Many of my long-time readers know that I recently started a new fulltime position with a new integrator, Net-AV in Hampstead, Maryland. Since starting, a good deal of time has been spent discussing corporate and industry philosophies with my new boss and my new supervisor. Fortunately, my views and opinions are very much in sync with my new colleagues, but one of those recent conversations with Steve, my supervisor, got me thinking about our industry and I’ve come to the conclusion that the AV industry — particularly ProAV — has a major self esteem problem.
Now, the AV industry has been around for AT LEAST 70 years, since our trade association InfoComm celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2009, and you can’t have a trade association without the industry existing! Yet, we don’t have widespread recognition, acknowledgement or understanding. You’ve read my ranting on the lack of visibility of our industry when I called for every one of you to evangelize our field! You’ve read me repeatedly bemoaning the lack of formal education programs and degrees for our field like those available for the IT world. All of which is still true and still a problem — yet all of which goes a long way to explaining our self esteem issues.
So what are these issues? Well, obviously we must feel inferior in some way as, across the board, we tend to give away our collective knowledge and skill. This may be changing (I hope!) but few integrators charge for engineering services. If they do charge for it, they undercharge at rates comparable to a simple installer, rather than charging an appropriate premium for the designer’s knowledge and experience. And speaking of installers, how many integrators charge varying rates based on installer’s roles and training levels? Even if you only charge a flat “installer” or “tech” rate, how do those rates compare to the other tradesmen on the job sites? The point my coworker made is that, very often, the AV integrators charge less for their installers than the construction companies charge for their carpenters, or electricians, or drywall guys. Now, I’m not disparaging those trades in any way. I know there are apprenticeships and training levels and a lot that goes in to becoming a master carpenter or master electrician… but at the end of the day, it’s a limited skill set in comparison. After all, carpenters know carpentry. Electricians know electrical. AV field guys (at least, the well-trained kind we should train up and have on staff) have to know some elements of carpentry, electrical, electronics and signal flow, optics, acoustics, a good deal of IT, and even enough psychology and customer service to train end users during commissioning. That’s a tall order, and explains why we are constantly looking for new techs and having to train them from scratch! Yet, we can’t charge even as much for those guys as the other trades?
Plus, the rates for AV techs and design engineers are WAY lower than the rates IT personnel get, when the reality is, today’s AV techs and design engineers are more similar to those guys than they are the construction tradesmen. So why don’t we charge as much for our guys and gals? This is where we have our self esteem issue. We may not have degree programs or entire departments at corporations dedicated to our field — yet! — but our work, our knowledge, our skills and talents are worth as much as theirs, particularly today when the two fields have become so entwined and interdependent.
I’m reminded of a book I read many years ago about two sisters, twins who were very similar, but the younger (Caroline) was prettier, more talented, more outgoing and generally more well-loved and well-respected. The entire story was the struggle of the elder (Sara Louise) to reconcile her jealousy and bitterness towards the younger sister and develop her own sense of self-worth. It took moving far from home as an adult and focusing on her own strengths and skills until she finally realized her own value. The book is the Newbery Award-winning Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson, and the title refers to the Biblical story of Jacob, another beloved younger sibling, and his older brother Esau, who also suffered many years in his younger sibling’s shadow before eventually realizing his own worth and becoming a success in his own right.
In many ways, the relationship between AV and IT resembles the relationships of those stories. AV came first, for the most part, with projectors and audio reproduction existing commercially well before the first commercial computers. Yet, for many decades now, IT — the younger sib — has been viewed as more talented, more valuable, more necessary for successful business, and more worthy of study and implementation. Today, we need to work as an industry to do what took Sara Louise and Esau a lifetime to accomplish — we need to understand and accept our own worth as an industry and begin to act accordingly. This means we need to educate our customers as to the depth and breadth of knowledge we possess and work to increase their understanding of the value we bring them. We need to make sure our techs and engineers have all the training possible and that they earn their certifications — CTS, CTS-D or CTS-I, low voltage electrical licenses, basic Microsoft or Cisco certifications and so on. We also need to start charging accordingly! It is something that will take time and a level of commitment across the industry, but it is also something we need to do.
For until we realize our own worth, we will never do an adequate job of convincing others — other trades, our customers, educators and so on — that we are an industry worth respect, worth investing in,and worth pursuing. We owe it to ourselves and to those who will follow in our wake to take these steps. Now, repeat after me, everyone: “We’re good enough. We’re smart enough. And gosh darn it, people like us!”
Dawn Meade, CTS — also known as AVDawn — is the marketing and media coordinator for Net-AV in Hampstead, Maryland. She is an industry veteran with experience in integration, AV sales, and social media. You can find her on Twitter, on AVNation podcasts, on her AV tech blog, and of course, here at rAVe as a staff writer and as part of the rAVe BlogSquad.
Can't We Just Put Buttons for Every Available Function on the Touch Panel?
By Jon Chuchla
While using a different button for each function is often technically possible, it’s bad practice, and an old-school way of doing things. I don’t program control systems that way. Not because I’m difficult and stubborn, but because it’s a bad idea and I know better. This request is much like saying, “I know how to get to New York from Orlando, so if I want to go to New York from Chicago, I need to go to go to Orlando first.” Of course, you can certainly get to New York from Chicago via Orlando. But it is rather absurd isn’t it? Nobody would do it this way, they’d figure out the easier way that requires less steps. The same concept applies here.
Back in the old days of control systems built from switches and relays (pre-1990 or so) you used to see discrete buttons for each separate ‘device-task.’ In those days the job of a control system was simply to consolidate all of the buttons into one place. That was about all you could do with the limited technology of the day. For the past 20 years now we’ve moved on to control systems that are microprocessor based. So much more is possible, and because of that, the mentality of the users has changed.
I’m not sure how far back your experience with automobiles goes, but here’s another analogy. In the old days, in order to start a car, you had to take multiple steps. First you’d pull the choke, and then you’d turn the key. After the engine started running, you’d wait for it to run smoothly, then you’d close the choke and you’re free to put it in gear and be on your way. Now you simply turn the key and the car does the rest of the process behind the scenes. Modern cars will go even further and turn on the headlights or windshield wipers if it thinks you need them.
You shouldn’t make the user think about the individual equipment actions that are required behind the scenes to get the job done, but rather, you should present the “activities” that the user would want to do, and make the control system do everything else behind the scenes. For example, there’s rarely a need to have a projector on button — because there’s never an action that stops at turning the projector on. You don’t turn on a projector to have it just sit there powered on. The next step is always deciding what to show on that projector. So the best way to program it would be to simply have the user choose what they want to show, and the control system turns it on behind the scenes.
So in deciding how to design a touch panel (and consequently program a system) you need to anticipate the actions of the users, and coordinate that with the functionality of the system. You then come up with an organized way to operate the system. In some systems where there’ are multiple sources, and multiple displays, the action list gets more involved, so it’s critical to sort it into a logical workflow. And that means by how the user will use it — not by how an engineer or technicians would categorize functions by equipment or system category. In the average classroom scenario, a user will usually want to display a source, then they’ll interact with the source, then they’ll turn the system off. So that’s exactly how the main menu should be presented. “Media Source”, “Media Controls”, “System Off”. There’s also some other common on-the-fly actions they’ll want to do as well such as ‘hide/show picture’, ‘volume/mute’, ‘lighting’. So long as it’s just two or three actions in total, they can also be presented on the main menu. If each of those requires a number of buttons (6 different lighting presets) it should be presented as a popup, or page that disappears on its own, returning you back to the main media controls page.
A well thought out interface makes or breaks the whole system. If the system is hard to use, they’ll never take the time to learn how to use it, and they’ll have bought something that ends up collecting dust. If a customer has an easy time using the system, they’re more likely to come back for more.
There was a time when SMART Technologies simply dominated any discussion around classrooms. If you were integrating technology of any kind into a classroom – especially K-12 classrooms – you had to figure out a way to spec and install a Smart Board. Interactive whiteboarding was not only invented, but also perfected by the two founders of Smart Technologies, Nancy Knowlton and her husband David Martin. Smart is a Canadian-based manufacturer which, at one time, had an estimated 98 percent market share of the interactive whiteboard market and has won over 30 awards since its founding in 1987. And, almost all products in the whiteboarding market are called Smart Boards (much like a tissue is called Kleenex) even though the company's market share has slipped well below 50 percent in recent years and is continuing to fall as projector manufacturers and even mount manufacturers integrate their own versions of so-called interactive whiteboarding into products for free or cheap.
And, now, founders Knowlton and Martin have decided to step down as CEO and executive chair, respectively, of the company whose profit has shrunk ever since becoming a publicly traded company. In fact, this past February, Smart posted a 13 percent drop in income quarter to quarter to below $11 million. And, that's not all the bad news — the stock is now hovering around $2.50 a share — after having a 52-week high of over $10 a share and making their debut on the stock market at over $16 a share in July 2010, which is a number they'd never even come close to hitting after October 2010 when the steady linear decline in stock price never stopped.
So, what's next? Well, in leaving yesterday, Nancy left with the statement, "It is with a great deal of pride and optimism about Smart's future opportunities in both the business market and new education markets that Dave and I are preparing to leave the company in the capable hands of the management team and dedicated staff at all levels."
We can only hope. First off, going public was a BAD idea — not for the two of them of course — I am sure they have money tucked away and they'll be fine. But it's bad news for those who work for Smart — some 200 or more are expected to be laid off by year's end — and for those who purchased stock in the company. Their products are good, they are popular and they work — even though I stand by my 2004 statement that in MOST cases Smart Boards just become the most expensive whiteboard ever purchased by any organization. Most don't get used as interactive whiteboards; they get used as just plain white boards. Someone, somewhere needs to tell the new management at Smart that licensing their technology is the key to their future. Not making stuff! Stop trying to make money on the hardware and license the technology as it OBVIOUSLY is becoming commoditized. It's the perfect plan!
Will someone reading this be kind enough to pass that along to whomever has the keys to Nancy's old office?
Now, on to Jeremy — Burkhardt, that is. He's the founder and now president of SpeakerCraft — no doubt the coolest speaker company in the world. Way back in 2009 at CEDIA they launched a new product called Nirv (I was at the press conference). Nirv was supposed to be a whole home AV system with whole home automation built into it. But, it never shipped as a finished product — only as beta. And now it's dead. No one knows how many customers or dealers have the beta version of Nirv, but we've been told that SpeakerCraft is doing whatever it can to make it up to the dealers and customers who were affected by the product cancellation.
Well, well, well. I loved Nirv when I first saw it. In 2010 when the company modified the concept and decided to strip out the automation part of the product and make it only a whole home AV system, I planned on replacing my Russound CAM crap with Nirv. Now, I'm stuck with Russound's CAM system.
This article was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.
“If you're not already well versed in computer networking, you better get versed — and quickly,” explains Dan Fulmer, CTS, president of FulTech Solutions. “The AV world has changed, and for some of us, the basics aren't enough.”
The crux of that change is the fact that AV systems increasingly utilize enterprise IP networks — the same networks that already carry mission-critical voice, data and other information. Those networks, however, and the switches, routers, firewalls and other components they comprise, weren’t necessarily designed with real-time delivery of audiovisual content in mind. Without an in-depth understanding of IP networks and the way AV applications operate within them, there’s a real chance that what a customer expects to experience won’t match what they ultimately see and hear. Not to mention the havoc that improperly configured AV devices might wreak on the network itself.
InfoComm University currently offers a pair of popular courses in its IT education track. Essentials of AV Technology for the IT Professional and Elements of Design were created to help IT professionals and others understand the basics of AV systems and systems design. But given the pace of technology advancement and the speed with which AV and IT have come together on IP networks, it’s clear that most networked AV applications go beyond basic education.
“With guidance from InfoComm’s Professional Education and Training Committee, it became increasingly obvious that the industry needed more advanced training in how to deal with the impact of audiovisual applications on enterprise networks,” says Melissa Taggart, InfoComm senior vice president of education and certification.
Networked AV Systems (NET212), an intermediate to advanced three-day course, was more than a year in the making. It’s been audited and honed by InfoComm’s education experts and instructors, as well as real-world AV and IT professionals. The brand-new class debuts this June at InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas, but fair warning: it is not for the uninitiated.
“The subject matter experts who developed the course determined that the audience needed a CTS-level understanding of AV technologies and design principles, and a CompTIA Network + level understanding of networking technologies and design principles,” Taggart says. InfoComm instructors hold Network + certifications, and although there is no official prerequisite for the course, InfoComm has prepared a 40-question pretest [PDF] that prospective students should take before signing up.
At the end of three days, students who take Networked AV Systems will understand that the best way to ensure applications such as digital signage, streaming media, videoconferencing and telepresence create the optimal experience with as little network impact as possible is to hash things out between AV and IT early in the design. Some of it’s a question of technology, namely the network equipment required to meet enterprise requirements and the capabilities of IP-based AV devices for achieving reliability and interoperability. From there, successful networked AV design comes down to detail:
How much bandwidth will the AV system consume?
How can we reduce the bandwidth consumption if necessary?
What ports, protocols and other network configurations must be enabled to make the AV system work?
What threats might the AV system might pose to network security and stability?
And most importantly, what kind of quality can a user reasonably expect given the AV application and the network environment?
The Networked AV Systems course is built around real-world applications that clients want today, and the way AV and IT technologies must be coordinated to create the best experience. For example, a section on streaming media applications kicks off with an assessment process. Does the customer need to be able to respond to the streaming media in real-time? Will any delay in media delivery undermine the application’s purpose? The answers to these questions lead to issues of bandwidth, latency and Quality of Service, among others. From there, students learn the optimal network environment for reliably delivering the streaming service.
“Most of what we teach in the new course is to ensure AV systems can meet service level agreements,” Taggart says.
IT departments and IT service providers succeed and fail based on service level agreements (SLAs), which basically spell out the minimum performance, availability, response time, support, and capability that users should expect of their systems. AV applications, because of the workload they may place on networks, can impact SLAs if AV and IT professionals don’t plan accordingly.
Networked AV Systems follows the process of matching AV and networking technologies to customer needs for digital signage, conferencing, remote monitoring and management, and networked AV security. It goes through the planning for three fictional companies, each with its unique requirements.
Security, in particular, isn’t something most AV integrators have had to worry about in the past. But when AV systems touch an enterprise network, they may introduce security risks. It’s important to identify those risks during the system design and follow best practices to mitigate them.
“Students are going to learn how to glean customer needs, to manage trade-offs between quality and bandwidth, and to work through the sometimes conflicting needs of customers and network managers,” Taggart explains.
In the end, through better coordination among clients, IT professionals, and AV designers, network-based AV systems can deliver the kind of communication experience that benefits everyone.
If you’re not attending InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas, or you can’t make it for the inaugural Networked AV Systems class, InfoComm University will be offering the three-day class at its Fairfax, Va., headquarters Sept. 10-13. Sign up now.
2012 Q1 Projector Sales Flat in EMEA and North America, But Up 12 Percent in Asia
Pacific Media Associates (PMA) released its latest research findings on the worldwide projector market. The worldwide projector market totaled 2.3 million units in calendar Q1, with the Asia region’s accounting for 39 percent, up from 35 percent in the year-earlier quarter, according to PMA's latest report.
Not surprisingly, China accounts for a large fraction of the Asian region’s total, and because of its still-rapid rate of development it accounted for 43 percent of the Asia region in Q1, up from 37 percent in Q1 of 2011. The other two countries with double-digit percentage shares of the region were India and Indonesia, which very interestingly swapped places in the ranking during the year, with Indonesia growing dramaticallyfueled by large education tenderswhile India’s economy declined substantially and took the projector market down with it.
On a worldwide basis, projectors with 1000 lumens of brightness or more grew 6 percent compared with Q1 of 2011. Among the most notable trends in this brightness range was the growth in the share of short-throw projectors (defined as those with a throw ratio of less than 1.1) from 12 percent one year ago to 15 percent in the first quarter of 2012. Most of this growth in short-throw projectors is due to their increasing popularity in the education market.
In the sub-1000 lumen brightness range, the worldwide total declined 10 percent in Q1 of 2012 compared with the year-earlier quarter. However, the portion of this range accounted for by mobile devices with embedded projection modules increased strongly while the standalone projectors decreased even more strongly, so that the ratio of the embedded to standalone ones increased from 1:2 in 2011’s first quarter to almost exactly 1:1 in Q1 of 2012.
Last week, Chief Manufacturing packed up what it's calling the Big Yellow Truck. The company is heading out with a month's worth of orders and is hand-delivering them on its way to the InfoComm Show. But, that's not all that's in the truck — it's also carrying seven guys, too — including one who we know personally, Matt DuBois, a 2011 Swim for Smiles volunteer who was himself a college swimmer. You can see the entire road crew here: http://chiefroadshow.com/road-crew/
Plus, they're blogging along the way. Today, in fact, they're here in North Carolina delivering all sorts of racks and mounts to dealers in the "Southern Part of Heaven" as we like to call it under the Carolina Blue Skies — well, if it weren't raining outside. Wow, on Tuesday we hosted President Obama and today, Chief – what a lucky week!
You can follow along as they make their way to the InfoComm show in June. It's actually pretty funny and these guys seem to be having fun — and eating poorly too, we must say. Follow it all here: http://chiefroadshow.com/about/
Q1 Sales of 1000+ Lumen Projectors Grows 6 Percent
Pacific Media Associates (PMA) Q1 report on 1000+ lumen projector sales shows growth at 6 percent.
"Ever since flat panel displays became large enough to be used in business meeting rooms and home theaters there have been predictions of the demise of projectors from manufacturers — of both projectors and flat panels — as well as pundits, the press, etc.," says William Coggshall, president of PMA. "Of course, ANY industry experiences a slowing of growth as it ages and increasingly saturates its potential market… whether or not it has strong competition from alternative technologies. The projector industry is over 20 years old, so the 6 percent growth rate measured by PMA's comprehensive worldwide quarterly census is strong proof that the projector business is healthy. Of course, we all know some markets and applications that are moving to flat panels, and PMA is tracking these moves and taking them into account in our forecasts."
To survive, any industry needs to innovate and change so, like a sports team, it needs a strong offense. Some recent examples of this offense are developments in short-throw projectors, interactive projectors, PC-free presentations and solid state illumination (laser, LED and hybrid).
But a sports team also needs a strong defense. On June 12, Coggshall will make a presentation at the Projection Summit 2012 conference titled "Playing Defense in the 2012 Projector Business," and is now previewing the reasons that some — or many — projector manufacturers might need to seek better defensive strategy and tactics than they now have.
DisplaySearch Adds Digital Signage Conference at InfoComm
While there is much debate over the size and potential of the digital signage market, industry insiders know that the most concrete way to quantify the market is to follow the display. NPD DisplaySearch will once again host its one-day Digital Signage Conference at InfoComm, providing in-depth insight into the projected growth and emerging trends of the digital signage industry.
The NPD DisplaySearch fifth annual Digital Signage Conference is taking place on June 12 in Las Vegas. Industry leaders in digital signage will address distribution channels, revenue opportunities, hot markets and new technologies throughout the entire supply chain. This one-day, industry insider digital signage event is aimed at developers, suppliers, integrators and customers of digital signage applications. It is the perfect opportunity for InfoComm 2012 attendees to gain valuable insight prior to the opening keynote address.
Topics to be addressed during the 2012 NPD DisplaySearch Digital Signage Conference:
Who Comprises the Digital Signage Supply Chain?
Speakers from NPD DisplaySearch, Sharp, LG and Corning will discuss the state of the North America digital signage industry, as well as what opportunities may exist for the rest of the world. Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and integrators will learn which companies are making digital signage components, which companies are buying those components, who the biggest players are, and what constitutes a “commercial grade” display. End-market users will hear from the leading players that are focused on specific commercial needs and other markets around the globe.
More than the Display: Content Management, Distribution Channels and the Opportunity for Revenue
In the digital signage industry, the components that comprise the technology are critical to the direction in which the industry is moving. Leading industry players from Sony, NEC and Four Winds will share details about how hardware, software and services come together to generate one-time and ongoing revenue streams. From financing to content creation to content management to IT and AV support and installation, conference attendees will hear perspectives from companies that are focused on the entire value chain, not just the supply chain.
Comparing Go-To Market Strategies along the Supply Chain
As the digital signage industry is still very young, many players find themselves wondering where they fit in. VARs will learn who to partner with and who can help them bring it all together while end-market installers will gain insight into how major companies can best serve them. Conference presenters from Ingram Micro and Panasonic will help attendees understand where they fall in the mix, what types of technologies are available to them through which channels, and which markets are currently hot.
The Future of Digital Signage: Advanced and Emerging Display Technologies
New display technologies such as OLED, transparent displays, touch screens, and glasses-free 3D displays are debuting at trade shows and are even beginning to show up in consumer electronics, but are these technologies really ready for commercial adoption? NPD DisplaySearch will discuss the state of OLED, 3M will educate on current and future touch technologies, and Philips/Dimenco will introduce glasses-free 3D for public environments.
The NPD DisplaySearch Digital Signage Conference at InfoComm 2012 will be held on June 12 at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The world’s largest flat panel display vendors and partners with well-established companies in the digital display industry will be in attendance. Confirmed participating companies include 3M Touch, Corning, Ingram Micro, LGE, NPD DisplaySearch, Panasonic, Philips/Dimenco and Sharp.
Christie Debuts New 3LCD Projector Platform at NAB 2012
The first offerings of a new 3LCD product platform, the Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i projectors debuted at the NAB show in Las Vegas last week. The Christie LX501 is a 5000-lumen XGA (1024×768 resolution) projector with up to 3000:1 contrast ratio. It's designed for small-to-medium sized venues in higher education, corporate environments and government agencies. The professional-grade Christie LX601i XGA projector offers 6000 lumens and is suitable for similar venues requiring higher brightness.
With this new 3LCD platform, Christie is also introducing a hybrid filter rated up to 20,000 hours with no moving parts, reducing the need to change filters frequently, and long-life lamps ranging from 3000 to 4000 hours in eco-mode (2500-3000 hours in standard mode), lowering the total cost of ownership. Both the Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i are rated for high altitude use up to 10,000 feet (3048 meters).
As well as providing easier third-party integration with Crestron RoomView and AMX Device Discovery, the Christie LX501 Christie LX601i also includes DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode for use in medical training environments.
Epson has expanded its PowerLite 1900-series with six new models spec'd at up to 5,000 lumens and with split screen projection capability. The PowerLite 1940W, 1950 and 1960 offer features such as split screen, DICOM simulation mode, Faroudja DCDi for a home cinema-like experience in Pro applications and digital connectivity with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. They are designed for users that need additional features such as Wi-Fi, advanced wireless security, automatic vertical and horizontal keystoning and focus assistance.
Christie Debuts Product That Gives ProAV Integrators a Reason to Sell Something to Local Movie Theaters
Christie has just announced the launch of the new Christie SKA-3D digital cinema processor, a product that allows 2D/3D image playback from virtually any content source on any brand of projector with separate L/R eye dual DVI inputs. It is a true, high-caliber “all-in-one” cinema processor that ends equipment rack clutter by combining multiple units typically found in a projection booth — an audio processor, digital crossovers, video scaler, 3D decoders, video cross conversion and more — into a single, lightweight and compact box.
Who cares? Well, this is BIG. There are thousands of digital cinema projectors already installed that are designed for showing movies. And, there are all sorts of revenue opportunities for theaters to rent out their facilities for corporate and alternative-entertainment events (e.g., videogame competitions, TV show debut parties, classes, etc). This new processor from Christie adds input capability that makes it possible to connect advertising servers, Blu-ray players, Sony PlayStations, set-top boxes, personal computers and satellite feeds to digital cinema projectors, for the first time ever!
And, this means that AV integrators can go sell and do these installs to the over 14,000 movie theaters across the country. So, go sell this!
Additionally, the Christie SKA-3D provides audio support for up to 16 DCI-AES input channels from the cinema server/Integrated Media Block (IMB) and is configurable with up to ten balanced analog outputs and five, two-way crossovers, as well as built-in support for Hearing Impaired (HI) and Visually Impaired-Narrative (VI-N) audio outputs. It is fully equipped with high-end audio processing features such as 1/3 octave EQ for main channels, parametric EQ for LFE channel, adjustable lip-sync delay, individual speaker channel delays, microphone input, and flexible input to output channel mapping to support any installed equipment.
Beyond that, with numerous analog/digital audio connectors and extensive support for Dolby and DTS multichannel audio formats, this is the only cinema processor that is up to the task of making a cinema owner’s alternative content sound as spectacular as the sound heard in feature presentations.
Extron Announces New DisplayPort Switcher and Distribution Amplifier
Extron today launched the SW2 DP two-input DisplayPort switcher, as well as the DP DA2 two-output DisplayPort distribution amplifier. They are HDCP compliant and support data rates up to 10.8 Gbps and computer resolutions up to 2560×1600 at 60 Hz, including HDTV 1080p/60. The SW2 DP and DP DA2 feature EDID Minder, which maintains continuous EDID communication between connected devices for reliable video content display. The DP DA2 also features Key Minder, an Extron-exclusive technology that continuously authenticates HDCP encryption between all devices, ensuring the simultaneous distribution of source content to both displays. Additionally, dual-mode support on the DP DA2 allows source signals to be distributed to multiple HDMI, DVI, or VGA display devices with appropriate adapters.
The addition of the SW2 DP and DP DA2 to Extron's expanding line of DisplayPort products allows the integration of this technology into a wide variety of AV applications, including conference areas, houses of worship, and rental and staging environments. The SW2 DP and DP DA2 are ideal for AV systems that require reliable switching and distribution of DisplayPort signals.
Do you have your heart set on mounting THREE screens on your desktop? Don’t worry. Peerless-AV has added 13 new models to its Desktop Range for monitors and tablets — and they have the Triple Screen Desktop LCD Mount LCT-103in their range.
Both size and number of screens on desktops is increasing worldwide (even we, here at rAVe, all have at least two screens on everyone's desktop), and for good reason. The research that ties productivity to the size and number of screens available to the desktop has been known for some time.
Microsoft said it first, University of Utah researched it to prove it, The New York Times discussed it, Apple applauded it and Jon Peddie Research confirmed it. Larger screens and more screens both help your customers work better. For example, dual monitors can improve your productivity up to 50 percent.
Of course, it’s mounting that enables you to get more screen or multiple screens on desktops. And that why Peerless-AV calls itself “the Number One enabler of desktop productivity.”
Mounting a screen or tablet also frees up vital real estate on desktops. It provides maximum ergonomic comfort to relieve the strain on eyes, neck and back.
Peerless-AV gives integrators and installers more ways to mount the customer’s choice of any number of monitor and tablets in any office, hospital or hospitality setting. All models are ergonomically designed for optimum screen placement and many include features such as smooth motion articulating arms for the easiest height, depth and tilt adjustment contributing to reduced eye and neck strain.
The company's models are capable of supporting up to four screens on a single mount. Installation is easy, securing a display with a quick release mechanism, whilst many models include internal cable management for a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Take the LCT620AD, for example. For 12" to 30" Flat Panel Displays, it offers two desk assemblies in one box, with both desk clamp and grommet supplied for the desk mounting solution the user prefers.
With this dual display mount and its flexible articulating arms, you can easily set the height of the display into a comfortable viewing position. A quick release mechanism instantly secures the display. Raise or lower the displays, extend out, tilt forward and back, pan and rotate for portrait and landscape viewing.
For 20" to 30" flat panel displays, the Quad-Monitor Desktop & Grommet Mounts LCZ-4F430B and LCZ-4F4G30Bsupport four 30" displays on a 35.4" (900mm) crossbar, giving more “screen power” as well as more workspace.
Barco Introduces ClickShare Meeting Room Solution, Will Compete with Crestron, Extron and AMX
Barco calls it “game-changing meeting room technology.”
ClickShare is Barco’s wireless presentation and collaboration system, which makes connecting to the meeting room’s video system a matter of clicking a button.
A standard ClickShare set-up consists of USB devices (the ClickShare Buttons), a storage basket (the ClickShare Tray) for neatly storing the Buttons when they’re not in use and a Base Unit. The Base Unit has a fixed connection to the meeting room’s AV system and handles all processing.
Users who want to put their presentations on a large meeting room screen simply connect a Button to their PC or MAC, click it… and immediately the desktop is transferred wirelessly to the large visualization system. ClickShare doesn’t interfere with the laptop’s resolution, and it automatically displays the screen content optimally. ClickShare also allows you to show video clips with frame rates of up to 20 fps.
The attraction of wireless is obvious and the attraction of one-click connectivity is overwhelming for conference rooms veterans. Barco sees ClickShare as a solution that will solve some very recognizable issues experienced in meeting rooms worldwide.
The company's "one click wonder" not only helps the presenter get the presentation on-screen in a second, but also allows the other people in the meeting to participate more actively. The result, says Barco, is enhanced meeting efficiency and better decision-making.
Christie has launched its latest lens throw distance calculator with:
62 projectors, and now including calculations for the Christie M Series and Christie J Series
Easy-to-use user-interface
Built-in calculation of vertical and horizontal offsets with instant results
Clear warnings if your calculations are outside of recommended limits
A more detailed, printable, results page
Online access, or downloadable version
Christie’s throw distance calculator can determine the lens required for the installation of your Christie projector — or the screen size or throw distance you will need given your current Christie projector and lens combination.
Aurora says the DXE-STH and DXE-HTS are professional broadcast video products capable of converting 3G-SDI to HDMI and HDMI to 3G-SDI, respectively. The DXE-STH supports audio de-embedding, while the DXE-HTS supports audio embeddeding.
The DXE-STH has a re-clocked loop-through SDI for local monitor support and can also identify the input signal (HD or SD), indicating the result with a dual color status LED. RGB and YUV color space are also supported. Both units support resolutions from 480i up to 1080p.
Dubbed the BDP-S790, Sony's latest Blu-ray player is a 4096×2048 (4K) player capable of upscaling content to 4K resolution or even displaying native content (via Internet streaming) at 4K resolution.
Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming, a dual core processor, Blu-ray Disc playback (including 2D to 3D conversion), 4K upscaling, two HDMI outputs, Skype capability, 16-bit video processing and IP noise reduction (which Sony claims improves internet video playback) are all features touted by this $250 Blu-ray. In addition to all the HD standards, it's also capable of 24p output and other aspect ratios. This way you can duplicate all the film aspect ratios or convert all content to 16:9 format and even convert 24p to 60Hz for completely flicker-free movie watching.
Chief Launches New Freestanding Video Wall Solutions
Chief is now shipping its Fusion Series freestanding video wall solutions. The new LVM mounts make it possible to construct video walls in prominent locations for temporary situations or when wall-mounting is not an option.
Available in standard 2×2, 3×2 and 3×3 configurations, the new freestanding solutions can be combined with accessories to achieve video walls up to three displays high and any length. The LVM2X2U can accommodate displays up to 65” and 125 lbs. (56.7 kg), while the LVM3X3U and LVM3X2U are compatible with displays up to 55” and 100 to 125 lbs. (45.4 to 56.7 kg), respectively. This latest addition to Chief’s Fusion Series of mounting solutions features ControlZone micro-height and leveling capabilities, plus plumb and lateral shift adjustments to simplify alignment. Fully integrated cable management aides in a clean installation and smooth rolling casters allow for easy positioning.
The models are:
LVM2X2U – 2×2 freestanding solution
LVM3X2U – 3×2 freestanding solution
LVM3X3U – 3×3 freestanding solution
FCA2X1U – Accessory converts 2×2 configuration to 2×3
FCA3X1U – Accessory converts 3×2 configuration to 3×3
High Bandwidth Wireless for HD and 3D/HD Digital Video Cameras
High speed, high bandwidth wireless is now available that can transmit uncompressed high definition (HD) video signals and even HD 3D at the performance level required to ensure the highest fidelity of signal and resolution.
This technology, in the hands of camera operators in motion picture, television, sports, and Electronic News Gathering (ENG) organizations is ideal for the placement of digital video cameras in remote locations up to 500 meters from the receiver without wires and without concern for interference.
The breakthrough involves technology that works in the unlicensed 60 GHz “millimeter wave” frequency band. The data bandwidth available at this frequency allows a tremendous amount of digital information to be transmitted wirelessly at high speeds, a feat not possible at the lower frequencies used by most wireless equipment.
Explosion in Data Transmission
The industry has struggled for some time to identify wireless and even physical cabling connections that can keep up with the rapidly increasing bandwidth required for high definition filming.
The escalating demand is being driven not only by higher resolution devices, but also with the upsurge in popularity of 3D/HD motion pictures, televisions, smart phones and gaming monitors.
Because 3D is shot essentially utilizing two cameras that film slightly offset images that are synchronized to create the dimensional effect, two independent HD streams must be transmitted simultaneously. This immediately doubles the data transmission requirement and presents the challenge of doing so through a delivery system – physical or wireless – that has no latency issues.
Physical Cabling – Fiber, Coax
The most obvious solution for high speed transmission of data-intensive content would be to establish a physical connection via fiber optic cabling.
However, digital 3D/HD fiber optic cable has significant latency issues that can affect the synchronization of the two digital streams of data. To compensate, complex and expensive multiplexers are required, which lead to racks of equipment on-site and a completely non-portable solution.
Due to the deficiencies of fiber optic cable, the industry often utilizes a coax cable solution that can be run to a distance of approximately 300 meters. However, the limitations of data transmission often lead to stepping down the resolution and sacrificing quality.
High bandwidth wireless, naturally, would be the ideal solution and eliminate the need for any kind of physical connection. But traditional wireless options are unable to keep up with the bandwidth requirements as well.
Fortunately, a little used portion of the wireless spectrum known as the millimeter wave band has all the bandwidth capability, and more, to ensure the highest fidelity and resolution of signal from source to receiver.
Millimeter Wave Band
Millimeter waves (also known as extremely high frequency or EHF) operate within a frequency range of 30-300 GHz.
What makes this range so attractive to the broadcasting and film industries is the available bandwidth. Standard wireless at lower frequencies can only deliver 2-5 MHz of bandwidth. The lesser used millimeter wave band, on the other hand, can deliver data at speeds of up to 10 GB/s currently, with projections increasing to as much as 40 GB/s by 2014.
Until recently, the military has been the primary user of this spectrum for developing short range wireless communication products. Not only is the technology mature, but with the cost of the all-important Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) dramatically decreasing in recent years (a trend that is expected to continue), the technology is now being utilized for commercial applications.
The millimeter band, however, does have some distance limitations. Millimeter wave radio signals in certain frequencies can suffer atmospheric attenuation over long distances. Rain and humidity can also dilute signal strength. As a result, wireless transmission is limited to about 1 mile.
Products Emerge
The first millimeter wave products in the 60 GHz band — a frequency available for unlicensed commercial applications – are now being introduced that specifically target the HD and 3D/HD motion picture, television and broadcast industries.
Renaissance Electronics Corporation (REC) and its wholly owned subsidiary, HXI, for example, have recently introduced a millimeter wave based product specifically designed for high definition and 3D digital filming, the GigaLink HD wireless radio links.
These wireless radio links, which are available as single or dual channel, are the first unlicensed wireless system that transmits uncompressed raw HD/SDI video at 1.485 GB/s, according to Renaissance.
The dual channel model can transport independent, uncompressed video signals from two HD cameras or alternately High Definition 3D with both 3D/HD input signals transported in perfect synchronization at 2.970 GB/S (combined). This is all without the need for compression or forward error correction, avoiding the associated latency.
The GigaLink Products were developed specifically for use with Sony HDC and HDCU-F950 Digital 4:4:4 CineAlta systems but will interface with any SMPTE 372M or SMPTE 292M compliant production system.
These portable wireless links consist of a transmitter and a receiver that each weighs approximately 11 pounds. Operating range is up to 500 meters in clear air to light rain conditions.
New Possibilities in 3D Filming
With its performance meeting or exceeding fiber optics, this technology has particular value for Electronic News Gathering (ENG), live events (sports, holiday parades, etc.), film, TV and for studio to transmitter links.
Because wireless in the millimeter wave spectrum has a limited range, the applications for HD and 3D/HD video include those that call for portability and/or camera repositioning. These lightweight radio links can be set up and positioned in remote locations without wires visible in the shot and without concern for interference.
Another potential application is for broadcasting live events, such as the Olympics or Holiday Parades, where the installation of physical cables that later have to be removed (or left) is not feasible. Sporting events also benefit from the portability, as cameramen move from location to location at an event.
RGB Spectrum Adds DVI Dual-link Option to the MediaWall 2900 and SuperView 4100
RGB Spectrum has added a DVI dual-link option for its MediaWall 2900 video wall processor and its SuperView 4100 multiview processor to accommodate these higher resolutions such as 2560×1600 (WXGA). The MediaWall 2900 offers two DVI dual-link outputs; the SuperView 4100 needs only one. Both processors support up to 2560×1600 on each output. Eight video-graphic windows can be displayed simultaneously in real-time. Four 720p sources, at native resolution, fit nicely into a single 2560×1600 output. And, for two edge-blended projector applications, the MediaWall 2900 delivers overlapped outputs.
Although there are computer graphic adaptors that support DVI dual-link output capability, they commonly display only graphics and applications running on a single computer. With the MediaWall 2900 DVI dual-link processor, multiple videographic sources may be displayed together at any size and position on one or two screens. Using a four-head graphics adapter set to 1280×800 on a PC and connecting each output to the MediaWall or SuperView, the result is a pixel-for-pixel match displayed via the 2560×1600 DVI dual-link output.
Extron Expands Cable Cubby and Retraction System Line
Extron just added three new models to the Retractor series, a cable retraction system for Extron Cable Cubby series cable access enclosures. The Retractor provides a discreet solution for accessing AV cable connections and then storing them. New models include the Retractor VGA-A, which combines VGA and 3.5mm stereo audio in a single Retractor module, providing a cost-effective option for VGA and audio source connectivity. Also new are two special-purpose models: the Retractor DC, which can be used to extend DC power for many Dell, HP and Compaq PCs – laptop power supply not included; and the Retractor VGA SM, which incorporates the functionality of the recently introduced Extron VGA “Show Me” Control Cable for remote input connection and selection for the Extron VSW2 VGA A and SW VGA Ars switchers. Retractor modules are available in versions to support most AV and data signal types and fit any Cable Cubby or TouchLink Touchpanel Cable Cubby enclosure.
The Retractor System works in tandem with all Extron Cable Cubby cable access enclosure models, as well as the TouchLink TLP 350CV and TLP 710CV Cable Cubby Touchpanel models. Cable Cubby access enclosures are furniture-mountable architectural solutions that store cable out of sight while remaining connected to the AV system, offering a discreet way to access cables and connection points as they are needed. Up to three Retractor modules can be installed side by side within the Cable Cubby.
AMX has finally started shipping the long-awaited NetLinx Clear Connect Gateway, part of its family of AMX Light Control by Lutron. Based on a proprietary so-called Clear Connect radio frequency (RF) technology from lighting control manufacturer Lutron, the NetLinx Clear Connect Gateway wirelessly connects NetLinx Controllers with Lutron Clear Connect, dimmers, switches, occupancy sensors, switching plug-in devices and keypads.
Originally launched at InfoComm 2011 in Orlando, AMX Light Control by Lutron system uses the existing electrical infrastructure, so no new wires need to be installed. The wireless solution gives installers a quick path to add light control and occupancy sensing to a smart-room automation solution with AV control including features like scheduled shutdowns and energy management. Additionally, by removing the limitations related to pulling new wires, light control can be offered in virtually any location — ideal for retrofit installations.
ClearOne Launches New SaaS Cloud-Based Digital Signage Software Platform
Yesterday ClearOne launched the MagicBox WebSuite digital signage software platform that allows users to control its entire signage network from any web browser at any location. The new platform is available as a cloud-hosted SaaS model at http://www.magicboxinc.com.
The MagicBox WebSuite incorporates several new applications, including content creation and asset management inside of the browser for a comprehensive design to verification experience. With the new applications, multiple users can simultaneously create and edit multiple projects.
Applications included in the MagicBox WebSuite are:
Ad Logger – for network and verification impression analytics
Audio Manager – for audio playlist creation and management software
Additionally, the WebSuite offers enterprise-class user access controls for efficient planning and added security. These administrative applications include:
Library – to upload and support content repository management
User Manager – for administering user roles and security levels
Player Manager – to set up and organize signage players on the network
Remote Update – for signage player firmware updates
Blue Jeans Network Offers Cloud-Based Videoconferencing
Blue Jeans Network offers videoconferencing in the cloud. At $299 per port, per month, Blue Jeans likes to call its strategy an “MCU Killer.”
The company's “virtual MCU” can be anywhere from 65-90 percent less over three years than the physical MCU, says Blue Jeans. The Blue Jeans Network service enables users to hold a videoconference in the cloud, allowing participants to connect any number of ways, from Cisco or Polycom systems to Skype, Google Talks. Users can also connect from any number of devices.
With the new Blue Jeans pricing, a customer can buy a license for 20 ports per month, but if their usage spikes to 50 ports, they can add capacity immediately.
The virtual MCU model is appealing to small-to-medium sized businesses that can’t afford the CapEx and OpEx of a physical MCU. But Blue Jeans may also appeal to larger enterprises who already own physical MCUs and may consider Blue Jeans as an alternative to buying more physical boxes when they need to add capacity.
However, traditional vendors will fight back against cloud newcomers. For example, Cisco’s Callway, at $99 per month, per endpoint, is a subscription service that's designed to work with Cisco TelePresence desktop systems or on a laptop using a Cisco Movi Web camera.
RADVISION today announced the expansion of its SCOPIA video conferencing room system portfolio with the introduction of the SCOPIA XT4200 HD video conferencing system and the SCOPIA XT Meeting Center, an all-in-one room system with integrated 55" displays. Both the SCOPIA XT4200 and SCOPIA XT Meeting Center leverage the same technologies as the recently introduced SCOPIA XT5000 HD video conferencing room system.
The SCOPIA XT4200 is specifically aimed at smaller and mid-sized conference rooms as well as at customers who don't require all the high-end features offered in the SCOPIA XT5000. The XT4200 offers features at an affordable price point such as dual 720p/60fps live video and content, HD audio, H.264 High Profile and Scalable Video Coding (SVC), dual display support and a wide angle PTZ camera. It also offers simultaneous H.264 support and a simple user interface with optional multi-touch control via an Apple iPad.
The Scopia XT Meeting Center is a high-performance HD video conferencing solution powered by the SCOPIA XT5000. It integrates single or dual 55" 1080p displays in a specially designed cart and leverages the capabilities of the SCOPIA XT5000 system with simultaneous dual HD 1080p/60fps for live video and content and 20 kHz audio. The user interface uses the same design as RADVISION's SCOPIA Mobile application.
IDC estimates the unified communications market (videoconferencing is one component), to grow to $44 billion by 2015. Microsoft’s Lync has enjoyed very little serious competition until this point. But now Cisco has released Jabber, a new crossplatform communications and messaging application designed to compete directly with Microsoft's Lync.
Working with all client devices and operating systems, the application Jabber allows users to access Cisco's voice, video, presence, messaging, presence and conferencing platforms. There are no server or client licensing costs for existing customers. Let me repeat that: no server or client licensing costs for existing customers.
Cisco wants you to use the Jabber application to create up-sell opportunities and drive adoption of the wider collaboration portfolio. Oh, yeah.. and win market share from Microsoft Lync.
Russound's lllooonnnggg awaited BSK-1 Bluetooth Source Kit, a wireless audio kit for enabling all portable Bluetooth-equipped devices to stream content to any multiroom audio system regardless of brand, has started shipping. Russound says the BSK-1 is specifically designed for residential and commercial system integrators but also says in its press release that it's also for, "consumers who refuse to trade performance for price" — so, it's apparently for EVERYONE.
The BSK-1 features a two-piece design comprising of a Bluetooth transceiver and separate audio interface receiver with built-in active balanced line drivers for maximum signal clarity; this design enables the units to be placed up to 300 feet apart.
Features:
Enables Bluetooth audio streaming – like Apple AirPlay does, but using Bluetooth instead
A two-piece design with built-in active balanced line drivers, eliminating the requirement for external audio balun transformers
Audio receiver and Bluetooth transceiver may be separated by up to 300 feet using a single CAT5 cable
Bluetooth wireless range capable of receiving device signals up to 100 feet away when installed in line-of-sight applications
Allows for custom device naming and security pass code support with BSK-1 programming application
12-volt trigger input and output offers control of audio video equipment
Biamp Systems today introduced four new small amplifiers as part of its Vocia networked public address and voice evacuation system. The concept of Vocia is decentralized, networked paging system without one home-run for all signals to terminate. So, for example, a building on campus with a bunch of small classrooms where each one needs amplified sound as well as to be connected to a centralized system would benefit from this line. It's modular in the sense that you can add rooms as you want to — thus building the system amplifier by amplifier. They are all EN 54-16 certified, which is a product standard governing "Voice Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment" (VACIE) and is issued by the European Union Construction Product Directive (CPD), also known as Directive 89/106/EEC.
The networked multi-channel Vocia Amplifiers (VA-8600 and VA-8600c) provide eight channels of modular amplification with up to 2400 watts of power per chassis via AM-600 and AM-600c cards. There's also optional channel-to-channel or device-to-device failover — all easily configured using Vocia's intuitive software. Add the new Vocia VA-8600 Failover Module (VFOM-1) card and expand the failover options to include 7:1 channel failover or two sets of 3:1 channel failover.
Listen Technologies Partners with Ampetronic to Deliver Induction Loop Solution
Listen Technologies has partnered with Ampetronic to add induction loop technology to its RF and Infrared Wireless Listening offerings.
Hearing Loop solutions are widespread throughout the world but only recently has the technology started to be installed in a wide range of venues in North America. According to Listen, this is primarily a result of grass roots efforts of the hard-of-hearing community who are demanding the benefits that this technology can bring to them. A loop solution transmits an audio signal directly into a Telecoil hearing aid, reducing the need for an external receiver — the hearing aid becomes the receiver. Users receive sound tailored to their hearing loss, can feel less discriminated against and have no need to request or wear additional receivers.
Hearing loops can be installed in a variety of environments, from larger venues such as theaters, conference facilities and houses of worship to smaller one-on-one communication settings, such as ticket counters and meeting rooms. Loop solutions can also benefit those that need hearing assistance in taxi cabs, trains and buses.
PLUS Intros CaptureBoard with Network and Mobile Integration
PLUS Corporation's new C-20 CaptureBoard allows a user to combine and save the image projected on the writing surface along with hand-written notes. In addition to an improved writing surface and the ability to print to an on-board printer, it can be used as a copyboard. PLUS claims the surface of the C-20 has the properties of both a projection screen and a dry-erase board with minimal reflection or glare. When connected to a Windows-based computer via a USB cable, the C-20's software allows users to save the projected image and written notes together as a single image file (JPG, PNG or PDF). The C-20 is the first CaptureBoard with the ability to print the combined image directly to the optional on-board color printer.
When not being used with a projected image, the CaptureBoard can also serve as an electronic copyboard. With the push of a button, users can quickly save their hand-written notes to a USB memory stick, a USB-connected PC or Mac computer (no software necessary), or print out their notes via an optional on-board printer. In addition, the network capability of the C-20 allow users to save data to the board's internal memory or to an FTP server. The data can then be accessed via any network-connected computer. When saved to the C-20's internal memory, the image files are accessible even when the board is in standby mode.
Industry-first mobile device features are also available when the C-20 is used as a copyboard. PLUS' smartphone application — MTG Pocket App — allows attendees to scan the board's written notes using their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, with support for Android smartphones coming soon.
PSA-TEC 2012 is THE security show for the ProAV market. If you're interested in the professional security market, you should consider attending. PSA-TEC conference topics include:
For Strategy Implementation and Business Management: Sales Strategy, Leadership Development, Human Resources, Industry Trends, Financial Management, Managed Services
For Project Management: Certified Security Project Manager, Field Project Manager, Best Practices in Project Management
For Systems Design, Installation, Deployment and Maintenance: CCTV Installation & Maintenance, Network Fundamentals, Mechanical to Electrified Locking Hardware, Various Manufacturer Certifications, Electronic Security Networking Technician, Industry Credentialing
For Consultative Selling and Proposal Development: Value-Based Selling, Marketing Strategy, Best Practices in Selling, Vertical Market Requirements, Emerging Technologies & Trends, Service-Based Selling
For Procurement and Fulfillment: Negotiation Skills, Time Management, Leveraging PSA Security Network, Best Practices in Purchasing
InfoComm has launched a contest to win a trip to InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas. All you have to do is write an acrostic poem about InfoComm using the words InfoComm, Las Vegas or audiovisual. An acrostic poem is where the first letter starts with a new word, phrase or sentence, spelling out a message. Here's an example InfoComm gave:
InfoComm 2012 is going to be great & wouldn’t it be cool to be there? Not only for the amazing exhibits, events and education, but also For the experience of AV in Las Vegas. Only one show can bring you so much pro-AV in one place! Can you imagine walking the show floor? Oh, the time you will have. Make sure you enter today, and we will Meet you in Las Vegas!
If you're interested, you have until Monday, May 15 at 5 p.m. EDT to submit your entry to avanin@infocomm.org. The winner will receive a Las Vegas Travel Package for InfoComm 2012, which includes round-trip, economy airfare to Las Vegas departing from nearest gateway airport within the continental United States, three nights hotel accommodations in a property located near the Las Vegas Convention Center (room and tax only), limo service to and from the Las Vegas airport, a 3-Day Exhibits-Only Pass to InfoComm 2012 and an InfoComm goodie bag. Each person can only enter one poem. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 21, 2012.
Almo Professional A/V Adds Two New Sales Managers to Expanding Sales Team
Almo Professional A/V has hired two new sales managers — Bob McCormick, CTS as territory manager in Almo's western region and Jennifer Fisher as a senior account manager in the northwestern territory.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
TV One Appoints Dominique Giral as Sales Manager for France
TV One has appointed Dominique Giral as a sales manager in France. He joins TV One with an extensive sales background, with the past 20 years in the Broadcast and Pro AV Industry. Dominique Giral, a French national, will be based in Paris and responsible for maintaining and developing new business within the French market.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
Hall Research Appoints Wayne Childs and Kirk Lane as Business Development Managers
Hall Research has expanded its sales team, appointing Wayne Childs and Kirk Lane as business development managers for the eastern and western U.S., respectively.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
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