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Volume 10, Issue 21 — November 7, 2012
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Apple TV: Wireless that Works!
By Scott Tiner I am a wired kind of guy. Wireless connections have failed me time and time again. From wireless mics that screech noise when they have interference from cellular phones, to Wi-Fi touch panels that need specially configured routers to work properly and still just drop off the network randomly, wireless is just not my thing. I love to tell my clients that the worst wired connection is better than the best wireless connection. Then, I met AirPlay and AppleTV.
For now, I am going to ignore all the consumer features that the Apple TV provides, as it links with your iTunes account. I think that trying to stream movies that you purchased or rented from iTunes into your classroom, may present technical and legal issues. Most institutions have their own rules about this type of thing, and I recommend that you think this through with your copyright officer or legal counsel.
However, get working with AirPlay now! The AppleTV costs a mere $99. This is in everyone’s budget. Better yet, the client is built into iPads, iPhones and any newer Mac running Mountain Lion. If you are using a laptop that is running Mountain Lion, you can set your display options to automatically show in the menu bar, whenever it recognizes an AirPlay device.
Connecting to the TV just happens. I know that we often tell people how easy something is and then proceed to give them a 15-minute training on how to use this “easy” technology. This is not the case with the AppleTV. It really just happens. I used it with a faculty member this semester. My instructions to her totalled an email with about five sentences and she had it running in class that day. The faculty member is really interested in the technology because it allows her to move around the room, sit down with the students, connect with them and still connect with the display in the room. She has indicated to me that this product is a game changer. A game changer not due to the technology — we have seen various incarnations of wireless video — but because of the ease of use and easy availability of the client. The idea that you don’t have to download a client, troubleshoot it with all your students and faculty, and then worry about upgrades, makes it appeal to me as a tech manager.
Perhaps the biggest hang-up right now with AirPlay is that the protocol it uses (Bonjour) is not routable. Also, it is a “chatty” protocol that is designed to work on typical home networks, but not in large corporate networks. Your network administrators will tell you that using AirPlay on your network will bog it down. However, some of the major network manufacturers, along with other third party vendors are working on this issue and coming out with solutions.
Some benefits of the AppleTV implementation with AirPlay are that it can be password protected and the particular device can be renamed. So, a user can easily find the device they want to connect to and students (or others) cannot jump on the system and display things that are not desired. However, part of the beauty of the device is that students CAN connect to the display with their own devices. I know that the idea of sharing screens around a room has been something that I have been asked about several times. Until now, the solutions have been very expensive hardware solutions, or very clunky software solutions.
IR drivers are readily available for the Apple TV. This allows programmers or integrators to easily integrate these devices into new installs. The resolution of the streamed image from an iPad does leave something to be desired. While Apple promotes it as 720p, it looks more like 800×600. It would be desirable to have a better resolution, but the image is viewable. Also, when you go to full screen video (even from within a web page) the resolution improves.
If you are an installer, you are not going to make much money on the device. It would probably be easier for you if you just let your customer just buy it on his own. Yet, that does not mean you cannot make money. If you deliver a solution that can solve the routing issues with Bonjour and offer a nice interface on the classroom touch panel, then you have a winning (and profitable) solution. There are plenty of third party software applications that allow Macs and PCs to be AirPlay servers. Come up with a solution that integrates some of these tools and sell me a service. This is where integrators and designers need to be creative: Technology Managers are very savvy about what is on the market, so don’t offer us a different solution that is much more complicated and is exponentially more expensive.
I would like to end my first article here with a thanks to rAVe ED for the invitation to be part of the rAVe family. I would love to hear what you are thinking about, or would like to hear more about in future columns. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Scott Tiner, CTS, has worked in the AV/IT field in public K-12, private K-12 and higher education institutions. With a BS in Secondary Education from the Boston University School of Education, he has a deep interest in the use of various types of technology in the classroom. Currently, as the assistant director of user services: digital media, classroom technology & event support at Bates College, Scott designs learning spaces, oversees event support and staging and manges all video streaming on campus. Scott also oversees the Digital Media Center. The Digital Media Center provides support and instruction on all video and audio editing on campus.
Scott is very active in the field, having presented at both regional and national conferences. In 2011, he was appointed as chair of the Technology Managers Council of InfoComm. Scott can be contacted via LinkedIn, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stiner or via email at stiner08@gmail.com
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A Bit About Batteries
By Midori Connolly
Founder, AVGirl Productions If there is one thing that has always plagued me about our business, it’s the consumption of batteries. Whether we are on the integrated/installed side of the business or the wild west of live events, there is one little nuisance we all share… and that is the vexing hassle of battery consumption. In a world where wireless has become ubiquitous, there are few users out there who will settle for the idea of being tethered while presenting or lecturing from a stage. But along with this liberation comes its own weight for us to bear… what to do about the rapid consumption of batteries in our jobs, from power tools to microphones to other electronics used in the course of our work?
You might be wondering whether batteries are truly such a big deal that we can spend an entire column on the topic – and that’s understandable! But the troublesome fact is that household dry cell batteries (A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, etc.) contribute about 88 percent of the total mercury and 50 percent of the cadmium in the municipal solid waste stream. In the past, batteries accounted for nearly half of the mercury used in the United States and over half of the mercury and cadmium in the municipal solid waste stream, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And I know from personal experience that if there is one practice that is ingrained in every event technician, it’s that microphone batteries are changed DAILY, if not between sessions (when your client is paying $200K for a keynote speaker, you better believe the tech lives in fear that a dead battery will kill the show).
So what do you think about rechargeable batteries? For the longest time, I operated under the assumption there was no way it could work, there are just too many variables with these tricky little suckers.
Here are a few of the issues:
- Traditionally, NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries lost up to 20 percent of their charge on the first day and up to 4 percent per week of storage after that.
- Batteries can walk away. And they always do. Accounting for at least a 10-20 percent loss in consumables is a safe bet. When is the last time you did a full audit of batteries used on an event site, or a client was confident no one would take a liberty or two with these high-demand items?
- Can anyone guarantee that there will be an ample supply of fully charged batteries at go time? Between user/employees going home for the day or crew heading to a mandated dinner, it’s a tough call to ensure the batteries are placed in chargers at end of day.
But here are a couple of redeeming qualities, and the possibility of how rechargeables might have a place in our future: - Shelf life has improved dramatically in the new generation of NiMH, the Low-Self Discharge (LSD). These cells retain 70 percent to 85 percent of their capacity after one year when stored at 20 °C (68 °F). This is a great thing for being able to charge all batteries before an event or once a week in a built environment.
- NiMH rechargeables actually outperform disposable alkaline batteries in high-drain devices, where the voltage of even a fresh alkaline battery can be lower than a NiMH battery while under a load.
Knowing that shelf life is a little more predictable and performance is a non-issue, I do think that there are possibilities of how processes and policies could be developed to start implementing the use of rechargeable batteries.
However, I guess my real conclusion would be about how we manufacture our equipment, rather than tackling the batteries we put in it. If we have been trained to replace our radios and other devices on the charger each night, is there a reason why we can’t do the same with all the mics and other battery monsters we use? I think the challenge is less about developing better removable batteries, and more about rethinking how this equipment could be recharged in a new way (built-in Lithium-ion anyone?).
Midori Connolly is the founder of AVGirl Productions in California. She wrote the first-ever set of Sustainable Staging best practices after discovering none existed. She was the co-chair of the AV committee for the ASTM Standard for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings and is a speaker, writer and consultant for green practices in live events and meeting planning. Reach her at midori@avgirlproductions.com
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InfoComm: Healthcare AV: HIPAA and Acoustics
By Tim Kriedel
Special to InfoComm International This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.
Medical facilities can be the acoustical equivalent of hospital gowns: designed to leave everything hanging out there. But when a hospital gown leaves little to the imagination, it may only provoke giggles. When a poorly designed medical space allows eavesdropping on patient-physician conversations, a six-figure fine from the government may apply.
The difference? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Although it became law 16 years ago, HIPAA, which among other things regulates patient privacy, has been used more for guidance than enforcement. But that’s changing. And if you can hear conversations from the next examination room, for example, you may have stumbled upon a HIPAA breach. In the growing market for AV in healthcare, acoustics may be fertile ground for new business.
“The HIPAA regulations have been in place for a long time, but just recently, people started getting hundred-thousand-dollar lawsuits for violations, including for speech privacy,” says Greg Coudriet, acoustical consultant for The Sextant Group. “The stakes for sound isolation in healthcare facilities are quite high.”
HIPAA is helping raise the profile of acoustical consultants among healthcare providers and the AV integrators who target the healthcare market. Acoustical pros can calculate privacy levels based on parameters such as how loud a speaker’s voice is, background noise levels, and a room’s size, shape and finishes.
“The HIPAA requirement came into play primarily because of administrators who didn’t realize there were consultants who could determine the level of acoustic privacy in a space,” says Dennis Paoletti, principal consultant at Paoletti Consulting. “It kind of took the acoustical consulting industry by surprise.”
HIPAA isn’t the only reason healthcare providers are devoting more attention and money to speech privacy. “Hospitals are now competing for patients and working hard to improve patient satisfaction,” says Kenric Van Wyk, president of Acoustics By Design.
Van Wyk says new practices are now being incorporated in the Facility Guidelines Institute’s (FGI) handbook for healthcare design in order to improve the acoustical conditions of healthcare facilities. The FGI is a non-profit, set up to maintain and publish a set of guidelines for designing hospitals and other facilities. It came out of a federal program that was discontinued in the 1980s and was taken on temporarily by the American Institute of Architects.
“These design changes will affect the layout of healthcare facilities, the types of finishes that will be used to reduce noise levels, attention to the mechanical system design to improve speech privacy, and a switch to single-patient rooms,” Van Wyk explains. “All of these factors are helping to improve speech privacy and reduce eavesdropping of patient-physician conversations.”
For acoustical consultants and other AV pros, one challenge to complying with HIPAA requirements for speech privacy is determining exactly what measures should be taken. HIPAA itself includes the words “reasonable and appropriate” about 440 times to describe the steps facilities must take to ensure privacy, but never defines what they mean. Despite that, Bill Braithwaite, a physician who worked on HIPAA while at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, says “reasonable and appropriate” are what you might normally expect in a healthcare environment.
“You do a risk analysis and then mitigate those risks,” Braithwaite says. “No solution can be 100 percent perfect, but that’s understood by the law and the rule.”
Diagnosing Problems
It’s not uncommon to walk through a clinic or hospital and see doors open. Sometimes it’s because the exam room has no windows and the physician wants to make an anxious patient feel less claustrophobic. Of course, doing so undermines door seals, soundproof walls, masking devices and other features designed to maximize privacy. Is that a HIPAA violation? If the staff inadvertently does it, probably not. But if the healthcare provider’s policy allows it, it’s considered a violation.
Here’s another scenario that highlights the importance of risk analysis when deciding what level of acoustical treatments to devote to a particular space: Do the HIPAA rules require more stringent eavesdropping safeguards in areas that the public can access versus areas that are off-limits to everyone except staff?
“The rule leaves it up to the entity’s risk analysis,” Braithwaite says. “If the analysis showed that the risk of an incidental disclosure was significantly less in areas where only staff were allowed, then less stringent safeguards could be justified. As long as there is a documented rationale that is reasonable and appropriate, HIPAA has no problems with such variations.”
Still, good enough doesn’t necessarily come cheap.
“Acoustical solutions must often be repeated multiple times throughout patient rooms and floors,” Coudriet says. “In a large hospital, the cumulative cost for a small acoustical enhancement can quickly add up.”
And such solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
In any healthcare facility, part of the challenge in maximizing privacy is the widespread use of hard surfaces, which are easier to sanitize but also reflect speech. And in general, solutions for exam rooms and other areas with stringent sanitization requirements are more expensive.
That said, a waiting room or check-in area may have softer surfaces that absorb conversations, such as a patient explaining her ailment to the nurse. A low-cost, decidedly non-AV solution might be to hang a sign asking patients to queue up somewhere in the office where, based on acoustical calculations, it’s far enough away from other people to make eavesdropping difficult.
In short, addressing a healthcare facility’s acoustical challenges really requires a consultative approach, in which experts can lay out various options and best practices.
“There are fewer options for healthcare-grade ceiling tiles with high noise-reduction coefficient (NRC) ratings,” Coudriet says. “Acoustical wall and ceiling treatments can offer some relief, but they need to be durable and cleanable, as well. Acoustical panels must have a mold- and bacteria-resistant core and be encased with a cleanable vinyl cover. They must be placed on the upper walls or have an impact-resistant construction. Finally, these acoustical finishes must vie for valuable space on walls that are typically cluttered with medical and building infrastructure.”
Many acoustical consultants recommend building walls, such as between exam rooms, that extend all the way to the floor above, through any drop-ceiling, if applicable. “We won’t allow continuous acoustic ceilings over partitions because the sound goes through that ceiling material,” Paoletti says.
But achieving an ideal is easier said than done because physicians groups and hospital-owned clinics often move into spec office spaces and even malls. In those cases, adding soundproof walls or extending walls to the floor above might not be options that the budget or landlord allows.
“An outpatient facility today could be a spa, office building or something completely different next month,” Van Wyk says. “There is a desire to reduce construction costs during the fit out process. That’s one reason why this acoustical privacy is an issue in the first place.”
Leveraging Noise
HIPAA also presents fertile ground for AV integrators with expertise in HVAC and other building systems. In other verticals, HVAC expertise is useful for helping a project achieve STEP or LEED certification, for example. In health care, it’s useful for avoiding HIPAA fines.
Granted, the integrator won’t be responsible for designing and installing the HVAC infrastructure. But understanding, for example, that ductwork might transmit voice between rooms is an opportunity to recommend solutions.
“The HVAC system actually provides the background noise level that’s so important for acoustical privacy,” Paoletti says.
It’s here that privacy is sometimes at odds with sustainability; keeping an HVAC fan running purely for masking speech is a waste of energy. In such cases, pink/white noise generators can strike a balance between HIPAA and LEED.
“A successful sound-masking system requires careful planning during design,” Coudriet says. “However, once installed, these systems can be integrated into the facility’s paging and emergency notification systems. Further, building management systems can alter masking signals throughout the facility, gradually adjusting masking levels throughout the day and in different areas of the building.”
To analyze all types of scenarios, AV pros should work with the healthcare client’s privacy or security officer, which HIPAA requires every covered entity to have. And when it comes to creating designs to ensure compliance, it’s critical that integrators either bring in an acoustical consultant or have someone with those skills on staff.
“Many AV integrators will be familiar with room acoustics because it can impact the fidelity of installed audio systems,” Coudriet says. “Some AV integrators may even perform acoustic calculations and install acoustic finish treatments.
“That said, AV integrators will undoubtedly be less familiar with principles of sound isolation and mechanical system noise control. These areas of architectural acoustics are often counter-intuitive. Unlike room acoustics, where a solution may involve hanging an acoustic panel on a wall to address an issue in the field, sound isolation and mechanical system noise control don’t lend themselves to post-construction trial-and-error.”
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Share Article Back to Top Recently from the rAVe BlogSquad Back to Top Breaking News: Telerent Buys Avidex Avidex Technologies, an AV integrator based in Bellevue, Wash., just announced it was sold to Telerent Leasing Corporation (TLC), a subsidiary of ITOCHU International, Inc. TLC is a national provider of hospital television systems through its TeleHealth Services division and is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C.
Avidex and TLC have confirmed that Avidex’s offices in Seattle, Wash., Fremont, Calif., Spokane, Wash. and Salt Lake City, Utah will continue to operate as usual and that Avidex personnel will continue as employees of the Avidex subsidiaries of TLC. The three owners and founders will continue in their leadership positions at Avidex, and be joined by TLC’s vice president of corporate development, Joel Harris, who will serve as CEO of Avidex Technologies, Inc.
Paul Peck, president of Avidex, said this company is enjoying one of the strongest years in its history. He said, “AV systems are becoming more sophisticated, and are capable of delivering more value, every year. This [TLC's acquisition] continues to reward our strategy of providing our corporate and healthcare clients state-of-the-art systems that are reliable and intuitive to operate."
Peck commented that Avidex would be expanding its corporate operations to the east coast, and would create a separate new division specializing in healthcare facility A/V solutions — something that we're sure the folks at Whitlock (with headquarters in Richmond, Va. but with its most successful office in Raleigh, N.C.) will be interested to know.
So, what does rAVe think? Well, as long as Mike Clark is part of the deal — and stays with Avidex — we're quite sure this will be successful: He's Mr. Avidex. So, watch carefully. If he leaves, this will not follow a good path. If he stays, we'll see a strong Avidex presence on the east coast too.
Avidex can be found here: http://www.avidexav.com
Telerent can be found here: http://www.telerent.com
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Share Article Back to Top InfoComm EMEA Attendance Tops 12,000 This year’s InfoComm MEA ended its five-day run at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Oct. 18. Exhibitors noted that although the number of visitors was lower than last year’s event, they have had meaningful discussions and relevant contacts at their booths. A total of 12,023 visitors attended the show this year.
Hosny M. Rafaat, business development manager, Salam Media Cast in Doha, Qatar got his clients to meet him at the show. He said, “A lot of my customers have been asking me about the latest digital wireless microphone system. So I arranged to meet with my clients here at the show, to take a look, feel and try out the products, and at the same time discuss how we could integrate this as a solution for their business needs.”
Sharp Middle East FZE also said they had a very good show. Deputy General Manager Marketing (Business Solution Division) Gautam Chakrabarty said: “There was a high level of quality visitors and very relevant crowd. Over the past few days we have had valuable business discussions with the industry and have sold quite a fair bit of our products that are displayed at our stand."
First-time exhibitor, Prysm, also benefited from its participation. “There has been a steady stream of visitors at our stand, which generated a good amount of high quality leads. We met with the right people from governmental and large scale projects,” said Steve Scorse, Prysm’s VP for Europe, Africa and Middle East.
Event organizer InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd, however, felt this year’s event suffered a little. “We could have had more visitors if not for the hall location, which was not convenient and somewhat disconnected from the GITEX event. To some degree, this helped to act as a filter, sifting through the crowd attending the highly attractive GITEX showcase, to bring only those that were relevant to the AV business,” General Manager Richard Tan commented.
“We will learn from the lessons experienced this year to deliver a better show next year and for future editions of the show,” he added.
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PMA Shows September Pico Projector Sales Led by Optoma; NEC Still Dominates All Else Pacific Media Associates (PMA) has posted its recent results to the “Top Selling Projectors” area of the company's website.
Each month, Pacific Media Associates posts the Top 5 Projector Lists for the following product categories:
New Era / Pico and Personal (sub-1000 lumens) Projectors — The September results showed Optoma, Acer and AAXA holding their ground. In fact, the September rankings were an exact repeat of the August findings, with Optoma taking the number one, three and five top-selling projectors spots, by unit volume, with the Optoma PK-320, Optoma ML500 and PK-20, respectively. The Acer K11 took the number two spot again, and the AAXA M2 Micro rounded out the September Top 5 in the fourth position. This Top 5 list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Retail Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American retailers and web resellers.
Mainstream (1000 to 3999 lumens) Projectors — Three manufacturers also vied for the Top 5 selling projector spots in September, with InFocus, NEC and Epson battling it out. InFocus took the top two spots with the IN112 and the IN114, while NEC took the number three and five spots with the NP-V260X and the NP-V260, respectively. Epson completed the list with the PowerLite93+ filling the fourth spot. This Top 5 list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Distributor Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American distributors.
High-End (4000+ lumens) Projectors — The September 2012 results also showed that three of the Top 5 selling high-end models, by unit volume, to be repeat winners. The numbers one through three spots in September were filled by the NEC NP-PA550W-13ZL, the Epson PowerLite 1945W and the Mitsubishi WD620, respectively. New to the high-end list were the Optoma TH1060P and the Panasonic PT-DZ570 in the number four and five spots. This Top 5 list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Pro A/V Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American dealers and integrators.
You can see PMA here: http://www.pacificmediaassociates.com
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Share Article Back to Top 3M Announces Collaboration with Mersive Aimed at Creating a New Class of Displays Last week, 3M New Ventures (3M’s corporate venture unit) and Mersive announced a strategic development and equity agreement that will bring a new class of displays that foster visual collaboration to a broad range of customers.
“Advances in graphics processing technology are resulting in the creation of more pixels than ever before. However, viewing more pixels in the form of visual data is often constrained by either inadequate display systems or the high cost and complexity of currently available systems,” said Rob Balgley, CEO, Mersive. “Coupling our software with 3M projection and display technology will transform how visual data is used to creatively collaborate, interact, and make decisions.”
Central to the strategic development agreement are Mersive’s two software products: Sol software automatically aligns multiple projectors into one seamless image of extraordinary quality and resolution without the expense of specialized hardware and services; and Solstice software, a new media sharing and display management software, transforms how displays fit into IT infrastructure. Solstice enables multiple users with diverse devices, to access wirelessly any display in real time.
“Combining Mersive software with 3M’s projection and display technology, will produce affordable, easy-to-install, high quality display systems that foster interaction, facilitate decision making and cultivate creativity,” said Stefan Gabriel, president of 3M New Ventures. “As part of this agreement, 3M and Mersive will closely collaborate to develop projection and display systems that achieve higher levels of performance and ease of use than products currently on the market.”
3M New Ventures, headquartered in Munich, Germany, identifies and invests in highly innovative companies and disruptive new technologies with strategic relevance for 3M.
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Share Article Back to Top Malissa Dillman and Zee Hakimoglu Named InfoComm Women in AV Award Winners InfoComm International presented its Women in AV Award to Malissa Dillman, CTS-D, CTS-I, and Zee Hakimoglu. The awards were presented at the InfoComm 100, a conference designed to bring together top AV industry thought leaders and volunteers.
Malissa Dillman has worked in the audiovisual field for more than 13 years and was one of the first four women to earn both the CTS-D and CTS-I. As the Training and Education Manager for Kramer Electronics, she has taken her own passion for learning and harnessed her skills as a world-class instructor. In the past year alone, Dillman prepared approximately 300 people to take their InfoComm CTS exam, teaching a combined total of more than 400 people in just about one year with Kramer. In addition, Dillman has helped many CTS holders earn needed renewal units by conceiving and successfully executing Kramer’s Road Show program, creating regional opportunities to spend a full day earning CTS renewal units while receiving topical technology education. A popular instructor, Dillman’s class on digital AV technology at the InfoComm 2012 Show drew 160 attendees and rave reviews.
Zee Hakimoglu, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of ClearOne is a passionate leader dedicated to product innovation. Deeply ensconced in the entire AV development process, she is involved in every aspect, from writing code, to industrial design, to the final acoustical performance. She is an advocate for products that are easy to use and environmentally friendly. In 2009, under Ms. Hakimoglu's leadership, ClearOne was named one of America's fastest-growing small public companies by Fortune Small Business magazine.
The Women in AV Award was created by InfoComm to raise awareness of the growing role of female professionals in the male-dominated field of audiovisual technology. These award winners are in the upper echelon of AV professionals and symbolize the strength of entrepreneurship and excellence in developing tomorrow’s AV talent.
“Both Malissa Dillman and Zee Hakimoglu have reached the pinnacle of achievement in the audiovisual industry,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. “These women are leading and shaping the future of the AV industry, ensuring the next generation of AV professionals will be well-trained and entrepreneurial.”
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Share Article Back to Top InfoComm Sustainable AV Award Given to Barco and Raymond Kent InfoComm International presented its Sustainable AV Technology Award to Barco and to Raymond Kent, CTS, LEED AP, associate principal, director of innovative technology design group, Westlake Reed Leskosky. The awards were presented at the InfoComm 100, a conference designed to bring together top AV industry thought leaders and volunteers.
The Sustainable AV Award was created by InfoComm to this award recognize people and organizations for implementing environmentally sustainable practices in the manufacturing of products, integration of AV systems, reduction of waste in the workplace or through similar strategies.
Barco has woven sustainability practices into all of its business operations. Barco’s product managers follow a “green checklist” which measures every milestone against ECO guidelines. Their products are constructed of recycled materials that are also largely recyclable at their end of life, and they have banned the use of six of the most environmentally polluting substances. In addition, Barco also uses 3D modeling for virtual prototypes to minimize waste of hard consumables.
One of the most innovative programs Barco developed is an Air Traffic Control software solution that reduces CO2 emissions by enabling more efficient routing of airplane arrivals and departures. London’s Heathrow Airport has reduced CO2 emissions by 300 tons thanks in part to Barco’s program.
“Barco has made incredible strides to make their company more sustainable,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. “The company’s development of innovative technologies creates experiences that are both incredible and environmentally sustainable.”
Raymond Kent has dedicated much of his 24-year career to the sustainable built environment. He is the chair of the Sustainable Technologies Environments Program Foundation Technical Advisory Committee and has been an active participant in the InfoComm Green AV SIG and the Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts. He frequently gives lectures on sustainable technology and its implementation at conferences such as InfoComm, and for organizations such as the United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES Provider). Most recently, Kent was one of 12 members of the InfoComm Green AV Task Force that wrote criteria for the Sustainable Technologies Environments Program (STEP). He has also published articles on sustainable topics including STEP, the new International Green Construction Code, and their effects on the AV industry.
Along with his efforts at InfoComm, Kent has also pushed to teach sustainability in the performing arts through USITT, working with the organization to develop sustainability guidelines for the arts, including rental and staging. He is also a frequent resource for manufacturers on how to make their products more sustainable and has collaborated with companies on bringing products to market that use less energy, utilize recycled content, or contain feature sets that aid in lowering their carbon footprint.
Kent has contributed to sustainability efforts within the workplace of Westlake Reed Leskosky (WRL). As Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group (ITDG), he has led the charge to implement technology design standards within WRL’s projects and practice that focus on sustainability. This includes working to reduce the amount of design documentation for systems design; pursuing with the ITDG designers ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle systems equipment in their designs; and designing smart systems that use less energy and require less infrastructure. WRL’s technology specifications include language to require systems integrators to recycle or re-purpose existing electronics that are no longer to be used in renovation projects as well as requiring proper waste management of the construction process.
“Raymond Kent has been an incredible role model for all who are interested in technology sustainability,” said Lemke. “He is very willing to lend his expertise beyond his company and client lists, to benefit the entire industry. InfoComm and STEP would not be nearly as successful without his guidance and positive energy.”
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Jonathan Brawn and Christina Minihan Awarded Young AV Professionals Award by InfoComm InfoComm International presented its Young AV Professionals Award to Jonathan Brawn, CTS, ISF, ISF-C, DSCE, of Brawn Consulting, and Christina Minihan, CTS, of Visix Corporation. The awards were presented at the InfoComm 100, a conference designed to bring together top AV industry thought leaders and volunteers.
The Young AV Award was created by InfoComm to recognize up-and-coming professionals in the audiovisual industry. These award winners are held in the highest esteem by their AV industry colleagues of all ages.
Jonathan Brawn is a principal of Brawn Consulting, an audiovisual consulting, educational development, and marketing firm, based in Vista, Calif., with national exposure and connections to the major manufacturers and integrators in the AV and IT industries. Prior to this, Brawn was director of technical services for Visual Appliances, an Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based firm that holds the patent on ZeroBurn plasma display technology. Previously, he successfully ran Brawn & Associates, a design build group serving the residential and commercial AV markets.
Jonathan Brawn is a respected educator, teaching many sessions for a variety of trade associations, and serving on the adjunct faculty of InfoComm University. He is also a valued volunteer with InfoComm’s standards program, acting as a subject matter expert on standards relating to projected image and display image size and distance.
In her role as sales engineer for Visix, Christina Minihan created and streamlined business and technical processes that have greatly improved performance within organizational teams, as well as improving customer relations and satisfaction with discovery, engineering, implementation and maintenance/updates of systems. She trains Visix staff on software and hardware products, and has created a valuable documentation library that includes technical and instructional docs, as well as multiple system diagrams.
Prior to joining Visix, Minihan worked for Crestron and PolyVision and earned her MBA. One of her most significant contributions to the AV industry was co-founding the Crestron Owners Group (COG) during the fall of 2007. Soon after joining Crestron, it was evident that the higher education customer base desired a venue to exchange information, experiences and ideas regarding control system design. After presenting a business plan to Crestron executives, Christina and her small team pursued the development of such a forum for open communication about Crestron products.
“Jonathan Brawn and Christina Minihan are rising stars in the AV industry,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. “InfoComm and the AV industry are pleased with all these young leaders have accomplished.”
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Share Article Back to Top InfoComm Names Richard Derbyshire Volunteer of the Year InfoComm International presented its Harald Thiel Volunteer of the Year Award to Richard Derbyshire, CTS, of Shen Milson & Wilke. The award was presented at the InfoComm 100, a conference designed to bring together top AV industry thought leaders and volunteers.
Derbyshire is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of industry experience. He has been a strong advocate for the promulgation of InfoComm standards, serving as chairman of the InfoComm Standards Steering Committee. This Committee oversees the work of nearly a dozen task groups and 500 industry volunteers, who act as subject matter experts. Derbyshire is a partner in the Washington, DC office of Shen Milsom & Wilke, where he leads many projects in the D.C. Metro area.
“Richard Derbyshire has provided countless hours providing direction to InfoComm’s fledgling standards development program,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. “His meticulous attention to detail as one of the world’s leading design consultants has made him an effective leader and mentor to hundreds of audiovisual professionals. InfoComm is grateful that someone of his caliber has been willing to use his skills to create an industry dedicated to the creation of exceptional AV experiences worldwide.”
The Harald Thiel Volunteer of the Year Award uncovers and celebrates the volunteer who has contributed greatly to the Association and who is not recognized in other ways for that contribution. It is awarded annually for contributions made to the Association within the last one to two years.
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Sony's Sales Still Suck For the seventh quarter in a row, Sony lost money. Never in the history of the company has its outlook been so bleak. In the company's latest quarterly report, losses amounted to $194 million — that was a few million dollars less than the last quarter — but it's a loss. It's in the midst of cutting 10,000 jobs and refocusing the brand on mobile products, but without an iPhone-like or Playstation-3'ish success, we may see the demise of the company.
So far this year, not only have the sales losses mounted, but Sony's stock has shrunk nearly 35 percent. So, what's next? Well, don't discount the possibility of a merger with either Panasonic or Sharp. Oops, maybe I wasn't supposed to leak that…
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Share Article Back to Top Christie Announces Control Room Roadshow Christie is embarking on a multiple-city technology road show, focusing on control room solutions. The company will show integrators how they can access, manage and display information from almost anywhere.
The day will include hands-on demonstrations showcasing our collaborative visual solutions for control rooms. Integrators will have the opportunity to meet with Christie product managers, sales and field application engineers in an open-house format.
Christie's upcoming Control Room Road Show will have stops in these cities:
- Nov. 29 – Dallas, TX
- Dec. 6 – Atlanta, GA
- Dec. 13 – Washington DC
Want to attend? Go here: http://info.christiedigital.com/lp/control-ontheroad
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FSR Adds New "Poke-Through" Floor Boxes FSR has added two more fire-rated 6” and 8” Poke-Thru floor boxes to its SmartFit family of products. Both have a pretty low-profile design that eliminates most trip hazard applications. The covers, available in three architectural finishes (brushed aluminum, brushed brass or black), swing open 180 degrees with two smaller cable access doors that fold down for cable egress while the cover door is secure. Each box features a variety of sub-plates that can be configured to allow the power, audio, video and data connections.
All SmartFit poke-thru floor boxes are UL listed in Canada and the United States for fire and scrub water. Complete compatibility and specs are here: http://www.fsrinc.com/
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Share Article Back to Top Support for JVC's Security Cameras Added in Latest EXACQ VMS Update JVC today announced that its latest range of VN-T and VN-H IP-based physical security cameras have been integrated into the exacqVision VMS (Video Management System) software used with exacqVision hybrid and IP Camera NVR servers.
The latest version of the exacqVision VMS (version 5) software includes integration with JVC’s complete line of full HD box, mini-dome and dome security cameras. Model variations include day/night performance, indoor/outdoor housings, H.264 compression, back light compensation, IR LEDs, PoE, vandal resistance, water/dust resistance and more.
The exacqVision VMS software is a true open, cross-platform system used in video surveillance systems. The server software (Windows or Linux) is installed on exacqVision hybrid servers (incorporating analog and network cameras), exacqVision IP camera servers and commercial off-the-shelf servers. Every exacqVision server can be viewed and administrated from the free client software available for Windows, Linux and Macintosh computers. The client software connects to an unlimited number of exacqVision servers (regardless of the operating systems being used) to create a truly scalable surveillance solution utilizing both analog and network cameras. Integration with the new JVC line was created using the Onvif standard, specifically designed to ensure interoperability between products regardless of the manufacturer.
Get more details here: http://www.exacq.com
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Biamp Adds New Remote Interface for Tesira Biamp Systems has added a new remote interface, dubbed the TEC-1 Remote Ethernet device, for the Tesira system. The new control device is available in two configurations, the TEC-1i (in-wall) and the TEC-1s (surface-mount). It's powered over Ethernet (PoE) and can be used to select and adjust up to 32 controls per device, as well as control and select sources, volumes, presents and mutes. It also uses capacitive touch technology (like a smartphone, so there's no buttons).
Here are all the specs: http://c353616.r16.cf1.rackcdn.com/Tesira_TEC-1_Data_Sheet_Oct12.pdf
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Share Article Back to Top Atlona Ships 4×4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Atlona this month announced that the company is now shipping its new AT-H2H-44M 4×4 HDMI matrix switcher. A comprehensive signal routing switch supporting high-speed HDMI and uncompressed digital multichannel audio switching and distribution across four zones, the AT-H2H-44M offers features including advanced EDID management, S/PDIF audio loop outs, multiple control interfaces, in-field upgradable firmware and Audio Return Channel (ARC).
The AT-H2H-44M's advanced EDID management feature ensures compatibility across multiple display types, sends communication between sources and displays, and automatically provides a compatible EDID at start up. The unit also features an EDID learning function that can be customized for any connected component such as AVRs, set-top boxes (STBs), and TVs. S/PDIF port loop outs allow audio distribution to zone amplifiers or A/V receivers within a rack, while the video signal is routed via the HDMI output to the zone display. The S/PDIF output supports digital audio signals up to Dolb® Digital and DTS 5.1.
With multiple control interfaces such as RS232, IR and the front panel — with future updates for TCP/IP through the unit's Ethernet port — this 4×4 HDMI matrix switcher was developed with whole-home media control and light professional needs in mind. In addition, the AT-H2H-44M features a field-serviceable firmware port that allows for quick and easy upgrades.
The AT-H2H-44M is available now at an MSRP of $1,299.99.
To see all the specs, click here: http://www.atlona.com/H2H-44M.html
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Share Article Back to Top Behringer Releases AX Control Software Behringer's new EUROCOM AX Series Amplifier control software is finally available. You can can download it here: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/Eurocom/software.aspx
The AX Remote Connect V1.1 is designed to simplify setup, control and monitoring of all EUROCOM AX Series DSP models with a local PC via the front panel USB connector, or remotely over a network via the rear panel Ethernet port. A convenient front panel LCD display also allows setup and adjustments directly at the amplifier, no PC required. Additionally, AX Remote Connect V1.1 allows full access to the AX Series' onboard test section, which includes pink noise, white noise and a fixed/sweeping sine wave generator. This allows the installer to verify system operation without the need to connect an external source generator or use the AX series amplifier as a sound-masking processor.
More details are here: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Home.aspx
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Hall Research Strips Audio from HDMI Hall Research's EMX-HD-AUD basically extracts digital and analog audio from the HDMI signal for applications where you want to process the audio separately from the video. The company says the EMX-HD-AUD is HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 (Deep Color and 3D) compatible and can compensate for the signal degradation caused by long video cable runs of up to 50 feet (15 meters) on its input and can drive HDMI cables on its output to 30 feet (10 meters).
Here are all the specs: http://www.hallresearch.com/
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Share Article Back to Top ClearOne Debuts MagicBox Digital Signage Server ClearOne today announced the release of the MagicBox "on-premise" Entry-Level Server (ELS) web-based, digital signage software. The ELS runs MagicBox WebSuite software applications for digital signage, including content creation and asset management inside a browser for content management — from design to verification. The ELS is available with upgradable licensing options to support 5, 15 or 25 media players.
Built in applications included in the ELS are:
- Composer – an app to manage multimedia assets, custom-build layout, schedule and publish projects
- Ad Logger – for network verification of impression analytics
- Audio Manager – for audio playlist creation and management software
In addition, the ELS allows users to upload content and manage content repository, set different security levels for different users, set up and organize signage players on the network and the ability to remotely upgrade media players via the network.
Here are all the specs: http://www.clearone.com/products_magicbox_websuite
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Share Article Back to Top NEC Simplifies Digital Signage for ProAV Integrator with New Bundled Offerings NEC Display announced today the addition of 10 Digital Signage/Content Creation Solutions. These product bundles introduce customers to the digital signage industry with easy-to-use solutions that include everything needed to run content on a single digital screen. Available in digital screen sizes up to 65 inches, each bundle includes an NEC V, P or X Series display, a single board computer to source digital signage content, a wall mount kit compatible for both landscape and portrait orientations, an Ultrablok surge suppressor, NEC’s Content Management Software (CMS) and a voucher good for two hours toward NEC Content Creation Services.
As part of the bundle offerings, select displays offer a built-in expansion slot allowing for clean, hidden PC integration, while reducing the bill of materials needed for installation. X Series bundles include the OPS-PCAF-WS, which boasts a 1.6 GHz Dual Core Fusion processor and 32 GB solid state drive. P and select V Series bundles incorporate the NET-SBC-04, which offers a 160 GB SATA hard drive and 2 GB of RAM, while other select V Series displays include a Seneca Data X4-525 external media player with 1.8 GHz Dual Core Atom processor and 320 GB hard drive storage.
Here are details of each of the 10 Bundles: http://www.necdisplay.com/category/product-bundles
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Share Article Back to Top A Standardized Video Codec for Web-Based Conferencing? Video conferencing software-based applications (Skype, Facetime, Lync, Vidyo, etc.) may all use different video codecs (VP8, H.264AVC, H.264SVC, H.263, RTVideo, etc.) But work is underway in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to standardize on a video codec designed specifically for use over the Internet: a royalty-free video codec to be mandatory in browser-based real-time communications.
The requirements attempt to address the needs of the most common Internet video transmission applications and to ensure good quality when operating in conditions that are typical for the Internet. These requirements address quality, bit-rate, and loss robustness. Other desirable codecs properties are considered as well.
If you're into these sorts of details, here's the info: http://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-maxwell-videocodec-requirements-00
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Share Article Back to Top Sony and LG Ship 4K HDTVs to Retailers Both Sony and LG have shipped their first generation 4K resolution (3840×216) HDTVs to retailers this week, so you'll see them in Best Buy and others shortly. Both manufacturers shipped their 84" version first. Hmm, coincidence? Or maybe they're made on the exact same assembly line.
Sony's, dubbed the XBR-84X900 and listing for $25,000, is network-enabled, integrated with Netflix streaming and up-converts all content input signals to 4K resolution. LG's, dubbed the 84LM9600, lists for just under $20,000 and is 3D capable. It's also networked-enabled but doesn't have the same video processing as Sony's.
So, sell your car to raise money to get one, or wait a year and they'll be down to the $9,000 price range.
See Sony's 4K TV here:
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&identifier=S_4KTV
See LG's 4K TV here: http://www.lg.com/us/ud4k
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Share Article Back to Top Sonance Ships In-Wall Speakers Aimed at ProAV Market Sonance is aiming to capture some of the ProAV in-wall speaker market with the IS4 C, a seamless, in-wall speaker with a built-in 70-volt and 100-volt autoformer. Using a 4-sq. inch tweeter, a 17-sq. inch mid-range and a 113-sq. inch woofer, the ISC 4 is specified with a 40 Hz to 20 KHz frequency response. It can be tapped from 0.5 watts to 32 watts or used as an 8 ohm speaker in by-pass mode, handling up to a 100-watt input.
The speakers are made to be integrated into drywall so that, when installed, they are totally invisible, appearing to be part of the drywall itself. Each speaker measures 16" wide by 25" high by 4" deep.
You can see all the specs here: http://www.sonance.com/products/invisible
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Share Article Back to Top Sennheiser Offers 30-Day Trial of Tourguide 2020 System Sennheiser announced a limited time 30-day free trial of its Tourguide 2020 system, which is the company's first digital RF wireless tour guide system in the ISM band. It offers digital RF wireless transmission and six channels in the license-free ISM frequency band.
Following completion of the online form, a Sennheiser representative will arrange shipment of a demo system to the requested facility and provide set up guidance.
At InfoComm, we used the Listen Technologies LS-13 (a 30-person portable FM tour guide system) and we LOVED it. So, if you're not sure what to do, go with the Listen product as we can vouch for that one!
If you want to check out the Sennheiser system, click here to get the free demo: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/tourguidetrial
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Share Article Back to Top Atlas A-Line Ships ELI, ELIJAH and EMMA Line Array Speaker Systems Atlas A-Line Acoustics is shipping both the ELI and ELIJAH line array speaker systems, originally debuted at the InfoComm 2012 show.
Atlas says the ELI portable line array system is designed to provide even, high-powered coverage in small to mid-size rooms for acoustic performance or speech applications. This portable line array system consists an EL1503-B full range line array that uses a design consisting of fifteen 3" drivers and a 10" enclosure. The ELIJAH portable line array system consists an EJ2003-B full range line array that utilizes a design consisting of twenty 3" drivers and a 15" subwoofer enclosure.
The EMMA system is a three-way speaker system designed for use in speech and music reproduction applications for medium to large venues like houses of worship, theaters and concert halls. The system consists of two parts: the EM806A-B, which includes eight 6.5" high frequency ribbon drivers and eight 6.5" low/mid frequency drivers, and the EM410A-B, which includes four 10" subwoofers. Each unit is powered by an integrated class D amplifier with pre-configured DSP.
Here are all the specs: http://www.al4.me/
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Share Article Back to Top New Behringer Loudspeakers Include Integrated Wireless Mic Receiver and MP3 Player Behringer is now shipping its EUROLIVE B115D and B115MP3 active two-way loudspeakers, which feature an integrated, dual-channel mixer with two-band EQ, built-in sound processor and 1,000 Watts of Class-D bi-amplification. Fast and easy to setup, the unique enclosure design allows the loudspeakers to be pole-mounted, stacked or placed horizontally for floor monitor wedge applications. A dedicated USB-style 3.0 input provides seamless integration with Behringer's new upcoming ULTRALINK Series wireless microphones.
B115D and B115MP3 both include a 15" long-excursion LF driver and a 1.35" aluminum-diaphragm compression driver. The B115MP3 includes an embedded MP3 player, featuring an eight-button user interface and LCD panel that allows the user to browse tracks and select shuffle, repeat or single-play modes. Both models include an integrated Behringer-compatible wireless mic receiver. They are covered by Behringer's three-year warranty and weigh only 38.9 pounds (17.7 kilograms) each.
Here are all the specs: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Category/Loudspeakers-and-Studio-Monitors.aspx?s=B200
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AmpliVox Unveils Compact Mity Box Speaker AmpliVox's newest addition is the Mity Box speaker system, a portable system measuring just 10.5x7x6.5” (LxWxD). The speaker can be easily connected to presentation carts or wall mounted with the included brackets. It can be ordered as a passive speaker or outfitted as an amplified speaker with wired or wireless 16-channel microphones. Built-in audio ports on the amplified models make it easy to plug in any external audio source such as an iPod/MP3 or CD player. Separate volume controls adjust the output levels for microphones and audio sources.
Here are all the details: http://www.ampli.com/pa-speakers/1230-Mity-Box.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top Sharp's New Software Update for Interactive Displays Includes Cool Apple-Style Launcher Sharp's new Touch Display Launcher for its AQUOS BOARD Interactive Displays not only includes support for 10 languages, but also includes a much better GUI with an Apple-like carousel-style "launcher" software interface.
The Touch Display Launcher is only available in Sharp Pen Software version 2.5, which can be downloaded from the AQUOS BOARD Interactive Display here: http://www.sharp.ca/en-CA/CustomerSupport/Support/ProductDownloads.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top projectiondesign Ships X-Port projectiondesign is now shipping X-Port, a small module-based extension input that enables connectivity to and from current and future video formats for all projectiondesign projectors. X-Port plugs into the back of the projector and is currently available as two modules, a DCC120 Dual Channel Combiner and a 3G-SDI interface.
The DCC120 works as an image processor and frame rate converter, and can transform discrete passive 3D stereo to active, as well as frame convert any input signal or combination of signals to sequential 120Hz, essential for many applications with fast moving objects or 3D stereo visualization.
The 3G-SDI interface is compatible with both high-bandwidth 3G SDI, as well as standard SDI for cable lengths up to 300 meters. The 3G-SDI can be combined with the DCC120 to enable active stereo 3G-SDI for many high-end applications.
Future connectivity adds HDMI 1.4a with all its benefits, as well as other emerging formats and technologies.
To see all the specs, click here: http://www.projectiondesign.com/products/x-port-modules
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Share Article Back to Top Christie Ships G Series Projectors Christie is shipping its new G Series projectors, announced last month. The series includes two one-chip DLP models using a six-segment color wheel and offering a center-mounted lens. The DHD550-G is a native 1080p projector offering 5,000 lumens of brightness, while the DWU550-G is a WUXGA (1920×1200) projector with 5,100 lumens of brightness.
Both have a plethora of lens options that include 0.95-2.89 throw ratios, are designed for 24/7/365 operation and include an Eco-mode where they pull less than .5-watts when in standby. Inputs include HDMI, VGA, DVI, component and are network content enabled. Both are also compatible with ChristieNET.
Here are all the specs [PDF]: info.christiedigital.com/ct/378/708919/239799317/525e172403f2ac35b4c4c9dde895f9eb
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Share Article Back to Top Peter L. Bocko of Corning Glass Technologies to Keynote DSE 2013 Digital Signage Expo (DSE) announced this week that Dr. Peter L. Bocko, chief technology officer for Corning Glass Technologies, Corning, Inc. will deliver the keynote for DSE's 10th Anniversary event, to be held Wed., Feb. 27, 2013 in Las Vegas.
Bocko, recognized as one of the foremost glass experts in the display industry and who has contributed to the design, technology delivery and commercialization of innovative new technologies at Corning, will present “Looking Forward by Looking Back: A Futuristic Retrospective on the Trends in Display & Digital Signage.”
In keeping with the conference theme, Innovation Inspires, Bocko’s remarks will address those key developments he believes have had the greatest impact on the digital signage industry, describe the compelling value propositions for advanced capabilities such as high resolution, interactivity, 3-D, transparent displays and audio, and the innovative role each will play in the future.
DSE will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center Feb. 26 – 28, 2013. To see the full agenda for the event, click here: http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net
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Share Article Back to Top Revolabs Opens New European Sales and Support Office Revolabs Inc. announced last month that the company has opened a new sales and support office in Europe. Located in Tonbridge, Kent, which is 30 minutes outside of London, the new location will provide pre- and post-sales support for Revolabs' EMEA and Asia-Pacific customers.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
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Share Article Back to Top PSNI Approves Genesis Integration for Affiliation Professional Systems Network International (PSNI) is announced last month that Genesis Integration, a Canada-based audiovisual design and integration firm, has been approved for affiliation by consent of the PSNI stockholders. Founded in 1990, Genesis Integration has offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto with more than 100 employees. The addition of Genesis Integration greatly expands the PSNI footprint and strengthens the organization's international client service offerings.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Kramer Wins Systems Product of the Year at 2012 AV Awards Kramer Electronics announced recently that it won the Systems Product of the Year at the 2012 AV Awards for the company's Digital Step-in system. The award was presented at a gala dinner in the Park Lane Hilton in London.
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Atomos Appoints Stephan Kexel as Vice President Sales, EMEA Atomos announced this month it has appointed Stephan Kexel to the position of vice president of sales for EMEA. In his new role, Stephan is responsible for all sales management as Atomos continues to expand its sales activities in EMEA. Stephan will report directly to Jeromy Young, CEO and co-founder of Atomos.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue! For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that's why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad). Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I've been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don't think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition. Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in 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 GreenAV 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 To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2012 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
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