Volume 11, Issue 3 — March 8, 2018
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The AV Industry Should Lead in Improving School Safety
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
In rAVe Ed, we read about technologies that help teachers reach their students in new and improved ways. On occasion, we have written about how technologies in schools can also improve the safety of schools. In light of the recent violence in Florida and regular violence in schools in this country, I think we, as an industry, need to take a more aggressive stance towards stopping the violence. Rather than getting into thorny political debates, I think there are a lot of things we can do as an industry to begin to make our children safer.
Why our industry? Because many of the tools that will be used to stop violence are ones that we will provide. Cameras, microphones, remote control capabilities, design, programming and entry control are all things that are a part of our industry. We are the experts in these areas. Let’s put it to work.
I propose that AVIXA start this process by creating an ad-hoc committee to consider technologies to improve safety in schools. The first charge of the committee would be to identify equipment on the market that can be used in improving school safety. This would range from cameras, to lapel mics with emergency buttons to emergency signage to facial recognition systems. All of this equipment would be put together on a website and presented in a way that is easy for even non-technical people to understand. Having a resource that provided this equipment all in one place would make the job of an integrator easier when discussing costs and options with schools. Second, the committee would create equipment agnostic plans for school safety. These plans would range from inexpensive to more costly options. Examples would include designs for emergency communication systems and video surveillance systems. While access control and security are not directly part of our industry, many consultants have this as part of their business. Therefore, making recommendations for basic levels of secure access would be another role of the committee. It is understood that architecture of various schools and other factors would affect such designs. However, we could follow the idea of the “Dashboard for Controls” that AVIXA put out years ago and made general recommendations. Finally, and maybe most importantly I propose the committee would coordinate and then lead a system of volunteers to help put these technologies into schools.
I call on all of us in the industry to use our skills and knowledge for the best. Let’s consider improving safety in our schools, not as an opportunity to increase revenue, but rather an opportunity to do the right thing. Let’s consider as an industry getting together and volunteering our time, skills and equipment to actually do something. While trying to get laws changed is honorable and necessary, there are actions that we can take today that could make major differences. Everyone in this industry can participate. The committee, under the auspices of AVIXA, could ask manufacturers to come forward and provide equipment at a reduced cost to the integrator. This could be coordinated in such a way that it was clear the equipment was being used directly to improve school safety. AVIXA would not choose any specific manufacturer to work with, so it would keep its independence. Rather, it would coordinate the system so that integrators and their customers would still be able to choose the equipment that was right for them. With the previously mentioned list of equipment, this would be a much faster process. Part of the program would include integrators then passing these savings directly on to the schools. Designers could use the general recommendations made by the committee to design systems. Ideally, they would do this and donate some of the design time, again reducing the overall cost of these systems. Finally, there are thousands (hundreds of thousands?) of people in the industry to head into the schools on nights or weekends to do some work. I believe it would be extremely fulfilling to take part in volunteer projects that make our schools safer. With the project management skills and leadership skills that abound in our industry, we could take a group of volunteers and get through some work very quickly.
I imagine that most people who read this article would be willing to donate their time, skills and even money to such a project. But I believe a coordinated effort is the best way to do it. That is why I call on AVIXA to be that leader. Everyone believes that there will be more violence in our schools, until something is done to stop it. Personally, I am tired of thinking this is someone else’s issue and it is up to others to fix. Let’s take this opportunity now to know that we are doing something to stop this from happening. If AVIXA feels this is not something that falls within their charge, then I invite any other group to stand up and take the lead. Either way, I am here, and I am ready to get to work. Leave a Comment
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THE ISE 2018 Awards Are Announced
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
You can’t enter a product in them.
You can’t ask us to nominate you.
And, you can’t get an award by advertising or sponsoring us or paying for it. And, there are NO Awards entry fees!
We sent reporters to EVERY booth/stand at ISE 2018 and we selected the TOP products in every possible product category for our 2018 Best of ISE Awards. No other publication — or entity for that matter — goes to very booth at the ISE show and sees every new product demo’d or launched at ISE in Amsterdam annually — so these are THE BEST of THE BEST.
So, if you are wondering which products were the best at ISE and outperformed the others in their respective categories, this is it: the 2018 Best of ISE Awards. And if you are a manufacturer who won an award, be proud! You were hand-selected by our editors and reporters after evaluating every new product shown at ISE in your product category. We didn’t just pick these “on the show floor” during the show or by using spec-sheets distributed prior to the show — we picked these by actually looking at each and every product and comparing them to the competition. In fact, this is why it took us en entire month to award these… You truly are the BEST of ISE!
Finally, as the ISE show is really four shows in one — it’s a HomeAV show, a ProAV show, a Digital Signage show and Rental & Staging show — we’ve decided to separate the awards into different categories, based on their application. So, for 2018, there are five awards categories:
Conferencing, Collaboration & Meeting Rooms: The biggest trend in meetings rooms is collaboration and collaboration include both wired and wireless system, video, audio and far-site connectivity. This category of the Best of ISE products serves every aspect of the typical meeting room or huddle room space:
Network AV & Signal Distribution: Everything’s going AV-over-IP — but not quite yet. This category includes both AV-over-IP products as well as other ways of getting signals from source to display:
Digital Signage & Public Spaces: The fastest growing segment of AV over the past half-dozen years to so been digital signage. So, it makes sense for this to have its own category of award-winning products:
Rental, Staging & Live Events: If you’re one of the 30,000 or so AV’ers in the rental, staging or live events markets, you’ll love this category of new award-winning ISE products aimed specifically at making your job easier or adding to the wow-factor of your application:
Education and Installed Large Venue Products: These are, exactly as it’s titled, new products at ISE that were aimed specifically at the education and large venue (lecture halls and auditoriums) markets. So, if you design, sell or integrate AV technology aimed at the education segment of AV, you’ll want to check out these award-winning ISE products aimed at learning environments or giant rooms:
Overall Winners: This category of winners represent the best of the best at ISE 2018. These are the 28 best new products at ISE 2018 that work for any and every application of AV:
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Matrox Unveils Monarch LCS Radar Centralized Monitoring Application at ISE 2018 Matrox Video today announced Matrox Monarch LCS Radar, a centralized monitoring application that provides a streamlined overview of multiple Monarch LCS lecture capture appliances. The easy-to-use web application allows IT administrators to monitor the status, health and activity of all encoders from a single dashboard. Overseeing the critical functions of every single encoder simplifies the maintenance and upkeep of the Monarch LCS devices, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, whether for installations of one or more departments or deployments spread across multiple campuses.
Accessible via any web-browser-enabled device on the same network environment, Monarch LCS Radar features a color-coded dashboard for simple, at-a-glance monitoring. Administrators can easily identify anomalies, while also allowing the user to access the current status of video and audio inputs, schedules, events and production modes for individual Monarch LCS appliances. An integrated pane provides a confidence preview of audio and video inputs before or during encoding. Administrators can also automate email notifications should a problem occur. In larger installations where many appliances are deployed across the network — such as dentistry, business and medicine departments — administrators can categorize units into distinct groups for streamlined management of one or more groupings. To access a particular Monarch LCS unit, administrators can always launch the Monarch Command Center web user interface (UI) to adjust settings, initiate ad-hoc recordings and more.
The Matrox Monarch LCS Radar is here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Intros 4K Tx and Rx in DGKat 2.0Kramer Electronics launched DGKat 2.0 at ISE 2018. DGKat 2.0 is featured in the Kramer PT-871/872 transmitter and receiver pair and supports 4K HDR, HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 signals and two-way powering over twisted pair. This compact extension solution delivers video signals up to 40 meters (130 feet) over Kramer CAT copper cables at up to 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) at 8-bit color video resolution. They support deep color, x.v.Color, lip sync, HDMI uncompressed audio channels, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, 2K, 4K and 3D. EDID signals are passed through from the source to the display.
Both the transmitter and receiver only need a single cable for both the signal and the power. PT-871/872 also boast Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing ensuring plug and play operation for the HDMI source and display systems with no need for additional configuration. Status LED indicators for HDMI and DGKat 2.0 ports facilitate easy local maintenance and troubleshooting. The pair is highly durable as the devices’ temperature remains low to withstand extreme weather conditions.
More detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Barco Launches AVaaS Service Aimed at Education and Meeting Room Control Markets Barco has become the first manufacturer to launch a AVaaS (AV as a service) model for integrators that involves real hardware that the client never has to purchase. Here at ISE today, Barco announced the launch of what it’s calling, in the press announcement, a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) offering — something I predicted back last fall. Powered by its newly-minted Digital Engagement Platform, it is marketed as a “new way for Barco to provide great value for the customer.”
At first, the AVaaS model is only part of the Barco weConnect (higher-ed collaboration system) and Overture (meeting room control) platforms but I predict it will be rolled out in an even larger offering in 2019. The current offering through their Digital Engagement Platform provides a digital portal that allows partners and customers to manage their subscription and, even if the customer comes firstly to Barco via a referral or inquiry, Barco told me that they will still engage an integrator. They made it clear to me they have no plans to sell SaaS offerings directly without a partner.
With this service, Barco leverages digital approaches such as cloud technology and BYOD, offering customers the opportunity to benefit from flexible consumption. With the subscription-based model, customers only pay for the services they use, at a predictable cost. Barco partners also benefit from recurring revenue offers. For example, the weConnect hardware required for a system would be sent to the customer – without an upfront charge for the hardware itself — and would be covered via the monthly “seat license” or “room license” for usage of the AVaaS-based Digital Engagement Platform.
Barco’s software-based A/V control solution (Overture) and collaborative learning solution (weConnect) are the first products that will be offered in a subscription-based business model via the Digital Engagement Platform. Overture provides centralized management, monitoring and A/V control for meeting rooms. For its part, weConnect enables BYOD content-sharing and video collaboration in classrooms. These new solutions serve small and large organizations, likely fitting in well with the flexibility of the SaaS model. As an organization grows, new rooms can be easily introduced into the system.
In the first phase, starting in February 2018, weConnect and Overture will be available in a SaaS-model in the U.S. and Western Europe. More regions will follow later this year. Barco is here. weConnect is here. Overture is here. Leave a Comment
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Sony Expands Laser Projector Line with Five New Models Sony is adding five new WUXGA resolution models to its family of laser light source projectors. Each is aimed at commercial mid-range installation applications in schools, including education, faith, corporate and museums.
The new models include the VPL-FHZ120L (12,000 lumens) for larger venues, the VPL-FHZ90L (9,000 lumens) for mid-sized classrooms, and the compact VPL-FHZ66 (6,100 lumens), VPL-FHZ61 (5,100 lumens) and VPL-FHZ58 (4,200 lumens). These new projectors grow Sony’s laser offerings to more than a dozen.
Each model uses Sony’s Z-Phosphor Laser with a blue laser as its light source complemented by a 3LCD optical system, to achieve the full spectrum of light and continuous, clear RGB color. The five new projectors feature auto color calibration, a function that enables users to maintain picture quality over time and Sony’s instant on/off, which can be used to begin presentations at full brightness, with almost no warm-up/cool down time.
The VPL-FHZ120L and VPL-FHZ90L use a newly-developed LCD panel with enhanced light resistance, and for the VPL-FHZ120L, an optical compensator to realize high contrast that delivers stable brightness and high-quality image with vibrant color reproduction.
The VPL-FHZ120L is ideal for auditoriums and conference halls requiring AV solutions to support live performances and ceremonies. The projector covers sRGB100 percent, making it suitable for applications requiring precise color reproduction such as in exhibitions and museums.
The VPL-FHZ90L is suitable for mid-sized classrooms or corporate meeting rooms, even those with challenging installation environments due to natural lighting or bright spaces with ambient lighting. This allows students and meeting attendees to easily take notes and review presentation materials while still clearly viewing the projected images.
Both models also benefit from a new range of features including industry-leading wide lens shift capabilities (Max. Vertical ±107%, Horizontal ±60%) and six lens pre-set positions for instant recall and enhanced usability. New HTML content display functions offer the ability to project customized content including logos, news, or advertisements via the network or a USB memory stick, even when the projector is on with no input signal.
The three new mid-range WUXGA models — VPL-FHZ66 (6,100 lumens), VPL-FHZ61 (5,100 lumens) and VPL-FHZ58 (4,200 lumens) — feature compact bodies designed for small to mid-sized rooms, while taking advantage of the full benefits of laser projection: long-lasting brightness, up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, fast easy set-up and no need to replace lamps.
All of Sony’s new models are compatible with the latest software packages such as Vision Exchange active learning solution, Display Power Management software and IP Remote App, enabling customers to create the next generation of AV solutions.
All five new models beginning in summer 2018. You can get more information here. Leave a Comment
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New Extron SME 211 Offers Streaming in a Compact Package Extron just introduced the SME 211, an H.264 streaming media encoder for distributing audio and video signals over IP networks. The SME 211 accepts an HDMI signal with embedded audio and an analog audio signal. Extron high performance scaling and flexible signal processing facilitate superior image quality for content from computers, cameras, and other HD sources. The SME 211 supports unicast and multicast streaming protocols, including RTMP for streaming directly to major Content Delivery Networks – CDNs or social media platforms such as FaceBook and YouTube. The SME 211 can stream at two different resolutions and bit rates concurrently supporting a total of up to six simultaneous streams with push and pull encoding. Built in audio mixing and DSP features enable enhanced audio processing without requiring external mixing and DSP equipment.
The SME 211 is for applications that require multiple simultaneous, independent streams, each with individual control of streaming protocol, bit rate, and stream resolutions. The dual encode functionality supports streaming at high resolution to an SMD-series decoder in an overflow room while concurrently streaming at a lower resolution for remote viewing applications. A range of streaming transport protocols and session management methods are supported. These capabilities provide flexibility to stream from the SME 211 to a variety of devices in different system configurations and network conditions.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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New Eiki LED-Lit 3LCD EK-350U Projector Lasts 25K Hours Eiki International just debuted the EK-350U Meeting Room projector. This WUXGA resolution projector is spec’d at 4,500 ANSI Lumens brightness and uses a ColorSpark HLD LED lighting system that allows it to last over 25,000 hours.
With its HLD LED technology, the new EK-350U emits four times the light of current LED technology and includes rapid power on and off capability. With a 50,000:1 contrast ratio, corner keystone correction, 360-degree free orientation projection (both vertically and horizontally), lens shift and a curved correction and blending function, Eiki’s EK-350U can be used in digital signage, classrooms, meeting rooms and even rental applications because of its long light source life. The projector includes a 1.09 – 1.78: 1 throw with a manual zoom and focus lens.
Connectivity includes HDBaseT, HDMI, VGA, YPbPr and composite video.
Eiki’s new EK-350U lists for $4,995.00 and is already shipping. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Calibre Launches HQUltra4030 Seamless Scaler and SwitcherAt ISE 2018, Calibre UK (now owned by Coretronic) launched the HQUltra4030 seamless scaler-switcher. The new scaler-switcher is able to support up to 40 sources grouped into 23 discrete input channels, with four program outputs plus an independent confidence monitor output. The HQUltra4030 is spec’d to support 4K/UltraHD scaling up to 4K50/60 4:4:4 RGB formats (8-bit color). Calibre’s HQUltraFast technology claims typical input channel switching of 0.25 seconds in matrix switching with dissolve and fade transitions. The scaled image can be distributed across all four outputs while driving a programme surface area (whether for separate displays or a single videowall) up to true 8K/QuadUHD – 8192×4340.
The HQUltra4030 models provide all the functionality and performance of the base HQUltra4000 models, but more than doubles the number of scaling channels to 12 — four main, seven multi-layer PiPs/layers in total as well as a scalable background layer for each channel. The HQUltra4030S additionally provides eight 12G-SDI input channels and four 12G-SDI outputs, while the HQUltra4030FS supports SFP+ 12G-SDI optical I/O.
Standard input connectivity includes HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, composite, RGB and H.264 HD streaming video, plus front panel HDMI-in and USB connectors.
More detailed performance specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Vivitek Adds New NovoCast to NovoConnect Family of Wireless Content ProductsA new era of presentation flexibility comes to smaller classrooms and teaching spaces thanks to Vivitek’s introduction of NovoCast. NovoCast brings wireless presenting for up to eight participants in a classroom.
With NovoCast, anyone in a classroom that’s using the system can connect to a projector or flat panel display and instantly share content and collaborate to the main screen wirelessly, without having to rely on the school network. NovoCast enables teachers and students to connect from tablets, phones or laptops using WiFi; so whether it’s a teacher delivering a lesson.
As NovoCast is a wireless presentation system designed and based on the principle of BYOD, anyone can connect and share content using the Windows, Mac, Android, iOS or Chromebook device.
It also has a teacher moderator feature. Once lessons are up and running, NovoCast’s moderator and content preview functionalities enable students to participate, while giving the teacher full control over the content that is displayed. This prevents any inappropriate material being displayed during the lesson, along with any unpleasant surprises for both teachers and students.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Optoma Intros 10K Lumen Laser ProScene Projector for Large Venues Optoma today announced the ZU1050 WUXGA 10,000 lumens laser projector. The ZU1050 has seven interchangeable optical lens options, MultiColor laser (MCL) technology for a wider color gamut and Optoma’s DURACORE laser phosphor light source for virtually maintenance-free operation.
The Optoma ProScene ZU1050 is a WUXGA laser phosphor projector that’s designed for large venues is spec’d at 10,000 lumens, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio with Extreme Black. Its motorized lens shift, zoom and focus with 360-degree and portrait operation mode allows for installation nearly anywhere. Combined with a laser light source and IP6X-certified dust rating for its optical engine, the ZU1050 is a cost-efficient and low maintenance option that provides up to 20,000 hours of light source operation for large meeting rooms, auditoriums, museums, houses of worship and broadcast environment installations.
Optoma ProScene ZU1050 specs include:
- Resolution: 1920×1200 WUXGA
- Brightness: 10,000 ANSI lumens
- Light Source: Laser phosphor, providing up to 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance free operation
- Laser Type: MCL (red and blue laser)
- Optical engine: Airtight optical engine independently dust certified to IP6X
- Contrast Ratio: 2,000,000:1 with Extreme Black enabled; 2,000:1 full on/off
- Vertical and Horizontal Lens Shift: 50 percent vertical, 15 percent horizontal motorized lens shift, zoom and focus
- Edge blending and warping: with built-in with portrait and 360-degree operation mode
- Throw Ratio: 0.36:1 to 5.5:1, with seven interchangeable lens options, including the BX-CTADOME for dome applications
- Connectivity: a wide array, including HDMI, DVI-D, VGA, 3D sync in and 3D sync out, HDBaseT and 3G-SDI
The Optoma ProScene ZU1050 is $16,999 and it’s here. Leave a Comment
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Campus Technology Conference to Merge with UBTech Conference; rAVe Founder Invited to Deliver 2018 Welcome AddressProfessional Media Group, producer of the annual UBTech higher education technology conference, which will take place June 4-6, 2018 at the Mirage, Las Vegas, today announced an agreement to substantially grow the event’s size and influence through the incorporation of the Campus Technology Conference. The merger of these two conferences under the UBTech banner benefits higher education leaders and technology solution providers alike by providing a single event where higher education leaders can discover new solutions, share successes and gain insight into the evolving role of technology in higher education.
For the second year in a row, rAVe’s founder, Gary Kayye, has been asked to deliver the event’s Welcome Address. His topic will be all about the newly integrated Reese News Lab Collaborative Classroom of the Future just integrated at the University of North Carolina’s School of Media and Journalism. The classroom includes facial recognition for attendance, live-streaming, auto-recording and archiving using Extron’s Entwine system, collaborative learning elements such as Zoom, Nureva and Extron ShareLink as well as a 4K digital canvas for content delivery. Kayye’s welcome address in 2017 was all about the concept of the digital canvas in the classroom so for the 2018 event, he’ll actually show it and chronicle how it was integrated.
UBTech has been produced by Professional Media Group’s University Business magazine since 2004, steadily growing to a leading position as an educational and community-building event for higher education technology leadership. Through conference sessions and access to solution providers who understand and regularly work in the higher education space, UBTech equips college and university leaders with the latest thinking and best practices to unlock the potential of new and evolving technologies to contribute to student and institutional success.
“Campus Technology Conference, now in its 25th year, is taking an important step into the future by merging with UBTech,” said Ken Kahn, CEO of LRP Publications. “We’re pleased to partner with UBTech to best meet the needs of the higher education technology community.”
“We’re happy to welcome the Campus Technology Conference community to UBTech,” said Dan Kinnaman, president of Professional Media Group. “This merger creates an unprecedented opportunity for higher education leaders to gain valuable insights about the application of AV and IT technologies on their campuses.”
UBTech also offers attendees the benefit of free admission to the trade show floor at InfoComm, the largest professional AV trade show in the United States, which takes place annually during the same week and in the same location as UBTech. A strong culture of collaboration and networking provides UBTech attendees with access to an engaged and helpful community of peers to draw on even after the conference is over.
You can register for UBTech here. Leave a Comment
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Anchor Will Launch Next Generation PA SystemAnchor Audio will launch a new generation of portable PA systems on March 1, 2018. This new generation of portable audio products promise to deliver clear, dependable audio with improved simplicity and reliability for customers. The most significant changes include the implementation of a new wireless platform, AnchorLink, operating in the 1.9 GHz frequency range and new Lithium Ion batteries for longer battery life and reduced product weight. Additional improvements and feature upgrade information for the Anchor Audio product line will be available upon release. AnchorLink will be available in the Bigfoot, Beacon, Liberty, Go Getter, MegaVox, MiniVox, Acclaim, AN-1000X+, AN-130+ and CouncilMAN. For more information about AnchorLink, go here.
Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries will be available in the Bigfoot, Beacon, Liberty, Go Getter, MegaVox, and Acclaim. More details will be here. Leave a Comment
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NEC Display American Claims World’s Brightest RB Laser Projectors for Large Venues
NEC Display today claimed the world’s brightest red-blue (RB) laser projectors with the new PH Series – NEC PH3501QL and NEC PH2601QL. Both are native 4K (4096×2160) resolution.
The PH Series uses RB laser light source technology, is spec’d at 40,000 center lumens and 30,000 center lumens and the use of a red and blue laser light source which NEC says increases the color gamut of a laser phosphor projection system. And, like all laser projectors, it has a lifetime spec of at least 20,000 hours. Both models include Quad 3G SDI, two DisplayPort inputs, two HDMI inputs plus an optional slot for 4K/UHD OPS Slot-in PCs. It can be installed for landscape or portrait mode projection or 360 degree free tilt installation and it uses NEC’s cinema approved digital projection technology.
The PH Series features vertical +/- 50 percent and horizontal +/- 17 percent lens shift, a selection of wide zoom bayonet lenses and 4K60 4:4:4 up to 16-bit color and Picture in Picture or Picture by Picture display capabilities.
Here are all the specs on the NEC PH3501QL as well as the specs on the NEC PH2601QL.
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Hitachi Expands Collegiate Series Projector Line with Three New ProjectorsToday, Hitachi America announced the expansion of its Collegiate Series of projectors with the addition of three new high-brightness, low-maintenance projectors — the CP-EU4501WN, CP-EW5001WN and CP-EX5001WN. With these additions, the Collegiate Series now offers twelve different projector models ranging from 3,500 to 5,800 lumens.
All three of the newest models in the series have two digital inputs (HDMI and one HDMI/MHL), use 3LCD projection technology and claim a contrast ratio of 16.000:1. They offer brightness levels ranging from 4,500 to 5,200 lumens and resolutions ranging from XGA (1024×768) to WUXGA (1920×1200). The expanded Collegiate Series comes with a 1.6x zoom lens, moderator control mode (for wireless projection), multi-projector capability and projector monitoring from a remote location.
Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Roland Professional Ships the XS-62S Six-Channel Video Switcher and Audio Mixer Roland Professional is now shipping the XS-62S, an integrated six-channel video switcher and audio mixer with PTZ camera control capabilities in a space-saving design, optimized for installed or portable live event, recording, broadcast and streaming productions. The XS-62S delivers a powerful feature set in a compact 1RU form factor and can be operated by a single user from easy-to-use front panel controls or remotely from a Mac or PC or programmable interface.
The Roland XS-62S supports seamless six-channel switching between four SDI inputs, featuring de-interlacer along with scaled HDMI and RGB inputs from computer, tablet and other video sources, plus two still images stored in internal memory. Two SDI and two HDMI outputs may be assigned to program (PGM), preview (PVW) or auxiliary (AUX) buses. The multiview output displays all six video input sources, two still images and PGM and PVW outputs with audio meters. Three video switching modes are available, enabling the XS-62S to handle a wide range of applications, including presentations, performances and special events, corporate AV conferences and distance learning.
In PGM/PST Mode, the XS-62S operates as a traditional video switcher, enabling the grouping of multiple images on a single screen, with independent assignment to the AUX bus supporting confidence, downstage monitor or additional presentation screens. Downstream keyer (DSK), which supports both luminance (black/white) and chroma (blue/green) keying, plus PinP (picture-in-picture) functionality, enables compositing of titles, graphics and inset video. PinP may be selected in circle, heart or diamond shapes in addition to the typical square or rectangle.
Dissolve Mode offers video switching and composition with cross-dissolve to the PGM bus and is suitable for a system where the user directly operates the main unit in a meeting space or event. The separate AUX bus is also available in Dissolve Mode.
In Matrix Mode, the XS-62S allows individual video input signals to be assigned to three different destinations on three buses with fade-to-black seamless switching. This mode is effective for routing signals in applications using multiple screens while simultaneously mixing program audio and controlling PTZ remote cameras.
The XS-62S features an 18-channel audio mixer with four TRS jacks and an RCA stereo pair, plus audio de-embed from the six video inputs. Roland’s innovative discreet eight-channel analog audio embedding enables the operator to select which audio source to embed separately to SDI outputs 1 and 2, for example, to fix audio issues or separate multi-language audio sources when editing after an event.
In addition to the high-quality preamps, powerful on-board audio processing includes a high-pass filter, gate, compressor, three-band EQ and delay, plus the ability to select audio-follows-video channels. Processing may be controlled from the front panel screen menus or using Roland’s powerful Remote Control Software (RCS) for PC or Mac. Integrated auto-mixing automatically adjusts the audio inputs based on weighting, ensuring even levels for the room mix, recording and web streaming even from hard-to-manage sources as multi-microphone discussion panels.
The XS-62S is designed for direct control and intuitive operation by a single user in any AV application, with a dedicated menu screen and audio volume knobs easily accessible on the front panel. Programmable PTZ camera control eliminates the need for individual camera operators through one-touch recall of preset camera positions and angles, combined with the audio auto-mixer, allows the operator to focus on switching video. Professional broadcast-quality crosspoint buttons are back-lit with brightness control for use in bright daylight or dark performance spaces.
An RS-422 port provides PTZ control (VISCA) along with an RS232 connector for remote control from a touch panel or other programmable interface device. A USB port is included for still image uploads and for saving program files. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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MuxLab Debuts 4K60 Fiber Transmitter/Receiver and Controller SetThe MuxLab AV-over-IP 4K/60 (4:2:0) uncompressed extender uses fiber (model 500761) to route video over the network. It connects sources to displays through a 10Gig Ethernet Switch (SDVoE) and it supports both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. The systems’ transmitters and receivers can connect to the switch using OM4 multimode fiber cable, effectively transmitting up to 1,300 feet (400 meters) in distance so equipment can be stored far from the installation and accessed remotely.
Resolutions up to 4K/60 are supported when using both HDMI and DisplayPort. When uncompressed, zero latency video is delivered at 4K/60 (4:2:0). With light compression and visually lossless latency (less than one frame), video is delivered at 4K/60 (4:4:4).
Both transmitter and receiver come equipped with a 1G Ethernet Switch port to connect network devices. RS232 and IR provide remote control options. A wall-mount bracket kit is included.
When paired with MuxLab’s ProDigital Network Controller (model 500811), remote configuration and control of the entire AV over IP system is accomplished. Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic Solves High-Density Cabling Challenges With Wider SR Series Pivoting Wall Rack Middle Atlantic Products has expanded its SR Series of Pivoting Wall Racks with a new wider model to provide integrators with more space to manage high-density cable bundles. Building on the successful SR Series platform, the new Wider SR Series saves valuable square footage over traditional floor-standing racks in AV, security, and data applications. The wider models include all of the advanced functionality of the SR Series, including a unique pivoting mechanism that opens 90 degrees, simplifying integrators’ access to rear equipment connections.
Originally developed to combine the advantages of a floor-standing enclosure and wall-mounted cabinet in one unit, the SR Series provides the easy rear access and space savings of a wall rack via a unique swing-out cabinet section that pivots on a weight-bearing floor base. The Wider SR Series takes into account that systems are evolving as equipment continues to increase in capability and decrease in size, offering integrators a different option for mounting systems closer to the point of use.
Within a seismic-certified enclosure, the new Wider SR Series Pivoting Wall Rack is available in 24 RU, 40 RU and 46 RU options. Featuring the SR Series’ unique pivoting floor base, this solution saves an average of nine square feet per cabinet, which is ideal for compact spaces that have a smaller footprint and do not require clearance at the rear of the cabinet, saving aisle space. The rack also incorporates Middle Atlantic’s built-in cable management and patented tool-free QuickMount system for center section mounting.
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Extron Ships New 10″ Touchpanel Extron just started shipping their new TLP Pro 1025T 10″ Tabletop TouchLink Pro Touchpanel. Extron redesigned this touchpanel inside and out with a new quad-core processor, eight times more memory, a 1280×800 capacitive touchscreen built with scratch and smudge-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass and a new enclosure design with a sweeping back. The TLP Pro 1025T also features the convenience of PoE — Power over Ethernet, which allows it to receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable. It is ideal in any environment requiring a stylish, tabletop touchpanel with a fully-customizable interface.
The TLP Pro 1025T is built for today with an eye on the future. With its improved graphics engine, quad-core processor, and increased RAM, Extron says it allows for faster background graphic loads and page flips. All TouchLink Pro touchpanels can be customized using Extron GUI Designer software. And here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Wireless Presentation Solutions Market to See 16 Percent CAGRThe Wireless Presentation Solutions Global Market Report reveals that sales of WPS, which is a segment of the rapidly evolving meeting and classroom collaboration market, grew 35 percent from 2016 to 2017, accounting for over $480 million in revenues, with further growth forecast in the short to medium term.
“The opportunities available in this space are vast,” says Anthony Brennan, research analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “There is growing demand in corporate and education markets for increased content sharing from a range of mobile devices to a main display. However, evolving end-user demands and the entrance of vendors from a wide range of backgrounds pose a significant threat to established WPS hardware companies.”
Although the dedicated WPS hardware segment, led by Barco ClickShare, is predicted to grow throughout the forecast period, with a 2017-2022 CAGR of 16 percent, ASPs are forecast to decline, as the market shifts to entry level solutions and competition intensifies. WPS vendors face a growing threat from an array of product categories, which are integrating wireless screen sharing as a secondary feature. In addition, the longer-term adoption of software-based solutions is expected to impact sales of proprietary hardware as the market matures. Futuresource forecasts that competition across product categories will escalate moving forwards, bringing new vendors to the segment and posing a unique threat to the make-up of the market.
Despite this, the outlook for dedicated WPS hardware solutions remains healthy in the short to mid-term, with demand for sharing content from multiple devices in meeting and classrooms growing. This is particularly evident in Western Europe and North America, where volumes are most concentrated. China presents an anomaly in the worldwide market, with the country dominated by domestic players and international brands struggling to gain a foothold. The role of low-cost solutions coming from China adds even more pressure to this rapidly changing market.
In a unique industry first, this report sizes and profiles the global WPS category, providing detailed market sizing, brand share analysis and forecasting for hardware-based commercial grade wireless presentation solutions in B2B markets.
The report also forecasts market growth of competing technologies and discusses the developments in software based WPS and trends in the integration of wireless presentation capabilities as a feature into other meeting and classroom hardware. In addition, the report offers an overview of the competitive landscape providing key vendor profiling and shipment information. Leave a Comment
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Key Digital Introduces VGA/HDMI Input Plate Extender KitKey Digital has introduced the KD-SX440WP wall plate HDBaseT/HDMI extender kit. The KD-SX440WP is a wall-plate input presentation switcher and extender kit ideal for professional video installations in conference rooms, huddle spaces, class rooms and more.
KD-SX440WP enables audio visual contractors to deliver a simplistic all-in-one presentation switcher, scaler and extender set for their clients. The transmit unit is a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing wall plate with HDMI and VGA plus audio inputs ideal for mounting on wall or in table pockets. End-users will have no trouble with their new technology as KD-SX440WP offers auto-switching and analog video scaling to ensure the presentation is a success.
KD-SX440WP is HDCP 2.2 compliant and consists of KD-SX440WPTx and KD-SX440Rx. 4K/UHD 24/25/30 (4:4:4) and 4K/UHD 60 (4:2:0) signals are extended up to 230 feet using a single Cat5e/6 cable. 1080p/60, 1920×1200 signals are extended up to 328 feet. In addition to AV signals, KD-SX440WP extends IR and RS232 for controlling remotely located equipment. The wall-plate unit (Tx) fits in a standard US dual-gang box and is powered by the Rx unit for convenient installation.
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