Volume 10, Issue 2 — February 3, 2017
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BYOD – Where Do We Stand?
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
Remember the days when all the AV and IT people at a campus needed to worry about were the computers the institution owned, or the installed computer at the podium? Those days are long gone as the IoT has become mainstream in our daily lives. BYOD is a fact of life in our day to day work, and often a headache. How do you manage these challenges and stresses My recommendation is to develop a BYOD strategy.
To get a sense of the magnitude of BYOD already on college campuses, here is an example. Bates College has about 1,700 full time students. We have over 5,000 devices registered by students on our wireless network. That number does not include all of the of wired devices that students bring. In our newest residence hall, which houses 130 students, we have 100 wireless APs. That is almost one AP per student! A sampling of some of the devices we have seen registered include: laptops, phones, tablets, Amazon Echos, Amazon Dots, Apple TVs, ChromeCasts, smart TVs, Playstations, PS4s and Xboxes. We have even seen a couple of power adapters that connect to the network so that students can turn their stuff on and off from their phones. Personally, I still prefer The Clapper.
The question that needs to be answered now is: Which of these will we see in the lecture halls, presentation rooms and other spaces that we design? The integrators who have been in the home AV market will tell you that they see all of these things already and have dealt with them — however, not in the same way that we will see them in the educational market. Home integrators work with their clients to define exactly what will be in a system. They don’t typically design for “my friend may come over and bring a some tech thing they want to plug in.” This is one of the ways in which the educational market is unique. Another way the market is unique is that AV in education is not all about audio and video at the front of the space. We use AV in huddle groups, in residence halls and at various groupings throughout all spaces.
n order to deal with these challenges colleges need to address the following four factors: connections, cost, communications and planning.
Connections is about the various dongles and adapters you may have in any room. Every time this industry thinks we have settled on something (remember when HDMI was the FINAL connector?), it changes. The latest change, of course, is USB-C. Apple is now putting out laptops with only (even for the power) USB-C connectors. In a few months Dell computers will be doing the same thing. The iPhone no longer has a standard headphone jack. You can continue to chase around these changing connections forever. However, it is guaranteed that you will eventually not have the correct connection. In addition to wired connections, you need to decide what type of wireless connections you want to provide. Will they support only computers? Or will they support mobile devices as well?
The costs part of your strategy will help you communicate with your administrators about which connections to provide. CIOs, CFOs and presidents don’t want, and won’t understand, long descriptions of switchers and matrices and the costs of each. What they will understand is a “cost per port.” This is something that our IT partners have been doing for years. Calculate this number on your own, depending on your standards. Make it simple for yourself and give yourself some room inside the numbers. For example, if the four-by-one switcher you use costs $1,000, be sure to also consider the various cabling, installation and programming that needs to go into the installation and use. Also, you need to factor in the break point — what if you go to five ports? You don’t want to have to explain that this adds a whole new switcher. Stick with your number. If your calculations come up with $350 per port, that’s your number. As you talk with the administration about which connectors to provide, tell them the “cost per port.”
The communications part is likely the most important. Once you have decided on connections and costs, make sure you communicate it! Most of the people who come to our institutions never think about how they are going to connect their devices. You need to reach out to them and make sure they are prepared. If your decision is to NOT offer VGA anymore, make sure you are communicating that somewhere. I recommend your department’s website. This is where we have our SLA for connections in the classroom and it’s where we point all our presenters.
Finally, you need to think about the planning part of your strategy. This is the fun part! You get to think about what you might be seeing in the future and if you are lucky, you may get to buy some new technologies and test drive them. For example, we are seeing a lot of annotation tablets coming to our campus. The presenters want to annotate in front of the room. If it is a Microsoft Surface that someone is bringing, not only do you need to consider the correct adapter, you also need to consider the aspect ratio of the device (it’s not standard). If you have never had a Surface, the first time you’ll realize this is when someone is standing in front of 100 people waiting to give their presentation. Google Home and Amazon Echo, along with Mark Zuckerberg’s “Jarvis,” demonstrate that voice control is going to be a major aspect of control in the future. What do you need to know about this? How will this affect your connections, costs and communications in the future? If you have a sound BYOD strategy and you continue to work on it, you will be able to answer that question. Leave a Comment
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An Announcement from QSC, the Death of Hardware and Where We Go Next
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
I’ve been writing for some time about how the days for dedicated hardware in the commercial AV realm might be numbered. We will always, of course, need edge devices: loudspeakers and amplifiers, microphones and audio digitizers. Video encoders, video decoders. Displays. Between all of these devices, however, live the entire world of AV switching, control, audio processing, video processing. These are, at their heart, collections of algorithms and instructions, with little need for a dedicated box. Where will this take us? A not-unexpected announcement from our friends at QSC is a clear waypoint along one path.
What QSC Is Doing
The announcement is a simple one: QSC is putting their software in a standard Dell server — the same kind of server that would run pretty much any other enterprise software. If I understand this correctly, that means no big grey box with the words “QSC” stamped on it. What’s more is that the QSC platform can be used as a control platform as well as an audio-processing platform. Even assuming that video transport isn’t coming soon (and I have every reason to suspect that it is), there’s no reason the Q-SYS software cannot be used to send control strings to a series of network-based video encoders and decoders.
Meanwhile Utelogy has been making inroads with their own software-based platform. The two firms have taken very different direction: The Q-SYS platform is built on the type of audio-processing environment with which we’ve been familiar for over a decade now; it’s an active and sophisticated system involving specialized configuration skill set. The Utelogy platform is a bit simpler and more closely resembles a unified communications platform such as Cisco Call Manager than it does a traditional AV control system. Q-SYS is, at its heart, an audio processing platform with control processing and video transport (currently via QSC’s IP cameras only, but I expect to see more added to it). The Utelogy platform is an enterprise communications and ID management system with AV control overlaid. The latter is probably better for handling various user-IDs and permission levels, while the former better lends itself to the “work” of an AV system, including audio processing.
As software grows, it will be interesting to see which approach gains the larger foothold.
What Does This Mean?
The superficial answer is that a specialized box will be replaced by a non-specialized box performing the same function. That is technically an answer, but a reductive and not terribly interesting one. A better question is that of what it means for our business and for how the AV integration world works. What IS an AV system? What does an AV professional actually do?
I wouldn’t be your pixel and ink-stained wretch if I didn’t answer in metaphor. For today’s metaphor, let’s look at IP telephony. While there are specialized firms to handle this kind of work, they do not design, build and configure an entire telephony system for a single space. What they create is an infrastructure on which a larger system or set of systems can be constructed. Can I see a future in which streamlined “conference room” modules in an instance of Q-SYS software could be implemented to add a huddle room with a USB microphone and IP camera to an existing configuration? I absolutely can. In such a world, a new room could be brought online in less than an hour and tear-down could be just as quick.
Where Does That Leave Us?
It leaves us with our core competencies — in understanding audio, in understanding sight-lines and in helping our clients build the infrastructure on which they can build. It’s understanding microphones and loudspeakers. It’s forging relationships, including on-going service and support contracts to keep the systems working and help add to them.
It’s leading the discussion on what is possible in an ever-changing and ever-evolving world.
If we insist that it’s our role to sell boxes, then the death of the box WILL be our death as well. If we remain smart and adaptable, we’ll find more chances to do what we do well and to fit into a whole new world. Leave a Comment
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NEC’s New Digital Signage P and V Series Powered by Raspberry Pi NEC Display Solutions Europe today launched the P and V Series, a range of professional MultiSync large format displays for digital signage as well as presentation use. The new displays support the NEC Open Modular intelligence (OMi) platform, enabling the creation of tailor-made solutions for signage. Scalable computing power such as Raspberry Pi compute modules or Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) Slot-in PCs can be seamlessly embedded into the displays to create a fully integrated solution.
The P and V Series line-ups each consist of three models, ranging in size from 40 to 55 inches (P404, P484, P554 and V404, V484, V554). With an elegant and slimline design, both new Series of displays allow for an unobtrusive integration. They are suitable for installations in retail, leisure and museum environments, for corporate signage solutions, passenger information, quick service restaurants and all other public spaces.
The V Series features a display brightness of 500 cd/m², providing effortless readability under common ambient light conditions. The higher 700 cd/m² brightness level of the P Series, guarantees captivating readability in applications where ambient light is high. Both Series use an anti-glare surface to reduce reflections effectively.
The MultiSync P and V Series also delivers enhanced imaging performance via its SpectraView Engine, a colour stabilisation solution which for flagship P Series allows full control of brightness, colour, gamma and uniformity for precise and natural reliable images. Additionally, the combination of high end colour performance with extreme viewing angles driven by hardware calibratable 12 bit Look Up Tables (LUT) enable viewers to benefit from consistently accurate rendering ofimages such as branding and corporate identities.
The P and V Series large format displays are easy to install and operate. Using the free multi-display management software NaViSet Administrator 2, companies can manage all connected display devices from a centralised location. Suitable for 24/7 mission critical applications, the meticulous selection of industrial-grade components and careful design of the P and V Series ensures continuous operation in demanding usage scenarios.
The new NEC P and V Series large format displays will be on show at the NEC Display Solutions booth 5-R24 at the ISE trade fair in Amsterdam 7 – 10 February 2017. Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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QSC Intros Q-SYS Core 510i Integrated Core ProcessorQSC just introduced the Q-SYS Core 510i Integrated Core processor. An evolution of the Q-SYS Platform, the Core 510i processor leverages the latest Intel platform using a QSC-developed Linux realtime operating system (RTOS) to deliver the most powerful audio, video and control (AVC) solution available. The Core 510i processor offers the most flexible audio I/O configuration options of any processor in the Q-SYS catalog, with card-based I/O as well as native Q-LAN network channel and AES67 capabilities. It is designed for applications that require a mixture of analog, digital and networked audio connectivity, including mid- to large-sized meeting spaces and hospitality applications.
The Core 510i can be deployed in two different software configurable modes:
- Q-SYS Core mode: handles all AVC processing including extensive resources for built-in acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) that can be deployed with the new Q-SYS AV-to-USB Bridging solution for soft codec conferencing applications.
- I/O Frame mode: support for up to 128×128 audio channels as an I/O peripheral into the Q-SYS system for processing on a separate Q-SYS Core processor. It can accommodate any combination of Q-SYS Type-II I/O cards including Dante, CobraNet, AVB or Q-SYS analog and AES/EBU cards.
With the recent release of Q-SYS Designer Software v5.3, all Q-SYS Core processors shipped to date, including the Core 510i processor offer native AES67 capability without the need for any additional hardware or license costs. Like other Q-SYS solutions, the Core 510i processor offers multiple levels of system redundancy allowing the designer to choose the most appropriate redundancy scheme for the project at hand.
Gary recorded a podcast with QSC earlier this week that covered the Core 510i that you can listen to here.
The Q-SYS Core 510i processor will debut at the QSC Systems stand 7-Q170 at the Integrated Systems Conference (ISE) in Amsterdam and all the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Vivitek Intros Two Short-Throw Laser Projectors Vivitek is introducing two new short-throw projectors, the DH765Z-UST and the DW763Z-UST, both laser projectors.
Their ultra-short throw projector design with an embedded reflective mirror allows for a projection size of 80” to 150” diagonal image from a mere 40cm away from the screen, an extremely close distance to the projection surface. With the native 1920×1080 DH765Z-UST and the native 1920×1200 DW763Z-UST both have laser phosphor light engines, are spec’d at 3,500 ANSI lumens and a 12,000:1 contrast ratio. Inputs include two HDMI, VGA and component video.
Both using TI’s DLP and BrilliantColor technologies, the new models have a sealed optical engine and an enhanced ventilation system that’s designed to minimize the impact of dust.The DH765Z-UST and DW763Z-UST will be available in Q2 2017, with a list price respectively of £2,199 MSRP (ex VAT) and £1,899 MSRP (ex VAT). The Ultra Short Throw Laser Phosphor models come with a warranty on projector for three years or 10,000 hours on the Laser Phosphor illumination source (whichever comes first).
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Barco Launches New ClickShare in 4K Capable CSE-800 Barco is about to one-up the ante in the wireless video/collaboration market with a totally new ClickShare model — finally one that’s actually 4K. The new CSE-800 is a is basically a 4K ClickShare with two 4K DCI (4096×2160) outputs (on HDMI) — but, it’s not as if they just took the functionality of the CSE-200 and changed the 1080p outputs and made them 4K. In this case, you can actually have 8-sources on screen at the same time — four 2×2 tiled sources on each wall. Thus, each of the eight images would be 1080p native resolution. Four ClickShare buttons are included with the CSE-800.
In addition, Barco has added both Whiteboarding functionality as well as Annotation capabilities. In the Whiteboard mode, the screen is, exactly that, a digital whiteboard — like many interactive displays have nowadays. And, Barco says you can draw, write and collaborate with anything shown on the screen and it’s simultaneous. Integrated with Apple AirPlay, Google Cast and MirrorOp, the CSE-800 now has configurable three-layer security as well as the same feature allowing you to hide the SSID of the base unit. But, they’ve added dual-network connectivity to be able to accommodate both the connected network as well as guest network connectivity (to allow casual presenters to be able to connect to a system without having to be given access to the corporate or facility-wide network).
Here are all the detailed tech specs. Leave a Comment
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NEC Europe Adds ME Series of Projectors Aimed at Classrooms and Meeting Rooms, Includes Wireless Sharing NEC Display Solutions Europe today launched the ME Series, a range of compact and multi-purpose 3LCD projectors (all native 1280×800) aimed at learning environments and corporate meeting facilities. The new ME Series all range from 3,000-4,000 ANSI lumens and all of the projectors come with MultiPresenter, NEC’s multi-user wireless screen sharing receiver that connects via USB. With the ability to connect up to 16 devices at once via a wired or wireless connection, MultiPresenter allows users to simultaneously collaborate and deliver wireless presentations from any Windows, MacOS, Android or iOS device. No internet or WLAN access is required to instantly present and share content with other participants.
The ME Series is an upgrade from the M Series WXGA LCD projectors. With the same footprint, lens position, shooting and throw angle, the ME Series allows for simple replacement of legacy LCD projectors. Furthermore, the new ME Series offers an extended lamp life of 9,000 hours. Additionally, the projectors are in line with NEC’s Green Vision, with ECO Mode technology and energy-saving features such as quick start up and direct power off. All these factors reduce total cost of ownership.
There are three different ME Series projectors, thus far. The 3600 lumen ME361W, the 3000 ANSI lumen ME301W and the 3300 ANSI lumen ME331W. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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wePresent to Debut New Wireless Collaboration Platform and Management Software at ISE 2017 wePresent, a Barco-owned company, is making double debut at Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam. The WiCS-2100, which will be shown for the first time at ISE 2017, is the premiere model for wePresent’s Wireless Interactive Collaboration System line of products, and is designed to facilitate collaboration in any environment. As with all wePresent products, the WiCS-2100 supports most major platforms for computers and mobile devices, including enhanced compatibility with Apple AirPlay and integrated Google Chromecast support. The hardware’s UI is designed for better functionality, allowing previews of connected devices by a moderator before they’re displayed, and an enhanced onboard moderation utility that will be a boon to those in the education sector.
Alongside the new hardware at ISE 2017 is wePresent’s Management Suite, a server-based utility that allows network-integrated management of wePresent hardware. Once installed, the Management Suite will allow administrators to schedule firmware updates, change the configuration of individual units, or remotely troubleshoot problems with the hardware. Best suited for large networks, such as schools or office buildings, the Management Suite is intended to address the growing need for remote hardware management, easing the workload of IT administrators who oversee an abundance of devices.
All the products will eventually be posted here. Leave a Comment
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Panasonic Debuts New Portable Projection Lineup Panasonic has announced two new portable projector series, including a new short throw range, offering longer lifespans, higher brightness and wireless capability. The interactive 3LCD, PT-TW351R series is spec’d at 10,000 hours maintenance-free operation in ECO Mode and comprises four short throw models, each capable of producing an 80-inch image from as little as 75 cm away. The series consists of two WXGA models (PT-TW351R and PT-TW350) each with 3,300 lumens of brightness and two XGA models available in 3,800 lm (PT-TX410) and 3,200 lumens (PT-TX320). The projectors feature an increased contrast ratio of 16,000:1 for clear and crisp image and text reproduction.
The series allows presenters to notate a projected image using either the optional interactive pen or Panasonic whiteboard software.
In addition, Panasonic is also launching the light weight PT-LB423 series. Weighing just 2.9 kg, the six-model series delivers an impressive 3,600 lumens of brightness at WXGA resolution (PT-LW373) or up to 4,100 lm at XGA (PT-LB423) for superb image quality. A manual 1.2x zoom lens enables a wide range of projection distances for convenience.
Both new projector series feature a wired LAN terminal and a USB input for the optional wireless module (ET-WML100). They support the playback of images via a built-in USB media player, while a second USB terminal offers plug-and-play audio. Media playout is possible from Presenter Light software for Windows PCs, or from the VueMagic Pro app for iOS and Android.
The PT-TW351R series and PT-LB423 series ship in January 2017. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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NEC Display Delivers Ultra HD Support, Wider Color Space with Latest Compact Installation Projectors NEC Display Solutions of America announced four new 3LCD installation projectors that deliver aimed at displaying 4K content. Ranging from 6,500 lumens to 9,000 lumens, the new PA Series includes the NP-PA653U, NP-PA803U, NP-PA853W and NP-PA903X projectors with WUXGA, WUXGA, WXGA and XGA resolutions, respectively.
NEC says that a key differentiator in these latest compact models is NEC’s Scaler Chip, an advancement in picture-processing. The integrated picture processor simultaneously manages a 4K/60p input and shares signal output with multiple daisy-chained connected projectors. It also translates into unsurpassed image noise reduction, de-interlacing, scaling and full 10-bit color processing, giving education, museum, corporate, retail and other industry users a better overall viewing experience. Additional developments in the projectors’ color space conversion include Rec2020 to Rec709 specification support, HDR10 media profile and 3D support, creating richer images.
Those improvements include increased lamp life of 5,000 hours, filter run time of 10,000 hours, and reduced standby power consumption of 0.3 watts. These enhancements mean less down-time and maintenance for users, decreased costs, and better energy efficiency.
Other features of the PA Series projectors include:
- Upgraded picture-sharpness processing with NEC’s fourth generation Sweetvision engine
- Greater brightness levels for the NP-PA653U (6,500 lumens), NP-PA803U (8,000 lumens), NP-PA853W (8,500 lumens) and NP-PA903X (9,000 lumens) projectors than predecessor models
- Up to 10,000:1 contrast ratios, offering extreme image detail
- Support for the latest copyright protection standards, which enable UHD Blu-Ray and 4K content via the HDMI interface, benefiting public and professional venues — the projectors manage copyright compliance directly
- Variety of inputs and outputs, including Dual HDMI, DisplayPort and HDBaseT with HDBaseT loop out
- Highly flexible geometry controls for image manipulation on curved and irregular surfaces
- Multi-screen and picture-in-picture coupled with stacking and blending support, which allow content sharing from multiple computers to large audiences
- HDBaseT input, which supports Cat6 network cabling up to 100 meters, offering reduced installation costs
- Lenses covering larger zoom ranges, tilt free and portrait mode, which provide greater installation flexibility
- Basic control of competitors’ products, reducing the need for reprogramming of a control system (Contact NEC for complete list.)
The NP-PA653U, NP-PA803U, NP-PA853W, and NP-PA903X projectors will be available in January 2017 at a list price of $5,399, $6,199, $4,649, and $4,499, respectively. Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros New Four Input HDMI Switcher for 4K Video With Integrated DTP Transmitter Extron just introduced the DTP T SW4 HD 4K, a four-input switcher for sending HDMI and control signals over shielded CATx cable up to 330 feet (100 meters) to DTP-enabled products. It supports computer and video resolutions up to 4K. This HDCP-compliant switcher includes many integrator-friendly features, such as auto-input switching, selectable HDCP authorization and HDBaseT compatibility. Convenient control options include front panel control, RS-232, and contact closure with tally output. It also supports simultaneous transmission of bidirectional RS-232 and IR signals for AV device control. Designed for DTP Systems, the DTP T SW4 HD 4K can be integrated with an Extron DTP CrossPoint presentation matrix switcher and other DTP-enabled products to support up to four HDMI sources at a remote location.
The DTP T SW4 HD 4K features EDID Minder to simplify integration of devices and to help ensure optimal system performance by managing EDID communication between the display device and input sources, ensuring that the correct video formats are displayed reliably. User-selectable HDCP authorization allows individual inputs to appear HDCP compliant or non-HDCP compliant to the connected source, which is beneficial if the source automatically encrypts all content when connected to an HDCP-compliant device. Protected material is not passed in non-HDCPmode. The switcher also features an RS-232 port for easy integration with a control system. The advanced features and capabilities built into the DTP T SW4 HD 4K make it ideal for a wide variety of professional environments.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Sony Takes Aim at Barco ClickShare With New Vision Exchange – But Sony’s Adds Streaming VideoSony’s is attempting to take marketshare from Barco’s ClickShare. Their new Vision Exchange is marketed using all the same buzzwords that every BYOD, collaborative systems does in coding all the wireless jargon. For example, this: “Vision Exchange brings together students, lecturers and presenters in a dynamic workgroup-based environment that encourages creative discussion and knowledge exchange.” PR-speak.
Basically, it’s a box that you can connect to (wired or wireless) that allows for two displays to be connected and, like EVERY BYOD system, allows for a main display and a second display with multiple screens, simultaneously — up to four. But one unique feature is a streaming output — more on that later.
Of course, Sony attempted to trademark their version last year with this filing, describing it as this: “An interactive multimedia telecommunication devices and apparatus; Interactive multimedia telecommunication devices and apparatus for use in classes, seminars and meetings; Interactive multimedia telecommunication devices and apparatus for transmitting, delivering; receiving and sharing sound, image and video files; tablet computers: computers; smartphones; apparatus for transmission of communication; transmitting and receiving apparatus for long-distance transmission; Transmitting and receiving apparatus for sound, images and video for use in classes, seminars and meetings.”
Sound familiar?
In Sony’s case, there are no buttons — all connectivity is via wireless LAN OR an HDMI cable. You pick. One unique feature of the Sony solution is that it includes streaming video across the Internet. So, this allows for someone remote (and not collaborating) to connect or watch via a streaming version over a browser.
The only other thing that should be point out out that’s a difference is that they’ve integrated the ability to use it for videoconferencing as well — however, that’s an option.
In any case, it’s their first attempt at competing with Barco’s ClickShare. More details to come after we actually see it in Amsterdam at ISE — it won’t ship until after InfoComm, by the way. Here are the only details Sony has on it. Leave a Comment
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Atlantic Technology Debuts SB8 High-Performance Compact Powered Subwoofer Atlantic Technology has introduced its SB8 compact 125-watt subwoofer as the perfect companion to any home theater speakers, soundbar, or compact music system. Despite its small size, roughly 13x13x11 inches, the SB8 shares the same high-end features found on the company’s top-of-the-line subwoofers.
The SB8’s down-firing design takes advantage of the acoustic benefits of woofer-to-floor acoustic coupling for exceptionally powerful response. This also allows for a compact cabinet size to squeeze into tight spots behind furniture with no concern of its output being muffled. It has a rugged 8-inch long-throw driver with an oversized surround to deliver a low-end extension of 32 Hz (-3 dB) and low bass-harmonic distortion, even at very high output levels.
The SB8 has a high-current, equalized 125-watt amplifier and massive finned heat sink to deliver a solid, muscular sound. Like all Atlantic Technology subwoofers, the SB8 has an adjustable crossover, a crossover bypass setting for use with electronics that have built-in bass management, auto-on signal sensing, phase control and a detachable AC power cord. Proprietary distortion-detection circuitry prevents the SB8 from emitting objectionably distorted sound, regardless of how hard it is pushed. It also has line-level and speaker-level connections that allow it to be used in almost any system.
The Atlantic Technology SB8 is currently available is a gloss black finish with a suggested retail price of $499. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Altia Systems Claims to Kill the PTZ with Integrated Three-Camera Solution Everyone knows the value of a PTZ in conference room solutions. But, in small rooms, what if you had an integrated solution that used three cameras that covered the entire room — would you need an PTZ?
That’s what Altia Systems is hoping will replace the PTZ — the company’s three-camera packaged solution called PanaCast 2. It’s basically three cameras shooting one continuous seamed image that’s 180-degrees and 4K resolution. While wide-angle or wide field-of-view cameras have been around for a long time, most produce significant distortion, causing horizontal and vertical lines to bend (so-called barrel distortion) and form a very unnatural image unusable for videoconferencing.
Altia took a different approach. The company took three HD cameras (each with a more modest field-of-view) and stitched the three images together dynamically in the camera while also adding image correction to produce a single video stream that can cover up to 180° with very little distortion (the image below is an example of a room covered by the PanaCast 2).
It’s an interesting solution and one that will certainly be emulated by the biggies in the market — and, if Cisco, Polycom and Logitech aren’t already considering buying Altia Systems, they should! It’s compatible with every single VTC system (hardware or cloud-based) on the market today (yes, including Skype) and just plus into a computer’s USB port.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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QSC Will Demo a Glimpse Into the Future of Audio, Video and Control Processing at ISE QSC announced a technology demo that will run existing fourth-generation Q-SYS software on a standard Dell EMC PowerEdge R730 server. This is designed to provide a glimpse into the future of a market where larger installations use centralized data center processing, nearly hardware-free. QSC will demonstrate this for attendees at the Integrated Systems Conference (ISE) Show, February 7-10, 2017 on stand #7-Q-170.
The Q-SYS Platform is centered on audio, video and control (AVC) solutions that take advantage of existing IT hardware, protocols and standards. The Q-SYS Platform uses standard Intel processing, Linux operating system services and IEEE networking protocols. The technology demonstrated at ISE is the next evolution of this design, de-coupling existing Q-SYS software from proprietary hardware and creating an architecture where centralized AVC processing can live in the data center. Now processing intensive features such as AEC and feedback suppression can become a shared resource for any meeting room across the enterprise. This, combined with a portfolio of cost-effective meeting room I/O peripherals, allows users to reliably distribute content and control using existing IT network infrastructure.
Moving to standard mainstream server hardware reflects a typical enterprise IT environment and provides several benefits, particularly for corporate environments and global enterprises, including:
- Simplicity and familiarity: Follow established server deployment, maintenance and management best practices.
- Centralized resourcing: Offers easier room resource moves, adds and changes; automate on-demand deployment of DSP-intensive features such as AEC.
- Flexibility: More effectively support centralized, distributed or hybrid system configurations plus enable current and future software and service deployment models.
- Reliability: Offers redundant power supplies, networking, storage and processing as well as standard Dell BIOS level features including Dell Remote Access Controller (DRAC).
QSC expects these kinds of systems to become the norm for corporate and larger scale enterprise installations in the future. I spoke to TJ Adams, QSC’s director of installed systems product marketing, last week via video (you can see that interview here) and he said by running the existing Q-SYS software on a standard Dell EMC server, users have full backwards compatibility and can expand capabilities of their system by merely adding flexible and inexpensive I/O meeting room end points, such as the recently announced I/O-8 Flex Channel Expander. If localized processing is required in the meeting room, they, obviously, still have their range of medium-sized to smaller systems including the new Q-SYS Core 510i processor. We also covered these products last week here.
The Q-SYS technology demonstration will be shown at scheduled times at the QSC Systems stand 7-Q170 at the Integrated Systems Conference (ISE) in Amsterdam. To sign up for a 15-minute presentation and for more information about QSC Systems at ISE, go here.
See rAVe blogger Leonard Suskin’s commentary on QSC’s announcement here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces New SoundField XD Two-Way Ceiling Speaker Extron introduced new SoundField XD model SF 26CT, a 6.5″ two-way ceiling speaker featuring an 8″ (20.3 cm) deep composite backcan for use in plenum rated ceiling environments. The driver complement includes a 6.5″ (16.5 cm) woofer coupled to a 3/4″ (1.9 cm) ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter. With a UL 2043 listed composite speaker enclosure, the SF 26CT meets UL requirements for smoke and heat release in plenum air spaces. A magnetically attached grille with a thin-edged bezel gives the SF 26CT a refined appearance on the ceiling. The SF 26CT offers both direct 8 ohm and 70/100 volt operation with a behind-the-grille, six position power selector switch. With 70/100 volt taps at 8, 16, 32, and 64 watts, the SF 26CT can be used in applications where a high power distributed speaker system is needed.
Designed with the integrator in mind, SoundField XD speakers are constructed using a two-piece modular design with a separable back can and baffle, which simplifies installation in both single-trade and division of labor installations. These speakers include a cable/conduit access plate that can be oriented as side mount, for low clearance ceilings, or as top mount for blind-mounting into drywall ceilings. Extron’s Opti-Torque indicator rings provide a visual indication when the locking arm screws have been sufficiently tightened, preventing damage to the speaker caused by over-torqueing.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Advantech Launches Fanless Digital Signage Media Player Advantech has announced the launch of UBX-310D, a fanless, embedded POS (point-of-sale) media player system. Powered by an Intel Celeron J1900 quad-core (2.0 – 2.42 GHz) processor with up to 8 GB of memory, UBX-310D has one VGA, one GbE network port, one HDMI, three RS232 ports (can be extended to six ports upon request), one RJ11 phone connection and five USB 2.0 ports (can be equipped with one USB 3.0 upon request), as well as one mini-PCIe expansion slot for WWAN and mSATA connectivity, UBX-310D can be equipped with modularized peripherals and customized I/O to greatly extend the system functionalities.
The UBX-310D includes Microsoft Windows 7 and 8 operating systems (Linux is available upon request) as well as Advantech’s WISE-PaaS/RMM software package and embedded software APIs. Complete specs are here. Leave a Comment
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NEC Display Solutions Europe Unveils PA Series Installation Projector Range NEC Display Solutions Europe has today launched five updated XGA (1024×768), WXGA 1366×768) and WUXGA 1920×1200) resolution LCD projectors in its PA Series professional range. The compact PA Series installation projectors can simultaneously manage 4K/60p inputs, as well as sharing signal output with multiple daisy-chained connected projectors.
Additional developments include color space conversion with Rec2020 to Rec709 specification support, along with HDR10 media profile and 3D support. These capabilities are further supported with a variety of inputs and outputs including HDMI and HDBaseT output. NEC says that picture sharpness processing has been upgraded with the implementation of NEC’s fourth generation Sweetvision engine.
The five new projectors in the PA Series range offer high performance and outstanding picture quality for professional applications. They combine contrast ratios of up to 10,000:1 with a broad feature set that includes highly flexible geometry controls to adapt output for curved and irregular surfaces, free orientation for angled installation, multi-screen and picture-in-picture projection output along with stacking and blending support.
Cost-efficient installation options are increased significantly with support for Cat6 network cabling. Using this powerful cable option, content can be transferred to the projector from up to 100m away using the HDBaseT connectivity standard. Furthermore, multiple projectors can be fed from the one source and daisy-chained from a PA Series projector using the unique HDBaseT-Out interface not offered by other solutions.
With lamp life increased to 5,000 hours, 10,000 hours of filter run time and standby power consumption of just 0.3 watts, PA Series projectors represent a low-maintenance, low-downtime and reduced consumable consumption solution. The updated range reduces running costs through longer parts-replacement intervals, energy efficiency and fewer causes for physical intervention.
The five latest additions to the NEC PA Series installation projectors will be available beginning of February 2017. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Now KanexPro Tries to Dethrone Barco with New MyTurn Presentation System (and Button)KanexPro has announced a new collaborative screen sharing presentation system called the MyTurn Presentation System. It’s, well, another knock-off of the Barco ClickShare. The ClickShare commands greater than 80 percent of the wireless presentation market for small meeting rooms so it will be interesting to see if KanexPro can do what no one else has been able to do — have a real, competitive product to Barco’s ClickShare. In fact, the most competitive product to ClickShare has come from WePresent — (and most people don’t know this but they are…) a Barco-owned company
Designed for meeting rooms and huddle spaces, the presentation system comes with one USB based MyTurn Button for easy click and present right out of the box. No wires or installation, with simple wireless connection between your devices to the display. Simply cast a laptop or mobile device on a presentation screen with a simple click. With the app, available for free in the GooglePlay Store, users can share content with a single click of the virtual button from any Android based device. This app enables users to easily share, annotate and control.
To ensure that your content is displayed on the right screen, every MyTurn Button is paired with a Base Unit. The pairing process is fast and simple and MyTurn buttons can be transferred across meeting rooms without a problem. Multiple MyTurn buttons can be paired to the Base Unit and up to four people can click to present at a time on to one large format display. A pre-configured MyTurn Button transmitter, which connects to your laptop via USB. MyTurn raises the productivity of meetings with zero time wasted on technical hick-ups. No software installation on any operating system needed.
More information is here.
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AOPEN Debuts Chromebase and Chromebox Mini AOPEN announced two new commercial Chrome device products for digital signage. The AOPEN Chromebase Mini and Chromebox Mini are part of a new range of products aimed at bringing enterprise reliability and features at an affordable price.
The Chromebase Mini is an enterprise-ready interactive 10.1 inch all-in-one touchscreen solution. It’s designed to be managed with ease, reliability and security — making it ideal for high-traffic enterprise environments including digital signage, POS, self-service kiosks, digital corporate communication, and AV room control. The second device, the Chromebox Mini, is the smallest Chromebox on the market today and also runs on the Chrome OS platform. It is solid state and can be used as an SME or enterprise desktop replacement hosting IoT applications, digital signage, and kiosks, allowing greater control of in-store engagement.
Chromebase Mini: The Chromebase Mini, an all-in-one 10.1-inch solution, does not require a kiosk protective case, is water resistant and tamper proof, unlike a consumer touch device. The enterprise ready all-in-one touch device supports audio-video conference platforms, such as Google Hangouts. It offers mounting options for A/V or desktop use (including a built-in Vesa Mount stand), high-quality camera and audio and a dual microphone. The Chromebase Mini is accompanied by optional accessories such as recess wall mounts, POE adapters and adapters to mount various payment solutions.
By leveraging AOPEN software layer meldCX, the Chromebase Mini is compatible with end-user legacy POS systems – featuring local app instances for offline use and device integration, while maintaining a competitive price point. The Chromebase Mini is ideal for enterprise business solutions. It positions Chrome squarely in the cloud, offering secure flexibility of business cloud solutions and enabling both Google Hangouts and other video conferencing solutions.
Chromebox Mini: The Chromebox Mini is a solid-state, ultra-small form factor device. AOPEN says it is the smallest enterprise-ready Chromebox currently available.
It supports Chrome Device Management, and can be used as an enterprise desktop replacement. Its features include fanless design, Bluetooth, wide-reaching dual-band antenna, and power button extension ports for ease of mounting behind device or having other AV equipment control on/off state. Both the Chromebase Mini and Chromebox Mini are enterprise-grade solutions, at a price point suitable for home use for those wanting a more reliable silent solution. Both feature fanless/non-venting hole designs, can operate in a wide range of temperatures, and meet Google’s security requirements.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Vivitek Intros New Interactive Flat-Panel Displays with 20-Point Touch Vivitek has announced a new range of interactive Flat Panel Displays (iFPD) in four screen sizes that range from 65” up to 98”. With a range comprising the LK6530i, LK7530i, LK8630i and LK9830i, the new iFPD screens are available in Ultra HD 4K (3840×2160), are LED backlit, have an anti-glare surface and are 4mm of thick glass for added protection against screen damage.
With the iFPD screens have 20-point touch capabilities (10 writing), the range is easy to use with common gesture interactivity; simply use a finger, stylus, glove or other opaque edged item for interactivity and touch control, and with three interactive pens included, users can actively engage with presentation materials to bring meetings, brainstorming or training sessions alive.
Pre-configured with Vivitek’s NovoConnect Solution, the screens bring wireless, cable-free presenting. With its Bring Your Own Device concept, the new range of iFPD screens offer users complete wireless connectivity to a variety of devices.
The NovoTouch equipped with the NovoConnect Solution allows for up to 64 users to connect wirelessly and display up to 4 screens simultaneously on the large format display. With on-screen annotation, mark up and wireless file sharing, NovoTouch offers a collaborative solution in the meeting.
Pricing
The LK6530i, LK7530i, LK8630i and LK9830i are available at £2,190, £3,690, £5,390 and £17,090 excluding VAT respectively. And here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships Two New 3-Series 4K60 DigitalMedia Presentation Systems Crestron said today that it’s shipping two new 3-Series 4K60 DigitalMedia Presentation Systems, the DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C. These new models both feature 4K60, full support for HDCP 2.2, and Control Subnet. Like all DMPS3 Series, they include a built-in IP-based 3-Series Control System. Setup and touch screen control use a web-based configuration tool, with no programming required.
The DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C offers DigitalMedia technology along with an IP-based 3-Series Control System, 4K/60 multimedia switcher, mic mixer and audio DSP in a single rack mountable package. Crestron says the DMPS3 Series deliver bit-for-bit, zero latency HD video switching and display, including HDCP 2.2 protected content. They are both 4K@60Hz 4:2:0 at 24 bit color depth, 4K@30Hz 4:2:2 at 36 bit color depth or 4K@30Hz 4:4:4 at 24 bit color depth. See the spec links below for more details.
They offer HDMI with built-in scaling so content can be transmitted to any resolution display. In addition to the LAN port, the DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C each have a built-in Control Subnet port, which enables deployment of a separate DM network. This requires just one IP address to connect the entire system to the LAN.
The DMPS3-4K-200-C and DMPS3-4K-300-C provide, in addition to the built-in audio DSP and codec mixing, breakaway audio routing, surround sound pass-through, six-channel mic mixing and an integrated amplifier with field selectable outputs for preamp, 4/8ohm and 70/100V.
The primary difference between the two models is the DMPS3-4K-300C offers two HDMI outputs and two DM 8G+ (HDBaseT compatible) outputs, while the DMPS3-4K-200-C offers one of each.
Complete specs on the DMPS3-4K-300-C are here and for the DMPS3-4K-200-C, here. Leave a Comment
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beyerdynamic Launches New Version of TG 1000 with Dante beyerdynamic will be presenting a new version of the TG 1000 digital wireless system at the ISE 2017. This 24-bit system now has a Dante interface and can be integrated seamlessly into digital audio networks based on the popular Audinate solution. The TG 1000 dual receiver is equipped with a Dante network interface in the form of an RJ45 connector flanked by status LEDs on the back of the 19″ device (1 HU). The dual receiver’s analogue audio output also comes with a modern digital option — perfect connectivity guaranteed without inconvenient interfaces.
Dante transfers uncompressed digital audio data via standard IP networks; thus, interference-prone, inconvenient multi core copper cables are replaced with cost-effective Ethernet connections. With the help of clearly designed software, even complex networks can be configured with just a few clicks of a mouse. Dante is supported by numerous pro audio manufacturers and allows for effortless multi-channel signal exchange, with negligible latency, between hundreds of pro audio products available on the market.
The beyerdynamic TG 1000 wireless system has an impressive switching bandwidth of 319 MHz in the UHF range (470 to 789 MHz), guaranteeing long-term investment security and smooth operation across the globe. Operation is extremely intuitive thanks to the high-contrast OLED display, one button navigation and Chameleon software.
The total latency from transmitter to receiver is only 2.1 milliseconds. In optimal environmental conditions, the transition range can reach up to 300 meters. In a business environment, optional proprietary encryption ensures that sensitive information remains confidential.
Lavalier, neckworn and earhook microphones are available for use with the TG 1000 beltpack transmitter, and discerning instrumentalists appreciate the beyerdynamic Touring Gear instrument microphones. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Sony Adds More Laser-Phosphor Projector Models, Including Portable Ones Sony is expanding its range of laser light source (Z-Phosphor) projectors by introducing two new LaserLite models aimed at making laser technology more cost-effective for the installation market. Aimed at commercial applications, including classrooms and meeting rooms, the new VPL-PHZ10 (WUXGA) and VPL-PWZ10 (WXGA) projectors bring the benefits of laser technology — image quality, color reproduction and virtually zero-maintenance — to customers who previously may have only been able to experience lamp-based projection.
The new fixed wide zoom lens models provide users with a lower-cost, high-quality option for installing laser projections in rooms traditionally geared toward lamp-based technology. The new projectors’ light source have a total constant brightness of 4500 lumens for up to 12,000 hours depending on usage environment, enabling users to experience the projectors’ original level of image quality over five years in standard use, while achieving a maximum 5,000 lumens of brightness when the constant brightness mode is off.
With these two new introductions, Sony’s laser-based professional projector family now grows to a total of 11 models, with lumen levels starting at 2,000 and resolutions ranging from WXGA, WUXGA up to 4K.
The new projectors inherit many features from Sony’s existing laser models such as BrightEra 3LCD panel technology, which reproduces red, green and blue components of an image separately to ensure natural-looking and vivid colors. The new models are designed to deliver enhanced picture quality with features such as “Reality Creation,” a technology already in use by Sony’s home theater projection systems for high-end consumer entertainment. The Reality Creation engine analyzes and processes every input signal to refine detail, clarity and sharpness for naturally up-scaled images. This provides higher-resolution perspective, even in the lower-resolution WXGA series. The Contrast Enhancer feature expands the perceived dynamic range of the signal by refining light and dark areas of the image in real-time.
Sony’s laser light source means there’s no lamp that needs to slowly warm up or cool down, no lamp to limit tilt angle and no trade-off between high brightness and high resolution. The laser projectors are designed for up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, depending on the usage environment, which contributes to reducing users’ total cost of ownership.
Planned pricing and availability: VPL-PHZ10 (WUXGA), June, $3,000 and the VPL-PWZ10 (WXGA), August, $2,200. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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NEC Intros InfinityBoard for Collaborative Meetings NEC Display Solutions Europe has announced the InfinityBoard, an all-in-one display solution, available in 65” and 84” sizes, aimed at BYOD, collaboration in interactive workspaces and huddle rooms. Designed for video conferencing, creative brainstorming, presenting, reviewing and collaborating, the InfinityBoard provides a modular platform.
Based on ultra-high definition (UHD) 65” and 84” large format displays with InGlass touch technology, the InfinityBoard solution provides what NEC is calling a seamless, paper-like touch performance using a passive precision pen. NEC says this allows users to be creative with finger and pen differentiation allowing for intuitive touch, interactive writing and palm erasing.
The large surface allows users to create, annotate and present on an infinite canvas with the ability to import and export content thanks to the supplied whiteboard application. Using a new collaboration software, the InfinityBoard supports wireless presentation, screen to device and screen to screen interaction. These features keep the InfinityBoard vital to new and modern ways of working. Using NEC’s MultiPresenter function, the solution also supports bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives, enabling users to wirelessly stream what’s on their phones, tablets or notebooks.
The InfinityBoard provides maximum comfort for video conferencing thanks to a combination of the integrated software-powered high-res Huddly camera with 120° viewing angle, the loudspeakers by SEAS and an optional audio microphone conferencing solution, called TeamConnect Wireless, from Sennheiser. It’s also adjustable to accomodate users of different heights and includes a modular open pluggable specification (OPS) Slot-in PC with Windows 10 operating system.
More details will be posted here eventually. Leave a Comment
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Renkus-Heinz Introduces New T Series Loudspeakers Renkus-Heinz just introduced the new T Series of professional loudspeakers for installed and live sound applications. The next generation of the company’s TRX Series, the T Series is designed for installed sound applications, including houses of worship, performing arts centers, transportation hubs, museums and other public spaces. The all-new T Series incorporates redesigned HF and LF drivers for better performance and even more transparent sound.
Available in both powered (TA Series) and passive (TX Series) models, T Series loudspeakers will be built to order with a variety of horn pattern for optimal coverage control, and will be fully customizable, with Renkus-Heinz’s custom color matching and weather resistant options.
All T Series models incorporate the latest generation of Complex Conic Horns, with optimized drivers to provide clean, natural sound and tight pattern control. Unlike conventional loudspeaker designs, Complex Conic horns provide consistent beamwidth over a wider frequency range, with what Renkuz-Heinz says is a natural, transparent sound.
Renkus-Heinz T Series loudspeakers will be shipping in spring of 2017. The company will be previewing the T Series at ISE 2017 in Hall 7, Stand X-185 at Amsterdam’s RAI Center from February 7-10, 2017. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ED [Education] out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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