|
Volume 11, Issue 3.1 — February 6, 2013 (ISE Coverage Issue 1 of 2)
|
| | |
| | |
Welcome to another issue of rAVe ProAV Edition!
This month you'll get three issues of rAVe Pro AV Edition. We had so much news from Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam last week, we had to schedule another issue! In today's issue, we're covering the first half of ISE news. If you didn't make it to the show, be sure to check out our ISE portal here: https://www.rAVeNOWise.com, where we've posted more than 1,200 videos, plus blogs, Tweets and more coverage live from the show. It's the next best thing to being there.
The other half of our ISE coverage will come next week. Enjoy the issue!
–Gary Kayye, CTS Back to Top Executive Interviews at ISE 2013
By Gary Kayye
rAVe Founder At ISE last week in Amsterdam, I had the privilege of speaking with several executives from manufacturers in the industry about the direction of their companies and the technology and products they introduced at the show.
I had a chance to grab Wilfred de Man, general manager EMEA of Philips MMD. We toured his stand and shot a number of product videos that are posted on our ISE portal at https://www.rAVeNOWise.com under the VIDEOS tab — you can then type in Philips in the search box. Afterwards I asked him about how Philips is faring in its new plan to retake the display market leadership role in monitors and he was quite candid that, although they're doing well, he wants better than fourth or fifth place.
In addition, I asked him where Philips will be in five years from now and here's what he had to say:
I also sat down with Eric Van Zele, the president and CEO of Barco. In addition to asking him where he sees Barco three years from today, I talk to him about his vision for how Barco fits into the systems integration segment of the corporate AV market. He is quite candid in his response, even saying that they are looking to grow both organically and inorganically (meaning buy companies) to take a larger piece of the systems pie.
Since he's been CEO of Barco, they've doubled in size and the company's stock has risen from $9 a share to about $60 per share. Van Zele was also just awarded 2012 Belgian Manager of the Year. Watch this video to hear about his vision:
I also talked to Barco's Dirk Hendrickx (VP of EMEA) ahead of the "official" announcement of the company's ClickShare feature additions. He was upbeat about three specific additions to their one-click wonder. You may recall ClickShare has the capability to route video via a network — without any cables or switchers required. All you do is connect a click share pod (dongle) to each computer in the room that might ever need to be displayed on a projector or monitor and when and if it is ever needed, you just press a button on the ClickShare pod and, voila, it's projected via the air.
At ISE, Barco added three features to the new ClickShare: audio, tablet connectivity and dual (or matrixes) outputs.
Audio: In addition to routing your video to a connected display via the network, now ClickShare also routes audio — you can either connect the audio via an AV audio system or directly into the display if you want to use the projector's or monitor's speakers.
Tablets: In addition to adding Windows 8 Surface capability, Barco added iOS so you can connect and project iPads and iPhones to the system.
Dual Output: Basically, the new ClickShare adds a second output to the receiver (the box that's connected to the projector or monitor and accepts the wireless screen-scrape image). But it's not a same-screen output. In fact, it's a matrix'd output — you can now display two different sources simultaneously. So, now ClickShare is a 4×2 wireless matrix too.
In this interview, Dirk explains each feature and where he sees ClickShare headed in the future. Hint: It's bigger than just Barco.
After a couple of years of not being at ISE, Cisco is back and early indications are that the company will return in 2014. It had exhibited in the past under the Tandberg logo but, after it purchased the company back in 2009, didn't attend ISE in 2011 or 2012. But as its ProAV guru Paul Depperschmidt told me recently in a video interview, Cisco's here to stay and looking to not only help the industry with videoconferencing, but a standards initiative to help improve the quality of ProAV systems overall.
I caught up with Paul at the ISE opening reception, and here's what he had to say about Cisco's presence this year and what it has planned for the future:
Just four weeks into his new role as CEO and executive director of InfoComm, Dave Labuskes (formerly with RTKL Associates) hit the ground Amsterdam at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show – the world's largest AV trade, which is co-managed by InfoComm and CEDIA. ISE kicked off the show by celebrating its 10th Anniversary and recognizing its founding exhibitors, including companies like AMX, Crestron, Vogol's and Christie. After cutting the giant 10th birthday cake, I grabbed Dave and asked him what it felt like to be here already – here's that interview:
Da-Lite's Director of Product Management & Marketing Wendy Cox not only had to juggle her marketing responsibilities in 2012, but she also helped Da-Lite parent, Milestone AV Technologies, with the integration of Sanus, Chief, Projecta and Procolor as well. In fact, Milestone's stand at ISE includes Chief, Da-Lite and Projecta sharing space in a massive booth here at the 2013 ISE show. I asked her to share some insights into Da-Lite's 2013 plans and it's clear (spoiler alert for the video) that new product development is the key driver of the growth plans for 2013 and by InfoComm, we'll see more new products from them.
Here's my chat with Wendy:
If you've ever done any business in the EMEA region, you know Wolfgang Lenz, the founder of COMM-TEC (the largest and best known distributor from Germany). I met Wolfgang some 20 years ago when I was working for Extron and trying to set up distributors and dealers in Europe as we started expanding in EMEA in 1991. Although he and I never did business together (Extron decided to sell directly through dealers instead), I developed a friendship with Wolfgang over the years that included both mutual respect and, quite frankly, some great business advice from him. He was willing to share his expertise on the different cultural issues I'd encounter as we expanded throughout Europe and the Middle East. I am sure I wasn't the only person he's helped out. Wolfgang is truly a ProAV icon.
I hope you enjoy this interview with him. He told me he's mostly serving as an advisor to COMM-TEC as he works towards retirement (in fact, he just came off a six week vacation in Australia) but is still staying involved.
I caught up with Brant Eckett, Christie's Director of Marketing EMEA right before the opening of Day 3. Christie's stand was quite impressive and we shot a handful of videos of its new products — including its primary focus, the Christie Phoenix — a network-based control system processor — and the new all-weather 55" LCD. Eckett is very focused on the service aspect of what Christie's trying to accomplish for 2013 and that was clear in this video interview I shot with Brant in his stand:
I had an opportunity to speak with NEC Senior Vice President Marketing & Business Development Stefanie Corinth today on Day 3. She's not only happy with the show's attendance, having already grabbed more leads in two days of the 2013 version than a 3-day 2012 take, but she's also clearly excited and focused on NEC Display Solutions Europe's 2013 strategy and product portfolio. NEC's the market leader in many ProAV market categories including digital signage, education integration and much of the corporate AV space. So, while defending its market-leading position, the company will also attack some key growth areas in 2013 for them including LED displays and more of the digital signage market with VUKUNET.
Here's the entire interview with Stefanie:
If you want to watch more executive interviews, I also spoke with Steve Olszewski from Stealth Acoustics, Jon Lane from Smart-e, Crestron International's Robin van Meeuwen, Dobromir Dobrev from Everything But the Box, Rane's Dean Standing, Mike Blackman from Integrated Systems Europe, Cisco's Richard Mullen and Analog Way's Adrien Corso. Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
California Courts Make Bold Move
By Jennifer Willard
rAVe Blogger Yesterday, the California Judicial Council, the policy making body of the California Judicial Branch, made an unprecedented and equally controversial move on the use of videoconferencing in courts. For the first time in the history of any justice system worldwide, the Council unanimously approved:
- The use of videoconferencing in all traffic infraction trials
- Adopted a Rule of Court to authorize all 58 California counties to conduct local pilot projects implementing this use of this technology
On the surface this may not appear like a very big announcement. Courts may be slower at adopting AV technology than other market sectors, but they are increasing their use and seeing the value in how technology reduces costs and improves procedural efficiencies — videoconferencing for arraignments, audio recording for transcripts, and document cameras (think Judge Ito in the OJ trial saying over and over "put it on the Elmo"). Assistive listening equipment for the hearing-impaired and language interpretation is actually required by law under the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and Title 24 in California.
It's unavoidable. The more technology makes its way into our everyday lives, the more it also showing up in the courtrooms as well. Historically though, the cost and burden has always been on the attorneys to bring in a projector and screen to display evidence.
There are three unique design elements anyone needs to consider when working on an AV project for a courthouse: - It can't be used as a weapon.
- It can't be vandalized.
- It can't be the reason an attorney uses to say his/her client's due process rights were violated.
Numbers 1 and 2 are easy. Number 3 is where all the technology set-backs, access and fairness issues and potential legal challenges come into play. One of the founding tenants and constitutional rights we have in the United States justice system is the ability for a defendant to face his/her accuser. It is our fundamental right to fairness, justice and liberty as individual citizens. It's also the most used reason opponents of the use of technology argue against the implementation of videoconferencing in court proceedings. And I have seen some incredibly poor installations where I don't disagree.
And, it's exactly why what California did yesterday is UNPRECEDENTED.
To my knowledge, videoconferencing has NEVER been authorized for use in an entire trial, worldwide. To our international readers, please let us know if you do hold entire trials by videoconference. It has only been used for first appearances or what are called arraignments. Simply put, an arraignment is when you enter your plea of not guilty or guilty. You then will be scheduled for your "day in court" if you plead not guilty. Therefore, it has typically been sufficient to say that no one's due process is challenged by arraignment. There are a few notable cases such as in Cook County, Ill., where it was determined the use of video for bail hearings was having a negative impact on defendants by seeing higher fees being handed out, and the court had to abandon the practice.
Second, and arguably more contentious is the Judicial Council creating a Rule of Court to authorize this use. Most, if not all use of technology is historically created through a Legislative Bill that creates a statute or law allowing the court to proceed. Whether or not this is sisterly love amongst the three branches of government or an actual requirement, I am not entirely sure. The Judicial Council specifically noted authorizing the pilot projects “…was consistent with their rule-making authority and not inconsistent with any existing statue or law.” And, it is important to note the decision on whether or not to hold a video arraignment or trial is a voluntary option that lies solely with the defendant right to choose. Time will tell whether this action by the Judicial Council does or does not sit well with the California Legislature.
This move by the California Judicial Council is born out of a serious need where courthouses are closing statewide due to on-going budget cuts and the need to provide access to justice is non-negotiable. As in any sector of our market, when the economic climate is one of retraction and cost cutting exercises, technology is often looked to as a way for continuing to doing business.
How does this affect the AV industry? You've just conceivably received 58 eight new projects. What does your equipment or services offer this opportunity to deliver justice with limited resources?
Jennifer Willard is an international speaker on AV design and construction in courthouses and a blogger and podcast host for rAVe [Publications]. She is also the founder of Women in AV. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
Mobile Tablets Drive New Era of Diagnostic Imaging “On the Go”
By Barco Stroll down the corridors of any hospital, and you’ll see dozens of physicians tapping away on their smart phones and tablet computers — because diagnostic imaging is not just for the radiology department any more. As the screen quality on these devices has improved, they have rapidly proliferated in doctors’ offices, the ER, patient rooms and everywhere in between as a potentially viable option for viewing patients’ medical images. After all, the pixels on today’s cell phones and mobile tablets are numerous and small enough to feed your eyes as much as they can see, and are sufficiently bright to be seen in most lighting conditions. But are they truly appropriate for use as a convenient — and most of all accurate — portable diagnostic imaging tool around the hospital?
Extreme Accuracy is a Must
Developed as a consumer device, today’s mobile computers were not created to handle the resolution requirements of diagnostic imaging applications. The key limitation is that electronic tablets lack the necessary internal or external sensors necessary to achieve continuous, accurate DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) calibration, which is a standard in the field of medical informatics for exchanging digital information between medical imaging equipment (such as radiological imaging) and other systems, ensuring interoperability. In the healthcare setting, any mobile device must be DICOM-compliant, i.e., maintain image quality similar to a high-resolution radiology display in order to be used for diagnostic image review.
The good news for today’s increasingly busy and mobile physicians is that, if a screen can be properly calibrated, radiologists can diagnose images from most modalities like CT, MR, Ultrasound, including CR & DR. So far, these are the types of exams that have been cleared by the FDA for diagnostic reading on a mobile tablet when proper quality measures are in place.
Tap Your Way to Precise Image Quality
Fortunately, there are several options available that allow physicians to accurately calibrate their mobile tablet baseds on the use of a “tap test.” This visual calibration process ensures DICOM performance based on a user’s eyesight level and dynamic contrast based on the ambient light conditions. A third-party software tool can be integrated into any authorized mobile viewer application that has obtained all required registrations and certifications as specified by the FDA. Once properly calibrated, the mobile tablet can display images with excellent clarity and precision for modalities currently deemed acceptable by the FDA.
Ketan Thanki, Barco’s market development manager for healthcare in North America, explains: “There are numerous conditions under which a DICOM-calibrated tablet can be a safe, convenient alternative to a high resolution medical display: in emergency situations when a diagnostic display isn’t available, when a primary diagnosis has already been made using a full-size display, for consulting with other clinicians and in patient consultations.”
Form Follows Function
It stands to reason, that one should consider the real estate of the image before determining which imaging platform is best. For example, you wouldn’t use a screen the size of your wristwatch to navigate a path across the United States. By the same token, it’s difficult to properly evaluate an entire radiograph of the chest on a typical smart phone screen. That’s because no matter how many pixels are crammed onto the display, or how much zooming and panning you do, it’s nearly impossible to accurately interpret the image with such a limited viewport. So, while it may be possible to accurately read a large-matrix image on a tablet computer, no radiologist would desire to read 100 chest x-rays on such a small device. It’s just too cumbersome, time-consuming and simply ill-advised, especially when more appropriate alternatives are available. Without question, the image size/area is the driving factor in determining the ideal size of the medical imaging device.
Radiography also requires much higher luminance than possible with mobile devices; for primary diagnosis, no less than 350 cd/m2 should be used, and ideally 400 cd/m2. However, the luminance of most smart phones and tablets is perfectly acceptable in cases where a primary care doctor is reviewing findings made by a radiologist using a full-size display. For smaller size modalities like CT and MRI, most smart phone screens are typically up to the task as long as luminance is around 200 cd/m2. Naturally, the larger nine-inch tablet screens are even better suited for these viewing these images. The FDA has cleared the use of some mobile device software for small matrix images (non-radiography) only when a full workstation is unavailable.
Pixels and Image Quality — A Paradox
With most consumer displays, there is a direct relationship between pixels, screen resolution and perceived image quality. However, when it comes to medical imaging, pixels don’t tell the whole story. The number of pixels alone is insufficient to describe the resolution characteristics of a display (a fact which the American College of Radiology has addressed in its recent guidelines). Here’s why: The size of the pixels relative to the distance you hold the device away from your eyes is really what determines the quality of the image. The closer you hold it, the smaller the pixels should be to maximize what you can see. The larger the screen, the further away one tends to hold it, and therefore the larger the pixels can be.
In the Apple “retinal” display, the pixels are just below the threshold of what your eye can discriminate (so, theoretically, there’s no point in making them any smaller). So, while every display has a number of pixels you can count, that number alone is just one factor.
Proceed with Caution
The general consensus among clinicians and governing bodies alike is that tablet computers are ideal for reviewing clinical images, such as during rounds and by residents and attendings as a portable viewer — but only for images upon which primary diagnosis has already been performed.
“They can and should replace the clipboard,” comments David Hirschorn, MD, director of radiology informatics, Staten Island University Hospital and researcher in radiology informatics, Massachusetts General Hospital. “A radiologist could perform primary diagnosis on a mobile device if it is properly calibrated, and only if he thoroughly examines the image via extensive zooming and panning to view enough of the original pixels. However, I would urge caution in cases where residents are making primary diagnoses themselves — such as in ICUs and other tertiary care settings. Extreme care should be exercised to use proper displays for those purposes lest they improperly treat a patient due to use of a substandard or uncalibrated display.”
What the Future Holds
As mobile devices evolve to process data faster, use less power (resulting in longer battery life), operate more intuitively — and as wireless network coverage expands — they will become even more ubiquitous in the healthcare environment. But further improvements to ensure DICOM compliance, as well as tracking and documenting image information, are also needed to make them a viable alternative to traditional medical displays. Once this happens, there will be no stopping the widespread adoption of mobile devices in diagnostic imaging in and around the hospital.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Recently from rAVe's BlogSquad Back to Top Epson, Sharp, NEC and Panasonic Dominate ProAV Brand Image According to TFCnet Last week TFCinfo announced the completion of its “Projector Brand Customer Perception and Preference Study 2013.” This report marks the 12th year that this annual projector brand benchmarking study has been conducted.
This research measures projector brand strength among experienced projector users and purchasers in the five most important market segments in the AV industry: large corporations, small/medium businesses, small office/home users, education and government.
By analyzing brand strength and perceptions across important market segments, a clear picture emerges year over year as to where brands fall short and where they are improving in each of these segments. This year Sony does particularly well in education and government, NEC continues to perform strong in the business oriented segments, Epson is simply dominating in education, and other brands are also solidifying their position and showing consistent improvement in particular segments.
When looking at the three main elements of brand strength: awareness, image and intent, some interesting findings are revealed through historical trend analysis in comparing the yearly results.
Awareness
Most notable are Epson, NEC and Sharp. All three brands post gains in unaided free recall in four of the five market segments surveyed. Epson maintains their top spot in education and government as the most recalled projector brand (unaided) and NEC maintains their top position in large corporations. Unaided free recall is extremely important to ensure that your brand comes to mind to be included in the important pre-purchase research
Some strong increases are also seen this year for brands that have previously suffered from lower overall unaided brand awareness. Unaided awareness for Christie, Eiki, Optoma and Viewsonic is improving greatly.
Image
A clear picture is forming with regard to some of the most important projector purchasing factors and the brands that are being associated with them. The top four most important factors to look at when purchasing a projector are overall picture quality, reliability/maintenance costs, brightness, and price. Experienced projector users and purchasers name Epson, NEC, Panasonic, and Sony as the top brands they consider to be high quality/reliable projector brands. Respondents name Dell, Epson and InFocus as the brands that offer the best price (value), while on the polar end Epson, Panasonic and Sony are named as offering a better investment (higher price/higher quality). This is a great position for Epson to be in as end users are viewing the brand as both a great value and a high quality investment.
Intent
Only five percentage points separate the top brands that are most considered for purchase overall this year. Epson, NEC, Panasonic, and Sony are the most considered brands for purchase. Some of these brands are being pushed by their dominance in particular market segments. InFocus, Sharp, and even Mitsubishi hold their own on this measure posting some important consideration gains in certain market segments this year.
Many brands were researched in-depth and each show significant strengths and weaknesses in certain areas. Brands that are analyzed in depth include: 3M, Dell, Dukane, Eiki, Epson, Hitachi, InFocus, Mitsubishi, NEC, Optoma, Panasonic, Runco, Sharp and Sony.
This extensive 350 page report reveals detailed customer insights and analysis that will help manufacturers to build and sustain an advantage in the marketplace.
This report analyzes:
- Unaided brand awareness
- Aided brand awareness
- Brands used
- Brand consideration set (Is your brand among a select group of brands considered first?)
- Superior brands (Is your brand always considered?)
- Inferior Brands (Is your brand never considered?)
- Buying criteria
- Importance rating of buying criteria
- Brand affinity (How strong is your brand strength on key purchasing attributes?)
- Brand associations (What type of projector use is your brand most associated with?)
- Brand image index (How strong is your brand compared to average and your competitors on important purchasing factors and affinity attributes?)
- Plus: Projector use and purchasing (How are projectors used in each market segment, what benefits are realized from using a projector, what are the downsides, how many hours are projectors being used, where are consumers getting information about projectors and brands, where are they buying most, who are the gatekeepers of purchase, does your brand measure up on the most important purchasing factors?)
This report also includes market trend graphs for each market segment that tracks the movement of top brands from 2006-2013 in important areas such as: unaided and aided awareness and brand consideration.
This detailed study is now available for purchase. For a complete brochure and outline of this report please contact Tanya Lippke, TFCinfo Director of Survey Market Research, at (207) 783-0055 or tmlippke@tfcinfo.net
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top
|
Click above to learn more |
Kramer Enters Digital Signage Market By Taking Over ComQi's Hardware Department Kramer Electronics has announced what is being called a "license agreement" with ComQi.
What does it mean? Well, I spoke with Sharon Sonesh, the product and marketing communications manager just a few minutes ago, and she told me that Kramer is basically taking over the manufacturing of all of ComQi's hardware and now ComQi will focus only on software.
How much money did Kramer pay for this?
Nothing, sort of. No money was exchanged up-front as Kramer will pay a commission to ComQi for every ComQi product sold — so ComQi will make money as long as Kramer keeps selling the gear. However, according to Sonesh, Kramer is not limited to only using ComQi software. In addition, ComQi can, in fact, license its software to other digital signage media player manufacturers too.
Kramer, as you know, is a manufacturer of audio, video and computer signal management products, while ComQi (formed from the merger of Minicom Digital Signage and EnQii) is — or was — a digital signage player and software company.
The agreement provides Kramer with exclusive manufacturing, sales and marketing rights for ComQi's (Minicom Digital Signage) Media Distribution products and ComQi will market Kramer's entire product line to its customer base — aligning them closely in a marketing deal.
"We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with ComQi, to manufacture, sell and market the Minicom Digital Signage products," Kramer's President and Chairman Dr. Joseph Kramer said. "This agreement demonstrates Kramer's commitment to provide the best digital signage solutions currently available, and enables us to focus on developing our portfolio with the next generation products."
"We are excited about this partnership with Kramer," said Ajay Chowdhury, ComQi's CEO. "It will increase the reach for our hardware products through Kramer's global sales force and also allow us to sell all of Kramer's extensive product line into our customer base. We believe this will provide customers with one of the best integrated digital signage solutions available."
For more information about Kramer Electronics, go to https://www.kramerelectronics.com
For more information about ComQi please go to https://www.comqi.com
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top ClearOne Expands Distribution Agreement with VSO Marketing to Include COLLABORATE Video Conferencing Solutions ClearOne a global provider of audio visual communication solutions, today announced the expansion of its distribution agreement with VSO Marketing to include the full line of ClearOne's COLLABORATE software-based video conferencing solutions for authorized audio visual (AV) dealers, consultants and systems integrators. "In the conferencing products space, VSO Marketing is well recognized for its professional audio visual expertise and dedicated focus on providing superior customer service and technical support," said Zee Hakimoglu, chairman and CEO of ClearOne. "This expanded distribution agreement provides us the opportunity to build sales of COLLABORATE with VSO's broad network of key dealers, consultants and integrators."
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top
|
Click above to learn more |
And Now… "Peek-o" Projectors Pico projectors continue to shoot up in popularity but here’s a new twist: Scientists at a Belgian university research lab have developed a spherical, curved LCD projector embedded within a contact lens to display words and images. Previously scientists have managed to integrate LEDs into contact lenses, but this has been limited to only a few pixels. The researchers at the University of Ghent and IMEC say their LCD-based technology is a big leap forward because it uses the entire display surface. Researchers at the Centre of Microsystems Technology (CMST), IMEC’s lab at the University of Ghent, hopes this breakthrough could help people with damaged retinas by controlling light transmission towards the iris. The technology could also be used for augmented reality contact lenses, built-in sunglasses and irises that appear to change color. You know, like those Google glasses that Sergy Brin takes on New York subways. While the first prototype can only display rudimentary images (similar to an electronic pocket calculator), the researchers aim to develop fully autonomous electronic contact lenses embedded within this display. Lead researcher professor Herbert De Smet says these next gen applications could be available within a few years.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Projector Research Firm Pacific Media Associates Changes Name to PMA Research Limited Over 20 years ago, Dr. William Coggshall founded Pacific Media Associates (PMA), which has become recognized as one of the most widely respected projector market research firm in the world. Coggshall has announced that he’s ready to take on his next challenge and has decided to apply his continuing interest and background in high technology to web-based content publishing, but will be making good use of projector technology in these new pursuits. Effective this January, projector industry veteran Nick Rogers, who has headed up PMA’s EMEA research activities for a number of years now, has acquired the assets and obligations of Pacific Media Associates. As part of this transition, the company name has changed to PMA Research Limited. All current PMA staff will be continuing on with the new company, and Coggshall will have a part-time advisory role. PMA Vice President Michael Abramson will still be responsible for the analysis and forecasting team, and will drive their continuous efforts to produce the same high-quality and timely reports. PMA Vice President Linda Norton will continue to handle business development and marketing activities for the company, and will now also be responsible for operations in the Americas. Long-time projector industry executive Masa Hayashi remains in charge of PMA’s research activities in Asia, and Nick Rogers will continue to handle the EMEA research efforts, as well as worldwide company operations. Effective immediately, please note the following new mailing addresses and phone numbers for our main US and Worldwide offices: Corporate Office: PMA Research Ltd Maybrook House 97 Godstone Road Caterham, Surrey CR3 6RE United Kingdom Phone: +44 7985 415 154 US Office: PMA Research Ltd. 25852 Avenida Cabrillo San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Phone: +1.949.493.4601
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top
|
Click above to learn more |
PMA’s Survey Shows Dealers Rate Hitachi and Epson as Top Brands Hitachi and Epson earned the top two spots based on their overall composite ratings in the 15th survey of North American projector dealers conducted by Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the worldwide market information experts on front projectors. The survey was conducted during November and December 2012. The survey ranks 21 aspects of marketing support, products, and after-sale support according to their importance to dealers. The 2012 survey showed that both Professional and Consumer dealers ranked Quality and Reliability to be the most important factor when considering a projector vendor. Dealers then rated their key suppliers on each of these aspects. Ratings were based on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). Manufacturers with high scores on the more important aspects posted higher overall composite scores than those who scored well on less-important aspects. The report includes numerical ratings for each manufacturer for each aspect. This data can help manufacturers learn whether efforts to improve certain aspects are yielding results, and to see where they stand relative to their competitors. For the 2012 Dealer Survey, PMA is giving awards to the two companies with the highest composite scores. These top-rated overall brands are: - For dealers serving the professional market: Hitachi
- For dealers serving the consumer market: Epson
It is interesting to note that this year’s winners were also the two same two companies who had large gains in their overall composite score when compared to PMA’s 2010 Dealer Survey rankings. On the professional side, Hitachi’s composite score improved by more than 60 points and on the consumer side, Epson’s composite score rose by nearly 100 points when compared to their scores from two years ago. Strong contenders were NEC, who took the number two spot for Professional projectors and Sony, who had the second highest overall composite score for Consumer projectors. “The relationship between manufacturers and their dealers continues to be a major factor in the success of the manufacturers,” says PMA Vice President Linda Norton. “We’re proud that we were able to undertake this massive survey project again, as it provides valuable information for the projector manufacturers. Our survey provides direct feedback that points to the aspects of the manufacturer relationships that dealers view as most important and measures how well manufacturers perform on those aspects. We are honored to recognize the 2012 award recipients for their outstanding accomplishments in the projector industry.” Professional projector dealers taking the survey ranked Product Quality/Reliability, Good Price/Performance and Return/Repair Programs as the most important aspects of the dealer/manufacturer relationship. Christie had the best scores for Quality/Reliability and Good Price/Performance while Hitachi had the highest score for Return/Repair programs. Consumer projector dealers taking the survey ranked Product Quality/Reliability and Ease of Doing Business as the most important aspects of the dealer/manufacturer relationship. Sony received the top score for both in PMA’s 2012 Dealer Survey. Honorable mentions go to BenQ and Optoma, who were the “most-improved” projector manufacturers. Their scores landed them on the Top 10 Composite Rankings list, for both Professional and Consumer models in 2012.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Mitsubishi Debuts Cloud Projector Mitsubishi Electric is the first to launch a "cloud projector" in the form of the WD390U-EST. Like the original Apple MacBook Air that had virtually no ports or connections to it, the new Mitsubishi WD390U-EST cloud projector uses its built-in, thin client function to serve as a display device — basically, you log onto your network via the projector (like you would with a computer or iPad) and begin displaying content in seconds, whether from a local server, the internet or the cloud, giving presenters access to files through the projector itself. Using a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard and mouse, users can access content on a server, with such storage now referred to as “cloud content.” Also, the WD390U-EST is an extreme short throw projector and is technically capable of displaying a 70" diagonal image from 23 inches away. Spec'd to project 3,000 lumens and using a 6,000-hour lamp, the WD390U-EST has native 1280×768 (WXGA) resolution and is controllable via RS232 or IP.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top
|
Click above to learn more |
Mitsubishi Goes Lampless with New Laser Projectors Mitsubishi Electric has a big new announcement — the LaserVue family of lamp-free projectors, the company's first hybrid-design. To produce the red-green-blue lighting elements required to form all displays, Mitsubishi LaserVue projectors use one pure red LED and up to 34 pure blue laser diodes of varying strengths and wavelengths, and a solid-colored phosphor wheel that emits green light. Unlike other light engine designs in the market today (e.g., Casio), some of the blue laser diodes are diverted to excite phosphors on this single-segment wheel. This creates a clean, clear green, eliminating color breaking or rainbow effects that are sometimes observed in similar projectors. Those that use dual or multi-segment color phosphor wheels often attempt to boost brightness at the expense of color accuracy. Mitsubishi’s new design uses a single-segment wheel — thus, no reduction or brightness. Mitsubishi’s new line of LaserVue projectors consists of three portable models: the NW31U-EST WXGA (1280×800 resolution) extreme short throw model will be the first to become available in April, followed shortly by two standard throw models, the NW30U WXGA (1280×800 resolution) and the NF32U full high-definition, 1080p resolution projector. They are spec'd with 2,500 lumens, 3,000 lumens and 3,000 lumens respectively, and to last for 20,000 hours. All three have both HDMI and VGA ports and can handle network content as well.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Peerless-AV Intros Peer-Air Pico Broadcaster Peerless-AV's new Pico Broadcaster is designed to transmit HD content over the air to any number of DTVs within a 350-foot (106-meter) radius. This device can receive content from a computer or select media players with IP transport output capabilities, then broadcasts the signal in HD quality to any open "white space" channel local to the area. Then all you need is a TV with a digital ATSC tuner and an antenna to receive the signal. This scalable technology offers a flexible option to run and add an unlimited number of DTVs within range.
Features include:
- Long range transmission of an omni-directional broadcast signal up to a 350' radius
- Streams HD broadcast quality content to an unlimited number of DTVs within effective range
- LAN port for Transport Stream input, network/internet connectivity, as well as local and remote control of content
- Includes Streaming Media Server software to transcode virtually any media format to MPEG2 broadcast format
- Adjustable power output setting to match installation requirements
- Configurable IP addresses for system control and setup to join any pre-existing network
- FCC compliant
- Mounting flanges for mounting securely to a wall or ceiling
Here are all the specs: https://peerair.peerless-av.com/products/HDS-PB100-4639752801
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top BEHRINGER Launches XiQ Monitor Mix App for iPhone/iPod Touch BEHRINGER’s latest addition to the X32 Digital Mixer now allows the band to mix its own monitors using any iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad by downloading the XiQ app from the Apple App store. Designed to run on any device supporting iOS 5.1 or later, the XiQ app is available free.
The XiQ app allows performers and musicians to control their own monitor mix with full access to all 32 channels individually or through BEHRINGER’s exclusive MCA (Mix Control Association). This function allows each band member to group any inputs into four groups for immediate and focused control over his/her mix.
While XiQ allows personal monitor mixing using an iPhone/iPod Touch, BEHRINGER continues to offer the P16 Personal Monitor System for applications where it best serves the need. Linking digitally to the X32 over Ultranet, the P16 system can support up to 64 personal monitor mixes, without using a single X32 mix bus. Both systems can also be used simultaneously.
Get the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/xiq/id587363794?ls=1&mt=8
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Barco's ClickShare Adds Three New Features ClickShare’s new dual display functionality means when two displays are connected to the ClickShare Base Unit, the latter will automatically activate ‘Dual display mode’ and show the content on both screens. This is especially useful for businesses with a video conferencing system: When they don’t use the video conferencing mode, they can now present information (PowerPoint, MS-Excel spreadsheet, etc.) on two screens. On top of this dual display functionality, two more features that had been announced at ClickShare’s official launch will soon be available: ClickShare’s full compatibility with an iPad — via Apple TV or HDMI to DVI video cable — and audio.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top
|
Click above to learn more |
Extron Announces New Compact DVI Fiber Optic Extender Extron is already shipping a brand new product in the DFX 100 Fiber Optic Extender, a transmitter and receiver set for long haul transmission of DVI video signals over one fiber optic cable. This extender delivers single-link DVI-D signals over multimode fiber optic cable at lengths up to 300 meters (984 feet). Using all-digital technology to deliver pixel-for-pixel transmission of video images up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60, the DFX 100 can be used for simple point-to-point applications or in combination with DMS Series Modular Matrix Switchers that include the new DMS Fiber Matrix Boards.
DMS Series matrix switchers can be populated with any combination of DMS DVI and DMS Fiber matrix boards to support local and remote devices. To simplify integration, ultra-flexible DVI cables are attached to the transmitter and the receiver to allow direct connection to source and destination devices. Pre-terminated multimode fiber optic cable assemblies from Extron are available in various lengths from one meter (3.3 feet) to 60 meters (197 feet). Both the DFX 100 transmitter and receiver are housed in 1U, one-eighth rack width enclosures for discreet installation.
Here are all the specs: https://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dfx100&s=5
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Christie Debut Phoenix Video Wall Controller With the new Christie Phoenix multiple users in multiple locations anywhere in the world can share and interact with control room information from virtually any device. Christie Phoenix is an open content management system that lets all users access and control audio-visual data, securely from anywhere, at any time via standard IP networking technology. The same information, presented in the same format, at the same time to multiple users expands the confines, capabilities and effectiveness of a single control room.
Phoenix features include:
- A system consisting of one or many hardware nodes and PC software that operates on a standard Ethernet network to encode, decode and display simultaneously, all from the same box
- Based on secure, industry-standard H.264 media encoding and decoding
- Easy to install and configure and can be scaled up or down at anytime
- Ideally suited for fast-paced command and control centers with highly mobile, dispersed workforces
- Up to 2560×1600 resolution per output
- Support for 2560×1600 (overlay mode using output connectors)
- From 640×480 to 1920×1080 encoded to H.264
Here are all the detailed specs: https://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/video-walls/video-wall-solutions/video-wall-controllers/pages/christie-phoenix-network-streaming-platform-video-processor.aspx
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top YCD Multimedia to Launch MegaPixel Playback Players at ISE 2013 At ISE 2013, YCD Multimedia will introduce what it is calling MegaPixel embedded playback devices, based on Intel Core processors, playing ultra-high resolution content to multiple displays. The Intel-based devices are powered by the YCD|Wall video wall solution that projects synchronized visual content on any number of screens at pixel perfect quality. Intel Core processors integrate the graphics (GPU) right into the processor's package.
The MegaPixel Player Devices are very small in size and include two or three video ports, with each port producing higher resolution than full HD. Together, the video ports produce ultra-high resolution and above, with no need to install additional video cards.
The combination of YCD's player and Intel hardware enables video playback that meets advanced video compression standards such as H.264, while enabling advanced management of ultra-high resolution content. Combining several devices in a synchronized manner creates an unlimited megapixel playback canvas.
Here are all the specs: https://www.ycdmultimedia.com/products-wall
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Vision Enters Visualizer/Document Camera Market Vision’s new DC-1000 Techcam features four integrated laser pointers that outline the A4 capture area on the table, allowing the user to interact more naturally with whatever they are showing. Vision focuses on matching resolution to those display devices that these cameras are most commonly used with. Vision says that by choosing a 1600×1200 sensor, the image quality is better, motion is smoother and compression is minimized. Vision’s General Manager Stuart Lockhart says "5-megapixel document cameras need such extreme compression to pass through USB they are effectively less than half that resolution. Visualizers are used for live demonstrations often with 1280×768 projectors so a 1600×1200 camera is more than adequate." The DC-1000 features good quality wide focal-length optics with a manual focus lever for easy fine-tuning. It is expected to ship early February.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Screen Innovations Shows New Black Diamond Motorized Projection Screen at ISE 2013 Screen Innovations (SI) is demonstrating the brand new Black Diamond Motorized projection screen for ISE 2013 attendees. A new and unique motorized design utilizing SI’s Black Diamond ambient light rejection screen technology, Black Diamond Motorized is a sleek flat panel alternative that actually disappears when not in use. Utilizing one motor, four custom helixes and a spool of slender aircraft cable, Black Diamond Motorized silently lowers a thin wing containing the rolled Black Diamond screen downward from a recessed ceiling-mounted cassette. The cable-hung wing then stops, and from it, a small tube quickly emerges and lowers itself down to an adjustable, pre-determined image height, leaving only the image space in sight. Because Black Diamond screens do not require masking or any black drop material whatsoever, there is no visible material above, below or on either side of the screen surface, allowing the images projected on Black Diamond Motorized to appear as though they are suspended in air. Unlike flat panel TVs, Black Diamond Motorized delivers zero glare and reflection when used in a bright environment. SI says that because of its Black Diamond ambient light rejection screen technology, light scatter is measurably reduced by over 75 percent. SI will exhibit the Black Diamond Motorized projection system at ISE on stand #1-N53.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Matrox Mura MPX Series Boards Now Compatible with AMX Control Systems Matrox Graphics announced today that its flagship Matrox Mura MPX Series video wall controller boards are compatible with NetLinx Integrated Controller systems from automation solutions provider AMX. With the development of a free Mura MPX-specific module for the NetLinx user interface programming language, AV integrators are now able to easily integrate Mura MPX boards with AMX systems and create custom video walls for use within a wide range of industries spanning such sectors as retail, government and process control. Coded using Café Duet, an extension of NetLinx, the newly developed AMX Duet Module from Matrox will run on NetLinx Integrated Controller systems. Video wall commands sent via AMX touch panel devices will subsequently be translated for the Mura MPX Network Programming Interface (API) and ultimately reach Mura, with any changes displayed in real time on a given video wall. Matrox provides a sample graphical user interface (GUI) for AMX touch devices as a starting point, enabling AV integrators and AMX specialists to customize the user interface to meet individual project specifications.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top BEHRINGER Introduces iSTUDIO and iSTUDIO THUNDER Docks for all iPad Versions BEHRINGER has introduced its new iSTUDIO family of professional docking stations for Apple iPad versions with 30-pin and Lightning connectors. iSTUDIO provides straightforward and direct connectivity for microphones, guitars and basses, MIDI devices, line level sources and even turntables — all with adjustable gain, independent output and headphone controls plus a superb direct monitoring option. MIDI accessibility is provided via standard and USB MIDI sockets for drum machines, samplers, synthesizers or even DAW software. A convenient Video Out connector allows the iSTUDIO iS202 to interface directly with video monitors. Compatible with all CoreAudio and CoreMIDI apps in Apple's App Store, iSTUDIO is the ideal companion for musicians/producers and comes with a universal power supply and country-specific wall socket adapter—plus, iSTUDIO's exclusive battery operation allows the user to create and produce music on the road. iSTUDIO's rugged, yet lightweight chassis provides easy docking with iPad/iPad 2/iPad (third generation), while the iSTUDIO THUNDER features the new Lightning connector needed for the latest-generation iPad and iPad mini. All iSTUDIO products can be placed on a tabletop, or mounted on mic, music or drum stands via an optional hardware kit.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top RGB Spectrum's New Adapter Allows for Dual-link Inputs on MediaWall and SuperView Dual-link signals are being used in more and more installations thanks to the format's ability to carry higher resolutions, faster refresh rates and pixel depths greater than 24 bits. RGB Spectrum's solution to this is an adapter (DLA-100) that offers the advantage of full resolution dual-link signals throughout the entire video chain. The dual-link option offers up to four channels of DVI dual-link scaling and dual-link to single-link conversion with HDCP support, including embedded audio passthrough. The DLA-100 splits the high resolution DVI signal into two single-link DVI signals for recombining in the videowall or multiviewer processor which allows the display of the original signal in its native resolution and, if required, the dual-link source can be scaled to fit a larger video wall. The DLA-100 dual-link adapter is compatible with dual-link resolutions such as 2560×1600, 2560×1440, and 2048×1536 and sells for $1,695 list.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top WolfVision Shows Fourth Generation VZ-8 Series Visualizers at ISE WolfVision introduced its fourth generation VZ-8 Series Visualizers at ISE in Amsterdam last month. These new units come with a redesigned housing, 14x optical zoom capability and feature a native 1080p HD camera.
Besides the native 1080p HD resolution at 30 fps (frames per second), new features include a basic LAN port and HDMI input and output. With the optional Feature Pack the VZ-8light4 can be upgraded to include infrared remote control, USB host port functionality, nine image internal memory and external image memory capability.
The new VZ-8plus4 is the world's first Visualizer with a frame rate of 60 fps at native 1080p HD resolution, allowing for smoother motion and faster autofocus than ever before. Other new features, compared to the previous model include an LCD live preview monitor, enhanced LAN/network features such as Unicast and Multicast streaming of live images directly from the Visualizer in popular streaming modes like H.264, and all the new features of the VZ-8light4 with the optional Feature Pack.
See all the specs here [PDF]: https://www.wolfvision.com/wolf/bro_8plus_light4_e.pdf
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Extron Introduces Secure iPad Enclosure The new Extron TLM 100T mount is a secure tabletop enclosure designed for use with 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation iPads. The TLM 100T allows access to key iPad functions and has several features that make it ideal for high-traffic areas. When locked in with the included security fasteners, the iPad is safeguarded against theft. The discrete cable management system allows iPad adapters and charging cables to be routed through the adjustable and removable base.
The base of the TLM 100T allows for 45 degrees of tilt and can be paired with an optional Extron SMA-1 Swivel Mount Adapter. This allows the iPad to tilt and swivel, providing viewing for multiple users. The TLM 100T can also be paired with an Extron LPVM-1 Low Profile VESA Mount for additional mounting flexibility.
For more information, click here: https://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=tlm100tad
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top New Factory-Calibrated Lighting Presets Added to Quick-Connect Universal CAT-5 CCU Vaddio has added factory-calibrated preset configurations to allow users to quickly run through preset lighting environment scenes for each ClearVIEW HD-Series PTZ camera. These presets are suggested starting points for further adjustment.
The new presets include fully automatic mode, incandescent high-light, incandescent low-light, florescent high-light, florescent low-light and an outdoor mode. The company has made a video that explains how it works, which you can see here: https://www.vaddio.com/video/universal-ccu-update
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top LifeSize Launches Icon Series – But Will it Survive? At the ISE show in Amsterdam, LifeSize (a division of Logitech) launched a new VTC series called Icon. The $3,000 Icon is a 1080p videoconferencing system that Logitech claims "is a system so easy to use that anyone can walk right into a room and be on their video conference, with the single push of a button, in just seconds." Hmm, ever hear that before when describing a VTC system? The camera in the Icon can pan, tilt and zoom and includes support for up to 1080p60 HD and 10x zoom capability. The mic uses 360° triple microphone beam-forming technology. Its software includes Outlook and iCal calendar integration, meeting directory, unified user interface during multi-party calls, unified directory, name-based dialing, search and favorites. The system itself is SIP, H.323 and 128 Kbps–6.0 Mbps capable. But, the bigger question is will this product even make it – or, make it with the Logitech name on it? In fact, yesterday a number of news outlets close to the technology giant claimed that Logitech is trying to unload the LifeSize brand, which lost nearly $200 Million in 2012 compared to a $55 Million profit in 2011. Top that off with both Polycom and Cisco making better products than LifeSize and you have a likely loser in the Icon.
Lifesize's Vice President of Corporate Communcations Nancy Morrison sent us the following statement:
- Logitech has made no statement that it is trying to unload LifeSize.
- Logitech lost $180 million in our 3rd fiscal quarter of 2013, which included a non-cash write down of $211 million for a goodwill impairment regarding LifeSize. This is compared to a gain of $55 million in our 3rd fiscal quarter in the prior year (FY 2012). If not for this non-cash accounting charge, Logitech's gain in Q3 FY 2013 would have been $31 million.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Christie Intros All-Weather Displays Christie today announced its first LCD panel in the Christie WeatherAll Series of outdoor displays designed for commercial use, the Christie WeatherAll Series FHD551-W.
This outdoor LCD panel can be used to enhance out-of-home-advertising, recreational areas (including ski resorts at the top of a mountain!!!), information kiosks, event and entertainment venues and any other situation where protection in an outdoor or public setting is required. Tested at extreme temperatures and with jets of water, it is fully weatherproof (IP56/NEMA 4 rated). The Christie FHD551-W also resists impacts and scratches, giving you an industry-rated display that can be deployed in virtually any environment with complete peace of mind.
The 55" LCD is native 1080p, edge-lit and has a brightness spec of 700 nits (cd/m2). It uses a professional-grade optically-bonded LCD.
Here are all the specs: https://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/digital-signage/products/lcd-flat-panels/pages/christie-outdoor-tv.aspx
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Barco Intros Free-Standing Structures for Tiled Video Walls Here at ISE, Barco is showcasing its new structures for tiled LCD video walls. Dubbed the OBLX series, these are free-standing structures, meaning they do not need wall support for stability, and expand the applicability of tiled LCD video walls. Barco is introducing the OBLX-4610 and OBLX-5510 free-standing structures, which hold 46” or 55” LCD displays, respectively, in a 2×2 landscape setup or a 3×1 portrait setup. Because these structures can be easily placed next to each other, they can be tiled horizontally for as long as a client needs. The leg of the OBLX series structures is designed to house a 19” rack-mountable controller or, you could use it to install a ClickShare Base Unit or a DISplayer (Barco dzine’s digital signage media player) inside the structure. It's rear-accessible.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Bermuda Electric Light Company Boosts Operations With Barco LED Video Wall As the sole electric utility for the island of Bermuda, BELCO is responsible for monitoring and managing electricity generation and delivery to 36,000 metered connections throughout a 21-square-mile area. The new Barco video wall displays a detailed, wide-area view of the island’s power grid, providing real-time data and video on power usage and availability across numerous workstations in the Operations Center – an especially critical capability during hurricane season and other high-alert weather periods.
BELCO opted for Barco’s OVL-815 80” LED-lit rear-projection modules configured in a 3×2 array with stitched screens, driven by the latest video wall processors.
Some of the greatest benefits of the new video wall solution will be realized next year when BELCO completes the deployment of its new 18-camera Virtual LAN to monitor diesel power generating engines located throughout the central service area. “Once we’re able to simultaneously visualize all of the camera feeds on the video wall, we’ll have a real-time, continuous view of our engine operations at every site,” says Noel Martin, operations center manager at BELCO. “This will vastly improve our first response capability by providing us with accurate visual data on what’s happening out there so we can respond immediately and appropriately to issues. Again, the ability to share this graphic information across our network is essential to providing the highest level of service.”
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Dataton Intros WATCHPAX Dedicated Media Server with Built-In WATCHOUT Multi-Display Software Swedish AV manufacturer Dataton introduced at ISE WATCHPAX, the company's first dedicated media server with built-in Dataton WATCHOUT multi-display software. WATCHPAX runs over any standard network. A WATCHPAX media server is required for each display source and delivers full audio and video capability. The built-in WATCHOUT software is accessible by a user interface via TCP/IP. Users can orchestrate stills, 3D objects, interactive elements, animations, graphics, video and sound across multiple displays, soft-edge or scattered. WATCHPAX comes in a matte black aluminium finish in a small enclosure that's only 127x148x22 millimeters. It weighs only 470 grams and consumes very little power.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top BEHRINGER Adds 12,000 Watt Models to iNUKE Power Amp Line BEHRINGER has introduced its most powerful iNUKE Series amps — the iNUKE12000 and iNUKE12000DSP, which are specified at 12,000 total watts — 6,000 watts per channel at 2 0hms, or 3,000 watts at 4 ohms. They weigh less than 18 lbs./8 kg and occupy only two racks spaces each. And, BEHRINGER says they run cooler and don’t require massive heat sinks and heavy toroidal transformers typically found in traditional amplifiers. The front panel controls and indicators provide users vital information at a glance. Both channels feature positive-detent Gain controls with Signal LEDs that light when a signal is present, as well as clip LEDs to indicate when the signal is distorted. There is also a built-in subwoofer/satellite crossover and input connectors on the iNUKE are XLR and ¼” TRS combination jacks for compatibility with any source. Professional twist lock speaker connectors are found on the back panel. For sound engineers requiring high-level control capability, iNUKE DSP Series amplifiers come with built-in DSP and 24 bit/96 kHz converters to ensure the ultimate signal integrity with an extremely broad dynamic range. The DSP functions include a sophisticated delay, crossover, EQ (eight parametric, two dynamic) and dynamics processing with lockable security settings. All iNUKE DSP models can be set up, controlled and monitored via the front panel USB connector.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top PreSonus Licenses Audinate’s Dante Technology PreSonus announced today that the company has licensed Audinate’s Dante digital-media networking technology and will incorporate Dante into optional networking cards for several of its new products. Audinate's patented Dante solution is a combination of software, hardware and standard TCP/IP protocols designed to transport many channels of high-resolution, uncompressed, low-latency digital media over relatively long distances and to multiple locations, using a standard 100 Mbps or 1 Gb Ethernet network. It is becoming the solution of choice for a variety of professional applications because it delivers tightly synchronized, sample-accurate playback while simplifying installation and configuration of AV networks.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top
|
BEHRINGER Launches iX16 Ultra-Compact Digital Mixer for iPad BEHRINGER today introduced the latest addition to its digital mixer product line with the unveiling of the iX16 Digital Mixer for iPad. The unit features 16 digitally-programmable, high-resolution MIDAS-designed mic pres, all controllable remotely from the supplied iPad app. Extensive control options include PC/Mac/Linux over Ethernet or Wi-Fi as well as iPhone/iPod Touch for personal monitor mixing right out the box.
The iX16 leverages BEHRINGER’s extensive suite of remastered digital FX emulations, such as Lexicon 480L and PCM70, EMT250 and Quantec QRS. It offers four true-stereo virtual effects racks, inserts on all eight buses, six-band parametric EQ and full dynamics processing. The iX16 is built on a 40-Bit floating-point DSP core that offers “unlimited” dynamic range with no internal overload and near-zero latency of <0.8 msec, according to BEHRINGER.
BEHRINGER has included its ULTRANET digital audio network technology for direct connection of the iX16 into a network with X32 Digital Mixers or the company’s new iQ Networked Active Loudspeaker line, for 16-channel connectivity over a single CAT5 cable. The same system allows for connection of the P16 Personal Monitor system, allowing for up to 64 monitor mixes without consuming a single mix bus on the iX16. The inclusion of a USB 2.0 interface that turns the iX16 into an 18×18 channel audio interface offers additional flexibility.
In addition to its audio connectivity the iX16 also includes MIDI In/Out for remote scene recall or controlling other MIDI equipment. Presets can be saved internally and backed onto a USB drive through the type-A connector that also serves as a stereo recorder directly to Flash.
For recording applications, iX16 features a bi-directional 18-channel USB audio interface that, combined with the 40-bit digital mix engine, elevates recording to a new level of sonic clarity. A Virtual FX rack is also included with 4 true stereo FX slots including high-end simulations such as Lexicon 480L, PCM70, EMT250 and Quantec QRS, etc. ULTRANET connectivity works with the BEHRINGER P16 Personal Monitoring System to further enhance both live and studio applications.
The iX16 Digital Mixer for iPad isn't on BEHRINGER's site yet, but when it is, it will be here: https://www.behringer.com/EN/products/index.aspx
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top VUE Audiotechnik Unveils al-4 Subcompact Line Array System VUE Audiotechnik has introduced the first product in its new al-Class of professional loudspeakers. The al-4 Subcompact Line Array System includes a beryllium compression driver, Kevlar/Neo LF transducers, plus precision amplification and DSP with an ultra-compact and scalable design to build larger systems.
The al-4 Line Array System includes the al-4 Acoustic Element and the rack-mount V4 Systems Engine. The compact al-4 Acoustic Element measures just 18.9×5.5×10.3 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 18 pounds. Drivers are loaded in an M-T-M (LF-HF-LF) configuration for symmetrical horizontal consistency. Two 4-inch Kevlar cone neodymium woofers flank a VUE-designed, 1-inch exit neodymium compression driver with a Truextent beryllium diaphragm. The beryllium compression driver is mounted to a precision waveguide delivering 90 degrees of horizontal coverage.
The 2U rack-mount V4 Systems Engine is a two-input/four-output configuration capable of powering up to eight al-4 elements with two channels at 1600 watts each for the low frequency and two channels at 550 watts each for the high frequency (pure, sine wave rating). The V4 also handles all system management including speaker protection, as well as system-optimized alignment of EQ, time and crossover functions.
You can see all the technical details here: https://www.vueaudio.com
Leave a Comment
Share Article 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.
|
|
|
|