Volume 12, Issue 4 — February 27, 2015
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Projection Cables, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens and Accessories Audio Control & Signal Processing
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Serviceability At The Forefront
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
If you survey a broad sampling of veteran AV pros you’ll find that they’re united by a common trait: They’re all really good at problem.
In fact, the best ones love problem solving. There’s a rush that comes from finding a solution and being able to yell out “I FIXED IT!”
Call it natural selection: people who aren’t effective problem solvers don’t have long happy careers in AV.
But do you know what’s even better than being really good at problem solving?
Not having any problems in the first place.
Now, it may be asking too much to never, ever have problems, but it’s possible to greatly reduce the number of problems you encounter simply by not over-complicating your designs, designing systems with future serviceability In mind and by keeping your processes simple.
Just this past week the AV system in my media room failed.
Troubleshooting the problem was elementary: Eyeballing my equipment racks I noticed that the power light on the RTI module that connects to all of my devices via RS232 and IR leads was not on.
That led me to page 1 of the installer manual in my head: Is the unit plugged in?
As it happened, the power supply for the module had died — which is really unusual; how many AC power supplies croak after a few years of faithful service? Not many, really.
Still it does happen. Which is why years ago when my colleagues and I built my media room, I designed in easy access to my power distribution/line conditioner, so accessing and replacing the power supply was a snap!
The lesson here is that keeping it simple pays off.
Ask anyone: Being too clever for your own good seldom works out. Once years ago a friend who’s a high voltage engineer for the power company replied to “How was your day?” was “Well, I learned two important things. First, I learned about what a ‘Transformer Inrush Magnetizing Current’ does, and I learned that you always learn better when something goes terribly wrong.”
He had to admit that his bright idea didn’t really work the way he expected. Fortunately, only a couple of neighborhoods lost power for only a couple of hours.
Deviating from the plan, as my friend did, and as I’ve been guilty of (and you too, probably) is often the source of system issues, and they’re preventable.
Design templates and install procedures are supposed to be standardized for this exact reason. A consistent approach to both design and install will drastically cut down on time puttering around in the field trying to fix a problem in a system that shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Leave a Comment
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AV People: Mark Coxon, AVPhenom
By Molly Stillman rAVe Contributor
A zoologist, an amateur fighter and an AV systems designer all walk into an InfoComm reception…
No, that’s not the beginning of a joke, and it’s not three separate people — it’s our friend and blogger Mark Coxon, all rolled into one smart, dynamic person.
Mark is all over the AV industry. He’s a dedicated rAVe blogger, he’s active on cAValry Radio and he’s a fantastic regional sales manager for Chief Manufacturing. You may also know him as AVPhenom on Twitter. However, his road to AV, much like many others, was a bit unorthodox.
“[When I was in college], I was going to school for zoology and I thought I was going to be a veterinarian some day,” recalled Mark. “Through college I was waiting tables and I was teaching kickboxing to make money. During that time I met my soon-to-be wife at the age of 19 and when we started to think about getting married, I knew I needed to get a ‘real’ job. I had to make money outside of waiting tables and kickboxing… and I somehow got hired at IBM.
“That was my first real tech job. They took a chance on me because I knew people and I was good with communicating. I had to talk on the phone a lot cold calling IT managers.”
Mark started his tech career working for IBM direct selling computers, laptops and servers. He did that for almost two years until one day he got a call from a former colleague who’d left IBM nine months earlier to work for an AV company. He wanted Mark to come in for an interview for an opening they had. So, Mark took the chance.
He went in for the interview at an AV company called iWired and they asked him what his weak points were, when he responded with, “I know nothing about AV” they hired him.
Mark was a quick learner, as evidence by his time at IBM, and iWired knew that Mark would be a good fit. So, in early 2002, Mark left IBM to work at this small, residential AV startup designing home AV systems.
While he was at iWired, Mark continued to go to school, but at some point, he realized that he was making good money and that he could see a future in the industry and really take this career path. So, Mark decided to put his dreams of becoming a zoologist behind him and pursue a career in AV.
“When I started at iWired, they were doing about $500,000 a year in sales with six employees,” said Mark. “When I left five years later, they were doing $10,000,000 in sales and they had 110 employees. I loved working for a company that was growing because you didn’t wear just one hat… you got to do a lot in a small startup like that. You have to take on the proprietor attitude and treat it like your own business.
“During my time at iWired I got hooked on that and I got hooked on the design aspect. I loved finding solutions for things.”
Today, Mark is the regional sales manager for Chief Manufacturing with his region covering California, Nevada and Hawaii.
Coming from residential to professional AV was a bit of a learning curve at first for Mark, but in the end, it’s all technology. It’s all sound and video.
“Once you learn why the products are different, why you’d use one over another, it becomes much easier,” explained Mark. “The signal flow is the same. The logic of it is the same. The goal of it is the same. That’s the common thread.”
Mark is passionate about AV and loves the industry, so much so that he spends much of his free time blogging for rAVe Publications and doing industry online radio stuff.
When he’s not doing anything AV related, he’s spending time with his wife Lesley and his kids Faith, Cade and Holly. He and his family love going to Disney… so much so that they go on an almost weekly basis and have done so since they moved to California five years ago. Every Sunday they go to church as a family and then head to Disneyland for the afternoon!
Mark still teaches kickboxing classes on the weekends and that’s his main “me” time away from work. Mark started kickboxing when he was 16 and has been teaching for over 20 years now.
In fact, when he was 18 and 19 years old, Mark was an amateur fighter, but hung up his “fighter” hat when he got married.
“When I met my wife, she didn’t like watching me get punched in the face,” chuckled Mark. “So, I decided to focus more on the teaching aspect of kickboxing.”
His years spent in kickboxing and his short stint in the fighting ring gave him a lot of confidence and taught him many skills that he actually applies to his career today.
“When I would get ready to go into the ring or prepare for a fight, I would be so nervous,” explained Mark. “Until the first bell rang, I thought I was going to walk out… every single time. I learned that it was part of the process. I had to be prepared. I’d train for months in advance to be ready and practice for every scenario that might come by way… it’s the same when I go in to a dealer meeting or a presentation. I go through every scenario possible and make sure I have a contingency plan for it.
“Good training and good planning ahead nets results.
“The other thing I learned is to not take things so personally. For example, when I was in the ring, I’d fight a guy and then afterwards we’d hang out and go grab a bite to eat with the guy who’s been punching me in the face for the last 15 minutes. There were never any hard feelings. If the other guy was better, the other guy was better… I came to the table with an open mind… and that’s how I approach a lot of what I do today.” Leave a Comment
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Want a Pico-Projector that Fits into a Light Bulb Socket?There’s a Kickstarter project for a product called Beam that aims to build a pico-projector in the form-factor of a light bulb. That’s right, it would screw into a standard light bulb socket.
The Beam projector is designed to turn any flat surface into a projection surface. Beam is a 100 ANSI lumen projector integrated with an Android-based computer hidden inside a light bulb. Using an 854×480 resolution 1-chip DLP projector, the inventor of Beam says it is easy to set up and control with an included Apple or Android app. You can screw it into any light socket or use the included power cable to place it on any flat surface.
Interested? Take a look. Leave a Comment
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Stewart Filmscreen Debuts Iten Variable Masking Screen Featuring Tela 80 Acoustically Transparent Woven Screen Material Stewart Filmscreen is debuting a new screen masking system called Iten at Integrated Systems Europe 2015. Iten will be introduced alongside Tela 80, the company’s first acoustically transparent woven screen material.
The Iten constant height, variable masking screen system features a native 2.40:1 image area that has vertical masking panels that simultaneously glide in from the left and right sides to properly mask any content, including 2.40:1, 1.85:1, 1.78:1 and 1.33:1 aspect ratios.
The Iten screen system uses Stewart’s new Tela 80 material — a woven screen material and includes black backing to eliminate any light originating from behind the screen — whether it is a light source or LED equipment lights. Iten’s masking panels maintain the acoustic transparency while having the added benefit of absorbing projector overscan and boosting perceived contrast.
The electronically controlled side masking panels easily integrate with nearly every control system for simple operation. It’s available in sizes up to 90 x 216 inches. More details are here. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Ships treVolo Electrostatic Bluetooth Speaker BenQ America today announced that the company is now shipping its treVolo portable Bluetooth speaker. BenQ calls it an “audiophile-grade” device and it can play for 12 straight hours on one charge. Using electrostatic speaker technology, a collapsible wing design, and bi-directional sound reproduction through three audio profile modes, BenQ’s treVolo is promoted as an immersive sound experience while streaming music directly from any portable device.
Available now in black, the treVolo features an anodized metal finish, polished details and collapsible wings that bring elegance and easy transport to any listening environment.
Specifically designed for audiophiles, BenQ says treVolo features three preset audio profile modes: Using its “Pure” default mode, treVolo provides balanced tonal accuracy with minimal equalization to maintain a song’s natural detail. For a softer sound experience, the unit’s “Warm” mode generates a more traditional Bluetooth speaker sound with emphasis on accurate bass reproduction. With treVolo’s “Vivid” mode, the device accentuates vocal melodies or lead instruments such as guitars, horns, or other elements within complex multi-track recordings. As a result, listeners can easily customize their audio experience — regardless of musical genre, recording technique, or source.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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AudioControl Ships Architect Model 2660 16 Channel Power Amplifier AudioControl is now shipping the Architect Model 2660 — a 16-channel amplifier that outputs 65 watts via 8 ohms, 100 watts via 4 ohms and designed to also be bridged as a high-power 8-channel amplifier at 175 watts per channel.
AudioControl says the Architect Model 2660 was designed specifically for the custom integrator channel and includes S/PDIF digital audio input with an integrated Wolfson 32-192 KHz, 16/24 bit depth DAC. Features include dual BUS A/B inputs that can be routed to any output, discrete 12-volt and signal sense triggers for each independent zone and AudioControl’s renowned LightDrive anti-clipping protection circuitry. In addition, AudioControl’s PFM Subsonic Filter, energy efficient design at less than ½ watt in standby as well as the loop-out ability to pass-through signals to other amplifiers and independent volume level control, by channel and zone, adds increased flexibility and custom design across every project.
The Architect Model 2660 delivers a highly efficient energy output and therefore each amplifier can be installed into the rack without the need for separate rack spaces or additional cooling requirements, therefore requiring up to 70% less rack space than traditional amplifier installations. This important feature combined with the Architect Model 2660’s ability to power 16 channels in a compact 2U chassis makes it one of the most space efficient, powerful and great sounding amplifiers on the market today. The design of the Architect Model 2660 creates an industry leading, flexible, easy to install amplifier directly benefiting from the input of custom integrators in its design phase. Its front and back LED and design are focused on installation and operational efficiency for dealers and installers.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Bryston Introduces the Mini A Loudspeaker Bryston just launched what it’s calling the Mini A loudspeaker, a three-way bookshelf speaker engineered and balanced for off-axis response. At just over 15-inches tall, the Mini A is made from ¾-inch MDF and uses a 6.5-inch aluminum woofer, 3-inch aluminum mid-range and 1-inch Titanium dome tweeter. All drivers are designed and purpose-built specifically for the Mini A loudspeaker. Specs include:
- Frequency Response: 60Hz to 20Khz (+/- 3dB)
- Impedance: 8 ohms (nominal)
- Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.38V, 1m, anechoic)
- Recommended Power: 10 watts to 175 watts RMS
- Max SPL @ 1M: 100dB
- Tweeter: Single 1.00″
- Mid-range: Single 3.00″
- Woofer: Single 6.50″
- 15.5” H x 8.5” W x 8.25” D / 394mm H x 215mm W x 210mm D
- 11 pounds (5 kg)
The Bryston Mini A is available in Natural Cherry, Boston Cherry and Black Ash and custom finishes are also available for an additional charge. The Mini A features premium grade binding posts along with padded feet, spikes and a black fabric grille. The Bryston Mini A loudspeaker lists for $1,200 per pair and is available now. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Beale Street Audio Intros In-Ceiling Subwoofers Beale Street Audio just launched two in-ceiling powered subwoofers in the form of the 6.5 and 8-inch ICS6 and ICS8.
Beale Street says the challenge for in-ceiling and in-wall subwoofers has been to produce deep, low frequency effects without damaging walls and creating sonic artifacts in the room. Beale Street Audio claims that its patented Sonic Vortex Technology moves air more efficiently and at higher speeds through multiple ports in a vortex-shaped enclosure.
Sonic Vortex Technology works by separating the main port of the enclosure into multiple sections called “fins” that are tuned to ideal listening specifications. The fins compress and move air at a high rate of speed without port noise and also add to the cabinet’s rigidity. Compared to sealed models, the Sonic Vortex design provides a 6 to 9 db boost in the mid-lower bass ranges and a flatter frequency response across the audio spectrum.
For more detailed specs, go here. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships PinPoint Proximity Detection Beacon Crestron is aiming to make smart homes even smarter and personalized with the PinPoint proximity detection beacon. The small PinPoint beacon plugs into a USB charging outlet and communicates with nearby mobile devices. With PinPoint, the Crestron App solves the room default problem associated with mobile devices. PinPoint knows what room a person is in and automatically displays controls for that space on their iOS device. Homeowners are no longer inconvenienced by having to navigate to different room menus on the app as they move through their home.
PinPoint supports even more customization options for smart homes. Integrators can more precisely tailor Crestron system features to best serve individual family members according to the room they are in. For instance, when the Crestron app is launched and Internet radio is selected, a favorite station can automatically play on the audio distribution system. As that person walks throughout the house, the radio can automatically turn on in each room. The music can literally follow someone from room to room.
Integrating proximity detection into a whole-house automation system is simple using the free PinPoint setup app. Install, set the range, and name PinPoint beacons in a room. Increase coverage in a room by adding multiple beacons, and you can quickly configure beacons in up to 100 rooms. Once you pair homeowner devices to the PinPoint app, they will automatically communicate via Bluetooth with beacons throughout the home.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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RTI Offers Two-Way Driver for Denon HEOS Audio Systems Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) today announced the availability of a new two-way driver for use with the Denon HEOS family of products. Free of charge to RTI dealers, the driver provides integrators and end users with a solution for browsing online streaming or local music as well as adjusting audio settings on up to 16 media players from a single page of an RTI user interface.
Developed by RTI, the two-way driver for Denon HEOS allows installers to implement HEOS without any licensing or instance expenses. With control of up to 16 media players on a single screen, the driver scales to fit the scope of larger-sized installations.
The two-way driver for Denon HEOS is available now on RTI’s website. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV 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% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2015 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
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