Volume 12, Issue 3 — February 20, 2014
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Industry News Audio Projection Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories Control & Signal Processing Displays
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ISE Becomes World’s Largest AV Trade Show and Has Six Clear Tech Themes
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Before the doors closed on the 2014 edition of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) last week in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, nearly every exhibitor already knew it was a record show. NEC reported to us on Day 2 of the show that they’d seen a 40 percent increase on leads on Day 1 over 2013’s totals. Barco reported similar stats. Same for Sony, Panasonic, Cisco, AOpen, Lighthouse, Peerless-AV and Control4. All reported at least 40 percent increases in leads year over year. Final attendance was 51,003.
ISE is a combo-show in that it combines the best of InfoComm and CEDIA, thus it’s a showing of ProAV and HomeAV products in one giant show venue. But, it also includes an entire hall and a half dedicated to digital signage, one dedicated to nothing but videoconferencing and unified communications providers, one that houses over 40 manufacturers of giant LED screens and one hall that’s nearly exclusively staging rigs, gear and lighting. It’s like a half a dozen shows in one.
What was most interesting to me that, in over 20 years of exhibiting or covering international AV trade shows all over the world, I’ve never seen so many North American-based dealers and integrators walking a show outside of the USA. This may seem like a minor point, but, if you think about it, for years — well for over 20 years, international integrators have been coming over to the U.S. to attend AV shows like InfoComm and CEDIA Expo and now the tables are turned. And, as ISE falls right after CES and a full four months before InfoComm and seven months before CEDIA, it makes sense that ISE will just continue to grow. And, I’ll bet that more U.S. integrators will attend as 2014 marked a record number of product introductions at ISE. And, we know this for sure as we actually shot videos of all of them and posted them all on this site. Well over 1,000 new products.
And, for 2014, there were a few clear themes that you should know about as, not only will they be themes at InfoComm, but the will change integration of AV forever:
1. 4K isn’t 3D: A few years ago, 3D was all the rage. But, alas, it was hype. Not 4K. 4K is the real deal and will, in fact, have a huge impact on ProAV faster than any new display technological evolution in the last 15-years. And, no, not because of image quality. Yes, for the HomeAV market, the impact of image quality will drive 4K. But, the adoption curve will be way slower. Where 3D was driven by the consumer market and trickled up to ProAV, 4K will be driven by the ProAV market and will trickle down to the HomeAV market — when content is available. That will be a year or two away for most of us.
But, with 4K in ProAV systems, the impact will be quick and by InfoComm, some of you will have actually already integrated 4K systems in to meeting rooms and classrooms. Why? Well, 4K makes multi-imaging awesome. And, as you’ll see from theme number two (see #2 below), multi-imaging content, presentations and video is something we will all find very easy to do and something clients will ask us to do as fast as we can. Currently, using a 1080p projector or even a WUXGA resolution one and then sharing the screen between a videoconference an a Powerpoint presentation leaves a lot to be desired. The shrunk-down images and resolution, make the content quality poor. But, imaging building rooms where the screen is filled with native 1080p content (not scaled down) and a Powerpoint shown side by side and both in native resolutions — wow!
But, you’re only thinking short term if you see that as the wow’ing solution for your clients. Here’s where 4K will be big. Imagine replacing the entire (or most of it, anyway) with a giant projection screen and filling the front of the room with native content. You see, for years, we’ve designed rooms with the projection screen size based on the least-favored viewer (the guy sitting at the back of the room). And, with a single image projected on a screen, this makes sense as that image fills the screen. But, the trend in “collaboration” (that word being used for sharing multiple types of content on the same screen (e.g., a Powerpoint presentation and a website at the same time), with 4K you don’t need to lose resolution. And, in that case, both images should be considered — size wise — when sizing the screen for the least favored viewer. Thus, the screens need to be gigantic. Yes, it’s sort of like changing the way we envision a screen into more of the way an IMAX theater is built. And this makes sense. Shrinking down images to display them side by side means that people in the room can’t see the content being displayed. But, keeping the content the same size as specified by room design criteria, means that you need a much bigger screen when displaying two things (or more) at the same time. Think Barco ClickShare, WOW Vision and Christie Brio sharing on the screen you now have in most rooms you designed versus what I am proposing and envisioning. Do it my way and you’ll see all the detail of all four images being displayed no matter where you sit in the room.
So, Da-Lite, Draper, DNP, Projecta, et al. you need to start making larger screens as standard sizes — not custom orders!
2. Collaboration: Collaboration means different things in different markets. In the ProAV market, however, it means sharing multiple pieces of content on the screen simultaneously. So, while making a Powerpoint presentation, you can bring up a website or a spreadsheet and display both of them at their native resolution — so everyone can see everything. Well, at ISE 0214, there were a half-dozen new versions of this from companies like Christie, Sony, WOW Vision, Cisco, Panasonic and a couple I can’t talk about as they were shown to me privately — but, know they are BIG companies.
Sharing content this way is being made possible via two technological advances: the network and the devices. The network (wired or wireless) is capable of delivering any type of content to us without it ever getting on a VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI connector. And, it’s only a matter of time before projectors and LCDs have built-in network ports that play all types of content without a media player. Did you know that Barco’s already building its ClickShare wireless system into a few lines of projectors? You think we’re far from Sony, Christie and companies like Extron and Crestron doing it? Sure, there’s no way this concept of building systems will be the majority of the market over the next five years, but it will be a significant chunk of it — thus, the devices.
3. Cloud-Based Conferencing: On done form or another, every VTC and UC company that exhibited at ISE showed cloud-connectivity. Some are actually moving towards placing the entire codec in the cloud (like Pexip and Blue Jeans) or are allowing cloud connectivity (connectivity in to a video call via a browser) like the way Cisco and Polycom are doing it. And, then you have Skype (Microsoft will make its AV debut at InfoComm) and Lync and a few other competing “standards” on the horizon. However you do it, you will ALL be integrating Videoconferencing and/or (hopefully or as it’s better) unified communications as the network and the gear is way easier to do this (and fully integrate it in to an AV system) than it ever has been. In the 1990s when this stuff debuted, the phone companies couldn’t deliver on ISDN and T-1s as promised. Then, in the 2000s, the network wasn’t reliable or fast enough. Now, it all just works. And, the gear is easy to integrate and use.
4. Social Media Monitoring NOCs: Yes, the future of network operations centers (NOCs) and command and control systems is not limited to utilities, cities, governments and oil and gas. In fact, the real growth is in social media marketing. No other application is as data intensive as monitoring the thousands of daily mentions on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Vine, WeChat and the handful of other social media tools currently being used to mention company names, complain about customer service or ask for help for big brands. And, brands will be wanting to monitor it all just like a city monitors security and a gas company monitors all their assets. This will be huge and integrators will be integrating thousands of these command centers this year. This market will dwarf the current NOC market within three years. I guarantee it!
5. Digital Signage Simplicity: ISE brought more digital signage products than I’ve ever seen — way more than at the annual DSE — Digital Signage Expo. But DSE is in Las Vegas so the two don’t really compete as DSE is mostly a U.S. show. Most digital signage manufacturers were heading to DSE this week – directly from ISE – and so are we. We have a dedicated DSE MicroSite here (where we’ll post all the show videos we shoot, blogs and news too: www.ravepubs.com/dse2104. But, what’s happened at DSE was the simplicity of the DS system – thanks to the new generation of media players, was evident. Digital signage is for more than IT and HomeAV integrators now – ProAV is getting it.
6. Dante Dominates Networked Audio: There isn’t a single audio manufacturer that matters not using Audinate’s Dante for networking audio. Every company is doing it now — with Extron, Atlas Sound and Crestron being the latest two to announce it. You will be integrating all your audio on the network by the end of 2015. All of it.
Certainly, this doesn’t cover everything that my team saw at ISE. We had 17 reporters at ISE and we shot over 1200 videos, 1000 photos, 15 podcasts and 300 news stories and blogs and you can see it all here. I hope it helps you find the new products you’re looking for. Leave a Comment
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Home Again After ISE 2014
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
I arrived home last night after a whirlwind day of post-show meetings and goodbyes in Amsterdam. Now, with a profound case of jet-lag, I am sitting down with all my notes and recordings to put this year’s show into some perspective.
First, however, let me say something about the effort in which I was fortunate enough to play a small part. Over the course of the three day show, I did over a dozen interviews, both video and audio, with exhibitors, association executives, and attendees.
But that was nothing compared to the journalistic feat that the ever-enthusiastic rAVe crew does at this show, and I want to give some credit where credit is due – to the team of young journalists who travelled to Amsterdam with rAVe.
The rAVe [NOW] coverage of a major tradeshow like ISE is a truly massive effort and a very ambitious use of new media technology. There were a number of news organizations at the show, bringing you the highlights and press releases that they could find out about, and that they decided were important enough to cover.
rAVe is the only team with the incredibly ambitious goal of bringing you ALL of it.
To that end, a troop of young reporters shot hundreds and hundreds of videos in all the stands, capturing new lines, new products, interviews and backgrounders — over 1,200. We record dozens of podcasts with movers and shakers and even random attendees. And a team of people work 20 hour days in the rAVe Show Office, located right on the main show floor, to post them all to the web and social media as quickly as possible. They work on the fly to make them cataloged and searchable, so that you can find out all the information you need to know from one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive electronics trade shows, and from all the events that surround it. And, while all that is going on, another team back home is working around the clock editing, composing and keeping the whole system humming along.
My hat’s off to all of them. It’s a massive undertaking, and the results of their unflagging efforts and energy speak for themselves. Check out all their achievements at www.ravepubs.com/ISE2014.
The Show
Now, what about the show itself? Well, if you want my reactions to many of the individual exhibits, events and announcements, you can check out all my video and audio podcasts on the ISE microsite. But if you want my overall reactions to what was important about this year’s show, here are a few of the highlights:
4K
Well, I have to admit to having been pretty mild about the performance of 4K technologies in the market thus far. Not because I don’t like the idea of higher resolution displays, but because display technology moved out in front of applications for a while. But this show really showcased the things 4K resolution will be able to accomplish in the market. Foremost among them were the use of incredibly detailed 3D renderings for industrial visualization. There was a set of 3D renderings of a Ford Mustang and an Audi R8, in use in a number of exhibits (quite spectacularly on a 120Hz display in the Christie stand, among others) that really showed off how much more detail 4K carries. And, of course, the use of 4K will improve conference rooms with large flat panel displays capable of multiple HD windows at native resolutions. It’s still not all there, but the show would indicate that applications are arriving quicker than a lot of us expected.
Unified Communications
Well, if 4K was the display technology du jour, then unified communications was everybody’s secret sauce. UC was everywhere, from interactive whiteboard systems that added 1080p video conferencing to videoconferencing systems that added whiteboarding. The term was even applied to furniture. It’s obvious that the unified communications market is the explosive market in AV, and that we are applying it in broader terms than we have in the past. The biggest talk in UC was the upcoming participation of Microsoft in InfoComm. While past experience teaches me to doubt Microsoft’s ability to steer our industry, especially in professional conferencing standards where their track record is dismal, there is no doubt that their participation is yet another sign that our market is maturing to the point that even bigger players are going to play. I am eager to see how everyone is going to react their presence.
In short, ISE was a great show, and its growth points the way to its being an even better show in the future. If you want to see why, check out the whole thing at www.ravepubs.com/ISE2014
JRR
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Christie QuickConnect Allows iOS Control of Christie ProjectorsThe Christie QuickConnect App enables end users and installers to project photos, documents and websites to a compatible Christie projector over Wi-Fi from their iOS devices. It also allows users to control their projector using an iOS device. This app is specifically designed to control Christie LW401, LWU421, LX501, LW551i, LWU501i, LX601i, DXG1051-Q, DWX951-Q and DWU951-Q projectors.
The app is supported on all iOS version 5.1+ enabled mobile devices. The Christie QuickConnect app and the projector must be on the same local Wi-Fi network. Features of the QuickConnect App include:
- Projector discovery
- Content delivery lets users display content from their iOS devices to the projector, including documents, images and webpages
- Projector control: standby/on, audio mute, blank and freeze, input source selection
- Inputs include two computer ports, two USB ports, HDMI, video, S-video and LAN
- Display modes — full image mode or multi-iPads mode (up to four iPads at the same time).
- Presenter mode enables the user to invite others to present or prevent another iOS device from connecting to the projector.
Here are all the details and how to get it. Leave a Comment
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Atlas Sound Opens Project Design Registration Program, Will Credit Dealers for Spec’ing Products Even if Bids Are Lost Atlas Sound sent a letter to its dealers yesterday offering credits in a few different ways, including for specifying Atlas Sound products in bids they ultimately don’t win. Dealers can also receive rebates for switching out competitor products for Atlas Sound products or just specifying Atlas Sound products in the first place. This will be done through a project design registration program the company is setting up.
rAVe founder Gary Kayye says, “This is a great idea protecting those design/build and full service integrators that do the work up-front to design projects from the predatory price-based hang-and-bang dealers. I’d love to see more manufacturers do this. Loyd, why not brand this as a service and license it, for free, to other manufacturers to use to show that they care about protecting the channel partners that do the work? I’ll bet companies like Extron, Christie, Barco, Listen Technologies and Lectrosonics would sign on. All of them have eliminated box-house like integrators from their distribution channels.”
The full text of Atlas Sound founder Loyd Ivey’s letter is below:
An Open Letter to the Industry From the Desk of Loyd Ivey
Atlas Sound has been a trusted partner in the commercial audio industry since 1934. As manufacturer member number one in the NSCA and a huge supporter of all of its integrators, the warriors on the front line spilling blood, sweat, and tears working to just to make payroll at the end of the week. I have noticed a trend in our industry that I find very disturbing and unfortunate.
Integrators spend a lot of time and expend a lot of effort to write design build specifications only to lose that sale to another company that is able to undercut the price. This is one of the most frustrating scenarios an integrator can run into, have someone else take their design and specification and undercut the job. Some large manufacturers take advantage of smaller integrators by offering huge deals to a limited number of people that qualify. These deals enable them to offer a lower price and win the bid with no investment of time or capital. We at Atlas believe you should be rewarded for the work you do and for this reason we are launching a new Project Design Registration Program. This program is designed to ensure that all the integrators who specify Atlas Sound products in a system design receive compensation, whether they win the job bid or not.
Based on our commitment to be the easiest company to do business with, this program is simple to understand and allows everyone to win. We are offering integrators the opportunity to earn additional compensation based on three scenarios. First, integrators that are involved in design/build projects that specify Atlas Sound products and complete a project design registration form will qualify for a rebate credit based on the amount of Atlas products used in the specification. Second, integrators will qualify for the rebate credit if they change a specification from a competitor’s products to Atlas Sound products. Finally, a rebate credit will be issued to any integrator who creates the specification but loses the bid on projects that still utilize the Atlas Sound products from the specification.
There is no program comparable to this in the industry. Atlas has a huge assortment of high quality products that can be used in so many different types of installations that we wanted to reward our integrators for considering our full assortment when completing design/build specifications. Additionally, we want to compensate integrators that specify Atlas Sound even if they lose the bid and Atlas is still used, which is something that no other manufacturer offers.
The Project Design Registration Program includes all Atlas Sound products like speakers, horns, amplifiers, BlueBridge DSP, IP speakers, power conditioners, racks/cabinets, A-Line, sound masking, and Time Saving Devices. Participation is easy; integrators must complete a Project Design Registration Program form and submit it via email for rebate credit consideration. Please contact your Atlas regional sales manager, local representative, or Atlas customer service to take advantage of this program.
Sincerely,
Loyd Ivey President & CEO Leave a Comment
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Pakedge Debuts W7R Rack-Mountable Dual-Band Concurrent Wireless Access PointPakedge Device & Software has expanded its wireless access point lineup with the introduction of the W7R Rack-Mountable Dual-Band Concurrent Wireless Access Point (WAP). The new W7R provides simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz operation and comes with symmetrical rack-mountable brackets. Pakedge says the W7R offers improved range, data throughput and reliability along with greater configuration options compared to conventional designs.
The W7R utilizes Smartwav technology to proactively learn the wireless environment around the WAPs and dynamically direct its signal toward client devices and around potential sources of interference, like microwaves or thick walls. This allows Pakedge devices to produce a more powerful signal with greater coverage, yet still use less power. The W7R’s four Smartwav antennas allow it to broadcast constructive signals by synchronizing waveforms, further increasing range, throughput and quality of service via an extremely stable radio signal, without the peaks and valleys that characterize traditional wireless devices.
The W7R features band-steering functionality that can automatically push capable clients from the 2.4GHz band to the less-congested 5.0GHz band for improved performance. It employs Pakedge’s TruStream suite of features designed to provide best-quality streaming media performance. TruStream allows the W7R to recognize and categorize network traffic and ensure that high-priority traffic like streaming video, music or VoIP is given precedence. TruStream avoids interference or high latency, which can cause buffering, lag or even complete interruption of streaming playback.
The Pakedge W7R is optimized for use with smartphones, tablets, laptops and home control devices. Its SectorMaxx software takes a new approach to handling environmental wireless noise. SectorMaxx optimizes the device’s signal-to-noise ratio, yielding up to three times the broadcast range of traditional wireless access points.
The W7R offers three deployment options: standalone via built-in Smartwav intelligence, using the Pakedge PC and Mac Software Discovery Tool or integration with the Pakedge C36 Wireless Network Controller for a fully-harmonized network. The W7R also integrates with the Pakedge BakPak cloud-integrated mobile and web app, enabling reporting and basic maintenance to be done from anywhere in the world and across any platform including laptop browser, tablet and mobile device access.
The W7R provides multiple SSID and VLAN support. It is compatible with the Pakedge C36 wireless network controller to receive commands from a central control center. Like all Pakedge products, the W7R is specifically built for custom-installation and high-reliability applications, with an aluminum housing that provides maximum protection from interference and efficient cooling when used in tight spaces.
The W7R is here. Leave a Comment
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AVI-SPL Intros Privacy Features for MeetingsAVI-SPL has introduced two new features addressing the increased concern by customers about unauthorized video calls into meeting rooms. AVI-SPL’s expanded solution portfolio allows clients in varying industries to easily incorporate privacy safeguards into their day-to-day conferencing experiences.
VNOC Symphony Automated Room Shutdown: VNOC Symphony’s Business Processes Automation Module hinders uninvited guests from seeing or hearing what is happening in a conference room by automatically performing a series of shutdown procedures after every video meeting. This is available to AVI-SPL Video Managed Service customers as a part of their meeting process.
The Block ME device is for customers who want a more tangible way to ensure privacy in their meeting environments. This small device enables the users in the room to simply press one button to block any video calls from being launched or received in the room they are in. The device can easily be installed in any video conference room, doesn’t require programming or a control panel and cannot be accessed remotely. The patent pending design allows the video endpoint to continue to be monitored so it does not cause unwarranted alarms to network operations team.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Spring Stampede Big Book of AV Tour Kicks Off in ScottsdaleThe Spring 2014 Stampede Big Book of AV (BBOAV) Tour rolls into the Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 13th featuring hands-on demos, presentations, and training. And, it will coincide with the International Technology Retail Association (ITRA) Annual Member Meeting as well as the regional Infocomm Roundtable Meeting that offers the opportunity for additional networking and CTS certified training.
The Scottsdale stop will also feature a presentation by Sony on video conferencing and the wireless transmission of hi-def video. Each session will earn attendees .5 CTS RU Credit. Additionally, Stampede will be offering event incentives such as $500 Stampede credit, a $100 Restaurant.com gift card and a $50 gift card for attending the BBOAV Tour. Every attendee will also be entered into a drawing to win a 42” LG LCD HD television.
Following Scottsdale, the Stampede 2014 Big Book of AV Tour continues through the spring on the following schedule:
- February 20, 2014 in Montreal, Canada
- March 6, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio
- March 13, 2014 in Irvine, California (with InfoComm)
- April 17, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts (with InfoComm
- May 15, 2014 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (with InfoComm)
For more information about each event and to register to attend, click here. Leave a Comment
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Blonder Tongue and Monroe Electronics Collaborate on Emergency Alert Management Solution Blonder Tongue and Monroe Electronics have teamed up to create an emergency alert information and distribution platform for the campus environment — whether it be university, government, enterprise, retail or stadium — without requiring a set-top box (STB). Monroe Electronics’ One-Net SE emergency alert system (EAS) has been integrated with the EQAM-420B EdgeQAM with EAS from Blonder Tongue, allowing cable operators to deliver customized, local emergency alert information to viewers in a manner that is easy, cost-effective, and scalable.
After receiving emergency alert information from national, local, and private agencies, Monroe Electronics’ One-Net SE generates a customized EAS message and transmits the information to the EQAM-420B with EAS for distribution into the television system. The EQAM-420B with EAS features a dual Gigabit Ethernet input and a QAM coaxial output with a separate Ethernet management port, simplifying network connections. The EdgeQAM aggregates multiple SD and HD programs received in IP format and delivers them over a standard coaxial distribution network. Standard programming is replaced with full-screen text, video, and accompanying audio to ensure an impactful reception on the viewer. Since no STBs are needed at viewing locations, it’s easy to reach every viewer at the lowest possible cost.
Based on a modular design, the EQAM-420B with EAS can be scaled to support anywhere between one to hundreds of channels, providing operators with a flexible, cost-effective solution that is perfect for a wide variety of markets, including education, enterprise, healthcare, and hospitality. An intuitive Web-based interface simplifies setup and operation, lowering the learning curve for operators and eliminating the need for IT support. Remote monitoring and control can be performed via a comprehensive user interface that is compatible with standard Web browsers.
Controlled by a simple web browser interface, the Monroe Electronics’ One-Net SE is FCC-certified and IPAWS conformant, ensuring EAS messages are properly formatted and understood by the viewing audience. Optional AM/FM/NOAA internal receivers allow radio inputs for monitoring any standard over-the-air EAS alerts. Using tiered security enables multiple, simultaneous users, and a unique text-to-speech functionality automatically creates a consistent voice to accompany text messages, saving time and eliminating errors.
Blonder Tongue’s next-generation EQAM-420B with EAS supports up to 64 MPEG-2/H.264 single program transport streams (SPTS) or 16 multi-program transport streams (MPTS). Each program can maintain up to one video and two audio elementary streams. The IGMPv3-capable solution can be configured with one to four modules, each with four adjacent QAM channels for a total of 16 QAM channels (40 dBmV). PMT and PID values are passed through without changes to ensure accurate program information. The EdgeQAM solution also features a soft, IP-enabled EAS trigger and SNMPv2 support for product and network management.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Almo Announces 2014 E4 AV Tour: First Stop in Dallas March 11 Almo Professional A/V has announced the 2014 series of f E4 AV Tours, starting with “Navigate to New Horizons” in Dallas on March 11. E4 Dallas will include a first-run keynote address focused on pre-engineering AV into smart buildings, and new courses led by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tom Stimson, past president of InfoComm International. E4 Dallas will also feature a dynamic array of more than 35 manufacturing partners and infinite networking opportunities with business colleagues and other AV professionals.
Now in its fifth year, the E4 tour continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of AV resellers, integrators and consultants. Credited as the industry’s most specialized one-day dealer event, E4 has traveled to countless cities to serve the product, technical and business training needs of thousands of resellers and installers while creating the ideal forum for professional networking. New products from Samsung, Sharp Aquos, Planar, Canon and BrightSign will be shown at the event.
According to keynote speaker Gary Kayye, rAVe founder and chief visionary at Kayye Consulting, “AV has finally hit the mainstream, crossing the chasm from early adopter to early majority and we’re about to be specified by every architect and facility manager on the planet. And if you want to be part of the impending explosive growth that’s about to occur with pre-engineering AV into every room in new construction, you’ll need to learn all about Smart Building technology yourself so that you can become a preferred provider to the architect or facility manager.”
E4 Dallas will include the following courses, worth a total of nine valuable InfoComm Renewal Units:
- Audio Gain Structure, Andre LeJeune, InfoComm International, Learn two easy methods for setting gain structure in an audio system
- Demystifying Media Players for Digital Signage, Jonathan Brawn, Brawn Consulting (Sponsored by Samsung),Demystify the concepts and specifications of media players, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type and understand the emerging technologies that can change the deployment of digital signage
- Don’t Be a Commodity: Dealing with RFPs (Highlighted E4 AV Tour Addition), Tom Stimson, Stimson Group, LLC, Discover how to turn price shoppers into value customers
- Assessing Network Readiness for AV Systems, Andre LeJeune, InfoComm International, Review documentation, demo a free network planning tool and discuss what to do when an unexpected error occurs
- How to Compete Against Old-School AV Dealers (Highlighted E4 AV Tour Addition), Tom Stimson, Stimson Group, LLC, Discusses how to modernize the basic business model to include services with the product sale
- The Ins and Outs of Projector Edge Blending Technology, Dave Arnott, NEC, Demonstrates how to complete a proper edge blend technique to display a single, high-resolution image
- Five Technologies that Will Impact AV, Joe Cornwall, C2G, Explores the five wired/wireless technologies that will deliver the greatest effect on deployment of digital video infrastructure over the next five years
- Metrics and Analytics for ROI in Digital Signage, Jonathan Brawn, Brawn Consulting, Focuses on understanding digital signage analytics and measurement tools and technologies for realistic expectations and a positive outcome for a project
E4 Dallas Details: E4 Dallas is on March 11, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is an entirely free event, including parking, for Almo Pro A/V’s reseller, integrator and consultant partners. To register, click here. OnDemand coverage will once again be provided by rAVe. Past coverage of E4 AV Tours can be found here. Leave a Comment
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Aviom’s New D800 and D800-Dante A-Net Distributors Now ShippingAviom is shipping its new D800 and the D800-Dante A-Net Distributors. Both units are designed to distribute audio and power to up to eight Aviom personal mixers like their predecessor, the A-16D Pro A-Net Distributor, but these units offer new features and easier to integrate with various consoles.
The D800 A-Net Distributor, used in conjunction with the Aviom SB4 System Bridge, makes it possible to send audio from up to four console cards into an Aviom A360 Personal Mixing System. With four cards, users can make up to 64 channels available to the Aviom Personal Mixers connected to the D800, and each A360 Personal Mixer can have a unique set of channels for the performer to mix.
Similarly, the D800-Dante A-Net Distributor simplifies connections to the Aviom personal mixers by making it possible to connect directly from any Dante console or network into the Aviom system. With the D800-Dante A-Net Distributor, 64 channels from the network can be available to the personal mixers in the system. Each performer can mix those channels he or she wants from this pool of 64 available channels.
Both of the new distributors are compatible with Aviom’s A-16II and A-16R Personal Mixers, but when used with the A360 Personal Mixers, the D800s also offer the new Network Mix Back feature. Network Mix Back sends a digital copy of the stereo mix output from each A360 Personal Mixer connected to the D800 or D800-Dante back to the Dante network or to an AN-16/o v.4 Output Module for simplified connections to musicians’ wireless in-ear transmitters. With Network Mix Back, transmitters for wireless in-ears can be set up off stage, while cabling for the personal mixers on stage is simplified. In addition, both D800s serve as a communications hub for iOS devices connected via an Ethernet Wi-Fi router. iOS support for the A360 is scheduled for release later this year.
The D800 specs are here while the D800-Dante specs are here. Leave a Comment
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HARMAN’s AKG Launches WMS420 Wireless Microphone System HARMAN’s AKG today launched the WMS420 wireless system, a single-channel wireless system designed for smaller venues such as schools, town halls and houses of worship. There are four targeted product packages: Vocal Set with AKG D5 handheld microphone, Head-worn Set with AKG C555L, Lavalier Set with AKG C417 and Instrument Set with AKG MKG L cable. Also, the WMS420 is rack-mountable in addition to having detachable extended antennas that attach to the back of the receiver.
The WMS420 system includes the SR420 UHF stationary receiver with two external and detachable antennas on the rear side, as well as BNC connectors at standard 50 ohms. The HT420 handheld transmitter’s and PT420 pocket transmitter’s charging contacts, like the AKG WMS470, are compatible with the AKG CU400 charging station.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Biamp Systems Repositions Nexia to Support a More Robust DSP Product FamilyBiamp Systems today announced the repositioning of Nexia and the launch of TesiraFORTÉ, a new family of digital signal processor (DSP)-based media systems. Biamp’s Nexia products are pitched as “affordably priced” boxes for single-room provision of video- and teleconferencing, speaker processing and multimedia presentations. In addition to the Nexia repositioning, the AudiaSOLO discontinuation (announced Oct. 1, 2013) is on target for April 1, 2014. The AudiaSOLO product is the only device that will be discontinued in the Audia line.
The repositioning of Nexia is effective starting today. More information on Biamp Systems’ full line of audio solutions is available here. Leave a Comment
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Blue Sky Launches Star System One 2.1 Blue Sky’s new Star System One 2.1 is a system that includes the Sub 12D digital powered subwoofer and two Sat 6D digital satellite speakers. The satellite speakers use a radial neodymium magnet structure and include a DSP that the company claims can correct for various baffle and driver characteristics and time-alignment of the drivers. The system employs Class D amplifiers that are designed to be used in a 2.1 or 5.1 arrangement, but can also be used as a full range system thanks to DSP and a unique sealed port design.
At the heart of the Star System One 2.1 is the new Audio Management Controller (AMC), which optimizes and controls a wide array of functions across the entire monitoring system. The AMC is a 5.1/7.1 digital processor with 31-band parametric EQ on each channel, time delays for channel alignment as well as lip-sync, sample rate conversion, and both analog and digital inputs and outputs.
The AMC’s hybrid touch/hardware remote control provides solo, mute, presets, master volume and other functions. Some setup functions, including room EQ, are accomplished in conjunction with a PC attached via the AMC’s USB port.
Expected to ship next month, the Blue Sky Star System One 2.1 will list for $5,385, with additional Sat 6D and Sub 12D units sold individually for $1,695 and $1,995, respectively. Full specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Klark Teknik DN9680 Expands to 192 Channels and 1,000 Meter Range Klark Teknik’s new DN9680 allows up to 192 bi-directional channels of AES50 digital audio to be extended up to 1,000 meters via a dual fibre-optical cable, thereby overcoming the typical 100 meter limitation of Cat5 cable for most audio formats. Klark Teknik designed the DN9680 for use with Midas digital consoles, including support for dual-redundant AES50 networking. Multiple clock source options are available for flexible system integration, which even provides a high-precision one part-per-million (1 ppm) temperature-compensated internal clock reference. Klark Teknik says this offers jitter-free sample-synchronous operation across AES50 networks.
User control is via an internal web server, which allows browser-based configuration via a dedicated Ethernet. It lists for $1,199 USD.
More information will be here. Leave a Comment
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Hitachi Intros Four New Ultra Short-Throw ProjectorsHitachi America today introduced its CP-AX2503, CP-AX3503, CP-AW2503 and CP-AW3003 Ultra Short Throw LCD projectors.
The CP-AX2503 and CP-AW2503 claim 2,700 color and white light ouput with XGA and WXGA resolution, respectively. The CP-AX3503 and CP-AW3003 are spec’d at 3,300 and 3,600 color and white light output with XGA and WXGA resolution, respectively. All four projectors include Hitachi’s High Dynamic Contrast Range feature that provides the ability to alter contrast when ambient light is present. Additionally, Hitachi’s Accentualizer technology enhances sharpness, gloss and shadow detail for more realistic image quality while providing greater depth of field.
All four models can be used in tabletop mode, or wall mounted. They include two HDMI inputs, two VGA inputs, three USB inputs — for use with a USB memory stick, wireless adapter or mouse plus component, composite video, audio and mic A/V jacks. Control is via RS-232C or RJ-45 Ethernet ports and an optional wireless adapter lets users connect their computer to the projectors via a wireless network.
All the complete specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Barco Intros Lossless Encoding/Decoding Barco’s new version of its TransForm N system is the NGS-D200 video-to-data (V2D) encoder/decoder that’s capable of streaming graphics of up to 4 megapixels across networks.
Barco’s TransForm N networked visualization system is an information distribution system that can distribute content from an infinite number of sources to an infinite number of displays. Simply connect the source (road camera, sensor, computer, etc.) to the TransForm N encoder to enter the video, images or data into the secure IP-based system. The standard Internet infrastructure then transports this information wherever you want, all over the world.
Inputs feature dual link DVI-I capable of streaming video and graphics of up to 4 million pixels at full frame rate (60 fps) and the codec (supporting 4:4:4 and 4:2:2 sampling) enables pixel-accurate content replication and features adaptive frame rate capabilities: in other words, you can selectively drop frames to maintain optimal image quality and robustness, even in cases of restricted bandwidth. Acting as both encoder and decoder, the NGS-D200 can switch between sending and receiving in real-time using keyboard and mouse control.
The NGS-D200 is available in Lite, Pro, and 3D Pro versions, varying in resolution and 3D support. Barco told rAVe it will soon release NGS-D200 compatibility with TransForm C — a stand-alone codec.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Releases Two New Install Projectors BenQ America’s new P Series line of projectors is aimed at the install market and includes a new XGA and WXGA resolution boxes. The XGA (1024×768) resolution PX9600 and the WXGA resolution (1280×768) PW9500 are spec’d at 6,500 and 5,700 lumens, respectively, and a 2800:1 contrast ratio. Both are integrated with HQV image processing licensed by Qualcomm. Shipped with both four-segment and six-segment color wheels, both projectors allow users to interchange the components based on specific installation requirements. They offer seven interchangeable lenses ranging from 3.4M short-throw optics to long zoom 16.41 – 24.71. Other install-related features include motorized horizontal and vertical lens shift, a powered 1.6 zoom ratio and IP-based control.
The devices also feature PJLink compatibility and provide DVI, HDMI and 5BNC connectivity. Both the PX9600 and PW9500 P Series projectors list for $3,999. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Christie Upgrades Christie G Series, Launches New Christie Q Series At ISE, Christie announced three upgraded Christie G Series projectors, as well as the all new Christie Q Series. Providing 6,000 lumens and WXGA/HD/WUXGA resolution, the three new Christie G Series models are each high brightness 1-chip DLP projectors, while the Q Series ranges from 8,500 to 10,000 lumens and XGA, WXGA, and WUXGA resolutions in a 1-chip DLP package.
Spec’d at 6,000 lumens and a single-lamp design, the upgraded Christie G Series is aimed at higher education, government facilities and houses of worship. They each use a new six-segment color wheel and ship with a standard lens — but offer six optional lenses with various throw ratios. Connectivity includes HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort. The Christie DWU600-G replaces the DWU550-G and the Christie DHD600-G replaces the DHD550-G. Along with a boost in brightness, the new G Series models also offer 33 per cent longer lamp life over the previous models and are equipped with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode for training purposes. More information on the G Series is here.
The new Christie Q Series 1-chip DLP platform with brightness options ranging from 8,500 to 10,000 lumens and XGA, WXGA and WUXGA resolutions is equipped with Christie’s eClarity — an image processing system that the company says offers greater control over image sharpness, gloss and shading. With built-in High Dynamic Contrast Range (HDCR), image ‘washout’ in high ambient light conditions is eliminated by adjusting the dynamic contrast to recapture detail lost by excess ambient light on the screen. The Christie Q Series is also equipped with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode for training purposes, all in an elegant design. Find out more about the Christie Q Series here. Leave a Comment
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EPSON’s BrightLink Pro Gets Boardroom Makeover, Thanks to ChiefEPSON and Chief Manufacturing have partnered to debut what it will call BrightLink for Boardrooms — although the official name for it is the Epson Brightlink Pro 1410Wi.
In case you don’t know, the BrightLink Pro is like a SmartBoard on steroids — it’s an interactive whiteboard with an integrated short-throw projector (PowerLite 1410Wi). The BrightLink Pro also includes a much simpler interface than a SmartBoard and you can use either a wall or an actual whiteboard surface to project on. It’s included with a Chief-designed 82″, framed whiteboard that’s available in three finishes: cherry wood, aluminum or teak wood.
In addition to the standard interactive white-boarding features like multi-color virtual annotation, image capturing via the network or memory stick, image printing and PC and Mac compatibility for connectivity, the BrightLink Pro includes BYOD functionality so that you can wirelessly connect a tablet and present and annotate that way (on either the tablet or the whiteboard).
Here are all the details on EPSON’s site. Here is Chief’s frame option. Leave a Comment
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Draper Intros TecVision, New Engineered Screen TechnologyAt ISE 2014 in Amsterdam this week, screen manufacturer Draper debuted a new engineered screen technology called TecVision, which took them two and a half years, and more than $1,000,000 to develop. While available in five default configurations, this new material can also be custom specified, if a designer needs something specific for an application, such as contrast ratio or ambient light reflective value. The screens can also be manufactured up to 15′ in height.
TecVision features white surfaces with gains ranging from 1.3 to 1.9 — all of which have virtually no half gain angle, according to Draper, aside from the 1.3 gain material, for which it is greater than 75 degrees. All the screen materials are “4K ready.”
Draper says TecVision stands out for its quality, consistency and uniformity. Default configurations include:
- TecVision XT1300X White: A white surface featuring 1.3 gain and a half gain angle greater than 75 degrees. Best where ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector is brightness is not quite enough.
- TecVision XT1600X White: A white surface featuring 1.6 gain. Best where little ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector brightness is too low.
- TecVision XT1800X White: A white surface featuring 1.8 gain. Best where little ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector brightness is very low, active 3D is used or color combining passive 3D is used.
- TecVision XH900X Grey: A grey surface featuring 0.9 gain and a half gain angle greater than 60 degrees. Features an ambient light reflectance value of 48% or less. Best where moderate ambient light will hit the screen surface.
- TecVision XT1000X White: A dark grey surface featuring a gain of 1.0 and a half gain angle greater than 35 degrees. Features an ambient light reflectance value of 27 percent or less. Best where too much off-axis ambient light will hit the screen surface.
See a video interview with rAVe reporter Joel Rollins to learn more:
“There are few companies in the world who are experts in designing projection screen surfaces,” said to Draper company president John Pidgeon. “Most screen fabrics are made by firms whose primary business is manufacturing textiles for other purposes. We’ve made a major investment in equipment, expert personnel and research time specifically to offer this line of revolutionary new surfaces unmatched by any other screen manufacturer in the world.”
TecVision also offers a departure from typical screen production, according to Bob Mathes, AV market manager for Draper. “Utilizing technologically advanced manufacturing methods, proprietary scientific formulations and establishing the highest quality standard, we are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of today’s projectors and the environments in which screens are and will be used,” Mathes says. “Rather than using “mass-production” methods in order to minimize costs, TecVision screens are individually produced; each and every screen surface is individually formulated, programmed, and manufactured with multiple checks for quality, consistency and uniformity from start to finish.”
More information about TecVision can be found on the Draper website. Leave a Comment
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Cosmic Truss Launches Complete Range of Wind-Up StandsCosmic Truss has launched a new full line of windup stands, adding to its existing range of truss and support structures. The range starts with the compact and lightweight CT-1 unit, which features a lift height of 12.5 feet and a load capacity of 275 lbs. Each stand in the range offers a unique combination of height and weight ratings with a number of common safety features included with every stand. The CT-2 and CT-3 stands both have a reach of 17.5 feet, with load capacities of 275 lbs. on the CT-2 and a whopping 551 lbs. on the CT-3. The CT-2 offers its reach and load, for a stand weight of just 90 lbs. making it also extremely portable.
Additional features on the CT-3 and the CT-4 include the ability to determine the order in which the tower sections rise. The CT-4 is perfect for heavy loads that need high reaches, with a maximum height of more than 21 feet and a load capacity of 485 lbs. The new line also includes the CT-5, a front loading stand for underhung items such as speaker arrays and has a reach of more than 21 feet and a load capacity of 529 lbs.
The company website is here. Leave a Comment
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Chief Expands Fusion Series for XL Video Conferencing Solutions Chief’s new Extra-Large Fusion (XL) Video Conferencing Cart will make its European debut tomorrow at the ISE show in Amsterdam. The installer- inspired XL is a video conferencing solution that includes all the quick adjustments and customization of all the Fusion series and aimed at allowing for a portable VTC mount solution for corporate and government applications.
The cart is designed for 37-70” displays up to 250 pounds (113 kg) and it can be customized for dual monitor video-conferencing use with the dual monitor accessory (FCA623B).
And the major features include:
- A turn knob to allow a single user to easily adjust the screen height 41.9 to 50.4” (106.4 to 128.0 cm)
- Sleek two-toned aesthetic that fits in multiple environments
- Pre-installed rack rail for 11 RUs of rack mountable and non-rack mountable AV components
- Removable side, rear and front panels for easy component access and cable management
- Includes 14” (356 mm) wide above or below component shelf (FCA501)
- Ships fully assembled on a pallet
- Lockable front casters
The XVAU is already shipping and you can see all the options here. Leave a Comment
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Now Extron Does Large System Control SystemsEver since Extron launched its configurable MediaLink control systems some 10 or so years ago, nearly every dealer has been asking when they were going to go head-on against AMX or Crestron in larger control applications.
Earlier this week Extron answered that question with the launch of its new Pro Series Control Systems. The Pro Series includes 12 more TouchLink Pro touch panels in sizes from 3.5” to 15”, including five with capacitive touchscreens; a TouchLink interface that allows a third party touchscreens of any size to be used as a control interface within an Extron control system; six IP Link Pro control processors; and an Extron LinkLicense which allows people to use their phones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers as a primary control interface in an Extron control system.
The touch panels include TLP Pro 1520 series and TLP Pro 1220 series, which are 15” and 12″ touch panels (1366×768 and 1280×800 resolution, respectfully) with capacitive, edge-to-edge glass, full-motion video preview with HDMI and XTP inputs, compatibility with all IP Link Pro control processors and PoE. In addition to these models, Extron has 10 other ranging from 5” to 12” — all capacitive touch.
Six new IP Link Pro control processors were launched with built-in Gigabit Ethernet and new network protocols for secure connections. When combined with their new Global Configurator Plus and Global Configurator Professional configuration software, they’re capable of conditional logic as well as advanced scheduling and monitoring.
The Extron TLI Pro 101 is a TouchLink interface that allows a third party touchscreen display to be used as a point of control within an Extron Pro Series control system. This interface includes a scaled HDCP-compliant HDMI input for video preview and the scaled output supports displays from 800×600 to 1920×1200, as well as HDTV 1080p/60.
Extron’s LinkLicense is a simple way for people to use their mobile devices or computers as primary control interfaces in an Extron control system. All new IPCP Pro control processors may be purchased with or without a LinkLicense.
Extron GUI Designer is a software application used for the design, creation, and maintenance of Extron TouchLink Pro user interfaces. Begin with ready-to-use design templates and resource kits, or start from scratch and build your own layout using our comprehensive software. The available design elements are fully customizable and matched to AV system applications. In many cases, all the input sources, display control, and environmental settings are already in place. These resources are fully developed and include complete, detailed documentation.
Here are all the details.
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Crestron Differentiates Itself in Panel Market with 20” and Adds Voice Command to TSW LineCrestron TSW touch screens all just got upgraded. The new TSW-552, TSW-752 and TSW-1052 replace the TSW-550, TSW-750 and TSW-1050 models with support for voice command recognition and on-screen web browsing.
TSW touch screens feature capacitive touch technology, H.264 streaming video, and edge-to-edge glass as well as single-wire PoE (Power over Ethernet) connectivity and standard backbox mounting. Each TSW touch screen is available in wall mount or tabletop models.
The TSW family has something Crestron is calling Smart Graphics, which is the ability for the panels to recognize gestures like swiping, and kinetic effects such as knobs, sliders, gauges, and scrolling, just like iPhones and iPads have. But, the TSWs also feature five soft-touch buttons that provide quick access to commonly used functions.
The new TSD-2020 (a 20” native 1080p display), like the TSW, is also a capacitive touch screen and it can be paired with a DGE-2 that can be installed up to 330 feet away, or a DVPHD digital video processor to provide up to eight simultaneous video windows.
All the technical details of the entire TSW line are here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Intros New ProScale Presentation Scaler/Switcher Line Kramer’s new VP-773AMP has eight inputs, including four HDMI inputs, one DisplayPort (DP) input, one composite video input and two VGA inputs. The VP-773AMP scales the input signal, embeds the audio where applicable and outputs the video signal simultaneously to two HDMI outputs and one HDBaseT twisted pair output. The audio output is simultaneously available on digital, unbalanced analog stereo and two 10 watt amplified speaker outputs.
The VP-773AMP supports multiple output resolutions, up to 2K and including 1080p. The unit features Kramer’s branded PixPerfect Scaling Technology.
The VP-773AMP has a built−in ProcAmp, with which color, sharpness, contrast, brightness and gamma can be set individually for each input and it also has a built−in time base corrector to stabilize any unstable video sources.
Other features:
- Kramer’s K−IIT XL Picture−in−Picture Image Insertion technology − any video source can be inserted into or positioned next to a computer graphics video source or vice versa. Using this technology, both images can be sized in any manner and positioned anywhere on the screen.
- Luma Keying technology − a method of compositing two video sources into a single image. By setting up a “key” image or clip on a black background, this image can be merged onto the primary video.
- Emergency Alert Notification − a feature that provides the ability to have a national or campus−wide notification immediately displayed when an emergency situation develops. Notifications include flexible options such as the inclusion of an audio alert siren, and the choice of displaying via either a text crawler or a text window and the system utilizes the industry standard Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) to ensure compatibility into existing systems.
- Full Web page Management − a built−in web server, which is activated when connected through Ethernet, allowing simplified setup and switching, windows customization, scaling and deinterlacing functions, and more.
The VP-773AMP also includes powerful audio DSP functions, and a microphone input that supports mix and talk−over features, as well as 0−90msec adjustable delay to prevent feedback. Control options include through its front panel buttons with OSD (on−screen display), contact closure capability, IR remote interface and the included Control Application software, which is available for use via the unit’s Ethernet and RS−232 control ports.
The VP-773AMP is housed in a standard 19″ 1U rack-mountable enclosure and details are here. Leave a Comment
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Coating Ordinary Glass: New Transparent DisplayResearchers at MIT have come up with a new approach that could have significant advantages over existing systems for transparent displays.
The new system embeds nanoparticles in the transparent material. These tiny particles can be tuned to scatter only certain wavelengths, or colors, or light, while letting all the rest pass right through. The glass remains transparent enough to see colors and shapes clearly through it, while a single-color display is clearly visible on the glass.
The researchers demo this by projecting a blue image in front of a scene containing cups of several colors, all of which can clearly be seen through the projected image.
The team’s demonstration used silver nanoparticles — each about 60 nanometers across — that produce a blue image, but it is possible to create full-color display images using this technique. Three colors (red, green, and blue) will produce what we perceive as full-color, and each of the three colors would still show only a very narrow spectral band, allowing all other hues to pass through freely.
“The glass will look almost perfectly transparent,” says MIT, “because most light is not of that precise wavelength” that the nanoparticles are designed to scatter. That scattering allows the projected image to be seen in much the same way that smoke in the air can reveal the presence of a laser beam passing through it.
Such displays might be used, for example, to project images onto store windows while still allowing passersby to see clearly the merchandise on display inside, or to provide heads-up windshield displays for drivers or pilots, regardless of viewing angle.
This group’s demo is just a proof-of-concept, and that much work remains to optimize the performance of the system. Silver nanoparticles, which are commercially available, were selected for the initial testing because it was “something we could do very simply and cheaply,” the MIT team says. The team’s promising results, without any attempt to optimize the materials, suggest much commercial potential in this approach.
The particles could be incorporated in a thin, inexpensive plastic coating applied to the glass, like the tinting applied to automotive windows. This would work with commercially available laser projectors or conventional projectors that produce the specified color.
The video is worth watching. Leave a Comment
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Barco Introduces Video Wall for Big Data Collaboration and Monitoring Barco’s new OverView Seamless Videowall (OSV) series is a large panoramic seamless canvas that can display a mix of data and video in high quality without the distraction of seams or bezels. This curved display suits the visualization needs of a multitude of applications — from crisis operations rooms, to brainstorming and planning rooms, to more traditional control room applications in utilities, energy and process control. As part of a full solution, the LED-lit OSV also comes with TransForm C, a controller and collaboration management system that enables all content to be positioned optimally on the screen by means of an easy-to-use graphical user interface with touchscreen.
The trend towards using huge amounts of information (Big Data) to enhance decision-making requires larger resolution canvasses to visualize this abundance of data in the most optimal way. That’s why Barco is introducing the OverView Seamless Videowall (OSV) – a large curved video wall that combines the advantages of using rear-projection cubes (24/7 reliability, high uniformity, and short throwing distances) with Barco’s advanced image processing to create a panoramic seamless canvas. This means that all information is displayed in the most efficient way, with no distracting interruptions in the visualization of critical data.
The first three OSV models – the OSV-340C, OSV-560C and OSV-790C — offer display canvasses of 3.8, 6.2 and 8.5 megapixels, respectively. Sizes vary from 3.5 to 6.5 meters (138 to 256 inches) in width, giving every participant a front row seat. The display’s height is fixed at 1.4 meters (55 inches). All models feature a curved screen for better viewing ergonomics from every position in the room and that also cuts down on reflections.
In addition, direct integration of a Barco ClickShare wireless presentation system allows users to display content from their laptop, smartphone or tablet on the video wall by simply clicking a button. Every ClickShare source is available in its full native resolution. Depending on the configuration, up to eight users can use ClickShare to share content on the OSV for maximum collaboration. Leave a Comment
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Zytronic Unveils New Multi-Touch Controller Zytronic has announced the launch of its latest touch controller to go with the company’s large format, multi-touch touch sensors based on its proprietary MPCT projected capacitive (p-cap) technology. The ZXY300 has been developed for use with touchscreens that have diagonals greater than 55 inches, enabling touch point resolution to be achieved while maintaining what the company says is millisecond level response speeds. Running off a standard 12-volt supply, this compact (219×92-millimeter footprint) controller connects with the p-cap touch sensor via several flex tails or FPCBs. The ZXY300 has at its heart a 32-bit ARM Cortex microprocessor core containing Zytronic’s specially developed touch detection and processing firmware.
According to Zytronic the touch detection algorithms within the ZXY300′s firmware double the number of touch detecting channels that can be supported to 256, compared with 128 for the standard ZXY200 multi-touch controller (mainly aimed at smaller screens). As a result the capacitive sensing matrix within the touch sensor can be much denser, which in turn makes it possible to determine the positions of individual simultaneous touch events to far greater precision, even on the largest MPCT-based touchscreens of 84-inches.
Across the complete range of MPCT sensor sizes currently available, the ZXY300 has the capacity to support up to 40 simultaneous touch points being resolved with touch separation of <10-millimeters between each point (i.e., less than the width of a fingertip). Furthermore, thanks to the firmware specifically developed for the ZXY300, the additional data that needs to be captured to achieve this level of performance can still be gathered, processed and output to the host PC in less than 10-milliseconds.
This controller is both FCC and CE approved. An operational temperature range covering -40°C to +85°C allows it to be used for touchscreen deployments in harsh environments. It has ‘native’ plug-and-play support for the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems, as well as latest Linux variants (kernel version >= 3.5.1), and in order to boost Linux touchscreen performance, Zytronic offers additional driver source code/tools that can be used to provide touch calibration. The company also provides a free ZyConfig software utility — for basic users this provides a simple set-up of the integrated multi-touch screen in a matter of minutes but also gives more advanced users direct access to the ZXY300 controller configuration for fine tuning.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: We run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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