Volume 12, Issue 8 — April 29, 2015
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Industry News Control & Signal Processing Cables, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens and Accessories Audio
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What Makes For A Good Interface Design?
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
Not long ago I was chatting with my friend Aaron Craig, owner of NT Designs, a freelance automation programming company. One of the themes in our discussion was that “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” (the more things change, the more they stay the same).
The touchscreens that programmers are creating GUIs for have changed (mostly to iPads — at least it often seems that way), and the resolution of the graphic image files used for buttons and widgets is greater, but at their heart, user interfaces follow the same best practice rules that they have since the days of monochrome LCD screens.
The most critical to creating client satisfaction is to maintain uniform standards for system interfaces. And interfaces need to not only be standard, but also sensible.
Buttons and functions in the control system have to be obvious and clear. When I was still doing design, my guiding philosophy was cribbed from an architect who said: “If a thousand people a day pull on a door marked ‘push,’ it doesn’t mean that people are stupid — it means it’s a badly designed door.”
So what makes an interface actually work for the end user?
Smart programmers design for their user. AV pros are all in love with technology, but can forget that their clients aren’t. Take a cue from Apple and ask yourself, “Can a toddler or a senior citizen operate this?”
Face it, your clients’ retention of information during your system walk-through orientation meeting is nearly zero, and their babysitter won’t be there for you to explain it to her either. Better in the long run to design an interface that doesn’t require a manual to operate.
Everything should be consistently placed and labelled. Every interface, whether it’s a keypad, touch panel or a “TV On Screen Display” should follow the same consistent layout. If multiple rooms each have a handheld remote control, the button layout should be identical, or at least very similar.
Again, taking a page from Apple, program a “Home” button on every page, so if users get lost in the menu they can go back to where they began.
Provide control feedback, within reason: Without acknowledgement that a command has been entered, people will keep mashing the same button over and over again. In truth, even with feedback, some people will do that anyway! Regardless, whether a touch panel button changes color when pressed, or a hard button makes a beep or click, or a status bar loads to indicate that the system is thinking, feedback will keep clients patient.
Lastly, keep it simple. You can’t make clients do more with their system than they want to. If the client just wants to listen to music and watch TV, putting functions in front of them that exceed their desires is just going to confuse them. Like an iceberg, 90 panel of a control system’s capabilities should be hidden away from the client. Unlike an iceberg, it’s for good reason.
When I was being trained, the mantra “Proper Processes Provide Repeatable Results” was drilled into my head. Do things for clients the same way every time — logically and simply — and you’ve gone a long way towards keeping your clients unconfused and happy.
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What If an Integrated Service Provider Offers Free LCD TVs?
By David Hsieh DisplaySearch
Recently, there has been discussion in the Chinese LCD TV supply chain about offering free LCD TVs as a promotional tool. The conversations are a result of Alibaba, the big e-commerce provider in China, possibly planning to introduce a TV, the Ali-TV, as a shopping platform for its users. The biggest attraction is that the TV might be offered for free.
We have seen cases of telecom subsidies offering free smartphones, so why not free TVs too? In fact, a smartphone and LCD TV are actually priced similarly these days. In China, the rise of e-commence has altered the value chain structure, placing heavy pressure on TV brands. Many smart TVs are sold via e-channels at a 25 percent discount or lower. Already in China, more than 10 percent of the TV purchases are made online.
The TV business has attracted new players from internet service providers, internet content providers, and even telecom operators who are eyeing new opportunities outside of just the TV hardware itself. These emerging TV players are joining the platform, content, terminal, advertising, apps, and broadband service markets, which has created tough competition for traditional TV brands that have focused mainly on enhancing the display performance to add value.
The Alibaba Group is running a global e-commerce business that involves many business fields such as shopping, search engines, electronic payment, financing, cloud computing, and more. If Alibaba decides to offer the Ali-TV at low price points or even free of charge as an incentive to grow other promising business lines, it may face complications from a TV supply chain perspective:
- LCD TV panel supply sufficiency is improving in China. Note the recent announcement that BOE will build another two new fabs in China, one Gen 10.5 and one Gen 8.
- There are many TV OEMs/ODMs in Taiwan and China competing with each other to streamline the supply chain and costs of TV manufacturing.
- Display and TV set integration are progressing rapidly, such as the LCD TV open cell + BMS (Backlight/Module/System) model as described in the Quarterly LCD TV Value Chain & Insight Report and Quarterly LED Backlight Report.
- Many LCD fabs are going into depreciation termination. With depreciation cost around 15-20% of the LCD TV panel cost, and the LCD TV panel accounting for 70% of the LCD TV system cost, this will help TV makers to reduce costs (see Quarterly Worldwide FPD Shipment and Forecast Report).
- LCD TV panel makers have been working hard to increase added-value with new features such as 4K, curved, wide color gamut, and 3D. However, there is still a segment of consumers who treat TV as a pure media monitor or display. They would rather passively watch the device rather than have a smart interaction.
- Soaring panel prices have been eroding TV brand profitability (see “TV Maker Profit Margins vs. LCD
- Module Profit Margins”). So it is possible that a new business model launched by a non-TV brand could alter this outcome.
- Based on these factors, Alibaba is facing a ready supply chain to introduce its free TV if the company really wants to do so. The question will be whether this is good or bad for the entire LCD TV supply chain.
A free TV would definitely threaten many traditional TV players. TV brands are selling their smart TVs for the brand value and the hardware, but a free TV represents a totally different business model where the TV is seen only as a tool to promote other services, such as e-shopping.
For TV panel makers, this could be beneficial, as replacement demand will speed up, and makers like Alibaba will not tie TV set prices to panel prices as tightly. We could assume that the TV product lifecycle would shorten and supply chain players that are selected for this program would see faster turnover in shipments.
Possible features of the Ali-TV
So what would the Ali-TV feature? It seems possible that the Ali-TV could be a large flat panel display (40”+) with 4K resolution (60Hz/T-Con & MEMC integrated) and most of its hardware already in the box, independent of the display.
The smart TV concept has been evolving for years. Some consumers recognize a need for a TV with a superior display and great picture performance, so they are willing to pay the premium. Some are looking for a monitor that just needs to be big and cheap enough. With the possibility of a free TV introduced by an e-commerce provider, we may see a new type of TV that combines the hardware, platform, content, terminal, advertising, apps, and broadband. The cash flow would result from the software, whereas the hardware is just seen as the carrier for the software. This could bring another wave of change to the TV and display industry, as shown in the following figure.
This blog was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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CEA, CEDIA, InfoComm Release Joint Architectural Drawing Symbols StandardThe Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association’s (CEDIA) R10 Residential Systems committee and InfoComm International today announced the publication of ANSI Standard J-STD-710 Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols. This new standard defines a common set of blueprint icons that represents all facets of pre-wire and installation of electronic systems, products and devices in residential and commercial environments.
“This is a milestone for the industry, since there has been a huge void in symbols representations for the low-voltage industry,” said Walt Zerbe, product manager, audio, OnQ Legrand and NuVo; and Chairman of CEA’s R10 Residential Systems Committee. “This was an important cross industry/association effort among CEA, CEDIA and InfoComm that gives this standard even more weight and value. I’m excited it’s complete, released and ready for adoption.”
“Any integrator will tell you that a project is easier when technology is part of the discussion from the start,” said Dave Tkachuk, engineer at Symbol Logic and CEDIA volunteer. “The architectural blueprint icons will help foster the conversations among integrators and industry partners including architects, builders and interior designers. These icons will help them make informed decisions about including technology, while they’re in the planning stages of a project.”
“AV floor-plan symbols simply represent complex technology,” said Dr. Walter P Black, senior consultant, VidCAD LLC and InfoComm International volunteer. “It’s as if a symbolic language can now be spoken between U.S. and international integrators, consultants, architects, engineers and owners — one that is endorsed by ANSI and U.S. National CAD Standards V6.”
The recently published standard is available free of charge through the CEDIA Resource Library. CEA, CEDIA and InfoComm will also soon release icons that can be used in Microsoft Visio, AutoCad and other drawing programs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Intros Apple Watch App for Home Control Crestron’s app for the Apple Watch allows users to access common commands and home scenes via a Crestron control system.
At a glance, users can check the status of their home devices, check the current settings of their lights, shades, security systems, access and control of any device and customizable the user interface display.
With the Crestron app, users can instantly access 10 custom controls they use most frequently. Two-way communication allows them to check what lights are on, the current temperature, or if the garage door is open.
Integrators can utilize the Crestron app for Apple Watch to offer their customers yet another mobile control option. Use the SIMPL programming language you are already using today. Spectacular Smart Graphics technology ensures a beautiful and intuitive user experience.
It’s not out yet, but will be soon — details are here. Leave a Comment
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Global Caché Ships New Products Global Caché announced today they have begun shipments of its newest connectivity products, the Flex Link Relay & Sensor cable and the Flex IP with Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Global Caché’s products connect almost any electrical device to a Wi-Fi and/or IP network so it can be controlled, automated and maintained by network-based software. The company offers other connectivity products and capabilities, including IR learning and its Control Tower IR database, available in the cloud.
The Global Caché Flex Link Relay & Sensor cable supports four configurable contact closure outputs and four configurable voltage and contact closure sensor inputs. Combined with an iTach Flex Wi-Fi or IP unit the new cable instantly puts a variety of relay devices onto a wired or wireless network with sensor input for state reporting of connected devices. The enclosure can be mounted directly on a DIN rail, allowing for simple integration with external relays. Here are the details.
The new Flex IP with PoE (FLEX-IP-P) allows for power to be pulled from an Ethernet connection, avoiding the necessity for a separate power supply. The PoE version of the Flex is available on wired units only. Leave a Comment
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Control4 Launches 4K Line Control4 Corporation has introduced a line of 4K Ultra HD matrix switchers (designed by leaf) that they are specifying as fully HDCP 2.2 compliant. Available for order today, the new line of Control4 4K UHD Matrix Switches claims to provide the ability to distribute 4K content, including copy-protected content, to every room in the Control4 Smart Home without the need for additional hardware or software.
Details include:
- 10×10, 8×8 and 6×6 models available for projects of various scales.
- A receiver eliminates the need for extra equipment or wiring, reducing mess, costs and installation time.
- Powered via a single cable, this compact receiver does not require a separate power supply, keeping the equipment required in any room to a minimum.
- Can distribute 4K Ultra HD video content and audio to up to 10 TVs in the house, from 10 unique sources.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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DVDO Intros iScan Micro to Convert HD to 4K DVDO today announced the iScan Micro, which is basically a cable-dongle that converts SD and HD signals up to 4k @ 60Hz (according to DVDO’s specs). The iScan Micro incorporates DVDO’s VRS ClearView technology, which it says uses a “studio-grade 4K Ultra HD adaptive scaling engine,” as well as other noise reduction and picture enhancement technologies. The iScan Micro will be available in late Q2 2015 at a list of $129. It is compatible with HDMI 2.0.
The iScan Micro is small enough to be placed behind an existing TV. Buyer beware as there are virtually no actual specifications on the product website including compression stats, frame rate details, color sampling rates or color bit depth specs.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Pakedge Adds RE2 Router to Kits Pakedge Device & Software has expanded its router kit lineup to include the RE2 router. The new router kits feature Pakedge switch technology, designed specifically for AV and automation applications.
Pakedge customers can choose to pair the RE2 router with one of two managed switch options — the S8Hav or S8Mpd. The S8Hav is an enterprise class switch with eight gigabit ports. All eight ports are PoE, four of which are PoE+. The S8Mpd is a reliable switch with eight ports. Both switches are fiber compatible.
Package says the RE2 router is built with enterprise grade components and includes virtual DMZ and has three dedicated LAN ports, one dedicated WAN port, and another that can be configured either way. It also features free DNS functionality and is BakPak Cloud Management compatible.
More than just VLAN compatible, the RE2 and both managed switches are enhanced with Pakedge Zones. Pakedge Zones enhance network performance across routers, switches, and access points by separating different types of traffic. This helps optimize traffic and saves on installation time since the pre-configured zones make the switch virtually plug-and-play. Pakedge Zones also prevent traffic from flooding your network so that latency-sensitive devices, like VoIP, can remain intact.
Here are all he detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Screen Innovations Intros Short Throw Screen for Sony’s LSPX-W1S Screen Innovations (SI) has launched the Short Throw (ST) projection screen designed exclusively for bottom-throw, ultra short throw projectors. The ST 5 Series screens will be sold to authorized SI dealers and distributors worldwide. SI has also partnered with Sony to distribute the 5 Series Zero Edge ST screens with its new 4K ultra short throw projector for commercial installations and is available in screen sizes: 92-120 inches and aspect rations of 16:9, 17:9 and 16:10. It’s specifically designed for Sony’s LSPX-W1S 4K projector.
The 5 Series Zero Edge ST screens, starting at $4,199, are made from a proprietary optic screen material that offers a 180 degree viewing angle and what SI says is 700 percent better contrast, eliminating the problem of washed-out images in environments with lots of ambient light. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Pakedge Announces Custom Configuration and Branding Storage for Integrators Pakedge Device & Software has announced the launch of the Pakedge Custom Engineering program. This program gives systems integrators the opportunity to embed their custom configurations into the router firmware itself. In addition, integrators can co-brand their logo into the router’s graphical unit interface (GUI) and onto the unit label.
In contrast to loading a preconfigured file, Pakedge Custom Engineering is more robust, as it involves burning the configurations directly into the firmware. This means an integrator can still make configuration tweaks on a customized router, and can revert back to the customization by hitting the factory default button.
These customized routers accelerate and automate network installations by ensuring that networks are instantly set to the integrator’s unique specifications on every project. Registered Pakedge dealers will be able to set custom configurations to suit their particular needs, whether they be commercial or residential, market segment or application specific.
The process for ordering customized routers occurs in two steps. First, an integrator will consult with Pakedge technicians and develop the customized firmware — a process that generally takes two to three weeks to complete. Once the firmware is ready and available for order, the integrator can choose how many units they would like to purchase.
Pakedge Custom Engineering was developed to help integrators market their expertise and differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market, against consumer grade equipment and other no-name commodity brands.
The Custom Engineering program is currently available on Pakedge RE-1 and RE-2 media routers only, but is expected to expand to other Pakedge network devices in the future. The upcoming WK-1, an 802.11ac wireless access point, will be the next Pakedge product in line for the custom firmware service.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Origin Acoustics Shipping Seasons Outdoor Collection Origin Acoustics just started shipping its Seasons outdoor loudspeakers just in time for warmer weather. With the dramatic increase in demand for quality outdoor sound, Origin completely rethought the category and has developed speakers that offer greater output and deeper bass.
The line currently features six models in either single or dual channel versions. The 50 Series uses a 5¼ -inch woofer whereas the 60 Series utilizes a 4×8-inch woofer. Both series feature aluminum dome tweeters. The model OS56 and all three of the 60 Series models utilize dual passive radiators for increased bass response while maintaining a sealed enclosure to increase protection from the elements.
The dual passive radiators create a far more balanced sonic impression. Whether they are mounted under the eaves or in a flowerbed, these speakers can reproduce everything from smooth jazz to hip-hop with all the realism you would expect from the system in your living room.
The collection features an adjustable, integrated Conceal Bracket System (CBS) bracket that secures the speaker to any surface. The bracket attaches to the speaker after which two end caps snap into place and a hand tightened nob screws down locking the speaker in place while sitting flush with end cap. The result is a very clean installation that allows the speaker to be pointed at the listening area. These speakers are made from tough and durable injection molded ABS plastic that has been shaped into acoustically tuned cabinets to compliment the hand-selected drivers.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Auralex Ships New Deep6 Low-Frequency Absorber Auralex Acoustics is now shippping its new Deep6 Low-Frequency Absorber, a 2′ x 4′ x 6″ powder-coated, black steel frame-enclosed absorption device. The Deep6 Low-Frequency Absorber is specifically designed to be installed on a wall or across a vertical corner to improve low-frequency absorption throughout the room and accuracy at the mix position, but without the sonic artifacts of competing products. This solidly constructed acoustical treatment is the perfect choice for rooms where corner-fitted bass traps are not possible due to doors or windows, and provides usable broadband control down to 40Hz.
The Deep6 is Class A fire rated for commercial and residential applications. It complements a wide range of acoustical products and turns mid-high absorbers into a complete broadband system.
Available in Sandstone and Obsidian fabric colors, each Deep6 comes fully assembled and ready to install with the included wall mounting brackets. Additional corner mounting brackets are available. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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James Loudspeaker Adds to Small Aperture Architectural Speaker Series with Ultra-Shallow Full Range Solution James Loudspeaker has added to its lineup of Small Aperture architectural speakers with the introduction of the 63SA-4 in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker. The 63SA-4 is a three-way speaker system delivering superb room-filling musical playback through a discreet, paintable 3-inch round or square grille.
Constructed of premium aircraft-grade aluminum, the Small Aperture series loudspeakers have been engineered to deliver the full musical experience including high output levels, deep, defined bass and wide dispersion into the listening area while meeting the stringent demands of interior designers. Ideal for both renovation and new construction projects, the James 63SA-4 fits elegantly into any 2×4 stud bay. And James Loudspeaker’s innovative telescoping bracket system eliminates hassles while increasing efficiency for integrators by accommodating irregularly spaced studs. The bracket provides a firm and secure mounting fixture for the loudspeaker assembly.
The James Loudspeaker 63SA-4 utilizes proprietary drivers including a 6.5-inch aluminum woofer, a 2-inch midrange and a ¾-inch tweeter. Custom integrators will appreciate the adjustable overload protection circuitry, ensuring the highest degree of reliability and performance tailored to each environment. Designed for whole-house entertainment clientele seeking a premium performance solution that dramatically outperforms traditional in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, James delivers true high-fidelity, superb off-axis performance, unmatched durability and aesthetic perfection.
The aluminum perforated grilles of the 63SA-4 (included) come in both round and square designs that fit perfectly inside many different trim kits for an elegantly flush installation no matter the mounting surface. The industry standard mounting pattern accepts trim kits from premium lighting fixtures to provide another décor-matching option, as well as custom color-matched or wooden grilles to ensure seamless integration into any environment. Measuring in at less than 4-inches deep, the 63SA-4 has been engineered to install easily and efficiently, making the James brand a go-to solution for professional integrators around the world.
The James Loudspeaker Small Aperture 63SA-4 is already shipping and has been ETL/UL approved. It lists for $1500 (USD) each and more details are here. 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.
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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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