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Volume 11, Issue 14 — July 30, 2013
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2013 Best of InfoComm Awards
Welcome to rAVe’s annual Best of InfoComm Awards! This year’s InfoComm show, held last month in Orlando, Florida, was one of the best — or, actually, the best if you’re measurement is attendance. But, attendance aside, the amount of new technology and product innovation was more than the past three or four years, combined. It’s clear that most manufacturers see the next few years as promising and growth oriented.
But, because there were so many new products and technologies shown at the 2013 version of InfoComm, it made our job harder. There were more products to consider than in recent memory. Considering all this, those that did win should be proud of their accomplishment as they, obviously, represent the best-of-the-best. So, congratulations!
Click each link below to see the winner and read about the product.
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AV People: Malissa Dillman
By Molly Stillman rAVe Director of Marketing & New Business Development
Have you ever started talking with someone and the more you spoke with them, the more you liked them? The more you listened to them, the more you learned? The more you became like a sponge for their every word, the more you felt like you left the conversation a better, smarter person? That’s how I felt after spending an hour talking with Malissa Dillman of Kramer Electronics.
Malissa is one of those people that just makes the industry better by being a part of it. But, the truth of the matter is, Malissa didn’t originally set out to “be a part” of the industry.
“Well, in 1998 when I started out, I was an end user,” recalled Malissa. “I recruited doctors for the IU School of Medicine. We had built this lovely new facility, we had this great big, divisible multipurpose training room, and we needed someone to head up the AV for the room. Well, all of a sudden I found myself in charge of the AV for this training room.”
Malissa got a crash course in AV.
The industry, however, wasn’t really focused on education at the time. It was somewhat of a fight or flight system.
Well, it just so happened that in addition to running the AV for this fantastic, state-of-the-art training room, Malissa met and, eventually, married the guy who designed the room. Malissa and Doug Dillman married in 2000.
“At the time, Doug had his own company where he did installations — he didn’t sell product or anything,” explained Malissa. “And I realized very quickly and very early on in our marriage that I was going to have to learn this industry or I was going to die of boredom listening to him talk about it.
So I started to ask questions. I’d hear him and his coworkers talking about “RGB” all the time, so I asked, ‘What is RGB?’ and he said, ‘Well, it’s red, green, blue.’ I said, ‘Seriously?!’ And I realized if something like RGB was so simple, then I thought I can handle this. And from there he began taking me out into the field and I started doing installations with him.”
As she began doing installations side-by-side with Doug, Malissa realized how much she was learning in the field. Eventually, she started running entire crews.
That’s right around the time that the CTS Certification program started. In fact, Malissa and her husband Doug are some of the earliest holders in the state of Indiana for CTS certifications.
At the time, Malissa bad been doing installs for almost four years. She knew HOW to do things in the field during installs, but she didn’t know WHY. When she started studying for the CTS, she realized WHY. And the more she realized why they did things the way they did in the field, the more she realized she wanted to learn even more and gain and even greater comprehension of AV.
“So, a few years later I sent my husband to a CTS-D certification class. So, he got his CTS-D and his CTS-I certifications and we just wanted to get everything and anything out of InfoComm that we could,” explained Malissa. “You really get out of it what you put into it. So, eventually I called InfoComm and asked what I could do. So I got involved. I was like a kid in a candy shop.”
Five years later, Malissa got her CTS-D and CTS-I certifications.
In addition to loving education in the industry, Malissa has another passion: her daughter and her daughter’s love of dance. “I’m an official dance mom,” says Malissa of her relationship with her 11-year-old daughter. Malissa and Doug’s daughter, Joanne, is a ballerina. But like many things in her life, Malissa didn’t set out for her daughter to dance.
“One of the things I love so much about this industry is how family friendly it is,” said Malissa. “When my daughter was a baby, she would go on sales calls with me. I worked from home for a while after giving birth. In fact, I even did an auditorium install in a high school the summer I was pregnant. I have a lot of friends who were clients who eventually became like family. I remember bringing my daughter to a meeting and we’d joke that Cheerios weren’t free… my daughter had to earn her keep. You know, she’s sold a lot of systems in her days.”
Malissa loved being able to have her daughter by her side while she worked. She worked with Malissa up until the time they had to put her in preschool. A few years later when Joanne was three, Malissa and Doug were working for a company that was located in a little office building that was basically a strip with three offices. At the end of the strip, a woman put in a dance studio.
One day, the woman approached Malissa and said, “You should bring in your daughter.”
“She’s three,” Malissa said.
“She’ll have fun!” said the dance studio lady.
So, Malissa thought, why not? Little did she know Joanne had a natural talent for dance and has now been dancing for almost nine years. No matter how much Malissa and Doug travel, they always make time for their daughter and her passion for dance. In fact, they even built an entire dance studio in their home for her to practice. As a family, they’re learning French and Russian.
Malissa loves what dance is doing for both Joanne and her. She says, “Dance has given her a strong foundation. One of learning to work with a group, become very disciplined, being healthy, and it’s been great for her self-esteem. As long as she maintains that foundation and it’s something that she feels good about and that she enjoys, we will support her.”
So, between being a dance mom and an extremely active member and participant in the AV industry, Malissa keeps her days full but fulfilling. It’s just so evident how passionate Malissa is about helping others and about education. It’s clear that she instills that in her daughter and it’s clear that she is instilling that in members of the AV industry as well.
“Education is such a big thing for me,” she says. “Being the first woman to join the ranks of Educator of the Year was so exciting and really big thing for me. I try to maintain some presence so that others, especially other women, realize that it CAN be done.”
Malissa didn’t know other women who were certified or technical when she was younger and coming up in the industry. Although there are more today, certainly, it just isn’t the same as it is with men.
“I completely understand the fears surrounding the CTS tests,” she says. “I spent five years saying, ‘I don’t know enough, I’m not experienced enough.’ And the truth is, you are. I was. You just don’t know it. I just didn’t know it. By having someone cheer for you and say you can do this is huge. My husband did that for me and so I try to do that for other women. I am relentless. I make myself available to ANYONE who needs encouragement, needs direction. I’m more than happy to be anyone’s cheerleader. I’d love to see more women take the plunge and get certified.”
Malissa’s ultimate goal is to inspire others. And I think she’s done just that.
Reach Molly at molly@ravepubs.com or on Twitter.
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InfoComm: Re-engaging in Sustainability Through Disruption
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
Now that InfoComm 2013 is over and done with, and I’ve had a chance to think about what I saw, my main takeaway was how exhibitors and attendees have, for the most part (certainly not everybody), pushed the sustainability conversation to the rear. Has our industry reached a point of sustainability fatigue? Or has it become so commonplace — assumed and accepted — that it has escaped our lexicon?
At this past show, I purposely didn’t ask manufacturers questions regarding energy-savings features or other green initiatives, expecting them to point these out and tout them as key differentiators against their competitors. Yet I got nothing, or maybe a slight head nod toward a small kiosk buried in the back of the booth.
Now, maybe these companies just assumed I knew what they were up to, seeing as I write frequently on the subject for a whole host of outlets. However, I got a deeper sense that the past couple years have taken a toll on the sustainability efforts of some. This may be a result of the poor financial environment we’ve been living through, or it may be something deeper.
Research has shown that when a large organization or company launches into a major effort, such as sustainability, it normally starts with high expectations. Early positive results often fuel momentum.
But what happens when the low-hanging fruit is gone or the new-car smell has worn off? Mainly, we see a tired lack of interest, or attention is easily diverted to something else. We tend to focus on other things and lose our drive to carry through. It takes truly disruptive innovation to prevent this malaise, and transformation into what Chris Laszlo, associate professor of organizational behavior at Case Western’s Weatherhead School of Management, calls a “flourishing enterprise.”
Laszlo, a corporate sustainability expert, offers ideas about next steps in two books he wrote, Embedded Sustainability: the Next Big Competitive Advantage and Sustainable Value: How the World’s Leading Companies Are Doing Well by Doing Good. What he is keen to point out is something I think many attendees and exhibitors at InfoComm 2013 had forgotten: Sustainability is increasingly a profit center for corporations (read as “our clients”). Where I think the challenge lies is the perception that to generate profit — to achieve the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) — it will cost them too much.
Many companies, integrators, and consultants I spoke with indicated that for them, it is hard to play to the social and environmental side of the equation without sacrificing the economic side. This couldn’t be more misguided, in my opinion.
As the country and economy slowly digs out of the deep recession, corporations, government entities, education sectors, and entertainment companies, among others, are coming out smarter and more penny-wise than pound-foolish. We need to find the disruptive innovations that can differentiate ourselves and show how what our industry has to offer can help clients be smarter, more sustainable, AND more financially secure, all by using the tools we have, or by rethinking how we approach solutions. By doing this, we too become smarter, more sustainable, AND more financially secure.
A major way to accomplish this is by providing real-world metrics and examples, and sharing that information with our clients. Marketers of consumer goods are hitting the airwaves and launching smartphone apps to tout the latest green benefits of consumer products. And consumers are listening — even if they don’t think their small part will play a major role. These consumers are bringing this attitude to work with them and expecting that the solutions we provide fit within a framework they have become accustomed to at home.
But you can’t just simply do sustainable technology; you need to inform clients about it and understand the benefits to them. And most importantly, you need to live sustainably yourself — both personally and within your company. Laszlo identifies this change as disruptive, and the pathway companies take as innovation. He also manages to connect the flourishing of corporations in this sustainable environment with a (non-religious) spirituality for wellbeing. Unless we live and breathe such a vision, we cannot inspire our clients and other stakeholders to commit to doing well and truly reaching the triple bottom line.
I would love to hear from you about how you keep engaged in sustainability at your AV company. How does it factor into your business model? How do you engage your clients?
This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.
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If You Have Not Heard Much About HDBaseT or AVB – You Will Soon
By Chris Chinnock Display Central
HDBaseT is a funny name for a new connector that is likely to have a big impact on ProAV integration as well as connections in the home. In a nutshell, it is a networked-based protocol that allows delivery of video, audio, control, Ethernet and power over a Cat5e/6 cable – something almost every professional installation and consumer home already has. At InfoComm, we noticed a lot of new products and announcements related to this connection standard, as well as its competitor, AVB, so we figured it was time to give you a heads up.
AVB (Audio/Video Bridging) and HDBaseT are two standards that have emerged to deliver content and power over a single connection. This will simply life enormously for consumers and ProAV as it can eliminate dedicated and proprietary cables. While they are competitive standards, they can be made compatible with each other – a really good idea so both can flourish. The key idea is that everything is connected to a network, allowing the sharing of content from sources to sinks.
Want to learn more about these standards? HDBaseT has an alliance and a web site located here and AVB has an alliance called AVnu, which helps to certify products for interoperability located here.
At InfoComm, AVB hosted a number of educational sessions and highlighted products from manufacturers. This included:
- Barco, Extreme Networks, Sennheiser, Shure and Yamaha – Set up an AV solution for the deliver AVnu Alliance’s Pavilion presentations and education sessions. This featured Barco’s prototype A/V encoder and decoder streaming uncompressed, synchronized video and audio using a 10Gb Extreme Networks AVB bridge. Eliminating conventional XBR connections for the microphones, products from Sennheiser and Shure were connected to a mixer and Yamaha console. These audio endpoints fed a NEXO NXAmp from Yamaha on stage for the PA system.
- Analog Devices, Harman, Lab X Technologies and Riedel – This team showed a converged AV solution over one network with real-time encode/decode of 1080p video by Lab X across Extreme Network’s 10G Ethernet infrastructure. Riedel’s Artist intercom system interoperates with both the Harman London Blu DSP and the low cost Analog Devices Blackfin reference design, for synchronized audio.
- Avid, Echo Digital Audio, Waves and XMOS – This demonstration highlighted streaming of high-fidelity 24-bit audio between various endpoints using multiple streams and channels. The XMOS Reference design sends a mono audio stream to both an Echo Streamware for Windows endpoint and a Waves Soundgrid, simultaneously. The SoundGrid processes the audio and sends its output to the Echo endpoint, which then selectively sends one or both of the streams to an Avid SC48 AVB enabled console for listening. A Lab X Gb AVB bridge provides network interconnection and the UMAN UNOS Vision Controller orchestrates all of the stream connections.
- Arrive Systems with Vitesse, AudioScience, Biamp Systems and UMAN – This team demonstration featured both the AudioScience Hono Virtual Soundcard and the UMAN DSP Reference Design feeding the Biamp Tesira AVB media server, which processes one of these stream using reverb and then sends it to an AudioScience Hono Mini Listener. The demo utilizes the Arrive Systems’ NetPoint ANP-08AV-L, a rack-mountable 8-port Ethernet AVB bridge (based on Vitesse chipsets) to connect the end points. Using the UMAN Controller, a user can select which audio input gets processed and can also select the un-processed stream straight from one of the talkers, showcasing a fully-interoperable audio network via AVB.
- HDBaseT uses an Internet jack to connect all of the devices, but it uses a different protocol. However, it is backwards compatible with Ethernet protocol, so can run in this mode too. HDBaseT class B does not support Ethernet and is designed for shorter (70m/230ft) runs (Both HDBaseT and AVB generally support runs of up to 100m and 100W of power). And guess what? HDBaseT can also deliver Ultra HD 4K video 100 meters.
The HDBaseT camp saw many new product introductions and demonstrations at InfoComm. Here are a few we picked up on:
- Panasonic has a variation of the HDBaseT protocol they call Digital Link. The company already has several projectors using this Digital Link technology, including hybrid projectors. Some new flat panels with Digital Link were also announced at InfoComm, as well as a Digital Ink switcher to support these installs too. (see video interview Panasonic Adds Short Throw Lens and Digital Link to Line up)
- NEC released its new 6000-lumen NEC NP-PA602U at InfoComm. It uses the Valens chipset for the HDBaseT connectivity. This projector is an Ultra HD resolution model with 3D, DeepColor, LipSync, 10-bit, Geometric Correction, Edge Blending, and Advance Color Correction.
- Hitachi used InfoComm to announce its membership in the HDBaseT Alliance and to launch its first projector with the technology. The CP-WU9410 dual lamp projector features 1-chip DLP, 8500 lumens, a WUXGA 1920 x 1200 resolution and four digital inputs (HDBaseT, HDMI x2, DVI-D x1).
- Primeview released an 84” 4K monitor at InfoComm that includes HDBaseT connectivity. While the connector can deliver up to 100 watts, I suspect that monitor consumes considerably more than 100 watts of power.
- RGB Spectrum has added HDBaseT capability to its line of Linx Prime matrix switchers by adding the HDBaseT card for the platform.
- Apantac introduced its new Universal Media Platform (UMP) at InfoComm 2013. The UMP is a 12 bit platform that is designed to support 4K, 3D, HD/SD-SDI, HDMI, DVI, VGA, Component, composite and HDBaseT.
- Kramer and Gefen are also starting to introduce products with HDBaseT capabilities.
- There is also activity on the consumer TV front. For example, Aquavision, which supplies TVs for bathrooms, announced it will now offer sets with the HDBaseT capability.
At CEWeek in New York, Pioneer announced its new Elite series of home theater receivers, all of which support 4K video upscaling. In addition, the high end model SC-79 also has HDBaseT connectivity, said to be the first HDBaseT connector in any home theater receiver.
So I think you get the picture now. Things are changing in the connector space and HDMI may not be the dominant force anymore as network based connectivity becomes the norm.
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4Kx2K TVs: Will They Stimulate or Slow the Market?
By Paul Gray DisplaySearch
Consumers can react in two ways in a market with rapid innovation: They either get excited by the new value propositions and capabilities and jump in or instead they can opt to wait until winners emerge and choices become simpler.
Looking at the long-term history of the TV market in Western Europe, an intriguing pattern emerges, as shown in the graph. (I am grateful for the help from several TV brands in reconstructing this history.) A rolling four-year trend is included to remove much of the noise from normal economic cycles.
Overall we can see several distinct eras in the market:
- The market was initially driven by consumers buying a first color TV — typically around 20”. In the 1970s, TV rental was common (a set cost as much as a small car in 1972), but economies of scale and intensification of competition as the Japanese entered the market brought prices down.
- There was a brief surge in 1990-1991 as the Iron Curtain fell: Many eastern Europeans spent savings on TVs from western brands, often buying one during a visit. The market then entered a period of stability with only incremental innovation: Widescreen broadcast standards such as PalPlus and MAC failed to gain a foothold and consumers had a choice only between drab matte gray sets with 4:3 screens. However, the new DVD format was wildly successful.
- Sony’s introduction of Real Flat CRT and Philips Plasma TV in 1996-7 had a surprising effect. They both pointed the way to a flat future, but were constrained by supply and cost respectively. The effect on consumers was to render curved CRT sets obsolete but with no affordable alternative. Consumers replaced sets reluctantly, only on failure. As a result, the market stagnated.
- The explosion of thin TVs in big screen sizes and at ever lower prices caused a steady surge in the market; this was further boosted by digital broadcast switch-over and HD services.
- We are now in a time of uncertainty: There is no obvious new force to accelerate the market, 3D has failed to fire consumers’ enthusiasm, while consumers face ongoing reductions in spending power due to weak economic conditions. Furthermore, hot new mass market products such as tablets and smartphones cost the same (or less) than a TV and compete directly for some video usage.
Possibly the worst outcome is that 4Kx2K does indeed catch consumers’ imagination: Its high cost would mean a similar pause in the market like that following Philips first plasma TV in 1997. We will be thinking about exactly this point at the IFA DisplaySearch Business Conference in September.
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Conference Technologies Buys United Visual
AV integrator Conference Technologies, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo. has purchased United Visual, Inc. of Itasca, Ill., acquiring its assets and hiring its key personnel. Conference Technologies has opened five new offices since the beginning of the year, with this acquisition giving them access to the Chicago market.
“We see tremendous opportunities for technology companies that are well managed, well-staffed and financially secure, says Conference Technologies President and CEO John Laughlin.
Laughlin has also focused on hiring more IT engineers and technicians, as well as formed strategic partnerships with Microsoft, LifeSize, Crestron and SMART Technologies.
Learn more about Conference Technologies here.
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AV Industry Mourns Loss of Community CEO Timothy Dorwart
Timothy Dorwart, who was just appointed CEO of Community Professional Loudspeakers in March, has passed away after an illness, according to the company.
Dorwart had over 30 years of sales, manufacturing and management experience in the pro audio and music industries. In his CEO role, Dorwart was tasked with overseeing the company’s overall business and sales strategies, and leading Community into a new era of exceptional growth.
Dorwart’s previous roles included director and VP positions with Bose Corporation and DMX Music. Since 2007, he led the Stanton Group through a successful turnaround as their CEO. Dorwart joined Community from Gibson Guitar Corporation where he held the position of general manager, pro audio and guided the integration of Stanton Group assets to form Gibson’s new pro audio division.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 20 at 2 p.m. (EDT) at:
First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua
210 Pine St
Catasauqua, PA 18032
In lieu of flowers, the company requests that those who would like to make a donation in Tim’s name consider cancer.org/donate, standup2cancer.org, nokillnetwork.org, aspca.org, foundationformusiceducation.org, or the nammfoundation.org.
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Survey Shows Nearly 70 Percent of Companies Lack Technology to Allow BYOD
Although there is widespread availability and a growing dependence on certain technologies like mobile devices in the corporate environment, according to a survey commissioned by Barco, business leaders still lack effective, user-friendly tools to facilitate collaboration in meetings.
While computing and AV equipment are common in meeting rooms, they don’t necessarily play well together. Technical issues, especially the lack of interconnectivity among devices, are inhibiting companies from fully migrating to a digital meeting environment. According to the survey of 572 North American business leaders, 69 percent of executives continue to rely on hard copies of presentations in the typical meetings they attend. In fact, paper usage outpaced newer technologies by a landslide, with only 28 percent of survey respondents using a presentation device to share content, and 23 percent using a tablet.
In the digital age, productive meetings are more than having the right attendees and an effective meeting leader. Business leaders often deal with a myriad of technical issues in the meetings they attend. Sixty-two percent of survey respondents say they face technical issues when trying to show or share information in meetings and 48 percent are challenged with effectively sharing information or visuals during meetings.
Although the survey indicated that the “Bring Your Own Device” or BYOD trend is gaining acceptance in many organizations, among executives that have a mobile device, 68 percent lack the technology to easily project content from their smartphone or tablet during a meeting. Another 15 percent can “sometimes” project content from a smartphone or tablet during a meeting, with 10 percent stating “yes,” but only if they have the correct adapters on hand. At the same time, more than two-thirds of business leaders state that the ability to easily project content from those devices in meetings would be useful.
While 43 percent of business leaders stated their company’s use of technology in meetings has increased in the last year, these individuals have an extensive “wish list” of technologies that they feel would make the meetings they attend more productive.
Topping the list is the desire for wireless/cable-less connectivity to the room’s projection screen or LCD, as expressed by 52 percent of survey respondents. When thinking about the ideal conference room for their company, 50 percent of business leaders also want easier connectivity with other mobile devices, while 41 percent look for connectivity to/from the participant’s seat. Thirty eight percent sought quicker start-up times.
Other meeting room technology wish list items include:
- Collaboration solutions that make it easy to share visuals/information from different computers, tablets and smartphones during the meeting (46 percent)
- Meeting software in which participants enter their comments and ideas during the meeting and the ideas are projected (41 percent)
- Video conferencing (39 percent)
- Voting tools (19 percent)
“For many organizations, the digital divide occurs between their offices and meeting rooms,” Lee said. “The good news for business executives and organizations that conduct a lot of meetings is that this divide is narrowing and there are new options available to enable meeting participants to take full advantage of technology in meeting rooms as they do in their offices.”
Complete findings from the 2013 Survey on the Obstacles to Effective Business Meetings, a blind survey of 572 North American business leaders conducted in May of 2013, are available here.
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TFCinfo’s Latest Projector Brand Strength Report Ranks Panasonic, Epson, Sony, NEC and Sharp as Tops
TFCinfo’s recently published Projector Brand Customer Perception and Preference Tracking Report 2013 reveals that the top four most important factors end users consider when purchasing a projector are overall picture quality, brightness, price and reliability/maintenance costs.
Experienced projector users and purchasers name Panasonic, Epson, Sony, NEC and Sharp as the top brands they consider to be high quality/reliable brands. Respondents name Panasonic, Epson, Sony and Sharp as the brands that offer a great price as an investment (higher price/higher quality), while on the polar end of price respondents name InFocus, Epson, Dell and Sharp as the brands that offer the best value (price at entry level).
“Being known as offering quality and reliability is an extremely positive position for any brand to be in, and couple that with being viewed as an investment only makes your brand more appealing to consider for purchase,” states Tanya Lippke, TFCinfo Director of Survey Market Research. “This report shows that some brands have an even bigger advantage. A perfect example is Epson, and even Sharp. Not only are these brands in the top five as being viewed as offering a quality projector, they are also viewed as both a good investment and a great value.”
The research measures projector brand strength among experienced projector users and purchasers in the five most important market segments in the AV industry: large corporations, small/medium businesses, small office and home users, education and government.
This extensive, 360-page report reveals detailed customer insights and analysis that will help manufacturers to build and sustain an advantage in the marketplace. Many other brands were researched in-depth and each show significant strengths and weaknesses in certain areas. Other brands not previously mentioned that are analyzed in depth include: 3M, Dukane, Eiki, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Optoma, Runco and Sanyo.
TFCinfo can be found here.
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Barco Tops $597 Million Euro for First Half of 2013
In announcing its earnings last week, Barco sales totaled 597.9 million euro, an increase of 12.6 percent from 531.0 million euro for the first half of 2012, and incoming orders totaled 556.5 million euro, an increase of 2.5 percent compared to 542.9 million euro for the same period in 2012. They explained that the growth in projection and the ventures (projectiondesign and Awind — the wireless system used in ClickShare — acquisition) partially offset by declines in Defense and Aerospace. Sales for Advanced Visualization and Healthcare were essentially flat. And, gross profit increased to 195.9 million euro from 173.1 million euro, an increase of 13.2 percent. Gross profit margin was 32.8 percent, compared to 32.6 percent for the same period in 2012 and 32.4 percent for the 2H12.
Barco also said that total indirect expenses increased by 15.6 percent versus last year, largely due to the addition of projectiondesign and Awind (without the acquired businesses, indirect expenses increased by only 4.3 percent). Research & Development expenses increased by 8.1 million euro to 52.4 million euro, reflecting new product development projects in the Advanced Visualization division, higher R&D spending due to the addition of projectiondesign and amortization of technology acquired from projectiondesign and Awind. As a percent of sales, research and development expenses increased to 8.8 percent from 8.3 percent last year. Sales & Marketing expenses increased by 13.3 million euro to 82.1 million euro compared to 68.9 million euro last year, in large part due to the above-mentioned acquisitions. As a percent of sales, Sales & Marketing expenses rose to 13.7 percent, compared to 13.0 percent last year. General & administration expenses were 27.0 million euro, compared to 25.5 million euro last year or 4.5 percent of sales versus 4.8 percent last year.
Here is their full earnings report.
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NSCA Presents Electronic Systems Outlook
NSCA has released a new tool, available free to members, that provides indicators of new business opportunities by tracking new construction starts and renovations in the commercial buildings sector.
The NSCA Electronic Systems Outlook, which breaks out construction data by markets and systems, indicates that the construction community is experiencing growth and improvement in new construction, renovations, repairs, and retrofits. Construction put in place improved by 7.5 percent in 2012. The forecast total for construction in 2013 is $913 billion, which is a solid improvement.
Judging from the data presented in this inaugural report, the systems integration industry is headed for better times. Trends found in the Key Economic Indicators section of the NSCA Electronic Systems Outlook correlate with rising interest rates and inflation. Although the nation is seeing increases in Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), along with decreasing unemployment rates, there is still spending uncertainty due to the national deficit and recent economic conditions that appear to be keeping interest rates and inflation from typical increases.
Electronic systems are increasing in total volume, but showing a slight reduction in percentage of total overall construction dollars. NSCA expects that 5.5 percent of total construction will be spent on electronic systems, down from 5.7 percent at the end of 2012. The forecast also indicates an increase of roughly $1 billion spent as compared to the $19.3 billion spent in 2012.
“For years, we’ve been following commercial construction reports,” said NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson. “We found that the electronic systems industry correlates with these trends. A lag time of 12 to 18 months is typically when a systems integrator will recognize revenue from their scope of work associated with new construction put in place.”
Systems integrators will be able to use the report to benchmark against their own sales numbers. The growth indicators can be used to determine incentive programs, reveal new markets with potential, and appropriately distribute resources.
This forecast data can also be shared with financial advisors and lenders to prove the stability of systems integrators in the marketplace. “The more familiar they become with our scope of work,” said Wilson, “the more likely they are to embrace the technology and therefore invest in our member companies as a viable risk.” The key economic indicators that play a vital role in determining spending confidence, inflation (cost of goods), and interest rates will be featured in each NSCA Electronic Systems Outlook.
“Our members have been asking for these types of reports to help prepare business valuations,” said Wilson.
The summer 2013 edition of report examines the current year, with the first six months of the forecast based upon actual construction put in place. The winter 2013 report will serve as a projection for 2014. Moving forward, this report will be released biannually, each summer and winter.
The NSCA Electronic Systems Outlook is free for NSCA members. For non-members, the forecast can be purchased for $349; non-members can also become NSCA members for only $595 and receive this report as part of their membership, which also offers updates on government affairs issues, discounted registration for training and educational events, access to monthly industry webinars, and much more.
Members can download their copies here.
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Samsung and LG Both Debut Curved Large Screen OLEDs
As with all new display technologies, the first generation is expensive, but we expect the second generation of curved OLEDs from both LG and Samsung will be half the $15,000 list price these new 55″ displays carry at today’s official launch in New York City.
OLED has been talked about for years, and at InfoComm, we saw the first large-format OLED shown publicly in the Sony booth — a 55″ flat-screen OLED that was intended to list for $20,000 (as it was 4K resolution).
These new curved OLEDs from Samsung (the KN55S9) and LG (55EA9800) are both 1920×1080 resolution displays that include all the normal features and specs of every other HDTV out there (four HDMI inputs, LAN connectivity, 3D capability) and, unlike the Sony, are 100 percent aimed at consumers — and will be sold in consumer retail shops for about $15K.
Both 55″ OLEDs are LED edge-lit LCD displays that incorporate SmartTV functionality.
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Christie Officially Announces 55″ with Gorilla Glass
Back at ISE in January, we shot a video of the first ever showing of the Christie FHD551-XG, a 55″ LCD that is integrated with Corning Gorilla Glass (making it virtually indestructible):
Well, at last month’s InfoComm show in Orlando, Christie officially launched the FHD551-XG and gave us a glimpse of the specs:
- Native 1920×1080 direct-LED lit LCD using commercial glass
- Bezel thickness of 1.8-mm (bottom/right) and 3.7-mm (top/left)
- 77 nits (cd/m2) brightness
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
- Lifespan of 50,000 hours
- HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and two DVI inputs
- Control via RS232 or RS485
Here are all the details [PDF].
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Details Released on Christie Brio Wireless Room System
The Christie Brio is a totally wireless room system that allows up to five people to share their LCD or projection screens simultaneously. The output of Brio is two 2560×1600 (dual-link DVI-D — but can be converted to DisplayPort or HDMI) and stereo audio on 3.5 mm connectors. Inputs include up to two wired connections, five wireless inputs (from any resolution computer from 640×480 to 2560×1600 resolution), audio and all of it integrates support for HDCP.
Using Gigabit Ethernet, Christie’s Brio supports all major network protocols including IGMPv2, IPv4, IPv6, RTSP, SRTP, HTTP, TCP/IP and all wireless network streams are output at H.265 video at 30Hz. The five wireless devices are processed as network video streams @ 30Hz up to 20 Mbps per video stream.
One interesting feature of Brio that most of the other wireless room systems don’t have is the ability to connect remotely — one of the five network connection can come in remotely from another site. It also offers interactivity — the two displays at the front of the room can be multi-touch touch screens. All participants can use the interactive whiteboard to share and draw in realtime,regardless of geographic locations. Typically, one of the screens would play the content in full-screen mode while the second screen would be used to show the other four screens.
To better understand the Brio, watch this video we shot at InfoComm or read this article from the launch.
Here are all the technical specs.
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Matrox MuraControl 2.0 for Windows Video Wall Management Software Released
Matrox Graphics just released MuraControl 2.0 for Windows — a video wall management software for Mura-based video walls. New features include transparency and color-keying effects, the addition of local inputs and control, plus source touring and scheduling functionality:
- Transparency and color keying — Blending videos and images with the desktop, a background image, or another video is now possible by setting transparency levels for one or more windows. Source and destination color keying can also be used to enable interesting special effects, such as applying a graphic skin to a logo, or playing a video through it.
- Local application control — It is now possible to capture, display and control local VLC video and RealVNC sessions, along with Microsoft Image Viewer, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer files. VLC videos can be set to “play” or “pause,” and PowerPoint presentations can be delivered by pressing “next” or “back”. Keyboard and mouse functionality can be sent to local applications in order to gain remote control over VNC sessions or to browse the Internet on the video wall.
- Source touring — Automated cycling through multiple sources is now supported. This feature is useful in video wall environments such as security control rooms monitoring multiple camera feeds on multiple displays, or digital signage applications featuring back-to-back ads, scaled up to fit all or part of the display wall.
- Layout scheduling — MuraControl has always allowed clients to create separate layouts showing different sources and window arrangements. With the new layout scheduling feature, those layouts can now be set to switch at specific times of the day so that the video wall can communicate different data at different times.
You can get a 21-day free trial here.
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Extron Intros GreenAV Power Controller
Extron’s new PC 101 is a one-input, one-output AC power controller that’s designed to provide remote power management for AV devices. When paired with a controller or control processor equipped with relays, such as the MediaLink MLC 226 IP or IP Link IPL 250, the PC 101 can be configured to turn a device ON or OFF at scheduled times for security and energy savings purposes. It features a contact closure control input and tally output, which can be used for visual feedback. The slim, compact form factor and IEC connectors on pigtails enable convenient in-line use with other devices and discrete mounting behind displays or other equipment. The PC 101 has a power rating of 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, allowing for worldwide compatibility.
Here are the product details.
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Aurora Adds 8-Button Single-Gang Keypad
Aurora’s new DXB-8 is a low-cost, eight-button, single-gang wall keypad with two RS232 outputs. It mates with Aurora’s DXW-2 series HDBaseT Wall plates, allowing RS232 control via HDBaseT to the display over a single cable. The new button panel comes in black and white with an assortment of laser-etched backlit buttons.
The DXB-8 can also be used in standalone operation with each button configurable with RS232 macros, press and hold ramping features and user definable back-lit buttons in red, green and blue. With its .48″ depth, the 1-gang Decora button panel can easily be installed in the wall or table mounted.
- Eight back-lit buttons (red, green, blue)
- Two RS232 ports
- 9600-115k selectable baud rates
- Fits in standard 1-gang box
- Designed to work seamlessly with DXW-2 series HDBaseT wall plates
- Customizable laser-etched buttons
- 5vDC power (direct from DXW-2 or external PS)
- Low-depth: 0.48″ – fits in floor and table boxes
- Available in black and white
The DXB-8 ships in August and all the detailed specs are here.
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Extron MGP Pro HDCP-Compliant Multi-Window Processors Now Shipping
Extron’s MGP 462 Pro and MGP 464 Pro, two multi-window processors that enable the simultaneous display of multiple images on a single screen, are now shipping. Both units are HDCP-compliant on all HDMI inputs and outputs; the MGP Pro also provides two simultaneous outputs that generate HDMI and RGBHV video.
To enhance and simplify integration of sources and displays, the MGP 462 Pro (two window version) and MGP 464 Pro (four window version) feature Key Minder, an Extron technology that authenticates and maintains continuous HDCP encryption between input and output devices to ensure quick and reliable switching. In addition, the MGP Pro includes Extron’s Graphic Still Store, a feature that enables screen captures of the current output, or images uploaded from a PC, to be stored for use as presentation background images. Live video from an HDMI source can also serve as the background to any presentation.
For large-scale applications, two or three MGP 462 Pro or MGP 464 Pro units may be cascaded to create displays with six to 12 windows. Optional HDMI and 3G-SDI/HD-SDI inputs enable easy integration of digital video sources into AV systems, and together with the HDMI output, allow the MGP 462 Pro and MGP 464 Pro to operate within an all-digital video system.
All the specs for the MGP Pro boxes are here.
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RTI Debuts Line of Ethernet-Enabled Expansion Modules
Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) is now shipping a line of expansion modules for its XP series control systems including the RCM-4 relay control module, the ESC-2 serial control module and the PCM-4 I/O (four MPIO ports and 12-VDC voltage trigger output) port control module.
When used with RTI accessory devices, each MPIO port can provide IR routing capabilities, one-way RS232 communication and power sensing. The ESC-2 allows installers to add two additional bi-directional serial ports and the RCM-4′s four relays can be used in a normally open or closed configuration for control over everything from window shades to screen lifts. Additionally, the PCM-4 and RCM-4 units can be powered by the included power supply or Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Here are the complete details on their XP control system.
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Extron Introduces VN-Matrix 250 Encoder and Decoder for Streaming HDMI Over IP
Extron’s new VN-Matrix 250 encoders and decoders provide real-time transmission of high resolution HDCP-compliant HDMI, DVI or RGB video across standard IP networks for use in real-time streaming, recording and playback applications. The VN-Matrix 250 Series accepts HDMI and RGB signals at resolutions up to 1920×1200 and 2048×1080, and streams video and audio over an IP network, preserving the native source resolution of digital or analog video sources. Stereo analog audio and HDMI-embedded audio signals are both supported, providing compatibility with embedded display speakers or existing audio systems.
The VN-Matrix 250 system is designed for applications like command and control, training and simulation or distance collaboration applications in government, aerospace, energy or medical environments. With its very low encode and decode latency of just 70 ms, the VN-Matrix 250 Series is ideal for applications that must support bidirectional communication and real-time decision making. The combination of high quality, low delay, and flexible bit rate management makes the VN-Matrix 250 Series the ideal solution for many quality-critical applications.
For more information on the VN-Matrix 250 Series, click here.
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Integra Debuts Consumer A/V Processor and Receiver Supporting HDBaseT
Integra’s new mid-range, THX-certified AV preamp processor and A/V receiver, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5, are the first Integra products to support HDBaseT technology, which allows HD audio/video signals to be transmitted over much longer distances using Cat5e cables.
By incorporating HDBaseT technology, the DHC-60.5 and DTR-60.5 are optimized for whole-home distribution, connecting to compatible entertainment devices through a single CAT5e/6 cable. HDBaseT enables long-reach wired connectivity up to 328 feet for uncompressed full HD multimedia content including 3D and 2K/4K Ultra HD. The HDBaseT port can be assigned for use in either the main zone or a second zone, while the HDMI output is used exclusively for the main zone.
The new DHC-60.5 7.2 channel network A/V preamp processor is THX Ultra2 Plus certified. It includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as full support for the new 4K Ultra HD video displays using either the 4K pass-through feature or up-scaling for conventional HD video sources via a Marvel QDEO processor. There are connections for nine HDMI inputs and one output, plus HDBaseT, along with 7.2 multichannel balanced XLR pre-outs (with front-channel bi-amp capability) and two-channel balanced XLR audio inputs. The DTR-60.5 is a 9.2 channel, THX Select2 Plus network A/V receiver that claims 135 watts per channel of power.
The Integra DHC-60.5 AV preamp processor and the DTR-60.5 A/V receiver will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $2,000 and $2,300 respectively.
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Extron Ships HDCP-Compliant WindoWall Pro Series
Extron is shipping its new WindoWall Pro, a four-window display video wall processing system that offers full HDCP compliance at all HDMI inputs and outputs. WindoWall Console software is the user interface to the system, facilitating control and configuration of videowall systems, and the creation of presentations with multiple, independent windows for displaying graphics, HDTV and video.
Each WindoWall Pro processor allows for the display of up to four windows and employs Extron video processing technologies to scale or process real-time video outputs. Because a discrete processor is dedicated to each display unit in the videowall, WindoWall Pro is fully scalable, supporting a wide variety of display layouts from 1×2 to 2×3 and larger. The HDMI inputs, outputs and universal analog video inputs support signal rates up to 1920×1200 and HDTV 1080p/60, plus 2K on the HDMI connections. Each WindoWall Pro processor features an HDMI background input, which allows a full motion, high resolution computer-video or HDTV signal to be used as a background image to any presentation.
To help with integration, WindoWall Pro features Extron’s Key Minder that authenticates and maintains continuous HDCP encryption between input and output devices to ensure quick and reliable switching.
Here are all the specs.
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Analog Way’s LiveCore Ships
Analog Way’s new LiveCore series, which is now shipping, is available in two configurations: 8×2+1 for the NeXtage 16, and 12×4+1 for the SmartMatriX Ultra, Ascender 32 and Ascender 48. All of them feature an independent dual-link output with versatile display options including full preview and live mosaic. The LiveCore connectivity includes HDMI, DisplayPort and 3G/HD/SD-SDI inputs and each can be combined for display layouts – mixer, dual mixer, hard edge, vertical and/or horizontal soft edge.
The LiveCore systems include from 16 to 48 scalers (depending on the number of inputs) and are designed for live events. To make preparation and control of shows easier, Analog Way includes what they call WEB RCS (Web Remote Control Software) that’s basically a graphic interface consisting of 3 independent sections: Setup, Edit and Live. So, you can design, configure and completely run a show via Web RCS or from a separate controller.
Here are all the specs and different models.
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Extron Introduces H.264 Streaming Media Decoder
Extron’s new SMD 101 is a compact H.264 streaming media decoder used with Extron SME 100 encoders to provide complete end-to-end AV streaming systems. The SMD 101 is designed specifically for use in professional AV streaming applications to decode live AV streaming content from SME 100 encoders or to play back AV media files available from network shares. It accepts streaming resolutions up to 1080p/60 and outputs a variety of resolutions, from 640×480 up to 1920×1200. Fill/Follow/Fit aspect ratio management provides choices for managing streaming content that does not match the display. Although Extron doesn’t point this out in the press release, this could signal a move into the digital signage market as this would make a perfect DS player.
The SMD 101 is adaptable to different network conditions and streaming requirements offering both push and pull streaming configurations. Audio output signals are available as HDMI embedded audio as well as analog stereo audio, making it directly compatible with embedded display speakers or existing audio systems. The SMD 101 offers integration-friendly control capabilities including an optional handheld IR remote, wired IR, RS232 or Ethernet. And a Web interface provides simple, flexible control and management.
Here are all the details.
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Sony Intros FMZ-SS Series Scalable Management Software for NSR Recorders
Sony’s new Scalable Management Software (SMS) is used to view and control Sony NSR and RSM recording products for security camera monitoring. It can be used to connect up to 1,000 Sony NSR-500 and/or NSR-1000 series recorders across multiple monitoring sites and allows for scalable monitoring systems – adding cameras on-the-fly. In addition, multiple site surveillance with a single system can be centralized. It’s a web-based client and includes map integration with virtual tracking feature that allows the user to associate multiple cameras in close proximity.
In case you aren’t aware of the Sony security system, the NSR-500 is Sony’s 16-channel full-HD network surveillance recorder that’s available in two models: the NSR-500 with no internal hard disk drive (you connect your own third-party drive or perform real-time management and monitoring) and the NSR-500/4T with 4TB internal hard disk drive. The number of hard disk drive (HDD) units can be increased to achieve your required storage capacity. RAID levels can also be selected according to your precise requirements for reliability.
Here are all the details.
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Atomos Ships Samurai Blade
Atomos is already shipping the Samurai Blade, a 1280×720 touchscreen that allows for internal recording of 10-bit images shot with HDMI-output cameras — straight from the camera sensor directly to HDD or SSD drives, captured using Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD codecs. Using an Atomos branded SuperAtom IPS touchscreen, at 325-ppi, 179-degree viewing, 400-nit brightness and multi-frequency (48/50/60Hz), the Blade is calibrated to SMPTE Rec 709 color space and a D65 white point with 100 percent gamut from factory.
The Samurai Blade adds essential set up tools with full waveform monitor functions, including vectorscope, RGB and LUMA parades with transparent overlay and bottom right, lower third or full screen positioning, making it an extremely flexible tool. Waveform, vectorscope and monitor assist tools such as tri-level focus peaking, zebra, false colour and blue-only offer a very comprehensive test and shot setup tool kit. The Samurai Blade has standard BNC connectors.
Here are all the details. |
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Christie Intros WU7K-J Projector for Simulation and Training Applications
Today, Christie introduced the newest member of its Christie Matrix Series with the Christie Matrix WU7K-J 3-chip DLP projector. Featuring 6,300 ANSI lumens and WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, the Xenon-based projector offers standard features that include full scalability, built-in geometric warping and edge blending and image processing with 120Hz capability.
The Christie Matrix J Series models come standard with Christie AccuFrame. Designed for simulation and training applications, Christie says this feature allows the user adjustable reduction of perceptible image smearing. It supports various frame rates and environments, ensuring the accurate display of high speed simulation content. Built-in image warping and advanced edge blending is provided by Christie Twist. It also offers RGB color matching, full control of gamma curves and greyscale tracking and minimum processing latency.
See all the specs here.
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BenQ MX661 BYOD Projector Launched
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is something you’ll read about a lot over the next 12 months. Why? Well, because it’s the latest buzzword and people in technology like to sound forward-thinking. So, it’s no surprise that BenQ is using the BYOD term to market the MX661′s multi-user connectivity wireless capabilities — something that’s been around for years in projectors from Barco, Christie and Sony. The MX661 is a 3000-lumen, 1-chip DLP XGA (1024×768) projector that when paired with the QPresenter app allows up to four participants to collaborate and share documents, photos and Internet content directly from their tablets to the projector.
Spec’d at 13,000:1 contrast ratio, the MX661′s inputs include VGA, HDMI and network content port. It’s integrated with BenQ’s SmartEco technology — when using the projector’s SmartEco mode, the MX661 automatically adjusts lamp power by up to 70 percent to use just the right amount of brightness, resulting in a 6,500 hours of lamp life. Another GreenAV feature is the projector’s “Eco Blank” mode that allows presenters to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t needed, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no display has been detected for more than three minutes. In “Standby” mode, the projector will lower power consumption to less than 0.5 W during periods of inactivity, providing even more energy savings.
The MX661 lists for $859 and all the detail are here.
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Sharp Launches LL-S201A 20″ MultiTouch Monitor
Sharp has debuted a unique-sized multi-touch LED that’s capable of being used flat, angled or handing on a wall. When flat, it can be used to mount in tables or lecterns in classrooms and when angled (75-degrees with the included stand). It can be used as a second computer monitor that’s touch-screen and interactive and when vertical, it could be used as a digital signage kiosk.
The 1920×1080 resolution LL-S201A uses an edge-to-edge glass design; it weighs in at just over 5 pounds and is 1″ thick. Sharp Pen Software makes the 20″ LCD like an AQUOS BOARD Interactive Display as it’s integrated with Windows 8 compatibility and a palm cancellation function prioritizes the touch of the pen over touch – making it easy for any sized hand or user.
Here’s a brochure on the LL-S201A [PDF].
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Christie QuadHD84 is 84″ 4K Display
The Christie QuadHD84 is an 84″, 4K resolution (3840×2160), LED-lit LCD display that is spec’d at 350 nits (cd/m2) and a 1600:1 contrast ratio. It has the ability to display 4K content at 60 Hz — the first in the market of which we know.
The Christie QuadHD84 can be used as a wall-mountable or free-standing display. The native resolution of the panel is driven by four frame-locked HDMI or DVI sources at 60 Hz. The panel has three additional single-channel HDMI 1.4a inputs capable of full Quad HD resolution (3840×2160 at 30 Hz) and each of those inputs are HD-compatible, enabling graphics scaled to fill the screen at up to 60 Hz.
Here are all the specs.
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Arthur Holm Intros Gooseneck Mic Lift
Arthur Holm’s new DynamicTalk is designed specifically as a motorized lift system for gooseneck microphones. In addition to allowing the mic to be protected and stored below a podium or desk surface, the DynamicTalk includes a mute a and talk button. Available in three different sizes, the product integrates a Dynamic LED ring to indicate the microphone status through different colors. It can be controlled via RS422 with loop through and addressing and through GPI.
The DynamicTalk has two different working modes — PA and conference. When in PA mode, a push button placed on the cover plate allows for activating or de-activating the microphone. The light ring will indicate the status by changing color from green to red. The system will silence the microphone when this is in retracted position. When in conference mode, the microphone will always be active and both the light ring and the access to the push button on the cover plate will be available through a connector (GPI/GPO). In this mode, the system is ready to be connected and controlled through a conference system.
Here are all the specs.
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Almo Professional A/V Hires Industry Veteran Sean McNeill as Vice President of Sales, Southwest and West
Almo Professional A/V has hired industry veteran Sean McNeill as vice president of sales for the southwest and west regions. Based out of Dallas, McNeill joins the Almo Pro A/V VP sales team, which includes John Riley leading the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions and Steve Stacy leading the Midwest and Northwest regions. In his new role, McNeill is responsible for overseeing all Almo Pro A/V sales in his region while working directly with manufacturer vendors, channel partners and Almo’s specialized internal business development manager team.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
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Cary Miller Rejoins enVu as Director of Sales to Spearhead Company’s West Coast Region
enVu, an out-of-home (OOH) interactive media company, today announced that Cary Miller will head its west coast region as the new director of sales. For Cary, the new position marks a return to the company for which he worked at from 2010-2012, serving as an account director. |
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CastNET hires Joe Bailo as West Regional Director of Sales
CastNET announced this month the hiring of Joe Bailo as the western region director of sales. Prior to joining CastNET, Bailo had 19 years experience in sales management and senior management positions with several companies who marketed gaming and casino technology systems.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
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FSR’s Jon Melchin Joins Expert Speakers at BICSI Conference
Jon Melchin, FSR Inc.’s director of architectural development, is among the expert speakers presenting at the 2013 BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition. BICSI, a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry, is an internationally recognized source of information, education, and world-class technology training. The event, which will take place from September 15-19 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV will feature a full schedule of sessions delivered by BICSI master instructors and industry experts.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
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HERMAN Announces Distribution Partnership with Atlona to Serve Systems Integrators
Herman, a provider of AV products, procurement services and labor resources to systems integrators in the commercial AV and broadcast industries, announced this month a new distribution partnership with Atlona, a provider of digital connectivity solutions.
To read the complete press release online, click here.
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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).
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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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