the meeting to participate more actively. The result, says Barco, is enhanced meeting efficiency and better decision-making.

ClickShare will be commercially available in August and here are the details available as of now: http://www.barco.com/en/static/clickshare/default.aspx

To download a brochure about ClickShare, click here [PDF]: http://www.ravepubs.com/utility/documents/Barco-ClickShare.pdf

Finally, here's a YouTube video that explains the product and the problem it's trying to solve:

Cisco’s Jabber Packs a Free Punch

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:51:55 GMT

IDC estimates the unified communications market (videoconferencing is one component), to grow to $44 billion by 2015. Microsoft’s Lync has enjoyed very little serious competition until this point. But now Cisco has released Jabber, a new crossplatform communications and messaging application designed to compete directly with Microsoft's Lync.

Working with all client devices and operating systems, the application Jabber allows users to access Cisco's voice, video, presence, messaging, presence and conferencing platforms. There are no server or client licensing costs for existing customers. Let me repeat that: no server or client licensing costs for existing customers.

Cisco wants you to use the Jabber application to create up-sell opportunities and drive adoption of the wider collaboration portfolio. Oh, yeah.. and win market share from Microsoft Lync.

Here are Jabber's specs: http://www.cisco.com/web/products/voice/jabber.html

Peerless-AV: Mounting Enables Desktop Productivity

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:44:22 GMT

Do you have your heart set on mounting THREE screens on your desktop? Don’t worry. Peerless-AV has added 13 new models to its Desktop Range for monitors and tablets -- and they have the Triple Screen Desktop LCD Mount LCT-103in their range.

Both size and number of screens on desktops is increasing worldwide (even we, here at rAVe, all have at least two screens on everyone's desktop), and for good reason. The research that ties productivity to the size and number of screens available to the desktop has been known for some time.

Microsoft said it first, University of Utah researched it to prove it, The New York Times discussed it, Apple applauded it and Jon Peddie Research confirmed it. Larger screens and more screens both help your customers work better. For example, dual monitors can improve your productivity up to 50 percent.

Of course, it’s mounting that enables you to get more screen or multiple screens on desktops. And that why Peerless-AV calls itself “the Number One enabler of desktop productivity.”

Mounting a screen or tablet also frees up vital real estate on desktops. It provides maximum ergonomic comfort to relieve the strain on eyes, neck and back.

Peerless-AV gives integrators and installers more ways to mount the customer’s choice of any number of monitor and tablets in any office, hospital or hospitality setting. All models are ergonomically designed for optimum screen placement and many include features such as smooth motion articulating arms for the easiest height, depth and tilt adjustment contributing to reduced eye and neck strain.

The company's models are capable of supporting up to four screens on a single mount. Installation is easy, securing a display with a quick release mechanism, whilst many models include internal cable management for a clean, uncluttered appearance.

Take the LCT620AD, for example. For 12" to 30" Flat Panel Displays, it offers two desk assemblies in one box, with both desk clamp and grommet supplied for the desk mounting solution the user prefers.

With this dual display mount and its flexible articulating arms, you can easily set the height of the display into a comfortable viewing position. A quick release mechanism instantly secures the display. Raise or lower the displays, extend out, tilt forward and back, pan and rotate for portrait and landscape viewing.

For 20" to 30" flat panel displays, the Quad-Monitor Desktop & Grommet Mounts LCZ-4F430B and LCZ-4F4G30Bsupport four 30" displays on a 35.4" (900mm) crossbar, giving more “screen power” as well as more workspace.

Here are all the specs: http://www.peerless-av.com/en-us/professional

Biamp Debuts Four New Vocia Amplifiers

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:11:07 GMT

Biamp Systems today introduced four new small amplifiers as part of its Vocia networked public address and voice evacuation system. The concept of Vocia is decentralized, networked paging system without one home-run for all signals to terminate. So, for example, a building on campus with a bunch of small classrooms where each one needs amplified sound as well as to be connected to a centralized system would benefit from this line. It's modular in the sense that you can add rooms as you want to -- thus building the system amplifier by amplifier. They are all EN 54-16 certified, which is a product standard governing "Voice Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment" (VACIE) and is issued by the European Union Construction Product Directive (CPD), also known as Directive 89/106/EEC.

The networked multi-channel Vocia Amplifiers (VA-8600 and VA-8600c) provide eight channels of modular amplification with up to 2400 watts of power per chassis via AM-600 and AM-600c cards. There's also optional channel-to-channel or device-to-device failover -- all easily configured using Vocia's intuitive software. Add the new Vocia VA-8600 Failover Module (VFOM-1) card and expand the failover options to include 7:1 channel failover or two sets of 3:1 channel failover.

You can get more info here: http://www.biamp.com/products/vocia/outputs.aspx

AMX DXLink Boards, Transmitters and Receivers Now Shipping

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:14:12 GMT

AMX announced today that it's started shipping the Enova DGX DXLink twisted pair input and output boards and DXLink HDMI transmitters and receivers. Developed for the Enova DGX digital media switchers and Enova DVX All-In-One presentation switchers, DXLink transports audio, video, control, Ethernet and power over a single twisted pair cable while scaling the output up to 1080p (HDCP compliant) up to 100 meters.

This system is meant to compete with Crestron's DigitalMedia series of products.

To see the entire line, go here: http://www.amx.com/enova/

InfoComm: Using a Work Breakdown Structure

reply@ravepubs.com (Bradley A. Malone, PMP) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:25:32 GMT

This article is reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.

This is the eighth in an ongoing series of organizational project management articles by InfoComm University senior instructor Brad Malone. To read the seventh installment, "Creating Common Sense, Communicating Assumptions and Risks," click here.

In the 1950s, the U.S. Department of Defense came up with a common-sense project management concept that AV companies should use today. Back then, according to the Journal of Defense Software Engineering, the Navy began using something called the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) in support of the Polaris missile program. Though it was codified in later years and is currently used primarily as an estimating technique, PERT is considered the starting point for the work breakdown structure philosophy.

The work breakdown structure (WBS) is a deliverable-oriented grouping of project components that helps organize and define a project's total scope of work. Effectively, the WBS describes a project's product or service through a "what-goes-into-what" process. It also relates each of the deliverable work 'components to one another and to the total product or service as a whole.

This interrelationship between components facilitates the definition of the project's scope and begins to reveal potential complexities. As when AV companies detail a project's assumptions and risks (see the previous article in our project management series), the WBS helps create "common sense" among stakeholders (client, sales, project managers, technicians, vendors, general contractors, etc.). And once developed, a WBS can be used as a template for similar projects, with the benefit of developing a common language and thought structure.

The Roots of the Project

In the beginning, a WBS does not address the project's who's, when's, how's, or how many's. These are addressed later, as the project moves through the planning processes. The WBS is a noun-based thought process, not a verb or activity-based schedule, although it will ultimately help the AV team formulate a schedule of activities and the associated effort required to fulfill each deliverable.

As a project-management document, a well composed WBS is essential because it serves as a foundation for initiating and planning the project. It's best to think of the WBS as the roots of a tree, where the tree is your project. For a tree to bear fruit, its roots must be deep, wide and exhaustive. And just as roots become finer as they descend into soil, the WBS should define the project's deliverables and list supporting documentation in greater detail as it goes on to addresses the subcomponents of every deliverable.

Three to five levels of what is known as "decomposition" are usually sufficient to describe most AV projects through a work breakdown structure. The roots of the WBS may include product components, functions (for software deliverables) or process steps (for business process-engineering projects). Refer to the graphic below as we discuss the essential elements of an effective WBS.

The WBS serves many critical purposes, the most important of which is defining the work to be performed and breaking it into manageable components. Developing a work breakdown structure generates a number of other planning benefits, such as a greater ability to determine the types of resources needed; a better comprehension of their roles; and a more accurate understanding of the skill levels required to manage the pieces of the project.

Creating a detailed WBS also improves an account manager's and/or project manager's ability to define, quantify, measure, and estimate the costs and effort required to deliver each component of the project. It is always easier and more accurate to perform these tasks at a lower level of decomposition. Doing so also enables you to better identify, document, and control changes.

A well-crafted WBS also helps a project manager define the performance-measurement baseline from which he or she can judge a project's status. When the status of the project is asked at its summary level ("How's project XYZ going?"), we often hear answers such as "Fine", "Great", and "Moving along". However, when the project's status is judged at the third or fourth level of the WBS — instead of at the summary level — the judgment will likely be far more accurate because the questions are more binary in nature. When asked at a finer level of the WBS root system, the question may be, "Is the podium installed?" While someone could answer, "Almost," the real answer is either "Yes" or "No."

Details of the Work Breakdown Structure

The purpose, as described at the top of the WBS, is the "why" of your project. Sales should enter it in operational terms, as viewed from the customer's perspective. In the case of a product-oriented classroom installation, for instance, you might describe the purpose as: "A flexible, multipurpose, multimedia classroom that enables participants to engage interactively in an adult-learning environment. Equipment and furniture need to be durable and easy to maintain and reposition."

From there sales and the client would define in greater detail each of the measurable parameters (flexible, durable, etc.). Without a purpose statement, the big picture will be unclear and the project implementation (and service) team might lose sight of the customer's ultimate requirements.

As employees of an AV company, you'll learn that there is no perfect WBS. That said, you should strive to create one that is both exhaustive and exclusive. Exhaustive in that it contains all the components and details necessary to satisfy the customer's operational objectives; exclusive in that an item is entered into the WBS exactly and only where it fits, and is not forcibly duplicated elsewhere. In our example of a product-oriented WBS, the cabling would not be entered under the each of the pieces of equipment, because cabling will be part of the facilities and will serve the entire room configuration.

It's important to build a WBS in a team setting because different project participants might use different words to define the same components, or the same words to define different components. For example, are cabling, conduit, electrical, wire, etc, synonymous, or do they describe different objects that perform different functions? To eliminate potential confusion, the AV team must facilitate communication and agreement instead of having several versions of the same work breakdown structure done by different departments or individuals, each with their own vocabulary.

A well crafted WBS also helps identify how a change in one aspect ripples across the product and project. In the absence of a WBS, change notification is typically limited to those who deal with the particular piece or part of the project that's being changed. A WBS visually demonstrates the product and project-wide ramifications of making a change in one component and therefore gives the project's stakeholders a more global understanding of the interrelationships among all components.

Although changes are often made at the component level, based on their technological efficacy, they should be assessed and approved at the project level and in consideration of the project's purpose. Consider, for example, the classroom project. Just because a new type of cabling is less expensive and could possibly provide better performance, it does not necessarily mean that the new cabling is appropriate for the project, nor does it mean that it will save the project money or enhance the client's ability to achieve their purpose requirements. In fact, changing the cabling may actually require changes to multiple components or control panels.

Managing the WBS

Once a work breakdown structure has been developed, a numbering system can be created to identify and position each level and/or component. This numbering system can be used in conjunction with both the organization's project management tool — Microsoft Project, for example — and its cost accounting system. Tracking the costs and effort required at a lower level allows an AV company to validate its estimation process and manage risk – similar deliverables will have estimates with narrower ranges, more unique deliverables will have estimates with wider ranges. Using WBS templates and tracking appropriately can help close the loop among sales, estimation and implementation teams, allowing for the regular refinement of estimates and their assumptions.

During the implementation phase of a project, the project manager typically manages down to the third or fourth level of a project's WBS. These are usually the levels at which components are more standard across projects. (Most organizations deliver projects composed of standard components structured into somewhat unique configurations.) The project manager shouldn't manage components below a level at which they're standard. In our sample WBS, "projectors" represent a component at or below a standard level. If, by some chance, the projector for a given project is being configured in a unique fashion, or must interface with other equipment in a unique configuration, then the project manager should manage down to a lower level.

At the end of the day, a deliverable-oriented work breakdown structure is a powerful planning, estimating, learning, communicating, status-reporting and change-controlling tool. Every project should have one. And the good thing is, once a company has built one, it has a template for future similar projects, which ultimately saves time and helps avoid potential mistakes and oversights.

Bradley A. Malone, PMP, is an InfoComm University senior instructor and president of Twin Star Consulting, an organizational excellence and program management consulting company serving multiple industries. He holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of PMI's highest-rated instructors. Please share your thoughts with him at brad@twinstarconsulting.com

Key Digital Enters Control System Market with a Totally Apple-Based Platform

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:18:49 GMT

Key Digital, in conjunction with Compass Alliance Partners (CAP), has created a fully integrated control system called Compass Control with driver support for hardware from the following brands: Aprilaire, Boston Acoustics, ClearOne, Denon, Furman, ICRealtime Security Solutions, iPort, Key Digital, LG, Lutron, Luxul, Marantz, MechoSystems, Onkyo, Panamax, Primeview, Russound, SurgeX and Wolfvision. The company is aiming the system at both the HomeAV and ProAV markets.

Compass Control has the ability to control devices via RS-232, IR or TCP/IP. This new control system provides installers with bi-directional IR, two-way RS-232 with feedback, and two-way TCP/IP control, plus control via relays and sensors. When programming the system via the Compass Navigator PC (ironic, anyone?) editor software, installers are given three separate database managers to make programming faster than traditional control systems. Compass Navigator also enables installers to edit command code sets which allows Compass Control to be tailored to each and every system installation.

Compass Control base system consists of KD-MC2500 Master Controller, with Compass Control App on Apple iPad running under KD-CSL License. Future expansion products are the iPad wall-mount solutions: KD-WPCW (white) and KD-WPCB (black) in-wall charging and connecting stations.

The KD-MC2500 Master Controller works as as the heart for the Compass Control System. It has up to eight IR or RS-232 ports and powerful TCP/IP/LAN networking control support. In addition, the KD-MC2500 allows IR learning and has two sets of switchable contacts for relay control of external equipment.

The official launch isn't for two weeks, but we got a sneak peak today. Get more information about Compass Control here: http://www.keydigital.com/compass/

Altinex Ships Compact Video Twisted Pair Transmitter and Receiver Set

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:27:16 GMT

Altinex has started shipping its TP115-120 and TP115-121 compact video twisted pair (TP) transmitter and receiver set. The TP115-120 provides transmission of computer and analog HDTV video signals (input via VGA port) over CAT-5/6 cable, while the TP115-121 receives these signals over twisted pair-type cable and converts it back to VGA. The Altinex TP115-120/TP115-121 transmitter and receiver both support EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) used by a display to describe its capabilities to a video source.

The Altinex TP115-120 and TP115-121 Compact Video Twisted Pair (TP) Transmitter and Receiver list for $195 each.

To see all the specs, click here: http://altinex.com/index.php?q=TP115-120 and here: http://www.altinex.com/index.php?q=TP115-121

Panasonic's Newest Projector is Compact, Offers 20,000 Lumens

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:07:20 GMT

Yesterday Panasonic announced the PT-DZ21K Series, a compact, 20,000-lumen, 3-chip DLP projector for applications that require extremely high brightness. The series includes the PT-DZ21KU with WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution and 20,000 lumens of brightness; the PT-DS20KU with SXGA+ (1400x1050) resolution and 20,000 lumens of brightness; and the PT-DW17KU with WXGA (1366x768) resolution and 16,500 lumens of brightness. All three use a 2,000-hour lamp, have built-in 3D compatibility and installation flexibility with all sorts of lens options. The PT-DZ21KU Series is built to maximize savings with a maintenance-free Eco Filter with a lifespan of up to 12,000 hours, and low-power consumption of under 2,500 watts.

The combination of four new 465-watt UHM lamps and what the company is calling "Dynamic Iris" allow the projectors to deliver a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. They each include an active shutter system in which the projector can be equipped with an external emitter via the 3D timing signal IN/OUT terminal. For a passive polarized 3D system, frame sequential, side by side and top and bottom formats are supported (as well as a DICOM Simulation mode enabling end-users to view X-ray images).

Basic installation flexibility is provided by a comprehensive optional lens selection that supports a wide range of throw distances. 360-degree installation capability enables projections onto floors and ceilings. The projectors claim high durability with an operating temperature between 32° and 113° Fahrenheit. Flexibility and reliability are further enhanced by the projectors’ capability to handle more than 100 input signals. Several available input terminals include SDIx2, HDMI, DVI-D, LAN (RJ45) and 3D timing signal IN/OUT.

Full specs on all three projectors are here: http://panasonic.net/avc/projector/products/d12000/

AMX Launches Rapid Project Maker

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:22:43 GMT

Yesterday AMX announced the launch of the Rapid Project Maker (RPM), a cloud-based application that lets installers configure an AMX system online using a step-by-step wizard-based approach. With no programming required, installers can configure a conference room that includes touch panel user interface pages and system installation instructions. AMX also says an integrated conference room consisting of an AMX controller, a videoconferencing system, DVD player, display and a laptop can be configured in less than an hour.

According to AMX, RPM not only simplifies single room deployments, but also automatically adjusts to the technology/functionality selected each time a project is configured. Client branding was also taken into consideration with dedicated space available for the client’s logo in the finished UI. Overall, we think RPM is a well-designed resource that looks easy to deploy and simple to use.

Want to know more? Go here: http://www.amx.com/products/NSS-RPM.asp

Extron Now Shipping HDCP-Compliant Scaler with Seamless Switching

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:18:43 GMT

Extron has started shipping the DVS 605, a video scaler that includes three HDMI inputs, two universal analog video inputs with auto-format detection, plus simultaneous HDMI and analog high resolution outputs. The DVS 605 accepts a wide variety of video formats including HDMI with HDCP, HDTV, RGB and standard definition video. It features Extron video signal processing with 1080i deinterlacing, Deep Color processing and seamless switching. It also has SpeedSwitch Technology that delivers ultra-fast switching speed for HDCP-encrypted content. It is available in models with audio switching plus HDMI audio embedding/de-embedding and also 3G-SDI/HD-SDI output with genlock.

The DVS 605 features a flexible PIP (picture-in-picture) mode that allows any two video sources connected to inputs one to four to be shown on one display. Several PIP presets are available, including side-by-side windows, and the PIP window can be dynamically sized and positioned anywhere in the image. The DVS 605 also easily integrates analog video sources, with two universal inputs that automatically detect incoming signal formats without user intervention.

All DVS 605 models provide lip sync delay and level adjustments for embedded HDMI audio. The DVS 605 A and DVS 605 AD add five input audio switching to accompany incoming video sources, as well as audio breakaway.

Here are all the details: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=dvs605ad

The Only Constant

dawn@avdawn.com (Dawn Meade) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:53:46 GMT

In 2007, CompUSA -- a major big box retailer of computers and consumer electronics -- went bankrupt and closed almost all brick-and-mortar locations throughout the United States. In 2009, Circuit City -- the second largest big box retailer of consumer electronics at the time, after Best Buy -- joined CompUSA in total liquidation. Both brands were subsequently bought by Systemax, a Fortune 1000 company that sells computers, accessories, consumer electronics and industrial technology via a stable of mostly online-only brands including TigerDirect and the resurrected CircuitCity.com. In retrospect, these two venerable technology big box retailers were among the earliest casualties in a sea changes that is still impacting technology businesses across the board.

Other victims of this change include Blockbuster (which closed an overwhelming majority of its 4,000 nationwide video rental locations after its 2010 bankruptcy and subsequent 2011 acquisition by Dish Network) and Best Buy, which reported a $2.6 billion loss on March 29 and announced closures of a number of large stores and the opening of smaller, more streamlined retail locations. It seems like the sky is falling! What on earth is going on and how will it affect those of us in the ProAV industry?

The long and short of it is that we are in a transformative era. The very advances in technology that are making our lives easier and providing us with new markets and products to sell are radically changing the way the average person uses technology. Those changes are necessitating a radical shift in our mind sets and our business models to remain viable and profitable in the days and years to come.

First, people are far more likely to use their technology for comparison shopping and bargain hunting. The practice has become so common there is now a word for it -- “showrooming” -- the act of consumers examining specific merchandise in depth in stores and then actually purchasing the exact same items from competitors’ websites, usually at a lower price and tax-free. Black Friday 2011 saw a proliferation of Black Friday Apps for iPhones and Android phones that allowed bargain hunters to scan barcodes and see similar or better deals on the scanned item, including distance to the other physical store with the deal, or links to the website with the superior discount. Indeed, many of the Black Friday apps have evolved into or spawned non-holiday-specific Apps that do the same thing, year-round.

Next, the rapid growth and adoption of mobile devices, tablets and connected TVs/set-top boxes have changed how the average person consumes her media, which is a massive disruption to several industries. This particular change has been going on in the music industry since the turn of the millennium, when the MP3 player hit the mainstream and music file sharing and streaming took off. Now, the new devices are radically disrupting the movie, television and publishing industries -- bringing instant content to the masses, often at lower prices and higher convenience than the traditional media models.

So, what about the ProAV world? What do these changes mean to us and what do we do about them? The first change has already hit our industry. After all, what integrator HASN’T dealt with that customer who shops every item on the equipment list and constantly comes back with, “But I can get that online (or from Competitor B) for a lot less!” Who hasn’t dealt with an equipment list of OFE items -- Owner Furnished Equipment, which, back in the day meant legacy equipment but today just as often means “Internet special!” -- and been required to quote the project including warranty and service contract, without knowing exactly what we were getting equipment-wise?

Face it, commoditization and showrooming of a sort has been part of our lives for years now. This is where we, as AV professionals, need to seriously look over our businesses and question just where we’re looking to make profits. It is 2012. If you are still hoping to make your money on equipment, or if you use discounting and price-matching to win projects on ever-tighter margins, you might as well pack up your crimpers and dust off your resume. You are in a race towards the bottom, profit-wise, and are likely already in trouble as a company. The thing about discounting in the era of the tech-assisted shopper is that you will NEVER be profitable because there is always someone out there selling at a lower price point. I actually lost a bid one time to a competitor charging $0.00 for the equipment. That’s right. They DONATED the equipment to the schools in question to get the project. I sincerely hope they made some money on the integration and service, because giving away your product for nothing isn’t business… it’s philanthropy!

I know you’ve heard it before from InfoComm and NSCA and countless business experts and coaches, but you need to transition your company to a service-based model. You should be making your profits on install, on service and on training. Doing otherwise may work for a while, but this is a paradigm shift we’re dealing with, not a mere hiccup in our normal mode of business. It will NOT go back to the way it used to be no matter how hard you wish for it, so you’d better Keep Moving Forward, in the words of Cornelius Robinson and Walt Disney!

As for the second change, well, that’s a bit easier. First, be prepared to sell fewer VCRs (Anyone still doing that? *crickets*), DVD players and Blu-ray players. Soon enough, those will be going the way of the dinosaur. But make sure your engineers and techs keep up on the latest developments with media players and streaming devices! Online content delivery is the hot new trend and it isn’t going anywhere. It’s part of what killed Blockbuster and what is revolutionizing television and movies. Be ready for it.

Also, figure out ways to take advantage of this new content-heavy world. In a previous article on competitive advantage, I mentioned that AV companies familiar with video production or broadcast should look at ways to leverage that knowledge for their customers -- by teaching “how to shoot your own web video” workshops or providing shoots and equipment for those customers. There are lots of ways out there to make money off of the demand for new, fresh content. Brainstorm in your organization and take advantage of them! Again, it may not fit your mental image of what your company is or does, but we’re dealing with disruptive technology transforming our entire society… and once that change takes hold, it won’t go back. In the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes, “The mind, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to its original size.” The same is true of our society and its relationship with, and usage of, technology. To paraphrase author Eckhart Tolle, your business “is now faced with a stark choice: Evolve or die.”

Dawn Meade, CTS -- also known as AVDawn -- is the marketing and media coordinator for Net-AV in Hampstead, Md. She is an industry veteran with experience in integration, AV sales and social media. You can find her on Twitter (@avdawn), on AVNation podcasts, on her AV tech blog, and of course, here at rAVe as a staff writer and as part of the rAVe BlogSquad.

Delta Displays Launches Distributive Control System

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:17:17 GMT

Delta Products today launched what it's calling the Distributive Vision Control System (DVCS) product line, which is designed to capture, distribute, control and display signals in large control room applications. Delta says DVCS can support over 10,000 sources and displays, with the content distributed and controlled using industry-standard protocols through standard CAT5 cables.

The Delta DVCS includes input processors, which capture RGB and video signals from a range of input sources including computers and video cameras. It then transmits the source material over the IP network via a 100/1000M Ethernet switch using standard CAT5 cabling and displays them via DVCS output display processors. All RGB and video signals are captured, processed, transmitted and displayed in digital format -- thus everything input is converted to a digital signal.

Supporting resolutions up to 102,400x7,680 (no, that's not a misprint), Delta’s SRIS (Super Resolution Image Software) is a user application software solution that helps to create a dynamic image based on the MS Windows Server 2008 (64-bit) platform. Delta’s Multichannel IP Streams Software (IPSS) is compatible with various IP camera models and coding formats, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MJPEG and Wavelet.

Other features include:

IP video streaming
Support for up to 16-CH QCIF decoding of IP streams per client
Support for resolutions ranging from QCIF to HD
Compatibility with various IP camera models and coding formats
High compression for superior image quality and maximum bandwidth efficiency
1000M Base-T network

For more information, click here [PDF]: http://www.ravepubs.com/utility/documents/delta-DVCS-Brochure.pdf

Lectrosonics Announces Watertight Transmitter

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:36:24 GMT

Lectrosonics has introduced what the company is calling the WM, which is a watertight transmitter. An extension of Lectrosonics’ SM series Super Miniature transmitter family, the new WM Watertight Transmitter is housed in an aluminum alloy case with sealed battery doors, antenna port and microphone connector. This fully watertight transmitter, offering a feature set similar to Lectrosonics’ SMQV beltpack unit, runs on two AA batteries and can take remote commands from the company’s RM remote control unit -- enabling one to remotely lock/unlock the transmitter’s controls, plus adjust audio input gain, RF operating frequency, and Sleep mode on/off status.

The WM Watertight Transmitter features a backlit LCD and large membrane buttons. The RF power is menu-selectable at 50, 100, and 250 mW for the U.S. version and 25 and 50 mW for the EU version. It includes a belt clip and an omni-lavaliere microphone with a watertight connector and lists for $1,998.

Complete details are here: http://www.lectrosonics.com/Transmitters/wm.html?qh=YToxOntpOjA7czoyOiJ3bSI7fQ%3D%3D

Altinex Announces TNP512 Interconnect Box

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:21:32 GMT

Altinex's new TNP512 Interconnect Box is designed for installation into tables, podiums or other furniture. It incorporates the SP3500SC sectional plate, which offers two standard U.S. power receptacles, computer video (15-pin HD), a COM Port/RS-232 (9-pin D), video (RCA), S-Video (4-pin mini DIN), audio (2-RCAs), computer audio (3.5 mm), modem (RJ-11) and network (RJ-45) input connectors. All connectors have 6-foot (2-meter) cables attached that feed through to the bottom of the unit.

The TNP512 lists for $875 and details are here: http://www.altinex.com/index.php?q=TNP512

InfoComm: AV Goes to Jail

reply@ravepubs.com (Tim Kriedel) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:18:46 GMT

This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.

Video communication is increasingly common throughout legal systems worldwide. It spans facilities and applications, including video arraignment from jail, virtual visitation in prisons, and remote testimony in courtrooms and judges’ chambers.

But the movement toward using video to solve thorny problems in the legal system, such as obtaining testimony from inmates several jurisdictions away, has its hurdles. Unlike telemedicine or distance learning, applications of video communication that have become increasingly easy to implement in healthcare and education markets, deploying video in courts and prisons -- especially in existing facilities -- can actually be difficult. As a result, some such implementations have been scuttled.

“There was no secure place in jail where you could marshal people and get them in front of a camera," says Jay Farbstein, owner of Jay Farbstein & Associates, an architectural firm that specializes in law-enforcement facilities. "Or if there was such a location, it was inconvenient for the defense counsel, who preferably would want to be there in person. There was a whole family of facility-related issues that caused it not to work.”

When it does work, video can have a profound effect on the legal system. Some research suggests that judges rule differently when the accused appears by video rather than in person. For example, one study compared rates of bail for certain offenses before and after implementing video.

“They found that the bail amounts jumped substantially after implementation of video,” Farbstein says. “There’s some speculation about why. It has to do with the judges’ confidence in their ability to evaluate the defendants. We have a lot to learn about how these systems work and the impact they have.”

To be fair, there isn’t much conclusive research about how AV affects legal proceedings. But people agree, poor AV systems can have an adverse effect. And depending on the application, good AV systems must accurately reflect in-person experiences or they, too, can have an adverse effect — which would make them poor systems

“Judges want to see the body, the movement, the mannerisms,” says Dickson Stewart, principal consultant at Electronic Interiors. “If you look back to the old witness box, it was open in front. They wanted to see the defendant twitch.”

That’s because body language is important in law enforcement. But it can be tough for judges and others — despite the benefits of video communication — to get a read on someone when there are flaws in the AV system, such as poor lighting or equipment a layperson can’t operate.

And more so than in any other type of building, AV systems must be thoughtfully integrated into a court house or detention facility. Although it’s shown growing interest in using video, the legal system lags behind, for instance, higher education. Therefore AV consultants and integrators, architects of courts and prisons, and legal professionals must collaborate extensively if they’re to realize the benefits of AV and video communication.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Security and cost savings are two major reasons that many jails and courthouses are implementing video arraignment systems. But occasionally, the motivation is a design mistake. That was the case at a new California jail, which included a tunnel to an adjacent courthouse to facilitate in-person arraignments.

“They undersized the elevators that go from the prisoner-holding area to the courtrooms,” says Farbstein. “So they were forced to reconsider whether they would implement video proceedings for arraignments.”

Regardless of why a court or detention facility considers video communication, it’s important that the AV design doesn’t suffer from similar lack of planning. The AV staff at the U.S. District Court of Arizona typically surveys court reporters, courtroom deputies and judges early in the AV design stage to ensure the system design meets their needs.

“When we’re contemplating a new project, we talk to them way in advance to find out what’s working for them now and what they want to see,’” says Brian Lalley, the AV tech specialist who’s responsible for courtroom technologies at five of the Arizona district’s six facilities. “We get input as early as possible.”

What AV professionals may find when they start talking to the people who work in and build courts and prisons is that they’re less familiar with the technology and its applications than people in other markets who’ve been exposed to modern AV systems longer. “I wish I had a nickel for each time a facility designer said mid-project, ‘I thought all of that stuff was wireless now,’” says Dickson Stewart.

In some cases, planning ahead can be a hard sell. One example is urging the client to put in raceways now to support an application that the architect or AV integrator knows from experience will be added later.

“It is sometimes difficult to have end users invest in infrastructure that may not be used for years,” Stewart says. “I cringe every time the term ‘abandoned conduit’ is used when it has actually been provided for future technologies that were either unknown or unaffordable at the time. When a designer hears an owner claim they will never need to add new technologies, red flags should go up.”

One tip for planning ahead is to identify all of the legal services that involve face-to-face contact. Then look for ways that audio and video could be used instead to achieve the client’s goals, such as reducing costs and increasing security. Religious services, education and drug counseling are three examples of services that typically are provided in person today but not necessarily tomorrow.

“It’s about envisioning what might be possible and ensuring that we have power and conduit in place,” says Bob Schwartz, HOK group vice president and project designer for justice.

It’s also about envisioning what stands in the way of a successful AV design that may span a slew of facilities that are at different stages of technology adoption. Many courts and prisons have started down the path of video communication with one-off systems. Learning what those are is crucial. It’s one thing to propose installing a system that supports remote video testimony; it’s another to deliver a system that’s interoperable with the myriad protocols and end points that might span the various jurisdictions involved.

“Typically, you’re finding correctional centers with telemedicine,” Schwartz says. “So we have to plan for the connections and equipment to go with it.”

When it comes to video visitation, for example, it may be technologically possible to allow a prisoner’s family to engage in a video call from home using Skype and a PC. But Skype and similar technologies might not be viable if they make it difficult or impossible for the prison to monitor those video sessions for inappropriate behavior. Some states strike a middle ground by providing family members with access to video visitation booths at parole and probation facilities. Therefore, when designing those facilities, it’s worth discussing with the client ways to put in the infrastructure now so that it’s easier and less expensive to add video visitation in the future.

Flexibility Amid Rigidity

As in the healthcare market, courts, prisons, and related facilities aren’t easily or inexpensively modified once they’re built. Plus there are always safety considerations that dictate every aspect of a building’s architectural and AV design.

“It’s very difficult to provide raceways and wiring later on,” Schwartz says. “Courtrooms have very high levels of finish, which is expensive, and detention/correction has very hard construction.”

Even so, it’s sometimes possible to design in flexibility for the future. For example, the courtrooms in the Arizona U.S. District Court facilities have raised floors that include 4-foot-by-4 foot panels with hatches to provide access to wiring bundles below.

“We know that the judge’s bench and the courtroom deputy’s bench won’t be moving, but the attorney tables may need to move at some future date,” Lalley says. “We can interchange those [panels] like a puzzle piece and move the furniture around, with the access hatch coming up underneath under wherever the configuration is. We can configure the courtrooms at a future date any way we want with these moveable tiles.”

Notice it’s the Arizona court’s AV guy who has these configurations figured out. Whether it’s wiring or interoperability, AV professionals need to become trusted sources in the construction and renovation of legal facilities.

“Architects are kind of stuck in the middle with all of these video issues,” says Joe Bocchiaro, InfoComm vice president of standards and industry innovations. “You think that you have video arraignment and I think that I have it. But when we go to call each other, we can’t. The architects have gotten frustrated by this.”

Part of the frustration comes from encryption and other security features that law enforcement applications require. “Especially in the government space, the last few years, there have been a lot of proprietary systems, and a lot of that had to do with encryption,” Bocchiaro says. “There were proprietary systems because there weren’t good commercial encryption systems. Now there are.”

To help architects identify those and other AV-related issues so that they don’t become expensive, embarrassing problems later on, InfoComm has begun working with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to develop AV guides and other information for designing courts, correctional facilities, and more.

“We’re about to launch a task force that will help the AIA investigate options and come up with some best practices for the use of video for judicial purposes,” Bocchiaro says. “We expect to expose issues that have broad effects on all audiovisual systems by using judicial video as a case study. Architectural, technological, logistical and human issues are all on the table. AV encompasses all of them.”

Such outreach among associations and their professionals lead to better-integrated AV systems that deliver more precisely what courts (and other clients) actually want. For more information about InfoComm Standards and Industry Innovations, visit infocomm.org.

Acer Debuts New Notebook Pico Projector

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:02:16 GMT

Acer America has introduced a new ultraportable pico projector, the C120, which can actually be powered by a PC via USB connection. It features an LED lamp (with instant ON), is natively 16:9 WVGA resolution (854x480) and offers a 100-ANSI lumen brightness spec. This new projector is also plug-and-play compatible with notebook PCs, so no drivers need to be installed. The Acer C120 is specified to have a 1000:1 contrast ratio and uses a 20K-hour lamp. It measures only 4.72 inches (W) by 3.23 inches (D) by 1.0-inch (H), while weighing 6 ounces.

Here are all the specs: http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/group/projectors

Chief Introduces Industry-First Program for Custom, Preloaded AV Racks

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:52:58 GMT

Chief has just launched RackBuilder Delivered, a one of a kind program that configures and delivers Chief rack systems preloaded to a users’ specifications.

Customers can quickly build a custom rack configuration using Chief’s online, newly-renovated RackBuilder application. Orders are then processed, preloaded and repackaged in Chief’s warehouse, then shipped to the customer.

The program is now available to all Chief customers at no additional charge. In addition to the convenience and time savings, the final configuration significantly reduces the amount of packaging used in shipping, and the amount of packaging that the customer is responsible for disposing of or recycling.

One of the main features in the new application is the smart logic that guides users in product selections and compatibilities as they build. Other enhancements include drag-and-drop editing, the ability to save and email configurations, a third-party components compatibility database, access to MSRP pricing, and a SpecBuilder automated collection option that gathers all necessary DWG, CAD and related documents.

Want details? Click here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/rackbuilder

Atmel (Who?) to Debut Flexible Touch Display

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:15:37 GMT

Atmel Corporation, a public company that's traded on NASDAQ with symbol ATML but is little known in the AV industry, yesterday announced that it is sending out beta samples of what the company call XSense -- a highly flexible, film-based touch sensor (in other words, a touch-panel technology that so flexible you can roll it up). Atmel says that XSense touch sensors will not only enable a new generation of smartphones and tablets, but also extend touch capabilities into a wider array of new consumer and industrial products. Since Atmel is a publicly traded company, you have to lend it credence as they'd be in trouble if they exaggerated something as big as this!

Based on a proprietary roll-to-roll metal mesh technology, XSense touch sensors provide a high-performance alternative to existing touch sensors. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will now be able to develop larger, lighter, sleeker, curved and edgeless designs for smartphones, tablets, Ultrabooks and a host of new touch-enabled products. XSense touch sensors are optimal for a wide range of touch screen products, enabling thinner sensor stacks with superior performance and excellent optical clarity. With such advantages as flawless touch performance, enhanced noise immunity, low sheet resistance and low power consumption, designers will now be able to turn unique touch-based concepts into functional designs at lower total system costs compared to current market alternatives.

The company also sees this as something that will transform the large screen market as well. So, flesible touch screen digital signage and HDTVs may be sooner on the horizon than we thought!

Here are all the details on the technology: http://www.atmel.com/Microsite/xsense/default.aspx

Chief Ships New Micro-Adjustable Whiteboard Mount

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:09:44 GMT

Chief has started shipping its new WBM2 Series Micro-Adjustable Whiteboard Mount that allows you to install a new interactive board over pre-existing chalkboards and dry erase boards.

Designed for quick installation, the WB2 Series features an easy, three-step set-up process and multiple post-installation adjustments to achieve desired positioning. This includes dual lateral shift, which provides up to 30" (762 mm) of total travel left/right and offers flexibility for mounting near wall obstructions and precision board placement and macro height adjust at uprights in 1" (25.4 mm) increments. Thus, you get between 9"-17" (229-432 mm) of shift, depending on the interactive board model. Also included is micro height and leveling adjust at wall assemblies up to 1.5" (38.1 mm). Additionally, the mount is equipped with adjustable feet that hold the installation in place, ensuring a stable writing surface.

The WB2 Series is compatible with most SMART 600 and 800 Series boards, with additional accessories available such as:

WBAP platform accessory for SMART complete ix, i4 and i5 solutions using UX60, UF6 and UF75 projectors.
WBAU universal adapter kit for interactive boards other than SMART -- available mid-April.
WBAE extender kit for interactive boards that need to be lower to the floor for younger audiences -- available mid-April.

Complete specs and details are here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/Products/WBM2

Active Thermal Management Intros New Component Cooler

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:46:53 GMT

Dubbed Cool-slim, this component cooler from Active Thermal Management will fit just about anywhere and is simple to use. You just put it on top of a hot component that needs more ventilation, and it pulls the hot air out, discharging it to the front and rear. Designed to fit into tight spaces, it's only 1 5/8" high, plus the feet can be removed, reducing its height to 1 1/4". It uses all-electronic thermal switching circuitry. Just plug the probe and the wall-wart into the back panel, put the probe on the hot component and the cooling begins.

The list price of the Cool-slim is $225. All the specs are here: http://www.activethermal.com/page39.html

Polycom Announces New Webinar, Includes IDC's Matt Davis

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:44:20 GMT

Video is becoming ubiquitous. New IDC reports forecast that by 2015 worldwide shipments of media tablets will reach nearly 140 million and smartphones will make up 45 percent of global mobile phone penetration.

Many of the world’s most innovative businesses, including Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (Alaska) and HomeAway, improve their productivity with Polycom RealPresence Mobile. In this exclusive webcast, learn how companies use visual collaboration on mobile devices to enable smarter decisions, exceed customer demands and stay ahead of the competition.

Polycom is holding a free webinar addressing these topics on April 17 at 1 p.m. EDT. It will include:

New trends laying the foundation for mobile collaboration
Key requirements for a productive deployment
Examples of how mobile device collaboration can transform business productivity
How to get started to maximize productivity ASAP

Register here: http://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/eventRegistrationServlet?eventid=408813&sessionid=1&key=4F79BCB3EE6F331AA72FB9B9AFD657FC&partnerref=eloqua1&referrer=

A-Designs Debuts Pre-Amp

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:49:02 GMT

A-Designs Audio has re-released its JM-3001 Mic Preamp/EQ/D.I. under a new name, Ventura, a nod to the classic Quad Eight console after which the unit's three-band parametric EQ is inspired. And, classic it is -- it looks just like it stepped out of InfoComm 1988.

In addition to its new moniker, the A-Designs Ventura features a cream-colored (oh, that's what that color is?) faceplate with black nomenclature for improved visibility in low-light environments.

The heart of the device is a discrete transistor operational amplifier designed by Carl Johnson for the Ventura. Operating on high voltage rails, this op-amp is a high-gain, fast-slew, stable audio block with virtually no DC offset over the audio spectrum. It is used in the microphone pre-amp, instrument input amp and main output/EQ stages. The mic pr-eamp itself is a single-stage, transformer-coupled design with balanced I/O and is equipped with phase reverse, a -20 dB pad, +48V phantom power with LED indicator and a conductive plastic gain control pot. The pre-amp section feeds both the EQ section and a pre-amp output mult simultaneously.

The Ventura's three-band parametric equalizer is a unique design featuring 33 frequencies with three bands of overlapping ranges from 50Hz to 15 KHz. Both the frequency selection and the +/-12 dB boost/cut controls are stepped for precise, repeatable settings. Each band has a Q switch with three fixed positions -- sharp, wide and narrow. The low and high bands are peak/dip, but flipping the shelf switch changes their characteristic to shelf type. The shelving switch disables the Q feature on high and low bands only. When in the up position, the high/low filters insert the fixed 12dB/octave high- and low-cut filters, which work whether the EQ is in or out. And, finally, the equalizer's input/insert return provides direct input to the EQ, bypassing both the mic pre and instrument input.

It lists for $2,095.00. For a complete list of Ventura's features and specifications, go here: http://www.adesignsaudio.com

Extron Expands Education Offerings

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:44:58 GMT

Extron has expanded the Extron Institute On-The-Road schedule and six new locations, which include Columbus in May, Philadelphia in June, St. Louis in July and August, Calgary, Alberta in August, Montreal, Quebec in October, and Denver in November. With the expanded North America schedule, Extron will now offer over 50 instructor-led training courses in 2012.

This expanded schedule follows the recent announcement by Andrew Edwards, president of Extron, that Extron will not participate at the InfoComm-USA tradeshow. Andrew’s complete message to the market can be found at http://www.extron.com/andrewonline

The 2012 NSCA Business & Leadership Conference: A First-Time Attendee’s Review

dawn@avdawn.com (Dawn Meade) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:10:57 GMT

When last we met, I was talking about the kick-off for the 2012 NSCA Business & Leadership Conference in Dallas. In fact, I wrote that article from the hotel after the end of the first day and already at that point I was overwhelmed. Now, I’m back from Dallas and ready to share many of my experiences and thoughts on this amazing conference.

Friday morning, March 2, began bright and early with a double-whammy of an opening session covering the economy and economic forecasts for our industries. The first speaker up was Lee McPheeters, research professor of economics at the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and director of the JPMorgan Chase Economic Outlook Center. Personally, I’ve always found economics to be a snooze-fest and economists to be dry, dusty fellows. That wasn’t so with Dr. McPheeters, whose animated presentation style and sly sense of humor allowed him to impart a lot of great information AND keep the lot of us awake and engaged at the ungodly hour of 8 a.m. (OK, so I’m not a morning person…) Despite his great style, the news he shared wasn’t all good. He discussed the ongoing economic slump and the very real possibility of a double-dip recession. Even if that does not come to pass, he pointed out the extremely long lead time on “recovery” as most of us define it. Jobs aren’t predicted to reach pre-downturn levels until 2014 at least, while increased instability in Europe could domino further troubles onto our shores. The upshot, according to the professor, is that things are recovering and improving, but it is happening so slowly that we may not recognize it as improvement. And, while new events (Europe, the elections, etc.) may impact the recovery negatively, the very long-term forecast is good and things WILL get better. But in the short-term and mid-long-term, be prepared for a bumpy ride.

The opening session then concluded with Rusty Sherwood, vice president of McGraw-Hill Construction, who gave us a look at the construction forecasts. Here the news was also not so good, as we’re in the midst of a massive correction period. Prior to and even during the early days of the economic collapse, the construction industry was flying high, with massive building projects taking place everywhere. When the bubble burst, there were massive amounts of surplus built and vacant, so new housing and new commercial building starts are practically non-existent right now. He broke down the construction market by so many verticals and segments that it was almost confusing for those of us not in the field, but the gist of it was this -- new stuff, not so much. Renovations, retrofits and new build-outs are all happening and likely to increase in volume over the next year or two. If you aren’t already working in that space, you’d better figure it out quickly or your business model will really feel the pain.

The economic sessions were followed by an outstanding session by author and entrepreneur Scott Klososky about leveraging the latest technologies (including social media) to improve your business and stay ahead of the competition. Klososky was one of the most dynamic speakers and this was one of the most informative sessions of the entire conference. He provided a lot of valuable insight, particularly on why social media matters, how to utilize new social methods like crowdsourcing to improve your bottom line, and the importance of reputation in the new business world. In short, he covered the changing face of leadership in these increasingly digital times and stressed the need for owners, CEOs and other executive business types to embrace these new roles and new demands.

After a fantastic networking lunch, the BLC attendees began Friday afternoon with breakout sessions. Jay Myers of Interactive Solutions spoke on Internal Measures for security against embezzlement and fraud, based on his own experiences as detailed in his book Keep Swinging: An Entrepreneur’s Story of Overcoming Adversity & Achieving Small Business Success. At the same time, “the Chief Storyteller” Ira Koretsky spoke on Social Media for Revenue Growth, covering the top five social applications for business success. I sat in on Koretsky’s session, which provided a lot of great information, particularly for the social neophyte. He gave a lot of practical tips for getting started on various platforms, and left attendees with worksheets to get them started on developing a social presence on these applications.

The afternoon ended with an executive power hour -- three, 20-minute presentations on interrelated topics, presented by Craig Janssen of Acoustical Dimensions, Jim Sinapoli of Smart Buildings, as well as Scott Klososky once again. The interrelated topics all dealt with managing the unexpected, particularly in technology and innovation, and providing strong leadership and direction while doing so. It was a great first-day wrap up and a nice way to wind up before our evening off site.

Friday evening, all BLC attendees traveled by bus over to the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium for “Cowboys, Cocktails and Casino Night.” The evening began with tours of the amazing new facility with its infamous GIANT screen over the field. The general tour included various levels of skyboxes, art and exhibits, as well as touring the players’ locker room and the cheerleaders’ locker room. A special AV technology tour was provided by AMX (who provided the control systems for the entire stadium) and included the broadcast booths, the main equipment and rack room, the server room and various lounges and clubs within the stadium that include AV and control. I was fortunate enough to take both tours and found them equally fascinating. The tours were followed by an amazing dinner, drinks and casino games for fun in the main concourse. It was a fantastic way to end a great first day of “real stuff” at the BLC.

Stay tuned next time for the last day of the BLC and my final takeaways on the event!

Dawn Meade, CTS -- also known as AVDawn -- is the marketing and media coordinator for Net-AV. She is an industry veteran with experience in integration, AV sales and social media. You can find her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/avdawn, on her AV tech blog, and of course, here at rAVe as a staff writer and as part of the rAVe BlogSquad.

Calibre Intros Newest Image Warper

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:57 GMT

The new HQView530 is a stand-alone signal processor that will switch, scale, scan-convert and can edge-blend for multiple projector images over large surfaces for staging applications. It uses a unique jog wheel with an LCD front panel menu display designed to simplify and quicken set-up for rental and staging and on-site usage.

The 530 includes 3G-SDI input and output capability, as well as backwards compatibility with HD-SDI and SD-SDI formats. The processor will accept a wide range of HD, SD and computer inputs including DVI, HDMI, YPbPr/RGBS, VGA/RGBHV, S-Video, plus Composite PAL, NTSC and SECAM. For in-camera use, a Genlock input is provided for compatible with bi or tri-level sync or black and burst, which vertically locks the output to the genlock reference signal.

Complete specs are here: http://www.calibreuk.com/pvp.htm

Pacific Media’s End User Survey Claims Interest in Home Theater Projectors Up 66 Percent

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:26:42 GMT

Pacific Media Associates (PMA) has released its findings on the current use and future purchase intentions of consumer projector users.

This is the final set of important results from PMA’s sixth biennial large-scale (1000 responses) and statistically-representative survey of United States users and intenders of front projectors, both individual consumers and organizations. The survey focused on topics of timely interest, including requests for additional or modified questions from PMA’s extensive client base of front projector manufacturers. This set of findings focused on end-user consumers who own, or plan to buy, a home theater projector.

“Our 2011 survey showed an increased interest in front projector use in the home, compared to our previous survey, conducted in 2009,” says Dr. William Coggshall, President of PMA. “In 2009, 11 percent of the survey respondents expected to buy a projector vs. another type of large-screen display. Our recent 2011 survey showed that figure has increased to 18 percent.”

Results also showed that movies are the preferred content type for current projector owners, with 25 percent of owners using their projectors to watch movies and other pre-recorded videos. Watching TV, which ranked number one in the previous survey, lost ground in the latest survey. Movies, 3D Sports, 3D games, and 3D TV programs also gained popularity as reasons to buy a 3D projector.

Expectations for placing a projector in a dedicated home theater were significantly lower than in PMA’s 2009 end user survey, possibly because consumers have cut back on large-scale remodeling projects that might be associated with dedicated media rooms. This could explain why a lot of the high-end/luxury projector brands have moved down-market over the past year year, offering products at compelling prices.

Sony (whom respondents considered the “best” brand), Panasonic, Acer and LG are among the most-owned brands, while Sony, LG, and JVC are among the most intended brands.

Online Video Set to Surpass Physical Media

reply@ravepubs.com (Aldo Cugnini) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:30:13 GMT

The inevitable is about to happen, perhaps sooner than anyone thought. The DVD format, first introduced in 1996, and its 2003 successor Blu-ray, as well as legacy VHS, are about to be passed in viewing volume by online paid video downloads. The legal, paid consumption of movies online in the United States will reach 3.4 billion views or transactions in 2012, approximately 1 billion units higher than the 2.4 billion for physical video for this year, according to information and analytics provider IHS.

Online sales are defined as electronic sell-through (EST, with a one-time fee to download and store locally), Internet video on demand (iVOD, one-time streaming) and subscription video on demand (SVOD, repeat streaming by subscription). Just last year, physical video still had the leading share of the market, with 2.6 billion views or transactions, compared to 1.4 billion for online. Although it is declining, physical video this year will still command more viewing time from Americans, who will spend an estimated 4.3 billion hours on DVDs and Blu-ray discs, compared to 3.2 billion hours for movies online. But it’s amazing how close those numbers are, as well.

"The year 2012 will be the final nail to the coffin on the old idea that consumers won’t accept premium content distribution over the Internet," says IHS senior principal analyst Dan Cryan. "In fact, the growth in online consumption is part of a broader trend that has seen the total number of movies consumed from services that are traditionally considered ‘home entertainment’ grow by 40 percent between 2007 and 2011, even as the number of movies viewed on physical formats has declined."

Apparently, says IHS, the surge in consumption of online video is due to the rise of flat-rate subscription services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, which offer customers unlimited on-demand movies for a fixed monthly or annual fee. The result is that subscriptions in 2011 accounted for 94 percent of all paid online movie consumption in the United States, compared to just 1.3 percent of units consumed that were bought on an ownership basis via electronic sell-through.

But although online sales will account for the majority of transactions this year, it is set to attract a far lower share of revenue in 2012, at $1.7 billion, measured against $11.1 billion derived from physical formats.

This is because consumers will pay an average of 51 cents for every movie consumed online, compared to $4.72 for physical video. The pattern will likely remain unchanged even by 2016, predicts IHS, with online accounting for 17 percent of revenue compared to 75 percent for physical video and pay-TV video on demand taking the remaining 8 percent.

When the Internet and audio CDs were still in their infancy, techno-pundits decried the absurdity of selling bits to consumers on physical media. We’re now seeing the inevitable - the ubiquity of Internet connectivity will all but obsolete physical media as a means for distributing content. (In a related development, note the struggles that the U.S. Postal Service is going through.) How long until DVD and Blu-ray become completely irrelevant?

As IHS’ Cryan points out, "almost nine years after the launch of the iTunes Store, CDs are still a vital part of the music business." Netflix started streaming video over the Internet in 2007, and applying the same CD-longevity measure to digital video on disc would suggest the formats are still around in 2016. Any bets?

Aldo Cugnini is an analyst for Insight Media. Reach him at aldo@insightmedia.info

HP, Microsoft, Polycom: Bundling Against Cisco

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:46:21 GMT

Last summer Polycom bought HP's video and telepresence business, becoming the exclusive videoconferencing supplier for HP's reseller and integrator businesses. Now they will launch the first integrated, all-in-one solution bundle to come from the two vendors that’s intended to be sold through the channel. There will also be more bundles in the future.

Hewlett Packard and Polycom, along with Microsoft, plan to hit Cisco harder by making available UC and video bundles that tie together networking products from all three vendors.

The bundles now come in only two specific offerings (only one is available for sale by HP and Polycom partners). HP and Polycom Rich Media Communications (RMC) is a bundle offering HP Networking products -- including the 12500 and 10500 series switches, plus Polycom RealPresence video products -- and it will be sold through VARs.

Sold direct and only by HP’s own Technology Services will be the HP AppSystem for Microsoft Lync, which offers integration with Polycom RealPresence (the software that powers Polycom's telepresence and video products) and its relevant video and virtual meeting room offerings.

Solution providers from HP and Polycom can now bring it all together, from video installation to desktop and mobile video integration using open standards-based, interoperable products from both vendors, with multi-layer security available to protect all of the various applications. (RealPresence integrates with Microsoft's Lync, and Polycom's CX7000 telepresence line is custom-built for Lync integration, with a Lync client in the system.)

The bundles seek to simplify integration and if successful, this will be only the first in a flurry of punches aimed at Cisco’s body of business.

Here are the details: http://www.polycom.com/company/news_room/press_releases/2012/20120326.html

RGB Spectrum Debuts New 48 Screen SuperWall Processor

reply@ravepubs.com (rAVe Staff) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:54:19 GMT

RGB Spectrum has announced the release of the SuperWall, which is basically a combination of up to four MediaWalls. The SuperWall control software can create displays with up to 120 windows arranged over up to 48 screens. SuperWall can handle up to four MediaWall 4500 or MediaWall 4200 processors. It offers a Java-based web control interface that supports all functions of the MediaWall processors including SinglePointKvM.

It's not on the company's website yet, but when it is, it will be here: http://www.rgb.com/products/