Volume 11, Issue 2 — February 15, 2018
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All Data Is Consequential
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
As the world moves further and further into a technology-enabled and -dependent world, serious questions arise about personal and institutional privacy. Recently, news headlines have revealed that a seemingly innocuous bit of data could have far reaching and deadly side effects. Over the past several years, the U.S. Army has issued fitness trackers to its soldiers. They have a number of uses for the tracker and many soldiers are tied in with an online company called Strava.
Strava recently took all of the data of people using their system and created a heat map of the world using that data. Harmless, right? Wrong. Because so many military people use this system and so many of them are in remote parts of the world, observant people began to see patterns. These patterns indicated routes around known (and suspected) U.S. military locations and outposts. While the data is confidential in the sense that it does not name specific people, it provides significant details about patterns of exercise and may confirm suspected locations of covert outposts.
Like other security breaches in the past, this one should raise concern with all of us in the AV field. The first concern for me is that the data seemed so non-consequential at first. What could possibly be wrong with sharing how many steps I take per day? But in fact, that exact information could turn out to be deadly for some sets of people. How many things on your AV networks do you consider to be non-consequential? How many times have you considered security and thought “who cares about breaking into AV systems?” Now after realizing what can be done with a count of the number of steps you can take, consider what our AV systems tie into. We have cameras and microphones in dozens, even hundreds of locations around our campus. These can be in classrooms, in offices and in conference rooms. In higher ed, many of these systems may also be connected with recording systems, as class capture has become mainstream over the past several years. Finally, most systems include computing capabilities. These may include dedicated computers and laptops that faculty, staff, students and visitors bring in. When laptops and other external devices are brought to our spaces, we often grant them some access to our networ, and if we are doing many types of wireless connections, we ask them to connect (USB) something to their computer.
Just like I would not have guessed the vulnerability of the Army using fitness trackers, I can’t guess all the reasons that people would want to gain access to data from AV systems. There are a few obvious ones though. First, in higher ed in particular, we have a population of students who are the perfect age for hacking. They may be interested in it simply to see how far they can get or to gain access in order to take inappropriate action. In academia, there are few things more important than academic integrity. Exams, assignments and research are all important to our faculty and students. When I think about all that I just wrote about in the previous paragraph, it is clear to me that there are many ways for students to get into protected spaces. Listening in or viewing conversations and work for which someone has not been invited gives people the opportunity to steal ideas or see things in advance of when they are supposed to. For example, a faculty member may meet in a conference room with their TAs for the course as they discuss individual student progress or prepare an exam. By opening connections to that room, other people can see things that they shouldn’t. The same is true for any other conference room on campus with AV. This could include listening in on conversations with human resources, advancement, dean of students and other sensitive areas.
Anytime we ask someone (or allow someone) to connect their computer to our systems, we need to be sure that we know the risks. What do those devices put on the computer? Several manufacturers provide a USB connection for wireless and that often will install a small piece of software. Is there any chance that some piece of software we don’t want could go along with that? How about recording equipment? Can your recording equipment be used in a way that would allow someone to aim it at a keyboard and unknown to the person using it, capture their keystrokes and therefore their passwords?
Unfortunately, privacy and security are significant issues in today’s environment and they come with significant consequences. Breaches can cost an institution significant money, loss of access to federal resources and their institutional reputations. Most of the time when these happen people start looking for a person to blame. Let’s not let our AV systems be the weak point that lets something like this happen. Some security will need to be worked through with your network engineers, but other types are just thinking about how people will use things in ways not expected or intended. This is where integrators can continue to provide us services. They will have seen things at other places we have never thought about. They can advise us on how to avoid these at our location. Before you have a problem is the best time to make sure you don’t get one. Leave a Comment
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The Demand for AV as a Service: A Tech Manager’s Perspective
By Mark Coxon rAVe Blogger
There seems to be a continuing debate out there on the demand for a true AV as a Service, (AVaaS) model. I have seen good points on both sides of the argument, each giving some logical reasons as to why a true AVaaS model is either the future of AV or an idealistic pipe-dream.
There are all sorts of ideas on how AVaaS would be facilitated financially speaking. Will manufacturers bear the brunt of the cost by seeding their products into AV systems for a monthly payment instead of an up-front purchase price? Will larger integrators with cash flow surpluses fuel an AVaaS model? Will equipment leasing companies play a role in providing this cash flow? Will larger investment banking companies continue to buy up AV companies and use their existing capital to take market share? Will the new tax laws that allow for 100 percent equipment depreciation in year one allow companies to effectively buy mass amounts of equipment realizing a 100 percent commensurate tax break in the same year?
All of these are good questions, and several of the ideas could be the key to AVaaS, however, these are logistical questions. Without a demand for AVaaS, they are really just academic concerns. The larger question becomes,
Is there a demand for AVaaS in our typical conference and meeting room environments in the first place?
Before I address that, we need to understand why AVaaS is suddenly more relevant than ever.
Convergence.
Ignore any buzzword connotations this term may ignite in your mind. The truth is that now that most of our AV devices are IP enabled and many of our appliances have been turned into cloud-based apps, creating AVaaS offerings that leverage limited hardware investments is more realistic than it has ever been.
I know a tech manager that manages hundreds of AV systems across as many rooms throughout the country. Due to his high profile, he asked me not to use his name here, but he did offer me his thoughts for print.
I talked to him this summer about AVaaS and his first comment related to the very convergence I referred to above. According to him:
“In my opinion, AV as service will begin to take shape in these markets as more pressure from the IT force wins big on budget control. For me, I’m in!!! AVaaS with utilizing and leveraging true network protocols (talking Ethernet layer 3). I really look at AV as just another service on my network. A network that exists everywhere!”
If you start to think of AV in this way, then you can leverage resources across multiple rooms and implement a licensing per room or even per-use model with an appropriate Service Level Agreement (SLA) based on the customer needs and the intended purpose of the system.
He went on to ask,
“Can you see buying DSP or video distribution as a service? It’s all there ready to go!”
Let’s explore that idea. Take a typical conference room. Now outfit that room with IP enabled equipment including powered speakers, a beamforming microphone, an IP camera, and a connected display. An on-prem or cloud-based server would be running DSP and control sessions for the devices in the room, and a wireless presentation software would allow BYOD devices to not only control the room, but also share content wirelessly through the existing wireless access points. A corporate-wide content management system would replace the traditional AV matrix switch, as content would all be stored in the cloud or on a server and delivered on demand to whatever speakers and display(s) happened to be assigned to that meeting, regardless of location.
This type of arrangement would require very little upfront capital expenditure for the limited hardware in each room while leveraging the existing network for management and distribution as well as existing devices for control.
So what’s stopping the industry from developing this level of AVaaS?
When I asked this question to the tech manager I know, he went on to talk about what he feels is the biggest challenge for AVaaS adoption. Ironically, he doesn’t believe it has anything to do with market demand, but rather to some of the industry’s resistance to change.
“The single biggest challenge we face in AV is knowing how our customers expect to use AV. This requires a tremendous amount of flexibility when looking at providing the best possible, most cost-effective solution. The only way to reach this type of customer is AVaaS, in my opinion. This kind of thinking is pretty disruptive since AV design firms, AV integrators and AV manufacturers are very satisfied with the current “build the empire” model (monster control systems, complex audio and video routing systems) including touch panels installed in the rooms that typically require an IT/AV person to navigate.”
Many end-users are ready for a change. They don’t want to be tied to legacy systems any longer. The very fact the Alexa is even being considered as a viable alternative to the robust systems of the past tells us that customers haven’t always realized the full value of these systems.
“I don’t want my customers having to call for IT support to set up a conference call in a meeting room. Simple is AVaaS in my opinion. This empowers the user and customer base to only pay for what they want. For me, I want my users to walk into a room, and see a simple device that looks a lot like something they have at home.”
So is there a market demand for AVaaS in all markets? I would argue that there is and I know quite a few others who think the same thing. The question that remains is who will develop the first full-fledged offerings? Will it be a manufacturer or an integrator or maybe even an IT services company?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on AVaaS below, especially with regards to any end user conversations you’ve had on the topic. Leave a Comment
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TAIDEN’s New Wireless Discussion Microphones Are Digital InfraredSmaller than your average smartphone, the new digital infrared wireless discussion system by TAIDEN is a low-profile microphone designed for boardrooms and videoconference spaces. The HCS-5335 product series, with gooseneck or boundary microphone options, is officially being introduced at the February ISE Show in Amsterdam in booth 3-C105.
The solution is ultra-portable, with no equipment rack pieces. The infrared transmitter and central processor are combined in one small tabletop unit that can be placed at the center of the table with a wide coverage radius of 8 meters (26 ft.). A PoE Dante-enabled solution ensures simple, scalable installations with simplified wiring. Key conference management capabilities – audio settings adjustments, battery charge monitoring, microphone activation and camera tracking – can be achieved through web control, from any browser-enabled device.
The HCS-5335 series is using the company’s digital infrared audio processing and transmitting technology with a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 20 kHz.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Hall Research Intros Economical USB and HDMI Extender EX-HDU is what Hall Research calls an economical HDMI and USB extender comprised of a single-gang wall plate sender and compatible receiver. The product uses a single Cat5/6 cable up to 200 feet long. HDMI audio is extracted and is provided both as analog stereo and multi-channel digital. The receiver can also be used to control other equipment by providing programmable contact closure I/O, RS232 and IR outputs. Receivers with LAN connectivity are also available offering integrated user configurable WebGUI and IP control.
The patent pending wall-plate gets its power from the receiver via the same UTP cable and for convenience integrates a USB hub with two USB ports. The plug-and-play extender does not require driver installation and is compatible with all PCs, MACs and Android devices. The receiver provides HDMI video, stereo analog audio, four USB ports, IR emitter, terminal strip with RS232 output and four programmable digital I/O ports. A mini-USB port is also provided for uploading user defined configuration for applications where the Receiver is used as a room control system.
Users can upload RS232 commands to the EX-HDU to control other equipment such as turning a projector on and off. Commands can be triggered automatically by detecting video, activated manually via the buttons on WebGUI, or by sensing open and close contact events on the I/O ports. For example, a simple toggle switch can be connected remotely to activate RS232 or IR commands for turning projectors on and off. Each of the I/O ports can be configured to act as an input or output. When an I/O port is configured as output, it can be used to lower or raise a motorized projector screen.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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New Extron Room Scheduling Panels Make Booking a Room Easier Than Ever Extron just introduced a new generation of room scheduling solutions. The new TLS family of TouchLink Scheduling panels are designed to help ease integration and provide customers with powerful, dedicated panels for all their meeting space reservation needs. Right out of the box, TLS panels are ready to be customized with free Room Agent software and then to connect directly to Microsoft Exchange, Office 365 and Google Calendar without the need for additional scheduling software or external processors. There are 5″, 7″ and 10″ panels available, in both wall and VESA mounting varieties. Users can make reservations directly from these panels, a computer, or any smartphone or tablet that connects to any one of the supported mail servers. Bright red and green LED light bars makes it easy to see if a room is occupied or available even from down the hall. New room scheduling analytics provide the information customers need to closely analyze room usage, activity patterns and occupancy trends across the organization.
All TLS panels are configured with Extron Room Agent software. Simply connect the touchpanel to your computer, open the free Room Agent software, fill in the required fields to compose the user interface, and you’re done. Customization options include custom colors and background images, interface text fields to be shown or hidden, depending on user preference. TLS panels equipped with a digital input will work with just about any occupancy sensor, including the Extron OCS 100 series, which monitor room occupancy and, after a user-defined time, release the room back to available status.
TouchLink Scheduling panels are here. Leave a Comment
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DVDO Ships New TILE Digital Canvas BoxDVDO’s new TILE is a “universal wireless casting box” for both professional and commercial integrators. DVDO will also be demonstrating the TILE solution at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) February 6 – 9, 2018 in RAI Amsterdam in the Custom Home Europe, Stand #1N85. The DVDO TILE claims to simplify the process of wirelessly connecting multiple users to an existing display system (think: Barco ClickShare but with input overlay capabilities). TILE allows casting of any desktop, application, video, image or other content to the shared screen with the simple touch of a button (sound familiar?).
Up to five different tiled windows can be displayed simultaneously, allowing multiple users to share content, compare videos and images, or to bring up websites alongside presentations. The TILE system offers five HDMI inputs including an HDMI 2.0a 4K pass through, two USB inputs and two HDMI mirrored outputs. Aimed at collaborative environments, TILE users manage their inputs and output configuration via the TILE App, which is available for iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as for Mac and Windows PC systems.
A Moderator mode can help approve and queue the casted content before it is shown on screen, offering an amazing feature for educational environments such as universities.
The DVDO TILE is $1,199. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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WolfVision Introduces vSolution MATRIX Feature Pack: AV Over IP collaboration Using Cynap Systems WolfVision will launch the vSolution MATRIX Feature Pack or its Cynap collaboration system at ISE 2018 (Booth #1M20). When activated, this AV-over-IP feature pack enables configuration, control, distribution and sharing of video and audio between multiple workstation monitors using multiple Cynap and Cynap Core units connected using network infrastructure.
This collaboration solution is designed for active learning classrooms, meeting and training rooms of all sizes, where the requirement is for multiple workstations to be deployed to leverage collaborative learning and working.
A single Cynap unit, designated as the ‘main’ system in the room, is connected to multiple workstations with either a Cynap or a Cynap Core system installed. Audio and video content is shared between connected monitors and the main screen in the room over the network, using a simple drag and drop interface, with all processing performed by the installed Cynap systems themselves. This eliminates the need for additional encoding/decoding hardware.
Wireless BYOD screen sharing for all smartphones, tablets, and laptops, is available at every workstation, with no need for apps, dongles or additional software. Annotation and whiteboard funtionality is provided and the Cynap built-in media player handles playback of any content accessed from cloud, network or other connected sources.
Enterprise level encryption ensures secure delivery of content materials between workstations, and this scalable, cost effective, presentation and collaboration solution gives all the performance, and reliability associated with traditional AV distribution methods.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Nureva Announces the Dual HDL300 Now for Larger SpacesNureva Inc. announces the Dual HDL300 audio conferencing system, which is optimized for meeting spaces up to 20′ x 40′ (6.10 x 12.19 m) and a maximum operating range of 30′ x 50′ (9.14 x 15.24 meters). The dual system is the second model in the HDL300 audio conferencing system product line, which launched in June 2017. Powered by Microphone Mist technology, the Dual HDL300 system fills a room with up to 16,384 virtual microphones that pick-up sound throughout the space, regardless of where in-room meeting participants are standing or the direction they are facing. This ensures that remote participants have a natural audio experience and can collaborate effectively. The system consists of two wall-mounted integrated microphone and speaker bars that plug into a single connector box, which is connected to a laptop or meeting room computer.
The single HDL300 system, which is optimized for spaces up to 20′ x 20′ (6.10 x 6.10 meters), is widely recognized for its remarkable audio pickup, simple installation and autocalibration capabilities. The new Dual HDL300 system was developed in response to customer demand to bring these capabilities into larger, dynamic spaces where the challenge of delivering quality audio conferencing is even greater. These spaces include briefing centers, training rooms, conference rooms, learning labs and a range of multipurpose rooms. They often involve participants moving around the room — speaking from many locations and facing almost any direction. Powered by the next generation of Microphone Mist technology, the system can handle the audio requirements of these spaces without the complexity and cost of more elaborate solutions. The technology uses sophisticated algorithms to simultaneously process and integrate sound from two sets of virtual microphones that fill the room and feed the sound to remote participants. This, combined with simultaneous echo cancellation, position-based automatic gain control and sound masking, creates a clear and natural audio experience.
The Dual HDL300 audio conferencing system will be available for order in March 2018 through a global network of value-added dealers and distributors and will ship in June 2018. The European MSRP is US $6,499.
The HDL300 is here. Leave a Comment
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Christie Boxer Is First Projector with Integrated SDVoE 10G AV-over-IP PortThe Christie Boxer 3DLP projector is the first, ever, projector with a direct interface for up to 4K content and control over 10G Ethernet using the SDVoE standard. The Christie Terra SDVoE input board for Boxer allows for video, audio and control onto a single system using a single cable.
As an SDVoE Alliance founder, Christie is leading the transition of AV systems from bandwidth-limited, scale-limited, circuit-switched signal infrastructures onto the limitless scalability, bandwidth and reach that Ethernet networks offer.
System solutions incorporating the Christie Terra Transmitter, Receiver and Controller provide complete, secure operational control and management over SDVoE systems — making it perfect for entertainment, rental and staging, and large format display solutions as well as mission-critical environments such as government control rooms, telecommunications, the energy sector, intelligent transportations systems and other high security environments.
Featuring a web-based programming interface, the Christie Terra Controller is easy to learn and use, simplifying and speeding up the installation, configuration, programming, management and operational tasks of SDVoE systems.
The redundant control configuration delivers continuous operation and system updates while the solid-state storage means no moving parts — ensuring long-term reliability without compromise.
The Christie Terra family is built on off-the-shelf 10G SDVoE technology. This enables the signal distribution, control, processing and KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) of what Christie says is uncompressed, zero-frame latency audio and visual content over 10G Ethernet networks including artifact-free 4K at 60Hz video formats. The Terra system comprises three products: the transmitter, receiver and controller, which support switching, processing and control among numerous sources and displays over great distances.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Christie Intros New Lower Cost Velvet CorePlus LEDThe new Christie Velvet CorePlus LED offers design flexibility for a value-priced LED video wall solution. Ranging in pixel pitches from 1.2 to 4.0 millimeters, the single architecture scales more easily to popular resolutions including 4K, is fully customizable with remote and on-board options and can be both installed and serviced from either the front or back. Perfect for public spaces, casinos, theme parks, houses of worship, broadcast, control rooms and conference rooms among many other applications, its direct mount system allows for a narrow installed depth of less than 100 millimeters, making it ADA-compliant.
Christie Velvet CorePlus is designed with a focus on flexibility and affordability while delivering a host of features normally found in more expensive LED. The on-board or remote power options for CorePlus increases installation possibilities while providing efficient heat management and redundancies for 24×7 operation. Christie Velvet CorePlus includes a direct mount system, making for quick and easy installation directly onto flat walls — eliminating the need for an additional mounting structure and thereby further reducing total system cost. Moreover, with the new E600 Controller, end users can easily scale to 4K60Hz.
Christie has also launched a new online LED calculator to allow its integrators, distributors, consultants and architect partners — as well as end users — to design quickly and easily an LED video wall to meet their unique requirements. With a simple click, customers can request a price quote from the Christie sales team.
Christie also announced that its Velvet Apex Series now makes 4K video walls better and less complicated with the new E600 Controller with 4K60 capability. Not only is the actual design easier to configure, fewer components are used in the signal chain, which means an artifact-free image and a better viewing experience for audiences.
Featuring low brightness enhancements, advanced image processing, HDR10 signal compatibility and premium image quality, Christie Apex Series ensures your content is displayed both vividly and accurately — right down to the finest detail.
The enhanced Apex Series is available in a range of pixel pitches from 1.2 to 2.5 millimeters and features a 16:9 aspect ratio. The 0.9-millimeter model was originally introduced in December 2017.
Christie Digital is here. Leave a Comment
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Bose Professional Debuts S1 Pro Multi-Position PA System Bose Professional is debuting the S1 Pro multi-position PA system — an all-in-one PA, floor monitor, practice amplifier and primary music system. Designed for general PA use, the S1 Pro is 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) and with dimensions of 13″ x 9.5″ x 11.2″ (330 x 241 x 286 millimeters), it easily fits in an airplane’s overhead compartment.
The S1 Pro is engineered to be used in four different positions to accommodate a wide range of applications — tilt-back, elevated, mounted on a speaker stand or placed on its side (as a floor monitor). Built-in sensors detect positional changes and trigger Auto EQ, which automatically recalibrates the system’s internal settings for each different placement/application, ensuring that users always sound their best with optimum sound in any position.
The S1 Pro comes with a three-channel mixer. Reverb and tone controls are featured on two channels with XLR / quarter-inch combo jacks and a third channel is for either 3.5 mm (1/8”) line-in or wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, a line-out jack offers easy expansion to other systems.
Using the wireless channel, music can be played from a mobile device easily using Bluetooth streaming (great for pre-produced backing tracks or background music), while getting great sound quickly with integrated ToneMatch processing for microphones and instruments. Additionally, users can enjoy hours of play on-the-go with the S1 Pro’s optional rechargeable lithium-ion battery; a special setting and intelligent circuitry offer a choice between trickle charge or dedicated full-power charge.
The S1 Pro multi-position PA system is $599 (optional rechargeable lithium-ion battery is also available at $99). Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Now in the Custom Control Market With Debut of Global Scripter Using PythonAccording to CodeEval in 2016 (the last year data is available), the world’s most popular programming language is Python – with nearly 27 percent of the market. Java is number two with a 22 percent share and C++ is third with 10 percent. That’s not just AV control system programming — we mean all programming languages for all things.
This was the impetus for Extron using Python as its core language platform for their fully-programmable AV control system products. Called Global Scripter, Extron’s Integrated Development Environment harnesses the dynamic and intuitive nature of the Python programming language — an object-oriented language that enables programmers to reuse code and save development time. Since Python is the most popular programming language being taught to both high school and college kids, Extron believes there’s a path for both entry into AV as well as one that allows AV-based Python programmers to expand value outside of just programming AV products.
Extron already has hundreds of certified EQIPs — Extron Qualified Independent Programmers — as the company quietly debuted Global Scripter and a customizable ecosystem of AV control products and software in late 2015. Extron has spent the last two years making it “easier and better.” For now, the customizable Extron control system products include the eBUS line, the TouchLink Pro line and its IP Link Pro line. But Extron says more is coming.
Global Scripter works with its ControlScript Python library and uses familiar AV terms, which Extron says makes it easier for integrator-programmers to program AV control system projects. When combined with Extron Pro Series control hardware, Global Scripter and ControlScript make a system fully custom programmable.
We learned today that the new Atlanta Braves stadium, SunTrust Park, is integrated with Extron’s new custom control system running everything AV — and since it’s Python, which is the same language all the other services in the park use too, it’s connected to the system running nearly everything in the stadium.
As mentioned above, Python is an object-oriented programming language that’s known, by programmers, to be easily readable, and editable, making it a very popular scripting language. Python allows programmers to leverage libraries, modules and functions without the need to learn syntax. With ample documentation available in print and on the Internet, there are numerous programming resources for novices and experts alike.You don’t have to learn a custom programming language.
Access to Global Scripter and ControlScript is available to certified Extron Authorized Programmers. Additional programming support is available with our well-established EQIP program, which provides resources to customers deploying Pro Series control systems. Extron Qualified Independent Programming companies are carefully screened and selected to provide expert support for Extron control system projects.
Here’s a video that explains Extron’s philosophy in using Python as well as how it works.
Here’s a site that explains Extron’s Global Scripter. Leave a Comment
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AmpliVox Introduces New Classroom Audio System PackageAimed at small to medium-sized classrooms and conference rooms, the AmpliVox Sound Systems now offers a comprehensive package of versatile sound products. AmpliVox’s new Classroom Audio System package combines a ceiling tile four-way speaker, a seven-channel mixer/amplifier and a universal wireless microphone to provide 360 degrees of clear sound coverage.
The new Classroom Audio System includes a four-speaker unit that drops into standard 2’x2’ ceiling tile spaces. The speaker pairs with AmpliVox’s unique 2.4 GHz Universal Digital Wireless Headset/Handheld Microphone, plugged into the seven-channel mixer/amplifier for simple volume, treble and bass control. The amplifier also offers Bluetooth streaming ports for playing music from SD cards or USB thumb drives.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Nureva Audio Manager Adds New Functionality to the HDL300 System Nureva Inc has announced the Nureva audio manager, software for the HDL300 audio conferencing system that automatically detects and performs updates to the HDL300 system’s firmware and to the audio manager itself. This means that HDL300 system customers will always have the latest advancements in the system’s Microphone Mist technology, which simultaneously processes audio from 8,192 virtual microphones that fill the meeting space. This is the first of a planned series of enhancements to the HDL300 system.
The Nureva audio manager provides a hassle-free mechanism for ongoing and automatic enhancements to the HDL300 system. In addition to automatic updates, which customers can turn off, the audio manager will provide adjustable settings including an audio equalizer, audio processing levels and other settings for interoperability with third-party devices. This will give customers more control of their audio experience.
The Nureva audio manager is available now to HDL300 audio conferencing system customers at no additional charge. An update with the additional functionality and adjustable settings will be available in spring 2018. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Dan Dugan Sound Design Debuts Model E-2A Automixer Dan Dugan Sound Design Inc. (ISE stand 7-P180), today, announced the Model E-2A, an automatic microphone mixing controller with analog and ADAT I/O. The E-2A incorporates 28 channels of processing (12 balanced analog plus 16 ADAT) and supports all Dugan algorithms: Speech System, Music System and Gain Limiting. Channels may be grouped into three independent automixers. A six bus pre/post matrix mixer is also provided, with 56×6 capability. Four switched Ethernet ports are available for control. A bright OLED front panel enables setup directly from the device. The Model E-2A may be controlled remotely via the Dugan Control Panel for Java (included) or the Dugan Control Panel for iPad (sold separately); tactile remote control is available via the Dugan Model K Control Surface, also sold separately.
This model replaces the Dugan Model E-2, which has been Dugan’s top-of-the-line analog mixer for the past four years. All Dugan devices eliminate cueing errors, reduce feedback and ambient noise pickup, reduce comb filtering from adjacent mics, allow for smooth transitions between talkers and provide consistent system gain no matter how many mics are open. Systems with a large number of live microphones can be established via linking up to eight Dugan units; the Model E-2A may be linked with additional E-2A units as well as all other digital Dugans (legacy models D-2, D-3, E and E1 and current models E-1A, E-3A, Model M, Model N, Dugan-VN16 and Dugan-MY16).
They can be found here. Leave a Comment
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SI Debuts Totally Wireless (Including Power) Motorized Screens and the Zero Edge Series Screen Innovations (SI) is at ISE 2018 (Booth #1-N85) debuting its Solo motorized screen that the company says requires zero wiring. Powered by a lithium core motor, Solo is charged by the use of SI’s patent-pending magnetic power cord that they say provides over two years of life with one charge.
SI is showing two variations of the Solo screen at ISE. First, Solo, which comes in a clear anodized cassette, is being shown in a 100” configuration. And second, Solo Pro, which can be ordered in 12 different designer-selected colors and in low-voltage, is being shown in a Ferrari red cassette color and suspended on aircraft grade cables.
In addition, SI is showing a new type of Zero Edge screen called Zero Edge Pro — a screen that’s 36 screens in one. SI is here. Leave a Comment
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New Kiosk, LED and Electric Height Adjust Solutions from Chief Debut at ISE Chief is debuting several new solutions at ISE stand 2-C50. The first is the Impact On-Wall Kiosk — a digital signage enclosure that has a depth-adjustable exterior frame allows for a variety of display sizes. Reversible hinges help to avoid installation and service obstructions and our exclusive design keeps the display mounted to the frame when opened, providing unparalleled service and maintenance access. Integrated engagement latches can be secured with tamper-proof hardware to protect equipment. Multiple storage options can be added to mount components in-wall and/or on-wall leveraging Middle Atlantic’s Lever Lock technology.
Next, the TiLED Series is a modular, LED mounting system designed to support creative video wall configurations. The system can include any of three mounts supporting one, two or three LED displays that connect together to form a seamless video wall. Built for the Samsung IF Series, integrated plumb adjustment helps to compensate for imperfections in the wall, keeping everything flat. Offset mounting slots allow for easy installation and protect LEDs from the damaging friction that can occur when display edges rub together.
Lastly, Chief’s line of height adjustable display mounts is expanding to include electric solutions. The new cart, floor-support and wall mounts bring higher weight capacities to support larger interactive displays, and also give an option to users who may simply prefer an electric solution over non-motorized. Keeping safety top of mind, the electric solutions features anti-collision technology, which Chief says immediately halts, then reverses motion upon encountering an obstruction to avoid pinching fingers or damaging the display.
You can see all that Chief is doing at ISE here. Leave a Comment
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DVIGear’s DisplayNet 4K Products Featured at ISE 2018 DVIGear is exhibiting the latest SDVoE technology in its DisplayNet AV-Over-10GbE distribution platform at ISE 2018 in Amsterdam, NL on Feb. 6-9 in Stand 1-N30. DVIGear is also demonstrating its suite of end-to-end 4K (UHD) video distribution solutions at the show, including its new generation HyperLight DisplayPort v1.4 Active Optical Cables and the DVI-7340 / DVI-7341 MultiPort 4K Fiber Optic Extenders.
The DN-200 Series is an extension of the DisplayNet AV-over-IP product line. Each Transmitter accepts multiple source signals including HDMI (with embedded audio and HDCP), DisplayPort, analog stereo audio, bidirectional IR, RS232 and 1GbE Ethernet. These input signals are packetized into a 10GbE stream and are distributed to destinations via an off-the- shelf 10GbE network switch. The DN-200 Series supports twisted pair (Cat6a or Cat7) media up to 328 feet (100 meters) or fiber optic media using an industry standard SFP+ module supporting extension distances up to 18 miles (30 km). The 10GbE switch provides a highly efficient and reliable means of distributing AV signals from many sources to an array of Receiver units, which convert the packetized data to AV output signals at the destination in real time without introducing frame latency or any loss of image quality.
The DN-200 Series uses SDVoE technology to distribute uncompressed AV signals with resolutions up to 4K /60p over a 10GbE Ethernet network. The DN-200 Series adds support for HDMI 2.0 with up to 12-bit color, HDCP 2.2, DisplayPort 1.2 and High Speed USB 2.0. A scaler in both the Transmitter (Tx) and Receiver (Rx) units enables very Fast Switching, MultiViewer, and enhanced Video Wall processing. DN-200 transmitter and receiver units are available starting at $1,350 per end point.
DVIGear will also exhibit its latest DNS-200 DisplayNet Server at the show. DisplayNet Server provides a central interface between the control equipment/software and the DisplayNet endpoint devices. This server supports web browser-based DisplayNet Manager software that provides control features, as well as tools to facilitate the use of third party controllers that enable DisplayNet to be easily integrated into AV applications.
DVIGear’s HyperLight Series is a new generation of Active Optical Cables (AOC) that support DisplayPort 1.4 and are HDCP 1.4 / 2.2 compliant and support signals with data rates up to 32.4 Gbps. These features enable HyperLight cables to support resolution applications at 4K / 60Hz (4:4:4) with cable lengths up to 100 meters and 8K / 30Hz (4:4:4) up to 50 meters.
HyperLight cables are plenum-rated (UL CMP-OF) and flexible. Constructed using a hybrid design of Polyfluorinated Optical Fiber and copper wires, they are rugged but with a two millimeters minimum bend radius. DisplayPort docking connectors may be detached making the cables easy to install in narrow conduits and plenum spaces. Video signals are transmitted over the optical fibers, making them immune to interference from environmental noise. The optical transmission path provides a very low RFI / EMI profile that allows the cables to be installed in sensitive applications with strict security requirements. By drawing power from the connected DisplayPort source, the need for an external power supply is fully eliminated.
The DVI-7340 and DVI-7341 are 4K optical extenders that can achieve much greater distances than other extension methods such as copper cables or CAT-X extenders. Each extender set consists of an optical transmitter module that converts the AV signals into light pulses for transmission over a single strand of multi-mode or single-mode optical fiber cable. An optical receiver module converts the light pulses back to AV signals for the display as well as other downstream devices. The units handle cable distances of up to 1,000 feet (300 meters) with or without HDCP. In applications where HDCP compliance is not required, optical links up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) are supported. The extenders manage multiple signals such as uncompressed HDMI or DVI, embedded audio, balanced or unbalanced external audio, bidirectional IR, RS232 and Ethernet using a single fiber optic cable. Managing HDMI with embedded audio as well as independently routed balanced audio signal extension, they support resolutions up to 4K (UHD), and offer three EDID modes. The DVI-7340 and DVI-7341 are shipping now at $1,350 list price per set.
DVIGear will also at ISE 2018 in Stand 1-N30 or you can see it all here. Leave a Comment
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NEC Launches the World’s Brightest RB Laser Projectors for Large Venues NEC Display Solutions Europe today launched the world’s brightest red-blue (RB) laser projectors, designed to bring cinema quality imagery to the largest venues. The new PH Series comprises two models, NEC PH3501QL and NEC PH2601QL, both 4K resolution.
The PH Series has been designed for large venues and the PH3501QL delivers 40,000 center lumens, while the PH2601QL features 30,000 center lumens.
The new flagship models harnesses the best of both laser phosphor and RGB laser technologies resulting in a powerful projector which delivers compelling benefits in terms of cost, operational efficiency and immersive image quality. The use of a red and blue laser light source goes beyond the colour and brightness output of traditional laser phosphor projection systems providing a brilliant image with high uniformity.
The efficient light processing system delivers huge savings in operational costs compared to lamp-based projection systems thanks to lower power consumption, maintenance-free operation, and no need for lamp and filter replacements over the laser’s 20,000 hour lifetime.
The PH Series features maximum installation flexibility, with extra-wide vertical +/- 50% and horizontal +/- 17% lens shift – better than any real 4K competitive product on the market – combined with a selection of wide zoom bayonet lenses. This guarantees hassle-free installation and facilitates easy replacement of old projectors. The projectors also feature future-proofed signal connectivity including numerous 4K resolution inputs and intelligent signal processing such as Picture in Picture or Picture by Picture, to provide “pixel-free viewing“ on a large scale.
The NEC PH3501QL and NEC PH2601QL models will be available in March-April 2018. Here are specs on the NEC PH3501QL and the NEC PH2601QL here. Leave a Comment
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Zoom Launches Communications Product Suite Zoom Video Communications today announced a variety of new features and enhancements to its core Meetings platform and its Zoom Rooms software-based conference rooms. Altogether, these enhancements streamline administrator and user experiences and increase productivity as part of Zoom’s ongoing effort to create frictionless experiences for buying, deploying, using and managing enterprise video communications. Zoom also announced the general availability of a feature it previewed at Zoomtopia last September: speech-to-text recording transcripts.
Sixty-two percent (62 percent) of organizations use three or more communications solutions, but 100 percent of CEOs believe that their companies would achieve greater cost savings and effectiveness from communications platform consolidation (Forbes Insights Research, 2017). onal organizations over the past six months including HP and Brown University.
Updates for Zoom meetings include:
- Recording Transcripts: Machine learning-based Recording Transcripts create accurate, searchable speech-to-text transcripts of Zoom meeting and webinar recordings, particularly helpful in legal, content creation, and training use cases, and generally useful to anyone who misses a meeting. Zoom is the first meeting solution to bring this technology to market. It is now generally available to Zoom Business, Enterprise, and Education plan customers.
- 7×7 View: Zoom now allows users to see up to 49 video feeds on their desktop screen at once. Zoom supports up to 500 video feeds, so the user would page through the feeds by clicking on the right side of their Zoom window.
Updates for Zoom Rooms include:
- Zoom Rooms Scheduling Display: Zoom has unmoored its Scheduling Displays, so that these tablet schedulers (app runs on an iPad that sits outside the room to show upcoming meetings and allow for room reservations) can work for both Zoom Rooms and any other collaboration space. With the purchase of just one Zoom Rooms account and a customer can outfit their entire organisation with scheduling displays. Scheduling Display tied to Zoom Rooms is currently available to Zoom Rooms customers. Standalone Scheduling Display will be available later in Q1 2018.
- Streamlined Set-Up for Zoom Rooms: From purchasing hardware (available in five kits with more to come here), to deploying with Zoom’s Professional Services Team, to a simplified set-up flow, Zoom has made trying and rolling out Zoom Rooms easy. Customers can now try Zoom Rooms to join meetings without setting up an account. And for customers deploying hundreds of rooms in different locations, IT can simply give an activation code to the installer for instant room setup. This activation code feature is now available in Beta to Zoom Rooms customers.
Zoom is here. Leave a Comment
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New Crestron DM XiO Director Network Appliance Simplifies Deployment of DM NVX Network AV Systems Crestron announced today that it is now shipping DM XiO Director. An enterprise-grade network appliance, natively running simple yet powerful software, the DM XiO Director centrally configures, manages, and controls DM NVX network AV systems. The DM XiO Director is available in three models, depending on the number of DM NVX endpoints. The software tool enables device discovery, domain configuration, endpoint mapping, multi-casting management and status monitoring. DM NVX Series is the industry’s only secure solution that delivers 4K60, 4:4:4 and HDR video over standard 1Gb Ethernet.
The DM XiO Director virtually emulates the functionality of a traditional hardware-based DigitalMedia matrix switcher, routing 4K60 streaming AV signals throughout a room, building or campus. Three models are offered which support 80 (DM-XIO-DIR-80), 160 (DM-XIO-DIR-160) or unlimited (DM-XIO-DIR-ENT) endpoint devices. DM XiO Director can handle even the largest corporate enterprise, university, governmental, military, medical, transportation, sports, entertainment, hospitality, gaming or retail application.
The DM XiO Director automatically discovers each DM NVX endpoint on the network, and allows each one to be assigned to a “domain” using a simple UI. A domain is simply a logical grouping of endpoints that operate together as a single switching entity, allowing individual rooms and other subsystems to be arranged and controlled independently. The DM XiO Director effectively eliminates the need for physical switchers in every room, replacing them with the virtual equivalent running on the AV network.
The DM XiO Director provides an intuitive web-based user interface to facilitate system configuration, signal routing, and comprehensive diagnostics of the complete AV network. Each domain and endpoint can be designated with a user-friendly name. Navigating the entire system is easy using the search box to quickly find domains, endpoints, inputs and outputs by name or address. A system overview screen is also provided, showing the video and audio signal status for every input and output in a graphical layout that’s easy to view and navigate.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Sound Control Technologies to Debut New RemoteCam Solutions at ISE Sound Control Technologies (SCT) will be using ISE 2018 (Stand 11-F160) to unveil four new solutions in the RemoteCam product portfolio for digital PTZ cameras. The new RemoteCam6 (RC6-CST) has been designed to deliver a reliable, cost effective link between the Cisco SX80 and SpeakerTrack 60. It will enable Dual HDMI, Ethernet control and power to the SpeakerTrack 60 over a single CAT6 cable.
Also showing from SCT will be the new RemoteCam7 (RC7-PD2) which has been designed to support Polycom Group Series codecs and the EagleEye Director II. This product enables HDCI video, analog audio, RS232 control, IR control and power to the Director II over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
In addition, the latest in SCT’s RemoteCam5 product line, the RC5-RKP will be launched. It supports the Cisco Quad Camera and Codec Plus or SX80 codecs. Like the rest of the RemoteCam5 products, this enables HDMI and Ethernet control plus power to the Quad Camera over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
All three new RemoteCam solutions deliver power up to a distance of 300’ feet over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable and integrators visiting ISE will appreciate that all Sound Control kits are complete solutions with necessary cables required to connect to the camera and codecs, accommodating the custom nature of the manufacturer’s connectors implemented on these cameras and codecs.
Also showing from SCT are the RCS and RCT Series Ceiling Mounts. The RCS Series solutions are sheetrock ceiling mounts designed for the Cisco Precision 60, PHD 12x, Precision 40 and Polycom EagleEye IV cameras. These three-piece, all-metal solutions come with a common back box and mounting plate, and they become camera-specific with a custom cradle to securely hold the base of the camera.
The RCT Series’ acoustic tile ceiling mounts are designed for the Cisco Precision 60, PHD 12x, Precision 40 and Polycom EagleEye IV cameras. These three-piece, all-metal solutions come with a tile bar, plenum box and become camera-specific with a custom cradle to securely hold the base of the camera.
Sound Control Technologies’ new stuff is here. Leave a Comment
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New Extron 7″ Wall Mount Touch Panel Blends Performance and Style Extron just introduced the TLP Pro 725M 7″ wall mount TouchLink Pro touch panel. Extron redesigned this latest TouchLink Pro touch panel inside and out with a new quad-core processor and eight times more memory. The display is a higher resolution 1024×600 capacitive touchscreen built with scratch- and smudge-resistant, edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass. The TLP Pro 725M also features the convenience of PoE (Power over Ethernet), which allows it to receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable. It is ideal in any environment requiring a stylish, wall-mountable touch panel with a fully-customizable interface.
The TLP Pro 725M is built for today with an eye on the future. With its improved graphics engine, quad-core processor and increased RAM, you’ll see faster background graphic loads and crisper page flips. These performance enhancements offer an enhanced user experience now, while providing ample memory and processing power to support exciting new features and capabilities in the future via firmware updates. A variety of mounting kits are available, providing a clean installation on a wall, glass, podium or other surface. All TouchLink Pro touch panels can be customized using Extron GUI Designer software. This powerful interface design software offers ready-to-use templates for a wide variety of rooms and presentation environments.
The TLP Pro 725M is here. Leave a Comment
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Barix Introduces Openly-Programmable IP Audio Module for Third-Party Product Developers at ISE 2018 Barix is introducing at ISE 2018 its newest-generation IP Audio Module, the IPAM 400. The Linux-based IPAM 400 is Barix’s most powerful OEM audio platform to date, combining a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 MPCore processor and an open-source programming model for supporting complex signal handling and an array of applications. The new module supports multiple audio formats and features stereo audio, network, USB, GPIO and serial interfaces alongside built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling developers to easily incorporate advanced audio processing, IP-based streaming and control functionality into their product designs.
The IPAM 400 continues Barix’s move towards an open-source, Linux-based approach, which began with the introduction of the Barionet 1000 control module at last year’s ISE show. While previous IPAM models included libraries of finished applications and clients, the IPAM 400 provides systems integrators and OEMs with a blank slate upon which they can tap into the open source community or develop almost any audio-oriented application they can envision. While customers can select their preferred operating system implementation and install their own image, Barix provides an example Yocto image that includes firmware upgrade and advanced recovery function for the platform. Barix can also work closely with customers’ development teams to realize their desired applications through various levels of support, consulting and professional services.
The IPAM 400 can run multiple encryption and decryption processes concurrently for data, streams and web server access, enabling the creation of products supporting the latest security standards. The IPAM 400 architecture also allows devices to be reinstalled, reformatted and updated remotely without risk of ‘bricking’ the units, avoiding expensive and user-frustrating product return cycles.
Samples of the IPAM 400 are available immediately to developers, with full-quantity shipments planned for later in Q1. The IPAM 400 and other Barix products can be viewed at ISE 2018 in Amsterdam next month in stand 8-K255.
Barix is here. Leave a Comment
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InFocus Introduces Its Largest Open Android-Based Touch Display for Collaboration InFocus Corporation today launches an addition to their JTouch product family, with the JTouch Plus INF8630AG. It’s the largest open Android-based interactive touch display solution built for collaboration, featuring a 4K anti-glare 86-inch display that users can customize and annotate over any documents, whiteboard, browse the web and run Android apps, plus wirelessly cast with ease using LightCast.
The 86-inch JTouch Plus is optimal for education applications, using an open Android platform that allows users to easily install and use any applications from the Google Play Store. Students can interact with educational content, games and information on the large screen as they would on a tablet. Featuring Total Touch Control, the JTouch Plus is intuitive to use without a remote. Presenters and peers can simply touch icons on the display to change inputs, or access the home screen, all applications and control functions; and when whiteboarding, users can draw with one finger, move on-screen content with two, or use three fingers to quickly erase.
Like its predecessors in the JTouch line, the 86-inch JTouch Plus features the premium LightCast suite of presentation, teamwork, and content-sharing capabilities. Teachers and students can use a variety of pens and shapes to annotate on top of e-books, lessons and notes, web pages or student’s work, and even spotlight areas of the screen to hide answers or focus attention. Teachers and presenters can also connect any device (HDMI, VGA or PC), freeze the screen and annotate over any content, and then save screen captures to the internal storage or an external USB drive.
It also features multi-device touch control, which allows presenters to plug in up to eight devices including smartphones, laptops or tablets, without needing to change cables. In addition to LightCast, there is also wireless casting via built-in AirPlay that allows presenters and teachers to share work or lessons to the display from their mobile device or computer.
The 86-inch JTouch Plus INF8630AG and INF8630eAG for K-12 education customers is now available in the U.S. and Canada for $11,999 and $11,099, respectively. More information is available here. Leave a Comment
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