Open the page of any Saturday newspaper (I think they still have those…) and you will see many examples of the problem that is facing our very industry and threatening our margins. It seems that these days, people just don't care about how well products are made. Features are glare out at us; each week things get "faster" or have "more mega pixels" or are just…"better."
In our fast pace world, price and perceived features win most of the time. Very few customers will pay for quality, the vast majority purchasing inferior goods made overseas.
Since I'm a Canadian I can use the example of a snow shovel. (Eh?) When I went to buy one last year, I couldn't even FIND a decent shovel. Sure, there were lots of options, colors and styles, but none that were really constructed to last. What I ended up buying was a plastic piece of junk that won't endure more than two years of service. After using the shovel for a winter, I already see major signs of wear — that thing likely won't make it through next season. But who cares, right? It was $9.95 — just buy another and throw this one away!
OK… so what does this have to do with AV, you say? Our beloved AV gear is becoming disposable. People would rather buy one low quality item five times rather than buying something that will last 10 years. The line between "consumer grade" and "professional grade" equipment is narrowing. As that line gets thinner and thinner our profit margins are also shrinking as the pricing model is built for volume sales.
So what do we do?
Although it is easy to find more examples of how everything is wrong, let's make an important observation here. Things are not going back to the way they were! It would be nice, but it just isn't going to happen. Waiting for this is like hanging onto your vintage brick style Motorola cell phone just in case this new "digital" craze dies down and everybody starts demanding analog phones. Ridiculous, isn't it?
In an ever changing landscape, we need to realize that we ARE the value. Equipment can come and go, but there is always someone needed to figure out how it can be deployed to create a seamless environment. To upgrade systems when different requirements come along through technological innovation. To replace the monitor when even though you advised the customer against it since he purchased an inferior model. The trick is to figure out what client base you are serving, and serve them well. I'm not suggesting you lower your standards, but there is definitely money to be made in the AV industry, even in low margin market conditions with "disposable" gear.
Of course, there are people who won't find these types of services worth the cost. To that I say,"so what?" Don't waste your energy trying to convince someone they NEED your service. If they just want a projector and a screen, either figure out a way to make it worth your while or pass on the job.
In closing, we all have our MacGuyver moments… I'd love to hear your stories about how you were able to maintain profitability while being forced to work with less than desirable gear. Leave a comment or get ahold of me at http://ProAVSchool.com
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
Samsung Kills Two Birds With One Stone With Smart Dual View OLED TV
By Ken Park and Yoongsung Chung DisplaySearch
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.
By Allen Weidman Executive Director, STEP Foundation
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.
Ricoh Intros First Upright Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
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 1280×800 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.
Optoma has expanded its EcoBright line of lamp-free projectors with two LED projectors — the 300-lumen TL30W and the 500-lumen TL50W. Aimed at mobile users, both projectors offer Wi-Fi and come with a built-in MS Office Viewer. MS Office Viewer supports the most commonly-used Microsoft Office files, including past and present versions of PowerPoint, Word, Excel, as well as Adobe PDF files, JPEG, and BMP images, and most common video file formats. The projectors offer mini-HDMI and VGA ports, as well as 2 GB of on-board memory for truly PC-less presentations.
Both the TL30W and TL50W are native WXGA (1280×800) resolution, are small (7.2” x 1.8” x 4.4”) and weigh about 2 lbs. In addition to using 1/20th the power of a normal projector, they have an EcoMode during which they power right up and down without any wait. The TL30W carries an end-user price of $549, while the TL50W is available for $649.
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 2×2 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.
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.
Sonance Adds Hardscape Subwoofer to Landscape Series
Sonance has started shipping its all new “Landscape Series” HS10SUB 70-volt Hardscape Subwoofer, designed to be incorporated into outdoor furniture or planter boxes.
The HS10SUB features a sealed non-corrosive enclosure that is constructed from a brown-textured HDPVC (High Density Polyvinyl Chloride), while the 10” (254mm) polypropylene cone driver with rubber surround delivers a frequency response of 35Hz – 100Hz ±3dB. According to Sonance, this speaker is able to deliver scalable "high quality audio" in challenging hardscape environments. The sealed (HDPVC) enclosure is installed above the ground and can be built into outdoor furniture or underneath vented planter boxes.
The HS10SUB can also be used in conjunction with the existing LS10SUB in-ground subwoofer in larger systems, where an installation requires a combination of landscape and hardscape products to achieve an even sound stage.
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 420×420 channel AVB-1 card or one AVB-1 card and one or two 32×32 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
ClearOne Introduces Its New Network Audio Bridge Product Line for Pro Audio
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.
Philips MMD To Launch New Interactive Touch Displays at InfoComm
The new Philips Touch Series consists of 10 different products developed for the retail, quick service restaurant, hospitality, healthcare and transportation industries. Available in 32”, 42”, 46”, 55” and 65” sizes, according to MMD, each model is designed for 24/7/365 operation and use commercial-grade displays.
The new Philips Touch Series include either one of these two technologies:
Optical Sensing Dual-Touch: The Optical Sensing Dual Camera system allows for 2 simultaneous touch points at the same time.
Infrared Sensing Multi-Touch: The Infrared Sensing Multi-Touch technology allows for multiple simultaneous touch points at the same time.
The Philips Touch Series all include Intel’s Open Plugable Specification (OPS), are native 1920×1080 resolution, include RS232 and IP control and have a mode called SmartPower to reduce power consumption up to 50 percent in different lighting conditions.
The optical sensing, dual-touch displays are:
32” Dual-Touch HD LCD Display (BDL3245DT/27)
42” Dual-Touch HD LCD Display with OPS (BDL4245DT/27)
46” Dual-Touch HD LCD Display with OPS (BDL4645DT/27)
55” Dual-Touch HD LCD Display with OPS (BDL5545DT/27)
55” Dual-Touch HD LCD Display (BDL5571DT/27)
The infrared sensing, multi-touch displays are:
42” Multi-Touch HD LCD Display with OPS (BDL4245AT/27)
46” Multi-Touch HD LCD Display with OPS (BDL4645AT/27)
55” Multi-Touch HD LCD Display with OPS (BDL5545AT/27)
55” Multi-Touch HD LED Display (BDL5530AT/27)
65” Multi-Touch HD LCD Display (BDL6531AT/27)
All the displays will officially debut at InfoComm.
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.
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.
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).
Extron has started shipping its new HDMI DA2, a one-input, two-output HDMI distribution amplifier. The HDMI DA2 supports HDMI specification features including data rates up to 6.75 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, Lip Sync and HD lossless audio formats. The HDCP-compliant distribution amplifier supports all HDTV rates including 1080p/60 and PC resolutions up to 1920×1200. Extron says it features two exclusive technologies: EDID Minder, which maintains continuous EDID communication between connected devices and Key Minder, which continuously authenticates HDCP encryption between all devices, ensuring the simultaneous distribution of source content to both displays.
The HDMI DA2 features include automatic input cable equalization, automatic color bit depth management, selectable output muting and indicators for monitoring and troubleshooting. Input cable equalization restores and reshapes incoming HDMI signals, reducing the need for additional signal conditioning equipment by compensating for weak source signals or signal loss from a long input cable. The HDMI DA2 automatically adjusts color bit depth based on the display EDID, preventing color compatibility conflicts between source and display. Outputs can be muted independently via RS-232, allowing content to be previewed on a local monitor. Additionally, the distribution amplifier provides immediate visual confirmation of EDID status, HDCP authentication, and signal presence confirmation for each port via front panel LED indicators.
Premier Mounts Introduces Heavy-Duty Clamp Adapter
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.
Premier Mounts Debuts New Mobile Mega Mount Cart for Large Displays
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.
Chief Now Shipping New Interactive Solution for Ceiling-Mounted Projectors
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.
Altinex Ships Another 1×2 VGA Distribution Amplifier
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.
Peerless-AV Debuts New 3×3 Universal Video Wall Cart
Peerless-AV announced recently the launch of a 3×3 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.
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 16×16 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.
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.
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.
X2O Media's Portal Now Fully Integrated With Polycom RealPresence Media Manager
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.
Samsung Techwin America, a manufacturer in document camera technology, announced today that it has hired Robert Garbutt as its eastern regional sales manager.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
Steve Decker Joins Milestone AV as President of Consumer Products
Milestone AV Technologies announced this week that it has hired Steve Decker as president of consumer products. He will lead Milestone's consumer products business, including SANUS.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
Professional Systems Network International (PSNI), a network of independent audiovisual systems integrators, has launched a new website, which can be seen at the same URL of http://www.psni.org.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
Premier Mounts Hires Sam Malik as Executive Vice President Worldwise
Premier Mounts has hired Sam Malik as its new executive vice president worldwide. Malik was previously vice president and general manager of sales and marketing for Sanyo Corporation and before that, director of national sales and marketing for Toshiba America.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
Integration firm Advanced Systems Group (ASG) announced this month that pro audio veteran Mark Haynes has joined the company. He will specialize in contributing an audio perspective to video-centric products.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
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