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Volume 11, Issue 2 — January 17, 2013
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rAVe Exclusive: An Interview with InfoComm's New Executive Director and CEO David Labuskes We are excited to share this exclusive 30-minute interview with David Labuskes, the new executive director and CEO of InfoComm International. Our own Gary Kayye had the pleasure of “sitting down” with David last week for his FIRST interview in his new role — literally on the last day or his first week on the job. This interview is a chance to get to know David, a little about his background, his passion for technology, his vision for the future of the AV industry and his vision for the future of InfoComm International.Oh, and it's worth watching all the way through as David shares his three nuggets of knowledge for the AV integrator near the end, including how you can stay ahead of the economy, the changing forces of the way AV gear is distributed, the shift from product sales to content distribution and how important the relationship with the client is — and where that might take you outside of just AV. The 30-minute Skype interview is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zus97r3V8qg |
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AV People: Jan Sandri of FSR
By Molly Stillman
Director of Marketing & New Business Development To say Jan Sandri is a “Jane of all Trades” is a bit of an understatement. Jan is the president, one of the principals and one of the founding partners of FSR. She’s been in the AV industry over 32 years.
“I was lucky enough to enter the industry through an AV integration company,” said Jan. “I learned all about the business from the integration side. Then with my partners Bill Fitzsimmons and Charlie Rodriguez, we started FSR mainly because there was a need for control type products and different metal integration products that weren’t being manufactured at the time. They were only available on a custom basis. And 32 years later, we still have some of our main customers that we started with.”
Since starting FSR, it has grown from just three people to well over 100 employees. Jan notes that she is extremely proud of her company not only for its relationships with its customers, but also because FSR is woman-owned, all products are made in the United States and every product is green. It gives her a great sense of pride.
And of course, on top of all that, last year, Jan was honored to have been elected to the InfoComm Board of Directors. “It’s just a whole new learning experience on a different aspect of our industry,” said Jan. “I love learning how the largest trade show and education center of our industry operates!”
Now, the truth is, if you’re reading this article, there’s a strong chance you already knew most of that about Jan. However, there’s an even stronger chance that you DIDN’T know that 10 years ago, Jan was the mayor of her town of Little Falls, New Jersey.
After her one term as mayor, she served nine years on the town council. And during THAT time, she was fire commissioner, police commissioner, president of the board of health, and THEN she became the Republication chairwoman of the Passaic County Republican Party. And her political prowess only seemed to grow from there.
“As a county chairperson,” Jan recalled, “we were often sent to meet with the governor and other state elected officials. And from there, because I was the chairwoman of the county Republican party, I became one of the state Republican Party committee women and from there I had the privilege of being designated to go to the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia in 2004. It was an honor to represent the state of New Jersey as one of the voters that voted to get President Bush on the ticket in New Jersey.”
If you’ve ever watched the Republican or Democratic National Conventions on television, you’ll notice how each state has a section on the floor with people lined up representing that state. Well, Jan was one of those people representing New Jersey that year.
“It’s so very exciting to actually be a part of the process,” said Jan. “We all watch it on TV, but when you’re there, it’s just electric. It just makes you feel so good to live in a country that allows this type of participation in who runs to lead our country.”
But at the end of the day, for Jan, it’s not those big time experiences that have meant a lot to her in her political career. For Jan, it’s about how much good you really can do to help people.
If you put politics aside, in Little Falls, New Jersey, it wasn’t about the money. Jan was paid $2,000 a year to do the job of mayor. And every year, she donated that money back — every single penny — to worthy causes in Little Falls or people who were just down and out on their luck.
“You do this because you’re supposed to do it for the community. Not for the money. So, therefore, I’d rather be doing it without any compensation,” she said.
Jan truly believes that each one of us, everyone, can make a great change in people’s lives — and it doesn’t take a lot of money. It takes being creative and working with businesses and volunteers in the area. There are amazing programs in every town across America that help those in need, seniors and children. Jan’s wish is for more people to give their time and get into local politics to help bring that good and change to their communities.
I asked Jan what she learned during her political career and she said, “When you sit up there as the mayor or councilperson, the whole town thinks you work for them and so they have absolutely no qualms about taking you to task for ANYTHING that happens — whether you have control of it or not,” said Jan. “So, you learn how to deal with people who are irrational or emotional. You deal with them politely and with respect. It’s helped me so much in business. In politics you get everything thrown at you, whether you’re up to speed or not, and you have to have the answers or at least be able to get the answers.”
I can only imagine how much that has helped Jan in business and with customers.
Jan’s no longer involved in any elected positions, although she is an unofficial advisor to both local, county and sometimes even state politicians. Jan decided that her efforts are better spent focusing on her business, on the InfoComm Board of Directors and her family.
Jan is married to Joe, and they have two children Bill, who lives in Foster City, Calif. and is a member of the Foster City police and the SWAT team, and Jennifer who lives in Florida with her husband and children.
Jan is also extremely proud to be a member of the WAVE (Women in AV) Board of Directors. “It’s just marvelous,” she said. “Women play such an important role, whether it’s in politics, business, or whatever. Women bring an entirely different perspective to whatever is going on in the world.”
Molly Stillman is the director of marketing and new business development for rAVe [Publications]. Reach her at molly@ravepubs.com
Do you know someone in the industry with an interesting story that should be featured in our monthly column? Email Molly and let her know.
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4k2k: Are We Underestimating Its Value?
By Paul Gray
DisplaySearch With the predictable run of 4k2k announcements this CES, most comments have sensibly focused on content availability. This was undoubtedly the single greatest factor in the failure of 3D to create a revival in the TV market.
Therefore the argument runs that with scarce native 4k2k content, the feature is doomed to niche status. Furthermore, the limitations of human vision mean that only a large screen (say 60” or bigger) or unnaturally close viewing would permit the extra resolution to be resolvable.
However, we are now in a different world of TV usage. Video standards and broadcasting count for less — at least as far as TV brands’ strategies are concerned. TV is becoming a mixture of video and graphics. As Smart TV services mature and the big processor cores in the next generation of TV chips are used, graphics and Internet content become increasingly important. Such content includes many more static items such as text and menus, where even though the exact details may not be resolvable, smooth curves and shading gradations are perceivable. Apple shocked the TV market with the launch of the first AppleTV box with its elegant menus and slick graphics.
As China is now the most dynamic TV market (with a taste not only for large sizes but also rich featuring), 4k2k could become especially valuable for improved rendering and readability of Chinese characters.
A one-dimensional consideration of 4k2k would appear unwise — it could become an important component of the smart TV experience. Of course it also requires setmakers to exploit the extra panel capability in their apps. While smart TV might survive without 4k2k, I suspect that 4k2k will be a tiny niche without new smart TV features.
This column was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here.
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Our ISE 2013 Portal is Up! For the third year in a row, we'll be covering the world's largest AV show LIVE: Integrated Systems Europe (ISE 2013) from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In 2012, we shot over 1000 new product videos, wrote over 30 blogs from the show floor, tweeted live and even posted over 300 product stories to our ISE 2012 MicroSite. You can review our 2012 coverage here.
Like 2012, we'll be taking 15 reporters to the show – some from our USA office and some from our rAVe Europe office in Malta. So, we'll have the show covered.
So whether or not you are attending, you can follow along with our coverage LIVE, if you wish, by simply bookmarking: http://www.rAVeNOWise.com
Or, you can download our rAVe NOW iPad App that is dedicated to the ISE 2013 show here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rave-now-for-ipad/id442127371
In the meantime, check out ourpre-show coverage of the ISE 2013 show here http://www.rAVeNOWise.com as we're already posting new product news, plus we have a few blogs already posted. We've also aggregated all the ISE 2013 tweets there too!
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Share Article Back to Top rAVe Scoop: AVI-SPL to Acquire Duocom Canada rAVe has learned that, although it's not being announced until next week, AVI-SPL will announce they are buying Duocom Canada, giving AVI-SPL an immediate presence in Canada. We know this to be true as we have several insiders who have told us about the deal — even though the contract signatures likely aren't dry yet. Founded in 1974, Duocom became Canada’s leader in audiovisual products and services, recognized for its successful large scale projects, quality of work and attention to detail. In July 2011, Duocom was acquired by Duologik, an IT integrator based in Ontario. As you likely already know, AVI-SPL was started in 1979 as Audio Visual Innovations selling Kroy Lettering Machines from founder Martin Schaffel’s apartment, a personal friend of Gary Kayye, rAVe's Founder. Back then, the lettering machine was a sophisticated tool that created effective and efficient communications for architecture and engineering firms. Now 30 years later, AVI-SPL is well known to be the largest AV company in the USA and this expansion into Canada will be their first international office offering both sales and systems design. Of course, since this announcement isn't supposed to be known by anyone in AV until next week, neither company would comment on our scoop. But, we've been told it's a done deal. Duocom Canada is here: http://www.duocom.ca
Update: AVI-SPL announced its expansion into Canada as well as the UK. Below is the press release.
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AVI-SPL Expands International Presence With New Offices in the UK and Canada
TAMPA, Fla., — January 8, 2013 — AVI-SPL, the world’s leading video communications partner, is pleased to announce further international expansion with the opening of four new offices outside the U.S., including London, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto.
“AVI-SPL is committed to being a truly global provider,” said AVI-SPL CEO John Zettel. “Today’s companies operate around the world so we’re growing our footprint to keep pace with their needs wherever they are, while providing the highest level of video communications service.”
AVI-SPL has launched European operations with headquarters in the UK. Leading operations as managing director is James Shanks, an industry expert with strong leadership experience in the unified communications market in Europe.
“The UK office will operate independently but will benefit from access to AVI-SPL’s global resources,” said Shanks. “With AVI-SPL’s financial stability, strong vendor relationships, and rich capabilities in managed services, we’re confident about the future of our business in Europe.”
AVI-SPL has also added operations in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto through the acquisition of selected assets from audio video and information technology firm Duocom. Industry veteran and recognized IT business leader Zoreena Abas will lead AVI-SPL’s eastern Canada offices. With this addition, AVI-SPL now operates in five Canadian cities which also include Calgary and Vancouver.
“I’m excited to join the AVI-SPL team as the company strategically positions itself for rapid growth outside of the U.S.,” said Zoreena Abas, managing director, AVI-SPL. “AVI-SPL’s excellent reputation and breadth of services and expertise will allow us to reach our goal of becoming number one in Canada.”
The new UK and Canada offices are staffed with solution architects, engineers, project managers, and installation and service technicians. AVI-SPL’s VNOC Symphony software platform and Customer Care International Help Desk will also be a part of the UK operations.
AVI-SPL’s new operations in the UK and Canada will offer complete video communications solutions from design and integration to ongoing support. This includes solutions from video collaboration and conferencing support, to digital media and signage, advanced 3D visualization, advanced audio engineering, and command and control centers.
"It’s strategic moves like this that make AVI-SPL a leader in the industry,” said Rob Arnold, senior analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “Last year's acquisition of Iformata added VNOC services which strengthen AVI-SPL's managed service offering.They’ve built upon that to take a significant step towards expanding internationally in order to meet customer demands for high quality video solutions backed by locally provided support and services.”
“The expansion of our geographic footprint reinforces our overall sales growth strategy. AVI-SPL’s new international offices will be supported by our sales operations teams just like the rest of our offices,” said Don Mastro, executive vice president of sales. “Starting off the year with four new international offices is very exciting and we’re looking forward to a big year.”
AVI-SPL will exhibit at ISE January 29-31, 2013 in Amsterdam RAI, NL. To learn more, visit www.iseurope.org.
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Latest New Era Projector Industry Forecast from PMA Anticipates Exponential Growth Pacific Media Associates (PMA) has released its latest industry forecasts for the worldwide New Era projector market, which includes pico and personal projectors. PMA expects 2012 worldwide shipments of nearly 1.8 million units, and anticipates this figure to grow to more than 12.3 million units by the year 2016.
One of the strongest segments of anticipated growth are Pico Embedded models, which are projectors built into other mobile devices such as cell phones, cameras and camcorders. PMA has forecast a 66 percent growth rate for this segment, to nearly 1.5 million units shipped worldwide in 2013 and again expects that figure to double in 2014. By the year 2016, worldwide unit shipments in this category are forecast to reach 6.4 million units.
Another bright spot in the New Era forecast is the New Era Integrated projector category, which includes battery-powered Pico Companion projectors, as well as Personal, and Gaming/Toy projectors. PMA has forecast a very strong 68 percent growth rate for this segment, to over 1.4 million units shipped worldwide in 2013, and expects unit volume to again more than double in 2014. Exponential growth is anticipated to continue through 2016, where worldwide volumes will reach more than 5.9 million units.
“Pico and Personal projectors continue to gain momentum as the technology improves,” says PMA analyst Jack Segal. “People like their mobile devices, and are embracing the ability to share photos and videos straight from their phones and cameras. As personal projectors become brighter and their resolutions become higher, they are ideal for road warriors making small group presentations, so the corporate sector sees the value in these projectors as well”.
By the way, according to Projector Central, the number one selling Pico projector is the Brookstone HDMI Pocket Projector, listing at $299.
See the entire forecast and all others at: http://www.pacificmediaassociates.com
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Share Article Back to Top rAVe Europe Editor to MC the ISE SmartBuilding Conference The inaugural Smart Building Conference @ ISE lines up international experts familiar with the latest trends in integration, energy management, intelligent building, working and living.
With the promise of a day full of industry insight, opinion, practical design advice and business intelligence, the Conference will take place at the Amsterdam RAI on Monday 28 January — the day before ISE 2013 opens.
A joint venture of ISE’s co-owners CEDIA and InfoComm International, the Smart Building Conference program will attract architects, design consultants, developers, electrical contractors and other key stakeholders in the construction sector, along with the electronic systems integrators, distributors and manufacturer channels from ISE’s core audience.
“While other events have taken a star-gazing approach to the topic, the Smart Building Conference @ ISE promises a practical look at how intelligent buildings are already being designed, built and used,” comments Mike Blackman, managing director, Integrated Systems Events. “Delegates will learn how emerging technologies offer them new possibilities today, not just in the future.”
The Conference program includes expert case studies illustrating the different possibilities available in specific technology areas, along with bigger-picture presentations from some of the industry’s pre-eminent educators and consultants.
Among the former, highlights include Lucy Martin of London-based John Cullen Lighting discussing the importance of control in good lighting design, while Gwen De Meyer, CEO of Belgian integration firm Van Havere, offers examples of multi-room media distribution being integrated with building-management technologies.
Energy management is a significant theme at the Conference, with Lutz Steiner of Germany’s Technische Universität Darmstadt outlining the transition from smart buildings to sustainable cities, and InfoComm’s sustainability officer Allen Weidman discussing the business opportunities promised by the newly created STEP rating system.
Energy saving will also play a part as Joost Brinkman of Accenture describes the award-winning Amsterdam Smart City project, introducing the additional topics of intelligent working and living which will also be touched on by Arup’s Graham Naylor-Smith in his presentation From Smart Rooms to Smart Buildingsand by CEDIA’s Geoff Meads as he discusses The Smart Home Future.
The Conference will be MC’d by Bob Snyder, editor-in-chief of rAVe Europe, and will conclude with a panel discussion on The Future of the User Interface in Smart Building Control featuring representatives from AMX, Crestron, Legrand and Control4.
“As befits the global appeal of Integrated Systems Europe, the Smart Building Conference @ ISE boasts a truly international panel of acknowledged experts and thought leaders,” concludes Blackman. “We are looking forward to an event that truly helps to set the smart-building agenda, not just for our industry but for adjacent sectors as well. Add superb networking opportunities, the additional post-Conference attractions of the Marco Tempest Keynote and ISE 10th Birthday Party and, of course, ISE 2013 itself, and this Conference really is an industry meeting point not to be missed.”
The Smart Building Conference @ ISE pre-registration is available online now, priced at €199 per delegate (InfoComm and/or CEDIA members €179). On-site registration will be €249 (€229 for InfoComm and/or CEDIA members).
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Share Article Back to Top Kramer and WAVE to Hold Free Webinars Kramer Electronics will sponsor monthly webinars in partnership with the Women in AV (WAVE) organization to educate, support and inspire women in the AV industry. Topics and experts will cover a range of interests for women, including career advancement, mentoring, personal presence, and cutting edge technical topics such as digital to analog conversion and AV/IT convergence.
The webinars will be held the last Friday of every month from 3-4 p.m. EST and each session will be recorded for on-demand playback. The kick-off webinar will be held Fri., Jan. 25, 2013 and will provide an overview of the series and seek input from attendees on the topics and areas women are most interested in receiving expert advice and guidance on in future webinars.
Attendees can register for the event at the following link: https://student.gototraining.com/r/8953022266336114176
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Share Article Back to Top Premier Mounts Partners With Vogel's in Europe Premier Mount announced this month a strategic alliance with Vogel’s Products, an A/V mount manufacturer in Europe.
Starting Feb. 1, 2013, Vogel’s will sell 18 selected Premier Mounts' products exclusively under the Vogel’s brand in Europe, the Middle East and Australia, not including the United Kingdom. All other Premier Mounts products will be available as before from Premier Mounts Europe.
Both Premier Mounts and Vogel’s Products will be exhibiting at ISE 2013. Premier Mounts' booth is located in hall 4 stand S56, and Vogel's is located in the Central Hall, hall 1 at stand M45.
For more information please contact Premier Mounts Europe at +44 (0)24 7664 4105 or via email at eusales@mounts.com.
Vogel's Products may also be contacted through its website at http://www.vogels.com
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ClearOne Settles with UBS Financial ClearOne previously reported in its periodic filings that it expected resolution by the end of 2012 of two pending arbitration matters concerning auction rate securities sold to ClearOne by Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. (“Morgan Stanley”, NYSE: MS) and UBS Financial Services, Inc. (“UBS”, NYSE: UBS). ClearOne has determined the outcome of both matters, involving substantially identical claims against two different parties, effective January 14, 2013.
With respect to the Morgan Stanley arbitration, the arbitration panel denied ClearOne's claims in their entirety.
With respect to the UBS arbitration under a different panel ClearOne has settled its dispute for a total amount of $45,000,000, effective Dec. 10, 2012. The settlement agreement was subject to a confidentiality provision pending resolution of the Morgan Stanley arbitration matter described immediately above. The settlement award is subject to a 15 percent contingency legal fee payable to ClearOne’s litigation counsel. The UBS settlement proceeds have been held in a trust account pending resolution of the Morgan Stanley matter and will be disbursed to ClearOne shortly, with interest, less the contingency fee paid to ClearOne’s legal counsel.
“We are pleased the litigation surrounding auction rate securities has been settled in favor of ClearOne,” said Zee Hakimoglu, President, chief executive officer and chairman of ClearOne. “We will carefully evaluate over time, opportunities available to us and use the cash for selective infusions of technology, sales & marketing, infrastructure, and other investments to fuel our growth, as well as acquisitions that may strategically fit our business and are accretive to our performance.”
ClearOne is here: http://www.clearone.com
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Share Article Back to Top AV Networking Congress 2013 Just Two Weeks Away For the third straight year, the AV Networking Congress will be in session Tues., Jan. 29, at the Holiday Inn Amsterdam. This day-long event will feature real-world use cases and presentations, as well as interactive demonstrations and workshops. The panel discussions will be conducted by over 25 leading industry design consultants, installation contractors, networking experts, and major professional audio equipment vendors. The manufacturer sponsors for this year’s AV Networking Congress include, Atterotech, Audinate, Bosch, Link, TC Group, NTP Technology, Peavey Commercial Audio, Shure, Stagetec, Symetrix and Yamaha Commercial Audio.
Leading AV industry experts will be on hand to share various case studies of deploying large networked AV systems. The event will also include demonstrations of Dante networked OEM equipment.
The agenda for the day is as follows:
Evolution of Media Networking- Patrick Tandy, Business Development Manager – Auvitran
- Mike Simms, Director of Marketing & Sales – Atterotech
- Lee Ellison, CEO – Audinate
Large Corporate Boardrooms of Tomorrow- Mark Ulrich, Sr. Technical Sales Engineer – Symetrix, Inc
- Jason Brameld Sr Design consultant – Mark Johnson Consultants (MJC)
- Rob Fuhlbrugge, Sr. Dir. of Advanced Development and Technology Sourcing – Shure Inc
- Christoph Riegar – Design Consultant
Large Scale Digital Audio Networks – Queen’s Jubilee- Derek Zieba, Founder – Derek Zieba Sound Design – NFL Stadium – LP Field – Nashville, TN
- Kevin Ivey, GM Engineering & Technology – Peavey Commercial Audio – NASCAR – Richmond International Speedway
- Klas Dalbjorn, Product Research Manager – TC Group International
Audio Networking in Broadcasting- Sam De Pauw, VP International Sales- Salzbrenner Stagetec Media Group – Audio Distribution Systems
- Juergen Malleck, Sales Engineer Delec- Integrated Comms Systems
- Arthur Koll, Sales Engineer Broadcast -Yamaha Commercial Audio Europe-Live to Air in Events
AV Network Convergence: An IT Managers Perspective- Chris Paul, Managing Director – DTC Group
- Bob Vanden Burgt, VP Marketing – Link USA
- Kieran Walsh, Senior Technical Solutions Manager – Audinate
Networked Studio Recording Systems and Use Cases- Rick Pope, Sound Engineer and Producer – Jamiroquai
- Sebistian Rodens, Product Manager, Steinberg/Yamaha – Digital Audio Workstations
- Ian Silvester, MD – Unity Music Studios
- Mickael Vest, Sales Director – NTP
AV Installation for Major Events – Olympics- Roland Hemming, Principal-RH Consulting
- David Howe, Project Support Specialist – Bosch Pro Sound
- Mark Murphy, Associate Director – Vanguardia Consultant
- Sam Wise, Theatre Consultant – ARUP
Evolution of New Standards – OCA Alliance- Common Control Protocols- Jeff Berryman, Senior Scientist – Bosch Communication Systems IETF Standards Development: Future AV Networks
- Aidan Williams, CTO – Audinate
In addition to the all day seminar, there will be the largest digital media networking interoperability demonstration to date and a network clinic, which will consist of tours of various ecosystems showing the flexibility of all of the AVNC sponsors products working together. This will be followed after the seminar program with the opportunity for any interested person to get hands-on with the network.
Registration includes lunch and a networking cocktail hour after the final panel.
Space for the AV Networking Congress 2013 is limited and registration is required. For more information and to register: http://www.audinate.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=352
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Share Article Back to Top The Next Trend: Curvy OLEDs? Both Samsung and LG claim to have brought "the world's first curved OLED TV" to CES 2013.
The curved OLED TVs are both 55" displays that appear concave when viewed from the front and even more bent from the sides. Apparently the shape improves on viewing angles, even if an over-enthusiastic Samsung PR describes it as "IMAX-like" (never mind IMAX screens measure around 70 feet/21 meters).
Being OLED displays, both curved TVs benefit from deeper blacks and impressively crisp colors, with the LG's offering (EA9800) also boasting Cinema 3D support.
Neither Samsung nor LG give price points or even release dates for the curvy OLEDs, but expect more details should CES 2013 drum up enough industry interest in the technology.
Here is LG's: http://www.lgnewsroom.com/newsroom/contents/62967
Here is Samsung's: http://www.samsung.com/us/news/20352
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NEC Display Intros New 24" IPS Panel NEC Display Solutions announced today an addition to its high-end IT desktop line, the MultiSync EA Series, with the 24-inch EA244WMi. This monitor is LED-backlit and ideal for corporate environments.
This widescreen model features IPS panel technology with wide viewing angles (178° horizontal/vertical) and ergonomic adjustability. The LED backlighting of the EA244WMi allows for a slimmer profile, lighter weight and increased power savings compared to previous generation models. ControlSync technology allows users to control up to six EA244WMi displays in a multi-monitor configuration. Upon establishing one unit as the master, users are able to control many performance attributes of the multi-monitor setup in unison through the single monitor.
Smart sensing technology automatically detects user work conditions to determine the proper display brightness with ambient light and human sensors.
The MultiSync EA244WMI includes the following features:
- 24-inch, 16:10 IPS panel with LED backlighting
- Wide viewing angles of 178°H/178°V
- 1920 x 1200 full HD resolution
- 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (1000:1 typical)
- Ergonomic adjustable stand with 130mm height-adjust, tilt, swivel and pivot
- DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D and VGA D-sub inputs
- Integrated four-port USB 2.0 hub (two rear, two side)
- Integrated speakers (1W x 2) and headphone jack
- ControlSync for multi-screen setups
- Smart sensing technology (ambient light and human sensors)
- ECO Mode, carbon footprint meter and cost meter
- ENERGY STAR 6.0 and TCO 6.0 compliant
- EPEAT Gold
The MultiSync EA244WMI and will be available this month at an estimated street price of $379. For more information, click here: http://www.necdisplay.com/p/ea244wmi-bk
Leave a Comment Our favorite product from InfoComm, Premier's FPS-300 Flat Panel Slider mount, provides a simple, stationary or mobile wall mounted unit utilizing a motorized lifting and lowering system to help gently glide the display to the desired height. Now it's making it's European debut at ISE 2013 later this month. A good option for educational use in the classroom or training and information sessions, the flat panel mount uses steel channels to mount the display over the top of a whiteboard. The mount glides the display across the whiteboard and rolls the display into place. The FPS-300 weighs 250 pounds, has a mounting pattern of 200×200 (Min) to 600×400 (Max) millimeters and handles monitors from 65" to 90".
Here are all the specs: http://www.mounts.com/product?product=FPS-300
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Share Article Back to Top TASCAM Intros Two Rack-Mount AV Receivers With Network Playback Tascam's PA-R100 and PA-R200 are ProAV receivers that include switching of HDMI signals, PiP capability, RS232 and IP support, multi-zone audio distribution and the ability to handle THX Select2 audio sources. Some of the other key features are DNLA Compatibility, iPod, iPhone and iPad Connectivity and a variety of Internet Radio and Cloud Streaming Service Connectivity such as Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, etc.
Features of the $699.99 PA-R100 include:
- 80 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08 percent, two channels driven, FTC
- Seven HDMI inputs and one output
- Six analog audio inputs (one front/five rear)
- Zone 2 pre/line-out for distributed audio playback in another room
- Surround back or front high pre out
Features of the $899.99 PA-R200 include:
- 100 watts per channel 8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08 percent THD, two channels driven, FTC
- Eight HDMI inputs (one front/seven rear) and two output
- Seven analog audio inputs (one front/six rear)
- Powered Zone 2 and Zone 3 pre/line-out for distributed audio playback in another room
- 7.2 multichannel pre outs (including two subwoofer pre outs)
- THX Select2 Plus Certified to ensure best-in-class performance
For more information, click here: http://tascam.com/products/
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Share Article Back to Top Chief’s Fusion Series Ceiling Mounted Video Walls Ship Chief is now shipping FUSION Video Wall Ceiling Mounts. Designed for digital signage installations, the new mounts offer perfect TV positioning and flexible adjustments.
Features of the ceiling video wall mounts include independent knobs for precise height and plumb micro-adjustments with no tools required, micro-height and leveling adjustment at all column intersection points and infinite screen positioning. The solid construction will support displays up to 55" ranging from 85 to 125 pounds (38.5-56.7 kilograms) per screen.
The ceiling mounted video wall is compatible with traditional 1.5" NPT and Chief’s new CPA pin connection ceiling plates and column system. The LCM video wall mounts are the second in a series of FUSION ceiling mounts and accessories that are rolling out in early 2013.
Here are the specs: http://www.chiefmfg.com/Series/LCM%20Multi-Display
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Share Article Back to Top Crestron Rava SIP Intercom Now Shipping Rava is the hands-free communication over Ethernet technology that Crestron showed at CEDIA Expo last September. Rava technology is built into many Crestron touch screens, integrating hands-free intercom, telephone, paging and room monitoring in one IP-based system.
Rava does two things. First, it allows for Rava-to-Rava devices to communicate with each other. Place two or more Rava devices on the local network; they are now set up to intercom, page and monitor point-to-point with each other. No other wiring or special central routing devices are required.
Second, it allows Rava-to-SIP VoIP, bridging a SIP system with a Rava-enabled device. Take any SIP VoIP phone system and use the existing Ethernet connection to enable intercom, paging and monitoring with Rava devices. Cisco, Mitel, Panasonic, 3CX and other SIP systems integrate easily with Rava devices.
Rava support is available on the following Crestron touch screens:
- TPMC-4SM-FD
- TPMC-4SMD-FD
- TPMC-8T-GA
- TPMC-8X-GA
- TPMC-9L
- TSW-750
- TST-600
- TST-600-WALL
- TSW-550
- TSW-1050
Learn more at: http://www.crestron.com
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Share Article Back to Top Chief’s First Fusion Series Ceiling Mounts Ship Chief is now shipping the FUSION Single Flat Panel Ceiling Mounts. Features of the single ceiling mounts include continuous tilt ranges with four set locking points that eliminate guesswork when adjusting multiple screens; easy on/off installation and service; tool-free latching flags to secure the display; optional padlock security; Centris technology to provide fingertip tilt between +5 and -20 degrees and optimization for a wide range of display sizes up to 125 lbs. (56.7 kg). The display can be installed in portrait and landscape positions on the medium mount. The large mount handles landscape positioning with a portrait option available in the first quarter of 2013. The mounts are available in black and silver.
The LCM1U and MCM1U single display mounts are the first in a series of FUSION ceiling mounts and accessories that will be rolling out over the next several months. Future options will include ceiling mounted menu board and video wall solutions.
Check them out here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/Series/LCM%20Single%20Display
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Share Article Back to Top Extron Ships Fiber Optic Scaling Receivers Extron Electronics announced this week that the new FOXBOX SR HDMI and PowerCage FOX SR HDMI, high performance fiber optic-to-HDMI scaling receivers are now shipping.
They accept a fiber optic signal with audio, RS232 control and HDCP-compliant HDMI, DVI, VGA or HD component video, scaling the video to the optimal output resolution for the display. The scaling receivers support resolutions up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. Available in multimode and singlemode models, they also provide features such as Key Minder for continuous authentication of HDCP compliance, audio de-embedding, Auto Input Memory and internal test patterns.
The PowerCage FOX SR HDMI modular board is designed for use with the PowerCage 1600.
To see the specs for the FOXBOX SR HDMI, click here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=foxboxsrhdmi&s=0
To see the specs for the PowerCage FOX SR HDMI, click here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=powercagefoxsrhdmi&s=0
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Share Article Back to Top ISF Gives Away Free 4K Test Patterns Want some test patterns to set up 4K resolution UHDTVs? How about using the same ones used to set up nearly all the 4K displays at CES this week? According to the Imaging Science Foundation, they're giving you what the professionals used at CES here: https://www.avproalliance.com/livesite/membership_entrance.php
After you register yourself, you'll get three free 4K resolution test patterns you can use to set-up 4K displays.
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Share Article Back to Top Crestron Introduces 16-Port Managed PoE Switch Crestron today introduced a new 16-Port Managed Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch. Built for both home and commercial networks, the CEN-SWPOE-16 is a commercial-grade PoE switch meant for high performance control networking. The switch offers PoE on every port, remote management/monitoring of each port, touch screen control capability and PoE+ for running power-hungry Type 2 devices.
Using a single rack space, all 16 Gigabit capable ports supply maximum bandwidth for HD digital AV distribution and critical control data. The CEN-SWPOE-16 provides full PoE from all 16 ports simultaneously and supports PoE+ from any port, delivering a maximum of 34.2 watts per port up to a total of 255 watts for all ports.
PoE at each port can be switched on and off from a control system. All ports are located on the rear of the unit while the front panel provides clear indication of each port's status. A Web interface offers advanced configuration, while port mirroring capability allows for monitoring and troubleshooting.
See all the specs here: http://www.crestron.com
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Share Article Back to Top PreSonus Announces PRM1 Precision Reference Microphone PreSonus' new PRM1 reference (measurement) microphone is special type of condenser mic that is designed to provide an accurate reproduction of a room's sound characteristics for use with audio-analysis tools, such as real-time analyzers (RTAs) and spectrographs.
The PRM1 employs a ¼" pre-polarized electret-condenser capsule. PreSonos claims it delivers a linear frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Like most measurement mics, it has an omnidirectional polar pattern. Sensitivity is rated at -37 dB/Pa, EIN (A-weighted) at 26 dB, S/N ratio at 70 dB, dynamic range at 106 dB, and maximum SPL is at 132 dB SPL.
The mic has an all-metal chassis and comes with a clip, foam windscreen and hard case.
The PRM1 is expected to ship this month and will list for $79.95. Here are all the details: http://www.presonus.com/
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Share Article Back to Top DSE Announces Digital Signage APEX Awards Finalists Digital Signage Expo (DSE) has announced 30 finalists for its Apex Awards for 2013. The annual DSE Apex Awards honor innovation in the development and deployment of technology in the global DOOH industry. Nominees are the end-use sites of the installation.
Chosen by an independent panel of six industry journalists, this year’s Apex Award finalists were named from a field of nearly 90 entrants vying in 10 major digital signage categories. Gold, Silver and Bronze Apex Awards will be presented in each category at a special awards banquet slated for the opening night of DSE 2013 on Wed., Feb. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. DSE will also present the Apex Award of the Year to one of the Gold finalists
The finalists include:
Arts Entertainment & Recreation
Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society, Nominated by DRM Productions Inc.
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Nominated by Intermedia Touch Inc.
Westfield San Francisco Centre, Nominated by Obscura Digital
Business Industry & Government
Arsenal Media Fountain of Content, Nominated by Arsenal Media
Christie West Wing, Nominated by Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.
San Francisco Public Utility Commission, Nominated by Obscura Digital
Education & Healthcare
Florida Hospital – Wesley Chapel, Nominated by Sound Stage Inc.
Saint Louis University, Nominated by NEC Display Solutions
University of Waterloo Stratford Campus, Nominated by Westbury National Show Systems Ltd.
Event Venues
Antron Showroom, Nominated by Float4 Interactive
Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Nominated by Gefen
University of Oregon, Nominated by Haivision
Food & Beverage
Dee Daa Restaurants, Nominated by Arsenal Media
Starbucks Coffee Co., Nominated by Starbucks Coffee Co.
Top of Waikiki Restaurant, Nominated by Pacific Digital Signs
Hospitality
Tourisme Montérégie, Nominated by Arsenal Media
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort, Nominated by Xpodigital
Wynn in Las Vegas, Nominated by JANUS Displays by Morrow Technologies
Interactive Self-Service
Buffalo Wild Wings, Nominated by Wireless Ronin Technologies
Pepsi, Nominated by Intel
Telenet Mobile, Nominated by Smart Spot and Scala Inc.
Public Spaces
Clear Channel Spectacolor – Times Square, Nominated by Clear Channel Spectacolor
Rumeli Hisari Castles, Nominated by Dreambox Visual Communications
Westfield Shopping Center, Nominated by Scala Inc.
Retail
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Nominated by Build-A-Bear Workshop
Connections, Nominated by YCD Multimedia
Holt Renfrew Ltd., Nominated by Rose and Thistle Media
Transportation
IGITerminal 3 & 1 Airport, Nominated by DelhiTimes Innovative Media Limited (Times OOH)
McCarran International Airport, Nominated by Four Winds Interactive
MTA Subway, Nominated by MRI (Manufacturing Resources International)
Registration for DSE’s 4th Annual Awards Dinner, or any of the DSE 2013 educational events being held February 26-28, 2013, is now available online at http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net
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Share Article Back to Top InfoComm Releases New AV Systems Performance Verification Checklist InfoComm International has launched a member-developed resource which will provide owners, consultants and integrators with comprehensive verification criteria to determine if the AV system achieves the client's objectives and is performing in accordance with the system design. The Audiovisual Systems Performance Verification Checklist, which features 162 criteria, was developed in a consensus building manner over the last year, by a global panel of subject matter experts representing the entire industry.
"By creating and distributing this checklist, InfoComm has met its longstanding goal of establishing verification guidelines to help industry professionals and their clients communicate effectively about mutual expectations for system performance," said David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. "I urge the industry to adopt this list as a basis to foster better communication between the AV industry and the people who rely on our systems."
The new checklist is a featured requirement of InfoComm's Certified AV Solutions Provider (CAVSP) program. Diamond CAVSPs are required to show a completed Audiovisual Systems Performance Verification Checklist for one AV installation. Emerald CAVSPs need to indicate their commitment to adopt InfoComm International's Audiovisual Systems Performance Verification Checklist for future AV installations.
In order to continue the industry dialogue on quality, InfoComm has convened a Standards Task Group to publish an InfoComm standard based on this list that will be submitted to ANSI for consideration of adoption by the second quarter of 2013. As part of this process, in the coming months InfoComm will offer a draft standard that will be open for public review and comment.
InfoComm thanks the AV Systems Performance Verification task group for the creation of this list. The group will further refine the list in the months ahead and include it as part of an InfoComm standard, currently in development, to be submitted to ANSI for consideration of adoption. As part of this process, InfoComm will offer a draft standard that will be open for public review and comment.
Members of the task group include: Matthew Silverman, CTS, PMP, George Mason University, (Moderator), John Bailey, CTS-D, CTS-I, The Whitlock Group; Jason Brameld, BSc (Hons) ARCS, MInstSCE, Mark Johnson Consultants; Greg Bronson, CTS-D, Cornell University; Paul Depperschmidt, CTS, Cisco; Richard Derbyshire, CTS, Shen Milsom & Wilke; Dan Doolen, University of Illinois; Tristan Gfrerer, Google; Mike Izatt, CTS-D, Electronic Interiors, Inc.; Tom Kopin, CTS, ISF-C, Kramer Electronics; Richard Morrison, Prince2, CPENG, CTS, Norman, Disney & Young; and Mike Quinn, BEng, Ceng, MIET, CTS-D.
The free list can be downloaded from infocomm.org/resources
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Share Article Back to Top Full Program for Inaugural Smart Building Conference Unveiled for ISE Integrated Systems Events is delighted to unveil the agenda for the inaugural Smart Building Conference @ ISE. The Conference will take place at the Amsterdam RAI on Monday 28 January — the day before the ISE 2013 tradeshow opens its doors.
A joint venture of ISE’s co-owners CEDIA and InfoComm International, the Smart Building Conference will place the audiovisual industry at the heart of discussions about the future of intelligent building design. The Conference program has been developed to attract architects, design consultants, developers, electrical contractors and other key stakeholders in the construction sector, along with the electronic systems integrator, distributor and manufacturer channels that represent ISE’s core audience.
“While other events have taken a star-gazing approach to the topic, the Smart Building Conference @ ISE promises a practical look at how intelligent buildings are already being designed, built and used,” says Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events. “Delegates will learn how emerging technologies offer them new possibilities today, not just in the future.”
The Conference program includes expert case studies illustrating the different possibilities available in specific technology areas, along with bigger-picture presentations from some of the industry’s pre-eminent educators and consultants.
Among the former, highlights include Lucy Martin of London-based John Cullen Lighting discussing the importance of control in good lighting design, while Gwen De Meyer, CEO of Belgian integration firm Van Havere, offers examples of multi-room media distribution being integrated with building-management technologies.
Energy management is a significant theme at the Conference, with Lutz Steiner of Germany’s Technische Universität Darmstadt outlining the transition from smart buildings to sustainable cities, and InfoComm's sustainability officer Allen Weidman discussing the business opportunities promised by the newly created STEP rating system.
Energy saving will also play a part as Joost Brinkman of Accenture describes the award-winning Amsterdam Smart City project, introducing the additional topics of intelligent working and living which will also be touched on by Arup's Graham Naylor-Smith in his presentation 'From Smart Rooms to Smart Buildings' and by CEDIA's Geoff Meads as he discusses 'The Smart Home Future.'
The Conference will be MC'd by Bob Snyder, Editor-in-Chief of Channel Media Europe, and will conclude with a panel discussion on 'The Future of the User Interface in Smart Building Control' featuring representatives from AMX, Crestron, Legrand and Control4.
"As befits the global appeal of Integrated Systems Europe, the Smart Building Conference @ ISE boasts a truly international panel of acknowledged experts and thought leaders," concludes Blackman. "We are looking forward to an event that truly helps to set the smart-building agenda, not just for our industry but for adjacent sectors as well. Add superb networking opportunities, the additional post-Conference attractions of the Marco Tempest Keynote and ISE 10th Birthday Party and, of course, ISE 2013 itself, and this Conference really is an industry meeting point not to be missed."
The Smart Building Conference @ ISE is excellent value and pre-registration is available online now, priced at €199 per delegate (InfoComm and/or CEDIA members €179). On-site registration will be €249 (€229). For more information visit: http://www.smartbuildingconference.com
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Share Article Back to Top Renkus-Heinz Appoints Scott Leslie as President Renkus-Heinz announced this month the appointment of Scott Leslie to the position of president. Leslie comes to Renkus-Heinz from JBL Professional, where he served as vice president of engineering. His industry background includes stints at a wide range of technology leaders including Sun Microsystems, Tektronix and Altec Lansing. Leslie is also founder of Evidant Corporation, providers of business intelligence for IT solutions, where he has held executive level positions since 2002.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top ClearOne Appoints Adi Regev as Vice President of Video Conferencing ClearOne has appointed Adi Regev as vice president of its video conferencing business. Prior to joining ClearOne, Regev served five years as vice president of products for Vidyo, Inc., where he was responsible for software and hardware product strategy, planning and execution. He previously held a 12-year career at Radvision.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Autonomic Appoints Vivateq GMBH as New European Distributor Autonomic, supplying the custom electronics industry with cloud-based media solutions, has announced the appointment of VIVATEQ GMBH as its new European distributor, beginning Jan. 1, 2013. Owned by parent company COMM-TEC, VIVATEQ was founded in 2006 and is headquartered just outside of Stuttgart, Germany with additional sales offices in Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic/Slovakia and Poland.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top FSR's Jon Melchin to Present at Smart Building Conference at ISE 2013 Jon Melchin, FSR Inc.’s director of architectural development, is among the expert speakers participating in the inaugural Smart Building Conference @ ISE 2013 to take place on Monday, 28 January at the RAI in Amsterdam. Melchin will present Building Information Modeling: What It Means for the AV Industry, which will explore Building Information Modeling (BIM) — a 3D design, modeling and simulation technology that has changed the way architecture is practiced. It will delve into the benefits that BIM offers as a shared knowledge resource including its ability to draw all parties into the initial discussion and design processes.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue! For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that's why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad). Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I've been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don't think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition. Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe 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 To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2013 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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